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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group arrives in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea CENTCOM 10 Oct 2023 -- The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group arrives in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea in order to deter any actor seeking to escalate the situation or widen this war. The forces in the area include the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), with its 8 squadrons of attack and support aircraft, and the Ticonderoga class guided missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), as well as the Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyers USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS Carney (DDG 64), and USS Roosevelt (DDG 80).
• US May Deploy 2nd Aircraft Carrier Near Israel - Pentagon Sputnik 10 Oct 2023 -- The United States is considering deploying a second aircraft carrier strike group near Israel amid escalating tensions with the Palestinian Hamas movement, a Defense Department spokesperson told Sputnik on Tuesday.
• Washington's Goals to Transfer US Aircraft Carrier to East Mediterranean Unclear - Erdogan Sputnik 10 Oct 2023 -- The transfer of a US aircraft carrier to the eastern Mediterranean raises questions about the goals of this decision of Washington, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Emerging Threats are Shaping Future of Homeland Defense DoD News 10 Oct 2023 -- Climate change, cyber vulnerabilities and malign state and non-state actors abroad are posing threats that challenge U.S. homeland defense, Air Force Gen. Glen D. VanHerck, commander, U.S. Northern Command said today.
• Task Force Marne Paladin crews provide artillery support during Exercise Iron Wolf Army News 10 Oct 2023 -- U.S. Army M109A7 Paladin howitzer crews with 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment (1-9 FAR), 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, trained alongside NATO allies during Exercise Iron Wolf at Pabrade Training Area, Lithuania, Oct. 9.
• 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (SOC) Kicks Off Kuwait Bilateral Exercise 3.0 USMC News 10 Oct 2023 -- The Marines and Sailors of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (SOC) will participate in a Marine Air-Ground Task Force training exercise as part of the Kuwait Bi-Lateral Exercise 3.0, enhancing operational readiness and partnerships while deployed to the Middle East region, Oct. 8-22, 2023.
• Navy Recruiting Command Announces Fiscal Year 2023 Recruiting Results, 2024 Goals US Navy 10 Oct 2023 -- The U.S. Navy's fiscal year (FY) 2023 recruitment goals were 37,700 for active-duty enlisted Sailors and 8,390 for reserve enlisted Sailors. As of Sept. 30, 2023, the Navy recruited 30,236 active-duty Sailors and 6,342 reserve Sailors. The U.S Navy's FY23 recruitment goals were 2,532 for active-duty officers and 1,940 for reserve officers. As of Sept. 30, 2023, the Navy recruited 2,080 active-duty officers and 1,167 reserve officers.
• USS Jack H Lucas Commissions in the Sun State at Port Tampa Bay US Navy 10 Oct 2023 -- Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Jack H Lucas (DDG 125) commissioned at Tampa, Florida, Oct. 7.
• Pacific Partnership 2023 Returns to Papua New Guinea US Navy 10 Oct 2023 -- Pacific Partnership has arrived in Papua New Guinea to conduct the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific, Oct. 9.
• Formidable Force of NMCB 22 Seabees Deploys 5th Time In Support of Nebraska Army National Guard US Navy 10 Oct 2023 -- In a display of unwavering commitment and support, a formidable force of over 175 US Navy Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion TWO TWO (NMCB 22) has deployed for the fifth time in as many years to provide essential construction support to the Nebraska Army National Guard (NGNE). The primary objective of their mission is to enhance force operational readiness and training effectiveness by completing crucial infrastructure improvements within a tight 14-day timeline.
• U.S. 7th Fleet Hosts Japan, Republic of Korea Counterparts for Second Trilateral Discussion US Navy 10 Oct 2023 -- Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet hosted the second trilateral meeting in 2023 with Fleet commanders from the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) and Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy on board USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), Oct. 8.
• Deputy Secretary General welcomes strengthened NATO-EU cooperation in changing world NATO 10 Oct 2023 -- NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană participated in the European Defence and Security Conference in Brussels on Tuesday (10 October 2023).
• Deputy Secretary General thanks parliamentarians for their support to Ukraine at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Copenhagen NATO 10 Oct 2023 -- Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană addressed the 69th annual session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Copenhagen, Denmark on Monday (9 October 2023).
• Six Countries Participating in Samasama Joint Navy Drills With Philippines - Reports Sputnik 10 Oct 2023 -- The navies of Australia, Canada, France, Japan and the United Kingdom are taking part in Day 2 of the US-Philippine joint sea exercise Samasama 2023, while Indonesia and New Zealand are attending as observers, The Manila Times reported on Tuesday.
• Russia: We'll be forced to mirror US if it conducts nuclear test Press TV 10 Oct 2023 -- Russia will be forced to resume its nuclear testing program if the United States conducts an atomic test, says Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, amid signs of nuclear activities at a site in Nevada.
