• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Taliban Urges US Public to Demand Early Pullout From Afghanistan VOA 16 Feb 2021 -- Through an "open letter," the Taliban is urging U.S. President Joe Biden's administration Tuesday to stick to a 2020 troop withdrawal peace agreement, describing it as "the most effective way of ending" the war in Afghanistan.
• Taliban Urge US to Stick To Doha Peace Deal a Year On Amid Biden's Review Sputnik 16 Feb 2021 -- The Taliban on Tuesday urged the United States to stick to the Doha peace agreement as the Joe Biden administration put the accord, which marks its first anniversary in February, under review.
• Taliban Calls On U.S. To Remain Committed To Qatar Peace Deal RFE/RL Gandhara 16 Feb 2021 -- The Taliban has called on the United States to honor an agreement under which all foreign forces are to leave Afghanistan by May 2021 in exchange for security guarantees from the militant group.
• European Rights Court Backs Germany Over Afghan Air Strike Case RFE/RL Gandhara 16 Feb 2021 -- The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) on February 16 rejected a complaint against German authorities' decision not to prosecute an officer who ordered a deadly air strike in northern Afghanistan in September 2009.
• Winston S. Churchill Seizes Illicit Weapons from Two Dhows off Somalia CENTCOM 16 Feb 2021 -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) seized illicit shipments of weapons and weapons components from two stateless dhows during a maritime security operation in international waters off the coast of Somalia, Feb. 11-12.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Army National Guard transitions cyber task force mission Army News 16 Feb 2021 -- The transition of authority between two Army National Guard battalions was quiet and seamless, without the traditional pomp and circumstance associated with significant Army events.
• Idaho, California, Oregon, Nevada CST units train together Army News 16 Feb 2021 -- The Idaho National Guard's 101st Civil Support Team was among several National Guard CSTs that participated in a large-scale exercise in Northern California Feb. 1-5.
• FEMA Acting Administrator Robert J. Fenton Jr. and Air Force Gen. Glen D. VanHerck, Commander, U.S. Northern Command, Brief the Media on DOD's Support to COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution DoD 16 Feb 2021 -- FEMA Acting Administrator Robert J. Fenton Jr.; Air Force Gen. Glen D. VanHerck, commander, U.S. Northern Command
• US Will Look at Other Ways to Advance Strategic Stability With Russia, State Department Says Sputnik 16 Feb 2021 -- Moscow's deputy foreign minister for non-proliferation and arms control, Sergei Ryabkov, recently said Russia may be able to return to some of the many treaties shredded by the Trump administration - but not all of them.
• Air Force update for COVID-19 US Air Force 16 Feb 2021
• US Air Force names first overseas-based F-35A squadron US Air Force 16 Feb 2021 -- The 48th Fighter Wing has selected a new nickname for the first U.S. Air Force overseas-based F-35A Lightning II squadron. The wing solicited help from the public to name the unit. Suggestions were originally submitted in the fall of 2020, and were narrowed down from 700 unique names to five finalists. In December, the 48th FW received thousands of votes from opinion polls, and the wing is excited to announce that the 495th FS will be called the "Valkyries," besting four other choices – Archangels, Sabres, Sentinels and Swordsmen.
• New Officials Sworn-In at the Department of Defense DoD 16 Feb 2021 -- The following individuals have been sworn-in virtually or in-person from Feb. 10, 2021, through today, Feb. 16, 2021.
• Austin Will Bring New Tone to NATO Defense Ministerial DoD News 16 Feb 2021 -- NATO defense ministers will look to the future of the alliance during their virtual ministerial this week, said Mark Jones, director of NATO Policy for DOD.
• 15th MEU supports Operation Inherent Resolve from Makin Island ARG USMC News 16 Feb 2021 -- The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit began air operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, February 13.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call with Iraqi Minister of Defense Jumaah Saadoon DoD 16 Feb 2021
• US Government to Stop Buying Chinese-made Drones VOA 16 Feb 2021 -- In its latest move to address national security threats posed by Chinese-made drones, the U.S. federal government's purchasing agency no longer will purchase drones from Chinese manufacturers.
• NATO Defense Ministerial Background Briefing DoD 16 Feb 2021
• Russian flotilla enters Iranian waters for joint naval drill Press TV 16 Feb 2021 -- A Russian flotilla, comprising the Stoiky corvette and KoLa refueling ship, has entered Iran's territorial waters for the 2021 combined naval exercise.
