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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• April 2023 Month in Review: The Defeat ISIS Mission in Iraq and Syria CENTCOM 05 May 2023 -- During the month of April 2023, U.S. Central Command, along with coalition and other partners, conducted a total of 35 D-ISIS operations, resulting in 13 ISIS operatives killed and 28 detained.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Mariusz Błaszczak DoD 05 May 2023
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Remarks Welcoming Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense of Poland Marius Blaszczak to the Pentagon DoD 05 May 2023
• Polish-U.S. Defense Leaders Look to Further Crucial Partnership DoD News 05 May 2023 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak discussed the situation in Ukraine and ways to strengthen interoperability between the United States and Poland during a meeting at the Pentagon.
• DoD Co-funds Institute to Research the Neural, Biological, and Cognitive Foundations of Artificial Intelligence DoD 05 May 2023 -- The Department of Defense announced the award of $10 million for the establishment of an institute dedicated to advancing unified research in artificial and natural intelligence.
• Brandon Act Aims to Improve Mental Health Support DoD News 05 May 2023 -- Gilbert R. Cisneros Jr., undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, signed a policy today to initiate implementation of the Brandon Act and improve the process for service members seeking mental health support.
• Deepening partnership: Marines deploy aboard U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stone USMC News 05 May 2023 -- A team of Marines from the Marine Corps Information Operations Center recently completed an operational deployment in the South Atlantic Ocean aboard USCGC Stone (WMSL 758).
• U.S. Marine Corps activates first-ever Marine Innovation Unit, hosts defense innovation roundtable USMC News Release 05 May 2023 -- In accordance with the 38th Commandant's Planning Guidance and Force Design 2030, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve formally activated the Marine Innovation Unit during an activation ceremony at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York, on Friday, May 5, 2023.
• Integrated Battle Problem 23.1 Kicks Off US Navy 05 May 2023 -- U.S. Pacific Fleet began its second multi-domain unmanned capabilities exercise May 1.
• Navy to Commission Future Littoral Combat Ship Cooperstown US Navy Press Release 05 May 2023 -- The Navy will commission the future USS Cooperstown (LCS 23) as the newest Independence- variant littoral combat ship (LCS) during a 10:00 a.m. EDT ceremony on Saturday, May 6, in New York City.
• Navy to Christen Submarine Massachusetts US Navy Press Release 05 May 2023 -- The Navy will christen one of its newest Virginia-class fast-attack submarines, the future USS Massachusetts (SSN 798), during an 11 a.m. EDT ceremony Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Huntington Ingalls Industries-Newport News Shipbuilding, in Newport News, Virginia.
• Marcos says Philippine military bases won't be used to attack China Radio Free Asia 05 May 2023 -- Philippine military bases where the United States has been granted expanded access are not intended to be used for offensive action against any country, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said as he wrapped up a four-day visit to Washington.
• NATO Partners Prepare to Kick Off 'Formidable Shield' Exercise DoD News 05 May 2023 -- Exercise Formidable Shield, which kicks off Monday, is expected to showcase the strength of the NATO alliance and its commitment to the defense of Europe, the deputy Pentagon press secretary said.
• NATO Secretary General engages industry on critical undersea infrastructure NATO 05 May 2023 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with industry leaders in energy and communications infrastructure on Thursday (4 May 2023) to discuss NATO's role in contributing to the security of critical undersea infrastructure and cooperation with industry.
• President of Estonia visits NATO's DIANA European Regional Office NATO 05 May 2023 -- On Friday (5 May 2023), President Alar Karis of Estonia was welcomed to the regional office of NATO's Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) in London. DIANA will support the development of dual-use commercial technologies for defence and security challenges.
• Tsahkna meeting with Stoltenberg: Ukraine's only security guarantee is NATO membership Estonia MFA 05 May 2023 -- Today 5 May, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to discuss the Alliance's continued support for Ukraine and preparations for the Vilnius summit.
• Denmark to Spend Billions to 'Plug Holes' in Defense, Meet NATO Demands Sputnik 05 May 2023 -- Denmark's spending spree, which involves bolstering its own military and supporting Ukraine's, has already taken its toll on the state coffers, prompting the government to abolish a popular Christian holiday to make up for the shortfall.
• 'I Didn't Know He Was Dead': Hundreds Of Wagner Mercenaries Have Been Quietly Buried In An Isolated Russian Cemetery RFE/RL 05 May 2023 -- "I didn't know he was dead," said Nadezhda Skaleyush after learning that her father's grave had been found in a cemetery for Russian mercenaries killed in Ukraine. "But the date on the grave is his."
