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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• U.S. President Biden Weighing Options Amid Mounting Pressure To Hit Iran RFE/RL 29 Jan 2024 -- Pressure is mounting on U.S. President Joe Biden to attack Iran directly after three U.S. troops were killed and more than 30 others injured in a drone attack on an American outpost in northeastern Jordan.
• U.S. Reiterates Vow Of 'Action' Over Jordan Attack, Joins U.K. With New Iran Sanctions RFE/RL 29 Jan 2024 -- The United States continued to expressed outrage and vow a response to the deaths of American service members in Jordan following a drone attack it blamed on Iranian-backed militias, while Washington and London in a separate move stepped up pressure on Tehran with a new set of coordinated sanctions.
• 3 U.S. Service Members Killed, Others Injured in Jordan Following Drone Attack DoD News 29 Jan 2024 -- Three U.S. soldiers were killed yesterday in Jordan, while more than 40 other service members were injured following an uncrewed aerial system attack at a military base near the Syrian border. Those service members were in Jordan to support Operation Inherent Resolve, which is the U.S. and coalition mission to ensure the defeat of ISIS.
• Confusion Over Incoming Drones May Have Led to Deadly Attack in Jordan, US Military Says VOA 29 Jan 2024 -- The United States is considering options for how to make Iran and its proxy forces in Iraq and Syria pay for a deadly drone attack on a base in northeast Jordan, while also trying to determine just how the drone got by the base's air defenses.
• US Vows Response to Deadly Attack on Mideast Base, Seeks to Avoid Wider Conflict Sputnik 29 Jan 2024 -- The United States will retaliate to a deadly drone attack on its al-Tanf military base on Syrian-Jordanian border at a time and in a manner of its choosing, but it is not seeking a wider conflict in the region, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said on Monday.
• Number of Injured Soldiers in Attack on US Base Near Jordan Rises to 34 - Central Command Sputnik 29 Jan 2024 -- The number of US soldiers injured in a drone attack on a US base near Jordan near the border with Syria has risen to 34, with eight people being evacuated, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Monday.
• Air Defenses at US Military Base Confused Enemy Drone for American Drone - Reports Sputnik 29 Jan 2024 -- US forces failed to stop an enemy drone attack on its base on Syrian-Jordanian border because the aircraft's approach coincided with the return of a US drone to the military outpost, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing unnamed officials.
• Possible responses to deaths of US soldiers pose challenge for Washington Global Times 29 Jan 2024 -- The US has pledged to retaliate against the recent drone attack in Jordan that resulted in the deaths of three American soldiers and left more than 30 injured. However, determining the form of response presents a challenge to Washington. An excessive reaction risks entangling the US further in the complex Middle East crisis, while a weak response may undermine its global standing and appear embarrassing, said Chinese experts, noting that a continued US presence in the region will only bring the country closer to a real war.
• 8 US troops with traumatic brain injuries evacuated from Jordan: CNN IRNA 29 Jan 2024 -- The American TV network CNN has quoted a US official as saying that commanders of the US base in Jordan were forced to evacuate eight soldiers to the United States' medical centers in other countries.
• Iran has no link to drone strike against US soldiers in Jordan: Kanani ISNA 29 Jan 2024 -- Iran views claims it is involved in an attack that killed three U.S. service members in northeastern Jordan near Syria's border as "baseless", foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said on Monday.
• US not looking for war with Iran: Top American military official IRNA 29 Jan 2024 -- A top US military official said on Sunday night that his country is not looking or a war with Iran, adding the Islamic Republic as a regional power does not want it either.
• US says not seeking war with Iran after death of servicemen Press TV 29 Jan 2024 -- A senior US official says his country is not after a war with Iran following a drone attack on a US military outpost in Jordan that killed three American servicemen.
• Regional resistance groups take no order from Iran in their actions: FM spox IRNA 29 Jan 2024 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has said that resistance groups in the West Asia region do not take orders from the Islamic Republic for their decisions and actions including those in support of the Palestinian people or defense of their countries against acts of aggression.
• Iran: Resistance groups act on their own, independent in pro-Palestine decisions Press TV 29 Jan 2024 -- Regional resistance groups do not take orders from Iran, nor does the Islamic Republic have a role in their decisions to carry out retaliatory operations in defense of the Palestinian people, says Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan'ani.
