Firebird AST

Providing specialized analytical support, subject matter expertise, & innovative technical solutions to US DoD, SOF, Law Enforcement, & DHS customers.

[Firebird AST @Firebird_AST]

Sue Mi Terry, former CIA analyst & noted E. Asia expert charged with failing to register as a foreign agent (to S. Korea) & conspiring to violate the Foreign Agents Registration Act.
https://t.co/RrSqctC9Vs

[Firebird AST @Firebird_AST]

Our Founder and President Bruce MacNair is a proud owner of his Rivian R1S and to be interviewed and featured here.

[Electrification Coalition @ElectricRoadmap]

Army Veteran Bruce H. MacNair drives electric because EVs create American jobs and reduce our dependence on oil for transportation. Learn about the EC's #VeteransForEVs
https://t.co/MZYTsd6sWj

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський @ZelenskyyUa]

Happy Fourth of July to all our American friends!

We understand what independence means to you, Americans, and you can see that it means the same thing to us, Ukrainians.

We value independence equally and rely on our brave men and women to defend it. Together, we are creating hope for people all over the world. A hope that freedom will always triumph.

True independence is always the result of won battles, and freedom must be reinforced with victories every time tyranny attempts to destroy it. Different generations of Americans and Ukrainians have witnessed this firsthand, and it is critical that current generations pass on a sense of confident independence and guaranteed freedom to their children and grandchildren.

On this day, we join our trusted ally in recognizing this most sacred value for both of our nations. We do so with deep gratitude for all of the support that the United States has provided and continues to provide to Ukraine in its fight for freedom, independence, and security - not only its own, but that of all free nations.

Thank you, America. Thank you to every American heart that beats in solidarity with brave Ukrainian hearts fighting for independence.

I wish the United States and all Americans strength, unity, and unwavering belief in the triumph of good over evil, liberty over tyranny, and life over terror.

#4thOfJuly

[The OSS Society @osssociety]

Indiana Jones was OSS.

[Lithuanian MOD 🇱🇹 @Lithuanian_MoD]

🇱🇹🇩🇪Today, @Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz reaffirmed Germany's solidarity with the Baltic states, stating, "We are committed to your security," during his visit in Lithuania to observe the GRAND QUADRIGA exercise with more than 3000 German soldiers & 200 units of military equipment.

[Firebird AST @Firebird_AST]

“Steadfast Defender 2024, aims to send a message to Moscow: The alliance stands ready to defend its members—especially those near Russia’s border, including Latvia” 🇱🇻 https://t.co/DZwDQjxxDi

[Firebird AST @Firebird_AST]

IVO Berdychi 🇺🇦: 👏innovative response to a firepower deficit - 1st ever deployment of UGVs (a platoon of 🇷🇺mini robot tanks with 33" AGS-17 automatic grenade launchers) in a major mechanized attack. 2 of the 5/6 destroyed by 🇺🇦 forces with areal drones.
https://t.co/aYY80Jhr59

[Firebird AST @Firebird_AST]

FBI), NSA, USCYBERCOM, & international partners issued a critical cybersecurity advisory re: the sophisticated cyber ops conducted by Russian state-sponsored actors, notably APT28 (aka Fancy Bear & Forest Blizzard) via compromised Ubiquiti EdgeRouters. https://t.co/uTn2e9Pdke

[Firebird AST @Firebird_AST]

Search and rescue efforts ongoing for two Navy SEALs missing in the Gulf of Aden. They were part of a mission to seize a dhow loaded with components for Iranian medium-range ballistic missiles. https://t.co/X08EAmUiM5

[U.S. Central Command @CENTCOM]

USCENTCOM Seizes Iranian Advanced Conventional Weapons Bound for Houthis

On 11 January 2024, while conducting a flag verification, U.S. CENTCOM Navy forces conducted a night-time seizure of a dhow conducting illegal transport of advanced lethal aid from Iran to resupply Houthi forces in Yemen as part of the Houthis’ ongoing campaign of attacks against international merchant shipping.

U.S. Navy SEALs operating from USS LEWIS B PULLER (ESB 3), supported by helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), executed a complex boarding of the dhow near the coast of Somalia in international waters of the Arabian Sea, seizing Iranian-made ballistic missile and cruise missiles components. Seized items include propulsion, guidance, and warheads for Houthi medium range ballistic missiles (MRBMs) and anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCMs), as well as air defense associated components. Initial analysis indicates these same weapons have been employed by the Houthis to threaten and attack innocent mariners on international merchant ships transiting in the Red Sea.

This is the first seizure of lethal, Iranian-supplied advanced conventional weapons (ACW) to the Houthis since the beginning of Houthi attacks against merchant ships in November 2023. The interdiction also constitutes the first seizure of advanced Iranian-manufactured ballistic missile and cruise missile components by the U.S. Navy since November 2019. The direct or indirect supply, sale, or transfer of weapons to the Houthis in Yemen violates U.N. Security Resolution 2216 and international law.

Two U.S. Navy SEALs previously reported as lost at sea were directly involved in this operation. “We are conducting an exhaustive search for our missing teammates,” said General Michael Erik Kurilla, USCENTCOM Commander.

The dhow was deemed unsafe and sunk by U.S. Navy forces. Disposition of the 14 dhow crewmembers is being determined in accordance with international law.

“It is clear that Iran continues shipment of advanced lethal aid to the Houthis. This is yet another example of how Iran actively sows instability throughout the region in direct violation of U.N Security Resolution 2216 and International law,” said General Michael Erik Kurilla, "We will continue to work with regional and international partners to expose and interdict these efforts, and ultimately to reestablish freedom of navigation.”

https://t.co/MmWALBW0M9

[Firebird AST @Firebird_AST]

Suspected Sabotage- Finnish authorities investigate a Chinese ship in connection with the recent damage to the Balticconnector gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia. https://t.co/tkynkmSzFV

[Firebird AST @Firebird_AST]

USS Carney shoots down 4 cruise missiles and 15 drones headed for Israel near Yemen's coast
https://t.co/cqo8KVPZO5

[Firebird AST @Firebird_AST]

Torchlight AI found evidence suggesting that individuals linked to the Russian military were present in African countries around the time of coups in those nations. https://t.co/d6aicF3CiM

[Firebird AST @Firebird_AST]

China-linked foreign companies are targeting & recruiting U.S. and NATO-trained personnel. https://t.co/EFSjCcsJ4C

[Firebird AST @Firebird_AST]

https://t.co/12QTuEMmeY

[Firebird AST @Firebird_AST]

Belarus Special Forces Train with Russian Mercenaries near Polish Border https://t.co/ACoow2zRiQ

[Molly McKew @MollyMcKew]

“Why am I telling you this?
Because you should know that we will win this war against all odds.
But you should know the price we pay for victory.”

A sentiment echoed by any Ukrainian you ask. This one is Oleh Sentsov

[Select Committee on China @ChinaSelect]

“Chinese Americans and other groups who have run afoul of the Chinese Communist Party are being hunted right now on American streets in American neighborhoods.” - Chairman @chairmang

Yesterday, Committee Members demanded an explanation from the @FBI. https://t.co/jsPpCgthwg

[Firebird AST @Firebird_AST]

“…a bomb was found close to the area accidentally bombed by Russia’s air force earlier this week…” https://t.co/lySfHEIAjv

[Firebird AST @Firebird_AST]

Finland becomes the 31st member of NATO as NATO’s border with Russia doubles 🇫🇮 💪https://t.co/2K9rP6St3S