• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Red Sea Attacks Raise Tensions as US Kills 5 in Iraq VOA 04 Dec 2023 -- U.S. forces killed five Iran-backed militants as they prepared to launch a drone attack in Iraq, as the number of attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria rose to 76 since mid-October.
• Pentagon Aware of Reports About Attack on US Destroyer in Red Sea Sputnik 04 Dec 2023 -- The US Department of Defense told Sputnik on Sunday that it was aware of reports about an attack on its destroyer USS Carney in the Red Sea.
• US Central Command Says Destroyer Shoots Down 3 Drones Launched by Houthis in Red Sea Sputnik 04 Dec 2023 -- Three commercial vessels in the Red Sea were attacked four times over the past 24 hours, and US destroyer USS Carney responded to their distress calls and shot down three drones, which were allegedly launched by Yemen's rebel Ansar Allah movement, also known as the Houthis, the US Central Command said on Monday.
• US Airstrike on Headquarters of Iraqi Armed Formations Leaves 5 People Dead - Reports Sputnik 04 Dec 2023 -- Five people have been killed as a result of a US airstrike on the headquarters of Iraqi armed formations, Iraqi news agency Shafaq News reported on Sunday, citing a source in the security agencies.
• 5 paramilitary fighters killed in U.S. airstrike in N. Iraq People's Daily 04 Dec 2023 -- Five members of the Iraqi paramilitary Hashd Shaabi forces were killed on Sunday in a U.S. airstrike in Iraq's northern province of Kirkuk, according to a statement by an Iraqi armed group named "Islamic Resistance in Iraq."
• Iraqi PM condemns U.S. attacks on central province People's Daily 04 Dec 2023 -- Iraq rejected any attack by U.S. forces on its territory, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani said on Saturday during a phone call with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
• Iraqi resistance group warns US will pay dearly for killing its members in Kirkuk Press TV 04 Dec 2023 -- Leader of Iraq's Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba, part of the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) that works under the supervision of the government in Baghdad, has warned that the United States will pay dearly for an attack that killed five members of the resistance movement in north of Iraq.
• U.S. base in NE Syria comes under renewed attack: war monitor People's Daily 04 Dec 2023 -- The U.S. base in the Kharab al-Jir town in Syria's northeastern province of al-Hasakah came under attack by pro-Iran fighters on Sunday as part of the revenge campaign for the Israeli attack in Gaza, a war monitor reported.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Ms. Sabrina Singh Holds an Off-Camera, On-the-Record Press Briefing DoD 04 Dec 2023
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu and Minister of Defense Angel Tîlvăr DoD 04 Dec 2023
• Israel, Ukraine, Taiwan Support Ironclad, But Congress Could Help, Vice Chairman Says DoD News 04 Dec 2023 -- The Defense Department provides security assistance to Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan, but Congress could pass a budget with supplementary funding that would ensure robust continuation of that support, said Navy Adm. Christopher W. Grady.
• More Osprey Crew Members Located in Japan DoD News 04 Dec 2023 -- Last week a CV-22A Osprey aircraft was involved in an aviation mishap off the shore of Yakushima Island, Japan. Of the eight airmen on board, three have been recovered, the whereabouts of an additional three have been confirmed, and two remain unaccounted for.
• Austin Praises U.S.-Romania Defense Ties DoD News 04 Dec 2023 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III underscored the importance of the U.S.-Romania defense relationship today as he met with Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu and Defense Minister Angel Tilvar.
• Georgia National Guardsmen Return from Overseas Mission Army News 04 Dec 2023 -- More than 80 Soldiers of the Georgia National Guard's 201st Regional Support Group Forward returned home Dec. 1 after a nearly year-long deployment to Europe. Soldiers and family members were reunited during a welcome home ceremony at the Clay National Guard Center in Marietta.
• U.S. Navy to start recovery operations for downed Blackhawk US Navy 04 Dec 2023 -- The U.S. Navy contracted the multi-purpose support vessel, NG Worker, for search and recovery operations of an Army Blackhawk aircraft that crashed into the Mediterranean Sea, Nov. 10. The aircraft was conducting routine training when the crash occurred.
• Enhancing Tactical Communications: Joint Digital Interoperability Showcased by USMC and USSF USMC News 04 Dec 2023 -- In a demonstration of U.S. Marine Corps' evolving joint capabilities, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing showcased the compatibility of the Mobile User Objective System with CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd MAW, on Nov. 16, 2023. The event brought together U.S. Space Force Guardians with Space Systems Command, MUOS Program Office representatives, and Marines from across 3rd MAW and I Marine Expeditionary Force to witness the technology showcase.
• Chair of the NATO Military Committee on official visit to Switzerland Federal Council - Swiss Government 04 Dec 2023 -- On 4 and 5 December, Admiral Rob Bauer, the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, will be paying an official visit to the Swiss Armed Forces. Discussions with the Chief of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Thomas Süssli, will focus on intensifying cooperation with NATO. A courtesy visit with the head of the DDPS, Federal Councillor Viola Amherd, is also on the agenda.
