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Current Operations

• CTF 150, U.S. Coast Guard Seize $25 Million in Illegal Drugs US Navy 11 Oct 2023 -- The U.S. Coast Guard Sentinel-class fast response cutter USCGC John Scheuerman (WPC 1146) seized about $25 million worth of illegal drugs from a stateless vessel while operating in the international waters of the Gulf of Oman, Oct. 3.

Defense Policy / Programs

• DOD Celebrates Destruction of Its Last Chemical Agents DoD News 11 Oct 2023 -- On July 7, disposal experts destroyed the last remaining M55 rocket filled with deadly sarin nerve agent at a storage facility in Kentucky.
• Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment Activation Ceremony Army News 11 Oct 2023 -- On Oct. 17, Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment will activate at Caserma Del Din in Vicenza, Italy.
• Army Command Works to Engage With African Partners DoD News 11 Oct 2023 -- Africa is a continent of potential, and service members at the Southern European Task Force, Africa work every day to help African partners turn that potential into reality, said Army Maj. Gen. Todd R. Wasmund, commander of the unit based in Vicenza, Italy.
• Navy Hospital Ship Departs for Pacific Partnership 2024-1 US Navy 11 Oct 2023 -- The Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) departed San Diego, marking the beginning of Pacific Partnership 2024-1, Oct. 10.
• I MEF Announces Marine Rotational Force - Southeast Asia Deployment USMC News 11 Oct 2023 -- Marine Rotational Force - Southeast Asia began its second rotational deployment on September 26, 2023, with a team of Marines and Sailors participating in exercise Sama Sama in the Republic of the Philippines. The force is also slated to conduct a series of back-to-back exercises and security cooperation engagements with important regional allies and partners in Southeast Asia, including the Philippine Marine Corps, the Royal Malaysian Navy, and the Indonesian Marine Corps. This rotation will continue through mid-December and marks a significant step towards implementing Marine Corps Force Design concepts for the efficient force deployment and sustainment of U.S. Marine forces in the vast Indo-Pacific region.
• NATO Defence Ministers meet to discuss Ukraine, deterrence and defence, Kosovo and the Middle East NATO 11 Oct 2023 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg previewed the issues that NATO Defence Ministers will discuss over the next two days in Brussels, including support for Ukraine, strengthened deterrence and defence, NATO operations and missions, and the situation in the Middle East.
• 10 NATO Allies take further step to boost European air and missile defence capabilities NATO 11 Oct 2023 -- October 2023) to sign a memorandum of understanding to further develop the European Sky Shield Initiative. Under Germany's leadership, the initiative aims to bolster European air and missile defence through the joint acquisition of air defence equipment and missiles by European nations.
• Over 1,000 troops from Baltic Fleet involved in live-fire drills in Kaliningrad region Russia MoD 11 Oct 2023 -- Combined units including Marines and Baltic Fleet's Army Corps units are involved in training to comply with firing standards using different small arms in Kaliningrad region.
• Russia-Brunei working group on defence cooperation holds first session in Brunei Russia MoD 11 Oct 2023 -- The Russian delegation participated in the first session of the Russia-Brunei working group on defence cooperation in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam.
• Russian Defence Minister inspects fulfilment of state defence order at military transport aircraft manufacturing plant in Ulyanovsk Russia MoD 11 Oct 2023 -- In the course of the visit to Ulyanovsk Russian Defence Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu inspected fulfilment of state defence order at the enterprise of PJSC Il - Aviastar of the United Aircraft Corporation, which is part of the Rostec State Corporation.
• Minister Sklenár at NATO Defence Ministerial in Brussels: "We are witnessing new security challenges, yet the situation in Ukraine continues to be at the centre of our attention" Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic 11 Oct 2023 -- Defence Minister Martin Sklenár today travelled to Brussels, where he has been taking part in a meeting of Allied Defence Ministers at NATO HQ.
• Zelenskyy Appeals for More Military Aid at NATO Talks VOA 11 Oct 2023 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy brought his appeal for military aid in the form of air defense, artillery and ammunition to NATO headquarters in Brussels where he is attending talks Wednesday with NATO defense ministers.
• With Zelenskiy At NATO HQ, U.S. Announces Fresh $200 Million Military Aid Package For Ukraine RFE/RL 11 Oct 2023 -- The United States said it would give Ukraine a new military aid package worth $200 million as President Volodymyr Zelenskiy traveled to NATO's headquarters in Belgium to press for more support for his war-ravaged country ahead of the onset of the cold season.
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Charles Q. Brown Jr. Hold a Post-Meeting Press Conference at the Ukraine Defense Contact Group Meeting, Brussels, Belgium DoD 11 Oct 2023
• Opening Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the 16th Ukraine Defense Contact Group (As Delivered) DoD 11 Oct 2023
• Biden Administration Announces Additional Security Assistance for Ukraine DoD 11 Oct 2023Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced additional security assistance to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs. This announcement is the Biden Administration's forty-eighth tranche of equipment to be provided from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.
