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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• Letter to the Speaker of the House and President pro tempore of the Senate consistent with the War Powers Resolution (Public Law 93-148) The White House 24 Jan 2024
• US Military Says It Fended Off Another Houthi Missile Attack VOA 24 Jan 2024 -- Iran-backed Houthi militants launched new attacks Wednesday on merchant shipping in the Gulf of Aden, just hours after the United States carried out preemptive strikes to stave off what it said was an imminent attack on shipping lanes in the Red Sea.
• Houthis Attack Commercial Shipping Vessel with Anti-Ship Missiles CENTCOM 24 Jan 2024 -- On Jan. 24 at approximately 2 p.m. (Sanaa time), Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists fired three anti-ship ballistic missiles from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward the U.S.-flagged, owned, and operated container ship M/V Maersk Detroit, transiting the Gulf of Aden. One missile impacted in the sea. The two other missiles were successfully engaged and shot down by the USS Gravely (DDG 107). There were no reported injuries or damage to the ship.
• US launches fresh round of attacks on Yemen: Report IRNA 24 Jan 2024 -- The United States has launched a new round of attacks against Yemen, media outlets have reported.
• US military base in Iraq comes under drone attack IRNA 24 Jan 2024 -- The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has conducted a drone attack on a US base near the Erbil airport in the north of the country.
• Positions of Iraqi resistance group targeted: CENTCOM IRNA 24 Jan 2024 -- US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Wednesday night that it targeted the positions of Iraq's Islamic Resistance in response to the group's recent attacks on an American bases and facilities in the Arab country.
• Instead of hitting Iraqi bases, US must pressure Israel to end Gaza war: Security adviser Press TV 24 Jan 2024 -- A high-ranking Iraqi official has called on the United States to push for an end to the unreeling Israeli ground and air offensives against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, than to carry out strikes in Iraq against facilities run by the country's anti-terror resistance groups.
• Official: US attack on PMF violates Iraq's sovereignty IRNA 24 Jan 2024 -- Iraq's National Security Adviser Qasim al-Arji has said that the US forces' attack on Popular Mobilization Forces was a violation of Iraq's sovereignty.
• Iraq blasts US aggression as 'blatant violation' of Iraq's sovereignty Press TV 24 Jan 2024 -- The spokesman for the commander-in-chief of Iraq's Armed Forces has denounced the recent US strikes against sites and facilities of the Iraqi army and anti-terror groups as "unacceptable" and a "blatant" violation of the Arab country's sovereignty.
• US Strikes on Iraq Undermine Years of Cooperation - Senior Iraqi Military Sputnik 24 Jan 2024 -- The recent strikes by the United States on Iraq undermine decades of cooperation between the two countries and lead to irresponsible escalation, Major General Yahya Rasool, the official spokesman of the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, said on Wednesday.
• Iraqi resistance groups vow to continue operations as US military strikes sites near Syria Press TV 24 Jan 2024 -- Iraqi resistance groups have vowed to continue their operations against military bases, where US military forces and trainers are stationed, in retaliation for Washington's unqualified support for the relentless Israeli war on Gaza, after the US military carried out an airstrike against sites used by the Iraqi anti-terror forces.
• 2 explosive-laden drones shot down in Iraqi airbase housing U.S. forces People's Daily 24 Jan 2024 -- Two explosive-laden drones were shot down Tuesday by the air defense system at the Ayn al-Asad Airbase which houses U.S. troops in the western Iraqi province of Anbar.
• U.S. strikes Iranian-backed militia targets in Iraq People's Daily 24 Jan 2024 -- U.S. forces conducted unilateral strikes on Tuesday against facilities used by an Iranian-backed militia group in Iraq, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said.
• US-occupied base in eastern Syria targeted with rockets: Report IRNA 24 Jan 2024 -- The US-occupied military base in the Conoco gas field in Syria's Deir ez-Zur province has been reportedly targeted with rockets, hours after US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it had hit the positions of Iraq's Islamic Resistance movement.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Army announces Project Convergence Capstone 4 US Army 24 Jan 2024 -- The U. S. Army will host Project Convergence Capstone 4 (PC-C4), a joint and multination, two-phase, "in-the-dirt" experiment from Feb. 23 - March 20, 2024.
