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Defense Policy / Programs

• Readout of Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Dr. Colin Kahl Meeting With Iceland Minister for Foreign Affairs Thordis Gylfadottir DoD 21 Apr 2022
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Remarks Welcoming Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová to the Pentagon DoD 21 Apr 2022
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's Meeting With Czech Republic's Minister of Defence, Jana Cernochova DoD 21 Apr 2022
• Czech Republic Hopes to Deepen Military Ties With the U.S. DoD News 21 Apr 2022 --
• Army Announces 2 New Rifles for Close-Combat Soldiers DoD News 21 Apr 2022 -- The Army recently awarded a contract to manufacturer SIG Sauer for two new soldier weapons: the XM5 rifle and the XM250 automatic rifle. For soldiers involved in close-quarters combat, the XM5 will eventually replace the M4/M4A1 carbine rifle, while the XM250 will replace the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon.
• Air Force tests oxygen system for T-7 Red Hawk US Air Force 21 Apr 2022 -- The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's Mobility and Training Aircraft Directorate is currently testing the On-Board Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS) that will go on the T-7 Red Hawk trainer.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With French Minister of Armed Forces Florence Parly DoD 21 Apr 2022
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With German Federal Minister of Defense Christine Lambrecht DoD 21 Apr 2022
• Officials emphasize global efforts, need for non-military solution in long term defeat of Daesh at CJTF-OIR Ambassadors Day CENTCOM 21 Apr 2022 -- Combined Joint Task Force - Operations Inherent Resolve officials hosted representatives from more than 25 Coalition countries at an Ambassadors Day event here, April 21, 2022. The event marked an opportunity for Coalition officials to provide updates on the current state of the OIR mission and fostered discussion related to broad efforts to tackle enduring security and stability challenges in the region.
• Opening of U.S.-Czech Republic Defense Cooperation Agreement Negotiations US Dept. of State 21 Apr 2022 -- The United States welcomes Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová's announcement today to begin negotiating a bilateral Defense Cooperation Agreement. When concluded, this agreement will deepen our close security partnership, further strengthen cooperation in NATO operations, and together, contribute to continued growth in Transatlantic security.
• Letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and President of the Senate on Providing Notice of Intent to Designate Colombia as a Major Non-NATO Ally The White House 21 Apr 2022
• Remarks By President Biden Providing an Update on Russia and Ukraine The White House 21 Apr 2022
• Readout of President Biden's Meeting with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal of Ukraine The White House 21 Apr 2022
• Memorandum on the Delegation of Authority Under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 The White House 21 Apr 2022
• Statement on $800 Million in Additional Security Assistance for Ukraine DoD 21 Apr 2022 -- This afternoon, April 21, the Department of Defense (DoD) announces the authorization of a Presidential Drawdown of security assistance valued at up to an additional $800 million tailored to meet critical Ukrainian needs for today's fight as Russian forces launch a renewed offensive in eastern Ukraine.
• $800 Million in Additional U.S. Security Assistance for Ukraine US Dept. of State 21 Apr 2022 -- Since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his premeditated, unprovoked, unjustified, and brutal war on Ukraine, the ceaseless bombardment of Ukraine's cities and critical infrastructure by Russia's forces has created one of the fastest-growing humanitarian crises in decades.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's Meeting With Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal DoD 21 Apr 2022
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Remarks Welcoming Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal to the Pentagon DoD 21 Apr 2022
• More Howitzers, Artillery Rounds, UAVs Headed to Ukraine DoD News 21 Apr 2022 -- Another $800 million in security assistance is headed to Ukraine, the Pentagon announced today. This is the 8th drawdown package announced, which is gear pulled from existing U.S. military stock. Included in this package are 72 155 mm howitzers, 144,000 artillery rounds, 121 Phoenix Ghost unmanned aerial systems and vehicles with which to tow the howitzers.
• Ukraine Grateful for U.S. Military Assistance, Welcomes More DoD News 21 Apr 2022 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III welcomed Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal to the Pentagon in an enhanced honor cordon ceremony today.