• NATO's flagship cyber exercise concludes in Estonia NATO 04 Dec 2023 -- From 27 November to 1 December, Allied and partner cyber defenders tested their ability to protect networks and critical infrastructure against realistic and complex cyber threats and attacks.
• 99th Self-Propelled Artillery Regiment conferred honorary Guards designation President of Russia 04 Dec 2023 -- Vladimir Putin signed Executive Order On Awarding an Honorary Designation to the 99th Self-Propelled Artillery Regiment.
• Bulgarian President Vetoes Transfer of Decommissioned Armored Vehicles to Ukraine Sputnik 04 Dec 2023 -- Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has returned to the parliament for further discussion the draft law on the ratification of the agreement on the free transfer of 100 decommissioned armored personnel carriers to Ukraine, according to the president's office.
• Secretary General and Ukrainian Defence Minister discuss battlefield situation, NATO support NATO 04 Dec 2023 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg underlined the Alliance's unwavering support to Ukraine during a meeting with Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov in Brussels on Monday (4 December 2023).
• Zelenskyy to Address US Lawmakers Amid Debate About New Aid for Ukraine VOA 04 Dec 2023 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to address members of the U.S. Senate Tuesday amid a push by the White House for Congress to urgently approve new funding to help Ukraine in its defense against Russia's invasion.
• Taiwan to Finalize Upgrading 140 US-Made F-16s by Year-End - Reports Sputnik 04 Dec 2023 -- Taiwan is about to finish upgrading 140 US-made F-16 jets in its fleet by late December, with no new flight tests on the schedule, Taiwan's Central News Agency (CNA) reported on Monday, citing a military source.
• Taiwan opens combat casualty care training building CNA 04 Dec 2023 -- A building dedicated to enhancing the training of tactical combat casualty care and disaster rescue skills was officially inaugurated Monday during a ceremony at National Defense Medical Center (NDMC) in Taipei.
• US to Conduct Hypersonic Missile Tests With Australia in 2024 Sputnik 04 Dec 2023 -- The US Defense Department plans to carry out joint hypersonic missile tests with the Australian military in 2024, Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Heidi Shyu said.
• First time participation in Japan-US exercise Australia DOD 04 Dec 2023 -- In a historic first Australia will take part in Exercise Yama Sakura 85 (YS85) enhancing our interoperability and mutual defence capability with Japan and the United States.
• Heavy lifters arrive down under Australia DOD 04 Dec 2023 -- Exercise Global Dexterity has brought together C-17A Globemaster aircraft from the US, UK and Australia for a series of air mobility training missions.
• Joining forces in Japan Australia DOD 04 Dec 2023 -- A RAAF P-8A Poseidon and 33 personnel from 11 Squadron have conducted two training exercises at Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi base in Japan.
• Soldiers strengthen ties in Malaysia Australia DOD 04 Dec 2023 -- Soldiers and officers from more than 30 units across the country spent three weeks at Irwin Barracks, 13th Brigade, preparing for deployment to Rifle Company Butterworth (RCB) in Malaysia.
• New pilots challenged during exercise Australia DOD 04 Dec 2023 -- RAAF personnel and aircraft were deployed to RAAF Base Townsville to conduct the final phase of Exercise High Sierra at the end of November.
• Crimson Dawn fills Tindal skies Australia DOD 04 Dec 2023 -- Exercise Crimson Dawn brought 1 Squadron Training Flight to RAAF Base Tindal, graduating Weapon Systems Officers (WSO) on the F/A-18F Super Hornet.
• INS SUMEDHA - MISSION DEPLOYED AT ANTSIRANANA, MADAGASCAR India PIB 04 Dec 2023 -- As part of Indian Navy's Long Range Mission Based Deployment, Indian Naval Ship Sumedha is undertaking port call at Antsiranana, Madagascar from 04 to 06 December 2023
• FIRST SHIP OF SURVEY VESSEL (LARGE) SANDHAYAK DELIVERED TO INDIAN NAVY India PIB 04 Dec 2023 -- Sandhayak (Yard 3025), the first of four Survey Vessel (Large) ships, being built at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, was delivered to the Indian Navy on 04 Dec 23
• 2 Indian pilots killed as air force trainer aircraft crashes in Telangana People's Daily 04 Dec 2023 -- Two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots were killed on Monday after a trainer aircraft that they were on board crashed in the southern Indian state of Telangana, officials said.
• Iranian Navy commander in Baku for military cooperation IRNA 04 Dec 2023 -- Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani has travelled to Baku for talks on military cooperation.
