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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• U.S. shoots down Turkish drone approaching U.S. troops in Syria People's Daily 07 Oct 2023 -- The U.S. Department of Defense said Thursday that the U.S. military shot down an armed Turkish drone as it came in proximity to U.S. forces in Syria earlier in the day.

Defense Policy / Programs

• WSJ: US plans major cut in special forces amid pivot away from West Asia Press TV 07 Oct 2023 -- The United States military has made plans to cut the number of its special forces units and instead expand its conventional army as it shifts its focus from the Middle East to China, the Wall Street Journal reports.
• US, Colombia soar together: Ángel de los Andes, Relámpago VII bolster interoperability US Air Force 07 Oct 2023 -- The U.S. military recently teamed up with the Colombian Aerospace Force to showcase bilateral cooperation and a commitment to enhancing military readiness in the Ángel de los Andes and Relámpago VIII exercises, hosted recently in Colombia. Teams from the U.S. Air Force, Army, Space Force, Navy, Coast Guard and Marines trained alongside their Colombian counterparts to reinforce the thriving partnership between the two nations.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant DoD 07 Oct 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Calls with Israeli President Herzog and Foreign Minister Cohen US Dept. of State 07 Oct 2023
• Military escalation through joint drills with US 'to backfire on Philippines' Global Times 07 Oct 2023 -- The ongoing multilateral military exercises featuring the US and Philippine navies in the South China Sea and the Philippines' continued provocations against China could lead to a military escalation to the tensions that will backfire on the Philippines, experts said on Saturday.
• NATO Deputy Secretary General addresses 2BS (To Be Secure) Forum in Montenegro NATO 07 Oct 2023 -- NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană gave remarks at the (2BS) Be Secure Forum in Budva, Montenegro on Saturday 7 October 2023. The event was hosted by the Atlantic Council of Montenegro.
• No More Coaxing Convicts. Russia's Defense Ministry Wants To Change The Law To Permit Drafting Prisoners. RFE/RL 07 Oct 2023 -- By the time Russian Defense Ministry recruiters arrived at penitentiary IK-29 in the far northern region of Arkhangelsk in April, Artyom Bunyatov had already turned down two previous pitches by mercenary group representatives urging him to serve on the front lines in Ukraine in exchange for his freedom.
• Russian MoD Announced Equipping 1st Missile Regiment With Sarmat Sputnik 07 Oct 2023 -- The first missiles of the Sarmat strategic missile system will be put on combat duty in the very near future after their production at the JSC Krasnoyarsk Machine-Building Plant (Krasmash) is completed, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Saturday.
• Russia Monitoring Situation With NATO's Military Activity - Moscow Sputnik 07 Oct 2023 -- Russia is monitoring the situation with NATO's military activity in Europe to plan a response, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told Sputnik.
• Russia won't resume nuclear tests despite possible retreat from CTBT: Kremlin People's Daily 07 Oct 2023 -- Russia's potential withdrawal from the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) will not imply that the country will restore nuclear tests, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday.
• Russian fighter intercepts U.S. patrol plane over Norwegian Sea People's Daily 07 Oct 2023 -- A Russian MIG-31 was scrambled to intercept a U.S. patrol aircraft over the Norwegian Sea, Russia's defense ministry said in a statement on Friday.
• Chair Cardin Proposes Legislation to Help Israel Defend Itself Senate Foreign Relations Committee 07 Oct 2023 -- "And so, I intend to move forward legislation at the first opportunity that will focus on providing Israel what it needs to defend itself. That includes replenishment of missile defense for Iron Dome that ensures such interceptors are always available."
• Taiwan Coast Guard vessel sets sail for 60-day Pacific patrol CNA 07 Oct 2023 -- The Coast Guard Administration's Hsun Hu No. 7 fisheries patrol vessel set sail from Kaohsiung on Saturday for the start of a 60-day patrol of the western and central Pacific, according to officials.
