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News Reports

Current Operations

• U.S. Army Pacific continues defense support efforts in Hawaii US Army 18 Aug 2023 -- U.S. Army Pacific, and the Hawaii National Guard continue their fully integrated response to the recent wildfires. With the stand-up of Joint Task Force 50 (JTF-50) under the command of dual-status commander
• DOD, FEMA Fully Engaged in Maui Recovery and Assistance Efforts DoD News 18 Aug 2023 -- Joint Task Force 5-0 is supporting the efforts of county, state and federal authorities on Maui, Hawaii, ensuring that the residents receive all necessary assistance available, said the task force commander.
• Joint Task Force 5-0 Brings DOD Capabilities to FEMA-led Response in Maui DoD News 18 Aug 2023 -- The joint task force responding to the devastating Maui wildfires is bringing the full weight of the Defense Department to the interagency effort, its deputy commander said.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Remarks by President Biden, President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea, and Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan in Joint Press Conference | Camp David, MD The White House 18 Aug 2023
• Camp David Principles The White House 18 Aug 2023
• The Spirit of Camp David: Joint Statement of Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States The White House 18 Aug 2023
• Remarks by President Biden, President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea, and Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan Before Trilateral Meeting | Camp David, MD The White House 18 Aug 2023
• Statement from Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on United States Trilateral Summit with Japan and the Republic of Korea DoD 18 Aug 2023-- Today is a historic day for the United States and two of our closest allies. Under the leadership of President Biden, Prime Minister Kishida, and President Yoon, we have advanced a new era of trilateral partnership with Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK).
• Japan, South Korea, U.S. Strengthen Trilateral Cooperation DoD News 18 Aug 2023 -- The trilateral ties among Japan, the Republic of Korea and the United States will make the world safer and the three countries stronger, President Joe Biden said at the conclusion of talks at Camp David, Maryland today.
• Camp David summit could be 'starting shot' for new cold war Global Times 18 Aug 2023 -- The leaders of the US, Japan and South Korea are set to meet at Camp David, Maryland on Friday to upgrade "cooperation," a move criticized by observers as being a starting shot for a cold war, and experts warned that the summit would bring more regional risks.
• South Korea, Japan and US vow 'new era' Radio Free Asia 18 Aug 2023 -- The leaders of South Korea, Japan and the United States will meet annually from now on and discuss all regional security issues on a threeway hotline before making decisions, President Joe Biden said after a high-profile trilateral summit at Camp David on Friday.
• Camp David Trilateral Summit Cements US-Japan-ROK 'Commitment to Consult' in a Crisis VOA 18 Aug 2023 -- Amid the lush greenery of Catoctin Mountain Park, the U.S. presidential retreat Camp David will once again be the setting of a historic milestone in international diplomacy — the cementing of a trilateral alliance between the U.S. and its two main Asian allies, Japan and South Korea, to strengthen deterrence against North Korea and China.
• Readout of President Biden's Meeting with President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea The White House 18 Aug 2023
• Readout of President Biden's Meeting with Prime Minister Kishida of Japan The White House 18 Aug 2023
• Army announces upcoming unit deployments US Army 18 Aug 2023 -- The Department of the Army announced today the fall deployments of the following units:
• U.S. Department of Defense and Japan Ministry of Defense Press Release on the Commencement of Glide Phase Interceptor Cooperative Development DoD 18 Aug 2023-- During the January 2023 Security Consultative Committee ("2+2") meeting, the United States and Japan concurred with beginning discussions on potential joint development of a future interceptor.
• Honorable Mara Karlin Concludes Visit to Djibouti DoD 18 Aug 2023
• Europe/Africa Air Force Chief Cites Lessons From War in Ukraine DoD News 18 Aug 2023 -- The U.S. Air Forces Europe and Africa are learning lessons from the Russian invasion of neighboring Ukraine to develop strategies, capabilities and tactics needed to better defend the NATO nations, Air Force Gen. James B. Hecker told the Defense Writers' Group today.
• Keel Authenticated for Future USS Tang (SSN 805) US Navy 18 Aug 2023 -- Senior Navy leaders and shipbuilders gathered at General Dynamics Electric Boat shipyard in Groton, Connecticut, to attend a keel-laying ceremony for the future Virginia-class submarine USS Tang (SSN 805), Aug. 17.
