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Current Operations

Defense Policy / Programs

• 2-7 CAV troopers test new Javelin missile system at Yuma Army News 23 Aug 2023 -- Thirty-nine Cavalry Troopers from Fort Cavazos, Texas just completed training and testing on the Army's newest anti-tank missile system.
• CENTCOM Commander Visits Syrian Camps CENTCOM 23 Aug 2023 -- On August 21, General Michael "Erik" Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command, traveled to Syria where he visited the al-Hol and al-Roj Displaced Persons Camps in northeast Syria.
• U.S. and Jordan Complete Bilateral Maritime Exercise CENTCOM 23 Aug 2023 -- U.S. 5th Fleet and the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) completed a two-week bilateral maritime exercise, Infinite Defender 2023, off the coast of Aqaba, Jordan, Aug. 23.
• Pentagon Official Calls for Total Force Focus on Emerging Biothreats DoD News 23 Aug 2023 -- The Defense Department has reached a pivotal point in responding to the quickly evolving biological threat landscape, a senior Pentagon official said today.
• Digital Frontlines: The Marines' Battle in the Virtual Trenches of Cyber Flag 23-2 USMC News 23 Aug 2023 -- To safeguard virtual spaces that house national secrets, power our daily lives, and influence global interactions, the United States Marine Corps remains proactive by being at the forefront of this battle. This was highlighted by the Marine Corps Cyberspace Warfare Group and Marine Corps Cyberspace Operations Battalion's participation in this year's Cyber Flag event.
• U.S. and Jordan Complete Bilateral Maritime Exercise US Navy 23 Aug 2023 -- U.S. 5th Fleet and the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) completed a two-week bilateral maritime exercise, Infinite Defender 2023, off the coast of Aqaba, Jordan, Aug. 23.
• Digital Frontlines: The Marines' Battle in the Virtual Trenches of Cyber Flag 23-2 USMC News 23 Aug 2023 -- To safeguard virtual spaces that house national secrets, power our daily lives, and influence global interactions, the United States Marine Corps remains proactive by being at the forefront of this battle. This was highlighted by the Marine Corps Cyberspace Warfare Group and Marine Corps Cyberspace Operations Battalion's participation in this year's Cyber Flag event.
• Deputy Secretary General stresses NATO's unwavering support to Ukraine at Crimea Platform NATO 23 Aug 2023 -- NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană participated in the Third Summit of the International Crimea Platform on Wednesday (23 August 2023). He outlined decisions taken by NATO leaders at the Vilnius Summit in July to move Ukraine closer to the Alliance than ever before.
• Top Russian General Linked To Prigozhin Mutiny Reportedly Relieved Of Aerospace Command RFE/RL 23 Aug 2023 -- General Sergei Surovikin, a top Russian officer who commanded the Ukraine war last year and who had ties to mutinous Wagner mercenary group chief Yevgeny Prigzohin, has reportedly been relieved of his command of Russia's Aerospace Forces.
• Russian Deputy Defence Minister of the Russian Federation Aleksandr Fomin meets with Commander of the Iranian Army's Ground Forces Kioumars Heydari Russia MoD 23 Aug 2023 -- Today, on 23 August 2023, Russian Deputy Defence Minister of the Russian Federation Colonel General Aleksandr Fomin has met with Commander of the Iranian Army's Ground Forces Brigadier General Kioumars Heydari.
• Russian Ministry of Defence delegation participates in seminar Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia Russia MoD 23 Aug 2023 -- A delegation of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation took part in the seminar of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, which was held on 23-24 August in Astana (Kazakhstan).
• Russia Intercepts Norwegian Aircraft Approaching Border Over Barents Sea Sputnik 23 Aug 2023 -- A Russian MiG-29 fighter jet intercepted a Norwegian P-8A Poseidon base patrol aircraft flying towards Russia's airspace over the Barents Sea, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.
• PLA Southern Theater Command holds fighter exercise from islet-based airfield Global Times 23 Aug 2023 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command recently conducted a maritime strike and air-to-air combat exercise featuring newly enhanced fighter jets operating from an islet-based airfield.
• Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) - F-16 Infrared Search and Track (IRST) systems DSCA 23 Aug 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States of F-16 Infrared Search and Track (IRST) systems and related equipment for an estimated cost of $500 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• US Approves $500M Sale of F-16 Infrared Systems to Taiwan Sputnik 23 Aug 2023 -- The US Department of State approved on Wednesday $500 million worth of F-16 Infrared Search and Track (IRST) systems and related equipment to Taiwan's de facto embassy in the United States, according to a release from the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
• ADF specialists support Pacific Partnership 2023 Australia DOD 23 Aug 2023 -- The Australian Defence Force has commenced support to Pacific Partnership 2023, with specialist personnel deploying to five countries across the Indo-Pacific region from August to December.
• Exercise Malabar deepens regional military cooperation Australia DOD 23 Aug 2023 -- Australia, India, Japan and the United States successfully conducted Exercise Malabar in Sydney and across Australia's east coast from 10 to 21 August.
• Combined air assault a success Australia DOD 23 Aug 2023 -- More than 600 soldiers from the ADF, Philippines and US conducted an air assault near Rizal, the Philippines, during Exercise Alon as part of Indo-Pacific Endeavour.
• LCA Tejas successfully test-fires indigenous ASTRA Beyond Visual Range air-to-air missile off Goa coast India PIB 23 Aug 2023 -- Tejas, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) LSP-7 successfully fired the ASTRA indigenous Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile off the coast of Goa on August 23, 2023
• CAS REVIEW OF LCA PROGRAMME India PIB 23 Aug 2023 -- The Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari reviewed the status of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme in Air Headquarters yesterday
• SIGNING OF SOP ON WHITE SHIPPING INFORMATION EXCHANGE BETWEEN INDIAN NAVY AND PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD India PIB 23 Aug 2023 -- Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff and CG Admiral Artemio M Abu, Commandant of Philippine Coast Guard signed the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for exchange of White Shipping Information on 23 August 2023
• Iran manufacturing 90% of its military needs: Official IRNA 23 Aug 2023 -- Iran produces 90% of its military needs by itself and is currently among the top 10 states concerning defense industry technology at global level, a spokesman for the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics said.
• Iran-Russia defense ties deepening day by day: Commander IRNA 23 Aug 2023 -- Commander of the Ground Force of the Iranian Army Brigadier General Kiumars Heidari has stressed that Iran-Russia defense ties are deepening day after another.
• Iran, Russia agree new defense agreements: Iranian commander Press TV 23 Aug 2023 -- The commander of the Iranian Army's Ground Force says the country has reached new defense agreements with Russia, hailing the ever-growing military ties between the two countries.
• Iranian Chief of Staff, Azerbaijani Defense Minister confer on military, security issues ISNA 23 Aug 2023 -- The Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Bagheri and Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov held a phone conversation, Iranian embassy in Baku announced.
• Iran plans to launch 2 or 3 satellites by March 2024 IRNA 23 Aug 2023 -- The Iranian Minister of Defense has announced that the country plans to launch two or three satellites by the end of the Iranian calendar year, which begins on March 21, 2023.
• Iran to launch at least 2 satellites this year: Defense minister Press TV 23 Aug 2023 -- Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani says Iran will launch at least two domestically-made satellites into orbit this year, [ending on March 19, 2024].
• South Koreans Join Readiness Drills Against North Korea Threats VOA 24 Aug 2023 -- Hundreds of thousands of people in South Korea are taking part in defense drills this week that, this year in particular, have North Korea's evolving nuclear threats in mind.
• A look at the Defence news 14 - 20 August Netherlands Ministry of Defence 23 Aug 2023
• Defence Minister Martin Sklenár after meeting U.S. Ambassador Gautam Rana: We are continuing our intense cooperation on modernisation projects for Slovak Armed Forces Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic 23 Aug 2023 -- Defence Minister Martin Sklenár received the Ambassador of the United States of America to Slovakia, His Excellency Gautam Rana, at the Slovak Defence Ministry in Bratislava today. This meeting also provided an opportunity to officially welcome the new U.S. Defense Attaché to Slovakia, LTC Joshua Passer.