• South Korea selects the Embraer C-390 Millennium Embraer 04 Dec 2023 -- South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has announced Embraer's C-390 Millennium as the winner of the Large Transport Aircraft (LTA) II public tender to provide the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) with new military transport aircraft. South Korea is the C-390 Millennium's first customer in Asia.
• Successful launch of a private commercial satellite using solid-propellant space launch vehicle technology ROK MND 04 Dec 2023 -- On December 4, 2023, the launch of a commercial commercial satellite using the solid propulsion space launch vehicle technology of the Agency for Defense Development was successfully completed in the sea near Jeju Island.
• Saudi Arabia - RE-3A Tactical Airborne Surveillance System Aircraft Modernization DSCA 04 Dec 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of RE-3A Tactical Airborne Surveillance System Aircraft Modernization and related equipment for an estimated cost of $582 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• UK Defense Ministry's 2023-2033 Equipment Plan $21.5Bln Over Budget - Watchdog Sputnik 04 Dec 2023 -- The UK Ministry of Defense's equipment plan for 2023-2033 is "unaffordable" as its current budget is almost $21.5 billion less than its expected costs, the National Audit Office (NAO) said on Monday.
• United Arab Emirates - AN/TPQ-50 Radar DSCA 04 Dec 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the United Arab Emirates of AN/TPQ-50 Radar and related equipment for an estimated cost of $85 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Maintenance services for Defence Forces' ERP system are procured Finnish MoD 04 Dec 2023 -- Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen has authorised the Defence Forces to order maintenance services for the Defence Forces'Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.
• Switchblade 600 loitering munition set to reach Lithuanian military next year Lithuania MND 04 Dec 2023 -- On December 1 Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas had a visit to an AeroVironment factory in California where he viewed the production and discussed opportunities for further cooperation.
• Further U.S. assistance to Ukraine, weaponry and force to Lithuania are key for regional security, says A. Anušauskas after meetings with top U.S. officials S Lithuania MND 04 Dec 2023 -- On November 30-December 4 Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas conducted a visit to the United States of America where he took part in the Reagan National Defence Forum. Minister discussed key challenges to global security agenda alongside top U.S. security and defence officials.
• Netherlands faces lawsuit over sending F-35 parts to Israel Press TV 04 Dec 2023 -- The Netherlands' plan to send F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel has prompted action by a group of human rights organizations that have filed a lawsuit against the move.
• Revenue Of World's Top Arms Producers Down; Order Backlog Signals Increase On Horizon RFE/RL 04 Dec 2023 -- Revenue from the sales of arms and military services by the 100 largest companies in the global defense industry was down in real terms an annual 3.5 percent in 2022, despite a sharp rise in demand, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said on December 4.
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Romanian Prime Minister Ciolacu US Dept. of State 04 Dec 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 04 Dec 2023
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan The White House 04 Dec 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Dec. 4, 2023
• Three Military Contractors Sentenced in Procurement Fraud Scheme US Dept. of Justice 04 Dec 2023 -- A federal judge in the Northern District of Georgia has sentenced three military contractors for their roles in a multi-year procurement fraud scheme related to more than $7 million in federal government contracts.

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 4 December 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 04 Dec 2023

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari December 4th, 20:15 Israel Defense Forces 04 Dec 2023
• Updated National Security Council Travel Warnings Israel - Prime Minister 04 Dec 2023 -- Since the beginning of the Swords of Iron War, the National Security Council (NSC) has been conducting ongoing situation assessments together with the Israeli security organizations.
• Israel Orders Evacuations in Gaza's Second-Largest City VOA 04 Dec 2023 -- Israel urged people living in part of the Gaza Strip's second-largest city to evacuate Monday, as Israeli troops launched new airstrikes and intensified their ground attack targeting Hamas militants.
• Israeli military widens ground offensive to southern Gaza; hopes for new truce still exist: experts Global Times 04 Dec 2023 -- The Israeli military confirmed Sunday that it has expanded its ground offensive against Hamas militants in Southern Gaza, an area previously considered a "safe zone," sparking deep concern across the international community that nowhere in the Gaza Strip is safe for Palestinians anymore.
• Safe Corridor in Central Gaza Turned Into Battlefield - IDF Statement Sputnik 04 Dec 2023 -- The safe corridor in the central Gaza Strip has turned into a battlefield, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Avichay Adraee said on Monday, calling on the population of the enclave to evacuate along the coast.
• Israel Shells Lebanon in Retaliatory Move - Statement Sputnik 04 Dec 2023 -- The Israel Defense Forces said in a statement that they had documented shelling from Lebanon towards IDF outpost and opened fire in response.
• Israeli regime military says three soldiers killed in Gaza during last 24 hours IRNA 04 Dec 2023 -- Three Zionist soldiers have been killed in the last 24 hours in the occupying regime's war on the Gaza Strip, according to the Israeli regime military's spokesman.
