Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Fighting Rages Across Afghanistan As Peace Talks Resume In Qatar RFE/RL Gandhara 07 Jan 2021 -- At least 17 Afghan civilians and members of the Afghan security forces were reported killed across Afghanistan as fighting continued to rage -- despite the resumption of intra-Afghan peace talks in Doha aimed at finding an end to decades of war.
• U.S. Africa Command conducts strike on al-Shabaab leaders AFRICOM 07 Jan 2021 -- In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command forces conducted one airstrike in the vicinity of Saaxa Weyne, Somalia, Jan. 7, 2021.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Statement by Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller on Yesterday's Violence at the Capitol DoD 07 Jan 2021
• Defense Officials Detail National Guard Response to Capitol Attack DoD News 07 Jan 2021 -- BY Once the reality of the assault on the U.S. Capitol became apparent, National Guard troops responded appropriately and with alacrity, DOD officials said in a phone briefing today.
• Statement by Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller on Operation Warp Speed Vaccine Doses Delivered Today DoD 07 Jan 2021
• AFRL demonstrates first collaborative weapon technologies US Air Force 07 Jan 2021 -- The Air Force Golden Horde Vanguard program completed the first Air Force flight demonstration of collaborative weapons Dec. 15 using technology developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and Scientific Applications & Research Associates.
• NAVWAR Tests Emerging Technologies at Trident Warrior 2020; Identifies Requirements to Operate Forward US Navy 07 Jan 2021 -- Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR) joined more than 100 dedicated scientists, engineers, industry representatives and service members in the execution of 24 technology experiments as part of an annual, large-scale, at-sea experiment concluding November 5, with the final report scheduled for release in early January 2021.
• New reserve parachute testing seeks to eliminate potential premature activations Army News 07 Jan 2021 -- Certified parachute test jumpers here finished 23 risk reduction jumps with the T-11R Single Pin Troop reserve parachute, making sure it works as it should during equipment test jumps.
• Creating conditions for a very frozen conflict? US Navy to step up patrols in frigid Arctic waters off Russia's northern borders RT 07 Jan 2021 -- As Arctic ice retreats further each year, it helps to open up another front in the perennial standoff between Russia and the US, with both nations racing to dominate the space and control the emerging maritime trade route.
• PLA's new reconnaissance robot debuts in exercises Global Times 07 Jan 2021 -- A new reconnaissance robot in service with the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) recently made its debut in exercises, during which it coordinated with a swarm of aerial drones and newly commissioned assault vehicles.
• China's Z-20 helicopter variations for anti-submarine warfare, assault spotted Global Times 07 Jan 2021 -- Two new variations of China's Z-20 utility helicopter for anti-submarine warfare and assault were recently reported by media.
• Preparation underway to build new frigates Australia DOD 07 Jan 2021 -- Prototyping is underway at the Osborne shipyard in Adelaide in preparation for work to start on Navy's Hunter-class frigates.

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Jan. 7, 2021

Other Conflicts

• 7 January 2021 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 07 Jan 2021
• Callamard calls for 'clear, explicit and unambiguous standards' to protect civilian planes during conflicts UN News 07 Jan 2021 -- Urgent measures are needed to protect civilian aircraft flying over conflict zones or other areas where military tensions are high, a UN independent human rights expert said on Thursday.
• Turkish forces, militants target villages in Syria's Raqqah with artillery shells Press TV 07 Jan 2021 -- Turkish military forces and allied militants have launched barrages of artillery shells at residential neighborhoods in the northern sector of Syria's province of Raqqah.
• Israeli missile attack targets military sites south of Syrian capital: report People's Daily 07 Jan 2021 -- The Syrian air defenses responded to an Israeli missile attack on south of the capital Damascus on Wednesday night, state news agency SANA reported.
• Bangladesh: On Track to Complete Barbed-Wire Fence Around Rohingya Camps by Mid-2021 Radio Free Asia 07 Jan 2021 -- Bangladeshi officials said Wednesday that the government's installation of barbed-wire fencing around Rohingya camps – to confine the stateless refugees from Myanmar to their settlements in Cox's Bazar – was almost complete and would be finished by June.