• Maiden 360 Degree appraisal system in the Indian Navy India PIB 07 Oct 2023 -- The women and men in whites are central to the Indian Navy's 'SHIPS FIRST' approach and will continue to remain its greatest asset in the foreseeable future
• Iran to unveil new advanced home-made air defense system: Defense minister Press TV 07 Oct 2023 -- Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani says Iran plans to showcase a new advanced air defense system in the near future.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan US Dept. of State 07 Oct 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan US Dept. of State 07 Oct 2023

Defense Industry

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• Statement by PM Netanyahu Israel - Prime Minister 07 Oct 2023
• PM Netanyahu's Remarks at the Start of the Security Cabinet Meeting Israel - Prime Minister 07 Oct 2023
• US President Joe Biden Calls PM Netanyahu Israel - Prime Minister 07 Oct 2023
• PM Netanyahu Speaks with French President Emmanuel Macron and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte Israel - Prime Minister 07 Oct 2023
• Background Press Call by a Senior Administration Official Regarding Hamas Terrorist Attacks in Israel The White House 07 Oct 2023
• Biden Condemns Deadly Israel Terror Attacks, Affirms 'Rock Solid' Support VOA 07 Oct 2023 -- President Joe Biden on Saturday condemned the surprise Hamas-led attacks that killed hundreds of Israelis, saying the events were "unconscionable" and "heartbreaking," with "no justification" — and reiterating Washington's "rock solid" support for Israel.
• US Promises Israel 'Ironclad Support' Following Hamas Attack VOA 07 Oct 2023 -- The U.S. condemnation of the Hamas terror attack on Israel is being backed by pledges to make sure the Israeli military has what it needs to repel the assault and defend its people.
• What We Know: Israel-Hamas Conflict VOA 07 Oct 2023 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel is "at war" after Hamas militants from Gaza fired thousands of rockets and sent dozens of fighters into Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip in a surprise Saturday morning attack, during a major Jewish holiday.
• Hamas Attacks Israel, Killing Hundreds; Dozens Kidnapped VOA 07 Oct 2023 -- Gun battles raged into the night, hours after the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a surprise large-scale attack against Israel Saturday. Hamas had fired thousands of rockets from Gaza and sent fighters to kill and abduct soldiers and civilians.
• Israel cuts electricity supply to Gaza Strip Press TV 07 Oct 2023 -- The Israeli regime has cut electricity to the Gaza Strip as it intensifies its attacks against the besieged Palestinian territory.
• CENTCOM Statement on Hamas Terrorist Attack on Israel CENTCOM 07 Oct 2023
• Statement From Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the Attacks Against Israel DoD 07 Oct 2023
• Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the attacks against Israel EC/CEU 07 Oct 2023
• Comment by Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna on attacks against Israel Estonia MFA 07 Oct 2023
• UNRWA Situation Report # 1 on the situation in the Gaza Strip, 7 October 2023 UNRWA 07 Oct 2023
• Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström Government Offices of Sweden 07 Oct 2023
• "Al-Aqsa Storm" opens new chapter in field of resistance against occupiers: Kanaani ISNA 07 Oct 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Nasser Kanaani congratulated the Palestinian nation and all resistance groups and movements on the successful operation of "Al-Aqsa Storm" on Saturday, stressing that today's operation opened a new page in the field of resistance and armed operations against the occupiers.
• Pakistan's concerns at the unfolding situation in the Middle East Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07 Oct 2023 -- We are closely monitoring the unfolding situation in the Middle East and the eruption of hostilities between Israel and Palestinians. We are concerned about the human cost of the escalating situation.
• Iranians hold nationwide ceremonies, hail Palestinians' large-scale operation against Israel Press TV 07 Oct 2023 -- Iranian people have held ceremonies across the country, hailing the resounding victory of Palestinian resistance groups in their ongoing large-scale operation against the Israeli regime.
• Iran FM: Anti-Israeli operation result of Zionist regime's incessant crimes against Palestinians Press TV 07 Oct 2023 -- Iran's foreign minister says the ongoing operation launched by Palestinian resistance groups against Israel is an outcome of the Zionist regime's incessant crimes against the people of Palestine.
