Latest news with #MizarVision
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
New Satellite Image Shows U.S. Air Force Buildup at Key Indian Ocean Base
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A new satellite image showed a buildup of U.S. Air Force assets at Diego Garcia, a strategic American base in the Indian Ocean. The development comes as tensions are high across the Middle East and Indo-Pacific after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) for comment. Why It Matters Diego Garcia serves as a critical forward base for U.S. military operations stretching from the Middle East to Southeast Asia. Its remote location and extensive airfield make it a key launching point for long-range strike missions and rapid-response deployments. The deployments at the base suggest a readiness for further military action in the region. This image captured by the European Space Agency's Sentinel-2 satellites on June 29 shows U.S. military aircraft posture at the Diego Garcia base. This image captured by the European Space Agency's Sentinel-2 satellites on June 29 shows U.S. military aircraft posture at the Diego Garcia base. Copernicus/Sentinel Hub What To Know The new satellite image revealed a U.S. aircraft presence at Diego Garcia that includes four B-52 strategic bombers, six F-15 fighter jets, and six KC-135 aerial refueling tankers, according to open-intelligence analyst MT Anderson on X, formerly known as Twitter. Diego Garcia's remote location—about 2,200 miles from Iran and 3,000 from southern China—provides a secure launch point for U.S. aircraft to conduct long-range missions and remain on station. Imagery captured by Chinese satellite company MizarVision on June 25, 2025, shows U.S. forces at Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia, a joint British-American military base in British Indian Ocean Territory roughly 2,650 miles southeast of... Imagery captured by Chinese satellite company MizarVision on June 25, 2025, shows U.S. forces at Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia, a joint British-American military base in British Indian Ocean Territory roughly 2,650 miles southeast of Iran. More MizarVision Significant movement of military equipment at the air base had been taking place since March with experts believing it could be a staging point for any attack on Iran. In May, the U.S. Air Force announced that B-2 Spirit bombers had returned to Missouri after a deployment to Diego Garcia. On June 13, the U.S. launched a surprise overnight strike on three key Iranian nuclear facilities using B-2 stealth bombers that took off from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. The overnight mission relied on deception, aerial refueling, and near-total radio silence to maintain secrecy and tactical surprise. Decoy flights toward the Pacific diverted attention from the actual eastward strike. Codenamed Operation Midnight Hammer, seven B-2 bombers dropped over a dozen 30,000-pound bunker busters on deeply buried nuclear sites., making it the most ambitious U.S. stealth airstrike in decades. The bombers had also been used in striking Iran-backed Houthi targets in Yemen. What People Are Saying Air Marshall Greg Bagwell, former Royal Air Force deputy operations chief told BBC Verify in June: "You would be able to maintain a sustained operation from [Diego Garcia] far more efficiently. You could literally have them round the clock operating." What Happens Next Diego Garcia's assets remain well-positioned to respond swiftly should tensions in the Middle East or Indo-Pacific escalate, as a ceasefire between Israel and Iran remains fragile and U.S.-Iran diplomatic negotiations are stalled in post-conflict tensions.
Newsweek
7 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Chinese Satellite Image Shows Destruction of Iran Drone Factory
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. New imagery released by a Chinese commercial satellite company has revealed the destruction of an alleged Iranian drone factory during Israel's two-week air campaign against Iran. Newsweek has contacted the Iranian Foreign Ministry and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) for comment. Why It Matters Iran's civilian-military infrastructure was targeted by a wave of Israeli airstrikes that began in the early hours of June 13 local time, with the attacks also targeting nuclear facilities in Tehran and in other cities. Iran's expanding drone program is central to its shift toward asymmetric warfare and regional deterrence. Tehran said it has accelerated the development and deployment of diverse drone facilities and systems. This growing capability has alarmed U.S. lawmakers. Undated satellite imagery released by Chinese firm MizarVision on June 25, 2025, shows the destruction of an alleged Iranian drone factory near Mehrabad airport in western Tehran. The precise date of the strike was not... Undated satellite imagery released by Chinese firm MizarVision on June 25, 2025, shows the destruction of an alleged Iranian drone factory near Mehrabad airport in western Tehran. The precise date of the strike was not clear. More MizarVision What To Know The undated satellite photograph published by China's MizarVision on Wednesday showed a warehouse near Mehrabad Airport in western Tehran that had been completely leveled, although the exact date of the hit was unclear. Open-source analyst Mehdi H., commenting on similar satellite imagery captured by Maxar on Tuesday, said the warehouse struck by the IDF had been used by the Iranian state-owned company Quds Aviation Industries to design and build unmanned aerial vehicles including its Mohajer drones. Newsweek could not independently verify the claim. According to the BBC, images authenticated in the aftermath of Israeli airstrikes showed that Mehrabad Airport had been struck several times, with satellite imagery revealing several damaged buildings around the area, including warehouses linked to Iran's defense industry. During its military offensive, the IDF said it had destroyed F-14 jets in central Iran and targeted military sites. What People Are Saying Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in his first statement since the ceasefire: "Anyone expecting Iran to surrender to another country is making a foolish and absurd claim that will certainly be ridiculed by wise and knowledgeable people. The Iranian nation is dear and will remain dear; it is victorious and will remain victorious, by God's grace." U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said: "The reality is…this was a historically successful attack we should celebrate as Americans, and it gives us a chance to have peace, chance to have a deal, and opportunity to prevent a nuclear Iran, which is something President Trump talked about for 20 years." What Happens Next The current ceasefire between Israel and Iran is holding, for now. Whether Iran is willing to reenter nuclear negotiations with the United States is another question.
