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News Reports

Current Operations

• AC-130 Strikes Iranian-Backed Militants Following Missile Attack DoD News 21 Nov 2023 -- A U.S. military AC-130J Ghostrider attacked an Iran-backed militant group after the group used a ballistic missile to attack U.S. and coalition forces on Al-Asad Airbase, Iraq, the deputy pentagon press secretary said today.
• US Force Attacked at Iraq Air Base, Responds by Hitting Iranian-Backed Proxies VOA 21 Nov 2023 -- U.S. forces struck and killed Iranian-backed proxies who earlier had launched a close-range ballistic missile against al-Asad air base in Iraq on Monday.
• Iran "not directing, ordering" regional resistance groups against U.S.: spokesman People's Daily 21 Nov 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani on Monday reiterated that the resistance groups in the region "are not directed by Iran and do not take orders from Iran."

Defense Policy / Programs

• The Department of the Navy releases inaugural Cyber Strategy US Navy Press Release 21 Nov 2023 -- Today, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro released the inaugural Department of the Navy Cyber Strategy.
• Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Ms. Sabrina Singh Holds a Press Briefing DoD 21 Nov 2023
• DOD Mobilizes Manufacturing Innovation Institutes to Support Military Industrial Base DoD 21 Nov 2023 -- The Department of Defense's Manufacturing Innovation Institutes (MII) met with stakeholders to discuss how the manufacturing innovation ecosystem can support the services' modernization efforts at the Organic Industrial Base Modernization workshop Oct. 25 - 26 in Chicago.
• Hicks: DOD Is Becoming More Agile DoD News 21 Nov 2023 -- The Defense Department is making progress in becoming more agile, and leaders are driving change, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks told the Defense Writers' Group today.
• US Navy P-8A Poseidon Aircraft Overshoots Runway, Ends Up in Hawaiian Waters - Reports Sputnik 21 Nov 2023 -- A US Navy P-8A Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft overshot a runway and ended up in shallow water just off Hawaii's coast, US Third Fleet officials said.
• Air Force, Coast Guard partner for rescue exercise US Air Force 21 Nov 2023 -- The 347th Operations Support Squadron at Moody Air Force Base partnered with U.S. Coast Guard Station Mayport, Florida, Nov. 17, for a simulated water rescue of a downed pilot during exercise Mosaic Tiger 24-1.
• Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group Arrives in Busan, Republic of Korea US Navy 21 Nov 2023 -- USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), the flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1, arrived in the Republic of Korea (ROK) for a scheduled port visit, Nov. 21.
• Military Leaders Convene in Naples for AFRICOM Strategic Alignment Conference AFRICOM 21 Nov 2023 -- U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) Component Commanders and Senior Enlisted Leaders convened in Naples, Italy for a pivotal conference, hosted by U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF), November 14-15, 2023.
• US, Philippines launch joint sea and air patrols Radio Free Asia 21 Nov 2023 -- The Philippines and United States began long-anticipated joint sea and air patrols off the Southeast Asian archipelago on Tuesday, in a show of bilateral muscle-flexing in the face of perceived Chinese aggression in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait.
• Stoltenberg Emphasizes NATO's Vigilance, Readiness As He Wraps Up Tour Of Western Balkans RFE/RL 21 Nov 2023 -- NATO Secretary-General Stoltenberg says the alliance closely monitors what Russia is doing in the western Balkans but currently sees no military threat to any NATO member in the region.
• NATO Secretary General in Skopje: the Western Balkans is essential to the security of Europe NATO 21 Nov 2023 -- Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg addressed the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia in Skopje on Tuesday (21 November 2023), marking the first such address since the country joined NATO.
• Secretary General underlines the importance of NATO's partnership with Serbia NATO 21 Nov 2023 -- On Tuesday (21 November 2023), NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg had discussions in Belgrade with President Aleksandar Vučić of Serbia. Mr Stoltenberg and President Vučić addressed the latest security developments in the Western Balkans, NATO's role in the region, and strengthening Serbia's partnership with the Alliance.
• Opening statement by Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation General of the Army Sergei Shoigu at Defence Ministry Board Session Russia MoD 21 Nov 2023
• Kiev Loses Over 13,700 Soldiers, About 1,800 Weapons, Equipment Units in November - Shoigu Sputnik 21 Nov 2023 -- Ukraine has lost over 13,700 soldiers and about 1,800 units of various weapons and military equipment since the beginning of the month, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Tuesday.
