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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• USCENTCOM Strikes Houthi Terrorist Missile Launchers CENTCOM 17 Jan 2024 -- In the context of ongoing multi-national efforts to protect freedom of navigation and prevent attacks on U.S. and partner maritime traffic in the Red Sea, on Jan. 17 at approximately 11:59 p.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Central Command forces conducted strikes on 14 Iran-backed Houthi missiles that were loaded to be fired in Houthi controlled areas in Yemen.
• Houthis attack U.S. owned and operated bulk carrier CENTCOM 17 Jan 2024 -- At approximately 8:30 pm (Sanaa time) Jan. 17, an assessed one-way attack UAS was launched from Houthi controlled areas in Yemen and struck M/V Genco Picardy in the Gulf of Aden. M/V Genco Picardy is a Marshall Islands flagged, U.S. owned and operated bulk carrier ship.
• Senior Administration Officials On Yemen US Dept. of State 17 Jan 2024
• U.S. strikes Houthi missile facility: media People's Daily 17 Jan 2024 -- The United States launched a new airstrike hitting a missile facility used by the Houthi militant group in Yemen, U.S. media reported Tuesday, citing an anonymous U.S. official.
• Two U.S. Navy SEALs missing in operation near Somalia: U.S. military People's Daily 17 Jan 2024 -- Two U.S. Navy SEALs were missing in a recent operation by the U.S. military near the coast of Somalia to seize what it said were Iranian weapon components being supplied to the Houthi militant group in Yemen, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said Tuesday.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds a Press Briefing DoD 17 Jan 2024
• DOD to Accelerate Investments in Defense Industrial Base With New Other Transaction Agreement Vehicle DoD 17 Jan 2024 -- The Department of Defense today announced the award of an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) to Advanced Technology International (ATI) to serve as the consortium manager for the Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC).
• New air defense system advances Corps' air dominance USMC News 17 Jan 2024 -- The Marine Corps is one step closer to defeating unmanned aircraft systems.
• Surface Combat Systems Training Command Highlights Warfighting Training at the Surface Navy Association's 36th National Symposium US Navy 17 Jan 2024 -- Surface Combat Systems Training Command (SCSTC) educated the Surface Force, Cuttermen, and industry partners on how they are molding Sailors into combat systems warfighters who are prepared to fight, to win, and to return home safely during the Surface Navy Association's (SNA) 36th National Symposium, Jan. 9 -11.
• Japan, Republic of Korea, U.S. Navies Partner in Trilateral Maritime Exercise US Navy 17 Jan 2024 -- U.S. Navy's Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1, led by its flagship, Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN), conducted a trilateral maritime exercise, demonstrating their commitment to bolstering regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific, Jan. 16.
• Navy Accepts Delivery of USNS Cody US Navy 17 Jan 2024 -- The U.S. Navy accepted delivery of the first Flight II Expeditionary Fast Transport vessel, USNS Cody (EPF 14), January 11.
• NATO Chiefs of Defence meet with NATO's Deputy Secretary General NATO 17 Jan 2024 -- Today, 17 January 2024, NATO's highest Military Authority, the Military Committee, meets in Chiefs of Defence format at NATO Headquarters in Brussels. The focus of the meeting is on strengthening NATO's deterrence and defence by maximising the executability of the new defence plans.
• NATO releases first ever quantum strategy NATO 17 Jan 2024 -- Quantum technologies are getting closer to revolutionizing the world of innovation and can be game-changers for security, including modern warfare.
• German Parliament Rejects Resolution Urging Supply of Taurus Missiles to Ukraine Sputnik 17 Jan 2024 -- The German parliament has rejected a resolution calling for the immediate supply of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, German media reported on Wednesday.
• Canada Assumes Command of Combined Maritime Forces' Combined Task Force 150 US Navy 17 Jan 2024 -- The Royal Canadian Navy assumed command of a multinational maritime task force during a change-of-command ceremony Jan. 17.
• Canada takes Command of Combined Task Force 150 Canada 17 Jan 2024 -- Today, Canada assumed command of Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150) from France at a ceremony held earlier today in Bahrain. Captain (Navy) Collin Matthews of the Royal Canadian Navy has assumed command of the multinational coalition tasked with conducting maritime security operations and capacity building in the Gulf of Oman and North Arabian Sea, until July 2024.
• France Turns to War Economy to Boost Military Production for Ukraine - Macron Sputnik 17 Jan 2024 -- French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday that Paris will finalize the work on a bilateral agreement on security guarantees for Kiev in the coming weeks and will announce its signing during his visit to Ukraine in February.
• Baghdad govt. has outlined plans for pullout of foreign forces, says Iraqi prime minister Press TV 17 Jan 2024 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani says the Baghdad government has outlined plans aimed at ending the presence of US-led foreign military forces in the Arab country.
• Security Agreement Between Iraq, Iran May Be Suspended - Iraqi Defense Minister Sputnik 17 Jan 2024 -- The security agreement between Iraq and Iran may be suspended, Iraqi Defense Minister in light of Tehran's attacks on the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, Iraqi Defense Minister Thabet al-Abbasi said on Wednesday.
