national-security6.025 min read
Judge Denies Bail for Accused Chinese Spy, Citing Flight Risk and Hidden Assets
2 days ago•Source: Fox News
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10.815 min•3 days ago
FBI Thwarts ISIS-Linked Plot to Attack Mall of America During Hmong Arts Celebration
Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, an 18-year-old U.S. citizen from Richfield, Minnesota, was arrested on October 6 after federal prosecutors alleged he planned a mass-casualty attack at the Mall of America. Authorities say he pledged allegiance to ISIS and targeted the October 24 Hmong Arts Celebration, intending to kill 30 to 60 people. The arrest followed a months-long investigation involving an undercover FBI source and a controlled purchase of an AK-47-style rifle.
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Ex-CIA Officer Pleads Guilty to $195M Fraud and Leaking Classified Source
NBC News•4 days ago
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Ex-CIA Official Admits to $195M Fraud and Leaking Classified Source Details
The Washington Post•4 days ago
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FBI Arrests Irvine Realtor for Alleged Covert Surveillance of Taiwan President’s Son
Federal authorities arrested Wanying 'Heather' Zhang, a 34-year-old California realtor, at Los Angeles International Airport on October 4, 2026, as she attempted to depart for China. Prosecutors allege Zhang acted as an unregistered agent for Beijing by surveilling Ting-Yu Lai, the son of Taiwan’s president, in Seattle in September 2025. Zhang faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
FBI Halts California Realtor at LAX for Alleged Chinese Surveillance of Taiwanese Official's Son
The FBI arrested Wanying 'Heather' Zhang, a 34-year-old California realtor, at Los Angeles International Airport on October 4, 2026, as she attempted to depart for Shanghai. Federal prosecutors allege Zhang acted as an unregistered agent for the Chinese government by surveilling Ting-Yu Lai, the son of Taiwanese President Ching-Te Lai. Zhang faces charges for failing to register as a foreign agent and for transmitting surveillance data, including photos and license plate numbers, to Chinese officials via WeChat. The incident highlights ongoing U.S. concerns regarding Chinese transnational repression and espionage targeting high-profile individuals in the U.S.
U.S. Air Force evacuates 12 B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford amid terror threat
The U.S. military rapidly withdrew all 12 B-1 Lancer bombers from RAF Fairford in England following a suspected terror plot linked to Iran. The Pentagon confirmed the redeployment on Sunday, October 4, 2026, citing urgent security threats. British authorities had arrested a dual British-Iranian national in London and six other suspects in the area, leading to the emergency move. The base, located 100 miles west of London, has been a key staging point for U.S. strikes against Iran since the conflict began in February 2026.
FBI Arrests DOE Engineer for Alleged Houthi Support and Yemen Trip
Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, a 51-year-old Department of Energy electrical engineer from Richland, Washington, was arrested by the FBI on October 2, 2026. He faces charges of providing material support to the Iran-backed Houthis, a designated foreign terrorist organization. Authorities allege Ellaboudy purchased precursor chemicals for explosives and drone parts, traveled to Yemen using an official passport, and assisted an undercover source posing as a Houthi colonel in improving communications equipment. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.
DOE Engineer Arrested for Alleged Houthi Support and Yemen Trip
Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, a 51-year-old Department of Energy electrical engineer from Richland, Washington, was arrested by the FBI on charges of providing material support to the Houthis. Authorities allege he purchased precursor chemicals for explosives and drone parts, traveled to Yemen using an official passport, and assisted an undercover source posing as a Houthi colonel in improving communications equipment. Ellaboudy faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Pentagon Expands Nuclear Arsenal to Give President More Limited Strike Options
The Pentagon is expanding the U.S. nuclear arsenal to provide President Trump with more limited strike options, a move that has gone largely unnoticed by the media despite being disclosed to the Senate. Undersecretary of War Elbridge Colby argues that these new capabilities, including lower-yield bombs and sea-launched missiles, are necessary to deter threats from Russia, China, and Iran without resorting to total annihilation. While the Senate Armed Services Committee has been briefed, public debate remains absent, raising concerns about democratic oversight of nuclear policy.
Hegseth Doubles General Cuts, Launches Drone Command Amid Iran Stalemate
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a 20% reduction in senior military ranks and the creation of an Autonomous Warfare Command at a speech in Quantico, Virginia. The moves come amid a prolonged conflict with Iran and criticism over depleted munitions stockpiles.
U.S. Marines Injured in Unreported Iranian Missile Strike on Nonmilitary Vessel in Strait of Hormuz
Eight U.S. Marines were injured on September 14 when an Iranian cruise missile struck a nonmilitary vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. The incident, which resulted in smoke inhalation and possible traumatic brain injuries, was not publicly disclosed by the Trump administration until late September.
Pentagon admits nine-month breach exposed unencrypted military data
A nine-month data breach at the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) exposed the unencrypted personal information, including Social Security numbers, of potentially four million current and former US military personnel. The intrusion began in October 2025 but was not discovered until July 2026. While the Pentagon states there is no evidence of data misuse, experts warn the exposed 'occupational specialty' data could aid foreign adversaries in targeting US troops, particularly amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
Oxygen Forensics Executives Arrested for Concealing Russian Ownership from U.S. Agencies
Lee Reiber, CEO of Oxygen Forensics, and Russian national Oleg Davydov were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Federal prosecutors allege the pair concealed the company’s Russian ownership and development to secure government contracts, including a $12 million deal with the Secret Service. Reiber was arrested in Boise, Idaho, while Davydov was detained at London’s Heathrow Airport. The case follows a whistleblower’s public accusations and a subsequent defamation lawsuit by the company. Investigators seized corporate bank accounts and domains, and the Justice Department stated the software did not contain malicious code.