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16 December 2021 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

U.S. Navy Rescues Mariners Smuggling Illicit Drugs US Navy 16 Dec 2021 -- U.S. Navy personnel rescued five mariners Dec. 15 after a fire caused an explosion aboard their vessel, which was smuggling illicit drugs while transiting the Gulf of Oman.

Update: air strikes against Daesh UK MOD 16 Dec 2021 -- The RAF are continuing to take the fight to Daesh in Iraq and Syria.
RAF Typhoon Destroys Terrorist Drone in Syria UK MOD 16 Dec 2021 -- TheThe event was the first operational air-to-air engagement conducted by an RAF Typhoon, and also the first RAF air-to-air missile firing during Operation SHADER.

Defense Policy / Programs

Almost All Active Duty Service Members Receive Vaccines DoD News 16 Dec 2021 -- By any measure, the vaccination process in the military has been enormously successful with 6,540,793 shots administered with 1,915,932 service members fully vaccinated or having the first shot of a two-shot protocol.
Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby Holds an Off-Camera Press Briefing DoD 16 Dec 2021
U.S. and UAE Conduct Joint Military Dialogue DoD 16 Dec 2021
New F-35 Lightning IIs join USAFE, RAF Lakenheath fleet for first time US Air Force 16 Dec 2021 -- RAF Lakenheath received its first delivery of F-35A Lightning II aircraft Dec. 15. This is the result of a force posture adjustment that has been six years in the making. Announced in 2015, the long-anticipated arrival of the F-35 marks RAF Lakenheath as the first base in United States Air Forces in Europe to receive the new, fifth-generation aircraft.
Bilateral Exercise CARAT Timor-Leste 2021 Concludes, Solidifies Maritime Partnerships US Navy 16 Dec 2021 -- As part of the 27th annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) series, CARAT Timor-Leste 2021 concluded Dec. 15, following nine days of virtual, in-person and at-sea engagements that enhanced collaboration between the Timor-Leste Defense Force (F-FDTL) and U.S. military and focused on shared maritime security challenges of the region.
Remote Fueling: Increasing Time on Target US Navy 16 Dec 2021 -- With frost on the ground, Sailors and Marines can see their breath creating cold clouds of condensation as they move around exiting their camouflaged tents on the edge of a remote airfield on Wallops Island, Virginia. In the distance, the sound of radio chatter and propeller wash excite the air. It's time to move some fuel!
US Air Force Permanently Deploys First F-35s in Europe in Response to 'Resurgent Russia' Sputnik 16 Dec 2021 -- The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II has been plagued with reliability and cost overrun issues since the first aircraft began to be delivered to the US military in 2015. Over 730 F-35s have been built to date, with the programme having an estimated lifetime cost of more than $1.7 trillion - making the jets the most expensive weapon ever built.
USS Jefferson City Arrives in Guam for Change of Homeport US Navy 16 Dec 2021 -- The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine arrived at Naval Base Guam following a change of homeport from Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Readout of the 4th Annual U.S.-Brazil Strategic Defense Talks DoD 16 Dec 2021
U.S. Congress passes roughly 770-bln-USD defense spending bill for FY2022 People's Daily 16 Dec 2021 -- The U.S. Senate voted Wednesday to pass a roughly 770-billion-U.S.-dollar defense spending bill for fiscal year 2022.
US Senate passes colossal $770 billion military bill Press TV 16 Dec 2021 -- The US Senate has passed the country's 2022 annual military spending bill, which authorizes a funding of $770 billion for military and national security, sending it to the US President Joe Biden's desk for signature.

NATO Says Ready to Take 'Confidence-Building Measures' if Russia Makes De-Escalation Steps Sputnik 16 Dec 2021 -- The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) alliance said on Thursday evening that it had received security proposals from Russia intended to reduce tensions with the bloc, but that NATO has its own security concerns as well, which Moscow must respect.
Joint press point by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy NATO 16 Dec 2021

Russia Developing New Hypersonic Strategic Systems, Strategic Missile Forces Announce Sputnik 16 Dec 2021 -- Russia is developing new hypersonic strategic systems that will replace the Avangard glide vehicles when the United States finds an antidote for them, Col. Gen. Sergei Karakaev, the commander of the Strategic Missile Forces, said.
Do Russian Military Officers Have A Morale Problem? Some Say Yes. RFE/RL 16 Dec 2021 -- For Pavel Petrakov, a 23-year-old lieutenant in a military unit that monitors Russian aerospace defenses, the fact that the door to his officer-assigned dormitory room fell off its hinges was bad enough.