• Pakistan's plan to buy Chinese FC-31 stealth fighter jets 'win-win cooperation' Global Times 17 Jan 2024 -- Pakistan recently announced a plan to procure FC-31 stealth fighter jets from China, a move experts said will not only significantly enhance the Pakistan Air Force's capabilities, but also open up the international market for the Chinese aircraft, marking a win-win cooperation.
• Norway allocates two billion Norwegian kroner to increase production capacity of ammunition Government of Norway 17 Jan 2024 -- The Norwegian government allocates two billion kroner to increase production capacity in the Norwegian defence industry, mainly for artillery ammunition. The government has already allocated approximately one billion NOK to increase the Norwegian capacity of ammunition production through co-financing of ASAP projects.
• Readout of Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Ms. Sasha Baker's Meeting With U.K. Ministry of Defence Director General Security Policy Mr. Paul Wyatt DoD 17 Jan 2024
• Digital defence transformation boosted by £150 million UK contract UK MOD 17 Jan 2024 -- Digital services across Defence will be transformed in a £150 million contract awarded to UK-based technology services provider, Computacenter.
• Iranian, Pakistani forces hold joint naval exercise in Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf Press TV 17 Jan 2024 -- Iranian and Pakistani military forces have staged a day-long joint naval training exercise in the Strait of Hormuz and the northern tip of the Persian Gulf as the two neighbors move to enhance cooperation and forge stronger relations.
• Iran's Army, IRGC to Hold Joint Air Defense Drills - Reports Sputnik 17 Jan 2024 -- Iran's regular army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) will conduct joint aerial drills, Iranian media reported on Wednesday.
• A look at the Defence news 8 - 14 January Netherlands Ministry of Defence 17 Jan 2024
• Norway to Allocate Over $190Mln to Boost Defense Industry Capacity Sputnik 17 Jan 2024 -- Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said on Wednesday that Norway would earmark over $190 million to boost the capacity of the country's defense industry after the Ukraine conflict had created a situation that required expansion of ammunition production.

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Jan. 17, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 17 January 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 17 Jan 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, January 17th, 2024, 20:40 Israel Defense Forces 17 Jan 2024
• PM Netanyahu at the Nevatim Air Base: "The war is continuing and it will continue until the end, until we achieve all of its goals." Israel - Prime Minister 17 Jan 2024
• Jan. 16: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 17 Jan 2024
• Israeli drone strikes kill 7 more Palestinians in West Bank Press TV 17 Jan 2024 -- Israel has killed 7 Palestinians in drone strikes on the occupied West Bank.
• Israel cuts off telecoms, Internet from Gaza ISNA 17 Jan 2024 -- The Gaza government media office confirmed that the Israeli occupation cut off all means of communication for the seventh time during its ongoing aggression against the Gaza Strip.
• Palestinian death toll in Gaza rises to 24,285: ministry People's Daily 17 Jan 2024 -- The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 24,285, the Gaza-based Health Ministry said on Tuesday.
• Gaza crisis: Back two-State solution urges UN chief, 'once and for all' UN News 17 Jan 2024 -- Unremitting conflict in Gaza has already sparked regional insecurity and is clear evidence that the international community needs to throw its weight behind a two-State solution in the Occupied Palestinian Territory to resolve the enduring crisis "once and for all", UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Wednesday.
• Gaza health system collapsing, as UN agencies renew ceasefire call UN News 17 Jan 2024 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) is continuing to do all it can to deliver critical medicines, supplies and fuel to Gaza hospitals, where the health system is collapsing, an agency official said on Wednesday.
• UN coordinator for Gaza visits Egypt to 'expedite all areas' of aid UN News 17 Jan 2024 -- The UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza visited Al-Arish, Egypt, on Wednesday in efforts to scale-up assistance to the enclave, where more than 100 days of war between Israel and Hamas militants have left most of the population in dire need of food, water, medicines and other basic items.
• WHO Official: Gaza's Health Care System Collapsing VOA 17 Jan 2024 -- A World Health Organization official who recently returned from the Gaza Strip said on Wednesday the health care system is rapidly deteriorating, and more staff, supplies and access are urgently needed.
• Medicine for Hostages, Palestinian Civilians Due to Reach Gaza After Agreement VOA 17 Jan 2024 -- Medicine for hostages held by Hamas militants in Gaza is to be delivered Wednesday under a deal brokered by France and Qatar.
• Iran warns Biden not to 'tie his destiny' to Netanyahu's fate Press TV 17 Jan 2024 -- Iran has warned US President Joe Biden not to "tie his destiny" to that of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is leading the regime's genocidal war on the Gaza Strip while enjoying Washington's all-out support.
• Qatar announces Israel-Hamas deal on medicine, aid into Gaza IRNA 17 Jan 2024 -- Qatar says the Israeli regime and the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas have reached an agreement on medicine and humanitarian aid into the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Hamas rules out two-state solution IRNA 17 Jan 2024 -- Senior Hamas official Khaled Mashal has categorically dismissed Western proposal for pursuing a two-state solution to end the long-run disputes between the Palestinian nation and the Israeli regime.
• Lebanon's resistance forces target Zionist positions in Shebaa Farms IRNA 17 Jan 2024 -- The Islamic resistance forces in Lebanon have launched a new attack on positions controlled by Zionist soldiers in the occupied Shebaa Farms in southern Lebanon.
