Latest news with #securitythreats
Russia Today
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Russia Today
German president calls for universal military conscription
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has urged a nationwide debate about reinstating military conscription, stressing that Berlin needs to strengthen its armed forces amid what he described as escalating security threats in Europe. Compulsory military service was suspended in Germany in 2011. Although inactive, the legal framework for a draft remains intact and can be reactivated by a simple parliamentary majority. A full-scale return, including women, however, would require changes to the constitution. Speaking to ZDF on Sunday, Steinmeier said Germany must prepare for the possibility that voluntary enlistment will fall short of staffing requirements for the army. 'I am an advocate of conscription because I believe that with the changing security situation in Europe, with the fact that a war is taking place, and with the conclusions we have drawn from it to better protect ourselves, the personnel equipment of the Bundeswehr also needs to be adapted,' he said. He expressed support for Defense Minister Boris Pistorius' proposal to expand troop numbers and create a backup draft system. The plan aims for around 5,000 volunteer recruits annually, rising to 30,000 by 2029. Legislation which is being prepared for cabinet review in August with possible enactment by early 2026 includes provisions to automatically reintroduce conscription if volunteer numbers fall short. 'We need this debate now, preferably with a positive outcome, so that if there are not enough volunteers, we will probably return to a different form of conscription than the one we have already abolished,' Steinmeier said. Since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022, Germany has been working to strengthen its military, citing what it sees as a security threat from Russia. Moscow has rejected claims that it plans to attack NATO nations, dismissing them as 'nonsense' and accusing Western leaders of intentionally alarming their citizens to justify increased defense budgets.
The Herald
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Herald
Mkhwanazi's security beefed up after threats, says Masemola
National police commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola says security for KwaZulu-Natal commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has been beefed up because he has been receiving threats after his allegations on Sunday of political interference in police investigations. 'He's been getting threats to his life in the province with his security, but he won't be persecuted from my side. Surely there will be no persecution of any member of the police, not only him, but anyone,' Masemola said. On Sunday Mkhwanazi alleged deputy national commissioner Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya obstructed justice, stalled investigations into political assassinations and organised crime and shielded politically-connected suspects by taking control of more than 120 sensitive dockets. Further allegations implicated the minister of police, suggesting links to controversial figures such as Vusumuzi 'Cat' Matlala, who faces serious criminal charges, but reportedly remains politically protected while benefiting from lucrative SAPS contracts. Responding to the issues during a briefing at the firearms destruction operations in Gauteng, Masemola said he would rather leave matters to President Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Global Aerospace's SM4 Aviation Safety Program on the Shifting Security Landscape Within the Business Aviation Industry
Emerging Security Threats in Business Aviation: Activism and Down-Route Risks Morris Plains, NJ, July 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The security landscape for business aviation is shifting, and operators must remain vigilant. In recent years, operators have encountered increasing ground-based threats unrelated to traditional geopolitical instability. Instead, organized non-state actors (activists, opportunists and localized disruptors) who perceive business aviation as a symbolic or tactical target have begun taking aim at aviation. Threats have evolved. They can range from climate activists breaching airport fences to high-profile vandalism of parked jets and targeting of the C-suite. These are not isolated incidents but part of a growing trend in which operators must prepare for deliberate, targeted interference at or near operational touchpoints—hotels, FBOs, hangars and roadways. A New Type of Risk Historically, corporate and private aviation has managed a well-defined set of risks, including geopolitical volatility, threats to the executive team in unstable regions and opportunistic petty crime. Today's threat profile includes ideologically driven groups that use disruption—especially public, visual disruption—as a means of protest and advocacy. This operational risk is now a part of the overall risk spectrum. Several recent incidents across Europe and North America have involved protesters gaining access to business aviation terminals or apron areas. Their objectives may not be to harm individuals but to capture attention and cause operational disruption and reputational damage. These events often unfold rapidly and without prior notice, challenging traditional notions of a secure, low-risk destination. 'We're seeing a growing convergence between social and political activism and the high-profile events our clients attend, like annual meetings, conferences and summits where their executives are increasingly visible,' says John Cauthen, Vice President of Aviation Security at MedAire. 'In light of recent tragedies targeting corporate leadership, operators must factor reputational risk and personal safety into even the most routine down-route planning.' In addition, the movement of high-net-worth individuals and corporate leadership can intersect with civil unrest, large-scale protests or targeted campaigns aimed at broader social or political causes. Even a well-secured FBO may be adjacent to vulnerable public access points or infrastructure susceptible to demonstration-related blockages. A location's threat landscape can shift, particularly in countries where lawful protests can still create unpredictable effects on crew, passengers or assets. Importantly, it also reflects the need for collaboration among flight operations teams, airport authorities and local intelligence sources to preserve business continuity without compromising safety. Unlike commercial aviation, business aviation operations may rely on a leaner in-house infrastructure. Flight departments often collaborate with third-party handlers, local agents or concierge services for trip support. While efficient, this model can sometimes lead to underestimating ground-based risk exposure, particularly in otherwise 'safe' regions. Some vulnerabilities include: Unsecured or low-visibility airport perimeters, where access points may be inadequately monitored Crew accommodation in city centres during periods of political tension or mass gatherings Publicly visible tail numbers or branding that identify aircraft to activists or opportunists Security planning that overlooks last-mile transport between the airport and the hotel Security