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News Reports

Current Operations

• Rocket Launched at US Forces in Syria; No Injuries VOA 30 Nov 2023 -- Iranian-backed proxies launched a rocket assault against U.S. forces in the Middle East, bringing the total number of attacks on U.S. and coalition troops in Iraq and Syria to 74 since October 17.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Ms. Sabrina Singh Holds a Press Briefing DoD 30 Nov 2023
• Search Continues in Japan for Downed Osprey Aircraft DoD News 30 Nov 2023 -- On Tuesday, a CV-22A Osprey Aircraft assigned to the Air Force's 353rd Special Operations Wing was involved in an aviation mishap off the shore of Yakushima Island, Japan. There were eight airmen on board. Search and rescue operations are now underway to locate both the aircrew and their aircraft.
• Japan calls on US military to suspend Osprey flights after fatal crash Press TV 30 Nov 2023 -- Japan has asked the US military to suspend all non-emergency V-22 Osprey flights over its territory after one crashed into the sea in western Japan, killing at least one person onboard and leaving several more missing, authorities said.
• Japan Asks US to Suspend V-22 Osprey Flights Following Deadly Crash Sputnik 30 Nov 2023 -- Japan has suspended operations of the V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft in the wake of a crash off the coast earlier this week. The notoriously unstable aircraft has had dozens of crashes, often triggering similar temporary groundings.
• Polish airmen visit APS-2 site in Italy to see what right looks like, prepare for their mission Army News 30 Nov 2023 -- Mission command of the five Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 worksites in Europe is the responsibility of the 405th Army Field Support Brigade and it's four battalions, but the primary workforce at these APS-2 sites is a mix between contractors, local national employees and in the Netherlands - Dutch Ministry of Defense civilian employees.
• USEUCOM, Austrian defense leaders explore opportunities to expand cooperation EUCOM 30 Nov 2023 -- U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven Basham, deputy commander, U.S. European Command, hosted Secretary General of the Austrian Ministry of Defense, Dr. Arnold Kammel, and members of Kammel's staff at the command's headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, on Nov. 30, 2023.
• USS Mount Whitney arrives in Larnaca, Cyprus EUCOM 30 Nov 2023 -- The U.S. 6th Fleet Blue Ridge-class command-and-control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) arrived in Larnaca, the Republic of Cyprus, for a scheduled port visit, Nov. 30, 2023.
• U.S.-Italian Navy Undersea Warfare staff talks underway in Naples US Navy 30 Nov 2023 -- Italian Navy Rear Adm. Vito Lacerenza, commander, Italian Submarines, hosted Rear Adm. Stephen Mack, commander, Submarine Group 8, aboard the Italian Todaro-class submarine, Scirè (S 527), during U.S. and Italian Navy Undersea Warfare staff talks, Nov. 20, 2023.
• USS Mount Whitney Arrives in Larnaca, Cyprus US Navy 30 Nov 2023 -- The U.S. 6th Fleet Blue Ridge-class command-and-control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) arrived in Larnaca, the Republic of Cyprus for a scheduled port visit, November 30, 2023.
• Combined Multinational Effort Averts Attempted Seizure in the Gulf of Aden US Navy 30 Nov 2023 -- A combined naval effort between multiple nations thwarted an attempted seizure of an oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden, Nov. 26.
• Government proposal on Finland's accession to NATO SOFA and Paris Protocol submitted to Parliament Finnish MoD 30 Nov 2023 -- The Finnish Government submitted a proposal on Finland's accession to NATO SOFA and the Paris Protocol to Parliament on 30 November. In addition to the acts bringing into force the treaties, the proposal contains amendments to nine related acts. The Government's assessment is that acceptance by Parliament will require a two-thirds majority decision.
• Landsbergis at the NATO Foreign Ministers' meeting: "Ukraine proves daily that it can effectively stand up to its aggressor. We must strengthen the Alliance's willpower and support for Ukraine, which is fighting for the security of the Euro-Atlantic area Lithuania MFA 30 Nov 2023 -- On 28-29 November, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis attended a NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs meeting at the NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.
• NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission transferred to Belgium and France Lithuania MND 30 Nov 2023 -- Detachments conducting the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states have changed over. After four months of safeguarding the Baltic skies, the Italian Air Force handed over the mission to the Belgian Air Force who will lead and fly the mission with four F-16 Fighting Falcons. Their strength will be enhanced by the French Air Fore Detachment with four Mirage2000.
• Record high European defence spending boosted by procurement of new equipment European Defence Agency 30 Nov 2023 -- The European Defence Agency (EDA) has today published its annual Defence Data report for 2022, for the first-time detailing defence spending from all EU Member States. At a record €240 billion, 2022 European defence spending again increased by 6% on the previous year, marking the eighth year of consecutive growth. 20 of the 27 EU Member States increased defence expenditure, with six increasing spending by over 10%.
• "A European Defence for our Geopolitical Union" : speech by President Charles Michel at the EDA annual conference EC/CEU 30 Nov 2023-
• Defence: Speech by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell at the EDA Annual Conference 2023 European External Action Service (EEAS) 30 Nov 2023
• Amid economic slowdown, EU military spending hits record high of 240bn euros Press TV 30 Nov 2023 -- The European Union (EU) has hit the record-breaking 240-billion-euro spending figure - virtually 262 billion dollars - for military expenditure in 2022, amid economic slowdown across the region.
• Readout of Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen Hicks' Meeting With U.K. Permanent Under Secretary for the Ministry of Defence David Williams at the U.S.-UK Defense Dialogue DoD 30 Nov 2023
• Defence Secretary sends Royal Navy destroyer east of Suez to safeguard security in the Gulf UK MOD 30 Nov 2023 -- HMS Diamond has set sail to bolster UK naval forces across the Middle East.
• Royal Navy task force to deploy with JEF partners to defend undersea cables UK MOD 30 Nov 2023 -- Six Royal Navy warships, a Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship, and a Royal Air Force maritime patrol aircraft will form the UK's contribution to the JEF deployment.
• Russian Navy Gets Two New Nuclear Submarines - Source Sputnik 30 Nov 2023 -- The logic that it is impossible to discuss Europe's fate without Russia has prevailed in the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.
• Russia Steps Up Presence in Indian Ocean VOA 30 Nov 2023 -- Russia docked warships in Bangladesh for the first time in five decades earlier this month and held its first joint naval exercises with Myanmar as Moscow eyes a greater role in the Indian Ocean region and looks to bolster ties with smaller countries in Asia.
• NATO-Ukraine Council holds first meeting at FM level People's Daily 30 Nov 2023 -- The NATO-Ukraine Council (NUC) held its first meeting at the foreign ministers level on Wednesday, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry reported.
• PLA's 3rd carrier Fujian holds mooring tests according to plan: MOD Global Times 30 Nov 2023 -- China's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, is holding mooring tests and will progress its construction steadily according to plan, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense (MOD) revealed on Thursday, amid speculations by foreign media reports saying that the Fujian recently tested its electromagnetic catapult system with a test vehicle in preparation for its upcoming maiden voyage.
• 4th Round of Pakistan-China Maritime Dialogue Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 30 Nov 2023 -- The 4th round of Pakistan-China Maritime Dialogue was held on 30 November 2023 in Islamabad. Director General (China) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, Mohammad Aamir Khan, and Deputy Director General of the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs of Chinese MFA, Wang Jinfeng, co-chaired the consultations.
• Taiwan armed forces simulate Chinese military landing in Kaohsiung CNA 30 Nov 2023 -- A simulation of a Chinese military beach landing was staged in Kaohsiung on Thursday, enabling Taiwan's armed forces to review locations used to deploy defensive units, a military official told CNA anonymously.