• U.S. Aims to Bolster Ukraine's Long-Term Air Defense Capabilities DoD News 11 Oct 2023 -- The U.S. will lead a newly formed coalition focused on developing Ukraine's air force in a bid to bolster that country's long-term capability to defend itself against Russian aggression, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said today.
• Pentagon Chief Announces New $200Mln Ukraine Aid Package, Includes Air Defense Munitions Sputnik 11 Oct 2023 -- US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced on Wednesday a new $200 million security assistance package for Ukraine that includes munitions for a new air defense system that will soon be delivered to Ukraine, among other weapons.
• US, Allies to Form Groups Tasked With Supporting Kiev's Specific Security Needs - Pentagon Sputnik 11 Oct 2023 -- The United States and its allies are working to organize coalitions within the alliance that will each be tasked with providing specific support to Ukraine's long-term security needs, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Wednesday.
• Additional U.S. Military Assistance for Ukraine US Dept. of State 11 Oct 2023 -- As Ukrainians wage a tough counteroffensive, and as winter fast approaches, it is imperative that we help them take advantage of every single day. Today, the United States is announcing a new package of military aid, including weapons and equipment to help Ukraine succeed on the battlefield and protect its people from Russia's brutal invasion.
• Major new package of support for Ukraine's counter-offensive announced by Grant Shapps UK MOD 11 Oct 2023 -- The Defence Secretary will today announce a new package of support for Ukraine and the signing of further air defence contracts, procured through the International Fund for Ukraine.
• NATO Secretary General welcomes Allies' new pledges of support for Ukraine NATO 11 Oct 2023 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Wednesday (11 October 2023) welcomed Allies' new pledges of support for Ukraine as Russia is ''preparing once again to use winter as a weapon of war.''
• Major new package of support for Ukraine's counter-offensive announced by Grant Shapps UK MOD 11 Oct 2023 -- The Defence Secretary will today announce a new package of support for Ukraine and the signing of further air defence contracts, procured through the International Fund for Ukraine.
• UK, Allies to Allocate Additional $123Mln to Support Ukraine Sputnik 11 Oct 2023 -- The United Kingdom and its allies will announce a new support package worth over 100 million pounds ($123 million) for Ukraine at a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Wednesday, the UK Defense Ministry said.
• Germany announces additional €1 billion military aid for Ukraine ahead of winter Press TV 11 Oct 2023 -- Germany has announced an additional package of military aid for Ukraine worth €1 billion (US$1.1 billion) as Ukrainian troops are slowly pressing ahead with their so-called counteroffensive against Russian troops.
• Minister Blair announces new military donations for Ukraine at the 16th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group Canada 11 Oct 2023 -- Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, participated in the 16th Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting in Brussels, Belgium, hosted by United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III.
• Denmark will take on co-lead role in international air force coalition to support Ukraine Danish Ministry of Defence 11 Oct 2023 -- Together with the United States, and the Netherlands Denmark will co-lead an international air force coalition to support Ukraine in the establishment of a Ukrainian F-16 capacity.
• More defence materiel assistance to Ukraine Finnish MoD 11 Oct 2023 -- Finland will deliver more defence materiel to Ukraine. The President of the Republic decided on the matter on 11 October 2023 on the proposal of the Government.
• NOK 200 million for mine clearance activities in Ukraine Government of Norway 11 Oct 2023 -- The widespread deployment of mines and cluster munitions in Ukraine has made it the most heavily mined country in the world today. Norway will more than double its support to efforts to clear mines laid in Ukraine since the start of Russia's brutal war of aggression.
• We must not become tired, our assistance remains decisive, says A. Anušauskas presenting next assistance package to Ukraine in Brussels Lithuania MND 11 Oct 2023 -- "Military aid to Ukraine is falling subject to the countries' internal political debate; however, the rendered assistance remains decisive to Ukraine's defence. Lithuania will continue delivering on its assistance commitments, we will walk this walk to Ukraine all the way until victory," Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas underscored to the Allies Wednesday in Brussels.
• Belgium to Create $1.8Bln Aid Fund for Ukraine Using Russia's Assets Sputnik 11 Oct 2023 -- Belgium will create a 1.7 billion euro ($1.8 billion) fund to support Ukraine using proceeds from frozen Russian assets, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo said on Wednesday.
• Belgian Defense Minister Confirms Plans to Supply Ukraine With F-16 From 2025 - Reports Sputnik 11 Oct 2023 -- Belgian Defense Minister Ludivine Dedonder confirmed on Wednesday her country's plans to supply Ukraine with several F-16 fighter aircraft starting from 2025, as well as to keep training Ukrainian pilots, Belgian broadcaster reported.
