COVID-19 - Daily News

03 March 2021 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

DOD Statement on Rocket Attack at Al Asad by Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby DoD 03 Mar 2021 -- "We can confirm that early this morning the air base at Al Asad in Iraq came under rocket attack."
Any Response to Early Morning Rocket Attack Will Wait on Investigation DoD News 03 Mar 2021 -- Ten rockets were launched at the U.S. and ally-occupied Al Asad military base in Iraq early this morning. One American contractor who was sheltering suffered a "cardiac episode," and later died as a result, the Pentagon press secretary said. There is an investigation into who is responsible for the attack.
US Will Not 'Shy Away' From Retaliation for Attack on Iraqi Air Base VOA 03 Mar 2021 -- Top U.S. officials said Wednesday that the United States would not "shy away" from responding to the latest rocket attack on U.S. and coalition personnel in Iraq with military force, if necessary.
US Civilian Contractor Killed in Iraq Rocket Attack VOA 03 Mar 2021 -- The latest rocket attack on a military base housing U.S. and coalition troops in Iraq has claimed the life of a civilian contractor.
Katyusha rockets target Ain al-Assad military base housing US forces in western Iraq Press TV 03 Mar 2021 -- A barrage of rockets have struck the Ain al-Assad air base hosting American forces in the western Iraqi province of Anbar.
Rockets Hit Iraq Air Base Hosting U.S. Troops Ahead Of Papal Visit RFE/RL 03 Mar 2021 -- The U.S.-led coalition in Iraq says at least 10 rockets have been fired at a military base that hosts American and other coalition troops.

Speech Offers Rare Glimpse Into Taliban Inner Politics VOA 03 Mar 2021 -- Offering a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the Afghan Taliban, the group publicly shared a speech in which its deputy leader seemed to be chiding a gathering of Taliban fighters for their internal rivalries, lack of motivation, and disciplinary issues.

Defense Policy / Programs

Interim National Security Strategic Guidance The White House 03 Mar 2021
A Letter on the Annual Report on the Legal and Policy Frameworks for the United States' Use of Military Force and Related National Security Operations The White House 03 Mar 2021
Pentagon Press Secretary Conducts Press Briefing DoD 03 Mar 2021
US B-1B Lancer Bombers to Fly Over Estonia on Wednesday, US Embassy in Tallinn Says Sputnik 03 Mar 2021 -- The US B-1B Lancer strategic bombers will fly over Estonia on Wednesday as part of a task force mission, the US Embassy in Tallinn has announced.
U.S. Africa Command forces conduct assessment in Mali AFRICOM 03 Mar 2021 -- U.S. Africa Command forces stationed in Djibouti conducted an operational and logistics assessment in Gao, Mali, March 3.
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Phone Call With Singapore Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen DoD 03 Mar 2021
Official Explains DOD Data Strategy DoD News 03 Mar 2021 -- Joint warfighting is at the heart of the Defense Department's Data Strategy, released in October, the DOD chief data officer said.
B-21 Prototype Environmental Protection Shelters construction, test underway US Air Force 03 Mar 2021 -- The B-21 Raider program continues to progress through the engineering and manufacturing development acquisition phase. One visible example of progress was the recent construction and installation of a temporary prototype Environmental Protection Shelter at Ellsworth Air Force Base.
341st Missile Wing supports USAFE-AFAFRICA's CJADC2 demo US Air Force 03 Mar 2021 -- The 341st Missile Wing supported U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa's Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control demonstration Feb. 22-24. The demonstration, hosted by USAFE-AFAFRICA in conjunction with the Air and Space Forces' Chief Architect's Office, tested command and control, and communication capabilities of joint and allied forces.
IKE Strike Group Operates with Morocco in Exercise Lightning Handshake US Navy 03 Mar 2021 -- The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKE CSG) is participating in Lightning Handshake, a bi-lateral maritime exercise between the U.S. and the Royal Moroccan Navy (RMN) and Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) during the first week of March.
USS Donald Cook Supports Charles de Gaulle Carrier Strike Group US Navy 03 Mar 2021 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) is providing multi-warfare defense to the Charles de Gaulle Carrier Strike Group (CDG CSG) in the Mediterranean in support of NATO Exercise Dynamic Manta and other operations, demonstrating our mutual commitment to stability and security throughout the European region, March 3, 2021.
Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group Conducts Second Bilateral Exercise with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force US Navy 03 Mar 2021 -- The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG) conducted a bilateral maritime exercise with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) February 28.

