international Affairs -

Precision Raids: Modern Warfare’s Sharp Edge

Localized military raids have increasingly become a tactical method for nations involved in conflicts, allowing them to engage their opponents in a focused and controlled manner. These raids involve small-scale, precise military operations aimed at achieving specific objectives rather than large, sweeping campaigns. While many view large-scale invasions as the primary form of military engagement, localized raids can be far more effective in certain situations. By minimizing collateral damage and focusing efforts on key targets, they provide governments and military forces with the ability to maintain control while minimizing the likelihood of civilian casualties and widespread destruction.

This article explains in detail the concept of localized raids, the reasons behind their increasing use, the strategic advantages they offer, and their impact on the broader geopolitical landscape.

What Are Localized Raids?

A localized raid is a small-scale, carefully planned military operation aimed at a specific target. These targets can range from enemy military installations, command centers, or specific personnel. Unlike full-scale military operations, which aim to dominate entire regions or countries, localized raids focus on disrupting main operations, gathering intelligence, or destroying high-value targets.

Localized raids are surgical in nature. They are often carried out by specialized military units trained in precision operations. These raids can last from a few hours to a few days, depending on the objective. They are usually part of a broader strategy, acting as stepping stones to more extensive operations or as independent actions to weaken the enemy without committing to prolonged conflict.

Why are localized raids being used more frequently?

Several factors explain the growing reliance on localized raids by military forces around the world.

Precision and technology: Modern warfare has been shaped by advances in technology, allowing for precise targeting and reduced collateral damage. Satellite imagery, drones, and other surveillance technologies enable real-time data collection, improving the accuracy of raids. This precision ensures that military forces can target specific sites or individuals with minimal risk to civilians.
Minimizing casualties and damage: Localized raids are often mounted in densely populated areas or sensitive regions, where a large-scale invasion could cause significant civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. By focusing on specific targets, military forces can achieve their objectives while minimizing damage to nearby populations. This not only protects civilian lives, but also helps maintain international support and avoid negative public opinion.
Avoiding prolonged conflict: Full-scale military operations often result in long, drawn-out conflicts that can drain resources and damage a nation’s reputation on the world stage. Localized raids allow nations to attack their enemies without becoming embroiled in protracted wars. This can be particularly useful in conflicts where the political or human costs of a large-scale invasion are deemed too high.
Strategic disruption: In some cases, the purpose of localized raids is not to capture territory but to disrupt enemy operations. Attacking command centers, supply lines or key personnel can destabilize enemy forces, weakening their fighting ability. This can be an effective way to slow an adversary’s advance without committing to a full-blown confrontation.
Special operations forces: The rise of elite military units such as the Navy SEALs, SAS or Spetsnaz has also contributed to the popularity of localized raids. These highly trained soldiers are experts in conducting precise, high-risk operations. Their expertise makes localized raids an attractive option for governments seeking to achieve specific military objectives with minimal risk.

Benefits of localized raids Localized raids offer several benefits that make them a preferred tactic in some conflicts.

