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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• Islamic Resistance in Iraq targets US base in Syria IRNA 14 Dec 2023 -- The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has announced a drone attack on a military base of the United States in Al-Hasakah Governorate, northeastern Syria.
• US base in eastern Syria comes under attack IRNA 14 Dec 2023 -- A new attack targeted a US military base in Syria on Wednesday as anger boils in the region over the Israeli war on Gaza and Washington's support for the Tel Aviv's regime over its relentless airstrikes that have left a huge civilian death toll in the Palestinian territory.
• Iraqi Security Forces Arrest Suspects in Attack on US Embassy in Baghdad - Official Sputnik 14 Dec 2023 -- Iraqi security forces have arrested suspects in the last week's missile attack on the US Embassy in Baghdad, including some individuals tied to the Iraqi security agencies, Iraqi military spokesman Maj. Gen. Yahya Rasool said on Thursday.

Defense Policy / Programs

• US Lawmakers Pass Sweeping $886 Billion Defense Spending Bill VOA 14 Dec 2023 -- U.S. lawmakers passed the massive annual defense spending bill Thursday, approving the $886 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by a vote of 310-118 to be signed into law by President Joe Biden. The bill setting policy and spending priorities for the Department of Defense for 2024 is $28 billion larger than last year's spending bill, an increase of around three percent.
• Congress Passes Fiscal 2024 Defense Spending Bill, Pay Raise for Service Members DoD News 14 Dec 2023 -- Both the House and Senate have passed the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, which is expected to be signed by the president. Among other things, the bill authorizes a pay raise for both service members and civilian defense employees.
• US Congress okays staggering $886bn military spending bill amid wars Press TV 14 Dec 2023 -- The US House and Senate have approved a massive $886-billion military budget for 2024, sending the document to the White House for President Joe Biden to sign it into law.
• US House Passes 2024 Defense Policy Bill Despite Concerns About Surveillance Authority Sputnik 14 Dec 2023 -- The US House of Representatives on Thursday passed the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), despite concerns from some lawmakers about a surveillance authority extension included in the bill.
• US Senate Passes $886Bln Defense Bill, Sends to House for Consideration Sputnik 14 Dec 2023 -- The US Senate passed a reconciled version of the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which will now go to the House of Representatives for consideration.
• AFGSC establishes new directorate US Air Force 14 Dec 2023 -- Air Force Global Strike Command recently stood up a new directorate, AFGSC/A10, the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Modernization Directorate, at Barksdale Air Force Base.
• DOD Prioritizing Cooperation With Allies in Space DoD News 14 Dec 2023 -- Cooperation among allies is critical as global competitors increasingly look to space as the next frontier of warfare, the Pentagon's top space policy official said, yesterday.
• CENTCOM Commander visits Egypt and Jordan CENTCOM 14 Dec 2023 -- On December 11-12, General Michael Erik Kurilla, US Central Command Commander, visited key partners in Egypt and Jordan. While in Egypt, he met with Egyptian Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, General Osama Askar and his staff and while in Jordan, he met with the Jordanian Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Major General Yousef Ahmad Al-Hunaiti and his staff. In both locations, the leaders discussed the current security concerns in the CENTCOM region. "This visit provided a deeper understanding of the security concerns of two key partners and allowed me to see the region through our partners' eyes," said General Kurilla.
• Readout of Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Ms. Sasha Baker's Meeting With Republic of Kosovo Minister of Defense Ejup Maqedonci DoD 14 Dec 2023
• DOD Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office Hosts Last Global Information Dominance Experiment of the Year DoD 14 Dec 2023 -- The Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) launched the eighth iteration of the Global Information Dominance Experiment, known as GIDE 8.
• Trust, Responsibility at Core of DOD Approach to AI DoD News 14 Dec 2023 -- The Defense Department's path toward the adoption of artificial intelligence is guided by trust and responsibility, a senior Pentagon AI official said today.
• South Dakota Senator Claims US Needs Over 100 B-21 Bombers to Deter Russia, China Sputnik 14 Dec 2023 -- South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds said Thursday that the United States will eventually need more than 100 next-generation B-21 stealth bombers in order to deter both Russia and China.
• USS Delbert D. Black Transits the Strait of Gibraltar US Navy 14 Dec 2023 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119), transits the Strait of Gibraltar and enters the Mediterranean Sea to conduct operations in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations, Dec. 14, 2023.
• SECNAV Del Toro Delivers Remarks at the Naval Nuclear Submarine and Aircraft Carrier Suppliers Conference US Navy 14 Dec 2023
• SECNAV Del Toro Calls on Industry and Academia to Help Restore the Nation's Competitive Shipbuilding and Repair Landscape US Navy Press Release 14 Dec 2023 -- Calling it a strategic imperative, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro urged industry and academia to join efforts to restore the Nation's competitive shipbuilding and repair landscape.
• NATO Secretary General with Prime Minister of Slovakia: support to Ukraine is not charity, it is an investment in our security NATO 14 Dec 2023 -- Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico to NATO Headquarters on Thursday (14 December 2023).
