• Military Menu                       

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

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• US-Somali Operation Kills a Top Al-Shabab Commander VOA 21 Dec 2023 -- The Somali government has reported that a senior al-Shabab commander involved in the militant group's attacks in Somalia and Kenya was killed in a U.S. airstrike Sunday near the city of Jilib.
• Ryder Gives More Detail on How Operation Prosperity Guardian Will Work DoD News 21 Dec 2023 -- Houthi attacks on vessels transiting the Red Sea are attacks on the international community and the international community is coming together to defend against the missiles and drones aimed at their vessels, said Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder at a Pentagon news conference today.
• Norway increases support to Combined Maritime Forces in the Red Sea Government of Norway 21 Dec 2023 -- Norway will provide additional staff officers as part of an international effort to protect civilian shipping in the Red Sea.
• Australia rebuffs U.S. request for warship in Red Sea People's Daily 21 Dec 2023 -- The Australian government has announced that it will not send a warship to the Red Sea but will deploy additional troops to the region.
• EU says to join US-led coalition against Yemen in Red Sea Press TV 21 Dec 2023 -- The European Union has agreed to contribute to a US-led coalition against Yemeni armed forces which have targeted ships bound for Israel in solidarity with the people of Gaza.
• Escalating conflict between Iraqi armed groups, U.S. forces worsens shaky Mideast stability People's Daily 21 Dec 2023 -- Tensions between Iraq and the United States are escalating after Washington gave the green light for its forces to respond to attacks launched by Iranian-backed Iraqi militias on U.S. military bases in the country.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Letters to Certain Congressional Committees Providing Notice of Changes to the Legal and Policy Frameworks for the United States' Use of Military Force The White House 21 Dec 2023
• Brown Speaks With Chinese Counterpart DoD News 21 Dec 2023 -- Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. held talks today with his Chinese military counterpart, People's Liberation Army Gen. Liu Zhenli, for the first time since Brown became chairman.
• Top US and Chinese generals resume talks Radio Free Asia 21 Dec 2023 -- Gen. C.Q. Brown, the chair of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke with his Chinese counterpart, Gen. Liu Zhenli, in a video call on Thursday morning, putting an end to an almost 18-month-long freeze on direct talks between the leaders of the world's two biggest militaries.
• Top US, Chinese Generals Speak for First Time in Over a Year VOA 21 Dec 2023 -- The United States and China's top military leaders met for the first time in over a year Thursday and discussed a "number of global and regional security issues," including maintaining direct lines of communication, U.S. military officials said.
• US Bans Pentagon From Using Chinese Port Logistics Platform VOA 21 Dec 2023 -- The U.S. Congress has passed legislation that would ban the Pentagon from using any seaport in the world that relies on a Chinese logistics platform known as LOGINK.
• Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds a Press Briefing DoD 21 Dec 2023
• DOD Awards $46.2 Million to Revitalize the U.S. Defense Industrial Base On-Shoring of Advanced Packaging and Assembly DoD 21 Dec 2023 -- The Department of Defense today announced an award of $46.2 million to GreenSource Fabrication LLC (GreenSource) via the Defense Production Act Investment (DPAI) Program. The award will enhance existing production capabilities at a manufacturing facility of state-of-the-art integrated circuits (IC) substrate, high-density interconnect (HDI) and ultra-high-density interconnect (UHDI), and advanced packaging.
• DOD Announces Release of Department of Defense Instruction and Website on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response DoD 21 Dec 2023 -- Today, the Department of Defense released the DOD Instruction on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response, which establishes the Department's enduring policies, responsibilities, and procedures for mitigating and responding to civilian harm.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Introductory Call With Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz DoD 21 Dec 2023
• DOD Issues Civilian Harm Mitigation, Response Instruction DoD News 21 Dec 2023 -- Defense Department officials have completed work on a DOD instruction that incorporates the direction of the department's civilian harm mitigation and response action plan.
• West Virginia Guardsmen end deployment in time for holidays Army News 21 Dec 2023 -- Soldiers with the West Virginia Army National Guard's 156th Military Police Law and Order Detachment landed at Fort Bliss following a 10-month overseas deployment supporting the U.S. Army Central's Area Support Group-Jordan.
• USS Washington Returns from Deployment US Navy 21 Dec 2023 -- The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Washington (SSN 787) returned to its homeport at Naval Station Norfolk after successfully completing a scheduled deployment, Dec. 15, 2023.
