THE EARLY PHOENIX
Sept 13, 2024
★ ISRAEL & PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES
Israel Targets 40,000 Sites, Hamas Loses 70% Of Weapons
A letter from Hamas commander Rafa’a Salameh to leader Yahya Sinwar revealed severe losses due to the war with Israel. Salameh, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in mid-July along with Hamas military head Mohammed Deif, detailed that 70% of weapons and 95% of missiles were destroyed, while 50% of militants were either killed, wounded, or fled. Only 20% remain capable of fighting. Since the war began in response to the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack, Israeli forces have hit 40,000 targets and over 25,000 infrastructure sites. Israeli Defense Minister Gallant also revealed a photo found in a Khan Yunis tunnel, showing Muhammad Sinwar’s children with a depiction of the 9/11 attacks. Gallant stated that Hamas, Islamic State, and Al Qaeda are alike, and compared Yahya Sinwar to Osama bin Laden. He vowed to find Sinwar and bring him to justice, either dead or imprisoned.
IDF Strike on Gaza School Kills Hamas Operatives, UN Staff
The UN condemned an Israeli airstrike on a Gaza school, which resulted in 18 deaths, including six UNRWA staff members. Israel stated that the strike targeted a Hamas control center inside the Al-Jawni school in Nuseirat, used for planning and executing attacks. The IDF identified nine Hamas militants among the deceased, including three UNRWA staff. The UN called for the protection of its premises, while Israel accuses Hamas of using civilian sites to shield military operations. The incident marks the deadliest for UNRWA staff during the conflict, intensifying international scrutiny.
Israel Kills Three Islamic Jihad Fighters in Tulkarm Raid
Israel killed three Islamic Jihad fighters in an airstrike near Tulkarm, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. This came after Israeli forces withdrew from Noor Shams camp following a prolonged raid. Meanwhile, another Palestinian was killed in Tubas during ongoing military operations in the West Bank. The raids caused significant destruction, particularly in Noor Shams camp. In Nablus, settlers attacked Palestinian homes, setting fire to property and vehicles as violence escalates.
Israel Announces New Golan Unit to Address Security Threats
The Israeli army announced the formation of a new unit in the Golan to provide an immediate response to threats. The unit consists of specialized fighters skilled in gathering intelligence and preventing potential attacks. Training began eight months ago and included camouflage and tracking techniques.
IDF Intelligence Commander Resigns After Unit’s Failure
Brig. Gen. Yossi Sariel, commander of IDF’s Unit 8200, announced his resignation nearly a year after failing to prevent Hamas’s October 7 attack. Sariel acknowledged that his unit had gathered detailed intelligence about Hamas’s plans but failed to act effectively. In his letter to subordinates, Sariel admitted that he did not fulfill his mission as expected, and he accepted responsibility for the intelligence lapses. Unit 8200 faced criticism over multiple warnings of the attack that went unheeded, including a detailed dossier from September 2023.
Conflicting Reports Emerge on Israeli Raid in Masyaf, Syria
On September 11, The Early Phoenix cited Syria TV, an opposition media outlet, reporting that Israeli forces captured up to four Iranians during the September 8 raid on Masyaf. Anonymous sources claimed the operation involved a significant ground assault supported by two helicopters and commandos. If confirmed, this capture could provide Israel with valuable intelligence on Iranian operations in Syria and the broader region.
Israel Confiscated Intelligence Files, Not Iranians
Yesterday, varying reports between confirmation and denial have circulated widely in Arabic, Israeli, and American media. Outlets such as Axios, Al Hurra, Al Hadath, Abu AliExpress, and Syria TV reported that Israel conducted a ground operation in Masyaf, bolstered by helicopters and airstrikes. Axios confirmed that the target was a missile production facility linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to Axios, Israeli forces confiscated intelligence files and equipment before destroying the site. Axios, refuted reports about the abduction of four Iranians, citing information from three sources familiar with the operation.
22 To 57 Iranian Axis Personnel Killed, Identities Not Confirmed Yet
Discrepancies also exist regarding the death toll. Al Jazeera reported that 57 individuals were killed, while Al Hadath and Al Hurra reported 22 deaths, including Syrian and Iranian officials. Conversely, Iran’s Tasnim News Agency and Israel’s Abu AliExpress both stated that no Iranian personnel were kidnapped or killed during the raid.