• Hokanson Sees Nascent Austria-Vermont National Guard Partnership Expanding Army News 24 Jan 2024 -- The Republic of Austria and Vermont share historical and cultural roots based on common values, economic collaboration, winter sports, mountaineering, and, more recently, security cooperation.
• DOD Awards $49 Million to Improve Advanced Semiconductor Packaging Capabilities DoD 24 Jan 2024 -- The Department of Defense announced today the award of two contracts totaling $49 million to revitalize advanced packaging capabilities and capacity for semiconductors used in defense applications.
• USS Gunston Hall Departs Norfolk for NATO Exercise Steadfast Defender 2024 US Navy 24 Jan 2024 -- The Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) departed Naval Station Norfolk, Jan. 24, for Steadfast Defender 2024, NATO's largest exercise in decades.
• Readout of Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti's Meeting with Chief of Italian Navy Adm. Enrico Credendino US Navy Press Release 24 Jan 2024
• Readout of Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti's Meeting with Chief of the French Navy Adm. Nicolas Vaujour US Navy Press Release 24 Jan 2024
• Finland, US deepen cyber defense cooperation EUCOM 24 Jan 2024 -- Senior military leaders from both nations approved and signed a Letter of Intent for an advanced cyber partnership during a formal ceremony in Finland's capital city, Helsinki, Jan. 24, 2024.
• 7th Fleet Destroyer Transits Taiwan Strait US Navy 24 Jan 2024 -- USS John Finn (DDG 113) conducted a Taiwan Strait transit on January 24 through waters where high-seas freedoms of navigation and overflight apply in accordance with international law.
• Washington, Oregon National Guard Soldiers test new weapons Army News 24 Jan 2024 -- Washington and Oregon National Guard Soldiers with the 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team and 96th Troop Command started the new year with a bang by conducting new weapons training and fielding on Camp Murray and Joint Base Lewis-McChord Jan. 16-17.
• USS McCampbell to Forward Deploy to Japan, Replace USS Antietam US Navy 24 Jan 2024 -- McCampbell will replace USS Antietam (CG 54), which will depart Yokosuka, Japan, and move to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, as part of a scheduled rotation of forces in the Pacific. Upon arrival in Yokosuka, McCampbell will join Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy's largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet's principal surface force.
• Turkish parliament approves Sweden's NATO membership bid ISNA 24 Jan 2024 -- The majority of Turkish parliamentarians voted in favor of Sweden's bid to formally become the 32nd member of NATO.
• Comment by Foreign Minister Tsahkna on the decision of the Turkish Parliament to approve Sweden's accession into NATO Estonia MFA 24 Jan 2024
• NATO marks the start of Exercise Steadfast Defender 2024 NATO 24 Jan 2024 -- Exercise Steadfast Defender 24, NATO's largest exercise in decades, began on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 as the dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) departed Norfolk, Virginia, United States and following a series of operations will commence her transit across the Atlantic.
• Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs visits NATO Headquarters NATO 24 Jan 2024 -- Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs Gunn Kim visited NATO Headquarters in Brussels on Wednesday (24 January 2024) to meet with Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană and Assistant Secretary General for Innovation, Hybrid and Cyber, David van Weel.
• Canada set to participate in NATO Exercise STEADFAST DEFENDER 2024 Canada 24 Jan 2024 -- The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is set to participate in the largest NATO exercise in decades that will serve to rehearse NATO's Deterrence and Defence plans to counter threats to the Euro-Atlantic area.
• Turkish parliament approves Sweden's NATO bid People's Daily 24 Jan 2024 -- Turkish lawmakers on Tuesday approved a long-delayed bill on Sweden's bid to become the 32nd member of NATO.
• Russia Eyes Nuclear Deterrent After Military Losses in Ukraine, Report Warns VOA 24 Jan 2024 -- Russia's heavy losses in its full-scale invasion of Ukraine mean that Moscow now sees its battlefield nuclear weapons as increasingly important in deterring and defeating NATO, according to a new report from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), which warns that the West must wake up to the rising nuclear threat.
• How A Russian Fighter-Jet Manufacturer Continued To Import Western Aviation Parts Despite Sanctions RFE/RL 24 Jan 2024 -- One of Russia's leading manufacturers of fighter jets and civilian aircraft continued to import parts and other equipment from European and U.S. suppliers despite the imposition of Western sanctions following the start of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
• Ramstein format Ukraine Defense Contact Group confirms commitment to continued support to Ukraine and enhancement of own defence Lithuania MND 24 Jan 2024 -- January 23, a distance meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group addressed situation of the battlefield, Ukraine's most urgent needs and defence industry capacity.
