• 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

• US Kills IS Commander Behind Plot to Kidnap Officials VOA 17 Apr 2023 -- Plans by the Islamic State terror group to kidnap officials outside of the Middle East region and hold them for leverage triggered an early morning U.S. raid that led to the death of one of the plot's alleged masterminds.
• CENTCOM Confirms ISIS Senior Leader killed in a Helicopter Raid in Northern Syria CENTCOM 17 Apr 2023 -- Early this morning, U.S. Central Command forces killed Abd-al-Hadi Mahmud al-Haji Ali, a senior ISIS Syria leader and operational planner responsible for planning terror attacks in the Middle East and Europe. This was the ISIS leader who was killed in a previously announced unilateral helicopter raid in northern Syria today. Abd-al-Hadi Mahmud al-Haji Ali was the primary target of the raid.
• Helicopter Raid in Northern Syria Targets Senior ISIS Leader CENTCOM 17 Apr 2023 -- U.S. Central Command forces conducted a unilateral helicopter raid in northern Syria in the early morning of April 17th targeting a Senior ISIS Syria Leader and Operational Planner responsible for planning terror attacks in the Middle East and Europe. The raid resulted in the probable death of the targeted individual. Two other armed individuals were killed on the target.
• Iranian-Backed Attacks on US Forces in Syria Caused 23 Traumatic Brain Injuries, Pentagon Says VOA 17 Apr 2023 -- A spate of attacks from Iranian-backed militants last month on U.S. military personnel in Syria caused traumatic brain injuries in 23 military personnel, Defense Department officials tell VOA. One American contractor was killed, and 25 U.S. military personnel were wounded in the attacks.

Defense Policy / Programs

• DOD Assessing Document Disclosures and Implementing Mitigation Measures DoD News 17 Apr 2023 -- The Defense Department continues to actively address the incident involving the unauthorized disclosure of classified documents, said Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh at a news conference today.
• Pentagon: Leak Review Findings Ready in 45 Days VOA 17 Apr 2023 -- The U.S. Department of Defense said Monday that it would have findings within 45 days from its review about the recent leak of classified documents, as it presses to quickly evaluate how the breach took place.
• Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh Holds a Press Briefing DoD 17 Apr 2023
• Lithuanian Partners Complete U.S. Army Flight Course Army News 17 Apr 2023 -- Lithuania air force Capt. Matas Leckas and Capt. Valius Urbonas became the first Lithuanian pilots to graduate from the UH-60M Aviator Qualification Course at the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence at Fort Novosel, Alabama, April 4.
• Official Describes Steps DOD Taking for Energy, Environmental Resilience DoD News 17 Apr 2023 -- This year's Earth Day theme for the Defense Department is "Invest in Our Planet, Protect Our Future."
• 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines Tests Scout Platoon Capabilities for IBX-30 USMC News 17 Apr 2023 -- Marines with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, participated in a scout platoon mobile training team event at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, March 20-31.
• His Majesty the King of Bahrain Visits U.S. 5th Fleet Headquarters US Navy 17 Apr 2023 -- His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, visited U.S. 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, April 16, 2023.
• 7th Fleet Destroyer Transits Taiwan Strait US Navy 17 Apr 2023 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69) conducted a routine Taiwan Strait transit April 16 (local time) through waters where high-seas freedoms of navigation and overflight apply in accordance with international law.
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Remarks Welcoming U.K. Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace to the Pentagon DoD 17 Apr 2023
• The President in the Netherlands: NATO Summit in Vilnius is a confirmation of the Alliance's unity President of the Republic of Lithuania 17 Apr 2023 -- President Gitanas Nausėda is on a working visit to the Netherlands, where on Monday he met with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte. The meeting focused on security issues and preparations for the NATO Summit in Vilnius.
• Meeting with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu President of Russia 17 Apr 2023 -- The Defence Minister reported to the President on the military exercises of the Pacific Fleet.
• Kremlin: Turbulent Times Call for Russian Fleet's Full Combat Readiness Sputnik 17 Apr 2023 -- The full combat readiness of Russia's naval forces is needed due to turbulent times, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday, adding that there is a threat of regional conflicts.