• NATO Secretary General holds talks with Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud, welcomes closer ties with Saudi Arabia NATO 14 Dec 2023 -- Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg spoke with the Defence Minister of Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud, during a visit to Riyadh on Wednesday (13 December 2023), welcoming the development of closer ties between NATO and the Kingdom.
• Government proposes signature of defence cooperation agreement between Finland and United States Finnish MoD 14 Dec 2023 -- In its plenary session on 14 December 2023, the Finnish Government decided to propose that the President of the Republic authorise Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen, or if he is prevented from doing so, Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen, to sign a Defence Cooperation Agreement with the United States.
• Finland to Give US Access to 15 Military Bases Sputnik 14 Dec 2023 -- Finland will give the United States access to 15 of its military bases under a defense cooperation pact, Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen announced Thursday.
• Shared accommodation to be permanent practice from beginning of next year Finnish MoD 14 Dec 2023 -- On 14 December 2023, the Government issued a new decree amending the Act on Voluntary Military Service for Women. By this decree, the shared accommodation of conscripts and women performing voluntary military service is made a permanent practice in the brigade-level units and other units of the Defence Forces and the Border Guard.
• Estonia is sending Ukraine 80 million euros worth of aid including Javelin anti-tank missiles, proposes new long-term strategy Estonia MoD 14 Dec 2023 -- The government cabinet supported Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur's proposal for long-term military aid to Ukraine and an extensive military aid package for Ukraine in defence against the Russian aggression. The aid includes Javelin anti-tank missiles, vessels, and other much-needed equipment.
• War in Ukraine - Military support for Ukraine Germany - Federal Government 14 Dec 2023 -- Germany provides support for Ukraine by supplying equipment and weapons, these come from supplies of the Federal Arms Forces and from deliveries from industry financed from the Federal Government's funds for security capacity building. An overview.
• More troops to train Ukraine recruits Australia DOD 14 Dec 2023 -- Australia will expand its commitment to the training of recruits from the Armed Forces of Ukraine as part of Operation Kudu in 2024.
• Australia to Boost Training for Ukrainian Combat Troops VOA 14 Dec 2023 -- Australia has announced a $123.9 million extension of its "Operation Kudu" assistance package to Ukraine.
• What are Chinese vessels doing at Ream Naval Base? Radio Free Asia 14 Dec 2023 -- A training course for Cambodian navy staff is underway at the newly built Ream Naval Base in Preah Sihanouk province, according to the base's social media.
• Readout of Senior Defense Leaders' Meetings with Australian Minister for Defence Industry the Honourable Pat Conroy DoD 14 Dec 2023
• N Korea may launch long-range missile this month, S Korean official says Radio Free Asia 14 Dec 2023 -- North Korea may test launch an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of delivering multiple nuclear warheads to the United States mainland within this month, a South Korean official says.
• N Korea likely to launch ballistic missile, test allies' new alert system Radio Free Asia 14 Dec 2023 -- North Korea is likely to launch an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of delivering multiple nuclear warheads to the United States mainland within this month, testing the newly established real-time missile warning data sharing system among the U.S., South Korea, and Japan.
• COMMISSIONING OF INDIAN NAVAL SHIP TARMUGLI India PIB 14 Dec 2023 -- Indian Navy commissioned INS Tarmugli, a Fast Attack Craft, at an impressive ceremony held at Naval Dockyard Visakhapatnam under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command on 14 Dec 23
• INS KADMATT ARRIVED AT MANILA, PHILIPPINES India PIB 14 Dec 2023 -- As part of the ongoing Long Range Op Deployment, INS Kadmatt arrived at Manila, Philippines on 12 Dec 2023
• Analysts: Japan Strengthening ASEAN Security Ties to Contain China VOA 14 Dec 2023 -- Tokyo has been expanding its security ties with multiple Southeast Asian countries ahead of a Japan-ASEAN summit that analysts see as a forum to offset China's aggressive behavior in the region.
• UK Carrier Strike Group to visit Japan in 2025 UK MOD 14 Dec 2023 -- The UK's Carrier Strike Group will visit Japan as part of the flagship 2025 Indo-Pacific deployment, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has announced today
• UK, Japan, and Italy sign international stealth fighter jet programme treaty UK MOD 14 Dec 2023 -- UK signs international Treaty with Japan and Italy for a future combat air programme that aims to develop an innovative stealth fighter with supersonic capability and equipped with cutting-edge technology.
• UK, Japan, Italy Sign Defense Agreement to Develop Stealth Fighter Sputnik 14 Dec 2023 -- The United Kingdom, Italy and Japan have inked an international agreement within the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) military program to develop a cutting-edge stealth fighter with supersonic capability that is expected to come into operation by 2035, the UK Defense Ministry said on Thursday.
• Airbus Helicopters and German Armed Forces sign largest H145M contract Airbus 14 Dec 2023 -- The German Bundeswehr and Airbus Helicopters have signed a contract for the purchase of up to 82 multi-role H145M helicopters (62 firm orders plus 20 options). This is the largest order ever placed for the H145M and consequently the largest for the HForce weapon management system. The contract also includes seven years of support and services, ensuring optimal entry into service. The German Army will receive fifty-seven helicopters, while the Luftwaffe's special forces will receive five.