• Polish Foreign Minister: 'Time Is Of The Essence' In Helping Ukraine Defeat Russia RFE/RL 24 Jan 2024 -- Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said he is trying to "put some urgency" into providing ammunition and defense systems to avoid a "too little, too late" scenario as Ukraine fights off Russa's full-scale invasion.
• PLA Navy aircraft carrier Shandong holds port exercises, enhances capabilities Global Times 24 Jan 2024 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy announced on Wednesday that the aircraft carrier Shandong recently conducted a series of exercises while moored at its homeport, with analysts saying that the port drills can enhance the carrier's capabilities at sea.
• MoD inks contract, worth over Rs 1070 cr, with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd for 14 Fast Patrol Vessels for Indian Coast Guard India PIB 24 Jan 2024 -- The Ministry of Defence has signed Contract with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), Mumbai on 24 January, 2024, for acquisition of 14 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG)
• LAUNCH OF AMMUNITION CUM TORPEDO CUM MISSILE BARGE, LSAM 19 (YARD 129) 5TH BARGE OF 11 x AMMUNITION CUM TORPEDO CUM MISSILE (ACTCM) BARGE PROJECT ON 24 JAN 24 AT M/S SURYADIPTA PROJECT PVT LTD, THANE India PIB 24 Jan 2024 -- The launch of 'Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile Barge, LSAM 19 (Yard 129)', 5th Barge of 11 x ACTCM Barge Project, built by MSME Shipyard, M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane for Indian Navy, was undertaken on 24 Jan 24 at M/s Suryadipta Project Pvt Ltd (Launch site of M/s SPPL)
• PRESS RELEASE: EX- DESERT KNIGHT India PIB 24 Jan 2024 -- On 23 Jan 24, the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted Exercise Desert Knight along with French Air and Space Force (FASF) and United Arab Emirates (UAE) Air Force
• S. Korean Special Naval Forces Holding Wintertime Drills - Reports Sputnik 24 Jan 2024 -- The South Korean navy is holding a wintertime training for its special force units to improve their combat capabilities against threats allegedly posed by Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs, South Korean news agency Yonhap reported on Wednesday, citing navy sources.
• A look at Defence news 15 - 21 January Netherlands Ministry of Defence 24 Jan 2024
• EUR 39.45 million in EU funding awarded to Finland for seven military mobility projects Finnish Government 24 Jan 2024 -- Finland has successfully applied for EU funding from the European Commission, which awarded EUR 39.45 million from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) to seven military mobility projects in Finland. As the sum applied for was EUR 43.16 million, this call for proposals was a great success for Finland.
• Defense chief: Military to be used for safeguarding Philippine access to sea resources Radio Free Asia 24 Jan 2024 -- The Philippine armed forces will seek to ensure the country has "unimpeded" access to natural resources within its waters in the South China Sea, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said this week as he signaled a more defiant strategy toward China.
• Hun Manet reiterates 'no foreign military bases' allowed in Cambodia Radio Free Asia 24 Jan 2024 -- Prime Minister Hun Manet said on Wednesday that no foreign military bases will be allowed on Cambodian territory - a statement likely made to blunt criticism over China's recent involvement in the development at Ream Naval Base on the Gulf of Thailand.
• Serbia Mulls Buying 2 More Russia's Ka-32 Helicopters for Firefighting Sputnik 24 Jan 2024 -- Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Wednesday he intended to buy two more Russian Ka-32 multipurpose helicopters for firefighting following a fire that broke out in a large Chinese indoor market in Belgrade earlier in the day.
• Three Dutch Drones to Be Sent to Romania to Monitor Russia's Activity - Reports Sputnik 24 Jan 2024 -- The Netherlands, following the NATO chief's statement that the alliance does not see an immediate threat from Russia, will send three MQ-9 Reaper drones to the bloc's eastern border in Romania in February to monitor Russia's military activity, Dutch newspaper Parool reported.
• 7th U.S.-ROK Cyber Policy Consultations US Dept. of State 24 Jan 2024 -- Officials from the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK) met in Seoul, Korea on January 19, 2024 for the 7th U.S.-ROK Cyber Policy Consultations and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting international stability in cyberspace and to deepen bilateral cooperation on cybersecurity.
