Morning Brief: Slovenia Bans Weapons Trade with Israel, Kyiv Holds Day of Mourning After Deadliest Strike on Children

· Guy D. McCardle

Ukrainian search and rescue team carries a recovered body from the rubble. (@ZelenskyyUa/X)

Welcome to Friday, August 1, 2025. Here’s what you need to know to start your day informed: Syria launches a probe into deadly sectarian violence as post-Assad tensions rise. Joe Kent takes the helm at the National Counterterrorism Center despite controversy, while Slovenia breaks the European Union ranks with an arms ban on Israel. Russia’s claims in Ukraine face resistance, Myanmar’s junta reshuffles ahead of disputed elections, and the Philippines’ peace process with its largest Muslim rebel group hits a snag.

—

 

Syria Launches Probe into Sectarian Violence in Sweida After Hundreds Killed

Syria’s new government has established a committee to investigate recent sectarian violence in the southern province of Sweida, officials announced Thursday.

The fighting earlier in July between Sunni Bedouin clans and Druze militias killed hundreds, displaced tens of thousands, and threatened the country’s fragile post-Assad transition.

The violence began with tit-for-tat kidnappings and escalated rapidly, with disturbing footage showing Druze civilians being publicly humiliated and killed.

Syrian government forces intervened but reportedly sided with Bedouin groups, sparking Druze-led revenge attacks.

The Justice Ministry said the committee will examine the events, identify those responsible for attacks on civilians, and refer suspects to the judiciary. It is expected to deliver its findings within three months.

This probe follows a similar investigation launched in March after sectarian clashes along Syria’s coast killed over 1,400 people (most of them civilians). That committee documented widespread abuses, including murder, looting, and torture, and named 300 suspects, some tied to the new security forces.

These recurring outbreaks have deepened distrust among Syria’s religious and ethnic minorities toward the interim government, led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa, a former leader of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

 

Senate Confirms Joe Kent as National Counterterrorism Center Director

The US Senate confirmed Joe Kent as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center on Wednesday in a 52–44 vote, with only one Republican, Sen. Thom Tillis, opposing.

Kent, a former Green Beret and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officer, had already been serving as chief of staff to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.

Kent’s appointment, backed by President Donald Trump, drew sharp criticism from Democrats over his ties to far-right extremists and promotion of conspiracy theories related to the January 6 Capitol riot and the 2020 election.

During his 2022 congressional campaign, Kent paid a Proud Boys member for consulting, associated with the Christian nationalist group Patriot Prayer, and refused during his confirmation hearing to denounce conspiracy claims about federal involvement on January 6.

Democrats also criticized Kent for directing an intelligence analyst to revise a report on Venezuelan gangs to align with Trump’s immigration agenda using the Alien Enemies Act, raising questions about his objectivity and fitness for the role.

Sen. Mark Warner warned that Kent’s record undermines the principles of nonpartisanship and integrity vital to national security leadership.

Despite the controversy, Republicans defended Kent’s military record, noting his 11 combat deployments and experience in counterterrorism. As director, Kent plans to prioritize targeting Latin American gangs linked to migration, aligning with Trump’s hardline stance on border security. His confirmation marks another elevation of a Trump loyalist into a key national security position.

 

Senators Press Trump Nominee for Pentagon Weapons Testing Office Over Downsizing, Oversight Risks

President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Pentagon’s Director of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) office, Amy Henninger, faced tough questions from senators Thursday over sweeping staff and budget cuts that could undermine the office’s critical oversight role.

The office, tasked with independently assessing the effectiveness and safety of major weapons systems, is operating with only 26 percent of its former staff and 20 percent of its budget after a May directive from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Sen. Jack Reed and Sen. Elizabeth Warren warned that the cuts could cripple the office’s ability to raise red flags on faulty weapons systems before they reach warfighters. Warren referenced the historic failure of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle as an example of why DOT&E’s independent testing function remains essential.

Henninger, a former DOT&E staffer and current DHS advisor, pledged full transparency and objectivity. She promised to launch a comprehensive review of DOT&E’s personnel and capabilities to ensure the office remains able to meet its mandate, especially as the defense landscape becomes more complex with emerging technologies.

Senators remain skeptical that the office can maintain meaningful oversight with limited resources, raising broader concerns about accountability and readiness in defense acquisition programs under the Trump administration.

A Senate vote on Henninger’s confirmation is expected soon.

 

Slovenia Becomes First EU Nation to Ban Weapons Trade with Israel Over Gaza War

Slovenia announced late Thursday that it will ban all weapons imports, exports, and transit with Israel due to the ongoing war in Gaza, making it the first European Union (EU) country to impose such a restriction.

The government said the move comes in response to what it called Israel’s systematic denial of humanitarian aid and civilian suffering in Gaza.

Slovenia cited EU inaction and internal disunity as reasons for taking the step independently. The government confirmed it has not issued any arms export permits to Israel since October 2023.

Earlier in July, Slovenia also barred entry to two far-right Israeli ministers, declaring them persona non grata for inciting violence and making “genocidal statements.” In June, Slovenia’s parliament recognized Palestinian statehood, joining Ireland, Norway, and Spain in condemning Israel’s military actions following Hamas’ October 7 attack.

The Slovenian government called the weapons ban a “responsible” act and urged other states to take similar measures.