• Bangor Dry Dock Recertifies, Completing Seismic Mitigation Work US Navy 18 Aug 2023 -- Interim seismic mitigation efforts, which began Feb. 15 on the Trident Refit Facility Delta Pier in Bangor, have been completed.
• USS Mount Whitney Arrives In Istanbul for Visit Focused On U.S. and Turkish NATO Partnership US Navy 18 Aug 2023 -- The Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) arrived in Istanbul, Türkiye for a scheduled port visit on August 18, 2023.
• Navy to Christen Guided-Missile Destroyer Ted Stevens (DDG 128) US Navy Press Release 18 Aug 2023 -- The Navy will christen the future USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128) during a 9:00 a.m. CDT ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 19, in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
• Iowa Guard Tests Innovative Technology during Northern Strike Army News 18 Aug 2023 -- The 294th Medical Company Area Support from the Iowa National Guard tested a groundbreaking technology by integrating drones in a training environment on August 7. Medical squads were able to experience a cutting-edge drone system that can detect casualties from the sky and assess their vital signs, making it a game-changer in disaster response scenarios. The drones utilize VISTA (Vision and Intelligence Systems for Medical Teaming Applications), which has been in the works for four years, with two dedicated years of intense development for unmanned aerial systems for casualty protection.
• Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center strengthens Indo-Pacific partnerships Army News 18 Aug 2023 -- The U.S. Army combined the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center with the Australian Combat Training Centre for a one-of-a-kind collaboration during Talisman Sabre 23 in Townsville, Australia earlier this month.
• Michigan Army National Guard Conducts Training at XCTC Army News 18 Aug 2023 -- U.S. Army Michigan National Guard Soldiers, known as the "Iron Battalion," traveled to Fort McCoy in Wisconsin for eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) training from July 21 through August 12.
• Japan, US, Australia to Conduct Joint Naval Drills in South China Sea - Reports Sputnik 18 Aug 2023 -- Japan, the United States and Australia will conduct joint naval exercises in the South China Sea on August 23, a Japanese news agency reported on Friday, citing sources.
• NATO once again uses Cold War strategies against Russia Russia MoD 18 Aug 2023 -- The North Atlantic Alliance once again uses Cold War strategies against Russia. Deputy Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation - Chief of the Main Directorate for Political-Military Affairs of the Russian Armed Forces - Colonel General Viktor Goremykin pointed out that during his speech at the II International Anti-Fascist Congress held in Minsk.
• Anti-Fascist Congress to help unite progressive forces Russia MoD 18 Aug 2023 -- 'I am confident that the Second International Anti-Fascist Congress will help unite progressive forces from different nations in eradicating hateful Nazi ideas,' Sergei Shoigu said.
• Russian and Chinese navies organise ship fuel replenishment and cargo transfer at sea on joint patrol in the Pacific Ocean Russia MoD 18 Aug 2023 -- The warships of the Russian Navy and the Naval Forces of the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA Navy) continue to move along the route previously agreed by the parties during the third joint maritime patrol of the Pacific Ocean.
• Ukraine Welcomes US Decision to Allow Denmark, Netherlands to Send Fighter Jets VOA 18 Aug 2023 -- Ukraine hailed a U.S. decision to allow allies Denmark and the Netherlands to send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
• Amid Corruption Scandals And Mounting Problems, Ukraine Vows To Shake Up The Military Enlistment System. It's A Tough Task. RFE/RL 18 Aug 2023 -- For months following Russia's full-scale invasion, the phrase "volunteered to fight" kept coming up in casual conversations and in the media as hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians joined the war effort to resist the unprovoked aggression despite the uncertain future and immense risks.
• US Gave Approval for Delivery of F-16s, Officials Say VOA 18 Aug 2023 -- The United States has given the nod to allies Denmark and the Netherlands to send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, according to officials. It was not immediately clear when Ukraine might receive the jets, which it has been seeking for a long time to counter Russia's air superiority.
• US sending F-16s to Ukraine from Denmark and Netherlands Press TV 18 Aug 2023 -- The US military has decided to send F-16 fighter planes to Ukraine from Denmark and the Netherlands as soon as the training of Ukrainian pilots is completed.