• Palestinian human rights organizations warn of 'second Nakba' in Gaza Press TV 04 Dec 2023 -- Three Palestinian human rights organizations have issued a stern warning regarding the Israeli regime's forced displacement of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, saying it could lead to another Nakba (Catastrophe) in the besieged territory.
• Report: Penetrating Israel's 'Iron Dome', Palestinian rocket hits regime's strategic base Press TV 04 Dec 2023 -- A US media report says a rocket "most likely fired by the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement" from the Gaza Strip on October 7 has hit an Israeli military base where, according to experts, many of the regime's nuclear-capable missiles are kept.
• Israel forces evacuation of south Gaza as it expands ground invasion Press TV 04 Dec 2023 -- In an intimidating move typical of Israel, the regime has forced the Palestinians to evacuate several more areas in the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Palestinian death toll in Gaza rises to 15,523 People's Daily 04 Dec 2023 -- The death toll of Palestinians from Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7 has reached 15,523, the Hamas-run health ministry said on Sunday.
• Israel launches airstrikes on Gaza, dozens killed: ministry People's Daily 04 Dec 2023 -- The Hamas-run Health Ministry said that Israel launched new airstrikes on various areas in the war-torn Gaza Strip on Sunday, resulting in dozens killed and wounded.
• Israel expands ground operation to southern Gaza Strip People's Daily 04 Dec 2023 -- Israel's military chief Herzi Halevi said on Sunday that the military has expanded the ground operation against Hamas to the southern Gaza Strip, an area previously considered as a "safe zone."
• Israel commits new massacres in Gaza, targets more hospitals ISNA 04 Dec 2023 -- The spokesperson for the Ministry of Health in Gaza, Ashraf al-Qudra, announced earlier that the death toll from the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip since October 7th has risen to 15,523 martyrs, with 41,316 citizens sustaining various injuries. He also pointed out that 70% of the martyred civilians are children and women.
• Israeli war on hospitals: Gazans say Israel wiping out health sector as attacks rise Press TV 04 Dec 2023 -- Israeli forces are seeking to encircle the Kamal Adwan Hospital in the northern Gaza city of Jabalia, the undersecretary of the Gaza Health Ministry said Monday.
• UN Chief Alarmed at Resumption, Spread of Gaza Fighting VOA 04 Dec 2023 -- U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his extreme alarm Monday about the resumption of hostilities between Israel and Hamas, including Hamas rocket fire on Israel and the renewal and expansion of Israel's airstrikes and military ground operations into the southern Gaza Strip.
• Statement of the Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Lynn Hastings, 4 December 2023 UNOCHA 04 Dec 2023 -- The 7-day ceasefire brought respite to everyone; hostages were reunited with their families and desperately needed aid went into Gaza. We need more of this; all hostages released and considerably more aid and protection for Palestinian civilians.
• Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on the Middle East UNOCHA 04 Dec 2023 -- The Secretary-General is extremely alarmed by the resumption of hostilities between Israel and Hamas and other armed Palestinian groups in Gaza, on 1 December, including rocket fire towards Israel from Gaza and the renewal of ground operations and intensified airstrikes by the Israel Defence Forces, increasingly in southern Gaza.
• Bombardment in southern Gaza increases mass displacement UNRWA 04 Dec 2023
• UNRWA Situation Report #45 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem (Information is valid as of 3 December 2023 at 22:30 (local time) Day 58 of Hostilities (Published 4 December 2023) UNRWA 04 Dec 2023
• UNRWA Situation Report #44 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem (Information is valid as of 2 December 2023 at 22:30 (local time) Day 57 of Hostilities Published 4 December 2023) UNRWA 04 Dec 2023
• UN chief calls on Israel to 'spare civilians from more suffering' in Gaza UN News 04 Dec 2023 -- UN Secretary-General António Guterres has reiterated his call for a sustained humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional and immediate release of all hostages, his Spokesperson said on Monday.
• Gaza: Aid access to north entirely blocked as war escalates in the south UN News 04 Dec 2023 -- Reports of hundreds of fatalities from bombing in southern Gaza over the weekend heightened deep concerns for civilians sheltering there, while UN humanitarians on Monday said that aid teams had only "extremely limited" movement and access to the north was "now entirely blocked".
• WHO appeals for protection of the health system from further attacks and degradation of its capacity WHO 04 Dec 2023
• Israel's war machine has displaced 1.9 million people in Gaza: UNRWA Press TV 04 Dec 2023 -- The main United Nations agency in Gaza says virtually 1.9 million people, more than 80 percent of the population, have been displaced since October 7 due to Israel's unrelenting bombardment.
• UNICEF: Southern Gaza hit by 'worst bombardment' of war Press TV 04 Dec 2023 -- The southern Gaza Strip is currently facing its "worst bombardment" since the beginning of Israel's brutal aggression against the Palestinian territory, says a spokesperson for the UN Children's Agency (UNICEF).
