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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• USCENTCOM Destroys Three Houthi Terrorists' Anti-Ship Missiles CENTCOM 19 Jan 2024 -- As part of ongoing efforts to protect freedom of navigation and prevent attacks on maritime vessels, U.S. Navy ships are present in the Red Sea. On Jan. 19 at approximately 6:45 p.m. (Sanaa / Yemen time), U.S. Central Command forces conducted strikes against three Houthi anti-ship missiles that were aimed into the Southern Red Sea and were prepared to launch. U.S. forces identified the missiles in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and determined that they presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and the U.S. Navy ships in the region. U.S. forces subsequently struck and destroyed the missiles in self-defense. This action will make international waters safe and secure for U.S. Navy vessels and merchant vessels.
• US Takes Out Additional Houthi Missiles to Avert Attacks VOA 19 Jan 2024 -- The U.S. military pounded Houthi missile launchers in Yemen for the sixth time in the past seven days on Friday, with the White House defending the action as necessary to protect merchant ships and U.S. Navy vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
• US Forces Conduct New Strikes on Houthi Missile Launchers in Yemen Sputnik 19 Jan 2024 -- The US military conducted new strikes against Houthi missile launchers in Yemen on Friday morning in response to attacks against commercial vessels in the southern Red Sea, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said.
• US Drone Crashes Near Iraqi Balad Airbase, Recovered by Iraqi Security Forces Sputnik 19 Jan 2024 -- A US drone crashed near Iraqi Balad airbase, the Iraq Security Forces have recovered it, a US Defense Department official told Sputnik.
• Resistance group launches drone strike against US base in northern Iraq Press TV 19 Jan 2024 -- An unmanned aerial vehicle has targeted a major base in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, where US military forces and trainers are stationed, amid simmering anti-US sentiment over Washington's unqualified support for the relentless Israeli air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip.
• Iraq's Islamic Resistance claims downing US Reaper drone Press TV 19 Jan 2024 -- Iraq's Islamic Resistance has claimed responsibility for shooting down a much-vaunted American drone, which had violated the Arab country's skies from the direction of the west.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Meeting With Swedish Minister of Defence Pål Jonson DoD 19 Jan 2024
• Department of Defense Hosts Arctic Senior Leader Dialogue DoD 19 Jan 2024 -- On January 18, the Department of Defense (DOD) hosted the Arctic Senior Leader Dialogue (ASLD), co-hosted by U.S. Northern Command and DOD's new Office of Arctic and Global Resilience.
• DOD Connects With Microelectronics Commons Hubs to Accelerate Prototyping of Advanced Microchips DoD 19 Jan 2024 -- Representatives from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research & Engineering, Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) — Crane Division, and National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) will embark on a three-week tour across the nation, Jan. 22 to Feb. 9.
• 5th ANGLICO Turns 20 This Year, Continues to Innovate for the Future USMC News 19 Jan 2024 -- III Marine Expeditionary Force's liaison element will soon celebrate the 20th anniversary of its activation on Oct. 1, 2024.
• AFGSC selected for $18M research allocation US Air Force 19 Jan 2024 -- Air Force Global Strike Command is the first major command selected for a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Specific Topic under AFWERX with four approved solicitations and two pending applications.
• West Must Be Prepared For War With Russia, NATO Official Warns Ahead Of Major Military Drills RFE/RL 19 Jan 2024 -- NATO has warned that the West should step up preparations for the unexpected,including a war with Russia, as Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine is nearing the two-year mark amid worries over possible political fatigue among some of Kyiv's Western allies.
• NATO commander: War with Russia a possibility in 5 to 8 years Press TV 19 Jan 2024 -- A senior NATO commander says Europe's armed forces and civilians alike need to prepare for a potential future war with Russia.
• Former NATO Chief Warns Against 'Axis of Autocracies' VOA 19 Jan 2024 -- Anders Fogh Rasmussen served as secretary general of NATO from 2009 to 2014, after nearly eight years as the prime minister of Denmark. Rasmussen sat down with VOA's Natalie Liu during a visit to Washington this week to make the case for continued strong support for Ukraine, while urging the free world to counter the advances of autocracies "led by China, joined by Russia, Iran and North Korea."
