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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Houthis Fire Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile Toward USS Carney (DDG 64) CENTCOM 26 Jan 2024 -- On Jan. 26, at approximately 1:30 p.m. (Sanaa time), Iranian-backed Houthi militants fired one anti-ship ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward Arleigh-Burke class destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) in the Gulf of Aden. The missile was successfully shot down by USS Carney. There were no injuries or damage reported.
  
• Federal Government of Somalia, AFRICOM target al Shabaab AFRICOM 26 Jan 2024 -- At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense airstrike with three engagements against the al Shabaab terrorist group on Jan. 24.
• US-occupied Ain al-Asad base targeted in fresh drone attack: Report Press TV 26 Jan 2024 -- The Ain al-Asad air base housing US troops in Iraq has reportedly come under a fresh drone attack amid reports that suggest Washington is mulling troops' withdrawal from Iraq.
• Iraq's Kata'ib Hezbollah vows more attacks until US forces expulsion from region Press TV 25 Jan 2024 -- A major Iraqi anti-terror group says it will continue its "painful" attacks on American forces as long as the occupation troops remain in the Arab country and the region.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Readout of Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks' Meeting With the Defense Innovation Board DoD 26 Jan 2024
• Defense Officials Say Installation Resiliency Is High Priority DoD News 26 Jan 2024 -- Infrastructure on many installations has climate, energy and resiliency issues that could impact the continuity of operations and quality of life for service members and their families if not addressed, said Rachel P. Ross, deputy chief sustainability officer and acting principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for energy, installations and environment.
• Defense Innovation Official Says Replicator Initiative Remains On Track DoD News 26 Jan 2024 -- The Defense Department remains on track in its initiative to field thousands of autonomous systems across multiple warfighting domains as part of the recently announced Replicator initiative, a senior Pentagon innovation official said this week.
• Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict visits MARSOC USMC News 26 Jan 2024 -- Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, Christopher Maier recently visited Marine Forces Special Operations Command at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 17, 2024.
• Senegalese armed forces concludes aeromedical evacuation training US Air Force 26 Jan 2024 -- Senegalese armed forces personnel successfully concluded the final phase of the Aeromedical Evacuation Teams training at Ouakam Air Base Jan. 26.
• CNO Franchetti Speaks at 2024 Paris Naval Conference US Navy 26 Jan 2024
• CNO Franchetti Participates in Paris Naval Conference Media Availability US Navy 26 Jan 2024
• Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and Allied Joint Forces Command Naples Visits Finland US Navy Press Release 26 Jan 2024 -- Adm. Stuart B. Munsch, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) and Allied Joint Forces Command (JFC) Naples, visited Helsinki, Jan. 24-26, 2024.
• Readout of Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti's Meeting with French Navy Adm. Vaujour and Royal Navy Adm. Sir Ben Key, First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff of the United Kingdom US Navy Press Release 26 Jan 2024
• CNO and MCPON Travel to Italy and France for Strategic Engagements US Navy Press Release 26 Jan 2024
• Wisconsin Guard Fights Elements in Urban Operations Training Army News 26 Jan 2024 -- For 24 frigid hours Jan. 17-18, Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, used the High Risk Entry Facility and grounds at Volk Field — part of the Regional Emergency All-Climate Training Center — to train and perfect their urban operations in preparation for training at the Joint Readiness Training Center.
• Northern Strike 24-1 Tests Winter Warfare Skills Army News 26 Jan 2024 -- A frigid winter wind fluttered past the snow-covered landscape as Sgt. Shane Vanderhoek, an indirect fire infantryman with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment, Michigan Army National Guard, adjusted his team's 81 mm mortar.
• 88th Readiness Division Soldiers embrace cold weather training at Fort McCoy Army News 26 Jan 2024 -- U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers from the 88th Readiness Division conducted cold weather snowshoe training during their battle assembly weekend at Fort McCoy, Wis. on Jan. 21, 2024.
• US and Iraq agree to start talks to end presence of US-led coalition ISNA 26 Jan 2024 -- US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin says talks will take place as part of a military commission that was agreed upon in August 2023.
• Iraq, U.S. form commission to discuss ending U.S.-led coalition's presence People's Daily 26 Jan 2024 -- Iraq said on Thursday that it agreed with the United States to form the Higher Military Commission (HMC) to discuss the end of the U.S.-led international coalition's mission in Iraq.
