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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• U.S. Conducts Strikes in Yemen as Houthi Attacks Against International Shipping Continue CENTCOM 16 Jan 2024 -- On Jan. 16 at approximately 1:45 p.m. (Sanaa time), Iranian-backed Houthi militants launched an anti-ship ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen into international shipping lanes in the Southern Red Sea. M/V Zografia, a Maltese flagged bulk carrier, reported they were struck, but seaworthy, and were continuing their Red Sea transit. No injuries were reported.
• US, UK Launch Strikes on Al Bayda Province in Central Yemen - Source Sputnik 16 Jan 2024 -- The United States and the United Kingdom have launched strikes on the Al Bayda province in central Yemen against the rebel Ansar Allah movement, a source in the local authorities of the province told Sputnik on Tuesday.
• US, UK attacks on Yemen illegal, strategic mistake: Iran foreign minister Press TV 16 Jan 2024 -- Iran's foreign minister has strongly condemned the recent attacks on Yemen's territory by the United States and the UK as illegal and a strategic mistake.
• Australia Confirms Support For US, UK Strikes on Houthi Rebels VOA 16 Jan 2024 -- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed that Canberra is supporting United States and British airstrikes against the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen.
• USCENTCOM Seizes Iranian Advanced Conventional Weapons Bound for Houthis CENTCOM 16 Jan 2024 -- On 11 January 2024, while conducting a flag verification, U.S. CENTCOM Navy forces conducted a night-time seizure of a dhow conducting illegal transport of advanced lethal aid from Iran to resupply Houthi forces in Yemen as part of the Houthis' ongoing campaign of attacks against international merchant shipping.
• US Seizes Iranian-Made Missile Parts in Raid Near Somali Coast VOA 16 Jan 2024 -- U.S. Navy SEALs seized Iranian-made missile parts and other weapons bound for Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthi militants in a raid last week where two service members went missing, the U.S. military said Tuesday.
• 3 armed drones downed near U.S. military base in northern Iraq People's Daily 16 Jan 2024 -- Defense systems downed three armed drones on Tuesday near the military bases hosting U.S. and other international troops at the Erbil International Airport in northern Iraq, Iraqi regional counter-terrorism service reported.
• US forces resorting to airstrikes due to failure in ground offensives: Iraqi resistance official Press TV 16 Jan 2024 -- The spokesman for the Iraqi Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada anti-terror group says American occupation forces are resorting to airstrikes in their military acts of aggression against resistance forces as they cannot manage ground offensives on them and have miserably failed in such battles.
• Vicinity of US consulate in Erbil targeted: Source IRNA 16 Jan 2024 -- An Iraqi security source says the vicinity of the US consulate in Erbil, the capital of Iraq's Kurdistan, has been targeted with missiles and drones.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Collaboration Is Key to Implementing DOD Industrial Base Strategy DoD News 16 Jan 2024 -- The Defense Department will continue to work closely across agencies and with industry partners as it implements its strategy for strengthening the defense industrial base to meet the future needs of the warfighter, the Pentagon's top industrial base policy official said.
• Task Force 59 Launches New Unmanned Task Group 59.1 US Navy 16 Jan 2024 -- U.S. Naval Forces Central Command's Task Force 59 commissioned a new task group focused on unmanned operations during a ceremony here, Jan. 3.
• Integrated Battle Problem 23.2 Concludes as Unmanned Surface Vessels Return to Homeport US Navy 16 Jan 2024 -- Integrated Battle Problem (IBP) 23.2, the third multi-domain unmanned capabilities exercise under U.S. Pacific Fleet's Experimentation Plan, concluded as unmanned surface vessels (USVs) operated by Unmanned Surface Vessel Division One (USVDIV-1) returned to Naval Base Ventura County Jan. 15, 2024.
• Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142 Returns from Deployment US Navy 16 Jan 2024 -- After an extended 2023 deployment, the "Gray Wolves" of Electronic Attack Squadron 142 (VAQ 142) return to Whidbey Island. The "Gray Wolves" deployed with Carrier Air Wing 8 (CVW 8) aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) as part of Carrier Strike Group 12 (CSG-12) on May 2, 2023, bound for the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.
• Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 37 Returns from Deployment US Navy 16 Jan 2024 -- The "Ragin Bulls" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 37 returned to their home base Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia, January 15, 2024, following a nearly nine-month deployment with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12 to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.
• Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87 Returns from Deployment US Navy 16 Jan 2024 -- The "Golden Warriors" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87 returned to their home base Naval Air Station Oceana on January 15, 2024, following an eight and a half-month deployment with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12 to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operation.
• Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70 Returns from Deployment US Navy 16 Jan 2024 -- The "Spartans" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70 returned to their home base at Naval Air Station Jacksonville in Florida, on January 14th, 2024, following a nearly nine month deployment with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12 to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operation.
• The "Bear Aces" Return Home US Navy 16 Jan 2024 -- The "Bear Aces" of Airborne Command and Control Squadron One Two Four returned to their home base Naval Base Norfolk, January 14, 2024, following an eight-month deployment with Carrier Strike Group 12 (CSG-12) to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operation.
• Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213 Returns from Deployment US Navy 16 Jan 2024 -- The "Fighting Blacklions" of Strike Fighter Squadron 213 (VFA-213) returned to their home base of Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach on January 15, 2024 following an eight-month deployment with Carrier Strike Group 12 (CSG-12) to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations. Following completion of a four-week Composite Unit Training exercise, VFA-213 deployed on May 2, 2023 with Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8), embarked aboard the Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78).
• Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31 Returns from Deployment US Navy 16 Jan 2024 -- The "Tomcatters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31 returned to Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia, January 15, 2024, following a nine-month deployment with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12 to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operation. After completion of a four-week composite training unit exercise in March, VFA-31, part of Carrier Air Wing 8, deployed on May 2, 2023 aboard the Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78
• VCNO Delivers Remarks at the Surface Navy Association 36th National Symposium Banquet US Navy 16 Jan 2024
• U.S. - UK Strategic Dialogue on Biological Security The White House 16 Jan 2024 -- Building on the June 10, 2021 New Atlantic Charter and the June 8, 2023 Atlantic Declaration on Economic Security, the U.S. National Security Council and the UK Cabinet Office announced a new Strategic Dialogue on Biological Security during a launch event today.
• Deputy Defence Minister Colonel General Aleksandr Fomin meets with Niger's Minister of National Defence Russia MoD 16 Jan 2024 -- Deputy Defence Minister of the Russian Federation Colonel General Aleksandr Fomin and Colonel General Yunus-Bek Yevkurov met in a working session with Niger's Minister of National Defence General Salifou Modi.
• Two Russian Tu-95 Strategic Missile Carriers Fly Over Sea of Japan - MoD Sputnik 16 Jan 2024 -- Two Russian Tu-95 strategic missile carriers made planned flight over Sea of Japan on Tuesday, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.
• War in Ukraine - Military support for Ukraine Germany - Federal Government 16 Jan 2024
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Ukrainian Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov DoD 16 Jan 2024
• Blinken Assures Zelenskyy of 'Strong Enduring Support for Ukraine' VOA 16 Jan 2024 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of "strong enduring support for Ukraine" and a determination on the part of the Biden administration to continue military aid for Ukrainian forces.
• US promises Ukraine enduring support despite row in Congress Press TV 16 Jan 2024 -- The United States says Washington will continue supplying Ukraine with weapons, despite a row in Congress on approving Joe Biden's new funding package.
• Biden Invites Lawmakers To White House To Discuss Ukraine Aid After Zelenskiy Stresses Unity At Davos RFE/RL 16 Jan 2024 -- U.S. President Joe Biden has invited congressional leaders to the White House for talks on January 17 on continuing aid for Ukraine, the White House said after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy urged the West to be unified in its backing of Ukraine in a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
• US Does Not Have Another Military Package for Ukraine in Works Right Now Sputnik 16 Jan 2024 -- The United States does not have another military aid package for Ukraine in the works as funding for previous packages has run out, White House Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby said on Wednesday.
• NATO Secretary General at World Economic Forum: "support for Ukraine is not charity; it's an investment in our own security" NATO 16 Jan 2024 -- Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg participated in the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland on Wednesday (16 January 2024), underlining the importance of continued support to Ukraine.
• Germany to Provide Over 7Bln Euros in Military Assistance to Ukraine Amid Economic Recession Sputnik 16 Jan 2024 -- Germany will provide military assistance to Ukraine worth more than seven billion euros ($7.6 billion) in 2024, the German government said on Tuesday.
• Spain Sent Ukraine More Than $144 Million Worth of Arms Over 18 Months - Reports Sputnik 16 Jan 2024 -- Spain transferred weapons worth 133 million euros ($144.7 million) to Ukraine in 2022 and the first half of 2023, Spanish newspaper ABC reported on Monday citing a document seen by its staff.
• Chinese warships leave Cambodia's Ream naval base Radio Free Asia 16 Jan 2024 -- Two Chinese warships leading a training program for the Cambodian Navy since early December have left the Ream naval base, satellite imagery shows.
