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Current Operations

• Washington National Guard members help hospitals Army News 24 Jan 2022 -- About 100 Washington National Guard members were activated Jan. 21 to help alleviate staffing shortages and offer COVID-19 testing at eight hospitals across the state.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Austin Places 8,500 Troops on Heightened Readiness to Deploy to Europe DoD News 24 Jan 2022 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has placed 8,500 U.S. service members to heightened preparedness to deploy given Russia's continuing provocations along its border with Ukraine, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby said today.
• US further ratchets up tensions with Russia, puts 8,500 troops on 'higher-alert' Press TV 24 Jan 2022 -- The United States is further ratcheting up tensions with Russia, announces to put about American 8,500 troops on heightened alert for a possible deployment to Eastern Europe, amid claims that Moscow is preparing to invade Ukraine.
• Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby Holds a Press Briefing DoD 24 Jan 2022
• U.S. Central Command Statement on Use of Patriots to Defend U.S. Forces CENTCOM 24 Jan 2022 -- A United Kingdom Royal Navy frigate seized 1,041 kilograms of illegal drugs while transiting international waters during a counter-narcotics patrol in the Gulf of Oman, Jan. 15.
• March ARB named preferred location for next KC-46A Pegasus US Air Force 24 Jan 2022 -- The Department of the Air Force selected March Air Reserve Base, California, as the preferred location to host the next KC-46A Pegasus aircraft.
• F-35C Lightning II has Landing Mishap on USS Carl Vinson US Navy Press Release 24 Jan 2022 -- An F-35C Lightning II, assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, had a landing mishap on deck while USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) was conducting routine flight operations in the South China Sea, Jan. 24.
• Allied Spirit 22 Kicks Off Army News 24 Jan 2022 -- Exercise Allied Spirit 22 kicked off in earnest Jan. 21, as soldiers transitioned into the force-on-force phase at 7th Army Training Command's Joint Multinational Readiness Center at Hohenfels, Germany.
• NATO Kicks Off Vigilance Activity Neptune Strike 2022 US Navy 24 Jan 2022 -- Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) and U.S. Sixth Fleet (SIXTHFLT) commenced NATO-led activity Neptune Strike 2022 from the SIXTHFLT flagship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), Jan. 24.
• NATO Secretary General takes part in meeting with US President Biden NATO 24 Jan 2022 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg took part in a virtual meeting organised by the President of the United States Joe Biden on Russia's continued military build-up in and around Ukraine and its implications for European and international security.
• Secretary General discusses Russian military build-up, NATO's Open Door policy with Finland and Sweden NATO 24 Jan 2022 -- Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the close partnership of Finland and Sweden with NATO on Monday (24 January 2022). He met with Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto of Finland and Foreign Minister Ann Linde of Sweden at NATO Headquarters to discuss the current security situation, including Russia's continued military build-up in and around Ukraine.
• NATO Allies send more ships, jets to enhance deterrence and defence in eastern Europe NATO 24 Jan 2022 -- NATO Allies are putting forces on standby and sending additional ships and fighter jets to NATO deployments in eastern Europe, reinforcing Allied deterrence and defence as Russia continues its military build-up in and around Ukraine.
• US carrier strike group comes under NATO command in the Mediterranean NATO 24 Jan 2022 -- Today (24 January 2022), Allied ships from the NATO Naval Striking and Support Forces Command and the U.S. Sixth Fleet initiated a series of patrolling activities across the Mediterranean Sea, within the framework of "Neptune Strike 2022."
• NATO Kicks Off Vigilance Activity Neptune Strike 2022 NATO 24 Jan 2022 -- Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) and U.S. Sixth Fleet (SIXTHFLT) commenced NATO-led activity Neptune Strike 2022 from the SIXTHFLT flagship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), Jan. 24. The activity is planned to run until 4 Feb.
• Stoltenberg: NATO Seeks to Boost Its Eatsern Flank, Enhance Ties With Sweden and Finland Sputnik 24 Jan 2022 -- The Pentagon earlier reportedly proposed that US President Joe Biden deploy up to 5,000 additional troops to Eastern Europe. The proposed deployment did not affect Ukraine, which Washington claims is facing the threat of a Russian "invasion". Moscow has repeatedly rejected these allegations.