• Iran, Russia Start Naval Drill In Indian Ocean RFE/RL 16 Feb 2021 -- Iran and Russia have embarked on a joint naval drill in the northern part of the Indian Ocean that they say has been designed to "enhance the security" of maritime trade in the region, Iranian state media reported.
• Iran, Russia Start Naval Drill in Indian Ocean VOA 16 Feb 2021 -- Iran and Russia have embarked on a joint naval drill in the northern part of the Indian Ocean that they say has been designed to "enhance the security" of maritime trade in the region, Iranian state media reported.
• First phase of joint Navy drills in Northern Indian Ocean put into practice IRNA 16 Feb 2021 -- Spokesman for the Iran-Russia 2021 hybrid Maritime Security Belt Exercise Gholamreza Tahani said on Tuesday that in the first stage of the joint exercises of naval security in the northern Indian Ocean, Iranian and Russian vessels shot at predetermined targets at sea.
• Iranian, Russian navies display firepower on 1st day of joint drills Press TV 16 Feb 2021 -- Iranian and Russian military vessels have conducted the first stage of their naval maneuvers in the Sea of Oman and the northern part of the Indian Ocean by unleashing fire on designated targets and squaring up in offensive formations in light of regional threats.
• Iranian military delegation observes operational phase of Aman-21 exercise in Pakistan IRNA 16 Feb 2021 -- Iranian military delegation representing General Staff of the Armed Forces on Tuesday observed operational phase of the Aman-21 multinational exercise in the Arabian Sea hosted by the Pakistani Navy.
• Israeli Committee Approves Procurement of F-35 Jets, KC-46 Refueling Aircraft Sputnik 16 Feb 2021 -- Israel's Channel 12 reported earlier this month that Washington set a two-week deadline for the anticipated $2.74 billion US-Israel arms deal. Failure to reach an agreement would have resulted in Jerusalem losing priority in American assembly lines.
• Egypt - Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) Block 2 Tactical Missiles DSCA 16 Feb 2021 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Egypt of Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) Block 2 Tactical Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $197 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Defence releases report on ethical use of AI Australia DOD 16 Feb 2021 -- Findings from a workshop on the ethics of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Defence in 2019 have been released to support science and technical considerations for the potential development of Defence policy, doctrine, research and project management.
• Statement - Global Switch Ultimo Australia DOD 16 Feb 2021 -- Defence has migrated its most sensitive data to a purpose built data centre. Consistent with the Whole-of-Government Hosting Strategy, data migrations of Defence's sensitive ICT data and assets was completed ahead of schedule and under budget prior to the expiration of the original Global Switch Ultimo lease in September 2020.
• New amphibious vehicles in the pipeline Australia DOD 16 Feb 2021 -- After 50 years' service, Army is set to replace its littoral fleet, releasing an invitation to register for the delivery of enhanced amphibious vehicles to industry in late January.
• Western Australian shipbuilding power on Australia DOD 16 Feb 2021 -- The unprecedented government investment in the National Naval Shipbuilding Enterprise and associated infrastructure continues at a rapid pace at the Western Australian Henderson shipyard.
• Biden has called S Korea, France, Canada, UK leaders but not Israel's premier Press TV 16 Feb 2021 -- US President Joe Biden is yet to call Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu although he has already contacted several other allies in Europe and Asia.
• Statement by NSC Spokesperson Emily Horne on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Call with Geoffrey van Leeuwen, Foreign Affairs and Defense Advisor to the Prime Minister of the Netherlands The White House 16 Feb 2021
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Portuguese Foreign Minister Santos Silva US Dept. of State 16 Feb 2021
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Spanish Foreign Minister González Laya US Dept. of State 16 Feb 2021
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Indonesian Foreign Minister Marsudi US Dept. of State 16 Feb 2021
• Department Press Briefing – February 16, 2021 US Dept. of State 16 Feb 2021
• VP Harris and France's Macron Discuss Cooperation VOA 16 Feb 2021 -- U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris spoke to French President Emmanuel Macron, expressing her commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, a White House statement said on Monday.