• 90,000 NATO Troops Participate in Biggest Exercise Since Cold War VOA 26 Jan 2024 -- NATO began its biggest military exercises since the Cold War this week, with tens of thousands of troops set to move across Europe in a show of force meant as a warning to Russia, following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
• Secretary General hails Montenegro's commitments to NATO, key role in Western Balkans, support to Ukraine NATO 26 Jan 2024 -- Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Prime Minister of Montenegro Milojko Spajić to NATO Headquarters on Friday (26 January 2024).
• China: NATO a 'walking war machine' ISNA 26 Jan 2024 -- The US-led military bloc is sowing chaos everywhere, Beijing's Defense Ministry has warned.
• Turkish president approves ratification of Sweden's NATO membership People's Daily 26 Jan 2024 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has approved the ratification of Sweden's membership in NATO, according to a protocol published in the country's official gazette on Thursday.
• Ukraine held another round of negotiations with France on a bilateral security agreement President of Ukraine 26 Jan 2024
• Keel-laying ceremony for the nuclear-powered icebreaker Leningrad President of Russia 26 Jan 2024 -- Vladimir Putin took part in the keel-laying ceremony for the multipurpose nuclear-powered icebreaker Leningrad at the Baltic Shipyard in St Petersburg.
• Day of Acceptance of Military Products held in Russian Defence Ministry under leadership of Head of military department Russia MoD 26 Jan 2024 -- Today, Day of Acceptance of Military Products has been held in Russian Defence Ministry under leadership of Head of military department, during which the results of deliveries of weapons and military hardware to the troops in 2023, as well as the construction of infrastructure facilities were summarised.
• Pacific Fleet's detachment repels mock enemy air attack in East China Sea Russia MoD 26 Jan 2024 -- The Pacific Fleet's destroyer detachment comprising the flagship of the Pacific Fleet and the Guards Order of Nakhimov Varyag missile cruiser and the Marshal Shaposhnikov frigate conducted a training exercise to repel air attacks of the mock enemy in the waters of the East China Sea.
• Russia's MoD Main Tasks Outlined: Infrastructure Development, Support for Spec Op Participants Sputnik 26 Jan 2024 -- In an overview of the ministry's endeavors, Russian Defense Minister unveiled the major achievements and strategic priorities that shaped the nation's military landscape in 2023 — from rapid infrastructure development for nuclear deterrence to ensuring the well-equipped readiness of the participants in the special military operation zone.
• Russian Armed Forces to Receive 36,000 Pieces of Equipment, 16.5 Million Weapons in 2024 - MoD Sputnik 26 Jan 2024 -- The Russian Armed Forces have been receiving a significant number of new weapons and equipment in recent years as part of a modernization program aimed at enhancing the country's military capabilities.
• Mean Streets: Despite Wagner Mutiny, Russia Still Honoring Convict-Mercenaries Killed In Ukraine RFE/RL 26 Jan 2024 -- The mayor's office in the southern Russian city of Volgograd announced on January 17 that a stretch of road in the city will be named after Aleksei Nagin, a former convict who joined the notorious Wagner mercenary group and was killed outside the Donetsk region city of Bakhmut in September 2022.
• Türkiye - F-16 Aircraft Acquisition and Modernization DSCA 26 Jan 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Türkiye of F-16 Aircraft Acquisition and Modernization and related equipment for an estimated cost of $23.0 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Greece - F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Conventional Take Off and Landing (CTOL) Aircraft DSCA 26 Jan 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Greece of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Conventional Take Off and Landing (CTOL) aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $8.6 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Croatia - UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters DSCA 26 Jan 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Croatia of UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and related equipment and services for an estimated cost of $500 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Readout of President Biden's Call with President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt The White House 26 Jan 2024
• Readout of President Biden's Call with Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar The White House 26 Jan 2024
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby, and National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi The White House 26 Jan 2024

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Jan. 26, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 26 January 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 26 Jan 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• PM Netanyahu's Comments on the Decision of the International Court of Justice in The Hague Israel - Prime Minister 26 Jan 2024
• Jan. 25: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 26 Jan 2024
• Near 3,000 Zionists injured since Al-Aqsa Storm operation IRNA 26 Jan 2024 -- Since the beginning of the Al Aqsa Storm operation on October 7, 2023, about 2,748 Zionist forces and officers were wounded.