• Blinken Expresses US Commitment to Boosting Africa Partnerships VOA 24 Jan 2024 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday the United States is committed to growing its partnerships across the African continent and increasingly sees African countries "leading on issues of global consequence."
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken with Julian Pecquet of Jeune Afrique US Dept. of State 24 Jan 2024
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken with Dr. John Momoh of Channels TV US Dept. of State 24 Jan 2024
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Radio France Internationale US Dept. of State 24 Jan 2024
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby The White House 24 Jan 2024

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Jan. 24, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 24 January 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 24 Jan 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• PM Netanyahu's Remarks at the Special Knesset Session Marking the Knesset's 75th Anniversary Israel - Prime Minister 24 Jan 2024
• Foreign Secretary's meeting with the Prime Minister of Israel, January 2024 UK FCDO 24 Jan 2024 -- Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron met the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on 24 January.
• Tank Shelling Kills 9, Wounds 75 at UN Training Center in Southern Gaza VOA 24 Jan 2024 -- At least nine people were killed and another 75 wounded Wednesday in Khan Younis as tank shelling hit a United Nations training center, where 800 displaced Palestinians were housed in the southern Gaza city, a U.N. relief official said.
• Israeli Troops Attack Across Gaza Strip Amid Talks for New Temporary Truce VOA 24 Jan 2024 -- Israel said Wednesday that its troops carried out airstrikes and ground attacks in northern, central and southern Gaza, while the U.N. chief warned of the "heartbreaking and catastrophic" effects of the war on Palestinian civilians and a U.S. envoy's visit to the region included discussion of a potential new temporary cease-fire.
• Jan. 23: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 24 Jan 2024
• 200 killed in Israeli Gaza attacks as regime orders massive clearance in Khan Younis Press TV 24 Jan 2024 -- The Palestinian Health Ministry says nearly 200 people were killed and more than 350 others wounded in the incessant Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip in the 24 hours between Monday and Tuesday afternoon as the occupying entity presses ahead with its genocidal war.
• Palestinian death toll in Gaza from Israeli attacks rises to 25,490: ministry People's Daily 24 Jan 2024 -- The Palestinian death toll from the ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 25,490 since Oct. 7, 2023, the Hamas-run health ministry said on Tuesday.
• UNRWA Situation Report #68 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem (All information from 21- 22 January 2024, is valid as of 22 January 2024 at 22:30) UNRWA 24 Jan 2024
• Resilience amidst chaos: 100 days of UNRWA's health response to the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, 7 October 2023 to 14 January 2024 UNRWA 24 Jan 2024
• WHO and partners bring fuel to Al-Shifa, as remaining hospitals in Gaza face growing threats WHO 24 Jan 2024
• Palestinians in Gaza Face Acute Risk of Famine, UN Agency Reports VOA 24 Jan 2024 -- United Nations agencies warn the Gaza Strip is slipping into an ever more disastrous situation as the Israel-Hamas war continues unabated and hundreds of thousands of people suffering from a chronic lack of food and water face an acute risk of famine.
• Nine killed in direct hit on UNRWA shelter in Gaza UN News 24 Jan 2024 -- Nine people were killed and 75 injured on Wednesday in a direct hit on a training centre turned shelter in southern Gaza run by UNRWA, the UN agency that assists Palestinians, according to initial reports.
• End the war and recognize Palestine, Security Council urged UN News 24 Jan 2024 -- Work harder to end the war in Gaza and recognize the State of Palestine were the messages once more from many countries on Wednesday, taking part in the two-day Security Council debate over the Middle East crisis.
• Displacement misery continues for Gazans, UN humanitarians warn UN News 24 Jan 2024 -- The UN Security Council will hold a second day of debate on Wednesday in search of an end to the devastating conflict in Gaza amid growing tensions in the Middle East, as UN humanitarians reiterated grave concerns for extremely vulnerable Palestinians forced once again to flee the war and evacuation orders.
• Statement from NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on Reported Strikes at UNRWA Facility in Southern Gaza The White House 24 Jan 2024
• Readout of Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Ms. Sasha Baker and Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Dr. William A. LaPlante's Meeting With Israeli Ministry of Defense Director General Eyal Zamir DoD 24 Jan 2024
• UN lost its effectiveness over Israeli war on Gaza: President Raisi IRNA 24 Jan 2024 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has reiterated that the United Nations has lost its effectiveness regarding the Israeli regime's genocidal war against Palestinians in Gaza.