• Sweden and UK cooperating on increased military support to Ukraine Government Offices of Sweden 05 May 2023 -- On Thursday 16 March, the Government presented a strategic partnership with the United Kingdom to support Ukraine.
• Exercise spans sea, land and sky Australia DOD 05 May 2023 -- Exercise Bersama Shield, the maritime element of the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), began in seas off Malaysia recently.
• Myanmar military strength likely half of current estimates: USIP scholar Radio Free Asia 05 May 2023 -- The size of Myanmar's military has been drastically overestimated by the international community, a U.S.-based think tank said Friday, suggesting that its victory over the country's armed opposition is no longer a foregone conclusion.
• Significant step forward: Lithuanian companies will be able to conduct testing together with the Lithuanian Armed Forces Lithuania MND 05 May 2023 -- As of now, Lithuanian academic institutions and defence industry companies are invited to seek testing of their products in the Lithuanian Armed Forces. Military experts will put the products through trials and present conclusions on the developed product features.
• The Government of Estonia declared defence readiness exercise Okas for territorial defence units Estonia MoD 05 May 2023 -- The Government of Estonia decided to declare the defence readiness exercise Okas (Quill) with up to 607 members of territorial defence units ordered to participate in the snap exercise (SNAPEX). Exercise Okas is of a defensive manner, aimed at practicing national defence activities. There is no immediate security threat to Estonia.
• Apache coming soon to the equipment of the Polish Armed Forces Republic of Poland 05 May 2023 -- On May 5, Deputy Prime Minister M. Blaszczak met with US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin in Washington. The topics of discussion included Polish-American military cooperation, the security situation on NATO's eastern flank and in Europe, deepening military interoperability and the American military presence in Poland.
• Air and ground interference simulated challenges for the Czech Armed Forces Czech Republic Ministry of Defence & Armed Forces 05 May 2023 -- April 24-28, the Czech Air Forceand Land Forces participated in training drills under Electronic Warfare (EW) conditions.
• Foreign Minister Receives Phone Call from US Secretary of State SPA 05 May 2023 -- Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, received a phone call from Secretary of State of the United States of America, Antony Blinken.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan US Dept. of State 05 May 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For May 5, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 5 May 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 05 May 2023
• Afghanistan: Women tell UN rights experts 'we're alive, but not living' UN News 05 May 2023 -- Following a systematic crackdown on the rights of Afghan women and girls by the Taliban - from attending school to working at the UN - "the stage may be set for multiple preventable deaths that could amount to femicide" unless restrictions are reversed rapidly, independent UN human rights experts announced on Friday, following an eight-day visit to the country.
• UN Experts Call Perpetration of Gender Persecution in Afghanistan Alarming VOA 05 May 2023 -- A weeklong special U.N. mission on human rights in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan has found an unprecedented level of "systemic gender-based" discrimination that severely threatens the impoverished country's future.
• UN In Afghanistan: Ban On Women Working For UN Seriously Impedes Work In Country RFE/RL 05 May 2023 -- The United Nations in Afghanistan has reiterated its condemnation of a decision by the Taliban-led government to ban Afghan women from working for the UN, saying the move "seriously undermines our work, including our ability to reach all people in need."
• The Azadi Briefing: Afghan Journalists Face 'Terrifying' Conditions Under Taliban Rule RFE/RL 05 May 2023
• Joint Statement on Sudan US Dept. of State 05 May 2023 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the occasion of the start of direct talks between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
• Sudan's Warring Factions Sit for Talks Saturday in Saudi Arabia VOA 05 May 2023 -- The two warring factions in the Sudan conflict sent envoys to Saudi Arabia on Friday to negotiate a firm cease-fire agreement, according to officials.
• Keep Sudan borders open UNHCR urges, amid alarming rise in child deaths UN News 05 May 2023 -- The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) on Friday urged States to keep borders open to people fleeing military infighting across Sudan and suspend "negative asylum decisions" for Sudanese nationals outside the country, who cannot return because of the conflict.
• Geneva Palais Briefing Note: Horrifying numbers of children killed & injured in Sudan UNICEF 05 May 2023 -- "As feared and as warned, the situation in Sudan has become fatal for a frighteningly large number of children. In reports UNICEF has received that cover the period from the start of the fighting until 25 April 2023, 190 children have been killed. While we are unable to confirm estimates due to the intensity of the violence, these reports state a further 1700 have been injured.