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, February 16, 2021 The White House 16 Feb 2021
• White House Confirms That Biden's First Call to a Middle East Leader Will Be Israel's Netanyahu Sputnik 16 Feb 2021 -- Since the start of his term, US president Joe Biden has had calls with multiple allies in Europe, including France, Canada, the United Kingdom and South Korea. However, the US president has yet to hold a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Iraqi Prime Minister al-Kadhimi US Dept. of State 16 Feb 2021

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Feb. 16, 2021

Other Conflicts

• 16 February 2021 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 16 Feb 2021
• 7th Fleet Destroyer conducts Freedom of Navigation Operation in South China Sea US Navy 16 Feb 2021 -- On Feb. 17 (local time) USS Russell (DDG 59) asserted navigational rights and freedoms in the Spratly Islands, consistent with international law. This freedom of navigation operation ("FONOP") upheld the rights, freedoms and lawful uses of the sea recognized in international law by challenging unlawful restrictions on innocent passage imposed by China, Vietnam and Taiwan.
• Tokyo Lodges Protest With Beijing Over Chinese Ships' Entry Into Japanese Coastal Waters Sputnik 16 Feb 2021 -- Tokyo on Tuesday lodged a protest with Beijing after four Chinese ships entered the Japanese coastal waters near the disputed Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said.
• Yemen's Houthis on Offensive in Bid to Gain Diplomatic Leverage VOA 16 Feb 2021 -- The Houthi offensive that began earlier this month to seize Marib province, some 120 kilometers east of the capital, Sana'a, has met stiff resistance from troops of Yemen's internationally recognized government. Marib is its last stronghold.
• The Houthis Must Cease the Assault on Marib US Dept. of State 16 Feb 2021 -- "The United States urges the Houthis to halt their advance on Marib and cease all military operations and turn to negotiations."
• Yemen 'welcomes political process but after end to Saudi war, siege' Press TV 16 Feb 2021 -- Yemen's Ansarullah movement says the country would positively receive any attempt to end the Saudi-led war only after the coalition attacking Yemen stops its aggression and blockade against the impoverished Arab country.
• US 'Aggressively' Communicating With Houthis Via Back Channels - US Envoy Sputnik 16 Feb 2021 -- Yemen, one of the Arab world's poorest countries, has been engulfed in a violent conflict between a government-in-exile headed by President Abdrabuh Mansour Hadi and the armed Shiite Houthi movement, also known as Ansar Allah, backed by army units loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, since 2014.
• US Formally Lifts Houthis' Terror Designation, Calls on Militia to Halt Offensive Operations Sputnik 16 Feb 2021 -- The rebel group, engaged in a long-running war with a Saudi-led military coalition trying to restore the former Yemeni government to power, has stepped up its attacks on Saudi Arabia proper as the Biden administration moved to revoke its terror designation.
• Biden Administration Seeks Stable Iraq, Free of Islamic State VOA 16 Feb 2021 -- The Biden administration laid out its priorities in Iraq on Tuesday, saying it wants a strategic partnership with a stable and democratic country, while preventing a resurgence of the Islamic State terror group there.
• Delivering free and fair elections, combatting terrorism and building back better in Iraq UK FCDO 16 Feb 2021 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council briefing on UNAMI
• Transparency must rule Iraqi elections, 'loyalties cannot be for sale', Security Council hears UN News 16 Feb 2021 -- A deadly rocket attack on Monday night in Erbil drew condemnation from the UN envoy in Iraq, who told the Security Council on Tuesday that "such reckless attempts to inflame tensions pose grave threats" to the country's security.
• Rocket Attack in Iraq Kills Coalition Contractor VOA 16 Feb 2021 -- A rocket attack in northern Iraq late Monday killed a contractor for the U.S.-led coalition and injured at least six other people, according to coalition and Iraqi officials.
• Iran Denies Role in Rocket Attack on US Forces in Iraq's Erbil Sputnik 16 Feb 2021 -- Iran denies accusations by several Iraqi officials that it played a role in the recent rocket strike at US forces in northern Iraq, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said Tuesday.
• Turkey to Expand Anti-PKK Operations in Northern Iraq, Erdogan Says Sputnik 16 Feb 2021 -- Turkey will expand operations against Kurdish militants in northern Iraq and will keep its troops on the ground as long as it sees fit, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday.
• Rohingya Refugees Face New Crackdown in India VOA 16 Feb 2021 -- Rohingya refugees are fleeing India or going underground amid fears that the government will arrest them for unauthorized entry into the country.
• Pakistan says India posing 'immediate threat' to regional peace Press TV 16 Feb 2021 -- Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has voiced concern about India's acquisition of advanced naval weapons technology and accused New Delhi of adopting "aggressive policies" toward Islamabad.