• NATA Pyongyang General Control Center Reports on Satellite Photos Taken on Nov. 29 to Party Central Committee KCNA 30 Nov 2023 -- The Pyongyang General Control Center of the National Aerospace Technology Administration (NATA) submitted to the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un a report on pilot satellite photos taken by the reconnaissance satellite on Nov. 29 and its fine-tuning process.
• Canada purchasing up to 16 P-8A Poseidon Multi Mission Aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force Canada 30 Nov 2023 -- Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, and the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry announced that Canada has finalized a government-to-government agreement with the United States (US) government for the acquisition of up to 16 P-8A Poseidon aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Fourteen multi-mission aircraft will be procured, with options for up to an additional two.
• DELIVERY OF AMMUNITION CUM TORPEDO CUM MISSILE (ACTCM) BARGE, LSAM 17 (YARD 127) THIRD BARGE OF 11 x ACTCM BARGE PROJECT ON 30 NOV 23 AT NAVAL DOCKYARD, MUMBAI FOR NAD (KARANJA) India PIB 30 Nov 2023 -- Third Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) Barge, LSAM 17 (Yard 127) has been Delivered to Indian Navy on 30 Nov 23 in presence of Shri Shankar Mukharjee, INAS, AGM NAD (Karanja)
• SIMULTANEOUS LAUNCH OF 'MAHE, MALVAN AND MANGROL', FIRST THREE SHIPS OF ASW SWC (CSL) PROJECT ON 30 NOV 23 AT CSL, KOCHI India PIB 30 Nov 2023 -- Mahe, Malvan and Mangrol, the first three ships of 08 x ASW Shallow Water Craft (CSL) project being built by CSL, Kochi for the Indian Navy, were launched on 30 Nov 23 at CSL, Kochi
• Defence Acquisition Council approves capital acquisition proposals worth Rs 2.23 lakh crore to enhance the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces India PIB 30 Nov 2023 -- The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), under the chairmanship of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh on November 30, 2023, accorded approval in respect of Acceptance of Necessity (AoNs) for various Capital Acquisition Proposals amounting to Rs 2
• Iran, Oman hold joint drill in Strait of Hormuz IRNA 30 Nov 2023 -- Iran and Oman have jointly held a daylong maritime rescue and relief exercise in the northern Indian Ocean and the Strait of Hormuz.
• Iran ready to improve military ties with Saudi Arabia: Cmdr. IRNA 30 Nov 2023 -- Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Bagheri has expressed Iran's readiness to upgrade the country's military relationship with Saudi Arabia.
• Iran fully prepared to boost military cooperation with Saudi Arabia: Top general Press TV 30 Nov 2023 -- Iran's highest-ranking military commander says the country's Armed Forces are fully prepared to promote military ties with Saudi Arabia.
• Fattah-2 missile unveiling: E3 joint statement UK FCDO 30 Nov 2023 -- The UK, France and Germany have issued a joint statement in response to Iran's announcement on the unveiling of the Fattah-2 missile system.
• Iran rejects 'baseless' Israeli allegations over violating Chemical Weapons Convention IRNA 30 Nov 2023 -- Iran has categorically rejected allegations by the Israeli regime regarding the violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention by Tehran, saying that playing blame game does not help the regime cover up its "brutal crimes" against Palestinians over the past seven decades.
• High-level Forum on Eastern Partnership, Security and Defence Policy took place in Vilnius Lithuania MND 30 Nov 2023 -- The High-level Seminar held for a decade by the Ministry of National Defence for the Eastern Partners and their engagement in the EU Common Security and Defence Policy takes place in Vilnius today. It is attended by senior officials on behalf of Lithuania, Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine.
• Enhanced surveillance of critical underwater infrastructure "Government of Iceland 30 Nov 2023 -- The Defence Ministers of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) have decided to activate a JEF Response Option, which includes enhanced surveillance of critical underwater infrastructure.
• Latvia and German company "Diehl Defence" sign purchase order on procurement of the IRIS-T medium-range air defence system Latvia MOD 30 Nov 2023 -- On November 30, Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Latvia and the German company "Diehl Defence" signed a purchase order on the procurement of the IRIS-T medium-range air defence system.