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★ ISRAEL-HEZBOLLAH WAR
Palestinian Factions and Hezbollah Jointly Attack Israel’s Northern Border
Palestinian factions and Hezbollah jointly attacked Israeli positions along the northern border. The Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades launched 30 rockets from southern Lebanon at Israel’s Western Brigade 300 headquarters in Khirbet Ma’ar. Hezbollah fired Katyusha rockets at the Israeli 146th Division’s headquarters at Abirim military base. The Israeli army reported that 60 rockets were fired from Lebanon toward Israeli towns near the border. An Israeli soldier was seriously injured by an anti-tank missile near the settlement of Dan. Air raid sirens sounded multiple times in northern Israeli towns.
Southern Lebanon Sees Israeli Airstrikes and Hezbollah Targeting Military Sites
The Israeli army fired heavy machine guns towards the forests near Naqoura, targeting areas in southern Lebanon’s western sector. Israeli drones struck the Iranian park in Maroun al-Ras three times, located near Avivim settlement and the Galilee region. Israeli jets conducted airstrikes on Maroun al-Ras and Yaroun, while Aita al-Shaab faced heavy artillery shelling. The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported that three people, including a child, were killed, and three others injured in an Israeli airstrike on Kfarjouz, Nabatieh. Israeli drones targeted two motorcycles near Fakhreddine wells on the Kfarjouz-Nabatieh road, causing casualties and damaging a passing car.
Hezbollah Headquarters Targeted in Deir Ezzor Countryside
Explosions occurred in Syria’s northeast, Deir Ezzor countryside after a vacant Hezbollah military headquarters was targeted between Hatla and Al-Salihiyah villages. The attack coincided with warplane flights, and no human casualties were reported. The targeted location is about 3 kilometers from the U.S. base at the Conoco gas field in northern Deir Ezzor.
U.S. Sanctions Target Oil Smuggling Networks Benefiting Hezbollah
The U.S. Treasury has imposed sanctions on Lebanese networks smuggling oil and liquefied petroleum gas to Syria, financially aiding Hezbollah. This coordinated action targets individuals, companies, and vessels linked to illicit energy transactions that bolster Hezbollah’s operations. Key figures, including Mohammad Ibrahim Habib and Mohammad Qassem Bazal, orchestrate Hezbollah’s oil and gas smuggling channels. Sanctioned entities like HODICO and OHG HOLDING SAL provide a facade for these operations, funneling profits to Hezbollah.
US Imposes Sanctions on Lebanese Network for Smuggling Oil to Hezbollah
The US sanctioned a Lebanese network accused of smuggling oil and LPG to fund Hezbollah. The sanctions targeted three individuals, five companies, and two vessels involved in illicit shipments to Syria. Profits were used to support Hezbollah’s operations. The US Treasury emphasized that these sanctions aim to disrupt Hezbollah’s financial network and revenue generation. The State Department reiterated its commitment to isolating Hezbollah and continuing efforts to weaken the group’s financial infrastructure.
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★ IRAN
Iran Urges BRICS to Form Coalition Against Global Sanctions
Iran Proposes Anti-Sanctions Coalition at BRICS Security Meeting Iran’s security chief proposed creating an anti-sanctions coalition within BRICS during a meeting in St. Petersburg. Ali Akbar Ahmadian addressed high-ranking security officials from BRICS and the Global South on Wednesday. He urged BRICS and Global South countries to unite against sanctions and ensure various types of security. Ahmadian suggested collective action to bring structural changes and create new institutions like an anti-sanctions coalition. He criticized existing international bodies as being held hostage by the U.S. and lacking competence. Ahmadian accused these bodies of following U.S. strategies that promote terrorism, sanctions, and global tensions. The BRICS and BRICS Plus security officials met at the Boris Yeltsin Presidential Library on September 10-12.
Russia Supports Coordination Between IAEA Chief and Iran’s Government
Russia’s envoy Mikhail Ulyanov urged resumed negotiations between Iran’s government and the IAEA, promoting diplomatic coordination for progress. Speaking at the IAEA Board of Governors meeting, Ulyanov called on Western countries to avoid sudden actions or external pressure. He stressed that constructive dialogue between the IAEA Director General and Iranian officials must proceed without interference for effective results. Ulyanov urged stopping the review of Iran’s nuclear history, calling it counterproductive to the progress of future negotiations. He emphasized trust in the IAEA Director General’s leadership as essential for resolving Iran’s nuclear issues efficiently.
