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Current Operations

Defense Policy / Programs

• Air Force operationalizes ACE concept, addresses today's changing threat environment US Air Force 23 Jun 2022 -- The Air Force announced its vision for operating in modern, contested environments June 23, created to codify and synchronize agile combat employment tactics enterprise-wide.
• U.S. Africa Command, international partners unite in support of autonomous solar-powered aircraft AFRICOM 23 Jun 2022 -- The aircraft, on display June 14, 2022, in Spain, should become capable of multi-month, continuous flight and has potential beyond gathering intelligence that supports U.S. and partner-led efforts to counter destabilizing, violent extremist activity in Africa.
• Combined arms rehearsal sets stage for successful African Lion 22 Army News 23 Jun 2022 -- Moroccan and United States military leadership welcomed participants to the combined arms rehearsal in Agadir, Morocco, during African Lion 22, June 20.
• 1ABCT Transfers Authority to 3ABCT Army News 23 Jun 2022 -- The 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division transferred authority of U.S. Army operations in support of Atlantic Resolve to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division during a transfer of authority ceremony at Zagan, Poland, June 23, 2022.
• US Army participates in Finland's exercise Arrow 22 Army News 23 Jun 2022 -- U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 2d Cavalry Regiment, alongside their U.K, Latvia and Estonia Allies, participated in live fire and high intensity force-on-force engagements during Exercise Arrow 22, May 1-14, 2022. Exercise Arrow is an annual, pre-planned, multinational exercise where visiting forces train with the Finnish Defense Forces to increase military readiness and develop combat interoperability among participating partner nations.
• Exporting Repression: 'Made In' Labels Not as Important as Technology Itself DoD News 23 Jun 2022 -- The United States government has imposed restrictions on certain Chinese companies citing threats to U.S. security. In some cases, this means U.S. businesses are prohibited from doing business with those Chinese companies unless they first get a license to do so. In other cases, this means the U.S. government itself is prohibited from purchasing supplies from those companies.
• In Moldova, Guard Chief Finds a Nation Strengthening Armed Forces DoD News 23 Jun 2022 -- With a brutal war raging in neighboring Ukraine and wary of nearby Russia, the Eastern European democracy of Moldova is rapidly strengthening its national defense — and looking to the North Carolina National Guard for help.
• Marine Wing Support Squadrons realign under MACG-28 in support of Force Design USMC News 23 Jun 2022 -- Marine Air Control Group 28 assumed command of all three Marine Wing Support Squadrons assigned to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing to modernize and enhance capabilities in support of the commandant of the Marine Corps' Force Design, June 1, 2022.
• AESA radar launches F-16 into next generation of airpower US Air Force 23 Jun 2022 -- More than 70 F-16 Fighting Falcons across 12 Air National Guard units are now flying with the new active electronically scanned array radar that will allow pilots to detect, target, identify, and engage across a spectrum of threats at longer ranges and react with greater precision.
• George H.W. Bush, Carrier Air Wing 7 Complete Flight Deck Milestones US Navy 23 Jun 2022 -- USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 - collectively Team Jackpot - completed two significant milestones in the ship's history achieving both 80,000 catapult launches and recoveries on the flight deck, June 15-16.
• PCU Canberra (LCS 30) Arrives at San Diego Homeport for First Time US Navy 23 Jun 2022 -- Independence-variant littoral combat ship Pre-Commissioning Unit Canberra (LCS 30) arrived at Naval Base San Diego, June 22, after completing the ship's maiden voyage from the Austal USA shipyards in Mobile, Alabama.
• Secretary General discusses preparations for the NATO Summit with Prime Minister of Czech Republic NATO 23 Jun 2022 -- Today (23 June 2022), NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Petr Fiala, at NATO Headquarters. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss the latest preparations for the NATO Leaders' Summit scheduled to take place in Madrid at the end of the month.
• Press statements by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Petr Fiala NATO 23 Jun 2022
• German Chancellor Scholz assures NATO of support ahead of summit People's Daily 23 Jun 2022 -- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Wednesday assured eastern partners of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) of Germany's solidarity.
• Memorandum on the Delegation of Authority Under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 The White House 23 Jun 2022
• $450 Million in Additional Security Assistance for Ukraine DoD 23 Jun 2022 -- Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) announces the authorization of a Presidential Drawdown of security assistance valued at up to $450 million to meet critical needs for Ukraine's fight. This authorization is the thirteenth drawdown of equipment from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.
