Evening Brief: National Guard Vehicle Collides with Civilian Car, Israel Approves E1 Settlement Project, NATO Chiefs Hold Virtual Meeting

· Guy D. McCardle

NATO defense chiefs meet virtually Wednesday on security guarantees for Ukraine. (@CMC_NATO/X)

Let’s dive into the stories shaping Wednesday evening, August 20, 2025.

 

National Guard Vehicle Collides with Civilian Car Near US Capitol During D.C. Troop Surge

A National Guard armored vehicle collided with a civilian SUV on Wednesday, less than a mile from the US Capitol, as troops were deployed across Washington, D.C. during President Donald Trump’s ongoing security crackdown.

The crash left one person trapped and requiring extraction by emergency responders. The victim was hospitalized with minor injuries, according to D.C. fire department officials.

Footage from the scene showed a tan military vehicle towering over a silver SUV with severe side damage. The cause of the crash remains unclear.

National Guard armored vehicle crash
(Screenshot: Reddit)

Roughly 1,900 troops have been deployed in the city, many from Republican-led states answering requests from the Trump administration. The heightened military presence comes amid mass arrests and enforcement actions.

Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed over 550 arrests and announced a $500 reward from the US Marshals for information leading to more detentions.

“Together, we will make DC safe again!” she posted on X (formerly Twitter).

 

Homeland Security to Paint Entire Southern Border Wall Black to Deter Illegal Crossings

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently announced that the entire US-Mexico border wall will be painted black, citing President Donald Trump’s directive to use heat as a deterrent.

Speaking during a visit to a New Mexico wall segment, Noem said black paint will absorb more heat in high temperatures, making the barrier harder to climb.

Noem, who joined workers in painting part of the wall, highlighted its height, depth, and now color as deterrents.

US Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks added that the paint will also help prevent rust.

The wall, a signature initiative from Trump’s first term, is receiving $46 billion in funding from Congress to finish construction. Noem said crews are adding about half a mile of new barrier daily and that DHS is also developing water-borne infrastructure for sections along the Rio Grande.

Despite the construction push, illegal border crossings have recently declined. Trump’s current immigration strategy focuses on mass deportations and interior enforcement rather than new wall construction.

 

US-Led Coalition Captures Senior ISIS Figure in Northwest Syria Raid

A US-led coalition raid in northwest Syria early Wednesday captured a senior Islamic State (IS) member in the town of Atmeh, near the Turkish border.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the operation targeted an Iraqi national known as Abu Hafs al-Qurayshi. It is unclear if he is the current IS leader.

The raid involved troops landing from helicopters before dawn.

Another Iraqi was killed during the operation. Syrian state TV identified the man as Salah Noman, also known as Ali, and reported he was living with his family at the time of the raid.

Conflicting reports emerged over whether he was captured or killed.

The Observatory said the man was accompanied by a French-speaking woman, though it remains unknown whether she was detained by US forces or Syrian authorities.

IS named Abu Hafs al-Hashemi al-Qurayshi as its leader two years ago, following the death of his predecessor in a Turkish operation.

Despite losing its territorial strongholds in Iraq and Syria, IS continues to launch attacks across the region.

The US military has not yet commented on the raid as of writing.

 

Israel Approves E1 Settlement Project, Threatening West Bank Contiguity and Two-State Prospects

Israel’s government gave final approval Wednesday for the E1 settlement project in the occupied West Bank, a move that would effectively bisect the territory and, according to critics, kill the viability of a future Palestinian state.

The plan includes the construction of 3,500 housing units adjacent to the Maale Adumim settlement and could begin infrastructure work within months.

The E1 corridor lies east of Jerusalem and connects Maale Adumim with the capital. Its development would sever the last direct link between Ramallah in the north and Bethlehem in the south, forcing Palestinians to rely on long, checkpoint-laden detours.

Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who holds Cabinet-level authority over settlement policy, framed the approval as a blow to international recognition efforts for Palestinian statehood.

“Every settlement, every neighborhood, every housing unit is another nail in the coffin of this dangerous idea,” Smotrich said.

Smotrich also announced the approval of 350 homes for Ashael settlement near Hebron.

The US and much of the international community oppose settlement expansion and view E1’s development as illegal under international law. Critics say the project undermines peace prospects and further entrenches Israeli control over occupied Palestinian territory.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to oppose the creation of a Palestinian state and supports permanent Israeli control over the West Bank, east Jerusalem, and Gaza.

Over 700,000 Israeli settlers now live in the West Bank and east Jerusalem.

 

Draft Congo Peace Deal Proposes Phased Return of Government Control Over M23-Held Areas

A draft peace agreement proposed by Qatar aims to restore Congolese government control over territory held by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group.

The deal outlines a three-phase process and will be discussed in upcoming mediated talks in Doha.

The Associated Press confirmed the draft’s authenticity with officials involved in the negotiations.

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot stated that Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi finds the current proposal unsatisfactory, signaling further negotiation ahead. M23 political leader Bertrand Bisimwa said the group remains focused on honoring the Doha Declaration, including a ceasefire and prisoner releases.

The conflict in eastern Congo escalated earlier this year when M23 forces captured the key cities of Goma and Bukavu for the first time in over a decade. The group has since solidified its control by appointing loyalists and occupying numerous towns in North and South Kivu provinces.

The proposed deal follows a US- and Qatari-led effort that saw Congo and Rwanda sign a preliminary agreement in Washington last month. Both the Congolese government and M23 have accused each other of ceasefire violations in recent days.

The conflict has displaced over 7 million people and remains one of the world’s most complex and severe humanitarian crises, according to the United Nations.

