Morning Brief: Naval Academy Lockdown Ends After Threat, Gulf Leaders Unite Against Israel After Strike in Qatar

· Guy D. McCardle

Damaged building in Doha following an Israeli strike. (Image grab via X)

It’s Friday, September 12, 2025 — the Navy shakes up its ranks, Brazil sends Bolsonaro to prison, Gulf states turn on Israel, and the UN scrambles after Russian drones breach Poland. Here’s what you need to know.

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US Navy Relieves USS Santa Barbara Blue Crew Commander Over Loss of Confidence

The US Navy has removed Commander Adam Ochs from command of the Blue Crew of USS Santa Barbara (LCS-32) due to a loss of confidence in his ability to lead, US Naval Forces Central Command announced.

Officials said the decision was not related to misconduct.

Executive Officer Commander Jeff Steiner has assumed temporary command, and Gold Crew Commander Linzy Lewis will take over on September 12.

The ship remains on deployment in the US 5th Fleet based in Bahrain, and its mission and schedule are unaffected.

Ochs, who took command in November 2023, has been reassigned to Commander, Naval Surface Group Southwest.

 

Naval Academy Lockdown Ends After Threat, One Injured During Building Sweep

The US Naval Academy went into lockdown Thursday after threats and reports of suspicious activity prompted a security response.

Naval Security Forces cleared buildings on campus, during which one person was injured and later medically evacuated by helicopter. Officials confirmed the individual, reportedly a midshipman, is in stable condition.

Authorities lifted the lockdown after determining there was no active shooter threat.

The incident began at 5:07 p.m. local time and the academy confirmed the injury and lack of active threat around 9 p.m.

 

California Firm Wins $181 Million Contract for Guam Missile Defense Site

Tutor Perini Corp. of Los Angeles and its Guam subsidiary, Black Construction Inc., recently received a $181.1 million contract to build a self-powered missile defense site on Guam as part of the Missile Defense Agency’s $8 billion Enhanced Integrated Air and Missile Defense system.

The project, aimed at countering potential missile threats from China and North Korea, will begin construction in early 2026 and could reach $193.2 million with options.

The Guam Defense System will ultimately include 36 launchers, 23 communication towers, and 14 radar systems across 16 sites under the Pacific Deterrence Initiative.

The Pentagon has requested over $10 billion for the initiative in its 2026 budget to strengthen US forces in the Western Pacific.

 

Brazil’s Supreme Court Sentences Bolsonaro to 27 Years for Attempted Coup

A panel of Brazilian Supreme Court justices sentenced former president Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years and three months in prison for attempting a coup to remain in power after losing the 2022 election. He was convicted on five counts, including leading an armed criminal organization and attempting to abolish democratic rule by force.

Bolsonaro, who denies wrongdoing, remains under house arrest in Brasília and plans to appeal.

Co-conspirators, including former defense minister Braga Netto, received sentences ranging from 2 to 26 years.

The US government condemned the ruling, with President Donald Trump calling it a “witch hunt” and warning of possible retaliation.

The decision, which cannot take effect until the ruling is published and appeals are resolved, marks the first time a former Brazilian president has been convicted of attempting a coup and has further polarized the country’s political landscape.

 

Kidnappings of Aid Workers Surge in South Sudan Amid Rising Violence

The number of aid workers kidnapped in South Sudan has more than doubled this year, with over 30 abducted compared to fewer than 15 in all of 2024, according to humanitarian officials.

Several hostages were released after ransom payments, but one, local aid worker James Unguba, died in captivity this month.

Analysts say the rise of kidnappings for ransom marks a new and alarming trend in a country already deemed one of the world’s most dangerous for aid workers.

The surge comes as fighting between government forces and opposition groups intensifies, disrupting life-saving humanitarian operations in conflict-hit areas. Aid groups, including Doctors Without Borders, have suspended some activities, warning they cannot operate in unsafe conditions.

Armed groups seeking profit amid economic collapse are suspected, though no single faction has claimed responsibility.

 

Gulf Leaders Unite Against Israel After Strike in Qatar, Straining US Ties

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar have condemned Israel’s strike in Doha that killed Hamas figures and a Qatari security officer, calling it a violation of international law and an attack on Gulf security.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged a joint Arab and international response, while UAE leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed visited Qatar in a rare show of unity.

The backlash has raised fears among Gulf rulers that the US may no longer guarantee their security, threatening Trump’s regional goals like ending the Gaza war, expanding the Abraham Accords, and countering China and Russia.

Trump has distanced himself from the strike but reaffirmed US support for Israel, while Netanyahu warned he would target Qatar again if it keeps hosting Hamas.

The uproar has strained Israel-UAE ties, further dimmed prospects for Saudi-Israel normalization, and cast doubt on future US-brokered deals in the region.

 

Italy Warns Israel to Respect Rights of Activists After Flotilla Boats Attacked

Italy has urged Israel to respect the rights of 58 Italian citizens, including lawmakers, taking part in a flotilla aiming to break the Gaza blockade after two support vessels were attacked with incendiary devices in Tunisian waters.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Italy is monitoring the flotilla and providing diplomatic support, and has raised the issue directly with Israeli officials.

The attacks targeted the British-flagged Alma and Portuguese-flagged Family, both carrying prominent activists including Greta Thunberg and former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau. No injuries were reported, and Tunisia has launched an investigation.

Activists suspect Israeli involvement, though Israel has not commented.

About 600 people from Italy, Greece, and Spain are participating in the mission.

 

UN to Meet After Russian Drones Enter Polish Airspace, Triggering NATO Response

The United Nations Security Council will convene Friday to address Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace that prompted Poland to shoot them down with NATO support.

Polish officials said 16 drones were downed overnight Wednesday, marking the first known time NATO forces fired during Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Poland has banned drone flights and restricted small aircraft along its eastern borders with Belarus and Ukraine until December 9. Germany, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic pledged to boost NATO defenses in Poland, while European leaders pushed for new sanctions on Russia.

Moscow denied intentionally targeting Poland, but Polish President Karol Nawrocki called the incident a test of NATO’s resolve as Poland continues serving as a key logistics hub for aid to Ukraine.

 

Sources: News Agencies