• Lithuania further strengthens air defence capabilities signing a contract on acquisition of the new NASAMS system Lithuania MND 14 Dec 2023 -- The Ministry of National Defence commences the second stage of the mid-range air defence system acquisition.
• Roadmap for deployment of German brigade in Lithuania to be signed at the Ministry of Defence Lithuania MND 14 Dec 2023 -- On 18 December, the Ministry of National Defence of Lithuania will host the signing of the Lithuanian-German Action Plan ("Roadmap"), outlining the intentions of both countries regarding the deployment of the German brigade in Lithuania and the subsequent steps for its full deployment.
• Philippine provinces linked to US military welcome Chinese investment Radio Free Asia 14 Dec 2023 -- Free classrooms, cash donations and all expenses-paid trips to China.
• Deputy Secretary Verma's Meeting with Costa Rican President Chaves US Dept. of State 14 Dec 2023
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby The White House 14 Dec 2023
• Readout of President Biden's Call with President Erdoğan of Türkiye The White House 14 Dec 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Brazilian Foreign Minister Vieira US Dept. of State 14 Dec 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Dec. 14, 2023
• Panther ready to pounce - Rheinmetall signs development contract with Hungary for nextgeneration tank Rheinmetall Defence 14 Dec 2023 -- The Hungarian government has joined forces with Rheinmetall to develop the Panther KF51 through to production maturity. A contract to this effect has now been signed in Zalaegerszeg, Hungary.

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 14 December 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 14 Dec 2023

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Engaging in Combat With Terrorists, Destorying Tunnel Networks and Locating Rockets and Weaponry; The Paratroopers Brigade Is Operating in Zaytun and Shejaiya Israel Defense Forces 14 Dec 2023
• Exiting the Hospital With Weapons in Hand: IDF and ISA Apprehended Dozens of Terror Operatives in Gaza Israel Defense Forces 14 Dec 2023
• 24h Recap: December 14th, 2023, 09:30 Israel Defense Forces 14 Dec 2023
• Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari December 14th, 20:15 Israel Defense Forces 14 Dec 2023
• Israeli Defense Chief: It Will Take Months to Defeat Hamas in Gaza VOA 14 Dec 2023 -- Israeli defense chief Yoav Gallant told visiting White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan on Thursday that it would take several months for Israeli forces to defeat Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.
• Up to 45% of Air-to-Ground Munitions Fired by IDF in Gaza Strip Unguided - Reports Sputnik 14 Dec 2023 -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has fired as many as 29,000 air-to-ground munitions into the Gaza Strip since the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with about 40-45% of them being unguided, the media reported on Thursday, citing US intelligence data.
• Prime Minister's Office: Joint Mossad-ISA Announcement Israel - Prime Minister 14 Dec 2023 -- Following an accelerated and comprehensive intelligence investigation, security and law enforcement agencies in Denmark arrested seven terrorists acting on behalf of the Hamas terrorist organization, and thwarted an attack, the goal of which was to kill innocent civilians on European soil.
• PM Netanyahu Meets with ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric Israel - Prime Minister 14 Dec 2023
• PM Netanyahu and War Cabinet Members Meet with US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan Israel - Prime Minister 14 Dec 2023
• Statement by PM Netanyahu following his Meeting with US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan Israel - Prime Minister 14 Dec 2023
• 36 Zionist soldiers killed, 72 military vehicles destroyed IRNA 14 Dec 2023 -- Spokesman of Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian Hamas Islamic Resistance Movement, announced in a telegram message that the warriors of these battalions have killed 36 soldiers of the Zionist regime in different axes of the battle in the Gaza Strip over last 72 hours.
• Israel 'carpet-bombs' Gaza amid starvation, epidemic, coms blackout Press TV 14 Dec 2023 -- At least 27 people have been killed in Israeli strikes on two residential buildings in Rafah in southern Gaza, with victims still being reported to be under the rubble.
• Remarks by UNRWA Commissioner-General Philip Lazzarini at Geneva press conference UNRWA 14 Dec 2023
• 'Desperate, hungry, terrified': Gazans stopping aid trucks in search of food UN News 14 Dec 2023 -- Some Gazans are so desperate for food that they are now stopping aid trucks and immediately eating what they find, the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees warned on Thursday.
• Gaza flooding latest disaster to hit desperate Palestinians UN News 14 Dec 2023 -- Heavy rains created new misery in Gaza as UN humanitarians repeated deep concerns on Thursday over the deteriorating health situation in the Strip, amid ongoing Israeli bombardment and fighting with Palestinian armed groups.
• UNRWA says at least 288 people killed in Israeli attacks on its shelters in Gaza Press TV 14 Dec 2023 -- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) says at least 288 displaced people in its shelters in Gaza have been killed amid the ongoing Israeli war on the besieged strip.