• Russia rejects Japan's criticism of Pacific naval drills, says faces threats beyond Ukraine Press TV 17 Apr 2023 -- Moscow has rejected Japan's protest against Russia's massive Pacific naval exercises that have involved the entire Russian Pacific Fleet.
• Putin meets Chinese defense minister, hails Moscow-Beijing military cooperation Press TV 17 Apr 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has met with Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu in the Kremlin, with both hailing the "strategic" nature of ties between the two countries and their growing military cooperation.
• China-Russia military ties to enhance amid Chinese defense chief's visit to Moscow, 'key to world peace, containing and deterring hegemony' Global Times 17 Apr 2023 -- The ongoing visit of Chinese defense chief Li Shangfu to Russia received high standard reception and also drew great attention globally, as Western media try to connect the China-Russia military ties with the ongoing Ukraine crisis, with Chinese analysts saying on Monday the strategic partnership between the two countries has no ill intention or conspiracy to hide and will never target any third party.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Ukrainian Minister of Defence Oleksii Reznikov DoD 17 Apr 2023
• Partnered Commitment to Ukraine Unlikely to be Deterred by Recent Intel Leaks DoD News 17 Apr 2023 -- This Friday, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III will again host a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. The meeting will come in the latter half of a four-day trip in Europe, which will also include Sweden.
• All Slovak MiG-29 Fulcrum fighter jets are in Ukraine already Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic 17 Apr 2023 -- Slovakia has already handed all of the announced 13 MiG-29 Fulcrum fighter jets over to Ukraine.
• PLA Army commissions new self-propelled anti-aircraft systems with drone threats in mind Global Times 17 Apr 2023 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Army has taken delivery of a batch of new self-propelled anti-aircraft systems that analysts said on Monday have drone threats in mind.
• Chinese Military 'Successfully Tests AI-Powered Long-Range Artillery' Sputnik 17 Apr 2023 -- The Chinese military has successfully tested long-range artillery powered by artificial intelligence, expecting greater shooting accuracy and reduced warfare costs, a Hong Kong-based newspaper reported on Monday, citing a team of scientists working on the technology for China's military.
• China firmly opposes US' accusations against China in arms control report, urging US to stop self-righteous behavior Global Times 17 Apr 2023 -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry firmly opposes US' accusations and smears against China in the US' annual report on arms control, disarmament and nonproliferation recently, urging the US to stop its self-righteous behavior of pointing fingers at other countries and respond to the legitimate concerns of the international community on US' compliance.
• Military sources say around 200 U.S. advisers currently in Taiwan CNA 17 Apr 2023 -- Around 200 U.S. military advisers are currently stationed at bases across Taiwan, sources within the armed forces said Monday.
• Türkiye - F-16 Avionics Upgrade DSCA 17 Apr 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Türkiye of defense articles and services to support upgrading its current fleet of F-16 aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $259 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Bilateral Meeting With UK Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace DoD 17 Apr 2023
• U.S., U.K. Defense Leaders Discuss Ukraine, AUKUS in Pentagon Meeting DoD News 17 Apr 2023 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III welcomed Ben Wallace, the United Kingdom's Secretary of State for Defense, to the Pentagon today to discuss the short-term and long-term implications of the U.S.-U.K. alliance.
• UK, German Air Force Escort 3 Russian Military Planes Over Baltic Sea Sputnik 17 Apr 2023 -- The air forces of the United Kingdom and Germany have escorted three Russian military planes transiting over the Baltic Sea, the UK air force said on Monday.
• UK May Deploy Warship to Indo-Pacific on Permanent Basis Sputnik 17 Apr 2023 -- The UK government is in talks to place a warship to the Indo-Pacific region for a permanent deployment, British newspaper reported on Monday citing a government source.
• RAF Voyager refuels mid-air with Sustainable Aviation Fuel UK MOD 17 Apr 2023 -- The Royal Air Force has successfully completed a Voyager air-to-air refuelling flight, powered by an approximately 43% blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
• Slovak Armed Forces take delivery of the second Leopard 2A4 MBT Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic 17 Apr 2023 -- Tankmen of 14 Tank Battalion Trebišov, logisticians of 42 Supply Base Martin and a team of experts from the Ministry of Defence's Modernisation Department have taken delivery of the second Leopard 2A4 main battle tank (MBT), as required in accordance with the delivery plan.