New focus on emerging and disruptive technologies helps prepare NATO for the future NATO 03 Mar 2021 -- New technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, autonomous and quantum technologies are changing the world, and the way NATO operates. Recognizing the risks and opportunities that new technologies bring to the Alliance, Defence Ministers endorsed NATO's Coherent Implementation Strategy on Emerging and Disruptive Technologies in February 2021.
Strengthening Transatlantic Relations: the right thing to do, the right time to do it NATO 03 Mar 2021

Russia's Su-27 Escorts 2 US Bombers Over Baltic Sea Sputnik 03 Mar 2021 -- Two B-1B bombers of the US Air Force moved on Wednesday over the Baltic Sea toward the Russian border, they were escorted by Russian aircraft Su-27, the Russian Defense Ministry's National Defense Control Center (NDCC) said.

Video: Third Upgraded Chinese Type 052D Destroyer Sporting Anti-Stealth Radar Spotted Sputnik 03 Mar 2021 -- The People's Liberation Army Navy is the world's largest, even bigger than the US Navy, and upgraded Chinese shipyards are pumping out several warships each year, helping the PLAN to become an increasingly modern force, capable of challenging adversaries in waters further from Chinese shores.
PLA Navy holds joint landing exercises far away from mainland Global Times 03 Mar 2021 -- A Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy joint expeditionary training group recently conducted a series of combat-scenario, cross-service exercises including amphibious landing in waters away from the mainland, and experts said on Wednesday that such far sea training will boost the PLA's capability in defending China's sovereignty and development interests.
PLA Navy improves water supply for remote radar stations PLA Daily 03 Mar 2021 -- A naval radar brigade under the PLA Eastern Theater Command has successively solved water supply problems for its seven radar companies stationed in mountains and islands through such ways as seawater desalination, accessing to municipal water supply, and installation of water purification systems since last year.

Philippines Signs Agreement to Buy Russian-Indian BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missiles Sputnik 03 Mar 2021 -- BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture by India and Russia, is on a marketing drive for its powerful anti-ship supersonic cruise missiles in south-east Asia and the Middle East, in a total of 14 countries. The missile is considered the world's deadliest and can hit a target at speed of around Mach 3 (ie, three times the speed of sound).

Turkey Hasn't Felt 'Any Impact' From US' S-400 Sanctions, Plans to Buy Second Batch, Official Says Sputnik 03 Mar 2021 -- Ankara and Moscow penned a $2.5 billion contract for the sale of four batteries of S-400s to Turkey in late 2017. The US responded by kicking Turkey out of the F-35 fighter programme, and sanctioning the Presidency of Defence Industries – a government agency responsible for coordinating the country's defence sector.

Prototype vehicles arrive for assessment Australia DOD 03 Mar 2021 -- Six prototype infantry fighting vehicles have arrived in Australia as part of the Land 400 Phase 3 program.

A Foreign Policy for the American People US Dept. of State 03 Mar 2021 -- Speech by Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
The United States and the Netherlands Host Conference on Maritime Security US Dept. of State 03 Mar 2021 -- n March 3, the United States and the Netherlands hosted an experts' meeting on the comprehensive implementation of maritime aspects of United Nations Security Council resolutions on countries such as the DPRK.
Department Press Briefing – March 3, 2021 US Dept. of State 03 Mar 2021
Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, March 3, 2021 The White House 03 Mar 2021

Defense Industry

Contracts For March 3, 2021

Other Conflicts

3 March 2021 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 03 Mar 2021

US Flew Unprecedented 75 Spy Plane Missions Over South China Sea in February - Report Sputnik 03 Mar 2021 -- While US President Joe Biden has sought to distance himself from many of the domestic policies of his predecessor, Donald Trump, in the realm of foreign policy he has not strayed far, and in some cases, such as with China, he has adopted an even more bellicose rhetoric.