• In Ukraine, Russia's Military Has A Manpower Problem. Now It's Becoming A Political Problem. RFE/RL 21 Nov 2023 -- A group of women wearing winter coats gathered outside a municipal building in the northwestern Russian city of Cherepovets last month.
• Austin: Ukraine Fight Has Implications Across Europe, Asia as China Watches Western Resolve VOA 21 Nov 2023 -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is warning that if Russia is successful in Ukraine, China will be emboldened to use military force to expand its territory in the Indo-Pacific.
• Germany Pledges 1.3 Billion Euros In Additional Military Aid To Ukraine RFE/RL 21 Nov 2023 -- Germany has pledged a further 1.3 billion euros ($1.42 billion) in military aid for Ukraine that will include another four powerful IRIS-T air-defense systems as well as artillery ammunition, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced during a visit to Kyiv on November 21.
• German Defense Minister Pledges Support for Ukraine VOA 21 Nov 2023 -- An official from another key Western ally paid a surprise visit to Ukraine Tuesday while Russian forces continued to pound civilian infrastructure with missiles and drones.
• Zelensky meets with U.S. defense secretary on military aid for Ukraine People's Daily 21 Nov 2023 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with visiting U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in Kiev on Monday on military aid for Ukraine, the presidential press service reported.
• U.S. announces additional military aid to Ukraine worth 100 mln USD People's Daily 21 Nov 2023 -- The United States on Monday announced an additional package of military assistance to Ukraine worth 100 million U.S. dollars, as Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was in Kiev for a visit to reassure U.S. support.
• China's New Subs and Sonars Challenge Supremacy of US Silent Hunter Fleets Sputnik 21 Nov 2023 -- The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) surpassed the US Navy in total number of warships in late 2021. Technologically too, China has made major strides, including in the area of submarine construction and detection. These advances have sparked concerns from observers that America's powerful fleets could be left dead in the water in a crisis.
• U.S. lawmakers call for resolution of F-16 backlog to Taiwan CNA 21 Nov 2023 -- United States Representative Robert Wittman and 23 other Republican Party lawmakers have called on the U.S. Department of Defense to resolve the backlog of upgraded F-16 fighters that have yet to be delivered to Taiwan.
• 2nd Joint Working Group meeting of India-UK Electric Propulsion Capability Partnership held in New Delhi India PIB 21 Nov 2023 -- The 2nd India-UK Electric Propulsion Capability Partnership Joint Working Group meeting took place in New Delhi on November 21, 2023
• INDIA-USA JOINT EXERCISE VAJRA PRAHAR COMMENCES IN UMROI, MEGHALAYA India PIB 21 Nov 2023 -- 14th Edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise "VAJRA PRAHAR 2023" commenced at the Joint Training Node, Umroi today
• IRGC holds tactical exercise in southeast Iran IRNA 21 Nov 2023 -- The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) started its tactical exercise in Iran's southeastern province of Kerman on Tuesday.
• Iran Army chief: Enemies lined up in crosshairs; Air Force's readiness 'unprecedented' Press TV 21 Nov 2023 -- The chief commander of the Iranian Army says the country's Armed Forces are powerful enough to stand up against any enemy and deal heavy blows.
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant DoD 21 Nov 2023
• S Korea suspends inter-Korean military deal, resumes surveillance Radio Free Asia 21 Nov 2023 -- South Korea has suspended a landmark military agreement with the North to resume surveillance activities near the border between the two states, a countermeasure to Pyongyang's illegal satellite launch that violated the United Nations Security Council resolution.
• Statement from NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's Space Launch The White House 21 Nov 2023
• South Korean Top Brass Says North Korea Launched Military Spy Satellite Southward Sputnik 21 Nov 2023 -- North Korea has carried out the previously announced launch of a military reconnaissance satellite, the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said on Tuesday.
• North Korea Says Spy Satellite Successfully Launched VOA 21 Nov 2023 -- North Korea said it successfully placed its first spy satellite into orbit late Tuesday and vowed to launch several more in a "short span of time."
