COVID-19 - Daily News

04 January 2022 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

U.S. Troops in Iraq Remain at Risk, Retain Right of Self-Defense, Press Secretary Says DoD News 04 Jan 2022 -- Even though the mission of U.S. forces in Iraq has changed, the troops are still in a hazardous environment and retain the ability to defend themselves, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby told reporters today.
Security forces defend Ali Al Salem from drones US Air Force 04 Jan 2022 -- The threat of unmanned aerial system attacks against U.S. forces in the Middle East has given U.S. Central Command reasons to increase the training and preparedness of bases in the theater of operations.
Armed drones attack base housing US occupation forces in Iraq for second one in two days Press TV 04 Jan 2022 -- An airbase in Iraq's western province of Anbar, where occupying American military forces and trainers are stationed, has reportedly come under attack by unmanned aerial vehicles.
US Thwarts 2 Drone Attacks in Iraq VOA 04 Jan 2022 -- U.S. forces in Iraq thwarted a second explosives-laden drone attack in as many days Tuesday, as U.S. forces in Syria destroyed what was believed to be an enemy rocket launch site.

Defense Policy / Programs

Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby Holds a Press Briefing DoD 04 Jan 2022
DAF COVID-19 Statistics - Jan. 4, 2022 US Air Force 04 Jan 2022
Japan irked at US military's failure to contain spread of Omicron variant Press TV 04 Jan 2022 -- The top government officials in Japan's Okinawa prefecture have blasted the US military for failing to contain the COVID-19 outbreak at its bases in the country and allowing the Omicron variant to spill over to the local population.
Army Reserve Soldiers Support Yama Sakura 81 Army News 04 Jan 2022 -- In a time where our Nation's defense strategy continues to pivot to the Pacific, strengthening relationships with allies and partners remains key in defining the U.S. Army's role in the region. In an effort to support this effort, each year, U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) participates in Exercise Yama Sakura, the largest joint and bilateral command post exercise between the U.S. and Japan.
Wisconsin Guard augments Colorado Guard artillery deployment for Spartan Shield Army News 04 Jan 2022 -- Ten members of the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 121st Field Artillery — a high-mobility artillery rocket system (HIMARS) unit — trained with the Colorado Army National Guard's 3rd Battalion, 157th Field Artillery, at Fort Bliss, Texas, before deploying to the Middle East in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

NATO chief seeks to convene meeting with Russia amid tensions Press TV 04 Jan 2022 -- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has scheduled a special meeting of the NATO-Russia Council (NRC) next week, as tensions boil between Moscow and the West over a range of issues, including Ukraine.

China will modernize, not drastically expand, its nuclear arsenal: senior diplomat Global Times 04 Jan 2022 -- China has no plan to drastically expand its nuclear arsenal but the country will continue to modernize it under the changing security environment, a senior Chinese diplomat said on Tuesday in response to recent foreign reports that have been speculating and hyping China's nuclear weapon development, including those on the alleged missile silo buildups in Northwest China and the alleged hypersonic tests.
China shows global responsibility on nukes Global Times 04 Jan 2022 -- China had pushed forward a joint statement by the leaders of the five nuclear weapon states on preventing nuclear war and avoiding arms races issued on Monday by urging the others to join the reaffirmation that a nuclear war cannot be won and shall not be fought, after the process under the framework of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) remained in a state of inaction for a couple of years and despite resistance from the former Trump administration, a senior Chinese diplomat said on Tuesday.
China rejects US claims on nuclear arsenal as 'untrue,' vows to continue modernization Press TV 04 Jan 2022 -- A senior Chinese official has firmly rejected claims made by the United States that Beijing is rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal but said China will continue to "modernize" its nuclear forces.
Xi signs mobilization order for military training People's Daily 04 Jan 2022 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping Tuesday signed a mobilization order for the training of the armed forces, the first order of the Central Military Commission (CMC) in 2022.
Beijing Says AUKUS Pact Undermines Nuclear Non-Proliferation Sputnik 04 Jan 2022 -- The AUKUS trilateral defence agreement between the United States, the UK and Australia could lead to the collapse of the nuclear non-proliferation regime, Director-General of the Arms Control Department of the Chinese Foreign Ministry Fu Cong said on Tuesday.

DPRK Fires Unidentified Projectile Toward East Sea - South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff Sputnik 04 Jan 2022 -- Pyongyang has maintained a unilateral ban on nuclear and long-range missile tests since 2018 following international outcry, but has tested shorter-range tactical weapons in the time since. It claims the missiles can evade South Korean air defense systems.
North Korea Conducts First Missile Test of 2022, Neighbors Say VOA 04 Jan 2022 -- North Korea conducted an apparent missile test, South Korea and Japan reported Wednesday, just days after an end-of-year speech in which leader Kim Jong Un focused on domestic economic woes rather than military advancements.
North Korea moves to stem a rise in insubordination within its military Radio Free Asia 04 Jan 2022 -- After a North Korean army officer threatened his superior with a weapon and another attempted suicide when higher-ranking officers ignored his pleas for help, the country's politburo is taking steps to stem what leaders fear may be a rising trend of insubordination within the military.

