• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• CENTCOM Month in Review: The Fight Against ISIS in Iraq and Syria CENTCOM 02 Feb 2023 -- During the month of January 2023 U.S. Central Command-led coalition forces and partner forces conducted 43 operations against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. These operations degraded ISIS and removed multiple senior ISIS militants from the battlefield, including the Emir of Raqqa and a Syrian provincial media and security operative. These successful operations are part of the mission to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS.

Defense Policy / Programs

• DoD Statement on High-Altitude Surveillance Balloon DoD 02 Feb 2023
• Senior Defense Official Holds a Background Briefing on High-Altitude Surveillance Balloon DoD 02 Feb 2023
• U.S. Tracking High-Altitude Surveillance Balloon DoD News 02 Feb 2023 -- An intelligence-gathering balloon, most certainly launched by the People's Republic of China, is currently floating above the United States, the Defense Department announced Thursday evening.
• US reports Pentagon tracking suspected Chinese 'spy' balloon over America Press TV 03 Feb 2023 -- The US military has been tracking a suspected Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon used for spying activities over mainland United States.
• Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby Holds a Press Briefing DoD 02 Feb 2023
• Exercise Obangame Express 23 aids maritime security and prosecution in the Gulf of Guinea AFRICOM 02 Feb 2023 -- The exercise focuses on building capacities in Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria and Togo to counter more effectively all forms of maritime-based crime in the Gulf of Guinea.
• Defense Innovation Board Winter Meeting Readout DoD 02 Feb 2023 -- The Defense Innovation Board (DIB) closed out its winter board meeting in Washington, DC, on Feb. 1, 2023.
• Readout of Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen Hicks' Meeting With the Defense Business Board DoD 02 Feb 2023
• DOD and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Launch 2023 5G Challenge for Open RAN with an Eye Toward Future Base Modernization DoD 02 Feb 2023 -- The FutureG & 5G Office in the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) is launching the 2023 5G Challenge.
• Readout of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) Visit to the Pentagon DoD 02 Feb 2023
• 53rd Wing's MUSTANGS: the future of agile data capture and ACE capability US Air Force 02 Feb 2023 -- The 59th Test and Evaluation Squadron hit major milestones in the development and testing of their Multi-Utilization Secure Tactical and Network Ground Station, or MUSTANGS, through its recent participation in Pacific Edge 22.
• PACAF Airmen conduct information exchange in Philippines US Air Force 02 Feb 2023 -- Airmen from the Pacific Air Forces area of responsibility traveled to Basa and Clark Air Bases, Philippines, to conduct several Subject Matter Expert Exchanges with airmen from the Philippine Air Force, Jan. 23 through 27, 2023.
• Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 Strengthens Ties in Montenegro US Navy 02 Feb 2023 -- Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2) concluded a port visit in Bar on Jan. 28.
• U.S. Hosts Lebanese Navy for Vessel Boarding Course in Bahrain US Navy 02 Feb 2023 -- U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) concluded a five-day vessel boarding course for the Lebanese Navy on Feb. 2 at the U.S. Navy base in Bahrain.
• SECNAV Delivers Remarks at American Society of Naval Engineers Combat Systems Symposium US Navy 02 Feb 2023
• Guantanamo Bay Detainee Transfer Announced DoD 02 Feb 2023 -- The Department of Defense announced today the transfer of Majid Khan from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay to Belize.
• US Transfers Guantanamo Prisoner Majid Khan to Belize: Pentagon Sputnik 02 Feb 2023 -- The United States has transferred a prisoner at the Guantanamo detention facility to Belize, the US Department of Defense announced in a release on Thursday.
• U.S.-Philippine Alliance Strengthens as it Enters New Phase DoD News 02 Feb 2023 -- U.S. service members will be doing a lot more training and exercises alongside their Philippine allies, as the defense alliance between the two nations continues to grow.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Meeting With Philippine Senior Undersecretary and Officer in Charge of the Department of National Defense Carlito Galvez DoD 02 Feb 2023
• Philippines grants wider military access to U.S. amid cross-strait tensions CNA 02 Feb 2023 -- The United States and the Philippines have agreed to giving the American military access to four more bases in the Southeast Asian country, the two countries' defense departments said in a joint statement Thursday, amid rising likelihood of conflict in the Taiwan Strait.