• President Biden Announces New $800M in Military Assistance to Ukraine DoD News 21 Apr 2022 -- President Joe Biden announced today that the United States will send another $800 million in equipment to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia's two-month-long invasion.
• Austin to Host Meeting in Germany to Discuss Ukraine's Long-Term Defense Needs DoD News 21 Apr 2022 -- Next week, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III will travel to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, to meet with his counterparts from a handful of nations to discuss both the current and future defense needs of Ukraine, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby said.
• American 'Ghost' drones for Ukraine designed for attack, Pentagon says Press TV 21 Apr 2022 -- The Pentagon said Thursday that the "Ghost" drones the US will send to Ukraine are designed for attacking targets and are destroyed after a single use.
• Biden seeks $500 million in aid for the Ukrainian government Press TV 21 Apr 2022 -- The US Treasury Department has announced that the Biden administration will send Ukraine $500 million to help keep its government services running as the war with Russia completes two months.
• Biden Announces More Military Aid To Ukraine, Disputes Russia's Claim About Control Of Mariupol RFE/RL 21 Apr 2022 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said on April 21 that the Ukrainian city of Mariupol had been "liberated" after nearly two months of fighting, but U.S. President Joe Biden said this claim was "questionable" as he announced another $1.3 billion in U.S. aid for Ukraine.
• Biden Announces New $800 Million In Military Aid For Ukraine RFE/RL 21 Apr 2022 -- U.S. President Joe Biden says the United States will send another $800 million in military support to Ukraine to help the country defend against Russian forces in the Donbas region.
• Biden Announces $800 Million in New Military Aid for Ukraine VOA 21 Apr 2022 -- U.S. President Joe Biden authorized another $800 million in U.S. military assistance to Ukraine on Thursday, declaring it was necessary to help Kyiv's forces repel Russian fighters in the critical battles unfolding in the eastern region of the country.
• Norway Sends Ukraine 100 Anti-Aircraft Missiles Originally Slated for Scrapping Sputnik 21 Apr 2022 -- While earmarked for a phase-out, the Mistral anti-aircraft missiles originally used by the Norwegian Navy have been described as a "modern and effective weapon" by Norwegian Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.
• US Preparing New Military Aid for Ukraine VOA 21 Apr 2022 -- U.S. President Joe Biden is due to speak Thursday about Russia's invasion of Ukraine, including U.S. aid for Kyiv as his administration prepares another round of security assistance that is expected to total about $800 million.
• Russia tests nuclear-capable missile amid tensions with West Press TV 21 Apr 2022 -- Russia has successfully test-launched a new nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile, which President Vladimir Putin says would make Moscow's enemies "think twice," at a time of heightened tensions with the West over Ukraine.
• PLA Navy announces commissioning of 2nd Type 075 amphibious assault ship, 6th Type 055 large destroyer Global Times 21 Apr 2022 -- Shortly before its 73rd founding anniversary on Saturday, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy announced on Thursday for the first time the commissioning of its second Type 075 amphibious assault ship and its sixth Type 055 large destroyer, as they have already started training exercises.
• Foreign media reports on China's ship-launched, air-launched anti-ship ballistic missiles 'merely speculative' Global Times 21 Apr 2022 -- After commissioning the road-mobile DF-21D and DF-26 anti-ship ballistic missiles, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) also has ship- and air-launched variants of such hypersonic weapons in its arsenal that can keep US carrier strike groups at a distance, foreign media recently reported.
• Air Force ready in all conditions Australia DOD 21 Apr 2022 -- Set against the coastal backdrop of the historic Old Bar airfield, north of Newcastle, this year's Exercise Diamond Shield held from February to April, gave Air Force's No. 3 Control and Reporting Unit (3CRU) appropriately challenging weather in which to test equipment designed to stand up in all environments.