• £90m boost to Ukraine's air defence capability as new contracts signed UK MOD 18 Aug 2023 -- It comes as delivery begins of a new package of drones to Ukraine, funded by the UK-administered International Fund for Ukraine
• UK Starts Deliveries of New Batch of Reconnaissance Drones to Ukraine - Defense Ministry Sputnik 18 Aug 2023 -- London has begun supplying a new batch of aerial reconnaissance drones to Kiev as part of the assistance by the UK-administered International Fund for Ukraine, the UK Defense Ministry said on Friday.
• Lifting of Defense Trade Restrictions on the Republic of Cyprus for Fiscal Year 2024 US Dept. of State 18 Aug 2023-- Secretary Blinken determined and certified to Congress that the Republic of Cyprus has met the necessary conditions under applicable legislation to allow the Department to approve exports, re-exports, and transfers of defense articles to the Republic of Cyprus for fiscal year (FY) 2024. Compliance
• Chinese Defense Minister Pushes Beijing's Global Security Blueprint During Trip To Russia, Belarus RFE/RL 18 Aug 2023 -- Against the backdrop of the intensifying war in Ukraine, Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu wrapped up a symbolic trip to Russia and Belarus by bolstering military ties and promoting a Chinese initiative meant to rival Western frameworks and put Beijing at the center of international security issues.
• Australia - M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) DSCA 18 Aug 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $975 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• LAUNCH OF SECOND MCA BARGE, YARD 76 (LSAM 8) AT M/S SECON ENGINEERING PROJECTS PVT LTD, VISAKHAPATNAM India PIB 18 Aug 2023 -- Second Missile Cum Ammunition (MCA) Barge, Yard 76 (LSAM 8) was launched by Cmde G Ravi, Warship Production Superintendent (Visakhapatnam) on 18 Aug 23 at Guttenadeevi, East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh (launch site of M/s SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd)
• Press Gaggle by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan | Thurmont, MD The White House 18 Aug 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Aug. 18, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• At Camp David, Leaders Criticize Beijing's Moves in South China Sea VOA 18 Aug 2023 -- Leaders of the United States, Japan and South Korea wrapped their Friday summit at the U.S. presidential retreat, Camp David, cementing a newly established trilateral partnership with a pledge for a unified trilateral response during a regional crisis, focusing on threats from China and North Korea.
• WFP facing critical funding shortage in Yemen threatening vital food assistance WFP 18 Aug 2023 -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has announced today that it is facing a deeper funding crisis for its Yemen operations from the end of September onward. This will force WFP to make difficult decisions about further cuts to our food assistance programs across the country in the coming months. All of WFP's major programs will be affected - General Food Assistance (GFA), Nutrition, School Feeding and Resilience Activities - totalling 17.7 million interventions in the first half of 2023.
• Junta troops kill, burn 4 civilians in Myanmar's Sagaing region Radio Free Asia 18 Aug 2023 -- Junta troops killed and burned the bodies of a pregnant woman and three men in a gold mining area of Sagaing region's Pinlebu township in Myanmar, the local People's Defense Force told RFA on Friday.
• Cyprus: Statement by the High Representative on the escalation of the situation around construction works near Pyla/Pile European External Action Service (EEAS) 18 Aug 2023 -- The European Union condemns the assault on United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) peacekeepers by personnel from the Turkish Cypriot side this morning. We call on the Turkish Cypriot side to fully respect the mission's mandated authority inside the UN buffer zone.
• Yerevan Says Airport Fired On From Azerbaijan Hours After Prime Minister's Visit RFE/RL 18 Aug 2023 -- Armenia's National Security Service (NSS) has said that an airport near the southeastern border with Azerbaijan was fired upon from Azerbaijani territory hours after Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian visited the facility.

News Reports

• Prime Minister announces changes to the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians and the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency Prime Minister of Canada 18 Aug 2023 -- The National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians and the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency were established in 2017 and 2019, respectively, to keep Canadians safe and protect our values, rights, and freedoms.
• China, Russia Taking Aim at US Space Firms VOA 18 Aug 2023 -- Chinese and Russian spy agencies are setting their sights on private, U.S.-based space companies, hoping to steal new technologies while thwarting American advances, according to a new warning from U.S. counterintelligence officials.