Aerial Photos Show Ship Suspected of Carrying Iranian Missiles to Russia
Satellite images reveal the ship “Port Olya 3” docking in Astrakhan, Russia, suspected of transporting Iranian ballistic missiles. This ship, tracked previously at Amirabad, Iran, on August 29, was at the Russian port on September 4. The ship made several trips between Iranian and Russian ports, indicating ongoing military supply activities.
Iran Summons European Ambassadors Over Missile Supply Allegations
Iran summoned the ambassadors of Britain, France, the Netherlands, and Germany, protesting accusations of supplying ballistic missiles to Russia. The Iranian government condemned these claims as false and part of a hostile Western agenda. The European Union, citing reliable information, warned of potential sanctions if evidence of missile transfers to Russia is confirmed. Iran dismissed the reports as psychological warfare aimed at undermining its position.
Iran Uses Criminal Gangs to Target Foreign Dissidents
Iran has shifted to using criminal gangs instead of secret agents to target dissidents abroad, according to a Washington Post report. The report, based on interviews with officials from over 10 countries and court records, details Iran’s links to violent plots orchestrated by the Revolutionary Guard and Intelligence Ministry. Despite Iran’s denial of the accusations, calling them Western misinformation, officials claim Iran has increasingly targeted foreign-based critics, including dissidents, journalists, and activists.
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★ TURKIYE
Russia and Türkiye Defy Western-Imposed Obstacles on Akkuyu Nuclear Plant
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko confirmed that the Akkuyu nuclear plant in Turkiye will be completed as scheduled, despite obstacles. Grushko emphasized the project’s significance for Russian-Turkish economic cooperation, highlighting the mutual benefits it offers both nations. He assured that Moscow will meet the agreed timeline, regardless of challenges posed by global energy security entities. In July, Russia’s Rosatom reported starting the installation of monitoring and control systems for Unit 1 at the Akkuyu nuclear plant. This ongoing progress indicates commitment to finishing the project without delays from external pressures.
Türkiye Rejects U.S. Defense Agreement with Greek Cypriots
Türkiye criticized the U.S. defense roadmap with Greek Cypriots, aligning fully with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). The Turkish Foreign Ministry argued that this move weakens Turkish Cypriot security and harms U.S. neutrality in Cyprus. Türkiye warned that the strategic dialogue launched by the U.S. with Greek Cypriots in June complicates efforts for a lasting Cyprus solution. Ankara called for a policy review to avoid regional instability and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the security and prosperity of Turkish Cypriots as a guarantor state.
Turkish Ambassador: Free Trade Agreement with Gulf to Unlock New Economic Opportunities
Turkish Ambassador Tuba Nur Sonmez highlighted that the upcoming free trade agreement between Turkiye and the Gulf will unlock significant investments. In an interview with KUNA, she emphasized that negotiations involve trade in goods, customs procedures, intellectual property, and investment facilitation. Both Turkiye and the Gulf nations aim to foster a favorable investment environment to increase their trade, which reached $31.4 billion in 2023. Key Turkish exports to Kuwait include textiles, metals, machinery, and electrical equipment, while imports focus on steel, plastics, chemicals, and fertilizers. Sonmez anticipates the agreement will enhance trade and strengthen cooperation across various economic sectors.
Turkiye Announces $2.4 Billion Trade Volume with Syria
Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat announced that Turkiye-Syria trade volume reached $2.4 billion in 2023, with $2 billion in Turkish exports. Bolat highlighted the expansion of the Ceylanpınar border crossing near Ras al-Ain, which aims to accelerate Syria’s reconstruction and boost economic activity. The expansion project, costing 78 million Turkish liras, was initiated following Turkiye’s 2019 military operation in northern Syria.
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★ EGYPT & SUDAN
Egypt Loses Ukrainian Wheat Ship After Russian Missile Strike
A Russian missile struck a wheat-laden ship bound for Egypt in the Black Sea, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported. The missile targeted the civilian vessel shortly after it left Ukrainian waters, escalating tensions in the region. The ship was carrying wheat to Egypt, a major importer, raising concerns about global food supply disruptions. This attack highlights the growing risks to civilian shipping amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The strike also threatens regional maritime security and worsens the economic consequences of the war.
US Approves $1.3 Billion Military Aid Package for Egypt
Egypt will receive $1.3 billion in military aid from the Biden administration. This supports its efforts to de-escalate the Gaza conflict and promote diplomacy in the Philadelphi Corridor. This marks the first time since 2020 that Egypt has received the full amount of aid from the United States.