• Remarks by President Biden in Press Gaggle The White House 23 Aug 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Aug. 23, 2023
• Lockheed Martin Wins $606.8Mln F-35 Contract Sputnik 23 Aug 2023 -- The US military awarded Lockheed Martin a contract worth more than $600 million for materials in support of maintaining on-time production of 173 F-35 jets, the Defense Department said in a press release.
• Sikorsky, PTDI sign Agreement for Indonesian Black Hawks Lockheed Martin 23 Aug 2023 -- Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT), announced today the signing of an agreement with Indonesian aerospace firm PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) to enter into a strategic partnership to pursue a sales agreement of up to 24 Sikorsky S-70M Black Hawk® helicopters for the Republic of Indonesia.

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 23 August 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 23 Aug 2023
• Taliban Reportedly Stop 100 Afghan Female Students From Flying to UAE for Studies VOA 23 Aug 2023 -- The Taliban have allegedly barred a group of young girls from leaving Afghanistan for the United Arab Emirates, where they were expected to complete university studies.
• Afghan Media Watchdog Calls For The Release Of Detained Iranian Photojournalist RFE/RL 23 Aug 2023 -- An Afghan press freedom organization has called for the release of an Iranian photojournalist detained by the Taliban, which has arrested around a dozen reporters over the past two weeks.
• Philippine officials release footage of sea standoff, as senator pushes for inquiry Radio Free Asia 23 Aug 2023 -- A senator called Wednesday for an inquiry into how the Philippines could strengthen control of its South China Sea territory, as the coast guard released footage from a standoff between Filipino and Chinese ships in disputed waters a day earlier.
• US Sees IS Effectiveness Decreasing, but Analysts Warn Resurgence Still Possible VOA 23 Aug 2023 -- While the Islamic State terror group continues to lose influence in Iraq, U.S. Major General Matthew W. McFarlane recently warned that IS remnants still pose a threat to areas not under the protection of the U.S.-led coalition, including parts of Syria. Analysts see Islamic State expanding into Africa and Asia.
• At least 26 militants killed as Russia bombs terror bastions in NW Syria: Report Press TV 23 Aug 2023 -- Dozens of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Hurras al-Din Takfiri terrorists were killed after Russian military aircraft carried out strikes against terrorist bastions in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib, according to Russian media.
• Syrians suffer as political stalemate persists: UN Special Envoy UN News 23 Aug 2023 -- The only path out of the war in Syria is a political process, which would also help to address the many crises affecting the country, UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen told the Security Council on Wednesday.
• The Syrian regime and its allies continue to profit whilst the Syrian people and the region suffer the consequences: UK statement at the Security Council UK FCDO 23 Aug 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.
• Sanctions against Syria: Switzerland extends temporary humanitarian exemption by six months Federal Council - Swiss Government 23 Aug 2023 -- On 23 August 2023, the Federal Council decided to extend by six months the temporary humanitarian exemption to the sanctions regime against Syria that was introduced after the earthquake that struck the country in February. The exemption now applies until 11 March 2024.
• UN envoy says Libya's stability critical to regional security People's Daily 23 Aug 2023 -- It is fundamental to restore Libya's stability to preserve regional security, the top UN envoy for the country said on Tuesday.
• Israel/Palestine: Statement by the Spokesperson on the latest terror attacks European External Action Service (EEAS) 23 Aug 2023 -- The European Union is appalled by the two terror attacks on Saturday and Monday in the occupied West Bank that claimed the lives of three Israeli civilians and left another person injured. We express our condolences to the families of the victims. The EU strongly condemns terrorism in all its forms.
• EU activates new Humanitarian Air Bridge to Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo European Commission 23 Aug 2023 -- The EU has launched a new humanitarian air bridge operation for the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, transporting essential supplies to the city of Goma. They will be used to scale-up the humanitarian response in the eastern part of the country, where the already dire situation keeps deteriorating.
• Georgia Condemns Medvedev's Comments On Annexing Breakaway Regions RFE/RL 23 Aug 2023 -- Tbilisi condemned as "completely unacceptable" comments by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev that the two Georgian breakaway territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia could be formally annexed by Moscow "if there are good reasons."