• Meeting with Supreme Court President Vyacheslav Lebedev President of Russia 18 Aug 2023 -- Vladimir Putin met with Supreme Court President Vyacheslav Lebedev.
• Russia Bans Entry To 20 Moldovan Officials After Chisinau Expels 45 Russian Diplomats RFE/RL 18 Aug 2023 -- Russia has banned entry to 20 Moldovan officials following Moldova's "unfriendly" decision to expel 45 Russian diplomats and employees of the Russian Embassy.
• US warns Turkey against helping Russia 'bypass American sanctions': Report Press TV 18 Aug 2023 -- The United States has reportedly warned Turkey against helping Russia bypass the American sanctions that have been imposed on Moscow over its ongoing war on Ukraine.
• Canada announces sanctions against officials of justice and security sectors Canada 18 Aug 2023-- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing new sanctions against 15 Russian individuals and 3 entities under the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations in response to the rising levels of human rights violations and state-sponsored violence faced by political opponents and critics as Russia attempts to repress internal dissent.
• Canada's Latest Anti-Russia Sanctions Meaningless, Devoid of Practical Effects - Stepanov Sputnik 18 Aug 2023 -- Canada's latest round of sanctions against Russia is "meaningless," will not achieve any practical effect and the overall sanctions policy by the collective West will get nowhere, Russian Ambassador in Ottawa Oleg Stepanov told Sputnik on Friday.
• Russians gained wealth amid war in Ukraine while Western countries lost trillions of dollars: Report Press TV 18 Aug 2023 -- Russia got richer last year amid the war in Ukraine, while the Western countries that provided funds and weapons to Kiev to fight against Moscow lost trillions of dollars of their wealth.
• The Week In Russia: The Dramatic Pace Of Regress RFE/RL 18 Aug 2023 -- Russia's invasion of Ukraine has killed more than 500 children - possibly many more. One Kremlin foe is handed a 19-year prison term while another, sentenced to 25 years in prison on a treason conviction after criticizing President Vladimir Putin and the war, draws parallels with the Stalin-era persecution of citizens branded "enemies of the people."
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on August 18, 2023 PRC MofA 18 Aug 2023
• Xi talks disaster relief, travel plans announced Radio Free Asia 18 Aug 2023 -- After an absence of nearly three weeks, China's state media reported that President Xi Jinping was back in the saddle, presiding over a meeting on flood prevention and relief as well as post-disaster restoration and reconstruction.
• Xi to attend BRICS summit, jointly chart bloc's blueprint Global Times 18 Aug 2023 -- The first offline BRICS summit in over three years will be held in Johannesg, South Africa next week, and Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to the country and join other BRICS leaders to discuss issues on development of concern to emerging economies and developing countries and the international community.
• Trade on Agenda for Chinese Leader's State Visit to South Africa VOA 18 Aug 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping will be in South Africa next week for a major summit as well as an official state visit, at a time of increasing South African concern about persistent trade imbalances in the countries' relationship, as well as worries about China's domestic economy.
• US comes up with so-called 'threats' to suppress other countries to ensure supremacy: FM spokesperson Global Times 18 Aug 2023 -- To serve its geopolitical agenda, the US often comes up with so-called "threats" to create the pretext for containing and suppressing other countries in order to ensure its supremacy and seek selfish gains and such a practice goes against the trend of the times and harms the common interests of the international community, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told a press conference on Friday in response to US Department of Defense's Biodefense Posture Review, which reportedly singles out China as the key long-term "threat."
• Hong Kong: Annual EU report illustrates further decline of fundamental freedoms European Commission 18 Aug 2023-- The European Commission and the High Representative have today adopted the 25th annual report to the European Parliament and the Council on political and economic developments in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. This report covers developments in 2022.
• Macao: EU report highlights growing emphasis on national security that risks undermining fundamental freedoms European Commission 18 Aug 2023-- The European Commission and the High Representative have today adopted their 23rd annual report to the European Parliament and the Council on political and economic developments in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR). This report covers developments in 2022.
• Experts warn of renewed Chinese Communist Party 'cognitive warfare' on US campuses Radio Free Asia 18 Aug 2023 -- As college students gear up to start studies after the summer, experts are warning that Beijing's infiltration of U.S. universities will continue, despite the closure of dozens of its Confucius Institutes.