• Hamas boasts of large number of Israelis taken captive during blitz Press TV 07 Oct 2023 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says it has captured enough number of Israeli soldiers to swap them for all Palestinians who are illegally kept in Israeli prisons.
• Palestinian resistance on verge of 'great victory': Hamas chief Press TV 07 Oct 2023 -- Head of the political bureau of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says the resistance group is on the "verge of a great victory," following its surprise offensive against Israeli-occupied territories.
• Leader's advisor: Palestine's successful operation accelerates collapse of Israel Press TV 07 Oct 2023 -- A senior advisor to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says the "successful" large-scale operation of Palestinians against Israel will definitely accelerate and facilitate the regime's collapse and its imminent elimination.
• Over 230 Palestinian killed in new Israeli aggression against Gaza Press TV 07 Oct 2023 -- Palestinian medical authorities say more than 230 people have been killed and many more injured as a result of Israeli bombardment across the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Qatar holds Israel responsible for escalation in occupied territories, others urge restraint Press TV 07 Oct 2023 -- Qatar holds the Israeli regime solely responsible for the ongoing escalation of violence with the Palestinians, as a number of other regional countries urge both sides to exercise restraint.
• Iran: Palestinian operation against Israel 'turning point' in anti-Zionist resistance Press TV 07 Oct 2023 -- Iran hails the largest Palestinian military operation against Israel in years as "a turning point and a new chapter" in the continuing resistance against the Zionists.
• 'Operation al-Aqsa Storm': 300 Israelis killed, 1,452 injured in surprise Palestinian attack Press TV 07 Oct 2023 -- Palestinians have launched their biggest operation against Israel in years in a surprise offensive that combined fighters crossing the fence into Israeli occupied cities with a heavy barrage of rockets from the Gaza Strip.
• Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on the sharp escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07 Oct 2023
• Russia Urges Israel, Palestine to Cease Fire, Return to Negotiations - Foreign Ministry Sputnik 07 Oct 2023 -- Russia calls on Israel and Palestine to cease fire and return to the negotiating table and considers the current escalation a very dangerous relapse of the long-running conflict, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov told Sputnik on Saturday.
• Hamas' Sneak Attack on Israel Deemed 'Major Failure' for Israeli Intelligence Sputnik 07 Oct 2023 -- Early on October 7, Palestinian militants based in the Gaza Strip launched a surprise offensive against Israel dubbed Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, launching thousands of missiles while other groups advanced into Israeli territory.
• Israel Under Attack US Dept. of State 07 Oct 2023 -- "The United States unequivocally condemns the appalling attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israel, including civilians and civilian communities."
• Remarks by President Biden on the Terrorist Attacks In Israel The White House 07 Oct 2023
• Statement from President Joe Biden Condemning Terrorist Attacks in Israel The White House 07 Oct 2023
• Statement from NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson Condemning Terrorist Attacks Against Israel The White House 07 Oct 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Palestinian Authority President Abbas US Dept. of State 07 Oct 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Shoukry US Dept. of State 07 Oct 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Call with European Counterparts US Dept. of State 07 Oct 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani US Dept. of State 07 Oct 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Jordanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Safadi US Dept. of State 07 Oct 2023
• No: 247, 7 October 2023, Press Release Regarding the Latest Developments in the Context of Israel-Palestine Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07 Oct 2023
• Statement by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the terrorist attack on Israel President of Ukraine 07 Oct 2023
• Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell on violence in Israel and the State of Palestine UNICEF 07 Oct 2023
• UN officials strongly condemn deadly attacks in Israel UN News 07 Oct 2023 -- Top UN officials were "in close contact with all concerned to urge maximum restraint" following "horrific scenes of violence" that left dozens dead and hundreds wounded in Israeli cities near the Gaza Strip amid rocket attacks by armed Palestinian militants early Saturday morning, with the UN Security Council announcing it would hold a Sunday afternoon private meeting to discuss the matter.