• Russian FM lashes out at NATO's expansionism People's Daily 10 Oct 2023 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has criticized expansionism of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and its attempt to extend footprints to the entire Eastern Hemisphere.
• Russian Defence Minister General of Army Sergei Shoigu inspects implementation of state defence order at JSC Concern VKO 'Almaz-Antey' in Ulyanovsk Russia MoD 10 Oct 2023 -- The Russian Defence Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu inspected implementation of state defence order at JSC Concern VKO 'Almaz-Antey' in Ulyanovsk.
• Deputy Defence Minister Aleksandr Fomin holds talks with Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Lebanese Republic to Russian Federation Russia MoD 10 Oct 2023 -- Today in Moscow, Deputy Defence Minister Colonel General Aleksandr Fomin held talks with Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Lebanese Republic to the Russian Federation Shawki Bou Nassar.
• Ukraine to spend at least 21.6 pct of GDP on defense in 2024 People's Daily 10 Oct 2023 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a decree to spend at least 21.6 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024 on national defense, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported Tuesday.
• US to Announce $200 Million in Ukraine Military Aid VOA 10 Oct 2023 -- The United States is providing up to $200 million in additional military aid for Ukraine in a package expected as soon as Wednesday, according to U.S. officials, as the Pentagon continues to dip into its aid arsenal despite Congress excluding new aid for Ukraine in a stopgap spending bill passed last month to prevent a government shutdown.
• China, Saudi Arabia launch joint naval special operations exercise Global Times 10 Oct 2023 -- China and Saudi Arabia on Monday kicked off a joint naval special operations exercise in South China, with experts saying on Tuesday that the two countries have made such joint drills routine in a move to boost military cooperation as well as safeguard peace and stability.
• Raksha Mantri meets top Italian defence industry leaders in Rome India PIB 10 Oct 2023 -- On the second day of his visit to Italy, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh met the CEOs and other top industry leaders of Italian defence companies in Rome on October 10, 2023
• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh holds talks with Italian Defence Minister Mr Guido Crosetto in Rome; Discusses opportunities in defence industrial cooperation India PIB 10 Oct 2023 -- Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held talks with Italian Defence Minister Mr Guido Crosetto in Rome on October 09, 2023, on the first leg of his visit to Italy and France
• U.S. Flowing Military Supplies to Israel, as Country Battles Hamas Terrorists DoD News 10 Oct 2023 -- The United States is flowing military supplies to Israel as the country battles against Hamas terrorists, President Joe Biden said today.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant DoD 10 Oct 2023
• Biden Says US 'Will Make Sure' Israel Has Everything it Needs to Respond to Hamas Attacks Sputnik 10 Oct 2023 -- The United States will ensure that Israel has everything it needs in its response to the attacks by Hamas, US President Joe Biden said on Tuesday.
• First U.S. plane carrying ammunition arrives in Israel People's Daily 11 Oct 2023 -- The first American aircraft carrying ammunition arrived in Israel on Tuesday night to help the country in its ongoing conflict with Gaza's ruling faction, Hamas, and militants in Lebanon, Israel's military said.
• Iran to hold naval drills in Indian Ocean: Commander IRNA 10 Oct 2023 -- Commander of the Iranian Navy Rear Admiral Shahram Irani says the force plans to hold hybrid drills in the Indian Ocean to prepare for emergencies like tropical storms.
• Iran to put Martyr Soleimani satellite constellation into orbit in 2 years: Official Press TV 10 Oct 2023 -- Iran's first satellite system project named after top anti-terror commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani will be put into orbit within the next two years, according to the head of the Iranian Space Agency (ISA).
• Iran to Launch Soleimani, First Homegrown Satellite System in Next 2 Years - Space Agency Sputnik 10 Oct 2023 -- The Iranian Space Agency (ISA) is planning to launch into orbit its first satellite system, which is named after the deceased commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Lt. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, within the next two years, the agency's head, Hassan Salarieh, said on Tuesday.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with French Foreign Minister Colonna US Dept. of State 10 Oct 2023
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan The White House 10 Oct 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Oct. 10, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 10 October 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 10 Oct 2023

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Daily Recap: October 10th, 2023: 17:00 Israel Defense Forces 10 Oct 2023
• IDF Spokesperson Operational Statement: October 10th 20:00 Israel Defense Forces 10 Oct 2023
• IDF Announcement: IDF strikes Head of Hamas Internal Relations Office Israel Defense Forces 10 Oct 2023
• PM Netanyahu Speaks with Shaar Hanegev Regional Council Acting Chairman Yossi Keren Israel - Prime Minister 10 Oct 2023
• Statement by PM's Office Director General Yossi Shelley Israel - Prime Minister 10 Oct 2023
• PM Netanyahu Holds Situation Assessment via Teleconference Israel - Prime Minister 10 Oct 2023


• Israel Claims Control of Border with Gaza, Promises New Offensive VOA 10 Oct 2023 -- Israel said Tuesday it has regained control of its border with Gaza and could be poised to launch a punishing ground assault into the Hamas-controlled, densely populated strip of land along the Mediterranean Sea, even as Israeli and militant forces bombarded each other with hours of missile attacks.
