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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• Deputy Dual-Status Commander, JTF 5-0, COL Fielder Holds Off-Camera, On-the-Record Press Engagement, via Zoom from Hawaii DoD 25 Aug 2023
• Military Response in Hawaii Has Been Quick, as Requested by Local Officials DoD News 25 Aug 2023 -- Right now, Joint Task Force 5-0 has about 572 personnel assigned and operating in Hawaii. The task force's mission is to support and augment the efforts of county, state and federal authorities in Hawaii to ensure the people of Maui receive necessary aid and assistance.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Pentagon Tackling Nuclear Modernization With Proactive, Integrated Approach DoD News 25 Aug 2023 -- The Defense Department is instituting a forward-leaning, whole-of-department approach in accomplishing its top priority of maintaining the world's foremost nuclear deterrence capability, a top Pentagon official said today.
• 26th MEU(SOC) Concludes Bi-Lateral Training in Norway USMC News 25 Aug 2023 -- Marines and Sailors of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit's (Special Operations Capable), embarked on the USS Mesa Verde, with attached elements of Italian Marines from the San Marco Brigade, concluded a successful bilateral training exercise with Brigade North Norwegian Soldiers, aimed at enhancing their warfighting lethality and interoperability with our ally and partners above the Arctic Circle, from Aug. 5 - 21, 2023.
• F/A-18D Hornet Crash at MCAS Miramar USMC News Release 25 Aug 2023 -- 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) is aware that an F/A-18D Hornet belonging to Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA (AW)) 224 crashed in the vicinity of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar at 11:54 p.m. PST.
• USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Arrives in Antalya, Türkiye US Navy 25 Aug 2023 -- The U.S. Navy's newest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), and embarked staff from Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12, arrived in Antalya, Türkiye for a scheduled port visit, Aug. 25, 2023.
• Navy to Christen Future USNS Navajo US Navy Press Release 25 Aug 2023 -- The Navy will christen the Navajo-class towing, salvage, and rescue ship, the future USNS Navajo (T-ATS 6), during a 10 a.m. EDT ceremony Saturday, August 26, in Houma, Louisiana.
• Finland and the United States negotiate a defence cooperation agreement Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland 25 Aug 2023 -- A year ago, Finland and the United States opened negotiations on a new defence cooperation agreement. So far, three rounds of negotiations have been completed. Concluding the negotiations is an objective included in Finland's new Government Programme.
• Norway Donates F-16 Fighter Jets to Ukraine VOA 25 Aug 2023 -- Norway is donating F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said on a visit to Kyiv on Thursday.
• Finland to deliver more defence materiel to Ukraine Finnish MoD 25 Aug 2023 -- Finland will send more defence materiel to assist Ukraine. The President of the Republic decided on the matter on 25 August 2023 on the proposal of the Government.
• Finland Approves 18th Aid Package to Ukraine Worth $101Mln Sputnik 25 Aug 2023 -- Finnish President Sauli Niinisto approved on Friday its 18th aid package to Ukraine worth about 94 million euros ($101.5 million), bringing the total amount of Finland's aid to the country to nearly 1.3 billion euros, the Finnish Defense Ministry said.
• Ukraine started negotiations with Canada on a bilateral agreement on security guarantees President of Ukraine 25 Aug 2023
• The task is to speed up the moment when F-16s will help us keep Russian terrorists away - address by the President of Ukraine President of Ukraine 25 Aug 2023
• U.S. to host Ukrainian pilots for training on F-16s in September: Pentagon People's Daily 25 Aug 2023 -- The United States will begin training Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets in September at U.S. Air Force bases in two southern states, the Department of Defense announced Thursday.
• U.S. denies reports claiming it considered canceling F-16 sale to Taiwan CNA 25 Aug 2023 -- The U.S. State Department on Thursday denied reports claiming Washington had considered canceling its sale of F-16 fighter jets to Taiwan.
• Chinese mainland firmly opposes U.S. arms sale to Taiwan: spokesperson People's Daily 25 Aug 2023 -- The Chinese mainland firmly opposes the United States' arms sale to China's Taiwan region, a spokesperson said Thursday.
• Australian agencies attend Pacific Security Chief's Meeting Australia DOD 25 Aug 2023 -- Pacific security leaders have met in Koror, Palau, to enhance information sharing and interoperability while strengthening relationships between partner nations.