• NATO to conduct largest military drills in decades People's Daily 19 Jan 2024 -- The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is set to hold its largest exercise in decades, with approximately 90,000 forces slated to participate, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe Christopher Cavoli said on Thursday.
• Taiwan drops one spot to rank 24th in global military power index CNA 19 Jan 2024 -- Taiwan is ranked as having the 24th most powerful military in the world in 2024, a drop of one spot from last year, according to an annual survey published by Global Firepower (GFP), a website that keeps track of global defense information.
• North Korea tests underwater nuclear-capable drone after US-led joint drills Press TV 19 Jan 2024 -- North Korea has carried out a test of its underwater nuclear weaponry system in a demonstration against the joint military exercises conducted this week by the US, South Korea, and Japan, which "seriously" threatened the "security" of Pyongyang.
• Pyongyang's Poseidon? North Korea Unveils New 'Tsunami' Underwater Nuclear Weapon Sputnik 19 Jan 2024 -- Apparently nonplussed by the recent joint naval drills held by the US, Japan and South Korea near the Jeju Island, North Korea has responded by touting its latest advancement in the field of nuclear weaponry.
• North Korea Tests Underwater Nuclear Weapon System After South Korea, US & Japan Drills - Reports Sputnik 19 Jan 2024 -- North Korea has tested an underwater nuclear weapon system in response to joint military drills by South Korea, the United States and Japan, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported citing a statement by a spokesman for North Korea's Defense Ministry.
• Spokesman for Ministry of National Defence of DPRK Issues Press Statement KCNA 19 Jan 2024 -- In response to it, the Underwater Weapon System Institute under the DPRK Academy of Defence Science conducted an important test of its underwater nuclear weapon system "Haeil-5-23" under development in the East Sea of Korea.
• Iran Showcases Capabilities, Limits With Missile Strikes RFE/RL 19 Jan 2024 -- Iran has showcased its advancing missile and drone capabilities in a demonstration of the lengths it can take to strike perceived threats. But in targeting extremist groups and an alleged spy base in neighboring countries, Tehran also showed there are limits to how far it is willing to go for now.
• Khordad-3 air defense system destroys targets in joint drills IRNA 19 Jan 2024 -- The Khordad-3 air defense system has successfully smashed medium-altitude targets in the specialized joint air defense exercise codenamed Defenders of Velayat Skies 1402.
• Khordad 15 missile system smashes targets in Iran Army-IRGC drills IRNA 19 Jan 2024 -- The Khordad 15 missile system has demolished medium-altitude targets in the specialized joint air defense exercise codenamed Defenders of Velayat Skies 1402.
• Iran Navy enjoys active presence in international waters: Top Cmdr. IRNA 19 Jan 2024 -- Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani says despite the plots of the enemies, today the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy is active in the international and oceanic scenes.
• Iran dispatches new combat flotilla to international waters Press TV 19 Jan 2024 -- Iran's Navy has dispatched a new combat and training flotilla to the high seas on a multipronged mission.
• Day 2: Iranian forces drill fighting electronic, cyber attacks Press TV 19 Jan 2024 -- Iranian Armed Forces have successfully drilled operations against electronic and cyber attacks on air defense systems on the second day of specialized joint air defense exercises.
• "Nations that are not independent in the area of defense cannot look to their future with confidence" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 19 Jan 2024 -- Speaking at a naval platforms delivery ceremony in Yalova, President Erdoğan said: "Today, nations that are not strong and independent in the area of defense cannot look to their future with confidence."
• Export of ammunition intended for civilian use to become subject to authorisation Finnish Government 19 Jan 2024 -- The Ministry of the Interior has set up a legislative project to prepare provisions on permit requirements for the export of ammunition. The aim is to prevent especially the export of cartridge components to Russia in line with the EU's sanctions decision.