• Al-Aqsa storm turns Palestine into first issue of Islamic world: Iran's FM IRNA 04 Dec 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian referred to the continuation of the Zionist regime's crimes and the open support of the US regime to this crime, saying that the Al-Aqsa storm has once again raised Palestine to the top priority in the Islamic world.
• Prosecution of US, Israel 'minimum price' to be paid for Gaza genocide: Iran Army chief commander Press TV 04 Dec 2023 -- The chief commander of the Iranian Army has lauded the Palestinian resistance against Israel's brutal aggression on the besieged Gaza Strip, saying the prosecution of those responsible for crimes against Palestinians is the minimum price the Israelis and Americans must pay.
• US has 'direct, undeniable' role in Israeli war crimes in Gaza: Iran Press TV 04 Dec 2023 -- Iran has lambasted the United States for its "undeniable" role in the Israeli war crimes against Palestinians, saying Washington has equipped Tel Aviv with new weapons to carry out atrocities in the genocidal war on Gaza Strip.
• "Gaza belongs to the Palestinians and will remain so forever" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 04 Dec 2023 -- Addressing the opening event of the 39th Ministerial Session of the COMCEC in Istanbul, President Erdoğan said: "We must display a very clear stance against Israel's policies of depopulating Gaza. I would like to once again remind the Israeli administrators, who pursue different ambitions, of the fact that Gaza is a Palestinian land. Gaza belongs to the Palestinians and will remain so forever."
• UK condemns attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea: UK government statement UK FCDO 04 Dec 2023 -- Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Ministry of Defence statement in response to attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea by Houthi militants.
• Successful mediation retreat in Oman Government of Norway 04 Dec 2023 -- 'This week's mediation retreat in Muscat, the capital of Oman, gathered important insights on conflict situations and peace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This is the first time a retreat in the Oslo Forum-series is organised in the MENA region', said State Secretary Andreas M. Kravik.
• DFA Team Conducts Successful Assistance-To-Nationals Mission in Egypt and Israel Philippines DFA 04 Dec 2023 -- A team from the Department of Foreign Affairs, led by Undersecretary for Migrant Workers' Affairs Eduardo José A. de Vega, conducted a successful Assistance to Nationals (ATN) Mission from 11 to 19 November 2023 in Egypt and Israel.
• Turkish intelligence official warns Israel: Targeting Hamas officials abroad will have 'serious consequences' Press TV 04 Dec 2023 -- Turkey has issued a strong warning to Israel, saying the regime would face Ankara's serious action if it tries to target key figures of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas who are based outside Gaza, including in Turkey.
• Israel and the occupied territories: President of the ICRC arrives in Gaza, calls for the protection of civilians ICRC 04 Dec 2023 -- Mirjana Spoljaric, the president of the ICRC, is in Gaza today to advance efforts that alleviate the devastating humanitarian toll the ongoing conflict is taking on civilians.
• 'Direct involvement in genocide': Resistance groups slam UK aerial spying of Gaza Press TV 04 Dec 2023 -- The Gaza-based Palestinian Hamas and Islamic Jihad resistance movements in separate statements have denounced a decision by the United Kingdom to conduct surveillance flights over the Gaza Strip, calling the move a military involvement in the "genocidal war" on the besieged territory.
• Israel's threats to kill Hamas leaders reflect its political, military crises: Top official Press TV 04 Dec 2023 -- A senior Hamas official said the resistance group is unfazed by Israel's recent threats to assassinate its leaders and that making them reveals the regime's political and military crises.
• Hamas: US president, secretary of state complicit in Israeli crimes against Palestinians Press TV 04 Dec 2023 -- A senior official of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says the United States administration and its top officials are complicit in Israel's war crimes against Palestinians, including its genocidal war on the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Hamas rejects Western reports on alleged rape of Israeli captives IRNA 04 Dec 2023 -- Hamas has rejected Western media reports on alleged raping of Israeli captives by the group's forces, saying that the accusations are aimed at ruining the image of the Palestinian resistance movement following widespread news of its members' good behavior towards the captives.
• Hezbollah hits Israeli targets in northern occupied Palestinian territories IRNA 04 Dec 2023 -- The Lebanese Resistance movement Hezbollah has targeted the Israeli occupation outposts across the border between Lebanon and northern Palestine.
• Yemen's Houthis claim responsibility for attacking 2 "Israeli ships" in Red Sea People's Daily 04 Dec 2023 -- Yemen's Houthi rebel group on Sunday claimed responsibility for attacking two "Israeli ships" off Yemen's Red Sea coast near the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait earlier in the day.

Other Conflicts

• Ghana meeting seeks to boost political support to strengthen UN Peacekeeping UN News 04 Dec 2023 -- Ministers and delegates from more than 85 countries and international organizations are meeting in Ghana this week to express their collective commitment to UN Peacekeeping.