• Nigeria Boosts Military Spending, but Analysts Doubt It Will Improve Security VOA 30 Nov 2023 -- Nigerian authorities say national defense, internal security and economic stability are the top priorities in the 2024 budget that President Bola Tinubu delivered to lawmakers on Wednesday.
• Readout of Meeting Between President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço of Angola The White House 30 Nov 2023
• Biden Hosts Angola's Leader for Talks of Rail Corridor, Energy Security VOA 30 Nov 2023 -- U.S. President Joe Biden hosted the president of oil-rich Angola for the first time Thursday, with the leaders focusing on a $1 billion, U.S.-funded rail development that aims to connect the oil-rich nation's ports to the continent's resource-rich interior, and in doing so, perhaps loosen China's hold on the continent.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken at a Press Availability US Dept. of State 30 Nov 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Nov. 30, 2023
• Israel's Elbit to provide U.S. Marines with advanced night vision systems People's Daily 30 Nov 2023 -- Israeli defense electronics company Elbit Systems will provide the U.S. Marine Corps with advanced night vision systems, the company said in a statement on Wednesday.

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 30 November 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 30 Nov 2023

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari November 30th, 21:00 Israel Defense Forces 30 Nov 2023
• PM Netanyahu Visits the Intelligence and Negotiations Command Center for returning the Hostages from the Gaza Strip: "You are doing amazing work." Israel - Prime Minister 30 Nov 2023
• PM Netanyahu to Council Heads from the area adjacent to the Gaza Strip: "Our goal is to ensure that after Hamas is eliminated, the Gaza Strip does not go back to being a threat to the State of Israel Israel - Prime Minister 30 Nov 2023
• Announcement from the Prime Minister's Office Israel - Prime Minister 30 Nov 2023
• Announcement from the Prime Minister's Office Israel - Prime Minister 30 Nov 2023
• Announcement from the Prime Minister's Office Israel - Prime Minister 30 Nov 2023
• Statement by PM Netanyahu on the Jerusalem Terrorist Attack Israel - Prime Minister 30 Nov 2023
• Hamas Releases 8 Hostages to Israel VOA 30 Nov 2023 -- Hamas released eight Israeli hostages Thursday in Gaza under an extension of a truce, and a short time later Israel released 30 Palestinian prisoners as negotiators tried to again extend the pause in fighting.
• Hamas ready to continue prisoner swap; Israel rejects new deal IRNA 30 Nov 2023 -- A top Palestinian politician has announced that the resistance movement Hamas is prepared to exchange all Palestinian prisoners with all Israeli captives.
• Gaza ceasefire extended for one more day ISNA 30 Nov 2023 -- Hamas declared, on Thursday, the extension of a truce in the Gaza Strip with "Israel". The truce, which was set to expire today at 7:00 am, has been extended for a seventh day as per an agreement, Hamas announced.
• Israel confirms extension to truce with Hamas People's Daily 30 Nov 2023 -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Thursday morning that the ceasefire with Hamas in the Gaza Strip will be extended.
• Israel receives 6th batch of hostages released by Hamas, says assault will resume as truce ends People's Daily 30 Nov 2023 -- The Israeli government confirmed late Wednesday night that the sixth batch of hostages released from the Gaza Strip by Hamas has returned to Israel.
• Hamas releases 14 more captives in sixth phase of swap deal with Israel Press TV 30 Nov 2023 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has released 14 more captives it had been holding since an operation staged against the occupied territories.
• UNRWA Situation Report #43 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem (All information is valid as of 29 November 2023 at 22:30 local time) UNRWA 30 Nov 2023
• UNRWA Situation Report #42 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem (All information is valid as of 28 November 2023 at 22:30 local time) UNRWA 30 Nov 2023
• UN humanitarian office warns Gaza's critical shortfall in humanitarian supplies People's Daily 30 Nov 2023 -- The United Nations humanitarian office urged Wednesday the immediate reopening of more aid entry points into Gaza, including for commercial goods.