Control over escalation: By engaging in localized raids, military forces can exert greater control over the escalation of a conflict. In large-scale wars, it is easy for the situation to spiral out of control, involving more combatants and increasing the risk of widespread destruction. On the other hand, localized raids allow nations to attack strategically while avoiding full-blown conflict.
Adaptability: These raids are highly adaptable, making them suitable for a variety of situations. Whether the objective is to gather intelligence, eliminate a key individual, or destroy a strategic asset, localized raids can be tailored to meet specific goals. This adaptability ensures that the military can react quickly to changing conditions on the ground.
Psychological impact:
A successful localized raid can have a significant psychological effect on the enemy. The ability to attack without warning, breach enemy defenses, and retreat quickly can create an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. This can undermine morale among enemy forces and potentially lead to internal divisions or collapse.
Lower cost:
Compared to full-scale invasions, localized raids are much less expensive. They require fewer troops, less equipment, and less logistical support. This makes them a cost-effective option for countries that want to confront their opponents without expending huge amounts of resources.
Political and diplomatic flexibility:
Localized raids offer governments greater flexibility in terms of political and diplomatic considerations. They allow leaders to take military action without committing to long-term involvement, which can be politically beneficial. Additionally, the limited nature of these operations often makes them more palatable to international allies and less likely to provoke widespread condemnation.
Localized raids and international law
Localized raids raise important questions in terms of international law. While all military actions are subject to scrutiny under international law, localized raids often reside in a gray area. On the one hand, they may be justified as necessary actions to protect national security or prevent harm to the civilian population. On the other hand, they may be seen as a violation of sovereignty, especially if carried out without the consent of the targeted country. In recent years, there has been growing debate about the legality of such raids, particularly when they use drones or other unmanned vehicles. In some cases, the international community has condemned raids that are considered unlawful or unjustified, while in others, the raids have been viewed as legitimate forms of self-defense. Ultimately, the legality of localized raids depends on the specific circumstances of each case. When carried out in accordance with international law, they can be an effective way to achieve military objectives while minimizing harm. However, if carried out illegally, they can create diplomatic tensions and weaken a country’s position on the global stage. Effects on civilians
Although localized raids are designed to minimize civilian casualties, they can still have a profound effect on local populations. Civilians living in areas targeted by raids often face significant disruptions to their daily lives. They may be forced to evacuate their homes, deal with damage to infrastructure, or deal with the psychological trauma of living in a war zone.
Governments and military forces engaged in localized raids must take steps to protect civilians and minimize the impact of their operations. This may include providing advance warning of raids, establishing safe zones, or providing compensation for losses. Ensuring that civilians are safe is essential not only from a humanitarian perspective but also to maintain public support and avoid international criticism.
Case Studies: Localized Raids in Recent Conflicts
Localized raids have been used in a number of recent conflicts, providing valuable lessons about their effectiveness and limitations.
Israel and Hezbollah:
In recent years, Israel has used localized raids to target Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. These raids are part of Israel’s broader strategy to disrupt Hezbollah’s operations and prevent the group from gaining a foothold on its northern border. By targeting specific military sites and personnel, Israel aims to weaken Hezbollah without launching a full-scale invasion. While these raids have been effective in disrupting Hezbollah’s activities, they have also increased tensions between Israel and Lebanon.
US Raids Against ISIS:
The United States has relied heavily on localized raids to combat ISIS in the Middle East. Special operations forces have conducted a number of missions to capture or kill key ISIS leaders, gather intelligence, and destroy strategic assets. These raids have played a key role in dismantling ISIS’s leadership structure and weakening the group’s ability to coordinate large-scale attacks.
Russia’s Strategy in Ukraine:
Throughout the conflict in Ukraine, Russia has used localized raids to disrupt Ukrainian military operations and gather intelligence. These raids have been carried out by elite Russian units by targeting Ukrainian command centers and supply lines. While these raids have been effective in slowing Ukraine’s military advances, they have also drawn international condemnation and increased tensions with NATO.
Conclusion: The Future of Localized Raids
As military technology continues to develop, localized raids will become an even more common tactic in future conflicts. Their ability to achieve strategic objectives without the need for prolonged conflict or large-scale invasion makes them an attractive tactic.

“UK Boosts Support for Ukraine with 650 Additional Missiles”

In a significant boost to military aid, the UK has announced that it will send an additional 650 short-range missiles to Ukraine. This new package of aid is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Ukraine’s security against the ongoing Russian aggression. The announcement comes at a time when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made a strong appeal for more international assistance at a crucial defence summit held at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.

A Crucial Appeal for Support
At the Ramstein Summit, President Zelenskyy stressed the urgency of the situation in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, urging allies to step up their support. With Russian forces intensifying their operations, Zelenskyy’s appeal highlights the critical need for continued military assistance to repel the advancing troops. His call for additional assistance underlines the challenging conditions faced by Ukrainian forces on the ground.

UK commitment to Ukraine
UK Defence Secretary John Healey is set to unveil a £162 million package, which includes the provision of additional Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LLM). Healey said this new aid package represents a significant boost to Ukraine’s air defence and reflects the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression.

“This new package will provide a significant boost to Ukraine’s air defence, and it shows that the UK is stepping up its support at these critical times,” Healey stressed.

The reality of military aid

Despite the substantial aid, there are concerns about the adequacy of the support. Prof Michael Clarke, former director-general of the Royal United Services Institute, warned that new supplies could run out quickly given the rapid pace of the conflict. He highlighted that Ukraine needs “more of everything” due to the Russian military’s continuous and heavy bombardment.

In addition to the new missile supplies, the UK has pledged £12.7 billion to Ukraine since the start of Russia’s invasion in February 2022, with £7.6 billion allocated specifically for military aid. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged continued support, promising £3 billion annually for as long as needed.

Impact of recent attacks
The urgency of the new aid package is underlined by recent events, including a devastating Russian missile attack on the city of Poltava, resulting in at least 51 casualties. The attack has intensified calls for more robust international support to help Ukraine defend itself and mitigate the impact of ongoing attacks.

Call for long-range capabilities
During the summit, President Zelensky also called on Western allies to authorise the use of long-range missiles for strikes within Russia. He argued that such capabilities are essential to end the conflict and put pressure on Russian forces. Zelensky’s request highlights a wider debate about the limits of military assistance and the strategic implications of providing long-range weapons.