• VP Lai returns to Taiwan after visits to U.S., Paraguay CNA 18 Aug 2023 -- Vice President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) returned to Taiwan early Friday morning after a seven-day trip to the United States and Paraguay, which he said was "successfully completed."
• Lai boasts about US transit for 'selfish election purpose' Global Times 18 Aug 2023 -- The separatist deputy regional leader of Taiwan island Lai Ching-te returned to the island on Friday after a provocative "transit" in the US on a visit to Paraguay, during which he boasted about the "courteous reception" he received and "international support" for Taiwan island.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Aug.18, 2023 ROC MND 18 Aug 2023
• Hong Kongers flock to Taiwan to savor milk tea and freedom Radio Free Asia 18 Aug 2023 -- They are flocking to Taiwan, in search of milk tea and freedom.
• 2 charged with accepting money from Chinese state security services CNA 18 Aug 2023 -- Two men accused of accepting money from the Chinese state security services in exchange for setting up an espionage ring in Taiwan were indicted on corruption and national security charges Friday, according to the Shilin District Prosecutors Office.
• Prosecutors opt not to indict Chinese executives in security case CNA 18 Aug 2023 -- Taiwan's High Prosecutors Office has agreed with a decision made by Taipei prosecutors not to indict Chinese businessman Xiang Xin (向心) and his wife Kung Ching (龔青) on national security charges due to a lack of evidence.
• Statement by Spokesman for KPA General Staff KCNA 18 Aug 2023 -- A spokesman for the General Staff of the Korean People's Army (KPA) issued the following statement on August 18:
• Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Inspects Ogye and Wolrang Farms in Anbyon County of Kangwon Province KCNA 18 Aug 2023 -- Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, visited the Ogye and Wolrang farms in Anbyon County of Kangwon Province to give field guidance to the work for eradicating the crop damage caused by typhoon.
• Beijing Rejects Seoul's Demand to Stop Repatriating North Korean Defectors VOA 18 Aug 2023 -- Beijing is pushing back on Seoul's demand that China stop repatriating North Koreans who have left their homeland and been detained as they attempt to make their way to a third country.
• Iran begins manufacturing its 'most modern, accurate' satellite Press TV 18 Aug 2023 -- The Iranian Space Organization (ISA) has announced the launch of the production process of "Pars-3," the country's "most modern and accurate" satellite.
• Iran arrests Daesh-linked 'most pivotal' supporter of Shah Cheragh terrorist attack Press TV 18 Aug 2023 -- Iran's Intelligence Ministry says it has arrested a Daesh-linked suspect that played the "most pivotal" supporting role in the recent deadly terrorist attack on the Shah Cheragh shrine in the southern city of Shiraz.
• Raisi lauds IRGC's role in safeguarding region IRNA 18 Aug 2023 -- If it were not for the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) presence in the region, Takfiri terrorism would take control of Europe today, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said.
• Amirabdollahian: Saudi officials' views different from past IRNA 18 Aug 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said that he has found Saudi authorities with different approach than the past, adding that the Saudis are willing to open new chapter in bilateral relations.
• Amirabdollahian describes meeting with Saudi counterpart as constructive IRNA 18 Aug 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has described his meeting with his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan as positive and constructive.
• Saudi Arabia begins preliminary work on 'long-term cooperation deal' with Iran: FM Press TV 18 Aug 2023 -- On his way back from a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says the kingdom has directed the launch of preliminary steps towards devising a "long-term cooperation agreement" with the Islamic Republic.
• Iran FM, Saudi crown prince hold 'frank, direct and fruitful' talks in Jeddah Press TV 18 Aug 2023 -- Visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have held "frank and fruitful" talks in Jeddah.
• Nuclear chief says 'much demand' for Iran's heavy water across world Press TV 18 Aug 2023 -- The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) has highlighted the Islamic Republic's achievements in the nuclear industry in recent years, saying Iran's heavy water is much sought-after across the world due to its high level of quality.
• Iranian Officials Accuse 12 Activists Of Plotting To Hold Events For Anniversary Of Amini's Death RFE/RL 18 Aug 2023 -- Iranian police have accused 12 women's rights activists arrested earlier this week of "acting against national security" by planning and coordinating events ahead of the anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini, who died while in police custody, sparking a year of nationwide unrest.