• China tests new engine,'likely to power hypersonic aircraft' Global Times 24 Jan 2022 -- China on Monday conducted a test flight for a new engine that experts said could power China's future hypersonic aircraft and near-space plane.
• China's Wing Loong UAV family embraces new all-composite model PLA Daily 24 Jan 2022 -- China's independently-developed Wing Loong large unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) family has embraced a new model made of all-composite materials, its developer announced Friday.
• 2nd Chinese peacekeeping helicopter unit to Abyei completes first air patrol PLA Daily 24 Jan 2022 -- The 2nd Chinese peacekeeping helicopter unit to Abyei recently completed its first air patrol mission since deployment. The mission lasted for two hours and they carried out detailed reconnaissance over the designated locations surrounding the mission area with a number of the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) military observers onboard.
• 13 Chinese aircraft enter Taiwan's ADIZ, J-16D spotted for first time CNA 24 Jan 2022 -- Thirteen Chinese military aircraft, including two Shenyang J-16D fighter jets that were spotted for the first time, flew into the southwestern part of Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) Monday, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said.
• China warplane incursions of Taiwan a show of strength to U.S., Japan: scholars CNA 24 Jan 2022 -- China's decision to send a large number of military aircraft to Taiwan's southwestern airspace Sunday was a display of muscle-flexing to the United States and Japan that were holding maritime drills nearby, two scholars told CNA Monday.
• PLA holds large-scale exercise near Taiwan 'to counter US, Japanese drills' Global Times 24 Jan 2022 -- After a total of 39 aircraft of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) were spotted near Taiwan on Sunday in what seems to be the largest exercise in the region since this year, the PLA reportedly continued the drills on Monday by sending 13 aircraft to the region.
• China Flies Dozens of Warplanes Toward Taiwan in Latest Incursions VOA 24 Jan 2022 -- More than 50 Chinese aircraft have flown into Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) in recent days, marking the sharpest escalation in military sorties since the year began.
• DELIVERY OF 50TON BOLLARD PULL TUG "BALBIR" TO NAVAL DOCKYARD VISAKHAPATNAM BY M/S HINDUSTAN SHIPYARD LTD India PIB 24 Jan 2022 -- Contract for construction of 50Ton Bollard Pull Tugs was concluded with M/s Hindustan Shipyard Ltd, Visakhapatnam in Feb 19
• Exclusive: Pakistan Navy inducts 1st Type 054A/P frigate developed by China Global Times 24 Jan 2022 -- The Pakistan Navy on Monday inducted the PNS Tughril, the first of four Type 054A/P frigates developed by China, in the Pakistan Navy Fleet, with the president of Pakistan hailing the friendship between the two countries and announcing that the Type 054A/Ps will serve to safeguard the sea routes of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
• US calls on Cambodia to explain its plans for Ream Naval Base Radio Free Asia 24 Jan 2022 -- The U.S. government on Monday called for full transparency from Cambodia about Beijing-backed refurbishments at its Ream Naval Base following confirmation by Phnom Penh of sand dredging activities at the site.
• Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meeting with UAE and Saudi Arabia Ambassadors to the United States The White House 24 Jan 2022
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Al-Thani US Dept. of State 24 Jan 2022
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, January 24, 2022 The White House 24 Jan 2022
• Department Press Briefing – January 24, 2022 US Dept. of State 24 Jan 2022

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Jan. 24, 2022

Other Conflicts

• 24 January 2022 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 24 Jan 2022
• Western Diplomats In Humanitarian Talks With Taliban In Oslo RFE/RL Gandhara 24 Jan 2022 -- Taliban representatives held talks with Western diplomats in Norway on January 24 on Afghanistan's humanitarian crisis and human rights -- their first official meeting in Europe since the hard-line Islamist group took over control of the war-torn country in August 2021.
• Western diplomats hold humanitarian talks with Taliban in Norway Press TV 24 Jan 2022 -- A delegation of the Taliban headed by acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has held talks with Western diplomats in Oslo over the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
• Taliban, Western officials begin talks in Oslo with focus on frozen assets Press TV 24 Jan 2022 -- Representatives of Afghanistan's Taliban-led interim government and Western diplomats have held three-day talks in Oslo to discuss the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crisis in the country and push for the release of assets frozen by the US and its allies.
