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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• Iraqi PM warns U.S. against unilateral response to rocket attack on embassy People's Daily 11 Dec 2023 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani has reiterated his government's commitment to protecting diplomatic missions while reminding the United States not to respond unilaterally to an unclaimed rock attack on the U.S. embassy without Iraq's approval.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Results of Investigation into A1C Texiera's Unit following unauthorized disclosure of classified documents US Air Force 11 Dec 2023 -- The Department of the Air Force released its report on the results of an Air Force Inspector General investigation in response to the unauthorized disclosure of classified information by an individual at the 102nd Intelligence Wing, Otis Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts.
• Discipline Handed Down for US Intelligence 'Discord Leaks' VOA 11 Dec 2023 -- The U.S. Air Force took disciplinary action against 15 airmen, charging that a lack of supervision and a failure to take action contributed to the so-called 'Discord intelligence leaks' that rattled the U.S. intelligence community.
• Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds an Off-Camera, On-the-Record Press Briefing DoD 11 Dec 2023
• DOD Officials Highlight Climate and Energy Security Issues at International Conference DoD News 11 Dec 2023 -- Senior Pentagon officials underscored the Defense Department's role as a global leader in managing the impacts of climate change on resilience, peace and stability during the 28th Conference of the Parties, or COP28, being held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
• DOD Officials Underscore 'Ironclad' Commitment to Philippines After China's Unsafe Maneuvers DoD News 11 Dec 2023 -- Defense officials remain in close consultation with counterparts from the Philippines following the latest unsafe operational behavior by Chinese military vessels against Philippine vessels operating lawfully in the South China Sea over the weekend, Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said today.
• 21st Theater Sustainment Command Supports First Port Operation in Portugal Army News 11 Dec 2023 -- The 21st Theater Sustainment Command supported the first-ever U.S. Army operation at the Port of Setubal, Portugal on December 7, 2023. The port operation was a collaboration between the 21st TSC, 598th Transportation Brigade (Surface Deployment and Distribution Command), U.S. Mission to Portugal, and the Portuguese military and port authority.
• Steel Knight 23.2: 2nd Bn., 5th Marines reinforces embassy USMC News 11 Dec 2023 -- U.S. Marines with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, demonstrated their proficiency and flexibility during a simulated embassy reinforcement Nov. 29 as part of Exercise Steel Knight 23.2.
• USS Laboon Transits the Strait of Gibraltar US Navy 11 Dec 2023 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS Laboon (DDG 58), transits the Strait of Gibraltar and enters the Mediterranean Sea to conduct operations in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations, Dec. 11, 2023.
• USS Bulkeley Arrives in Piraeus, Greece US Navy 11 Dec 2023 -- USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), a part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG), arrived in Piraeus, Greece, for a regularly scheduled port visit December 8, 2023.
• Japan, U.S. Navies Conduct Bilateral Maritime Exercise US Navy 11 Dec 2023 -- The U.S. Navy conducted a maritime exercise with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) in the South China Sea demonstrating the combined capabilities to counter regional threats, Dec. 7.
• SECNAV Delivers Remarks at the Keel Plate Unveiling Ceremony for the future USS J. William Middendorf (DDG 138) US Navy 11 Dec 2023
• SECNAV Del Toro Establishes DON Office of Strategic Assessment US Navy Press Release 11 Dec 2023 -- Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro today announced the establishment of the Department of the Navy Office of Strategic Assessment (DON OSA).
• Homeland Missile Defense System Conducts Successful Intercept Of Target MDA 11 Dec 2023 -- The U.S. Missile Defense Agency, in cooperation with U.S. Northern Command, the U.S. Space Force Space Launch Delta 30, and the U.S. Space Command Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense, conducted a successful intercept today of an Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) by an upgraded Ground-Based Interceptor (GBI).
• US wooing allies to expand naval task force in Red Sea: Report IRNA 11 Dec 2023 -- The United States is reportedly pitching allies on expanding a multinational naval task force in the region to contain the spread of the Zionist regime's war on the Gaza Strip.
• Ceremony for raising naval flags on nuclear-powered submarines Emperor Alexander III and Krasnoyarsk President of Russia 11 Dec 2023 -- At the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk, the President took part in the ceremony to raise naval flags on nuclear-powered submarines Emperor Alexander III and Krasnoyarsk.
• BRITISH MINEHUNTING SHIPS TO BOLSTER UKRAINIAN NAVY AS UK AND NORWAY LAUNCH MARITIME SUPPORT INITIATIVE UK MOD 11 Dec 2023 -- The UK is to lead a new Maritime Capability Coalition alongside Norway, with Defence Secretary Grant Shapps confirming the transfer of two Royal Navy minehunter ships to the Ukrainian Navy.
• We are proud to support Ukraine's right to self-defence for as long as it takes: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 11 Dec 2023 -- Statement by UK Political Coordinator Fergus Eckersley at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.