• Joint Communique of the Fifth Annual Joint Heads of Pacific Security Australia DOD 25 Aug 2023 -- Law enforcement, national security, and military leaders, including police, customs, and immigration from across the Pacific, met in Koror, Palau, for the fifth annual Joint Heads of Pacific Security (JHoPS) Meeting from 23-24 August 2023.
• New lease of life for aircraft engine testing Australia DOD 25 Aug 2023 -- TAE Aerospace will upgrade the test system for the F414 engines that power the RAAF's Super Hornet and Growler aircraft.
• Belarus to Conduct Comprehensive Military Drills in Late September - Defense Ministry Sputnik 25 Aug 2023 -- Comprehensive drills of the Belarusian armed forces will take place in late September, following a joint military exercise of countries of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the chief for international military cooperation at the Belarusian Defense Ministry said on Friday.
• Defence Secretary lays keel of four Fast Patrol vessels for Indian Coast Guard at Goa Shipyard Limited India PIB 25 Aug 2023 -- Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane laid the keel of four Coast Guard Fast Patrol vessels (FPVs) on 25th August, 2023 at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL)
• Big boost to 'Aatmanirbharta' in defence: MoD inks Rs 19,000 crore contract with HSL for five Fleet Support Ships for Indian Navy India PIB 25 Aug 2023 -- Ministry of Defence, on August 25, 2023, signed a contract with Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam for acquisition of five Fleet Support Ships (FSS) for the Indian Navy at an overall cost of approx
• Iran Army launches massive drill to boost electronic warfare capabilities Press TV 25 Aug 2023 -- A massive joint electronic warfare drill of various Army units started early on Friday as domestically designed and manufactured equipment has boosted the country's prowess in electronic warfare.
• Iran Launches Large-Scale Electronic Warfare Drills - Reports Sputnik 25 Aug 2023 -- The Iranian armed forces have launched a large-scale warfare exercise, involving drones and aircraft, to test various ground- and air-based electronic warfare systems and assess their performance, an Iranian news agency reported on Friday.
• Poland strengthens the air defence system. Offset contracts for Phase II of the WISłA programme are signed Republic of Poland 25 Aug 2023 -- The Polish Government's response to the threats posed by aggressive Russian policy is to strengthen the Polish Armed Forces by increasing the numbers of troops and modernising equipment.
• Philippines, Australia recommit to joint patrols in disputed waterway Radio Free Asia 25 Aug 2023 -- The Philippines and Australia said Friday that they would jointly patrol areas within South China Sea waters claimed by the Southeast Asian nation, as they showcased their capabilities in fighting off a potential invasion.
• Observers question US commitment to Southeast Asia as Biden to skip regional summit Radio Free Asia 25 Aug 2023 -- Observers are casting doubt on Washington's repeated commitments to Southeast Asia after the White House announced that President Joe Biden would skip the ASEAN summit in Jakarta next month and send his vice president instead.
• Remarks by President Biden in Press Gaggle The White House 25 Aug 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Aug. 25, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 25 August 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 25 Aug 2023
• The Azadi Briefing: Mysterious Death Of Popular Female YouTuber Prompts Anger RFE/RL 25 Aug 2023
• Camp David Agreement Seen Likely to Fuel China's Aggression in S. China Sea VOA 25 Aug 2023 -- The Camp David trilateral security agreement between the United States, Japan and South Korea is likely to drive Beijing to be more aggressive in the South China Sea, analysts say.
• On Conflict-Related Sexual Violence in Sudan US Dept. of State 25 Aug 2023 -- The United States strongly condemns pervasive conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) in Sudan, which credible sources including victims have attributed to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their allied militias.
• Sudan: 'lost generation' of children amid war, hunger, disease: UN humanitarians UN News 25 Aug 2023 -- UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said on Friday that the spread of fighting and hunger in Sudan could destroy the country, as the future of a "lost generation" of children lies in the balance.
• Sudan Conflict Fueling Humanitarian Emergency of Epic Proportions VOA 25 Aug 2023 -- Hunger, disease and displacement threaten to destroy Sudan as war spreads throughout the country, fueling "a humanitarian emergency of epic proportions," according to Martin Griffiths, U.N. emergency relief coordinator.
• UN Humanitarian Chief Warns Sudan Conflict Is Spreading VOA 25 Aug 2023 -- The U.N.'s humanitarian chief said Friday the conflict in Sudan and the humanitarian crisis it has spawned are threatening to consume the entire country.
