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Defense Policy / Programs

• US Military: Origin of 3 Downed Objects Unknown VOA 13 Feb 2023 -- The U.S. said Monday it does not know the origin of the three high-altitude objects it shot down over the last few days as they drifted in the winds over North America.
• Chinese Surveillance Balloons Global in Scope, Says Official DoD News 13 Feb 2023 -- When President Joe Biden came into office, he directed the U.S. intelligence community to do a broad assessment of Chinese intelligence capabilities, said John Kirby, coordinator for strategic communications at the National Security Council in the White House, speaking to the media today.
• Efforts Underway to Recover Object Downed Over Lake Huron DoD News 13 Feb 2023 -- Efforts are underway to recover remnants of an object shot down yesterday over Lake Huron by a U.S. fighter jet — the third object downed over North America since a U.S. missile took down a Chinese surveillance balloon on Feb. 4.
• Radar tweaks driving balloon finds, US officials say Radio Free Asia 13 Feb 2023 -- The U.S. Air Force is seeing more "airborne objects" across North America's skies after recalibrating radars patrolling U.S. airspace, defense officials said Monday after three such objects were shot down over the weekend.
• Beijing denies 3 'objects' downed by US came from China Radio Free Asia 13 Feb 2023 -- Beijing has denied any knowledge of the three "airborne objects" that the U.S. military shot down in North American airspace over the weekend as China prepares to take down an unidentified flying object near one of its main naval bases.
• No Link Between Alleged Chinese Spy Balloon and Latest Downed Objects - National Defence Sputnik 13 Feb 2023 -- No links have been made between the alleged Chinese spy balloon downed over the Atlantic, and the latest three unidentified objects shot over Alaska, Yukon and Lake Huron, Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Major General Marc-Andre Prevost said on Monday.
• Dozens of Chinese Military Balloons Detected Over Taiwan in Recent Years, Reports Say Sputnik 13 Feb 2023 -- Dozens of Chinese military surveillance balloons were detected over Taiwan over past years, media reported on Monday, citing Taiwanese officials.
• Pentagon Says Currently Unable to 'Definitively Assess' Nature of Downed Objects Sputnik 13 Feb 2023 -- The US Department of Defense (DOD) currently lacks sufficient information on the airborne objects that were shot down over the past days, according to the Pentagon.
• U.S., Gulf Nations Assess Same Threats in Middle East DoD News 13 Feb 2023 -- The Defense Department early this morning led two working groups at the invitation of the Gulf Cooperation Council, including one on air and missile defense and another on maritime security. A takeaway from the discussions is that the U.S. and participating Gulf nations share many of the same security concerns for the region.
• Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III Addresses Traveling Press Upon Arrival in Brussels, Belgium DoD 13 Feb 2023
• Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen Hicks Remarks at the President's Interagency Task Force (PITF) to Monitor and Combat Human Trafficking in Persons Meeting (As Delivered) DoD 13 Feb 2023
• Dana Stroul, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East, and Senior Department of Defense Leaders Participating in the United States-Gulf Cooperation Council Working Group Meetings, Hold an Off-Camera, On-The-Record Briefing From Riyadh, Saudi Arabia DoD 13 Feb 2023
• Melissa Dalton Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Hemispheric Affairs and Gen. Glen VanHerck, Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command, Hold an Off-Camera, On-The-Record Briefing DoD 13 Feb 2023
• Pacific Marines Conduct Command and Control Exercise USMC News 13 Feb 2023 -- "The Future is Now." That phrase is as true today in the United States Marine Corps as it is anywhere.
• US military holds war games in South China Sea amid tension over balloon row Press TV 13 Feb 2023 -- The United States Navy and Marine Corps have launched joint war games in the South China Sea amid heightened tensions with Beijing over a suspected Chinese "surveillance" balloon shot down by US fighter jets.
• 728th AMS, 39th OSS support Türkiye earthquake relief deliveries US Air Force 13 Feb 2023 -- Since Department of Defense support to U.S. Agency for International Development for earthquake relief to Türkiye began, the 728th Air Mobility Squadron has offloaded 5,764 tons of equipment and supplies from aircraft in coordination with 39th Operational Support Squadron, as of Feb. 12.