• Britain and Norway will support Ukraine in building coastal and maritime defence Government of Norway 11 Dec 2023 -- Britain, Norway and several other nations will assist in the strengthening of Ukraine's security along their coastlines and to the sea. Ukraine will receive the support they need to build their own maritime capabilities, says defence minister Bjørn Arild Gram (Sp)
• UK to Transfer 2 Sandown-Class Minehunter Ships to Ukraine Sputnik 11 Dec 2023 -- The UK government announced on Monday the transfer of two Sandown-class minehunter ships to the Ukrainian armed forces as part of a new maritime coalition with Norway designed to provide further support to Kiev.
• Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Introducing President Zelenskyy of Ukraine DoD 11 Dec 2023
• U.S. Support for Ukraine 'Unshakable,' Says Austin DoD News 11 Dec 2023 -- America's commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression is unshakable, said Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III.
• Krišjānis Kariņš: "Ukraine needs a joint military, financial and political support from the European Union" Latvia MFA 11 Dec 2023 -- On 11 December 2023, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Krišjānis Kariņš, took part in the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union in Brussels, which focused in its agenda on the EU's further support to Ukraine in fighting against the Russian aggression and on developments in Israel and the Middle East as well as holding a discussion on the Sahel region in Africa.
• INDIAN ARMED FORCES CONTINGENT REACHES HANOI FOR JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE "VINBAX-2023" India PIB 11 Dec 2023 -- The Indian Armed Forces contingent comprising 45 personnel reached Hanoi, Vietnam to take part in the fourth edition of Joint Military Exercise VINBAX-2023
• Iran says will force US aircraft carrier out of region IRNA 11 Dec 2023 -- Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani says Iran will soon force the US aircraft carrier out of the region.
• Iran determined to force US aircraft carrier out of regional waters: Navy chief Press TV 11 Dec 2023 -- Commander of the Iranian Navy Rear Admiral Shahram Irani says the country is determined to force out of regional waters a major US aircraft carrier that has been deployed under the pretext of preventing an escalation of the conflict in Palestine.
• IRGC Ground Force stages large-scale security drill in western Iran Press TV 11 Dec 2023 -- The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Ground Force has staged a large-scale combined and specialized drill in a border region in Iran's western province of Kermanshah, as part of preparations to confront potential security threats against the country.
• IRGC holds massive security drill in western Iran IRNA 11 Dec 2023 -- The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) ground forces have held a massive security drill in western Iran.
• Iran successfully tests new armed drone system IRNA 11 Dec 2023 -- Iranian armed forces have successfully tested a new system for operation and launch of armed drones.
• Developing Lithuanian defence industry boosts national security Lithuania MND 11 Dec 2023 -- Efficiency of resource use and transparency are among the most important priorities in National Defence System procurements.
• Data on interceptions of aircraft completed near the Baltic States' borders on December 4-10, 2023 Lithuania MND 11 Dec 2023 -- On December 4-10 NATO Air Policing Mission Detachment fighter aircraft were scrambled once to intercept aircraft of the Russian Federation violating flight rules in international airspace over the Baltic Sea.
• Common Security and Defence Policy: Council approves conclusions on civilian CSDP EC/CEU 11 Dec 2023 -- The Council approved today conclusions on civilian Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), underscoring the added value of civilian CSDP missions in today's geostrategic environment, as confirmed by the establishment of three new missions in Armenia, Moldova and the Gulf of Guinea in 2023.
• Gulf of Guinea: Council launches an EU Security and Defence Initiative EC/CEU 11 Dec 2023 -- The Council today adopted a decision launching the EU security and defence initiative in support of West African countries of the Gulf of Guinea, for an initial duration of two years. It also approved the operation and mission plans for the civilian and the military pillars of the initiative, respectively.
• Promoting Accountability for Corruption Globally US Dept. of State 11 Dec 2023 -- The United States is taking a series of actions today, on International Anti-Corruption Day, to promote accountability for those who engage in corruption around the world.
• Additional Steps Taken to Impose Visa Restrictions in Response to Anti-Democratic Actions in Guatemala US Dept. of State 11 Dec 2023 -- The United States stands with those seeking to safeguard democracy and rule of law in Guatemala and ensure that the will of the Guatemalan people is respected.
• Treasury Targets Transnational Corruption US Treasury 11 Dec 2023 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned two former Afghan government officials — Mir Rahman Rahmani (M. Rahmani) and his son, Ajmal Rahmani(A. Rahmani), collectively known as "the Rahmanis" — for their extensive roles in transnational corruption, as well as 44 associated entities. These individuals and entities are designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13818, which builds upon and implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuse and corruption around the world. Through their Afghan companies, the Rahmanis perpetrated a complex procurement corruption scheme resulting in the misappropriation of millions of dollars from U.S. Government-funded contracts that supported Afghan security forces.