News Reports

• Prigozhin Presumed Dead After Wagner Plane Crashes With No Survivors North Of Moscow RFE/RL 23 Aug 2023 -- A private jet belonging to the Wagner mercenary group has crashed en route to St. Petersburg from Moscow, with officials saying the company's chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin, was one of 10 people on the passenger list.
• Wagner Chief Prigozhin Was Aboard Crashed Private Jet Sputnik 23 Aug 2023 -- An Embraer Legacy business jet with three crew members and seven passengers aboard crashed in Russia's Tver Region while en route to St. Petersburg from Moscow earlier on Wednesday.
• Wagner Chief Prigozhin Listed Among Passengers in Tver Region Jet Crash Sputnik 23 Aug 2023 -- A private plane en route from Moscow to St. Petersburg crashed in the Tver Region on Wednesday, Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations said, adding that the incident killed all 10 people aboard.
• Russia says Wagner head Prigozhin killed in plane crash IRNA 23 Aug 2023 -- A private jet travelling in Russia crashed on Wednesday, killing all people on board including the head of the Wagner Private Military Company, Yevgeny Prigozhin, Russian officials have said.
• Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin dies in plane crash in Russia: Reports Press TV 23 Aug 2023 -- Russian media say a plane has crashed in the northwest of the country, with the name of Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner private military group, being on the list of passengers onboard.
• Putin, Xi Slam West at BRICS Summit VOA 23 Aug 2023 -- China and Russia used the second day of the BRICS Summit of emerging economies to criticize the West, while also throwing their support behind the proposed expansion of what's seen by some as an alternative power bloc.
• BRICS leaders agree on expansion, set to announce guidelines Press TV 23 Aug 2023 -- Leaders of the BRICS bloc of leading emerging economies have agreed on mechanisms for considering new members, giving dozens of interested nations a path into the organization, according to South Africa's foreign minister.
• China backs BRICS expansion, says this can make 'global governance more just' Press TV 23 Aug 2023 -- China's President Xi Jinping has called for the acceleration of the expansion of the BRICS group of major emerging economies, arguing this would help the world obtain a "more just" global governance.
• BRICS will continue talks on use of local currencies: South Africa president Press TV 23 Aug 2023 -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says the BRICS group of nations will continue discussions on the use of local currencies to facilitate trade and investment flows.
• Celebrating the 80th anniversary of victory in the Battle of Kursk President of Russia 23 Aug 2023 -- The President spoke at a gala event devoted to the 80th anniversary of the victory over the Nazi German invaders in the Battle of Kursk in the village of Ponyri, Kursk Region, and presented state awards to participants in the special military operation.
• BRICS Summit President of Russia 23 Aug 2023 -- Vladimir Putin took part, via videoconference, in the 15th BRICS Summit, held in Johannesburg, South Africa on August 22-24.
• BRICS countries continue to strengthen cooperation amid global economic challenges: Putin People's Daily 23 Aug 2023 -- BRICS countries are continuing to deepen cooperation amid ongoing external economic challenges, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday while addressing the BRICS Business Forum 2023 via video link.
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with former President of South Africa Thabo Mbeki on the sidelines of the BRICS summit Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 Aug 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, Johannesburg, August 23, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 Aug 2023
• Canada announces additional sanctions against Russia's military and nuclear sectors Canada 23 Aug 2023 -- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing additional sanctions against 4 individuals and 29 entities that have direct ties to Russia's military-industrial complex, as well as to its financial and nuclear sectors. These sanctions are part of the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations and target those who are complicit in Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on August 23, 2023 PRC MofA 23 Aug 2023
• Seeking Development Through Solidarity and Cooperation and Shouldering Our Responsibility for Peace PRC MofA 23 Aug 2023 -- Remarks by H.E. Xi Jinping
• President Xi Jinping Held Talks with President of South Africa Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa PRC MofA 23 Aug 2023 -- On the morning of August 22 local time, President Xi Jinping held talks with President of South Africa Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings in Pretoria during his state visit to the country.
