#drone operator dubai

[falcon3dmeuae]

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[dronesbynomad]

What Are The Advantages Of Drone Photography

In the ever-evolving landscape of visual storytelling, the rise of drone photography services has brought forth a paradigm shift. These services, equipped with flying cameras and skilled operators, have transcended traditional photography, offering a tapestry of visuals that redefine perspectives. In this article, we embark on a journey to explore the world of drone photography services,…

[aronarchy]

The extent of Russia’s influence in Sudan goes beyond its involvement in the current war. It’s not only fueling war in Sudan but it’s the reason Russia is able to continue its war in Ukraine and other places despite being sanctioned by the West. Russia is surviving western sanctions by exploiting, smuggling gold and aiding the Sudanese Transitional Military Council (TMC) in the suppression of the pro-civilian led government movement.

In 2014, Putin was vocal about creating an economic plan to circumvent potential Western sanctions tied to the Ukraine war. By 2017, they began extending lifelines to autocrats, and unsurprisingly, former Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir joined Putin’s economic pipeline. After a meeting between the two presidents, Russian geologists and mineralogists employed by Meroe Gold arrived in Sudan.

The Russian companies, including Wagner, a private military company linked to Russia and frequently engaged in conflicts worldwide, began establishing a presence in Sudan. Notably, Wagner leader is under US sanctions, accused of meddling in the 2020 US elections. In 2020, under Trump administration, the group was sanctioned for its heavy exploitation of Sudan’s natural resources. The exploitation was so evident that they literally had to be sanctioned by Trump, which is quite surprising.

In 2019, following Al-Bashir’s overthrow, Wagner transitioned to striking deals with the Rapid Support Forces militia general, Hemeti. This militia, formerly known as Janjaweed and implicated in the Darfur genocide, received weapons and training. Wagner, in return, gained access to smuggled gold and devised plans to maintain control, ultimately contributing to today’s proxy war in Sudan.

The method of gold smuggling involved disguising it as flying cookies and concealing the smuggled gold beneath Russian cookie boxes. 🤣

In 2022, @/nimaelbagir a Sudanese journalist and CNN’s Chief International Investigative Correspondent went to a Russian owned gold mining facility in Sudan. Watch her report here ⬇️

Full report here:

In June 2022, the Darfur Bar Association (DBA) launched an investigation and confirmed Wagner mercenaries presence in South Darfur after its attack on gold miners in South Darfur. The investigation also revealed that the Transitional Military council (SAF+RSF) knew about the presence of Wagner in Sudan and in 2019 a copy of the report was actually sent to then prime minister Hamadok.

The DBA investigation also revealed how the UAE is involved in Sudan and its role in the current war. There’s also an extensive investigation report on the role of the UAE in Sudan by the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal that proves the UAE involvement in Sudan.

How are the UAE and Russia linked you might ask?

1) Most Sudanese gold passes through the United Arab Emirates. Unofficial data from the United Arab Emirates reported that over $1.7bn of Sudanese gold landed in Dubai in 2021, just under half the value of all the country’s exports. But there is little accurate data tracking it after it arrives in the UAE (arrives via Russia). Most industry exports reckon that official figures account for less than a quarter of total gold sales. Khartoum’s central bank recorded gold exports of 26.4 tonnes from January to September in 2021 but estimates over 100 tonnes would have been smuggled out during that period. (Africa Confidential)

Amdjarass, the Chadian town just across the Sudanese border, is the base from which the UAE is running an operation supposedly to help Sudanese refugees. But behind the façade of what the UAE maintains are humanitarian efforts, lies covert weapons, drones, and medical treatment to injured RSF fighters. (The Africa Report)

A U.S. Ally Promised to Send Aid to Sudan. It Sent Weapons Instead. (WSJ)