China reveals upgraded J-15 fighter jet; key aircraft carrier roles expected Global Times 16 Dec 2021 -- China recently revealed an upgraded version of the J-15 ship-borne fighter jet that has just wrapped up test flights, with reports saying the new aircraft received enhancements in its missile pylons, the infrared search and track system, the radar and the wings.

India Navy Needs Third Aircraft Carrier to Effectively Take on Adversaries, Parliamentary Panel Says Sputnik 16 Dec 2021 -- Indian Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh has recently said that cooperation between China and Pakistan will change the security dynamics in the Indian Ocean Region. The Indian Navy currently has one aircraft carrier, while the construction of Indigenous Aircraft Carrier has been delayed for various reasons.

Iran, Oman hold naval drills in Strait of Hormuz IRNA 16 Dec 2021 -- Rescue and relief maneuvers were held by Iranian and Omani naval forces in Iranian territorial waters in Strait of Hormuz and the Sea of Oman on Thursday.
Iran, Oman hold joint military exercises in Strait of Hormuz, Sea of Oman Press TV 16 Dec 2021 -- The Iranian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman have held a joint military drill in Iran's territorial waters in the Strait of Hormuz and the Sea of Oman.

U.S. Congress passes defense bill calling for Taiwan RIMPAC invite CNA 16 Dec 2021 -- The U.S. Senate on Wednesday passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, with recommendations for inviting Taiwan to the 2022 Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) and enhancing cooperation between the U.S. National Guard and Taiwan included as part of the bill.

Statement by NSC Spokesperson Emily Horne on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Call with B9 Counterparts The White House 16 Dec 2021
Press Briefing by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, December 16, 2021 The White House 16 Dec 2021

Defense Industry

Contracts For Dec. 16, 2021

Other Conflicts

More Than 300,000 Afghans Flee to Pakistan Since Taliban Takeover of Afghanistan VOA 16 Dec 2021 -- The Taliban takeover of neighboring Afghanistan in August forced more than 300,000 Afghans to take shelter in Pakistan but now most of them are being asked to go back.

How Foreign Oil Drillers Are Helping Consolidate China's Claims in Disputed Asian Sea VOA 16 Dec 2021 -- Foreign oil and gas drillers invited by Asian countries with rival maritime sovereignty claims are helping advance China's position as the region's most powerful disputant, experts on the region say.

Jazan Civil Defense: Hostile projectile launched by terrorist houthi militia falls on civilan objects in Ahad Al Masarihah Governorate SPA 16 Dec 2021 -- The Official Spokesman of the Civil Defense Directorate in Jazan Region Colonel Mohammed bin Yehya Al-Ghamdi said that the directorate received a report on the falling of a hostile projectile that was launched by the Iran-backed terrorist Houthi militia from inside the Yemeni lands towards the industrial zone in Ahad Al Masarihah Governorate in Jazan Region, which resulted in material damage to three industrial workshops and the burning of three civilian vehicles.

Israel's F-16s Strike 8 Missiles at Damascus Airport, 1 Person Killed - Russian Military Sputnik 16 Dec 2021 -- The Israeli Air Force's F-16 fighters struck with eight cruise missiles near Damascus airport, damaged a warehouse, killed a person, Rear Adm. Vadim Kulit, deputy head of the Russian Center for the Reconciliation of Warring Parties in Syria, said on Thursday.
Israeli missile strike kills Syrian soldier Press TV 16 Dec 2021 -- The Israeli regime has conducted yet another missile strike against southern Syria, killing one Syrian soldier.

UN Chief Says Cross-Border Aid To Syria Remains 'Essential' RFE/RL 16 Dec 2021 -- UN cross-border humanitarian aid from Turkey to a rebel-held enclave in northwestern Syria remains vital for millions of people, the United Nations secretary-general has said in an internal report.