• President Authorizes Another $450 Million Drawdown to Support Ukraine DoD News 23 Jun 2022 -- President Joe Biden has given DOD authorization for a drawdown of up to $450 million to meet Ukraine's critical arms needs in the face of the Russian invasion.
• $450 Million Drawdown of New U.S. Military Assistance for Ukraine US Dept. of State 23 Jun 2022 -- Pursuant to a delegation of authority from the President, I am authorizing our thirteenth drawdown of arms and equipment from U.S. Department of Defense inventories for Ukraine's defense since August 2021, of up to $450 million.
• US likely to send $450 million in military aid to Ukraine: Officials Press TV 23 Jun 2022 -- The United States is likely to offer an additional $450 million in military aid to Ukraine, including more long-range rocket systems, according to a report.
• Navies of China, Vietnam conduct 32nd joint patrol in Beibu Gulf PLA Daily 23 Jun 2022 -- According to the schedule of the 32nd China-Vietnam joint patrol in Beibu Gulf, the Chinese naval corvettes Bazhong (Hull No. 625) and Enshi (Hull No. 627) carried out joint patrol with two Vietnamese naval ships together in the waters of the Beibu Gulf on June 22. The two navies also held a joint search and rescue exercise in the Beibu Gulf.
• China delivers 2nd Type 054A/P frigate to Pakistan Global Times 23 Jun 2022 -- China delivered the second of four powerful Type 054A/P frigates to the Pakistan Navy on Thursday, highlighting the friendship between the two neighboring countries, which serves as a pillar of peace and stability in the region.
• Tail rotor failure may have caused S-70C chopper crash: Navy CNA 23 Jun 2022 -- A preliminary inquiry has shown that a tail rotor failure may have caused a Taiwan Navy S-70C anti-submarine helicopter to crash in Kaohsiung during a training mission on Wednesday.
• Sailors build friendships at sea and on land Australia DOD 23 Jun 2022 -- HMAS Ararat earlier this month completed a joint maritime patrol with Republic of Fiji Navy (RFN) Guardian-class patrol boat RFNS Savenaca.
• IAF TO CONDUCT ITS FIRST CAPSTONE SEMINAR India PIB 23 Jun 2022 -- The Indian Air Force is conducting the first Warfare & Aerospace Strategy Program (WASP) culminating with a Capstone Seminar at Air Force Auditorium, New Delhi on 24 Jun 2022.

Defense Industry

• Contracts For June 23, 2022
• Military Contractors Indicted for $7 Million Procurement Fraud Scheme US Dept. of Justice 23 Jun 2022 -- A federal grand jury in the Northern District of Georgia returned an indictment charging military contractors with an alleged fraud scheme involving government contracts totaling over $7 million.

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 23 June 2022 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 23 Jun 2022
• Global hunger crisis pushing one child per minute, into severe malnutrition UN News 23 Jun 2022 -- Because of the global hunger crisis, every single minute, one child is pushed into life-threatening, severe malnutrition.
• At UN, Taliban Are Pressed to Reverse Rights Restrictions VOA 23 Jun 2022 -- The U.N. Security Council expressed sympathy for the Afghan people on Thursday in the aftermath of the deadly earthquake, while it continued to press the Taliban authorities to reverse restrictions on women and to stabilize the country.
• Taliban Urge International Aid as Afghanistan Deals With Aftermath of Deadly Quake VOA 23 Jun 2022 -- Afghanistan's Taliban appealed for international aid Thursday as the war-ravaged country struggles to deal with the aftermath of a powerful earthquake that killed at least 1,000 people, injured many more and destroyed nearly 2,000 households.
• Six months of the Action Plan for Afghanistan Germany Federal Foreign Office 23 Jun 2022 -- In August 2021, the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan. The political and humanitarian situation has been extremely precarious since then. Foreign Minister Baerbock presented her Action Plan for Afghanistan on 23 December. It's time to assess the outcomes so far - both positive and negative.
• Efforts Turn Largely To Providing Relief In Areas Of Afghanistan Worst-Hit By Earthquake RFE/RL Gandhara 23 Jun 2022 -- The Taliban-led government in Afghanistan says search and rescue operations have been completed in almost all the quake-hit areas of Paktika Province and the focus is now turning to relief efforts.