• In Davos, Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis meets with the executives of the producer of the HIMARS and other weapons Lithuania MFA 19 Jan 2024 -- On 18 January, the Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis met with executives of the US company Lockheed Martin.
• The President: We need to facilitate the development of Lithuania's defense and security industry President of the Republic of Lithuania 19 Jan 2024 -- On Friday morning, President Gitanas Nausėda met with Thierry Breton, the European Commissioner for Internal Market, who is visiting Lithuania.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Mexican Foreign Secretary Alicia Bárcena before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 19 Jan 2024
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby The White House 19 Jan 2024

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Jan. 19, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 19 January 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 19 Jan 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Israel Called Off Preemptive Strike on Hezbollah Early in War VOA 19 Jan 2024 -- Israel was set to launch a preemptive strike against Lebanon's Hezbollah militia early in its war against Hamas, but the strike was called off at the last minute
• Jan. 18: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 19 Jan 2024
• Dozens of civilians killed, wounded in Israel's latest strikes on Gaza Press TV 19 Jan 2024 -- Dozens of Palestinian civilians, including women and children, have been killed and many others wounded in a fresh round of Israeli strikes against the Gaza Strip as the occupying regime's genocidal war on the besieged territory lingers on for the 105th day.
• Gaza crisis: Babies being born 'into hell' amid desperate aid shortages UN News 19 Jan 2024 -- Babies are being "delivered into hell" in Gaza with many others likely dying as a result of conflict with Israel and increasingly dire conditions in the enclave, UN humanitarians warned on Friday.
• Two mothers killed each hour in Gaza conflict: UN Women UN News 19 Jan 2024 -- Women and children account for roughly 70 per cent of people killed in the war in Gaza, with two mothers killed every hour since hostilities erupted more than 100 days ago, according to a UN Women report published on Friday.
• Carnage in Gaza: 'How much is enough?' asks UN Assembly President UN News 19 Jan 2024 -- The President of the UN General Assembly on Friday reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages as the "only credible course of action" to address the conflict.
• UNRWA Situation Report #66 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem (All information from 16-17 January 2024, is valid as of 17 January 2024 at 22:30) UNRWA 19 Jan 2024
• UN Accuses Israel of Detaining, Mistreating Thousands of Palestinians VOA 19 Jan 2024 -- The U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on Friday accused Israel of detaining thousands of Palestinians in secret locations in Gaza and the West Bank and subjecting them to mistreatment that could amount to torture.
• Israeli forces likely detained 1000s of Gazans during ongoing war: UN Press TV 19 Jan 2024 -- Amid an ongoing genocidal war by the Israeli regime against the Gaza Strip, the United Nations says the regime's forces likely detained thousands of Gazans during the onslaught, subjecting them to torture and humiliation.
• Biden Downplays Disagreement With Netanyahu on Palestinian Statehood VOA 19 Jan 2024 -- Hours after getting off his phone call with Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. President Joe Biden downplayed his disagreement with the Israeli prime minister over a future Palestinian state as a political goal in postwar Gaza.
• Readout of President Joe Biden's Call with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel The White House 19 Jan 2024
• Mexico, Chile refer Israel to ICC over crimes in war on Gaza Press TV 19 Jan 2024 -- Mexico and Chile have asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, citing the "escalation of violence against civilian targets".
• Israeli regime's president hit with war criminal charges in Switzerland Press TV 19 Jan 2024 -- The Israeli regime's president has been targeted by Swiss prosecutors over the Zionist forces' genocidal war on the defenseless Palestinians trapped in the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Press release on Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov's meeting with a delegation of Hamas Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 19 Jan 2024
• Yemen army targets US ship in Gulf of Aden IRNA 19 Jan 2024 -- The spokesman for the Armed Forces of Yemen Brigadier General Yahya Saree has announced targeting a ship belonging to the US sailing through the Gulf of Aden.
• US attacks on Yemen aimed at guarding Israel, not world: Ansarullah Press TV 19 Jan 2024 -- Yemen's Ansarullah movement has condemned in the strongest terms the "unjustified" US airstrikes on the Yemeni territory, saying they're aimed at "guarding Israel, not the world."
