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Explosion at Los Angeles Law Enforcement Training Facility Kills 3 Veteran Deputies

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LOS ANGELES (BN24) — A powerful explosion tore through a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department training facility early Friday, killing three veteran deputies from the department’s elite arson and explosives unit in what authorities are investigating as a possible training accident.

The deadly blast occurred around 7:30 a.m. at the Biscailuz Training Center, located east of downtown Los Angeles. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, but early indications suggest it may have occurred during a training exercise, according to a law enforcement official briefed on the case who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

“This is an incredibly tragic day for our department,” Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said in an emotional press briefing. “These three deputies were among our most highly trained professionals. I lost three of my finest today.”

The explosion, which took place in a parking lot area filled with department vehicles and equipment, left no other injuries. Aerial footage from KABC-TV showed three bodies covered with tarps near a sheriff’s truck outfitted with a side ramp. A nearby patrol cruiser had its mirror blown off by the force of the blast.

Sheriff Luna said the three deputies collectively served a total of 74 years in the department and were all part of the arson and explosives detail — a unit that responds to more than 1,000 calls annually. Their names were not immediately released, as Luna had not yet notified one of the families.

“I have spoken to two of the three families, and those conversations were absolutely heartbreaking,” Luna said, visibly shaken. “This is the worst single loss of life in the history of this department since 1857.”

The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are assisting sheriff’s homicide detectives with the investigation. The scene remained sealed off for hours as bomb technicians and arson investigators worked to ensure there was no further danger.

California Attorney General Pam Bondi, posting on X, called the explosion a “horrific incident” and confirmed federal agents were at the site. “Please pray for the families of the sheriff’s deputies killed,” she wrote.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the city’s fire and police bomb squads were also involved in the investigation. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office confirmed he had been briefed and that the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and State Fire Marshal were coordinating closely with local and federal authorities at the scene.

The training facility, named after former Sheriff Eugene W. Biscailuz, is a hub for advanced law enforcement instruction and specialized tactical training. It remains closed as investigators examine the blast site.

The deaths sent shockwaves through the county’s law enforcement community, already strained by staffing shortages and growing public scrutiny. Officials have yet to confirm what type of material exploded or what specific training exercise — if any — was underway at the time.

“This department has endured loss before,” Luna said. “But nothing like this.”

Germany Deports 81 Afghans in First Mass Expulsion Under New Government

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BERLIN (BN24) — Germany deported 81 Afghan nationals to their homeland on Friday, marking the country’s second repatriation flight to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan since 2021 and the first under Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s new right-leaning government.

The mass deportation underscores a significant shift in German migration policy, as Merz’s administration takes a harder stance on asylum seekers following his election victory in February. The Interior Ministry confirmed that all individuals on board were Afghan men who had previously come to the attention of judicial authorities. The flight was conducted with logistical support from Qatar.

The Interior Ministry also signaled that Friday’s removal was just the beginning. “We will continue these deportations,” the ministry stated, adding that more repatriation flights to Afghanistan are planned.

This latest operation comes more than ten months after the previous government carried out Germany’s first deportation to Afghanistan since the Taliban seized control in August 2021. Then-Chancellor Olaf Scholz, under mounting political pressure, had vowed to increase the deportation of rejected asylum seekers — a promise now being accelerated under his successor.

Merz, a longtime critic of Germany’s post-2015 migration policies, made border security and deportation reform a central theme of his campaign. Since assuming office in early May, his administration has deployed additional federal police to key border crossings and imposed tighter entry controls for asylum seekers. In one of its most controversial moves, the government also suspended family reunification privileges for many migrants, a measure human rights groups have sharply criticized.

The deportation flight took off just hours before Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt was scheduled to host a high-level migration summit with his counterparts from France, Austria, Poland, Denmark, and the Czech Republic, as well as European Union Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner. The meeting, taking place on Germany’s highest mountain — the Zugspitze, near the Austrian border — is expected to focus on strengthening joint border controls and streamlining asylum procedures across the EU.