• Death toll of Afghanistan's quake surpasses 1,000: official People's Daily 23 Jun 2022 -- The death toll from an earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan early Wednesday has surpassed 1,000, while more than 1,500 people were injured, a provincial official said, adding the number of casualties might rise further.
• Taliban: Aid starts trickling into quake-hit areas in eastern Afghanistan Press TV 23 Jun 2022 -- Aid has begun arriving in a rugged and mountainous region of eastern Afghanistan where a powerful earthquake on Wednesday killed more than 1,000 people and rendered hundreds others homeless.
• Highlighting our efforts to avert humanitarian catastrophe and economic collapse in Afghanistan UK FCDO 23 Jun 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council briefing on Afghanistan
• Talking to the Taliban 'only way forward' in Afghanistan UN News 23 Jun 2022 -- The devastating earthquake on Wednesday is just one of several emergencies facing Afghanistan, and continued dialogue with the de facto Taliban authorities remains the only way to address ongoing challenges in the country, the Security Council heard on Thursday.
• WFP rapidly deploys food and logistics equipment to earthquake-hit eastern Afghanistan WFP 23 Jun 2022 -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has rapidly deployed food and logistics equipment to support communities devasted by the 22 June earthquake that struck near the city of Khost. 18 trucks are being deployed to the earthquake-affected areas carrying emergency supplies, including High Energy Biscuits (HEB) and mobile storage units. WFP plans to provide emergency food to an initial 3,000 households and is ready to ramp up its support pending results of ongoing post-disaster assessments.
• Manila Ends Joint Oil Exploration With China, Says Constitutional 'Abyss' Prevents Further Progress Sputnik 23 Jun 2022 -- The outgoing Philippine administration has canceled a project with China to jointly explore offshore oil deposits, claiming the country's constitution prevents the project from going further. The deposits are under seas claimed by both countries, making cooperation a touchy subject.
• Bundeswehr mission in Lebanon remains important: Germany is supporting the oldest still active United Nations peace mission Germany - Federal Government 23 Jun 2022 -- United Nations peacekeeping soldiers have been engaged in fostering peace between Lebanon and Israel since 1978. Germany has been supporting the UNIFIL peace mission since 2006. Why is the mission and Germany's involvement still important?
• UN calls for action to stop violence in Myanmar as post-coup death toll tops 2,000 Press TV 23 Jun 2022 -- A United Nations expert has called for more meaningful action to end violence in Myanmar as more than 2,000 people have lost their lives in a persisting crackdown since February last year, when a junta assumed power in the Southeast Asian country.
• Secretary-General's remarks to the Ad Hoc Committee of the General Assembly for the announcement of voluntary contributions to UNRWA UN Secretary-General 23 Jun 2022
• Supporting UN's Palestine refugee agency, means 'investing in stability for the region' UN News 23 Jun 2022 -- Investing in the UN agency that supports Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, is also "investing in stability" for the entire Middle East region, the UN chief told a pledging conference on Thursday.
• Conflict, climate and soaring food prices push Ethiopia further into hunger while WFP funding runs out WFP 23 Jun 2022 -- Hunger is tightening its grip on more than 20[1] million people in Ethiopia who are facing a combination of conflict in the north and climate shocks - drought - in the south while dwindling resources mean food and nutrition support may run dry from next month, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) warned today.
• Ethiopia's Struggling IDPs Face Dilemma: Stay or Return Home? VOA 23 Jun 2022 -- Internally displaced persons in northern Ethiopia's Afar region have been leaving some camps due to lack of food and shelter. The U.N., warning that returning home may not prove any better, is calling for more international support.
• Conflict, drought, dwindling food support, threatens lives of 20 million in Ethiopia UN News 23 Jun 2022 -- Hunger is tightening its grip on more than 20 million Ethiopians who are facing conflict in the north, drought in the south and dwindling food and nutrition support beginning next month, the UN food relief agency warned on Thursday.

News Reports

• This is the biggest step towards strengthening Europe that could be taken right now - address by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the participants of the EU Summit after granting Ukraine the status of a candidate for membership President of Ukraine 23 Jun 2022
• Zelensky Touts Ukraine's EU Candidate Status as 'Biggest Step Toward Stronger Europe' Sputnik 23 Jun 2022 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky lauded the decision to grant Ukraine the status of a European Union member candidate, dubbing it "the biggest step toward a stronger Europe."