• Background Press Call on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Travel to Israel The White House 14 Dec 2023
• US Urges Israel to Make Gaza Strikes More Surgical VOA 14 Dec 2023 -- Amid massive civilian casualties in Gaza and mounting international and domestic pressure on the U.S., the Biden administration is ramping up efforts to persuade Israel to scale down its military operations in the Palestinian enclave.
• Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meetings with Israeli Officials The White House 14 Dec 2023
• US Official to Discuss Protecting Palestinian Civilians in Israel Visit VOA 14 Dec 2023 -- Israeli forces carried out more airstrikes Thursday in the Gaza Strip ahead of a visit by a top White House official who planned to discuss the next phase of Israel's war against Hamas and efforts to better protect Palestinian civilians caught in the fighting.
• Iran reiterates support for 'legitimate' Palestinian resistance Press TV 14 Dec 2023 -- Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has reiterated Iran's backing for the "legitimate" resistance of the Palestinian people, calling on all countries to step up their efforts to stop the "war crimes of the Zionist regime".
• Iran downplays as 'foolish' US plans to set up naval task force in Red Sea to protect Israel-bound ships Press TV 14 Dec 2023 -- Iran's defense minister has downplayed as "foolish" US plans to establish a maritime task force in the Red Sea with the apparent purpose of protecting Israel-bound vessels in the area.
• Iran warns UN refugee chief of 'dangerous' Israeli plan to forcibly relocate Gazans Press TV 14 Dec 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has warned the United Nations refugee chief of the Israeli regime's plan to forcibly relocate Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, which is subject to an unrelenting Israeli war.
• Russia Ready to Open Hospital in Gaza, Israel Says It's Yet Unsafe - Putin Sputnik 14 Dec 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia will increase supplies of medical equipment and medicines to victims in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone at Israel's request.
• U.S. and U.K. Target IRGC-QF Support to Hamas and Other Proxy Groups US Treasury 14 Dec 2023 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the United Kingdom are jointly taking action against Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps - Qods Force (IRGC-QF), Hamas, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). The U.K. is taking its first action pursuant to new Iran-related authorities, targeting eight actors, including the head of the IRGC-QF, and individuals linked to Iran's support for Hamas and PIJ. The U.K.'s new sanctions authority has been developed to respond to unprecedented threats from the Iranian regime, including efforts to undermine peace and security across the Middle East and plots to kill individuals on U.K. soil. OFAC is designating an IRGC-QF official involved in support to Hamas.
• US, Britain Impose New Sanctions Against Hamas Operatives VOA 14 Dec 2023 -- The United States and Britain on Wednesday imposed a fourth round of sanctions targeting funding operations for the Hamas militants fighting Israeli forces for control of Gaza.
• Hamas leader says ready to discuss with Israel on Gaza ceasefire People's Daily 14 Dec 2023 -- Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said on Wednesday that the Gaza-ruling Palestinian faction is ready to discuss with Israel any arrangement or initiative that could lead to a ceasefire in Gaza.
• Israeli regime targets south Lebanon IRNA 14 Dec 2023 -- The Israeli regime has targeted southern Lebanon with missiles, drones, and tanks.
• Lebanese Hezbollah targets Israeli military bases IRNA 14 Dec 2023 -- Lebanon's Islamic resistance movement Hezbollah has attacked military bases belonging to the Israeli regime.
• Container ship targeted near Red Sea IRNA 14 Dec 2023 -- A container ship has been attacked in the Bab al-Mandab Strait near the Red Sea, Arab media outlets reported.
• Condemning attack on Norwegian ship in the Red Sea Government of Norway 14 Dec 2023 -- 'Norway strongly condemns all attacks against civilian shipping, most recently the attack in the Red Sea last night on the Norwegian-registered ship MT Strinda, owned by J. Ludwig Mowinckel's shipping company,' says State Secretary Eivind Vad Petersson.
• Only peace in Gaza can ease Red Sea tensions: Yemeni official Press TV 14 Dec 2023 -- A Yemeni government official says the only way for calm to prevail in the Red Sea is a permanent ceasefire in the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip as tensions heighten in the strategic maritime route.
• Yemen conducts drone attack against container ship headed for occupied territories Press TV 14 Dec 2023 -- Yemen's Armed Forces have said they have conducted a successful operation against a container ship headed for the occupied territories, calling the attack a move taken in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, who are subject to a genocidal Israeli war.
• Yemeni forces fire missile towards ship in Red Sea Press TV 14 Dec 2023 -- Yemen's Armed Forces have targeted a container ship traveling through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
• US Working With Allies to Protect Ships in Red Sea From Houthis - Pentagon Sputnik 14 Dec 2023 -- US Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks has confirmed that Washington is working with its allies on a plan to protect ships passing through the Red Sea from mounting attacks by Yemen's Ansar Allah movement, commonly known as the Houthis.
• Yemeni gov't denies joining U.S.-led maritime coalition against Houthi attacks in Red Sea People's Daily 14 Dec 2023 -- The Yemeni government on Wednesday denied the joining of a newly proposed international maritime coalition led by the United States to protect shipping lines from Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and the Bab Al-Mandab Strait.