• Palestinian death toll in Gaza from Israeli attacks rises to 25,900: ministry People's Daily 26 Jan 2024 -- The Palestinian death toll from the ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 25,900 since Oct. 7, 2023, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Thursday.
• UN world court calls for prevention of genocidal acts in Gaza UN News 26 Jan 2024 -- The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday declared that Palestinians had a right to be protected from acts of genocide, calling on Israel to "take all measures within its power" to prevent such actions and allow the entry of desperately needed humanitarian aid into the war-shattered enclave.
• UN Court Tells Israel To Prevent Genocide in Gaza, Stops Short of Ordering Cease-Fire VOA 26 Jan 2024 -- The U.N.'s International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to "take all measures in its power" to prevent genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip but stopped short of ordering a cease-fire in the embattled territory.
• UN Court Orders Israel To Take Measures To Avoid Acts Of Genocide In Gaza, No Cease-Fire RFE/RL 26 Jan 2024 -- The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel take immediate measures to ensure it is not committing genocide in the Gaza Strip and aid an increase humanitarian assistance for Palestinians trapped there, but did not grant a request by South Africa to order a cease-fire on the ground.
• ICJ orders Israel to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza Press TV 26 Jan 2024 -- The United Nations' top court has ordered the Israeli regime to take all measures within its power to prevent genocide in Gaza, but stopped short of ordering a ceasefire.
• ICJ delivers ruling on emergency measures requested by South Africa IRNA 26 Jan 2024 -- The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has delivered its ruling on the emergency measures requested by South Africa in its genocide case against the Zionist regime over its war on the Gaza Strip.
• Ramaphosa Says South Africa 'Vindicated' in Israel Genocide Case VOA 26 Jan 2024 -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday praised the International Court of Justice for essentially ruling that its case against Israel had merit.
• South Africa Ambassador: We hope other countries join us against Israel in ICJ ISNA 26 Jan 2024 -- South Africa ambassador to Tehran said "we hope other countries will join on the side of South Africa to prove the genocide case against Israel in ICJ."
• South Africa hails ICJ's Gaza ruling as 'decisive victory' as reactions pour in Press TV 26 Jan 2024 -- South Africa has hailed as a "decisive victory" the International Court of Justice's ruling that Israel must do everything it can to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza.
• ICJ: Joint Statement by the High Representative and the European Commission European External Action Service (EEAS) 26 Jan 2024 -- We take note of today's order of the International Court of Justice on South Africa's request for the indication of provisional measures.
• Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on the ICJ interim ruling on the Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel) Germany Federal Foreign Office 26 Jan 2024
• Statement by Minister Joly on the International Court of Justice's decision on South Africa's request for provisional measures in its case against Israel Canada 26 Jan 2024
• Statement from the Minister of Foreign Affairs on the International Court of Justice's order Government of Norway 26 Jan 2024
• Statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs on the International Court of Justice's Order "Government of Iceland 26 Jan 2024
• Pakistan Welcomes the Provisional Measures Ordered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in Gaza Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 26 Jan 2024 -- Pakistan welcomes the provisional measures ordered today by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), whereby the Court has concluded that, prima facie, it has the jurisdiction to entertain the case against Israel and that South Africa's claims of genocide are "plausible".
• Iran hails ICJ ruling against Israel genocide case in Gaza, urges urgent trial of regime officials Press TV 26 Jan 2024 -- Iran has hailed an interim ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the emergency measures requested by South Africa in its genocide case against Israel over the regime's war on the Gaza Strip.
• No: 16, 26 January 2024, Regarding the Order of the International Court of Justice Indicating Provisional Measures about Israel's Attacks against Palestinian People Living in Gaza Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 26 Jan 2024
• Gaza: UN rights office condemns 'chaotic' Israeli mass evacuation orders UN News 26 Jan 2024 -- Mass evacuation orders issued by the Israeli military to the people of Gaza continue to push them "into ever smaller areas" amid "ever-intensifying violence" in likely violation of international humanitarian law, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, said on Friday.
• UN Official Warns Growing Hostility Could Break Down Civil Order in Gaza VOA 26 Jan 2024 -- A senior United Nations official has warned that civil order could break down in Gaza if escalating hostilities force more and more Palestinians to flee to Rafah, an area crammed with 1.3 million people which prior to Hamas' brutal assault in Israel on October 7 accommodated fewer than 300,000.