• USS Gravely Returns to Sea Following Bahamas Port Visit US Navy 13 Feb 2023 -- USS Gravely (DDG 107) departed Nassau, Bahamas, after conducting a theater-security cooperation port visit, Feb. 9.
• USS Antietam (CG 54) Conducts Port Visit in Otaru, Japan US Navy 13 Feb 2023 -- Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54) forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan concluded a visit to Otaru in the northern Japanese island prefecture of Hokkaido Feb. 10.
• USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) Sails with Indian Navy US Navy 13 Feb 2023 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) sailed with the Indian Navy's INS Savitri (P 53) in the Indian Ocean, Feb 7.
• Defense Ministers to Address NATO's 'Race for Logistics' DoD News 13 Feb 2023 -- NATO is in a race for logistics, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters as he previewed this week's Defense Ministerial meeting in Brussels, today.
• NATO Deputy Secretary General attends Munich Security Conference kick-off NATO 13 Feb 2023 -- n Monday (13 February 2023), NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană participated in a panel discussion marking the kick-off of the Munich Security Conference, in Berlin, Germany.
• The President: The size and speed of military support to Ukraine are critically important President of the Republic of Lithuania 13 Feb 2023 -- President Gitanas Nausėda, who is visiting Norway, met with President of the Storting Masud Gharahkhani on Monday to discuss bilateral relations, the security situation in the region and Russia's war against Ukraine.
• The President discussed military support to Ukraine with NASAMS manufacturer President of the Republic of Lithuania 13 Feb 2023 -- President Gitanas Nausėda, currenly on an official visit in Norway, met Monday morning with representatives of Kongsberg, the Norwegian manufacturer of NASAMS medium-range air defense system.
• Diggers teach Ukrainian recruits skills to survive Australia DOD 13 Feb 2023 -- In a section of woodlands in southern England, a platoon of Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) recruits are developing survivability skills while on a tactical exercise as part of their infantry training.
• Polish soldiers train Ukrainian tank crews on Leopards Republic of Poland 13 Feb 2023 -- On Monday, February 13, 2022. The Commander-in-Chief of the Polish Armed Forces, President Andrzej Duda, and Mariusz Blaszczak, Deputy Prime Minister-Minister of National Defense, met with instructors conducting training for the soldiers of the Ukrainian armed forces on Leopard tanks.
• NATO Defence Ministers to address Ukraine, stockpiles and critical infrastructure NATO 13 Feb 2023 -- NATO Defence Ministers are meeting in Brussels this week (14-15 February 2023) to strengthen the Alliance's deterrence and defence, and step up and sustain for Ukraine.
• NATO Chief Says Military Buildup Shows Russian Offensive Has Already Begun RFE/RL 13 Feb 2023 -- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said that a major new Russian offensive in Ukraine has already begun.
• AMAN-23: China-Pakistan friendship will make the sea more peaceful and secure PLA Daily 13 Feb 2023 -- On February 10, local time, the multinational naval exercise AMAN-23 initiated and organized by the Pakistan Navy officially kicked off in waters near Karachi, Pakistan. Representatives of Chinese participating troops attended the opening ceremony.
• Chinese peacekeepers to Lebanon participate in Exercise Tiger 2023 PLA Daily 13 Feb 2023 -- On February 11, local time, the 21st Chinese peacekeeping multi-role engineering company participated in the Exercise Tiger 2023 held by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which took place at the barracks of the company in the south Lebanese village of Hinnieh.
• India does not want to remain an assembly workshop; Manufacturing cutting-edge products need of the hour to attain 'Aatmanirbharta': Raksha Mantri during CEOs Round Table during Aero India 2023 in Bengaluru India PIB 13 Feb 2023 -- Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has called upon Indian & global industry leaders to support the Government's endeavour to design, develop and manufacture cutting-edge products, using critical technologies, within the country to attain complete 'Aatmanirbharta' in defence, with the overall objective of achieving shared global peace and prosperity.