• FACT SHEET: U.S. Department of the Treasury Actions to Prevent and Disrupt Corruption US Treasury 11 Dec 2023 -- Since the release of the U.S. Strategy on Countering Corruption two years ago, the U.S. Department of the Treasury has redoubled its efforts to address the illicit finance and national security threats posed by corruption.
• US Imposes Visa Restrictions on 100s of Guatemalan Lawmakers, Other Leaders VOA 11 Dec 2023 -- The United States announced new visa restrictions Monday for nearly 300 Guatemalan lawmakers, other leaders and their families, accusing them of "undermining democracy and the rule of law" in the country.
• A Proclamation on Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Persons Enabling Corruption The White House 11 Dec 2023
• Press Gaggle by Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates and NSC Coordinator For Strategic Communications John Kirby En Route Philadelphia, PA The White House 11 Dec 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Dec. 11, 2023
• Biden-Harris Administration and BAE Systems, Inc., Announce CHIPS Preliminary Terms to Support Critical U.S. National Security Project in Nashua, New Hampshire US Dept. of Commerce 11 Dec 2023 -- U.S. Department of Commerce Outlines Potential Funding of Approximately $35 Million in Support of U.S. Defense Capabilities, Including F-35 Fighter Jet Program

Other Conflicts

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

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari December 11th, 20:15 Israel Defense Forces 11 Dec 2023
• Over 100 Israeli troopers killed in Gaza ground offensive: Military Press TV 11 Dec 2023 -- The Israeli military says more than a hundred soldiers have been killed since the beginning of the regime's ground offensive in the Gaza Strip, more than two months after Israel waged a war on the besieged territory.
• Israel Says No Intention of Staying in Gaza Permanently VOA 11 Dec 2023 -- Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Monday Israel had no intention of staying permanently in the Gaza Strip as Israeli forces and Hamas fighters engaged in heavy fighting in both the north and south of the Palestinian enclave.
• Prime Minister's Office-Tekuma Authority Joint Statement: Government Approves Outline of the Tekuma Authority Multi-Year Plan, which will Lead to the Growth and Prosperity of the Area Adjacent to the Gaza Strip Israel - Prime Minister 11 Dec 2023 -- The Government, today , approved the outline for the strategic multi-year plan to rehabilitate and develop the 'Tekuma' region and its population in order to provide a budgetary anchor and tools for the Government of Israel's commitment to facilitate the strengthening of the region for the local authorities, communities, families, residents and the entire State of Israel.
• Gaza war taking toll on Israeli Haifa Port IRNA 11 Dec 2023 -- As the Israeli regime continues aggression against the Gaza Strip, the regime's economy is being hit hard, including the transit of commodities at Haifa Port in northern occupied territories that are witnessing stumbling blocks.
• Israeli regime releases most of Gaza detainees amid widespread criticism IRNA 11 Dec 2023 -- The Israeli regime has released most of the dozens of Palestinians it detained in northern Gaza a few days ago amid social media reactions ridiculing the Israeli military's initial account that the detainees were Hamas members, not civilians.
• Genocide in Gaza ongoing, IOF targets more residential buildings ISNA 11 Dec 2023 -- Following the attack carried out by the Israeli occupation against a residential square in al-Maghazi, located in the central Gaza Strip, 22 Palestinians were martyred according to reports by Al Mayadeen's correspondent in the Strip.
• On the 65th day of Israeli aggression, toll in Gaza reaches 18,000 ISNA 11 Dec 2023 -- The Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip has reported a tragic toll of 17,997 martyrs and 42,229 injuries due to the ongoing Israeli aggression, which has persisted for 65 days.
• Israeli troops continue to advance into southern Gaza People's Daily 11 Dec 2023 -- Israeli forces continued to push into Khan Younis, the largest city in the southern Gaza Strip, on Sunday, where thousands of people were taking refuge after fleeing the deadly bombardments in other parts of the enclave.
• UNRWA Situation Report #49 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem Information is valid as of 10 December 2023 at 22:30 (local time) UNRWA 11 Dec 2023
• UNRWA Situation Report #48 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem (Information is valid as of 7-9 December 2023 at 22:30 local time) Day 62-64 of Hostilities (Published 11 December 2023) UNRWA 11 Dec 2023
• Gaza humanitarian crisis deepens as fighting rages on across the Strip UN News 11 Dec 2023 -- UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths reiterated deep concerns for the people of Gaza on Monday, amid reports of intense fighting between Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups in Gaza City and Jabalia in the north of the Strip, and in Khan Younis in the south, while Israeli bombardment of the enclave has continued.
• UN General Assembly to convene special session on Gaza People's Daily 11 Dec 2023 -- The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is set to convene an emergency special session on Gaza on Tuesday, said Monica Grayley, the UNGA president's spokesperson.