• Navy Locates and Recovers Downed Blackhawk in the Mediterranean Sea US Navy 21 Dec 2023 -- A team of deep ocean salvage experts located and recovered the downed MH-60 Blackhawk that crashed into the Mediterranean Sea on Nov. 10. The aircraft was conducting routine training when it experienced an in-flight emergency resulting in the crash.
• USNS Mercy Arrives in the Republic of Palau for Pacific Partnership 24-1 US Navy 21 Dec 2023 -- The hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) arrived Dec. 21 in the Republic of Palau to begin the fourth mission stop of Pacific Partnership 24-1, the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific region. This marks the sixth time Pacific Partnership has come to Palau, the previous visit was in 2022.
• Pacific Partnership 24-1 Concludes Third Mission Stop in Pohnpei US Navy 21 Dec 2023 -- Pacific Partnership 24-1 (PP24-1) concludes 10 days of medical, humanitarian and disaster response and host nation outreach efforts in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, closing out its third mission stop Dec. 21.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu DoD 21 Dec 2023
• Japan's court orders Okinawa governor to approve design change for U.S. base relocation People's Daily 21 Dec 2023 -- A Japanese high court on Wednesday ordered the governor of Okinawa prefecture to approve the central government's design change for planned ground improvement work under a U.S. base relocation project.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken At a Defense Cooperation Agreement Signing Ceremony With Danish Foreign Minister Lars Rasmussen US Dept. of State 21 Dec 2023
• US, Denmark Sign Defense Cooperation Agreement Sputnik 21 Dec 2023 -- US Secretary Antony Blinken and Danish top diplomat Lars Rasmussen on Thursday signed a bilateral defense cooperation agreement (DCA) that will allow the deployment of US troops in Denmark and more frequent joint training between the countries' military.
• Conference keys on multinational sustainment to support NATO EUCOM 21 Dec 2023 -- U.S. European Command (USEUCOM), senior leaders from the command's service components, and representatives from NATO's Allied Command Operations discussed logistics and sustainment at USEUCOM's headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, from Dec. 12-13, 2023.
• Briefing by Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, First Deputy Defence Minister General of the Army Valery Gerasimov Russia MoD 21 Dec 2023
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Ukrainian Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov DoD 21 Dec 2023
• Winter package for Ukraine - joint press statement by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and the Federal Foreign Office Germany Federal Foreign Office 21 Dec 2023 -- The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and the Federal Foreign Office are contributing 88.5 million euro to the Energy Support Fund for Ukraine
• Yearender: Chinese military on vigilance amid grave security challenges Global Times 21 Dec 2023 -- Surrounded by geopolitical security challenges from multiple facets amid a global deterioration in security environment, China in 2023 maintained vigilance, fended off foreign military provocations, and deterred "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces, while contributing to global peace and stability through concrete actions including foreign exchanges, joint exercises and patrols, peacekeeping and escort missions as well as international humanitarian aid.
• Search continues for 3 submariners swept off deck by wave CNA 21 Dec 2023 -- Taiwan's Navy said it is still searching for three submariners swept off deck by a sudden large wave during a training mission Thursday.
• Domestic flights in Myanmar reduced as junta searches for jet fuel Radio Free Asia 21 Dec 2023 -- The number of domestic commercial flights in Myanmar dropped by one-third in recent months after the military junta began seizing aircraft fuel from private airlines following stepped-up sanctions imposed by the United States, several ticketing agents told Radio Free Asia.
• UK and Saudi Arabia emphasise commitment to Middle East security UK MOD 21 Dec 2023 -- The UK and Saudi Arabia have reaffirmed their long-standing defence partnership, amid the deteriorating security situation in the Red Sea.
• United States - Türkiye High Level Defense Group Meeting DoD 21 Dec 2023 -- Celeste Wallander, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, co-chaired the U.S.-Turkish High Level Defense Group (HLDG) meeting in the Pentagon on December 21.
• Lithuania's participation in multinational operations in 2024-2025 approved Lithuania MND 21 Dec 2023 -- Thursday the Seimas approved the mandate for Lithuania's participation multinational operations in 2024-2025 for 318 civilian and military personnel of the National Defence System at one time. The decision indicates 13 multinational operations, the previous mandate included twelve of them.
