National

Spotlight | Yemen
Yemeni government forces in Marib caught between Houthis and UAE proxies

Concern is growing over the situation at Yemen's strategic crossroads of Marib after the Southern Transitional Council's lightning offensive in Hadramaut in early December. The internationally recognised government's authorities now find themselves surrounded by separatists and Houthis.

Subscribers only Defence 22.12.2025

Pro-government tribal fighters in a desert area southeast of Marib, Yemen, 6 December 2021.

South Korea
Geospatial intelligence: Seoul surges while Pyongyang stalls

Having emerged from a difficult period, South Korea has seen a successful year in geospatial intelligence. In contrast, North Korea's space programme has stagnated, despite enjoying backing from Russia.

Subscribers only Space 22.12.2025

Launch of the South Korean satellite Kompsat-7 by a Vega-C rocket in Kourou, French Guiana, on 1 December 2025.

China, France, Taiwan
In Paris, Chinese embassy maintains pressure on Taiwanese diplomats

Although considered more polite than his predecessor, China's ambassador to France, Deng Li, is pursuing the embassy's activism against Taiwanese influence, as a recent incident during a tea competition in Paris illustrates.

Subscribers only Back-door diplomacy 22.12.2025

The Peruvian Embassy of France, on Avenue Kléber, in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, where the international tea competition was held.

Spy Way of Life | Germany, Switzerland, United States
Intelligence Online's spy gift list for the festive season

Across the globe, after long months of hushed conversations and quiet meetings in iconic locations, spies are now also busy looking for holiday gifts. Intelligence Online has unearthed a selection of tradecraft goodies, from pop culture spy gear to big ticket items.

Subscribers only Contractors 19.12.2025

Intelligence Online's 2025 selection of festive gifts.

Deep Dive | UAE
Emirati spymaster's secret plans to unravel mysteries of human genetics

Tahnoon bin Zayed, AI master strategist (4/4): Abu Dhabi has gone all-in in the race for global AI supremacy, from oil to healthcare and security. In this fourth episode, Intelligence Online looks at Emirati AI-fuelled genomics research.

Subscribers only Cybersecurity, Back-door diplomacy 19.12.2025

Tahnoon bin Zayed, AI master strategist (4/4).

China, Hong Kong, Taiwan
Beijing strives to sunder academic ties between Hong Kong and Taiwan

Obsessed with the risk of ‘subversive connections', the Guoanbu is behind recent intimidation tactics aimed at severing ties between academic institutions in Hong Kong and Taiwan. In early December, Hong Kong academics were strongly dissuaded from travelling to Taipei.

Subscribers only Back-door diplomacy 18.12.2025

Hong Kong academics were discouraged from attending an event organised on 4 and 5 December 2025 at the Institute of Sociology of Academia Sinica in Taipei.

Uzbekistan
Uzbek energy sector turns to Trump allies for help on Central Asia trade route

US firm Ballard Partners has been hired to help Uzbekistan benefit from the Middle Corridor, a new trade route linking China to Europe.

Subscribers only Back-door diplomacy, Contractors 18.12.2025

Europe
NATO snubs French defence start-ups

NATO's defence innovation accelerator DIANA has awarded its grants for 2026. French startups are conspicuously absent from the list of winners, notably in key areas such as space surveillance, drones and data fusion.

Subscribers only Cybersecurity, Defence, Space 18.12.2025

Deep Dive | UAE
The key figures helping Tahnoon bin Zayed's Emirati AI ambitions

Tahnoon bin Zayed, AI master strategist (3/4): Abu Dhabi has gone all-in in the race for global AI supremacy, from oil to healthcare and security. Prince Tahnoon bin Zayed al-Nahyan counts on a handful of close associates to carry out his plans.

Subscribers only Cybersecurity, Back-door diplomacy 18.12.2025

Tahnoon bin Zayed, AI master strategist (3/4).

Africa, China
Space-based surveillance: no change from Beijing as rebels advance in Sudan

The capture of the strategic town of Heglig by Sudanese Rapid Support Forces rebels on 8 December puts them in control of the CNPC pipeline valve, which exports South Sudanese crude oil to Port Sudan.

Subscribers only Defence, Space 18.12.2025

Deep Dive | UAE
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed, AI diplomat

Tahnoon bin Zayed, AI master strategist (2/4): The UAE's National Security Adviser has deployed gargantuan sums of money in his efforts to make Abu Dhabi a global AI player. But he has also shown an ability to adapt to the geopolitical weather.

Subscribers only Cybersecurity, Back-door diplomacy 17.12.2025

Tahnoon bin Zayed, AI master strategist (2/4).

Russia, Ukraine
Joint GCHQ-SBU op to breach Russia's FSB-controlled social network, MAX

With Moscow forcing citizens to move to the increasingly FSB-controlled MAX social network, a joint UK-Ukraine cyber task force is seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in Russia's state-controlled network to obtain the tactical data and clandestine communications passing through it.