• U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Joint Force Conducts Dual Carrier Operations in South China Sea US Navy 24 Jan 2022 -- Carl Vinson and Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Groups began dual carrier operations in the South China Sea, Jan. 23, 2022.
• US aircraft carriers enter South China Sea, China aircraft flock to Taiwan ADIZ Radio Free Asia 24 Jan 2022 -- China sent 39 military aircraft into Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on Sunday, the same day two U.S. Navy Carrier Strike Groups began a joint operation in the South China Sea.
• UAE Says It Intercepted Two Missiles Targeting Abu Dhabi VOA 24 Jan 2022 -- The United Arab Emirates said Monday it intercepted two ballistic missiles targeting Abu Dhabi.
• U.A.E. Intercepts Two Missiles Fired At Abu Dhabi In Further Escalation Of Conflict In Yeme RFE/RL 24 Jan 2022 -- The United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) intercepted and destroyed two Huthi ballistic missiles targeting the capital of the Gulf country on January 24, the Defense Ministry said.
• Senior Ansarullah official urges foreign investors to leave 'unsafe' UAE after Yemen's retaliatory strikes Press TV 24 Jan 2022 -- A senior member of Yemen's popular Ansarullah resistance movement has called upon foreign investors to leave the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after Yemeni armed forces and their allies carried out a large-scale operation against sensitive targets deep inside the country and Saudi Arabia, using domestically-developed ballistic missiles and combat drones.
• Civil Defense: two expatriates were injured and material damage was caused by fall of hostile ballistic missile fired by terrorist Houthi militia on civilians and civilian objects in Ahad Al-Masarihah governorate SPA 24 Jan 2022 -- The official spokesman for the General Directorate of Civil Defense, Lt. Col. Mohammad Al-Hammadi, stated that the Civil Defense received a report of the fall of a hostile object launched by the Iran-backed terrorist Houthi militia from inside Yemeni territory towards Ahad Al-Masarihah governorate in the Jazan region.
• Houthis Claim Ballistic Missile Strikes on UAE Military Base in Abu Dhabi Sputnik 24 Jan 2022 -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Defence Ministry earlier said that the country's air defence systems had intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by the Houthis.
• Senior humanitarian describes 'horror scenes' in Syria camps UN News 24 Jan 2022 -- Well below zero temperatures hitting Syria this week have turned camps for internally displaced people into disaster zones, the UN Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator warned on Monday.
• US-Backed Forces Making Final Push to Quash IS Prison Break VOA 24 Jan 2022 -- Residents of Hasakah in northeastern Syria endured a fifth night of gunfire and explosions as fighting between the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces and fighters with the Islamic State terror group there raged into a sixth day.
• Kurdish-led SDF conduct search for Daesh militants in Hasakah: Report Press TV 24 Jan 2022 -- The so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have reportedly searched for Daesh (ISIS) suspects in Syria's northern city of Hasakah after members of the terrorist group took over a prison in the city to free their comrades.
• Over 3,000 People Flee Syria's Al Hasakah SFD-IS Amid Clashes, Authorities Say Sputnik 24 Jan 2022 -- More than 3,000 people have fled to a state-controlled enclave in the city of Al Hasakah, where heavy fighting has been ongoing for several days between the Arab-Kurdish formations of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), backed by the United States, and militants of Daesh*, said Hasan Khalil, Governor of of Al-Hasakah province.
• Syrian, Russian fighter jets stage joint air patrol mission over occupied Golan Heights Press TV 24 Jan 2022 -- Russia's Defense Ministry says Russian and Syrian fighter jets have conducted a joint air patrol mission in the airspace along the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and the Euphrates River.
• US, European Leaders Align Against Russian Invasion Threat VOA 24 Jan 2022 -- U.S. President Joe Biden met virtually Monday afternoon with key European leaders about the ongoing threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine as he weighs sending several thousand U.S. troops to the Baltics and Eastern Europe.
• Biden Administration Considers Technology Sanctions if Russia Invades Ukraine VOA 24 Jan 2022 -- In the months since Russia began massing troops on the border of Ukraine, the Biden administration has, on multiple occasions, warned that any further aggression by Moscow toward its neighbor would be met with unprecedented levels of sanctions. Now, the White House appears to be dropping some specific hints about what those sanctions might look like.