The renewed expulsions come amid a broader push by several European governments to reduce irregular migration, with growing concerns over integration challenges and social tensions. While Germany had halted deportations to Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover citing security risks, critics of that decision argued it turned the country into a safe haven for criminals.

The current government now appears determined to reverse that policy — sending a message that Berlin is prepared to act unilaterally and decisively on migration enforcement.

The Associated Press

Trump Allegedly Told Epstein They Shared ‘Certain Things in Common’ in Lewd Birthday Letter

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President denies authorship of risqué note uncovered in 2003 Epstein birthday album compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell

WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump is denying claims that he authored a provocative birthday message to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, after a Wall Street Journal report detailed the existence of a bawdy letter allegedly written by Trump and included in a photo album prepared by Ghislaine Maxwell for Epstein’s 50th birthday in 2003.

According to the report published Thursday, the album featured personal messages from Epstein’s inner circle, including one purportedly from Trump. The letter, described as “bawdy,” was reportedly typed over the outline of a naked woman, with Trump’s signature placed suggestively beneath the waistline to mimic pubic hair. The message concluded with: “Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.”

In an imagined dialogue included in the note, Trump allegedly wrote, “We have certain things in common, Jeffrey,” to which Epstein responded, “Yes, we do, come to think of it.” The conversation continues with Trump remarking, “Enigmas never age, have you noticed that?” and Epstein replying, “As a matter of fact, it was clear to me the last time I saw you.”

According to the People.com, the letter was among a collection of personal contributions compiled by Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime companion who was convicted in 2022 for her role in a child sex trafficking ring and is now serving a 20-year prison sentence.

When contacted by the Wall Street Journal, Trump, 79, vehemently denied writing the message. “This is not me. This is a fake thing. It’s a fake Wall Street Journal story,” he said. “I never wrote a picture in my life. I don’t draw pictures of women… It’s not my language. It’s not my words.” Trump also threatened legal action against the outlet, saying he would sue “just like I sued everyone else.”

Neither the FBI nor the Department of Justice provided comment on the matter.

Trump’s alleged connection to the letter adds renewed controversy to a long-scrutinized relationship. His name has appeared in flight logs and other records tied to Epstein, though no charges have ever been filed against him. The same documents list numerous high-profile names, including former President Bill Clinton and Prince Andrew, but presence in those logs alone does not imply wrongdoing.

Epstein died in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. His death, ruled a suicide, and the failure to bring further co-conspirators to justice have fueled widespread public suspicion and bipartisan calls for transparency.

In Congress, Democrats have continued pressuring the Justice Department to release sealed files related to Epstein. A recent proposal sought to attach a disclosure amendment to cryptocurrency legislation, but Republicans blocked the effort.

Earlier this year, a Justice Department memo announced the closure of its investigation into Epstein. The department stated that no evidence existed of a “client list” or of Epstein using blackmail against influential figures. The memo reaffirmed the official finding that Epstein died by suicide.

Following the memo’s release, Trump dismissed renewed questions about the case. “Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein?” he said, according to ABC News. “This guy’s been talked about for years … are people still talking about this guy, this creep? That is unbelievable.”

While hundreds of pages of materials related to the case have been unsealed, including evidence logs and flight manifests, many questions remain unanswered — and the emergence of documents like the birthday letter only deepens the intrigue around Epstein’s ties to the powerful.

People.com

Heavy Rains Kill Nearly 150 in Pakistan as Disaster Officials Warn of More Flooding

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ISLAMABAD (BN24) — Torrential monsoon rains have claimed nearly 150 lives and injured hundreds across Pakistan since late June, as disaster authorities brace for another wave of potentially deadly weather this week.

The country’s National Disaster Management Authority said Wednesday that the national death toll from seasonal downpours and flooding had risen sharply to 148, after 27 more fatalities were reported in Punjab province in the past 24 hours alone.