• European Parliament Grants Ukraine EU Candidate Status VOA 23 Jun 2022 -- The European Parliament voted overwhelmingly Thursday to grant European Union candidate status to embattled Ukraine, pushing it one step closer to Western allies who have been supplying it with massive amounts of armaments to help it fight off Russia's four-month-old invasion.
• European Council conclusions on Ukraine, the membership applications of Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia, Western Balkans and external relations, 23 June 2022 EC/CEU 23 Jun 2022 -- The European Council recognises the European perspective of Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia. The future of these countries and their citizens lies within the European Union. The European Council has decided to grant the status of candidate country to Ukraine and to the Republic of Moldova.
• European Council: Remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell upon arrival European External Action Service (EEAS) 23 Jun 2022 -- "Ukraine and Moldova will be granted the status of candidate [countries], on the understanding that there are some conditions that need to be fulfilled. And for Georgia also it is a clear path to the European Union."
• European Parliament approves EU candidate status for Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia Press TV 23 Jun 2022 -- The European Parliament has voted in favor of granting European Union candidate status to Ukraine as fighting in the war-torn country continues.
• EU Leaders Make Ukraine, Moldova Official Candidates For Membership RFE/RL 23 Jun 2022 -- The European Union has formally agreed to take the "historic" step of making Ukraine and Moldova candidates for EU membership in the midst of the war in Ukraine and Moscow's bitter denunciations of the two countries' intentions.
• EU Council Chief Confirms Summit Approval of Ukraine, Moldova Accession Bid Sputnik 23 Jun 2022 -- The heads of state and government of the European Union on Thursday approved the granting of Ukraine and Moldova the status of candidates for joining the union, European Council President Charles Michel said.
• Doorstep of President Charles Michel ahead of the European Council and the EU-Western Balkans' leaders meeting EC/CEU 23 Jun 2022 -- This is a decisive moment for the European Union. This is also a geo-political choice that we will make today. I am confident that today we will grant the candidate status to Ukraine and to Moldova and express a clear and strong European perspective for Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova.
• EU-Western Balkans summit: Remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell upon arrival European External Action Service (EEAS) 23 Jun 2022
• Balkan Leaders Frustrated Over Stalled EU Membership Bids As Bloc Moves To Grant Candidate Status To Ukraine, Moldova RFE/RL 23 Jun 2022 -- The leaders of six Balkan countries complained on June 23 about the lack of progress on their bids to join the European Union just as the bloc was prepared to grant Ukraine and Moldova candidate status.
• Statement by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with President Michel and President Macron on the EU membership applications by Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia European Commission 23 Jun 2022
• Federal Agents Reportedly Raid Home of Ex-Trump Justice Department Official Jeffrey Clark Sputnik 23 Jun 2022 -- Federal agents this week raided the home Jeffrey Clark, an official at the Justice Department during the Trump administration, ABC News reported on Thursday.
• Cyberspace: EU and partners discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in promoting international security and stability European External Action Service (EEAS) 23 Jun 2022 -- On 22 and 23 June 2022, the European External Action Service (EEAS), in cooperation with the EU Cyber Diplomacy Initiative - EU Cyber Direct, hosted a meeting with Member States and international partners on policy responses and cooperative efforts to prevent, discourage, deter and respond to significant malicious cyber activities. The meeting included a scenario-based discussion focusing on coordinated responses to significant cyber incidents taking place in different states. The discussion also focused on enhancing preparedness, consideration of relevant crisis response mechanisms, and strengthening our ability to coordinate appropriate responses to the increasing cyber threat landscape.
• South Africa Detects First Monkeypox Case Sputnik 23 Jun 2022 -- The first monkeypox case has been detected in South Africa in the Gauteng Province, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) said on Thursday.
• Confirmed Monkeypox Cases Rise to 156 in US Sputnik 23 Jun 2022 -- The United States has detected 156 cases of monkeypox so far, with the highest incidence of infections reported in the states of New York and California, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said.