• US support for Israel prevents to stop Gaza genocide: Iran FM to UNSC IRNA 24 Jan 2024 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has accused the United States of preventing the UN Security Council to stop the Israel genocide in the Gaza Strip and establish a ceasefire there.
• Netanyahu will not survive for 10 minutes If US support stops: Iran FM ISNA 24 Jan 2024 -- The Iranian foreign minister has warned that the risk of a "wider" conflict in the region has sharply increased due to the United States' all-out support for Israel amid the regime's genocidal aggression against the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Netanyahu will not survive 'for 10 minutes' If US stops support today: Iran FM Press TV 24 Jan 2024 -- The Iranian foreign minister has warned that the risk of a "wider" conflict in the region has sharply increased due to the United States' all-out support for Israel amid the regime's genocidal aggression against the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Iran blasts US for preventing UN from pressing for an end to Israeli genocide Press TV 24 Jan 2024 -- Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian denounces the United States for its preventing the UN from fulfilling its duty to press for an end to the Israeli regime's ongoing war of genocide against the Gaza Strip.
• Talks on Gaza useless without ceasefire: Russian FM IRNA 24 Jan 2024 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told the UN Security Council that any discussion on the future of the Gaza Strip is useless without an immediate ceasefire there.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement at the UN Security Council Ministerial Meeting on the Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question, New York, January 23, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 Jan 2024
• Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs on the Situation in the Middle East Government of Norway 24 Jan 2024
• Foreign Secretary in Middle East and Turkey to progress sustainable Gaza ceasefire UK FCDO 24 Jan 2024 -- Lord Cameron will visit Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Qatar and Turkey to urge regional leaders to work with the UK to achieve a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza
• World should think about post-Israel phase: Hamdan ISNA 24 Jan 2024 -- Speaking to Al Mayadeen, Hamdan stated that the theory about Israeli security has collapsed, indicating that the Israeli occupation military is unable to protect itself and is fleeing the confrontation.
• Theory of Israeli security has collapsed: Hamas official IRNA 24 Jan 2024 -- Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan has said that the theory about Israeli security has collapsed, indicating that the Israeli occupation military is unable to protect itself and is fleeing the confrontation.
• Al-Qassam publishes footage of the operation that shook Israel ISNA 24 Jan 2024 -- The Israeli occupation army's spokesperson appeared in a televised broadcast on Tuesday and revealed that the incident took place near Kibbutz Kissufim, opposite several refugee camps and towns in the central Gaza Strip.
• Hamas condemns deliberate targeting of Gaza hospitals by Israel as a 'war crime' Press TV 24 Jan 2024 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has condemned the deliberate targeting of Gaza's hospitals by Israel as a "war crime," urging the international community to take immediate action to stop it.
• Attacks on Lebanon-Israel Border Prompt Warnings of Escalation VOA 24 Jan 2024 -- Continuing retaliatory attacks and targeted assassinations along the Lebanon-Israel border are prompting warnings of an escalation that could unleash a wider conflict in the region.
• Hezbollah: US claims to oppose widening Gaza war, but attacks pro-Palestine states Press TV 24 Jan 2024 -- The head of the religious council of Hezbollah resistance movement has soundly refuted Washington's allegations that it is opposed to the spillover of the Israeli war on Gaza Strip, stressing that the latest US military strikes across Yemen dispute the claims.
• Yemen to halt attacks when Gaza war stops: Ansarullah IRNA 24 Jan 2024 -- Yemen will continue its naval attacks as long as the war against Gaza is ongoing, a member of Ansarullah's political bureau Mohammed al-Bukhaiti has said.
• Yemen forces fire ballistic missiles at US warships in continued support for Gaza Press TV 24 Jan 2024 -- Yemen's Armed Forces fire ballistic missiles against American warships in the Gulf of Aden and Bab al-Mandab Strait in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, who have come under a genocidal US-backed war by the Israeli regime.

Other Conflicts

• Russia Sees No US' Intentions to Withdraw Military Contingent From Syria Sputnik 24 Jan 2024 -- Russia sees no intentions and aspirations on the part of the United States to withdraw its military contingent from Syria, Russian special presidential envoy for Syria Alexander Lavrentyev said Wednesday.
