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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• US forces attacked 55 times in Iraq, Syria ISNA 15 Nov 2023 -- Speaking at a press briefing, Deputy Pentagon Spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said there have been 27 attacks against US forces in Iraq and 28 in Syria.
• Iraqi resistance forces launch rocket attack on US-occupied Ain al-Asad military base Press TV 15 Nov 2023 -- A barrage of rockets has targeted Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq's western province of Anbar, where American military forces and trainers are stationed on alleged training and advisory missions.
• Nearly 60 attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria VOA 15 Nov 2023 -- Attacks from Iranian-backed militants have not let up, with a multi-rocket attack coming within a half-kilometer of Mission Support Site Euphrates in eastern Syria on Tuesday.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Michael J. McCord, Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller), Holds a Press Briefing on the Results of DOD FY 2023 Department-Wide Financial Statement Audit DoD 15 Nov 2023
• DoD Completes Annual Department-Wide Financial Statement Audit DoD 15 Nov 2023 -- The Department of Defense (DoD) fiscal year 2023 audit of the Department's consolidated financial statements resulted in a disclaimer of opinion. Of the 29 Components undergoing standalone financial statement audits, seven received an unmodified audit opinion, and one received a qualified opinion.
• SECNAV Announces Future USS Ernest E. Evans (DDG 141) US Navy 15 Nov 2023
• Defense Innovation Board Fall Meeting Readout DoD 15 Nov 2023 -- The Defense Innovation Board (DIB) held a public meeting on November 14, 2023. Once the meeting was called in session by the Designated Federal Officer and DIB Executive Director, Dr. Marina Theodotou, the DIB Chair, Mr. Michael Bloomberg, and members discussed the status of the two studies underway and explored topics for the next tranche of studies expected to begin in January 2024.
• DOD Awards $39.9 Million to Strengthen U.S. Supply Chains for Printed Circuit Boards DoD 15 Nov 2023 -- The Department of Defense today announced an award of $39.9 million via the Defense Production Act Investment (DPAI) Program to Calumet Electronics Corporation to enhance capabilities to produce High-Density Build-Up (HDBU) substrates, which include High-Density Interconnect Printed Circuit Board (PrCB) cores and HDBU build-up layers.
• Joint Press Statement for Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Meeting With Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr. DoD 15 Nov 2023 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr met in Jakarta today on the margins of the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus.
• Austin Applauds Strengthening U.S.-Philippine Alliance DoD News 15 Nov 2023 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III welcomed the strengthening ties between the U.S. and Philippines as he met with Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. in Jakarta, Indonesia, today.
• Pacific air chiefs gather to address regional security, strengthen partnerships US Air Force 15 Nov 2023 -- The heads of national air forces from around the globe participated in the opening ceremony for the Pacific Air Chiefs Symposium 2023, held at Headquarters Pacific Air Forces, Joint-Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Nov. 14.
• Morris Air National Guard Base to receive FMS F-16s to train Slovak Air Force US Air Force 15 Nov 2023 -- The Department of the Air Force selected Morris Air National Guard Base, Arizona, as the location to receive up to nine Slovak-owned F-16s to be temporarily stationed in the United States beginning in the spring of 2024 through fiscal year 2026 at the 162nd Wing.
• Reserve Component launches direct commission program; constructive service credit for cyberspace warfare operations career field US Air Force 15 Nov 2023 -- The Department of the Air Force has announced that the Air Reserve component has initiated a direct commission and constructive service credit program memo for people interested in serving in the cyber security and cyberspace warfare operations career fields.
• DAF, DoD senior leaders urge AMC to sustain momentum during annual mobility symposium US Air Force 15 Nov 2023 -- The 55th Airlift/Tanker Association Symposium brought together 1,500 Mobility Airmen in a single forum in Grapevine, Texas, Nov. 9 - 12, along with Department of Defense senior leaders and industry partners.
• Joint Statement on the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh/ISIS Africa Focus Group Meeting US Dept. of State 15 Nov 2023 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Italian Republic, the Kingdom of Morocco, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the occasion of the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh/ISIS Africa Focus Group
• NATO Secretary General meets EU College of Commissioners NATO 15 Nov 2023 -- Attending a meeting with the EU College of Commissioners in Brussels on Wednesday (15 November 2023), Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg thanked European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for being a driving force behind the NATO-EU partnership.
• NATO strengthens situational awareness with next generation of command and control aircraft NATO 15 Nov 2023 -- NATO has selected its next generation command and control aircraft as the Alliance's existing Airborne Warning and Control (AWACS) fleet nears retirement.
• PLA Navy's newly commissioned Type 055 large destroyer holds drills in South China Sea Global Times 15 Nov 2023 -- A 10,000 ton-class large destroyer newly commissioned into the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) earlier in 2023 recently carried out a combat-oriented exercise in the South China Sea, displaying its rapid capability generation in defending national sovereignty, security and maritime rights amid tensions in the region, analysts said on Wednesday.