• About 1,500 Hamas militants bodies found in Israel: official People's Daily 10 Oct 2023 -- Israel's army said Tuesday that it holds about 1,500 bodies of Hamas militants found in Israel on the fourth day of unprecedented battles with Hamas.
• Hamas deploys new air defense system against Israeli raids People's Daily 10 Oct 2023 -- A new air defense system stationed in Gaza has been activated against ongoing Israeli offensives, Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Gaza-ruling Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), said Monday.
• Gaza health ministry: 900 Palestinians killed in Israeli bombardment in 72 hours Press TV 10 Oct 2023 -- At least 900 Palestinians, including 230 women, 260 children and elderly, have been killed and over 4,600 injured in more than three days of Israeli bombardment of the besieged Gaza Strip.
• 493 Palestinians killed, 2,751 wounded in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza Strip People's Daily 10 Oct 2023 -- At least 493 Palestinians have been killed and 2,751 others wounded in Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, the Hamas-run health ministry said on Monday.
• Israel besieges Gaza amid intensified conflict with Hamas, attacks on border with Lebanon People's Daily 10 Oct 2023 -- Israel intensified its air strikes in Gaza on Monday and imposed a "complete siege" on the Palestinian enclave on the third day of conflict following the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement's (Hamas) Saturday surprise attack on Israel.
• Hamas: No negotiations on Israeli captives under fire, regime must pay high price Press TV 10 Oct 2023 -- The Palestinian Hamas resistance movement says an ongoing operation against Israel will continue, while rejecting any negotiations on Israeli captives as long as the regime's attacks on the besieged Gaza Strip continue.
• Hezbollah strikes Israel's military posts after 3 fighters killed in regime shelling Press TV 10 Oct 2023 -- The Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement says it has struck two Israeli military posts in the northern part of the occupied territories in response to the regime's earlier aggression in South Lebanon, which left three of its fighters dead.


• UNRWA Situation Report # 3 on the situation in the Gaza Strip, 9 October 2023 UNRWA 10 Oct 2023
• World Food Program Urges Humanitarian Corridors for Gaza Strip VOA 10 Oct 2023 -- The World Food Program called Tuesday for the establishment of humanitarian corridors for the Gaza Strip and appealed for the safe passage of its staff and essential assistance.
• UN Agencies Call for Lift of Siege on Gaza VOA 10 Oct 2023 -- U.N. agencies are calling on Israel to lift its siege of Gaza, warning that the denial of lifesaving assistance is prohibited under international humanitarian law.
• Explainer: UN on the ground amid Israel-Palestine crisis UN News 10 Oct 2023 -- The United Nations has been working in the Middle East region around the clock to de-escalate the Israeli-Palestinian crisis by engaging key actors and providing emergency assistance to civilians on the ground.
• UNRWA's 'unsung heroes' still delivering in Gaza UN News 10 Oct 2023 -- Amid airstrikes and a complete siege of the Gaza Strip, staff from the UN agency that supports Palestine refugees, UNRWA, continue their lifesaving work, even in the face of immense personal losses.
• Israel-Palestine crisis has region 'at a tipping point': UN relief chief UN News 10 Oct 2023 -- The top UN humanitarian official on Tuesday called for an end to the escalating violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel, warning that "the whole region is at a tipping point."
• Israel-Palestine: UN urges parties to spare civilian lives UN News 10 Oct 2023 -- In Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, all parties must stop targeting civilians and Hamas and other armed groups must immediately release their hostages, UN rights chief Volker Türk said on Tuesday.
• WFP launches emergency program to assist 600,000 Palestinians Press TV 10 Oct 2023 -- The World Food Program (WFP) says it has launched an emergency action plan to provide critical food aid for a further 600,000 Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank.
• Commission of Inquiry collecting evidence of war crimes committed by all sides in Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories since 7 October 2023 UN Human Rights Council 10 Oct 2023 -- There is already clear evidence that war crimes may have been committed in the latest explosion of violence in Israel and Gaza, and all those who have violated international law and targeted civilians must be held accountable for their crimes, the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and Israel, said today.
• Pain & suffering engulfs children in the State of Palestine & Israel UNICEF 10 Oct 2023 -- "The ongoing surge of conflict-related violence continues to take a horrendous toll on the lives of children and their families in Israel and the State of Palestine. Nothing justifies the killing, maiming or abduction of children. Any delay in bringing an end to the conflict will inevitably result in more devastating consequences for children.