• Readout of Assistant Secretary of Defense Ely Ratner's Calls With Republic of Korea and Japan DoD 21 Nov 2023 -- U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Ely Ratner spoke today in separate calls with Republic of Korea (ROK) Deputy Minister for National Defense Policy Heo Taekeun and with Japan Director-General for Defense Policy Kano Koji.
• North Korea conducts rocket launch as US carrier docks in Bosan: Seoul Press TV 21 Nov 2023 -- South Korea says the North conducted a rocket launch on Tuesday, on the same day a US carrier strike group docked in the South's largest port.
• N Korea launches satellite despite international warnings Radio Free Asia 21 Nov 2023 -- North Korea said Tuesday it "accurately" launched a spy satellite into orbit, drawing a strong rebuke from the United States, which called the launch a threat to "stability and prosperity on the Korean peninsula."
• The Federal Foreign Office and the Federal Ministry of Defence on the Bundeswehr's military evacuation force in Cyprus Germany Federal Foreign Office 21 Nov 2023 -- The Bundeswehr generally maintains sufficient assets to conduct evacuation operations in order to flexibly respond to crises that arise anywhere in the world. Since 28 October, its evacuation force has been stationed in Cyprus and is ready to conduct military evacuation operations.
• At an informal video conference of foreign affairs ministers, Lithuania's Foreign Minister Landsbergis warns about Russia's wish to use the situation in Gaza to spread false narratives Lithuania MFA 21 Nov 2023 -- On 20 November, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis took part in an informal video teleconference to discuss the situation in Israel and the Middle East region.
• Data on interceptions of aircraft completed near the Baltic States' borders on November 13-19, 2023 Lithuania MND 21 Nov 2023
• Polish-American relations strengthen security on NATO's eastern flank Poland - Ministry of National Defence 21 Nov 2023 -- On Tuesday, November 21, the head of the Ministry of National Defense met with the United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. They discussed, among others, bilateral military cooperation and the security situation in the region.
• Readout of Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines's Travel to Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda The White House 21 Nov 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Nov. 21, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 21 November 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 21 Nov 2023

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari November 21st, 20:15 Israel Defense Forces 21 Nov 2023
• Anti-Tank Missile Found Under a Baby's Crib; IDF Precise Operations Against Terrorist Targets in Gaza Continue Israel Defense Forces 21 Nov 2023
• Israel orders evacuation of Jordanian hospital in Gaza: Jordan Press TV 21 Nov 2023 -- The Jordanian government has announced that the Israeli regime forces ordered a Jordanian field hospital set up in the Gaza Strip to be evacuated as it continues its genocidal attacks on the Palestinian territory.
• Israel demobilizes its reserve force amid Gaza war ISNA 21 Nov 2023 -- The Israeli occupation forces are demobilizing reservists on a wide scale, the Israeli Ynet news website reported.
• PM Netanyahu on the Return of the Hostages: "We are currently advancing. I do not think that it is necessary to belabor the point, not even now, but I hope there will be good news soon." Israel - Prime Minister 21 Nov 2023
• Resistance forces hit 9 Zionist tanks in Gaza IRNA 21 Nov 2023 -- Palestinian resistance forces have hit nine Zionist tanks in Gaza Strip, according to local media.
• 12 Palestinians killed in Israeli attack on UN school in Gaza People's Daily 21 Nov 2023 -- At least 12 Palestinians were killed and dozens injured in an Israeli attack on a school belonging to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the Al-Bureij camp in central Gaza, the Hamas-run health ministry said Monday.
• Palestinian fighters destroyed 60 Israeli military vehicles in 3 days: Al-Qassam Brigades Press TV 21 Nov 2023 -- The military wing of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says its fighters have destroyed as many as 60 Israeli military vehicles over the last three days amid the regime's unrelenting aggression against the Gaza Strip.
• Gaza's children running out of time: Water shortages spark disease alarm UNICEF 21 Nov 2023 -- "If children's access to water and sanitation in Gaza continues to be restricted and insufficient, we will see a tragic - yet entirely avoidable - surge in the number of children dying.