Deputy Secretary Sherman's Call with Greek Foreign Minister Dendias US Dept. of State 04 Jan 2022 -- The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary Blinken's Call with the United Arab Emirates Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan US Dept. of State 04 Jan 2022 -- The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary Blinken's Call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud US Dept. of State 04 Jan 2022 -- The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Statement by NSC Spokesperson Emily Horne on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Call with Nordic Counterparts The White House 04 Jan 2022
Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, January 4, 2022 The White House 04 Jan 2022

Defense Industry

Contracts For Jan. 4, 2022
Israel's Elbit Gets $53 Million From UAE Air Force for Systems Defending Against Anti-Air Missiles Sputnik 04 Jan 2022 -- The Emirati government said it signed the 2020 Abraham Accords with Israel out of a desire to stop the annexation of Palestinian land in the West Bank, but since the deal happened, it has gotten several lucrative military and trade deals from Israel and the US.

Other Conflicts

4 January 2022 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 04 Jan 2022

Millions in Afghanistan staring at death, starvation amid harsh winter, US sanctions Press TV 04 Jan 2022 -- The crippling sanctions imposed on Afghanistan by the US government and its allies are taking a heavy toll, exposing millions of crisis-stricken people to the vagaries of freezing winter.
Harsh winter fuels ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan UN News 04 Jan 2022 -- UN humanitarians warned on Tuesday that a harsh winter in Afghanistan is aggravating already severe conditions faced by millions across the country.
Pakistan: Smartcard registration drive for Afghan refugees ends UN News 04 Jan 2022 -- The first drive to verify data relating to around 1.4 million Afghan refugees on the move over past decade in Pakistan has been concluded, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said on Tuesday.

Australian scholar says fear of South China Sea conflict is exaggerated Radio Free Asia 04 Jan 2022 -- Increased military exercises and sharp rhetoric have fueled fears of a superpower conflict in the disputed South China Sea, but at least one scholar is making waves with a different narrative -- that the fears of war are overblown.

Houthis' Ship Seizure Threatens International Trade and Security US Dept. of State 04 Jan 2022 -- The United States condemns the Houthis' January 2 seizure of a UAE-flagged merchant vessel off the coast of Hudaydah, Yemen. These actions interfere with freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and threaten international trade and regional security.

UNICEF: Grim start to new year as 2 children are killed, 5 injured, in Syria UN News 04 Jan 2022 -- Warring parties should never attack children or the services they rely on, a senior official with the UN children's agency, UNICEF, said on Tuesday, following recent violence and disruption in Syria.
Analysts: Islamic State Poised for More Attacks in Syria in 2022 VOA 04 Jan 2022 -- Experts say that militants linked to the Islamic State terror group appear to be planning more deadly attacks in Syria this year.

EU Foreign Policy Chief To Begin Ukraine Visit Amid Russia Tensions RFE/RL 04 Jan 2022 -- EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell will begin a visit to Ukraine on January 4 in a show of support for Kyiv ahead of a week of intense diplomacy over a Russian military buildup near the former Soviet republic's border.
NATO-Russia Talks Set on Moscow's Ukraine Border Troop Buildup VOA 04 Jan 2022 -- NATO said Tuesday that Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has scheduled a meeting next week between Western ambassadors and Russian officials to try to defuse tensions over Moscow's troop buildup along Ukraine's eastern border with Russia.

At least 23 killed in fighting between rebel groups in north Colombia Press TV 04 Jan 2022 -- At least 23 people have been killed in clashes between rebel groups in Colombia's northeastern state of Arauca, according to the country's civilian and military authorities.