• Making missiles and increasing capability Australia DOD 16 Jan 2024 -- Defence has signed a $37.4 million contract with Lockheed Martin Australia to start manufacturing guided multiple launch rocket system (GMLRS) missiles from 2025.
• Israeli cabinet allocates $15 billion for Gaza war despite budget deficit IRNA 16 Jan 2024 -- The far-right coalition cabinet of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved 15 billion dollars more for the Gaza war despite indications that the regime's economy is struggling.
• "No one can object to Türkiye taking necessary measures for its own security" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 16 Jan 2024 -- Delivering remarks following the Presidential Cabinet Meeting, President Erdoğan drew attention to Türkiye's determination to continue its anti-terror operations, and said: "Since the promises made to us are not being fulfilled, no one can object to Türkiye taking necessary measures for its own security. No one can expect us to stand idly by while the separatist traitors are being bolstered under various excuses. In the months ahead, we will definitely take new steps in this direction, regardless of who says what."
• Navies of Iran, Pakistan hold joint military exercise IRNA 16 Jan 2024 -- The joint naval exercise of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Pakistan by deploying missile launchers and warships of the two countries' navies was held in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Andrew Sorkin of CNBC US Dept. of State 16 Jan 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with European Commission President von der Leyen US Dept. of State 16 Jan 2024
• Secretary Blinken and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 16 Jan 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Rwandan President Kagame US Dept. of State 16 Jan 2024
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Rwandan President Paul Kagame Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 16 Jan 2024
• Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meeting with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani The White House 16 Jan 2024
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby The White House 16 Jan 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Guterres US Dept. of State 16 Jan 2024
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 16 Jan 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with German Foreign Minister Baerbock US Dept. of State 16 Jan 2024
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 16 Jan 2024
• Readout of President Joe Biden's Call with Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany The White House 16 Jan 2024

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Jan. 16, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News



Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• 16 January 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 16 Jan 2024
• Prime Minister's Office announcement Israel - Prime Minister 16 Jan 2024 -- "Among the absurdities levelled against Israel at the Hague was the charge that after the October 7th massacre Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu incited genocide by quoting the biblical phrase "remember what Amalek did to you.""
• Prime Minister's Office Statement Israel - Prime Minister 16 Jan 2024 -- On instruction from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and pursuant to the Director of the Mossad's agreement with Qatar on providing medicines to the Israeli hostages, two Qatari Air Force planes are expected to fly tomorrow to Egypt with medicines that have been purchased in France, according to a list that was compiled in Israel, according to the medical needs of the hostages.
• PM Netanyahu meeting with Local and Regional Council Heads from the Area adjacent to the Gaza Strip Israel - Prime Minister 16 Jan 2024
• Jan. 15: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 16 Jan 2024
• Israel Strikes Gaza After Defense Minister Says Intensive Phase of War with Hamas Will Soon End VOA 16 Jan 2024 -- Israel reported airstrikes Tuesday in northern and southern parts of the Gaza Strip, a day after the country's defense ministers said the intensive phase of Israel's war with Hamas would soon end.
• Zionists continue bombing southern Gaza IRNA 16 Jan 2024 -- The Zionists have targeted the residential areas and medical centers of Khan Yunis in the south of Gaza, killing 11 Palestinian civilians early on Tuesday.
• Gaza: Fewer than 1 in 4 aid missions given green light, says OCHA UN News 16 Jan 2024 -- The Israeli authorities have continued to block lifesaving aid from reaching northern Gaza 102 days since Hamas-led terror attacks triggered the war, UN humanitarians have insisted, just as UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that "the long shadow of starvation" stalks the people of Gaza.
• Israel denying deliveries of medicine, lifesaving supplies to northern Gaza: UN Press TV 16 Jan 2024 -- The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says the Israeli regime is denying access to aid missions delivering medicine and fuel to the northern part of the Gaza Strip, amid a deepening humanitarian disaster in the besieged enclave.
• US 'Hopeful' of New Release of Hostages Held by Hamas in Gaza VOA 16 Jan 2024 -- The U.S. said Tuesday it is "hopeful" that talks brokered through Qatar could lead to a new deal to release hostages held by Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip in exchange for a cease-fire in the fighting between Hamas and Israel.
• FM: Iran does not welcome war and insecurity in region IRNA 16 Jan 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian underlined that the Islamic Republic does not welcome war and insecurity in the region, and said that over the past 100 days Tehran has made a lot of efforts to end the war and Israel's attacks on Gaza and create peace in the region.
• Further humanitarian assistance to Occupied Palestinian Territories and the region Australia MFA 16 Jan 2024 -- Australia will provide an additional $21.5 million in humanitarian assistance to the Middle East, including in response to the urgent and ongoing humanitarian needs resulting from the Hamas-Israel conflict.