• General Highlights China's Military Advantages, Disadvantages DoD News 11 Oct 2023 -- There are three things that the Chinese military has that the U.S. military, allies and partners in the region do not have, said Army Gen. Charles A. Flynn, commander of U.S. Army Pacific.
• Maintenance for Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning enters final stages Global Times 11 Oct 2023 -- Ongoing regular maintenance for China's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, has entered the final stages as the ship has recently exited dry dock, with analysts saying on Wednesday that the carrier is expected to return to active service within the year with enhanced combat capabilities.
• China stages naval drills during Philippines-US exercise Radio Free Asia 11 Oct 2023 -- China conducted a multiple-day naval exercise in the South China Sea as the Philippines held major drills with the United States and other allied nations.
• Tigers let loose on the field Australia DOD 11 Oct 2023 -- This year's Exercise Southern Tiger marked a return in scale not experienced in recent years, with a company-sized group of Malaysian soldiers joining Australian troops in major foundation warfighting activities in South Australia.
• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh meets CEOs of top French defence companies in Paris India PIB 11 Oct 2023 -- Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, on October 11, 2023, visited the Safran Engine Division's R&D Centre at Gennevilliers near Paris, France during the second and final leg of his two-nation tour
• Iranian coast guards stage large-scale naval exercise along southern shores Press TV 11 Oct 2023 -- Iranian coast guards have launched a large-scale military exercise along the shores of the Persian Gulf, Sea of Oman and the northern parts of the Indian Ocean.
• Defence to deploy MQ-9 Reapers to protect NATO's eastern flank Netherlands Ministry of Defence 11 Oct 2023 -- Netherlands Minister of Defence Kajsa Ollongren today informed the House of Representatives in writing that next year, the Netherlands will station three MQ-9 Reaper drones in Romania to contribute to the defence of NATO's eastern flank.
• A look at the Defence news 2 - 8 October Netherlands Ministry of Defence 11 Oct 2023 -- The main component of the Dutch marines unit deployed to Bosnia and Herzegovina has arrived in that country. This concerns 100 of a total of 150 marines. They are part of EUFOR Althea. The other 50 marines had deployed to the Balkan country at an earlier date.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken Before Departing Joint Base Andrews US Dept. of State 11 Oct 2023
• Readout of President Biden's Call with President Mohamed bin Zayed of the United Arab Emirates The White House 11 Oct 2023
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby The White House 11 Oct 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Oct. 11, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 11 October 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 11 Oct 2023

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• The IDF Struck an Important Hamas Operational, Political and Military Center in Gaza—the Islamic University. Israel Defense Forces 11 Oct 2023
• Daily Recap: October 11th, 2023: 20:30 Israel Defense Forces 11 Oct 2023
• Efforts to Repair and Strengthen the Gaza Security Fence Israel Defense Forces 11 Oct 2023


• Joint Statement by PM Netanyahu and National Unity Chairman MK Gantz Israel - Prime Minister 11 Oct 2023
• PM Netanyahu Speaks Again with US President Joe Biden Israel - Prime Minister 11 Oct 2023
• Readout of President Biden and Vice President Harris' Call with Prime Minister Netanyahu The White House 11 Oct 2023
• Israel Forms Emergency Unity Government to Better Fight Hamas VOA 11 Oct 2023
• Prevention of Possible Terrorist Attacks Key Goal of Israeli Operation - Foreign Ministry Sputnik 11 Oct 2023 -- The key goal of Israel's ongoing military operation is to prevent all possible scenarios of terrorist attacks against the country, Foreign ministry spokesman Lior Ben Dor told Sputnik on Wednesday.
• Israeli death toll reaches 1,200 in Hamas attack: Army People's Daily 11 Oct 2023 -- Number of fatalities in Hamas' attack on Israel has reached at least 1,200, an Israeli military spokesperson said on Wednesday.
• Gaza health ministry: 1,100 Palestinian killed in incessant Israeli bombardment Press TV 11 Oct 2023 -- The death toll from Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip continues to climb, with the Health Ministry there announcing that at least 1,100 Palestinians, including 326 children, have been killed in more than five days of Israeli bombardment of the besieged territory.
• Israel bombs residential areas in Gaza for 5th day in a row Press TV 11 Oct 2023 -- Israel has launched a fresh round of airstrikes on the besieged Gaza Strip on the fifth day of Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, the largest military operation by the Palestinian resistance groups against the occupying entity in decades.
• Hamas blasts Biden's 'inflammatory remarks' about group, Palestinians in Gaza Strip Press TV 11 Oct 2023 -- Hamas has condemned the latest remarks by US President Joe Biden about the resistance movement and Palestinians living in the besieged Gaza Strip, saying the "inflammatory" comments aim to "escalate the tension by the barbaric Zionist regime against Palestinian people."