• Iran says has no links to attacks on US forces in region Press TV 29 Jan 2024 -- Iran's mission to the United Nations says Tehran has no links to attacks on US forces in the region as they are related to conflict between resistance groups and the US military.
• Iran categorically rejects US claims, says is not responsible for any group's actions in region Press TV 30 Jan 2024 -- Iran's permanent ambassador to the United Nations has categorically rejected accusations leveled by the United States about the country's involvement in anti-American operations in the West Asia region.
• Tehran has nothing to do with US base attack: Iran's UN mission IRNA 29 Jan 2024 -- Iran's permanent mission to the United Nations has issued a statement on a deadly drone attack on a US military base in Jordan, saying the Islamic Republic had not role in those attacks.
• Iran raps UK for 'baseless' claim on US base attack IRNA 29 Jan 2024 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Nasser Kanaani has called baseless the UK accusation after a US base attack in Jordan that Iran has been involved in operations of resistance groups in the region.
• US shedding tears for slain soldiers in Jordan while ignoring Gaza carnage: Iraqi resistance Press TV 29 Jan 2024 -- The secretary general of the Iraqi Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada resistance group has censured US expression of deep grief over the loss of three American forces in an attack near the Jordan-Syria border while turning a blind eye to the Gaza carnage.
• US forces to pay heavy price in Iraq with each passing day: Nujaba IRNA 29 Jan 2024 -- A major Iraqi resistance group has advised the occupying American forces to promptly leave the Arab country, warning that they will pay a heavy price with each passing day.
• Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada Sec-Gen: US in real isolation IRNA 29 Jan 2024 -- The Secretary General of Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada (KSS) Abu Ala al-Walai has said that the US is in real isolation today.
• Iraqi Shiite militia claims attacks on 3 U.S. bases in Syria, naval facility in Israel People's Daily 29 Jan 2024 -- The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an Iraqi Shiite militia, claimed Sunday responsibility for drone attacks on three U.S. bases in Syria and a naval facility in Israel.
• Yemen army attacks another US ship in Gulf of Aden IRNA 29 Jan 2024 -- Spokesman of Yemen's Armed Forces Brigadier General Yahya Saree' has announced that the the Yemeni armed forces have targeted the "Lewis B Puller" vessel of the US Navy in the Gulf of Aden as part of attacks aimed at forcing the US to end its aggression against the Arab country.
• Yemen targets US warship in Aden Gulf in fresh pro-Palestine strike Press TV 29 Jan 2024 -- Yemen's Armed Forces have conducted a fresh strike against an American warship in the Gulf of Aden in another show of support for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, who have come under a genocidal US-backed war by Israel.
• US Navy warship targeted in Gulf of Aden: Yemeni Army ISNA 29 Jan 2024 -- The Yemeni Armed Forces Spokesperson specifies that the warship was involved in providing logistical support for the US forces waging aggression against Yemen.
• Yemen's Houthi group attacks U.S. warship in Gulf of Aden People's Daily 29 Jan 2024 -- Yemen's Houthi group on Monday said they have launched a missile attack on a U.S. military ship in the Gulf of Aden.
• U.S.-British coalition launches retaliatory strikes on Houthi sites in Yemen's Red Sea port city People's Daily 29 Jan 2024 -- The U.S.-British maritime coalition launched two strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen's Red Sea port city of Hodeidah on Saturday morning, the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh Holds a Press Briefing DoD 29 Jan 2024
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Welcomes NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to the Pentagon DoD 29 Jan 2024 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III hosted NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the Pentagon on January 29, 2024.
• CDAO Launches First DOD AI Bias Bounty Focused on Unknown Risks in LLMs DoD 29 Jan 2024 -- The Department of Defense (DoD) Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) launched the first of two AI Bias Bounty exercises. Bias bounties are new crowdsourced efforts to help detect bias in AI systems. The CDAO is sponsoring two exercises: the first exercise is open to the public today, and a second exercise will soon follow.
• Readout of the Defense Innovation Board Winter 2024 Meeting DoD 29 Jan 2024
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Returns to Work at the Pentagon DoD 29 Jan 2024
• U.S. Military and Kuwait Armed Forces Collaborate in Exercise Eager Defender 24 CENTCOM 29 Jan 2024 -- The Kuwait Naval Force, Kuwait Coast Guard, U.S Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command (MARCENT) have joined forces in Exercise Eager Defender 24, a bilateral maritime drill aimed at strengthening mutual interoperability and capabilities. This exercise, led by Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (TF 51/5), taking place in Kuwait and the North Arabian Gulf from January 28 to February 7, showcases the commitment of both nations to regional security and readiness.