• China has developed a distinctive model for recruiting cadets to fly carrier-based aircraft: PLA Navy Global Times 15 Nov 2023 -- The recruitment, selection methods, and training models for naval aviation cadets have been continuously expanded and optimized, gradually forming a distinctive recruitment and selection model for carrier-based aircraft pilots, according to the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's aviator recruitment work conference held on Tuesday. At the same time, the selection and training of carrier-based aircraft pilots have achieved remarkable results.
• New IRBM Solid-fuel Engine Test Conducted in DPRK KCNA 15 Nov 2023 -- At a time when the dynamic struggle is being accelerated to bolster up the country's defence capabilities in every way, the missile industry of the DPRK has developed new-type high-thrust solid-fuel engines for intermediate-range ballistic missile again, which are of important strategic significance, and successfully conducted the first ground jet tests of the first-stage engine and the second-stage engine on November 11 and 14 respectively.
• North Korea Develops, Test-Fires New IRBM Solid-Fuel Engines - State Media Sputnik 15 Nov 2023 -- North Korea has developed and test-fired new-type high-thrust solid-fuel engines for intermediate-range ballistic missiles, North Korean state-run news agency KCNA reported Wednesday.
• Construction begins on new $131 million Air Force Expeditionary Capability facility at Canadian Forces Base Bagotville Canada 15 Nov 2023 -- Today, Marie-France Lalonde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, on behalf of the Honourable Bill Blair, highlighted the construction of a new Air Force Expeditionary Capability facility at Canadian Forces Base Bagotville. During construction, this project is expected to sustain approximately 600 jobs.
• 2023 EDITION OF THE INDO-PACIFIC REGIONAL DIALOGUE (IPRD-2023) India PIB 15 Nov 2023 -- The "Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2023" (IPRD-2023), the three-day annual apex-level regional strategic dialogue of the Indian Navy, commenced in New Delhi on 15 Nov 23.
• Pakistan's Navy cmdr. calls for expansion of military, defense ties with Iran IRNA 15 Nov 2023 -- Chief of Pakistan's Naval Staff Naveed Ashraf has said that ties with Iran is important for his country and called for expansion of cooperation between the two neighbors in defense and military fields.
• Korea - AIM-9X Block II and Block II+ (Plus) Sidewinder Missiles DSCA 15 Nov 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Korea of AIM-9X Block II and Block II+ (Plus) Sidewinder Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $52.1 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Defence Secretary will support UK industry and back firms globally UK MOD 15 Nov 2023 -- UK Defence firms will be championed as positive ambassadors for the UK, in the face of investment threats, the Defence Secretary has told industry leaders.
• Preparations for stationing the German brigade gather pace Lithuania MND 15 Nov 2023 -- Preparatory work for hosting the German brigade is accelerating driving forward the Lithuanian-German defence cooperation.
• A look at the Defence news 6 - 12 November Netherlands Ministry of Defence 15 Nov 2023
• China-backed naval base in Cambodia 'continues to grow' Radio Free Asia 15 Nov 2023 -- The China-backed Ream naval base in southwestern Cambodia has expanded quickly over the past year, satellite images show.
• EU-Armenia: joint press release on the Second Political and Security Dialogue European External Action Service (EEAS) 15 Nov 2023 -- The second high-level EU-Armenia Political and Security Dialogue took place on Wednesday in Brussels.
• Secretary's International Security Advisory Board Releases Report on Deterrence in a World of Nuclear Multipolarity US Dept. of State 15 Nov 2023 -- Today, the Secretary's International Security Advisory Board (ISAB) released its study, "Report on Deterrence in a World of Nuclear Multipolarity."

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Nov. 15, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 15 November 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 15 Nov 2023

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Press Briefing Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari November 15th, 20:15 Israel Defense Forces 15 Nov 2023
• Humanitarian Aid & Searches for Additional Explosives and Terror Infrastructure; IDF Troops Continue Targeting Hamas in Precise Operation in the Shifa Hospital Israel Defense Forces 15 Nov 2023
• IDF Ground Operations in Gaza Continue; Targeted Operation Against Hamas in Specified Area of the Shifa Hospital Israel Defense Forces 15 Nov 2023
• IDF Forces Are Conducting an Intelligence-Based Precise Operation in a Specified Area in the Shifa Hospital Israel Defense Forces 15 Nov 2023
• Israel Rejects UN Call for 'Extended Humanitarian Pauses' for Gaza VOA 15 Nov 2023 -- The U.N. Security Council overcame weeks of inaction and bickering Wednesday to issue a call for "extended humanitarian pauses" in the Gaza Strip, especially for the protection of children, only to have Israel immediately reject the measure.
• Under Emergency Measures, Israel Shutters Lebanese News Outlet VOA 15 Nov 2023 -- Israel this week used newly enacted emergency measures to shutter a Lebanon-based media outlet over claims it harms national security.