• Gaza: Speech by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell in the EP Plenary on the situation on the ground and the risk of regional escalation European External Action Service (EEAS) 16 Jan 2024 -- Subtitle: Speech delivered by Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, on behalf of High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell
• Israel Allows Entrance of Aid to Most Affected Areas of Gaza - Qatari Foreign Ministry Sputnik 16 Jan 2024 -- Israel has decided to allow entrance of medicines and humanitarian aid to the most war-torn areas of the Gaza Strip in exchange for delivery of medicines to the Israeli hostages held by Hamas, the Qatari Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.
• Maritime Safety in Red Sea Cannot Be Ensured Without Ending Fighting in Gaza - Qatar Sputnik 16 Jan 2024 -- The safety of ships in the Red Sea cannot be ensured without ending the war in the Gaza Strip, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari said on Tuesday.
• China Slams US, Issues Statement With Arab League Calling for Gaza Ceasefire Sputnik 16 Jan 2024 -- "The US, which is pouring fuel on the fire in the Israel-Palestine conflict, also wants to play the role of fireman," read an article in Chinese media criticizing America's "unconditional support for Israel."
• Nation's efforts to mediate conflict win recognition People's Daily 16 Jan 2024 -- China has signed two joint statements on the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, respectively with Egypt and the Arab League, as its fair and balanced stance has received wide recognition.
• China, Arab League call for Gaza ceasefire People's Daily 16 Jan 2024 -- China and the Arab League states on Sunday called for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in the conflict-ravaged Palestinian enclave of Gaza.
• Palestinian Foreign Ministry calls for placing Israeli settler organizations on 'terror' lists Press TV 16 Jan 2024 -- The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates has condemned the escalation of violence by Israeli settlers in the occupied territories, calling for putting the settler organizations on international terrorism lists.
• Israeli military far from defeating Hamas: Minister IRNA 16 Jan 2024 -- A member of the Zionist regime's war cabinet has said that the regime's military is far from being able to defeat Hamas.
• Israeli forces preparing for ground offensive into southern Lebanon: Report Press TV 16 Jan 2024 -- The Israeli regime has been training its ground forces for a potential operation into southern Lebanon, shows a report, as trading of fire between the regime and the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement keeps intensifying.
• Hezbollah carries out fresh attacks on Israeli regime targets IRNA 16 Jan 2024 -- Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement says it has staged a missile strike that targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in northern occupied Palestine.
• Supreme Leader admires Yemen's attacks on "lifelines of the Zionist regime" IRNA 16 Jan 2024 -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has admired Yemen's attacks on the lifelines of the Zionist regime.
• China-US freight rates rise amid Red Sea crisis Global Times 16 Jan 2024 -- The freight rate between Shanghai and the US East Coast roughly doubled in less than a month amid global inflation and the ongoing pressure from the Red Sea crisis.
• US pressuring shipping firms to avert Red Sea routes: Yemen IRNA 16 Jan 2024 -- Yemen's Ansarullah movement says the United States is putting pressure on international shipping companies to suspend their operations in the Red Sea.
• Envoy: Linking Yemeni retaliatory strikes to Iran meant to conceal Israeli crimes in Gaza ISNA 16 Jan 2024 -- Iran's Envoy to the United Nations dismissed Western allegations about the Islamic Republic's involvement in attacks by Yemeni forces in the Red Sea, stating that such claims are meant to deviate the world public opinion from Israeli atrocities in the Gaza Strip.
• Yemen: US, UK ships legitimate targets of Yemeni Armed Forces ISNA 16 Jan 2024 -- Spokesperson of the Yemeni Armed Forces, Brigadier General Yahya Saree announced that an American ship was targeted in the Gulf of Aden.
• British oil giant Shell halts Red Sea shipments after US-UK strikes on Yemen Press TV 16 Jan 2024 -- UK-based energy giant Shell suspended all shipments through the Red Sea indefinitely, amid heightened tensions in the Red Sea over Washington's unrelenting support for the Israeli genocidal war against Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Israeli war minister admits Hamas 'far from being defeated' in Gaza Press TV 16 Jan 2024 -- In an unexpected turn of events, the Israeli war minister has admitted that Israel has been unable to defeat the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas during its months-long war on the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Iran's Leader hails Yemenis' great achievement in supporting Palestinians in Gaza Press TV 16 Jan 2024 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has hailed the Yemenis' anti-Israel naval operations in the Red Sea, saying they did a "great job" in defiance of US threats.