Subscribers only Operations 16.12.2025

A 'phone farm' used to back infiltration operations conducted by task force GCHQ/SBU.

United States
Washington strengthens its Arctic surveillance system

The polar region is absent from the White House's national security strategy, but it has not been ignored by Congress, which is beginning to ramp up US capabilities in response to Russian and Chinese manoeuvres.

Subscribers only Operations, Back-door diplomacy 16.12.2025

A general view of Arctic Valley in Alaska, US, on 13 August 2025.

Deep Dive | UAE
From Pegasus to G42: the remarkable story of Emirati AI

Tahnoon bin Zayed, AI master strategist (1/4): Abu Dhabi has gone all-in in the race for global AI supremacy, from oil to healthcare. But under spymaster Tahnoon bin Zayed al-Nahyan's supervision, supported by the enigmatic Peng Xiao, the country's big AI projects still bear the hallmarks of intelligence.

Subscribers only Corporate Intel, Cybersecurity, Back-door diplomacy 16.12.2025

Tahnoon bin Zayed, AI master strategist (1/4).

Europe, Russia
EU Council adopts sanctions against International Russophile Movement

The European Council has adopted new sanctions against entities and individuals accused of taking part in Russia's hybrid activities. The International Russophile Movement, whose French branch is fronted by General De Gaulle's grandson, is among those targeted.

Subscribers only Information wars 15.12.2025

The European Council headquarters in Brussels.

Spotlight | Ukraine
Triada Trade, the behind-the-scenes Ukrainian player bringing Western start-ups to the frontline

Alongside the BRAVE1 defence cluster, the Ukrainian firm is responsible for bringing innovative companies directly to combat units on the front line. Working with the special forces, this network is playing a key role in Kyiv's technological warfare.

Subscribers only Cybersecurity, Defence 15.12.2025

Drone operators from the Omega special unit in action on Ukraine's front line.

The Agencies' Gazette
US health intelligence, French intel report, China-Japan rivalry, Tracfin

Appointments, reforms and the issues at stake: every Monday, Intelligence Online serves up snippets big and small from the global intelligence community.

United StatesRobert Kennedy Jr looking to boost health ministry's intel

FranceParliamentary intelligence delegation report published in Q1 of 2026

ChinaRethinking Ryukyu: Beijing ropes in academics to push archipelago's independence

FranceTracfin interested in humint

Subscribers only 15.12.2025

United States
Fight against Chinese and Russian influence makes Washington comeback

Contrary to the policy pursued by the Trump administration, Congress is planning to create two specialised units in the State Department to combat Chinese and Russian influence. A strategy to fight foreign interference is also in the works.

Subscribers only Information wars 12.12.2025

Spy Way of Life | Switzerland
Geneva's InterContinental Hotel, the setting for tense US-European talks on Ukraine

Across the globe, spies gather in inconspicuous dens to meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. This week, Intelligence Online reveals behind-the-scenes details of the secret negotiations between US, Ukrainian and European delegations which took place at the InterContinental in Geneva on 23 November.

Subscribers only Back-door diplomacy 12.12.2025

A diplomatic security officer secures the entrance of the InterContinental hotel as US and Ukrainian officials prepare for closed-door talks on ending Russia's war in Ukraine.

United States
ODNI bans Swiss cybersecurity firm Acronis from working with US intelligence

The US intelligence services are no longer allowed to work with the Swiss company and must remove its products from intelligence community systems.

Subscribers only Cybersecurity, Contractors 12.12.2025

Swiss firm Acronis co-founder Serguei Beloussov, in Bremen, Germany, on 23 September 2021.

Spotlight | Yemen
Yemeni government forces in Marib caught between Houthis and UAE proxies

South Korea
Geospatial intelligence: Seoul surges while Pyongyang stalls

China, France, Taiwan
In Paris, Chinese embassy maintains pressure on Taiwanese diplomats

Spy Way of Life | Germany, Switzerland, United States
Intelligence Online's spy gift list for the festive season

Deep Dive | UAE
Emirati spymaster's secret plans to unravel mysteries of human genetics

China, Hong Kong, Taiwan
Beijing strives to sunder academic ties between Hong Kong and Taiwan

Uzbekistan
Uzbek energy sector turns to Trump allies for help on Central Asia trade route

Europe
NATO snubs French defence start-ups

Deep Dive | UAE
The key figures helping Tahnoon bin Zayed's Emirati AI ambitions

Africa, China
Space-based surveillance: no change from Beijing as rebels advance in Sudan

Deep Dive | UAE
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed, AI diplomat

Russia, Ukraine
Joint GCHQ-SBU op to breach Russia's FSB-controlled social network, MAX

