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News Reports

Current Operations

• U.S. Raids Detain ISIS Militants CENTCOM 16 Dec 2022 -- Statement from Col. Joe Buccino, U.S. Central Command spokesman.
• US occupation forces constructing new military base in northwestern Syria: Report Press TV 16 Dec 2022 -- The US military is reportedly building a new military base in Syria's northwestern province of Raqqah as part of attempts to perpetuate its occupation of the conflict-ridden Arab country and further plunder its energy reserves, wheat crops and minerals.

Defense Policy / Programs

• US Senate passes record $858bn military spending bill, sends to Biden's desk Press TV 16 Dec 2022 -- The United States Senate has passed a bill authorizing a record $858 billion in annual military spending, more than what had been requested by President Joe Biden, signaling more intensified US interventionism abroad.
• US Senate Passes Defense Authorization Bill, Including Myanmar Language VOA 16 Dec 2022 -- The U.S Senate on Thursday passed military spending authorization legislation that included a newly amended version of the BURMA Act - the Burma Unified Through Rigorous Military Accountability Act of 2021 - aimed at helping pro-democracy forces battling the junta that has ruled Myanmar since last year's coup.
• Readout of the Global Coalition to Defeat-ISIS Coalition Political Military Consultation DoD 16 Dec 2022
• Air Defenders from Eight Indo-Pacific Nations Gather for Experiment Army News 16 Dec 2022 -- The Pacific Integrated Air & Missile Defense Center (PIC) hosted the Multilateral Table Top Experiment (MTTX) from 12-16 December here. The groundbreaking event held in conjunction with the 94th Army and Air Missile Defense Command (AAMDC) brought together air and missile defense operators and subject matter experts from eight Asia-Pacific nations including participation from the Royal Australian Air Force, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and observation from the Royal Singapore Air Force. The event established a rich environment for open collaboration, exchange of perspectives and concerns, and the sharing of regional air surveillance and missile defense visions all-the-while building connections among allies and partners.
• U.S., Regional Partners Form Multinational Boarding Team in Middle East CENTCOM 16 Dec 2022 -- U.S. 5th Fleet completed a two-week multinational vessel boarding integration event, Dec. 15, with regional nations in the Middle East.
• READOUT: US Central Command Commander Engages with Pakistani Leadership CENTCOM 16 Dec 2022 -- On Dec. 14, General Michael "Erik" Kurilla, CENTCOM commander, visited Pakistan to meet with senior military leaders, observe conditions and operations along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border vicinity the Khyber Pass, and discuss opportunities to strengthen the military-to-military relationship between CENTCOM and the Pakistan Armed Forces.
• USD(I&S) Ronald Moultrie and Dr. Sean Kirkpatrick Media Roundtable on the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office DoD 16 Dec 2022 -- Ronald Moultrie, Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security; Dr. Sean Kirkpatrick, All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office
• DoD Solicits Carbon Pollution-Free Electricity DoD 16 Dec 2022 -- Today, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Energy issued solicitations for the purchase of carbon pollution-free electricity (CFE) to support Department of Defense installations and federal agencies in two key regions.
• US Infantry Unit Arrives in Estonia for Joint Service and Drills Sputnik 16 Dec 2022 -- A US infantry unit arrived in Estonia to serve with the 2nd infantry brigade of the Estonian forces to participate in joint exercises and enhance interoperability, the Estonian Defense Forces said on Friday.
• Hawaii Air Guard hosts Pacific Edge exercise US Air Force 16 Dec 2022 -- The Hawaii Air National Guard's 154th Wing recently hosted its largest exercise on Hickam Field during the second iteration of Pacific Edge.
• USS Seawolf Returns from Deployment to a New Home at NBK Bangor US Navy 16 Dec 2022 -- The Seawolf-class fast-attack submarine USS Seawolf (SSN 21) arrived at its new homeport of Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor Wednesday, December 14, 2022, after more than seven months deployed. This marks the first time any ship has moored at the newly constructed Olympic Pier, which was officially opened in October.
• USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) Hosts French Maritime Force Commander US Navy 16 Dec 2022 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) hosted Rear Adm. Christophe Cluzel, commander of the French Maritime Force and French Carrier Strike Group, Dec. 5, 2022.