• Afghans Banned From 16 Provinces In Iran As Forced Exodus Continues RFE/RL 04 Dec 2023 -- Iran has banned millions of Afghan refugees and migrants in the country from living in, traveling to, or seeking employment in just over half of the country's 31 provinces.
• US ship conducts navigation operation near Second Thomas Shoal Radio Free Asia 04 Dec 2023 -- A U.S. naval ship conducted Monday the first known freedom of navigation operation (FONOP) near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, a move condemned by China as "illegal."
• PLA slams US Navy ship for illegally intruding into water near Ren'ai Jiao, violating Chinese sovereignty, regional stability Global Times 04 Dec 2023 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Monday slammed the US for violating Chinese sovereignty and described it as "the biggest threat" to peace and stability in the South China Sea, after a US Navy ship illegally intruded into waters adjacent to Ren'ai Jiao (also known as Ren'ai Reef) in China's Nansha Islands, which are at the center of the recent tensions between China and the Philippines.
• The United Kingdom stands firm in continued efforts to deliver justice for Daesh's atrocities: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 04 Dec 2023 -- Statement by UK Political Coordinator Fergus Eckersley at the UN Security Council meeting on Iraq.
• Iraq: UN team issues latest report on terrorist atrocities UN News 04 Dec 2023 -- The UN team investigating crimes committed by Da'esh terrorist group has issued its latest report documenting the terrorist group's atrocities in Iraq, laying the groundwork for future prosecutions.
• Iran Vows Response to Deaths of 2 Military Advisers in Syria Sputnik 04 Dec 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said on Monday that the country would respond to any actions against its military advisers in Syria, following a missile attack on Damascus that left two Iranian personnel dead over the weekend.
• Iran vows to respond to Israel attacks on advisory forces ISNA 04 Dec 2023 -- Iran Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan'ani said that Iran will respond to any attacks on the country's interests in the region.
• Myanmar villagers find 18 burnt bodies after junta raid Radio Free Asia 04 Dec 2023 -- Villagers uncovered 18 charred bodies after junta forces burned homes in a village in central Myanmar, residents and defense forces told Radio Free Asia.
• Junta ban on aid vehicles leads to humanitarian crisis in Kayah capital Radio Free Asia 04 Dec 2023 -- A ban on aid vehicles entering Myanmar's Loikaw city amid intensifying clashes between junta troops and the armed resistance has led to a humanitarian crisis in the Kayah state capital, relief workers and residents said Monday.
• Following the Peace Agreement between United National Liberation Front (UNLF), Government of Manipur and Government of India, leaders/cadres of National Revolutionary Front Manipur (NRFM) have joined UNLF India PIB 04 Dec 2023 -- Following the recent signing of Peace Agreement between United National Liberation Front (UNLF), Government of Manipur and Government of India on 29th November, 2023, around 25 leaders/cadres of National Revolutionary Front Manipur (NRFM- a Meitei UG outfit) led by Major Boicha (Vice Chief of Army Staff of NRFM) along with 25 weapons have joined UNLF on 02nd December, 2023
• Designation of Individuals Linked to the Conflict in Sudan US Dept. of State 04 Dec 2023 -- The United States is today designating three officials of the former Omar al-Bashir regime: Mohamed Atta Elmoula Abbas, Taha Osman Ahmed al-Hussein, and Salah Abdallah Mohamed Salah, also known as Salah Gosh.
• Treasury Targets Sudanese Actors for Undermining Peace, Security, and Stability in Sudan US Treasury 04 Dec 2023 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is targeting several individuals for their role in undermining the peace, security, and stability of Sudan. These designations support diplomatic efforts by the international community to end the conflict and demonstrate the U.S. commitment to achieve a civilian government and a transition to democracy.
• Many Feared Dead as Nigerian Military Airstrike Hits Local Village VOA 04 Dec 2023 -- Nigerian authorities said Monday that a military airstrike targeting terrorists in northern Kaduna state had erroneously hit a local village and killed civilians there.

News Reports

• Former U.S. Ambassador and National Security Council Official Charged with Secretly Acting as an Agent of the Cuban Government US Dept. of Justice 04 Dec 2023 -- Federal prosecutors have charged Victor Manuel Rocha, 73, of Miami, Florida, a former U.S. Department of State employee who served on the National Security Council from 1994 to 1995 and ultimately as U.S. Ambassador to Bolivia from 2000 to 2002, with committing multiple federal crimes by secretly acting for decades as an agent of the government of the Republic of Cuba.
• Former US Diplomat Charged With Spying for Cuba for Decades VOA 04 Dec 2023 -- A former U.S. ambassador to Bolivia, Manuel Rocha, has been charged with spying for Cuba since at least 1981.
• Australia Developing 'Secret Cloud Initiative' Interoperable With US, UK - Intelligence Chief Sputnik 04 Dec 2023 -- Australia is working to develop a "top secret cloud initiative" that will be "interoperable" with US and UK intelligence agencies, its director-general of national intelligence said Monday.