• US advances deal to access more military bases in the Philippines amid protests Global Times 02 Feb 2023 -- The US has been criticized for pushing for more military presence in Asia out of a zero-sum game mentality and jeopardizing regional stability, after the US has managed to expand access to four additional military bases in the Philippines to boost its military flexibility in possible war scenarios with China.
• Philippines grants US access to more military sites amid tensions over Taiwan Radio Free Asia 02 Feb 2023 -- The Philippines has given the United States access to four new military sites where the U.S. can build facilities as part of the defense agreement between the two nations and amid warnings a Chinese attack on Taiwan is imminent.
• US Not Seeking Permanent Basing for Its Military in Philippines, Washington Says Sputnik 02 Feb 2023 -- The United States is not seeking any permanent basing for its military in the Philippines, but prefers rotation, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said on Thursday.
• Philippines Grants US Military Access to More Bases VOA 02 Feb 2023 -- The United States and the Philippines announced an agreement Thursday that will give the U.S. military access to four new Philippine military sites.
• Philippines agrees to give US expanded access to military bases Press TV 02 Feb 2023 -- The Philippines has agreed to provide the United States with expanded access to key military bases in the Southeast Asian country.
• S. Korea, U.S. stage joint air drills amid DPRK warning People's Daily 02 Feb 2023 -- South Korea and the United States staged joint air drills involving strategic U.S. bombers and fighters, Seoul's defense ministry said on Thursday.
• NATO should stop trying to disturb Asia-Pacific region after messing up Europe: FM Global Times 02 Feb 2023 -- During his visit to South Korea and Japan, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stressed the need to stay united and firm to "counter China's security threats." Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that Stoltenberg's intention to deliberately play up the "China threat" theory, draw ideological lines and drive a wedge between countries in the region deserves high vigilance.
• US senators say no F-16 upgrades for Turkey if it blocks NATO bid of Finland, Sweden Press TV 02 Feb 2023 -- US senators have warned the Turkish government that if it wants upgrades for its F-16 jet fighters, Ankara must agree with the NATO bids of Finland and Sweden.
• Prime Ministers of Finland and Sweden discuss EU issues and progress of NATO membership process Finnish Government 02 Feb 2023 -- Prime Minister Sanna Marin visited Stockholm at the invitation of Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on 2 February. Their discussions focused on the EU economy and competitiveness, other topical EU matters, Russia's war against Ukraine, and Finland and Sweden's joint NATO membership process.
• 80th anniversary of victory in Battle of Stalingrad President of Russia 02 Feb 2023 -- On the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Battle of Stalingrad, Vladimir Putin visited the Battle of Stalingrad Museum and Reserve on Mamayev Kurgan.
• Putin: Decades After WWII, Russia is Once Again Threatened With German Leopards Tanks Sputnik 02 Feb 2023 -- The Russian president promised a tough response to unfriendly actions against the country, noting the threats posed to Russia by powers which seek to wage an undeclared war against the country, Russian President Vladimir Putin lamented that Nazism in its current guise once again threatens Russia during a speech at a concert commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in the Battle of Stalingrad.
• Russia Developing Weapons to Target Critical Subsea Cables, Pipelines VOA 02 Feb 2023 -- Western naval forces are having to adapt to a new threat as Russia and other military powers develop new capabilities to target critical undersea infrastructure such as pipelines and cables.
• Russia denounces U.S. for undermining New START treaty People's Daily 02 Feb 2023 -- The United States, by its actions, has undermined the principles of implementing the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Wednesday.
• 'They Will Send The Army To Ukraine': Bulgarian Social Media Flooded With Rumors Of Military Draft RFE/RL 02 Feb 2023 -- A mother in Bulgaria says she is relieved that her son is living abroad and out of reach of what she fears is coming at home: not only a military draft of able-bodied men but deployment to Ukraine to fight invading Russian forces in the bloodiest conflict the continent has witnessed since World War II.