• STATUS OF THE PRODUCTION OF DEFENCE EQUIPMENTS India PIB 13 Feb 2023 -- The Government has taken several policy initiatives in the past few years and brought in reforms to encourage indigenous design, development and manufacture of defence equipment, there by promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing in the country.
• MANUFACTURING OF AK-203 ASSAULT RIFLES India PIB 13 Feb 2023 -- Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) is a joint venture company established for indigenous production of AK-203 Rifles. IRRPL has established all facilities to commence production of indigenized assault rifle at Korwa, Uttar Pradesh (UP). The Rifles are currently under manufacturing and testing stage.
• Defence Secretary meets delegations from Saudi Arabia, USA and Oman on the sidelines of Aero India 2023 India PIB 13 Feb 2023 -- Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane held bilateral meetings on 12 February 2023 with three defence delegations on the sidelines of Aero India 2023 at Bengaluru.
• The President in Norway: Allied defense spending must be increased and military industry must operate at full capacity President of the Republic of Lithuania 13 Feb 2023 -- President Gitanas Nausėda continues his official visit to Norway. Monday afternoon, the President met with the Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Støre, to discuss regional security, defense cooperation and support for Ukraine.
• Deputy Secretary Wendy R. Sherman And Japanese Vice Minister Mori Takeo and Republic of Korea (ROK) First Vice Minister Cho Hyundong at a Joint Press Availability US Dept. of State 13 Feb 2023
• Joint Statement on the U.S.-Japan-Republic of Korea Trilateral Ministerial Meeting US Dept. of State 13 Feb 2023 -- The following is the joint statement released by the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State and the Vice Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Republic of Korea following a trilateral meeting in Washington, D.C.
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Danish Foreign Minister Rasmussen US Dept. of State 13 Feb 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 13 Feb 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Bosnia and Herzegovina's Foreign Minister Konakovic US Dept. of State 13 Feb 2023
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby, February 13, 2023 The White House 13 Feb 2023
• Department Press Briefing - February 13, 2023 US Dept. of State 13 Feb 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Feb. 13, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 13 February 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 13 Feb 2023
• Experts demand better measures to protect children caught in conflict UN News 13 Feb 2023 -- Preventing violations against children affected by war has never been more pertinent or urgent, the UN expert advocating for these boys and girls said in a briefing to the Security Council on Monday.
• More must be done to prevent grave violations against children: UK Statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 13 Feb 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council briefing on children in armed conflict
• Top Taliban Official's Public Criticism Reignites Internal Rift Speculations VOA 13 Feb 2023 -- Senior leaders of Afghanistan's ruling Islamist Taliban have recently resorted to rare public criticism of each other, reigniting internal rift speculations over whether girls should be allowed to receive an education.
• PCG statement on Chinese vessel using laser at PCG ship in Ayungin Philippines Coast Guard 13 Feb2023 -- On February 6, 2023, a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel with bow number 5205 directed a military-grade laser light at the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP MALAPASCUA (MRRV-4403) while supporting a rotation and resupply (RoRe) mission of the Philippine Navy (PN) in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
• U.S. Support for the Philippines in the South China Sea US Dept. of State 13 Feb 2023 -- "The United States stands with our Philippine allies in the face of the People's Republic of China (PRC) Coast Guard's reported use of laser devices against the crew of a Philippine Coast Guard ship on February 6 in the South China Sea."
• Philippine Coast Guard says Chinese vessel blinded crew with laser Radio Free Asia 13 Feb 2023 -- The Philippine Coast Guard on Monday accused China of performing dangerous maneuvers and pointing a laser at one of its vessels, causing temporary blindness to the crew.
• Crew Temporarily Blinded by Chinese Laser, Philippines Says VOA 13 Feb 2023 -- The Philippine Coast Guard said Monday that when China's coast guard aimed a "military grade" laser earlier this month at a Philippine crew, the light temporarily blinded the crew members. The ships were in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.