• U.S. Military and Kuwait Armed Forces Collaborate in Exercise Eager Defender 24 USMC News 29 Jan 2024 -- The Kuwait Naval Force, Kuwait Coast Guard, U.S Naval Forces Central Command, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command have joined forces in Exercise Eager Defender 24, a bilateral maritime drill aimed at strengthening mutual interoperability and capabilities. This exercise, led by Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, taking place in Kuwait and the North Arabian Gulf from January 28 to February 7, showcases the commitment of both nations to regional security and readiness.
• USS Delbert D. Black transits through the Strait of Gibraltar US Navy Press Release 29 Jan 2024 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119), transited the Strait of Gibraltar and entered the Atlantic Ocean on Jan. 27, 2024.
• Austin Underscores Enduring Strength of NATO Alliance DoD News 29 Jan 2024 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III underscored the United States' commitment to ensuring NATO's enduring strength during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the Pentagon today.
• Data on interceptions of aircraft completed near the Baltic States' borders on January 22-28, 2024 Lithuania MND 29 Jan 2024 -- On January 22-28 NATO Air Policing Mission Detachment fighter aircraft were scrambled twice to intercept aircraft of the Russian Federation violating flight rules in international airspace over the Baltic Sea.
• Readout of National Security Advisor Sullivan's Meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg The White House 29 Jan 2024
• Russian Defence Minister inspects development of central research institutions of Russian Defence Ministry in Moscow region Russia MoD 29 Jan 2024 -- During a working visit to the Western MD's units, Russian Defence Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu inspected the progress of modernisation of the experimental bases of the Russian Defence Ministry's research institutes deployed in the Moscow region.
• Blinken: Without US Aid, Ukraine's Defensive War May Be iAt a joint press conference with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday (29 January 2024), Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg commended President Biden and Secretary Blinken for their clear commitment to sustain US support to Ukraine. n Jeopardy VOA 29 Jan 2024 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned Monday that Ukraine's defensive war against Russia was at risk without a new round of aid approved by Congress.
• NATO Secretary General in Washington: aid to Ukraine is "an investment in our own security" NATO 29 Jan 2024 -- Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is in the United States this week to discuss maintaining strong support for Ukraine and preparations for NATO's 75th anniversary Summit in Washington DC.
• NATO Secretary-General Believes Weapons for Ukraine Are 'the Way to Peace' Sputnik 29 Jan 2024 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said during a press briefing that supporting Ukraine goes beyond charity, serving as an investment into global security.
• NATO's Door Remains Open, Ukraine Will Become Member - Blinken Sputnik 29 Jan 2024 -- NATO's door remains open to Ukraine and the country will become a member the military alliance, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during a joint press conference with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in Washington.
• Statement on negotiations for Canada-Ukraine bilateral security commitments Canada 29 Jan 2024
• Lithuania's Foreign Minister Landsbergis in Kyv meets with Ukraine's Defence Minister Umerov: "Now is a crucial time" Lithuania MFA 29 Jan 2024 -- On Saturday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis met with the Minister of Defence of Ukraine Rustem Umerov.
• Coast Guard confirms completion of Taiping Island wharf upgrades CNA 29 Jan 2024 -- The Coast Guard Administration (CGA) on Monday confirmed that a dredging project to allow larger vessels to dock at a wharf serving the Taiwan-controlled Taiping Island in the South China Sea has been completed.
• Apprehensions in India as Chinese Survey Ship Heads to Maldives VOA 29 Jan 2024 -- A Chinese research ship due to dock in the Maldives has raised apprehensions in India, where concerns have been growing about the potential military use of the data collected by such vessels.
• INDIA- SAUDI ARABIA JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE 'SADA TANSEEQ' COMMENCES IN RAJASTHAN India PIB 29 Jan 2024 -- The inaugural edition of India-Saudi Arabia Joint Military Exercise 'SADA TANSEEQ' commenced today at Mahajan, Rajasthan
• North Korea Successfully Tests Cruise Missiles in Submarine Launch - Reports Sputnik 29 Jan 2024 -- North Korea has conducted a successful submarine launch test of its Pulhwasal-3-31 cruise missiles, the Korean Central Telegraphic Agency (KCNA) reported.
• Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Guides Test-fire of Submarine-launched Strategic Cruise Missile KCNA 29 Jan 2024 -- Thanks to the wise guidance of the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un who set forth the original orientation for the development of the Juche-based naval force and is dynamically leading the drive for realizing it, a test of a strategic weapon was conducted, clearly demonstrating that a great new era of bolstering up the naval force is being ushered in.
• Royal Australian Air Force Joins United States and Japan for Exercise Cope North 2024 Australia DOD 29 Jan 2024 -- The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has deployed a C-27J Spartan aircraft and 215 aviators to participate in Exercise Cope North 24 in Guam, from 5-23 February 2024.
• Minister Černochová sealed the procurement of F-35 aircraft today Czech Republic Ministry of Defence & Armed Forces 29 Jan 2024 -- Defence Minister Jana Černochová with the U.S. Ambassador Bijan Sabet signed today a Memorandum of Understanding between the Czech Republic and the United States of America on procurement of twenty four fifth-generation F-35 fighters, which is the most important project in the history of the Czech Armed Forces.
• The Czech Republic Joins the F-35 Lightning II Global Team Lockheed Martin 29 Jan 2024 -- The Czech Republic government signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) today making official its intent to procure 24 Lockheed Martin 5th Generation F-35 Lightning II aircraft. Through the U.S. government Foreign Military Sale, the Czech Air Force will receive its first aircraft in 2031, which will be in the latest advanced Block 4 configuration.
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Rowley US Dept. of State 29 Jan 2024
• Secretary Blinken and Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Keith Rowley Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 29 Jan 2024
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby The White House 29 Jan 2024

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Jan. 29, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 29 January 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 29 Jan 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, January 29th, 2024 Israel Defense Forces 29 Jan 2024
• PM Netanyahu Holds Meeting on the Issue of Returning the Residents of the South to their Homes Israel - Prime Minister 29 Jan 2024
• Jan. 28: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 29 Jan 2024
• Al-Qassam Brigades strikes Tel Aviv with barrage of rockets Press TV 29 Jan 2024 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has launched fresh attacks on the Israeli-occupied territories by firing a barrage of rockets at Tel Aviv in retaliation for the months-long genocidal war on the besieged Gaza Strip.
• At least 350 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza in 48 hours Press TV 29 Jan 2024 -- At least 350 Palestinians have been killed over the past 48 hours in Israeli Gaza attacks as there is no let-up in relentless Israeli atrocities inflicted on the besieged territory.
• UNRWA Situation Report #70 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem (all information from 25 - 27 January 2024, is valid as of 27 January 2024 at 22:30) UNRWA 29 Jan 2024
• NGOs Back UN's Agency for Palestinians Amid Donor Suspension VOA 29 Jan 2024 -- Twenty international aid groups expressed support Monday for the United Nations' Palestinian relief agency, as several major donors suspended support following the revelation that a dozen staffers may have been involved in the October 7 terror attack inside Israel.
• UN chief to meet UNRWA donors as major charities call for continued support UN News 29 Jan 2024 -- Secretary-General António Guterres is due to meet with major donors to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) on Tuesday, as major non-governmental organizations (NGOs) issued an urgent plea to keep lifesaving funds flowing.
• Gaza: 'Simply not enough food' to go around, warn UN humanitarians UN News 29 Jan 2024 -- Ongoing hostilities across the Gaza Strip have been "particularly intense" in the southern city of Khan Younis, UN humanitarians warned on Monday, as the UN agency for Palestinians, UNWRA, reported that its shelters were now four times over-capacity.
• Regional crisis caused by continuation of Israeli war crimes: Iran Press TV 29 Jan 2024 -- Iran has described continued war crimes committed by Israel against the oppressed Palestinian people as the cause of the current crisis gripping West Asia.
• Austria Latest to Suspend Funding for Palestinian Aid, Despite UN Chief Urging Resumption of Support VOA 29 Jan 2024 -- Austria on Monday became the latest country to suspend additional funding for the U.N.'s Palestinian relief agency, a day after U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged countries to resume funding to help displaced people in Gaza who are desperately in need of assistance.