• UN chief says won't give up on pushing for humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza People's Daily 11 Dec 2023 -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres pledged on Sunday not to give up on pushing for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, despite "the preeminent forum for peaceful resolution of international disputes is paralyzed by geostrategic divisions."
• WHO warns 'catastrophic' health situation in Gaza almost impossible to improve Press TV 11 Dec 2023 -- The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the ongoing Israeli war on the Gaza Strip is having a "catastrophic" impact on the healthcare sector of the besieged Palestinian territory, where medics are facing an "impossible" job.
• Some 85% of Population Now Internally Displaced in Gaza Strip - UNRWA Sputnik 11 Dec 2023 -- About 1.9 million people have been forced to leave their homes in the Gaza Strip, amounting to approximately 85% of the enclave's population, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) said.
• WHO calls for urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza People's Daily 11 Dec 2023 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) Executive Board adopted a resolution on Sunday, urging for prompt and unobstructed humanitarian aid access to the Gaza Strip.
• UN chief regrets Security Council's failure to demand Gaza ceasefire, U.S. veto widely condemned People's Daily 11 Dec 2023 -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday urged the UN Security Council (UNSC) to "press to avert a humanitarian catastrophe" in the Gaza Strip and reiterated his appeal for a ceasefire.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Israeli Minister Gantz US Dept. of State 11 Dec 2023
• US support main cause of continued aggression on Gaza: Iran IRNA 11 Dec 2023 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has said that the United States' all-out support for Israel is the main reason behind the continued aggression of the regime against Palestinians in Gaza.
• Iran warns region could explode at any time if Gaza attacks continue IRNA 11 Dec 2023 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has said that the Gaza war has already expanded in West Asia, warning that the region would explode at any time if Israeli attacks against the Palestinian territory are not stopped immediately.
• 'US veto of Gaza truce resolution permission to continue genocide' IRNA 11 Dec 2023 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has expressed regret over a recent US veto of a UN Security Council resolution on a ceasefire in Gaza, describing the veto as permission to continue genocide against people in the besieged Palestinian territory.
• Two-state solution not to help Palestine issue: Iran FM IRNA 11 Dec 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has stressed that the two-state solution will not help the Palestinian issue.
• US veto of Gaza resolution shows UNSC inability to fulfill duties: Iran IRNA 11 Dec 2023 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has criticized the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for its failure to help stop the Gaza war in the wake of a recent US veto of a ceasefire resolution, saying that the veto is a sign of a deadlock at the Council.
• Iran: US stands alone against International community ISNA 11 Dec 2023 -- In reaction to United States veto on United Nations Security Council draft resolution on humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, Iran Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan'ani says recent developments shows that there is a deadlock in UNSC and this council is incapable of doing it's innate duties.
• Iran: Netanyahu can only survive through continuation of war, genocide Press TV 11 Dec 2023 -- Iran's foreign minister has once again warned about the spillover of Israel's genocidal war on Gaza to the rest of the region, saying the regime's prime minister can only survive through continued war and genocide.
• Neither Israel nor US will be able to obliterate Hamas: Iran foreign minister Press TV 11 Dec 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has warned Israel and the US that they would never be able to realize their goal of wiping out Hamas even if they spend a decade to fight the Palestinian resistance movement.
• Iran: US veto of UN resolution on Gaza ceasefire a vote for continuation of Israeli savagery; UNSC at dead-end Press TV 11 Dec 2023 -- Iran says the United States' move to veto a UN resolution calling for an urgent humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza was in fact a vote for the continuation of the Israeli regime's brutality against the Palestinian people.
• US support for Israel 'driving force' in Gaza genocide: Iran parliament speaker Press TV 11 Dec 2023 -- Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf says the United States' military, media and diplomatic support for Israel is the driving force and the root cause of the regime's genocide in Gaza.
• Countries express disappointment over U.S. veto of Gaza ceasefire resolution People's Daily 11 Dec 2023 -- The UN Security Council failed to adopt a draft resolution on Friday that would have demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza due to a veto cast by the United States. Many countries expressed disappointment and regret over the U.S. veto of the Gaza-related draft.
• Palestinians slam U.S. veto of UN Security Council resolution for ceasefire in Gaza People's Daily 11 Dec 2023 -- The Palestinian Authority and Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) slammed on Saturday the U.S. veto on a UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
• Al-Qassam Brigades targets southern Tel Aviv in response to 'Israeli massacres' in Gaza Press TV 11 Dec 2023 -- The military wing of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says it has targeted southern Tel Aviv with missiles in response to the Israeli regime's fierce bombardment of the besiege Gaza Strip.
• Israel used US-made white phosphorus bombs in Lebanon: Report Press TV 11 Dec 2023 -- Israel used US-supplied internationally banned white phosphorus munitions in an October attack in southern Lebanon, according to a Washington Post investigation.