• Statement by Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, about the situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory UNOCHA 10 Oct 2023
• Statement by the Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Lynn Hastings, on the hostilities between Palestinian armed groups in the Gaza Strip and Israel UNOCHA 10 Oct 2023
• WHO calls for access to health and humanitarian assistance on fourth day of conflict in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory WHO 10 Oct 2023
• WFP calls for humanitarian corridors as it launches an emergency operation for Gaza and the West Bank WFP 10 Oct 2023 -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has launched an emergency operation to provide critical food assistance to over 800,000 people in Gaza and the West Bank who are facing dire circumstances, lacking access to food, water, and essential supplies.


• Iran's Leader: Israel to receive 'heavier slap' for Gaza massacre Press TV 10 Oct 2023 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says Israel will receive "a heavier slap" for the regime's ongoing massacre of the Palestinian people in the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Iran warns of 'human catastrophe' amid Israeli onslaught on Gaza, urges UN to take immediate action Press TV 10 Oct 2023 -- Iran's foreign minister has warned of a "human catastrophe" amid ongoing Israeli aggression on the besieged Gaza Strip, calling on the United Nations to adopt immediate measures to prevent the occupying regime from perpetrating further crimes and rights violations against Palestinians.
• Iran FM stresses Palestinians right to self defense IRNA 10 Oct 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian in a letter to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned about the occurrence of a great human catastrophe in occupied Palestine, and stressed the Palestinians' right to self defense.
• Unprecedented event: Ayatollah Khamenei's warning tweet in Hebrew addressed to Zionists IRNA 10 Oct 2023 -- X (Twitter) account of Khamenei.ir published a tweet in Hebrew in an unprecedented move.
• Supreme Leader: Zionist regime suffered irrevocable military, intelligence defeat IRNA 10 Oct 2023 -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says the Zionist regime has suffered an irrevocable defeat both in terms of military and intelligence.
• Israeli ban on Gaza water supply 'war crime': Top Iran rights official IRNA 10 Oct 2023 -- Secretary-General of Iran's High Council for Human Rights Kazem Gharibabadi says the Zionist regime's move to cut off the drinking water is a war crime.


• PM Netanyahu to US President Joe Biden: "We've never seen such savagery in the history of the State. They're even worse than ISIS and we need to treat them as such." Israel - Prime Minister 10 Oct 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Dermer US Dept. of State 10 Oct 2023
• Readout of President Biden's Call with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel The White House 10 Oct 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Israeli President Herzog US Dept. of State 10 Oct 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Israeli Foreign Minister Cohen US Dept. of State 10 Oct 2023
• Remarks by President Biden on the Terrorist Attacks in Israel The White House 10 Oct 2023
• Virtual On-the-Record Gaggle by NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby on Hamas Terrorist Attacks in Israel The White House 10 Oct 2023
• Biden: 'We Have Israel's Back' After Weekend Terror Attacks VOA 10 Oct 2023 -- U.S. President Joe Biden said Tuesday that "we have Israel's back," as Washington attempts to defuse tensions in the Middle East after a stunning terrorist attack by Hamas militants.
• VOA Interview: Kirby Says No Sign of Iranian, Russian Involvement in Hamas Attacks VOA 10 Oct 2023 -- President Joe Biden said Tuesday that "we have Israel's back," as Washington attempts to defuse tensions in the Middle East after a stunning terrorist attack by Hamas militants. More than 1,000 people, including at least 14 Americans, have been killed by Hamas militants who stormed over the border Saturday, killing and kidnapping civilians and security forces.
• Biden says 11 Americans confirmed dead amid Israeli-Palestinian conflict People's Daily 10 Oct 2023 -- U.S. President Joe Biden said Monday that 11 U.S. citizens were killed in the latest conflict between Hamas and Israel.
• US: No evidence of direct Iranian role in al-Aqsa Storm Operation Press TV 10 Oct 2023 -- The United States has said it has come by no evidence pointing to Iran's "direct involvement" in the recent surprise operation by the Gaza Strip's resistance movements against the Israeli regime.
• VOA Interview: US Lawmaker McCaul on Events in Israel VOA 10 Oct 2023 -- U.S. Representative Michael McCaul said Tuesday that the United States' immediate goal is to help Israel replenish its Iron Dome air defense system, which was penetrated by more than 4,000 rockets fired by Hamas last weekend.


• Israel/Gaza: Press remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell after informal meeting of EU Foreign Affairs Ministers European External Action Service (EEAS) 10 Oct 2023 -- Check against delivery!
• Co-Chairs' Statement of the 27th GCC-EU Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting EC/CEU 10 Oct 2023
• EU- Gulf Cooperation Council: Opening remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell at the Joint Ministerial Council European External Action Service (EEAS) 10 Oct 2023 -- Check against delivery!
• EU-GCC Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting: Press remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell at the joint press conference with GCC Secretary General, Jassem Al Budaiwi and Omani Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sayyid Al Busaidi European External Action Service (EEAS) 10 Oct 2023 -- Check against delivery!