Other Conflicts

• We call on States to stop turning a blind eye to the participation of civilian hackers in armed conflict ICRC 14 Dec 2023 -- Statement by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), delivered by Véronique Christory, Senior Arms Adviser, at the Open-Ended Working Group on Information and Communication Technology in New York, 13 December 2023
• UN Mission Says Taliban Putting Afghan Women In Prison For Protection From Violence RFE/RL 14 Dec 2023 -- The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) says de facto Taliban governing officials have admitted to sending women to prison as a means of protecting them from gender-based violence.
• Pakistan Extends Deadline For Afghans Seeking Third Country Resettlement RFE/RL 14 Dec 2023 -- Pakistan has extended a deadline to allow tens of thousands of Afghans waiting to be resettled in a third nation to stay in the country for two more months.
• Pakistan Presses Afghan Taliban to Extradite Terror Attack Planners VOA 14 Dec 2023 -- Pakistan urged Afghanistan's Taliban government Thursday to take decisive action against "terrorist entities" on its soil and extradite fugitive militant leaders allegedly responsible for plotting this week's deadly assault on a Pakistani military base.
• India-Pakistan Ties Seen Remaining Frosty After Court's Kashmir Ruling VOA 14 Dec 2023 -- Monday's judgement by India's Supreme Court upholding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government's move four years ago to scrap the limited autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir state is expected to set back the prospect of any thaw in ties between India and Pakistan.
• EU Parliament calls on China to abolish Tibetan boarding schools Radio Free Asia 14 Dec 2023 -- The European Parliament on Thursday adopted a resolution condemning the "abduction and forced assimilation of Tibetan children" by the Chinese government, according to an official press release.
• China helps to meditate in peace talks between Myanmar military and armed groups Global Times 14 Dec 2023 -- Following China's mediation efforts, Myanmar's military recently held peace talks with the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army and the Arakan Army in China and reached agreement on a number of arrangements, said a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noting that the groups also reached agreement on a temporary ceasefire and maintaining the momentum of dialogue.
• Ethnic rebels seize dozens of military sites in Myanmar's Rakhine and Chin states Radio Free Asia 14 Dec 2023 -- One month into renewed hostilities between the military and ethnic rebels in western Myanmar's Rakhine and neighboring Chin state, the Arakan Army claims to have seized dozens of junta camps, including major bases along the borders with India and Bangladesh.
• Shelling kills 3, including a child, in Myanmar's Mandalay region Radio Free Asia 14 Dec 2023 -- Heavy weaponry in central Myanmar killed three civilians, residents told Radio Free Asia on Thursday.
• Kosovo Appeals Court Confirms War Crimes Conviction Of Ex-Guerrilla Commander, Reduces Sentence RFE/RL 14 Dec 2023 -- Appeals judges at the special Kosovo tribunal in The Hague on December 14 confirmed the war crimes conviction of a former Kosovo Liberation Army (UCK) guerrilla commander who ran a prison during the 1998-99 independence conflict with Serbia but reduced his sentence from 26 to 22 years in prison.
• Over 434,000 people have arrived in South Sudan since the outbreak of the Sudanese conflict: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 14 Dec 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Sudan and South Sudan.
• Explainer: How Darfur became a 'humanitarian calamity and catastrophic human rights crisis' UN News 14 Dec 2023 -- The outbreak of conflict seven months ago in Sudan has led to "a convergence of a worsening humanitarian calamity and a catastrophic human rights crisis", according to a senior UN official, and the restive region of Darfur has been particularly badly affected.

News Reports

• EU Votes to Greenlight Accession Negotiations for Ukraine, Moldova VOA 14 Dec 2023 -- European Union leaders on Thursday agreed to open membership talks with Ukraine and Moldova in a surprise decision during a two-day summit of the bloc's 27 member states.
• Welcoming the European Council Decisions on EU Enlargement US Dept. of State 14 Dec 2023 -- The United States welcomes the European Council's December 14 decisions on EU enlargement as a powerful affirmation of the EU candidates' and prospective candidates' European future.
• European Council: Press remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell upon arrival European External Action Service (EEAS) 14 Dec 2023 -- Check against delivery!
• Comment by Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna on the European Union opening accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova Estonia MFA 14 Dec 2023
• The President after the European Council meeting: Green light for Ukraine's and Moldova's EU accession negotiations is a victory of European unity President of the Republic of Lithuania 14 Dec 2023 -- On Thursday, President Gitanas Nausėda participated in the European Council meeting in Brussels, during which EU leaders agreed on the launch of EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova and on the granting of EU candidate status to Georgia.
• EU agrees to open membership talks with Ukraine, Moldova Press TV 14 Dec 2023 -- In a show of support to Kiev amid the Ukraine war, the European Union leaders have agreed to open formal membership negotiations with the country.