• Ministry of National Defence launches a mobile air defence system procurement project Lithuania MND 21 Dec 2023 -- The Ministry of National Defence is looking to enhance Lithuania's air defence capabilities with a new mobile short-range air defence system. The capability is planned to be procured for the Lithuanian Armed Forces in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence of Sweden.
• New Listings Under the Section 353 Corrupt and Undemocratic Actors Report US Dept. of State 21 Dec 2023 -- The United States today announced new listings of four Nicaraguan, four Guatemalan, three Honduran, and three Salvadoran individuals under the Section 353 Corrupt and Undemocratic Actors report.
• Readout of President Joe Biden's Call with President Andrés Manuel López Obrador of Mexico The White House 21 Dec 2023
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby The White House 21 Dec 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Dec. 21, 2023

Other Conflicts

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

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari December 21st, 20:15 Israel Defense Forces 21 Dec 2023
• IDF Says Destroyed Underground Tunnels Network of Hamas Military Leadership in Gaza Sputnik 21 Dec 2023 -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Thursday that it had destroyed a network of underground tunnels of the military leadership of the Palestinian movement Hamas.
• Israeli Military Death Toll Since Start of Ground Offensive in Gaza Rises to 137 - Reports Sputnik 21 Dec 2023 -- The number of Israeli soldiers killed since the start of the ground operation against Palestinian movement Hamas in the Gaza Strip has risen to 137, The Times of Israel newspaper reported on Thursday, citing the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
• Statement by PM Netanyahu Israel - Prime Minister 21 Dec 2023
• PM Netanyahu to Representatives of Bereaved Families from the Heroism Forum: "There needs to be victory - until the goals are completed." Israel - Prime Minister 21 Dec 2023
• Hunger Rampant in Gaza as Israel-Hamas Fighting Intensifies VOA 21 Dec 2023 -- As humanitarians warned Thursday that more than a half-million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip were coping with catastrophic levels of hunger, the U.N. Security Council again delayed a vote authorizing scaled-up aid to them.
• Hamas Says Israeli Strike Killed Border Official VOA 21 Dec 2023 -- Rocket sirens sounded Thursday in central and southern Israel, while Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip said an Israeli airstrike killed four people in southern Gaza.
• Ceasing hostility brooks no delay as death toll in Gaza hits 20,000 People's Daily 21 Dec 2023 -- Over the past two months and more, Israel's draconian siege and relentless bombardment have killed at least 20,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, with 70 percent of them being women and children, said the Hamas-run government media office on Wednesday.
• Dec. 21: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 21 Dec 2023
• Dec. 20: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 21 Dec 2023
• Palestinian death toll in Gaza hits 20,000: Hamas media office People's Daily 21 Dec 2023 -- The death toll of Palestinians from Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7 has reached 20,000, according to a statement issued by the Hamas-run government media office on Wednesday.
• UNRWA Situation Report #55 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem (All information is valid as of 19-20 December 2023 at 22:30) UNRWA 21 Dec 2023
• Gaza grapples with catastrophic hunger as new report predicts famine if conflict continues WFP 21 Dec 2023 -- More than one in four households in Gaza currently face extreme hunger, and there is a risk of famine unless access to adequate food, clean water, health and sanitation services is restored, according to a new Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report released today. IPC is a multi-stakeholder platform that analyses data to determine the severity and magnitude of hunger crises, according to internationally-recognized scientific standards.
• Lethal combination of hunger and disease to lead to more deaths in Gaza WHO 21 Dec 2023
• Statement by the Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan on the launch of Sudan 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan UNOCHA 21 Dec 2023 -- The humanitarian community in Sudan launches today the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) to address the most urgent and critical needs of 14.7 million people in Sudan that have been displaced and affected by the conflict that erupted in April 2023.
• Security Council poised to vote on Gaza resolution calling for urgent, safe and unhindered flow of aid UN News 21 Dec 2023 -- After intense negotiations all week behind closed doors at the 15-member Security Council, ambassadors continued consultations into Thursday evening over the latest version of a draft resolution penned by the United Arab Emirates which reportedly calls for urgent steps to allow safe and unhindered delivery of aid to stricken civilians in the Gaza Strip. The United States said it would support the latest draft if the text remained the same, with a vote now anticipated on Friday.
• UPDATED: Injured patients 'waiting to die' in northern Gaza as last hospital shuts down, amid rising 'catastrophic' hunger levels UN News 21 Dec 2023 -- There are no functioning hospitals in the north of Gaza and injured patients who need surgery and cannot be moved are "waiting to die", the UN health agency said on Thursday, in a plea for a ceasefire to allow more aid into the shattered enclave.