• Foreign Minister Baerbock prior to the informal meeting of EU foreign ministers on the situation in Israel and the Palestinian territories Germany Federal Foreign Office 10 Oct 2023 -- Foreign Minister Baerbock issued the following statement today (10 October 2023) prior to the informal meeting of EU foreign ministers on the situation in Israel and the Palestinian territories:
• US, West urged to end neglect of Palestine issue as tension simmers Global Times 10 Oct 2023 -- The Israel-Gaza conflict entered its fourth day with Israel declaring on Tuesday control regained over the Gaza border. Chinese analysts urged US and Western leaders to stop the long-term marginalization of the Palestine issue or fan the flames of the conflict, calling for more efforts to calm the situation in order to prevent a potential sixth war in the Middle East.
• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi speaks with Prime Minister of Israel India MEA 10 Oct 2023
• Denmark puts development assistance to Palestine on hold Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark 10 Oct 2023 -- The Danish Government has decided to put Danish development assistance to Palestine on hold. In the meantime, a thorough review will be conducted to ensure that no Danish funding is misused to indirectly support terrorist organisations that attack Israel.
• At the informal EU foreign ministers' meeting, Foreign Minister Kariņš expresses solidarity with Israel and underlines the need for political dialogue with the region's countries Latvia MFA 10 Oct 2023 -- On 10 October 2023, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Krišjānis Kariņš, took part in the informal video conference of the foreign affairs ministers of the European Union to exchange views on current developments in the Middle East following the violent attack by the Hamas terrorist organisation on Israel.
• Attacks on civilians amid Gaza conflict condemned People's Daily 10 Oct 2023 -- China reiterated on Monday that it "opposes and condemns" violence against civilians as the death toll from the Israel-Palestine conflict reached nearly 1,400.: the mark does not exist in the description file
• Egypt, UAE discuss efforts to stop military escalations in Palestine People's Daily 10 Oct 2023 -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Monday discussed the recent developments in Palestine amid the current rising tensions in the Gaza Strip, the Egyptian presidency said in a statement.


• Hamas fighters may be using North Korean weapons, experts say Radio Free Asia 10 Oct 2023 -- Experts say that Hamas militants may be using North Korean weapons after footage emerged of a fighter from the Palestinian group carrying a rocket-launcher suspected to originate from the communist nation.
• Conflict in Gaza Raises Concerns About Middle East Oil Supply VOA 10 Oct 2023 -- Global oil markets are watching the conflict between Israel and Hamas cautiously, with prices slightly elevated from last week but still considerably below recent highs, as the brutal conflict in southern Israel and Gaza unfolds.
• Thais Scramble for Details After 18 Feared Dead in Hamas Assault on Israel VOA 10 Oct 2023 -- Relatives of Thai workers kidnapped or killed by Hamas militants have spent the days since the attack on Israel patching together details from social media of what happened to their loved ones. Thailand is emerging as one of the nations most affected by a conflict thousands of kilometers away.
• Greece Warns Israel-Hamas War Will Add to Surge of Illegal Migrants VOA 10 Oct 2023 -- As Israel steps up its siege of Gaza and the likelihood of a prolonged conflict grows, Greece is bracing for a new influx of illegal migrants. The country's top migration official warns the latest violence will add to a surge of migrants that U.N. data say is already led by Palestinians.
• Nigerian Experts Say Israel-Hamas Conflict Could Affect Oil Revenue VOA 10 Oct 2023 -- Experts said Tuesday that the Israeli-Hamas conflict could lead to Nigerians struggling to pay for fuel despite a surge in global oil prices that could help the nation's crude industry.
• Gaza Conflict Deals Blow to Pakistani Debate on Whether to Recognize Israel VOA 10 Oct 2023 -- While the hostilities between Israel and Hamas have raised doubts about the future of Israel's efforts to develop ties with Saudi Arabia and the wider Muslim world, critics say the hostilities will also significantly restrict public debate in Pakistan about whether to recognize the Jewish state.

Other Conflicts

• Foreign Aid Trickles as Death Toll Rises in Quake-Hit Afghanistan VOA 10 Oct 2023 -- The number of people killed by Saturday's 6.3-magnitude earthquake in Afghanistan has surpassed 2,400 as search and rescue teams extracted more bodies from the ruins of hundreds of destroyed houses, according to local officials.
• Statement on violence in Afghanistan UK FCDO 10 Oct 2023 -- The UK does not support anyone seeking to achieve political change through violence in Afghanistan.
• 500 still missing following Afghanistan earthquake, say UN aid teams UN News 10 Oct 2023 -- Nearly 500 people are still missing from the worst-affected area of a 6.3 magnitude earthquake that rocked Herat province in western Afghanistan on Saturday, UN aid coordinators said on Tuesday.
• Manila dismisses China's 'gunboat' claim Radio Free Asia 10 Oct 2023 -- The Philippines' military chief on Tuesday rejected a claim that its navy vessel was driven away from a disputed reef in the South China Sea by the Chinese coast guard, calling it "Beijing's propaganda."