• Chinese Coast Guard exercised professional restraint in dealing with trespassing Philippine coast guard vessel: FM Global Times 13 Feb 2023 -- The Chinese Coast Guard vessel exercised professional restraint during on-site operations, facing a Philippines Coast Guard vessel entering waters near the Ren'ai Reef in the South China Sea on February 6 without permission, Wang Wenbin, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Monday.
• Military burns more than 55,000 houses in 2 years, Data for Myanmar says Radio Free Asia 13 Feb 2023 -- Junta troops and affiliated militias have burned down 55,484 homes across Myanmar in the two years since the military overthrew the country's democratically elected government, according to independent research group Data for Myanmar.
• Israel Retroactively Authorizes West Bank Jewish Settlement VOA 13 Feb 2023 -- Israel has retroactively authorized nine Jewish settlements on the occupied West Bank.
• Israeli Settlement and Outpost Legalization Announcement US Dept. of State 13 Feb 2023 -- "We are deeply troubled by Israel's decision yesterday to advance reportedly nearly 10,000 settlement units and to begin a process to retroactively legalize nine outposts in the West Bank that were previously illegal under Israeli law."
• Israel/Palestine: Statement by the Spokesperson on government's decision to "legalise" settlement outposts in occupied West Bank European External Action Service (EEAS) 13 Feb 2023 -- Israeli authorities announced on Sunday that they would consider nine illegal settler outposts in the occupied West Bank as legal under Israeli law. The European Union rejects this decision and reiterates its position that settlements are illegal under international law and that it will not recognise any changes to the 1967 borders other than those agreed by the parties. The EU renews its call on the Israeli authorities to halt settlement construction and to reverse these latest decisions as a matter of urgency.
• Israel Approves Nine Settlements in West Bank, Says Israel's National Security Minister Sputnik 13 Feb 2023 -- Several new Israeli settlements in the West Bank were legalized following a cabinet meeting on national security affairs, Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said.
• IDF Strikes Underground Hamas Site Linked to Rocket Production Sputnik 13 Feb 2023 -- Israel has responded to the launch of a rocket from the Gaza Strip by targeting an underground Hamas complex, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) informed on Monday morning.

News Reports

• Earthquake disaster: UN chief welcomes Syria decision to open aid corridors UN News 13 Feb 2023 -- The UN Secretary-General has welcomed the decision on Monday by the Syrian president to open two further crossing points on the Turkish border to allow more aid into the stricken northwest of the country.
• Syria's Assad to Allow UN More Access to Quake Victims VOA 13 Feb 2023 -- U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Monday that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has agreed to allow the United Nations to temporarily use two additional border crossings from Turkey to get aid to earthquake victims inside Syria.
• China urges US to lift unilateral sanctions against Syria, instead of making a political show Global Times 13 Feb 2023 -- When asked for comment on a report that the US Treasury has announced a 180-day exemption on Thursday to its sanctions on Syria for "all transactions related to earthquake relief efforts," the Chinese Foreign Ministry responded on Monday that the US government should immediately lift unilateral sanctions against Syria instead of making a political show of temporary easing.
• Facts about Türkiye, Syria quake: Death toll tops 33,000, int'l aid continues People's Daily 13 Feb 2023 -- The following are the latest facts about quake-hit Trkiye and Syria.
• Massive earthquakes kill over 30,000 in Türkiye, Syria as incredible rescues still bring hope People's Daily 13 Feb 2023 -- The death toll from the twin earthquakes that rocked Trkiye and Syria on Feb. 6 has climbed to 29,605 and 1,414 respectively as of Sunday evening.
• Balloon row: China says US flew over 10 high-altitude balloons over its airspace since 2022 Press TV 13 Feb 2023 -- China says US high-altitude balloons flew over its airspace without permission more than 10 times since the beginning of 2022, widening a diplomatic row between the two countries over balloons.
• Beijing Says US Balloons Illegally Entered China's Airspace Over 10 Times Since Early 2022 Sputnik 13 Feb 2023 -- On February 4, the United States shot down what it claimed was a Chinese surveillance balloon over the Atlantic Ocean. China insists the airship was engaged in scientific research and had been accidentally blown off course.
