The REM^INDER Audit #010

Verified by: Reuters, The Straits Times (Singapore)

North Korea will convene its Ninth Party Congress in late February 2026, a major political event aimed at showcasing leader Kim Jong Un's grip on power. South Korean lawmakers reported this week, citing a National Intelligence Service briefing, that Kim appears to be taking steps to firm up his teenage daughter Kim Ju Ae's position as successor, with the NIS believing she already provides input on policy matters. A major military parade is expected to mark the Congress and highlight expanding nuclear and conventional weapons capabilities. Kim has declared South Korea a 'hostile' nation and rebuffed outreach from President Lee Jae Myung, while stating there is no reason to avoid talks with the United States if Washington drops demands for denuclearization. The Straits Times specifically reports the parade will highlight expanding nuclear capabilities, while Reuters notes the Congress will occur 'this month, in late February 2026'.

Sources Audited: The Straits Times (Singapore), Reuters

Verified by: Al Jazeera English, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times (Singapore)

On February 12, 2026, the CIA released a new Chinese-language recruitment video on its YouTube channel targeting Chinese military officers. The video depicts a disillusioned mid-level officer and encourages members of China's military to spy for the United States. This effort follows a similar video campaign from May 2025. CIA Director John Ratcliffe stated the agency's videos have reached many Chinese citizens and it will continue offering officials an opportunity to work together. The campaign occurs in the context of the CIA attempting to rebuild its spy network in China after Beijing dismantled it between 2010 and 2012. The release also follows China's January 2026 announcement that Zhang Youxia, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, was under investigation.

Sources Audited: Al Jazeera English, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times (Singapore), Financial Times, Financial Times

Verified by: BBC World News, NHK World (Japan), South China Morning Post

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a New Year message to the military via video call on February 10, 2026, stating the People's Liberation Army had 'undergone revolutionary tempering in the fight against corruption' over the past year. The message revealed a PLA Cyberspace Force post in the South China Sea, where a section chief reported conducting 'combat readiness duty' and pledged to safeguard China's outpost at Fiery Cross Reef. Since 2023, at least 18 generals have been investigated and dismissed, including Central Military Commission Vice-Chairman Zhang Youxia and General Liu Zhenli in January 2026. The anti-corruption drive has decimated the seven-member Central Military Commission, with five of its members now subject to disciplinary action or investigation, leaving only Xi and one other member active. The Central Military Commission is China's top military decision-making and command body, overseeing strategy, development, equipment, personnel, and funding.

Sources Audited: South China Morning Post, BBC World News, NHK World (Japan), South China Morning Post, South China Morning Post, South China Morning Post

Verified by: TRT World (Turkey), Al-Monitor, South China Morning Post

The US military completed its withdrawal from the strategic Al-Tanf garrison in southern Syria on February 11-12, 2026, ending a nearly decade-long presence. Syrian forces, confirmed by the Defense Ministry, immediately took control of the base located at the tri-border confluence of Syria, Jordan, and Iraq. The contingent of approximately 200 US troops previously stationed there relocated to Tower 22, a US facility in neighboring Jordan. The base, established in 2014, was initially a hub for US-led coalition operations against ISIS and was later repurposed to monitor Iran's military activity in the region. While all sources confirm the handover, the Wall Street Journal reported in late January 2026 that the US was considering a 'complete withdrawal' of troops from Syria, a move reminiscent of a 2018 declaration by then-President Donald Trump.

Sources Audited: South China Morning Post, TRT World (Turkey), Al-Monitor, TRT World (Turkey)

Verified by: Defense News, Al Jazeera English

The New START nuclear arms control treaty between the United States and Russia expired on February 5, 2026, leaving the two nations without binding constraints on their strategic arsenals for the first time in over half a century. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated on February 11 that Moscow will continue adhering to the treaty's numerical limits, provided Washington does the same. The treaty, signed in 2010 and extended in 2021, capped deployed strategic warheads at 1,550 for each side. Russia has indicated it wants to negotiate a new arms control agreement. While both sources report these core facts, Al Jazeera English adds that Washington is pushing for China's inclusion in future talks, a point not emphasized in Defense News's reporting.

Sources Audited: Al Jazeera English, Defense News

Verified by: Haaretz (Israel), Financial Times, The Straits Times (Singapore)

In February 2026, Israeli authorities indicted two individuals—a civilian and a reserve soldier—on suspicion of using classified information to place bets on military operations via the Polymarket prediction market. Separately, on February 12, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. Following the meeting, President Trump stated 'nothing definitive' was reached, though discussions covered negotiations with Iran, Gaza, and regional developments. While The Straits Times and Financial Times report the indictments, Haaretz provides additional context on the Netanyahu-Trump summit and other domestic incidents.

Sources Audited: The Straits Times (Singapore), Financial Times, Haaretz (Israel)

Verified by: South China Morning Post, Al-Monitor

On February 11, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with US President Donald Trump in a 2.5-hour Oval Office meeting. Netanyahu expressed 'general skepticism about the nature of any agreement with Iran' and stated any deal must include elements important to Israel, a position echoed by the South China Morning Post which reported his opposition to any deal that does not further weaken Iran's capacity to strike Israel. Concurrently, President Trump publicly insisted negotiations continue, warning of 'very traumatic' consequences for Iran if diplomacy fails. While diplomatic efforts, including Oman-mediated talks, were ongoing, military preparations escalated with the Pentagon ordering a second aircraft carrier strike group to be ready for deployment to the Middle East.

Sources Audited: Al-Monitor, South China Morning Post

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