The New York Times report on how the UAE is further involved ⬇️

2) In April 2023, following the onset of the war in Sudan, the Wagner group was exposed by CNN for allegedly supplying missiles to the RSF in their conflict against the Sudanese armed forces (SAF). The arms came through the UAE under the guise of humanitarian aid for Sudanese refugees in Chad. These armaments were destined for the UAE’s local proxy, the RSF, in Sudan’s western region. In addition, CNN exposed that the shipments of surface-to-air missiles provided by Wagner were destined for the RSF via flights shuttling the hardware from Latakia, Syria, to Khadim, Libya, and then airdropped to northwestern Sudan, where the RSF enjoys a strong presence. This support from Wagner is considered a significant factor contributing to the RSF’s continuation of the war and their reported atrocities against Sudanese civilians, including killing, looting, sexual violence, and mass destruction of Sudan’s infrastructure.

The satellite images from CNN and the open-source group “All Eyes On Wagner,” provide evidence of an escalated Wagner presence at the bases of Khalifa Haftar, the leader of a Libyan militia supported by Wagner, in Libya. This heightened presence was purportedly in preparation to assist the RSF militia against the SAF.

Full report here:

3) There is evidence that the UAE has been funding Wagner in Libya to help reduce the financial burden on Russia for its Libyan operations and has been deploying these forces to prop up its ally, General Khalifa Haftar, who has been fighting the UN-recognized Government of National Accord in Tripoli. The report that the UAE is funding Wagner in Libya actually came from the US department of defense, which again is a surprise considering the close alliance of the US and the UAE.

East Africa Counterterrorism Operation, North and West Africa Counterterrorism Operation Quarterly Report to Congress, July 1, 2020‒September 30, 2020

[mariacallous]

The Russian military is using the Starlink satellite Internet system during combat operations in occupied Ukrainian territories, according to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate.

Andriy Yusov, the spokesman for Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate, said that the Russian military was beginning to “systematically” use Starlink terminals.

As evidence, Ukrainian intelligence published a radio intercept of a conversation between Russian military personnel. From the exchange, it follows that Starlink terminals are being used by members of Russia’s 83rd Guards Air Assault Brigade, who are fighting near Klishchiivka and Andriivka in Ukraine’s Donetsk region.

Earlier, Defense One reported that Russian military personnel were using Starlink on the front lines. Sources in Ukraine told journalists that Russian troops first began using Starlink services for communication several months ago. The publication Astra posted screenshots of advertisements for the sale of Starlink terminals “for the special military operation.” It is thought that Starlink terminals with activated accounts are being shipped en masse to Russia via Dubai.

Elon Musk’s company SpaceX, which provides the Starlink satellite Internet, stated that it does not do business with the Russian government or military and said that the Starlink service is not available in Russia. The company also noted that they do not operate in Dubai.

At the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, SpaceX deployed the Starlink network in Ukraine and provided thousands of satellite Internet terminals to local authorities as donations or paid for by the U.S. government and volunteers.

According to Walter Isaacson’s biography of Musk, in 2022, the SpaceX founder secretly instructed his employees to disable Starlink satellites near the coast of Russian-annexed Crimea to thwart an attack by the Ukrainian Armed Forces on the Russian Navy. Musk himself stated that Starlink does not operate in Crimea and that he refused the Ukrainian military’s request to activate the system, as his company “would be explicitly complicit in a major act of war and conflict escalation.”

In February 2023, SpaceX prohibited the Ukrainian military from using Starlink for offensive purposes, including for operating drones. In July of the same year, The New York Times wrote, citing people “familiar with the situation,” that SpaceX was restricting the operation of satellites in combat zones.

[beardedmrbean]

DUBAI (Reuters) -Iranian leaders vowed revenge on Thursday for two explosions that killed nearly 100 people at a ceremony to commemorate top Revolutionary Guards commander Qassem Soleimani on the anniversary of his death in a U.S. drone attack.

"A very strong retaliation will be handed to them on the hands of the soldiers of Soleimani," First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber told reporters at a hospital were some of the wounded from Wednesday's blasts were receiving treatment.