News Reports

US Attorney General to Speak About Jan. 6 Capitol Riot Investigations VOA 04 Jan 2022 -- U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland is planning to speak Wednesday about the Justice Department's efforts to investigate and prosecute those involved in the U.S. Capitol riot a year ago.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on January 4, 2022 PRC MofA 04 Jan 2022
Closure of seditious news outlets in HK shows 'bottom-line' must not be crossed Global Times 04 Jan 2022 -- The closure of several Hong Kong online media outlets triggered criticism from some Western media over a so-called deteriorating or eroding freedom of the press in the city, which was refuted by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) officials and observers, as the fate of two online media - Stand News and Hong Kong Citizen News - has nothing to do with press freedom, and anti-China forces challenging the bottom line of the rule of law of Hong Kong in the name of press freedom must be held accountable.
Shutdown of Stand News, Citizen News nothing to do with press freedom: HK chief Global Times 04 Jan 2022 -- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive Carrie Lam said the shutdown of Stand News and Hong Kong Citizen News has nothing to do with press freedom in Hong Kong.
2 More Hong Kong Media Outlets Close Amid 'Tough Environment' VOA 04 Jan 2022 -- The closure of three news outlets within days of each other highlights the rapid decline of Hong Kong's independent media, analysts say.
China mounts anti-US campaign in Xinjiang universities amid genocide declarations Radio Free Asia 04 Jan 2022 -- The Chinese government has begun a large-scale propaganda campaign in its far-western Xinjiang region directed at Western countries led by the United States over their condemnation of Beijing's human rights violations and genocidal policies targeting the Uyghur minority.
Birth rates in 10 provincial-level regions fall below 1% in 2020 Global Times 04 Jan 2022 -- Birth rates in 10 of China's provincial-level regions fell below 1 percent in 2020, according to statistical yearbooks, with Henan, one of the most populous provinces, falling below 1 million births for the first time since 1978.
China's Economy Could Overtake US Economy by 2030 VOA 04 Jan 2022 -- China's economy will increasingly rely on state investment, high-tech development and domestic consumption - with less input from its past staple of export manufacturing - as it stands to overtake the United States in the coming decade, analysts predict.
Update: HK Citizen News' fate on heels of Stand News shows no room for anti-govt media to defy constitutional order: experts Global Times 04 Jan 2022 -- Hong Kong's online news outlet, Citizen News, is scheduled to stop operations on Tuesday, a decision that was made following the shutdown of Stand News. While the chief writer and editor of Citizen News claimed on Monday that the decision was made over concerns on whether future coverage would violate the law, observers said the ambiguous stance cannot disguise the fact that Citizen News has played a notorious role in instigating social divergence and defying the constitutional order of Hong Kong.
Oath-taking ceremony held for HKSAR's 7th-term LegCo members People's Daily 04 Jan 2022 -- The oath-taking ceremony for 90 members of the seventh-term Legislative Council (LegCo) of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) was held Monday at the Chamber of the LegCo Complex.
New HKSAR lawmakers encouraged to fulfill constitutional obligations, serve motherland People's Daily 04 Jan 2022 -- A Chinese government spokesperson on Monday extended congratulations to the seventh-term of the Legislative Council (LegCo) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on its oath-taking ceremony, encouraging the lawmakers to shoulder their due responsibilities and serve Hong Kong and the motherland.

Chinese Ambassador refutes West attacks on China's aid to Solomon Islands with five guiding principles Global Times 04 Jan 2022 -- Chinese Ambassador to the Solomon Islands on Monday refuted recent attacks and slanders from Western countries, stressing that China's aid is based on equality and respect and all China-aid projects in the Solomon Islands are implemented upon full consultations with the local government.

Cabinet predicts stronger unification propaganda from Beijing CNA 04 Jan 2022 -- Beijing may take a more diverse approach to push its cross-Taiwan Strait unification propaganda in the post-COVID era, Taiwan's Cabinet said Tuesday in a report examining current Taiwan-China relations.
Proposal on strengthening Taiwan-Europe links coming soon: MOFA CNA 04 Jan 2022 -- A plan aimed at enhancing links between Taiwan and Europe in several fields is being discussed by several government agencies and will be unveiled in the near future, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) official said Tuesday.
Opening of 'Taiwanese' office a mistake: Lithuanian president CNA 04 Jan 2022 -- Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda said Tuesday that his country's decision to allow the opening of a Taiwan representative office there under the name "Taiwanese" was a mistake that has led to a series of retaliatory measures from China.

Iran, P4+1 continue sanctions removal talks in Vienna Press TV 04 Jan 2022 -- Iran and the remaining signatories to the 2015 deal are continuing their diplomatic efforts in the Austrian capital of Vienna aimed at securing a removal of the United States sanctions on Tehran and reviving the agreement that was abandoned by Washington.
Canadian Court Awards $84 Million To Relatives Of Six People Killed In Downing Of Passenger Plane By Iran RFE/RL 04 Jan 2022 -- A Canadian court has awarded $84 million to the families of six people who died when Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) downed a Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) plane two years ago.

As Myanmar junta hunts opponents to its rule, children are caught in the crossfire Radio Free Asia 04 Jan 2022 -- Since the military seized power in Myanmar nearly 90 minors have been killed and more than 190 held hostage by security forces in the process of arresting their parents, according to relatives and rights groups.
Myanmar junta: Cambodian PM won't be allowed to meet democracy leaders Radio Free Asia 04 Jan 2022 -- The Myanmar junta's spokesman indicated Tuesday that the Burmese regime would not allow Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen to meet with detained pro-democracy leaders during his visit to the country later this week.
Myanmar citizens find little reason to celebrate on Independence Day Radio Free Asia 04 Jan 2022 -- The 4th of January is Myanmar's Independence Day, but 74 years after the country cast off British rule, many people see little reason to celebrate.