• New Israeli airstrikes result in casualties in S. Lebanon: sources People's Daily 17 Jan 2024 -- Israeli drones and warplanes on Tuesday carried out about 30 airstrikes on the Wadi Saluki area in southern Lebanon, resulting in many casualties, Lebanese military sources told Xinhua.
• Terrorist Designation of the Houthis US Dept. of State 17 Jan 2024 -- The Department of State today is announcing the designation of Ansarallah, commonly referred to as the Houthis, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group, effective 30 days from today.
• US Redesignates Yemen's Houthis as Major Terror Group VOA 17 Jan 2024 -- The United States is cracking down on Yemen's Houthi rebels, redesignating them as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group following weeks of missile and drone attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
• Statement from National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on the Terrorist Designation of the Houthis The White House 17 Jan 2024
• US re-lists Yemen's Ansarullah as 'terrorist' group over Red Sea shipping attacks Press TV 17 Jan 2024 -- The United States says it put Yemen's Houthis back on a list of "terrorist" entities, accusing them of repeated attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea.
• Yemen's Houthis claim responsibility for missile attack on Greek-owned vessel in Red Sea People's Daily 17 Jan 2024 -- The Houthi group confirmed Tuesday that its naval forces struck freighter ZOGRAFIA in the Red Sea, claiming that the vessel insisted on heading for Israeli ports despite the group's warning.
• France opts out of US-led coalition against Yemen IRNA 17 Jan 2024 -- French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday that his country will not join a US-led coalition against Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah resistance movement which has taken retaliatory actions against the Zionist regime in the Red Sea for its bloody war on Gaza.
• France not to attack Yemeni targets: Macron ISNA 17 Jan 2024 -- "France has decided not to join the coalition that carried out preventive strikes against the positions of the Houthis on their territory because we want to avoid any escalation," Macron told a news conference aired by the Elysee Palace on X.
• Iran Leader: Yemen's blow to Zionist regime's lifeline is admirable ISNA 17 Jan 2024 -- In a meeting with a large number of Friday Prayer leaders from across the country in the Imam Khomeini Hussainiyah on Tuesday, Imam Khamenei described Yemen's blow to Zionist regime's lifeline as "admirable" and "fighting on the path of God."
• Yemen: Israel-bound Greek ship was targeted due to ignoring warnings ISNA 17 Jan 2024 -- This operation serves as evidence of the Yemeni Armed Forces' persistence top maintain the blockade against Israeli navigation in the Arabian and Red Seas despite last week's US-UK aggression aimed at deterring them.
• Shell halts all Red Sea shipments amid rising military tensions IRNA 17 Jan 2024 -- The British oil company Shell has indefinitely suspended all shipments through the Red Sea amid rising military tensions in the region.
• Keeping up its support for Gaza, Yemen announces 'accurate hit' against American ship Press TV 17 Jan 2024 -- Yemen's Armed Forces have announced striking an American ship in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, who have come under a genocidal Israeli war that enjoys full-on support on the part of the United States.
• Yemen's Houthis Attack Another US Ship in Gulf of Aden Sputnik 17 Jan 2024 -- The Houthi rebels in Yemen have attacked another ship of the United States in the Gulf of Aden after the beginning of the US and the United Kingdom's airstrikes against their positions, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said Wednesday.
• Houthis Consider Any US, UK Ship as Legitimate Target - Official Sputnik 17 Jan 2024 -- Yemen's rebel Ansar Allah movement, also known as the Houthis, considers any US or UK ship a legitimate target and will continue attacking them, Deputy Head of the Ansar Allah Media Authority, Nasr al-Din Amer, said on Wednesday.
• Iran to Join South Africa's Suit Against Israel as Third Party Sputnik 17 Jan 2024 -- Iran is preparing documents to participate as a third party in the process initiated by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Iranian Vice-President for Legal Affairs Mohammad Dehghan said on Wednesday.
• Hamas slams Germany for planning to give Israel tank shells Press TV 17 Jan 2024 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has condemned Germany's plan to give Israel tank ammunition.
• Germany considers delivery of tank ammunition to Israel amid Gaza genocidal war Press TV 17 Jan 2024 -- Germany's government is considering the delivery of tank ammunition to Israel amid genocidal war against Gaza, the German magazine Der Spiegel has reported, as Western governments keep on backing the Tel Aviv regime for its ongoing massacre.

Other Conflicts

• ASEAN chair Laos faces rising tensions in South China Sea Radio Free Asia 17 Jan 2024 -- Laos, a land-locked country, has taken over the rotating chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations with one of the major tasks in 2024 being to moderate the complex situation in the South China Sea.
• Philippines continues S.China Sea provocations Global Times 17 Jan 2024 -- Amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea, the Philippines persists in its provocative actions and maneuvers despite repeated warnings from China. Manila intends to forge a military agreement with Japan in early 2024, while simultaneously preparing a court action against China concerning alleged "destructive environmental activity" in the South China Sea. This legal action comes in the wake of the Philippine military chief's statement about developing islands in the South China Sea region to enhance their suitability for troops.
• Explainer: What is 'Jaish al-Adl' and what makes it a dreaded terrorist group? Press TV 17 Jan 2024
• China Calls on Iran, Pakistan to Exercise Restraint After Deadly Strikes Sputnik 17 Jan 2024 -- China calls on Iran and Pakistan to show restraint and desist from actions that could lead to escalation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Wednesday after Tehran's strikes on a terrorist group targets in Pakistan killed two children.