• Purple Pony is back in the water Australia DOD 21 Apr 2022 -- HMAS Toowoomba, nicknamed the Purple Pony, was returned to the water at Henderson, Western Australia, on April 12 after an 18-month maintenance period.
• Raksha Mantri invites US companies to carry out joint R&D, manufacturing & maintenance of defence equipment in India to achieve 'Make in India, Make for the World' India PIB 21 Apr 2022 -- Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has exhorted US companies to take advantage of the policy initiatives taken by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi-led Government in India and carry out joint R&D, manufacturing and maintenance of defence equipment to achieve the vision of 'Make in India, Make for the World'.
• India Seeks to Shift From Buying US Weapons to Joint Defence Production Sputnik 21 Apr 2022 -- India has shifted its focus from being a defence importer to developing its own domestic capabilities, ensuring reliable supplies to the armed forces. India has accounted for 11% of total global arms imports since 2017—one of the largest in the world.
• India Refuses to Accept Plane of Japan Self-Defence Forces With Aid for Ukraine, Reports Say Sputnik 21 Apr 2022 -- India has refused to accept a plane of the Japan Self-Defense Forces with the aid for Ukraine on board, Japanese media reported on Thursday.
• Navy cmdr.: No country dares approach Iran's territorial waters Press TV 21 Apr 2022 -- Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani says the country's naval fleet are roaming free waters of the world without any problem, adding that no foreign country would ever dare approach the Islamic Republic's territorial waters.
• Letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and President of the Senate on Providing Notice of Intent to Designate Colombia as a Major Non-NATO Ally The White House 21 Apr 2022
• Migration Talks with the Government of Cuba US Dept. of State 21 Apr 2022 -- On April 21, U.S. and Cuban officials met in Washington, D.C. to discuss the implementation of the U.S.-Cuba Migration Accords.
• Department Press Briefing – April 21, 2022 US Dept. of State 21 Apr 2022

Defense Industry

• Contracts For April 21, 2022
• Lockheed Martin to Produce Eighth THAAD Battery for the US Government Lockheed Martin 21 Apr 2022 -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has received a contract totaling $74 million to produce the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Weapon System for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). The award amount covers the production of an eighth THAAD battery for the U.S. government. It's expected to be fielded by 2025.
• Pentagon Gives Lockheed $74 Million Contract to Build 8th THAAD Air Defense Battery Sputnik 21 Apr 2022 -- The Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty (ABM) was intended to avert nuclear war by making it impossible to shoot down an enemy's entire nuclear missile barrage, but after the US annulled the treaty in 2002, it pushed ahead with a new generation of interceptors that Russia and China have decried as threatening.

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 21 April 2022 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 21 Apr 2022
• Food insecurity and the global cost of Russia's war on Ukraine: UK statement at the UN UK FCDO 21 Apr 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN "Arria formula" meeting on Conflict and Hunger
• IS Claims Deadly Shi'ite Mosque Bombing In Northern Afghanistan; Several Dead In Other Attacks RFE/RL Gandhara 21 Apr 2022 -- A series of explosions killed more than 20 people and wounded dozens more in Afghanistan on April 21.
• Dozens killed as blast hits Shia mosque in northern Afghanistan Press TV 21 Apr 2022 -- A bombing at a mosque in the northern Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif has killed at least 31 worshipers and injured more than 80, in the second major attack on the Shia Hazara community in Afghanistan in a week.
• UN Security Council condemns terrorist attack against school, education center in Afghanistan People's Daily 21 Apr 2022 -- The UN Security Council on Wednesday strongly condemned Tuesday's terrorist attack against a school and an education center in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan.
• Pakistan's Deadly Air Strikes Inside Afghanistan Increase Tensions With Taliban RFE/RL Gandhara 21 Apr 2022 -- Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban have been allies for decades, with Islamabad providing safe havens to the Islamist militants in its aim to establish a friendly government in Kabul.
• Analyst suspects China pressure as Philippines suspends oil exploration Radio Free Asia 21 Apr 2022 -- The Philippines has suspended oil and gas exploration activities in the disputed South China Sea, a presidential spokesman said, under what an analyst described as "coercion" from China.
