INTERNACIONAL
Iran’s killer drones increase slaughter in Sudan amid world’s forgotten war
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Iran is once again being accused of playing a deadly role in yet another conflict, this time by supplying attack drones to one of the sides in the predominantly Muslim nation of Sudan’s deadly civil war — drones that are indiscriminately killing women and children.
The war, now in its fourth year, has, according to some accounts, seen as many as 400,000 deaths since the conflict began on April 15, 2023. More than 11 million have been displaced, giving rise to the worst displacement crisis in the world.
Mariam Wahba, research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) told Fox News Digital that, «Iran has supplied the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) with drones, specifically the Mohajer-6, manufactured by Qods Aviation Industries, a U.S.-sanctioned entity, since 2013.»
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The «Mohajer 6» drone is displayed during Iran’s defense industry achievements exhibition, on August 23, 2023 in Tehran. (Atta Kenare/AFP via Getty Images)
The State Department has hit out against the use of drones against civilians in the ongoing war in Sudan, with the SAF alleged to use Iranian drones widely against the population. An Iranian woman is also in federal custody in California after being arrested earlier this month for an alleged plot to supply Sudan with more Iranian drones.
Documented cases show both the SAF and the rebel militia they are fighting, the Rapid Support Forces, (RSF), are increasingly using drones against civilians.
Wahba said that «between Dec. 2023 and July 2024, at least seven cargo flights traveled between Iran and Sudan, likely transporting drones and component parts. On April 19, an Iranian-born U.S. resident was arrested at LAX (Los Angeles International airport) for allegedly brokering a $70 million deal to supply Mohajer-6 systems and other hardware to Sudan’s Ministry of Defense, indicating the transfers are likely ongoing.»
A State Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital, «We are greatly concerned about the proliferation of drone warfare by the parties (in Sudan), and the impact this has on civilians and civilian infrastructure. Recently we have seen RSF and SAF drones destroy hospitals and schools, killing civilians.»
FEDS ARREST IRANIAN WOMAN AT LAX FOR ALLEGEDLY BROKERING WEAPONS SALES FOR ISLAMIC REGIME
Patients with their malnourished children at the nutrition ward of the Pediatric Center of the Port Sudan Children’s Teaching Hospital, in Port Sudan, Sudan, on Monday, Oct. 328, 2024. Millions of dollars worth of weapons, fuel and drones flowing through Port Sudan have given the country’s army the upper hand in the world’s deadliest war, as Tehran and Moscow jockey for military bases on the Red Sea. (Eduardo Soteras/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
News of the Iran drone plot in the U.S. was first announced by Bill Essayli, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, in a post on X, April 19, «Shamim Mafi, 44, of Woodland Hills, was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport for trafficking arms on behalf of the government of Iran. She is charged with a violation of 50 U.S.C. § 1705 for brokering the sale of drones, bombs, bomb fuses, and millions of rounds of ammunition manufactured by Iran and sold to Sudan.»
The post was accompanied by photos of Iranian drones, and an image of what looked like a suitcase stuffed with dollar bills.
Ciaran McEvoy from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California told Fox News Digital that Mafi «remains in federal custody and her arraignment is scheduled for Friday, May 8 in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles.»
ANOTHER CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY AT RISK IN AFRICA AS EXTREMISTS AND WAR TAKE THEIR TOLL
Wahba told Fox News Digital that the Mohajer-6 drone Iran is supplying to Sudan is «Iran’s workhorse drone», adding it’s the system used in attacks on Israel and the Red Sea by Hezbollah and the Houthis.
«The Mohajer-6 is a reusable platform used for surveillance and precision strikes,» Wahba added. It can loiter, collect intelligence and return.»
An Iranian navy special forces known as Takavaran stands guard near the Iranian Kharg replenishment ship docked in the Red Sea Sudanese town of Port Sudan on Oct. 31, 2012. The visit of two Iranian naval ships to Sudan reflects strong ties between the countries, (Ashraf Shazly/AFP via Getty Images)
The State Department told Fox News Digital of wider concerns: «Islamist groups aligned with the SAF have formed relationships with the Iranian regime and have received assistance from Iran. We’ve sanctioned a number of these groups, including the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood, who used unrestrained violence against civilians and undermined efforts to resolve the conflict in Sudan. Many of the group’s fighters have received training and other support from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and have committed atrocities against civilians.»
United Nations spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, condemned the recent drone attacks in Sudan. He told reporters: «An aid truck from the U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) that was carrying emergency shelter kits came under attack by a drone on Friday (April 24) while transiting through the town of Umm Drisaya in North Darfur state. All supplies were destroyed in the fire.»
Dujarric added: «The second incident occurred on Saturday (April 25) when a drone reportedly caused casualties in residential neighborhoods of El Obeid city, North Kordofan state. Seven people were killed and over 20 injured, according to a local medical group.»