• PM Netanyahu Meets with Samaritan's Purse President and CEO Franklin Graham Israel - Prime Minister 15 Nov 2023
• PM Netanyahu visited an Iron Dome battery and an intercept control center in the south Israel - Prime Minister 15 Nov 2023
• PM Netanyahu to Soldiers at Zikim: "There is no place in Gaza that we cannot reach. There are no hideouts. There is no shelter or refuge for the Hamas murderers." Israel - Prime Minister 15 Nov 2023
• PM Netanyahu Meets with US National Security Council Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk Israel - Prime Minister 15 Nov 2023
• Israel gains "control" of northern Gaza Strip: defense minister People's Daily 15 Nov 2023 -- Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Tuesday that Israel was "controlling" the northern Gaza Strip.
• Israeli Forces Raid Gaza Hospital Searching for Hamas Militants VOA 15 Nov 2023 -- Israeli soldiers raided Shifa Hospital in Gaza early Wednesday, looking for Hamas militants after giving Health Ministry officials a few minutes' warning.
• Humanitarian crisis in Gaza 'may worsen' amid US sanctions against Hamas Global Times 15 Nov 2023 -- As Israeli troops launched a ground assault on Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, the US and the UK announced coordinated sanctions targeting Hamas and its financiers, which Chinese experts view is a move in support of Israel which could further exacerbate the humanitarian disaster by increasing Israel's disregard for the mounting international pressure.
• Israeli regime's raid on Shifa hospital clearly qualifies as war crime: Iran IRNA 15 Nov 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani says Israeli regime's raid on al-Shifa hospital in Gaza clearly qualifies as a war crime.
• Israel army finds no captives at Gaza hospital after raid: Reports IRNA 15 Nov 2023 -- The Israeli army has found no evidence suggesting the al-Shifa hospital in Gaza is being used to hold Zionist captives, Israeli media reported after regime forces raided the largest medical complex in the blockaded Palestinian territory.
• Israel raids largest Hospital in Gaza ISNA 15 Nov 2023 -- Israeli forces raid al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, the largest medical complex in the Strip on Wednesday where thousands have taken shelter.
• Israeli forces raid Gaza's largest hospital to search for militants People's Daily 15 Nov 2023 -- Dozens of the Israeli army forces on Wednesday carried out a raid at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City amid heavy gunfire, according to a senior medical official.
• Raid on al-Shifa: Israeli forces fire at civilians inside hospital as Hamas calls US complicit Press TV 15 Nov 2023 -- The general director of hospitals in the Gaza Strip says Israeli troops have fired at people inside the al-Shifa hospital during their raid on the largest medical complex in the besieged enclave.
• Israel raids Gaza's al-Shifa Hospital Press TV 15 Nov 2023 -- The Israeli regime has begun a military operation against al-Shifa Hospital in the Gaza Strip, which has come to house thousands of patients and displaced people seeking shelter there from an unrelenting Israeli war.
• Forty-Two Bosnian Citizens, Relatives Cross From Gaza Into Egypt RFE/RL 15 Nov 2023 -- The Foreign Ministry of Bosnia-Herzegovina confirmed on November 15 that 42 Bosnian citizens or members of their families had crossed into Egypt from Gaza.
• Israel, Hamas reach initial agreement on humanitarian truce: source People's Daily 15 Nov 2023 -- An informed Palestinian source said on Tuesday that delegates of Israel and Hamas had reached an initial agreement to implement a temporary humanitarian cease-fire under international and Arab sponsorship.
• Ansar Allah confirms missile attack on Israeli regime targets IRNA 15 Nov 2023 -- Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthi Movement, has confirmed in a statement that it has launched ballistic missile attacks on sensitive locations within Israeli-occupied territories of Palestine.
• Israeli regime forces storm al-Shifa hospital in Gaza Strip IRNA 15 Nov 2023 -- Israeli forces have stormed the al-Shifa hospital in the Gaza Strip after days of besieging the largest medical complex in the coastal enclave.
• Palestinian death toll in Gaza surpasses 11,500 People's Daily 15 Nov 2023 -- More than 40 wounded Palestinians, including five newborns, died in the Al-Shifa hospital in the past hours under the siege and strikes by Israeli forces, said the Hamas-run Health Ministry on Tuesday.
• Adopting Resolution 2712 (2023), Security Council Calls for 'Urgent and Extended' Humanitarian Pauses in Gaza, Immediate Release of Hostages United Nations 15 Nov 2023 -- In a late-breaking meeting today, the Security Council adopted resolution 2712 (2023) by a vote of 12 in favour to none against, with 3 abstentions (Russian Federation, United Kingdom, United States), by which it called for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors through the Gaza Strip to facilitate the provision of essential goods and services.