• Ukraine: Council agrees on further military support under the European Peace Facility EC/CEU 02 Feb 2023 -- Ahead of the summit between the European Union and Ukraine, the Council today adopted assistance measures under the European Peace Facility (EPF) that provide further military assistance to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
• Council of EU Adopts New Military Aid Package for Ukraine Worth Almost $600Mln Sputnik 02 Feb 2023 -- The Council of the European Union on Thursday announced additional 545 million euro ($597 million) in military assistance for the Ukrainian armed forces under the European Peace Facility (EPF) ahead of the EU-Ukraine summit.
• Making Ukrainian Victory Possible European External Action Service (EEAS) 02 Feb 2023 -- Project Syndicate / Several Outlets - Exactly one year ago, it was still unclear whether Europeans would be able to come together to support Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. But, following the latest announcements of stepped-up military aid, there can no longer be any doubt about Europe's willingness to furnish what Ukraine needs to win.
• Joint Statement - The Tallinn Pledge UK MOD 02 Feb 2023 -- A joint statement by the defence ministers of Estonia, the United Kingdom, Poland, Latvia and Lithuania; and the representatives of Denmark, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, and Slovakia.
• China's AG600 amphibious aircraft starts airworthiness flight-test phase PLA Daily 02 Feb 2023 -- China's indigenously-developed AG600 large amphibious aircraft has entered the airworthiness flight-test phase, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) announced on Wednesday.
• Liechtenstein returns US$11 million to Taiwan in Lafayette scandal case CNA 02 Feb 2023 -- Liechtenstein has handed over to Taiwan about US$11 million deposited in the country as part of the illicit kickbacks involved in the Lafayette frigate scandal dating back three decades, according to the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) Thursday.
• Quad Senior Cyber Group Joint Cybersecurity Statement The White House 02 Feb 2023
• Biden Hosts Jordan's King Amid Mideast Tensions VOA 02 Feb 2023 -- Amid increasing tensions between Israel and Palestinians, U.S. President Joe Biden hosted King Abdullah II of Jordan for a private lunch Thursday, the second White House meeting between the leaders in less than a year and the third since Biden took office.
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan US Dept. of State 02 Feb 2023
• Under Secretary Nuland's Meeting with Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Al Thani US Dept. of State 02 Feb 2023
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting with Estonian Secretary General Vseviov US Dept. of State 02 Feb 2023
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting with Swedish State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Knutsson US Dept. of State 02 Feb 2023
• Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meeting with Swedish National Security Advisor Henrik Landerholm The White House 02 Feb 2023
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Director of the White House Gender Policy Council Jennifer Klein The White House 02 Feb 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Feb. 2, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 2 February 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 02 Feb 2023
• UN Says Its Aid Agencies Will Not Quit Afghanistan Despite Taliban Restrictions VOA 02 Feb 2023 -- The United Nations says its humanitarians will not leave Afghanistan and will continue delivering lifesaving aid despite Taliban restrictions on Afghan women's work for nongovernmental organizations.
• China's coast guard 'monitors' Philippine navy ship in disputed territory Radio Free Asia 02 Feb 2023 -- The Chinese coast guard and maritime militia appear to have tailed a Philippine naval vessel inside the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, a U.S. expert said, as U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visits the country to push for better access to local military bases.
• FM spox rejects alleged weapons shipment from Iran to Yemen IRNA 02 Feb 2023 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani on Thursday rejected alleged shipment of weapons from Iran to Yemen, saying that the allegations have been levelled based on political motives and aim to mislead the world public opinion.
• Iran: Allegations of smuggling arms to Yemen politically-motivated, meant to mislead global opinion Press TV 02 Feb 2023 -- Iran has roundly dismissed Western allegations of smuggling weapons and ammunition to Yemen, stressing that arms exporters and all those who sponsor the siege against the Yemeni nation are in position to comment on the ongoing crisis in the impoverished country.