Kazakh Police Fire Stun Grenades On Protesters In Almaty As President Issues Warning RFE/RL 04 Jan 2022 -- Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev warned protesters on January 4 that calls to attack government and military buildings were illegal, as he issued a video address to the nation amid protests in several cities.
Protests Erupt In Kazakhstan After Gas Prices Double On New Year's Day RFE/RL 04 Jan 2022 -- When drivers in western Kazakhstan found out on New Year's Day that the cost of filling their gas tank had doubled, they got out of their cars and started protesting.
Kazakhstan Rocked By Third Day Of Protests Over Energy Price Hike RFE/RL 04 Jan 2022 -- Hundreds of people in the western Kazakh region of Mangystau are protesting for a third straight day on January 4 over a sudden, dramatic hike in prices for liquefied natural gas (LNG) used in vehicles.
Kazakh President Urges Nation Against Provocations Amid Mass Protests, Declares State of Emergency Sputnik 04 Jan 2022 -- Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Tuesday addressed the nation with the call not to succumb to internal and external provocations amid rallies against increased gas prices. Hours later, his office announced that a state of emergency was implemented until January 19 in Almaty and for the province of Mangystau.

U.S. Recognition of Venezuela's 2015 National Assembly and Interim President Guaidó US Dept. of State 04 Jan 2022 -- The United States continues to recognize the authority of the democratically elected 2015 National Assembly as the last remaining democratic institution and Juan Guaidó as Venezuela's interim president. We welcome the agreement reached to extend the authority of the National Assembly elected in 2015 and of interim President Guaidó as its president.

EU Risks Being Dragged into Macron's Bid for Reelection VOA 04 Jan 2022 -- For the next six months, France will be running the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, giving President Emmanuel Macron a key role in shaping the future of the bloc in a year that looks set to be yet another highly turbulent and fractious one for the EU.

Mali's Military Authorities Propose 5-Year Extension of Transition Period VOA 04 Jan 2022 -- In Mali, a coalition of political parties has rejected the military government's plan for a five-year transition before elections. Mali has been under pressure from West African governments to hold elections since a May military coup d'etat, the second in less than a year.

Colombian National Charged in Connection with Plot to Kill Haitian President US Dept. of Justice 04 Jan 2022 -- A Colombian national was arrested based on a criminal complaint filed in the Southern District of Florida. Mario Antonio Palacios, 43, is charged with conspiracy to commit murder or kidnapping outside the United States and providing material support resulting in death, knowing or intending that such material support would be used to prepare for or carry out the conspiracy to kill or kidnap.

Sudan hit by mass protests after prime minister's resignation Press TV 04 Jan 2022 -- Sudanese security forces have fired tear gas at protesters who have taken to the streets after Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok resigned, leaving the army in control again.
Troika and EU Statement on the Resignation of Sudanese Prime Minister Hamdok US Dept. of State 04 Jan 2022 -- The Troika (Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and the European Union underscore their continued support for the democratic aspirations of the Sudanese people. Abdallah Hamdok played a major role in leading Sudan's democratic and economic reforms. His resignation as Sudanese Prime Minister, two months after the military's unconstitutional seizure of power, reinforces the urgent need for all Sudanese leaders to recommit to the country's democratic transition and deliver on the Sudanese people's demands for freedom, peace, and justice.

U.S. Slams Georgia's Ruling Party For 'Undermining' Government Accountability, Judiciary RFE/RL 04 Jan 2022 -- The United States has sharply criticized Georgia's ruling party, Georgian Dream, for rushing legislation last week that Washington says "undermined" government accountability, the independence of judges, and overall faith in the judiciary.

A New Year Brings The Same Old Problems For Turkmenistan In The Era Of 'The Protector' RFE/RL 04 Jan 2022 -- Turkmenistan's rubber-stamp parliament has declared 2022 the Era of the People with Arkadag (Protector) -- that is, President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov -- in the latest sign of the authoritarian's leader's personality cult and his denial of the country's deepening economic woes.

Lebanon's Hezbollah Leader Criticizes Saudi Arabia, Deepening Rift VOA 04 Jan 2022 -- The leader of Lebanon's Hezbollah militia verbally attacked Saudi Arabia in a Monday evening speech, accusing the Gulf kingdom of helping spread Islamic extremism around the globe and holding Lebanon "hostage." Analysts say that Hezbollah's sparring with Saudi Arabia deprives Lebanon of needed financial help.

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