• EU Agrees To Open Membership Negotiations With Ukraine And Moldova RFE/RL 14 Dec 2023 -- The European Union decided on December 14 to open membership talks with Ukraine, sidestepping opposition from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to grant Ukraine its long-standing wish to start the process of membership even while it is at war with invading Russian forces.
• Former Special Agent in Charge of the New York FBI Counterintelligence Division Sentenced to 50 Months for Conspiring to Violate U.S. Sanctions on Russia US Dept. of Justice 14 Dec 2023 -- A former Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the FBI Counterintelligence Division in New York, was sentenced to 50 months in prison and ordered to pay a $40,000 fine for conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and to commit money laundering in connection with his 2021 agreement to provide services to Oleg Deripaska, a sanctioned Russian oligarch.
• Danish Police Arrest Several Suspected of Planning Terror Attacks VOA 14 Dec 2023 -- Danish authorities say they have arrested four people — three in Denmark and a fourth in the Netherlands — and carried out searches across the country to counter what they said was a planned terror attack.
• Following DHS Investigation, Treasury Sanctions Human Smuggling and Drug Trafficking Organization Operating on Southwest Border DHS 14 Dec 2023 -- Today, following an investigation by the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned the Malas Mañas transnational criminal organization (TCO), a human smuggling and narcotics trafficking organization based in Sonora, Mexico, along with two individuals in its support network.
• Malas Manas Transnational Criminal Organization Leadership Indicted on Charges of Human Smuggling and Drug Trafficking US Dept. of Justice 14 Dec 2023 -- Today, following an investigation by the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned the Malas Mañas transnational criminal organization (TCO), a human smuggling and narcotics trafficking organization based in Sonora, Mexico, along with two individuals in its support network.
• Treasury Sanctions Human Smuggling and Drug Trafficking Organization Operating on Southwest Border US Treasury 14 Dec 2023 -- On December 13, 2023, we, U.S. Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Mr. Brian Nelson and Sh. Sanjay Malhotra, Revenue Secretary, Indian Ministry of Finance, reconvened and co-chaired the U.S.-India Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Dialogue.
• Justice Department Announces Numerous Firearms, Illegal Narcotics, and Conspiracy Charges in Multi-Agency Take Down US Dept. of Justice 14 Dec 2023 -- The Justice Department today announced that 20 individuals were charged in federal court in connection with firearms-trafficking, narcotics, conspiracy, or other firearms offenses after a targeted violent crime reduction initiative in West Columbia, South Carolina. The indictments are a result of a series of coordinated arrests made following a targeted multi-agency operation that spanned several months.
• Cyber: EU and UK launch Cyber Dialogue European External Action Service (EEAS) 14 Dec 2023 -- On 14 December, the European Union (EU) and United Kingdom (UK) held their first Cyber Dialogue in Brussels. Underlining the need to advance an open, free, stable and secure cyberspace respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, the EU and UK presented their latest developments on a range of cyber policy issues as set out under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA).
• The first UK-EU Cyber Dialogue takes place in Brussels UK FCDO 14 Dec 2023 -- The inaugural UK-EU Cyber Dialogue took place in Brussels on 14 December 2023, the first one held under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
• Remarks by Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson at the U.S.-India Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Working Group US Treasury 14 Dec 2023
• Joint Statement of the Co-Chairs of the U.S.-India Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Dialogue US Treasury 14 Dec 2023 -- On December 13, 2023, we, U.S. Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Mr. Brian Nelson and Sh. Sanjay Malhotra, Revenue Secretary, Indian Ministry of Finance, reconvened and co-chaired the U.S.-India Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Dialogue. The Ministry of Finance hosted the dialogue in New Delhi.
• Results of the Year with Vladimir Putin President of Russia 14 Dec 2023 -- Vladimir Putin summed up the year's results and answered questions from journalists and the people of Russia in a live broadcast.
• Finland's entire eastern border closed again Finnish Government 14 Dec 2023 -- he Government has decided to close border crossing points at the land border between Finland and Russia up to 14th of January 2024. The decision will take effect on the 15th of December 2023 at 20.00.
• President Putin says Ukraine war 'nothing like' Gaza catastrophe Press TV 14 Dec 2023 -- President Vladimir Putin of Russia says the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza has nothing whatsoever in common with the war in Ukraine.
• The War Must Go On, Until Putin Says Otherwise: Takeaways From A Four-Hour Talk RFE/RL 14 Dec 2023 -- Four-plus hours filled with talk of eggs, natural gas, the European Union, abortions, Siberian railways, artificial intelligence, veterans' benefits.
• Putin Tells Russians War In Ukraine To Continue, Goals Remain The Same RFE/RL 14 Dec 2023 -- President Vladimir Putin showed no signs of relenting in his war against Ukraine, telling Russians in his annual press conference and call-in event on December 14 that his goals remained the same and peace will come when they are achieved.
• Nord Stream Pipelines Were Likely Blown Up by US - Putin Sputnik 14 Dec 2023 -- In September 2022, the Nord Stream pipelines, built to deliver gas under the Baltic Sea from Russia to the EU, were hit by explosions, which Moscow called an act of terrorism.