• WHO chief breaks down in tears describing 'hellish' Gaza conditions Press TV 26 Jan 2024 -- The director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO) has broken down in tears while demanding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip amid relentless Israeli ground and aerial offensives against Palestinians in the war-torn coastal sliver.
• Several UN Agency Staff Fired for Alleged Ties to October 7 Attack on Israel VOA 26 Jan 2024 -- The United Nations agency that assists Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, said Friday that it fired several of its employees after Israeli authorities provided the agency with information alleging their participation in the October 7 Hamas terror attack inside Israel.
• UNRWA to investigate allegations 'several' staffers played role in 7 October attacks UN News 26 Jan 2024 -- Secretary-General António Guterres has asked the head of the UN agency assisting Palestine refugees, UNRWA, to "swiftly" investigate "extremely serious allegations" that several agency staffers were involved in the 7 October terror attacks in southern Israel.
• Statement by Minister Hussen on allegations against staff of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East Canada 26 Jan 2024
• Israel/Gaza: Statement by the Commission and High Representative Borrell on allegations of UNRWA staff involvement in the 7th October attacks European External Action Service (EEAS) 26 Jan 2024 -- We are extremely concerned by allegations of UNRWA staff involvement in the 7th October terrorist attacks in Israel.
• White House Optimistic About Breakthrough on Hostage Release by Hamas VOA 26 Jan 2024 -- The White House expressed hope Friday that there was progress in talks about the release of the remaining hostages Hamas holds in Gaza, as President Joe Biden's Middle East envoy was returning to Washington from the region.
• Statement on UNRWA Allegations US Dept. of State 26 Jan 2024 -- "The United States is extremely troubled by the allegations that twelve UNRWA employees may have been involved in the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel."
• Iran lauds South Africa for taking Israel to court over Gaza genocide Press TV 26 Jan 2024 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi says South Africa's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has drawn the admiration of all freedom seekers worldwide, hours before the court announces its interim ruling.
• Hamas says to commit to potential ICJ ceasefire ruling if Israel complies Press TV 26 Jan 2024 -- Hamas says it will commit to a potential International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling mandating a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which is enduring a genocidal Israeli war if the Israeli regime adheres to such a verdict too.
• "Escalation of Hostilities in South Lebanon: Growing Toll on Civilians Deepens their Struggles" Statement by the Humanitarian Coordinator in Lebanon Mr. Imran Riza UNOCHA 26 Jan 2024
• Houthi Naval Forces Strike British Oil Ship in Gulf of Aden - Military Spokesman Sputnik 26 Jan 2024 -- Naval forces of the Houthi movement in Yemen attacked a British oil ship in the Gulf of Aden on Friday, and the vessel caught fire after it was hit by a missile, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said.
• Tanker Ship Reports Missile Fire in Red Sea Near Yemen VOA 26 Jan 2024 -- A commercial vessel operating in the Red Sea Friday reported that two missiles exploded in the water near its position as it sailed near Yemen, but caused no damage or injuries.
• U.S. sanctions Houthi leaders over attacks on commercial shipping People's Daily 26 Jan 2024 -- The United States on Thursday announced sanctions against four high-ranking leaders of the Houthi militant group in Yemen, alleging that they lent support to the militia's recent attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

Other Conflicts

• Stand up against hate, UN chief tells Holocaust commemoration UN News 26 Jan 2024 -- Hate is growing at an alarming speed, and the world must strongly denounce forces of division, especially in the wake of the abhorrent 7 October terror attacks in Israel, the UN Secretary-General said on Friday, opening a ceremony in the General Assembly Hall commemorating victims of the Holocaust.
• China Coast Guard stops Philippine fishermen's illegal activities on Huangyan Dao: source Global Times 26 Jan 2024 -- The China Coast Guard (CCG) recently stopped a group of Philippine fishermen from conducting illegal activities on China's Huangyan Dao (also known as Huangyan Island) in the South China Sea, a source confirmed with the Global Times on Friday.