• Ukraine Detains Man Accused Of Leading Sabotage Group For Russia-Backed Separatists RFE/RL 16 Feb 2021 -- Ukraine's Security Service said its agents have detained a man alleged to be the leader of an intelligence group of Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine.
• France Says No Troop Withdrawals from Sahel VOA 16 Feb 2021 -- France says it will not draw down its troop presence in Africa's Sahel region, despite earlier reports that it could bring home hundreds of soldiers following significant gains against extremists.
• France's Macron Says Stability, Security in Sahel Crucial For Region, Europe Sputnik 16 Feb 2021 -- French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday stressed that curbing the terrorist threat and bringing stability to the African Sahel region was vital in order to ensure the security of Europe.
• Secretary-General underscores need for peace and stability in Africa's Sahel region UN News 16 Feb 2021 -- The UN Secretary-General has underlined his concern for Africa's Sahel region, where deteriorating security and violence are aggravating an already difficult humanitarian situation that is unfolding amid the COVID-19 pandemic and climate emergency.
• Gatherings Banned in Tibetan Areas of China During Lunar New Year Radio Free Asia 16 Feb 2021 -- Authorities in Tibetan areas of China are restricting travel and public gatherings during the Lunar New Year period, called Losar in Tibetan, with punishments threatened for those violating the bans, Tibetan sources say.
• Alleged CAR Militia Members Go on Trial at ICC Amid Renewed Violence at Home VOA 16 Feb 2021 -- A former soccer federation chief and a member of parliament pleaded not guilty Tuesday to crimes-against-humanity charges stemming from the Central African Republic's civil war, which erupted almost a decade ago. Taking place at the International Criminal Court in the Netherlands, this first global trial on these events comes as fresh violence tears through the CAR.
• Armed group atrocities creating havoc in eastern DR Congo: UN refugee agency UN News 16 Feb 2021 -- Atrocities committed by armed groups in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have become part of a systematic pattern to disrupt lives, instill fear and create havoc, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said on Tuesday, expressing alarm over the ongoing situation.
• Burundi: UN refugee agency appeals for over $220 million in 'crucial' support UN News 16 Feb 2021 -- An urgent appeal for $222.6 million was made on Tuesday by the UN refugee agency and partners to assist more than 315,000 Burundian refugees this year.
• Analysts See Continued Tension But No War Between Sudan, Ethiopia VOA 16 Feb 2021 -- Sudan this week accused Ethiopian troops of crossing the border amid a land dispute between the neighbors.

News Reports

• U.S. House speaker plans to set up "9/11-type commission" to probe Capitol riot People's Daily 16 Feb 2021 -- U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Monday announced plans for establishing an independent "9/11-type commission" to investigate the deadly Jan. 6 Capitol riot, two days after former President Donald Trump was acquitted in his second impeachment trial by the evenly split Senate.
• Statement by Donald J. Trump Donald J. Trump 16 Feb 2021 -- "The Republican Party can never again be respected or strong with political "leaders" like Sen. Mitch McConnell at its helm."
• The MPP Program and Border Security Joint Statement by Assistant to the President and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Assistant to the President and Homeland Security Advisor Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall The White House 16 Feb 2021
• Kremlin Calls French Allegations Of Hacking Campaign 'Absurd' RFE/RL 16 Feb 2021 -- The Kremlin on February 16 dismissed French allegations that hackers linked to Russian intelligence have breached several French organizations as absurd.
• Aung San Suu Kyi in 'Good Health,' Says Myanmar Junta as it Lays New Charges on Her Radio Free Asia 16 Feb 2021 -- Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi appeared in court online on Tuesday to face new charges brought against her by the military regime, as growing numbers of government employees refused to go to work in defiance of the junta, whose spokesman said the detained 75-year-old leader is "in good health."
• Myanmar: 'World is watching', UN Special Envoy urges military to refrain from violence UN News 16 Feb 2021 -- The UN Special Envoy on Myanmar has called on the country's military leadership to refrain from violence and fully respect human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, amid ongoing protests against the military takeover.
• Myanmar Military Charges Suu Kyi with 2nd Crime in Apparent Attempt to Keep Her Detained VOA 16 Feb 2021 -- Myanmar authorities filed a second charge Tuesday against deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi, an apparent legal maneuver that could keep her detained indefinitely.