• Russia's First Maritime Drone to Be Tested in Special Op Zone Sputnik 14 Dec 2023 -- Since the beginning of the special military operation in Ukraine, the Russian Armed Forces have been using various types of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
• Putin: Moscow Wants to 'Reach an Agreement' on Return of Jailed American Journalist VOA 14 Dec 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday the Kremlin wants "to reach an agreement" on the return of American journalist Evan Gershkovich, who has been jailed in Russia since March on espionage charges that are widely viewed as politically motivated.
• Denial Of Gershkovich's Appeal A 'Familiar Routine,' Says U.S. Envoy To Russia RFE/RL 14 Dec 2023 -- The U.S. ambassador to Russia said that a decision on December 14 by the Moscow City Court to reject an appeal filed by Evan Gershkovich against the extension of his pretrial detention showed a "familiar routine" in Russia's handling of the espionage case against The Wall Street Journal reporter, which he and Washington refute.
• New trade and financial sanctions against Russia come into force UK FCDO 14 Dec 2023 -- UK government legislates for further sanctions on goods, technology, and sources of funding that could support Russia's war effort.
• Russian Nationalist Putin Critic Girkin Pleads Not Guilty At Extremism Trial RFE/RL 14 Dec 2023 -- Igor Girkin (aka Strelkov), once a leader of Kremlin-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, pleaded not guilty to the charge of public calls for extremist activities as his trial opened in Moscow on December 14.
• Civil servants forced to watch propaganda films about 2019 protests Radio Free Asia 14 Dec 2023 -- A video shown to Hong Kong's civil servants as part of a confidential internal training session is an attempt to 'brainwash' government officials with Beijing's claim that the 2019 protests were an attempt by foreign countries to undermine the Hong Kong government, according to a civil servant who attended a compulsory screening.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on December 14, 2023 PRC MofA 14 Dec 2023
• China silencing critics in US, Congress told Radio Free Asia 14 Dec 2023 -- Chinese critics of Beijing living in America are surveilled, intimidated and harassed by U.S.-based agents of the Chinese Communist Party, and the freedom of family members back home is threatened unless they stop speaking out, activists told Congress on Wednesday.
• The more targets the US spies on, the fewer friends it has: Chinese FM Global Times 14 Dec 2023 -- The US government has kept expanding its scope of surveillance, meddling in other countries' domestic affairs and interfering in international affairs, which runs counter to international law and the fundamental principles of international relations, Chinese Foreign Ministry commented on the Section 702 of US' Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) which allows the US intelligence agency to conduct unauthorized surveillance of non-US individuals abroad. The spokesperson added that "The more targets the US spies on, the fewer friends it has. The US needs a better sense of boundary and less obsession for control."
• China-EU ties should not be hijacked by ideology, geopolitics Global Times 14 Dec 2023 -- China-EU relations should not be hijacked by ideology and geopolitics, and the European Union should take advantage of the positive momentum generated by the China-EU Summit to promote bilateral cooperation rather than being dragged by hardliners that promote divergences, Chinese analysts said on Thursday, after the European Parliament adopted a report and a resolution interfering in China's internal affairs by hyping trade imbalance, human rights topics and the Taiwan question.
• China, Vietnam jointly build 'a shared future' of peace, prosperity, defying Western smearing Global Times 14 Dec 2023 -- After a successful visit to Vietnam by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese president, China's 2023 head-of-state diplomacy wrapped up in Vietnam with solid, detailed plans for the future, amid a warm and passionate atmosphere.
• US Invests in Africa in Effort to Counter Chinese Influence VOA 14 Dec 2023 -- The United States has struck hundreds of deals worth $14.2 billion with African nations over the past year as Washington tries to counter growing influence on the continent by China.
• Central government's office for safeguarding national security in HK supports police arresting five more fleeing anti-China figures Global Times 14 Dec 2023 -- The Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) said on Thursday that it resolutely supports the Hong Kong police in arresting five fleeing anti-China figures in accordance with the law, and effectively preventing, stopping and punishing those who have fled to oppose the country and disrupt Hong Kong.
• Hong Kong National Security Law arrest warrants: Foreign Secretary's statement UK FCDO 14 Dec 2023 -- Today (14 December 2023) the Hong Kong police issued arrest warrants under the National Security Law for five people living outside Hong Kong, including some who reside in the UK.
• Xinjiang is 'one of the most heavily policed regions in the world': study Radio Free Asia 14 Dec 2023 -- Calling China's far-western Xinjiang "one of the most heavily policed regions in the world," the Uyghur Human Rights Project published a report identifying the various police forces used to carry out what it said were "atrocity crimes" against the 11-million strong Muslim ethnic minority.
• China to limit access to court judgment searches to internal use Radio Free Asia 14 Dec 2023 -- China has announced plans to take its court records offline, creating a limited-access database that excludes members of the public, according to official documents.
