The President's Daily Brief PDB Afternoon Bulletin | November 17th, 2025: Russian Spy Ship Intercepted Off U.S. Coast & Terror Label for Cartel de los Soles
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Nov 19, 2025 A Russian intelligence ship was detected just 15 miles off Hawaii, sparking discussions on its potential espionage activities. The U.S. response includes increased monitoring and strategic analysis of the situation. Meanwhile, the State Department plans to label Venezuela's Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization, a move that could pressure Nicolás Maduro and his allies significantly. The implications of this designation range from asset seizures to diplomatic isolation for Venezuela.
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Keralia Probed Hawaii's Military Hub
- A Russian Vishnya-class intelligence ship, the Keralia, operated 15 nautical miles off Oahu, probing U.S. Pacific military hubs.
- Such SIGINT missions can collect radar, communications, and environmental data valuable for submarine and missile planning.
What SIGINT Ships Actually Gather
- Intelligence ships collect SIGINT including radio, radar sweeps, and electronic signatures of platforms.
- They also observe activity patterns, frequencies, and asset movements to build operational pictures.
Environmental Data Matters For Undersea Ops
- A ship placed 15 miles out can map undersea cables, acoustic conditions, and environmental data useful for subs and drones.
- That non-communications data enhances future undersea operations and targeting.