The latest update comes as officials issued fresh warnings of heavy rainfall and flash flooding expected between July 15 and 17. Monsoon rains, which typically arrive in Pakistan by late June and last through September, are critical for the region’s agriculture but often prove deadly due to poor infrastructure and widespread poverty.

“Due to this year’s monsoon rains, 77 citizens have died and 214 have been injured in Punjab alone,” the Provincial Disaster Management Authority said in a statement. “Most deaths have been recorded due to roofs collapsing in dilapidated buildings and old houses.”

Officials have urged residents, especially those living in mud structures or aging homes, to evacuate if possible and avoid low-lying areas prone to flooding. “Citizens are requested to take precautionary measures in view of the rainy season … Do not stay in old mud houses under any circumstances,” the statement warned.

Under orders from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, those injured are receiving emergency medical care while the families of the deceased will be provided financial compensation in accordance with provincial policy.

Children, in particular, are being warned to stay away from exposed electric wires, poles, and waterlogged zones. “By adopting precautionary measures, loss of life and property can be avoided,” the disaster authority added.

Pakistan faces mounting challenges as climate change intensifies the severity of seasonal weather. Though the country contributes less than one percent to global greenhouse gas emissions, it remains among the most vulnerable to climate-related disasters. In 2022, record-breaking monsoon floods submerged a third of the country, affected over 33 million people, and caused more than $30 billion in damages, according to government estimates.

This year’s monsoon has already left a trail of destruction, particularly in Punjab, the country’s most populous province. The disaster management agency continues to monitor rainfall and flood patterns closely as emergency responders brace for further casualties in the days ahead.

Israel Admits Gaza Church Strike Was Mistake Following Trump Call, Issues Rare Statement of Regret

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JERUSALEM (BN24) — Israel has issued an uncommon public apology after a military strike on Gaza’s only Catholic church killed three people, injured ten others, and left the historic building heavily damaged. The announcement, which came Thursday, followed a call from President Donald Trump to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanding clarification over the deadly incident.

The strike on the Holy Family Church in Gaza City occurred Thursday morning as hundreds of Palestinians, including members of the enclave’s small Christian minority, sheltered inside. The church had served as a rare sanctuary amid the ongoing war, continuing to hold mass and offer refuge even as fighting devastated surrounding neighborhoods.

In an uncharacteristically swift response, the Israeli government admitted responsibility and expressed sorrow, stating: “Israel deeply regrets that a stray ammunition hit Gaza’s Holy Family Church. Every innocent life lost is a tragedy. We share the grief of the families and the faithful. We are grateful to Pope Leo for his words of comfort. Israel is investigating the incident and remains committed to protecting civilians and holy sites.”

The statement came after Trump, reportedly outraged by news of the attack, demanded answers from Netanyahu during a phone call. According to a senior U.S. official who spoke to Axios, Trump insisted the Israeli leader publicly acknowledge the strike was a mistake. Netanyahu complied shortly afterward.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump’s reaction to the church strike was “not a positive reaction,” highlighting the U.S. president’s growing impatience with Israel’s conduct in Gaza.

Holy Family Church, one of the oldest and most significant Christian sites in the Gaza Strip, suffered serious structural damage when its roof was hit. While Israel’s initial assessment cited stray shrapnel as the likely cause, church officials have accused the Israeli military of directly targeting the building. “We are not sure about this,” said Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. “They hit the church directly.”

Among the injured was parish priest Father Gabriel Romanelli, who had received nightly phone calls from the late Pope Francis during earlier stages of the war. The Vatican said Pope Leo XIV was “deeply saddened” by the loss of life and once again urged for an immediate ceasefire.

The incident marks a rare moment of Israeli contrition in the Gaza conflict, particularly so soon after a strike. It also reflects the weight of Trump’s influence in pressing for accountability — an influence that appears to be prompting swifter responses from the Netanyahu government.