• Gaza crisis: aid agencies warn of 'tragic, avoidable surge' in child deaths UN News 21 Nov 2023 -- A "tragic...entirely avoidable surge" in child deaths is expected in Gaza where some 160 youngsters are already being killed every day, UN humanitarians warned on Tuesday, after six weeks of aerial bombardment by Israeli forces in response to the 7 October Hamas terror attacks on southern Israel that claimed 1,200 lives and some 240 hostages.
• UNRWA Situation Report #34 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem (All information is valid as of 19 November 2023 at 22:30 local time) UNRWA 21 Nov 2023
• Mr. Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General remarks at the Advisory Commission on UNRWA UNRWA 21 Nov 2023
• WHO staff member killed in Gaza WHO 21 Nov 2023
• 108 staff members killed in Israeli bombardment of Gaza since Oct. 7: UNRWA chief Press TV 21 Nov 2023 -- The United Nations Palestinian Refugee Agency (UNRWA) says at least 108 employees have been killed since the Israeli regime launched its relentless war on the Gaza Strip last month.
• Dozens killed as Israel bombs school sheltering civilians in northern Gaza Press TV 21 Nov 2023 -- Dozens of Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in new Israeli attacks targeting civilian infrastructure in northern Gaza, including a school hosting displaced people.
• UN chief wants return of two-state solution after Gaza crisis People's Daily 21 Nov 2023 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday foresees that a strengthened Palestinian Authority would assume responsibilities in Gaza after the current crisis and international players would work toward a two-state solution.
• Statement by Vice President Harris on the Hostage Release in Gaza The White House 21 Nov 2023
• Statement from President Joe Biden on the Hostage Release in Gaza The White House 21 Nov 2023
• Release of Hostages in Gaza US Dept. of State 21 Nov 2023 -- "The United States welcomes the deal to release 50 hostages, including American citizens, held by Hamas since its October 7 attack on Israel."
• Israel's killing of key resistance figures will fail to undermine Palestine's fight for liberation Press TV 21 Nov 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says the Israeli regime's killing of key figures of the resistance movement Hamas would not undermine Palestine's fight to free itself from occupation and oppression.
• Iranian president calls for coordinated pressure to stop Israeli "crimes" in Gaza People's Daily 21 Nov 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has called for greater coordination among "independent and free" states to put pressure on Israel to end its "crimes" against Gaza.
• Iran, Qatar call for global pressure on Israel to stop int'l law violations in Gaza People's Daily 21 Nov 2023 -- Iranian and Qatari foreign ministers called on the international community to take immediate measures to pressure Israel into stopping its "flagrant violations of international law" in Gaza.
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with a group of foreign ministers from Arab and Muslim countries and the Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Nov 2023
• Xi calls for immediate cease-fire, stresses two-state solution Global Times 21 Nov 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday attended the BRICS extraordinary virtual summit on the Palestinian-Israeli issue, saying it is imperative that the parties to the conflict must end hostilities and achieve a ceasefire immediately. The summit is the first time since the group's expansion in August.
• South African parliament votes in favor of shutting down Israel's embassy Press TV 21 Nov 2023 -- South African legislators have voted in favor of closing Israel's embassy in the African country to express their solidarity with Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip, which has been under brutal Israeli assaults for weeks.
• BRICS leaders call for immediate ceasefire in Gaza amid Israel's brutal war Press TV 21 Nov 2023 -- The leaders of the BRICS nations have called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip during an extraordinary summit of the bloc, as Israel continues its deadly bombing campaign in the besieged enclave.
• Jordan's king, EU official stress civilian protection, two-state solution in Gaza conflict People's Daily 21 Nov 2023 -- King Abdullah II of Jordan on Monday discussed the situation in Gaza with the EU foreign policy chief, with both sides stressing protecting civilians and adopting the two-state solution.
• Russia delivers another 27 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza People's Daily 21 Nov 2023 -- Russia has delivered another 27 tons of humanitarian aid to civilians in the Gaza Strip, the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations said in a statement Monday.
• Hamas says any 'truce deal' must be on terms of Palestinian resistance Press TV 21 Nov 2023 -- The head of Hamas' political bureau says the Palestinian resistance movement "is nearing" a truce agreement with Israel, and that any ceasefire deal must be on the terms of Palestinian resistance.