Libyan Joint Military Committee Meets With UN Envoy Amid Tensions VOA 16 Dec 2021 -- A militia blockade of the interim government's headquarters in Tripoli appears to have ended Thursday, amid strong tensions in the Libyan capital just over a week before scheduled presidential elections. U.N. envoy Stephanie Williams met with key military leaders to try to prevent any violence which might jeopardize the elections.

Statement by the North Atlantic Council on the situation in and around Ukraine NATO 16 Dec 2021 -- "We are gravely concerned by the substantial, unprovoked, and unjustified Russian military build-up on the borders of Ukraine in recent months, and reject the false Russian claims of Ukrainian and NATO provocations. We call on Russia to immediately de-escalate, pursue diplomatic channels, and abide by its international commitments on transparency of military activities."
EU Leaders Warn Russia Of 'Massive Consequences' If Its Forces Invade Ukraine RFE/RL 16 Dec 2021 -- EU leaders have again warned Russia that it will face "massive consequences and severe costs" if it invades Ukraine and urged Moscow to return to French- and German-mediated talks to defuse tensions over a Russian military buildup on the Russia-Ukraine border.
Russians Split on Responsibility for Worsening Tensions Over Ukraine VOA 16 Dec 2021 -- Older Russians blame NATO for rising tensions between the Kremlin and Western powers over Ukraine, according to a public survey conducted this week by an independent Moscow-based pollster.

Eight Arrested In Bosnian Sweep Against War Crime Suspects RFE/RL 16 Dec 2021 -- Authorities in Bosnia-Herzegovina say they have arrested eight people suspected of involvement in the killing of dozens of people, including women, children and seniors, during the Bosnian War nearly 30 years ago.
Bosnia On The Brink Again: Is 2022 Going To Be The Year Everything Falls Apart? RFE/RL 16 Dec 2021 -- Mirko Zecevic Tadic was a member of the self-styled Croatian Defense Council during the Bosnian War. He had just reached adulthood as the fighting broke out in 1992, and eventually lost his right leg below the knee in a conflict that pitted neighbor against neighbor and majority Bosniaks, Serbs, and Croats against each other in the former Yugoslav republic.

Pro-Ethiopian Government Forces Behind New Wave of Violence in Tigray, Rights Groups VOA 16 Dec 2021 -- Pro-government forces in Ethiopia are responsible for a new wave of violence in the country's northern Tigray region involving "mass detentions, killings and forced expulsions of ethnic Tigrayans," two human rights groups said Thursday.
Rights Groups: Amhara Forces in Ethiopia Committed Atrocities in Tigray VOA 16 Dec 2021 -- Rights groups Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch say forces from Ethiopia's Amhara region have committed a series of atrocities in the neighboring Tigray region.

Pentagon Concerned Over Chinese Military Buildup Near Border With India, Reports Say Sputnik 16 Dec 2021 -- The US Department of Defense is concerned over the Chinese military buildup near the demarcation line with India in the Himalayas, media reported.

Intense fighting in Myanmar's Karen-controlled territory forces thousands to flee Radio Free Asia 16 Dec 2021 -- Intense fighting between Myanmar's military and a joint force of anti-junta fighters in territory controlled by the Karen ethnic group has forced all the 3,000 residents of Lay Kay Kaw township to flee, adding to an already precarious situation for thousands of refugees in the region.

News Reports

US State Department: Terrorism Still a 'Pervasive Threat Worldwide' VOA 16 Dec 2021 -- Terrorist groups remained "a persistent and pervasive threat worldwide" through last year, the U.S. State Department concluded in a new assessment on Thursday.
Acting Coordinator for Counterterrorism John T. Godfrey on the 2020 Country Report on Terrorism US Dept. of State 16 Dec 2021
On the Release of the 2020 Country Reports on Terrorism US Dept. of State 16 Dec 2021 -- The Department of State has issued the 2020 Country Reports on Terrorism (CRT), which provides a detailed look at the counterterrorism environment last year, fulfilling an important Congressional mandate. Each year, the CRT provides insight on important issues in the fight against terrorism and helps the United States make informed decisions about policies, programs, and resource allocations as we seek to build counterterrorism capacity and resilience around the globe.
Daesh Killed Record Number of People Outside Syria, Iraq in 2020, US State Department Says Sputnik 16 Dec 2021 -- The Daesh* terror group is actively developing its network outside Syria and Iraq after being defeated there and its attacks during 2020 resulted in a record number of victims than any previous year, a new US State Department report on terrorism revealed on Thursday.