Newsweek
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Chinese Satellites Capture Latest Position of North Korea's Damaged Warship
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The second North Korean destroyer, which was damaged during a botched launch into the water last month, has been moved to a repair facility near the country's border with Russia. Newsweek has reached out to the North Korean Embassy in China for comment by email. Why It Matters While North Korea continues to enhance its nuclear and missile capabilities, leader Kim Jong Un is pushing for naval modernization as part of a broader effort to strengthen the country's conventional military power. However, an accident occurred during the launch of a 5,000-ton destroyer, which Kim described as a "criminal act" that "could not be tolerated." Imagery released on June 9, 2025, by Chinese commercial satellite firm MizarVision shows a North Korean navy ship undergoing repairs inside a dry dock at the country's northeastern Rajin shipyard following a botched ship launch... Imagery released on June 9, 2025, by Chinese commercial satellite firm MizarVision shows a North Korean navy ship undergoing repairs inside a dry dock at the country's northeastern Rajin shipyard following a botched ship launch in May. More MizarVision What To Know Following the accident, North Korea was seen deploying suspected balloons to assist in the recovery of the destroyer, according to satellite imagery. Last week, state media reported that the warship had been righted for repairs, confirming earlier satellite observations. Kim has reportedly set a deadline for its restoration ahead of a party Congress later this month. Undated imagery released on Monday by Chinese commercial satellite firm MizarVision shows the damaged North Korean destroyer inside a dry dock at the country's northeastern Rajin shipyard—near Russia's border—undergoing repairs following the May 21 accident. Citing satellite imagery captured by California-based Planet Labs, NK Pro of the South Korea-based media outlet NK News reported that the North Korean destroyer was seen being moved into the Rajin shipyard's dry dock on Sunday with assistance from support vessels. Yu Jihoon, a researcher at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses, said the North Korean shipyard is capable of conducting "modest repairs and maintenance," CNN reported. The shipyard is located near Rason Port, NK Pro noted, where North Korea and Russia are suspected of engaging in weapons trade using cargo ships. North Korea has been supplying arms to Russia for its war against Ukraine, in exchange for military hardware from Moscow. "Restoration of the damaged warship could accordingly move faster if it involves replacing Russia-sourced electronics or weaponry damaged in the capsizing," NK Pro said. Newsweek has also reached out to the Russian Foreign Ministry for comment by email. A second undated satellite image from the Chinese commercial provider shows damage to infrastructure at North Korea's northeastern Hambuk shipyard, near the city of Chongjin, southwest of Rajin, where the destroyer partially capsized during its launch. The damage to infrastructure is seen at North Korea's northeastern Hambuk shipyard in the city of Chongjin, on June 9, 2025. The damage to infrastructure is seen at North Korea's northeastern Hambuk shipyard in the city of Chongjin, on June 9, 2025. MizarVision What People Are Saying The Korean Central News Agency reported on Friday: "After restoring the balance of the destroyer early in June, the [field restoration promotion team] moored it at the pier by safely conducting its end launching on Thursday afternoon … The next-stage elaborate restoration is to be carried out at the dry dock of the Rajin Dockyard for the period of 7-10 days." South Korea's newspaper The Dong-A Ilbo said on Monday, citing a South Korean government official: "The North Korean leader is believed to have ordered the ship's restoration to be completed before the Workers' Party plenary session later this month … Given the tight schedule, North Korea will likely need support from Russia." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether North Korea will be able to complete repairs to the destroyer before Kim's deadline. It is unclear what consequences, if any, will follow if the deadline is missed.