The Holy Family Church tragedy unfolds against a backdrop of devastation in Gaza, where more than 58,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry. A January report by the United Nations estimated that 70% of buildings in the territory had been damaged or destroyed.

Axios.com

ICE Granted Access to Medicaid Data for 79 Million Americans in Secretive Deal to Boost Immigration Raids

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WASHINGTON (BN24) — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will gain access to the personal data of nearly 79 million Americans enrolled in Medicaid under a newly revealed agreement aimed at ramping up immigration enforcement across the country, according to a document obtained Thursday by The Associated Press.

The agreement, signed earlier this week between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), permits ICE agents to search a trove of sensitive information — including home addresses, racial and ethnic background, birth dates, and Social Security numbers — to locate individuals suspected of residing in the country unlawfully.

The arrangement, which had not been previously disclosed to the public, marks a significant escalation in President Donald Trump’s ongoing crackdown on illegal immigration and has sparked alarm among immigration advocates and privacy experts. The data-sharing initiative could heighten fears among low-income families and immigrants already hesitant to seek medical care or government assistance for fear of being targeted.

According to the agreement, ICE will use CMS data “to receive identity and location information on aliens identified by ICE,” bolstering the agency’s ability to conduct targeted raids across the United States. While the document does not allow ICE to download the information in bulk, agents will be granted live access to the database from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, through September 9.

A CMS official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, expressed concern about the agency’s role in the operation. “They are trying to turn us into immigration agents,” the official said, criticizing what they described as an unprecedented use of a public health database for deportation purposes.

The Medicaid program, jointly funded by states and the federal government, provides health care coverage to the nation’s poorest residents, including millions of children. While undocumented immigrants are barred from enrolling in regular Medicaid, they are entitled under federal law to access emergency Medicaid, which covers lifesaving care in hospitals regardless of immigration status.

Health and Human Services officials have publicly insisted the deal is primarily intended to identify individuals who may be fraudulently receiving Medicaid benefits. But the agreement itself clearly outlines deportation as a primary function, stating that the information will help ICE locate “the location of aliens” across the U.S.

Civil liberties advocates warn that the program will likely chill immigrant access to health care and increase fear in vulnerable communities. Past enforcement policies have already made schools, hospitals, and courthouses feel like high-risk areas for undocumented families.

Photographs and documents detailing the agreement were not published alongside the announcement, and there was no public rollout or news briefing. The covert nature of the arrangement has only deepened criticism about transparency under the Trump administration’s immigration policies.

Astronomer CEO Praised New HR Chief Months Before Kiss Cam Caught Them Embracing at Coldplay Concert

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NEW YORK (BN24) — Months before they were caught in an intimate moment on the kiss cam at a Coldplay concert, Astronomer CEO Andy Byron publicly praised the hiring of Kristin Cabot, now at the center of widespread speculation over an alleged workplace affair.

Byron, who leads the New York-based artificial intelligence firm, heralded Cabot’s arrival in November 2024 as a pivotal addition to the company’s leadership team. At the time, he described her as “a proven leader” with the experience and passion to guide the company’s growth.

“Kristin’s exceptional leadership and deep expertise in talent management, employee engagement, and scaling people strategies will be critical as we continue our rapid trajectory,” Byron said in a company press release announcing her appointment. He emphasized her record of success at growth-stage companies and credited her with fostering “diverse, collaborative workplaces,” calling her “a perfect fit for Astronomer.”

Cabot, who previously worked at the data analytics firm Neo4j, was brought on as the company’s chief human resources officer. She, too, expressed enthusiasm about her new role in the same announcement, saying she was “energized in my conversations with Andy and the Astronomer leadership team about the opportunities that exist here.”

That professional relationship took an unexpected public turn this week, when Byron and Cabot were seen cuddling on the kiss cam during Coldplay’s performance at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The moment — captured on the stadium’s jumbotron — appeared to catch both by surprise, with the pair seen attempting to cover their faces as the crowd reacted.