• US high-altitude balloons have illegally flown over Chinese airspace on more than 10 occasions since 2022: Chinese FM Global Times 13 Feb 2023 -- US high-altitude balloons have illegally flown over Chinese airspace on more than 10 occasions without the approval of the relevant Chinese authorities since January 2022, and the first thing the US should do is to reflect on its own behavior, instead of slandering, smearing and provoking confrontation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at Monday's regular press briefing.
• Equatorial Guinea Confirms Marburg Virus Outbreak VOA 13 Feb 2023 -- Equatorial Guinea announced its first outbreak of the Marburg virus, a highly infectious disease similar to Ebola, the World Health Organization said in a statement Monday.
• Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko's interview with Rossiya Segodnya, February 13, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 13 Feb 2023
• Meeting with permanent members of the Security Council President of Russia 13 Feb 2023 -- The President held a briefing session with permanent members of the Security Council, via videoconference.
• Meeting with LDPR leader Leonid Slutsky President of Russia 13 Feb 2023 -- Vladimir Putin met with head of the Liberal-Democratic Party of Russia State Duma faction Leonid Slutsky in Novo-Ogaryovo.
• Meeting with Communist Party leader Gennady Zyuganov President of Russia 13 Feb 2023 -- Vladimir Putin met with Gennady Zyuganov, leader of the Russian Federation Communist Party faction in the State Duma.
• US warns citizens to leave Russia immediately Press TV 13 Feb 2023 -- The United States has issued a top-level advisory for its citizens in Ukraine, calling on them to leave the country immediately due to the war in Ukraine and what it called the risk of arbitrary arrest.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on February 13, 2023 PRC MofA 13 Feb 2023
• Blinken, Wang Reportedly Discuss Holding Meeting Delayed by Balloon Fiasco Sputnik 13 Feb 2023 -- Nearly two weeks after postponing his trip to Beijing, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is considering rescheduling at least one of the meetings that would have taken place. The trip was put off after a high-altitude balloon that Washington claimed was a Chinese spy balloon was spotted over the US.
• Wang Yi's trip to Europe, Russia, attendance of Munich conference to convey China's security vision Global Times 13 Feb 2023 -- Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, will visit France, Italy, Hungary and Russia from Tuesday to February 22 at the invitation of the governments of the four countries, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin announced on Monday.
• Aims of China trip have been met: KMT vice chairman CNA 13 Feb 2023 -- Opposition Kuomintang Vice Chairman Andrew Hsia (夏立言), who is leading a delegation on a visit to China, said Monday in Shanghai that the delegation had achieved the three main goals of its trip and expected more such exchanges in the future.
• Activists in Assisting Army Tour Various Parts of Pyongyang City KCNA 13 Feb 2023 -- The activists in the traits of aiding the army, who attended the celebrations of the 75th birthday of the Korean People's Army (KPA) on invitation, toured different parts of Pyongyang City.
• Uh, Ju Ae... We have to change your name Radio Free Asia 13 Feb 2023 -- The parents of 12-year-old Ju Ae were summoned to the local government office and confronted with a shocking order: Change your daughter's name.
• Colors of KPA Redesigned KCNA 13 Feb 2023 -- The colors are the banner of victory and honor and the symbol of the heroic Korean People's Army (KPA) associated with the noble lives of President Kim Il Sung and Chairman Kim Jong Il , the founder and builders of the revolutionary armed forces, and replete with the faith and spirit of the service personnel of the People's Army to defend the revolutionary cause of Juche with arms under the leadership of the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un .
• Protests In Several Iranian Cities As Regime Marks 44th Anniversary Of Revolution RFE/RL 13 Feb 2023 -- Protests have continued in several Iranian cities, including Tehran, amid months of unrest triggered by the death of a young woman arrested by Iran's notorious morality police for allegedly wearing a head scarf improperly.