• US, UK forces can no longer pass through Bab el-Mandeb Strait: Yemeni official Press TV 16 Jan 2024 -- A Yemeni official has warned that American and British forces can no longer pass through the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait as tensions grow in the region following illegal US-led military strikes on the Arab country.
• Houthis Attack Maltese-Flagged Vessel in the Gulf of Aden VOA 16 Jan 2024 -- Yemen's Houthi militia group, which controls the capital, Sana'a and parts of Yemen's Red Sea coast, has attacked another ship in the Gulf of Aden, following a rash of attacks over the past several weeks. Iran's supreme leader is encouraging the Houthis, which serve as an Iranian proxy in the region, to continue attacking U.S. and western ships. Such attacks threaten to further exacerbate tensions in the region and the fragile economies of many regional states.
• US-UK illegal attacks on Yemen could escalate tensions: Iran FM IRNA 16 Jan 2024 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has told the Secretary General of the United Nations that the US-UK aggression against Yemen lead to the escalation of tensions in the West Asian region.
• U.S.-owned commercial ship reportedly hit by missile near Yemen People's Daily 16 Jan 2024 -- A missile attack on Monday targeted a commercial ship in the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Yemen, a senior Yemeni coast guard official told Xinhua.
• Yemen's Houthis ramp up attacks on commercial shipping in Red Sea People's Daily 16 Jan 2024 -- Yemen's Houthi armed group on Monday claimed responsibility for attacking a U.S. ship in the Gulf of Aden, a serious escalation of attacks in the crucial maritime region.

Other Conflicts

• Afghan Women Accuse Taliban Of Torture And Extortion Amid Dress Code Crackdown RFE/RL 16 Jan 2024 -- The Taliban's notorious religious police have detained scores of Afghan women and girls in recent weeks for allegedly violating the extremist group's Islamic dress code.
• After Failed Talks, Busiest Border Crossing Between Afghanistan And Pakistan Remains Shut RFE/RL 16 Jan 2024 -- Taliban and Pakistani officials have failed to agree on reopening the busiest border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan following its closure last week after Islamabad imposed a requirement for passports and visas for Afghan drivers.
• Pakistan Decries Deadly Cross-Border Attack by Iran VOA 16 Jan 2024 -- Pakistan confirmed Tuesday that an Iranian cross-border attack had killed two "innocent children" in its southwestern Baluchistan province and warned Iran of "serious consequences."
• Iran's IRGC Launches Missiles at Terrorist Group in Pakistan for First Time - Reports Sputnik 16 Jan 2024 -- Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Tuesday launched ballistic missiles and drones at a base of a terrorist group in Pakistan for the first time.
• Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meeting with the Prime Minister of Iraq's Kurdistan Region, Masrour Barzani The White House 16 Jan 2024
• Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meeting with the Prime Minister of Iraq, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani The White House 16 Jan 2024
• US envoy angry with Iran's attack on Mossad center in Iraq's Erbil IRNA 16 Jan 2024 -- The United States Ambassador to Iraq Alina Romanowski has shown her anger in reaction to Iran's missile attacks on a Mossad espionage center in Iraq's Erbil city as well as the strikes against American headquarters.
• Baghdad Recalls Ambassador After Iran Strikes Northern Iraq, Stoking Fears Of Regional Instability RFE/RL 16 Jan 2024 -- Iraq has recalled its ambassador in Tehran after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) struck what they said was the spy headquarters of Israel in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, a deadly attack that deepened fears over the eroding stability in the Middle East.
• Iraq Recalls Ambassador to Tehran After Strikes on Kurdistan Region Sputnik 16 Jan 2024 -- The Iraqi Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that it had recalled its ambassador to Tehran for consultations following Iran's attacks on targets in the country.
• Iraq Sends Complaint to UNSC Over Iran's 'Aggression' Sputnik 16 Jan 2024 -- Iraq has submitted a complaint to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) about Iran's "aggression" after strikes on Iraqi Kurdistan, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.
• IRGC target Mossad headquarters in Kurdistan region of Iraq ISNA 16 Jan 2024 -- The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps in Iran announced it targeted "the headquarters of terrorist groups in the region with ballistic missiles." According to the IRGC statement, the attack came in response to "the terrorist crimes recently committed by Iran's enemies."
• IRGC discloses details about anti-terror missile strikes IRNA 16 Jan 2024 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has disclosed more information about its latest missile strikes targeting an Israeli espionage center in Iraq and terrorist positions in Syria.
• Pounding Mossad's, terrorists' positions part of Iran's response: FM spox IRNA 16 Jan 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has emphasized that the recent missile attacks on a Mossad espionage center in Iraq's Erbil city and terrorists' hideout in the Syrian Idlib region are just a part of fair punishment inflicted by Iran on the security offenders.