• Enhancing Solidarity and Cooperation To Overcome Risks and Challenges And Jointly Build a Better World PRC MofA 23 Aug 2023 -- Address by H.E. Xi Jinping
• Joint Statement between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa PRC MofA 23 Aug 2023 -- At the invitation of H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, H.E. Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China, paid a state visit to South Africa on 22 August 2023.
• China mum on Xi Jinping's absence from BRICS business forum Radio Free Asia 23 Aug 2023 -- China's foreign ministry declined to comment Wednesday after multiple media reports said President Xi Jinping stayed away from a global business summit in South Africa, sending his commerce minister instead to read out his keynote speech attacking U.S. global dominance.
• Xi calls for speedy expansion of BRICS; strategic partnership of the group to forge stronger, deeper solidarity Global Times 23 Aug 2023 -- Leaders from BRICS nations, representing a quarter of the global economy, met on Wednesday in Johannesburg, South Africa, eying expansion and deepening cooperation. Chinese President Xi Jinping said emerging countries are becoming more and more relevant in the international arena, and this summit will very much contribute to the shaping of a new global economic and political order.
• US Seeks to Extend Science, Tech Agreement With China for 6 Months VOA 23 Aug 2023 -- The U.S. State Department, in coordination with other agencies from President Joe Biden's administration, is seeking a six-month extension of the U.S.-China Science and Technology Agreement (STA) that is due to expire on August 27.
• China strongly opposes US' illegal visa sanctions on officials over so-called forcible assimilation in Xizang Global Times 23 Aug 2023 -- The US needs to reflect on itself, instead of styling itself as a judge and wantonly meddling in other countries' internal affairs by wielding the big stick of "human rights," Wang Wenbin, spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said on Wednesday after the US announced on Tuesday that it would impose visa restrictions on Chinese officials over the so-called forcible assimilation of children in boarding schools in Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region.
• China's Xi Receives Warm Welcome on South Africa State Visit VOA 23 Aug 2023 -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa hosted Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping for an official state visit, full of pomp and ceremony, on the side of the BRICS summit on Tuesday. Xi was greeted in Pretoria with a 21-gun salute as the two countries marked 25 years of diplomatic relations.
• China In Eurasia Briefing: Why Georgia Is On China's Mind RFE/RL 23 Aug 2023
• To Increase Food Security, China Expands Farmland VOA 23 Aug 2023 -- Chinese leader Xi Jinping has returned to emphasizing the importance of food production with a new government policy that offers subsidized land reclaimed from manufacturing sites to farmers, many of whom have migrated to large cities to improve their prospects.
• Court dismisses appeal in National Security Law for HK violation case Global Times 23 Aug 2023 -- The Court of Final Appeal in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Tuesday dismissed the appeal of a former university student who had pleaded guilty to violating the National Security Law (NSL) for Hong Kong, which experts noted was an "instructive, authoritative, and binding" ruling that upholds the spirit of the rule of law.
• As Taiwan Marks Battle Anniversary, US Seeks Stronger Alliances Over China Tensions VOA 23 Aug 2023 -- Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen said Wednesday that the government's position on "maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is very firm," as the island marked the 65th anniversary of the start of the second Taiwan Strait crisis.
• Presidential aspirants underscore importance of peace on 823 anniversary CNA 23 Aug 2023 -- Several of Taiwan's presidential aspirants marked the 65th anniversary of the 823 Artillery Bombardment by underscoring the importance of maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait.
• U.S. lawmakers slam Central American Parliament for China diplomatic switch CNA 23 Aug 2023 -- American lawmakers across party lines on Tuesday condemned a parliamentary body in Central America for its decision to replace Taiwan with China as a permanent observer in the wake of most of the organization's members switching diplomatic recognition to China.
• Guatemala President-elect seeks to balance relations with China, Taiwan CNA 23 Aug 2023 -- The incoming president of Guatemala, Taiwan's diplomatic ally, said Tuesday he has no intention to alter the status of his country's diplomatic relations with the Republic of China (ROC), Taiwan's official name, but that he also wants to improve relations with China as well.