Houthi Movement Refutes Reports on Its Direct Talks With US in Oman Sputnik 03 Mar 2021 -- Yemen's Houthi rebels have not engaged in direct negotiations with the US, with all contacts between the sides held through Oman's mediation, Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdessalam told Sputnik on Wednesday.
Ansarullah condemns US sanctions, blames Washington for prolonged Yemen war Press TV 03 Mar 2021 -- Yemen's Ansarullah movement has slammed recent US sanctions against two of its leaders, saying Washington is prolonging the conflict and aggravating the humanitarian crisis in the war-torn impoverished Arab country.
Yemeni forces launch new drone attack against Saudi Arabia's Abha International Airport: Spokesman Press TV 03 Mar 2021 -- The spokesman for Yemeni Armed Forces says a new drone attack has been launched on Saudi Arabia's Abha International Airport in retaliation for the Riyadh regime's ongoing military aggression and blockade against the war-torn Arab country.
Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen: Interception, Destruction of Bomb-Laden UAV Launched by Terrorist, Iran-Backed Houthi Militia Toward Southern Region SPA 03 Mar 2021 -- Statement by the Official Spokesman of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Brigadier General Turki Al-Malki:

Shining a light on human rights violations in Syria UK FCDO 03 Mar 2021 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the General Assembly dialogue on Syria
Rebuilding Efforts Continue in Syria's Former IS Stronghold VOA 03 Mar 2021 -- Nearly four years after it was liberated from the Islamic State (IS) terror group, the Syrian town of Tabqa has become a leading example of the reconstruction efforts currently underway in parts of the war-ravaged country.

Statement of ICC Prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, respecting an investigation of the Situation in Palestine ICC 03 Mar 2021 -- "Today, I confirm the initiation by the Office of the Prosecutor (''Office'') of the International Criminal Court (''ICC'' or the ''Court'') of an investigation respecting the Situation in Palestine. The investigation will cover crimes within the jurisdiction of the Court that are alleged to have been committed in the Situation since 13 June 2014, the date to which reference is made in the Referral of the Situation to my Office."
The United States Opposes the ICC Investigation into the Palestinian Situation US Dept. of State 03 Mar 2021 -- "Today, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), whose term ends in June, confirmed the opening of an investigation into the Palestinian situation."
Israeli Defence Minister Says Hundreds Could Be Targeted by ICC War Crimes Probe Sputnik 03 Mar 2021 -- Last month, the ICC ruled that it had jurisdiction to open an investigation into alleged war crimes committed by Israel in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem.
Israel: ICC Probe of Alleged War Crimes in Palestinian Territories 'Act of Moral, Legal Bankruptcy' Sputnik 03 Mar 2021 -- Last month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the International Criminal Court of "pure anti-Semitism" after The Hague-based tribunal approved in principle a probe into alleged war crimes in Israeli-controlled Palestinian territories.
ICC opens investigation into Israeli war crimes Press TV 03 Mar 2021 -- The International Criminal Court opens a formal investigation into Israeli war crimes against Palestinians.

Russian Court Sentences Pro-Ukrainian Crimean Activist To Five Years RFE/RL 03 Mar 2021 -- A Russian court has sentenced a pro-Ukrainian activist from Moscow-annexed Crimea, Oleh Prykhodko, to five years in prison on terrorism charges that he and his supporters have dismissed as politically motivated.
A Letter on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Ukraine The White House 03 Mar 2021
Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Ukraine The White House 03 Mar 2021

Macron admits France killed Algerian freedom fighter Press TV 03 Mar 2021 -- President Emmanuel Macron has admitted that French forces 'tortured and murdered' Algerian freedom fighter Ali Boumendjel in Algeria's war for independence.

Renewing progress towards peace in South Sudan UK FCDO 03 Mar 2021 -- Statement by Ambassador Jonathan Allen at the Security Council briefing on South Sudan
South Sudan's transition from conflict to recovery 'inching forward' – UN envoy UN News 03 Mar 2021 -- South Sudan's transformation from conflict to recovery is underway, but much needs to be done before securing "a peaceful and prosperous future", the UN Special Representative to the country told the Security Council on Tuesday.