• Germany joins Finland-led CAVS project Finnish MoD 17 Apr 2023 -- Germany has signed an agreement on joining the Common Armoured Vehicle System CAVS, a research and development programme led by Finland together with Latvia and Sweden. CAVS is based on the 6 x 6 armoured vehicle developed by Patria. Germany's signing of the agreement is seen to suggest that it will order Patria 6 x 6 vehicles.
• G7 talks tough on Ukraine, Taiwan and Korea during Blinken's Asia trip Radio Free Asia 17 Apr 2023 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Japan where he, together with other foreign ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) nations, discussed a common approach to the war in Ukraine Monday, confirming "that they remain committed to intensifying, fully coordinating and enforcing sanctions against Russia, as well as to continuing strong support for Ukraine," according to a Japanese Foreign Affairs Ministry statement.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 17 Apr 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi US Dept. of State 17 Apr 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 17 Apr 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with French Foreign Minister Colonna US Dept. of State 17 Apr 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with German Foreign Minister Baerbock US Dept. of State 17 Apr 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 17 Apr 2023
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk US Dept. of State 17 Apr 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And U.K. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly On the Situation in Sudan US Dept. of State 17 Apr 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For April 17, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 17 April 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 17 Apr 2023
• Yemen at 'critical juncture' in bid to end eight-year war: UN Special Envoy UN News 17 Apr 2023 -- An expired truce still delivering positive results, and a recent mass prisoner exchange, are signs of hope in Yemen, but more work remains to end the war between the Saudi coalition-backed Government and Houthi rebels, UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg told the Security Council on Monday.
• Nearly 1,000 Detainees Released in Yemen VOA 17 Apr 2023 -- The International Committee of the Red Cross said Monday that the warring sides in Yemen have released nearly a thousand detainees over four days.
• UN envoy says in contact with Iranian, Saudi officials over peace in Yemen IRNA 17 Apr 2023 -- United Nations' Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg said on Monday that he is keeping contact with officials of Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in order for peace efforts to go ahead in Yemen.
• Saudi Arabia releases 104 more Yemeni war prisoners IRNA 17 Apr 2023 -- Some 104 other Yemeni war prisoners who were released from Saudi jails arrived in Sana'a on Monday, local media reported.
• Pakistan welcomes efforts for peace in Yemen Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 17 Apr 2023 -- Pakistan welcomes the recent dialogue and diplomatic engagement towards attainment of peace in Yemen with particular reference to the Saudi role and endeavors in reinforcing the efforts of the Sultanate of Oman and the UN Special Envoy for Yemen.
• Houthis unveil new prisoner exchange deal with Yemeni gov't People's Daily 17 Apr 2023 -- Yemen's Houthi rebels on Sunday unveiled a new prisoner swap agreement with the country's government, raising hopes for a peaceful resolution to the country's ongoing conflict.
• Another 104 Yemeni detainees released after major prisoner exchanges: ICRC Press TV 17 Apr 2023 -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says the Saudi-led coalition has released a group of another 104 Yemeni detainees from the kingdom's jails after simultaneous prisoner exchanges between the warring sides in the impoverished country.
• Joint Forces Command of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen: Supplementing Prisoner Exchange Process by Releasing (104) Houthi Detainees in A Humanitarian Initiative by the Kingdom SPA 17 Apr 2023 -- A Statement by the Official Spokesperson of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Brigadier General Turki Al-Malki:
• WFP chartered grain vessel arrives in Yemen following extension of Black Sea grain agreement WFP 17 Apr 2023 -- A UN World Food Programme-chartered vessel berthed today in Al Salif port in Hodeidah, carrying 30,000 metric tons of wheat grain to support humanitarian assistance in Yemen.
• Yemen's warring factions conclude large-scale prisoner swap People's Daily 17 Apr 2023 -- In a significant step toward resolving the protracted conflict in Yemen, the country's warring factions successfully completed a massive exchange of prisoners on Sunday, with a total of 887 detainees swapped over three consecutive days.
• Israel knows Damascus' response to its strikes is 'definite', says top Syrian diplomat Press TV 17 Apr 2023 -- Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Faisal Mekdad has strongly condemned Israeli airstrikes against various parts of his war-torn country, saying that the Tel Aviv regime is well aware of the fact that Damascus will definitely give a befitting response to its recurrent acts of aggression.