• Syria rejects report on alleged chemical attack as "politicized" by U.S., Western allies People's Daily 03 Feb 2023 -- Syria on Thursday rejected a recent report by an intergovernmental chemical watchdog that accuses the Syrian forces of a chemical attack near Damascus in 2018 as "politicized" by the United States and its Western allies.
• Israel endorses construction of nearly 1,200 new settler units in occupied al-Quds Press TV 02 Feb 2023 -- In flagrant defiance of the international outcry against the Tel Aviv regime's illegal settlement expansion activities and land grab policies in the occupied Palestinian territories, Israeli authorities have approved plans for the construction of more than a thousand new settler units in al-Quds.
• Israel launches fresh airstrikes on Gaza Strip, prompting retaliatory attacks Press TV 02 Feb 2023 -- Israel has carried out new airstrikes against several areas across the Gaza Strip, triggering retaliatory rocket fire from Palestinian resistance groups based in the besieged enclave.
• Israeli Airstrikes Hit Gaza After Rocket Intercept VOA 02 Feb 2023 -- Israeli forces carried out airstrikes early Thursday in the Gaza Strip, hours after Israeli air defenses intercepted a rocket fired from Gaza.
• Chinese authorities impose communications crackdown on Tibetans in Drago county Radio Free Asia 02 Feb 2023 -- China has tightened restrictions on Tibetan residents of a county in Sichuan province that has been a hotbed of resistance to Chinese rule, imposing measures to prevent contact with people outside the area, sources with knowledge of the situation said.
• Serbia Could Become 'Pariah' If Normalization Plan Over Kosovo Rejected, Vucic Warns RFE/RL 02 Feb 2023 -- Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has warned that Serbia could become a "European pariah" completely isolated from the rest of the continent and without access to European funds if it rejects a Western plan for normalizing relations with Kosovo.
• Nigerian Soldiers Reportedly Raid Boko Haram Camps, Kill 37 Terrorists Sputnik 02 Feb 2023 -- Terrorism and insurgent violence carried out by the terrorist organization Boko Haram* is one of the major drivers of insecurity across northeastern Nigeria. In recent months, Nigerian troops alongside multinational forces have made strides in eliminating insurgents, retaking and stabilizing large portions of the region.
• Nigeria: UN genocide expert warns against worsening security situation UN News 02 Feb 2023 -- The UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide on Thursday voiced concern over the worsening security situation in Nigeria, while urging the authorities to ensure counter-terrorism operations are conducted in line with international human rights and humanitarian law.
• Horn of Africa Nations Agree to Joint Campaign Against Al-Shabaab Sputnik 02 Feb 2023 -- The leaders of Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Djibouti held talks in Mogadishu on February 1 to discuss joint anti-terrorism efforts. The meeting followed that of their respective defense ministers, as al-Shabaab* continues to intimidate the region.
• Ethiopia: Northern aid access improving but some areas still hard to reach UN News 02 Feb 2023 -- UN humanitarians on Thursday reported that aid access in the north is continuing to improve with aid operations expanding following last November's ceasefire agreement, but some civilians in the battle-scarred region "remain hard to reach."
• Embassies Warn of New Violence in South Sudan Ahead of Pope Visit VOA 02 Feb 2023 -- The embassies of Britain, Norway, and the United States have expressed grave concerns about possible new fighting in South Sudan's Upper Nile State. The warning by the so-called Troika Embassies comes just days ahead of Pope Francis' first visit to South Sudan on Friday for what the Vatican is calling a pilgrimage of peace.

News Reports

• US lawmakers ask for documents on hacking of nuclear laboratories Press TV 02 Feb 2023 -- Lawmakers in the United States have called for the Department of Energy to release documents detailing the targeting of American nuclear laboratories allegedly by Russian hackers last year.
• DHS Expands Abraham Accords to Cybersecurity DHS 02 Feb 2023 -- This week, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Under Secretary for Policy Robert Silvers visited Israel to deliver a keynote address at the CyberTech Global Conference and to meet with representatives from Israel and key Middle Eastern nations, in collaboration with the Department of State.
