Elias Irizarry, who pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge after entering the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, is now a Pentagon political appointee. The appointment has drawn concern because his reported role is linked to counterterrorism and irregular warfare work.
Posts tagged as “the National Counterterrorism Center”
U.S. and Nigerian forces have killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the Islamic State's second-in-command, in a joint operation. The move is seen as a significant blow to ISIS's operations in Africa and globally.
A man was arrested after stabbing two Jewish men in Golders Green, London, amid a rise in antisemitic attacks. Authorities are investigating possible links to recent incidents in the area.
The United States and Israel have escalated military strikes against Iran, with the U.S. conducting over 7,000 attacks on Iranian military and industrial sites as part of Operation Epic Fury, while Israel targeted key Iranian officials and energy infrastructure. These actions have heightened tensions and disrupted global energy markets, prompting President Trump to warn Israel against further attacks on shared resources unless provoked by Iran, and calls for international efforts to reopen the closed Strait of Hormuz. Despite significant damage to Iran’s capabilities, intelligence reports indicate the regime remains intact, amid ongoing investigations into leaks related to the conflict and revelations of covert coordination between the U.S. and Israel.
Top U.S. intelligence officials, including Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee amid heightened tensions following the U.S. military campaign against Iran, which was justified by the Trump administration as a response to an imminent threat despite intelligence reports indicating Iran was not actively pursuing nuclear weapons. The hearing occurred shortly after the resignation of Joe Kent, head of the National Counterterrorism Center, who criticized the administration’s rationale for war, while lawmakers remain divided over calls for greater transparency and public hearings on the conflict. As the debate over oversight continues, Democratic lawmakers push for more disclosure, whereas many Republicans argue that classified briefings suffice to protect national security.
Iran launched missile and drone attacks on Israel and Persian Gulf states following Israeli airstrikes that killed senior Iranian officials, escalating the Middle East conflict with casualties reported near Tel Aviv and Beirut. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed to target all senior Iranian figures and hinted at intensified military operations, while Iran maintained governmental stability despite losses and condemned U.S.-Israeli strikes on its territory. The conflict has triggered regional diplomatic efforts, disrupted global oil markets, and sparked controversy within the U.S. administration, including the resignation of a counterterrorism official critical of the war’s justification.
Joe Kent, former head of the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned in protest of the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran, arguing that Iran posed no imminent threat and criticizing the war as influenced by Israeli pressure. His departure has intensified scrutiny on National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard, who has maintained a neutral public stance but is expected to clarify her position during upcoming Senate testimony. The resignation has sparked debate within the Trump administration and Congress, highlighting divisions over U.S. foreign policy and the potential political consequences of the conflict.
The FBI has launched multiple investigations into individuals affiliated with Hamas following their attack on Israel last month. The attack set off a "March for Israel" on the National Mall, and FBI Director Christopher Wray is set to testify before the House Homeland Security Committee on Wednesday to discuss the elevated terrorism threat and the "rogue's gallery of foreign terrorist organizations" identified since the attack. Wray's testimony will provide more insight into the FBI's efforts to combat terrorism and protect Americans from potential attacks.