• Condemning the Attacks Damaging Civilian Infrastructure in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region US Dept. of State 26 Jan 2024
• Thousands flee capital of Myanmar's Rakhine state as battle looms Radio Free Asia 26 Jan 2024 -- Thousands of residents have fled the capital of western Myanmar's Rakhine state in anticipation of a looming battle between the rebel ethnic Arakan Army and junta soldiers, local residents told Radio Free Asia.
• Nigerian Security Forces Respond to Surge in Attacks VOA 26 Jan 2024 -- Nigerian authorities say reinforcements have been sent to a local Mangu district in central Plateau state where at least 30 people were killed in attacks this week.

News Reports

• Canada Starts Inquiry Into Election Interference by China, Others VOA 26 Jan 2024 -- An official commission is about to get underway in Ottawa as Canada tries to determine to what extent China and other countries interfered in its last two elections. The investigation also will examine whether Russia and India interfered as well. All three countries have denied the allegations.
• Nearly 200 Defendants Charged in Series of Arrests Targeting Drug-Trafficking Organizations Nationwide US Dept. of Justice 26 Jan 2024 -- Nearly 200 people have been charged as part of a series of arrests targeting large-scale drug-trafficking organizations operating throughout the United States.
• Dark Web Vendor Pleads Guilty to Distributing Narcotics and Forfeits $150M US Dept. of Justice 26 Jan 2024 -- An Indian national pleaded guilty today to selling controlled substances on dark web marketplaces and agreed to forfeit $150 million.
• Russian Developer Of Trickbot Malware Sentenced To Five Years In U.S. RFE/RL 26 Jan 2024 -- A Russian national has been sentenced to five years and four months in prison for his involvement in malicious software known as Trickbot used in ransomware attacks on U.S. hospitals, schools, and businesses, the U.S. Justice Department said on January 25.
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's telephone conversation with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 26 Jan 2024
• Article by Director of Foreign Ministry's Foreign Policy Planning Department Alexey Drobinin, January 26, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 26 Jan 2024
• The Week In Russia: A Crash Near The Border RFE/RL 26 Jan 2024
• U.S. Journalist Gershkovich Loses Appeal, Will Remain In Russian Jail RFE/RL 26 Jan 2024 -- A Moscow court on January 26 rejected the latest appeal by U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich over his pretrial detention on an espionage charge that he, his employer The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), and the U.S. government reject.
• US stirs up 'China space threat' to expand space military power, maintain military hegemony: FM spokesperson Global Times 26 Jan 2024 -- The US has long been stirring up the "China space threat" theory, smearing and defaming China, but it is only for the purpose of expanding its own space military power and making excuses for maintaining its military hegemony, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a press conference on Friday.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on January 26, 2024 PRC MofA 26 Jan 2024
• Wang-Sullivan Bangkok meeting to continue high-level contact momentum Global Times 26 Jan 2024 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will hold talks with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in Bangkok during their visit in Thailand, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Friday, as the two countries continue their momentum of engagement and communication despite multiple issues on which they are at odds.
• US national security advisor to meet Chinese foreign minister in Bangkok Radio Free Asia 26 Jan 2024 -- U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi are set to meet in Bangkok Friday and Saturday to build on a pledge to deepen their dialogue, despite the two superpowers' differences on Taiwan.
• Analysts See New EU Rules Hurting China Exports, Further Straining Ties VOA 26 Jan 2024 -- Analysts say new draft regulations announced by the European Union this week are likely to hit Chinese exports when approved and further strain relations between Beijing and Brussels.
• China tests new ethnic assimilation policy on Uyghurs Radio Free Asia 26 Jan 2024 -- Northwest China's Xinjiang region is the first area to implement a government policy promoting integration among ethnic groups to achieve President Xi Jinping's goal of establishing a unified national identity, Chinese media reported.
• China's Economy, Politics Roil Hong Kong Market, Say Economists VOA 26 Jan 2024 -- The Hong Kong Stock Exchange's benchmark Hang Seng index is having a rocky start to the new year, trading around the same level it was at when the British handed the city to Beijing 27 years ago and losing its place as the fourth-largest capital market in Asia to India. Last year it was the worst-performing major market in the world.
• Clean energy leads charge in China's 2023 economic growth Radio Free Asia 26 Jan 2024 -- China's clean energy sector saw an unprecedented surge in 2023, injecting a staggering 11.4 trillion yuan (US$1.6 trillion), almost a third more than the previous year, into the nation's economy, new analysis by a nonprofit think tank has shown.