• Qassam Brigades spox: Israeli aggression will disappear, unlike resistance fighters' willpower Press TV 21 Nov 2023 -- The spokesman for the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Hamas resistance movement, has praised the perseverance of resistance fighters in the face of the Israeli onslaught on Gaza, saying the Tel Aviv regime's aggression will eventually disappear but the willpower of the Palestinian resistance will never diminish.
• Hamas: Resistance close to reaching truce deal with Israel in Gaza ISNA 21 Nov 2023 -- Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh says the Resistance group delivered its response to Qatari officials about tuce in Gaza, according to a statement posted on Telegram.
• Hamas says it has 'responded' to Qatar, Egypt concerning ceasefire agreement Press TV 21 Nov 2023 -- Hamas has said it has provided a response to Qatar and Egypt concerning the potential of a ceasefire between the Gaza Strip-based Palestinian resistance movement and the Israeli regime, which has brought Gaza under an unrelenting war.
• Hezbollah 'in war with Israel', Muslim world must do more for Gaza: Deputy chief Press TV 21 Nov 2023 -- A high-ranking official with Lebanon's Hezbollah says the popular resistance movement is in a state of war with Israel, calling on Muslim world and Arab countries to do more for Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip than just delivering food.
• Seizure of MV Galaxy Leader by the Houthis: UK statement UK FCDO 21 Nov 2023 -- The UK government has issued a statement condemning the unlawful seizure of MV Galaxy Leader by the Houthis in the Red Sea.
• Yemen Ansarullah sets condition for releasing Israeli ship IRNA 21 Nov 2023 -- A member of the Supreme Political Council of Yemen has responded the United States' demand for the releasing of a seized Israeli vessel, emphasizing that the massacre of the people of Gaza must be stopped first, and then they can speak about the release of the ship.
• Al-Houthi: No talk about captured ship before aggression on Gaza ends ISNA 21 Nov 2023 -- On his account on X (formerly Twitter) , al-Houthi considered that once the United States and the Zionist regime stop killing Palestinians in Gaza, and enter water, medicine, and food to the besieged Strip, then they can discuss the file of the captured Israeli ship.
• Seizure of Israeli ship just the beginning of retaliatory naval battle against regime, warns Yemen Press TV 21 Nov 2023 -- A Yemeni official has stressed that the recent seizure of an Israeli ship in the Red Sea is just the start of a series of retaliatory naval operations in response to Israel's brutal aggression in the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Yemeni forces release video of seizing Israeli ship in Red Sea Press TV 21 Nov 2023 -- Yemen's Armed Forces have released a video showing their earlier capture of an Israeli ship during a recent operation in the Red Sea in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip who are under Israel's genocidal war.

Other Conflicts

• UNHCR concerned at adverse effects of Pakistan orders for undocumented foreigners to leave UNHCR 21 Nov 2023 -- UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is raising concerns over Pakistan's announcement for undocumented foreigners to leave, as the orders have adversely affected Afghan nationals including registered refugees and others with valid documents.
• Afghan Female Prosecutors Fear Being Sent Back To Afghanistan Under Pakistan's Deportation Program RFE/RL 21 Nov 2023 -- Female Afghan prosecutors who served the fallen pro-Western Afghan government are concerned about being deported from Pakistan to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan more than two years after they fled the country because of fears of persecution.
• Desperate Afghan returnees from Pakistan face uncertain future: IOM UN News 21 Nov 2023 -- The UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) and humanitarian partners are providing critical aid at border crossing points between Pakistan and Afghanistan in the face of a surge in forced returns of Afghan nationals.
• Chinese Defense Ministry rebuts Australia's claims about recent warship interaction Global Times 21 Nov 2023 -- Australia's claims about a recent interaction between Chinese and Australian warships are completely inconsistent with the facts, said a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense on Monday.
• China rejects Australia's accusation of unsafe sea conduct Radio Free Asia 21 Nov 2023 -- Beijing officials have spoken against allegations that a Chinese destroyer operated its sonar device near divers from the Royal Australian Navy's HMAS Toowoomba, causing them minor injuries.
• Sudan: Brutal, targeted attacks on civilians must stop ICRC 21 Nov 2023 -- Patrick Youssef is regional director for Africa at the International Committee of the Red Cross. He has just returned from Sudan, where he met representatives of the government and of the Rapid Support Forces. As the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, he is sounding the alarm
• Myanmar junta troops arrest and stab 6 men to death Radio Free Asia 21 Nov 2023 -- Villagers in central Myanmar recovered the bodies of six people who were stabbed to death, locals told Radio Free Asia. On Friday, junta troops arrested the group in Mandalay region on suspicion of being resistance fighters in local People's Defense Forces.
