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News Reports

Current Operations

• Turkey Blames Technical Woes for Wayward Drone Shot Down by US VOA 06 Oct 2023 -- U.S. and Turkish officials spent a second day sorting through a series of events that culminated with the shootdown of an armed Turkish drone by American F-16 fighter jets after the unmanned aerial vehicle got too close to U.S. forces in northeastern Syria.

Defense Policy / Programs

• African Lion 2024: Morocco hosts multinational planning meeting Army News 06 Oct 2023 -- This past month marks the start of a new edition of the annual African Lion military exercises, a partner-led, U.S. enabled exercise executed across North and West Africa slated for next summer. This planning meeting, organized by the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR) and the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), hosted military planners from Ghana, Italy, the Netherlands, Senegal and the United Kingdom to begin detailed planning for Exercise African Lion 24, Sept. 18-22.
• U.S. 5th Fleet Enhances Middle East Maritime Security with Unmanned Capabilities US Navy 06 Oct 2023 -- Last month, naval forces in the Middle East region successfully integrated unmanned platforms with traditionally crewed ships and aircraft to conduct enhanced maritime security operations in the waters surrounding the Arabian Peninsula.
• High Threat IEDD Exercise, Northern Challenge 23: A First for the 26MEU(SOC) and the U.S. Marine Corps US Navy 06 Oct 2023 -- U.S. Marine Corps explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) operators from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (26MEU(SOC)) participated in Exercise Northern Challenge 2023 alongside various NATO Allies and partners, Sept. 21 to Oct. 5.
• Navy to Commission Future Guided-Missile Destroyer USS Jack H. Lucas US Navy Press Release 06 Oct 2023 -- The Navy will commission the future USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125) as the newest Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer during a 10 a.m. EDT ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, at Port Tampa Bay, Berth 150, Tampa, Florida.
• Secretary General appoints independent group as part of NATO reflection on southern neighbourhood NATO 06 Oct 2023 -- Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has appointed a group of independent experts to support a review of NATO's approach to its southern neighbourhood - particularly the Middle East, North Africa and Sahel regions. Professor Ana Santos Pinto of Portugal was appointed as Chair.
• NATO Allies and partners conclude exercises Northern Challenge 23 and Northern Spirit 23 in Iceland NATO 06 Oct 2023 -- Two NATO exercises involving Allies and partners have conclude in Keflavik, Iceland: Northern Challenge 23 and Northern Spirit 23.
• Fears Grow That Russia May Leave Nuclear Test Ban Treaty VOA 06 Oct 2023 -- Russian lawmakers will evaluate whether to revoke ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, the speaker of the lower house of parliament said Friday.
• 'Escalatory And Deeply Damaging': What Putin's Claim Of A Missile Test Means For Nonproliferation RFE/RL 06 Oct 2023 -- On the barren Arctic archipelago of Novaya Zemlya, the surge of activity had been watched closely for months: satellite imagery showing an uptick of construction at one, possibly two, settlements that researchers had identified as sites for a possible test of a nuclear device or a new, trouble-plagued missile called the Burevestnik that is under development.
• Russia's Withdrawal From CTBT Does Not Mean It Plans to Conduct Nuclear Tests - Kremlin Sputnik 06 Oct 2023 -- The possibility that Russia may refuse to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) does not mean an intention to conduct these nuclear tests, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.
• Scoop: Russia Fine-tuning Electronic Warfare Systems to Suppress Ukraine's F-16s Sputnik 06 Oct 2023 -- NATO countries plan to deliver several dozen F-16 Fighting Falcon fourth-generation fighter jets to Ukraine beginning next year, with pilot training commencing in the US and Denmark in recent weeks.
• How Russian Stormbringer Nuclear Cruise Missile Can Help Bankrupt US War Machine Sputnik 06 Oct 2023 -- President Putin has confirmed the successful testing of the "Burevestnik" ("Stormbringer"), a Russian nuclear-powered, nuclear-capable cruise missile unlike anything that exists in any other nation's arsenal. What do we know about the weapon? What impact will it have on the global strategic balance? Sputnik reached out to a top expert to find out.
• Northern Fleet's Arctic detachment leaves Dudinka port Russia MoD 06 Oct 2023 -- Northern Fleet's arctic vessel detachment, including large anti-submarine ship Vice Admiral Kulakov, large landing ship Aleksandr Otrakovsky, and rescue towboat Altai left Dudinka port for Kara sea.