• Japan Suspends Funding to UNRWA Pending Investigation Into Its Ties to Hamas - Ministry Sputnik 29 Jan 2024 -- Tokyo has decided to suspend funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) after agency staff were accused of involvement in the attack on Israel by Hamas in October, said the Japanese Foreign Ministry.
• UNRWA: HR/VP Borrell speaks to UN Secretary General Guterres European External Action Service (EEAS) 29 Jan 2024 -- The High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell held a phone call yesterday, 28 January, with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to discuss the situation in the Middle East, including very serious allegations against a number of UNRWA staff members.
• European Commission Statement on UNRWA European Commission 29 Jan 2024
• Pakistan's Deep Concerns over the Suspension of Funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 29 Jan 2024 -- Pakistan expresses its deep concerns over the decision by some countries to suspend the funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
• China hopes to see implementation of ICJ ruling on genocide in Gaza Press TV 29 Jan 2024 -- China says it looks forward to the effective implementation of the ruling issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to make Israel end genocidal acts in the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Arab countries, bloc slam Western UNRWA funding pause as "collective punishment," "irresponsible" People's Daily 29 Jan 2024 -- Arab countries and bloc on Sunday slammed the recent Western suspension of funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), a UN body providing essential services to Palestinian refugees, as "irresponsible," saying it would further impact the already vulnerable Palestinians.
• Israeli troops kill 5 Palestinians in new raids into West Bank towns Press TV 29 Jan 2024 -- Israeli forces have carried out new raids into several areas of the occupied West Bank, killing at least five Palestinians.
• Hamas: Continuation of Israel's crimes in Gaza, disgrace for its supporters Press TV 29 Jan 2024 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has taken to task Israel's backers for supporting its war of aggression against the Gaza Strip, saying they are complicit in the regime's genocide across the territory.
• Hezbollah's new attacks hit Israeli positions using precision-strike missiles Press TV 29 Jan 2024 -- Hezbollah resistance movement says it has used precision-strike missiles in a series of new attacks against Israeli targets across Lebanon's border with the occupied territories in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
• Hezbollah hits two Israeli military posts with missile strikes IRNA 29 Jan 2024 -- Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement says it has carried out fresh missile strikes against two Israeli military posts near the southern border with the occupied territories.
• Hezbollah missiles hit Israeli military bases IRNA 29 Jan 2024 -- Lebanon's resistance movement Hezbollah announced on Monday morning that it has targeted two Israeli military bases across the country's southern border with missiles.

Other Conflicts

• Philippines' Marcos kicks off Vietnam visit with S.China Sea maritime cooperation in focus Global Times 29 Jan 2024 -- Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos left for Vietnam on Monday for a two-day state visit, which is anticipated to mainly focus on the agriculture sector and coast guard cooperation, against the backdrop of the tensions in the South China Sea provoked by Manila.
• Afghanistan's Taliban Host Multilateral Huddle To Promote Regional Cooperation VOA 29 Jan 2024 -- Afghanistan's fundamentalist Taliban hosted their first international meeting Monday since returning to power in Kabul, saying it is aimed at promoting economic connectivity and cooperation with regional countries on "common challenges."
• Israel launches missile attack on outskirts of Damascus, killing Syrian civilians Press TV 29 Jan 2024 -- The Israeli regime has launched a deadly missile attack on the outskirts of the Syrian capital of Damascus as the occupying entity continues its brutal ground and air aggression against Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Several Civilians Killed, Injured in Israeli Strikes on Damascus - Syrian Defense Ministry Sputnik 29 Jan 2024 -- Several civilians were killed and injured in Israeli airstrikes that hit a number of positions south of the Syrian capital of Damascus, the Syrian Defense Ministry said on Monday.
• Junta forces resume raids on villages in Sagaing region, residents say Radio Free Asia 29 Jan 2024 -- Junta forces recently killed five residents during a raid on a village in northwestern Myanmar's Sagaing region, one of several recent attacks that signals a resumption of the military's brutality in the area, local residents said.
• Karenni resistance group claims victory in Myanmar's northeast Radio Free Asia 29 Jan 2024 -- The Karenni Nationalities Defense Force captured a mineral-rich city in northeast Myanmar, the group announced, saying most junta troops fled from checkpoints and camps on Friday, two days before the ethnic army moved in.