• Gaza: UN expert on sexual violence in conflict reiterates grave concern for hostages UN News 21 Dec 2023 -- The UN expert working to end rape during wartime remains gravely concerned for the safety and well-being of hostages still being held by Hamas militants, especially the 15 women captives, 75 days after the extremist group's brutal incursion into southern Israel.
• UN slams Israel's attacks on Gaza health sector as 'sadistic' Press TV 21 Dec 2023 -- The United Nations has condemned as "sadistic" Israel's attacks on the health sector of the besieged Gaza Strip, as the death toll in the war-torn Palestinian enclave exceeds 20,000 and the UN Security Council delays vote on desperately needed aid.
• U.S. expects Israel-Hamas conflict to move to "lower intensity phase," says Blinken People's Daily 21 Dec 2023 -- The United States expects to see the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas "move to a lower intensity phase," the country's top diplomat said Wednesday.
• As vote on Gaza resolution gets repeatedly postponed, US under pressure to avoid further isolating itself Global Times 21 Dec 2023 -- With the death toll in the Gaza Strip reportedly surpassing a staggering 20,000, calls are mounting for the US, a veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC), to avoid further isolating itself from the international community and undermining the global efforts aimed at achieving a cease-fire of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, as the UNSC was scheduled to vote on another resolution on the issue, after it was postponed multiple times this week.
• Iran: US internationally responsible for complicity in Israeli genocide Press TV 21 Dec 2023 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says the United States is internationally responsible for its irrefutable complicity in Israeli genocide and war crimes against the people of Gaza and the West Bank.
• Iran FM hails South Africa's firm support for Palestine, calls for joint efforts against Israel Press TV 21 Dec 2023 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has hailed South Africa's strong position in support of the innocent people of Palestine in the face of Israel's deadly war on the Gaza Strip.
• Pres. Raeisi: Palestine number one issue of region, world Press TV 21 Dec 2023 -- Amid the Israeli regime's ongoing genocidal war against the Gaza Strip, Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi considers the issue of Palestine to be the "most essential" issue of the region and the entire world.
• UK steps up humanitarian aid commitments to Gaza UK FCDO 21 Dec 2023 -- The Foreign Secretary will visit Al Arish as the UK continues to urge Israel to increase the flow of aid into Gaza through as many routes possible.
• Israeli forces raid several areas across West Bank overnight, arrest people Press TV 21 Dec 2023 -- Israeli forces have continued their large-scale raids in several areas across the occupied West Bank, triggering violent confrontations with local Palestinian residents, amid the regime's continuous bombardment of the Gaza Strip.
• Hamas Military Wing Says Israel Needs to Stop Aggression to Return Hostages Alive Sputnik 21 Dec 2023 -- If Israel wants to return the hostages alive then it needs to stop its aggression, the military wing of Palestinian movement Hamas, Al Qassam Brigades, spokesman Abu Obaida said on Thursday.
• Palestinian Groups Say Will Not Negotiate Hostages' Release Until Complete Ceasefire Sputnik 21 Dec 2023 -- Palestinian groups will not negotiate the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip until there is a complete ceasefire in the enclave, according to a joint statement released by the groups on Thursday.
• Hamas will only accept 'all-for-all' prisoner exchange: Report IRNA 21 Dec 2023 -- The leader of the Hamas resistance movement in the Gaza Strip has informed intermediaries in the ongoing ceasefire talks that the only available option for the Israeli regime is a prisoner exchange based on the "all-for-all" principle, according to Israeli media.
• Hamas slams Israeli FM assassination threat against top leaders IRNA 21 Dec 2023 -- A member of the political bureau of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has denounced Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen's assassination threat against top Hamas leaders.
• Threat to assassinate Hamas leaders exposes Israel's frustration: Hamas official Press TV 21 Dec 2023 -- Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen's threat of killing leaders of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas exposes the regime's frustration over its defeat against the resistance forces, says a top Hamas official.
• Hezbollah fires several rockets at Israeli-occupied town IRNA 21 Dec 2023 -- The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah said Thursday morning that it had fired several rockets from southern Lebanon toward the town of Kiryat Shmona in the Israeli-occupied territories.