• Medium sea tanker supplied to Russian Navy put on water in Shlisselburg Russia MoD 06 Oct 2023 -- In Shlisselburg (Leningrad Region), the Nevsky Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Plant, part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation, launched the Vasily Nikitin medium sea tanker, which is built in accordance with the state defense order for the needs of the Navy.
• Russian Defence Minister General of Army Sergei Shoigu inspects fulfilment of state order in Novosibirsk region Russia MoD 06 Oct 2023 -- Russian Defence Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu inspected fulfilment of state defence order at the enterprise of the military-industrial complex Novosibirsk Aviation Plant named after V.P.Chkalov.
• Shoigu: Some Enterprises of Defense Industry Ahead of Schedule For 2024 Program Sputnik 06 Oct 2023 -- On Friday, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu inspected the progress of the implementation of the state defense order at the Chkalov Novosibirsk Aviation Plant.
• China's J-20 stealth fighter can launch missiles under extreme conditions: test pilot Global Times 06 Oct 2023 -- Despite having to hide its munitions in an internal weapons bay to achieve a high level of stealth, China's J-20 stealth fighter jet can still launch missiles under extreme battlefield environments, bringing tactical advantages in combat, the chief test pilot of the aircraft revealed recently.
• PLA Air Force's GJ-2 armed recon drone 'spotted' near Taiwan island for first time Global Times 06 Oct 2023 -- The frequent participation of drones in the Chinese People's Liberation Army's (PLA) routine exercises around the island of Taiwan highlighted the PLA's high level of unmanned capabilities and combat preparedness, experts said on Friday, after the defense authority of Taiwan recently "spotted," for the first time, yet another type of PLA drone, the GJ-2.
• AUKUS personnel collaborate on UK submarines for future security UK MOD 06 Oct 2023 -- Representatives from Australia and the US have joined Royal Navy personnel in Faslane to watch and understand how to maintain nuclear-powered submarines.
• FIRST TRAINING SQUADRON VISITS CHANGI, SINGAPORE India PIB 06 Oct 2023 -- Building bridges of friendship whilst training young minds of the Indian Navy, ships of First Training Squadron (1TS) - INS Tir, INS Sujata, Sail Training Ship INS Sudarshini and ICGS Sarathi entered Changi, Singapore on 04 Oct 23
• New £88 million sensing equipment to protect UK Armed Forces UK MOD 06 Oct 2023 -- New technology with capability to detect, identify and monitor the presence of toxic industrial chemicals and chemical warfare agents to be operational by 2028.
• A Strong Defence Budget for Demanding Times Government of Norway 06 Oct 2023 -- The Norwegian Government´s proposal for the 2024 defence budget increases national defence capability and strengthens military readiness at a time of war in Europe. It also follows up Norway's commitments to NATO and demonstrates solidarity with Ukraine.
• Lithuania's major acquisitions discussed with NSPA top management Lithuania MND 06 Oct 2023 -- On October 5-7 General Manager of the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) Stacy A. Cummings and NSPA Director for Support to Operations Orhan Muratli are conducting a visit to Lithuania.
• Largest infantry fighting vehicle maintenance facility Vilkas opened at Rukla Lithuania MND 06 Oct 2023 -- On October 5 the main IFV service facility Vilkas was officially opened at Rukla with Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė, Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas , Commander of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Logistic Support Command Col A. Dzidzevičius, and other representatnives of the Government, MoD and the Armed Forces in attendance.
• Georgia: Statement by the Spokesperson on the intention of Russia to establish a naval base on Georgia's internationally recognised territory European External Action Service (EEAS) 06 Oct 2023 -- The European Union expresses strong concern about Russia's reported plans to establish a permanent naval base of its Black Sea Fleet in Georgia's breakaway region of Abkhazia.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan US Dept. of State 06 Oct 2023
• No: 246, 6 October 2023, Press Release Regarding Operations Against PKK/YPG Terrorist Targets in Iraq and Syria Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 06 Oct 2023
• Readout of President Biden's Meeting with President Steinmeier of Germany The White House 06 Oct 2023
• Joint Statement from the President of the United States Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and the President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier on German-American Day The White House 06 Oct 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Oct. 6, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 6 October 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 06 Oct 2023
• The Azadi Briefing: Afghans Fear Another Brutal Winter As Hunger Crisis Worsens RFE/RL 06 Oct 2023
• Pakistan Pledges 'Phased, Orderly' Eviction of Unlawful Afghan Migrants VOA 06 Oct 2023 -- Pakistan said Friday that it would deport all undocumented immigrants, including 1.7 million Afghans, in a "phased and orderly" manner, as it sought to allay fears of mass arrests and deportations.