• UN chief says implementation of Security Council resolution on Gaza insufficient People's Daily 30 Nov 2023 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Wednesday that the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2712, which calls for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout Gaza, is "woefully insufficient."
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Palestinian Authority President Abbas US Dept. of State 30 Nov 2023
• Blinken: Massive Loss of Civilian Life in Northern Gaza Must Not Be Repeated Sputnik 30 Nov 2023 -- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday that during his visit to Israel he discussed details of Tel-Aviv's military operations and underscored that massive civilian casualties that took place in northern Gaza must not repeat in the south of the enclave.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 30 Nov 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu US Dept. of State 30 Nov 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Israeli President Herzog US Dept. of State 30 Nov 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Israeli President Isaac Herzog Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 30 Nov 2023
• Security Council failed to fulfill its responsibilities towards Palestinian people: Iran FM IRNA 30 Nov 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said that the UN and especially the Security Council have so far failed to fulfill their legal and moral responsibilities regarding the Palestinian issue, and this failure is due to US' support for the Israeli regime.
• IRGC chief: Israel will vanish with another al-Aqsa Storm Press TV 30 Nov 2023 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) chief Major General Hossein Salami says Operation al-Aqsa Storm showed that the collapse of Israel is much closer and easier than thought.
• Israel/Palestine: Statement by the Spokesperson on the terrorist attack in Jerusalem and raid in West Bank European External Action Service (EEAS) 30 Nov 2023 -- The European Union strongly condemns Thursday's terrorist attack in Jerusalem, in which at least three Israeli citizens were killed and several others injured.
• China calls for comprehensive ceasefire in Palestinian-Israeli conflict in position paper Global Times 30 Nov 2023 -- China on Thursday released a position paper on resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, which offered five proposals on promoting peace, and achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting resolution to the Palestinian issue, including immediately implementing a comprehensive ceasefire, effectively protecting civilians, ensuring humanitarian assistance, intensifying diplomatic mediation, and seeking a political solution.
• China releases position paper on resolving Palestinian-Israeli conflict, calls for comprehensive ceasefire Global Times 30 Nov 2023 -- China on Thursday released a position paper on resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, which offered five proposals on promoting peace, and achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting resolution to the Palestinian issue, including immediately implementing a comprehensive ceasefire, effectively protecting civilians, ensuring humanitarian assistance, enhancing diplomatic mediation, and seeking a political solution.
• Spanish PM says Israel disdains humanitarian law, calls on EU to recognize Palestine Press TV 30 Nov 2023 -- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez says given the number of casualties among civilians, including a huge number of children, in the besieged Gaza Strip during Israel's weeks-long war, he has "serious doubt" that Tel Aviv respects international humanitarian law.
• Xi pledges China's continuous efforts to uphold justice on Palestinian issue People's Daily 30 Nov 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged China's continuous efforts to uphold justice on the Palestinian issue, actively promote peace talks and provide, as always, humanitarian and development assistance to the Palestinian side.
• Türkiye to work for permanent truce in Gaza: Erdogan People's Daily 30 Nov 2023 -- Türkiye will step up its efforts for the release of the hostages and establishment of a lasting truce in the Gaza Strip, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday.
• Hamas military wing ready to resume clashes with Israelis IRNA 30 Nov 2023 -- The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas, has declared readiness to resume military confrontation if the Israeli regime rejects the extension of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
• Hamas wants 'escalation of resistance' after Israelis killed, soldiers injured Press TV 30 Nov 2023 -- A Palestinian shooting operation near the occupied al-Quds has left at least three Israelis dead and over a dozen more injured.
• Hamas says temporary Gaza truce extended for one more day; Israel confirms extension Press TV 30 Nov 2023 -- The Palestinian Hamas resistance movement says a six-day truce with Israel in the Gaza Strip has been extended for one more day.