• Egyptian, Israeli FMs discuss efforts to resume Israeli-Palestinian peace talks People's Daily 07 Jan 2021 -- Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry and his Israeli counterpart Gabi Ashkenazi on Wednesday discussed over the phone the efforts exerted to resume the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
• Sudan Signs on to Abraham Accords, Normalizing Relations With Israel VOA 07 Jan 2021 -- Sudan has officially signed the Abraham Accords, agreeing to normalize relations with Israel. The deal paves the way for Sudan to relieve its massive debt to the World Bank.
• Sudan signs agreement with US to officially normalize ties with Israel Press TV 07 Jan 2021 -- Sudan has signed the so-called Abraham Accords with the United States, officially agreeing to normalize relations with the Israeli regime.
• Three Candidates Take the Lead in Voting For Leader of Tibet's Exile Government Radio Free Asia 07 Jan 2021 -- Three candidates have now taken the lead in a first round of voting by Tibetans living outside their China-ruled homeland for leader, or Sikyong, of Tibet's Dharamsala, India-based exile government, the Central Tibetan Administration, RFA has learned.
• Food for Mozambicans struggling amidst violence and COVID-19, 'will be compromised' without more funding: WFP UN News 07 Jan 2021 -- Despite increased insecurity and limited funding, the UN food relief agency is continuing to supply food for hundreds of thousands of people affected by conflict in northern Mozambique.
• Guterres 'shocked' at massacre of civilians in eastern DR Congo UN News 07 Jan 2021 -- The United Nations Secretary-General has expressed shock at the massacre of civilians in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and called on the authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.

News Reports

• Remarks by Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany The White House 07 Jan 2021
• Top UN officials saddened at mob violence during US Capitol breach; Bachelet decries 'incitement' by political leaders UN News 07 Jan 2021 -- Top UN officials, including the Secretary-General and the President of the General Assembly have expressed sadness over the violence that erupted on Wednesday when supporters of President Trump stormed the US Capitol building, temporarily bringing to a halt the disputed certification of November's presidential election result.
• Trump Acknowledges Transition After Calls for His Ouster VOA 07 Jan 2021 -- With pressure mounting in Washington for his early removal from office over his followers' rampage through the U.S. Capitol, U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday indicated he is giving up his fruitless drive to cling to his office and committed himself to an orderly transfer of power to Democrat Joe Biden, who will be sworn in as the 46th president on Jan. 20.
• Top US Democrats Demand Trump's Ouster VOA 07 Jan 2021 -- The top Democrat in the U.S. Senate called Thursday for President Donald Trump's immediate removal from office with 13 days left in his presidency after he urged a crowd of angry supporters to march on the U.S. Capitol, where they overran the building.
• US Prosecutors Prepare to Bring Charges Against Capitol Hill Rioters VOA 07 Jan 2021 -- U.S. law enforcement authorities have opened a criminal investigation into Wednesday's attack on the U.S. Capitol by pro-Trump rioters, enlisting hundreds of investigators to identify and arrest the perpetrators, officials announced Thursday.
• As US Reels From Capitol Violence, Russia Enjoys the Show VOA 07 Jan 2021 -- While governments around the world have expressed outrage and sadness over rioting that engulfed the U.S. Capitol Wednesday, Russia took a different view -- namely, vindication with a bit of gloating.
• Foes, Allies React to Washington Mayhem VOA 07 Jan 2021 -- For a moment, the world forgot the coronavirus pandemic.
• US Congress Certifies Biden Election Victory VOA 07 Jan 2021 -- The U.S. Congress certified Democrat Joe Biden's win in the November presidential election, completing its constitutional duty early Thursday after being forced to evacuate the Capitol when a mob of supporters of outgoing President Donald Trump swarmed the building.
• 'Assault On U.S. Democracy': World Leaders React To Mob Violence At U.S. Capitol RFE/RL 07 Jan 2021 -- Stunned officials from around the globe voiced a range of reactions - from deep concern and disgust to apparent satisfaction - after a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol, disrupting one of the final steps in the presidential election in a building that is the citadel of American democracy.
• 'The Celebration Of Democracy Is Over': In Russia, Gloating, Shock, Laments As Mayhem Mars End Of U.S. Electoral Process RFE/RL 07 Jan 2021 -- For some in Russia, the mayhem in Washington, D.C. and the chaotic end of the U.S. election cycle was cause for gloating: "America no longer charts the course, and therefore has lost all right to set it."