• Palestinian envoy calls Israeli war on Gaza, threat for complete siege 'genocidal' Press TV 11 Oct 2023 -- The Palestinian envoy to the United Nations has issued a vehement condemnation of the Israeli regime's underway indiscriminate war against the Gaza Strip, and its threat to bring the entire coastal sliver under an all-out siege.
• Cease-fire appeals amplify as Gaza conflict escalates People's Daily 11 Oct 2023 -- Appeals for a cease-fire and minimizing civilian suffering are growing louder around the world as the Israel-Palestine conflict entered the fourth day.
• Death toll from Israeli attacks on Gaza rises to 830, death toll from Hamas surprise attack hits 1,008 in Israel People's Daily 11 Oct 2023 -- The following are the latest developments related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict:
• Israel bolsters forces on border with Gaza as regional powers scramble to mediate People's Daily 11 Oct 2023 -- Israel intensified on Tuesday its airstrikes on the Gaza Strip and bolstered its forces along the border, the fourth day of one of the most intense clashes between Israel and Hamas militants in decades.
• Ministry confirms Israel's deployment of white phosphorous bombs against Gaza Press TV 11 Oct 2023 -- The health ministry in the Gaza Strip, which has come under an all-out Israeli war, has confirmed the regime's deployment of banned white phosphorous munitions against a densely populated neighborhood in the coastal sliver.


• UNRWA Situation Report # 4 on the Gaza Strip and the West Bank(including East Jerusalem) UNRWA 11 Oct 2023
• Secretary-General's remarks to the press on the situation in the Middle East UN Secretary-General 11 Oct 2023
• UN chief urges immediate action to prevent Israel-Gaza conflict spillover UN News 11 Oct 2023 -- UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Wednesday voiced grave concern over the escalating conflict in Israel and Gaza and stressed the need to prevent the violence from spreading into the wider region.
• UN Chief: Middle East Conflict Must Not Spread VOA 11 Oct 2023 -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed Wednesday to the parties in the Middle East to prevent a spillover of the conflict, as Israelis in the country's north took shelter while incoming fire was reported from South Lebanon.


• Iran ready to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza: FM Amirabdollahian IRNA 11 Oct 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has voiced Tehran's readiness to send humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, adding that Tehran expects the United Nations to take immediate and uninterrupted action to pave the way for the shipment of water, food, and humanitarian supplies to Gaza.
• Zionist regime's actions in Gaza war crime against humanity: Iran FM IRNA 11 Oct 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has termed Zionist regime's actions in Gaza as the mass punishment and systematic crimes against humanity.
• Iran dismisses Arab-EU statement on triple islands IRNA 11 Oct 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has reiterated Iran's sovereignty over the three Persian Gulf islands of Bu Musa, Lesser Tunb and Greater Tunb while rejecting claims raised in a joint statement issued at the end of a ministerial meeting between members of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC) and the European Union countries.
• Continuation of blockade of Gaza to only make conditions more complicated: Iran FM ISNA 11 Oct 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has held talks with Ms. Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), over the developments in Palestine.
• Iran announces readiness to host OIC extraordinary meeting on Palestine ISNA 11 Oct 2023 -- The Islamic Republic of Iran's Permanent Mission in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah sent an official letter to the secretariat of the organization, announcing Iran's readiness to host an emergency meeting of the foreign ministers of the organization on Palestine.
• Iranian foreign minister: Israel is accountable for Gaza humanitarian crisis Press TV 11 Oct 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian holds Israel accountable for the unfolding humanitarian crisis in the besieged Gaza Strip as trapped residents are cut off from food, water and electricity, voicing Iran's readiness to send humanitarian aid to the region.
• Iran rejects EU-GCC claims on Persian Gulf islands Press TV 11 Oct 2023 -- Tehran has rejected anti-Iran claims raised by foreign ministers of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the European Union (EU), reiterating full sovereignty over the three Persian Gulf islands of Abu Musa, the Greater and Lesser Tunbs.
• Palestinian resistance 100% behind decision to launch Al-Aqsa Storm: Iran FM Press TV 11 Oct 2023 -- Iran's foreign minister has rejected claims that countries other than Palestine are behind the "courageous" operation against Israel, saying the Palestinian resistance itself made the decision to launch it.
• Iran FM: Israel seeks to raze besieged Gaza Strip, massacre its residents Press TV 11 Oct 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has warned that the Israeli regime is seeking to raze the entire Gaza Strip and massacre its residents.
• FM Amirabdollahian talks with counterparts on al-Aqsa Storm developments IRNA 11 Oct 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahiab has held phone calls with foreign ministers of Egypt, Russia and Kuwait to discuss the situation in Palestine and other regional issues.


• Iran and Saudi Arabia say Israel, US inviting 'destructive insecurity' for Tel Aviv, allies Press TV 11 Oct 2023 -- Iran and Saudi Arabia have said that the Israeli regime's crimes and the United States' green light for the atrocities stand to invite "destructive insecurity" for the occupying regime and its supporters.