Turkey Ready to Negotiate With Egypt on Delimitation of Maritime Zones, Foreign Minister Says Sputnik 03 Mar 2021 -- Turkey is ready to start negotiations with Egypt on the delimitation of maritime zones in the Mediterranean Sea provided that Cairo respects the borders of Ankara's continental shelf and relations between the countries improve, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Wednesday.

Colombian Armed Forces Eliminated 13 FARC Rebels in Bombing Attack, Defense Minister Says Sputnik 03 Mar 2021 -- Colombia's armed forces eliminated 13 rebels from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrilla group in a bombing attack in the country's south, Defense Minister Diego Molano said on Wednesday.

Central African Refugees Being Moved Away From Dangerous Border Areas in DR Congo VOA 03 Mar 2021 -- The U.N. refugee agency is rushing to relocate thousands of Central African refugees in the Democratic Republic of Congo away from the dangerous border areas to safer sites farther inside the country.

News Reports

Pentagon Took Over 3 Hours to OK Deployment of National Guard to Capitol Riot, DC Commander Reveals Sputnik 03 Mar 2021 -- As thousands of Trump loyalists stormed the Capitol on January 6 in a bid to halt the certification of the Electoral College results, dozens of DC National Guard troops were forced to remain on standby, despite the disturbing events that were unfolding. The hourslong delay has largely been blamed on failed communication among senior leadership.
US Intel Officials Admit They Were in the Dark About Looming Capitol Breach VOA 03 Mar 2021 -- The top intelligence officials of the FBI and Department of Homeland Security made a troubling acknowledgement in congressional testimony Wednesday: Neither agency had garnered intelligence indicating that supporters of former President Donald Trump would storm the U.S. Capitol on January 6 in an effort to overturn the November election results.
US Capitol Riot Hearing: 3-Hour Delay in Deploying Guard Troops VOA 03 Mar 2021 -- The commander of the National Guard in Washington told Congress Wednesday it took more than three hours to get approval to deploy troops to the U.S. Capitol on January 6 to confront rioters who were storming the building trying to block lawmakers from certifying Democrat Joe Biden as the country's new president.
FBI chief says Jan. 6 Capitol riot is domestic terrorism People's Daily 03 Mar 2021 -- Christopher Wray, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), said on Tuesday that the law enforcement agency classifies the deadly Jan. 6 Capitol riot by former President Donald Trump's supporters as domestic terrorism.

Suburban Chicago Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIS US Dept. of Justice 03 Mar 2021 -- An Illinois man was sentenced today to 12 years in prison for conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al Sham, a foreign terrorist organization (aka ISIS).

Freedom House: Global Decline In Democracy Has 'Accelerated' RFE/RL 03 Mar 2021 -- Freedom House says the coronavirus pandemic, economic uncertainty, and conflicts across the world contributed to the decline of global freedom in 2020.
Democracy, Liberty Declining Worldwide, Freedom House Report Finds VOA 03 Mar 2021 -- During 2020, freedom around the world declined for the 15th straight year, according to Freedom House in its annual country-by-country assessment of political rights and civil liberties.

US Plans to Continue Targeted Measures Against Myanmar Military Sputnik 03 Mar 2021 -- The United States is going to continue taking targeted measures against military regime in Myanmar, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters.
'Stability of the region' hangs on Myanmar, declares UN Special Envoy UN News 03 Mar 2021 -- UN Special Envoy for Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, warned on Wednesday that the situation in the country challenges "the stability of the region" and could lead to a "real war".
Myanmar Anti-Coup Protests See Their Bloodiest Day Yet VOA 03 Mar 2021 -- The U.N. special envoy for Myanmar says at least 38 people were killed across the country Wednesday during another day of demonstrations against the military junta.
At Least 26 Protesters Killed Across Myanmar as Security Forces Continue Bloody Crackdowns Radio Free Asia 03 Mar 2021 -- At least 26 protesters were killed by police and military forces across Myanmar on Wednesday, witnesses said, on the second bloodiest day in more than a month after a military coup deposed the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi.
Fresh fatalities after Myanmar neighbors urge junta to free detained leaders, end use of lethal force Press TV 03 Mar 2021 -- Military junta forces have opened fire on protesters in Myanmar again leaving several of them dead, a day after the country's neighbors called on the military rulers to release former de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi and end the use of lethal force against anti-coup protesters.