• Secretary Blinken's Calls with General Abdel Fattah al Burhan, Commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces, and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, Commander of the Rapid Support Forces US Dept. of State 17 Apr 2023
• Somalia Mulls Evacuating Citizens as Fighting Rages in Sudan VOA 17 Apr 2023 -- The Somali government is making plans to evacuate its citizens from Sudan if the fighting between rival forces there escalates.
• IGAD to Send Three Presidents to Mediate Crisis in Sudan VOA 17 Apr 2023 -- As Sudan was rocked by fighting for the third day in a row, IGAD - the Intergovernmental Authority on Development - said Kenyan President William Ruto, South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and Djibouti's President Omar Guelleh will go to Khartoum in an effort to broker an immediate ceasefire.
• Death Toll in Sudan's Military Clashes Surpasses 180 VOA 17 Apr 2023 -- Both military factions fighting for control in Sudan's capital, Khartoum, claimed to have made gains on Monday, as the death toll from the violence exceeded 180 amid calls from Washington, multiple international bodies and capitals around the world for an immediate cease-fire.
• Ruling council in conflict-hit Sudan declares RSF 'rebels', orders its dissolution Press TV 17 Apr 2023 -- Sudan's ruling military council has declared the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) a rebellious group, ordering it be dissolved as deadly battles continue unabated between the two sides in the crisis-hit African country.
• Intense fighting continues in Sudan for third day as civilian death toll nears 100 Press TV 17 Apr 2023 -- For a third consecutive day, people in Sudan woke up to the ear-splitting sounds of heavy artillery and bombardment by warplanes on Monday as the death toll neared 100 following violent unrest.
• Situation in Sudan, April 2022: joint statement from the Foreign Secretary and US Secretary of State UK FCDO 17 Apr 2023 -- Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has given a joint statement with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the situation in Sudan.
• Guterres calls for 'immediate' ceasefire in Sudan, as death toll mounts UN News 17 Apr 2023 -- Clashes intensified across Sudan on Monday, as top UN officials urged rival military factions to protect civilians and respect the country's international obligations.
• Int'l community calls for immediate ceasefire in Sudan People's Daily 17 Apr 2023 -- Sudan's military conflict between the Sudanese Army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is sparking a wide range of concerns from the international community, with many countries and international organizations calling for an immediate ceasefire.
• UNHCR expresses alarm at Sudan clashes, urges de-escalation UNHCR 17 Apr 2023 -- UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, joins the UN Secretary-General in expressing alarm over the ongoing armed clashes in Sudan. We are deeply concerned about the safety and security of civilians in the areas affected by the fighting, including refugees and internally displaced people. We echo his calls for a peaceful resolution to the dispute.
• Death toll from Myanmar junta air attack on northern village rises to 200 Radio Free Asia 17 Apr 2023 -- The death toll from a military airstrike in northern Myanmar's Sagaing region on civilians has nearly doubled to an estimated 200 people, a local member of the People's Defense Forces told Radio Free Asia on Monday.
• Hamas: Resistance committed to liberation of Palestinian prisoners Press TV 17 Apr 2023 -- A senior Hamas leader says the Palestinian resistance movement and its leadership are committed to the liberation of Palestinian prisoners.
• Tens of thousands of resistance rockets surround Israeli regime: Islamic Jihad leader Press TV 17 Apr 2023 -- The secretary general of the Islamic Jihad resistance movement has said that tens of thousands of rockets in Gaza and Lebanon surround the Israeli regime, amid ongoing Israeli escalations against the Palestinian people.
• WFP paints helicopters orange in bid to improve aid workers' safety in eastern DRC WFP 17 Apr 2023 -- The United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) has introduced a new fleet of orange-painted helicopters as part of efforts to improve safety of operations in the restive eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) - where millions need life-saving humanitarian support.

News Reports

• 40 Officers of China's National Police Charged in Transnational Repression Schemes Targeting U.S. Residents US Dept. of Justice 17 Apr 2023 -- Two criminal complaints filed by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York were unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging 44 defendants with various crimes related to efforts by the national police of the People's Republic of China (PRC) - the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) - to harass Chinese nationals residing in the New York metropolitan area and elsewhere in the United States.
