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Israel Finally Strikes Iran, Sudan RSF Defection
Tech spotlight: the MPR 500 bomb
THE WAR NEWSLETTER — OCT 25 2024
Good morning. Today’s email covers updates from Israel and Sudan.
1 - ISRAEL
Source: Google Maps
1 thing to know
Israel has begun its retaliatory strikes against Iran.
The context
Early this October, Iran fired around 200 ballistic missiles into Israeli territory. After considerable discussion and planning, Israel has finally issued a response.
Reports are currently scarce, as the airstrikes concluded only minutes ago, but limited reports indicate over 100 Israeli planes taking part in precision strikes of military targets in Iran.
The IDF has confirmed that all planes returned home safely.
More from the region
After continued confirmation that members of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, are involved in the operations of the Hamas terrorist group, Israel is set to pass laws that will ban the operation of UNRWA in Israel and severely limits its operations in Gaza and the West Bank.
This follows the recent confirmation from UNRWA that a Hamas terrorist who led massacres on October 7 has been employed by the agency for two years.
UNWRA’s job to provide education, health care, and aid to refugees in Gaza and the West Bank. Israel claims that over 10% of UNWRA staff have ties to terror organizations as educational facilities operating under UNWRA have consistently taught and incited anti-Israel violence, and the IDF have found Hamas data centers, gunmen, and command centers hidden in UNWRA buildings.
In the news
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TECH SPOTLIGHT: THE MPR 500
Source: MPR bomb test, IMI Systems
The MPR 500 bomb is a 500-pound multi-purpose bomb built by Israel Military Industries. Known for its powerful penetration capabilities, it can smash through more than a meter of reinforced concrete before detonating, allowing the destruction of heavily protected targets.
It’s also engineered to work with popular guidance systems like JDAM, Paveway, and Lizard, and has a 95% target destruction rate. Its design minimizes collateral damage, making it ideal for precision strikes.
What it’s used for
The MPR 500 is designed for tough missions where precise hits on fortified structures are essential. The bomb is used by air forces, including the Israeli Air Force, to break through hardened bunkers, barriers, and reinforced structures. Its compact size allows jets to carry multiple MPR 500s in a single sortie, making it a valuable weapon for strategic strike operations.
2 - SUDAN
Source: Google Maps
1 thing to know
A senior commander of the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan defected to the Sudanese army, along with his troops.
The context
Abu Agla Keikil surrendered along with his forces in El Gezira to the Sudanese army, which could shift the balance of power in the region. Kiekil's defection was reportedly the result of negotiations between military leaders and tribal figures, as well as his family. Although his defection was initially denied by the RSF, reports were confirmed after images circulated showing him in uniform with the SAF.
In retaliation, the RSF launched a campaign targeting villages in central Sudan. Multiple villages were attacked, with reported casualties already exceeding 50, a number expected to grow as the search for missing people continues. The new attacks have also forced more civilian evacuations from 24 different villages, compounding the humanitarian crisis across Sudan.
More from the region
The SAF has recaptured more territory back from the RSF, regaining control of the city of Al Suki in Sennar state, and the strategically important region Al Dinder.
Additional areas of Sennar state are also reportedly back in the hands of the Sudanese army as well. The recent increase offensives against the RSF and the subsequent gains have seriously disrupted RSF supply lines.
In the news
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