• Terrorist Attack in Jerusalem, At Least 7 People Injured - Israeli Media Sputnik 30 Nov 2023 -- The terrorist attack in Jerusalem came amid escalation in the Middle East after Hamas launched a surprise large-scale rocket attack on Israel and the IDF launched retaliatory strikes on the Gaza Strip.
• 5 killed in Jerusalem shooting attack People's Daily 30 Nov 2023 -- At least five people, including two gunmen, were killed in a shooting attack here on Thursday morning, according to police and emergency services.
• Israeli forces kill at least one Palestinian youth, injure four, during clashes in occupied West Bank Press TV 30 Nov 2023 -- Israeli military forces have killed a Palestinian youth and injured four others during clashes near the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah.

Other Conflicts

• Civil society an 'unwavering force' for peace: UN official UN News 30 Nov 2023 -- Civil society organizations are on the "frontlines" of peacebuilding, a senior UN official said on Thursday, as the Organization convened the inaugural dialogue with grassroots organizations aimed at building and nurturing peace initiatives on the ground.
• China firmly opposes US' instigation of Philippines' infringement in Ren'ai Jiao: defense ministry Global Times 30 Nov 2023 -- The Philippines illegally "grounded" a warship on Ren'ai Jiao and has continuously sent ships intruding into the waters of the area, attempting to reinforce the "grounded" warship, which seriously infringes upon China's sovereignty and violates international law and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. History has shown that the US' interference always makes things worse, Wu Qian, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, said at Thursday's press briefing in response to media reports saying that the US has proposed relevant suggestions to the Philippines.
• 28th Meeting of the Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) India MEA 30 Nov 2023 -- The 28th Meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) was held on 30 November 2023. Joint Secretary (East Asia) from Ministry of External Affairs led the Indian delegation and Director-General, Boundary & Oceanic Affairs of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs led the Chinese delegation.
• Myanmar exile government seeks foothold by supporting overseas workers Radio Free Asia 30 Nov 2023 -- Some 210,000 migrants from Myanmar have flooded into Thailand over the past two years under a renewed bilateral labor agreement with Myanmar's junta.
• Chin allied resistance claims big junta losses in western Myanmar Radio Free Asia 30 Nov 2023 -- Allied resistance armies seized two towns in northwestern Myanmar, one of the groups said this week.
• Hospitals under fire amid widening Myanmar conflict Radio Free Asia 30 Nov 2023 -- At least three hospitals were damaged in clashes between Myanmar's military and armed resistance groups in the third week of November alone, according to rights groups and residents, further straining a healthcare system already reeling from dwindling resources and widespread conflict under junta rule.
• In rare admission, junta chief acknowledges military losses in Shan state Radio Free Asia 30 Nov 2023 -- Myanmar's junta chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing confirmed the loss of several military outposts in northern Shan state to an ethnic rebel offensive in the region, in a rare acknowledgement of the month-long campaign's successes.
• China requires job applicants in Tibet to denounce Dalai Lama Radio Free Asia 30 Nov 2023 -- Tibetans who want to get public sector jobs must comply with a harsh Chinese rule requiring them to denounce the Dalai Lama, the leader of Tibetan Buddhism.

News Reports

• On the Release of the 2022 Country Reports on Terrorism US Dept. of State 30 Nov 2023 -- The Department of State issued the 2022 Country Reports on Terrorism (CRT). Each year, the CRT provides insight on important issues in the fight against terrorism and helps the United States make informed decisions about policies, programs, and resource allocations as we seek to build counterterrorism capacity and resilience around the globe.
• Foreign National Convicted of Drug Trafficking Conspiracy US Dept. of Justice 30 Nov 2023 -- A federal jury in the District of Columbia convicted a national of the Dominican Republic yesterday of a felony drug trafficking conspiracy.