• Two Arrested for Operating Illegal Overseas Police Station of the Chinese Government US Dept. of Justice 17 Apr 2023 -- A complaint was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn, New York, charging two defendants in connection with opening and operating an illegal overseas police station, located in lower Manhattan, New York, for a provincial branch of the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) of the People's Republic of China (PRC). "Harry" Lu Jianwang, 61, of the Bronx, and Chen Jinping, 59, of Manhattan, were arrested earlier this morning at their homes in New York City.
• Two arrested on charges relating to Chinese police station in New York Radio Free Asia 17 Apr 2023 -- Two individuals were arrested in New York on Monday on federal charges that they operated a police station in lower Manhattan for the Chinese government, prosecutors said.
• US Brings Charges Over Secret Chinese Police Outpost VOA 17 Apr 2023 -- The FBI on Monday arrested two New York City residents for allegedly operating a secret, illegal police station for China's Ministry of Public Security in the city's Chinatown neighborhood.
• Three Israeli ministries reportedly hacked IRNA 17 Apr 2023 -- An Indonesian hacker group has reportedly hacked three Israeli ministries in recent days.
• China strongly condemns US' sanctions on Chinese companies over 'fantanyl precursors' undermining bilateral narcotics control cooperation Global Times 17 Apr 2023 -- China strongly condemns US' latest sanctions on Chinese companies for allegedly supplying precursor chemicals for the production of illicit fentanyl, which only create obstacles for China-US cooperation in narcotics control, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Monday.
• Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's replies to media questions on the statements by the British, US and Canadian ambassadors in connection with the verdict passed on Vladimir Kara-Murza Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 17 Apr 2023
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement at a joint news conference following talks with Foreign Minister of Brazil Mauro Vieira, Brasilia, April 17, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 17 Apr 2023
• Russian, Brazilian Foreign Ministers Discuss Bilateral Ties, Mull Trade Talks Sputnik 17 Apr 2023 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Brazilian counterpart Mauro Vieira discussed on Monday bilateral relations and negotiated dates for meetings of intergovernmental commissions, including the commission on trade.
• US Ambassador Visits Journalist Held in Russian Jail VOA 17 Apr 2023 -- Lynne Tracy, the U.S. ambassador to Russia, said she visited jailed Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich in Moscow Monday and that she found him in good spirits. Russia has accused Gershkovich of spying.
• U.S. Ambassador To Russia Says Detained Reporter 'In Good Health' After First Consular Visit RFE/RL 17 Apr 2023 -- The U.S. ambassador to Russia has visited American Evan Gershkovich in a prison in Moscow where the journalist is being held on charges of espionage.
• U.S. Warns Companies About Price-Cap Evasion On Russian Oil RFE/RL 17 Apr 2023 -- The U.S. Treasury Department has published a warning to U.S. companies about possible evasion of a price cap on exported Russian oil, pointing specifically to oil exported through the Eastern Siberia Pacific Ocean (ESPO) pipeline and ports in eastern Russia.
• International Outcry After Kremlin Critic Kara-Murza Sentenced To 25 Years For Denouncing Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL 17 Apr 2023 -- Journalist Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian-British dual national and one of the Kremlin's most vocal critics, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison by a Moscow court after a closed-door trial for treason and other offenses, sparking an international outcry and calls for his immediate release.
• Who Is Vladimir Kara-Murza? RFE/RL 17 Apr 2023 -- In a speech to lawmakers in the U.S. state of Arizona in March 2022, weeks after Russia launched its large-scale invasion of Ukraine, Vladimir Kara-Murza accused the "dictatorial regime in the Kremlin" of committing "war crimes."
• Politically Motivated Conviction of Vladimir Kara-Murza US Dept. of State 17 Apr 2023 -- "The United States condemns the sentencing of Vladimir Kara-Murza to 25 years in prison for speaking out against the Russian government's war of aggression against Ukraine."
• Secretary General condemns 25 year prison sentence for Russian opposition leader Vladimir Kara-Murza Council of Europe 17 Apr 2023
• Russia: Statement by the High Representative on the sentencing of Vladimir Kara-Murza European External Action Service (EEAS) 17 Apr 2023 -- The European Union strongly condemns the ruling by a Moscow court to sentence the opposition politician, democracy activist and outspoken Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza to 25 years in prison on politically motivated charges.