• Israel-Palestine crisis: Security Council calls for urgent, extended humanitarian pauses in Gaza UN News 15 Nov 2023 -- The Security Council has passed a resolution calling for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas and for urgent and extended humanitarian corridors throughout the enclave to save and protect civilian lives. The affirmative vote came following four unsuccessful efforts to take action last month.
• Israel-Palestine crisis: UN emergency relief chief unveils 10-point plan 'to rein in the carnage' UN News 15 Nov 2023 -- The UN's top emergency relief official unveiled a 10-point plan "to rein in the carnage" in Gaza on Wednesday which focuses on a major expansion of aid into into the wartorn enclave, along with a new call for humanitarian ceasefires and the release of hostages taken during Hamas's 7 October terror attacks on Israel.
• Gaza: 'Hospitals are not battlegrounds', children's suffering must stop, UN humanitarians say UN News 15 Nov 2023 -- Children have been killed, maimed, abducted and denied assistance in Gaza, and the parties to the conflict must "stop this horror", UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) chief Catherine Russell said during a visit to the enclave as humanitarian operations there ground to a halt on Wednesday for lack of fuel.
• The carnage in Gaza cannot be allowed to continue. Here are the steps to rein it in UNOCHA 15 Nov 2023 -- Statement by Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator
• Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator - Full Transcript of Press Encounter, 15 November 2023, Geneva UNOCHA 15 Nov 2023
• UNRWA Situation Report #31 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem (all information is valid as of 14 November 2023 at 18:30 local time) UNRWA 15 Nov 2023
• Gaza continues to have huge needs for fuel amid siege and war UNRWA 15 Nov 2023
• UNICEF warns of 'devastating situation' in Gaza, says 'nowhere safe' for Gaza's one million children Press TV 15 Nov 2023 -- The executive director of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has described the situation in the Gaza Strip as "devastating" amid Israel's ongoing aggression, warning that the regime's brutal assault has left "nowhere safe" for the enclave's one million children.
• UN refugee body in Gaza says to stop operation in 30 hours due to fuel shortfall People's Daily 15 Nov 2023 -- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in Gaza warned Tuesday that its humanitarian programs would come to a halt within 30 hours due to fuel depletion.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant DoD 15 Nov 2023
• Washington 'quietly' ramps up weapons transfers to Israel amid Gaza war: US media Press TV 15 Nov 2023 -- The United States has secretly increased its military aid to Israel, including more sophisticated missiles and equipment, amid the occupying regime's brutal onslaught against the Gaza Strip, according to a report.
• UN Security Council has failed to prevent tragedies in Gaza, says Iran's FM Amir-Abdollahian Press TV 15 Nov 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has lambasted the United Nations Security Council for failing to avert tragedies in the Gaza Strip, arguing the international body could not fulfill its role to stop the war due to the influence of certain member states.
• Attack on al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza clear example of war crimes: Iran Press TV 15 Nov 2023 -- The spokesman for Iran's foreign ministry has condemned Israel's attack on al-Shifa Hospital as a "clear example" of war crimes the regime has committed over the course of its bombardment and ground invasion of the Gaza Strip.
• Iran calls for 'immediate halt' to Gaza war, says 'no chance' for Israel's victory Press TV 15 Nov 2023 -- Iran's foreign minister has called for an immediate halt to Israel's bloody aggression against the Gaza Strip, stressing that the occupying regime has "no chance" to win the war.
• Iran condemns Israel's bombing of Qatar's reconstruction committee in Gaza People's Daily 15 Nov 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani on Tuesday vehemently condemned Israel's bombing of the headquarters of the Qatar Committee for the Reconstruction of Gaza which took place on Monday.
• "Those who do not speak out against Israel's crimes against humanity are just as much an accomplice in these crimes as the perpetrators" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 15 Nov 2023 -- Addressing AK Party's Parliamentary Group Meeting, President Erdoğan said: "Those who do not speak out against Israel's crimes against humanity are just as much an accomplice in these crimes as the perpetrators. The blood of the kids killed in Gaza sticks as a stain of shame to the foreheads of those who provide weaponry, ammunition and intelligence support to the Israeli administration."
• No: 295, 15 November 2023, Press Release Regarding the Slander by the Israeli Prime Minister and the Israeli Foreign Minister Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 15 Nov 2023 -- "Israeli officials, who have entered the dark pages of history with the oppression and massacres committed against the Palestinian people, have no right to talk about the law."
• It is right the Security Council calls for a humanitarian pause in Gaza long enough to deliver aid: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 15 Nov 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Gaza.
• Belize suspends diplomatic ties with Israel over 'indiscriminate bombing' of Gaza Press TV 15 Nov 2023 -- The Belizean government has severed its diplomatic ties with Israel over the occupying regime's "unceasing, indiscriminate bombing" of innocent Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and its refusal to implement a ceasefire in the area.