South Korea Fights to Guard Its Trade Secrets From China VOA 03 Mar 2021 -- South Korea's leading role in high-tech industries has made it an attractive target for fast-rising Chinese rivals in search of enhanced capabilities in semiconductors, computer displays and shipbuilding, among other technologies.

Russia warns US 'not to play with fire' after sanctions over Navalny Press TV 03 Mar 2021 -- Russia has warned the United States "not to play with fire," after Washington imposed sanctions against Russian individuals and entities over the case of opposition figure Alexei Navalny, who Western governments say was poisoned last year.
Kremlin Huffs, Navalny Allies Fret: How Biden's New Russia Sanctions Are Going Down In Moscow RFE/RL 03 Mar 2021 -- Russia's caustic Foreign Ministry spokeswoman had this to say: "We urge our colleagues not to play with fire."
Russia Warns West Not To 'Play With Fire' With Navalny Sanctions RFE/RL 03 Mar 2021 -- Russia has reacted angrily to the latest round of sanctions imposed on it over the poisoning and detention of opposition politician Aleksei Navalny, saying the move was "absolutely unacceptable" and would have a destructive effect on the country's already bad relations with the United States and the European Union.
Russia tells U.S. not to "play with fire" with new sanctions People's Daily 03 Mar 2021 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry urged the U.S. administration "not to play with fire" after Washington on Tuesday announced sanctions against Russian individuals and entities over the alleged poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.
Navalny Says He Is In Detention Center In Russia's Vladimir Region RFE/RL 03 Mar 2021 -- Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny has sent his first message from custody after being transferred from a detention center in Moscow to the Vladimir region, northeast of the Russian capital, in late February.
Russian Court Hands Down First Criminal Sentence To Participant In January's Pro-Navalny Rallies RFE/RL 03 Mar 2021 -- A court in Russia's Volga city of Kostroma has sentenced a man to 18 months of forced labor on a criminal charge for attacking a police officer during January 23 rallies against the arrest of opposition politician Aleksei Navalny.
Russia Adds Alliance Of Doctors To 'Foreign Agent' List RFE/RL 03 Mar 2021 -- Russia's Justice Ministry has added the professional medical organization Alliance Of Doctors to its controversial list of organizations fulfilling the functions of a "foreign agent."
Crimean Opera House Pulls Back Curtains On Russian Sanctions Loophole RFE/RL 03 Mar 2021 -- Sanctions have prohibited companies from doing business with the Russian authorities controlling Crimea for more than six years, but Western participation in the development of a bold, seagull-inspired opera house flies in the face of that ban.

China ushers in two sessions time Global Times 03 Mar 2021 -- Top political advisory body held its first press conference on Wednesday ahead of its annual sessions, which means China has officially ushered in "two session" time. The country's annual top political event carries extra weight this year, as China moves to further consolidate its lead in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic and poises to set ambitious goals for years to come.
China Steps up Curbs on Dissidents Ahead of National People's Congress Radio Free Asia 03 Mar 2021 -- The ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has tightened controls on prominent dissidents and rights activists ahead of its National People's Congress (NPC), which opens in Beijing on Friday, placing some under house arrest, while taking others out of town on enforced "vacations" under police surveillance.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on March 3, 2021 PRC MofA 03 Mar 2021
Blinken Says US Relations With China Biggest Geopolitical Test for US in 21st Century Sputnik 03 Mar 2021 -- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday characterised the United States' relationship with China as the biggest geopolitical test for Washington in the twenty-first century and one that needs to be addressed from a position of strength.
China is World's 'Greatest Geopolitical Test', Blinken Says VOA 03 Mar 2021 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken declared Wednesday that the relationship between the United States and China is the world's "biggest geopolitical test" of the century.
HKSAR gov't opposes interference with independent prosecution Global Times 03 Mar 2021 -- The Department of Justice (DoJ) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government stressed Tuesday that no one should interfere with independent prosecutorial decisions, responding to the demand for the release of 47 people charged with "conspiring to subvert the state power" under the national security law in the HKSAR.
Relationship between patriotism, loving Hong Kong and upholding the leadership of the CPC, fully explained People's Daily 03 Mar 2021 -- Xia Baolong, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and head of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, attended the symposium, which heard the opinions of representatives from various sectors of Hong Kong society.
Hong Kong Activists Still in Court as Supporters Gather Outside Radio Free Asia 03 Mar 2021 -- As a marathon hearing grouping bail applications from 47 pro-democracy activists and politicians charged with subversion entered its third day on Wednesday, reports indicated that the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is gearing up to make sure that only its staunchest supporters will be allowed to take part in Hong Kong's political life.
China Claims It Has Eliminated Poverty But Is That True? VOA 03 Mar 2021 -- Over the past eight years, some 100 million people in rural China have emerged from poverty, a sign of economic progress trumpeted by President Xi Jinping.