• At Least 80 Killed in Drone Attack on Syrian Army Graduation VOA 06 Oct 2023 -- Officials in Syria say at least 80 people were killed Thursday when a drone strike hit a graduation ceremony for army officers in the city of Homs.
• Death toll after drone attack on Syria military academy rises to 112 IRNA 06 Oct 2023 -- At least 112 people were killed on Thursday after a drone attack on a military academy in Syria's Homs, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).
• Iran FM condemns deadly terrorist attack on Military Academy in Syria's Homs IRNA 06 Oct 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian in a telephone conversation with his Syrian counterpart Faisal Mekdad condemned the terrorist attack that targeted a graduation ceremony for the Military Academy cadets in Homs.
• Iran condemns deadly terror attack in Syria IRNA 06 Oct 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani strongly condemned the terrorist attack during the graduation ceremony of the Syrian army officers in Homs province.
• Joint Statement by the United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, Mr Adam Abdelmoula, and the Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis, Mr Muhannad Hadi, on the renewed hostilities in northern Syria UNOCHA 06 Oct 2023
• Russian peacekeeping contingent continues missions in territory of Nagorno-Karabakh Russia MoD 06 Oct 2023 -- The Russian peacekeeping contingent continues missions in the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh.
• OSCE Chairman-in-Office calls for immediate humanitarian support to Karabakh Armenians and international involvement amid humanitarian crisis OSCE 06 Oct 2023 -- OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, expressing serious concerns, calls for increased international support and humanitarian relief for the over 100,000 Karabakh Armenians that have found refuge in the Republic of Armenia. Humanitarian needs must remain the top priority and the international donor community should continue to actively demonstrate solidarity and responsibility sharing to assist Armenia as its government responds to this unfolding humanitarian crisis.
• Death toll for anti-junta fighters surges in past two months Radio Free Asia 06 Oct 2023 -- The death toll of anti-junta fighters has spiked over the past two months, surpassing 100 in August and September together, according to Burma News International's Myanmar Peace Monitor, which compiles data on military conflict in the country.
• Body found in Myanmar's Pale township as junta continues on warpath Radio Free Asia 06 Oct 2023 -- Myanmar's junta killed a man as a convoy of troops moving through Sagaing region continued to raid villages and abduct residents, locals told Radio Free Asia Friday.
• NATO reinforcements arrive in Kosovo NATO 06 Oct 2023 -- The first contingent of two hundred British soldiers arrived in Kosovo on Friday (6 October 2023) to reinforce NATO's Kosovo Force (KFOR) peacekeeping mission. The deployment comes after the violent attack on Kosovo Police on 24 September and increased tensions in the region.
• UK reinforcements arrive in Kosovo for NATO peacekeeping mission UK MOD 06 Oct 2023 -- The first British soldiers of a two hundred-strong deployment arrived in Kosovo today to reinforce NATO's Kosovo Force (KFOR).
• Moving closer to the EU against a backdrop of new tensions - Foreign Minister Baerbock is travelling to Tirana for the Western Balkans conference Germany Federal Foreign Office 06 Oct 2023 -- On 6 October, Foreign Minister Baerbock will be attending the meeting of foreign ministers as part of the Berlin Process with the countries of the Western Balkans, which is being held in Tirana. Read on to find out about the aims of the conference and why it is even more important this year.
• CAR, Chad Conduct Separate Military Operations Amid Border Security Concerns VOA 06 Oct 2023 -- The Central African Republic (CAR) and Chad have the military presence along their shared border due to allegations both nations are attempting to disrupt the other by using rebel factions. Tensions between CAR and Chad have been strained since April, when each accused the other of being involved in violence on the border.

News Reports

• Former Soldier Indicted for Attempting to Pass National Defense Information to People's Republic of China US Dept. of Justice 06 Oct 2023 -- A former U.S. Army Sergeant whose last duty post was Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in western Washington was arrested today on an indictment charging him with two federal felonies: attempt to deliver national defense information and retention of national defense information. Joseph Daniel Schmidt, 29, will appear in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California later today and will be brought to the Western District of Washington for further court proceedings.
• Former US soldier arrested for helping Chinese spies Radio Free Asia 06 Oct 2023 -- A 29-year-old former American soldier was arrested at San Francisco International Airport on Friday and charged with passing on military secrets to Chinese spies, according to the U.S. Justice Department.