• Erdogan says Israel a 'terrorist state' that seeks 'total destruction' of Gaza Press TV 15 Nov 2023 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has blasted Israel as a "terrorist state" that seeks the "full destruction" of the densely-populated Gaza Strip, which has been under massive bombardment for over five weeks.
• Russia's Lavrov warns Israeli provocations may drag Iran, Hezbollah into Gaza war Press TV 15 Nov 2023 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has warned that Iran and the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah may decide to get engaged in the ongoing war in Gaza if they are provoked by Israeli actions.
• Yemen threatens to Attack Israel's ships in Red Sea ISNA 15 Nov 2023 -- Abdul-Malik Badruldeen al-Houthi, leader of Yemen's Ansar Allah movement said " Our eyes are open to constantly monitor and search for any Israeli ship in the Red Sea, particularly in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the waters that border Yemeni waters, although Israeli ships disable devices in the Red Sea, they will not be able to hide," adding that the movement "will search for its ships and will not hesitate to attack them."
• Houthi Leader Threatens to Attack Israel's Ships in Red Sea Sputnik 15 Nov 2023 -- The leader of Yemen's rebel Ansar Allah movement, also known as the Houthis and controlling the country's north, on Tuesday threatened to attack Israeli ships in the Red Sea to support Palestinian movements in the Gaza Strip.
• Egypt to send additional 650 tons of food aid to Gaza People's Daily 15 Nov 2023 -- President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi on Tuesday directed the Egyptian government to provide the Gaza Strip with an additional 650 tons of food aid.
• Egypt, Russia agree to intensify efforts to reach ceasefire in Gaza People's Daily 15 Nov 2023 -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin agreed on Tuesday to intensify international efforts toward an immediate ceasefire in the war-ravaged Gaza Strip.
• Lebanese parliament speaker warns of conflict expansion as clashes with Israel escalate People's Daily 15 Nov 2023 -- Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on Tuesday warned of an expansion of Israel-Hamas conflict amid the ongoing clashes between the Israeli army and Lebanese militants in southern Lebanon, the National News Agency reported.
• Qatari minister says to continue efforts to end "collective punishment" of Gazans People's Daily 15 Nov 2023 -- A Qatari official said on Tuesday that the country will continue its efforts to end the "collective punishment" imposed on Gaza, Qatar News Agency reported.
• Mahmoud Abbas says Israel's war on Gaza is 'genocide' Press TV 15 Nov 2023 -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says the ongoing Israeli aggression and constant bombardment of the besieged Gaza Strip is a barbaric war and genocide.
• Israel planning to cause another 'Nakba': Hamas official Press TV 15 Nov 2023 -- A senior Hamas official has said the Israeli regime, which has brought the Gaza Strip under an unrelenting war, was after causing another Nakba (Catastrophe), referring to the ethnic cleansing of Palestinian natives by the apartheid regime in 1948.
• Hamas 'Remains Intact' Despite Israeli Operation in Gaza Sputnik 15 Nov 2023 -- Tel Aviv has not achieved substantial results since the launch of its ground operation, stressed Mouni Rabbani, an independent writer and analyst specializing in Palestinian affairs, senior fellow at the Institute for Palestine Studies, and contributing editor to the Middle East Report.
• Hamas denies accusations of using hospitals in Gaza for military purposes People's Daily 15 Nov 2023 -- Hamas on Tuesday denied using hospitals in the Gaza Strip for military purposes, dismissing such Israeli accusations as "lies," according to the media office of the Gaza-ruling Palestinian faction.
• Can a Two-State Solution Survive the Israel-Hamas Conflict? VOA 15 Nov 2023 -- For three decades, the West and the international community saw the idea of two states — one Israeli, one Palestinian — as the basis for peace in the Middle East. Even after Hamas' October 7 massacre and Israel's overwhelming counter-offensive, many believe it remains the only path forward.
• Israeli Medics Call Attention to Risks Faced by Female Hostages VOA 15 Nov 2023 -- Sexual violence can be an instrument of power in warfare, and female hostages face unique risks, warns a new report submitted to the International Committee of the Red Cross by a medical team working with the families of those kidnapped by Hamas.
• 7 Palestinians killed in clashes with Israeli army in West Bank: ministry People's Daily 15 Nov 2023 -- At least seven Palestinians were killed on Tuesday in clashes with Israeli soldiers in Tulkarm, northern West Bank, according to the Ramallah-based Palestinian Health Ministry.

Other Conflicts

• 'I Won't Be Free': Afghan Women, Girls Face Grim Future After Expulsion From Pakistan RFE/RL 15 Nov 2023 -- Since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan, thousands of Afghan families have fled to neighboring Pakistan.
• U.S. To Deliver Report On Situation In Nagorno-Karabakh Leading Up To Azerbaijani Offensive RFE/RL 15 Nov 2023 -- The United States is preparing a comprehensive and transparent report on what happened in Nagorno-Karabakh ahead of Azerbaijan's offensive in September, a U.S. State Department official told a congressional hearing on November 15.