Tehran has blamed the explosions on unspecified "terrorists", but no one has yet claimed responsibility for the bloodiest such attacks since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

An unnamed source told the state news agency IRNA that the first explosion at the cemetery in the southeastern city of Kerman "was the result of a suicide bomber's action".

"The cause of the second blast was most likely the same," the source told IRNA.

State TV showed crowds gathered at dozen cities across Iran, including Soleimani's home town Kerman, chanting: "Death to Israel" and "Death to America".

Iranian authorities have called for mass protests on Friday, when the funerals of the victims' of twin blasts will be held, state media reported.

Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards Corps described the attacks as a cowardly act "aimed at creating insecurity and seeking revenge against the nation's deep love and devotion to the Islamic Republic".

The Guards commander in Kerman denied state media reports of a shooting in Kerman on Thursday.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has condemned the "heinous and inhumane crime", and Iran's top authority, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, vowed revenge for the twin bombings, that also wounded 284 people, including women and children.

EARLIER ATTACKS

The United States on Wednesday said it was not involved in any way in the explosions and had no reason to believe Israel was.

Washington said the blasts appeared to represent "a terrorist attack" of the type carried out in the past by Islamic State militants.

Tehran often accuses its arch enemies, Israel and the United States, of backing anti-Iran militant groups that have carried out attacks against the Islamic Republic in the past. Baluchi militants and ethnic Arab separatists have also staged attacks in Iran.

In 2022, the Sunni Muslim militant group Islamic State claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on a Shi'ite shrine in Iran which killed 15 people.

Earlier attacks claimed by Islamic State include twin bombings in 2017 which targeted Iran's parliament and the tomb of the Islamic Republic's founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

The U.S. assassination of Soleimani in a Jan. 3, 2020, drone attack at Baghdad airport, and Tehran's retaliation - by attacking two Iraqi military bases that house U.S. troops - brought the United States and Iran close to full-blown conflict.

As chief commander of the elite Quds force, the overseas arm of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Soleimani ran clandestine operations abroad and was a key figure in Iran's longstanding campaign to drive U.S. forces from the Middle East.

Tensions between Iran and Israel, along with its ally the United States, have reached a new high over Israel's war on Iran-backed Hamas militants in Gaza in retaliation for their Oct. 7 rampage through southern Israel.

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militia have attacked ships they say have links to Israel in the entrance to the Red Sea, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.

U.S. forces have come under attack from Iran-backed militants in Iraq and Syria over Washington's backing of Israel and have carried out their own retaliatory air strikes.

[usafphantom2]

Norwegian F-35 fighters intercept five Russian planes

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 11/20/2023 - 11:17am Interceptions, Military

The NATO Air Command released on Friday an urgent outing of Norwegian F-35 fighters from the Evenes base, while Russian military aircraft invaded the peripheries of NATO's allied airspace.

The Norwegian 5ª generation F-35 fighters were mobilized in response to the identification of two Tu-160 strategic bombers, accompanied by two MiG-31 interceptors and two Il-78 Midas air refueling aircraft.

As indicated by the Air Command report, these Russian aircraft were sighted in the vicinity of the airspace monitored by NATO.

The meeting between the F-35 and the Russian fighter planes resulted in the immediate withdrawal of the latter, quickly returning to Russian territory after the meeting with the Norwegian advanced fighters.

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the Tu-160 carried out routine flights within international standards on neutral waters in the seas of Barents and Norway.

Tags: Military AviationF-35 Lightning IIinterceptionNATO - North Atlantic Treaty OrganizationRNAF - Royal Norwegian Air Force / Royal Norwegian Air ForceRussia

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Fernando Valduga

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Dayton Airshow and FIDAE. He has work published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. Uses Canon equipment during his photographic work in the world of aviation.

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[goaerialsdxb]

Our Equipment for Aerial Filming in Dubai

We provide a comprehensive range of advanced aerial filming systems in Dubai, ensuring your production is supported with the latest, most reliable technology.