• Monkeypox: Amid uncertainty, global situation 'cannot be ignored' says WHO chief UN News 23 Jun 2022 -- Addressing the first meeting of the World Health Organization's Emergency Committee on Thursday over the global Monkeypox outbreak, the WHO chief told members that person-to-person transmission was ongoing, and "likely underestimated".
• Former U.S. Military Pilot Admits Acting as Paid Agent of China and Lying on National Security Background Forms US Dept. of Justice 23 Jun 2022 -- A former U.S. Army helicopter pilot-turned-civilian-contractor pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting that he acted as an unregistered agent of China and accepted thousands of dollars from representatives of the Chinese government to provide aviation-related information from his defense-contractor employers. He also pleaded guilty to making related false statements during national security background checks.
• Gas emergency plan: Federal Government declares alert level - "An economic attack on us by Putin" Germany - Federal Government 23 Jun 2022 -- Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Robert Habeck announced the second level of the gas emergency plan today. The alert level now applies. Previously, Russia had reduced its gas deliveries, resulting in a considerable deterioration in the supply situation. The Federal Government is taking measures to save gas.
• Germany Triggers Gas Alarm, Moves Closer To Rationing After Russia Cuts Supply RFE/RL 23 Jun 2022 -- Germany has triggered the second stage of its three-part emergency gas plan in response to Russia's reducing supplies and accused Moscow of an "economic attack."
• 'Gas Is Scarce Commodity': Berlin Activates 2nd of Three Stages in Emergency Plan Amid Energy Crisis Sputnik 23 Jun 2022 -- Germany has launched the second stage of its emergency plan to reduce gas consumption amid the global energy crisis caused by Western sanctions against Russia, German Economy Minister Robert Habeck said on Thursday.
• BRICS Summit President of Russia 23 Jun 2022 -- Vladimir Putin took part in the 14th BRICS Summit, held via videoconference and chaired by China.
• BRICS summit: Putin calls on member countries to cooperate, defy West's 'selfish actions' Press TV 23 Jun 2022 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has called on members of the BRICS group of countries to further strengthen cooperation in the face of "selfish actions" taken by the West, scolding it for fomenting global crises.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's interview with the National State Television and Radio Company of the Republic of Belarus, Moscow, June 23, 2022 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 Jun 2022
• Russia's UN Envoy: Sanctions Affect Russia's Cooperation With Humanitarian Organizations Sputnik 23 Jun 2022 -- Sanctions affect Russia's cooperation with humanitarian organizations, undermining supply and financial chains, Ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia told a UNSC meeting on Afghanistan on Thursday.
• Britain Slaps More Trade And Financial Sanctions On Russia Over War In Ukraine RFE/RL 23 Jun 2022 -- Britain has introduced a new set of trade and financial sanctions against Russia over its unprovoked invasion of neighboring Ukraine.
• Yermak-McFaul international group presented the Roadmap of Financial Sanctions President of Ukraine 23 Jun 2022
• The West Wants A Price Cap On Russian Oil. Could It Work? RFE/RL 23 Jun 2022 -- Curtailing Russia's energy revenue has been a tough nut to crack for Western governments so far.
• Russia Could Cut Off Gas Supply to Europe, IEA Warns VOA 23 Jun 2022 -- The International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned that Russia could cut gas supplies to Europe entirely in order to boost its leverage against the West following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
• No Shirt Buttons, No Airbags, Buggy Smartphones: Russia's Economy Enters The 'Twilight Zone' RFE/RL 23 Jun 2022 -- The newest car model unveiled by Russia's biggest auto manufacturer earlier this month is generating buzz, but not necessarily for the right reasons.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on June 23, 2022 PRC MofA 23 Jun 2022
• Xi offers answers to questions of the times at BRICS forum Global Times 23 Jun 2022 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday offered his answers to the questions of the times at a keynote speech in virtual format at the opening ceremony of the BRICS Business Forum in Beijing and called for joint efforts to seek and safeguard peace as he said "the Ukraine crisis has again sounded the alarm for humanity." He also urged efforts to strengthen global economic governance and increase the representation and voices of emerging markets and developing countries, and experts said this has pointed out the correct directions to solve current challenges that are threatening global development and recovery.