• Naval Oceanography Hosts U.K. Hydrographic Office US Navy 16 Dec 2022 -- Rear Adm. Ronald Piret, Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command (CNMOC), and his staff hosted a visit by Rear Adm. Rhett Hatcher, Director of Data Acquisition and National Hydrographer for United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO), to CNMOC Headquarters at Stennis Space Center, Mississippi Nov. 28.
• U.S. Navy and Republic of Korea SEALs Conclude Bilateral Training Exercise US Navy 16 Dec 2022 -- A West Coast-based SEAL Team concluded a bilateral training engagement with the Republic of Korea Naval Special Warfare Flotilla on Dec. 9.
• DESRON 15 Completes 2022 Deployment with USS Ronald Reagan US Navy 16 Dec 2022 -- Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 completed its 2022 deployment aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) after the strike group returned to Yokosuka, Japan, Dec. 16.
• USS Ronald Reagan Returns to Yokosuka Following 2022 7th Fleet Deployment US Navy 16 Dec 2022 -- The U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) returned to Yokosuka, Japan Dec. 16, following a seven-month strike group deployment across 7th Fleet.
• DOD Official: Norms Must be Established in Space DoD News 16 Dec 2022 -- Last week, the United Nations approved a resolution calling on nations not to conduct destructive, direct-ascent antisatellite missile tests. The United States agreed to the resolution, while China and Russia were among just nine countries that voted against it.
• Department of the Army updates Total Army COVID-19 vaccination statistics US Army 16 Dec 2022 -- The U.S. Army updated COVID-19 vaccination rates and exemption requests for the Total Army as of 15 December 2022.
• Third United States-Republic of Korea Civil Space Dialogue US Dept. of State 16 Dec 2022 -- Officials from the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK) met in Seoul on December 15 and 16 for the third U.S.-Republic of Korea Civil Space Dialogue.
• NATO holds roundtable on climate change and security, bringing together Allies and experts NATO 16 Dec 2022 -- NATO Headquarters held a Climate Change and Security Roundtable on Thursday (15 December 2022).
• Washington in 'Lockstep' With Ukraine on Defense VOA 16 Dec 2022 -- The United States will provide additional security assistance to Ukraine, the National Security Council's coordinator for strategic communications told VOA in an interview Friday.
• 'Heightened Urgency' for Training Ukrainians Amid 'Dynamic' Winter: Top Pentagon Official to VOA VOA 16 Dec 2022 -- A top Pentagon official with oversight of Ukraine policy told VOA Thursday there is a "heightened urgency" for advanced training of Ukrainian forces, as the Pentagon announced that the U.S. will expand the number of Ukrainian troops it trains each month.
• US Mulling Sending Advanced Patriot Systems PAC-3 to Ukraine, Reports Say Sputnik 16 Dec 2022 -- The United States is considering sending an advanced variant of the Patriot air defense system called Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) to Ukraine, US press reported, citing sources.
• Croatian Parliament Rejects Proposal To Join EU Military Mission In Support Of Ukraine RFE/RL 16 Dec 2022 -- Croatian lawmakers on December 16 rejected a proposal for Croatia to join an EU mission in support of the Ukrainian military.
• US Asks Australia to Extradite Former Marine Pilot Accused of Breaching Arms Control Laws VOA 16 Dec 2022 -- A court in Sydney Friday has heard that the United States has asked Australia to extradite a former marine pilot who is accused of breaking U.S. arms control laws by training Chinese fighter pilots. Daniel Duggan, a former U.S. citizen, has been in custody since his arrest in Australia in October. His lawyer has insisted the charges are politically motivated.
• US makes formal extradition request for former military pilot from Australia Press TV 16 Dec 2022 -- The US government has formally sent an extradition request to Australia for former US Marine pilot Daniel Duggan who is accused of breaking US arms control law by training Chinese military pilots to land on aircraft carriers.
• U.S. Senate passes annual defense bill with Taiwan provisions CNA 16 Dec 2022 -- The U.S. Senate on Thursday passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 2023, incorporating several Taiwan-related provisions such as annual grants of up to US$2 billion for military-related purposes between 2023 and 2027.
• Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Guides Important Test of Strategic Significance KCNA 16 Dec 2022 -- Another important test of strategic significance was conducted in the DPRK on Dec. 15 amid the practical successes made by the indomitable will and strenuous efforts of the scientists and technicians in the defence science research field to devotedly attain the important key goals for strengthened national defence capability set by the 8th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK).
• N Korea tests 'solid-fuel motor for new strategic weapon' Press TV 16 Dec 2022 -- North Korea says it has tested a new advanced motor for a new weapon system as the nuclear-armed country's foremost enemies vow closer cooperation against Pyongyang.
• Six ships home after busy year Australia DOD 16 Dec 2022 -- The Royal Australian Navy is this month welcoming home more than 1000 personnel and six ships from maritime training exercises with regional partners.
• Japan's new revised security strategy underlines Taiwan Strait peace CNA 16 Dec 2022 -- The Japanese government listed China as "the greatest strategic challenge" ever to securing the peace and stability of Japan and stressed the importance of the Taiwan Strait for international safety and prosperity in its new revised National Security Strategy approved Friday.
• Secretary of Defense Austin Statement on Japan's Release of its New Strategy Documents (National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy, and Defense Buildup Program) DoD 16 Dec 2022 -- "We welcome the release of Japan's updated strategy documents - the National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy, and Defense Buildup Program - which reflect Japan's staunch commitment to upholding the international rules-based order and a free and open Indo-Pacific."
• Welcoming Japan's New National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy, and Defense Buildup Program US Dept. of State 16 Dec 2022 -- "The United States of America and U.S. Department of State welcome Japan's new National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy, and Defense Buildup Program, which were announced on December 16."
• Statement by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Japan's Historic National Security Strategy The White House 16 Dec 2022
• Japan's passage of defense documents brings country away from track of post-war peaceful development: Chinese embassy Global Times 16 Dec 2022 -- Japan's drastic adjustment of its defense policy raises the suspicion that the country is deviating from the track of post-war peaceful development, the Chinese Embassy in Japan said on Friday, after Japan passed three key defense policy documents.
• Japan raises defense spending to deal with China challenge Radio Free Asia 16 Dec 2022 -- Japan has designated China an unprecedented "strategic challenge" and is boosting defense spending to cope with new challenges in a National Security Strategy launched Friday.
• Japan Announces Major Defense Overhaul VOA 16 Dec 2022 -- Citing regional threats from China and North Korea, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Friday unveiled a major overhaul of the country's defense strategy, including a significant increase in spending and the acquisition of long-range preemptive strike weapons.
• Japan unveils record $320bn military build-up with eye on China Press TV 16 Dec 2022 -- Japan has unveiled its biggest military build-up since World War II with a $320 billion plan to buy missiles capable of striking China, thereby flexing its muscles under the US plan to mobilize against their common foe.
• Japan's Prime Minister Earmarks $65Bln Defense Budget for Fiscal 2027, Reports Say Sputnik 16 Dec 2022 -- Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has told the ruling Liberal Democratic Party that defense spending would be 8.9 trillion yen ($65) in 2027 fiscal year, in line with the country's plan to boost military expenditures to 2% of GDP over the next five years, Japanese media reported on Friday.
• India successfully carries out night trials of nuclear-capable "Agni-five missile" All India Radio News 16 Dec 2022 -- India has successfully conducted night trials of nuclear-capable ballistic missile Agni V, capable of striking targets at ranges up to 5,000 kilometers with very high degree of accuracy.
• DEVELOPMENT OF BORDER AREAS India PIB 16 Dec 2022 -- Ministry of Defence has entrusted Border Roads Organisation (BRO) with the construction of roads in border areas, as per priority fixed by Army based on a five-year Long Term Roll over Works Plan (LTRoWP). State/UT-wise details of roads undertaken by BRO during the last five years are as under:
• MARKETING OF INDIGENOUSLY DEVELOPED DEFENCE EQUIPMENT India PIB 16 Dec 2022 -- The following initiatives have been taken by the Government to facilitate marketing of indigenously-developed defence equipment to international players:
• IMPORT AND EXPORT OF DEFENCE EQUIPMENT India PIB 16 Dec 2022 -- As per Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, India's military expenditure for the year 2020 and 2021 is as under:
• VALUE OF INDIGENOUS DEFENCE PRODUCTION India PIB 16 Dec 2022 -- The value of indigenous defence production for Financial Years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 are Rs 84,643 crore and Rs 94,846 crore respectively. To achieve 'Aatmanirbharta' and realise the goal of 'Make in India', Government of India has established two Defence Industrial Corridors (DICs) in the country, one in Uttar Pradesh and other in Tamil Nadu.