• FBI to search former US vice president's home for more classified documents Press TV 02 Feb 2023 -- The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is soon expected to search former US Vice President Mike Pence's Indiana home and Washington, DC, office for classified material, according to American media reports.
• In Arrest Of Former Top FBI Agent, Shadow Of Russian Oligarch Deripaska Looms - Again RFE/RL 02 Feb 2023 -- On November 21, 2021, FBI agents acting on a court-ordered search warrant seized the personal electronic devices - cell phones, computers, tablets, and similar items - of a former Russian diplomat and a retired FBI agent.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's interview with Rossiya 24 and RIA Novosti, Moscow, February 2, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02 Feb 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China Ma Zhaoxu Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02 Feb 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federative Republic of Brazil Mauro Vieira Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02 Feb 2023
• The President: We need to give the European Chief Prosecutor the power to investigate violations of sanctions imposed on Russia President of the Republic of Lithuania 02 Feb 2023 -- On Thursday, President Gitanas Nausėda had a meeting with the European Chief Prosecutor Laura Codruța Kövesi where they discussed issues related to accountability for war crimes committed by Russia and the implementation of sanctions, as well as the supervision and transparency of EU funds.
• Russia: Statement by the High Representative Josep Borrell on the second anniversary of Alexei Navalny's sentencing European External Action Service (EEAS) 02 Feb 2023 -- Today marks two years since the politically motivated sentencing of the Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny by a domestic court in Russia.
• Russia's brutal repression of human rights at home and abroad: UK statement to the OSCE UK FCDO 02 Feb 2023 -- Ambassador Neil Bush says that the link between the repression of fundamental freedoms in Russia, and Russia's aggression against Ukraine is clearer than ever.
• Russian Imports Rebound as Economy Looks Set for Growth VOA 02 Feb 2023 -- After struggling through much of 2022 under heavy international sanctions, the Russian economy has rebounded in recent months, as importers found new avenues of trade to bring consumer goods and other products into the country.
• South Korea chip sales to China almost halve in January under US pressure Global Times 02 Feb 2023 -- South Korea's semiconductors export to China, its largest trade partner, almost halved in January, impacted by the US' stepped-up chip war against China. But Chinese experts said South Korean chipmakers can't afford to lose the massive Chinese market.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on February 2, 2023 PRC MofA 02 Feb 2023
• Blinken Heads to China Amid Low Expectations VOA 02 Feb 2023 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is heading to Beijing for talks with senior Chinese officials on issues including Russia's war in Ukraine, trade, and cooperation in counternarcotics. But President Joe Biden's administration is facing tough questions from congressional critics, as expectations are low that such dialogue will bring substantial results.
• China-South Pacific cooperation to withstand impact after US opens new embassy in Solomons Global Times 02 Feb 2023 -- The US officially announced the opening of its embassy in the Solomon Islands on Thursday, in a move aimed at countering the development of ties between China and the South Pacific nation, Chinese analysts said. The move is a politically motivated action to serve the US' strategy of confronting China in the region, rather than one based on the need for consular services, so they believe the US will use the embassy to bring more disruption to the China-Solomons cooperation projects.
• US Analysts: Beijing Mixing Military, Commercial Interests Abroad VOA 02 Feb 2023 -- Chinese investments in commercial ports and other infrastructure around the world could pave the way for the expansion of its military footprint, U.S. analysts warned at a recent event in Washington.
• Asia Fact Check Lab: Is the US overstating political arrests in Hong Kong? Radio Free Asia 02 Feb 2023 -- On Jan. 26, the White House said in a statement that more than 1,200 political prisoners have been locked up in Hong Kong, and another 10,000 people have been arrested on other charges in connection with anti-government protests.
• US' illegal confiscation of Xinjiang products destabilizes global supply chain, will ultimately harm itself: Chinese FM Global Times 02 Feb 2023 -- The US' use of the non-existent "forced labor" issue as an excuse to illegally confiscate products from China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region destabilizes the international supply chain, and will ultimately harm the interests of the US itself, said the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday, warning that China will take necessary measures to defend the rights of Chinese enterprises.