• IRGC anti-terror strikes in line with defending Iran's sovereignty, citizens: Foreign Ministry Press TV 16 Jan 2024 -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry says the strikes conducted by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) against terrorists' positions in Syria and an Israeli espionage center in Iraq were part of the "just punishment" against violators of Iran's security after a deadly terrorist attack hit the city of Kerman.
• US 'Strongly' Condemns Iran's Missile Strikes on Targets in Erbil Sputnik 16 Jan 2024 -- The United States has condemned in the strongest terms the missile strikes carried out on Iraq's Erbil by the Iranian military, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said.
• IRGC Strikes at Militants in Syria in Response to Recent Terrorist Attacks - Reports Sputnik 16 Jan 2024 -- Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) mounted a retaliatory rocket strike on Syrian territory and killed multiple terrorists linked to recent deadly attacks against two Iranian cities, Iranian news agency IRNA reported on Tuesday.
• IRGC commander reveals details of Iran's missile attacks on regional terrorists IRNA 16 Jan 2024 -- Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Cops (IRGC) Aerospace Force Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh has revealed some details about missile attacks by the Force on targets controlled by terrorists in the region.
• Iran's IRGC reveals details of missile attacks on Mossad, Daesh targets Press TV 16 Jan 2024 -- The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has revealed further details on its recent missile attacks on anti-Iran terrorist bases and espionage centers in Syria and the Iraqi Kurdistan region.
• IRGC attacks showed era of hit-and-run is over: Iran parliament speaker IRNA 16 Jan 2024 -- The speaker of Iranian Parliament (Majlis) Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has said that IRGC's attacks to target controlled by terrorists in the region showed that the time for hit-and-run attacks by terrorists have come to an end.
• IRGC hits terrorists involved in Kerman attacks with missiles in Syria IRNA 16 Jan 2024 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says it has targeted and destroyed espionage centers and gathering of terrorist groups in the region with ballistic missiles late Monday.
• Iranian missiles destroy Mossad HQ in Iraqi Kurdistan: IRGC IRNA 16 Jan 2024 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps confirms it has targeted the espionage headquarters of the Zionist regime in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region with ballistic missiles as part of an operation against anti-Iran terror groups and networks in the region.
• What role did China play in a rebel group's victory in northern Myanmar? Radio Free Asia 16 Jan 2024 -- When the Three Brotherhood Alliance of rebel groups in Myanmar started a campaign against junta forces in the northern part of the country they chose a slogan designed to win support from a fourth potential ally: China.
• Kachin army launches attack on junta infantry base in Myanmar's north Radio Free Asia 16 Jan 2024 -- An ethnic armed group attempted to capture a city in northeastern Myanmar, residents in the area told Radio Free Asia on Tuesday.
• White House 'Troubled' by Deal Between Ethiopia and Breakaway Somaliland Region VOA 16 Jan 2024 -- The White House sees national security concerns in a recent agreement giving Ethiopia leasing rights to the Red Sea coastline in Somalia's breakaway Somaliland region, administration officials said Tuesday. But experts questioned Washington's commitment and ability to quell tensions in the volatile region.
• Mogadishu Suicide Bomber Kills Four People, Self VOA 16 Jan 2024 -- Police in Somalia say a suicide bomber killed four people and himself and injured seven others Tuesday when he detonated an explosives-laden vest in a crowded area near Mogadishu's regional administration headquarters.

News Reports

• Fight against terrorism: Council adds an individual to its autonomous sanctions list against ISIL(Da'esh) and Al-Qaida EC/CEU 16 Jan 2024 -- The Council today decided to add one individual to the list of those subject to restrictive measures against ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaeda and persons, groups, undertakings and entities associated with them.
• Taiwan makes public Medigen COVID-19 vaccine contract CNA 16 Jan 2024 -- The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on Tuesday published the contract it used to purchase the COVID-19 vaccine made by Taiwan-based Medigen Vaccine Biologics Corp. in 2021, in an effort to put an end to ongoing accusations that the deal lacked transparency.
• China predicted to experience mild spike in COVID-19 cases around the Spring Festival Global Times 16 Jan 2024 -- Given the expected large floating population during the upcoming Spring Festival holidays and other factors, it's predicted that there will be a likely rise in COVID-19 infections around the holiday season, with several respiratory infectious diseases likely to coexist or alternate in prevalence in various regions across the country, Lei Zhenglong, an official from the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration, said at a Tuesday press briefing.
• Europe: 1.4 million lives saved thanks to COVID-19 vaccines UN News 16 Jan 2024 -- COVID-19 vaccines saved at least 1.4 million lives in Europe - "irrefutable" proof of the power of these inoculations, the regional head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday.