• CURTAIN RAISER: COMMISSIONING OF YARD 12705 (MORMUGAO) India PIB 16 Dec 2022 -- Mormugao, a P15B stealth guided missile destroyer, is scheduled to be commissioned into the Indian Navy in the presence of the Hon'ble Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh, at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai on 18 Dec 22. The event marks the formal induction into the Navy of the second of the four 'Visakhapatnam' class destroyers, indigenously designed by the Indian Navy's in-house organisation, Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai.
• Comdr vows for deploying fast, advanced vessels at sea borders IRNA 16 Dec 2022 -- Deputy Commander of Iran's Border Guards for Operations Brigadier General Jalal Setareh lauded advanced military facilities in border guards, saying that fast and advanced vessels will be deployed at sea borders.
• £129 million to deliver cutting-edge mini drones for UK forces UK MOD 16 Dec 2022 -- More than 250 "portable" and "packable" mini drones will be delivered to the Armed Forces after the award of a contract worth £129 million to Lockheed Martin UK
• UK Gov't Contracts $157Mln Worth of 'Mini Drones' for Army From US' Lockheed Martin Sputnik 16 Dec 2022 -- The UK-based arm of US aerospace and defense company Lockheed Martin has received a 10-year state contract to deliver over 250 mini drones worth 129 million pounds ($157 million) to the British armed forces, the UK government said on Friday.
• Botswana Develops Security Strategy to Counter Terrorism Threat VOA 16 Dec 2022 -- Botswana is developing a national security strategy amid fears of heightened terrorism threats.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Mexican Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 16 Dec 2022
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Bulgarian President Radev US Dept. of State 16 Dec 2022
• Deputy Secretary McKeon's Meeting with UN Controller Ramanathan US Dept. of State 16 Dec 2022
• Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meeting with President of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi The White House 16 Dec 2022
• Department Press Briefing - December 16, 2022 US Dept. of State 16 Dec 2022

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Dec. 16, 2022

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 16 December 2022 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 16 Dec 2022
• Afghanistan: Taliban urged to halt public floggings and executions UN News 16 Dec 2022 -- The resumption of public floggings and executions in Afghanistan must stop immediately, a group of independent UN human rights experts said on Friday in an appeal to the ruling Taliban leadership.
• White House Defends Support for Saudis in Yemen War VOA 16 Dec 2022 -- The White House on Friday defended its decision to block a war powers resolution in the Senate that would have ended U.S. support for Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen, saying it would have impeded delicate diplomatic talks.
• Libya: Help make 2023 the year of 'free and fair elections', Security Council urged UN News 16 Dec 2022 -- The first step to legitimacy and security in Libya is to allow registered voters to cast their ballot in fresh elections, UN Special Representative Abdoulaye Bathily told the Security Council on Friday.
• Libya's political elite are blocking progress: UK statement at the Security Council UK FCDO 16 Dec 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council briefing on Libya
• KFOR 'Evaluating' Serbia's Request To Send Security Forces In Kosovo RFE/RL 16 Dec 2022 -- The NATO-led international peacekeeping mission in Kosovo (KFOR) has received Belgrade's request to return police and military forces from Serbia to Kosovo, RFE/RL confirmed on December 16.
• Belgrade Asks NATO Mission to Allow Serbian Army and Police in Kosovo, Reports Say Sputnik 16 Dec 2022 -- Serbian authorities have submitted a request to the command of the NATO Kosovo Force (KFOR) mission for the introduction of a limited contingent of the Serbian army and police force into Kosovo and Metohija, Serbian TV reported on Friday.
• Verdict in the Trial of Salih Mustafa at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers US Dept. of State 16 Dec 2022 -- The United States welcomes the verdict in the case against Salih Mustafa, the first case at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers involving war crimes charges.