• Fostering High-quality Partnership and Embarking on a New Journey of BRICS Cooperation PRC MofA 23 Jun 2022 -- Remarks by H.E. Xi Jinping
• XIV BRICS Summit Beijing Declaration PRC MofA 23 Jun 2022
• Xi Jinping: BRICS countries need to act with a sense of responsibility and bring positive, stabilizing and constructive strength to the world PRC MofA 23 Jun 2022 -- On the evening of June 23, President Xi Jinping hosted the 14th BRICS Summit in Beijing via video link.
• Xi offers answers to questions of the times at BRICS forum Global Times 23 Jun 2022 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday offered his answers to the questions of the times at a keynote speech in virtual format at the opening ceremony of the BRICS Business Forum in Beijing and called for joint efforts to seek and safeguard peace as he said "the Ukraine crisis has again sounded the alarm for humanity." He also urged efforts to strengthen global economic governance and increase the representation and voices of emerging markets and developing countries, and experts said this has pointed out the correct directions to solve current challenges that are threatening global development and recovery.
• ICC Urged to Investigate China's Treatment of Uyghurs VOA 23 Jun 2022 -- A group of lawyers has urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate China's treatment of Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslim populations in the Xinjiang region.
• 22 Chinese military aircraft enter Taiwan's ADIZ CNA 23 Jun 2022 -- A total of 22 Chinese military aircraft flew into the southwestern part of Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) on Thursday, the fourth-highest single-day total this year, according to the Ministry of National Defense (MND).
• Taiwan military alert about Chinese ships spotted nearby CNA 23 Jun 2022 -- Taiwan's military is aware of Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ships that recently sailed near the country and had deployed warships to monitor their movements, military spokesman Sun Li-fang (孫立方) said Thursday.
• PLA vessels join aircraft in large-scale drills around Taiwan Global Times 23 Jun 2022 -- A large number of warships of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy reportedly sailed to waters east of the island of Taiwan and south of Japan as dozens of PLA warplanes carried out drills on Tuesday and Wednesday, with analysts saying on Thursday that the joint maritime and aerial exercise could greatly enhance combat readiness against "Taiwan independence" and foreign interference forces.
• A lack of smuggled oil is complicating North Korea's efforts to catch smugglers Radio Free Asia 23 Jun 2022 -- North Korea has been forced to cut the number of patrol boats it sends out to catch smugglers and illegal border crossings-due to a shortage of smuggled fuel, sources in the military told RFA.
• Kim Jong-un Calls To Boost 'Operational Capabilities' Ahead of Alleged Nuclear Test Sputnik 23 Jun 2022 -- US-led rumors suggest that Pyongyang is due to hold its seventh nuclear weapon test in the country's history, with previous ones taking place between 2006 and 2017. The last tested nuke was estimated to have been between 70 and 280 kilotons.
• Second-day Sitting of Third Enlarged Meeting of Eighth Central Military Commission of WPK Held KCNA 23 Jun 2022 -- The second-day sitting of the Third Enlarged Meeting of the Eighth Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) was held on June 22.
• Iran serious about lasting agreement, Russia supports Tehran's positions: Iranian FM Press TV 23 Jun 2022 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says the Islamic Republic is serious about achieving a lasting agreement through the Vienna talks on the removal of sanctions, adding that an agreement would be possible if the Americans acted realistically.
• Iran FM: IAEA's politicized resolution on Iran's peaceful nuclear program 'unconstructive' Press TV 23 Jun 2022 -- Iran's foreign minister has criticized a recent resolution adopted by the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency on the country's nuclear program as politicized and unconstructive.
• Iran court orders US to pay $4.3bn in fines over murder of nuclear scientists Press TV 23 Jun 2022 -- An Iranian court has found the US administration and dozens of American institutions and officials guilty of supporting the Israeli regime's targeted assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists, ordering Washington to pay $4.3 billion in compensation.
• Petrochemical Workers Strike In Repeat Of Unfulfilled Demands As Labor Strife Roils Iran RFE/RL 23 Jun 2022 -- Workers on scaffolding projects in the oil, gas and petrochemical industries have joined in Iran's nationwide labor unrest, striking for higher wages and more structured working hours.
• Consumption Falls As Skyrocketing Prices Hit Iranian Food Security RFE/RL 23 Jun 2022 -- Iranians are consuming fewer fruits and vegetables as skyrocketing prices shake the country's food security.