• Canada deplores guilty verdict for Vladimir Kara-Murza Canada 17 Apr 2023
• Statement by Foreign Minister Huitfeldt on the politically motivated sentencing of Vladimir Kara-Murza Government of Norway 17 Apr 2023
• UK condemns sentencing of British-Russian Opposition Leader Vladimir Kara-Murza UK FCDO 17 Apr 2023 -- The UK has summoned the Russian Ambassador after the politically-motivated conviction and sentencing of British dual-national Vladimir Kara-Murza in a Moscow court today.
• 'The State Will Eat You': Russia Enters The Era Of The Treason Verdict RFE/RL 17 Apr 2023 -- In a case that has attracted international condemnation, Russian opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Murza has been sentenced to 25 years in prison -- the harshest punishment ever handed down to a Kremlin opponent in the post-Soviet era -- on charges stemming mainly from his outspoken criticism of Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on April 17, 2023 PRC MofA 17 Apr 2023
• EU lodges protest over China's detention of rights lawyer and activist wife Radio Free Asia 17 Apr 2023 -- The European Union has lodged a protest with China after police detained veteran rights lawyer Yu Wensheng and his activist wife Xu Yan ahead of a meeting with its diplomats during a scheduled EU-China human rights dialogue on April 13.
• Senior Chinese official says Hong Kong's current situation should be treasured People's Daily 17 Apr 2023 -- A senior Chinese official on Hong Kong affairs has said the current favorable situation in the region has been achieved through great effort, and deserves to be treasured and safeguarded, highlighting the importance of national security in the region's prosperity.
• Hong Kongers rally around the world to support defendants in 'subversion' trial Radio Free Asia 17 Apr 2023 -- Hundreds of Hong Kongers and other supporters turned out in rallies around the world over the weekend to show solidarity with 47 former opposition lawmakers and political activists currently standing trial for "subversion" under a national security law imposed on the city by Beijing.
• 17 centrally administered Chinese officials investigated in 100 days amid 'unprecedented' anti-graft campaign Global Times 17 Apr 2023 -- China's top anti-graft body has been pushing forward the crackdown on corruption, with at least 17 centrally administered officials being investigated in about 100 days since the beginning of 2023, which experts believed showed the country's "unprecedented" determination in its anti-corruption campaign.
• Shenzhou-15 taikonauts complete 4th spacewalk, setting China record People's Daily 17 Apr 2023 -- The Shenzhou-15 taikonauts on board the orbiting Chinese Tiangong space station have completed their fourth spacewalk, the China Manned Space Agency said on Sunday.
• U.S. warship sails through Taiwan Strait CNA 17 Apr 2023 -- The U.S. Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Milius sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Sunday with the U.S. Navy calling the voyage a "routine" transit.
• US warship's Taiwan Straits transit 'powerless' under PLA watch after island encirclement drills Global Times 17 Apr 2023 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) kept a US warship under watch as it made a transit through the Taiwan Straits on Sunday, with experts saying on Monday that such US provocations are no longer significant after the PLA again displayed its capabilities in the latest island encirclement patrols and joint drills.
• US warship sails through Taiwan Strait days after Chinese military drills Press TV 17 Apr 2023 -- The US Navy has said its guided-missile destroyer, the USS Milius, had sailed through the Taiwan Strait in a so-called "freedom of navigation" operation days after China staged massive military maneuvers around the self-ruled island.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan April 17, 2023 ROC MND 17 Apr 2023
• Visit to show support for Taiwan, for maintaining status quo: French lawmaker CNA 17 Apr 2023 -- Their visit is meant to show support toward Taiwan and to reiterate that France's stance favoring maintaining the Taiwan Strait status quo has not changed, French lawmaker Eric Bothorel told reporters at the Taoyuan International Airport Monday.
• Philippine govt, opposition slam Chinese envoy for comments on Manila's Taiwan policy Radio Free Asia 17 Apr 2023 -- The Philippine government and opposition have slammed the Chinese envoy for his statements on Manila's policy on Taiwan and its workers on the neighboring island, saying they will not brook any attempts at intimidation by Beijing.