• NATO Countries Send Ships, Jets to Eastern Europe as Ukraine Tensions Mount VOA 24 Jan 2022 -- The North Atlantic Treaty Organization said Monday its members are sending more ships and fighter jets to eastern Europe in response to Russia's military buildup along its border with Ukraine.
• NATO puts forces on standby, ramps up deployment amid Ukraine tensions Press TV 24 Jan 2022 -- US-led NATO member countries are putting their forces on standby and reinforcing the deployment of weaponry in eastern Europe amid escalating tensions between Russia and the US over Ukraine.
• Biden Says U.S., European Allies In 'Total' Agreement On Approach To Ukraine Crisis RFE/RL 24 Jan 2022 -- The United States and its European allies are in total agreement on dealing with Russia's military threat on the borders of Ukraine, U.S. President Joe Biden said on January 24 after a call with European allies.
• Latvia's Defense Minister Defends Military Aid To Kyiv, Says West Not A Threat To Russia RFE/RL 24 Jan 2022 -- Latvia's defense minister says no country in the West wants a conflict with Russia, but that Ukraine has a right to defend itself as fellow NATO Baltic states send assistance to Kyiv.
• Pentagon: No Final Decision to Deploy US Troops to Ukraine But 8,500 Soldiers on 'Heightened Alert' Sputnik 24 Jan 2022 -- The United States has increased the number of troops on a "heightened preparedness to deploy" to Ukraine should the situation warrant it, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby has revealed.
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Call with OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid US Dept. of State 24 Jan 2022
• Secretary Blinken's Participation in the EU Foreign Affairs Council US Dept. of State 24 Jan 2022
• Readout of President Biden's Video Call with European Leaders on Russia and Ukraine The White House 24 Jan 2022
• UK Has Begun Staff Withdrawal From Its Embassy in Ukraine Sputnik 24 Jan 2022 -- The tensions around Ukraine have flared up over the past several days, with the US Department of State ordering the evacuation of American diplomats' families from the country.
• U.S., U.K. Reducing Embassy Staff In Kyiv As NATO Sends More Forces To Eastern Flank RFE/RL 24 Jan 2022 -- Britain and the United States have announced the departure of some embassy staff and dependents from Ukraine in a move that Kyiv has called "premature" following several rounds of inconclusive diplomatic talks between Washington and Moscow prompted by Russia's build up of tens of thousands of troops near the border with its western neighbor.
• UK's Johnson Warns Moscow Ukraine May Become 'New Chechnya' If Invaded Sputnik 24 Jan 2022 -- UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned on Monday that a purported Russian invasion of Ukraine would be "disastrous" and a "painful, violent and bloody business" that may become "a new Chechnya" for Moscow.
• German Foreign Minister Baerbock Draws Line Between Ukraine and NATO Amid Tensions With Russia Sputnik 24 Jan 2022 -- German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock dodged a question on Monday about whether Germany, a NATO member, would send troops to eastern Europe to help the alliance scale up presence in response to perceived Russian aggression, saying Ukraine and NATO should be viewed separately.
• Kremlin: Ukraine Amassing Troops on Contact Line in Donbass in Apparent Preparation for Attack Sputnik 24 Jan 2022 -- Tensions around Ukraine are on the rise as NATO puts its troops on standby amid Western media claims about Russia's alleged military buildup near its borders and preparations for "an invasion". Moscow denies the allegations, pointing to its sovereign right to deploy forces within its own territory and NATO's ongoing eastward expansion.
• Chinese FM debunks US media report claiming Beijing requested Moscow not to invade Ukraine during Winter Olympics Global Times 24 Jan 2022 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry on Monday refuted a Bloomberg report which claimed that the Chinese leader allegedly asked Russian President Vladimir Putin not to invade Ukraine during the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games. The ministry said that the news is fake, noting it's not only a slander and provocation to China-Russia relations but also interference with and sabotage against the Olympics.
• US media smearing China-Russia ties on Ukraine issue: foreign ministry Global Times 24 Jan 2022 -- With the US and UK ordering families of embassy employees in Kiev to depart Ukraine and authorizing non-emergency personnel to leave on Sunday, fears of war are mounting over Russia's alleged "impending invasion" of Ukraine.