United States
Washington strengthens its Arctic surveillance system

Deep Dive | UAE
From Pegasus to G42: the remarkable story of Emirati AI

Europe, Russia
EU Council adopts sanctions against International Russophile Movement

Spotlight | Ukraine
Triada Trade, the behind-the-scenes Ukrainian player bringing Western start-ups to the frontline

The Agencies' Gazette
US health intelligence, French intel report, China-Japan rivalry, Tracfin

United StatesRobert Kennedy Jr looking to boost health ministry's intel

FranceParliamentary intelligence delegation report published in Q1 of 2026

ChinaRethinking Ryukyu: Beijing ropes in academics to push archipelago's independence

FranceTracfin interested in humint

United States
Fight against Chinese and Russian influence makes Washington comeback

Spy Way of Life | Switzerland
Geneva's InterContinental Hotel, the setting for tense US-European talks on Ukraine

United States
ODNI bans Swiss cybersecurity firm Acronis from working with US intelligence

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Indigo Publications' websites

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Spotlight | Yemen Yemeni government forces in Marib caught between Houthis and UAE proxies

South Korea Geospatial intelligence: Seoul surges while Pyongyang stalls

China, France, Taiwan In Paris, Chinese embassy maintains pressure on Taiwanese diplomats

Spy Way of Life | Germany, Switzerland, United States Intelligence Online's spy gift list for the festive season

Deep Dive | UAE Emirati spymaster's secret plans to unravel mysteries of human genetics

China, Hong Kong, Taiwan Beijing strives to sunder academic ties between Hong Kong and Taiwan

Uzbekistan Uzbek energy sector turns to Trump allies for help on Central Asia trade route

Europe NATO snubs French defence start-ups

Deep Dive | UAE The key figures helping Tahnoon bin Zayed's Emirati AI ambitions

Africa, China Space-based surveillance: no change from Beijing as rebels advance in Sudan

Deep Dive | UAE Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed, AI diplomat

Russia, Ukraine Joint GCHQ-SBU op to breach Russia's FSB-controlled social network, MAX

United States Washington strengthens its Arctic surveillance system

Deep Dive | UAE From Pegasus to G42: the remarkable story of Emirati AI

Europe, Russia EU Council adopts sanctions against International Russophile Movement

Spotlight | Ukraine Triada Trade, the behind-the-scenes Ukrainian player bringing Western start-ups to the frontline

The Agencies' Gazette US health intelligence, French intel report, China-Japan rivalry, Tracfin

United StatesRobert Kennedy Jr looking to boost health ministry's intel

FranceParliamentary intelligence delegation report published in Q1 of 2026

ChinaRethinking Ryukyu: Beijing ropes in academics to push archipelago's independence

FranceTracfin interested in humint

United States Fight against Chinese and Russian influence makes Washington comeback

Spy Way of Life | Switzerland Geneva's InterContinental Hotel, the setting for tense US-European talks on Ukraine

United States ODNI bans Swiss cybersecurity firm Acronis from working with US intelligence

Recommended keywords

About Intelligence Online

Subscription

Intelligence Online on social media

Indigo Publications' websites

Spotlight | Yemen
Yemeni government forces in Marib caught between Houthis and UAE proxies

South Korea
Geospatial intelligence: Seoul surges while Pyongyang stalls

China, France, Taiwan
In Paris, Chinese embassy maintains pressure on Taiwanese diplomats

Spy Way of Life | Germany, Switzerland, United States
Intelligence Online's spy gift list for the festive season

Deep Dive | UAE
Emirati spymaster's secret plans to unravel mysteries of human genetics

China, Hong Kong, Taiwan
Beijing strives to sunder academic ties between Hong Kong and Taiwan

Uzbekistan
Uzbek energy sector turns to Trump allies for help on Central Asia trade route

Europe
NATO snubs French defence start-ups

Deep Dive | UAE
The key figures helping Tahnoon bin Zayed's Emirati AI ambitions

Africa, China
Space-based surveillance: no change from Beijing as rebels advance in Sudan

Deep Dive | UAE
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed, AI diplomat

Russia, Ukraine
Joint GCHQ-SBU op to breach Russia's FSB-controlled social network, MAX

United States
Washington strengthens its Arctic surveillance system

Deep Dive | UAE
From Pegasus to G42: the remarkable story of Emirati AI

Europe, Russia
EU Council adopts sanctions against International Russophile Movement

Spotlight | Ukraine
Triada Trade, the behind-the-scenes Ukrainian player bringing Western start-ups to the frontline

The Agencies' Gazette
US health intelligence, French intel report, China-Japan rivalry, Tracfin

United States
Fight against Chinese and Russian influence makes Washington comeback

Spy Way of Life | Switzerland
Geneva's InterContinental Hotel, the setting for tense US-European talks on Ukraine

United States
ODNI bans Swiss cybersecurity firm Acronis from working with US intelligence