• China expels Philippine naval gunboat trespassing near Huangyan Global Times 10 Oct 2023 -- The China Coast Guard (CCG) expelled a gunboat of the Philippine Navy that intruded into waters off China's Huangyan Dao (also known as Huangyan Island) in the South China Sea on Tuesday.
• China Coast Guard drives away intruding Philippine Navy gunboat into China's Huangyan Island on Tue Global Times 10 Oct 2023 -- A China Coast Guard spokesperson said a Philippine Navy gunboat intruded into the waters adjacent to China's Huangyan Island on Tuesday disregarded repeated warnings. China Coast Guard vessels took necessary measures, such as tracking and controlling the ship's route, to drive away the Philippine vessel after multiple verbal warnings were ineffective. The on-site operations were professional, standardized, and lawful.
• China urges Philippines to take concerns seriously, stop making provocations on Ren'ai Jiao issue Global Times 10 Oct 2023 -- China once again urges the Philippines to take seriously China's concerns, stop making provocations and creating troubles at sea, and to stop groundless attacks and smears on the Ren'ai Jiao (also commonly known as Ren'ai Reef) issue, China's Foreign Ministry stated on Monday.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 10 Oct 2023
• The UK is committed to the stability and security of Iraq: UK Statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 10 Oct 2023 -- Statement by Deputy Political Coordinator Tom Phipps at the UN Security Council meeting on Iraq.
• Junta training civilian militias for security patrols in Bago region Radio Free Asia 10 Oct 2023 -- The military junta is recruiting civilians for militia training across central Myanmar's Bago region, where they plan to use the trainees for security patrols and to transport injured troops from the frontline, local residents said.
• Burma Regime Attack in Kachin State US Dept. of State 10 Oct 2023
• More Than Two-Dozen People Killed in Attack on Refugee Camp in Northern Myanmar VOA 10 Oct 2023 -- At least 29 people are dead after an artillery strike on a camp housing internally displaced persons in northern Myanmar near the Chinese border, according to sources in the region.
• Moscow Says Conditions for Yerevan-Baku Exchange of Captives Ripe Sputnik 10 Oct 2023 -- The conditions are now ripe for the exchange of captives between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Tuesday.
• Refugee children arriving in Armenia showing signs of severe psychological distress - UNICEF UNICEF 10 Oct 2023 -- Refugee children arriving in Armenia are showing signs of severe psychological distress, according to reports from UNICEF-supported social workers providing specialised care to children and families who have fled their homes in recent weeks.

News Reports

• U.S. Navy Service Member Pleads Guilty to Transmitting Sensitive U.S. Military Information to Chinese Intelligence Officer US Dept. of Justice 10 Oct 2023 -- A U.S. Navy service member pleaded guilty today to federal felony offenses and admitted he transmitted sensitive U.S. military information to an intelligence officer from the People's Republic of China (PRC) in exchange for bribery payments.
• US to Quadruple Number of Spy Satellites Over Next Decade - NRO Deputy Director Sputnik 10 Oct 2023 -- The US National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) is planning to quadruple the number of intelligence satellites operating in orbit and as a result increase the number of images by more than ten times, deputy director Maj. Gen. Christopher Povak said on Tuesday.
• U.S. Says July Ouster of Niger's Government Was a Coup DoD News 10 Oct 2023 -- The State Department today announced that the U.S. officially recognizes as a coup the illegal, July 26 overthrow of the government of Niger.
• Military Coup d'Etat in Niger US Dept. of State 10 Oct 2023 -- The United States has concluded that a military coup d'etat has taken place in Niger. Pursuant to section 7008 of the Department of State's annual appropriations act, the United States is suspending most U.S. assistance to the government of Niger.
• US Officially Designates Niger Military Takeover as Coup VOA 10 Oct 2023 -- The United States has officially designated the July military takeover in Niger as a coup, a decision that limits U.S. military aid and coordination with a country the Pentagon has called a critical counter-terrorism partner in the region.
• Article by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, October 10, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 10 Oct 2023
• Excerpts from briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, October 10, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 10 Oct 2023
• UN General Assembly Rejects Russia's Bid To Regain Seat On Human Rights Council RFE/RL 10 Oct 2023 -- Russia's attempt to regain its seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council has failed in the UN General Assembly, which handed the two seats on the council available to the East European regional group to Bulgaria and Albania.
• Russia Fails to Reclaim Seat on UN Rights Body VOA 10 Oct 2023 -- Russia failed Tuesday in its bid to reclaim its seat on the controversial U.N. Human Rights Council after it was suspended by the General Assembly in April 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine.
• Russia Upholds Detention of US Reporter Evan Gershkovich VOA 10 Oct 2023 -- A Moscow court on Tuesday rejected U.S. reporter Evan Gershkovich's appeal of his detention on spy charges and ordered him held until November 30.