• Diplomacy, not isolation, must reverse 'negative trajectory' on Korean Peninsula UN News 17 Apr 2023 -- Unity of the Security Council is "essential" to ease tensions and overcome the diplomatic impasse on the Korean Peninsula, Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari said on Monday, briefing on the latest developments following Pyongyang's first-ever launch of a solid-fuel ballistic missile days ago.
• North Korea Blasts UNSC Meeting on Latest Missile Launch Sputnik 17 Apr 2023 -- North Korea has condemned the meeting of the UN Security Council convened to discuss its latest intercontinental ballistic missile launch, saying that the United States is seeking to exert pressure on the UNSC, the North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Monday.
• As UN Security Council Dithers, North Korea Progresses on WMD VOA 17 Apr 2023 -- A senior United Nations official warned Monday that North Korea is hitting "significant milestones" in its five-year military development plan, including its launch last week of a reported solid fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
• KPA Marshal Ri Pyong Chol on DPRK's Tough Stand on U.S. Provocation KCNA 17 Apr 2023 -- Marshal of the Korean People's Army Ri Pyong Chol, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), secretary of the Central Committee of the WPK and vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the WPK, made public a tough warning stand through the Korean Central News Agency on April 17 on the fact that the U.S. and its followers are going to forcefully call another open meeting of the UN Security Council to take issue with the DPRK over its measures for bolstering up the military capabilities for self-defence.
• US nuclear blackmail reaching new levels with bomber deployment: North Korea Press TV 17 Apr 2023 -- A senior North Korean official says the United States' nuclear blackmail has reached new levels with its deployment of strategic bombers in the Korean Peninsula.
• Russia, China Believe US, Allies Responsible for Escalation on Korean Peninsula Sputnik 17 Apr 2023 -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko discussed the situation around the Korean peninsula with Chinese special envoy on North Korea Liu Xiaoming in Moscow, and the parties agreed that Washington and its allies bear responsibility for the escalation of the situation around the peninsula.
• S. Korea, US, Japan Hold Missile Defense Drills After Pyongyang's Missile Launch Sputnik 17 Apr 2023 -- South Korea, the United States and Japan have carried out missile defense exercises in the East Sea international waters in an effort to strengthen deterrence against North Korean nuclear and missile threats, South Korean media said on Monday, citing the country's navy.
• A solid fuel missile is a significant increase in the DPRK's ballistic missile capabilities UK FCDO 17 Apr 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador Woodward, at the Security Council meeting on DPRK
• South Korean-branded rice cookers in Pyongyang show Kaesong complex still functioning Radio Free Asia 17 Apr 2023 -- Sleek, modern rice cookers bearing the South Korean brand Cuckoo sell at premium prices in North Korean department stores, but they have not been illegally smuggled into the country, nor are they Chinese-made fakes.
• Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Watches Sports Games KCNA 17 Apr 2023 -- On the occasion of the Day of the Sun (birth anniversary of President Kim Il Sung ), the greatest auspicious holiday of the Korean nation, there took place sports games between staff members of the Cabinet and the Ministry of National Defence.
• New Street for People Fully Representing Great Ideal of Workers' Party of KoreaInauguration Ceremony of First-stage 10 000 Flats in Hwasong Area Held with SplendorRespected Comrade Kim Jong Un Cuts Inauguration Tape with Senior Party and Government Officials KCNA 17 Apr 2023 -- Monumental edifices symbolic of the development and future of socialism are springing up one after another along with the undying journey of the great Workers' Party of Korea for demonstrating the dignity and status of the country and people to the world and courageously ushering in a new era of overall state prosperity through its strong guidance.
• Dozens of businesses closed down in Iran over failure to observe hijab laws IRNA 17 Apr 2023 -- Iran Police spokesman says more than a hundred businesses were closed down in the country for failing to observe the Islamic dress code for women - the hijab.
• Iranian Women, Girls Continue To Defy Hijab Crackdown RFE/RL 17 Apr 2023 -- Despite a new plan by the Iranian police to crack down more severely on those opposing the wearing of the hijab -- the head covering compulsory for Muslim women -- reports and images published on social media indicate that a significant number of Iranian women and girls continue to resist the measures.