• Envoy renews Iran's support for Azerbaijan sovereignty over Nagorno-Karabakh IRNA 15 Nov 2023 -- The Iranian Ambassador to the Republic of Azerbaijan has underlined that the Islamic Republic of Iran considers Nagorno-Karabakh as a territory of Azerbaijan and supports the restoration of Baku's sovereignty over the region.
• Expanding conflict in northern Myanmar displaces more than 200,000 Radio Free Asia 15 Nov 2023 -- Fierce fighting between Myanmar's military and ethnic armies in northern Shan state in recent weeks has expanded to include parts of the northwest, southeast and Rakhine state, displacing more than 200,000 people, according to the United Nations.
• VOA Interview: Estonian Prime Minister Calls for End to Europe's 'Gray Zones' VOA 15 Nov 2023 -- After 21 months of Russia's war in Ukraine, Estonia's Prime Minister Kaja Kallas says there is much more on the line for the Western world than Russia seizing its neighbor's territory. She says malign actors globally are watching how the Ukraine war ends and if they see aggression paying off, the world will see many more conflicts.

News Reports

• Australian Intelligence Report Identifies China as Major Backer of Cyber Crime VOA 15 Nov 2023 -- Australia's digital spy agency has identified China as the major backer of serious hacking against Australian companies and critical infrastructure.
• Influential German Journalist Received Money From Russia, Investigation Claims RFE/RL 15 Nov 2023 -- Influential German broadcaster and author Hubert Seipel, who interviewed Russian President Vladimir Putin and wrote two books about him, received 600,000 euros ($646,000) from companies associated with oligarch Aleksei Mordashov, who is close to Putin and is on the Western sanctions list, a joint journalistic investigation has found.
• Fourteen Gang Members and Associates Indicted for Racketeering Conspiracy and Fentanyl Trafficking US Dept. of Justice 15 Nov 2023 -- A superseding indictment was unsealed today in the District of Minnesota charging 14 additional members and associates of the Minneapolis Highs gang with racketeering (RICO) conspiracy and fentanyl trafficking. Additional charges include firearms violations, kidnapping, assault, and carjacking.
• High-Ranking MS-13 Fugitive Arrested on Terrorism Charges US Dept. of Justice 15 Nov 2023 -- At the conclusion of a removal hearing, a federal court in Houston, Texas ordered Elmer Canales-Rivera, aka Crook de Hollywood, a high-ranking leader of La Mara Salvatrucha, aka MS-13, to be transferred in custody to the Eastern District of New York where he and 13 other high-ranking MS-13 leaders were indicted in December 2020 on terrorism offenses relating to their direction of the transnational criminal organization's criminal activities in the United States, El Salvador, Mexico, and elsewhere over the past two decades.
• Treasury and Costa Rican Government Cooperate on Sanction Against Notorious Narcotics Trafficker US Treasury 15 Nov 2023 -- Today, in support of President Biden's National Drug Control Strategy and in cooperation with the government of Costa Rica, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Gilbert Hernan de Los Angeles Bell Fernandez (Bell), a Costa Rican narcotics trafficker, known not only for the volume of drugs he moves but the violence with which he operates, who has played a significant role in Costa Rica's recent transformation into a major narcotics transit hub.
• Terrorist groups and non-state actors pose a persistent and significant threat to international peace and security: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 15 Nov 2023 -- Statement by UK Political Coordinator Fergus Eckersley at the UN Security Council meeting on the subsidiary bodies of the Security Council.
• SpaceX Clinches FAA Clearance for Second Starship Launch After April Explosion Sputnik 15 Nov 2023 -- The US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) said in an X post that it issued a license authorizing the second launch of SpaceX's Starship super heavy vehicle.
• Meeting with representatives of Russian election commissions President of Russia 15 Nov 2023 -- Vladimir Putin met with members of the Central Election Commission and heads of regional election commissions at Novo-Ogaryovo. The meeting was timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the country's electoral system. The President presented state decorations to representatives of election commissions.
• Excerpts from the briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, November 15, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 15 Nov 2023
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's interview for the RT channel, Moscow, November 15, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 15 Nov 2023
• EU Takes Aim At More Central Asian Firms For Aiding Russian War Effort In Ukraine RFE/RL 15 Nov 2023 -- The European Union is looking to sanction more Central Asian companies that it says are aiding Russia's war effort in Ukraine, according to a document seen by RFE/RL.
• Putin Signs Amendments To Presidential Election Law That Limit Reporting During Vote RFE/RL 15 Nov 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law a bill on amendments to the law on presidential elections, which restrict coverage of the poll scheduled for March next year by the media.