• Hezbollah fires several rockets at northern occupied Palestine Press TV 21 Dec 2023 -- The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah has carried out rocket attacks on a town in northern occupied Palestine close to the border with Lebanon, in response to Israel's continuous assaults against the Palestinian people in Gaza.
• Yemen ready to respond to any 'foolish' act by US: Official IRNA 21 Dec 2023 -- The Yemeni Armed Forces are ready to respond to any new "foolish" provocation by the United States, a Yemeni official has said.
• Amnesty calls for release of Palestinians arrested by Zionist forces in Gaza IRNA 21 Dec 2023 -- Amnesty International called for the release of Palestinians detained by the Zionist regime in Gaza.

Other Conflicts

• Afghanistan Boosts Russian Oil Imports, Trade Amid Banking Sanctions VOA 21 Dec 2023 -- The de facto Taliban regime in Afghanistan has increased oil imports from Russia, rising from 246,000 tons in 2022 to more than 710,000 tons in the past 11 months, resulting in the expansion of oil trade to more than $300 million, according to Taliban officials.
• Iran committed to promoting peace in neighboring Afghanistan: Envoy Press TV 21 Dec 2023 -- Iran's permanent ambassador to the United Nations has expressed the country's resolve to cooperate in efforts aimed at bringing lasting peace to neighboring Afghanistan.
• Taliban's Female University Education Ban Marks One Year VOA 21 Dec 2023 -- The United States and human rights defenders Thursday renewed a call for Afghanistan's ruling Taliban to allow female students to return to universities and ensure that women have access to education at all levels.
• Dwarfed by China, Philippines Weaponizes Info in Sea Standoff VOA 21 Dec 2023 -- High-pressure water cannons knocking out the engines of a tiny Philippine supply boat. Military-grade lasers temporarily blinding the crew of a coast guard ship. And high-seas chases that have resulted in multiple collisions.
• China urges Philippines to take 'rational' action over maritime dispute Press TV 21 Dec 2023 -- China has urged the Philippines to make the "rational choice" over maritime tensions in the South China Sea following Manila's recent efforts to challenge Beijing's claims in the waters.
• Philippines urged to exercise caution, rationality in S.China Sea Global Times 21 Dec 2023 -- Form the prospect of entering a "golden era" to "standing at a crossroads," China-Philippines relations have been on a roller coaster in 2023 as the Philippines continues to challenge China's sovereignty by sending ships to intrude into the adjacent waters of China's Ren'ai Jiao (also known as Ren'ai Reef) in an attempt to deliver construction materials to repair and reinforce the illegally "grounded" military vessel.
• 'Genuine progress' towards political solution, essential to end war in Syria: UN envoy UN News 21 Dec 2023 -- The year 2023 has presented more challenges for Syria, marked by devastating earthquakes, escalating humanitarian needs and the most severe fighting in years, the UN's envoy for the country said on Thursday.
• UN humanitarian access at Bab al Hawa remains a critical lifeline for 4.1 million Syrians: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 21 Dec 2023 -- Statement by Deputy Political Coordinator Tom Phipps at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.
• Spread of Fighting in Sudan Displaces 150,000 Children, UNICEF Says VOA 21 Dec 2023 -- The spread of fighting in southeastern Sudan has forced humanitarian groups to temporarily suspend operations in some areas, while UNICEF expressed concern about millions of children at risk amid escalating violence.
• Sudan: Desperate people search for loved ones as hundreds of thousands flee Wad Madani ICRC 21 Dec 2023 -- Hundreds of thousands of people have fled Wad Madani, the capital of Al Jazeera state, since fighting broke out last Friday. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is urgently calling on the parties to the conflict to ensure protection of all civilians and provide safe passage for people trying to reach safety.
• Almost 3 million children in Sudan's Al Jazirah state at risk as violence escalates UNICEF 21 Dec 2023 -- The escalation in fighting in Sudan's Al Jazirah state has reportedly forced at least 150,000 children from their homes in less than a week, UNICEF warned today. The eruption of fighting in Al Jazirah means that more than half of states in Sudan - 10 out of 18 - are experiencing active conflict.
• Anti-junta forces claim attack on Myanmar's central region military HQ Radio Free Asia 21 Dec 2023 -- Anti-junta armies have attacked the headquarters of the Myanmar military's Central Region Command in an old palace compound in the center of the country's second-largest city, Mandalay, residents and fighters who conducted the attack told Radio Free Asia on Thursday.