The band’s frontman, Chris Martin, paused during the show and commented on the footage. “Oh, what?” Martin said from the stage. “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy.”

The embrace, broadcast in front of thousands, quickly went viral and has drawn scrutiny given the pair’s workplace roles — particularly Byron’s position as CEO and Cabot’s leadership of HR at a company specializing in AI-driven workplace solutions.

Astronomer has not publicly commented on the incident or the nature of the relationship between Byron and Cabot. Neither has responded to media inquiries.

White House Confirms Trump Diagnosed With Chronic Vein Condition Amid Speculation Over Bruising

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WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a vein condition common in older adults, the White House said Thursday, after days of public speculation over images showing bruises on the president’s hand and swelling in his legs.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the diagnosis followed a “comprehensive exam,” including a vascular study, after Trump experienced noticeable swelling in his legs. She attributed the bruising on his hand to tissue damage caused by frequent handshaking, combined with his use of aspirin, which she noted is part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen.

Trump, 79, has long boasted of his physical fitness, once calling himself “the healthiest president that’s ever lived.” The recent diagnosis, according to officials, does not suggest any major health concerns.

Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when the veins in the legs fail to efficiently return blood to the heart, causing it to pool in the lower extremities. This can lead to swelling, discomfort, and in some cases, visible skin changes such as bruising.

White House physician Dr. Sean Barbabella released a written statement confirming the diagnosis, calling the condition “benign and common,” particularly in individuals over the age of 70. He emphasized that Trump showed “no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease,” and that “all test results were within normal limits.”

Barbabella further clarified that additional testing ruled out any signs of heart failure, kidney problems, or systemic illness. “President Trump remains in excellent health,” the doctor wrote.

The president’s health became a subject of renewed online scrutiny after photographs taken at the FIFA Club World Cup final in New Jersey on July 13 showed his legs appearing swollen. Days later, additional images from a White House meeting with Bahraini Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa revealed bruises on Trump’s hand. Similar marks had also been visible in photos from his February meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Speculation over Trump’s condition spread rapidly across social media, prompting the White House to issue Thursday’s clarification.

Trump, who was sworn in for his second term in January at age 78, is the oldest person ever to be inaugurated as president. In his most recent annual physical conducted in April, Barbabella noted the president “exhibits cognitive and physical health.”

With the November election drawing closer, Trump’s health remains a key concern for voters. However, Thursday’s statement appeared intended to put to rest any rumors surrounding his condition, reinforcing his longstanding claims of good health.

Greek Police Arrest Ex-Wife, 4 Others in Killing of UC Berkeley Professor in Athens

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ATHENS, Greece (BN24) — Greek police have arrested five people in connection with the fatal shooting of a University of California, Berkeley marketing professor in Athens, including the victim’s ex-wife and her boyfriend, who has confessed to carrying out the killing, authorities said Thursday.

Przemyslaw Jeziorski, 43, an associate professor at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, was gunned down on July 4 in an upscale Athenian neighborhood near the home of his 10-year-old twins, Zoe and Angelo. According to Greek officials, a masked gunman approached Jeziorski and fired multiple shots to his chest and back before fleeing the scene.

Police say Jeziorski’s ex-wife orchestrated the attack. Her boyfriend and three alleged accomplices have also been taken into custody. All five suspects appeared in court in Athens on Thursday and are scheduled for another hearing Monday.

Greek authorities say the suspects attempted to conceal their identities. Investigators traced the vehicle used before the shooting and said the gunman had handed over his phone and car keys to one of the accomplices to avoid detection. Two other suspects allegedly left the area without the shooter following the killing.

Jeziorski, a Polish-American scholar known to colleagues and students as “PJ,” was reportedly in Greece to attend a court hearing concerning a custody and property dispute with his former spouse. He had planned to take his children to his hometown of Gdynia, Poland, and later to Disneyland Paris, according to his brother, Lukasz Jeziorski.