• Kremlin: West ups tensions with 'hysteria', risk of conflict in eastern Ukraine 'very high' Press TV 24 Jan 2022 -- The Kremlin says the United States and its allies are escalating tensions through "information hysteria" and announcing plans to boost NATO troops in Eastern Europe, warning that the risk of an offensive by Ukrainian troops against pro-Russia forces in the country's volatile east is "very high."
• US threatens sweeping export controls against Russian industries Press TV 24 Jan 2022 -- The United States is threatening to use sweeping export controls against key industries in Russia if it invades Ukraine, according to a senior administration official.
• Russian Markets Plunge as War Fears Mount VOA 24 Jan 2022 -- The Russian stock market took a dive Monday as war fears triggered a massive sell-off, with tens of billions of dollars wiped from the value of some of the country's leading businesses.
• Germany Seen as Western Alliance's Weak Link VOA 24 Jan 2022 -- Germany doesn't appear to view Russian military threats against Ukraine with the same sense of urgency as the United States and some of its European allies, who have started to identify Berlin as a weak link in the Western alliance, say diplomats and analysts.
• Building a more peaceful, stable future for the Libyan people UK FCDO 24 Jan 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the Security Council briefing on Libya
• Unified Libya will come only via ballot box, 'not the gun', Security Council hears UN News 24 Jan 2022 -- Libya is at a "delicate and fragile juncture in its path to unity and stability", the UN Political Affairs chief told the Security Council on Monday, urging the international community to remain united in supporting national elections postponed last month.
• Pakistan Sends Secret Delegation To Afghanistan In Bid To Revive Peace Talks With TTP RFE/RL Gandhara 24 Jan 2022 -- Pakistan sent a secret delegation to neighboring Afghanistan to hold talks with the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as part of efforts to revive peace efforts with the militant group, sources told RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal.
• Northern Ireland Protocol and UK-EU relations: UK and EU joint statement, 24 January UK FCDO 24 Jan 2022 -- Foreign Secretary Liz Truss and European Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič held talks on the Northern Ireland Protocol and UK-EU relations.
• Mali asks Denmark to immediately withdraw French-led troops Press TV 24 Jan 2022 -- Mali says it has asked Denmark to immediately withdraw troops deployed to the West African nation as part of a French-led force because it was not consulted and the deployment failed to follow protocol.
• Cameroon Separatists Release Eight Workers, Still Holding Several Officials VOA 24 Jan 2022 -- Separatists in western Cameroon have released eight rubber plantation workers they abducted earlier this month. But the anglophone rebels are still holding onto five government officials and a top chief they abducted months ago in Cameroon's Northwest Region.

News Reports

• DHS Claims Russia May Mount Cyberattack on US Amid Ukraine Tensions - Reports Sputnik 24 Jan 2022 -- Russia may conduct a cyberattack on the United States if it concludes that its national security is threatened as a result of a US or NATO response to a potential escalation of the Ukraine conflict, CNN reported on Monday, citing a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) intelligence bulletin.
• Russian Ambassador Calls Canada Hacking Allegations 'Hysteria,' Western Propaganda Sputnik 24 Jan 2022 -- Allegations of Russia being behind the recent cyber attack on the Canadian Foreign Ministry is hysteria and part of self-produced Western propaganda, Russian Ambassador to Canada Oleg Stepanov told Sputnik.
• UK court allows WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to appeal decision to extradite him to US Press TV 24 Jan 2022 -- WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has won the right to challenge a UK court ruling allowing him to be extradited to the United States to face espionage charges.
• Burkina Faso Soldiers Say They Deposed President VOA 24 Jan 2022 -- Soldiers in the West African nation of Burkina Faso say they have ousted President Roch Marc Christian Kabore and that a military junta now controls the country.
• On Ongoing Events in Burkina Faso US Dept. of State 24 Jan 2022 -- The United States is deeply concerned by events in Burkina Faso. We note that military officers have asserted that they have dissolved the government and national assembly and suspended the constitution.
• Guterres calls on Burkina Faso coup leaders to 'lay down their arms' UN News 24 Jan 2022 -- Following Sunday's coup in Burkina Faso carried out by sections of the armed forces, the United Nations' Secretary-General is following the developments in the landlocked West African nation with deep concern.
