Israeli Strike On Tartus; Russian Assault In Siversk

THE WAR NEWSLETTER — DEC 16 2024

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

1 - ISRAEL

1 thing to know

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) struck a munitions depot in Tartus, Syria.

The context 

Video footage emerged of a massive explosion in the Syrian port city of Tartus. The IAF is reportedly striking  ammunition depots in the region. The explosion was large enough to register as an earthquake, and was likely due to exploding munitions such as missiles and rockets.

More from the region

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is implementing an $11 million plan to double the population in the Golan Heights region of Israel. “Strengthening the Golan Heights is strengthening the State of Israel,” Netanyahu said. 

The Golan Heights were annexed by Israel in 1981 after fighting the Six-Day war in 1967. Most of the world refuses to recognize the territory as belonging to Israel, though the US has recognized it.

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TECH SPOTLIGHT: THE SHAHED

The Shahed 136 is an Iranian kamikaze drone. Designed by HESA (Iran's state-controlled aerospace manufacturer), this suicide drone measures 3.5 meters long and has a 2.5-meter wingspan. Powered by a small piston engine, the Shahed can fly impressively long distances - potentially up to 2,500 kilometers - making it a strategic long-range strike weapon.

Weighing only around 200 kilograms and capable of flying over 185 kilometers per hour, the Shahed 136 can be launched from the back of virtually any truck. Its nose carries a warhead estimated between 30-50 kilograms, giving it significant destructive potential despite its modest size. 

The drone is built from readily available commercial electronics, including components from American and European tech companies, which makes it relatively cheap to produce.

What it’s used for

The Shahed 136 has become infamous in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, where it's been used extensively to target critical infrastructure like power grids and military installations. Russia has deployed thousands of these drones, often launching them in swarms to overwhelm air defenses. The drone's low-altitude flight and quiet propeller make it hard to detect and intercept.

The Shahed has also been used by Iranian-aligned groups in conflicts across the Middle East, including Yemen and Syria.

2 - UKRAINE

1 thing to know

Ukraine repelled a large mechanized assault by Russian forces near Siversk.

The context

Russian forces reportedly launched a three pronged attack from the North, East, and South of Siversk. Over 400 soldiers and 30 armored vehicles participated in the assault, where they tried to insert themselves between four different Ukrainian defense positions.

The attack was ultimately repelled by close combat, as well as with drones and artillery. Reports indicate Russia still made some territorial gains. The size of the attack is a significant increase in activity for this part of the frontline, and is speculated to be because of a recent Russian command change in the area.

More from the region

In a televised meeting on December 16, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that Russian troops have the upper hand across the entirety of the front line, and are accelerating the offensive.

He also called attention to the reported increase of volunteers joining the military, and noted the number of Ukrainian settlements captured in 2024, 189 according to him.

The Russian Defense Minister also announced that Russia plans to achieve its plans for Ukraine by the end of 2025, and is also planning accordingly should a conflict with NATO in Europe arise in the next decade.

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