• Israeli Troops Shelled Lebanon With US-Supplied White Phosphorus - Report Sputnik 11 Dec 2023 -- The IDF purportedly shelled Lebanon with the toxic shells procured from the US at least once last month.
• Hezbollah ramps up strikes against Israeli targets in show of support for Gaza Press TV 11 Dec 2023 -- Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement says it has ramped up strikes against Israeli targets in support of Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip who are under a ferocious genocidal war waged by the occupying regime.
• Hezbollah launches multiple strikes against Israeli positions IRNA 11 Dec 2023 -- The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah has carried out several rocket strikes against Israeli military positions in the occupied territories.
• Yemeni threats disrupt about 85% of Eilat port's profits ISNA 11 Dec 2023 -- The Director General of the Port of Eilat discusses the losses incurred by the port, attributing them to threats from Yemen that aim to obstruct ships from reaching "Israel" through the Arabian Sea and the Red Sea.
• Yemeni forces block Israel-bound ship in Red Sea, force it to turn back Press TV 11 Dec 2023 -- The Yemeni Armed Forces have blocked the passage of a merchant vessel bound for the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories as it was sailing in the Red Sea, after declaring a decision to block the passage of all ships heading toward Israeli ports in support of the Gaza Strip.

Other Conflicts

• Mr. Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator - Global Humanitarian Overview 2024 - Doha Launch "Putting People First: Humanitarian Diplomacy in a Challenging World" 11 December 2023 UNOCHA 11 Dec 2023
• UN launches $46 billion appeal to respond to worsening crises in 2024 UN News 11 Dec 2023 -- As conflicts, climate emergencies and collapsing economies continue to wreak havoc on communities worldwide, the UN on Monday issued an appeal for $46.4 billion for 2024 to help 181 million people facing catastrophic hunger, mass displacement and diseases worldwide.
• Global Humanitarian Overview 2024: UN launches $46 billion appeal for 2024 as global humanitarian outlook remains bleak UNOCHA 11 Dec 2023 -- On behalf of more than 1,900 humanitarian partners worldwide, the United Nations today launched its global appeal for 2024, calling for US$46.4 billion to help 180.5 million people with life-saving assistance and protection.
• UN launches 2024 global humanitarian appeal: $7.6 billion required to support 32.3 million people in dire need across West and Central Africa UNOCHA 11 Dec 2023 -- On behalf of more than 1,900 humanitarian partners worldwide, the United Nations (UN) today launched its global appeal for 2024, and calls in particular for USD 7.6 billion for West and Central Africa, to help 32.3 million people with life-saving assistance and protection.
• UN Seeking $46 Billion for More Than 180 Million of World's Neediest VOA 11 Dec 2023 -- The United Nations is appealing for $46.4 billion to provide life-saving assistance to more than 180 million of the world's neediest people in 72 countries next year. The appeal comes as donor fatigue sets in amid the proliferation of natural and manmade disasters.
• Taliban: Iran Deports Almost 350,000 Afghans Within 3 Months VOA 11 Dec 2023 -- In the last three months, Iran and Pakistan have forced around 850,000 undocumented Afghan nationals to return to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, officials reported Sunday.
• Former UK General Says Britain 'Betrays' Afghan Soldier Allies VOA 11 Dec 2023 -- Afghan special forces trained and funded by Britain and who worked side-by-side with British troops in Afghanistan in the fight against the Taliban are now facing the possibility of being deported from Pakistan, where the Afghan troops and their families fled, according to a BBC report.
• Afghan Returnees Face Harsh Winter Of Discontent RFE/RL 11 Dec 2023 -- Zabet Qasim's forced return to Afghanistan after five years living in Pakistan is hardly a happy homecoming.
• Female-Led Afghan Refugee Families Reluctant To Return To Afghanistan Amid Fresh UN Warning RFE/RL 11 Dec 2023 -- Afghan widows and divorced women who head their families and live in Pakistan say they are reluctant to return to Afghanistan because of fears of persecution by the country's Taliban rulers, who have enacted a series of measures severely restricting women's rights and freedoms.
• Statement of the DFA Spokesperson on the 09 December 2023 Bajo de Masinloc Incident and 10 December 2023 Ayungin Shoal Incident Philippines DFA 11 Dec 2023 -- The Department of Foreign Affairs is committed to pursue its mandate of protecting and upholding the Philippine legal maritime entitlements in the West Philippine Sea, and is utilizing all forms of diplomatic actions available.
• DFA Summons Chinese Ambassador to protest back-to-back harassments in the West Philippine Sea Philippines DFA 11 Dec 2023 -- The Department of Foreign Affairs summoned today Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian to convey the strong protest of the Philippine Government against the back-to-back aggressive and harassing actions undertaken by Chinese forces against Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea over the weekend.