UN Security Council Extends Sudan Sanctions Until September 2025
The UN Security Council passed a resolution extending Sudan sanctions until September 2025, aiming to curb arms flow and instability. US Deputy Representative Robert Wood stated that renewing sanctions restricts arms to Darfur and punishes entities destabilizing Sudan’s security and stability.
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★ SYRIA
Israeli Drone Strike Targets Quneitra-Damascus Road, Killing Two in Syria
An Israeli drone strike hit the Quneitra-Damascus road in southern Syria, killing two individuals inside a vehicle on Thursday. According to Al-Arabiya, the strike occurred near Khan Arnabeh, but no further details regarding the victims were released. This attack comes just days after Israeli airstrikes targeted Syria’s Military Scientific Research Center in Masyaf.
Jordan Confiscates 9.9 Million Captagon Pills Since June
The Jordanian army announced the thwarting of a drug smuggling attempt from Syria, reinforcing its stance on preventing infiltration and smuggling. A military source confirmed that the Eastern Military Region, in coordination with security and anti-narcotics services, successfully stopped the operation on Thursday. In early September, Jordanian authorities confiscated over 400,000 narcotic pills in four smuggling attempts. Earlier in June, the Public Security Directorate seized 9.5 million Captagon pills and 143 kilograms of hashish in one of the largest drug busts in recent years. Between 2016 and 2022, 1,251 drug shipments were intercepted in the Middle East, underlining the ongoing fight against drug trafficking.
Syria’s Foreign Minister Rejects Cooperation with Turkiye Without Meeting Key Demands
Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad dismissed any cooperation with Turkiye until it withdraws from Syrian territories completely and unconditionally. Mekdad, speaking in Cairo, stated that Turkiye must meet Syria’s demands, including ending support for “terrorist” groups. He emphasized that normalization with Turkiye requires its withdrawal from occupied Arab lands in northern Syria and western Iraq. Mekdad also addressed Syrian refugees, welcoming their return and asserting no returnees have been arrested, except for personal legal issues. He urged Western nations to support Syrian refugee repatriation efforts, rather than imposing additional sanctions and economic restrictions on Damascus.
Assad Official Warns of Houthi Militias Near Israeli Border
An Assad regime official from southern Syria, speaking anonymously to i24NEWS, revealed that Houthi militants from Iraq recently arrived in southern Syria to establish a new drone front against Israel. The fighters plan to position themselves in the Golan Heights near the Israeli border. The official also warned of Iranian-run smuggling tunnels from Syria to Jordan, which extend into Israel. These tunnels, similar to those in Gaza, are used to smuggle weapons to the West Bank and undermine Jordan’s Hashemite royal family. He claimed that Iranian and Hezbollah forces oversee these operations, with Jordanian officers and tribal leaders colluding for financial gain.
Iran-Backed Militias Prepare for New Attacks on SDF Areas
Iran-backed militias, including Ibrahim al-Hafl and National Defense Forces, received arms and extensive training for upcoming attacks. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, preparations followed a visit by “Abu Hassan al-Irani” to Bassam al-Sattam in Mayadin. The training involved 35 local fighters, focusing on light weapons, explosives, and RPG launchers, near al-Hamdan airport. In August, these militias, supported by the Syrian regime, attacked Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) areas along the Euphrates River. These actions followed military meetings and reinforcements aimed at intensifying efforts against SDF regions.
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★ IRAQ
Iranian President Advocates For Borderless Islamic Union Amid Smuggling Concerns
During his visit to Iraq, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian proposed a European-style borderless Islamic union. However, this comes at a time when the borders he suggests eliminating are plagued by smuggling and extremist infiltration. Pezeshkian envisions this union as a means to bolster ties among Islamic countries and counteract Western sanctions. Iranian President Pezeshkian’s borderless union proposal, criticized for overlooking rampant smuggling and worsening regional crises, faces opposition from Iraq due to potential economic harm.
Iranian President’s First Visit Highlights Diplomacy in Kurdistan, Iraq
Iranian President Massoud Bezhshkian’s inaugural international visit to Kurdistan, Iraq, underscores the region’s diplomatic importance. During his visit, Kurdistan President Nechirvan Barzani expressed a commitment to peace, explicitly opposing the use of Kurdish territory for any hostile actions against Iran. This stance was affirmed in discussions aimed at fostering stable and cooperative relations between the neighboring nations. Barzani highlighted the local government and populace’s positive reception of Bezhshkian’s visit, emphasizing efforts to strengthen peaceful regional dynamics through diplomacy. This visit marks a significant step in reinforcing the diplomatic bonds between Iran and Kurdistan.