• Russia's Second Arktika-M Satellite to Be Launched on December 16 - Source Sputnik 15 Nov 2023 -- The second Arktika-M satellite, necessary for monitoring the Northern Sea Route among other goals, will be launched into orbit from the Baikonur spaceport on December 16, a source in the rocket and space industry has told Sputnik.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on November 15, 2023 PRC MofA 15 Nov 2023
• Remarks by President Biden and President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China Before Bilateral Meeting | Woodside, CA The White House 15 Nov 2023
• Biden, China's Xi Meet on Sidelines of APEC Forum VOA 16 Nov 2023 -- U.S. President Joe Biden welcomed Chinese leader Xi Jinping to California where the two are meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.
• China, US make 'breakthrough' agreement on tackling climate change, but US needs to do more Global Times 15 Nov 2023 -- China and the US agreed to jointly tackle global warming and operationalize a working group focused on areas including energy transition, methane, the circular economy and resource efficiency, low-carbon development and deforestation, according to a document issued by China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) on Wednesday.
• China-US summit under spotlight as world seeks more certainty Global Times 15 Nov 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in San Francisco on Tuesday local time to participate in a much-anticipated China-US summit meeting and the 30th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, an occasion that signifies the gathering momentum of stabilization of China-US relations which will inject positive energy and stability into the world amid a complex geopolitical landscape and challenges of post-pandemic economic recovery.
• China and the US release joint statement on enhancing cooperation on addressing climate crisis ahead of COP28 Global Times 15 Nov 2023 -- China and the US issued a joint statement on Wednesday the Sunnylands Statement on Enhancing Cooperation to Address the Climate Crisis, stating China's and the US' reaffirmation of their commitment to work together with other countries to address the climate crisis, with a working group to be operationalized to focus on areas including energy transition, methane, circular economy and resource efficiency, low-carbon and deforestation, according to China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment.
• China's Xi Arrives in US for APEC Summit, Talks With Biden ISNA 15 Nov 2023 -- At San Francisco International Airport, Xi received a warm reception from senior U.S. officials, including U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen and California Governor Gavin Newsom.
• Xi and Biden hold talks outside San Francisco Radio Free Asia 15 Nov 2023 -- U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to restore direct military-to-military communications and to a deal to stem the flow of fentanyl precursors out of China into the United States in talks Wednesday at a country estate just outside San Francisco.
• China In Eurasia Briefing: As Biden and Xi Meet, What's At Stake? RFE/RL 15 Nov 2023
• China's Foreign Ministry urges Europe to address Chinese firms' legitimate concerns, warning against its 'de-risking' strategy Global Times 15 Nov 2023 -- It is hoped that the EU will listen to reasonable suggestions from Chinese enterprises, address their legitimate concern, and abide by market rules to help promote healthy and stable development of China-EU economic and trade relations, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Wednesday.
• China's consumption up in Oct, underlying economic weaknesses remain Radio Free Asia 15 Nov 2023 -- China's domestic consumption improved in October, bolstered by enhanced numbers in travel and spending during the Golden Week - National Day - holiday in the earlier part of the month, the latest data show.
• China's economic recovery gains pace in Oct with forecast-beating retail sales, industrial output data Global Times 15 Nov 2023 -- China on Wednesday reported better-than-expected retail sales and industrial data for October, underscoring that the world's second-largest economy has been "running on abundant steam" to maintain the strong recovery momentum through the year despite multiple impediments including subdued global demand, flared-up geopolitical tensions and a slowing property sector.
• China imports record high oil from Iran IRNA 15 Nov 2023 -- China has posted a record high in oil sales from Iran, according to a Reuters report.
• Expectations raised for stabilizing relations between China and US People's Daily 15 Nov 2023 -- Intensive high-level engagements between Beijing and Washington have raised expectations among the international community for stabilizing relations between China and the United States, despite challenges that remain, observers said.
• Pakistan extends deadline for Uyghurs refugees facing deportation Radio Free Asia 15 Nov 2023 -- Pakistani authorities have temporarily extended the period of stay for Uyghurs living in the city of Rawalpindi who were at risk for deportation under a government order to expel all illegal migrants by the start of November, a Uyghur involved in the situation said.
• Ko-Hou ticket worst scenario for DPP in presidential election: Source CNA 15 Nov 2023 -- The worst possible scenario for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in the upcoming presidential election would be for Taiwan People Party (TPP) nominee Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) to run for the presidency, with the Kuomintang's (KMT) Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) as his running mate, according to an anonymous DPP official.
• KMT, TPP to form joint presidential ticket based upon polls (update) CNA 15 Nov 2023 -- The Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) agreed on Wednesday after months of deadlock to form a joint presidential ticket in Taiwan's 2024 presidential election, with the top of the ticket to be determined through public polls.
• Chinese mainland slams Lai Ching-te's war-related comments People's Daily 15 Nov 2023 -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday slammed Lai Ching-te, deputy leader of China's Taiwan region, for his war-related comments.