• Russia-Iraq talks President of Russia 10 Oct 2023 -- Vladimir Putin met with Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq Muhammed Shia Al-Sudani, currently on an official visit to Russia.
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq Fuad Hussein Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 10 Oct 2023
• Telephone conversation with Interim President of the Republic of Mali Assimi Goïta President of Russia 10 Oct 2023 -- Vladimir Putin spoke by telephone with Interim President of the Republic of Mali Assimi Goïta at the initiative of the Malian side.
• Telephone conversation with President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan President of Russia 10 Oct 2023 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's telephone conversation with Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran Hossein Amir-Abdollahian Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 10 Oct 2023
• Russian Kremlin Critics Fleeing To Bulgaria Often Find They Are Not Welcome RFE/RL 10 Oct 2023 -- Amid the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Andrei Karpov and Irina Dmitrieva, two Russian anti-Kremlin critics who have had their asylum requests rejected by Bulgaria, stood silently outside government offices in Sofia for several days last week, holding up a placard that read: "The State Agency for Refugees is against Russian refugees."
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on October 10, 2023 PRC MofA 10 Oct 2023
• US Senate Leader Tells China's Xi US Wants More Equitable Business Relations VOA 10 Oct 2023 -- U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Tuesday that he made clear during talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Bejing that the United States wants equitable business relations with China, along with help in combating the flow of fentanyl into the United States.
• BRI turns vision into action: white paper Global Times 10 Oct 2023 -- China has issued a white paper on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on Tuesday, highlighting the role that the iconic "project of the century" has played in global development during the past decade as well as its achievements in living up to its ultimate goal of building a global community of shared future.
• People's Daily call to quit whining sparks social media backlash Radio Free Asia 10 Oct 2023 -- Quit whining, the People's Daily chided readers last week.
• Chinese Dissident Receives Asylum in Canada After Fleeing China VOA 10 Oct 2023 -- A Chinese dissident who was stranded in the transit area of a Taiwanese airport has arrived in Canada after Ottawa granted him asylum — but some observers say his path to safety, including stops in Laos, Thailand, and Taiwan, reflects the growing hardship that Chinese activists face when they try to leave China.
• Former chairman of China Everbright Group expelled from Party Global Times 10 Oct 2023 -- As China's anti-corruption drive pushes further into the financial sector, Li Xiaopeng, former Party chief and chairman of China Everbright Group, has been dismissed from public office and expelled from the Communist Party of China (CCP) and public office for severe violations of discipline and law, according to the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) and the National Supervisory Commission.
• Xi meets US senators, stressing stable bilateral ties, cooperation Global Times 10 Oct 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with a US congressional delegation led by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in Beijing on Monday, emphasizing the importance of a stable China-US relationship and cooperation, while rejecting the confrontational mentality and the "Thucydides trap" claim.
• China issues white paper on past decade of BRI, illustrating path to global connectivity, peace, prosperity Global Times 10 Oct 2023 -- On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China published a white paper - "Belt and Road Initiative: A Key Pillar of the Global Community of Shared Future"- on Tuesday, highlighting the role that the iconic "century project" has played during the last decade as well as its achievements in living up to its goal of providing a platform for building a global community of shared future.
• Full text of President Tsai Ing-wen's National Day address CNA 10 Oct 2023 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) used her National Day address Tuesday to underline Taiwan's resolve to defend its sovereignty, saying there was "no room for compromise" when it came to preserving the country's free and democratic way of life.
• Tsai calls for 'peaceful coexistence' with Beijing on National Day CNA 10 Oct 2023 -- Peace is the only option across the Taiwan Strait, and Taiwan is willing to work out "a path to peaceful coexistence" with Beijing, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Tuesday during her National Day address in Taipei.
• KMT agrees to discuss TPP proposal for joint presidential ticket (update) CNA 10 Oct 2023 -- Taiwan's two opposition parties, the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) and the Kuomintang (KMT), could be closer to agreeing on collaboration terms for the 2024 election after the KMT agreed to a TPP proposal to discuss a potential joint presidential ticket on Tuesday.
• Tsai's last 'Double Tenth' speech a 'self-boasting show'; peace calling fails to hide secessionist essence Global Times 10 Oct 2023 -- Taiwan island's regional leader Tsai Ing-wen on Tuesday said that despite "external challenges," she's willing to develop relations with the Chinese mainland based on a mutually acceptable foundation for interaction and maintain peaceful and stable cross-Straits relations in her "Double Tenth" speech.
• Taiwan says peace 'only option' to settle political differences with China Press TV 10 Oct 2023 -- Tsai Ing-wen, the president of Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), says the self-ruled island considers peace as the "only option" to settle political differences with China, which views the island as part of its territory.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Oct. 10, 2023 ROC MND 10 Oct 2023
• Article of Int'l Affairs Analyst KCNA 10 Oct 2023 -- Ra Jong Min, a commentator on international affairs of the DPRK, issued an article titled "Only fools can jump into fire with faggot on their backs" on Tuesday.