Joint U.S.-EU statement following the U.S.-EU Justice and Home Affairs Ministerial Meeting DHS 16 Dec 2021

Democratic Republic of the Congo declares Ebola outbreak over UN News 16 Dec 2021 -- The latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's (DRC) North Kivu Province that began in October, is officially over, national health authorities announced this Thursday.

Former Defense Contractor Arrested for Attempted Espionage US Dept. of Justice 16 Dec 2021 -- South Dakota Man Emailed Classified Information to FBI Undercover Posing as Russian Agent

Moscow Dismisses German Court's Murder Verdict, Scholz Backs Expulsions RFE/RL 16 Dec 2021 -- Russia has rejected a Berlin court's ruling that Moscow was behind the shooting death of a former Chechen militant in Berlin more than two years ago, calling it "completely divorced from reality" and warned of retaliation over the issue, which Germany's new chancellor defended.
Foreign Ministry Statement Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Dec 2021
Russia Not Involved in Khangoshvili's Murder, Believes Sokolov Innocent, Foreign Ministry Says Sputnik 16 Dec 2021 -- Russian state structures are not involved in the murder of Georgian citizen Zelimkhan Khangoshvili in Berlin, and Moscow believes that Russian citizen Vadim Sokolov, who was sentenced to life imprisonment, is innocent, the Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.
Russia: German court's state terrorism verdict in murder trial 'divorced from reality' Press TV 16 Dec 2021 -- Russia has blasted as "completely divorced from reality" a German court ruling that Moscow was behind the murder of a former rebel commander from Chechnya in the capital, Berlin, in 2019.

Moscow Court Rejects Release Request Of Cybersecurity Company Chief Arrested On Treason Charge RFE/RL 16 Dec 2021 -- A court in Moscow has rejected a request to release from pretrial detention the chief executive of a leading Russian cybersecurity company who was arrested in September on charges of state treason.

German Regulator Reportedly Says Decision on Nord Stream 2 Not Expected in First Half of 2022 Sputnik 16 Dec 2021 -- The German energy regulator has said that the decision on the Nord Stream 2 certification will not be made in the first half of 2022, Bloomberg reported on Thursday.