Helicopter Systems: Choose from our diverse options, including the Shotover F1 and K1, Cineflex V14, and Ultra RT, all equipped with RF Downlink capabilities. Our helicopter setups feature nose and side mounts for versatile, dynamic shots and support a wide range of payloads, including RED, Arri, Sony, and more for maximum adaptability.

Drone Systems: Our drone fleet includes the DJI Mavic, DJI Inspire, and Freefly Alta X, with various payload configurations to meet any project’s needs. We also offer FPV drones with gimbal options (dual operator) and payloads such as GoPro, 360 cameras, DSLR, Wave (for slow motion), RED Komodo, ARRI Alexa Mini, and ARRI Alexa Mini LF.

Whatever your aerial filming needs, our state-of-the-art equipment and expert team are here to deliver exceptional results for your production.

To learn more, visit our website!

[appu143]

AI robotics technology in Dubai

The ambitious future vision of the UAE government is one of the main factors propelling Dubai's developments in AI robot technology. The government has set clear aims to position the UAE as a leader in AI by investing in cutting-edge technology and fostering a sustainable AI-powered economy through programs like the Dubai Future Foundation and the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031. This vision seeks to transform industries, lower prices, and improve the effectiveness of government services by leveraging AI and robotics. Initiatives such as Dubai 10X push government agencies to use robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) to provide public services in previously unheard-of, revolutionary ways.

AI Robotics in Healthcare

From robotic operations to AI-driven diagnostics, AI robotics technology is revolutionizing healthcare in Dubai. In hospitals, the city has installed robots to help surgeons do procedures, keep an eye on patients, and even clean rooms. Surgeons may now execute minimally invasive treatments with greater accuracy and fewer difficulties thanks to robots like Da Vinci Surgical Systems. AI-powered systems in diagnostics evaluate patient data more rapidly and precisely, increasing diagnosis speed and lowering error margins.

Robotics in Retail and Customer Service

In order to give customers a smooth, interesting experience, Dubai is leading the way in the usage of service robots in retail and hospitality. These robots increase customer pleasure while lessening the workload for human employees, from robot concierges in hotels that help visitors to customer service robots that direct consumers to the things they want. AI-powered robots are becoming more common in Dubai's shopping centers, retail establishments, and airports. These robots can answer questions, guide foot traffic, and even complete basic transactions.

 AI Robotics in Smart Cities and Infrastructure

By using robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve public services and infrastructure, Dubai has pledged to become a smart city. Robots and autonomous drones keep an eye on the city's infrastructure, spotting problems instantly and carrying out maintenance duties without the need for human assistance. In order to free up human police for more difficult duties, Dubai Police has implemented robotic cops who carry out a variety of duties, such as traffic control, visitor help, and surveillance.

Robotics in Education and Research

In Dubai, where educational institutions are incorporating robotics into their curricula, artificial intelligence and robotics are crucial to the advancement of research and education. Prominent institutions in Dubai provide specific courses in robotics, AI, and machine learning to give students the tools they need to succeed in a tech-driven labor market. While robotic labs provide hands-on learning opportunities, AI-driven learning robots engage students with individualized material and assessments.

Dubai aims to become a global leader in innovation and smart technology, which is seen in its dedication to integrating AI robotics technology across sectors. AI robots are transforming Dubai's operations in a variety of areas, including public safety, healthcare, and more, and they are becoming a model for contemporary cities worldwide. Dubai's proactive and innovative attitude guarantees that it will remain a major participant on the global scene as AI robotics technology develops, bringing about beneficial changes and establishing a standard for sustainable, effective urban living.

To know more click here

[dynatechinnovations]

Transforming Harbor Management with DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise

In the ever-evolving world of maritime operations, optimizing harbor management is now more critical than ever. The DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise drone has become a transformative tool, offering real-time data, high-resolution imagery, and thermal capabilities. These features provide valuable insights into harbor infrastructure, environmental conditions, and security. With extended flight time, obstacle avoidance, and seamless data transmission, harbor personnel can make informed, efficient decisions to ensure safe and effective operations.