• Rohingya Muslims demand safe return to home after 6 years of exodus Press TV 25 Aug 2023 -- Rohingya Muslim refugees demand their safe return to their homeland, Myanmar, on the sixth anniversary of the violence that forced them to flee to Bangladesh.
• More than 6,000 people flee junta raids in Myanmar's Sagaing region Radio Free Asia 25 Aug 2023 -- More than 6,000 people in Myanmar's Sagaing region have fled their homes because of heavy shelling and junta raids on their villages, locals told RFA Friday.
• Sixth Anniversary of the Myanmar Military's Attack against Rohingya Australia DFAT 25 Aug 2023 -- Today marks six years since the violence against Rohingya communities in Rakhine which resulted in mass displacement.
• China, India should maintain peace, tranquility in border areas before border issue is resolved: Chinese FM Global Times 25 Aug 2023 -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson reiterated on Friday that China's position on the boundary issue between China and India is clear and consistent. It is left over from history and does not represent the entirety of China-India relations, while calling on the two countries to consider the overall situation of bilateral relations, properly handle the border issue, and jointly maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas.
• Hamas condemns Israeli plan to increase number of settlers in occupied West Bank Press TV 25 Aug 2023 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has denounced Israel's plan to speed up the construction of illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, calling on Palestinians to resist by all means.
• Mozambique's President Reports Killing of Militant Leader VOA 25 Aug 2023 -- Mozambican President Filipande Jacinto Nyusi on Friday reported the killing of reputed terrorist leader Bonomade Machude Omar, known as Ibn Omar, in troubled Cabo Delgado province.
• Attack on Soldiers, Abduction of Women, Spark Security Concerns in Nigeria VOA 25 Aug 2023 -- A series of violent events in recent weeks has fueled a growing concern about Nigeria's internal security.
• Somali Army Captures Elbur District, a Major Al-Shabab Base VOA 25 Aug 2023 -- The Somali government said its army captured a major al-Shabab base in central Somalia, marking a significant victory in its military offensive against the al-Qaida linked group.

News Reports

• Pakistani Doctor Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS US Dept. of Justice 25 Aug 2023 -- A Rochester man was sentenced today to 216 months in prison, equivalent to 18 years, followed by five years of supervised release for attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.
• Da'esh and affiliates still a threat in conflict zones, UN counter-terrorism officials report UN News 25 Aug 2023 -- Despite successful international counter-terrorism initiatives, the extremist group Da'esh and its affiliates continue to pose a serious threat in conflict zones and neighbouring countries, the UN Security Council heard on Friday.
• The UN and international coordination is key to countering terrorism: UK statement at the Security Council UK FCDO 25 Aug 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.
• Ethiopia's BRICS membership to further strengthen growing South-South cooperation: PM People's Daily 25 Aug 2023 -- Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Ethiopia's membership in the BRICS mechanism will further strengthen the growing South-South cooperation framework.
• Iranian FM lauds BRICS for taking on independent, effective global role People's Daily 25 Aug 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on Thursday hailed BRICS for playing an independent and effective role with a great willingness globally, which makes it a favorable target for Iran in pursuit of promoting multilateralism.
• Kremlin Claims It Wasn't Involved In Plane Crash Believed To Have Killed Wagner Boss RFE/RL 25 Aug 2023 -- The Kremlin has denied any involvement in the plane crash near Moscow that is believed to have killed Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner mercenary group that ran afoul of President Vladimir Putin by launching a short-lived mutiny against Russia's top army brass over how the war against Ukraine was being conducted.
• 'Message Sent': Russian Elite, Nationalists On Notice After Prigozhin's Presumed Death RFE/RL 25 Aug 2023 -- After the Wagner mercenary group founder Yevgeny Prigozhin led an abortive rebellion this summer that posed the greatest challenge to President Vladimir Putin's 24-year grip on power, many experts said the billionaire Kremlin insider now had a target on his back.
• Lukashenko Says Prigozhin Never Asked Him for Security Guarantees Sputnik 25 Aug 2023 -- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Friday that Wagner Group private military company (PMC) leader Yevgeny Prigozhin had never asked him for security guarantees.
• EU Parliament Member Urges Kyrgyz Compliance With Sanctions Against Russia RFE/RL 25 Aug 2023 -- The European Parliament's Foreign Committee chair David McAllister has urged Kyrgyzstan to ensure compliance with international sanctions against Russia amid growing concerns countries in Central Asia are being used to bypass the measures.