North Korean Military Exploits Pandemic to Cash-in on Face Masks Radio Free Asia 03 Mar 2021 -- North Korean companies affiliated with the country's military are exploiting nationwide coronavirus emergency protocols to cash in on face mask production, sources in the country told RFA.

Rouhani Praises 'Superior Quality' of Iran's Centrifuges as Nuclear Deal Continues to Flounder Sputnik 03 Mar 2021 -- The standoff continues between Tehran and Washington about which side should be the first to make concessions in rejoining the nuclear deal. Iran says the US must drop sanctions against the Islamic Republic before it can rejoin the agreement. The US says 'no deal' unless Tehran reduces its uranium enrichment and stockpiling activity first.
US should lift sanctions to revive JCPOA: Deputy FM IRNA 03 Mar 2021 -- Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Abbas Araghchi has underlined that the only way to revitalize the 2015 Iran nuclear deal is that the United States should lift illegal sanctions on the Islamic Republic.
Rouhani says delay is not good for lifting sanctions IRNA 03 Mar 2021 -- President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that delay is not good even for one hour for lifting sanctions, adding that the people have the right to get rid of sanctions and the burden they shoulder under sanctions.
JCPOA not renegotiable, the only way to maintain it is lift of US sanctions: President Rouhani ISNA 03 Mar 2021 -- Iran's President referred to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as a multilateral international agreement with specific parties, which was endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2231, saying, "The JCPOA cannot be renegotiated in any way, and the only way to maintain and revive it is the lift of sanctions by the American side".
Any IAEA resolution to impact cooperation with UN nuclear agency: Senior Iranian official Press TV 03 Mar 2021 -- A senior Iranian official has warned about the ramifications of a possible resolution by the UN nuclear watchdog's board against the country, saying the adoption of the draft text will adversely affect Tehran's cooperation with the agency.
Iranian president: US admitted past mistakes but took no serious step to lift bans Press TV 03 Mar 2021 -- President Hassan Rouhani says the new US administration has admitted that the pressure policy pursued by its predecessor against Iran was wrong, but it has so far failed to take "a serious step" to lift the illegal sanctions Washington has imposed against the Iranian nation.
FM says Iran reaches settlement with South Korea for repatriation of assets IRNA 03 Mar 2021 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Wednesday that Tehran and Seoul has agreed upon repatriation of Iranian assets from South Korea.

Will Imran Khan Survive The Senate Upset? RFE/RL Gandhara 03 Mar 2021 -- Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan received a major setback after his ruling party lost an important contest in the indirect election for the Senate or upper house of the country's parliament.
Pakistani PM to Seek Vote of Confidence from Parliament after Senate Poll Blow VOA 03 Mar 2021 -- Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan will seek a vote of parliamentary confidence after one of his key candidates suffered a surprise defeat in Wednesday's hotly contested Senate elections, his ruling party announced.

German Intel Agency Puts Far-Right AfD Under Surveillance VOA 03 Mar 2021 -- Germany's domestic intelligence agency recently put the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) Party under surveillance for suspected extremist links that pose a potential threat to democracy, German media outlets report.