• Karenni officials: 200 university workers are safe after evacuation Radio Free Asia 21 Nov 2023 -- More than 200 civilians evacuated from a university during recent fighting in the Kayah state capital in eastern Myanmar are being provided health care at a safe location, Karenni officials told Radio Free Asia.
• Azerbaijan Offers To Hold Direct Peace Negotiations With Armenia, Including On Border RFE/RL 21 Nov 2023 -- Azerbaijan has offered to hold direction negotiations with Armenia on a peace treaty at a mutually acceptable venue, including along the state border between the two countries.
• France stoking 'new war' in S Caucasus by supporting separatists, Azerbaijan's president Press TV 21 Nov 2023 -- Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has accused France of preparing the ground for a "new war" in the south Caucasus through supporting separatists, warning that Paris is "destabilizing" the region.
• Funding shortfall puts WFP operations in Chad at risk UN News 21 Nov 2023 -- Funding constraints and rising humanitarian needs could force the World Food Programme (WFP) to halt assistance to more than a million people in Chad, including newly arrived refugees from Sudan, the UN agency said on Tuesday.
• WFP operations risk grinding to a halt in Chad as refugees flee Darfur killings WFP 21 Nov 2023 -- The United Nations World Food programme (WFP) is today warning of a looming halt to its food and nutrition assistance to 1.4 million crisis-affected populations in Chad - including newly arrived Sudanese refugees - due to funding constraints.

News Reports

• Readout of President Joe Biden's National and Homeland Security Meeting to Combat Illicit Fentanyl into the United States The White House 21 Nov 2023
• U.S. Treasury Announces Largest Settlements in History with World's Largest Virtual Currency Exchange Binance for Violations of U.S. Anti-Money Laundering and Sanctions Law US Treasury 21 Nov 2023 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury, through the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and IRS Criminal Investigation (CI), has taken unprecedented action to hold Binance Holdings Ltd. and its affiliates (collectively, Binance) accountable for violations of the U.S. anti-money laundering (AML) and sanctions laws that protect American national security and the integrity of the international financial system. Binance is the world's largest virtual currency exchange, responsible for an estimated 60% of centralized virtual currency spot trading.
• Binance and CEO Plead Guilty to Federal Charges in $4B Resolution US Dept. of Justice 21 Nov 2023 -- Binance Admits It Engaged in Anti-Money Laundering, Unlicensed Money Transmitting, and Sanctions Violations in Largest Corporate Resolution to Include Criminal Charges for an Executive
• Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Delivers Remarks Announcing Binance and CEO Guilty Pleas to Federal Charges in $4B Resolution US Dept. of Justice 21 Nov 2023
• Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco Delivers Remarks Announcing Binance and CEO Guilty Pleas to Federal Charges in $4B Resolution US Dept. of Justice 21 Nov 2023
• EU cybersecurity exercise to foster cooperation and promote free and fair EU elections European Commission 21 Nov 2023 -- To evaluate and strengthen current working methods ahead of the 2024 elections, EU institutions have today organised a cybersecurity exercise. National and EU partners tested their crisis plans and possible responses to potential cybersecurity incidents affecting the European elections.
• Extraordinary BRICS summit President of Russia 21 Nov 2023 -- Vladimir Putin took part in an extraordinary BRICS summit on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, being held via videoconference.
• Press statements following Russian-Tajikistani talks President of Russia 21 Nov 2023 -- Following the Russia-Tajikistan talks, Vladimir Putin and Emomali Rahmon made statements for the press.
• Russian-Tajikistani talks President of Russia 21 Nov 2023 -- Vladimir Putin and President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, who has arrived in Russia on an official visit, held talks in the Kremlin.
• U.S. Bars Two Members Of Russian Military For 'Gross Violations Of Human Rights' RFE/RL 21 Nov 2023 -- Two Russian soldiers whose unit was linked to war crimes in the Ukrainian town of Bucha were barred from entering the United States, the State Department said.