• Nigeria Evacuates More Nationals From Sudan VOA 05 May 2023 -- A group of 130 Nigerians evacuated from Sudan arrived in the Nigerian capital of Abuja on Friday, about 36 hours after another group of nearly 400, mostly students, had landed.
• WFP: Sudan Fighting Hampers Needed Food Aid VOA 05 May 2023 -- The World Food Program says it is struggling to get aid to Sudan's capital, Khartoum, and other areas seeing intense fighting and multiple failed cease-fires.
• Royal Saudi Naval Forces Carry out 19 Naval Evacuation Operations from Sudan to Saudi Arabia SPA 05 May 2023 -- The Royal Saudi Naval Forces announced that the total number of operations that evacuated Saudi citizens and other nationals from Sudan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reached 19 since the launch of operations.
• Evacuated from Sudan, 1 Saudi Citizen, 1,765 Foreign Nationals Arrive in Jeddah SPA 05 May 2023 -- In continuation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's efforts under the directives of its leadership to evacuate Saudi citizens and foreign nationals from brotherly and friendly countries from the Republic of Sudan, a Saudi citizen and a total of 1,765 foreign nationals from 32 countries arrived in the port city of Jeddah on Thursday evening.
• Bangladesh delegation with Rohingya to visit Myanmar Radio Free Asia 05 May 2023 -- Bangladesh is moving full steam ahead with a China-backed project to begin repatriating Rohingya to Myanmar, a plan that Human Rights Watch warned would put the lives of the persecuted refugees at "grave risk."
• Chinese, Indian foreign ministers meet, call for peace and stability of border region Global Times 05 May 2023 -- The current situation on China-India border is generally stable and the two sides should continue to make efforts to further cool and ease the situation in order to maintain sustainable peace and stability of the region, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang said during a meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Goa, India, on Thursday.
• Pashinian Points To Lingering Differences Between Armenia, Azerbaijan After U.S.-Sponsored Peace Talks RFE/RL 05 May 2023 -- PRAGUE -- Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian still sees a "huge difference" between the wording of a draft peace agreement for Armenia and Azerbaijan and the two sides' positions despite reported progress in bilateral talks hosted by the United States this week.
• DR Congo: Desperate situation facing millions displaced by armed violence UN News 05 May 2023 -- Recurring attacks by armed groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continue to drive forced displacement and extreme hardship for millions of Congolese, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said on Friday.
• Mali Decries ECOWAS After Burkina Faso's Army Accused of Massacre VOA 05 May 2023 -- Mali's military government has lashed out at the Economic Community of West African States' chairman for calling an April massacre in neighboring Burkina Faso part of a genocide.
• Rights Commission Denounces Security Measures in Ethiopia VOA 05 May 2023 -- Ethiopia's Human Rights Commission has denounced security measures against protesters in the Amhara region this week that it said led to the deaths of civilians.

News Reports

• Australia Urges US to End Pursuit of Julian Assange VOA 05 May 2023 -- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Friday he is frustrated that Wikileaks founder Julian Assange remains in a British prison fighting extradition to the United States. Albanese also said a historic free trade agreement with Britian will come into force within weeks.
• Foreign National Extradited to the United States for Kidnapping and Assaulting U.S. Army Soldiers in Colombia US Dept. of Justice 05 May 2023 -- A Colombian national has been extradited from Colombia to the United States to face charges related to kidnapping and assaulting two U.S. Army soldiers who were on temporary duty in Bogota, Colombia.
• DEA Operation Last Mile Disrupts Fentanyl Trafficking Fueled by the Sinaloa and Jalisco Cartels US Dept. of Justice 05 May 2023 -- The Drug Enforcement Administration announced today the results of a year-long national operation, "Operation Last Mile," targeting the trafficking of fentanyl and methamphetamine within the United States driven by the Sinaloa and Jalisco Cartels.
• Statement on the fifteenth meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) Emergency Committee regarding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic WHO 05 May 2023
• WHO chief declares end to COVID-19 as a global health emergency UN News 05 May 2023 -- The head of the UN World Health Organization (WHO) has declared "with great hope" an end to COVID-19 as a public health emergency, stressing that it does not mean the disease is no longer a global threat.
• WHO Declares End to COVID-19 as Global Health Emergency VOA 05 May 2023 -- The World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 pandemic to be over as a global health emergency.