“Our family is heartbroken,” Lukasz said in a statement. “But we are grateful to Greek police and security professionals who have identified and captured those accountable. We want justice to be fully served.”

The murder has shocked both the academic community and Jeziorski’s personal circle. His close friend, Chemtai Mungo, said the professor expected to spend a month with his children in Poland under a previous court agreement. But upon arriving in Greece, he was informed of a new legal dispute requiring his attendance in court.

“He was hopeful and excited to spend time with his kids,” Mungo told ABC News. “The relationship with his ex-wife was not cordial, and he didn’t anticipate the situation would turn deadly.”

Mungo said Jeziorski had stayed in frequent contact while in Athens and that the circumstances of the shooting—occurring in a well-regarded neighborhood—left no doubt the killing was deliberate. Police reportedly told the family the gunman fired five rounds into Jeziorski’s chest and neck.

The couple had divorced three years earlier, and the children, both U.S. and Polish citizens, are now under state care in accordance with Greek custody protocols, officials confirmed.

Jeziorski’s death marks a tragic end to what had initially been a routine international custody matter. Authorities have not publicly disclosed additional evidence but say further legal proceedings are underway as prosecutors prepare formal charges against the suspects.

Yemeni Forces Seize 750 Tons of Suspected Iranian Weapons Bound for Houthis

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SANAA, Yemen (BN24) — Yemeni fighters loyal to the country’s exiled government announced Wednesday they had seized a massive Iranian arms shipment allegedly destined for the Houthi rebels, marking one of the largest interdictions of Tehran-supplied weaponry in the war-torn nation’s decade-long conflict.

The National Resistance Force, a militia led by Brig. Gen. Tariq Saleh, claimed it intercepted approximately 750 tons of weapons and missiles in late June. The cache reportedly included advanced anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles similar to those the Houthis have used in recent months to attack Red Sea shipping lanes.

While Iranian officials and Houthi leadership did not respond to the announcement, video footage released by Saleh’s forces showed what appeared to be Iranian-made Type 358 surface-to-air missiles and anti-ship systems resembling those deployed in Houthi strikes that sank two commercial vessels this year, killing at least four crew members. Drone parts, warheads, and weapons manuals written in Farsi were also allegedly found among the seized cargo.

Though the U.S. Navy and Western allies have previously interdicted Iranian arms at sea, this marks the first major seizure carried out independently by the National Resistance Force. It represents a notable shift in the broader fight to curb Iran’s influence and disrupt weapons flows to the Houthis, who seized Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, in 2014 and continue to defy a United Nations arms embargo.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) praised the operation, with Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla calling Iran “the most destabilizing actor in the region” and describing the shipment as proof of Tehran’s ongoing violations. CENTCOM said the weapons bore markings tied to an Iranian defense firm under U.S. sanctions, adding that the material demonstrated Iran’s persistent efforts to fuel regional instability.

“The interdiction of this massive Iranian shipment shows that Iran remains the most destabilizing actor in the region,” Kurilla said in a statement. “Limiting the free flow of Iranian support to the Houthis is critical to regional security, stability and freedom of navigation.”

Iran has consistently denied supplying weapons to the Houthis, despite repeated discoveries of Tehran-manufactured arms in both battlefield and maritime contexts. U.S. officials say the Houthis have used Iranian weaponry to down 26 U.S. MQ-9 drones since the war began.

The conflict in Yemen escalated in 2015 when a Saudi-led coalition — supported by U.S. intelligence and weaponry — intervened on behalf of the exiled Yemeni government. The resulting stalemate has left over 150,000 people dead and driven millions to the brink of starvation in what the United Nations has called one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

While Wednesday’s announcement drew international attention, it remains unclear whether the captured weapons shipment will shift momentum in the drawn-out conflict, which has seen no major diplomatic breakthroughs despite multiple ceasefire efforts.

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