• Report: Trump Told Australian Billionaire About Nuclear Submarine Capabilities Sputnik 06 Oct 2023 -- The FBI reportedly interviewed the billionaire as part of the investigation into Donald Trump's mishandling of classified documents after leaving the White House. In August 2022, the FBI raided Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate and seized more than 300 documents with classified markings.
• Sanctions made Russia's economy stronger: Putin Press TV 06 Oct 2023 -- Russia's President Vladimir Putin has said that the resourceful Russian economy not only withstood the Western sanctions, but also became stronger in the process.
• The President of Russia and the President of Uzbekistan made statements for the media President of Russia 06 Oct 2023 -- Following Russia-Uzbekistan talks, Vladimir Putin and President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev made statements for the media.
• Russia-Uzbekistan talks President of Russia 06 Oct 2023 -- Vladimir Putin held talks at the Kremlin with President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who is in Russia on an official visit.
• Frequent US-China high-level interactions inject positivity; uncertainties remain Global Times 06 Oct 2023 -- With more frequent high-level interactions between the US and China taking place, and a bipartisan US Senate delegation planning to vist China in the coming days, some Chinese experts said on Friday that whether US-China relations will truly warm up due to the recent communications and exchanges between officials of different levels and across various fields requires continued observation. This also shows that current US-China ties are still in an uncertain status, but positive factors are increasing, they noted.
• Chinese Investors, Pinched at Home, Buy Less Property in Thailand VOA 06 Oct 2023 -- Chinese real estate investors who once snapped up high-end condos and apartments in Thailand are cutting back due to an economic downturn and real estate crisis at home.
• 'Pillar of Shame' sculptor says Hong Kong 'too dangerous' to visit Radio Free Asia 06 Oct 2023 -- The Danish sculptor whose "Pillar of Shame" statue commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen massacre was seized by Hong Kong authorities said police in the city are harassing the relatives of people who work with him overseas.
• Terry Gou says he has reached presidential bid threshold CNA 06 Oct 2023 -- Taiwanese business tycoon Terry Gou (郭台銘) said Friday night that he has collected enough of the required signatures he needs to run in the January 2024 presidential election as an independent.
• DPP's Lai eyes security cooperation with Japan amid Chinese threats CNA 06 Oct 2023 -- Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te (賴清德) has called for more "security cooperation" with Japan to better ensure the stability of the region as it faces an increasingly assertive China.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Oct. 6, 2023 ROC MND 06 Oct 2023
• Enlarged Plenary Meeting of Cabinet Held KCNA 06 Oct 2023 -- An enlarged plenary meeting of the DPRK Cabinet took place through video-conferencing on Thursday.
• North Korea condemns France's 'gunboat diplomacy' Press TV 06 Oct 2023 -- North Korea has strongly criticized France for its plans to deploy its military forces to the waters of the Korean Peninsula, terming the decision as outdated "gunboat diplomacy".
• Iran: Awarding Nobel Peace Prize to a criminal 'spiteful, politically motivated' Press TV 06 Oct 2023 -- Iran has condemned a "spiteful and politically motivated" move to award the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize to an Iranian woman who has been convicted of committing criminal acts.
• Jailed Iranian Activist Mohammadi Says Nobel Prize Only Strengthens Her Resolve RFE/RL 06 Oct 2023 -- Imprisoned Iranian women's rights activist Narges Mohammadi, who was awarded the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize on October 6, said the honor only strengthens her resolve to fight oppression even if it means spending the rest of her life behind bars.
• Nobel Prize for Narges Mohammadi highlights 'courage and determination' of Iranian women UN News 06 Oct 2023 -- The Nobel Committee's decision to award the Nobel Peace Prize to imprisoned Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi underscores the "courage and determination" of the women of Iran, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, said on Friday.
• Nobel Peace Prize Awarded to Iran's Jailed Rights Activist Narges Mohammadi VOA 06 Oct 2023 -- This year's Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Narges Mohammadi, an Iranian women's and human rights activist who is imprisoned in the Islamic republic.
• Top Iranian, Saudi diplomats stress need to boost mutual cooperation in several fields Press TV 06 Oct 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and his Saudi counterpart have underlined the need to accelerate the development of bilateral cooperation in various fields, including economy and tourism.
• JCPoA: Statement by the High Representative as Coordinator of the Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action European External Action Service (EEAS) 06 Oct 2023 -- On 14 September, I received a letter from the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and the United Kingdom informing me about an issue concerning the implementation of Iran's commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA).