• Residents fear junta attack, despite NUG control in Myanmar's Sagaing Radio Free Asia 24 Jan 2024 -- Myanmar's shadow National Unity Government has claimed administrative control of four key towns in the northern region of Sagaing following their fall to resistance forces, but residents say they still live in constant fear of attacks by the military.
• Nearly 40 Myanmar civilians dead after four-day clash Radio Free Asia 24 Jan 2024 -- Intense battles between junta troops, the Kachin Independence Army and joint People's Defense Forces have killed 40 civilians, locals told Radio Free Asia on Wednesday.
• Working for an end to the violence in the Sudan: Annalena Baerbock travels to Djibouti, Kenya and South Sudan Germany Federal Foreign Office 24 Jan 2024 -- "The forgotten war" is how many newspapers describe the brutal power struggle between two generals in the Sudan. Foreign Minister Baerbock will travel to the Horn of Africa to bolster efforts to promote dialogue, stability and peace.
• Foreign Minister Baerbock prior to her departure for Djibouti, Kenya and South Sudan Germany Federal Foreign Office 24 Jan 2024
• Banning The Dinar, Kosovo Tries To Sever Lifeline Between Serbs In North And Belgrade RFE/RL 24 Jan 2024 -- It's a tough sell. Tens of thousands of ethnic Serbs who live and work in Kosovo but stubbornly reject the country's official currency have a week to ditch the dinar in their daily lives.

News Reports

• Four years on, Wuhan remembers the first COVID-19 lockdown Radio Free Asia 24 Jan 2024 -- For many people in 2020, the news that the central Chinese city of Wuhan had been placed under lockdown was the first indication that something was profoundly amiss, and that the emerging pandemic could have a global impact.
• Africa now 'global epicentre' of terrorism: UN chief UN News 24 Jan 2024 -- In just a matter of years, Africa has become the "global epicentre of terrorism", with groups such as Da'esh, Al-Qaida and their affiliates exploiting local conflicts and fragilities to serve their own ends, the UN Secretary-General said on Wednesday, calling for violent extremism to be rooted out.
• Secretary-General's remarks at the meeting of the Global Counter-Terrorism Compact UN Secretary-General 24 Jan 2024
• Commission launches the European Ports Alliance Public Private Partnership to fight organised crime and drug trafficking European Commission 24 Jan 2024 -- Today, the Commission and the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU, together with Member States, ports authorities, European associations, EU Agencies (Europol, EMCDDA) and representatives from customs and law enforcement authorities are launching the European Ports Alliance Public Private Partnership.
• Space: Keynote speech by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell at the 16th European Space Conference European External Action Service (EEAS) 24 Jan 2024
• United States Welcomes the Kingdom of Belgium's Signing of the Artemis Accords US Dept. of State 24 Jan 2024 -- On January 23, the Kingdom of Belgium became the 34th country to sign the Artemis Accords. In a ceremony at the Museum of Fine Arts in Brussels, Ms. Hadja Lahbib, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs, and Foreign Trade and the Federal Cultural Institutions, and Mr. Thomas Dermine, State Secretary for Economic Recovery and Strategic Investments, in charge of Science Policy, Deputy to the Minister of the Economy and Employment signed the Accords on behalf of Belgium.
• Talks with transitional President of Chad Mahamat Idriss Deby President of Russia 24 Jan 2024 -- Vladimir Putin met with transitional President of the Republic of Chad Mahamat Idriss Deby, who is in Russia on an official visit.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to media questions following a UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine and an open debate on "The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question," New York, January 24, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 Jan 2024
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Permanent Representatives of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) nations to the UN Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 Jan 2024
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 Jan 2024
• Russian FM Lavrov: Russia Has No Need to Attack Anyone, Statements Suggesting Otherwise are Nonsense Sputnik 24 Jan 2024 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has held a press conference at the UN headquarter in New York finalising his official visit. The top diplomat answered various questions touching upon the most hot topics of the day.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on January 24, 2024 PRC MofA 24 Jan 2024
• China, US adhere to rule of law, promoting counternarcotics cooperation: Chinese Ambassador to US Global Times 24 Jan 2024 -- Chinese policymakers on Wednesday issued a package of major policies to boost the country's economy, including cutting the amount of cash that banks are required to hold as reserves to inject nearly $140 billion into the economy and lowering refinancing and rediscount rates, signaling that China is stepping up efforts to ensure stable economic recovery in 2024.