• Myanmar Protesters Block Trains and Streets After Military Coup VOA 16 Feb 2021 -- Nationwide protests in Myanmar against the military's overthrow of the elected civilian government continued Tuesday despite a shutdown of the Internet for a second consecutive night.
• Myanmar military denies coup, files extra charge against Suu Kyi Press TV 16 Feb 2021 -- Myanmar's military has denied that its ouster of the government and arrest of political leaders constituted a coup d'état, justifying that assertion by claiming that it plans to hold a new election and hand power to a civil government.
• 'We Didn't Put Restrictions on Everything,' Says Myanmar Junta Spokesman in 1st Remarks Since Coup Radio Free Asia 16 Feb 2021 -- Major General Zaw Min Tun, spokesman for the ruling military council and deputy minister for information, held the Myanmar junta's first news conference Tuesday since it seized power in a coup on Feb. 1. The briefing in the capital Naypyidaw was widely boycotted by the local media, leaving RFA Burmese Service senior editor Aye Aye Mon free to pose multiple questions to the military spokesman on issues including the constitutionality of the coup, the detention of elected leaders, the use of force against protests, and the death from gunfire of a young protester.
• Myanmar Police File 2nd Charge Against Detained Country Leader Aung San Suu Kyi, Report Says Sputnik 16 Feb 2021 -- The police in Myanmar filed a second charge against the country leader, Aung San Suu Kyi who was deposed in a military coup, according to media reports.
• 'Not a Coup': Myanmar Armed Forces Had 'No Choice But to Take Power', Military Spokesman Says Sputnik 16 Feb 2021 -- Myanmar's military has also stated that they will stick to the 2008 constitution, which was adopted following a constitutional referendum held the same year.
• UK Foreign Secretary condemns politically motivated charges against Aung San Suu Kyi UK FCDO 16 Feb 2021 -- The UK has condemned the charges against Aung San Suu Kyi in a court hearing in Myanmar today and calls for her immediate release.
• China mentions 'reasonable demands' of Myanmar social movement, strives to promote dialogue: Ambassador Global Times 16 Feb 2021 -- China mentioned the "reasonable demands" of Myanmar's social movement and strove to promote dialogue while urging all parties to stay calm and restrained, avoiding violence, the Chinese ambassador said in an interview on Tuesday. He denied recent rumors about China being involved in certain affairs such as transporting technicians to Myanmar and helping the country build an internet firewall.
• Russian prosecutors demand fine against Navalny in slander trial Press TV 16 Feb 2021 -- Russian state prosecutors have demanded that opposition figure Alexei Navalny be fined for defaming a World War II veteran.
• Prosecutors Seek $13,000 Fine Against Kremlin Critic Navalny In Slander Trial RFE/RL 16 Feb 2021 -- Prosecutors have demanded that the Kremlin critic and opposition activist Aleksei Navalny be fined 950,000 rubles ($13,000) for allegedly slandering a World War II veteran.
• Russian Duma OKs Bill To Fine Violators Of Controversial 'Foreign Agents' Law RFE/RL 16 Feb 2021 -- Russian parliament's lower chamber, the State Duma, has approved in the last reading a bill that envisages fines for those violating the country's controversial law on "foreign agents."
• Russia Does Not Welcome Sanctions, Wants Political Will for Dialogue to Prevail, Kremlin Says Sputnik 16 Feb 2021 -- Russia would not welcome new restrictions, as it hopes that political will to continue dialogue will prevail abroad, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.
• Russia slams West's 'maniacal persistency' with sanctions Press TV 16 Feb 2021 -- The Kremlin has censured the West's "maniacal persistency" in pursuing sanctions against Russia and its reluctance to resolve contentious issues through dialog.
• Two anti-government figures plead guilty to charges in Hong Kong Press TV 16 Feb 2021 -- Two anti-government figures in Hong Kong have pleaded guilty to charges related to an illegal assembly during violent protests in the Chinese territory last year.
• 'Everyone in Hong Kong is Really Frustrated Right Now' Radio Free Asia 16 Feb 2021 -- Hong Kong journalist Frances Hui, 21, has been an active participant in grassroots social movements since her high-school days, but recently left the city of her birth amid a crackdown on peaceful dissent and political opposition under a draconian national security law imposed on the city by the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from July 1, 2020.