• Philippine military chief says Chinese ship 'rammed' his boat in disputed waters Radio Free Asia 11 Dec 2023 -- The chief of the Philippine armed forces was aboard a small wooden-hulled boat when, he said, a Chinese ship hit it during a series of weekend incidents that Manila was calling a "serious escalation" of tensions in disputed waters.
• US, allies denounce China's 'dangerous actions' in South China Sea Radio Free Asia 11 Dec 2023 -- The United States, European Union and Japan have all spoken against what they call "dangerous actions" by China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels in the South China Sea over the weekend.
• FCDO spokesperson statement on incidents in the South China Sea UK FCDO 11 Dec 2023 -- UK statement in response to Chinese escalation against the Philippines in the South China Sea
• Philippines: Statement by the Spokesperson on provocative actions in the South China Sea European External Action Service (EEAS) 11 Dec 2023 -- The European Union is increasingly concerned by the provocative and dangerous behaviour of the Chinese Coast Guard and Maritime Militia against Philippine vessels in the South China Sea on 9 and 10 December.
• China vows to take 'resolute measures' amid Philippine scheme to seize Ren'ai Reef Global Times 11 Dec 2023 -- China will continue to take resolute measures to deal with any acts of infringement and provocation and firmly safeguard its own territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in accordance with domestic and international laws, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Monday.
• China protests to Philippines after intrusion in South China Sea People's Daily 11 Dec 2023 -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday that it has lodged solemn representations with the Philippines over its vessels' intrusion into Chinese territory and expressed strong protestations.
• China Rebuffs Philippines After Ship Collision in South China Sea Sputnik 11 Dec 2023 -- Chinese media blamed the United States for "fueling the Philippines' audacity of provocations."
• Ethnic Karenni forces control capital, key township in Myanmar's Kayah state Radio Free Asia 11 Dec 2023 -- One month since launching an offensive against Myanmar's military in Kayah state, ethnic Karenni joint forces are in control of the regional capital Loikaw and the strategic township of Moebye, the Karenni Army said Monday.
• Artillery hits children playing, killing girl in western Myanmar Radio Free Asia 11 Dec 2023 -- Heavy shelling killed a child and injured five others in western Myanmar, locals told Radio Free Asia on Monday.
• India's top court upholds repeal of Kashmir's autonomy, orders elections next year Press TV 11 Dec 2023 -- India's Supreme Court has upheld a 2019 decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, ruling that the Muslim-majority territory should regain its state designation with local elections to be held next year.
• Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah welcomes the Hon'ble Supreme Court's ruling to uphold the decision to abolish Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir India PIB 11 Dec 2023 -- Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah welcomes the Hon'ble Supreme Court's ruling to uphold the decision to abolish Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir
• Pakistan Rejects the Indian Supreme Court's Verdict on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 11 Dec 2023 -- Pakistan categorically rejects the judgement announced by the Supreme Court of India on the status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
• The DRC must assume MONUSCO's responsibilities to protect civilians: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 11 Dec 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on the DRC.
• DR Congo: Elections looming, amid worsening insecurity UN News 11 Dec 2023 -- With just nine days to go for the Presidential elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the situation is one of progress in the electoral process on one hand and escalating insecurity on the other the head of the UN peacekeeping mission in the country said on Monday.
• Democratic Republic of Congo Prepares to Hold Elections VOA 11 Dec 2023 -- Campaigning for the top job in the Democratic Republic of Congo is in full swing, a little more than a week before the country is due to hold presidential elections.
• Statement from NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson Welcoming the Ceasefire in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo The White House 11 Dec 2023
• Statement by the Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan on the attack on an ICRC convoy UNOCHA 11 Dec 2023 -- The Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan Clementine Nkweta-Salami has expressed deep alarm and shock at the news of an attack on an International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) convoy in Khartoum on 10 December.
• We can't turn a blind eye on South Sudan UNOCHA 11 Dec 2023 -- Joint statement by Reena Ghelani, UN Famine Prevention and Response Coordinator, and Marie Helene Verney, Acting Humanitarian Coordinator

News Reports

• Leaders of Guyana, Venezuela Set to Meet Amid Border Dispute VOA 11 Dec 2023 -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro will meet Thursday with his Guyanese counterpart Mohamed Irfaan Ali amid growing tensions over the jurisdiction of the oil-rich Essequibo region.
• West African bloc to gradually ease sanctions on Niger People's Daily 11 Dec 2023 -- The 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has promised a gradual easing of sanctions on Niger based on outcomes of engagement with the military junta in that country following the ousting of President Mohammed Bazoum in July.
• Secretary-General's opening remarks at press encounter at COP28 UN Secretary-General 11 Dec 2023
• Stop 'kicking the can down the road,' UN chief urges COP28 deal on phaseout of fossil fuels UN News 11 Dec 2023 -- UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday urged a deal at COP28 on the phaseout of fossil fuels, telling negotiators that "now is the time for maximum ambition and maximum flexibility," as UN climate talks in Dubai head into the home stretch.
