Hi Global Recap readers,
We are now officially entering February - already.
For those who are expecting a normal 28-day long month, think again.
Here’s a friendly reminder that there is an extra day to it this year.
So, 29 days.
You are welcome. And now, let’s see if we are entering WWIII.
🌐 Around the World
🎸 Putin Critics Arrested Abroad
🇷🇺 Russia’s Chemical Weapons
🇵🇱 Poland Pushes for Reparations
🚀 Houthis' Bold Declaration
🇺🇸 Biden Decides on Retaliation
🎸 Putin Critics Arrested Abroad
Russian anti-war rock band Bi-2, known for their criticism of the war in Ukraine, face deportation from Thailand after being arrested for working without a permit.
Arrest: Seven members of Bi-2 were detained by Thai immigration authorities after a concert in Phuket.
Popularity: The band is regarded as one of the most successful Russian rock bands since the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
Criticism: The band's lead singer, Igor Bortnik, was labeled a "foreign agent" by Russia after criticizing President Putin.
Runaway: Many anti-war musicians fled Russia after Russia invaded Ukraine.
What will happen to them?
🇷🇺 Russia’s Chemical Weapons
Russia's forces in Ukraine are allegedly resorting to WWI-era chemical weapons, specifically:
"K-51 grenades with chloropicrin."
Weapon: Chloropicrin, a compound used in agriculture, was also used as a chemical weapon in WWI.
Usage: Reports suggest multiple instances of Russian troops using K-51 chloropicrin grenades against Ukrainian positions.
Protection: Ordinary gas masks provide sufficient protection for the soldiers being targeted.
🇵🇱 Poland Pushes for Reparations
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski
Poland's Foreign Minister, Radoslaw Sikorski, has reignited the demand for WWII reparations from Germany.
Demand: Sikorski urges Germany to provide "financial compensation" for losses Poland suffered during WWII.
Estimation: The previous government estimated that Germany should pay €1.3 trillion ($1.4 trillion) as "compensation for the deaths of more than 5.2 million Polish citizens."
Rejection: Germany often rejects such claims.
🚀 Houthis' Bold Declaration
Houthis parading in Yemen’s capital.
Yemen's Houthi terrorists have issued a chilling warning, stating they are prepared for a "long-term confrontation" with the US and its allies.
Warning: The Houthis' military commander, Muhammad al-Attifi, declared, "We are prepared for a long-term confrontation with the forces of tyranny."
Retaliation: The declaration follows a parade held by the Houthis in Yemen's capital, celebrating recent attacks against US and British vessels.
Impact: A Houthi missile struck a British-linked tanker, causing it to catch fire. The US and Britain have launched repeated retaliatory strikes against the Houthis in Yemen.
The British tanker Marlin Luanda was struck by a Houthi missile on Saturday.
United States
Biden Decides on Retaliation
US President Joe Biden is briefed on the deadly drone attack at a US outpost in Jordan, January 29, 2024.
🚁 Biden’s Plan. US President Biden has decided on his retaliation against Iran for its connection to the recent Teheran-backed militant group’s drone attack on a US outpost Tower 22 in Jordan, which resulted in the death of three American service members.
🎯 Targeted Response. The response will be carried out over several days, striking “multiple targets” that enabled these attacks. The exact locations of these targets have not been disclosed.
"These are going to be very deliberate targets -- deliberate strikes on facilities that enabled these attacks.”
🇮🇷 Iran's Involvement. While Iran has not directly claimed responsibility, President Joe Biden has stated that Iran is arming the proxy groups responsible for the attack.
He emphasized that the US is not seeking a “wider war in the Middle East.”
However:
🕊️ Terrorists Surprise. In a surprising turn of events, Kataib Hezbollah, the Iran-aligned terrorist group suspected of launching the attack, has announced a suspension of operations against the US.
They claim this is to “prevent the embarrassment of the Iraqi government.”
🔮 What's Next? There are many military actions President Biden can take.
Strikes on Iran-allied militia bases and commanders.
Target senior commanders of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps in Iraq or Syria.
Attack inside Iran's borders - a move which is considered the highest possible escalation.
What will be President Biden’s response?