• The Week In Russia: 'Force And Fear' And A Fiery Crash RFE/RL 25 Aug 2023 -- Signs of the times: The Sakharov Center is shut, suspicions settle on the Kremlin as Wagner mercenary group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin is presumed dead in a plane crash, and Ukraine celebrates the independence it is guarding from relentless Russian attacks.
• Wagner chief believed killed in plane crash near Moscow People's Daily 25 Aug 2023 -- Russia's Federal Agency for Air Transport has confirmed that Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner military group, was on the passenger list for a plane that crashed near Moscow on Wednesday.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on August 25, 2023 PRC MofA 25 Aug 2023
• US Commerce Secretary Heads to China Amid Trade Disputes VOA 25 Aug 2023 -- U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo will start a four-day visit to China this weekend. The announcement came shortly after the Biden administration issued an executive order restricting certain U.S. investments in China.
• China-Africa ties deepen with blueprint for future cooperation Global Times 25 Aug 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping returned to China on Friday after wrapping up his 10th visit to the African continent, during which he attended the 15th BRICS Summit and paid a state visit to South Africa. Observers said that the Chinese leader's trip to Africa not only promoted and witnessed the historic expansion of the BRICS mechanism, but also further helped built a closer China-Africa community with a shared future, contributing to true multilateralism.
• China eases mortgage policies to support property market, underscores ample tools at disposal Global Times 25 Aug 2023 -- Chinese authorities on Friday proposed a further easing of mortgage policies to support the real estate market. It marked the first nationwide relaxing of housing credit policy after a tone-setting top meeting in late July and the recent State Council executive meeting, which some industry insiders predict will produce an "immediate effect" on the industry that accounts for around 7 percent of the country's GDP.
• Xi urges China, Africa to join hands for modernization Global Times 25 Aug 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping here on Thursday delivered a keynote speech at the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue and urged China and Africa to join hands for modernization.
• China's XI, India's Modi hold rare meeting to discuss bilateral ties amid BRICS summit Press TV 25 Aug 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have held talks on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.
• Beijing's protests over Fukushima water release spark panic-buying of salt Radio Free Asia 25 Aug 2023 -- Chinese shoppers are panic-buying salt amid concerns that the release of treated radioactive wastewater from Japan's damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant could affect future availability.
• IMF: China leads as global fossil fuel subsidies hit record $7 trillion Radio Free Asia 25 Aug 2023 -- Global fossil fuel subsidies hit a record U.S.$7 trillion, equivalent to more than 7% of global gross domestic product in 2022, the International Monetary Fund said.
• Economist Andy Xie: China's Way of Handling Property Bubble Might Not Be What Many People Expect VOA 25 Aug 2023 -- For years, China's property market has been a bubble, fueled by growing middle-class wealth, demand for housing in cities, a preference for investing in property rather than stocks, and easy credit for eager developers who use their connections with local governments to buy up land to develop into housing.
• Xi urges China, Africa to join hands for modernization People's Daily 25 Aug 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping here on Thursday delivered a keynote speech at the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue and urged China and Africa to join hands for modernization.
• To build high-quality China-South Africa community with a shared future People's Daily 25 Aug 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said China and South Africa should be strategic partners of high-level mutual trust, development partners for common progress, friendly partners of deep mutual understanding and goodwill, as well as global partners that safeguard justice.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's remarks on a bilateral exchange between China and India PRC MofA 25 Aug 2023
• Private Chinese rocket maker launches 8th successful flight mission, entering concentrated delivery phase Global Times 25 Aug 2023 -- Private Chinese aerospace firm Galactic Energy launched its eighth Ceres 1 rocket on Friday, the latest effort by a private Chinese firm to expand its capabilities in rocket research and development (R&D) and launches.
• Hong Kong Authorities' Ongoing Harassment Campaign US Dept. of State 25 Aug 2023 -- "The United States strongly condemns the Hong Kong authorities' ongoing harassment of family members in Hong Kong of democracy advocates living overseas, who are being targeted simply for their association with their loved ones."
• Chinese aircraft cross Taiwan Strait median line after U.S. arms sale announcement CNA 25 Aug 2023 -- A total of 22 Chinese military aircraft and five naval ships were detected around Taiwan on Friday, of which 13 warplanes and drones either breached Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) or crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, according to the Ministry of National Defense (MND).