Patients are pictured in one of the rooms of the Saudi hospital in Khartoum’s twin-city Omdurman on March 20, 2025 as most hospitals and schools no longer function in the Sudanese capital and its environs due to the ongoing war which broke out in April 2023. (Ebrahim Hamid / AFP via Getty Images)
«These are ordinary families in their homes, caught in violence that continues to reach civilian neighborhoods,» said Dujarric. «We condemn all of these attacks.»
Ricardo Pires, communication manager for the children’s agency UNICEF, told Fox News Digital: «For children in Sudan, the sound of a drone is yet another dreadful signal to hide and hope they are not harmed next. Across Darfur and Kordofan, drones and other explosive weapons are turning streets, hospitals and schools into places of danger and death. This is not just a protection threat for children. It is childhood being attacked by new forms of warfare.»
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The State Department spokesperson added, «In order to safeguard U.S. interests, to include the protection of religious freedom in Sudan, U.S. efforts seek to limit malign Islamist influence in Sudan’s government and curtail Iran’s regional activities, which have contributed to regional destabilization, conflict and civilian suffering.»
middle east, drones, refugees, iran, bombings
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Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche on Wednesday rejected California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s claims that the Justice Department is politically targeting him, saying the governor’s assertions are not «grounded in fact.»
Blanche responded to comments made by Newsom, who said last month that the Justice Department is investigating him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, under orders from President Donald Trump.
While Blanche declined to comment on any ongoing investigations, he dismissed the governor’s claims.
GAVIN NEWSOM CLAIMS TRUMP ORDERED DOJ PROBE TARGETING HIM AND HIS WIFE
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche rejected California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s claims that the Justice Department is politically targeting him, saying the governor’s assertions are not «grounded in fact.» (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images; Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
«The only thing I’ll say about what he chose to do and what he chose to say is, I’m not sure his words are in any way grounded in fact,» Blanche said during a news conference.
«He’d have to address that,» Blanche added.
Newsom claimed June 15 that Trump had directed the Justice Department to investigate him and his wife in an effort to undermine a potential White House campaign.
The California governor has described the investigation as a politically motivated «fishing expedition» by Trump’s DOJ, saying he and his wife have «nothing to hide.» Newsom has also argued the inquiry is aimed at him because he is considering a presidential run, saying, «To get me, he’s coming after my wife.»
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEWSOM-LINKED CHARITIES REPORTEDLY CAUGHT IN DOJ’S SIGHTS
President Donald Trump and Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Calif., have feuded throughout Trump’s second term so far. (AP Newsroom)
«Donald Trump isn’t just coming after me because of my mean Tweets. He’s coming after me because I am considering running for President,» Newsom said. «Because he hates that I’ve consistently called him out – over and over again – for his lies and deceit. Donald Trump is simply the most corrupt President in American history.»
Blanche also rejected Newsom’s broader characterization of the situation.
«He can choose to say whatever he thinks helps him,» Blanche said. «It doesn’t make it true.»
NEWSOM UNDER FIRE AS CALIFORNIA GAS TAX HIKE SENDS PUMP PRICES EVEN HIGHER
Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Award-Winning Filmmaker, Co-Founder of California Partners Project speaks on stage during the 2024 California Conference For Women at Santa Clara Convention Center on Feb. 29, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Marla Aufmuth/Getty Images for Conference for Women)
Sources previously told Fox News the investigation has been ongoing since 2025 and is based on whistleblower complaints related to Newsom and his wife’s personal finances. The matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Sacramento.
Federal sources confirmed to Fox News there are investigations involving Jennifer Siebel Newsom, but Fox News has not learned of any federal investigation directly targeting Gov. Newsom himself.
The Justice Department has not publicly confirmed any investigation involving Newsom or his wife.
Jennifer Siebel Newsom is a documentary filmmaker who runs The Representation Project, a nonprofit organization that seeks to advance feminism through media production. Fox News Digital previously reported the charity has faced «pay-for-play» allegations, with critics claiming corporations with business interests in California donated to the organization in an effort to gain influence with Newsom.
«There are clearly no boundaries to what Donald Trump will do to get his way or to challenge those who get in his way. This is not presidential behavior, and the Governor and I will continue to speak truth to power because the American people deserve so much more,» Jennifer Siebel Newsom said in a previous statement to Fox News.
Following Blanche’s remarks Wednesday, the governor’s office posted a meme on social media with the caption, «Why you always lyin.»
The governor’s press office also wrote, «Trump goons know that it’s not a crime to lie to a reporter.»
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California Gov. Gavin Newsom has described the Justice Department’s alleged investigation as a politically motivated «fishing expedition.» (Carlin Stiehl/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Fox News Digital has reached out to Newsom’s office for additional comment.