• Meeting on developing core communities in the Russian Arctic President of Russia 11 Dec 2023 -- Vladimir Putin held a videoconference meeting on the development of core communities in the Russian Arctic.
• Meeting with Arctic mortgage recipients President of Russia 11 Dec 2023 -- Vladimir Putin held a videoconference meeting with participants in the Arctic Mortgage programme.
• Navalny Transferred To New Facility, Whereabouts Unknown, Aide Says RFE/RL 11 Dec 2023 -- Almost a week after being held incommunicado, imprisoned Russian opposition politician and Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny has been transferred to an unspecified site, according to one of his aides.
• Whereabouts of Jailed Russian Opposition Leader Navalny Unknown VOA 11 Dec 2023 -- The whereabouts of Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny are currently unknown, with his allies saying he is no longer at the penal colony where he had been imprisoned since last year.
• New unit to crack down on firms dodging Russian sanctions UK FCDO 11 Dec 2023 -- Government announces new unit to clamp down on companies evading sanctions
• First reusable launch vehicle test flight completed, marking milestone for China's space industry Global Times 11 Dec 2023 -- Chinese private aerospace firm iSpace completed the country's first reusable launch vehicle test on Sunday. The achievement marks a milestone in China's development of space technology.
• Beijing starts vaccinating key groups against COVID-19 XBB subvariants People's Daily 11 Dec 2023 -- Beijing has started administering key groups with COVID vaccines targeting the XBB subvariants of Omicron, Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control said on Monday.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on December 11, 2023 PRC MofA 11 Dec 2023
• US, EU should mind own business on human righ ts issues: Chinese FM Global Times 11 Dec 2023 -- Foreign countries have no rights or are in no position to meddle in China's human rights situation, the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated on Monday, emphasizing that those countries should reflect on themselves and stop politicizing and instrumentalizing human rights issues.
• Xi's Vietnam visit to inject vitality into ties, consolidate mutual trust Global Times 11 Dec 2023 -- At the year-end of 2023, China's head-of-state diplomacy turns the spotlight on Vietnam. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, will pay a state visit to Vietnam from December 12 to 13, a trip which is expected to chart course for future growth of bilateral relations, inject vitality into sound bilateral political mutual trust and mutually beneficial cooperation.
• Xi Touts 'Community of Common Destiny' But Hanoi Lukewarm, Experts Say VOA 11 Dec 2023 -- Vietnam appears to be showing signs that it remains lukewarm to Xi Jinping's "community of common destiny" initiative, an attitude experts and longtime observers expect Hanoi will maintain during the Chinese leader's visit this week.
• Officials, experts refute Western media's slander concerning successful District Council Election in Hong Kong Global Times 11 Dec 2023 -- Central government authorities extended warm congratulations on Monday to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) for the successful completion of the 7th District Council (DC) Election, another important milestone unveiling a new chapter for local governance.
• Central government's authorities extend warm congratulations to HK's successful holding of the 7th District Council Election Global Times 11 Dec 2023 -- The Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council (HKMAO), the liaison office of the central government in Hong Kong and the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the central government in Hong Kong, and the Commissioner's Office of China's Foreign Ministry in Hong Kong extended their warm congratulations on Monday morning to the successful holding of the 7th District Council (DC) election and to 176 district councilors from district committees and 88 local district councilors elected.
• HKSAR chief executive congratulates newly-elected members of District Councils People's Daily 11 Dec 2023 -- John Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), on Monday extended congratulations to the 264 elected members in the HKSAR's seventh District Council Ordinary Election.
• Implementing principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong," opening new chapter in district governance: Liaison office of central gov't in HKSAR People's Daily 11 Dec 2023 -- The Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Monday extended congratulations to the newly elected District Council councillors.
• Central gov't office for safeguarding national security in HKSAR congratulates successful District Council election People's Daily 11 Dec 2023 -- The Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Monday extended warm congratulations on the successful holding of the HKSAR's seventh District Council Ordinary Election.
• Uyghurs mark 2 years since 'genocide' finding Radio Free Asia 11 Dec 2023 -- Uyghur activists and U.S. lawmakers on Monday marked two years since an independent tribunal in London handed down a decision that China's government was committing genocide against Uyghurs.
• China News Outlet Closure Reflects Political Sensitivities Over Beijing, Leadership Says VOA 11 Dec 2023 -- Depending on who is asked, the now-defunct China Project news outlet is either an agent of Beijing, an anti-Chinese media brand, or the victim of a bad business model.
• CPC leadership holds meeting on 2024 economic work, anti-corruption work, Party discipline People's Daily 11 Dec 2023 -- On Dec. 8, the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a meeting to analyze and study the economic work for 2024. They listened to the work report of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) and the National Commission of Supervision (NCS), and discussed the arrangements for the improvement of Party conduct and anti-graft work in 2024. They also reviewed the Regulations on CPC Disciplinary Action. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting.