Iraqi Forces Arrest Top ISIS Leader In Nineveh
Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces captured a key ISIS leader in Nineveh, marking a major counterterrorism triumph. Conducted by the Directorate of Investigations and Preventive Security, this operation significantly weakens ISIS’s presence in Iraq. The detained leader was instrumental in planning and executing terrorist attacks against civilians and security forces. This successful arrest disrupts ISIS networks and bolsters Iraq’s efforts to secure and stabilize the volatile Nineveh region, reinforcing the country’s broader counterterrorism strategies.
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★ YEMEN
US Strikes Destroy Missile Systems In Houthi Territories, Yemen
US Central Command conducted strikes in Houthi-controlled Yemen, destroying missile systems that threatened regional stability.
US Seeks UN Action Against Yemen Over Red Sea Operations
Ahead of a UN Security Council session, the US is intensifying diplomatic efforts to address Yemen’s military operations in the Red Sea. Washington is rallying support for a statement condemning these actions, highlighting risks to regional security and maritime safety. This move aims to heighten international pressure on Yemen, with discussions anticipated on the global implications and potential responses to Yemeni activities.
USS Theodore Roosevelt Exits Middle East, Citing Yemeni Threats
The USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier has left the Middle East, influenced by Yemeni military operations. Initially extended in deployment, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin decided to reassign it back home, accelerating the USS Abraham Lincoln’s deployment in response. This shift underscores growing concerns over Yemeni actions and their influence on U.S. military strategy, as forces adjust to protect international shipping routes and maintain regional security.
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★ GULF NATIONS
Saudi-China Trade and Oil Supplies Surge, Strengthening Economic Ties
By June 2024, trade between Saudi Arabia and China hit $48 billion, with each nation exporting $24 billion. This development was highlighted at the fourth Saudi-Chinese High-Level Committee meeting, where both countries celebrated their strong economic bonds, with Saudi Arabia as China’s leading trade partner in the Middle East. Strategic discussions between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Premier Zhang Li led to new agreements enhancing political, security, and economic cooperation. In a related boost, Saudi oil supplies to China are set to increase to 46 million barrels in October following a significant price reduction. This rise from September’s 43 million barrels is in response to heightened demand from major Chinese refiners like Sinopec and PetroChina, influenced by Saudi Aramco’s lowered prices for Arab Light crude, the cheapest in nearly three years. Saudi Arabia continues as China’s second-largest oil provider, trailing only Russia.
Astratech: Ai to Contribute 14% to UAE Economy by 2030
Abdullah Abu Sheikh stated that artificial intelligence will contribute 14% to the UAE’s GDP by 2030, equating to $100 billion. The UAE continues to strengthen its position as a key player in the global AI economy, with the market expected to reach $50 billion by 2031. This growth is driven by the widespread adoption of AI in sectors such as healthcare, finance, and government services.
Saudi Aramco to Launch First Fuel Station in Pakistan by Year-End
Aramco announced it will open its first retail fuel station in Pakistan by the end of 2023, following its acquisition of a 40% stake in Gas & Oil Pakistan. Aramco produces one in every eight barrels of global oil, and its investment in “Go” strengthens its presence in high-value markets.
Saudi Arabia Establishes World Largest Ai Data Center
Saudi Arabia announced the creation of the world’s largest AI data center, in collaboration with “Aramco Digital” and “Groq,” to support digital transformation. The center will process 5.28 million codes per second by the end of 2024, reaching 53 million by 2025. The project aims to enhance innovation, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability, while supporting tech companies and creating high-tech job opportunities in line with “Vision 2030” goals.
Oman Reports $18.6 Billion Revenue by July 2024
Oman’s revenue reached 7.15 billion Omani rials ($18.6 billion) by July 2024, a slight decrease from the previous year. This drop was due to lower gas revenues and current receipts. However, oil revenues rose by 9% to 4.038 billion rials, aided by a higher average oil price of $83 per barrel and daily production of 1 million barrels. Gas revenues fell 18% to 1.09 billion rials due to changes in revenue collection methods.
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Previous editions:
Sept 11, 2024 Israel Captures Four Iranians During Sept 5 Syria Raid
Sept 10, 2024 Israel Strikes Hamas, Hezbollah, IRGC Commanders, 57 In Syria