• Yemen ensures 'safe passage' for intl. ships, vows attacks on Israeli vessels Press TV 19 Jan 2024 -- Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement has promised a "safe passage" for international ships sailing in the Red Sea as the country's armed forces ramp up their retaliatory attacks on Israeli-owned and -bound vessels in support of Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Yemen targets another US ship in fresh pro-Palestinian strike Press TV 19 Jan 2024 -- Yemen's Armed Forces announce conducting a fresh missile strike against another American ship in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, who have come under a genocidal US-backed war by the Israeli regime.
• China Urges End of 'Harassment' of Vessels in Red Sea VOA 19 Jan 2024 -- China called Friday for an end to the "harassment of civilian vessels" in the Red Sea following weeks of attacks by Houthi rebels on ships in and around the sea.
• Houthis Won't Target Chinese, Russian Ships in Red Sea VOA 19 Jan 2024 -- A senior official of the Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist group says Chinese and Russian vessels will have safe passage through the Red Sea.
• Yemen's Houthis claim responsibility for new missile attack on U.S. ship People's Daily 19 Jan 2024 -- Yemen's Houthi group on Friday claimed responsibility for carrying out a missile attack on a U.S. ship in the Gulf of Aden.
• Iran condemns U.S. "provocative" move to blacklist Yemen's Houthi group People's Daily 19 Jan 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani on Thursday condemned the U.S. "provocative" move of designating the Yemen-based Houthi group as a "terrorist organization."

Other Conflicts

• The Azadi Briefing: The Taliban's War On Books RFE/RL 19 Jan 2024
• Human Rights Advocates Worried Over Treatment Of Afghan Women Detained By Taliban RFE/RL 19 Jan 2024 -- A women's rights advocate with Human Rights Watch (HRW) has expressed concern over the treatment of Afghan women activists currently held in Taliban detention.
• Pakistan announces end of tensions with Iran IRNA 19 Jan 2024 -- After today's meeting of Pakistan's National Security Committee, the members of the country's cabinet agreed with the final decision of the political and military leaders to resume full diplomatic relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran and return the ambassadors of the two countries to each other's capitals.
• Pakistan announces full restoration of relations with Iran after tensions Press TV 19 Jan 2024 -- Pakistan has announced a complete restoration of diplomatic relations with Iran following an unprecedented escalation of cross-border tensions over counterterrorism operations.
• Pakistan, Iran Agree to De-escalate After Trading Airstrikes VOA 19 Jan 2024 -- Pakistan and Iran agreed Friday to defuse tensions and re-establish full diplomatic ties after their militaries traded unprecedented airstrikes this week against alleged militant camps on each other's territory.
• Pakistan Says 'No Desire' to Escalate Tensions With Iran RFE/RL 19 Jan 2024 -- Pakistani Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani said his country "has no interest or desire" to escalate tensions with neighboring Iran after cross-border skirmishes this week killed at least 11 people on both sides.
• Foreign Minister's Telephone Call with the Iranian Foreign Minister Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 19 Jan 2024 -- Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani spoke with the Foreign Minister of Iran, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, today.
• IRGC's Erbil missile strike was based on legitimate defense: Amirabdollahian IRNA 19 Jan 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian stressed that a missile strike by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) on a building in Erbil in Iraq's Kurdistan region was conducted on the grounds of legitimate defense and in line with the international law.
• Iran says IRGC's Erbil missile strike was based on legitimate defense Press TV 19 Jan 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says a missile strike by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) on a building in Erbil in Iraq's Kurdistan region was conducted on the grounds of legitimate defense and in line with international law.
• Iran FM spox slams Arab League FMs statement on Erbil incident IRNA 19 Jan 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani has condemned the Arab League foreign ministers' statement on Iraq's Erbil incident, noting that the Islamic Republic of Iran's action was based on the legitimate right to confront terrorist elements affiliated with the Zionist regime who threatened Iran's national security and its citizens.