• Central gov't lauds HKSAR's District Council election for consolidating social foundation for prosperity People's Daily 11 Dec 2023 -- The Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council published an article on Monday to extend congratulations on the successful holding of the 7th District Council Ordinary Election of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
• District Council polls seen as final piece in principle of 'patriots governing HK' People's Daily 11 Dec 2023 -- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's 7th District Council Ordinary Election, which was held on Sunday, was the final piece in the full implementation of the principle of "patriots governing Hong Kong", and the voting, which carries far-reaching implications for Hong Kong, is relevant to every resident in the city, the SAR's leaders and voters said.
• Results unveiled for HKSAR's 7th District Council Ordinary Election People's Daily 11 Dec 2023 -- Results of the Seventh District Council Ordinary Election of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) were unveiled Monday, with 176 district committees constituency councillors and 88 geographical constituency councillors elected.
• KMT's Hou pledges to spend NT$10 billion raising servicemen's salaries CNA 11 Dec 2023 -- Opposition Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) on Monday pledged to allocate NT$10 billion (US$317.34 million) to raise the starting salary for voluntary servicemen as an incentive for people to serve in the nation's armed forces.
• Exclusive: Taiwan Willing to Donate to Disaster Fund, Environment Minister Says VOA 11 Dec 2023 -- Taiwan has been blocked from participating in the COP28 climate summit, but a representative it sent to Dubai spoke with VOA on the sidelines of the talks in an exclusive interview. Environment Minister Shieu Fuh-Sheng tells VOA that Taiwan is willing to contribute to a new climate damage fund approved at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai aimed at compensating vulnerable countries in the Global South for damages they've experienced.
• Chinese aircraft carrier makes Taiwan Strait passage CNA 11 Dec 2023 -- A Chinese aircraft carrier, the Shandong, sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Monday for the first time in a month, according to Taiwan's military.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 11, 2023 ROC MND 11 Dec 2023
• N Korea warns of 'destruction' from US-S Korea drills Radio Free Asia 11 Dec 2023 -- North Korea has issued a fresh warning against the United States and South Korea, claiming that the duo's joint military drills would ultimately lead to "destruction" of the Korean peninsula.
• Iran: Council sanctions 6 persons and 5 entities under the framework for restrictive measures in view of Iran's military support of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine EC/CEU 11 Dec 2023 -- The Council today imposed restrictive measures against 6 persons and 5 entities involved in Iran's development and production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) used in Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.
• Iran pursuing different track on JCPOA talks: Nuclear chief IRNA 11 Dec 2023 -- The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) has stated that negotiations aimed at reviving the 2015 nuclear deal have been pursued differently since last year.
• Cambodian PM elected as ruling party's vice president People's Daily 11 Dec 2023 -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, a standing committee member of the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP), was elected as the party's vice president on Sunday, a party spokesperson said.
• Foreign Affairs Council: Press remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell after the meeting European External Action Service (EEAS) 11 Dec 2023
• Foreign Affairs Council: Press remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell upon arrival European External Action Service (EEAS) 11 Dec 2023
• Wider Europe Briefing: A Crucial Week In Brussels RFE/RL 11 Dec 2023
• Donald Tusk to Be Sworn In as Polish Prime Minister on Wednesday Sputnik 11 Dec 2023 -- Polish President Andrzej Duda will swear in opposition leader Donald Tusk as the country's prime minister on December 13 after the incumbent government failed to secure the parliament's support, Polish Presidential Chancellery Chief Grazyna Ignaczak-Bandych said on Monday.
• Polish Parliament Passes Vote of No Confidence in Morawiecki's Government Sputnik 11 Dec 2023 -- The lower house of Poland's parliament, the Sejm, on Monday passed a vote of no confidence in the government of Mateusz Morawiecki.
• World News in Brief: UN anti-corruption conference, global hunger 'set to soar', healthy diets unaffordable in Asia-Pacific UN News 11 Dec 2023 -- Corruption not only robs resources, it robs people of hope, Secretary-General António Guterres said on Monday, as nations gathered in Atlanta, United States of America, for the Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).
• Vietnam Wary of Chinese Pressure on Infrastructure Program, Experts Say VOA 11 Dec 2023 -- Although Vietnam has been cautious about accepting Chinese money through Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Hanoi will be facing pressure to take grants offered under the scheme when President Xi Jinping visits Hanoi this week as the Southeast Asian country seeks to balance its relationships with China and the United States.
• Prime Minister Hun Manet travels to Hanoi for 2-day official visit Radio Free Asia 11 Dec 2023 -- Prime Minister Hun Manet arrived in Hanoi on Monday to start a two-day official visit, one of his first foreign trips since taking over as head of Cambodia's government in August.