• COVID no longer a global health emergency: WHO Global Times 05 May 2023 -- The World Health Organization on Friday announced that COVID-19 is no longer a global emergency, marking a symbolic end to the pandemic, which has taken 7 million lives around the world. The move is deemed a natural one given the current stable situation.
• Russia, US may fall into 'abyss of open armed conflict', Moscow warns Press TV 05 May 2023 -- A senior Russian diplomat has warned that the US and Russia are on the verge of an "open armed conflict" just two days after a suspected drone attack at the Kremlin that Moscow has blamed on Washington and Kiev.
• Press release on celebrations of the 78th anniversary of the Great Victory at the Foreign Ministry of Russia Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 05 May 2023
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's article for Russia in Global Affairs magazine, May 5, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 05 May 2023
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to media questions following the SCO Foreign Ministers Council meeting, Panaji, May 5, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 05 May 2023
• Press release on the outcomes of the SCO Foreign Ministers Council meeting Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 05 May 2023
• MFA statement on summoning to MFA of Ambassador of Russian Federation Sergey Andreev Republic of Poland 05 May 2023
• Dozens Of Countries Reaffirm Opposition To Russian, Belarusian Athletes' Participation As Neutrals RFE/RL 05 May 2023 -- The ministers in charge of sports from dozens of countries in Europe, North America, and Asia issued a statement on May 4 saying they continue to oppose the participation of athletes from Russia and Belarus as neutrals in international sports competitions.
• Key CPC meeting stresses real economy as focus of modern industrial system Global Times 05 May 2023 -- A key meeting held Friday by the top decision-making body for China's financial affairs has called for speeding up the construction of the country's modern industrial system backed by the real economy and advancing Chinese modernization with support from high-quality development of the population.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on May 5, 2023 PRC MofA 05 May 2023
• China strongly protests Canada's summoning of ambassador over 'interference' allegation Global Times 05 May 2023 -- China on Friday strongly protested the Canadian Foreign Ministry's threat of expulsion of Chinese diplomats based on hyping of rumors, and said it will take firm actions to defend its interests, as the Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs of China's Foreign Ministry lodged a stern representation to Canada's ambassador to China.
• Canada Accuses China of Intimidating Politician, Summons Ambassador VOA 05 May 2023 -- China's Foreign Ministry on Friday angrily protested a Canadian intelligence report that asserted Chinese diplomats tried to intimidate a Canadian member of parliament for his criticism of Bejing.
• Chinese and Russian FMs exchange views on sidelines of SCO event in India Global Times 05 May 2023 -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Goa of India on Thursday, during which the two sides agreed to maintain the overall unity and cooperation of the SCO, and build the SCO into a platform for mutually beneficial cooperation among member states.
• China's FM assures Russia, India of deepening cooperation Press TV 05 May 2023 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang has assured his Russian and Indian counterparts of expanding "coordination and cooperation" as the three global heavyweights devise new mechanisms to bypass the hegemony of the US dollar.
• African people have biggest say in success of China-Africa cooperation: Chinese FM Global Times 05 May 2023 -- China has carried out practical cooperation in response to Africa's needs, expanding new areas and driving forces, and the fruits of such cooperation have spread across Africa. The benefits to the African people of cooperation are self-evident, said the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday.
• Cyberattacks conducted by CIA disclosed People's Daily 05 May 2023 -- The United States is capable of spying on any country anytime it wants and stealing key information as it has built an "empire of hacking" by owning the biggest cyberattack arsenal in the world and planting cyberattack weapons in almost all internet systems around the world, an investigation report said.
• Xi prefers 'peaceful' unification of Taiwan: U.S. official CNA 05 May 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) is leaning toward unifying Taiwan in a "peaceful" manner but is also preparing possible military action to achieve the goal, a top U.S. intelligence official said at a hearing on Capitol Hill on Thursday.
• China: US needs to halt arms exports to Taiwan since island becoming 'powder keg' Press TV 05 May 2023 -- China says the United States should halt arms sales to Taiwan since Washington is turning the island into a "powder keg."
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan May 5, 2023 ROC MND 05 May 2023
• Puppet Traitor Yoon Suk Yeol's Visit to U.S. Draws Censure, Ridicule and Concern (5) KCNA 05 May 2023 -- Chinese and south Korean media continue to expose and denounce the dangerousness of the puppet traitor Yoon Suk Yeol's visit to the U.S. and serious consequences to be entailed by it.