incidents affecting business aviation do not need to involve violence to have an operational impact. A protest delaying crew movements, blocking access to a hangar or resulting in an unauthorized photograph of a sensitive client can all trigger reputational, financial or compliance concerns for operators. Preparing for the Next Security Disruption While the nature of threats continues to evolve, the principles of risk mitigation remain consistent: vigilance, adaptability and pre-emptive planning. Flight departments and operators should consider the following: Conducting proactive threat and risk assessments before each trip, especially when major political, economic or environmental events occur Developing alternate routing and secure transport options in high-density urban or politically active areas Training crew members to recognize early signs of escalating protest activity or suspicious behavior Strengthening coordination with local airport security teams and requesting additional support when warranted Establishing contingency communications plans if local disruptions affect mobile networks or access to primary support channels Briefing crew and passengers on conduct in public spaces This final point is essential when traveling to locations with elevated protest activity or press presence. Even inadvertent engagement with demonstrators or journalists can escalate tensions or lead to reputational fallout. Operators should brief crew and passengers on how to politely disengage from protestors or media without making political statements and clearly instruct them to refer any questions to the appropriate company spokesperson. Providing straightforward, rehearsed responses can help everyone stay calm and professional if approached. Final Thoughts Security is no longer a background consideration but an operational imperative that must be monitored and managed, like weather or aircraft maintenance. Activism and civil disruption are unlikely to diminish in the current global climate, and business aviation's visibility makes it a potential flashpoint for targeted actions. By recognizing that ground risks can emerge even in politically stable environments, operators are better positioned to implement practical, layered strategies that protect their people and preserve operational continuity. The stakes may vary, but the expectation is always the same: every journey ends safely, no matter what happens on the ground. About Global Aerospace SM4 Aviation Safety ProgramThe Global Aerospace SM4 Safety Program has revolutionized the way insurance specialists help their clients achieve higher levels of operational safety. SM4 was built on the concept of integrating four critical safety components: planning, prevention, response and recovery. Its mission is to help organizations manage risk, enrich training efforts, strengthen safety culture and improve safety management systems. Global Aerospace SM4 Aviation Safety Program Media Contact Suzanne Keneally Vice President, Group Head of Communications +1 973-490-8588Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Daily Mail
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Leaked Homeland Security memo warned of attacks eerily similar to Minnesota political assassin
A leaked 'confidential' memo from 2024 reportedly detailed that wannabe attackers against high-level government officials are focusing attention on their targets' residences, eerily resembling the assassination and attempted assassination attempts in Minnesota. The resurfaced report comes as State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were shot and killed in their home on Saturday morning in what Governor Tim Walz said appeared to be 'politically motivated.' Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were also shot and underwent surgery. Walz told reporters that doctors were 'cautiously optimistic' that the couple would survive the assassination attempt. The shocking events may seem unpredictable, but a confidential memo, obtained by ABC News in March 2024, detailed a 'recent uptick' in personal residences targeted by public officials. The memo said that the attacks on homes left public servants and their families 'vulnerable to attack.' The attackers referenced in the memo have moved from targeting public spaces and known buildings to home addresses, which often lack security measures. The federal intelligence bulletin cited increased online messaging promoting attacks on homes as the reason for the recent uptick in planned attacks. 'Recent attacks at private residences have occurred during a period of overall increased political polarization, target hardening of more traditional attack locations, and the prevalence of conspiracy theories targeting industry and government officials,' the memo stated. The bulletin added that increased security measures in public spaces and government buildings have potentially driven attackers to 'prioritize private residences.' The memo also stated, 'While targeting private residences is not a new tactic, 7 of 10 known attacks or disrupted plots against high-profile officials since 2018 occurred in the last two years.' Analysts at the Department of Homeland Security also noted that attackers are motivated by ideological and personal grievances. The federal intelligence bulletin warned that the enhanced technology and the ability to find people's addresses online have increased the potential of attacks on personal residences. Although attacks on people's homes aren't new practices, the rise of violence against public officials in their residences has become increasingly alarming. In October 2022, a man named David DePape broke into former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi's home. DePape invaded Pelosi's home with a hammer and attacked her husband, Paul, while repeatedly asking for the former speaker. Now, in 2025, the threat has become even more real as federal officials investigate the shocking assassinations in Minnesota. The information noted in the leaked memo last year foreshadowed the disturbing events that transpired on Saturday morning. As the federal intelligence bulletin warned, the personal residences of Hortman and Hoffman presented an opportunity for the attacker to invade with fewer obstacles than a government building or public event. The first shooting occurred just after 2am at Hoffman's home before the attacker arrived at Hortman's residence at 4am. Law enforcement named Vance Boelter, 57, as the suspect, who remains at large after the vicious attacks. Boelter is an employee at a security company where he works as the director of security patrols. Investigators believe Boelter has attempted to flee the state as a nail-biting manhunt has ensued. Law enforcement also found a 'manifesto' with almost 70 names inside his vehicle along with flyers for the anti-Trump 'NO KINGS' nationwide rallies. Police have issued new terrifying images of the suspect in a Halloween-style mask during the shootings. There is a $50,000 reward for information leading to his whereabouts. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security didn't respond to a request for comment on the leaked memo, but referred to a statement from Secretary Kristi Noem. 'DHS is monitoring the horrific shooting of two Minnesota legislators in Brooklyn Park and Champlin,' the statement read.