• Iran dismisses Arab League's statement, says won't hesitate to punish criminals Press TV 19 Jan 2024 -- Iran has dismissed the latest Arab League statement about a missile strike that the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) carried out against a target affiliated with the Israeli Mossad agency in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, stressing that the Islamic Republic has no hesitation in punishing criminals.
• Iran Rejects Dutch Claim That Infant Killed In Iraq Strikes RFE/RL 19 Jan 2024 -- Iran has rejected a claim by the Netherlands that a Dutch infant was killed in Tehran-ordered air strikes this week on Iraqi Kurdistan.
• Clashes displace 50,000 from Myanmar's Paletwa township Radio Free Asia 19 Jan 2024 -- More than 50,000 people, or about half of the population of Paletwa township in western Myanmar's Chin state, have been forced to flee conflict in recent months, and are in urgent need of assistance, aid workers said Friday.
• Two civilians die as fighting continues in northern Myanmar Radio Free Asia 19 Jan 2024 -- Fighting between the Kachin Independence Army and junta troops in northern Myanmar left two residents dead, locals told Radio Free Asia on Friday.
• IGAD Gives Sudan's Warring Factions 2 Weeks to Meet VOA 19 Jan 2024 -- East Africa's Intergovernmental Authority on Development has given Sudan's warring factions two weeks to meet face-to-face to de-escalate the situation. The meeting, which also discussed the tension between Ethiopia and Somalia, made it clear that Somalia's integrity must be respected.

News Reports

• Ransomware Group Offers Hacked Serbian Electricity Provider's Data For Download RFE/RL 19 Jan 2024 -- Ransomware hacking group Qilin, which at the end of December took responsibility for a cyberattack on Serbia's sole electricity provider, is offering the free download of hundreds of thousands of documents allegedly taken from the state-owned company.
• Foreign Minister Tsahkna: The destruction caused by Russia's aggression must be compensated with its frozen assets Estonia MFA 19 Jan 2024 -- Today 19 January, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna was on a visit to Bulgaria's capital Sofia, where he had meetings with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel and President Rumen Radev to discuss support for Ukraine in fighting Russia's aggression and using frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine.
• Bashkortostan Protests Peel Back The Layers Of Authoritarian Politics In Putin's Russia RFE/RL 19 Jan 2024 -- Hundreds of warmly bundled people, many with small children, were milling about aimlessly in Ufa, the capital of Russia's Bashkortostan region, on January 19. But there was tension in the air.
• Hundreds Gather In Ufa To Support Imprisoned Activist Amid Crackdown RFE/RL 19 Jan 2024 -- Hundreds of people gathered on the central square in Ufa, the capital of Russia's Bashkortostan region on January 19 to support activist Fail Alsynov after his sentencing two days earlier to four years in prison on a charge of "inciting ethnic hatred" sparked clashes with police.
• Hundreds Protest in Russian Republic of Bashkortostan VOA 19 Jan 2024 -- Reports from the central Russian Republic of Bashkortostan say about 1,500 protesters gathered in the regional capital, Ufa, on Friday in a rare demonstration to protest the sentencing of activist Fail Alsynov to four year is in prison this week for "inciting ethnic hatred."
• The Week In Russia: Carnage And Clampdown RFE/RL 19 Jan 2024 -- It's been three years since Aleksei Navalny's arrest and almost two since Russia launched an invasion aimed at subjugating Ukraine. Price woes and protests puncture the veneer of stability as an election set to hand President Vladimir Putin six more years in the Kremlin draws closer.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on January 19, 2024 PRC MofA 19 Jan 2024
• China, US hold 'pragmatic' financial talks at start of 2024, stabilizing expectations for businesses, world Global Times 19 Jan 2024 -- China-US exchanges in financial and economic fields got off to a good start in the new year, with the world's two largest economies signaling a deepening of engagement in various fields from financial stability to trade policies in the first month of 2024.