Fox News Digital’s Bonny Chu and Robert Schmad contributed to this report.
attorney general, gavin newsom, justice department, controversies state and local, politics
INTERNACIONAL
Zelensky repudió el ataque ruso contra Kiev e insistió en que reforzar la defensa aérea es una prioridad absoluta para Ucrania
El presidente de Ucrania, Volodimir Zelensky, informó que al menos 13 personas murieron y más de 90 resultaron heridas tras un ataque ruso contra Kiev, que además causó daños en más de 20 puntos de la capital, principalmente en edificios residenciales.
Según el mandatario, Rusia lanzó durante la noche “más de 70 misiles de varios tipos contra Ucrania, casi la mitad de ellos balísticos, junto con casi 500 drones de ataque, incluidos ‘shaheds’ impulsados por chorro”. Agregó que “el golpe principal fue dirigido a Kiev” y que las defensas antiaéreas lograron interceptar “un número significativo de los objetivos entrantes, pero no todos”.
Zelensky insistió en la necesidad urgente de reforzar la defensa aérea del país. «Los suministros de defensa aérea para Ucrania son una prioridad absoluta y crítica. Las contribuciones al programa PURL siguen siendo esenciales: ayudan directamente a salvar vidas“, afirmó.
Además, sostuvo que “cada acuerdo bilateral que alcanzamos con nuestros socios en materia de defensa aérea realmente marca la diferencia” y agradeció el apoyo de los países aliados.
El mandatario indicó que las tareas de rescate continuaban en Kiev, donde los equipos de emergencia retiraban escombros, buscaban sobrevivientes y asistían a los afectados. “Se ha reportado daño en más de 20 sitios en toda la ciudad, la mayoría de ellos edificios residenciales comunes. También hubo daños en una estación de ambulancias, un instituto de investigación, un hotel y negocios”, señaló.
Zelensky precisó además que cinco personas resultaron heridas en la región de Kharkiv, entre ellas una menor de edad, mientras que otras dos sufrieron lesiones en la región de Kiev, donde también se registraron daños en infraestructura civil. Asimismo, indicó que durante la noche las fuerzas rusas atacaron las regiones de Sumy, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia y Cherkasy.
El presidente ucraniano destacó la importancia de avanzar en acuerdos para fortalecer las capacidades antibalísticas y reiteró su expectativa de que Estados Unidos autorice licencias para sistemas Patriot y otras iniciativas de cooperación en materia de defensa. “Estos son los tipos de pasos que pueden detener esta guerra y prevenir ataques como este. Agradezco a todos los que están con Ucrania, con nuestra gente y con nuestros esfuerzos para proteger la vida”, concluyó en su mensaje en X.
Ante este escenario, el alcalde de la capital, Vitali Klitschko, afirmó que Kiev sufrió el mayor ataque de las fuerzas rusas desde el inicio de la invasión y agregó: “Mañana, 3 de julio, queda declarado como día de luto en Kiev, en memoria de las víctimas del ataque más masivo del enemigo contra la capital”.
Por su parte, el Ministerio de Defensa de Rusia informó que lanzó un ataque nocturno contra objetivos militares en Kiev. De acuerdo con la versión la cartera, la planta Radioniks, que elabora “sistemas de navegación para misiles de crucero de emplazamiento terrestres de largo alcance Flamingo, misiles tácticos Fire Point 7 y 9, misiles Neptune-MD y misiles tierra-aire del Proyecto Clone”, fue bombardeada. El comunicado oficial señala que “las producciones de la fábrica influyen directamente en la capacidad de combate de la Fuerza Aérea Ucraniana y en sus defensas antiaéreas”.
El reporte militar también indicó daños en la planta de montaje ATLON AVIA, donde se producen los drones de largo alcance An-196 Liuti y los drones de asalto Magura UA, así como otros modelos de vehículos aéreos no tripulados. Entre los objetivos señalados figuran las fábricas Kievski Radiozavod y Trimen Ukraina, especializadas en sistemas de colimado y ópticos de puntería para tanques y blindados, además de piezas para múltiples tipos de drones espías y de ataque.
La empresa Kiev-25 del grupo PV group Ukraina, encargada de sistemas de lucha radioelectrónica Lima, también resultó alcanzada según el ministerio ruso. Además, el ataque incluyó la planta de ensamblaje aeronáutica Antonov, dedicada al diseño y producción de drones como el An-196 Liuti.
Tras el informe ruso y los detalles dados por el jefe de Estado ucraniano, la alta representante de la Unión Europea para Asuntos Exteriores, Kaja Kallas, anunció que el jueves se propondrán nuevas sanciones contra entidades que apoyan el complejo militar-industrial ruso, como respuesta al ataque masivo contra edificios residenciales en Kiev. “Seguiremos aumentando el coste hasta que Rusia entienda que no puede ganar”, publicó Kallas en la red X.
