PAUL’S DEFENSE BRIEF (PDB) – Could China replace the U.S. atop the target list of transnational jihadist groups like al-Qaeda?
A recent statement released by Sheikh Saad bin Atef al Awlaqi, emir of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, directly threatened China, labeling its government a “pagan, infidel” enemy whose actions against Uyghur Muslims justify future attacks. This marks a clear escalation in al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula’s anti-China rhetoric.
But will it lead to a shift in operational goals?
Unlike Western nations, Chinese internal security services maintain draconian surveillance over the population, making terrorist attacks on Chinese territory extremely rare. Even when they do occur, media reporting is limited and controlled by the Chinese Communist Party.
Yet even if al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula’s operational capabilities remain unchanged, and thus limited in reach, the message expansion is notable. This new focus on China is a way for the jihadist chapter to energize new recruits while signaling its relevance and inserting itself into the anti-great-power narrative.
FOR YOUR EYES ONLY – Here’s a roundup of today’s other top defense news from conservative national security expert PAUL CRESPO.
THE PDB – Not the President’s Daily Briefing, but almost as good – PAUL’S DEFENSE BRIEF:
NATIONAL SECURITY
Recalibrating U.S. intelligence strategy for an uncertain global order. After 9/11, the newly established Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) produced the nation’s first National Intelligence Strategy to guide reforms to the intelligence community and help prevent another terrorist attack on the U.S. The new global challenges U.S. intelligence faces today are no less dramatic. Trump’s new intelligence strategy should address that.
HOMELAND SECURITY
Capitol Police in Washington, D.C., arrested an 18-year-old man after he ran from his vehicle toward the west side of the Capitol Building armed with a shotgun and wearing a tactical vest. A Kevlar helmet and a gas mask were found in his car.
DEFENSE POLITICS
US POWER OVERSEAS
How real-world ops are informing Naval Information Forces’ modernization pursuits. Recent U.S. military operations in Latin America that culminated in the capture of Venezuelan narco dictator Nicolás Maduro underscored the importance of “sequencing” cyber, intelligence, electronic, and other weapons assets, according to the Navy’s so-called “IBoss.”
Panama’s hidden chokepoint: Tocumen and the convergence of mobility power. The most consequential infrastructure decisions in Panama today are often not made at the canal, but in conference rooms where aviation security software, cargo-routing platforms, and port-scheduling systems converge.
IRAN THREAT
Iranian delay tactics. Nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran end in Geneva. Iran’s Foreign Minister said the two countries had reached an understanding on “guiding principles,” but work still needs to be done.
CHINA THREAT
U.S. hardens claim. Mysterious 2020 explosion in China had hallmarks of nuclear test, U.S. official alleges. A seismic station in Kazakhstan detected a magnitude 2.75 explosion at China’s Lop Nur test grounds.
RUSSIA THREAT/UKRAINE WAR
Europe steps up support for Ukraine after four years of war. U.S. military aid to Ukraine fell by 99% in 2025, leaving European countries to fill the gap.
Russia is just delaying. Ukrainian and Russian negotiators wrapped up the first day of U.S.-mediated peace talks in Geneva with no sign of a breakthrough as both sides signaled they remain far apart on key issues like territory.
SPACE THREATS
INTERNATIONAL SECURITY
Australia prepares for the next batch of “Ghost Bat” warplane buddy drones. It is one of the pioneers exploring collaborative combat aircraft (loyal wingmen) as it throws its full weight behind Boeing Defense Australia’s MQ-28A platform.
US MILITARY
Marine Corps pushes small UAS capabilities. Under 20 pounds. Man-portable. Semi-autonomous. Able to launch and land vertically. These are some of the characteristics Marines are looking for in a new medium-range tactical drone to equip their expeditionary forces.
END of PDB
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of American Liberty News.
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Kevlar helmet … gas mask … shotgun … they are totally legal ( in free states. ).
What the bonehead did is NOT!