• China announces live-fire drills near Taiwan CNA 23 Aug 2023 -- China's Fujian Maritime Safety Administration on Wednesday issued a no-sail order for an area close to Taiwan proper where live-fire military drills are scheduled to take place Aug. 24-25.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Aug.23, 2023 ROC MND 23 Aug 2023
• Statement from NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's Space Launch The White House 23 Aug 2023
• North Korea Fires Presumed Missile, Prompts Brief Evacuation Call in Japan Sputnik 23 Aug 2023 -- The Japanese Defense Ministry said on Wednesday that North Korea presumably fired a ballistic missile that flew over Japanese territory and momentarily prompted an evacuation order.
• Violent crime is rising in North Korea amid food shortages Radio Free Asia 23 Aug 2023 -- Murder and other violent crimes are on the rise in North Korea amid spreading hunger, but authorities have had little success in stemming the violence, residents in the country say.
• Tornado Cash Founders Charged with Money Laundering and Sanctions Violations US Dept. of Justice 23 Aug 2023 -- A Russian national and a Washington man were charged today with conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to commit sanctions violations, and conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business.
• United States Takes Actions to Combat Illicit Activity Utilizing Virtual Currency US Dept. of State 23 Aug 2023 -- Today, in a whole-of-government effort, the United States is taking actions against two of the three co-founders of the sanctioned virtual currency mixer Tornado Cash for their roles facilitating the laundering of cryptocurrency stolen by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
• Treasury Designates Roman Semenov, Co-Founder of Sanctioned Virtual Currency Mixer Tornado Cash US Treasury 23 Aug 2023 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Roman Semenov, one of three co-founders of the sanctioned virtual currency mixer Tornado Cash, for his role in providing material support to Tornado Cash and to the Lazarus Group, a state-sponsored hacking group that is an instrumentality of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK or North Korea). Tornado Cash has been used to launder funds for criminal actors since its creation in 2019, including to obfuscate hundreds of millions of dollars in virtual currency stolen by Lazarus Group hackers.
• Junta officials close large Mandalay hospital for 3 months Radio Free Asia 23 Aug 2023 -- Military officials have ordered a 500-bed hospital in Mandalay region to shut down for three months after it allowed two physicians who joined the anti-junta Civil Disobedience Movement to work there, according to sources close to the hospitals.
• Myanmar junta closes public buildings in a Chin state town Radio Free Asia 23 Aug 2023 -- Myanmar's junta has shut down public buildings in Chin state's Mindat town for the past three days, residents told RFA Wednesday.
• US sanctions Myanmar junta's jet-fuel suppliers Radio Free Asia 23 Aug 2023 -- The U.S. Treasury Department has expanded sanctions aimed at Myanmar's military junta so that any "foreign individual or entity" linked to procuring jet fuel for the military government can be targeted.
• Expanding Burma Sanctions Authorities and Imposing Sanctions on Additional Jet Fuel Suppliers US Dept. of State 23 Aug 2023 -- Today, the United States expanded the use of its Burma-related sanctions authorities to allow for sanctions to be imposed on any foreign individual or entity determined to be operating in the jet fuel sector of Burma's economy.
• Treasury Expands Burma-Related Sanctions and Designates Additional Jet Fuel Suppliers in Burma US Treasury 23 Aug 2023 -- Today, taking note of the Burmese military regime's violent airstrikes against the people of Burma, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued a determination that allows sanctions to be imposed on any foreign individual or entity that operates in the jet fuel sector of the Burmese economy. Concurrently, OFAC designated two individuals and one entity that are involved in the procurement and distribution of jet fuel to Burma's military regime, and two entities for being owned or controlled by such persons.
• Minister Dr Jitendra Singh hails 'India on Moon', narrates further sequence of activities India PIB 23 Aug 2023 -- "Hail India on Moon! Hail ISRO!"
• PM joins ISRO team via VC to witness landing of Chandrayaan 3 India PIB 23 Aug 2023 -- The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi joined the ISRO team via Video Conferencing to witness the the landing of Chandrayaan 3 on the Moon's surface today
• India's Chandrayaan-3 lands on Moon's unexplored south pole Press TV 23 Aug 2023 -- India has managed to land a craft near the Moon's South Pole, a historic triumph for the world's most populous nation and its ambitious cut-price space program.