• China, Nauru officially resume diplomatic relations Global Times 24 Jan 2024 -- Ten days after Nauru announced it was severing "diplomatic relations" with China's Taiwan region, China and Nauru formally resumed diplomatic ties on Wednesday in Beijing, unveiling a new chapter for bilateral relations.
• China, Nauru resume diplomatic relations, open a new chapter of bilateral ties Global Times 24 Jan 2024 -- In about one week after Nauru's announcement to sever "diplomatic relations" with China's Taiwan region, China and Nauru officially resumed diplomatic relations on Wednesday in Beijing, unveiling a new chapter in their bilateral ties and cooperation.
• China, Uzbekistan upgrade bilateral ties Global Times 24 Jan 2024 -- China and Uzbekistan upgraded bilateral ties to an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era on Wednesday during talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Uzbek counterpart, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in Beijing.
• China to cut RRR by 50 basis points, set to inject 1 trillion yuan into market Global Times 24 Jan 2024 -- The People's Bank of China (PBC), China's central bank, will cut the reserve requirement ratio (RRR) for all banks by 50 basis points, the amount of cash that banks must hold as reserves, from February 5, providing the market with approximately 1 trillion yuan ($141.05 billion) of long-term liquidity, PBC governor Pan Gongsheng announced on Wednesday.
• China injects $140b into market, in major policy package to boost economy Global Times 24 Jan 2024 -- Chinese policymakers on Wednesday issued a package of major policies to boost the country's economy, including cutting the amount of cash that banks are required to hold as reserves to inject nearly $140 billion into the economy and lowering refinancing and rediscount rates, signaling that China is stepping up efforts to ensure stable economic recovery in 2024.
• China, Nauru resume diplomatic relations People's Daily 24 Jan 2024 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, held talks with Nauru's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Lionel Aingimea on Wednesday, and they signed a joint communique on the resumption of bilateral diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level.
• Hong Kong 'talent drain' reports rebutted People's Daily 24 Jan 2024 -- Some foreign media outlets have recently reported that global talent have become "reluctant" to work and live in Hong Kong, and that the SAR is experiencing a talent drain.
• 1st post-election U.S. congressional delegation arrives in Taiwan CNA 24 Jan 2024 -- Democrat Ami Bera and Republican Mario Díaz Balart, co-chairs of the congressional Taiwan Caucus, arrived in Taiwan Wednesday for a three-day visit, becoming the first U.S. lawmakers to visit the nation since its presidential and legislative elections on Jan. 13.
• China, Nauru establish diplomatic relations after Taiwan split Radio Free Asia 24 Jan 2024 -- China and Nauru formally established diplomatic relations on Wednesday following the Pacific island nation's decision earlier this month to sever ties with Taiwan.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Jan. 24, 2024 ROC MND 24 Jan 2024
• Special Envoy of DPRK Government Meets Foreign Heads of State and Government KCNA 24 Jan 2024 -- Kim Son Gyong, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs who led the DPRK delegation to the 19th NAM Summit and the 3rd South Summit held in Kampala of Uganda as a special envoy of the DPRK government, respectively met the presidents of Uganda and Equatorial Guinea and the prime minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines during the meeting.
• Head of DPRK Delegation Makes Statement at 3rd South Summit KCNA 24 Jan 2024 -- The 3rd South Summit took place in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, on Jan. 21-22.
• Kim Jong Un acknowledges dire state of economy, urges action Radio Free Asia 24 Jan 2024 -- North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un made a rare acknowledgement on the dire state of his country's economy, urging ruling party officials to take immediate action.
• US Urges North Korea to Halt Provocations, Return to Diplomacy VOA 24 Jan 2024 -- The United States has called on North Korea to refrain from further destabilizing actions and to return to diplomatic engagement following North Korea's firing of several cruise missiles into the waters off its western coast earlier on Wednesday.
• Analysts: US, South Korea Should Be Ready for Russia-North Korea Alliance VOA 24 Jan 2024 -- Depending on what kinds of weapons technology Moscow transfers to Pyongyang, the United States and South Korea may need to update their measures for dealing with North Korean threats, said analysts.