• Russian National Pleads Guilty to Trickbot Malware Conspiracy US Dept. of Justice 30 Nov 2023 -- A Russian national pleaded guilty today to his role in developing and deploying the malicious software known as Trickbot, which was used to launch cyber-attacks against American hospitals and other businesses.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks during the 30th meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council, Skopje, November 30, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 30 Nov 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's participation in the upcoming OSCE Ministerial Council meeting Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 30 Nov 2023
• Russia: OSCE turning into appendage of West, in 'deplorable state' Press TV 30 Nov 2023 -- The Russian foreign minister says the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) is in a critical situation, and its future is "unclear."
• OSCE Understands Impossible to Discuss Europe's Fate Without Russia Sputnik 30 Nov 2023 -- The logic that it is impossible to discuss Europe's fate without Russia has prevailed in the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's conversation with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 30 Nov 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 30 Nov 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 30 Nov 2023
• Russia vows to remain active in OPCW despite losing seat in executive council People's Daily 30 Nov 2023 -- Russia will continue to play an active role in the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) despite losing its seat in the Executive Council from 2024 to 2026, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.
• 'Shameful And Absurd': Russian Supreme Court Declares LGBT 'Movement' Extremist RFE/RL 30 Nov 2023 -- Russia's Supreme Court has ruled that the LGBT "movement" is "extremist," sparking a global outcry over fears the designation will allow the country to ratchet up its crackdown on gay and transgender people.
• China-Russia lunar base collaboration 'a perfect match' Global Times 30 Nov 2023 -- Russia has officially ratified a cooperation agreement with China for the joint construction of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) project, according to reports in the Russian media on Wednesday. The inclusive project has so far welcomed nearly 20 countries and organizations.
• British Documentary Alleges China Influences Universities, Spies on Hong Kongers in UK VOA 30 Nov 2023 -- A BBC Channel 4 documentary, "Secrets and Power: China in the UK," claims the Chinese government is interfering with academic freedom and spying on Hong Kong activists in the United Kingdom.
• Beijing silent on key meeting amid growing dissent in party ranks Radio Free Asia 30 Nov 2023 -- China's ruling Communist Party appears to have postponed a key political meeting, in a move analysts said suggests that party leader Xi Jinping faces strong currents of dissent from within party ranks that he may not be able to keep under wraps at a plenary session.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on November 30, 2023 PRC MofA 30 Nov 2023
• Europe should objectively view China's development, promote win-win cooperation: FM spokesperson Global Times 30 Nov 2023 -- A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Thursday hit back EU's "de-risking" concerns, urging it to objectively view China's development and promote win-win cooperation and jointly address global challenges with China.
• HKSAR government condemns US Congress for meddling in Hong Kong affairs Global Times 30 Nov 2023 -- The government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Commissioner's Office of China's Foreign Ministry in Hong Kong on Thursday strongly condemned the US House Foreign Affairs Committee for passing the so-called Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Certification Act, urging the US to stop meddling in Hong Kong affairs.
• China's workers face layoffs, unpaid wages ahead of Lunar New Year Radio Free Asia 30 Nov 2023 -- At a time when China's hundreds of millions of migrant workers might normally be hoping to earn some extra cash ahead of the Lunar New Year festivities, the struggling economy has left employers unable to pay wages, or forced companies to shut down facilities and lay off staff, according to residents and news reports.
• China too 'overwhelmed' by internal challenges to invade Taiwan: Tsai CNA 30 Nov 2023 -- China has its hands full with its current economic and political problems and is therefore unlikely to attempt an invasion of Taiwan soon, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said.
• Taiwan's CEC, MOFA investigating if candidates have dual nationality CNA 30 Nov 2023 -- Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Thursday that it has ordered overseas representative offices to check whether any presidential and vice presidential candidates hold a foreign nationality, following a request from the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) per Taiwanese laws.
• China 'carrot and stick' approach expected before Taiwan election: expert CNA 30 Nov 2023 -- China may implement campaigns in the run-up to Taiwan's presidential election in January, including introducing investment incentives and conducting military exercises around the country, to try and sway voters to cast their ballot in a more pro-Beijing direction, an expert warned on Thursday.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Nov. 30, 2023 ROC MND 30 Nov 2023
• North Korea bars contact between soldiers and civilians Radio Free Asia 30 Nov 2023 -- North Korea is barring even casual contact between soldiers and civilians, apparently to keep soldiers from smuggling military goods to the public, residents in the country told Radio Free Asia.