• Philippine Presidential Candidates Espouse Tougher China Sea Approach VOA 21 Apr 2022 -- Candidates in next month's Philippine presidential elections have called for a tougher stance toward China in the country's territorial dispute in the South China Sea, saying they will enforce a 2016 tribunal ruling invalidating Beijing's sweeping claims in the resource-rich waters if elected president.
• Security Council hears of 'trust deficit' in disputed Abyei region UN News 21 Apr 2022 -- Although the overall security situation in the disputed Abyei region between Sudan and South Sudan has remained calm, the "trust deficit" between the two main communities continues to be a great concern, UN Peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix told the Security Council on Thursday.
• UK calls for full implementation of UN mandate to improve the lives of citizens in Abyei: UK Statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 21 Apr 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Sudan and South Sudan
• UN investigators question 3-week-old Mali military operation that claimed 200-plus lives People's Daily 21 Apr 2022 -- Mali officials block human rights representatives from investigating a three-week-old military operation that claimed 200-plus lives amid reports most victims were civilians, a UN spokesman said on Wednesday.
• An opportunity to adapt UNMIK to serve current conditions in Kosovo: UK at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 21 Apr 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Kosovo
• US Lawmaker's Rare Trip to Kashmir Upsets India VOA 21 Apr 2022 -- U.S. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar traveled to the Pakistan-administered part of Kashmir on Thursday and promised to push Washington to pay more attention to the disputed region, drawing swift criticism from India.

News Reports

• FACT SHEET: White House Releases 2022 National Drug Control Strategy that Outlines Comprehensive Path Forward to Address Addiction and the Overdose Epidemic The White House 21 Apr 2022
• Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández Extradited to US on Drug Trafficking Charges Sputnik 21 Apr 2022 -- Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández boarded a plane to the United States in the custody of US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents on Thursday. A Tegucigalpa judge approved Hernandez's extradition last month and the Honduran Supreme Court rejected his appeal.
• Iran Arrests Three 'Mossad Spies' Who Stole Classified Documents Sputnik 21 Apr 2022 -- Tehran reported last year annihilating a Mossad spy network in the country's west. According to the Islamic Republic's authorities, the group planned in instigate riots in Iran and that a large cache of weapons was seized during their arrest.
• Iran's intel forces arrest three Mossad spies in SE province Press TV 21 Apr 2022 -- Iran's Intelligence Ministry has arrested three agents working for the Israeli Mossad spy agency in the country's southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan.
• Meeting with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu President of Russia 21 Apr 2022 -- Vladimir Putin had a working meeting with Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu.
• Meeting with Transneft President Nikolai Tokarev President of Russia 21 Apr 2022 -- The President had a working meeting with President of Transneft Nikolai Tokarev.
• Russia slaps entry ban on US, Canadian officials, figures Press TV 21 Apr 2022 -- The Russian government has slapped a new round of entry ban on top US officials, businesspeople and journalists, in retaliation for sanctions imposed on Moscow over the Ukraine war.
• Russia Closes Consulates Of Three Baltic States, Expels Staff Members RFE/RL 21 Apr 2022 -- Russia says it has shut down consulates of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia in different parts of the country and requested that their staff members leave in retaliation for recent diplomatic moves against Moscow by the three Baltic nations.
• Russia Slaps New Sanctions on US Citizens, Including VP Kamala Harris & Mark Zuckerberg Sputnik 21 Apr 2022 -- Moscow warned that it reserved the right to deliver the appropriate response to Western sanctions against Russia over the start of the special military operation in Ukraine. The US and its allies targeted Russian companies, banks, foreign reserves of the Central Bank, as well as individuals with several rounds of sanctions.
• Russian Foreign Ministry Declares All Staffers of Baltic Countries' Embassies Personae Non Gratae Sputnik 21 Apr 2022 -- Earlier, the Baltic countries, along with many other European nations, expelled Russian diplomats in response to Moscow's military operation in Ukraine.