• Pakistan Suspends Diplomatic Ties With Iran to Protest Cross-Border Deadly Raid VOA 17 Jan 2024 -- Pakistan announced Wednesday it was recalling its ambassador to Iran and suspending all bilateral engagements with the country to protest an overnight "unprovoked" deadly cross-border airstrike by Iranian security forces.
• IRGC Strike on Pakistani Territory Damages Tehran-Islamabad Ties - Pakistani Ministry Sputnik 17 Jan 2024 -- Iran's recent missile strike on the Pakistani territory has seriously damaged bilateral ties between Islamabad and Tehran, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday, adding that Islamabad has a right to respond.
• Pakistan Informs Iran About Decision to Recall Its Ambassador - Foreign Ministry Sputnik 17 Jan 2024 -- Islamabad has informed the Iranian government about its decision to recall its ambassador in Tehran in light of the recent attacks on the Pakistani territory, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
• No Pakistani national target of Iran airstrikes: Amirabdollahian IRNA 17 Jan 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has said that no Pakistani national was the target of airstrikes by the Islamic Republic.
• Foreign Minister receives telephone call of the Foreign Minister of Iran Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 17 Jan 2024 -- Foreign Minister, Jalil Abbas Jilani, who is currently leading the Pakistan delegation to the Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement in Kampala, Uganda, received a telephone call from the Foreign Minister of Iran, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, today.
• Pakistan Recalls Ambassador After Iran's 'Unprovoked' Attack Kills Two Children RFE/RL 17 Jan 2024 -- Pakistan has recalled its ambassador from Iran in response to strikes by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) that killed two children in the southwestern Balochistan Province.
• Iran considers Pakistan security as its security: FM Amirabdollahian IRNA 17 Jan 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian in a telephone conversation with his Pakistani counterpart Jalil Abbas Jilani has described Pakistan's security as Iran's security.
• Iran views Pakistan's security as that of its own: Amir-Abdollahian tells Jilani Press TV 17 Jan 2024 -- Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian tells his Pakistani counterpart that Iranian attacks on terrorists based in Pakistan's territory were meant to remove security threats to both nations, reiterating Iran's respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its eastern neighbor.
• Amirabdollahian hails Iran-Pakistan ties as deep, historical IRNA 17 Jan 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has described relations between Iran and Pakistan as deep and historical, highlighting Tehran's readiness to expand its ties with Islamabad as much as possible.
• IRGC Ground Force fights off Jaish al-Adl-affiliated terror team, kills one terrorist Press TV 17 Jan 2024 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Ground Force has managed to fight off a team of militants affiliated with the Pakistan-based so-called Jaish al-Adl terrorist group in the country's southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan close to the border with Pakistan.
• Iran border guards destroy terrorist group in southeast borderline IRNA 17 Jan 2024 -- An Iranian commander has announced that border guards have succeeded in dismantling a terrorist group, who had been trying to enter the country through southeastern borderline.
• Terrorist killed in clashes with IRGC forces in southeastern Iran IRNA 17 Jan 2024 -- Ground Force of the Quds base of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) of Sistan and Baluchestan province, in southeastern Iran, has announced that a terrorist agent was killed in the armed clashes with IRGC forces in the province.
• IRGC colonel assassinated in terrorist attack in Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan Press TV 17 Jan 2024 -- A colonel of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has been killed after a group of assailants opened fire on his car in the country's southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan near the frontier with Pakistan.
• Iran attack didn't target Pakistani nationals, but Iranian terrorists: FM Amir-Abdollahian Press TV 17 Jan 2024 -- Iran's foreign minister says the country's Tuesday missile attack on areas in Pakistan adjacent to Iranian borders was directed at the so-called Jaish al-Adl terrorist group and no Pakistani national was targeted.
• Iran's Strikes Into Pakistan 'Sent Strong Message' to US, Israel and Their Terror Proxies Sputnik 17 Jan 2024 -- The IRGC bombarded bases belonging to the Jaish ul-Adl terrorist militia group in a remote area of Pakistan on Tuesday, with the strikes coming less than 24 hours after separate Iranian attacks on jihadist and Mossad targets in Syria and Iraq. Sputnik asked veteran political analyst Mohammad Marandi about the Pakistan strikes' implications.
• Positions of Pakistan-based Jaish al-Adl terror group struck by missiles, drones Press TV 17 Jan 2024 -- Two major strongholds of the so-called Jaish al-Adl terrorist group in Pakistan's southwestern province of Balochistan have been precisely struck and completely wiped out by a salvo of missiles as well as a squadron of combat drones.
• Iran Targets Terror Outfit Jaish Al-Adl Inside Pakistan VOA 17 Jan 2024 -- Iran launched missiles and drones Tuesday into Pakistan's Balochistan province, officially stated to be aimed at the Sunni separatist group Jaish al-Adl, or Army of Justice.
• Pakistan's Strong Condemnation of the Unprovoked Violation of its Air Space Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 17 Jan 2024 -- Pakistan strongly condemns the unprovoked violation of its airspace by Iran and the strike inside Pakistani territory which resulted in death of two innocent children while injuring three girls. This violation of Pakistan's sovereignty is completely unacceptable and can have serious consequences.