• Chinese Lending at 13-Year Low; US Pledges Africa Investment VOA 02 Feb 2023 -- Recent visits to Africa by U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield and U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen came as a new study found China's overseas investments in the COVID-19 era are at a 13-year low. China has invested heavily in Africa through its Belt and Road Initiative and the U.S. has also recently pledged investments, with analysts saying Washington is trying to compete with China for influence on the continent.
• 17 Chinese military aircraft cross Taiwan Strait median line and ADIZ CNA 02 Feb 2023 -- A total of 23 Chinese military aircraft and four naval ships were detected in areas around Taiwan between Feb. 1 and Feb. 2, according to the Ministry of National Defense (MND).
• Peace in Taiwan Strait a hope for people on both sides: President Tsai CNA 02 Feb 2023 -- Maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is the hope of the people of Taiwan and China, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) told Taiwan's business community at a "New Year" event held in Taipei on Thursday.
• Calls for exchanges high across Straits as mainland urges DPP to resume direct flights Global Times 02 Feb 2023 -- With the stabilized COVID-19 situation across the Taiwan Straits, the Chinese mainland has urged the Taiwan authorities to further restore direct flights across the Straits in a bid to better deliver benefits to compatriots, according to a mainland spokesperson on Wednesday.
• Mainland urges further resumption of direct cross-Strait flights People's Daily 02 Feb 2023 -- The Chinese mainland has urged Taiwan to further resume direct flights across the Taiwan Strait, according to a mainland spokesperson on Wednesday.
• Taiwan retains ranking as top 'full democracy' in Asia CNA 02 Feb 2023 -- Taiwan has retained its ranking as the No. 1 "full democracy" in Asia in the 2022 Democracy Index, although its global standing dropped two places from the previous year, according to a report released Thursday by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).
• DPP authorities conclude reshuffle but factional struggle starts again as 2024 regional election looms Global Times 02 Feb 2023 -- Chen Chien-jen, a close ally and friend of Taiwan's regional leader Tsai Ing-wen, officially became head of the region's executive body in a handover ceremony on January 31, replacing Su Tseng-chang. The 2024 election to become regional leader is already starting to heat up between different factions within the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
• Great Guidance Bringing Fresh Leap Forward with Might of Mass Movement KCNA 02 Feb 2023 -- Miracles and feats are performed in the DPRK day by day, through the more vigorous socialist patriotic movement, revolutionary mass movement.
• North Korean young people ordered to serve 3 years in military's manual service corps Radio Free Asia 02 Feb 2023 -- North Korea is ordering young men and women not presently in the military, including those granted exemptions or deferrals from mandatory service, to serve for three years as stormtroopers - a glorified name for military manual laborers, sources in the country told Radio Free Asia.
• North Korea says prepared to counter US military moves with 'most overwhelming nuclear force' Press TV 02 Feb 2023 -- North Korea says it is prepared to counter provocative military moves by the United States with the "most overwhelming nuclear force."
• North Korea Vows 'Toughest Reaction' Possible After US Military Pledges More Weapons to Peninsula Sputnik 02 Feb 2023 -- After the US Defense Secretary promised to beef up South Korean military capabilities, North Korean officials have pledged an especially harsh response in the event of a US attack.
• Press Statement of Spokesperson for DPRK Foreign Ministry Issued KCNA 02 Feb 2023 -- A spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) issued the following press statement on Thursday:
• Iran resumes gas import from Turkmenistan IRNA 02 Feb 2023 -- Turkmenistan has resumed exporting gas to Iran, including to the northern province of Golestan, which was halted in the recent cold wave, a provincial official said.
• Iran nuclear chief regrets 'incorrect' IAEA report about Fordow plant Press TV 02 Feb 2023 -- Iran's nuclear chief has lamented the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) latest report about the country's nuclear activities at Fordow nuclear facility, saying the IAEA inspector's interpretation of their visit to the nuclear plant was "incorrect."