US lawmakers push for sanctions against bin Salman over killing of Khashoggi Press TV 03 Mar 2021 -- Democratic members of the US House of Representative have introduced two bills to penalize Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) for his personal role in the violent murder of one of his most prominent critics, Jamal Khashoggi.

US, EU Remain Wary of Erdogan's Diplomatic Charm Offensive VOA 03 Mar 2021 -- Since U.S. President Joe Biden's election, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been making diplomatic overtures to the West, pledging democratic reforms at home and promising a serious effort to improve ties with Turkey's NATO partners.

EU Envoys Agree To Prolong Asset Freeze On Former Ukrainian President RFE/RL 03 Mar 2021 -- European Union diplomats say ambassadors to the bloc have approved an extension of asset freezes imposed on former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and seven people in his inner circle over the embezzlement of Ukrainian state funds.

Kuwait swears in new cabinet amid deepening political crisis Press TV 03 Mar 2021 -- Kuwait's new cabinet has been sworn in, weeks after ministers tendered resignations en masse amid a deepening deadlock with the parliament.

Cambodia's First Lady Under Fire for Photos Flaunting Lavish Lifestyle Radio Free Asia 03 Mar 2021 -- The wife of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen is under criticism for her extravagant lifestyle, after several photos of her wearing expensive clothing and accessories surfaced on social media.
Cambodia Opposition Leaders Receive 'Outrageously Harsh' Jail Terms for Alleged Coup Plot VOA 03 Mar 2021 -- A Phnom Penh court has sentenced nine senior leaders of the dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party to 20-plus years in prison for allegedly plotting a coup in 2019.

Thousands Rally In Armenia To Demand Pashinian's Resignation RFE/RL 03 Mar 2021 -- Thousands of opposition supporters have rallied in the Armenian capital Yerevan to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian.

Hungary's Ruling Party Pulls Out Of European Parliament Bloc RFE/RL 03 Mar 2021 -- Hungary's ruling Fidesz party has quit the European People's Party (EPP) in the European Parliament after the conservative grouping approved new internal rules.

EU Envoy Says Serbia-Kosovo Dialogue Key For Bloc Entry RFE/RL 03 Mar 2021 -- The European Union's special envoy has warned Serbia and Kosovo that they must resume talks on normalizing ties if they want to make progress toward membership in the bloc.

Moldovan President Says Country Should Seize Moment Of 'Unprecedented' EU Support RFE/RL 03 Mar 2021 -- The European Union regards Moldova's new leadership with sympathy and has shown its readiness to help it fight corruption and reform its judiciary, President Maia Sandu has told RFE/RL, adding that the East European state needs to take advantage of this opportunity.

Vietnam Tapping Hackers to Silence Critics, Experts Warn VOA 03 Mar 2021 -- An international advocacy group's claim that the Vietnamese government has tapped hackers to target activists shows that the communist Southeast Asian state is widening the use of technology to quash its biggest opponents, experts believe.

U.S. 'Deeply Concerned' After Kyrgyz 'Crime Boss' Released From Detention RFE/RL 03 Mar 2021 -- The United States says it is "deeply concerned" over the release from pretrial detention of a Kyrgyz organized-crime figure for whom Washington has offered a $1 million reward.

Turkey Arrests 10 Foreigners Suspected of Links to Daesh, Reports Suggest Sputnik 03 Mar 2021 -- Turkish security forces arrested 10 foreign nationals over suspected links to the Daesh* terrorist group during a special operation in Istanbul, media reported on Wednesday, citing a source.

Treasury Sanctions Fugitive Associate of CJNG US Treasury 03 Mar 2021 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Mexican national Juan Manuel Abouzaid El Bayeh ("Abouzaid El Bayeh") as a Specially Designated Narcotics Trafficker pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (Kingpin Act).

A Letter on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Zimbabwe The White House 03 Mar 2021
Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Zimbabwe The White House 03 Mar 2021

A Letter on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Venezuela The White House 03 Mar 2021
Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Venezuela The White House 03 Mar 2021

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list