• In letter to UN, Iran defends anti-terror operations against Takfiri, Israel-linked targets Press TV 17 Jan 2024 -- Iran's UN envoy has defended the country's recent anti-terror operations targeting the facilities belonging to Takfiri terrorists in Syria and Israel-linked anti-Iranian terror groups in Iraq.
• Iran has no limit in defending its security: Defense minister IRNA 17 Jan 2024 -- Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammadreza Ashtiani says that Iran respects the territorial integrity of other countries but insists that it has no limits in defending its security.
• Iran defends anti-terror operations against ISIS, Mossad targets ISNA 17 Jan 2024 -- Iran's UN envoy has defended the country's recent anti-terror operations targeting the facilities belonging to Takfiri terrorists in Syria and Mossad bases in northern Iraq.
• Iranian forces see no limits in defending national interests, citizens: Defense minister Press TV 17 Jan 2024 -- Iran's defense minister says the country's Armed Forces know no bounds in safeguarding the national interests and protecting the nation after the country carried out missile operations against the bases of anti-Iran terrorists and facilities run by the Israeli Mossad spy agency in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region and Syria.
• Key Mossad agent killed in IRGC missile attack in Iraq's Erbil Press TV 17 Jan 2024 -- A key Israeli intelligence officer has been killed in a Monday missile attack by Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) on a building in Erbil in Iraq's Kurdistan region, Press TV has learned.
• Human shields and airstrikes used in junta raids on Myanmar jade mining town Radio Free Asia 17 Jan 2024 -- Junta troops abducted around 20 civilians to use as human shields from a village in northern Myanmar's Kachin state and are heavily bombarding the area as part of raids that have forced some 20,000 people to flee their homes since last week, residents said Wednesday.
• Days after ceasefire, northern Myanmar sees more battles Radio Free Asia 17 Jan 2024 -- Fighting erupted between the junta and allied ethnic groups in northern Myanmar just days after the two sides agreed a ceasefire, according to a statement released Wednesday by the Three Brotherhood Alliance.
• Bosnian Serb Leader's Trial Postponed For Third Time RFE/RL 17 Jan 2024 -- The trial of Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik, who is accused of defying the rulings of an international peace envoy, was postponed for a third time on January 17 after a decision by the judge to hear a co-defendant's case separately.
• Kosovar Serbs Launch Petition To Dismiss Local Ethnic Albanian Mayors RFE/RL 17 Jan 2024 -- Ethnic Serbs in northern Kosovo have begun signing a petition to dismiss Albanian mayors in two of the four Serb-majority cities who were elected in snap polls last year amid a boycott of the vote by local Serbs.
• UN agency urges 'all possible support' for Sudanese civilians UN News 17 Jan 2024 -- The head of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Wednesday appealed for the international community to provide an urgent boost in funding and commitment to address Sudan's escalating humanitarian crisis, now entering its tenth month.
• UN presence in Sudan 'in a precarious situation', says IOM country chief UN News 17 Jan 2024 -- The fierce fighting between the Sudanese army and rebel RSF forces risks reaching the UN bases in the east of the country, warns the head of IOM, the UN migration agency in the country, sharing his frustration at being unable to reach the millions of civilians in desperate need of humanitarian assistance.
• Africa's Humanitarian Crises Underreported Amid Conflicts in Europe, Middle East VOA 17 Jan 2024 -- In a new report, Care International says events in Africa are being underreported in the media as global attention shifts to conflicts in Europe and the Middle East.

News Reports

• Respiratory viruses rising in Europe: WHO official People's Daily 17 Jan 2024 -- A leading World Health Organization (WHO) official on Tuesday called for vigilance in the face of rising cases of respiratory diseases in Europe.
• Bangladesh to administer 250 mln COVID-19 vaccine shots in 2 years People's Daily 17 Jan 2024 -- The Bangladeshi government has planned to administer 250 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine by next year, a senior official said here Tuesday.
• China adopts increased measures to prevent holiday season epidemic outbreaks People's Daily 17 Jan 2024 -- Chinese epidemic control agencies will introduce more measures to prevent epidemic outbreaks during the upcoming Spring Festival holiday, a senior health official said Tuesday.
• Cyber: EU holds informal meetings of Cyber Ambassadors and Commanders European External Action Service (EEAS) 17 Jan 2024 -- On 17 January, the EU Informal Meetings of Cyber Ambassadors and Cyber Commanders took place at the Egmont Palace, Brussels, during the Belgian Presidency of the EU, co-organised with the European External Action Service.
• Excerpts from the briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, January 17, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 17 Jan 2024
• Meeting with Government members President of Russia 17 Jan 2024 -- Vladimir Putin held a videoconference meeting with Government members.
• On Third Anniversary Of Arrest, Navalny Says Putin's Power Structure 'Built On Lies' RFE/RL 17 Jan 2024 -- Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny, marking the third anniversary of his incarceration on charges widely believed to be politically motivated, said the model of power created by President Vladimir Putin in Russia "is inviable because it is built on lies."
• Russia: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the latest developments in case of Alexei Navalny and other political prisoners EC/CEU 17 Jan 2024 -- Today marks three years since Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny returned to Russia.