• Rights Group Says At Least 185 Arrested In Iran's Zahedan In Past Month RFE/RL 02 Feb 2023 -- A rights group says at least 185 citizens in the southeastern Iranian city of Zahedan have been arrested in the past month by security forces trying to stifle widespread dissent.
• 'They Deserve To Die': Iranian Doctors Who Treated Wounded Protesters 'Arrested, Tortured' RFE/RL 02 Feb 2023 -- In late November, three Iranian doctors traveled to the country's western Kurdistan region, the epicenter of ongoing antiestablishment protests, to help treat wounded demonstrators.
• Iran Blames Israel for Drone Attack VOA 02 Feb 2023 -- Iran on Thursday blamed Israel for a drone attack that took place Saturday in the central Iranian city of Isfahan.
• Iran Dismisses IAEA Report on Undeclared Changes at Nuclear Site VOA 02 Feb 2023 -- Iran's atomic energy organization on Wednesday dismissed a report by the United Nations nuclear watchdog that said Iran had made an undeclared change to uranium enriching equipment at its Fordow plant.
• Myanmar junta pursues five-pronged strategy as conflict enters 3rd year Radio Free Asia 02 Feb 2023 -- Feb. 1 marked the second anniversary of the coup d'etat that ousted the democratically elected National League for Democracy government in Myanmar. Since then the country has descended into a multi-front civil war and lost over a decade's worth of sustained economic growth. Over half of the population is living in poverty, driving people back into opium production, which saw 88 percent growth in 2022.
• Skepticism greets Indonesian plan to send general to persuade Myanmar junta Radio Free Asia 02 Feb 2023 -- Indonesia once helped Myanmar transition to democracy, using its own transformation out of military dictatorship as an example for change.
• Bloody toll: At least 363 women killed in Myanmar by junta troops since coup Radio Free Asia 02 Feb 2023 -- By the time they heard the soldiers enter their village, it was too late to flee.
• In Bangladesh's border with Myanmar, 2 Rohingya militant groups fight for dominance Radio Free Asia 02 Feb 2023 -- A 12-hour gunbattle and the torching of a refugee settlement along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border thrust the Rohingya Solidarity Organization, an old armed insurgent group, back into the spotlight.
• Myanmar navy arrests 36 Rohingya in Rakhine state Radio Free Asia 02 Feb 2023 -- Myanmar's junta navy has stopped 36 Rohingya as they boarded a boat in Rakhine state, planning to sail to Malaysia, locals told RFA.
• UN expert calls on international community to protect Rohingya population Press TV 02 Feb 2023 -- The UN's special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar has called on the international community to stand firm against Myanmar's military junta and to "do a lot more" to protect the vulnerable Rohingya population in the country's Rakhine State.
• Iraq must seize 'brief window of opportunity' to turn tide of instability UN News 02 Feb 2023 -- Iraq's political class must urgently seize the current brief window of opportunity to break chronic cycles of instability, the UN Special Representative told the Security Council on Thursday.
• The UK commends the work of UN Mission in Iraq and welcomes the progress of the newly formed Government: UK Statement at the Security Council UK FCDO 02 Feb 2023 -- Statement delivered by Political Coordinator Fergus Eckersley at the UN Security Council briefing on Iraq
• Readout of President Biden's Call with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani of Iraq The White House 02 Feb 2023
• Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (February 02, 2023) India MEA 02 Feb 2023
• Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh says, there are a total of 111 payloads and 105 Space Debris identified as Indian Objects orbiting the Earth, as tracked and catalogued by USSPACECOM and published in Spacetrack website as on 20 January, 2023 India PIB 02 Feb 2023 -- Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today informed that there are a total of 111 payloads and 105 Space Debris identified as Indian Objects orbiting the Earth, as tracked and catalogued by USSPACECOM and published in spacetrack website, as on 20 Jan. 2023.
• Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh says, Government has not allowed external agencies to use ISRO facilities, and only Non-Government Indian entities (NGEs) are being allowed to use ISRO facilities and the technical support India PIB 02 Feb 2023 -- Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today said, Government has not allowed external agencies to use ISRO facilities, and only Non-Government Indian entities (NGEs) are being allowed to use ISRO facilities and the technical support, as applicable, through IN-SPACe.
• Transcript of the Press Briefing by the Spokesperson on Thursday, 02 February 2023 Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02 Feb 2023
• Prominent Political Ally Of Pakistan's Ex-PM Khan Arrested RFE/RL 02 Feb 2023 -- A prominent Pakistani politician who is also a close ally of former Prime Minister Imran Khan was arrested after police raided his home near Islamabad.
• Israeli AG Urges Netanyahu to Stay Out of Proposed Judicial Overhaul VOA 02 Feb 2023 -- Israel's top legal official is warning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stay out of his cabinet's push to overhaul the judicial system, a plan that critics say could give the government "unlimited power."
• Turkey summons ambassadors of nine Western countries over consulate closures Press TV 02 Feb 2023 -- Turkey summoned on Thursday ambassadors of nine countries to demand an explanation in the wake of a decision by the countries to temporarily shut diplomatic missions and issue security alerts following desecration of the Holy Qur'an across Europe.
• Ankara Says West Waging 'Psychological War' Against Turkey by Closing Istanbul Consulates Sputnik 02 Feb 2023 -- The United States and other Western countries are waging a "psychological war" against Turkey by closing their consulates in Istanbul amid US warnings about possible terrorist attacks there, Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said on Thursday.
• Kazakhstan - EU: Joint statement by Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Mukhtar Tileuberdi and the HR/VP Josep Borrell on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations European External Action Service (EEAS) 02 Feb 2023 -- Today marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and the European Union. Over the past three decades, we have been able to build a strong partnership based on mutual respect and trust.
• EP Plenary: The situation of former President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili European External Action Service (EEAS) 02 Feb 2023 -- Speech delivered by Commissioner for Budget and Administration, Johannes Hahn, on behalf of High-Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell.
• Former Vietnamese Coast Guard commander convicted of embezzlment Radio Free Asia 02 Feb 2023 -- Vietnamese authorities convicted the former commander of Vietnam's Coast Guard, Nguyen Van Son, of embezzling more than U.S.$2 million from the Defense Ministry, state media announced on Thursday.
• Senior advisor to Cambodian opposition party resigns Radio Free Asia 02 Feb 2023 -- A senior advisor to Cambodia's opposition party resigned after authorities announced plans to pursue a lawsuit against him, alleging that comments he had made in January condemning the seizure of his property showed "malicious intent" to cause social unrest.
• Bulgarian President Dissolves Parliament, Sets Early Elections For April 2 RFE/RL 02 Feb 2023 -- Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has signed a decree dissolving the parliament and setting April 2 as the date for early elections -- the country's fifth in two years -- after an inconclusive October vote failed to produce a government.
• Resolution of 'racism' complaint brought by Qatar against UAE and Saudi Arabia UN News 02 Feb 2023 -- A UN body investigating discrimination complaints lodged by Qatar against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia concluded its work following the resolution of these disputes, according to an announcement on Thursday.
• Nigeria's Electoral Commission Faces Growing Insecurity Ahead of February 25 Polls VOA 02 Feb 2023 -- Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission says an attack Wednesday on its offices in southeast Anambra state destroyed hundreds of ballot boxes and other election materials. Authorities say armed men also attacked a police station in the area and killed a teenager.
• Malawi Anti-Graft Chief Suspended Over Leaked Audio Clip VOA 02 Feb 2023 -- Malawi has suspended the head of its Anti-Corruption Bureau over a leaked audio clip that where she suggested high-ranking officials were obstructing justice.
• Zimbabwe Parliament Enacts Law Critics Say Paralyzes NGO Freedoms VOA 02 Feb 2023 -- Jeers filled the air when lawmakers of the ruling ZANU-PF party celebrated after the Private Voluntary Organizations Amendment Bill, which regulates non-governmental organizations, passed in Zimbabwe's Senate late Wednesday.