• Kanaani says path of technical negotiations between Iran, IAEA continues ISNA 17 Apr 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Nasser Kanaani expressed hope that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) would be committed to the technical path in its talks with Iran.
• Top general: Iranian Army protecting country's territorial integrity from enemy's threats Press TV 17 Apr 2023 -- Iran's top general has hailed the role played by the Army in protecting the country's territorial integrity in the face of all hostile measures since the victory of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
• Iran: Unipolar world is dead; US no longer known as superpower Press TV 17 Apr 2023 -- The spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry says the unipolar world order has ceased to exist as new powers are emerging, stressing that the US government is faced with a shrinking sphere of influence and depleting power.
• FM Spox: US still a power but no longer a superpower IRNA 17 Apr 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has rejected the concept of a unipolar world, saying that the United States is still a power, but it is no longer a superpower.
• 'No Unipolar World Anymore': Iranian FM Spox Says US No Longer Superpower Sputnik 17 Apr 2023 -- Speaking to reporters on Monday, Nasser Kanaani, a spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, said the time had ended in which the United States was the global hegemon, calling the shots the world over.
• Iran will not compromise on Hirmand River water right: FM Amir-Abdollahian Press TV 17 Apr 2023 -- Iran's foreign minister says the country has raised the issue of its water right with respect to the border river of Hirmand, also known as Helmand, with the acting Taliban government of Afghanistan.
• Iran not to compromise on its water rights to Hirmand River: FM IRNA 17 Apr 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said Iran and Afghanistan have agreed to take "immediate steps" to settle a long-running water dispute, stressing that the Islamic Republic "will not compromise on its water rights" to the Hirmand River.
• Families Of Flight PS752 Victims Criticize Iran's Judiciary For 'Show Trial' RFE/RL 17 Apr 2023 -- An association representing the families of those killed in the downing of a Ukrainian commercial flight by Iran more than two years ago has criticized the verdicts issued in Iran against the alleged perpetrators as a "show trial."
• Iranian officers receive jail sentences for downing Ukrainian plane in 2020 IRNA 17 Apr 2023 -- A military court in Iran has delivered a verdict to those who were behind the downing of the Ukrainian passenger plane near Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in 2020.
• Myanmar's junta frees more than 3,000 prisoners Radio Free Asia 17 Apr 2023 -- Myanmar's junta has granted amnesty to 3,015 prisoners, according to a statement carried on the pro-military channel Myanmar Radio and Television.
• Reverend Samson's Prison Sentence US Dept. of State 17 Apr 2023
• Chinese Engineer Arrested in Pakistan for Alleged Blasphemy VOA 17 Apr 2023 -- Authorities in northwestern Pakistan confirmed Monday they had arrested a Chinese engineer for allegedly insulting Islam, ending overnight angry protests that called for legal action against the foreigner.
• HRH Crown Prince Receives Saudi Astronauts Before Their Mission's Launch to Space SPA 17 Apr 2023 -- His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Prime Minister and President of the Higher Council of Space, received here today the Saudi astronauts: Rayana Bernawi, Ali Al-Qarni, Mariam Fardous and Ali Al-Ghamdi before the launch of the Kingdom's scientific mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
• World order shifting in favor of independent nations, Raeisi writes to Syria's Assad Press TV 17 Apr 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi says the global and regional order is shifting in favor of free and independent nations in light of long years of sincere cooperation between Iran and Syria as well as historic resistance of the two Muslim states.
• Tunisian police detain leader of opposition Ennahda Party Rached Ghannouchi Press TV 17 Apr 2023 -- The Tunisian police have placed Rached Ghannouchi, the leader of the opposition Ennahda Party who is one of the main opponents of President Kais Saied, under arrest.
• Zambia: UN experts concerned over delay in the country's debt restructuring UN News 17 Apr 2023 -- UN independent human rights experts on Monday said they were deeply concerned over delays in reaching an agreement on the restructuring of Zambia's debt and its corresponding negative human rights impact on peoples' lives there.
• New Zealand Seeks to Consolidate Pacific Relations Amid Challenges from China VOA 17 Apr 2023 -- Climate change is expected to be the main focus of a large New Zealand delegation's tour of the Pacific. New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni is in Solomon Islands Monday and has downplayed tensions between China and the West as she begins a five-day trip in the region.