• Moscow Court Issues Arrest Warrant For Pussy Riot Member Tolokonnikova RFE/RL 21 Nov 2023 -- The Moscow City Court on November 21 issued an arrest warrant for a founding member of the Pussy Riot protest group, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, on a charge of "insulting believers' religious feelings."
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on November 21, 2023 PRC MofA 21 Nov 2023
• Hegemonic mentality behind US media hype of 'China threat' theory: experts Global Times 21 Nov 2023 -- US media on Monday claimed that the era of total US submarine dominance over China is ending, a move Chinese experts said on Tuesday is yet another hype of the "China threat" theory motivated by the US hegemonic mentality.
• China to boost talks, cooperation with Europe after ties with US stabilize Global Times 21 Nov 2023 -- China and the EU, as well as major European powers like France, are going to increase communication and boost cooperation, with analysts saying on Tuesday the China-US tensions have been eased to a certain degree after the San Francisco summit, and this will pave way for Europe to be more pragmatic when developing ties with China.
• UK white paper smears China's growing role in world devt with prejudice Global Times 21 Nov 2023 -- The British government's latest white paper on aid has explicitly raised the so-called concerns over China's growing role in international development, while promising that the UK will resist the risks China "poses to open societies and good governments." Such a move to characterize China as a "challenge" with profound prejudice is a blunt smearing and desperate effort by the former colonial power to maintain its global influence and tackle its own internal social and political divisions, Chinese analysts said on Tuesday.
• China opposes any external forces interfering in internal affairs of Central Asian countries: Chinese top diplomat Global Times 21 Nov 2023 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held the first China-Uzbekistan foreign ministers' strategic dialogue with Uzbekistan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov on Tuesday in Beijing, in which the two sides held comprehensive and in-depth communication. Wang said that China opposes any external forces interfering in the internal affairs of Central Asian countries under any pretext.
• It would be a huge foreign policy mistake for Argentina to cut ties with major countries like China or Brazil: FM spokesperson Global Times 21 Nov 2023 -- China's foreign ministry on Tuesday said there is a misunderstanding concerning Argentine President-elect Javier Milei's foreign policy. The ministry noted that It would be a huge foreign policy mistake for Argentina to cut ties with major countries like China or Brazil.
• China orders financial support for battered property sector Radio Free Asia 21 Nov 2023 -- The Chinese government has urged banks and financial institutions to back a sputtering real estate sector where the biggest developers have buckled under the weight of tremendous debt and don't have the capital to complete pre-sold homes to hundreds of thousands of homebuyers.
• China, U.S. meeting halfway sends positive signal for global economic recovery People's Daily 21 Nov 2023 -- Following the highly anticipated summit between President Xi Jinping and his U.S. counterpart, Joe Biden, last week, there is growing optimism that increased communication, dialogue and consultation between the world's two largest economies will strengthen cooperation, align common interests and add much-needed certainty to the evolving global landscape.
• Xi calls for pushing China-France relations to new level People's Daily 21 Nov 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday called on his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, to carry forward the traditional China-France friendship and push the relations to a new level.
• Hou vows to wait for Ko 'until the last minute' as registration deadline looms CNA 21 Nov 2023 -- Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) said Tuesday he would wait for the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) nominee Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) "until the last minute," as stuttering negotiations over a joint opposition ticket entered the 11th hour.
• Cameron as foreign secretary won't change U.K. China policy: Envoy CNA 21 Nov 2023 -- The appointment of former Prime Minister David Cameron as the U.K.'s new foreign secretary will not change the country's "clear-eyed" approach to China, the head of the British Office in Taipei said Tuesday.
• DPP's Lai and Hsiao register candidacies for 2024 presidential poll CNA 21 Nov 2023 -- Ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential front-runner Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and running mate Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) have formally registered to run in Taiwan's 2024 election, the first duo to do so as the opposition remains stuck on whether to run on a joint ticket.
• Lai hypes Taiwan-related content of San Francisco summit to whitewash separatist image: spokesperson Global Times 21 Nov 2023 -- Lai Ching-te, deputy regional leader of Taiwan island, and some individuals in the island of Taiwan have taken content out of context and hyped media reports which claimed that the mainland "has no plans to attack Taiwan in the coming years." Lai attempted to downplay and deny the harmfulness and danger of "Taiwan independence" activities, and whitewash their image of troublemakers and war instigators disguised as "pragmatic worker for Taiwan independence," Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said in a statement on Tuesday.