• Assisted-departure flights for Australians Australia MFA 11 Oct 2023 -- Today we announce the Australian Government will begin the assisted-departure of Australians affected by the situation in Israel and Gaza.
• Government of Canada helping Canadians affected by crisis in Israel, West Bank and Gaza Strip Canada 11 Oct 2023 -- The situation in Israel and the West Bank and the Gaza Strip remains volatile and is deteriorating rapidly. Canada's missions in the region are actively monitoring the situation and working with partners and like-minded governments, as well as with the international community, to address the situation.
• Federal Council condemns terrorist attacks by Hamas in Israel and enhances Switzerland's capacity to act Federal Council - Swiss Government 11 Oct 2023 -- At its meeting on 11 October 2023, the Federal Council discussed the recent outrageous attacks carried out by Hamas from the Gaza Strip against civilians in Israel. It condemns these terrorist acts in the strongest terms and calls for the immediate release of the hostages held by Hamas. In view of the situation, Switzerland must be able to act effectively and in a coordinated fashion. To this end, the Federal Council has decided to expand the task force set up by the FDFA, and convert it into a Federal Council task force. The Federal Council takes the stance that Hamas should be considered a terrorist organisation.
• Foreign Minister Tsahkna discussed the situation in Israel at an emergency meeting of EU foreign ministers Estonia MFA 11 Oct 2023 -- Yesterday 10 October, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna attended an emergency video meeting of European Union foreign ministers to discuss the attacks launched by the Hamas terrorist organisation against Israel, and the current situation.
• Evacuation flight from Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland 11 Oct 2023 -- The Ministry for Foreign Affairs is preparing an evacuation flight for Finnish citizens and permanent residents of Finland who need help leaving Israel and the Palestinian territory.
• Finland to launch review of development cooperation with Palestine Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland 11 Oct 2023 -- Finland unequivocally condemns the assault against Israel by the terrorist organisation Hamas. Following the escalation of the situation, Finland will review its Country Programme for development cooperation in Palestine. In this way, Finland can verify that its support is targeted correctly. The report will be submitted to Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio.
• China calls for implementing the two-state solution to fundamentally resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict Global Times 11 Oct 2023 -- Zhai Jun, special envoy of the Chinese government on the Middle East issue, had a phone call on Tuesday with an official from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry. Zhai said that the fundamental solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict lies in implementing the two-state solution, and that China is willing to promote an immediate ceasefire and cessation of violence, and to provide humanitarian support to the Palestinian people.
• Norway to help citizens to fly home Government of Norway 11 Oct 2023 -- Norway is now arranging for an aircraft to transport Norwegian citizens home from Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.
• Sweden's aid to Palestine suspended Government Offices of Sweden 11 Oct 2023 -- In response to the attacks against Israel by the terrorist organisation Hamas, the Government will suspend aid to Palestine until further notice. At the same time, Sida will be instructed to conduct a review of aid to Palestine and report on this by 1 December 2023.
• Lithuania's Foreign Minister Landsbergis discussed the Hamas attack in Cairo: "The Middle East region hopes that Europe will contribute to a constructive solution of the conflict between the countries" Lithuania MFA 11 Oct 2023 -- On Wednesday, Lithuania's Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabrielius Landsbergis is visiting Cairo, where he met with the Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit.
• Russia fully supports establishment of Palestinian state: Putin Press TV 11 Oct 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says Moscow has always fully supported the establishment of a Palestinian state, as the Israeli regime is ceaselessly pounding the besieged Gaza Strip with barrages of missile attacks.
• Iraq's Hezbollah vows to target US bases if Washington aids Israel Press TV 11 Oct 2023 -- Iraq's anti-terror group Kata'ib Hezbollah has threatened to target American bases in Iraq and the entire region if the United States intervenes in the ongoing fighting between Palestinian resistance fighters and the Israeli regime.
• Russia Maintains Dialogue With Both Israel, Palestine, Balanced Approach Vital - Kremlin Sputnik 11 Oct 2023 -- Russia maintains dialogue both with Israel and Palestine, it is important to maintain a balanced approach in order to participate in the settlement process, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday.
• "Everyone must avoid impulsive decisions aimed at punishing the Palestinian people collectively" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 11 Oct 2023 -- Addressing AK Party's group meeting at the GNAT, President Erdoğan said: "Everyone must avoid impulsive decisions aimed at punishing the Palestinian people collectively, such as cutting off humanitarian aid. Taking a side blindly between the parties, which should both be criticized and supported given the methods they employ and their consequences, will only exacerbate the crisis."
• Foreign Secretary visits Israel to underline UK's unwavering solidarity in the face of terror UK FCDO 11 Oct 2023 -- Foreign Secretary James Cleverly visited Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and southern Israel to underline UK's unwavering solidarity in the face of terror.