Newsweek
22-05-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Satellite Images Show Tornado's Trail of Destruction in Kentucky
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Satellite images reveal the devastation in London, Kentucky, after a tornado pummeled the area last week. Why It Matters The storms were part of a multi-day severe weather outbreak that hit multiple states, including Kentucky, Virginia, Alabama, Kansas and Missouri, over the course of several days. At least 19 people died in Kentucky, with hundreds of homes destroyed, leaving many homeless, the Associated Press reported. More than two dozen people died throughout several states in four days as a result of the severe weather. A photograph captured by Chinese commercial satellite company MizarVision on May 20, 2025, shows damaged houses in London, Kentucky, after a tornado swept through the area on May 16. A photograph captured by Chinese commercial satellite company MizarVision on May 20, 2025, shows damaged houses in London, Kentucky, after a tornado swept through the area on May 16. MizarVision/AirSpace What To Know Satellite images taken on May 20 by Chinese company MizarVision as part of its mapping service AirSpace showed a line of devastated homes after a tornado barreled through London, the county seat of Laurel County, Kentucky, on May 16. Homes were leveled as the tornado swept westward through the town, which has an estimated population of 7,500 as of 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. A photograph captured by Airbus on April 9, 2025, and provided by Google Earth shows homes in London, Kentucky, a month before a tornado swept through the area on May 16. A photograph captured by Airbus on April 9, 2025, and provided by Google Earth shows homes in London, Kentucky, a month before a tornado swept through the area on May 16. Airbus/Google Earth Entire rows of homes appear completely flattened in a stark contrast to satellite imagery from April, captured in an Airbus photo provided by Google Earth, which shows the same neighborhood intact before the tornado struck. In an update on Tuesday, the office of Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said the 19 confirmed fatalities in the state included 17 people in Laurel County, one in Pulaski County and one in Russell County. Elsewhere, Reuters reported damage to thousands of homes in neighboring Missouri following the outbreak, which also triggered widespread power outages. In Kansas, footage emerged online of what storm chasers described as a wedge tornado as a violent storm system moved across the Sunflower State. Meteorologists at AccuWeather told Newsweek following the impact that the town of Plevna appeared the hardest hit. According to one online account, the tornado was "as wide as the town itself." What People Are Saying Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, in an update on Tuesday: "I promise that we will be there for our people until every home and every life is rebuilt. And I want to thank all our heroic first responders for the work they've done over the past few days. "This is another incredibly tough time for Kentucky. And it's another reminder that life is short and it's our duty to be kind and do good. As always—we will get through this together." What Happens Next According to analysts at AccuWeather, the total damage and economic loss from the outbreak could total between $9 billion and $11 billion.
Newsweek
22-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Chinese Satellites Capture US Bombers and Jets at Island Air Base
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A Chinese commercial satellite company has released an image of U.S. aircraft at the Diego Garcia air base, amid tensions between Washington and Tehran over nuclear negotiations. Newsweek has reached out to the U.S Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) for comment. Why It Matters New satellite imagery has confirmed the U.S. deployment of F-15 fighter jets to Diego Garcia, in addition to an increase in the number of bombers at the Indian Ocean base. Diego Garcia—roughly 2,000 miles from Iran—would serve as the military launchpad in the event of a confrontation escalated by failed nuclear diplomacy. A photograph captured by Chinese commercial satellite company MizarVision on May 15, 2025, shows U.S. Air Force jets parked at the joint British-American military base on Diego Garcia, part of the British Indian Ocean Territory. A photograph captured by Chinese commercial satellite company MizarVision on May 15, 2025, shows U.S. Air Force jets parked at the joint British-American military base on Diego Garcia, part of the British Indian Ocean Territory. MizarVision/AirSpace What To Know U.S. Air Force jets at the Diego Garcia base were recently captured in a satellite image by MizarVision's Airspace service. The Chinese company bills itself as an AI-driven provider of geo-business intelligence. The image was highlighted by the open-intelligence GEOINT X account. The U.S. and Iran have bolstered military buildups as President Donald Trump threatened Iran with military action if it rejects a new nuclear deal, after unilaterally withdrawing from the 2015 accord in his first term. B-52 bombers arrived at the remote base earlier in May, joining a contingent of six B-2 stealth bombers already deployed there. Disagreement over uranium enrichment remains a key obstacle to reviving diplomacy between the longtime foes. The U.S. says it's concerned about enrichment levels capable of producing nuclear weapons while Iran claims its nuclear program is peaceful. The fidelity of Chinese commercial satellite imagery underscores Beijing's growing ability to monitor U.S. military deployments globally and in near real time, as it weighs support for Tehran's nuclear interests in the face of Western pressure. What People Are Saying U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff said: "We cannot allow even 1 percent of an enrichment capability…Everything begins from our standpoint with a deal that does not include enrichment." Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, according to The Associated Press: "I have said it before, and I repeat it again: uranium enrichment in Iran will continue—with or without an agreement." China's Foreign Ministry said in April: "China appreciates Iran's commitment to not develop nuclear weapons, respects Iran's right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and supports Iran in conducting dialogue with all parties, including the United States, and in safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests through consultation and negotiation." What Happens Next American and Iranian representatives are scheduled to meet in Rome on Friday for a fifth round of nuclear talks.