• UK statement on third anniversary of the arrest of Alexei Navalny UK FCDO 17 Jan 2024 -- The UK has issued a statement on the third anniversary of the arrest of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
• Police Violently Disperse Thousands Protesting Russian Bashkir Activist's Jailing RFE/RL 17 Jan 2024 -- Thousands of demonstrators have been violently dispersed by police in the town of Baimak in Russia's Bashkortostan region as they protested against the sentencing of noted activist Fail Alsynov to four years in prison on a charge of inciting hatred, which he and his supporters reject.
• Toilet Wars: Kremlin Steps Up Claims Of Defending 'Traditional Values' Amid Rising Social Tensions RFE/RL 17 Jan 2024 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin digressed during a meeting with municipal officials from around the country on January 16 to comment on bathrooms in foreign countries.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on January 17, 2024 PRC MofA 17 Jan 2024
• US Lawmakers Push for Limits on American Investment in China Tech VOA 17 Jan 2024 -- U.S. lawmakers renewed calls Wednesday to pass bipartisan legislation that would restrict American investment in Chinese technology.
• China, Nauru won't set any limit on cooperation area: FM Global Times 17 Jan 2024 -- China and Nauru will not set any restrictions on cooperation areas, and the specific cooperation will be discussed and determined by both sides, said a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Wednesday when asked if the two countries will have security and police cooperation after resuming diplomatic ties. The spokesperson emphasized that the two countries will have cooperation in various fields based on equality, mutual respect, win-win, openness and inclusiveness.
• China's Charm Offensive in Davos to Woo Investors Falls Short, Analysts Say VOA 17 Jan 2024 -- China brought a large delegation to this year's World Economic Forum in Davos to try to convince the world that the globe's second-largest economy is still open for business and a reliable place to invest. But analysts say Premier Li Qiang's speech on Tuesday was short on specifics that might have reassured investors.
• Chinese market 'is not a risk, but an opportunity': Foreign Ministry Global Times 17 Jan 2024 -- Choosing to operate in the Chinese market is not a risk, but an opportunity, said China's Foreign Ministry. China will only open its door wider to the outside world, a ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday, in response to the ongoing World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2024, where some voices emerged urging for "de-risking" in economic and trade activities, while other voices calling for cooperation.
• Housing market shows further stabilization, has foundation for longer term Global Times 17 Jan 2024 -- China's real estate market has witnessed some positive signs of stabilization, and its long-term healthy development has a relatively good foundation, Kang Yi, head of the National Bureau of Statistics, told a press conference on Wednesday.
• China's population falls and economy sputters Radio Free Asia 17 Jan 2024 -- China's population fell by 2 million people last year, fueled by long-term decline in birth rates and a wave of deaths from COVID-19, as the country reported slower-than-expected economic growth in the fourth quarter despite government claims of a post-lockdown recovery.
• China resolutely objects to Canada's clampdown on researchers with ties to China citing unfounded national security risks as pretext Global Times 17 Jan 2024 -- China expresses strong dissatisfaction and resolute objection against Canada and has lodged a solemn representation with the Canadian side who has politicized regular scientific and technological exchanges and cooperation, undermining the openness, trust and collaboration in the scientific and technological sectors between the two countries under the pretext of baseless national security risks, Chinese Embassy in Canada said on Tuesday in response to Canada's clampdown on researchers with ties to China.
• Full text: Speech by Chinese premier Li Qiang at the opening ceremony of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2024 People's Daily 17 Jan 2024 -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday delivered a special address here at the opening ceremony of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2024.
• Chinese premier says China always be staunch supporter of multilateralism People's Daily 17 Jan 2024 -- China neither walks away from agreements or pulls out of organizations, nor does it ask other countries to pick sides, and it has always been a staunch supporter of multilateralism, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here Tuesday at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2024.
• Premier Li Qiang calls on EU to address bilateral economic and trade issues fairly Global Times 17 Jan 2024 -- China hopes that the EU could uphold fair and justice in addressing the China-EU economic and trade issues to further promote business relations, said Chinese Premier Li Qiang when meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday during the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2024, the Xinhua News Agency reported.
• President sets key targets for financial sector People's Daily 17 Jan 2024 -- President Xi Jinping set forth key targets on Tuesday for the nation's financial sector to follow a path of development with Chinese characteristics, stressing the need for the sector to better prevent and defuse risks and bolster institutional opening-up.
• China achieves 5.2% GDP growth in 2023, successfully meeting yearly target Global Times 17 Jan 2024 -- China on Wednesday posted a robust GDP growth of 5.2 percent for 2023, successfully beating the government's pre-set yearly target of around 5 percent. This highlighted the strong internal dynamics of the world's second-largest economy and its significant potential for continuous expansion, even amid a turbulent international macroeconomic environment, continuing to drive global resurgence.
• Chinese yuan outpaces US dollar to become most traded foreign currency in Russia Global Times 17 Jan 2024 -- The Chinese yuan outpaced the US dollar to become the most traded foreign currency on Russia's Moscow Exchange in 2023, with the yuan trading volume accounting for almost 42 percent of all foreign currency traded on the exchange, according to media reports.