• Suspension of Russia's Permanent Observer Status at the Organization of American States US Dept. of State 21 Apr 2022 -- Today, the United States welcomes the adoption of a resolution at the Organization of American States (OAS) suspending Russia as a Permanent Observer to that institution. With the passage of this resolution, OAS member states demonstrated that we do not stand on the sidelines in the face of the Russian government's violations of international humanitarian law and human rights abuses. Our Hemisphere stands with Ukraine.
• Remarks by Vice President Harris After Air Force Two Arrival The White House 21 Apr 2022
• A Proclamation on the Declaration of National Emergency and Invocation of Emergency Authority Relating to the Regulation of the Anchorage and Movement of Russian-Affiliated Vessels to United States Ports The White House 21 Apr 2022
• Letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and President of the Senate on the Declaration of National Emergency and Invocation of Emergency Authority Relating to the Regulation of the Anchorage and Movement of Russian-Affiliated Vessels to United States Ports The White House 21 Apr 2022
• BIS Takes Enforcement Action Against Russian Cargo Airline Operating in Violation of U.S. Export Controls US Dept. of Commerce 21 Apr 2022 -- Today, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod issued an order temporarily denying all export privileges for the Russian cargo aircraft carrier Aviastar due to ongoing violations of the comprehensive export controls imposed on Russia by the Commerce Department. Headquartered in Moscow, Aviastar provides a variety of cargo services to Russia.
• Biden Bans Russia-Affiliated Vessels From US Ports Sputnik 21 Apr 2022 -- Earlier, the EU countries also closed their ports to vessels sailing under the Russian flag as a part of new round of anti-Russia sanctions over its special military operation in Ukraine.
• U.S. Issues New Russia Sanctions Targeting People, Entities For Evading Existing Sanctions RFE/RL 21 Apr 2022 -- The United States imposed another round of sanctions on April 20, this time hitting more than 40 people and entities for allegedly attempting to evade penalties previously imposed on Russia.
• New sanctions targeting Putin's war leaders UK FCDO 21 Apr 2022 -- The latest UK sanctions target the Generals committing atrocities on the front-line in Ukraine, and individuals and businesses supporting Putin's military.
• Four More Russian Billionaires Blacklisted By EU To Lose Cypriot Citizenship RFE/RL 21 Apr 2022 -- Cyprus says it will strip its citizenship from four more Russian billionaires as the European Union member continues to pull passports from those who have fallen under the bloc's sanctions over Moscow's unprovoked war against Ukraine.
• China opposes restriction of enterprises from normal trade: FM responds to US threat over Russia Global Times 21 Apr 2022 -- China has always been opposed to unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction that have no basis in international law, and opposes improper prohibition or restriction of Chinese enterprises from engaging in normal economic and trade activities, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, commenting on the US government which said it doesn't want China to provide military support to Russia.
• Fire At Russian Defense Ministry's Research Institute In Tver Kills Six People RFE/RL 21 Apr 2022 -- A fire at the Russian Defense Ministry's Research Institute in the city of Tver, 180 kilometers northwest of Moscow, has killed six people.
• Founder Of Russian Lukoil Energy Giant Resigns Amid Sanctions Over Ukraine RFE/RL 21 Apr 2022 -- The founder and co-owner of Lukoil, Russia's largest private oil company, has resigned days after he and other Russian tycoons were sanctioned by Australia and the United Kingdom over Moscow's ongoing unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
• Moscow Court Fines Google Over Failing To Delete 'Banned Content' About Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL 21 Apr 2022 -- A court in Moscow has ordered Google to pay an 11 million ruble ($134,500) fine over materials about Russia's ongoing unprovoked invasion of Ukraine on YouTube.
• US, Chinese diplomats square off on Twitter over human rights, jailed Uyghur Radio Free Asia 21 Apr 2022 -- U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield sparked a social media spat with her Chinese counterpart on Wednesday after she called on the head of the U.N. Human Rights Council to release an overdue report on rights abuses in China's Xinjiang region.