• Pyongyang says military satellite key to countering US 'space militarization' Press TV 10 Oct 2023 -- The surveillance satellite program of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is an "indispensable" measure to counter US "space militarization," North Korean news agency KCNA on Tuesday.
• U.S. Deployment of Space Force Criticized KCNA 10 Oct 2023 -- Ri Song Jin, a researcher of the National Aerospace Technology Administration of the DPRK, released the following article titled "U.S. space force deployment aimed at preemptive aggression war" on Tuesday:
• Certain state hindered resolving Ukraine plane crash case: Iran IRNA 10 Oct 2023 -- The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that negotiations regarding the Ukrainian plane crash have not yielded any significant results, due to political interference from a certain government, causing Ukraine, Britain, Canada, and Sweden to disregard Iran's diplomatic efforts.
• Iran says other parties missed chance to resolve plane tragedy row Press TV 10 Oct 2023 -- Iran has blamed Ukraine, Canada, the UK, and Sweden for the failure of recent talks in the Swiss city of Geneva aimed at resolving the row over the 2020 Ukrainian plane crash tragedy, saying they "lost the political opportunity" for a settlement.
• Emboldened Iran Counts Victories As Anti-Israel Investments Pay Off RFE/RL 10 Oct 2023 -- Iran insists it had no direct involvement in Hamas's surprise assault on Israel this week, but that is not keeping it from celebrating what it sees as a multitude of victories.
• Location of leak in Balticconnector gas pipeline identified in Finland's economic zone Finnish Government 10 Oct 2023 -- Gasgrid Finland informed the authorities on Sunday that a leak causing disruption in gas transmission had been detected in the Balticconnector gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia in the early hours of 8 October. The breach is located in Finland's economic zone.
• Sixth Philippines-Australia Ministerial Meeting Australia MFA 10 Oct 2023
• "The integration of Europe will have been completed only after Türkiye's full membership to the Union" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 10 Oct 2023 -- Holding a joint press conference with Chancellor Nehammer of Austria, President Erdoğan said: "We exchanged views on the Türkiye-European Union relations during our meeting with Mr. Chancellor. The integration of Europe will have been completed only after Türkiye's full membership to the Union. I particularly underscored, at this point, that we will accept no alternative to the full membership."
• UN chief proposes $3.3 billion budget for 2024 UN News 10 Oct 2023 -- UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Tuesday introduced a $3.3 billion programme budget for the Organization in 2024, amidst an array of global challenges ranging from conflicts, human rights violations, inequalities, and climate disasters.
• Secretary-General's remarks to the Fifth Committee of the General Assembly UN Secretary-General 10 Oct 2023
• China to work with international organizations, other creditors to help resolve Sri Lanka's debt problems: Foreign Ministry Global Times 10 Oct 2023 -- China will continue to support its financial institutions in actively negotiating with relevant parties, and is willing to work together with relevant countries and international organizations to assist Sri Lanka in addressing its difficulties, easing its debt burden and achieving sustainable development, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Tuesday.
• Cambodia's Candlelight Party forms alliance with 3 smaller parties Radio Free Asia 10 Oct 2023 -- Cambodia's opposition Candlelight Party announced it will join with three smaller parties in a political alliance that will aim to field candidates in the 2027 local commune elections and the 2028 general election.
• 'Probable Blast' Was Detected Near Damaged Baltic Sea Pipeline, Institute Says As Probe Launched RFE/RL 10 Oct 2023 -- The Norwegian seismological institute (NORSAR) said it detected "a probable explosion" on October 8 in the Baltic Sea between Finland and Estonia where a gas pipeline leak was later detected.
• UN General Assembly elects 15 new members to Human Rights Council UN News 10 Oct 2023 -- The UN General Assembly on Tuesday elected 15 new countries to serve on the Human Rights Council, with Peru and Russia failing to secure a seat.
• Liberians Vote in Presidential, Legislative Election VOA 10 Oct 2023 -- Liberians went to the polls Tuesday to choose their next president, as well as 73 legislators and 15 senators.
• Malawi Begins Free Food Distribution to Hunger-Stricken Citizens VOA 10 Oct 2023 -- Malawi has started distributing free corn and cash to more than 4 million people facing food shortages largely because of the impact of Cyclone Freddy, which washed away thousands of hectares of crops in March. The move is in response to a recent report that said the situation is expected to worsen until the next harvesting season in March 2024.
• Not Allowed to Receive Medical Treatment Abroad, Former Bangladesh PM at 'High Risk of Dying' VOA 10 Oct 2023 -- Doctors attending to opposition leader and former prime minister Khaleda Zia in Bangladesh say that her life is in danger as the government will not allow her to leave the country for urgent medical intervention abroad.