[frukseo]

Future Trends in Air Freight Services in Dubai

Looking ahead, the future of air freight services in Dubai is poised for significant transformation, driven by innovation, globalization, and sustainability. Several key trends are likely to shape the air freight industry in the coming years.

One of the most prominent trends is the continued growth of e-commerce. With online shopping on the rise, businesses are relying more on air freight to deliver goods quickly across borders. Dubai’s position as a central hub makes it an ideal location for facilitating e-commerce shipments, and air freight companies are expected to increase their focus on this sector.

Another trend is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into air freight operations. These technologies will allow for better forecasting of demand, optimization of flight schedules, and improved customer service. AI-powered algorithms can analyze data to identify inefficiencies in the supply chain, helping air freight companies make more informed decisions.

Drone delivery is another potential game-changer in the air freight industry. While still in the experimental stages, drones offer the possibility of faster, more cost-effective deliveries for smaller, time-sensitive packages. Dubai has already shown interest in drone technology, and in the future, we may see widespread adoption of drones in its air freight services.

Finally, increased collaboration between logistics companies, airlines, and governments will be essential for the future success of Dubai’s air freight industry. Partnerships will enable more seamless supply chain management and ensure that the sector can adapt to changing market demands and global trade regulations.

In conclusion, air freight services in Dubai are at the forefront of global logistics innovation, and the future looks promising with a continued focus on technology, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.

[blogsite10]

Drone Photography Services: Capturing Memories and Marketing Material

Drone Media is a leading provider of top-tier drone services in Dubai, specializing in high-quality aerial videography to meet your unique needs. Whether you're looking to capture stunning cinematic shots, document events from an aerial perspective, or require precise footage for real estate, construction, or marketing purposes, our expert team has you covered. With advanced drones and cutting-edge technology, we ensure seamless, high-resolution footage that exceeds expectations. Our experienced drone operators are skilled in capturing breathtaking visuals while adhering to all regulatory standards in Dubai, ensuring a smooth and professional service from start to finish. Whether for commercial projects, promotional campaigns, or personal events, Drone Media is your go-to partner for exceptional drone videography. Contact us today to discuss how we can bring your vision to life with high-quality drone services.

Dubai Drone Videography | Dubai Drone Filming Company | Drone Photography Services

[dronesbynomad]

Benefits Of Hiring A Drone Photography Service Provider in UAE

In an era where visual storytelling reigns supreme, drone photography services in UAE and emerged as a game-changer in the world of photography and videography. These aerial marvels equipped with high-resolution cameras are taking creativity and imagery to new heights, quite literally. In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of drone photography services, their applications, and…

[airbotixin]

Comprehensive lifting solutions in Dubai: Your go-to for heavy equipment.

Any Dubai-based firm must have efficient material handling. Zoomlift offers specialized equipment to satisfy your lifting requirements, whether in a warehouse, building site, or agricultural field. The correct equipment enables safe and efficient lifting,Drone Show India Cost lowering operating downtime and increasing production. Whatever the burden, Zoomlift provides the ideal option for lifting things in Dubai.

Comprehensive lifting solutions in Dubai: Your go-to for heavy equipment.

[masterofd1saster]

CJ current events 5sep24 - part II b/c tumblr stinks

I'm sure it's a page turner

On Tuesday, The Tennessee Star and Editor-in-Chief Michael Patrick Leahy released 90 pages of writings left by Covenant School killer Audrey Elizabeth Hale. The Covenant Killer’s 2023 Journal, which was handwritten by Hale between January and March of 2023, can be downloaded here.*** In various entries that referenced her mental health, Hale confirmed her desire to  transition genders, revealed a purported autism diagnosis, claimed she was not “bi-polar,” and wrote that she once called a phone number associated with a Suicide Prevention Helpline five times in one day. Hale also referenced her therapist in a possible allusion to her status as a 22-year mental health patient at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), where police documents obtained by The Star reveal she was twice evaluated for commitment.***

Hale apparently used a symbol to mark or authenticate pages in the notebook.