• China's Xi Says International Disputes Should be Resolved Via Dialogue, Not Sanctions VOA 21 Apr 2022 --  
• China's Xi slams sanctions, de-coupling Press TV 21 Apr 2022 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has once again voiced China's opposition to unilateral sanctions and "long-arm jurisdiction," warning that economic "de-coupling" and pressure tactics such as severing supply chains are doomed to failure.
• Xi proposes Global Security Initiative at Boao Forum, 'sends signal of peace, stability amid global turmoil' Global Times 21 Apr 2022 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed a Global Security Initiative which stressed a commitment to the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security and to reject a Cold War mentality, group politics and bloc confrontation while delivering a keynote speech via video link at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2022 in South China's Hainan Province on Thursday.
• Xi Jinping Delivers a Keynote Speech at the Opening Ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2022 PRC MofA 21 Apr 2022 -- Proposing a Global Security Initiative, and stressing that humanity is a community with a shared future where all people rise and fall together, and all countries need to stay confident and united and build a bright future through cooperation
• Rising to Challenges and Building a Bright Future Through Cooperation PRC MofA 21 Apr 2022
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on April 21, 2022 PRC MofA 21 Apr 2022
• Concerns remain over pro-CCP stance of U.K.-based Chinese community organizations Radio Free Asia 21 Apr 2022 -- Hong Kong activists based in the U.K. have repeated warnings that community groups in the county may have been infiltrated by people loyal to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), posing potential threats to incoming migrants from Hong Kong under the British National Overseas (BNO) visa scheme.
• North Korea: EU adds 8 individuals and 4 entities involved in financing of nuclear programme to sanctions list Council of Europe 21 Apr 2022 -- The Council added 8 individuals and 4 entities to the list of those subject to the restrictive measures against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). These restrictive measures consist of a travel ban, an asset freeze and a prohibition to make funds or economic resources available to those listed.
• 40+ Nonproliferation Experts Call for Action to Restore the 2015 Iran Nuclear Deal Arms Control Association 21 Apr 2022 -- With negotiations to restore compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal between world powers and Iran, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), at a critical juncture, a group of more than 40 former government officials and leading nuclear nonproliferation experts issued a joint statement today expressing strong support for an agreement that returns Iran and the United States to compliance with the accord.
• Iran's inflation rate drops below 40% after a year Press TV 21 Apr 2022 -- The Iranian government's statistics agency has reported a first annual inflation rate of below 40% in 12 months as authorities insist policies adopted by an administration that came to office last year has helped tame price rises in the country.
• New Foundation Urges Kazakh Authorities To Properly Investigate Deadly January Protests RFE/RL 21 Apr 2022 -- Lawyers with the newly created Qantar (January) foundation say the government's investigation into deadly anti-government protests that shook the Central Asian nation at the start of this year is inadequate and called on Kazakh authorities to improve their techniques.
• Cameroon Blames Fuel Shortage on Russia Sanctions VOA 21 Apr 2022 -- Cameroon's energy ministry has said Western sanctions on Russia have driven up the cost of fuel imports and led to a fuel shortage. The lack of diesel fuels this week left hundreds of trucks taking goods to the neighboring Central African Republic and Chad stranded at the borders.
• Hun Sen favors cronies with parcels of drained lake land Radio Free Asia 21 Apr 2022 -- Cambodia's autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has doled out at least 900 hectares of land reclaimed from one of the last large natural lakes in Phnom Penh, with his sister, an allied tycoon, and top military officials all benefiting from the largesse, according to a domestic land rights organization.
• Water release from Chinese dam causes Mekong River to rise downstream Radio Free Asia 21 Apr 2022 -- Residents in Laos said they were surprised to find water on the Mekong River rising this week due to unannounced releases from the Jinghong Dam upriver in China, although there were no reports of significant damage.