• 'We Know What To Do': Far-Right Figures Across Eastern Europe Applaud U.S. Capitol Violence RFE/RL 07 Jan 2021 -- Observers around the world were stunned to see a violent mob storm the U.S. Capitol building in a desperate, violent bid to overturn a legitimate presidential election and secure a second term for outgoing U.S. President Donald Trump.
• Pelosi, Schumer call for urgent removal of Trump from power Press TV 07 Jan 2021 -- US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer have called for the urgent removal of President Donald Trump from power.
• Acting Secretary Wolf Condemns Violence at The U.S. Capitol DHS 07 Jan 2021
• Statement of Acting Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen US Dept. of Justice 07 Jan 2021
• Rush Transcript: Governor Cuomo on the Failed Coup Attempt in Washington, D.C.: "A Universal Disgrace and Embarrassment For All Americans" New York State 07 Jan 2021
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference on January 7, 2021 PRC MofA 07 Jan 2021
• China urges U.S. to stop groundless suppression of Chinese apps People's Daily 07 Jan 2021 -- The Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOC) on Wednesday said the U.S. side should stop its groundless suppression of Chinese applications and restrictions on the normal use of Chinese products and services in the United States.
• China to Protect Rights of Its Software Companies Amid US Pressure, Foreign Ministry Says Sputnik 07 Jan 2021 -- China will continue to take steps to protect the rights of its software companies that were recently sanctioned by the United States over alleged theft of information, Chinese Foreign Ministry's spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on Wednesday.
• China extends debt relief to DR Congo amid COVID-19 crisis Press TV 07 Jan 2021 -- The Democratic Republic of the Congo says China has offered some debt relief in a bid to ease pressure on the central African country ravaged by the COVID-19 crisis.
• Prominent Hong Kong Student Activist Charged with Subversion VOA 07 Jan 2021 -- Authorities in Hong Kong have reportedly charged pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong with subversion under the new national security law.
• China may tell US consulate in HK to slash staff, register with Chinese authorities: analysts Global Times 07 Jan 2021 -- China may require the US Consulate General in Hong Kong to slash staff, register with the Chinese authorities, and restrict its activities, and it may also consider investigating some Americans or American enterprises, if the US imposes more sanctions over Hong Kong, Chinese analysts said.
• Why did US politicians and media support turmoil in HK but condemn rioters now? Chinese FM asks Global Times 07 Jan 2021 -- In response to riots and clashes in the US Capitol which have so far resulted in four deaths, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said China hopes that Americans could enjoy peace, stability and security as soon as possible, but also urged people to reflect on why some politicians and media in the US have given a completely different rhetoric on the social turmoil in Hong Kong in 2019.
• China warns of 'heavy price' after US sanction threats over Hong Kong Press TV 07 Jan 2021 -- China has warned the outgoing US administration against interference in its domestic affairs, saying Washington will have a "heavy price" to pay for recent threats to impose sanctions on Chinese officials over detentions in Hong Kong.
• Hong Kong Press Groups Hit Out at Order to Turn Over Materials Amid 'Subversion' Arrests Radio Free Asia 07 Jan 2021 -- Journalists' groups have condemned orders to four Hong Kong media organizations from the city's national security police requiring them to hand over materials linked to the arrests of dozens of pro-democracy activists for "subversion."
• China Warns US Will Pay 'Heavy Price' for Interference as Pompeo Threatens Sanctions Over Hong Kong Sputnik 07 Jan 2021 -- Late on Wednesday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement that Washington is looking to slap sanctions on Chinese state agencies and officials over the arrest of more than 50 pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong, including a US citizen.
• Hong Kong: UN human rights office urges immediate release of arrested activists UN News 07 Jan 2021 -- The UN human rights office (OHCHR) on Thursday voiced deep concerns over the arrests of over 50 individuals under the new National Security Law in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China, and called for their immediate release.
• Analysts: Extradition Treaty Between Turkey, China Endangers Uighur Refugees VOA 07 Jan 2021 -- Since the 1950s, thousands of Uighurs fleeing persecution in China have found sanctuary in Turkey, where they share a common linguistic, cultural and religious heritage with the Turks. Some experts say the Uighur community there could be in jeopardy, though, after a recent agreement was reached between the two countries.
• Speculation Grows Over Fate of Chinese Tech Billionaire Jack Ma VOA 07 Jan 2021 -- China's Jack Ma — onetime schoolteacher, billionaire co-founder and former chairman of tech giant Alibaba and philanthropist — is missing from the spotlight, and speculation about his fate is mounting because when high-profile Chinese figures disappear, arrests and prosecutions often follow.