It looks like a Maltese Cross inside an octagon.

***

Not civilian use drones

Gholam Reza Goodarzi, also known as Ron Goodarzi, 76, a dual U.S. and Iranian citizen who resides in Porter, Texas, made his initial appearance today in the Southern District of Texas following his arrest at the George Bush International Airport on Aug. 30. Goodarzi is charged by criminal complaint with smuggling parts and components used in the production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as well as other manned aircraft, from the United States to Iran.*** According to court documents, from December 1, 2020, through July 5, Goodarzi illegally exported aircraft-related parts, in addition to oil and drilling components, to Iran. As alleged, Goodarzi purchased U.S.-origin aircraft components from U.S.-based suppliers and then exported them to Iran – typically through Dubai, UAE. He also traveled to and from Iran multiple times per year and concealed aircraft parts and other items in his checked luggage. Goodarzi exchanged multiple emails with suppliers and customers, acknowledging that parts could not be shipped to Iran because of sanctions. The complaint alleges that on several occasions, authorities searched Goodarzi’s luggage and found numerous aircraft parts and components hidden within articles of clothing. Some of the items had characteristics consistent with parts for the production of UAVs, as well as parts with electrical motor and generator applications. Goodarzi does not have the required licenses to export such items to sanctioned countries, including Iran, according to the complaint. If convicted, he faces a penalty of up to 10 years in prison for the charge of smuggling goods and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. ***

***

Bari's bunch - Oliver Wiseman

On Tuesday, New York governor Kathy Hochul’s former deputy chief of staff was charged with spying for the Chinese government. Linda Sun, 40, along with her husband Chris Hu, 41, was allegedly paid millions of dollars to wield her influence to the Chinese Communist Party’s advantage. Meanwhile, a report released by Graphika, a social network analysis company, uncovered links between the CCP and a cross-platform “spamouflage” operation, with fake social media accounts posing as U.S. nationals and advocacy groups designed to wreak havoc ahead of the election.

Since denying the results of the Venezuelan election in July and refusing to step down, Nicolás Maduro has prosecuted a brutal crackdown on dissent. He escalated his effort to snuff out all opposition this week by issuing an arrest warrant for Edmundo González, the opposition candidate who won a clear majority of votes. González has been charged with falsifying documents, conspiracy, and usurpation. 

NYPD sources estimate that three in four of the people arrested in Midtown Manhattan for violent crimes are migrants. And thanks to New York’s status as a sanctuary city, local police cannot coordinate with ICE when suspects are believed to have entered the U.S. illegally. ***

***

Maybe this time they'll keep him in custody

BESSEMER, Ala. (WBRC) - A man charged in a recent triple homicide in Bessemer was out on bond for the deadly shooting of a 15-year-old girl in 2022. Raukeem Bernard Cunningham told police at that time he and Janiyah Simmons were playfighting with a loaded gun when it went off and shot Simmons, a freshman at Wenonah High School. Cunningham was 18 and charged with manslaughter. Police say Cunningham stayed on the scene when that shooting happened. Cunningham is charged with capital murder of two or more people after a shooting Aug. 30 around 11:45 p.m. at the Citgo gas station on 4th Ave North in Bessemer. The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office has identified the victims as 20-year-old Ronald Demetrius Dixon, Jr., 41-year-old Wesley Fowler Jr. and 25-year-old Christopher Dajuan Eddins. All three men were from Bessemer. According to Detective Justin Burmeister, the shooting started in the gas station’s parking lot and proceeded inside the store. Burmeister said the victims ran inside and were chased by the suspects.***

***

"he was on our radar"