• Solid as Gold: Russia's Reserves Hit Record $155.9 Billion - Highest Since 2000 Sputnik 16 Jan 2024 -- Russia's gold reserves have reached an unprecedented level, swelling to an impressive $155.9 billion by the end of 2023, according to the Russian Central Bank.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on January 16, 2024 PRC MofA 16 Jan 2024
• Li urges global cooperation, vows continued opening-up at WEF Global Times 16 Jan 2024 -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday called for global cooperation in various areas to rebuild global trust, including strengthening macroeconomic policy coordination and international industrial specialization and cooperation, warning that lack of trust and fragmentation will risk global economic growth and peaceful development.
• Why Chinese Foreign Minister's Visit Focuses on North and West Africa VOA 16 Jan 2024 -- China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi is on a tour of four African countries this week, and analysts say the choice of Egypt, Tunisia, Togo and Ivory Coast indicate Beijing's current foreign policy objectives, including a desire to play a greater role in negotiating peace between Israel and the Palestinians.
• China a dependable partner in Maldives' development: national chamber Global Times 16 Jan 2024 -- China has been a dependable partner in the development of the Maldives, and there are various areas in which both sides can strengthen bilateral cooperation under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), ranging from the blue economy and digital economy to green technology, as well as infrastructure, the Maldives National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MNCCI) told the Global Times.
• US Pacific Territory Wants to Balance Chinese Tourism With Security Concerns VOA 16 Jan 2024 -- The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), a U.S. territory in the western Pacific, is the only place in the United States where Chinese nationals can enter without a visa for up to 14 days.
• Xi stresses boosting high-quality development of China's financial sector People's Daily 16 Jan 2024 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday stressed staying committed to the path of financial development with Chinese characteristics and boosting the high-quality development of the financial sector.
• U.S. post-election group affirms bipartisan support for Taiwan: AIT CNA 16 Jan 2024 -- A just-concluded trip to Taiwan by former American officials was meant to congratulate Taiwan on its latest democratic elections and to show bipartisan support for bilateral ties, the visiting chair of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) said Tuesday.
• Xi calls for strengthening patriotic united forces as security authority warns secessionists Global Times 16 Jan 2024 -- The united front work should strengthen the patriotic united forces in Taiwan, and oppose the separatist acts of "Taiwan independence" forces, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said in an article published in the flagship magazine of the CPC Central Committee on Tuesday.
• FM opposes US House bill promoting Taiwan membership in IMF Global Times 16 Jan 2024 -- China firmly opposes US' so-called bill supporting the Taiwan island as an IMF member and has lodged a solemn representation with the US, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday.
• Philippine President should read more to develop a proper understanding of the Taiwan question: Chinese FM Global Times 16 Jan 2024 -- China suggests Philippines' President Ferdinand Marcos Jr read more to develop a proper understanding of the ins and outs of the Taiwan question, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated on Tuesday, in response to Marcos' comments on the Taiwan regional election results, with Chinese experts noting that there is disagreement within the Philippines on how to handle relations with China, and Marcos might be considering how to use the situation across the Taiwan Straits as a bargaining chip toward China.
• China issues warning to Philippines over Manila's Taiwan remarks Press TV 16 Jan 2024 -- China has issued a warning to the Philippines over Manila's recent remarks after Chinese Taipei elected a new president.
• China Warns Philippines 'Not to Play With Fire' Over Taiwan VOA 16 Jan 2024 -- China summoned the ambassador of the Philippines Tuesday to officially protest President Ferdinand Marcos' message of congratulations to Taiwan's newly elected president.
• China strongly rebukes US' remarks on Nauru severing 'diplomatic ties' with Taiwan region Global Times 16 Jan 2024 -- China expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition on Tuesday toward the US State Department's latest remarks on Nauru severing "diplomatic ties" with the Taiwan authorities.
• US: Nauru's Decision to Break with Taiwan 'Disappointing' VOA 16 Jan 2024 -- The United States said Monday that the government of Nauru's severing diplomatic ties with Taiwan is "disappointing," despite it being a sovereign decision.
• AIT chair disappointed by U.N.-resolution distortion in Nauru move CNA 16 Jan 2024 -- The United States was disappointed by Nauru's decision to cut ties with Taipei on Monday and that a 1971 United Nations resolution was "distorted" to justify the move, the visiting chairwoman of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) said Tuesday.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Jan. 16, 2024 ROC MND 16 Jan 2024
• Nauru makes right decision: China's State Council Taiwan Affairs Office People's Daily 16 Jan 2024 -- A spokesperson for China's State Council Taiwan Affairs Office said on Monday that the Nauru government has made the right decision to sever the so-called "diplomatic ties" with Taiwan.