La funcionaria confirmó que el personal de la UE en Kiev se encuentra a salvo tras el bombardeo, que dejó al menos 13 personas muertas y decenas de heridos.
War,Europe,Military Conflicts
INTERNACIONAL
DeSantis announces plans to use new state law to target dozens of alleged terrorist groups
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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, announced on Wednesday the state’s intention to use a new state law to designate dozens of groups as terrorist organizations, a move that would still require approval by the Florida Cabinet, prompting legal objections from at least one of the groups.
HB 1471 was signed into law earlier this year and went into effect on Wednesday.
The governor said the state plans to implement its new statutory authority to «identify, designate, and combat terrorist organizations operating in Florida» in the first use of powers established under the legislation.
Florida officials plan to designate more than 90 groups as terrorist organizations, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations the Muslim Brotherhood and Antifa, though the proposed designations must be approved by the governor and Cabinet before they are finalized under the statute.
FLORIDA’S CAIR THREATENS LAWSUIT AGAINST DESANTIS AFTER HE LABELS GROUP A ‘FOREIGN TERRORIST’ ORGANIZATION
The governor said the state plans to implement its new statutory authority to «identify, designate, and combat terrorist organizations operating in Florida.» (Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
«Last December, I signed an Executive Order to eliminate the influence of radical terrorist ideologies and the organizations that promote them in Florida. This year, I signed legislation to strengthen those protections and give Florida permanent statutory tools to combat terrorism while defending the Constitutional rights of our citizens,» DeSantis said in a statement. «Today, we are officially designating terrorist organizations under Florida law. In addition to CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood, we are adding Antifa to the list—along with more than 90 Foreign Terrorist Organizations, including cartels.»
However, under HB 1471, the Chief of Domestic Security may designate qualifying organizations as domestic or foreign terrorist organizations, but the governor and Cabinet may approve or reject those designations by majority vote before they are published in the Florida Administrative Register.
Some of the foreign organizations added to the list include the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and gangs such as Cartel de Sinaloa, Tren de Aragua, Cartel del Noreste and Cartel del Golfo.
The new law allows the governor and Cabinet to approve or reject designations initially made by the chief of domestic security within the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
«Keeping our community safe starts with identifying the threat,» Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass said. «The safety of our community is strengthened by that knowledge every day, and reinforced by the collaboration between our officers, our federal partners, and—most importantly—the people we serve.»
HB 1471 was signed into law earlier this year and went into effect on Wednesday. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
HB 1471 directs agencies to deny groups public support and taxpayer funding. The law also establishes state enforcement mechanisms and criminal penalties for providing material support to designated terrorist organizations.
More specifically, the law restricts certain public benefits, funding and institutional support connected to designated groups, and creates criminal penalties for knowingly providing, attempting to provide or conspiring to provide material support or resources to a designated domestic terrorist organization.
The law also ensures that foreign or religious legal codes cannot override the U.S. or Florida Constitutions in state courts.
CAIR, a Muslim civil rights group, condemned the move and said it would continue challenging the state’s actions, following the governor’s announcement on Wednesday, saying the organization does not engage in «terrorist activity» and has not been charged or convicted of a crime. CAIR and CAIR-Florida have also previously sued over DeSantis’ December executive order targeting CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood.
«Throughout CAIR’s long history, our civil rights organization has worked to protect the Constitution’s guarantees of free speech, religious freedom and equality under the law,» the group said in a statement. «We have also pursued justice for all people, including American Muslims impacted by hate. This is exactly why Gov. DeSantis has repeatedly targeted our organization. We see through Gov. DeSantis’ latest biased attempt to punish us for our views and our values. We look forward to fighting these baseless attacks in court and proving once again that the Constitution is stronger than any politician’s bigotry.»
FLORIDA DESIGNATES MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD AND CAIR AS FOREIGN TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS, DESANTIS SAYS
Florida officials plan to designate more than 90 groups as terrorist organizations, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the Muslim Brotherhood and Antifa. (Stephanie Keith/Bloomberg)
Critics, including CAIR and civil liberties groups, argue the designations are politically motivated and threaten First Amendment-protected speech and association. DeSantis and state officials have argued the law is aimed at preventing taxpayer support for groups they say promote or support terrorism.
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CAIR and civil liberties groups said they would challenge the designation as baseless and unconstitutional.
«Florida’s imminent designation of our clients is both dire and unmoored from reality. CAIR and CAIR-Florida’s speech and advocacy are protected by the First Amendment, which includes their right to criticize the governor, other officials, and their policies. We’re asking the court to protect our clients’ cardinal freedoms,» Hina Shamsi, director of the ACLU’s National Security Project, said in a statement.
The designations, if approved by the Cabinet, would operate under Florida law and would not be the same as a federal foreign terrorist organization designation, which is made by the U.S. State Department.
ron desantis, florida, antifa, politics, us
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