• "Taiwan independence" irreconcilable with cross-Strait peace: spokesperson People's Daily 21 Nov 2023 -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Tuesday stressed that "Taiwan independence" and cross-Strait peace are as irreconcilable as fire and water.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Nov. 21, 2023 ROC MND 21 Nov 2023
• Space Militarization Can Never Be Justified: DPRK Researcher KCNA 21 Nov 2023 -- Ri Song Jin, a researcher of the National Aerospace Technology Administration of the DPRK, on Tuesday released the following commentary titled "Any space militarization move aimed at preemptive strike can be justified with nothing":
• UK and Republic of Korea to enforce sanctions against North Korea through joint sea patrols UK FCDO 21 Nov 2023 -- A new Accord signed between the UK and Republic of Korea will strengthen our joint ability to enforce sanctions against North Korea.
• Choe Ryong Hae Inspects Preparations for Election of Deputies to Local People's Assemblies of DPRK KCNA 21 Nov 2023 -- Choe Ryong Hae, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, first vice-president of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK and chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly, went to various polling booths in Pyongyang Municipality to learn about the preparations for the election of deputies to local people's assemblies.
• Diplomat: Iran doesn't seek to instigate war but prepared to defend itself ISNA 21 Nov 2023 -- Iran's permanent representative to the UN, Saeid Iravani, told Al-Monitor that a beefed up American military presence in the Middle East is not a deterrent for Iran to enter the war if need be.
• European organisations and national authorities to help Belarusian media in exile to continue their work in Europe Council of Europe 21 Nov 2023 -- The Council of Europe has held the Second Workshop for Belarusian journalists in exile. The issues that were discussed included professional solidarity and cooperation among journalists in exile and national and international associations, support to Belarusian journalists through European mechanisms, ways for Belarusian independent media to circumvent censorship, and how Big Tech can help Belarussian media.
• Comment by Minister Tsahkna on the decision of Russia and Belarus to veto Estonia's OSCE Chairmanship Estonia MFA 21 Nov 2023 -- Comment by Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna on the decision of Russia and Belarus to veto Estonia's OSCE Chairmanship in 2024.
• Transcript of Press Briefing on the India-Australia Foreign Ministers' Framework Dialogue (November 21, 2023) India MEA 21 Nov 2023
• Transcript of Press Briefing by the Presidency on the Virtual G20 Leaders' Summit (November 21, 2023) India MEA 21 Nov 2023
• Pakistan Court Quashes Jail Trial of Former PM Khan VOA 21 Nov 2023 -- A federal court in Pakistan ruled on Tuesday that the closed-door jail trial of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on charges of leaking state secrets was unlawful.
• Estonia and United States sign an agreement on the protection of classified information Estonia MFA 21 Nov 2023 -- Yesterday 20 November, Estonian Ambassador Kristjan Prikk and Michael Laychak, Director of the Defense Technology Security Administration at the Department of Defense, signed the agreement on classified information between the two countries at the Estonian embassy in Washington.
• Foreign Affairs Council (Development), 21 November 2023 EC/CEU 21 Nov 2023 -- The Foreign Affairs Council, in its development configuration, was briefed about the situation in Ukraine, aid to Palestine, implementation of the Gender Action Plan III and follow-up to the EU-CELAC Summit.
• Bahrain: second EU-Bahrain Political Dialogue takes place in Manama European External Action Service (EEAS) 21 Nov 2023 -- On 20 November, the second Political Dialogue between the European Union and the Kingdom of Bahrain was held in Manama, Bahrain, in the framework of the Cooperation Arrangement between the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain.
• Embezzlement case shines light on Vietnamese corruption Radio Free Asia 21 Nov 2023 -- A recent multi-billion dollar embezzlement scandal in Vietnam is just the "tip of the iceberg" in the country's corrupt banking system - and the government is ill-equipped to address it, experts told Radio Free Asia.
• Newly Assertive Central Asia Rejects 'Russia's Backyard' Label VOA 21 Nov 2023 -- Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev bewildered Vladimir Putin and his entourage when, during a November 9 briefing in the Kazakh capital, he addressed the visiting Russian president in his native tongue.