• Kosovo Tribunal Convicts Former KLA Commander In First War Crimes Verdict RFE/RL 16 Dec 2022 -- Judges at the Kosovo tribunal on December 16 convicted and sentenced to 26 years in prison a former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) guerrilla commander who ran a prison during the 1998-99 independence conflict with Serbia.
• German Troops to Remain in Mali Until May 2024, Defense Ministry Says Sputnik 16 Dec 2022 -- Despite Western peacekeeping troops, including French soldiers who recently ended their separate anti-terrorist mission Barkhane, have been present in Mali for almost a decade, jihadist threat in the country hasn't been defeated. The failure of the European military presence is causing increasing discontent among Malians.
• UNHCR: Dadaab Camps Overstretched as Drought & Violence Rage on in Somalia Sputnik 16 Dec 2022 -- Kenya's Dadaab is the largest refugee camp in Africa. Founded 30 years ago it still houses hundreds of thousands of displaced Africans. Sputnik obtained a comment from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on the situation in the camp as drought and violence continue to force people to leave their homes.
• 88 Militants Killed in Middle Shabelle Region, Somali Government Says VOA 16 Dec 2022 -- Eighty-eight al-Shabab militants were killed this week in a joint operation by the Somali National Army and allied clan militia in the Middle Shabelle region, Somali's Deputy Information Minister Abdirahman Yusuf Al-Adala said Thursday at a news conference.

News Reports

• Two Tennessee Men Arrested for Planning Attacks on Law Enforcement Personnel and the FBI's Knoxville Field Office US Dept. of Justice 16 Dec 2022 -- A criminal complaint was unsealed today charging Edward Kelley, 33, of Maryville, Tennessee, and Austin Carter, 26, of Knoxville, Tennessee, with conspiracy, retaliating against a federal official, interstate communication of a threat, and solicitation to commit a crime of violence.
• Cybersecurity: EU holds 8th dialogue with the United States European External Action Service (EEAS) 16 Dec 2022 -- On 15-16 December 2022, the European Union and United States held the eighth EU-U.S. Cyber Dialogue in Washington, DC. This took place in the context of a dramatically deteriorated cyber threat environment due to Russia's illegal military aggression against Ukraine, which has underlined the need for enhanced transatlantic cooperation and coordination to prevent, detect and respond to malicious cyber activities and highlighted the need to ensure that critical infrastructure is secure and resilient.
• Telephone conversation with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi President of Russia 16 Dec 2022 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of the Republic of India Narendra Modi.
• Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on the adoption of a resolution on combatting the glorification of Nazism by the 77th Session of the UN General Assembly Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Dec 2022
• Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine: the EU blacklists additional 141 individuals and 49 entities EC/CEU 16 Dec 2022 -- The Council decided today to impose restrictive measures on an additional 141 individuals and 49 entities in response to the escalating Russian military aggression against Ukraine.
• Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine: EU adopts 9th package of economic and individual sanctions EC/CEU 16 Dec 2022 -- In response to Russia's continuing war of aggression against Ukraine and the gravity of the current escalation against civilians and civilian infrastructure, the Council adopted today a ninth package of new measures intended to step up pressure on Russia and its government.
• Ukraine: EU agrees ninth package of sanctions against Russia European Commission 16 Dec 2022 -- The Commission welcomes the Council's adoption of a ninth package of hard-hitting sanctions against Russia for its aggression against Ukraine. This responds to Russia's continued escalation and illegal war against Ukraine, in particular as Russia is deliberately targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, seeking to paralyse the country at the beginning of the winter.
• EU leaders greenlight 9th sanctions package against Russia People's Daily 16 Dec 2022 -- European leaders on Thursday gave their seal of approval to the ninth package of sanctions against Russia following a summit here.
• Russian Cultural Center's Chief In Central African Republic Survives 'Assassination' Attempt RFE/RL 16 Dec 2022 -- The head of the Russian House cultural center in Bangui, Central African Republic, has survived an assassination attempt, the Russian Embassy in the city said on December 16.
• CAR Police Considers Assassination Attempt on Head of Russian House to Be Terrorist Attack Sputnik 16 Dec 2022 -- The police of the Central African Republic (CAR) considers that the assassination attempt on the head of the Russian House in the CAR Dmitry Sytyi to be a terrorist attack, the country's police chief Bienvenu Zokoue told Sputnik on Friday.