• Meeting with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui President of Russia 16 Jan 2024 -- Vladimir Putin met with Foreign Minister of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Choe Son Hui.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks during talks with Foreign Minister of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Choe Son-hui, Moscow, January 16, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Jan 2024
• Federal Foreign Office comments on the reported North Korean missile test Germany Federal Foreign Office 16 Jan 2024
• DPRK missile launch on 14 January: FCDO statement UK FCDO 16 Jan 2024 -- Following the DPRK's launch of a solid fuel intermediate-range ballistic missile on Sunday 14 January, an FCDO spokesperson gave a statement.
• North Korean Gov't Abolishes Departments Dealing With Inter-Korean Cooperation Sputnik 16 Jan 2024 -- The North Korean Supreme People's Assembly has decided to abolish government bodies dealing with inter-Korean affairs, North Korean state-run news agency KCNA reported on Tuesday.
• Kim says S Korea 'number one hostile state', unification no longer possible Press TV 16 Jan 2024 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has said he no longer believed unification with South Korea was possible and called for constitutional change to identify the south as "number one hostile state."
• North Korea Ends Policy of Reunification with South Korea VOA 16 Jan 2024 -- North Korea is abandoning its policy of seeking reunification with South Korea.
• Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Makes Policy Speech at 10th Session of 14th SPA KCNA 16 Jan 2024 -- 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, made an important policy speech "On the Immediate Tasks for the Prosperity and Development of Our Republic and the Promotion of the Wellbeing of Our People" at the 10th Session of the 14th Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) of the DPRK on January 15.
• Decision of DPRK Supreme People's Assembly KCNA 16 Jan 2024 -- The Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on Monday issued a decision on abolishing the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Country, the National Economic Cooperation Bureau and the Kumgangsan International Tourism Administration.
• Report on State Budget Made at 10th Session of 14th SPA of DPRK KCNA 16 Jan 2024 -- Deputy Ko Jong Bom, minister of Finance, made a report on the fulfillment of the state budget for Juche 112 (2023) and on the state budget for Juche 113 (2024), examined at the Budget Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) before the full-dress session.
• 10th Session of 14th SPA of DPRK Held KCNA 16 Jan 2024 -- The 10th Session of the 14th Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) took place at the Mansudae Assembly Hall in the capital city of Pyongyang on Jan. 15.
• S Korea implements new sanctions amid Pyongyang threats Radio Free Asia 16 Jan 2024 -- South Korea has imposed a new set of unilateral sanctions against North Korea, marking the first of such measures this year, as Pyongyang intensifies its pressure campaign against Seoul.
• Iran court holds sixth trial session in MKO terrorism case IRNA 16 Jan 2024 -- The sixth session of the trial of the members of the Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MKO) terrorist group has been held in Tehran.
• Iran, Saudi Arabia talk on increasing economic ties IRNA 16 Jan 2024 -- Iran's ambassador to Saudi Arabia Alireza Enayati and Chairman of the Federation of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry Hassan Al-Huwaizi have held talks over expanding the bilateral relations between the two countries, especially trade ties.
• Iran Extends Jailed Nobel Laureate Mohammadi's Prison Sentence RFE/RL 16 Jan 2024 -- An Iranian court has extended the prison sentence of Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi by 15 months for "spreading propaganda" against the Islamic Republic while in jail.
• Seizure of U.S. oil tanker to warn against bullying Iran: commander People's Daily 16 Jan 2024 -- The Iranian Navy's Commander Shahram Irani said on Monday the force's recent seizure of an American oil tanker well cautioned the United States and its allies that they were not allowed to bully Iran in the region.
• EP Plenary: Speech by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell on EU-India relations European External Action Service (EEAS) 16 Jan 2024 -- Speech delivered by Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, on behalf of High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell
• Meeting of G7+ countries Republic of Poland 16 Jan 2024 -- On 15 January, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a meeting of directors of eastern departments and coordinators for sanctions of the G7+ countries.
• UN Assembly President outlines vision for 2024 UN News 16 Jan 2024 -- The President of the General Assembly on Tuesday laid out his priorities for the rest of his term, as the UN body of 193 Member States finds itself increasingly in the public spotlight over the Gaza crisis, and inaction on the divided Security Council.
• World News in Brief: Peacekeeper killed in CAR, Sudan war update, media clampdown in Kyrgyzstan UN News 16 Jan 2024 -- The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the killing of a Cameroonian peacekeeper on Monday who was serving with the Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).