• Cross-strait peace red line for international community, Taiwan: VP Lai CNA 25 Aug 2023 -- The international community considers peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait a "red line" that must not be crossed and the same holds true for Taiwan, Vice President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said in a TV interview on Thursday.
• DPP's plan to 'resume' cross-Straits exchanges is 'pie in the sky' Global Times 25 Aug 2023 -- The island of Taiwan's "mainland affairs council" recently released a "plan" to "resume" cross-Straits tourism and exchanges, but such a plan is a "pie in the sky" as it actually imposes stricter restrictions for exchanges, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said on Friday.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Aug.25, 2023 ROC MND 25 Aug 2023
• North Korea's Satellite Launch is Exercise of Right to Self Defense - Envoy Sputnik 25 Aug 2023 -- North Korea is exercising its right to self-defense with its latest satellite launch attempt earlier this week, North Korean Ambassador to the United Nations Kim Song said on Friday.
• Cyber scams keep North Korean missiles flying Radio Free Asia 25 Aug 2023 -- The man speaks English, says he's Japanese and claims to be a mobile and web developer ready for hire. "I have the experience to start contributing from Day One," he says, sounding like any eager job candidate would on a job search site.
• DPR Korea: Dialogue 'only way forward', UN official says in wake of latest launch UN News 25 Aug 2023 -- The recent launch by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) of a satellite posed a major risk to international civil aviation and maritime traffic, a senior UN political affairs official said on Friday, underscoring the need for practical measures to reduce tensions in the Korean Peninsula and create space for dialogue.
• The DPRK's failed launch of a military reconnaissance satellite on 24 August is yet another grave violation of UN Security Council resolutions: UK statement at the Security Council UK FCDO 25 Aug 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on North Korea.
• President Raisi stresses significance of BRICS in global economy IRNA 25 Aug 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has emphasized the importance of BRICS as a global coalition that plays a key role in economic and trade cooperation worldwide.
• Iran's BRICS membership will boost financial exchanges: Deputy FM Press TV 25 Aug 2023 -- Iran's membership in the BRICS group of emerging economies can make way for the improvement of trade ties and financial exchanges among the member states, says the Iranian deputy foreign minister for economic affairs.
• BRICS membership enhances Iran's political power, Raeisi says Press TV 25 Aug 2023 -- President Ebrahim Raeisi says Iran's accession to the BRICS group of leading developing countries will boost the country's political clout and economy.
• Iran strives for bilateral ties rooted in mutual respect with African nations: Raeisi Press TV 25 Aug 2023 -- Iran's President Ebrahim Raeisi says Tehran seeks to have relations with African countries based on mutual respect and benefit, despite Western states that only want to plunder Africa's natural resources and wealth.
• Iranian Bar Associations Protest Government Moves They Say Will Erode Their Power RFE/RL 25 Aug 2023 -- Lawyers in several Iranian provinces have staged demonstrations against recent decisions made by the Islamic Consultative Assembly that they say go against the country's judicial foundation.
• BRICS expansion hailed as 'historic' People's Daily 25 Aug 2023 -- President Xi Jinping hailed on Thursday the "historic" expansion of BRICS, the group of leading emerging economies, to include six new members, saying that the move marks a new starting point for BRICS cooperation and will provide fresh momentum for the mechanism.
• Egypt voices aspiration to cooperate with BRICS countries after being invited to join bloc People's Daily 25 Aug 2023 -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi on Thursday thanked the BRICS for inviting Egypt to join in as a new member state, the Egyptian presidency said in a statement.
• UAE president welcomes BRICS membership People's Daily 25 Aug 2023 -- President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Thursday welcomed his country's inclusion in BRICS, a bloc of emerging economies.
• Prime Minister's meeting with the President of Greece India MEA 25 Aug 2023
• Prime Minister's meeting with Prime Minister of Greece India MEA 25 Aug 2023
• India-Greece Joint Statement India PIB 25 Aug 2023 -- At the invitation of Prime Minister H
• Transcript of Special Briefing by Foreign Secretary on Prime Minister's visit to South Africa and Greece (August 24, 2023) India MEA 25 Aug 2023
• ECOWAS Concerned Message on Niger Being Misinterpreted VOA 25 Aug 2023 -- The West African regional bloc ECOWAS held a news conference Friday in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, hours after coup leaders in Niger announced an alliance with neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali. ECOWAS said it was worried about reports that made it sound as if the bloc is beating the drums of war toward Niger.