• Yoon's Japan Outreach Faces Bleak Future Without Japan Reciprocation, Warn Analysts VOA 05 May 2023 -- When it comes to his country's ties with Japan, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol wants to look to the future. But if South Korean public reaction is any indication, that may be difficult without further moves by Japan to address the past.
• Iran expelled four Azerbaijani diplomats in tit-for-tat measure Press TV 05 May 2023 -- Tehran has expelled four Azerbaijani diplomats after a similar decision by Baku amid heightened tensions between the two neighbors.
• Iran Expels Four Azerbaijani Diplomats VOA 05 May 2023 -- Iran has revoked the visas of four Azerbaijani diplomats, adding to tensions between the neighboring countries a month after Azerbaijan expelled four Iranian diplomats from Baku.
• Iran among world top 10 satellite manufactures, will help Syria build communication satellites: Minister Press TV 05 May 2023 -- Iran is among the world's top 10 countries capable of manufacturing and launching satellites and is ready to help Syria build communications satellites, says Minister of Communications and Information Technology Issa Zarepour.
• US to blame for Israel's acts of terror against Iran nuclear program: Shamkhani Press TV 05 May 2023 -- Iran's security chief considers the United States to be responsible for all of the Israeli regime's acts of terror targeting the Iranian nuclear facilities and the people working for the Islamic Republic's nuclear program.
• President Raeisi: Syria visit a 'turning point' in bilateral ties Press TV 05 May 2023 -- President Raeisi has described his two-day visit to Syria as a turning point in promoting economic, political and security relations, saying the aim of the trip was to honor the spirited resistance of the Syrian government and nation.
• PM meeting with President Lula da Silva of Brazil: 5 May 2023 Gov.UK 05 May 2023
• PM meeting with President Kagame of Rwanda: 4 May 2023 Gov.UK 05 May 2023
• PM meeting with the Amir of Qatar: 5 May 2023 Gov.UK 05 May 2023
• PM meeting with Prime Minister of New Zealand: 5 May 2023 Gov.UK 05 May 2023
• PM meeting with Prime Minister of Australia: 5 May 2023 Gov.UK 05 May 2023
• Opening remarks - Bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Prime Minister of Australia 05 May 2023
• Doorstop - London Prime Minister of Australia 05 May 2023 -- Meeting with UK Prime Minister; Coronation of King Charles III; Global Security.
• Indonesian FM: Jakarta has quietly engaged with Myanmar stakeholders, including NUG Radio Free Asia 05 May 2023 -- ASEAN chair Indonesia has quietly engaged with the Burmese parallel civilian government and military administration, as well as China, India and Thailand, to solve Myanmar's post-coup strife, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said Friday.
• Statement by H.E. Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Foreign Minister of Pakistan during the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting - 5 May 2023 — Goa, India Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 05 May 2023 -- Chairman of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers, Dr. S. Jaishankar,
• Tunisian president sacks industry minister People's Daily 05 May 2023 -- Tunisian President Kais Saied has removed Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy Neila Nouira Gonji from her duties, the Tunisian Presidency said in a statement on Thursday.
• Kyrgyzstan: Statement by the Spokesperson on the human rights situation in the country European External Action Service (EEAS) 05 May 2023 -- The European Union noted the recent early dismissal of the Kyrgyz Ombudswoman Ms Atyr Abdrakhmatova, which is a negative development.
• Hun Sen feted at Cambodia's SEA Games opening ceremony Radio Free Asia 05 May 2023 -- With Cambodia's king noticeably absent, Prime Minister Hun Sen staged a glitzy opening ceremony to kick off the Southeast Asian Games on Friday at a new Chinese-built, 60,000-seat stadium in the capital.
• In Burundi, Guterres outlines challenges facing the region UN News 05 May 2023 -- groups - both local and foreign - must lay down their arms in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and efforts must be redoubled to advance a lasting, sustainable peace in the region, the UN chief said on Friday during his first visit to the African nation as Secretary-General.
• Pakistani, Indian Foreign Ministers Exchange Swipes at Meeting in India VOA 05 May 2023 -- During the first visit of Pakistan's top diplomat to archrival India in almost a decade, each side took veiled swipes at the other on bilateral issues but presented a united front on a key regional issue - Afghanistan.
• IMF Chief Advocates Africa Continental Free Trade Area VOA 05 May 2023 -- The head of the International Monetary Fund is urging African countries to implement the Africa Continental Free Trade Area.