Xi, Putin hail "model" bilateral ties, vow to uphold int'l fairness People's Daily 16 Dec 2021 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a video meeting on Wednesday, as they praised "model" China-Russia relations and pledged to cooperate more on safeguarding the two countries' core interests and upholding international fairness and justice.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on December 16, 2021 PRC MofA 16 Dec 2021
US Slaps Sanctions on China Over Uyghur Oppression VOA 16 Dec 2021 -- Several Chinese biotech and surveillance technology companies and government entities are facing new U.S. sanctions for alleged human rights abuses of the Uyghur Muslims in China's western Xinjiang province.
Uyghur forced labor bill heads to Biden's desk after unanimous House, Senate votes Radio Free Asia 16 Dec 2021 -- A bill banning imports from the Xinjiang region of China unless they are certified as not made with forced labor passed the U.S. Senate unanimously on Thursday, clearing the way for signing into law by President Joe Biden in what one Uyghur advocate called the "beginning of the end of 'business as usual.'"
U.S. Slaps More Sanctions On China Over Abuse Of Uyghur Muslims RFE/RL 16 Dec 2021 -- The U.S. government on December 16 announced sanctions on several Chinese biotech and surveillance firms, while the Senate approved legislation barring some imports from China's western Xinjiang region, in the latest steps against Beijing over human rights abuses against Uyghurs, a major indigenous ethnic group in Xinjiang.
Identifying Firms Connected to the PRC Surveillance Technology Sector and Deterring PRC Misuse of Biotechnology and Military Modernization US Dept. of State 16 Dec 2021 -- Identifying Firms Connected to the PRC Surveillance Technology Sector and Deterring PRC Misuse of Biotechnology and Military Modernization Identifying Firms Connected to the PRC Surveillance Technology Sector and Deterring PRC Misuse of Biotechnology and Military Modernization
Treasury Identifies Eight Chinese Tech Firms as Part of The Chinese Military-Industrial Complex US Treasury 16 Dec 2021 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) identified eight Chinese technology firms pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13959, as amended by E.O. 14032. These eight entities actively support the biometric surveillance and tracking of ethnic and religious minorities in China, particularly the predominantly Muslim Uyghur minority in Xinjiang. As a result of today's action, U.S. persons will be prohibited from purchasing or selling certain publicly traded securities connected with these entities, as described in E.O. 13959, as amended.
Commerce Acts to Deter Misuse of Biotechnology, Other U.S. Technologies by the People's Republic of China to Support Surveillance and Military Modernization that Threaten National Security US Dept. of Commerce 16 Dec 2021 -- Today, the U.S. Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) took action to address the ongoing threats to U.S. national security and foreign policy presented by the People's Republic of China (PRC)'s efforts to develop and deploy biotechnology and other technologies for military applications and human rights abuses. BIS is also taking action against entities operating in the PRC, Georgia, Malaysia, and Turkey for diverting or attempting to divert U.S. items to Iran's military programs.
US Congress approves import ban targeting China's Xinjiang Press TV 16 Dec 2021 -- US senators gave final congressional approval Thursday to a bill banning imports from China's Xinjiang region unless businesses can prove they were produced without forced labor.
Morocco's extradition of Uyghur asylum seeker to China could lead to serious rights violations, argue UN experts UN News 16 Dec 2021 -- Four UN independent human rights experts called on Thursday for Morocco to reverse its decision to extradite a Uyghur Muslim to China as his return would place him under threat of serious human rights violations.
Two charged in Hong Kong for 'inciting' others to cast blank ballots in protest Radio Free Asia 16 Dec 2021 -- Authorities in Hong Kong on Thursday charged two people for inciting others to cast blank votes in an election that has been criticized as unfair, given that only candidates approved by a Beijing-backed committee may stand.
Retiring China Global Times chief Hu Xijin is a tough-talking act to follow Radio Free Asia 16 Dec 2021 -- "Washington has greatly increased its presence in the South China Sea and intervened in the political process here," said a middle-aged man seen in a video clip, speaking slowly and calmly in heavily accented English, his eyes fixed on the camera throughout.
Top Chinese business editor incommunicado as 'wolf-warrior' editor steps down Radio Free Asia 16 Dec 2021 -- A prominent Chinese state media figure was incommunicado, believed detained on Thursday, as the "wolf-warrior" editor-in-chief of nationalistic tabloid the Global Times announced his retirement.
Report Uncovers Chinese Telecom Giant Huawei's Large Catalog of Surveillance Products Sputnik 16 Dec 2021 -- Documents recovered by The Washington Post reveal that Chinese Telecom giant Huawei has marketed its technologies to aid in population and corporate surveillance. One product has touted its success in China's far west Xinjiang region, where Beijing's treatment of the Uyghur people has garnered international condemnation.

China in no position to interfere in Taiwan's referendum: MAC CNA 16 Dec 2021 -- Taiwan's government said Thursday that an upcoming national referendum is an internal matter in a democratic nation, and China is in no position to "interfere" in the process.
Senior official calls for Chinese cultural confidence to boost reunification, as cross-Taiwan Straits forum on culture kicks off Global Times 16 Dec 2021 -- The head of Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council Liu Jieyi on Thursday stressed that compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Straits should strengthen cultural confidence and resolutely oppose all kinds of "de-Sinicization" and other Taiwan secessionist attempts.
Mainland warns DPP of consequences for provocative actions People's Daily 16 Dec 2021 -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday warned Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities of consequences for its provocative actions attempting to seek "Taiwan independence."

Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's comment on important advances in IAEA-Iran interaction Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Dec 2021
AEOI spokesman: IAEA cameras to be installed in Karaj site after accurate technical review IRNA 16 Dec 2021 -- Senior Iranian nuclear official said that cameras of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will be installed once again in TESA site in Karaj, west of Tehran, after accurate judicial, security, and technical review.
Iran: IAEA cameras to be installed at Karaj site after meticulous examination Press TV 16 Dec 2021 -- The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) has shed light on an agreement with the UN nuclear agency to replace cameras at a nuclear facility that were damaged by an act of sabotage in June, explaining that the equipment will be re-installed only after "meticulous" examination.
Iran Says IAEA Won't See Images From Reinstalled Cameras At Nuclear Site Until Sanctions Are Lifted RFE/RL 16 Dec 2021 -- One day after Iran agreed to reinstall surveillance cameras at one of its nuclear facilities, a spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran said that the UN's atomic watchdog will not be able to examine images from the cameras until sanctions are lifted.
FM: Iran not to accept any commitment beyond JCPOA IRNA 16 Dec 2021 -- Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has said that Iran will not accept any commitment beyond the July 2015 nuclear deal, aka Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Ukraine, Canada, U.K., Sweden Set Deadline For Settlement With Iran Over Downing Of Airliner RFE/RL 16 Dec 2021 -- Ukraine, Canada, Sweden, and Britain have told Iran that it has three weeks to reverse its refusal to address demands for reparations after the downing of a Ukrainian passenger airliner last year.

Myanmar's economic turmoil is driving thousands to seek work abroad Radio Free Asia 16 Dec 2021 -- Despite the threat of arrest for breaking curfew, residents of Myanmar's commercial capital Yangon gather each day in long lines for passport applications at the city's immigration office in the hope of finding work abroad.
As Courts Sideline Aung San Suu Kyi, Who Will Lead Myanmar's Democratic Movement? VOA 16 Dec 2021 -- A series of recent verdicts by Myanmar's military could see the ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi jailed for life, in what outside analysts say appears to be a campaign to drive her and her party out of politics permanently.

Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's comment on the draft law on sanctions on Belarus under consideration in Lithuania Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Dec 2021
Envoy To Belarus Says Release Of All Political Prisoners Remains Goal Of U.S. Sanctions Policy RFE/RL 16 Dec 2021 -- The unconditional release of all political prisoners in Belarus remains the top goal of the United States, the U.S. special envoy to Belarus, Julie Fisher, told RFE/RL after harsh prison sentences were handed down to a group of Belarusian opposition activists.

Kazakhstan Tightens Security To Prevent Mass Protests On Independence Day RFE/RL 16 Dec 2021 -- Security measures have been beefed up in Kazakhstan's largest city, Almaty, to prevent mass protests as the country marks the 30th anniversary of independence.

Union Minister Dr.Jitendra Singh says,ISRO is developing a Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) with private participation to be launched in 1st quarter of 2022 India PIB 16 Dec 2021 -- Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said, ISRO is developing a Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) with private participation to be launched in 1st quarter of 2022
Union Minister Dr.Jitendra Singh says, ISRO has signed six agreements with four countries for launching foreign satellites during 2021-2023 India PIB 16 Dec 2021 -- Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said, ISRO has signed six agreements with four countries for launching foreign satellitesduring 2021-2023

China, Solomon Islands need to be vigilant against foreign interference: officials Global Times 16 Dec 2021 -- China and the Solomon Islands need to be vigilant against a few countries' attempts to constantly interfere in other countries' domestic affairs in the name of human rights under the Cold War mentality and jointly uphold the basic norms of international relations and international fairness and justice, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during a phone conversation with Solomon Islands' Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele on Thursday.

Cambodian authorities arrest opposition activist, put hearing of others on hold Radio Free Asia 16 Dec 2021 -- Cambodian police on Thursday arrested a former member of a now banned political party who has since joined another opposition group, his wife and the party's acting president said.

Joint Statement by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United States of America and the United Kingdom, on the November 21 Political Agreement in Sudan US Dept. of State 16 Dec 2021 -- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United States of America and the United Kingdom are encouraged by the political agreement in Sudan, signed on 21 November 2021, and the reinstatement of Dr. Abdalla Hamdok as Prime Minister.
US, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Britain Voice Support for Sudanese Political Deal VOA 16 Dec 2021 -- The United States and three other countries voiced encouragement Thursday over a political deal to reinstate Abdalla Hamdok as Sudan's prime minister.

Rights Activists Welcome US Sanctions on Bangladesh's Elite Paramilitary Forces VOA 16 Dec 2021 -- Activists and human rights groups who have long campaigned against the alleged human rights violations committed by Bangladesh's elite paramilitary forces have welcomed the U.S. sanctions on the forces imposed on December 10.

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