The UK has previously confirmed that weapons provided to Ukraine are for self-defence within its internationally recognised borders. However, recent developments, including Kiev’s cross-border incursions, have raised questions about the scope of the permissible use of such weapons.

The role of international allies
Ukraine’s biggest supporter, the United States, has also committed additional assistance, including $250 million (£189.9 million) in military aid. The move aligns with the wider international effort to support Ukraine’s defence and underlines the global commitment to counter Russian aggression.

The wider context
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is part of a larger geopolitical conflict, which has significant implications for international security and stability. The support from the UK and other allies is not only a response to immediate military needs, but also a strategic effort to address wider geopolitical concerns.

The UK’s decision to send additional missiles is an important step in strengthening Ukraine’s security and signalling continued international support. However, the situation is still fluid, and the effectiveness of this assistance will depend on a variety of factors, including the ability to sustain support and adapt to the evolving dynamics of the conflict.

Conclusion
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, the international community’s response will play a key role in shaping the outcome. The UK’s additional missile supplies represent a significant contribution to Ukraine’s defence efforts, but they also highlight the ongoing challenges and complexities of supporting a nation engaged in a long and intense conflict. The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining the effectiveness of this support and the broader impact on the geopolitical landscape.

The Spy Who Betrayed Russian Dissidents in Europe”

In early August 2024, a scene unfolded at Moscow Airport that was reminiscent of the Cold War. A group of Russian agents, hackers and even a hitman from Russia’s notorious FSB intelligence service stepped off the plane and onto the red carpet. There to greet them was none other than President Vladimir Putin himself, who warmly thanked the men for their loyal service to their country. Among the group was a man who, to those who know him in the West, was simply Pablo Gonzalez, a 42-year-old journalist from Spain’s Basque region. Pablo, with his black beard and shaved head shining in the airport lights, smiled as he shook Putin’s hand. His simple outfit – a Star Wars T-shirt emblazoned with the words “Your Empire Needs You” – was a stark contrast to the formal atmosphere. But this was no ordinary homecoming.

The Russians released in last month’s prisoner exchange we personally met by Vladimir Putin at Moscow airport

Pablo Gonzalez was no ordinary journalist. His real name was Pavel Rubtsov and his true allegiance was to Russia. For many years, Pablo Gonzalez was known in Europe as a freelance journalist writing for Spanish-language outlets. He reported on the conflicts in Nagorno-Karabakh and Ukraine and even joined a media trip to Syria organized by Russia’s Defense Ministry. To many, he was just another reporter navigating the turbulent world of international news. But behind this appearance lay a much darker truth. Pablo had been living in Warsaw for at least three years before his arrest, where he was staying with his Polish girlfriend. His work as a journalist allowed him to mingle among Russian dissidents and activists in Europe, some of whom were deeply suspicious of him long before his arrest. One of these was Zhanna Nemtsova, the daughter of Boris Nemtsov, a prominent Putin critic who was murdered near the Kremlin in 2015.

Zhanna Nemtsova left Russia after her father’s assassination in 2015

Zhanna first met Pablo in 2016 at an event held in Strasbourg to mark the investigation into her father’s murder. Pablo had approached her for an interview, but she declined. Over time, however, he became a familiar face in her world, attending events, doing interviews and mingling with people close to her. Zhanna admits she felt uncomfortable around him. “I first had my suspicions in 2019. It just dawned on me,” she recalls. Despite her doubts, others around her dismissed her concerns as paranoia. But Zhanna was convinced she was right. Pablo Gonzalez’s double life began to unravel in February 2022,

when he was arrested in Przemysl, eastern Poland, where he was covering the early days of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Polish authorities accused him of espionage, a charge that eventually led to his inclusion in a prisoner swap that brought him back to Russia. For more than two years, Pablo was held in a Polish prison, where his trial was ongoing. The details of his case were cloaked in secrecy, with Polish prosecutors refusing to provide further information. But behind the scenes, an investigation was uncovering the extent of his activities. When Polish investigators searched Pablo’s belongings, they found detailed reports on the activities and contacts of various individuals he had come into contact with over the past several years. These reports included profiles of Russian opposition activists, such as Zhanna Nemtsova, and others in her circle, as well as details of a Polish citizen and students at a journalism summer school run by Nemtsova. Investigators also found emails copied from a laptop borrowed by Pablo,