• India Becomes First to Successfully Land Spacecraft on Moon's South Pole Sputnik 23 Aug 2023 -- India becomes the first in the world to successfully land a spacecraft — Chandrayaan-3 module with a lunar rover on board — on the South Pole of the Moon, according to the footage broadcast by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) on Wednesday.
• India Becomes First Nation to Land Craft on Moon's South Pole VOA 23 Aug 2023 -- India successfully placed a lander in the moon's southern polar region Wednesday evening, making history as it became the first country to touch down on an uncharted part of the lunar surface.
• Prime Minister's participation in the 15th BRICS Summit India MEA 23 Aug 2023 -- Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the 15th BRICS Summit held under South Africa's chairship, in Johannesburg on 23 August 2023.
• Prime Minister's meeting with President of South Africa India MEA 23 Aug 2023 -- Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met H.E. Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa on 23 August 2023 in Johannesburg on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit.
• Saudi-Israel Normalization Not So Imminent, Says White House VOA 23 Aug 2023 -- U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan lowered expectations for the Saudi-Israel normalization agreement that Washington is working on, rejecting news reports that suggest it is imminent.
• Thailand: Statement by the High Representative on the election of Srettha Thavisin as Prime Minister European External Action Service (EEAS) 23 Aug 2023 -- The European Union (EU) congratulates Srettha Thavisin on his election as the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand following the general election which took place on 14 May 2023.
• Srettha Thavisin elected as Thailand's new prime minister People's Daily 23 Aug 2023 -- Srettha Thavisin, a candidate backed by Thailand's Pheu Thai-led coalition, was elected as the country's new prime minister (PM) on Tuesday after winning a simple majority in a parliamentary vote.
• Selection of Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin US Dept. of State 23 Aug 2023 -- The United States congratulates Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on his selection as Thailand's next prime minister.
• Hun Manet sworn in as Cambodia's new prime minister People's Daily 23 Aug 2023 -- Hun Manet was sworn in as the new Cambodian prime minister for a five-year term (2023-2028) on Tuesday after winning a vote of confidence in the parliament.
• "We have mobilized all the means of our state for the reconstruction of the earthquake zone" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 23 Aug 2023 -- Speaking at the Adıyaman Urban Transformation Project Groundbreaking Ceremony, President Erdoğan said: "We have mobilized all the means of our state and nation for the reconstruction of the earthquake zone and for the fulfillment of the needs of quake victims. We have constantly followed the process by visiting the region at various times."
• G20 spent a record $1.4 trillion on fossil fuels in 2022, report says Radio Free Asia 23 Aug 2023 -- The world's biggest economies, the G20, provided a record U.S.$1.4 trillion in public money for fossil fuels in 2022 despite the promise to reduce spending, a new study by a think tank said.
• Chinese mining firm demands ransom to free Lao gold diggers Radio Free Asia 23 Aug 2023 -- A Chinese mining company in northern Laos' Luang Prabang province has detained as many as 50 villagers for illegally digging gold on their concession and is demanding a ransom for their release, sparking an outcry on social media, according to residents of the area.
• Killings in Papua New Guinea highlands fueled by hired gunmen, police say Radio Free Asia 23 Aug 2023 -- A video of naked and mutilated corpses being dragged behind a utility vehicle on a highway in the Papua New Guinea highlands shows how escalating tribal conflict is being fueled by political and business elites, police said.
• Hollow Visit: Gorno-Badakhshan Not In Welcoming Mood For Tajik President On First Visit Since Bloody Clampdown RFE/RL 23 Aug 2023 -- The streets of Khorugh were half-empty and businesses were forced to close during Tajik President Emomali Rahmon's recent trip to the remote city, the capital of the restive Gorno-Badakhshan region.
• DRC Authorities Crack Down on Opposition Ahead of Elections: HRW VOA 23 Aug 2023 -- A human rights group says the Democratic Republic of Congo's government is blocking opposition parties from campaigning ahead of December elections and trying to intimidate the party leaders.