• Arab World Expresses Support for Gaza as Hamas-Israel War Enters Fifth Day VOA 11 Oct 2023 -- Palestinians are receiving support from various parts of the Arab world as the conflict between Hamas and Israel enters its fifth day.
• China Moves to Condemn Attacks After Schumer Pressure VOA 11 Oct 2023 -- After being pressured by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Beijing has condemned the attacks launched by Hamas in Israel but did so without naming Hamas.
• Erdogan, Putin discuss ongoing Israeli-Palestinian tensions People's Daily 11 Oct 2023 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone talk with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, discussing the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli tensions.
• About 1,000 Ukrainians Seek Evacuation From Israel, Ambassador Says RFE/RL 11 Oct 2023 -- Ukraine's ambassador to Israel says about 1,000 Ukrainian citizens have turned to the Ukrainian Embassy in Tel Aviv asking for help to be evacuated to Ukraine to escape the war between Hamas and Israel.
• Gaza's Past and Present Explained VOA 11 Oct 2023 -- A reported 1,200 Israeli civilians, including women and children as young as infants, were slaughtered in Hamas' assault on Southern Israel this weekend. Many Israelis are still unaccounted for.
• Analysts Examine Israel's Security Failures in Hamas Attack VOA 11 Oct 2023 -- Analysts point to numerous security failures by Israel's intelligence and military apparatus ahead of Hamas' unprecedented attack on Israel.

Other Conflicts

• UN teams ramp up aid after another earthquake strikes Afghanistan UN News 11 Oct 2023 -- UN teams have stepped up their response after another strong earthquake struck western Afghanistan early on Wednesday, just days after powerful earthquakes killed over 2,000 people in the same region.
• Humanitarian Assistance in response to Afghanistan earthquake Australia MFA 11 Oct 2023 -- The Australian Government will provide $1 million to support the people of Afghanistan following the deadly earthquake which struck Herat Province.
• Providing support for civilians following earthquakes in Afghanistan Government of Norway 11 Oct 2023 -- 'The earthquakes in western Afghanistan has brought further suffering to an already hard-hit population. We are now increasing Norway's support in order to provide life-saving assistance to those affected,' said Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt.
• Fresh 6.3-Magnitude Quake In Western Afghanistan Kills At Least One, Injures 152 RFE/RL 11 Oct 2023 -- At least one person was killed and 152 were injured by a fresh 6.3-magnitude earthquake in western Afghanistan on early October 11, days after a series of quakes at the weekend that reportedly killed at least 2,000 people.
• 20th round of India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting India MEA 11 Oct 2023 -- The 20th round of India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting was held at Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on the Indian side on 9-10 October 2023.
• Concerns About Victor's Justice As Nagorno-Karabakh's Leaders Are Behind Bars And Facing Trial In Azerbaijan RFE/RL 11 Oct 2023 -- Up to the end, Ruben Vardanian remained defiant: Nagorno-Karabakh could not be part of Azerbaijan.
• Serbian President Says Expects NATO's KFOR Mission to Have Impartial Stance on Kosovo Sputnik 11 Oct 2023 -- Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Wednesday told Adm. Stuart Munsch, commander of NATO's Joint Force Command in Naples, that he expects the Kosovo Force (KFOR) to have an unbiased and proactive position on the situation in the breakaway region.
• Sudan: Massive protection crisis continues warns UNHCR UN News 11 Oct 2023 -- The displacement crisis prompted by ongoing conflict in Sudan continues unabated with nearly six million people forced out of their homes and women and children making up nearly nine in 10 of those uprooted, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said on Wednesday.
• Displaced Sudanese Face Protection Crisis as War Drags On VOA 11 Oct 2023 -- The U.N. refugee agency, UNHCR, warned Wednesday that the humanitarian emergency in Sudan triggered by two rival generals battling for control of the country has created a protection crisis both inside Sudan and in neighboring countries of asylum that risks destabilizing the region the longer the conflict goes on.
• UK statement for 74th session of the UNHCR Executive Committee UK FCDO 11 Oct 2023 -- This statement was delivered by the UK Human Rights Ambassador Rita French at the 74th UNHCR Executive Committee.
• Colombia stepping up efforts achieve historic peace goals, UN envoy says UN News 11 Oct 2023 -- As Colombia prepares to mark the seventh anniversary of the peace agreement that ended the decades-long conflict there, the Government has increased its efforts to realize the accord's goals, the UN envoy for the country said on Wednesday.
• The UK will continue to support broad and lasting peace in Colombia: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 11 Oct 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Colombia.
• AU Envoy Seeks International Support for Somali Army VOA 11 Oct 2023 -- The head of the African Union Mission in Somalia has called for international support for Somali government forces who are battling the al-Shabab militant group on multiple fronts in the country.