• Taiwan's opposition parties join forces in presidential race Radio Free Asia 15 Nov 2023 -- Two key opposition parties in democratic Taiwan have joined forces to fight forthcoming presidential elections, in a late bid to deliver candidates who will likely focus on the island's future amid growing military incursions from Beijing.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Nov. 15, 2023 ROC MND 15 Nov 2023
• KMT, TPP to form joint presidential ticket based upon polling results CNA 15 Nov 2023 -- The Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) agreed on Wednesday to determine the presidential and vice presidential candidates on a joint ticket in the 2024 presidential election through public polls, after months of deadlock.
• N Korea, Russia strengthen key sector ties, risk UN sanctions breach Radio Free Asia 15 Nov 2023 -- North Korea and Russia agreed to further boost their cooperation in various sectors, including the economy, science, and technology - a development that could create potential loopholes in the United Nations sanctions aimed at curbing Pyongyang's nuclear program.
• Hymn to Kim Jong Un becomes official song at state events Radio Free Asia 15 Nov 2023 -- "Our general is the wisest of 10 million. Our general cultivates the best paradise with the power of love for our everlasting happiness. His name is General Kim Jong Un!"
• Inter-sector Talks between Governments of DPRK and Russia Held KCNA 15 Nov 2023 -- Inter-sector talks between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation for the 10th meeting of the Committee for Cooperation in Trade, Economy, Science and Technology are being held.
• Russian Government Delegation Here KCNA 15 Nov 2023 -- A Russian government delegation arrived here on Tuesday to take part in the 10th meeting of the Committee for Cooperation in Trade, Economy, Science and Technology between the governments of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation.
• US extends waiver allowing Iraq to buy gas and pay Iran ISNA 15 Nov 2023 -- The United States announced on Tuesday that it was extending for another 120 days a sanctions waiver allowing Iraq to buy electricity from Iran.
• US Congress Pushes Myanmar Aid Debate Into Early 2024 VOA 15 Nov 2023 -- The debate over U.S. aid to Myanmar will remain unresolved until at least early next year, as U.S. lawmakers once again this week delayed passage of a final budget for 2024.
• UK Top Court Rules Against Plan to Deport Migrants; PM Undeterred VOA 15 Nov 2023 -- British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged on Wednesday that his government will keep seeking ways to send some undocumented immigrants on a one-way journey to Rwanda, even though the Supreme Court just ruled that policy was illegal and could imperil refugees.
• PM call with President Paul Kagame of Rwanda: 15 November 2023 Gov.UK 15 Nov 2023
• Liberians vote in presidential runoff People's Daily 15 Nov 2023 -- Liberians started voting in the second round of presidential elections Tuesday morning across the West African country.
• New Cambodian policies aimed at foreign real estate investment Radio Free Asia 15 Nov 2023 -- Hoping to boost Cambodia's flagging real estate sector, Prime Minister Hun Manet has issued several orders aimed at encouraging more foreign investment in property, and also urged microfinance companies to make it easier for homeowners to refinance delinquent mortgages.
• Thailand backs away from Chinese police patrol plan amid furor Radio Free Asia 15 Nov 2023 -- The Thai government has ruled out a proposal for Chinese police to be stationed at tourist hotspots around the kingdom amid a public backlash.
• U.S. Department of State Announces Increased Reward Offer for Information Leading to the Arrest and/or Conviction of Haitian Gang Leader US Dept. of State 15 Nov 2023 -- The State Department is announcing a reward offer increase of up to $2 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Haitian national Vitel'homme Innocent for conspiring to participate in or attempting to participate in transnational organized crime.
• World News in Brief: Dozens dead in Yemen shipwreck, Pakistan expulsions 'must stop', FAO aids Sudan farmers UN News 15 Nov 2023 -- The UN migration agency IOM on Wednesday appealed for safe migration pathways in the wake of a recent shipwreck off the coast of Yemen.
• Bangladesh Announces Parliamentary Elections, Angering Opposition VOA 15 Nov 2023 -- The national poll body of Bangladesh said Wednesday that parliamentary elections will be held on January 7 — an announcement that sparked immediate threats of a boycott from the opposition, which fears the elections will be rigged.
• Bangladesh Politician Faces Discipline Over Threat Against US Envoy VOA 15 Nov 2023 -- Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called for steps to be taken against an official in her party who threatened to physically assault Peter Haas, the U.S. ambassador to Bangladesh.
• Vote Counting Underway in Liberian Presidential Runoff VOA 15 Nov 2023 -- Vote counting from Liberia's presidential runoff is underway, with opposition leader Joseph Boakai holding a slight lead over incumbent George Weah.
• Nigerian Workers Strike Over Attack on Union Leader, Unpopular Economic Reforms VOA 15 Nov 2023 -- Nigeria's labor unions have begun an indefinite strike to protest the beating of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) president Joe Ajaero on November 1. The labor leader was to lead workers in protest over unpaid salaries in Imo state when he was picked up by security agents, who allegedly beat him.