• Legislation of Article 23 of HKSAR Basic Law urgent, cannot be delayed: chief executive People's Daily 26 Jan 2024 -- John Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday said legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law of the HKSAR should be completed as soon as possible as every day counts.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Jan. 26, 2024 ROC MND 26 Jan 2024
• North Korea cracks down on theft of electricity meant for industry Radio Free Asia 26 Jan 2024 -- North Korea is cracking down on electricity theft, punishing not only residents who tap into factory supply wires, but also the corrupt officials that sell them access, residents in the country told Radio Free Asia.
• US Senators Express Concern Over North Korea-Russia Cooperation VOA 26 Jan 2024 -- A bipartisan group of U.S. senators expressed growing concern Friday about military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, saying it places new emphasis on the need for continued U.S. support for Ukraine.
• Analysts: China's Repatriation of North Korean Defectors Supports Pyongyang's Authoritarian Rule VOA 26 Jan 2024 -- Human rights experts are dismissing Beijing's latest claim, made again this week, that North Koreans fleeing into China are not political refugees but only illegal migrants seeking economic opportunities.
• Iran's Soraya satellite launch: E3 joint statement UK FCDO 26 Jan 2024 -- The UK, France and Germany have issued a joint statement in response to Iran's satellite launch using the Ghaem-100 space launch vehicle on 20 January 2024.
• Iran FM highlights beginning of new chapter in Tehran-Ankara ties after president's visit IRNA 26 Jan 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has said that the relations between Tehran and Ankara have entered "a new chapter".
• Iran Denies Report Of U.S. Tip-Off Ahead of Deadly Islamic State Attack RFE/RL 26 Jan 2024 -- Iran has denied a media report that the United States alerted the Islamic republic to a plot by the extremist Islamic State (IS) group that killed more than 90 people.
• Iran, Pakistan ambassadors resume duties after tensions over missile strikes Press TV 26 Jan 2024 -- The Iranian and Pakistani ambassadors have returned to their posts, a senior Iranian Foreign Ministry official has said.
• Myanmar junta arrests 1,000 Chinese nationals in Shan state Radio Free Asia 26 Jan 2024 -- Myanmar junta authorities arrested more than 1,000 Chinese citizens in Namhsan, in southern Shan state, who had possibly fled from online scam crackdowns in the north, the ruling military council and area residents said.
• PACE sets out its vision of a democratic future for Belarus Council of Europe 26 Jan 2024 -- The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has set out wide-ranging proposals to build a democratic future for Belarus - including a new set of measures to support Belarusian democratic forces led by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who also addressed the Assembly.
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Prime Minister of Latvia Evika Siliņa Prime Minister of Canada 26 Jan 2024 -- Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Prime Minister of Latvia, Evika Siliņa.
• Transcript of Special Briefing by Foreign Secretary on the visit of President of France to India (January 26, 2024) India MEA 26 Jan 2024
• Foreign National Pleads Guilty to Kidnapping and Assaulting U.S. Army Soldiers in Colombia US Dept. of Justice 26 Jan 2024 -- A Colombian national pleaded guilty today to kidnapping and assaulting two U.S. Army soldiers who were on temporary duty in Bogota, Colombia.
• Maduro warns of potential collapse of deal with opposition over 'conspiracies' Press TV 26 Jan 2024 -- Venezuela's leader Nicolas Maduro has expressed concern over the potential collapse of an agreement with the political opposition regarding the upcoming elections this year, attributing the risk to alleged "conspiracies" aimed at undermining his position.
• World News in Brief: UNHCR chief on frontlines in Ukraine, 10 million displaced in Sudan, instability grows in Lebanon UN News 26 Jan 2024 -- The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, has warned of dramatic humanitarian suffering throughout Ukraine and worsening conditions as war-affected civilians suffer through the harsh winter.
• Kenyan High Court Rules Country Cannot Deploy Police to Haiti VOA 26 Jan 2024 -- The Nairobi High Court rejected a planned deployment of Kenyan police officers to Haiti.
• Uncertainties Remain With Renegotiated Chinese Mining Deal in DRC VOA 26 Jan 2024 -- Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi has promised to use $7 billion from a renegotiated Chinese mining deal to build roads and infrastructure but his critics say the new agreement lacks transparency and is unfavorable towards Congo.