• Millions of Chinese People Drop Out of State Health Insurance VOA 14 Dec 2023 -- Shu Min, a resident of China's eastern city of Nanjing, thinks the nation's public hospitals are running out of money and are doing everything they can to increase the co-pays charged directly to patients.
• Xi calls state visit to Vietnam successful culmination of China's diplomatic efforts in 2023 People's Daily 14 Dec 2023 -- Shortly after the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) came to a successful conclusion in late October, 2022, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong became the first foreign leader to visit China.
• China, Vietnam lift ties to new stage, aiming for shared future People's Daily 14 Dec 2023 -- China and Vietnam on Tuesday agreed to build a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, charting a promising path of their closer cooperation and friendship going forward.
• Key meeting works as compass for China's economy in 2024 People's Daily 14 Dec 2023 -- The annual Central Economic Work Conference concluded on Tuesday in Beijing detailed China's economic goals and policy direction, providing a guiding compass for the year ahead, industry experts said, China Securities Journal reported on Wednesday.
• State Council approves development plan for Hengqin Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone Global Times 14 Dec 2023 -- China's State Council on Tuesday approved the development plan for the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, South China's Guangdong Province, further accelerating the integration of the Macao Special Administrative Region and Guangdong Province.
• U.S. reaffirms support for Taiwan's participation in international forums CNA 14 Dec 2023 -- American officials on Wednesday reiterated their support for Taiwan's efforts to participate in the United Nations and other global organizations, during a meeting with visiting Taiwanese foreign affairs representatives in Washington.
• KMT denies vice chairman will meet with officials during China visit CNA 14 Dec 2023 -- Taiwan's main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), said Thursday that its deputy chairman is currently in China to meet with Taiwanese businesspersons there and has no plans to make contact with any senior Chinese officials.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 14, 2023 ROC MND 14 Dec 2023
• Rocket men: Kim and Putin fire up their alliance Radio Free Asia 14 Dec 2023 -- The armored train trundled into the far eastern Russian region of Primorsky Krai after a marathon journey as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made his first foreign trip in four years. Within hours of his Sept. 10 arrival, Kim was clinking champagne glasses with President Vladimir Putin at a hub of Russia's space program, amid speculation that North Korea would be trading desperately needed weaponry to Moscow in return for missile and rocket technology.
• New state-run uniform factories threaten small businesses Radio Free Asia 14 Dec 2023 -- North Korea is building new clothing factories due to increased demand for school uniforms, but the factories threaten to kill off a cottage industry of small, often family-run school uniform makers, residents told Radio Free Asia.
• New Iranian sanction regime comes in to force UK FCDO 14 Dec 2023 -- The UK's new Iran sanctions regime comes into force today, giving the UK extensive new powers to hold Iran and its decision makers to account.
• UK Slaps Sanctions on 7 Iranians Previously Sanctioned by US VOA 14 Dec 2023 -- The United Kingdom followed the United States in taking action against Iran on Thursday, imposing sanctions on seven individuals, including the head of Iran's Quds Force.
• British gov't sanctions IRGC Quds commander IRNA 14 Dec 2023 -- The British government, as part of its anti-Iran policies, has imposed sanctions on the Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force Esmail Qaani along with six other Iranian and Palestinian officials.
• UK sanctions Quds Force chief, others in coordination with US Press TV 14 Dec 2023 -- Britain has introduced a raft of new sanctions targeting head of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC)'s Quds Force Gen. Esmail Qaani and several others.
• Transcript of the Weekly Media Briefing by Spokesperson Thursday 14 December 2023 Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 14 Dec 2023
• US bans entry for 2 Marshall Islands politicians Radio Free Asia 14 Dec 2023 -- The United States has imposed travel bans on two leaders from its Republic of Marshall Islands ally who the State Department said accepted bribes as part of a scheme to set up a semi-autonomous region in the Pacific island country.
• From Gaza to Ukraine, accountability vital to end horrific cycle of rights violations: Türk UN News 14 Dec 2023 -- With war in Gaza still raging and the death toll of mostly women and children rising by the hour, ensuring accountability is "absolutely critical" to prevent grievances from festering, the UN's top human rights official said on Thursday.
• South Sudan: No basis for free and fair 2024 elections, warns Haysom UN News 14 Dec 2023 -- South Sudan is in no position to hold free, fair, or secure elections slated for December next year, the head of the UN Mission in the country (UNMISS) said on Thursday, stressing that there's still time to catch up.
• World News in Brief: End e-cigarette boom urges WHO, measles surge in Europe, Central Asia; crisis for kids in Lebanon UN News 14 Dec 2023 -- E-cigarettes, which pose serious health risks, are being "aggressively marketed" to young people and in large parts of the world there are no rules in place to protect children from their harmful effects, UN health agency WHO warned on Thursday.
• ECOWAS Tries Negotiations With Niger's Coup Leaders but Analysts Skeptical VOA 14 Dec 2023 -- The West African bloc ECOWAS is seeking to hold talks with Niger's military government and chart a course forward following the country's July coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. The bloc is pushing for Bazoum's release and a shorter path back to democratic rule, but analysts worry they may not succeed.