• UN agencies call on Pakistan to protect Afghan refugees UN News 07 Oct 2023 -- Following Pakistan's announcement to repatriate Afghan nationals, the UN's refugee and migration agencies together appealed to Islamabad on Saturday to continue protecting those who sought safety in the country and could be "at imminent risk if forced to return".
• UN Urges Halt to Pakistan's Forcible Returns of Afghan Migrants VOA 07 Oct 2023 -- The United Nations agencies for migration and refugee protection Saturday jointly appealed to Pakistan to suspend plans to deport undocumented Afghan immigrants, warning they could be at imminent risk back in Afghanistan.
• UN: Earthquake Kills at Least 100 in Afghanistan VOA 07 Oct 2023 -- The United Nations said Saturday that a strong earthquake struck western Afghanistan, killing at least 100 people and injuring 500 others.
• UN warns Pakistan not to forcibly deport Afghan refugees Press TV 07 Oct 2023 -- The agencies added that the planned move could lead to severe human rights violations including the separation of families and deportation of minors.
• Hundreds Feared Dead In Powerful Earthquakes In Afghanistan's Herat Region RFE/RL 07 Oct 2023 -- The death toll from a series of strong earthquakes in Afghanistan's Herat region has soared to at least 320 people, with hundreds more injured, the United Nations said on October 7, as rescue crews continued to search for survivors through the ruins of the area, including in several remote towns and villages.
• Earthquake kills at least 100 in Herat, Afghanistan UN News 07 Oct 2023 -- A major earthquake struck Herat, Afghanistan early Saturday killing at least 100 people and triggering a spate of rescue and assessment missions by UN agencies, partners, and the de facto authorities.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Remarks on the Suicide Drone Attack on a Military Academy in Homs, Syria PRC MofA 07 Oct 2023
• IRGC chief: Perpetrators of drone attack on Syria military college to pay 'heavy price' Press TV 07 Oct 2023 -- The chief commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says those who committed a "criminal" drone attack on a military academy in Syria's western city of Homs will pay a heavy price.
• Drone attack on Syrian military academy kills over 80 People's Daily 07 Oct 2023 -- A drone attack on the Military Academy in Syria's central province of Homs on Thursday has claimed the lives of 80 people and left 240 others injured, said the Syrian Health Ministry.
• Turkish military kills 26 YPG members People's Daily 07 Oct 2023 -- Turkish security forces responded to an "attack" by the Syrian Kurdish People's Defense Units (YPG) in northern Syria and killed 26 Kurdish militants, Türkiye's Defense Ministry said on Friday.
• Turkish airstrikes target Kurdish militia in Syria after Ankara suicide bomb attack People's Daily 07 Oct 2023 -- Turkish drones and fighter jets carried out a series of airstrikes targeting Kurdish militia positions in northern and eastern Syria on Thursday, hitting 24 targets and causing 15 casualties among the Kurdish fighters, a war monitor reported.
• Armenia: UN launches urgent appeal to help refugees fleeing Karabakh UN News 07 Oct 2023 -- The UN and its partners launched on Saturday an emergency response plan to help 136,000 refugees, appealing for $97 million to respond to urgent needs of those who fled the Karabakh region and their hosts in Armenia.
• Sudan Citizens Live on Knife's Edge Amid Ongoing Conflict VOA 07 Oct 2023 -- While on a quest to solicit support for millions of Sudanese whose lives have been upended by war, a senior U.N. official Thursday warned that the people of Sudan are living on a knife's edge and are at risk of falling off the cliff if the world does not step up to help them.

News Reports

• Mexican president calls building of new wall on U.S. border "step backward" People's Daily 07 Oct 2023 -- Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador Thursday called the U.S. authorization to build a new border wall and other barriers in south Texas a "setback" in U.S. immigration policy.
• Meeting with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev President of Russia 07 Oct 2023 -- Vladimir Putin had a meeting with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Novo-Ogaryovo.
• Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova over ongoing repression of Russian media and journalists Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07 Oct 2023
• US expels two Russian diplomats; Moscow calls it 'banal revenge' Press TV 07 Oct 2023 -- The US has expelled two Russian diplomats in what the Russian ambassador to the United States called "banal revenge".
• Launch of Russian gas supplies to Uzbekistan via Kazakhstan President of Russia 07 Oct 2023 -- President of Russia Vladimir Putin, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part, via videoconference, in the launch of Russian gas supplies to Uzbekistan via Kazakhstan.
• Ex-deputy sports minister Du expelled from posts for disciplinary, law violations Global Times 07 Oct 2023 -- Former deputy minister of the General Administration of Sport of China Du Zhaocai has been expelled from the membership of the Communist Party of China and public office for serious disciplinary and violations of the law, including taking bribes and confronting organizational investigations, China's top disciplinary watchdog announced on Saturday.
• US blacklists 42 Chinese firms for selling microchips to Russia Radio Free Asia 06 Oct 2023 -- The United States has blacklisted 42 Chinese companies among a total of 49 worldwide for on-selling U.S.-made microchips to Russia in violation of sanctions, according to a document released Friday.
• US bans trade with 42 Chinese firms, Beijing decries 'bullying' Press TV 07 Oct 2023 -- The United States has banned trade with 42 more Chinese companies over military support for Russia. Beijing decries the move as "a typical act of economic coercion and unilateral bullying."
• Schumer's China visit continues momentum of high-level contacts Global Times 07 Oct 2023 -- A bipartisan delegation of senators led by US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer arrived in Shanghai on Saturday. While expressing hope that the visit would be an opportunity for US politicians to gain more understanding of China, some analysts said that Schumer's visit is more about aligning with the Biden administration's recent "tactical" adjustments to enhance engagement with China. They called on the US to take more actions to improve the complicated bilateral relations rather than add obstacles.
• Saint Vincent governor-general to visit Taiwan for National Day celebrations CNA 07 Oct 2023 -- Governor-General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Susan D. Dougan will arrive in Taiwan on Saturday evening to attend the country's National Day celebrations, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Oct. 7, 2023 ROC MND 07 Oct 2023
• $1.7 billion of Iran's frozen assets released in Luxembourg ISNA 07 Oct 2023 -- $1.7 billion of Iran's frozen assets were released in Luxembourg following a ruling issued by the European country's Supreme Court.
• IRGC forces bust seven-strong terror team in Alborz province Press TV 07 Oct 2023 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) forces have managed to smash a team of terrorists in the country's north-central province of Alborz close to the capital Tehran.
• Iranian Activist Mohammadi Celebrates Her Nobel Peace Prize In Prison Cell, Family Says RFE/RL 07 Oct 2023 -- Imprisoned Iranian women's rights activist Narges Mohammadi celebrated winning this year's Nobel Peace Prize in her Iranian prison cell with fellow detainees, her family said on October 7.
• US rejects Iraqi request to access oil dollars depleted by sanctions Press TV 07 Oct 2023 -- The administration of US President Joe Biden has refused to provide Iraq with the proceeds of its oil sales at a time that the Arab country is struggling with a crippled economy due to Washington's illegal sanctions, Iraqi officials say.
• Erdogan Re-Elected Leader of Turkish Ruling Justice and Development Party Sputnik 07 Oct 2023 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been unanimously re-elected a leader of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), Turkish press reported on Saturday.
• World News in Brief: Middle East crisis, Afghan quake, Karabakh refugee appeal UN News 07 Oct 2023 -- Top UN officials and agencies alongside many world leaders appealed for a rapid de-escalation of the deadly conflict that erupted early Saturday in Israeli border towns near the Gaza Strip.
• Polish Elections: Why They Matter VOA 07 Oct 2023 -- Polish voters face a stark choice in parliamentary elections set for October 15, which are likely to have a significant impact not only on a deeply polarized Polish society but also on the future of Europe as a whole.