• Trial Begins for Nine Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Activists for 2019 Demonstration VOA 16 Feb 2021 -- A group of nine Hong Kong pro-democracy activists went on trial Tuesday for taking part in an unauthorized massive anti-government protest in 2019.
• China Eyeing Rare Earth Export Restrictions Targeting US Defence Industry, Report Says Sputnik 16 Feb 2021 -- The US Department of Defence has been trying to reduce its dependence on Chinese rare earth minerals since 2019, amid tensions between the two countries.
• China's Tianwen-1 probe performs orbital adjustment around Mars People's Daily 16 Feb 2021 -- China's Tianwen-1 probe on Monday performed an orbital maneuver around Mars after it became the country's first spacecraft to explore an extraterrestrial planet.
• Clubhouse Security Issues Could Pose Risks For China-Based Users: Report Radio Free Asia 16 Feb 2021 -- The hugely popular audio chat app Clubhouse, which was recently blocked by the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP), could pose a security threat to users, particularly those based in China, according to U.S.-based security researchers.
• North Korea Puts $10,000 Bounty on Escaped Construction Workers in Russia Radio Free Asia 16 Feb 2021 -- North Korean agents in Russia are offering a reward of up to U.S. $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of escaped North Korean construction workers, sources in Russia told RFA.
• Talk of Iran returning to JCPOA nonsense; Tehran still a member, says UN Envoy IRNA 16 Feb 2021 -- Iran didn't quit the JCPOA, so it doesn't need to return to the deal, said Iran's ambassador to the United Nations on Tuesday, underlining that Tehran's non-compliance measures were taken in accordance with para 36 of the deal.
• Asking Iran to rejoin JCPOA nonsense as it never left the deal: Ravanchi ISNA 16 Feb 2021 -- Iran's ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations Majid Takht Ravanchi stressed that the Islamic Republic hasn't left the JCPOA, so it doesn't need to return to the deal and Tehran's non-compliance measure is taking in the framework of Paragraph 36 of the JCPOA.
• Rouhani: Ball in US court to lift bans, put Iran deal back on track Press TV 16 Feb 2021 -- President Hassan Rouhani has once again reiterated Iran's opposition to any renegotiation of a nuclear deal it clinched with major world states in 2015, saying the United States should practically lift its "illegal" sanctions in the first place in order for the agreement to get back on track.
• Russia urges 'real progress' on Iran deal before window closes Press TV 16 Feb 2021 -- A senior Russian diplomat has called for "real progress" on the implementation of the 2015 multilateral nuclear deal, stressing the need for the relevant parties to race against time in the coming weeks to save the agreement.
• Iran To Reduce Cooperation With IAEA Inspectors Next Week RFE/RL 16 Feb 2021 -- The International Atomic Energy Organization (IAEA) has confirmed that Iran has told it that the country plans to reduce its cooperation with the UN atomic watchdog's inspectors as of February 23.
• Belarus Escalates Crackdown On Journalists, Activists RFE/RL 16 Feb 2021 -- Belarusian security forces searched the homes of more than two dozen journalists and rights activists across the country, in what was seen as a targeted campaign to intimidate independent voices.
• Cambodian Elite Park Millions in Australia Radio Free Asia 16 Feb 2021 -- In the five years since the Cambodian People's Party vowed to tame the Khmer diaspora in Australia, wealthy Cambodians have brought vast sums of wealth to the country.
• ECHR Rules Bulgarian Courts Wrong Not To Penalize Far-Right Nationalist Lawmaker RFE/RL 16 Feb 2021 -- The European Court of Human Rights ruled that Bulgaria's courts had wrongly dismissed two discrimination cases brought against far-right nationalist lawmaker Volen Siderov.
• Nigerians Rejoice as New WTO Head Becomes First Woman and African to Lead Global Trade Body VOA 16 Feb 2021 -- Nigerians are celebrating the appointment of former finance minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the first woman, and first African director-general of the World Trade Organization.
• Congolese President Appoints  Sama Lukon Kyenge as PM VOA 16 Feb 2021 -- The Democratic Republic of Congo's new prime minister said the safety of the country's citizens is among his top priorities.
• Statement by White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki on Cases of Ebola The White House 16 Feb 2021
• Aid Agencies Respond to New Ebola Outbreak in Guinea VOA 16 Feb 2021 -- The World Health Organization and other aid agencies are moving quickly to try to gain control over a new outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus in Guinea. Guinea is one of three countries that was affected by the 2014 West African outbreak, the largest in history.