• Political-Military Dialogue between Taiwan, U.S. a success: MOFA CNA 07 Jan 2021 -- Taiwan and the United States held a virtual discussion Thursday, under their "Political-Military Dialogue," which was a success, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said, but it declined to give any details.
• Taiwan-U.S. security cooperation to grow amid rising PLA power: think tank CNA 07 Jan 2021 -- In light of the rise of China's military might, it is only a natural progression that the security relationship between Taiwan and the United States should continue to strengthen, a local think tank said Thursday.
• Trump admin plays final card with last visit to Taiwan, gives 'illusory cordial' to secessionists Global Times 07 Jan 2021 -- The US government continues to play its "Taiwan card" against China, with an announcement that the US ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft will visit Taiwan as well as holding a "political-military dialogue" with the island amid the turbulent White House power transition.
• Chinese defense ministry slams US 'political-military dialogue' with Taiwan PLA Daily 07 Jan 2021 -- The Chinese military is strongly opposed to the so-called "political-military dialogue" between the US and Taiwan authorities, Senior Colonel Tan Kefei, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense (MND), said in a written statement on Thursday when asked to comment on a video conference held between the US and Taiwan authorities on Jan. 7.
• Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un Continues Report on Work of 7th Central Committee of WPK KCNA 07 Jan 2021 -- Amid the elated spirit of the whole country at the news of the opening of the 8th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), there took place the second-day sitting of the congress on January 6.
• Iran Should Name Commanders Responsible For Downing Ukrainian Plane Radio Farda 07 Jan 2021 -- Speaking to Radio Farda, Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister, Yevhen Yenin, said on Wednesday, January 6, that Kyiv is waiting for the identification and punishment of the "real" Iranian officials responsible for shooting down Ukraine International Airline's passenger plane last January.
• Araqchi: Iran will stop 20% enrichment if US lifts sanctions Press TV 07 Jan 2021 -- The Iranian deputy foreign minister for political affairs says Iran can resume its nuclear obligations "swiftly and easily" once the United States meaningfully lifts its sanctions against the Islamic Republic, adding, however, that everything depends on Washington.
• Iran can easily enrich uranium to 90% purity: AEOI spokesman Press TV 07 Jan 2021 -- A senior official at the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) says the country can easily enrich uranium to levels above 20 percent, even to 90 percent purity, a few days after Iran began 20-percent uranium enrichment at its Fordow nuclear facility.
• FM spox: S. Korean delegation's trip agreed before seizure of ship IRNA 07 Jan 2021 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said on Thursday that the South Korean delegation arrived in Tehran to discuss Iran's access to its financial resources.
• South Korean delegation only to discuss Iran's frozen funds: Foreign Ministry spokesman Press TV 07 Jan 2021 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry says a South Korean delegation, which has arrived in Tehran, is to negotiate Iran's frozen financial resources, rejecting an earlier report that the visit is related to the seizure of South Korea's tanker by Iran.
• Iran earned less than $20bn from crude exports in 2020: CBI chief Press TV 07 Jan 2021 -- Central Bank of Iran (CBI) Governor Abdolnasser Hemmati says the country earned less than $20 billion from crude exports in 2020 as sanctions imposed by the US continued to affect shipments.
• Iranian forces will determine time, place of revenge for Fakhrizadeh's assassination: Top General Press TV 07 Jan 2021 -- Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri says the decision regarding the time and place of revenge for the assassination of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, one of the country's most senior nuclear scientists, lies at the hands of Iranian forces.
• Iraqi court issues arrest warrant for Trump over assassination of Gen. Soleimani, PMU deputy cmdr. Press TV 07 Jan 2021 -- An Iraqi court has ordered the arrest of outgoing US President Donald Trump as part of its investigation into the assassination of top Iranian anti-terror commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani and his Iraqi trenchmate Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in a US drone strike near Baghdad International Airport on January 3 last year.
• Iraqi Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Trump Over Killing of Shia Militia Group Commander Sputnik 07 Jan 2021 -- An Iraqi court authorised to investigate the killing of Shia militia group deputy commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in January 2020 has issued an arrest warrant for US President Donald Trump, the press service of Iraq's Supreme Judicial Council said on Thursday.