• READOUT: Third Meeting of the Financial Working Group Between the United States and the People's Republic of China US Treasury 19 Jan 2024 -- The United States and the People's Republic of China held the third meeting of the Financial Working Group (FWG) on January 18-19. This was the first meeting of the FWG in 2024, and its first meeting held in China.
• China Urged to Free Australian Academic After 5 Years of Detention VOA 19 Jan 2024 -- Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong on Friday called on China to release detained Australian writer Yang Hengjun. The day marked the fifth anniversary of the author and democracy activist's detention in Beijing on suspicion of spying. Yang was imprisoned during a visit to China and charged with espionage. His trial was held in May 2021.
• China, Cambodia to deepen collaboration on mine clearance: Chinese FM Global Times 19 Jan 2024 -- The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on mine-clearance cooperation between China and Cambodia provides a more solid basis for deeper cooperation in this area, which has become a vivid example of the two sides working together to implement the Global Security Initiative (GSI), a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Friday.
• US Citizens Named in Jimmy Lai Trial Deny Allegations: 'Just Journalism' VOA 19 Jan 2024 -- The names of two U.S. citizens came up in the trial of Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong this week as the prosecution brought forward its first witness in the landmark national security case.
• China is the world's worst jailer of journalists, CPJ says Radio Free Asia 19 Jan 2024 -- China is the worst jailer of journalists in the world, a report by a New York-based watchdog said, and nearly half of the journalists behind bars in the country are Uyghurs who reported on the persecution of the mostly Muslim group in Xinjiang.
• Xi urges high-level sci-tech self-reliance to serve high-quality development Global Times 19 Jan 2024 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged high-level sci-tech self-reliance to serve high-quality development in instructions delivered during the ceremony of the National Engineer Awards.
• China launches New Year crackdown on 'online rumors' Radio Free Asia 19 Jan 2024 -- Police across China have launched a New Year crackdown on online "rumors," a term often used by the ruling Communist Party to ban any information and complaints circulating online that hasn't received the blessing of its approved media outlets.
• Explainer: China emits fresh signals on building a financial powerhouse People's Daily 19 Jan 2024 -- China has sent fresh and strong signals on building itself into a financial powerhouse as part of its efforts to pursue high-quality development of the financial sector.
• Lai officially declared ROC president-elect, vows to foster unity CNA 19 Jan 2024 -- The Central Election Commission (CEC) on Friday officially declared Vice President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) president-elect of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and Lai pledged to promote unity in the country.
• Election outcome will not raise risk of Chinese invasion: U.S. expert CNA 19 Jan 2024 -- The outcome of Taiwan's presidential and legislative elections will not raise the risk of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, former U.S. National Security Council China Director Ryan Hass said Wednesday.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Jan. 19, 2024 ROC MND 19 Jan 2024
• North Korea's Hostility Could Snag China's Bid for Better US Ties, Analysts Say VOA 19 Jan 2024 -- China could face a dilemma dealing with Pyongyang this year as it finds North Korea's threats and deepening ties with Russia disruptive to Beijing's efforts to improve its relationship with Washington, analysts say.
• DPRK Government Delegation Returns Home KCNA 19 Jan 2024 -- The government delegation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea headed by Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui returned home on Friday after paying an official visit to the Russian Federation.
• DPRK Foreign Minister Meets Russian Deputy Prime Minister KCNA 19 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, met and had a talk with Alexandr Nobak, deputy prime minister of the Russian Federation, on Wednesday.
• IAEA chief's anti-Iran demands lack legal basis: FM spox. IRNA 19 Jan 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has said that the Director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi is proposing requirements, which are not consistent with Iran's commitments, as well as the provisions of the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement.
• Raisi attends SNSC meetings to discuss operations in Iran, Pakistan IRNA 19 Jan 2024 -- An Iranian informed source has said that Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi took part in two meetings of the Supreme National Security Council to evaluate recent attack on terrorist hideouts in Pakistan, as well as Islamabad's response.