• Russian official injured in 'assassination attempt' in Central African Republic Press TV 16 Dec 2022 -- The head of a Russian cultural center in the Central African Republic (CAR) has been wounded in an assassination attempt in the capital Bangui, the Russian embassy has said.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on December 16, 2022 PRC MofA 16 Dec 2022
• Secretary Blinken Launches the Office of China Coordination US Dept. of State 16 Dec 2022 -- Today Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken presided over the launch of the new Office of China Coordination, informally known as China House. China House will ensure the U.S. government is able to responsibly manage our competition with the People's Republic of China (PRC) and advance our vision for an open, inclusive international system.
• US State Department Launches Office of China Coordination VOA 16 Dec 2022 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday presided over the launching of the U.S. State Department's Office of China Coordination, informally known as China House, to manage U.S. competition with Beijing.
• China Trying to Fight Back US Ban on Its Chip Industry VOA 16 Dec 2022 -- China is spending $143 billion to combat U.S. moves to cut off its supply of semiconductor technology.
• Chinese Student in US Charged With Stalking Pro-Democracy Chinese Classmate VOA 16 Dec 2022 -- A Chinese student has been arrested by the FBI in Boston and charged in federal court with one count of stalking after allegedly harassing a fellow Chinese student who had posted fliers declaring support for pro-democracy protesters in China.
• Chinese Diplomatic Personnel Forced Out of UK VOA 16 Dec 2022 -- Six Chinese diplomatic personnel left Britain this week for their alleged roles in assaulting protesters at the Chinese Consulate in Manchester in October.
• Xi's consolidation of power feeding tensions over Taiwan: analysts Radio Free Asia 16 Dec 2022 -- Chinese leader Xi Jinping's consolidation of power at October's 20th party congress has profound implications for growing military tensions across the Taiwan Strait in the coming year, analysts told a recent online symposium.
• No drinking, singing and fun allowed during 7 days of forced mourning for Kim Jong Il Radio Free Asia 16 Dec 2022 -- North Korea is in the midst of a seven-day period of forced mourning to mark the 11th anniversary of the death of former leader Kim Jong Il, and no singing, drinking or celebrating will be allowed, sources in the country tell Radio Free Asia.
• Amid food shortage, North Koreans forced to donate 'patriotic rice' Radio Free Asia 16 Dec 2022 -- Despite widespread food shortages in North Korea, the government is forcing its citizens to donate several kilograms of "patriotic rice" for use by the military, party officials, scientists and people in need, sources in the country told Radio Free Asia.
• Iran Protests Continue Friday as Unrest Enters Fourth Month VOA 16 Dec 2022 -- Hundreds of protesters marched Friday in the southeastern Iranian provincial capital, Zahedan, marking three months since the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini while in police custody, sparking nationwide anti-government unrest.
• Iranian Student Organization Raises Concern About Five Female Students Arrested After Protest RFE/RL 16 Dec 2022 -- The whereabouts of five female university students in the western Iranian city of Sanandaj are unknown following their arrest earlier this month after they took part in a rally against the execution of protesters, the Union Council of Iranian Students said.
• Lawyer Of Jailed Iranian Protester Says He's Been Denied Access To His Client RFE/RL 16 Dec 2022 -- The lawyer of an anti-government Iranian protestor sentenced to death says a branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Court has denied him access to case material to defend his client.
• Anti-Iran resolution illegitimate, invalid: FM spokesman IRNA 16 Dec 2022 -- Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic Nasser Kanaani has underscored that ratification of a Canada-proposed resolution at the UN General Assembly is invalid and illegitimate.
• 'Devoid of legitimacy': Iran slams UNGA's political resolution Press TV 16 Dec 2022 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman says the resolution passed by the UN General Assembly about human rights in Iran is "devoid of legitimacy," urging the West to stop exploiting international mechanisms to further its political goals.
• UNICEF plans big expansion of program to educate Rohingya children in Bangladesh Radio Free Asia 16 Dec 2022 -- Starting in 2023, UNICEF plans to extend a pilot program to educate Rohingya children at upper grade levels who are living at refugee camps in Bangladesh and have been deprived of schooling for years, officials said.
