The Wire - October 24, 2023

RR The Wire 2330Z October 24, 2023

PRECEDENCE: ROUTINE RR
DTG: 233024Z OCT 23
ICOD: 230024Z OCT 23
CONTROLS: Public Release
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BLUF: ISRAEL RAMPS UP BOMBING CAMPAIGN OF GAZA. US CONTINUES TO INCREASE POSTURE IN THE REGION.
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-International Events-
Middle East Front: Israel has been observed to increase bombing campaign along the entire Gaza border. Israel continues bombing in the West Bank, and in Lebanon and Syria. Hamas and Hezbollah continue sporadic rocket attacks, targeting locations deep inside Israel. Clearance operations are reportedly underway in Jenin, West Bank. Israel has rejected all calls by the UN for a ceasefire, and has vowed to achieve the “total destruction” of Hamas.
CENTCOM confirms that so far two dozen US military personnel have been wounded in attacks on US military bases in the Middle East over the past few weeks. US DoS rhetoric indicates a potential mass evacuation campaign of USPER in the region. 
South America: Tensions flare between Venezuela and Guyana following a long-standing territorial dispute regarding mineral rights. Diplomats on both sides have warned their counterparts not to escalate the situation. However, the announcement of a public referendum in Venezuela on this issue (scheduled for December) has increased tensions in the region.
-HomeFront-
USA: Domestic politics remain tense following recent developments regarding the legal targeting of Trump associates, as well as citizens associated with the J6 event.
-Analyst Comments-
The DoS rhetoric of concern for the potential evacuation of over 600,000 Americans from the Middle East region is perplexing, as the logistical constraints alone make this an impossible feat. The presence of 2x CSGs and at least 1x MEU in the area or on the way, with potentially more amphibious capability available in the CENTCOM AOR is concerning, and hints of the US entering the conflict directly. US political rhetoric concerning Iran remains alarming, as US politicians continue to directly and openly call for war.
Tensions are mounting between Israel and the UN as Israeli forces continue to target Gaza, and by default, UN aid efforts. UN forces on the ground are urging fuel deliveries to be allowed in through the Rafah border crossing, in order to continue running generators for humanitarian work. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has stated that the attacks by Hamas did not “occur in a vacuum”, implying the well-documented history of the conflict in the region. This has prompted Israel to call for his dismissal.
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Analyst: S2A
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