• Mali, Burkina Faso Pledge Assistance to Niger Junta VOA 25 Aug 2023 -- Niger's military junta announced Friday that Burkina Faso and Mali have pledged their support to the coup leaders, who took power in Niger last month, and offered military assistance should Niger be attacked.
• Niger gives French ambassador 48 hours to leave over meddling Press TV 25 Aug 2023 -- Niger has given France's ambassador to Niamey 48 hours to leave the country charging the European country with meddling in the internal affairs of its former African colony.
• Niger Military Leaders Give French Ambassador 48 Hours to Leave Country Sputnik 25 Aug 2023 -- French companies are the principal owner of three major uranium mines in Niger, which has the richest uranium cores in Africa. Niger is the world's seventh-largest producer of uranium in the world and the second-largest producer of Uranium for the European Union. Some 70% of electricity created in France is made using nuclear power.
• Niger allows Mali, Burkina Faso to intervene in case of attack on its territory Press TV 25 Aug 2023 -- Amid an ongoing threat by West Africa's main regional bloc to take military action to reverse the coup in Niger, the country allows Mali and Burkina Faso to intervene militarily in case of an attack on its soil.
• Transcript of the Media Briefing by the Spokesperson on Friday 25 August 2023 Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 25 Aug 2023
• One year on from catastrophic floods, millions of children in Pakistan still need urgent support UNICEF 25 Aug 2023 -- One year after historic floods devastated Pakistan and a national state of emergency was declared, millions of children continue to need humanitarian assistance and access to essential services, UNICEF warned today. Recovery and rehabilitation efforts remain underfunded.
• Pakistan: Flood waters have gone but horror continues for children, UNICEF warns UN News 25 Aug 2023 -- Millions of children in Pakistan remain dependent on humanitarian assistance as recovery and rehabilitation efforts from last year's catastrophic floods lack sufficient funding, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) warned on Friday.
• US jet fuel sanctions welcomed as tool to curb junta air strikes Radio Free Asia 25 Aug 2023 -- Myanmar's shadow government, armed resistance and activists have welcomed the U.S. Treasury Department's expansion of sanctions targeting those who procure jet fuel the military regime uses in air strikes against civilians at a rate of nearly once every two days.
• Tsikhanouskaya Says Independence Of Belarus 'Under Greatest Threat' RFE/RL 25 Aug 2023 -- Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, marking the 32nd anniversary of Belarus's adoption of a document issued by the Supreme Soviet of Belarus to assert its independence from the Soviet Union, said her country's independence has come under its "greatest threat" ever because of the rule of authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka.
• Japan's Release of Treated Water US Dept. of State 25 Aug 2023 -- Japan suffered a tragedy on March 11, 2011, when a 9.1 magnitude earthquake - the fourth most powerful ever recorded - and a subsequent tsunami devastated the Tohoku region.
• Security Agreement Could Prompt Chinese Retaliation Against S. Korea VOA 25 Aug 2023 -- China's discontent over security and economic agreements that Seoul forged with Washington and Tokyo at a Camp David summit leaves open a possibility it could respond with coercive economic and military measures against South Korea, experts say.
• EU EOM Zimbabwe 2023: Curtailed rights and lack of level playing field compounded by intimidation; election day largely calm, but disorderly European External Action Service (EEAS) 25 Aug 2023 -- "The legal framework could provide an adequate basis to conduct elections in line with international standards espoused by Zimbabwe, if implemented properly. However, the EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) concludes that curtailed rights and lack of level playing field led to an environment that was not always conducive to voters making a free and informed choice in Zimbabwe's 2023 Harmonised Elections", stated EU EOM Chief Observer Fabio Massimo Castaldo
  today in Harare.
• Rights Groups Condemn Arrests of Election Observers in Zimbabwe VOA 25 Aug 2023 -- Human rights groups and election observers are condemning the arrests of 35 independent election monitors in Zimbabwe on charges of plotting to release unofficial poll results.
• Belarus receives a note of protest over violating the Lithuanian state border and destroying border guard infrastructure Lithuania MFA 25 Aug 2023 -- Today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania summoned the Belarusian chargé d'affaires ad interim and handed him a diplomatic note, expressing a strong protest over violating the Lithuanian state border and destroying border guard infrastructure.