• A Year After Iran Downed Ukrainian Airliner, Families Still Seeking Justice RFE/RL 07 Jan 2021 -- A year after the downing of a Ukrainian passenger jet by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), the families of the victims are still looking for answers to the tragedy and seeking justice.
• Sunni Leader Warns Khamenei of 'Losing Hope' Radio Farda 07 Jan 2021 -- In a letter to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Sunni Friday Imam of Zahedan, Mawlana Abdul Hamid, his claiming that Sunni citizens in Iran are still considered "second-class citizens."
• Belarus' Lukashenko says only elections can decide future of presidency Press TV 07 Jan 2021 -- Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko says only elections can decide the future of his presidency, as Minsk plans to hold a referendum on constitutional reforms in the wake of anti-government rallies.
• Less Russia, More West On Belarus's Updated Emblem RFE/RL 07 Jan 2021 -- Belarus has officially adopted a new national emblem that carries slightly more Western and less Russian references despite the European Union and the United States having refused to recognize Alyaksandr Lukashenka as the winner of last year's presidential election.
• Myanmar Army Urges Rakhine, Shan Elections Before New Parliament Convenes on Feb. 1 Radio Free Asia 07 Jan 2021 -- Myanmar's military, backing a demand of a rebel army amid a fragile cease-fire, called on Thursday for elections to be held by Feb. 1 in strife-torn parts of Rakhine and Shan states where voting had been cancelled before the Nov. 8 general elections for security reasons.
• Yangon Police Arrest Nearly 100 Rohingya Being Trafficked From Myanmar to Malaysia Radio Free Asia 07 Jan 2021 -- Myanmar police arrested nearly 100 undocumented Rohingya Muslims from western Myanmar's Rakhine state for illegal travel after raiding two houses in Yangon on Wednesday, saying that they had been trafficked and were heading to Malaysia.
• Protests Over Shi'ite Massacre Disrupt Transit In South Pakistan RFE/RL Gandhara 07 Jan 2021 -- Ongoing protests in Pakistan over the recent killing of 11 Shi'ite ethnic Hazara coal miners have disrupted air, railway, and road traffic in the south of the country - including the economically powerful southern port city of Karachi.
• Protests against massacre of Hazara Muslims spread across Pakistan Press TV 07 Jan 2021 -- The ongoing protests against the recent killing of Hazara Muslims by the Daesh terrorist group spread from southwestern city of Quetta to several other parts of Pakistan.
• Turkey indicts senior Kurdish leader, rebuffs EU demands Press TV 07 Jan 2021 -- A Turkish court has accepted an indictment against the co-head of the country's pro-Kurdish opposition party, rejecting demands by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) for his release.
• Conviction of Three Members of the Independent Journalists Association of Vietnam US Dept. of State 07 Jan 2021 -- "The United States is deeply concerned to learn of Vietnam's conviction and sentencing of three members of the Independent Journalists Association of Vietnam, Pham Chi Dung, Nguyen Tuong Thuy, and Le Huu Minh Tuan, to 15, 11, and 11 years in prison respectively."
• Cambodia Soliciting Vaccine Donations 'Populist, Corrupt': Acting Opposition Chief Sam Rainsy Radio Free Asia 07 Jan 2021 -- The acting president of Cambodia's opposition party, Sam Rainsy, on Thursday slammed the country's government for soliciting donations to buy coronavirus vaccines as "populist" and "corrupt," prompting the ruling party to label his comments a form of "incitement."
• Saudi Arabia: UN rights expert welcomes 'positive first step' toward détente in Gulf UN News 07 Jan 2021 -- Saudi Arabia's action in lifting sanctions against Qatar is a "positive first step" towards normalized relations in the Gulf region, a UN independent human rights expert said on Thursday, urging the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt to follow suit.
• At Center Of Scandal, Kyrgyz Tycoon's Family Lawyer Appointed As Judge RFE/RL 07 Jan 2021 -- A lawyer for the wealthy family of former deputy chief of Kyrgyzstan's Customs Service, Raimbek Matraimov, who has been implicated in a high-profile case involving the illegal funneling of hundreds of millions of dollars abroad, has been made a judge.
• Army Deployed to Subdue Parliament Clash in Ghana Ahead of Inauguration, Reports Say Sputnik 07 Jan 2021 -- Chaos erupted at the Ghanaian parliament during a pre-inaugural session after lawmakers from the ruling party attempted to steal the box containing ballots cast during the vote for parliament speaker.