• Iran says will not hesitate to defend its territorial integrity IRNA 21 Dec 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has condemned a statement by the sixth Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum regarding Iran's trio islands in the Persian Gulf, saying the Islamic Republic will not hesitate to defend its territorial integrity.
• African Union peace support operations play an important role in delivering peace and security: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 21 Dec 2023 -- Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Africa.

News Reports

• China uses AI to generate propaganda on YouTube, report finds Radio Free Asia 21 Dec 2023 -- In a YouTube video, a voice in English announces that China has researched and developed its own ultra-thin 1-nanometer chip - a staggering claim given that the chip isn't expected in commercial devices for another decade.
• Connecticut Man Sentenced to 144 Months in Prison for Attempting to Travel to Fight for ISIS US Dept. of Justice 21 Dec 2023 -- Kevin Iman McCormick, 30, of Hamden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 144 months of in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization.
• New Hampshire Man Indicted for Threatening to Kill Three Presidential Candidates US Dept. of Justice 21 Dec 2023 -- A New Hampshire man has been indicted in connection with sending threatening text messages to three presidential candidates.
• Kazakhstan To Extradite U.S.-Wanted Russian Cybersecurity Expert To Moscow RFE/RL 21 Dec 2023 -- Russia's Prosecutor-General's Office said on December 21 that the Kazakh authorities would extradite Russian cybersecurity expert Nikita Kislitsin to Moscow, although he is also wanted in the United States for allegedly buying illegally obtained personal data.
• Meeting of the Council for Strategic Development and National Projects President of Russia 21 Dec 2023 -- Vladimir Putin held a meeting of the Council for Strategic Development and National Projects, via videoconference.
• Russia says set up 'comprehensive cooperation' with North Korea Press TV 21 Dec 2023 -- Russia says it has established an "active comprehensive cooperation" with North Korea.
• Telephone conversation with President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro President of Russia 21 Dec 2023 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks during his meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad of the Republic of Tunisia Nabil Ammar, Tunis, December 21, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Dec 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's working visit to the Republic of Tunisia Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Dec 2023
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's answers to media questions following his visit to the Republic of Tunisia, Tunis, December 21, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Dec 2023
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks following a meeting with President of the Republic of Tunisia Kais Saied, Tunis, December 21, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Dec 2023
• 'Maybe It Was All In Vain': Former Navalny Coordinator Opens Up After More Than Two Years In Prison RFE/RL 21 Dec 2023 -- Ruslan Akhmetshin walked out of prison in the northern Arkhangelsk region on December 15. He was greeted by fellow activists who embraced him, took his duffel bag, and whisked him off in a waiting car.
• How The Korean Rumored Ex-Fiancé Of Putin's Daughter Landed A Career At Gazprombank RFE/RL 21 Dec 2023 -- Some 13 years ago, the famously protective personal life of Russia's then-prime minister, Vladimir Putin, was rattled by a report that his youngest daughter intended to marry the son of a retired South Korean naval admiral.
• Former Russian Minister Sentenced To 12 Years For Embezzlement RFE/RL 21 Dec 2023 -- A district court in Moscow has sentenced former Russian government minister Mikhail Abyzov to 12 years in a maximum security prison following his conviction on charges of embezzlement and other crimes related to an alleged organized crime group.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on December 21, 2023 PRC MofA 21 Dec 2023
• China-US ties to remain bumpy in 2024 as Washington maintains US-centric, hegemonic foreign policy Global Times 21 Dec 2023 -- Chinese analysts predicted Thursday that China-US relations will continue to be bumpy in 2024 despite signs of stabilization, as the US will continue its US-centric and hegemonic planning of an international order and deal with China accordingly.
• China-Mexico cooperation should not subject to meddling by any third country: MOFCOM Global Times 21 Dec 2023 -- Normal cooperation between China and Mexico should not be meddled by any third country, China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) spokesperson Shu Jueting said on Thursday, urging relevant countries to stop acts of economic coercion.
• British Businesses Wait on Sidelines as China's Economy Struggles VOA 21 Dec 2023 -- Beijing's hopes for a swift return of foreign investors after it began lifting its harsh COVID-19 restrictions late last year were not answered in 2023.
• China Limits Export of Some Technologies Related to Rare Earth Elements Sputnik 21 Dec 2023 -- The Chinese authorities have imposed export restrictions on a number of technologies related to the production and processing of rare earth elements, according to a document released by the Chinese Commerce Ministry on Thursday.