• Designating Supporters of DPRK Weapons Programs Together with Allies US Dept. of State 30 Nov 2023 -- The United States today designated eight nationals of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) who are located in the Russian Federation, the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and elsewhere, as well as one entity in the DPRK in response to the DPRK's unlawful November 21 launch of a claimed military spy satellite.
• Treasury Targets DPRK's International Agents and Illicit Cyber Intrusion Group US Treasury 30 Nov 2023 -- Today, in coordination with foreign partners, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned eight foreign-based Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) agents that facilitate sanctions evasion, including revenue generation and missile-related technology procurement that support the DPRK's weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs. Additionally, OFAC sanctioned cyber espionage group Kimsuky for gathering intelligence to support the DPRK's strategic objectives.
• Statement by Kim Yo Jong, Vice Department Director of C.C., WPK KCNA 30 Nov 2023 -- Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, released the following statement on Wednesday:
• President Raeisi skips Dubai summit due to Israeli attendance Press TV 30 Nov 2023 -- Iran's President Ebrahim Raeisi will not attend the UN's COP28 climate summit in Dubai because of the presence of Israeli president Isaac Herzog, official news agency IRNA reports.
• US claims it foiled alleged Indian plot to assassinate Sikh separatist leader Press TV 30 Nov 2023 -- The United States has said it foiled an alleged Indian plot to assassinate an American-Canadian citizen in New York who advocated establishing a sovereign state for Sikhs in northern India.
• India forms high-level panel to probe security concerns raised by U.S. People's Daily 30 Nov 2023 -- India's foreign ministry Wednesday said it has set up a high-level committee to look into the security concerns raised by the United States on a nexus between organized criminals, gun runners and terrorists.
• Transcript of Special Briefing by Foreign Secretary on Prime Minister's visit to UAE (November 30, 2023) India MEA 30 Nov 2023
• OSCE Opens Summit In Skopje Amid Boycotts, Criticism Directed At Russia's Presence RFE/RL 30 Nov 2023 -- The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) on November 30 kicked off its annual summit in North Macedonia amid boycotts and criticism from some member states for the presence in Skopje of Russia's top diplomat as Moscow continues its war on Ukraine.
• Needs rise as flooding spreads in Somalia UN News 30 Nov 2023 -- Deadly torrential rains and floods have affected more than two million people in several areas of Somalia, with over 100 killed and 750,000 displaced from their homes, the authorities and humanitarian partners said on Thursday in the capital, Mogadishu.
• Somalia in the midst of disaster as devastating rains and floods spread UNOCHA 30 Nov 2023 -- Six months after Somalia emerged from a historic drought that pushed the country to the brink of widespread famine, another climate shock has struck as heavy rains and floods batter several areas of the country.
• World News in Brief: New relief window in Gaza, sexual violence in Sudan, new action against chemical weapons UN News 30 Nov 2023 -- A last-minute extension of the pause in fighting in Gaza between Israel and Hamas on Thursday offered hope that UN humanitarians and aid partners will be able to pursue their efforts to reach the enclave's most vulnerable people.
• EU-Tajikistan: Negotiations on a new Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the EU European External Action Service (EEAS) 30 Nov 2023 -- The European Union and the Republic of Tajikistan finalised the second full round of negotiations to develop a new comprehensive framework for strengthening their bilateral relations, on 30 November in Brussels.
• Vietnam's Rare Earth Sector on the Rise VOA 30 Nov 2023 -- Vietnam, with the world's second-largest reserves of the rare earths used in such modern devices as electric vehicle batteries and smart phone screens, is intensifying mining of the critical minerals. The industry, though, faces high processing costs, environmental concerns, and the takedown of industry leaders for illegal mining and mineral sales.