• Iran FM calls for joint efforts to eradicate terrorist camps in Pakistan IRNA 19 Jan 2024 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has urged Pakistan to assist in foiling plots and destroying terrorist hideouts in its territories.
• Iran FM calls for joint anti-terror efforts with Pakistan Press TV 19 Jan 2024 -- Iran's foreign minister held a phone conversation on Friday with his Pakistani counterpart, calling for closer cooperation in various fields including fighting terrorism.
• Iran's parliament speaker hails IRGC response to terrorist attacks Press TV 19 Jan 2024 -- Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has hailed the recent strikes conducted by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) in retaliation for the terrorist attacks that were conducted in Kerman, saying they "conveyed an important message" to the terrorists' supporters.
• Two terrorists linked to Kerman terror attack killed, several others arrested IRNA 19 Jan 2024 -- The Iranian Ministry of Intelligence has announced that two terrorists linked to the Kerman terror attack were killed and several others were arrested.
• Intelligence Ministry: Terrorists in Kerman bombings killed, arrested Press TV 19 Jan 2024 -- Iran's Intelligence Ministry says its forces have killed two terrorists and arrested some others linked to the recent Daesh-claimed terrorist attack on the fourth martyrdom anniversary of top anti-terror commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani in the southeastern Iranian city of Kerman.
• Iran Says Two Suspects Killed, More Detained In Connection With Deadly Kerman Attacks RFE/RL 19 Jan 2024 -- Iran's Intelligence Ministry says two people were killed in a shoot-out and several others detained during a sweep to arrest suspects in connection with the deadly suicide bombings earlier this month in the southern city of Kerman that killed at least 91 people.
• "We are stepping into the Century of Türkiye with our first manned space mission" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 19 Jan 2024
• PM call with Chancellor Scholz of Germany: 19 January 2024 Gov.UK 19 Jan 2024
• UNHCR: Number of humanitarian emergencies in 2023 the highest in a decade UNHCR 19 Jan 2024 -- Last year, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, responded to a sharply higher number of new or deepening humanitarian crises - the highest annual number of declared emergencies in the last 10 years.
• 2023: Highest Number of Humanitarian Emergencies in a Decade VOA 19 Jan 2024 -- The 2020s have not been kind. The decade began with the COVID-19 pandemic and has since seen climate disasters and conflicts impact millions around the world; but last year was particularly difficult.
• Vietnam's former minister of commerce accused of 'wrongdoings' in oil deals Radio Free Asia 19 Jan 2024 -- A Politburo member who is the son of a former state president is under investigation by the Vietnam Communist Party's Central Inspection Committee for suspected wrongdoings in his dealings with the oil and gas industry while he was minister of commerce.
• At Vatican, Pope Francis meets with Vietnamese Communist Party officials Radio Free Asia 19 Jan 2024 -- Pope Francis met with a delegation from the Vietnamese Communist Party at the Vatican in a visit that could presage a visit by the pontiff in the near future, party officials told state media.
• Moldova Accuses Israelis Of Wartime Abuse Of Construction Workers, Suspends Labor Deal RFE/RL 19 Jan 2024 -- Moldova has paused a recruitment effort to funnel construction workers to Israel, alleging that Israelis have put Moldovans in "high-risk conflict zones," withheld passports, and committed other abuses while plugging gaps in their workforce brought on by the current war in the Gaza Strip.
• Armenian Prime Minister Calls For New Constitution RFE/RL 19 Jan 2024 -- Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian says Armenia needs an entirely new constitution rather than a constitutional reform to ensure his country's democratic "legitimacy" and viability.
• World News in Brief: Congo flood response, tourism bounces back, alert over Sudan's ancient pyramids UN News 19 Jan 2024 -- Unprecedented flooding in the Republic of the Congo has left more than 350,000 people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, the UN aid coordination office OCHA said on Friday.
• UN Says Floods in Republic of Congo Leave 350,000 in Need VOA 19 Jan 2024 -- The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said Friday the worst flooding in six decades in the Republic of Congo has left more than 350,000 people in need of humanitarian assistance.