• Kyrgyz Republic and OSCE join forces to counter terrorism and violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism OSCE 04 Dec 2023 -- The Anti-Terrorism Centre of the State Committee for National Security of the Kyrgyz Republic (ATC SCNS KR), in co-operation with the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, organized a roundtable on implementing the Programme of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic on countering extremism and terrorism for 2023-2027 and its Action Plan. The event brought together high-level representatives of the Kyrgyz government.
• U.S. Treasury Launches Counter-Fentanyl Strike Force US Treasury 04 Dec 2023 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the launch of a Counter-Fentanyl Strike Force to marshal Treasury's resources and expertise in a coordinated and streamlined operation to combat the trafficking of illicit fentanyl. This Strike Force brings together personnel, expertise, intelligence, and resources across key Treasury offices and is jointly led by the Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence (TFI) and IRS Criminal Investigation (CI).
• Putin Says West Demonstrates Political Bias, Russophobia Sputnik 04 Dec 2023 -- The West is demonstrating bias and Russophobia, while the process of degradation of international politics continues, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday.
• Quiet Resistance: From Legal Actions To Vandalism, Russia's Pro-War Symbols Coming Under Attack RFE/RL 04 Dec 2023 -- In the days immediately following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, a pro-war banner prominently featuring the Latin letter Z appeared on the colonnaded facade of the drama theater in the center of this Siberian city.
• Wider Europe Briefing: More EU Sanctions On Russia, And What Remains Of The Eastern Partnership? RFE/RL 04 Dec 2023
• Tourist rubles ensure warm welcome for Russians in Thailand Radio Free Asia 04 Dec 2023 -- Ask any Russian person which country in Southeast Asia they have heard about and you'd probably hear "Thailand." Russian tourists are crowding its beaches, bars and even its Orthodox churches.
• China's Third Plenum Delay in 'Uncharted Territory' VOA 04 Dec 2023 -- The world is looking at a bleak economic picture in China, the world's second-largest economy: a real-estate crisis on a historic scale, record-high youth unemployment, a deepening crisis of confidence among consumers and investors, the teetering mountain of local government debt and other setbacks.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on December 4, 2023 PRC MofA 04 Dec 2023
• Raimondo's remarks expose deep-rooted Cold War mentality: FM Global Times 04 Dec 2023 -- The US should stop treating China as an imaginary enemy and correct the wrong behavior of engaging in major power confrontation under the guise of competition, spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Wang Wenbin said at a regular press conference on Monday.
• HKSAR government vows to pursue anti-government figure Chow Ting in line with law Global Times 04 Dec 2023 -- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government vowed to pursue the anti-government figure Agnes Chow Ting in accordance with the law and severely condemned her shameful act of absconding in fear of facing her crimes, after Chow revealed that she has no plans to return to Hong Kong despite being required to report to the police in December as part of a national security investigation.
• Chinese censors delete news report probing return of COVID tracking Radio Free Asia 04 Dec 2023 -- Chinese censors have deleted a news report investigating claims that local governments had brought back a hated disease-tracking app that was used during the "zero-COVID" era to confine people to their homes, amid an ongoing wave of respiratory infections across the country, according to local media reports and residents.
• China capable of coping with various financial risks: official People's Daily 04 Dec 2023 -- China is confident, well-positioned and capable of coping with various financial risks and challenges, thanks to its sound long-term fundamentals providing a solid foundation, noted Li Yunze, head of the National Financial Regulatory Administration.
• Chinese, Belarusian presidents pledge to enhance ties People's Daily 04 Dec 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Beijing on Monday.
• Xi meets Belarusian President in Beijing, vows to deepen ties Global Times 04 Dec 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Beijing on Monday. Aside from vowing to deepen bilateral ties and strengthen cooperation, Xi told Lukashenko that China firmly supports Belarus in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions, and opposes external interference in Belarus' internal affairs.
• Three presidential candidate duos all eligible for 2024 election: MOI CNA 04 Dec 2023 -- The three presidential candidates and their running mates contesting Taiwan's 2024 presidential election all comply with national regulations, such as citizenship requirements, and are eligible to run, the Ministry of Interior (MOI) said Monday.
• Envoy says U.S., Taiwan work on combating election disinformation CNA 04 Dec 2023 -- The de facto United States ambassador to Taiwan on Monday said the U.S. and Taiwan are on the frontline in combating the spread of disinformation and working closely to combat online information manipulation ahead of their respective 2024 presidential elections.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 4, 2023 ROC MND 04 Dec 2023
• Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un's Opening Address Made at 5th National Conference of Mothers KCNA 04 Dec 2023 -- The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un made an opening address at the Fifth National Conference of Mothers on December 3.