• Myanmar Supreme Court rejects Suu Kyi appeals of six graft cases Radio Free Asia 06 Oct 2023 -- The Myanmar junta's high court on Friday rejected appeals of all six corruption convictions handed to former State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.
• Belarus, Iran Discuss Bilateral Cooperation Within BRICS, SCO Sputnik 06 Oct 2023 -- Belarusian Foreign Minister Sergei Aleinik discussed on Thursday with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri the countries' mutual support within international organizations, including BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Belarusian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
• US wary of potential 'to reduce contact' with India over Delhi-Ottawa row: Report Press TV 06 Oct 2023 -- The US ambassador to India has reportedly told his team that Washington may "need to reduce contact" with New Delhi's officials, US media reported.
• PM call with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada: 6 October 2023 Gov.UK 06 Oct 2023
• The Granada declaration EC/CEU 06 Oct 2023
• European Council: Press remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell before the informal meeting in Granada European External Action Service (EEAS) 06 Oct 2023 -- Check against delivery!
• EU delivers further emergency assistance in Armenia as Commissioner Lenarčič visits the country European Commission 06 Oct 2023 -- Today, Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič is in Armenia to coordinate the EU's assistance to the country in light of the mass exodus of people from Nagorno-Karabakh.
• Venezuela issues arrest warrant for ex-opposition leader Guaido Press TV 06 Oct 2023 -- Venezuelan judicial officials have issued an arrest warrant against the former opposition leader Juan Guaido, charging the politician with multiple illegal activities.
• What's Next For Kyrgyzstan After The Killing Of A U.S.-Sanctioned Crime Boss? RFE/RL 06 Oct 2023 -- Kamchybek Kolbaev was more than Kyrgyzstan's most powerful crime boss.
• Moldovan President Accuses Wagner Mercenary Group Of Plotting Coup In Chisinau Earlier This Year RFE/RL 06 Oct 2023 -- Moldovan President Maia Sandu said in an interview published on October 6 that the Wagner mercenary group founded by the now-deceased Yevgeny Prigozhin had planned a coup in Moldova.
• Bulgarian Parliament Debates Limiting Role Of President, Other Judicial Reforms RFE/RL 06 Oct 2023 -- The Bulgarian Parliament has started a debate on constitutional amendments aiming to cut the power of the prosecutor-general and limit the role of the president in forming caretaker governments.
• Weather-related disasters led to 43.1 million displacements of children over six years - UNICEF UNICEF 06 Oct 2023 -- Weather-related disasters caused 43.1 million internal displacements of children in 44 countries over a six-year period - or approximately 20,000 child displacements a day - according to a new UNICEF analysis released today.
• Weather-related disasters displace 43.1 million children in six years, UNICEF reports UN News 06 Oct 2023 -- Weather-related disasters forcibly displaced a staggering 43.1 million children across 44 countries over the past six years, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) said on Friday.
• UN: Millions of children in Asia displaced by weather-related events Radio Free Asia 06 Oct 2023 -- More than 43 million children were internally displaced over six years due to climate change-exacerbated, weather-related disasters, with China, India and the Philippines leading the chart in absolute numbers, a U.N. agency said in a new report.
• Critics cry hypocrisy as Hun Manet urges students to volunteer Radio Free Asia 06 Oct 2023 -- Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet on Thursday urged students and young adults to volunteer to serve their communities, but critics say it's hypocritical for him to ask at a time when his government regularly cracks down on social and environmental activism.
• World News in Brief: West Bank violence, UN humanitarian visits Hroza, Advisory Group on local governments UN News 06 Oct 2023 -- The UN Middle East envoy has condemned the new wave of attacks across the Israeli-occupied West Bank. One Palestinian was shot dead during clashes on Friday between Palestinians and Israeli settlers and Israeli security forces.
• Gabon's Coup Leader Asks for Sanctions Relief VOA 06 Oct 2023 -- Gabon's coup leader, seeking an end to international sanctions, says he visited the Central African Republic on Thursday to explain to its president why he seized power from Gabon's president on August 30.
• Kenya Reshuffles Cabinet Ahead of Haiti Peacekeeping VOA 06 Oct 2023 -- Kenya's president, William Ruto, has made his first cabinet reshuffle, a change affecting eight ministries, including foreign affairs.
• China-India Competition Forces New Maldives Leader into Balancing Act VOA 06 Oct 2023 -- Maldives President-elect Mohamed Muizzu's election victory has put South Asian countries' attempted balancing act between China and India into the global spotlight.