• Chad's President Says Refugees, Host Towns Face Severe Hardship, Pleads for Help VOA 11 Oct 2023 -- Leaders in Chad say the central African nation is struggling to meet the humanitarian needs of 2 million foreign and displaced people seeking refuge there, many of them women and children fleeing violence and increasing hardship in neighboring Sudan.

News Reports

• Plenary session of Russian Energy Week President of Russia 11 Oct 2023 -- Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq Muhammed Shia Al-Sudani took part in the plenary session of the Russian Energy Week international forum.
• Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on yet another anti-Russia provocation by NATO countries and their allies at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 11 Oct 2023
• Bulgarian Prosecutors Charge Five Foreigners With Illegal Exports To Russian Units In Ukraine RFE/RL 11 Oct 2023 -- Bulgarian prosecutors said on October 11 that five foreign citizens - three Russian nationals, a Belarusian national, and an Albanian national - have been charged with participating in a criminal group that was illegally exporting goods for Russian units fighting in Ukraine.
• With Russia Mired In Its War On Ukraine, Pro-Kremlin Commentators Revel In 'Good News' From Israel RFE/RL 11 Oct 2023 -- On October 7, commentator Marat Bulatov, who hosts the Day Z program on the social media channel of jingoistic pro-Kremlin television personality Vladimir Solovyov, opened his show by congratulating authoritarian President Vladimir Putin on the occasion of his 71st birthday.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on October 11, 2023 PRC MofA 11 Oct 2023
• Report: US brands linked to Uyghur-mined gold Radio Free Asia 11 Oct 2023 -- Hundreds of major U.S. companies may be unwittingly producing goods using gold that was mined using the forced labor of Uyghurs in China's far-west Xinjiang region, according to a new report.
• Police round up Uyghurs from 2 villages before China's National Day Radio Free Asia 11 Oct 2023 -- Authorities apprehended more than 50 Uyghur villagers from two communities in northwestern China's Xinjiang region as part of a security operation in the run-up to the country's National Day holiday, local officials said.
• UN 'very troubled' over mass trial of Hong Kong democracy activists Radio Free Asia 11 Oct 2023 -- United Nations human rights experts have expressed concern over the ongoing mass trial of 47 democracy activists under Hong Kong's draconian national security law, while a report has emerged that Tiananmen vigil organizer and human rights lawyer Chow Hang-tung is being singled out for harsh treatment in prison.
• Australian Cheng Lei home with family after China 'spying' sentence Radio Free Asia 11 Oct 2023 -- Australian national and former Chinese state TV anchor Cheng Lei was reunited with her family on Wednesday after her release from a three-year prison sentence for "spying," according to her first social media post in three years.
• Ms Cheng Lei Australia MFA 11 Oct 2023 -- There are three things that the Chinese military has that the U.S. military, allies and partners in the region do not have, said Army Gen. Charles A. Flynn, commander of U.S. Army Pacific.
• Australian TV anchor Cheng Lei deported by Chinese state security authorities after serving sentence Global Times 11 Oct 2023 -- Cheng Lei, an Australian national, who had worked for a Chinese media outlet, was deported from China, after serving a sentence of two years and 11 months for illegally providing state secrets to a foreign agency, China's Ministry of State Security announced on Wednesday.
• On Lu Siwei's Forced Repatriation US Dept. of State 11 Oct 2023 -- The United States condemns the forced repatriation of People's Republic of China (PRC) national and human rights lawyer Lu Siwei to the PRC from Laos, at the request of PRC authorities.
• China: Belt and Road Initiative generated over $2 trillion in contracts Press TV 11 Oct 2023 -- China has announced that its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) infrastructure project has generated $2 trillion in contracts, signaling the mega project's success and popularity around the world.
• Top Chinese anti-graft official urges high-quality discipline inspection People's Daily 11 Oct 2023 -- China's top anti-graft official Li Xi on Tuesday called for better organization and planning in order to carry out high-quality disciplinary inspection.
• Israel-Hamas Conflict Challenges China's Diplomatic Efforts in Middle East: Analysts VOA 11 Oct 2023 -- The conflict between Israel and Hamas is prompting increased scrutiny of China's role as a potential mediator in the Middle East. Analysts say the vagueness of Beijing's condemnation of the terrorist attacks on Israel is consistent with China's policy of noninterference in global conflicts and reflects the limit of Beijing's diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.
• China's BRI Brings Roads, Rails and Debt to Africa VOA 11 Oct 2023 -- Some 150 countries, many of them in Africa, have signed on to China's 10-year-old Belt and Road Initiative, also known as the BRI. And while the multibillion-dollar project has helped bring roads, rails and infrastructure to many poor countries, it has also left some of those countries saddled with debt.