• Families Of Airline Downing Victims Withdraw Complaint, Say Iranian Court Incompetent RFE/RL 13 Feb 2023 -- Several relatives of the Iranian victims of a commercial flight shot down in Iran in January 2020 by missiles fired by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) have withdrawn their complaint from the Tehran Military Court, accusing it of being "a disgrace to the truth" and being at the orders of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
• UK presents evidence of Iranian violations of UN resolutions UK FCDO 13 Feb 2023 -- UK presents evidence of Iranian weapons proliferation violations
• Myanmar junta revives 1977 law allowing 'loyal' civilians to bear arms Radio Free Asia 13 Feb 2023 -- Myanmar's junta has revived a 1977 law that allows civilians it deems "loyal to the state" to own firearms, a move experts worry will escalate violence by arming pro-junta groups fighting armed resistance groups opposed to military rule.
• Hungarian Foreign Minister Visits Minsk Ahead Of EU Consideration Of Further Sanctions RFE/RL 13 Feb 2023 -- Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto on February 13 became the first senior official from a European Union country to visit Belarus since the beginning of a crackdown on the opposition in 2020.
• Statement by Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock prior to her departure for Finland and Sweden Germany Federal Foreign Office 13 Feb 2023
• Old friends, new NATO allies: Foreign Minister Baerbock travels to Finland and Sweden Germany Federal Foreign Office 13 Feb 2023 -- They have long been members of the EU, and with their planned accession to NATO the two countries now also want to move closer to us in the area of security policy.
• Saudi Arabia: High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell met Foreign Minister Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud European External Action Service (EEAS) 13 Feb 2023 -- High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell met Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, HH Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud in Brussels today.
• MEPP: Joint Press Statement on Trilateral European Union -Kingdom of Saudi Arabia -League of Arab States Meeting European External Action Service (EEAS) 13 Feb 2023 -- "Today, High Representative and Vice-President of the European Commission Mr Borrell, convened a meeting in Brussels with His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Mr Aboul Gheit."
• MEPP: Press remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell after meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud and the League of Arab States Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit European External Action Service (EEAS) 13 Feb 2023
• President Urges 'Maximum Vigilance' Following Receipt Of Intercepted Russian Plans To 'Destroy' Moldova RFE/RL 13 Feb 2023 -- Moldovan President Maia Sandu has called for "maximum vigilance" after receiving documents from the Ukrainian intelligence services that she said showed that Russia planned to destabilize Moldova by using agents provocateurs to attack government buildings under the guise of public protests.
• Cambodian Leader Orders Shutdown of Independent Media Outlet VOA 13 Feb 2023 -- There were tears at Cambodia's Voice of Democracy on Monday as journalist Khan Leakhena reacted to the sudden order to close the news website.
• Cambodia shutters Voice of Democracy in latest move to wipe out dissent Radio Free Asia 13 Feb 2023 -- Cambodian authorities on Monday shut down the Voice of Democracy, sending tearful employees packing and prompting calls from rights groups and the international community to reinstate its license as one of the last remaining independent media outlets in the country.
• Kyrgyzstan's Kumtor Gold Mine And The Fall Of A 'Great Nomad' RFE/RL 13 Feb 2023 -- A photo circulating online in November showed three of Kyrgyzstan's most powerful officials: the prosecutor-general, the chairman of the State Committee for National Security (UKMK), and the prime minister enjoying a meal with their families.
• Nigeria Sees Uptick in Election Violence Ahead of Polls VOA 13 Feb 2023 -- Nigeria's National Peace Committee says election-related violence is spiking as the country's February 25 national polls draw near. During weekend campaign rallies, gunmen attacked a security team of a vice-presidential candidate, killing three police. At another rally, supporters were attacked with machetes, injuring several, and damaging campaign vehicles.
• Cameroon Hails President's 90th Birthday, Supporters Call for Another Term VOA 13 Feb 2023 -- Cameroon is celebrating the 90th birthday of President Paul Biya, the world's oldest head of government. Supporters say they hope he will extend his four decades in power when the next election comes in 2025. Opponents say Biya has become authoritarian and cite concerns about his health. Young people, especially students, have been forced to take part in Biya's birthday activities.