• UN expert: Member-states should engage with NUG to find Myanmar crisis solution Radio Free Asia 23 Jun 2022 -- Other United Nations member-states should follow Malaysia's lead and engage with Myanmar's parallel civilian National Unity Government in efforts to help resolve the post-coup crisis in that country, a U.N. expert said Thursday.
• Aung San Suu Kyi begins trial in prison Radio Free Asia 23 Jun 2022 -- Detained State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi began her trial on Thursday in a special court in Naypyidaw Prison. The National League for Democracy (NLD) leader was moved to the prison in Myanmar's capital city and placed in solitary confinement on Wednesday.
• Former Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi Imprisoned Sputnik 23 Jun 2022 -- Former Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, who was under house arrest for about 15 months, has been sentenced to prison terms, Myanmar's military authorities said on Thursday.
• Statement by FM Lapid alongside the Foreign Minister of Türkiye, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu Israel MFA 23 Jun 2022 -- FM Lapid: Iran is behind these attempted terrorist attacks We're not only talking about the murder of innocent Israeli tourists, but also a clear violation of Turkish sovereignty by Iranian terror. We are confident that Türkiye knows how to respond to the Iranians on this matter.
• Turkish FM Announces Process to Normalize Diplomatic Ties With Israel Sputnik 23 Jun 2022 -- Turkey originally established ties with Israel in 1949, becoming one of the first Muslim countries to recognize the Jewish State. However, bilateral relations deteriorated amid Ankara's criticism of Israel's policies towards Palestinians.
• Foreign Secretary's press conference statement in Turkey, June 2022 UK FCDO 23 Jun 2022 -- Foreign Secretary Liz Truss gave a press statement in Ankara on the UK and Turkey's longstanding alliance, our work as NATO partners and the war in Ukraine.
• Former Chief Of Kazakhstan's Border Guard Service Detained On Corruption Charges RFE/RL 23 Jun 2022 -- The former chief of Kazakhstan's Border Guard Service, Lieutenant General Darkhan Dilmanov, and several of his former subordinates have been detained on corruption charges.
• South Africa Releases Damning Report Into Zuma-Era Graft VOA 23 Jun 2022 -- South Africa's Chief Justice Raymond Zondo has released a final and damning report after a long-running inquiry into influence-peddling and corruption during former President Jacob Zuma's nine years in office. It recommends several high-ranking officials face investigation and prosecution.
• Saudi Tour Cements Security Positions, Sees Return of Crown Prince to Center Stage VOA 23 Jun 2022 -- Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, met officially with leaders in Egypt, Jordan and Turkey this week. His goal, say analysts, is to unify their positions on security issues, such as mounting concerns over Iran.
• Najib Mikati chosen as Lebanon's prime minister after winning MPs' majority vote Press TV 23 Jun 2022 -- Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has been chosen as the country's premier for the fourth time, and has been missioned by President Michel Aoun to form a new government.
• State of emergency expanded in Ecuador after 'disappearance of 18 police officers' Press TV 23 Jun 2022 -- A state of emergency has been expanded to more areas in Ecuador following the purported disappearance of 18 police officers after an indigenous protest in the city of Puyo.
• Cambodia's Hun Sen changes birth year to align with the lucky Year of the Dragon Radio Free Asia 23 Jun 2022 -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen is now a year younger after he changed his official birthdate to Aug. 5, 1952, instead of April 4, 1951, a switch critics attributed to his overly superstitious nature.
• Cameroon Woos Potential Diaspora Investors, But Faces Distrust of Government VOA 23 Jun 2022 -- Cameroon's President Paul Biya has for the first time sent a delegation to Europe to try to encourage well-off Cameroonians living there to invest back home. But members of Cameroon's diaspora say undemocratic practices and corruption in Biya's government put off investors.
• Cabo Verde faces record-breaking levels of food insecurity as a result of drought, Covid-19 and the crisis in Ukraine WFP 23 Jun 2022 -- The number of people affected by a food and nutrition crisis in Cabo Verde has reached an all-time high in June 2022, with 181,000 women, men and children facing acute hunger. This represents 32 percent of the total population and marks a massive reversal of hard-won gains in food security and nutrition in recent years forcing the Government to declare a social and economic national emergency on 20 June. If not urgently addressed, this crisis will severely disrupt food access and agricultural production, putting more lives at risk as the country depends largely on imports to meet its food needs