• Burkina Faso's Military Announces Constitution Suspended, Government Dissolved After Kabore's Arrest Sputnik 24 Jan 2022 -- On Sunday, heavy gunfire was reported in Burkina Faso's capital, following by the arrest of President Roch Marc Christian Kabore by the Burkinabe Armed Forces.
• Burkina Faso President Kabore Reportedly Detained by Troops Amid Clashes in Ouagadougou Sputnik 24 Jan 2022 -- On Sunday there were reports of heavy gunfire in the capital city Ouagadougou but authorities initially denied there had been any coup attempt.
• Burkina Faso president 'detained' by mutinous soldiers at military camp Press TV 24 Jan 2022 -- Security sources say Burkina Faso's President Roch Kabore has been detained by mutinying soldiers at a military camp following an overnight heavy gunfire around his residence in the capital Ouagadougou.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on January 24, 2022 PRC MofA 24 Jan 2022
• China's Media Freedom Record Criticized Ahead of Beijing Games VOA 24 Jan 2022 -- With the Beijing Games just two weeks away, media rights groups are calling attention to China's record of jailing journalists.
• Iran Will Consider Direct Nuclear Talks With U.S. For 'Good Agreement,' Hints At Prisoner Swap RFE/RL 24 Jan 2022 -- Iran says it would negotiate directly with the United States in ongoing nuclear talks aimed at reviving the moribund 2015 nuclear accord with world powers if a "good agreement" can be reached.
• Iran's top security official: Strategy of balancing foreign relations to be pursued powerfully IRNA 24 Jan 2022 -- Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Shamkhani said on Monday that the strategy of balancing foreign relations will be pursued powerfully.
• Iran, P4+1 continue talks on removal of sanctions in Vienna IRNA 24 Jan 2022 -- Top negotiators from Iran and five world powers - known as P4+1 - met on Monday in Vienna's Coburg Hotel where the talks on removal of unlawful sanctions on Tehran are underway.
• Progress of Vienna talks heading in right direction: Khatibzadeh ISNA 24 Jan 2022 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh announced that Tehran had offered executive, operational and realistic ideas during Vienna talks which have made it possible to have a dialogue in the field of guarantees.
• Vienna talks: Iran, P4+1 delegations discuss draft texts on guarantees, verification Press TV 24 Jan 2022 -- As Iran and the five remaining parties to the 2015 agreement continue their intensive diplomatic efforts in the Austrian capital of Vienna to revive the landmark deal, senior representatives of the two sides and the European Union discuss draft texts on guarantees and verification of the removal of all US sanctions on Tehran.
• State Department: US Prepared to Meet 'Directly' With Iran Amid Talks Standoff Sputnik 24 Jan 2022 -- Iranian diplomats met with P4+1 representatives in Vienna on Monday to review draft texts on guarantees and verification for the removal of US sanctions in the event the 2015 nuclear deal is revived.
• Twin blasts bring number of bombings to 121 in Yangon since Myanmar coup Radio Free Asia 24 Jan 2022 -- Two bombs detonated in Myanmar's commercial capital Yangon on Saturday, bringing the total number of explosions set by prodemocracy militias in the city since the February 2021 coup to 121, according to an investigation by RFA's Myanmar Service.
• Ukraine Pays Debts To Tycoon's Company In Possible Sign Of Truce With Zelenskiy RFE/RL 24 Jan 2022 -- Ukraine has repaid more than $100 million in debt to a company owned by Rinat Akhmetov, the nation's richest man, in a possible sign that tensions between the tycoon and the president are easing.
• Two killed in Sudan anti-coup protest as security forces crack down with tear gas, live rounds Press TV 24 Jan 2022 -- At least two protesters have been shot dead during an anti-coup rally in Sudan's capital, Khartoum, during a crackdown by security forces using tear gas and live shots.
• Lebanon's Hariri suspends role in politics, says will not run in upcoming election Press TV 24 Jan 2022 -- Lebanon's former Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri says he is suspending his work in political life and will not run in the upcoming parliamentary elections, amid an ongoing economic crisis in the country.
• So far, freight on new Laos-China high-speed railway only goes one way Radio Free Asia 24 Jan 2022 -- Laos is eager to begin shipping goods to China via the newly completed Lao-China railway, but coronavirus controls at the border are preventing exporters from cashing in on what was supposed to be a rail freight bonanza.