• Chinese housing planner urges high quality housing projects for all in 2024 Global Times 21 Dec 2023 -- The Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development (MOHURD) held a meeting on Thursday to review its work of 2023 and outline key tasks for 2024, with a focus on tailoring distinct policies for various cities, facilitating quality housing projects, and guaranteeing timely housing delivery to home buyers.
• Macao chief vows to diversify economy People's Daily 21 Dec 2023 -- The Macao Special Administrative Region will accelerate efforts to diversify its economy and integrate into the nation's overall development, the leader of the Macao SAR government said on Wednesday.
• China releases first blue book on Xinjiang's human rights and legal protections Global Times 21 Dec 2023 -- China released the 2023 Report on Xinjiang's Human Rights and Legal Protections, which is Xinjiang's first blue book of its kind, on Wednesday in Urumqi, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, comprehensively demonstrating the efforts and achievements of promoting high-quality development of human rights cause in Xinjiang in Chinese modernization drive.
• Foreign Affairs Secretary Manalo and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi Talk on PH-China Relations Philippines DFA 21 Dec 2023 -- Enrique A. Manalo and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a telephone conversation yesterday.
• Chinese mainland to end tariff concessions for 12 Taiwan-produced products Global Times 21 Dec 2023 -- The Chinese mainland announced on Thursday the termination of tariff concessions for 12 kinds of products including propylene imported from the island of Taiwan starting from January 1, 2024, as the island was found to have violated Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) rules by discriminatory restrictions on the mainland's exports.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 21, 2023 ROC MND 21 Dec 2023
• IAEA Director General Statement on Recent Developments in the DPRK's Nuclear Programme IAEA 21 Dec 2023/li>
• KCNA Commentary Slashes at U.S. and Puppet Military Warmongers' Provocation KCNA 21 Dec 2023 -- The U.S. summoned the south Korean puppet military warmongers to Washington on December 15 to hold the second meeting of "Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG)". They discussed the extremely adventurous and provocative issues targeting the DPRK, including the completion of the "guidelines on nuclear strategic plan and operation" and the establishment of "extended deterrence system" by the middle of next year. And they openly announced that they would conduct a nuclear operation drill during the large-scale joint military exercises Ulji Freedom Shield to be staged next August.
• North Korean leader warns of 'nuclear attack' if enemy provokes with nukes Press TV 21 Dec 2023 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has said that his country would launch a nuclear attack if an enemy provokes it with nuclear weapons, apparently referring to the United States, according to state media.
• Kim Jong Un Vows Nuclear Retaliation if Provoked With Nukes Sputnik 21 Dec 2023 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has held a meeting with the military who participated in the test launch of the Hwasong-18 ballistic missile, saying that North Korea will respond with a nuclear strike to any nuclear "provocations," the state news agency KCNA reported.
• ICBM Test May Soon Bring All of US Within North Korean Nuclear Range VOA 21 Dec 2023 -- North Korea's launch of a Hwasong-18 this week shows it may soon have a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile that can target any part of the United States, analysts say.
• Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Meets and Congratulates Soldiers of Second Red Flag Company under General Missile Bureau KCNA 21 Dec 2023 -- Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, invited to the office building of the Party Central Committee the soldiers of the Second Red Flag Company under the General Missile Bureau, who participated in a launching drill of ICBM Hwasongpho-18 and congratulated and encouraged them on December 20.
• Press Statement by Kim Yo Jong, Vice Department Director of C.C., WPK KCNA 21 Dec 2023 -- Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, released the following press statement on December 21:
• Iran warns against any 'provocative' Israeli actions in region Press TV 21 Dec 2023 -- Iran's permanent representative to the United Nations has warned against "any provocative actions by the Israeli regime that could seriously impact peace and security in the region".
• Iranian Lawmaker Claims Up To 2,000 People Facing Execution For Alleged Drug Crimes In Small District RFE/RL 21 Dec 2023 -- Yahya Ebrahimi, an Iranian lawmaker who represents the Delfan district of Lorestan Province, has alleged that up to 2,000 suspects are risking execution for drug-trafficking offenses in the small western Iranian district.
• Iranian Spies Wanted To Assassinate London-Based Journalists, ITV Investigation Finds RFE/RL 21 Dec 2023 -- Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) plotted to assassinate two U.K.-based Iranian journalists using a people smuggler to organize and carry out the killings in exchange for $200,000, British television channel ITV News has revealed.
• Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (December 21, 2023) India MEA 21 Dec 2023
• PIRACY ATTACK ON MV RUEN IN CENTRAL ARABIAN SEA India PIB 21 Dec 2023 -- On the night of 14 Dec 23, a report regarding potential piracy incident onboard Malta flagged vessel, MV Ruen, was monitored on UKMTO portal
• India to examine information on alleged links to plot to assassinate Sikh separatist in U.S., says Modi People's Daily 21 Dec 2023 -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India will look into any information it receives on its alleged links to a foiled plot to assassinate a Sikh separatist leader in the United States.
• Transcript of the Weekly Media Briefing by Spokesperson Thursday, 21 December 2023 Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Dec 2023
• Polling for general elections extended in DR Congo, after logistics problems, complaints People's Daily 21 Dec 2023 -- Polling for the general elections will continue on Thursday in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), announced Denis Kadima, president of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), Wednesday evening.
• Widow of Journalist Killed by Saudi Arabia Granted Asylum in US VOA 21 Dec 2023 -- The widow of Jamal Khashoggi, the Washington Post columnist who was assassinated in 2018 by Saudi operatives in Turkey, has been granted political asylum in the United States, the newspaper reported Thursday.
• Azerbaijan: Statement by the Spokesperson on the detention of journalists and political activists European External Action Service (EEAS) 21 Dec 2023 -- Human rights, including fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law are important elements of the relationship between Azerbaijan and the European Union.
• US, Venezuela swap prisoners, including notorious 'Fat Leonard' Press TV 21 Dec 2023 -- The United States and Venezuela have swapped prisoners, including a fugitive dubbed 'Fat Leonard.'
• New Argentine president's first economic shake-up plan sparks protests Press TV 21 Dec 2023 -- Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of Buenos Aires after Argentina's new far-right President Javier Milei signed an emergency decree outlining several controversial economic reforms.
• President Raeisi: Caucasus must not turn into battleground for foreign states Press TV 21 Dec 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi has warned of attempts by extra-regional countries to gain foothold in the Caucasus, saying the region must not turn into a battleground for other states.
• Vietnam's fraternal ties with Russia are put to the test Radio Free Asia 21 Dec 2023 -- Across Southeast Asia, no nation has such a close and long-standing relationship with Russia as Vietnam. Moscow is not only one of Hanoi's few trusted "comprehensive strategic" partners, but for decades has been its main defense supplier.
• Laos' national debt now larger than its GDP - and could get even bigger Radio Free Asia 21 Dec 2023 -- Laos' national debt has risen to 112 percent of its gross domestic product, a critical level that could grow even bigger as the country struggles with high inflation, a weak currency and low foreign investment, officials from the World Bank and Asian Development Bank said.
• US religious freedom commission urges Thailand not to deport Hmong activist to Vietnam Radio Free Asia 21 Dec 2023 -- The vice chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has called on Thailand not to extradite Hmong preacher and human rights activist Lu A Da back to Vietnam.
• Like his father, Hun Manet vows to end illegal logging Radio Free Asia 21 Dec 2023 -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet called on officials in his new government to end illegal logging in the country, which remains a problem despite similar pledges from his father, longtime strongman Hun Sen.
• Angola to Quit OPEC VOA 21 Dec 2023 -- Angola's minister of oil resources announced Thursday the west African nation has decided to leave the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC.
• Angola Explains Decision to Quit OPEC Sputnik 21 Dec 2023 -- Angola is quitting the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) due to authorities not deeming the country's role in the organization to be relevant, Reuters reported on Thursday, citing Angolan Oil Minister Diamantino Azevedo.
• World News in Brief: Latest Sudan fighting displaces thousands, second malaria vaccine, Russian dissidents 'disappeared' UN News 21 Dec 2023 -- The latest surge in fighting in Sudan has displaced up to 300,000 people as conflict spread to the country's second largest city, Wad Madani, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Thursday.
• Congolese Voters Share Hopes, Expectations of Next DRC Leader VOA 21 Dec 2023 -- Vote counting is underway in the Democratic Republic of Congo after Wednesday's presidential and parliamentary elections, which have been extended into Thursday. Incumbent President Felix Tshisekedi is vying for a second term amid a backdrop of instability and conflict, particularly in the eastern provinces.