 

NATO Chiefs Hold Virtual Meeting as Ukraine Seeks Security Guarantees

NATO’s 32 defense chiefs held a virtual meeting Wednesday to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine as part of a broader US-led diplomatic effort to end Russia’s war.

Italian Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone chaired the session, with participation from NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe Gen. Alexus Grynkewich and US Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine.

The talks followed meetings in Washington between Caine and European military leaders to explore military options for political leaders.

A coalition of 30 countries, including European allies, Japan, and Australia, supports establishing a Ukraine-focused security force.

Military planners are determining how the force would operate, though President Trump ruled out deploying US troops.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed the need for strong guarantees after Russian missile and drone attacks hit six regions overnight, injuring 15 people and targeting civilian and energy infrastructure.

“We need strong security guarantees to ensure a truly secure and lasting peace,” Zelenskyy posted on Telegram.

Russia condemned the security talks excluding Moscow. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned against resolving collective security without Russian involvement and said Russia would protect its interests “firmly and harshly.”

Trump is attempting to broker a deal between Putin and Zelenskyy. He confirmed plans for a direct summit but offered no date or location.

Geneva is a possible venue, backed by French President Emmanuel Macron. Switzerland has offered to host and is reportedly seeking an International Criminal Court exemption to allow Putin’s entry, given his international arrest warrant over the alleged abduction of Ukrainian children.

Russia has signaled it is open to talks but continues attacking Ukrainian territory, leading Kyiv and its allies to accuse Moscow of stalling peace negotiations while attempting to gain more ground.

 

Poland Says Russian Drone Caused Explosion in Eastern Cornfield, Calls It a Provocation

Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed Wednesday that a Russian drone crashed and exploded in a cornfield near the village of Osiny, calling it a deliberate provocation by Russia.

The incident occurred around 2 a.m. local time and caused minor property damage but no injuries. Investigators recovered burned metal and plastic debris at the site.

Kosiniak-Kamysz accused Russia of escalating tensions during ongoing Ukraine peace talks, stating, “Russia is provoking us once again.” He linked the incident to attempts to disrupt the diplomatic momentum toward ending the war.

Poland’s Armed Forces reported no airspace violations from Ukraine or Belarus overnight. Initial speculation pointed to engine debris, but the defense ministry later confirmed it was a drone. Civilian and military investigators are analyzing the site.

This marks another intrusion into Polish territory since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began over three years ago, adding to NATO’s concerns over regional security.

 

Belarus and Iran Sign Defense and Strategic Cooperation Agreements

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed 13 bilateral agreements in Minsk on Wednesday, strengthening ties in defense, industry, tourism, science, and education.

Both leaders framed the deals as a response to Western sanctions, with Pezeshkian pledging to help Belarus “neutralize” economic restrictions using Iran’s long-standing experience in sanctions evasion.

The agreements include plans for military-technical cooperation, though details remain undisclosed.

Lukashenko emphasized Belarus’ willingness to support Iran across sectors, including food supply and defense, and described Pezeshkian as a “friend.”

The two nations also agreed to begin drafting a strategic partnership treaty.

Belarus and Iran maintain close ties with Russia. Lukashenko allowed Russian forces to use Belarus as a launchpad for the Ukraine invasion and hosts Russian tactical nuclear weapons. Iran, which has supplied Russia with drones used in Ukraine, signed a separate strategic cooperation treaty with Moscow in January.

Pezeshkian’s visit had been delayed due to US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Lukashenko condemned the strikes and voiced support for Iran’s right to pursue peaceful nuclear energy.

 

German Foreign Minister Calls for Gaza Ceasefire, Strengthens Economic Ties with Indonesia

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul urged an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas following a meeting Wednesday with Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono in Jakarta.

Both officials emphasized the urgency of resolving the humanitarian crisis and reiterated support for a negotiated two-state solution.

Wadephul acknowledged Germany’s close ties with Israel while calling on the country to take further steps to ease suffering in Gaza. He also noted a rare opportunity for regional diplomacy, stating that many neighboring nations are contributing to potential peace efforts.

Indonesia, a vocal supporter of Palestine and a non-recognizer of Israel, used the meeting to address broader geopolitical and trade concerns. Both sides discussed efforts to counter rising global trade barriers and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening economic ties.

Germany remains Indonesia’s top European trading partner, with $6.15 billion in trade last year and $343 million invested in 2024. Negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement are expected to conclude by 2026.

Germany has also pledged $1.8 billion toward Indonesia’s clean energy transition.

The talks occurred during Wadephul’s five-day trip to Indonesia and Japan, amid rising global tariffs from the Trump administration, including new duties on Indonesia and the European Union.

Wadephul also praised Indonesia’s regional diplomatic role, including mediation in the July conflict between Thailand and Cambodia.

 

Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan Pledge Stronger Anti-Terrorism and Economic Cooperation in Kabul Talks

Top diplomats from Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan met Wednesday in Kabul and committed to enhanced cooperation on counterterrorism and regional development.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said the trilateral meeting focused on strengthening ties in trade, transit, health, education, and combating drug trafficking.

The parties also reaffirmed their plan to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan. The corridor, which links China’s Xinjiang region to Pakistan’s Gwadar port, is expected to boost investment and improve trade access to Central Asia. Pakistan hopes the extension will support its struggling economy.

Participants included Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and senior Taliban officials.

The Taliban-hosted summit follows Russia’s recent recognition of the Taliban government, though most countries, including China and Pakistan, have yet to grant formal recognition.

This was the latest round of trilateral dialogue, following a May meeting in Beijing.

Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry had earlier announced the Kabul session would address a broad agenda of political and regional cooperation.

 

Sources: News Agencies