• Iran FM discusses Gaza, Red Sea with UN chief IRNA 24 Jan 2024 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has discussed the new developments in the besieged Gaza Strip and the Red Sea with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the Security Council meeting on the Middle East in New York.
• Human Rights Watch Says 11 At 'Imminent Risk' Of Execution In Iran RFE/RL 24 Jan 2024 -- Human Rights Watch (HRW) says at least 11 prisoners in Iran are at "imminent risk" of execution, most of whom are Kurdish.
• Iran Bars Former President Rohani From Running In Key Election RFE/RL 24 Jan 2024 -- Iran's former President Hassan Rohani has been disqualified from running in the upcoming election for the Assembly of Experts, a clerical body whose tasks include appointing and theoretically removing the supreme leader.
• Press Conference - Parliament House, Canberra Prime Minister of Australia 24 Jan 2024
• "Türkiye and Iran should advance their economic cooperation" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 24 Jan 2024 -- Addressing the Türkiye-Iran Business Forum, President Erdoğan said: "Regional affiliation and cooperation is essentially important in ensuring security, stability and prosperity in our region. Therefore, Türkiye and Iran, as the two big regional powers, should definitely advance their economic cooperation for prosperity, development and stability. With this understanding, we maintain our determination to reach the goal of $30-billion trade volume that we set with Iran in the past."
• "We attach importance to deepening our relations with Iran on the basis of mutual trust and shared interests" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 24 Jan 2024 -- Holding a joint press conference with Iranian President Raisi, President Erdoğan said: "We attach importance to deepening our relations with Iran, our neighbor, on the basis of mutual trust and shared interests. We have reaffirmed this will during our meeting."
• Georgia: Sixth Strategic Security Dialogue held in Brussels European External Action Service (EEAS) 24 Jan 2024 -- The sixth high-level EU-Georgia Strategic Security Dialogue took place on 23 January in Brussels.
• Fuel pumps again running on empty in Laos Radio Free Asia 24 Jan 2024 -- Laos is again running out of gasoline, an indication that the country is still too dependent on its neighbors for fuel supplies and has failed to build adequate reserves following severe nationwide shortages in 2022.
• Sanctions against people-smuggling network operated by the Syrian regime Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 Jan 2024 -- On 22 January 2024 the European Union added a number of persons and entities to the EU sanctions list. This is because they are providing support to and benefiting the Syrian regime and assisting in people-smuggling operations.
• Asia drives spike in electricity demand; use of renewables rising Radio Free Asia 24 Jan 2024 -- A surge in global electricity demand over the next three years is expected to be entirely met by rapidly expanding renewables and a resurgent nuclear sector, marking a significant shift in the clean power transition, a report released Wednesday said.
• Relative Wealth: Banks Controlled By Azerbaijani First Family Soar To Dominance RFE/RL 24 Jan 2024 -- During the 20-year dynastic reign of Azerbaijan's autocratic president, Ilham Aliyev, his relatives have amassed enormous wealth thanks in part to lucrative state contracts in major sectors, including natural resources, air travel, and construction.
• Azerbaijan Accuses PACE Of Bias, Suspends Cooperation With Council Of Europe's Legislative Body RFE/RL 24 Jan 2024 -- Azerbaijan on January 24 said it was suspending its cooperation with the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) amid deteriorating relations with Brussels.
• Moldovan Foreign Minister Resigns; Two New Ministers Appointed RFE/RL 24 Jan 2024 -- Moldovan Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu announced his resignation during a press briefing in Chisinau on on January 24, saying that he has achieved the goal set for him by pro-Western President Maia Sandu to bring Moldova, one of Europe's poorest countries, closer to integration into the European Union.
• Ecuadorian President Eases State of Emergency in Several Regions After Prison Riots Sputnik 24 Jan 2024 -- Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa on Wednesday loosened up the state of emergency across the country by lifting a curfew in 160 cantons to normalize everyday life undermined by the recent surge in gang violence, but 38 cantons, including Quito and the largest city of Guayaquil, remain in the red zone of high risk.
• World News in Brief: Houthis order US-UK staffers to leave, cholera response scales up in Somalia, teachers vital to fight against hate speech UN News 24 Jan 2024 -- Houthi authorities in Yemen on Wednesday have ordered UN and other humanitarian staff holding US and UK passports to leave the country within a month.