• Myanmar junta sentences former Central Bank official to 20 years in prison Radio Free Asia 16 Dec 2022 -- A court in Myanmar has sentenced a former senior official with the country's Central Bank, who was arrested in the aftermath of last year's military coup, to 20 years in prison for graft - the same problem he had sought to eradicate during his time in office, sources said.
• Defense bill paves way for heftier US policy on Myanmar Radio Free Asia 16 Dec 2022 -- The U.S. government will be able to engage directly with Myanmar's government-in-exile and must develop a program of sanctions against the military junta that seized power in last year's coup, according to a new law passed by Congress as part of a military spending bill.
• In Central Asia's Wealthiest Country, Kazakhstan, Many Can Barely Afford Food And Rent RFE/RL 16 Dec 2022 -- Malika Zhangeldieva, a cashier at an Almaty sports center, recently took a second job as a kitchen helper at a cafe, where she works two days a week.
• Kazakh Authorities Detain Activists In Apparent Bid To Halt Protests On Country's Independence Day RFE/RL 16 Dec 2022 -- More than a dozen activists of the opposition movement Oyan, Qazaqstan! (Wake Up, Kazakhstan!) have been detained in the country's largest city, Almaty, as the Central Asian nation marks the 31st anniversary of its independence.
• South Sudan: Statement by the European Union and the Troika on Violence in Upper Nile and Jonglei States European External Action Service (EEAS) 16 Dec 2022 -- The EU and the members of the Troika are deeply concerned by reports of an escalation in violence in Upper Nile and Jonglei, South Sudan, where there have been reports of scores of civilians killed and around 50,000 displaced.
• South Sudan: Statement by the Troika and the EU on Violence in Upper Nile and Jonglei States Government of Norway 16 Dec 2022 -- Members of the Troika and EU are deeply concerned by an escalation in violence in Upper Nile and Jonglei, South Sudan, where there have been reports of scores of civilians killed and around 50,000 displaced.
• Joint Statement on Violence in Upper Nile and Jonglei States, South Sudan US Dept. of State 16 Dec 2022 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Norway, and the United Kingdom (the Troika) and the European Union.
• Statement by the Troika and the European Union on violence in Upper Nile and Jonglei States UK FCDO 16 Dec 2022 -- The Troika (UK, US and Norway) and the EU have issued a statement on the escalation in violence in the Upper Nile and Jonglei, South Sudan.
• Peru declares state of emergency in wake of violent protests People's Daily 16 Dec 2022 -- Peru declared a nationwide 30-day state of emergency on Wednesday in a bid to quash sometimes violent protests in various regions, Defense Minister Alberto Otarola said.
• Former Peru president Castillo's jail term extended by 18 months amid protests, turmoil Press TV 16 Dec 2022 -- The pre-trial detention in prison of former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo has been extended by 18 months, a decision likely to inflame political tensions and protests that have gripped the South American country since his impeachment and detention last week.
• Two Peruvian Ministers Resign Amid Deadly Protests Raging Across Nation Sputnik 16 Dec 2022 -- Two ministers from Peru's new government have resigned amid protests that have resulted in civilian deaths.
• Vietnam dismisses US move to put country on religious freedom 'watch list' Radio Free Asia 16 Dec 2022 -- Vietnam on Thursday dismissed the U.S. State Department's decision to put the country on a watch list of countries to be monitored for severe violations of freedom of religion - even as it continued to demolish Buddhist pagodas and crack down on Christian churches.
• Ukrainian Official Demands Access To Imprisoned Former Georgian President Saakashvili RFE/RL 16 Dec 2022 -- Ukraine is demanding that Georgia grant it access to imprisoned former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, who holds Ukrainian citizenship and whose health is said to be deteriorating.
• Central Asia Balances Domestic Demand with Foreign Exports VOA 16 Dec 2022 -- Rising domestic demand is forcing Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to cut back or halt natural gas exports to China, prompting a shakeup of regional energy markets and a rethinking of trade relationships across Central Asia. Meanwhile, American experts have been urging the West to invest in the region's energy infrastructure, arguing that this kind of support "will create steady partners and balance Chinese and Russian ambitions."