• China's population decreases by 2.08 million in 2023 to 1.40967 billion Global Times 17 Jan 2024 -- China's population decreased by 2.08 million people in 2023 to 1.40967 billion, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data showed on Wednesday. In 2023, 9.02 million babies were born, resulting in a birth rate of 6.39 per thousand people. Meanwhile, 11.1 million people died in 2023, equal to a death rate of 7.87 per thousand people, the data showed.
• Palau pledges support for Taiwan after Nauru breaks ties CNA 17 Jan 2024 -- Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr. congratulated President-elect Lai Ching-te(賴清德) on his Jan. 13 election victory during a phone call on Wednesday, saying bilateral ties between Palau and Taiwan remained robust.
• Mainland to unswervingly advance reunification, oppose secessionism and uphold peace: Taiwan Affairs Office Global Times 17 Jan 2024 -- In 2024, the Chinese mainland will adhere to the principles of "peaceful reunification and One Country, Two Systems," continue to oppose Taiwan secession and external interference, continue to promote cross-Straits exchanges, cooperation and integrated development, and unswervingly advance reunification of the motherland, a mainland Taiwan affairs spokesperson said on Wednesday.
• China will unswervingly advance national reunification: spokesperson People's Daily 17 Jan 2024 -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday reiterated determination to unswervingly advance national reunification in response to a media query on the recently concluded Taiwan leadership and legislature elections.
• The delicate dance: Taiwan's new path with China amid economic strains Radio Free Asia 17 Jan 2024 -- When choosing the independent-leading incumbent vice-president as their new leader, the Taiwanese people not only affirmed their commitment to their current political discourse but also voiced a strong desire for improved economic ties with the Chinese mainland.
• 'No honeymoon period' for Taiwan's new leader Radio Free Asia 17 Jan 2024 -- Lai Ching-te's victory in Taiwan's presidential election with just 40.1% of the total vote represents a "clear mandate" for the incoming leader but sends a message that his government must get moving swiftly on pressing social issues, a spokesman for Lai said on Wednesday.
• After Taiwan election, Beijing vows to step up influence ops Radio Free Asia 17 Jan 2024 -- Since Taiwanese voters elected Beijing's least favorite candidate Lai Ching-te as their next president, China is responding with growing pressure towards what it terms "peaceful unification," in a bid to bring the island under its control through propaganda, threats and infiltration rather than armed invasion, analysts told Radio Free Asia.
• Myanmar junta reaffirms support for China's Taiwan policy after elections Radio Free Asia 17 Jan 2024 -- Myanmar's junta has reaffirmed its support for China's claims over Taiwan following the democratic island's general election over the weekend, in what observers say is a bid to curry favor with Beijing as it seeks international backing.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Jan. 17, 2024 ROC MND 17 Jan 2024
• China's Nationalists Urge War to Reintegrate Taiwan After Presidential Election VOA 17 Jan 2024 -- The record third win for Taiwan's most independence-leaning party in Saturday's presidential election has sparked calls for war from Chinese nationalists who are losing patience, despite more than 70 years of status quo, and want to see the island forcefully reunified with the mainland.
• State security organs intensify efforts to combat subversion, espionage related to China's Taiwan island Global Times 17 Jan 2024 -- China's state security organs continue to intensify efforts to combat subversion, espionage, and separatist activities related to China's Taiwan island, and will based on the rule of law, prevent, stop, and punish the infiltration, sabotage activities of hostile forces, China's Ministry of State Security said in an article published on Wednesday.
• China firmly opposes U.S. passing of Taiwan-related act: FM spokesperson People's Daily 17 Jan 2024 -- China strongly deplores and firmly opposes the United States passing the so-called Taiwan-related act, and has made serious representations to the U.S. side, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday.
• DPRK Foreign Minister Meets Russian President KCNA 17 Jan 2024 -- Choe Son Hui, foreign minister of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea who is leading the DPRK government delegation on an official visit to the Russian Federation, paid a courtesy call on Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, president of the Russian Federation, on Tuesday.
• Talks Held between Foreign Ministers of DPRK and Russian Federation KCNA 17 Jan 2024 -- Talks were held between Choe Son Hui, foreign minister of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea who is heading the DPRK government delegation on an official visit to the Russian Federation, and Sergei Lavrov, foreign minister of the Russian Federation, on Tuesday.
• N Korean FM meets Putin in Moscow, praises 'comradely' bilateral ties Press TV 17 Jan 2024 -- North Korean Foreign Minister has lauded the "comradely" ties with Russia during talks with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow as they discussed deepening bilateral ties.
• Russia, N Korea further beef up ties amid arms trade allegations Radio Free Asia 17 Jan 2024 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has met North Korea's Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui in Moscow, and vowed to "closely collaborate and coordinate their efforts to jointly ensure peace and stability both regionally and globally," marking the latest efforts between two countries to bolster their bilateral relations.
• Noble Ideal of Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un KCNA 17 Jan 2024 -- One day in May Juche 106 (2017), the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un met officials and told them that the people-first principle is his political idea and his politics are for making the people well-off from A to Z, adding that all his thinking and activities are focused on promoting the well-being of the Korean people.
• Rodong Sinmun on Policy Speech of Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un KCNA 17 Jan 2024 -- The respected General Secretary Kim Jong Un made a 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 at the important time when all the people started their advance with soaring courage and spirit in the new year 2024 that will provide a sure practical guarantee for implementing the Five-Year Plan unveiled at the 8th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea.