Slovenia Becomes First EU Nation to Ban Weapons Trade with Israel Over Gaza War

 

Croatia Marks 30 Years Since Operation Storm with Military Parade, Eyes EU Defense Loan

Croatia held a major military parade in Zagreb on Thursday to mark the 30th anniversary of Operation Storm, the 1995 offensive that reclaimed Serb-held territory and effectively ended the Croatian War of Independence.

The event featured 3,400 military personnel, war veterans, police units, and emergency teams, with a highlight flyover by French Rafale jets. Simultaneously, naval ships sailed past the port of Split.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic emphasized Croatia’s successful shift from Eastern to Western military technology to align with NATO and EU standards.

Croatia joined NATO in 2009 and the EU in 2013.

The parade comes amid regional tensions with Serbia, which supported the ethnic Serb rebellion in the 1990s. Belgrade plans to commemorate Serb victims of Operation Storm and has advised its citizens against traveling to Croatia in early August. A Serbian military parade is scheduled for September.

Analysts view the parade as both a domestic show of strength and a political move to bolster public support for increased defense spending amid heightened European security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Croatia is one of 18 EU countries applying for low-interest loans under the 150-billion-euro ($173 billion) Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program. Plenkovic said the country may seek up to 1.8 billion euros ($2 billion) to enhance its defense capabilities.

The SAFE initiative was launched as Europe moves to reduce reliance on US military support under the Trump administration’s revised security stance.

 

Kyiv Holds Day of Mourning After Deadliest Strike on Children

Kyiv observed a day of mourning Friday after a Russian missile and drone barrage killed 31 civilians, including five children, and wounded over 150 on Thursday, the deadliest single attack on children in the Ukrainian capital since 2022.

The youngest victim was just two years old.

The strikes destroyed a section of a nine-story apartment building and damaged more than 100 structures, including schools and hospitals.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said July alone saw over 5,100 Russian glide bombs, 3,800 Shahed drones, and 260 missiles launched against Ukraine. He renewed calls for tougher economic sanctions on Russia and urged the UN Security Council to convene for an emergency meeting to push for an immediate ceasefire.

Meanwhile, intense fighting continues in the eastern city of Chasiv Yar.

Russia claimed it had captured the strategic hilltop city, but Zelenskyy dismissed this as disinformation, saying Ukrainian forces are still defending their positions.

The Institute for the Study of War warned that Russian forces are close to taking the city, potentially opening the way to deeper attacks on Ukraine’s fortified defensive belt in Donetsk.

Ukraine continues to target Russian rear areas with long-range drone strikes. Russia’s Defense Ministry said it intercepted 60 Ukrainian drones overnight, mostly over the Belgorod region, where one person was reportedly injured.

The Kremlin has ignored calls from Western leaders, including US President Donald Trump, to cease strikes on civilian areas.

 

Myanmar Junta Ends Emergency Rule, Restructures Government Ahead of Contested Elections

Myanmar’s military regime announced Thursday it will end the state of emergency imposed after its 2021 coup and restructure the government to prepare for national elections planned for December.

Despite the move, opposition forces and analysts say the vote will lack legitimacy due to ongoing conflict, media suppression, and mass arrests.

Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the junta leader, relinquished his prime minister title but retained control as acting president and head of the newly created State Security and Peace Commission, giving him expanded power ahead of the election.

The military also dissolved the State Administration Council, transferring its functions to the National Defense and Security Council, which it controls.

The military said elections will be held within six months of the emergency’s end but did not provide a specific date. The junta also imposed 90-day emergency or martial law measures in 63 townships across nine regions, mainly areas under opposition control.

Since the February 2021 coup, over 7,000 civilians have been killed and nearly 30,000 arrested, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.

Critics, including the exiled National Unity Government and ethnic armed groups, have vowed to disrupt the election, calling it a sham meant to preserve military rule.

Min Aung Hlaing’s restructuring is widely viewed as an effort to tighten his grip on power under the guise of transitioning to civilian governance.

 

Philippines’ Largest Muslim Rebel Group Halts Disarmament Over Stalled Peace Deal Commitments

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the Philippines’ largest Muslim rebel group, has suspended the disarmament of its remaining 14,000 fighters and 2,450 weapons, citing the government’s failure to fully deliver on socio-economic commitments under a 2014 peace agreement, officials said Thursday.

The Malaysia-brokered peace deal ended decades of separatist conflict, with MILF abandoning its bid for an independent state in exchange for broader autonomy via the establishment of the Bangsamoro region.

The deal included the demobilization of 40,000 MILF fighters and their reintegration through livelihood programs and other support.

Presidential Assistant David Diciano, who oversees the Bangsamoro transition, disagreed with MILF’s claim and urged the group to address disputes through established channels.

Diciano outlined government assistance provided to over 26,000 former combatants since 2015, including transitional cash aid, health insurance, job training, and infrastructure projects totaling ₱4 billion ($69 million). He also highlighted more than ₱420 billion ($7 billion) in grants to the autonomous region since 2020.

Despite these efforts, MILF’s central committee insists that key promises remain unfulfilled, delaying the peace process ahead of scheduled regional elections in October.

The 2014 peace deal had aimed to curb Muslim separatist violence that claimed 120,000 lives and posed risks of infiltration by foreign extremist groups.

The government now faces renewed pressure to restore confidence in the fragile post-conflict transition.

 

Sources: News Agencies