• Ten Years Old, China's 'Belt and Road' Is Losing Allure in Europe VOA 11 Oct 2023 -- China has invested tens of billions of dollars in Europe under its Belt and Road Initiative, or BRI, which is marking its 10th birthday this month. While the funds have helped with the construction of new roads, railways and port facilities, there is concern about debt payments in some European countries. At the same time, a decade into the project, there is a growing trend of blocking Beijing's acquisition of key strategic assets amid a Western push to reduce dependence on China.
• China reports 45 deaths of COVID-19 in September Global Times 11 Oct 2023 -- China reported 45 deaths of COVID-19 nationwide in September including one who died of respiratory failure caused by the coronavirus and 44 people who died due to the combination of COVID-19 and other underlying diseases.
• Beijing highlights '1992 consensus' in response to Tsai's National Day address CNA 11 Oct 2023 -- Acceptance of the "1992 consensus" is a precondition for both sides of the Taiwan Strait to engage in political dialogue, China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) spokesman Chen Binhua (陳斌華) said Wednesday in response to Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen's (蔡英文) National Day address the previous day.
• China pushing military agenda behind economic exchanges: Defense ministry CNA 11 Oct 2023 -- China is attempting to erode the United States' status as the world's leading military power and largest economy by pushing "militarily-motivated" regional economic cooperation around the world, as evidenced by its plan to set up a military base in the Solomon Islands, which seeks to expand its power projection past the Second Island Chain, according to Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND).
• 'Peaceful separation' a wishful thinking: Taiwan Affairs Office on Tsai Ing-wen's speech Global Times 11 Oct 2023 -- In response to Taiwan regional leader Tsai Ing-wen's remarks in her "Double Ten" speech, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, pointed out on Wednesday that while the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in Taiwan island talk about peace and dialogue, they stubbornly adhere to the "Taiwan independence" stance and refuse to recognize the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus. The DPP's two-faced approach cannot deceive the world and attempting to achieve "peaceful separation" is even more of a wishful thinking.
• Chinese mainland's probe of trade barriers imposed by Taiwan is 'normal procedure': State Council Taiwan Affairs Office Global Times 11 Oct 2023 -- Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities on the Taiwan island have unilaterally restricted imports from the Chinese mainland on a large scale for a long time, the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council said on Wednesday, commenting on the mainland's extension of a probe into the Taiwan island's trade barriers on mainland products that was announced on Monday.
• Taiwan independence ruins safe life for its people, China warns Radio Free Asia 11 Oct 2023 -- China has once more warned that "Taiwanese independence" is the biggest destroyer of the peace and safety of the island's 23 million people.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Oct. 11, 2023 ROC MND 11 Oct 2023
• S Korean voting system 'vulnerable' to N Korean hacking: spy agency Radio Free Asia 11 Oct 2023 -- The voting and ballot counting systems at the state-run election watchdog remain susceptible to potential cyberattacks by North Korea, South Korea's spy agency warned on Tuesday.
• Iran: Rights experts 'dismayed' over continued imprisonment of Nobel Laureate Mohammadi UN News 11 Oct 2023 -- UN independent human rights experts on Wednesday called for the immediate release of Narges Mohammadi, an imprisoned Iranian human rights activist who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her unwavering commitment to women's rights in the country.
• Myanmar military court sentences 2 generals to 20 years in prison Radio Free Asia 11 Oct 2023 -- A military court in Myanmar on Wednesday sentenced two high-ranking generals - including a trusted confidant of junta chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing - to 20 years in prison for accepting bribes, illegally possessing foreign currencies and violating military regulations.
• Finland Opens Probe Into Possible 'Intentional Damaging' Of Baltic Sea Pipeline RFE/RL 11 Oct 2023 -- Finland's National Bureau of Investigation said on October 11 that it had launched an investigation into "possibly intentional damaging" of a Baltic Sea gas pipeline running between Finland and Estonia.
• Slovak Government to be Led by Ex-PM Robert Fico Sputnik 11 Oct 2023 -- Slovakia's opposition Smer party leader and former prime minister, Robert Fico, signed on Wednesday a memorandum of understanding with two coalition partners, according to the broadcast.
• World News in Brief: recovery efforts in Ukraine, human rights in Sudan and WHO report UN News 11 Oct 2023 -- In Ukraine, a UN team on the ground is working closely with the Government, local authorities, the private sector, and communities - including youth groups - to boost the country's massive recovery efforts.
• Report: Rwanda Using Violence to Silence Critics Across the Globe VOA 11 Oct 2023 -- The Rwandan government is trying to silence critics and dissidents living overseas through extrajudicial killings, kidnappings and intimidation, according to a report from Human Rights Watch.
• Palau's President Wonders if US Is Committed to Promised Deal VOA 11 Oct 2023 -- The Republic of Palau is one of three Pacific Island nations negotiating a Compact of Free Association Agreement that would give Washington the right to deny access to other nations — including China — in exchange for U.S. economic assistance.