• Arrests and Road Closures As Pashtun Protesters Try To Reach Islamabad RFE/RL 18 Aug 2023 -- The head of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) says several members of the Pakistani human rights group have been detained as they attempted to reach the Supreme Court in Islamabad to demand that the state protects their rights and ensure their security.
• Expansion, De-Dollarization on Agenda as South Africa Hosts BRICS VOA 18 Aug 2023 -- The BRICS group of developing economies - Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa - meet in Johannesburg from Tuesday to Thursday for their annual summit, during which expansion of the bloc is expected to figure high on the agenda.
• Afghans are 'out of options' and desperately need realistic alternatives to poppy cultivation UN News 18 Aug 2023 -- As Afghanistan's widespread economic crisis drags on and jobs become scarcer, the women of Dogabad village are finding innovative ways to support their loved ones, even as their own lives seem grimmer than ever. In this impoverished neighbourhood of Kabul, against all odds, women are taking the lead.
• The Azadi Briefing: Opium Sold Openly In Afghanistan, Despite Taliban Ban RFE/RL 18 Aug 2023
• Afghan Warlord Dostum Vows From Exile To Fight Taliban RFE/RL 18 Aug 2023 -- Abdul Rashid Dostum, an ethnic Uzbek warlord and former politician in Afghanistan who is a member of the Supreme Council of National Resistance coalition, has said that his fighters are prepared to act against the Taliban whenever the world comes to the conclusion that it cannot deal with the hard-line extremist group in control in Kabul.
• WHO Urges Donor Support to Save Millions in Afghanistan from Losing Lifesaving Aid VOA 18 Aug 2023 -- The World Health Organization has warned that a lack of funding and resources to support Afghanistan's health care system threatens millions of lives in a country ravaged by decades of instability and natural disasters.
• Afghanistan's health system suffers critical underfunding, calls for donor support WHO 18 Aug 2023
• UN rights chief calls for immediate restoration of constitutional order in Niger UN News 18 Aug 2023 -- The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, called on Friday for Niger's democratically elected officials to be released "at once", following their detention in the attempted coup last month. In a statement released on Friday, Mr. Türk urged the generals to restore constitutional order immediately.
• US Military Preparing for Worst-Case Scenario, Evacuation From Niger VOA 18 Aug 2023 -- Planning is underway for a possible U.S. military evacuation from Niger, even though a top U.S. general says any final decision is still "weeks away."
• Military Intervention Looming Against Niger's Junta VOA 18 Aug 2023 -- The Economic Community of West African States is prepared to send troops against Niger's military junta if diplomacy falters, the bloc's commissioner for political affairs and security said Friday.
• Niger Junta Clings to Power 3 Weeks After Coup VOA 18 Aug 2023 -- Three weeks into the coup in Niger, the military junta continues to cling to power while West African army chiefs held a second day of talks on Friday in Ghana's capital, Accra, where they are mapping out a possible military intervention if diplomacy fails to reinstate Niger's deposed President Mohamed Bazoum.
• ECOWAS Sets Date for Military Intervention in Niger - Commissioner Sputnik 18 Aug 2023 -- General staff chiefs of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have agreed on a date for the beginning of military intervention in Niger, but will not make it public, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Abdel-Fatau Musah said on Friday.
• New airport, Mekong port in Laos could divert revenue to China, officials say Radio Free Asia 18 Aug 2023 -- Residents of Laos' Bokeo province are concerned that an airport and Mekong River port due for completion early next year will divert customs revenue into Chinese hands and further open the area to smuggling and other crimes that authorities have proven unable - or unwilling - to control.
• Russia, Hungary Sign Documents on Moving to Direct Construction of Paks-2 NPP Sputnik 18 Aug 2023 -- Moscow and Budapest have signed documents on the transition of the Paks nuclear power plant (NPP) project, also known as Paks-2, to the stage of direct construction, a Sputnik correspondent reported on Friday.
• US Condemns Actions, Statements by Haitian Gang Leader VOA 18 Aug 2023 -- The United States has forcefully rejected a statement made by a powerful Haitian gang leader who demanded that a proposed multinational force to help reestablish security must begin by arresting Haiti's legitimate leaders.