• DPRK warns against attack against its space assets People's Daily 04 Dec 2023 -- The Ministry of National Defense of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) warned in a statement Saturday that "any attack against the country's space assets will be deemed as declaration of war," the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.
• Statement by Spokesperson for NATA of DPRK KCNA 04 Dec 2023 -- A spokesperson for the National Aerospace Technology Administration (NATA) of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea issued the following statement under the title "Illegal double standards can never be allowed in space, common asset of mankind" on Monday:
• S. Korean president replaces 6 ministers People's Daily 04 Dec 2023 -- South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on Monday replaced six ministers, including finance minister, according to the presidential office.
• Supreme Leader stresses global coalition against US, Western bullying IRNA 04 Dec 2023 -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has underlined the need for forming a coalition against the bullying of the United States and the Western countries by world states who share views in this regard.
• Iran says obtained guarantees from US on funds release IRNA 04 Dec 2023 -- Tehran has obtained the necessary guarantees that the United States will honor its commitments under an agreement to release Iran's frozen assets, Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said Monday.
• Iran Says Received Guarantees on Release of Funds Frozen in United States Sputnik 04 Dec 2023 -- Iran has received all the necessary guarantees regarding the release of funds frozen in the United States, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said on Monday.
• Iran FM urges further Tehran-Baghdad ties to ensure regional peace IRNA 04 Dec 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has called for further cooperation between Tehran and Baghdad to help establish peace and stability in the region.
• Cuban President arrives in Iran after about two decades ISNA 04 Dec 2023 -- At the invitation of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the Cuban President arrived in Tehran leading a high-level political and economic delegation, marking 22 years since the last visit by the late President Fidel Castro.
• Iran, Cuba must form coalition to counter US, West bullying: Ayatollah Khamenei Press TV 04 Dec 2023 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says great political and economic capacities of Iran and Cuba should be used to form a coalition against bullying of the United States and its Western allies.
• Iran, Cuba call for global coalition to support Palestinians amid Israeli genocidal war Press TV 04 Dec 2023 -- President Ebrahim Raeisi says Iran and Cuba have a common stance on the need to form a coalition to support the oppressed Palestinian people in different continents in cooperation with the allied countries.
• Regional Iranian Officials Order Strict Dress Code For Female Public Workers RFE/RL 04 Dec 2023 -- Iranian media say the governorate of the central city of Qom has issued a directive mandating female employees in government offices adhere to strict Islamic dress codes, specifically wearing a black chador, a large piece of cloth that is wrapped around the head and upper body leaving only the face exposed, and refraining from using makeup.
• Readout of Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer's Travel to India The White House 04 Dec 2023
• Visit of US Principal Deputy National Security Adviser to India (December 04, 2023) India MEA 04 Dec 2023 -- Jonathan Finer, Principal Deputy National Security Adviser of the United States is visiting New Delhi to hold consultations with Mr. Vikram Misri, Deputy National Security Adviser (Strategic Affairs), National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS). This is a follow up to the visit of US NSA Jake Sullivan to India in June 2023 and the visit of NSA Mr. Ajit Doval, KC to US in January 2023.
• Pakistan's Khan Pledges to Make Ex-Army Chief, US Officials Part of Ongoing Trial VOA 04 Dec 2023 -- Pakistan's jailed former prime minister, Imran Khan, pledged Monday to summon the country's ex-military chief and a U.S. embassy representative during his ongoing trial for allegedly leaking state secrets.
• PM Netanyahu Speaks with Argentinian President-elect Javier Milei Israel - Prime Minister 04 Dec 2023
• Netanyahu's corruption trial resumes amid war on Gaza Press TV 04 Dec 2023 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's long-running trial on a host of corruption charges resumes following a two-month halt due to the regime's war on Gaza.
• United Kingdom joins Horizon Europe programme European Commission 04 Dec 2023 -- As of 1 January 2024, the United Kingdom becomes an associated country to Horizon Europe. Its researchers will be able to participate in this research and innovation programme of the EU on the same terms as researchers from other associated countries and will have access to Horizon Europe funding.
• United States Welcomes the Republic of Angola's Signature of the Artemis Accords US Dept. of State 04 Dec 2023 -- The Republic of Angola became the thirty-third country worldwide and the third in Africa to sign the Artemis Accords on November 30th.
• Venezuela's Claims on Guyana's Territory Raise Concerns About Conflict VOA 04 Dec 2023 -- Venezuela has turned up the volume on its insistence that it has a rightful claim to Essequibo, a region encompassing the majority of the territory of Guyana, its neighbor to the east. However, the government of President Nicolás Maduro has little to no support from its regional neighbors or intergovernmental organizations.
• World News in Brief: Somalia floods, Sudan cholera update, genocide prevention UN News 04 Dec 2023 -- Flooding in Somalia has uprooted more than one million people and killed 110, UN humanitarians in the country said in their latest situation report on Monday.