Iran unveils underground missile base; North Koreans captured in Kursk Oblast

THE WAR NEWSLETTER — JAN 13 2025

Today’s email brings you news from Iran and Ukraine.

1 - IRAN

1 thing to know

Iran has unveiled an underground "missile city" and is conducting extensive military drills across the country, including at three nuclear facilities.

The context 

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Iran’s military, released footage on January 11 showing a large underground missile production and storage facility, with officials claiming it's just 10% of the total complex.

Iran and Israel exchanged significant attacks in 2024, with Iran launching "Operation True Promise" missile strikes against Israel, followed by Israeli retaliation with airstrikes against Iranian air defense sites. 

Iran may be preparing for further attacks against Israel or potential confrontation with the incoming Trump administration, which takes office January 20, 2025. Trump's previous term was marked by a "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran.

More from the region

• Iran is struggling with widespread power shortages, forcing school and office closures in several provinces, including Tehran. Despite vast oil and gas reserves, the country's energy infrastructure is strained by sanctions and reported damage to a major gas pipeline in February 2024, attributed to Israeli operations.

• The IRGC is conducting a two-month military exercise called "Eqtedar" (might), which now includes drills at three nuclear facilities: Natanz, Fordo, and Khondab. The exercises involve missile, radar, and electronic warfare units.

• A massive parade of 110,000 Basij paramilitary forces was held in Tehran on January 10, demonstrating Iran's military readiness while also distributing humanitarian aid packages.

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What it’s used for

The U.S. Army is currently testing the RIPSAW as part of their Robotic Combat Vehicle program. Its modular design means it can be equipped with different tools and weapons depending on the mission.

2 - UKRAINE

1 thing to know

The reports that Ukraine has captured North Korean prisoners of war has been confirmed by the South Korean National Intelligence Service.

The context

The first two North Korean soldiers have been captured by the Ukrainian special forces, providing concrete evidence that North Korea has sent soldiers to the front, because they reportedly are usually killed by Russian forces to hide their participation.

As the POWs do not speak English, Russian, or Ukrainian, Ukraine is working with South Korean intelligence for interpretation. One of the prisoners stated that he thought he was going to be part of a training exercise, not deployed to Ukraine. The prisoners are being held in Kyiv, and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has suggested the first prisoner exchange with North Korea.

More from the region

• An oil depot in the Russian Saratov continues to burn after being struck by drones 5 days ago

• North Korean troops seem to be relying on numbers instead of superior tactics in Kursk Oblast, and are reportedly suffering heavy losses

• Russian forces continue to advance in Donetsk Oblast, and Ukraine is attempting to tighten defenses to prevent Russia from capturing strategic villages

P.S. If you have a source, tip, or piece of information we missed, please reply to this email and tell us about it. Thank you!