The Guardian
06-06-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Countries under Trump's travel ban are unique subjects of American imperialism
The list of countries banned by the Trump administration's newest order seems to have no rhyme or reason. Little connects Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen, all targeted for a total ban, or Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela, all targeted for restrictions. The reasoning stated in the order is that they all pose security threats measured by 'whether each country has a significant terrorist presence within its territory, its visa-overstay rate, and its cooperation with accepting back its removable nationals'. Visa overstays, the order elaborates, 'indicates a blatant disregard for United States immigration laws'. Yet the latest data on overstays from Customs and Border Protection does show these countries high on the list, along with others not included. If we sit with this list a little longer, though, with attention to the history of the world we share, we can see a different unifying logic. All of these countries are in the global south, their citizens are racialized as Black or brown and Muslim. Most have high poverty rates that hover at or above half their population. Several have recently been sites of social upheaval or horrific wars. Yemen, Sudan, Somalia and Afghanistan, for example, all appear on the World Food Program's list of the world's most dire food crises. These facts do not, as the travel ban assumes, tell of the inherent violence of people from these nations, nor of a penchant to 'disregard' law. In fact, even the data on overstays says nothing of people's legal status. Nationals of Afghanistan, Burma, El Salvador, Haiti, Somalia, Sudan and Venezuela have long had a right to apply for temporary protective status due to the insecurity of their countries. We do not know how many of the so-called 'overstayers' applied for other protections like asylum. The poverty and insecurity of these nations are mainly an indication that they have been subject to imperialism, including US military and economic intervention and coercion. You cannot understand the endemic violence or economic destitution that forces people to leave Haiti without attending to both the French extortion of the island nation in exchange for their freedom from enslavement, and the United States' occupation of it. You cannot understand the mass exodus of people from Afghanistan, one of the world's largest refugee populations, without understanding the United States' funding of the Mujahideen, or the so-called 'war on terror', that did little more than further destabilize the nation. Iran's current regime is only possible because the US supported British efforts in destroying Iranian democracy to save British Petroleum. US sanctions, whether in Iran or Venezuela or in Cuba, have not contributed to pressuring regime change, but rather to economic devastation and mass displacement. American shrapnel has been pulled from the bodies of Yemeni children. Since March, 250 people have been killed in US strikes on Saada and Sanaa, at least 68 of whom were detained African migrants. Time and time again data shows that African countries such as oil-rich Equatorial Guinea and Chad, ravaged by companies such as Exxon Mobile, and gold-rich Sudan, are not victims of poverty, but victims of theft. The United Nations estimates that $86bn leaves the continent each year in 'illicit financial flows', or theft through criminal activities and tax evasion. What's more, between 1970 and 2022, countries in the global south, including those on this list, are estimated to have paid more than $2.5tn in interest alone to the benefit of the global north. Thomas Sankara, a former president of Burkina Faso, once called debt a 'skillfully managed reconquest of Africa'. The wealthiest nations in the world are causing the climate crisis that the poorest nations pay for. Climate activists estimate that governments in the global north owe $5tn each year to countries in the global south for the devastation they are causing them. Seen from this vantage, Trump's travel ban, which proudly cites what came to be known as the 'Muslim ban' of his first administration in its opening paragraphs, is a cruel escalation of a longstanding policy of profiting off Black and brown lives and disposing of the most vulnerable among them. In displacement camps in New York and Tijuana and the Aegean islands of Greece, I have met pharmacists, artists, DJs and journalists from many of the targeted countries. Just this week I spoke to a political activist who, forced to flee a massacre in one of the targeted countries, left her three young children behind. Speaking to me after the issuance of this ban, she worried whether she would be able to secure her asylum, which is currently being adjudicated, and whether she could ever reunify her family. Her voice broke as she said: 'I wish they could understand that I never wanted to come here.' Trump justified the ban by referencing a recent incident in which an Egyptian man in Boulder, Colorado, injured 12 people calling for the release of Israeli hostages (though notably Egypt is not on the list). That this one act justifies the banning of millions of people is absurd. This latest ban is simply another installation in a series of policies meant to 'Make America white again', following a ban on asylum and a cancellation of humanitarian parole. It comes as attacks on our immigrant students continue, particularly those who dare speak out against the US funding of Gaza's decimation. It is not the people of these nations that are a threat to the security of the United States. It is the United States that has long been a threat to them, robbing them of their wealth, destroying their institutions and environments, and then denying them participation in the safety built at their expense. We should be atoning for our sins, not exacerbating them.