The FBI has confirmed that the alleged shooter who killed two students and two teachers and wounded nine others at a Georgia high school Wednesday has been on its radar as a possible threat since last year.  In a joint statement, the FBI's Atlanta field office and Jackson County Sheriff's Office said the agency's National Threat Operations Center received an anonymous tip about threats posted online regarding a possible school shooting in May 2023. The agencies said that the threats contained images of guns. *** "The Jackson County Sheriffs’ Office located a possible subject, a 13-year-old male, and interviewed him and his father," the FBI said. "The father stated he had hunting guns in the house, but the subject did not have unsupervised access to them."***

Some high schools put students on safety plans. Students on the plan must check with the principal or the resource officer upon entering the campus.

***

2d Hunter Biden trial starts today

LOS ANGELES — Jury selection is scheduled to begin in Los Angeles federal court Thursday in Hunter Biden's trial on tax-related charges. It's the second-ever criminal trial of a sitting president's son, and the second for Hunter Biden this year. Hunter Biden, 54, was indicted in December on three felony and six misdemeanor counts alleging that he failed to pay his taxes during a period when, he has said, he was in the throes of drug addiction, as well as when he got sober. The indictment says that “rather than pay his taxes, the Defendant spent millions of dollars on an extravagant lifestyle.” *** https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/jury-selection-hunter-biden-tax-trial-los-angeles-rcna169560

The indictment alleges, among other things, that Biden claimed as business expenses

a. A $1,500 Venmo payment on August 14, 2018. That payment was to an exotic dancer, at a strip club. The Defendant described the payment in the Venmo transaction as for “artwork.” The exotic dancer had not sold him any artwork.*** d. Payments totaling $11,500 for an escort paid by the Defendant to spend two nights with him.*** Defendant placed Person 1 on payroll shortly after she moved to Arkansas while she was pregnant with his child. Person 1 did not perform any work after being formally placed on payroll in spring 2018 and had no work-related communication with the Defendant after she was placed on payroll. Person 1 received $22,500 in wages which the Defendant falsely claimed as a business deduction reducing the income to him***

He is presumed innocent.

[beardedmrbean]

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — French naval forces in January seized thousands of assault rifles, machine guns and anti-tank missiles in the Gulf of Oman coming from Iran and heading to Yemen's Houthi rebels, officials said Thursday.

While Iran denied being involved, images of the weapons released by the U.S. military's Central Command showed them to be similar to others captured by American forces in other shipments tied to Tehran.

The announcement comes as Iran faces increasing Western pressure over its shipment of drones to arm Russia during its war on Ukraine, as well as for its violent monthslong crackdown targeting protesters.

Regional tensions also have heightened after a suspected Israeli drone attack on a military workshop in the central Iranian city of Isfahan on Saturday. Previous cycles of violence since the collapse of Iran's nuclear deal with world powers have seen the Islamic Republic launch retaliatory attacks at sea.

The seizure occurred Jan. 15 in the Gulf of Oman, a body of water that stretches from the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf, through to the Arabian Sea and onto the Indian Ocean. CENTCOM described the interdiction as happening “along routes historically used to traffic weapons unlawfully from Iran to Yemen.”

A United Nations resolution bans arms transfers to Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, who took the country's capital in late 2014 and have been at war with a Saudi-led coalition backing the country's internationally recognized government since March 2015.

The Wall Street Journal first reported on the seizure, identifying the forces involved as elite French special forces. Two officials with knowledge of the interdiction, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they did not have permission to speak publicly on the operation's details, similarly identified the French as carrying out the seizure.

The French military did not respond to requests for comment about capturing the weapons.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani in an online message rejected the assessment Tehran supplied the weapons on the vessel and described the accusations as “politically motivated.” Iran's mission to the United Nations told the AP that Tehran ”adheres to the resolutions adopted by the U.N. Security Council related to Yemen."

While France maintains a naval base in Abu Dhabi, it typically takes a quieter approach in the region while maintaining a diplomatic presence in Iran.