which indicate he was collecting intelligence on those around him. One report focused on a Russian Defense Ministry press trip to Syria that Pablo attended. The report mainly criticized the ministry’s poor organization, but its existence further implicated Pablo in espionage activities. Although some reports were described as “useless” and filled with publicly available information, others contained questions from a superior, suggesting that their purpose was to gather actionable intelligence for Russia’s military. Zhanna Nemtsova’s suspicions were confirmed when she was shown evidence of Pablo’s spying as part of the criminal investigation. “I have no doubt that he was a spy. I’m 100% sure,” she says. Her trust, already fragile, shattered when she discovered how deeply Pablo had infiltrated her world. He had not only attended her events, but also won the trust of her friends and colleagues, some of whom considered him a close associate. Vadim Prokhorov, the Nemtsov family lawyer, recalls another detail about Pablo that, looking back, should have raised alarms. “He drank like a Russian. He could hold his drink without spilling. We should have suspected him at that time!”

“Zelensky Sacks Ukrainian Air Force Commander Amid F-16 Jet Controversy”

KYIV, Ukraine — In a dramatic development in Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has removed Lt. Gen. Mykola Oleshchuk from his position as commander of the Ukrainian Air Force. The decision comes in the wake of the recent crash of one of the country’s newly acquired F-16 fighter jets, an incident that has sparked significant debate and controversy. On Monday, President Zelenskyy made the unexpected announcement of Lt. Gen. Oleshchuk’s dismissal. The move was shrouded in mystery, as Zelenskyy refrained from revealing the specific reasons behind the decision. In his brief statement, the president emphasized the need to “take care of all our warriors” and suggested the leadership change was part of an effort to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities during a critical period. The timing of the decision is particularly notable given the recent incident involving an F-16 jet. The plane, one of several delivered by Ukraine’s

Western allies earlier this month, crashed during a barrage of Russian missiles. Tragically, the pilot of the jet was killed in the incident. The downing of the F-16 has sparked intense discussion and disagreement within Ukraine. Initial reports suggested that the crash may have been caused by enemy action, but Ukrainian officials have clarified that the incident was not directly caused by a Russian attack. The circumstances surrounding the crash have sparked heated debate among Ukrainian politicians and military officials. Lt. Gen. Oleshchuk found himself at the center of this controversy, as he clashed with various political figures over the cause of the crash. The debate intensified when Ukrainian politician Marianna Bezuhla, a member of the parliamentary defense committee, suggested that the jet may have been shot down by Ukraine’s own Patriot air defense system. This claim was vehemently denied by Oleshchuk, who insisted that investigations were ongoing and accused Bezuhla of undermining the military’s

credibility. In response to the growing pressure, President Zelenskyy’s decision to replace Lt. Gen. Oleshchuk with Lt. Gen. Anatoliy Krivonozhko was swift and decisive. Lt. Gen. Krivonozhko, who previously led Central Air Command operations, now faces the task of running the Ukrainian Air Force during a challenging period marked by rising tensions and ongoing conflict. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the country has been embroiled in a brutal and protracted conflict. Russia has seized significant portions of territory in eastern Ukraine, and in recent months, the situation has been further complicated by Ukraine’s unexpected incursions into Russian territory, including a surprise operation in Russia’s Kursk region. In response to these aggressive moves, Russia has escalated its attacks across Ukraine. The latest reports indicate that more than 400 drones and missiles have been fired at Ukraine over the past week. The intensity of these attacks has led to tragic losses, including the recent death of a 14-year-old girl in Kharkiv who was killed when a Russian guided bomb fell on a playground. Additionally, a 12-story residential building in Kharkiv was attacked, killing at least six people and injuring 59. The Role of Western Support and the F-16 Controversy The acquisition of F-16 fighter jets

from Western allies has been a significant development for Ukraine’s defense capabilities. From August 2023, around 65 F-16 aircraft have been promised by NATO countries, a move authorized by US President Joe Biden. These jets represent a significant boost to Ukraine’s aerial combat capabilities, and their deployment has been greeted with considerable anticipation. However, the crash of one of these jets has cast doubts over their deployment. The loss has sparked widespread debate about the effectiveness of Ukraine’s air defense systems and the challenges the military faces in integrating advanced Western technology into its operations. President Zelensky’s decision to dismiss Lt. Gen. Oleshchuk reflects the broader context of the rapidly evolving military situation in Ukraine. The leadership change is part of a larger effort to address challenges and setbacks in the ongoing conflict. The recent change in Ukraine’s military leadership is not an isolated event. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, President Zelensky has made several notable changes to the military command. In February 2023, Zelensky dismissed Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Valeriy Zaluzhny amid criticism over military performance and strategy. In June 2023, Lt. Gen. Yuri Sodol was also removed from his position after public criticism of high casualty rates and allegations of incompetence.