• North Korea boosts salaries, introduces cash cards for more currency control Radio Free Asia 17 Jan 2024 -- North Korea is raising workers' salaries and paying them with cash cards to discourage them from frequenting local markets, residents in the country told Radio Free Asia.
• Foreign Secretary's meeting with the Foreign Minister of Iran, January 2024 UK FCDO 17 Jan 2024 -- Foreign Secretary David Cameron met Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian at the World Economic Forum in Davos on 17 January.
• Statement from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs on the summoning of the Iranian chargé d'affaires Government Offices of Sweden 17 Jan 2024 -- The Ministry for Foreign Affairs today summoned Iran's chargé d'affaires in Sweden. Sweden's demands for the immediate release of the Swedish citizens arbitrarily detained in Iran, consular access to detained citizens and respect for international commitments on consular matters were stressed at the meeting.
• FM says Iran backs security of navigation, shipping IRNA 17 Jan 2024 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has said that his country backs the security of navigation and shipping in regional and international waters, and will continue efforts aimed at ensuring security in the West Asia region.
• Europe exploiting IAEA reports to rail against Iran's nuclear program: Nuclear chief IRNA 17 Jan 2024 -- Iran's nuclear chief says European powers consistently take advantage of the International Atomic Energy Agency's reports about Iran's nuclear activities without acknowledging their own failure to honor a 2015 international nuclear deal with the country, known as the JCPOA.
• Iran's Supreme Court Denies Retrial For Four Kurds Facing Death Sentences RFE/RL 17 Jan 2024 -- Iran's Supreme Court has rejected a request for a retrial for four Kurdish political prisoners facing death sentences after being convicted of cooperating with Israel, charges they denied, lawyer Masud Shamsnejad said.
• Foreign Secretary's meeting with the President of Argentina, January 2024 UK FCDO 17 Jan 2024 -- Foreign Secretary David Cameron and Argentine President Javier Milei met for the first time at the World Economic Forum in Davos on 17 January.
• Press conference - Adelaide Prime Minister of Australia 17 Jan 2024
• Ecuador's Forces Detained Over 1,750 People Since January 9 Amid Unrest Sputnik 17 Jan 2024 -- The Ecuadorian police and army have detained more than 1,750 people from January 9-16, including 158 suspected of terrorism, amid a wave of gang violence that swept the South American country last week, the office of Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa said Tuesday.
• Gitanas Nausėda in Davos: The Three Seas Initiative is changing the direction in which Europe moves President of the Republic of Lithuania 17 Jan 2024 -- On Wednesday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, President Gitanas Nausėda stressed the importance of the Three Seas Initiative not only in strengthening transatlantic ties, but also in changing the direction in which Europe moves.
• Renewable energy surge: Southeast Asia's wind, solar power grow by 20% in a year Radio Free Asia 17 Jan 2024 -- Operating solar and wind capacity in Southeast Asia grew in 2023 by a fifth, reaching over 28 gigawatts (GW), accounting for 9% of the total electricity generation capacity, a new report by Global Energy Monitor said.
• Climate change in South China Sea will have global weather impact: experts Radio Free Asia 17 Jan 2024 -- The impact of climate change in the South China Sea and its surrounding areas on the local and global weather system could be "profound," new scientific research has found.
• Laos governor: $4.2 million for dam collapse survivors has gone missing Radio Free Asia 17 Jan 2024 -- As much as US$4.2 million allocated for survivors of a dam collapse in southern Laos has been misappropriated, the governor of Attapeu province has told the State Inspection Authority, provincial officials told Radio Free Asia.
• Rights Groups Urge Kyrgyzstan To Stop Crackdown On Independent Media RFE/RL 17 Jan 2024 -- Eight international human rights groups have called on the Kyrgyz government to stop its crackdown on independent media after 11 journalists were detained in a move the watchdogs said was aimed at "intimidating and harassing" journalists to keep them from carrying out their work.
• Designation of Alejandro Eduardo Giammattei Falla for Involvement in Significant Corruption US Dept. of State 17 Jan 2024 -- The State Department is designating Alejandro Eduardo Giammattei Falla, former president of Guatemala, as generally ineligible for entry into the United States due to his involvement in significant corruption.
• Imposing Sanctions on Former Guatemalan Official for Corruption US Dept. of State 17 Jan 2024 -- The United States is imposing financial sanctions on Alberto Pimentel Mata, Guatemala's former Minister of Energy and Mining, for his role in corruption.
• Treasury Sanctions Former Guatemalan Official for Engaging in Mining-related Corruption US Treasury 17 Jan 2024 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Alberto Pimentel Mata(Pimentel) for his role in exploiting the Guatemalan mining sector through widespread bribery schemes, including schemes related to government contracts and mining licenses. Pimentel is being designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13818, which builds upon and implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuse and corruption around the world. Today's action follows the Department of State's October 2023 announcement of visa restriction on Pimentel and other individuals for their involvement in significant corruption.
• World News in Brief: Rights chief calls for calm in Comoros, DR Congo update, northern Ethiopia beset by 'multiple crises' UN News 17 Jan 2024 -- The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has appealed for restraint in the wake of protests and heightened tensions following Sunday's presidential elections in the Comoros.
• Secretary-General's Special Address to the World Economic Forum UN Secretary-General 17 Jan 2024