Iran has long denied arming the Houthis, though Western nations, U.N. experts and others have traced weaponry ranging from night-vision scopes, rifles and missiles back to Tehran. In November, the U.S. Navy said it found 70 tons of a missile fuel component hidden among bags of fertilizer aboard a ship bound to Yemen from Iran. Houthi ballistic missile fire has targeted Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in the past.

Images taken Wednesday by CENTCOM and analyzed by the AP, showed a variety of weapons on board an unidentified ship apparently docked at a port. The weapons appeared to include Chinese-made Type 56 rifles, Russian-made Molot AKS20Us and PKM-pattern machine guns. All have appeared in other seizures of weapons attributed to Iran.

CENTCOM said the seizure included more than 3,000 rifles and 578,000 rounds of ammunition. The released images also showed 23 container-launched anti-tank missiles, which also have turned up in other shipments tied to Iran.

The war in Yemen has deteriorated largely into a stalemate and spawned one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. However, Saudi-led airstrikes haven't been recorded in Yemen since the kingdom began a cease-fire at the end of March 2022, according to the Yemen Data Project.

That cease-fire expired in October despite diplomatic efforts to renew it. That has led to fears the war could again escalate. More than 150,000 people have been killed in Yemen during the fighting, including over 14,500 civilians.

[usafphantom2]

Germany sends Eurofighters to Romania to strengthen NATO air policing

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 11/11/2023 - 13:28in Military

Germany announced the sending of four Eurofighter and 150 military jets to Romania, reinforcing NATO's Air Policing mission in the region.

This measure, as reported by the dpa news agency, follows a request from Bucharest and is part of a collective effort to improve airspace security under the aegis of NATO.

In the past, the German Air Force has already supported the Air Policing mission in Romania. The deployment is seen as a response to the evolution of the security situation in Eastern Europe, especially following the recent incidents along the border between Romania and Ukraine.

Germany announced the deployment of 4?? Eurofighters and of 1?? 5?? 0?? soldiers in #Romania. This consistent support from@Team_Luftwaffe demonstrates Allied solidarity at its finest. After the drone incidents in Romania, our Allies from the United States,#France, the #Netherlands &... pic.twitter.com/ZSanx5K86G

In September, Bucharest confirmed the discovery of drone fragments in Romanian territory, near the border with Ukraine. These fragments would be similar to those used by Russia in its attacks on Ukrainian ports along the Danube. As a countermeasure, Romania intensified civil protection efforts in the Danube Delta and strengthened its military presence, including anti-aircraft units in the region.

In a demonstration of allied support, the United States also sent four F-16 multifunctional fighters to Romania to patrol airspace as part of the Air Policing mission. This detachment was announced at the end of September, demonstrating solidarity among NATO members in the face of emerging threats.

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis spoke at the end of October about the reinforced radar systems along the border with Ukraine, increasing the ability to detect objects flying low. After several cases of Russian drone fragments found on Romanian territory, Bucharest extended the no-fly zone near the border with Ukraine, in the northern area of Dobruja.

Media reports in September, citing military sources, stated that "all three drones that fell in the Tulcea district (in the Danube Delta) were of the Iranian Shahed model, used by Russia in attacks on Ukraine". President Iohannis condemned the bombing of Ukrainian infrastructure as a war crime, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation: "Russian drones are not attacking Romania, but as their fragments are falling in Romania, it is a real problem; it is unacceptable."

The Romanian Minister of Defense, Angel Tilvar, assured that the fragments found in September were from drones shot down by the Ukrainian air defense and that there was no indication of a planned attack on Romanian territory. NATO also confirmed that there are no reports that suggest a deliberate attack by Russia.

Tags: Military AviationLuftwaffe - German Air ForceNATO - Air Policing MissionRoAF - Romanian Air Force/Romania Air Force

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Fernando Valduga

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Dayton Airshow and FIDAE. He has work published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. Uses Canon equipment during his photographic work in the world of aviation.

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