• ICC Prosecutor: Warring Parties Likely Committed War Crimes in Darfur VOA 29 Jan 2024 -- The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court said Monday he believes war crimes have been committed by both sides in the Darfur region of Sudan since fighting erupted between rival generals in mid-April.
• World confronts an 'ugly and inescapable truth' in Darfur, says ICC Prosecutor UN News 29 Jan 2024 -- The international community's failure to execute warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and subsequent lack of accountability are fuelling the violence stemming from the war between rival militaries in Sudan, ICC Prosecutor told the UN Security Council on Monday.
• Designation of Ahmad Mohammad Harun Under the War Crimes Rewards Program US Dept. of State 29 Jan 2024 -- The Department of State is today designating Sudan's Former Minister of State for the Interior under the Omar al Bashir regime, Ahmad Mohammad Harun, under the War Crimes Rewards Program.
• We urge the Sudanese authorities and all relevant parties to cooperate fully with the ICC: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 29 Jan 2024 -- Statement by Colin McIntyre, UK Legal Adviser to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Sudan.
• Peacekeepers and civilians killed during clashes in disputed Abyei region UN News 29 Jan 2024 -- Continuing intercommunal clashes in the disputed Abyei region between Sudan and South Sudan have left more than 50 people dead including two peacekeepers, the UN said on Monday.
• The humanitarian community deeply concerned by new spike in violence in North-Kivu UNOCHA 29 Jan 2024 -- The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Bruno Lemarquis, expressed deep concern over the recent surge in violence in North Kivu province.

News Reports

• One Iranian and Two Canadian Nationals Indicted in Murder-for-Hire Scheme US Dept. of Justice 29 Jan 2024 -- One Iranian and two Canadian nationals have been charged with conspiracy to use interstate commerce in the commission of a murder-for-hire plot.
• One Iranian, Two Canadians Charged With Conspiracy in Murder-for-Hire Plot in US VOA 29 Jan 2024 -- One Iranian and two Canadian nationals were charged Monday with conspiracy to use interstate commerce in the commission of a murder-for-hire plot in the U.S.
• MS-13 Gang Member Sentenced for Racketeering Conspiracy US Dept. of Justice 29 Jan 2024 -- A Maryland man was sentenced today to 26 years in prison for racketeering conspiracy, including murder, connected to his participation in La Mara Salvatrucha, a transnational criminal enterprise also known as MS-13.
• Cyber: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union, expressing solidarity with Australia on the impact of cyber-attacks against its health sector EC/CEU 29 Jan 2024 -- The European Union and its Member States express solidarity with Australia on the impact of malicious cyber activities against their healthcare sector, notably against a major health service provider, Medibank. Millions of records, containing personal information, including names, dates of birth, social security numbers and sensitive medical information, were stolen and some published on the dark web.
• Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding cyber attacks against the Australian healthcare sector Poland - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 29 Jan 2024
• Malawi Launches New COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign Amid Rising Cases VOA 29 Jan 2024 -- The Malawi government and the World Health Organization launched a new COVID-19 vaccination campaign on Monday in 10 of the country's 29 districts. This is partly in response to new cases confirmed in the past three weeks in several districts across the country.
• Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine: Council renews economic sanctions for a further 6 months EC/CEU 29 Jan 2024 -- The Council today renewed for a further 6 months its restrictive measures in view of the Russian Federation's continuing actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine, until 31 July 2024.
• Russian Federation flouts international commitments once again with decision not to invite OSCE observers to presidential election OSCE 29 Jan 2024 -- The decision of the Russian Federation not to invite OSCE observers to the upcoming presidential election is deeply regrettable, leaders of the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) said today.
• Putin Officially Registered For Russian Presidential Election Amid Suppression Of Opposition RFE/RL 29 Jan 2024 -- Incumbent Vladimir Putin has been officially registered as a candidate in Russia's upcoming presidential election, a vote he is expected to easily win with most of his main opponents in jail or outside the country, having fled for security concerns.
• Russia, Belarus to Work Together to Ensure Equal, Indivisible Security - Putin Sputnik 29 Jan 2024 -- Russia and Belarus will work jointly to ensure that there is equal and invisible security, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday during a meeting with his Belarusian counterpart, Alexander Lukashenko.
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Belarus Sergey Aleinik Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 29 Jan 2024
• Meeting with President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko President of Russia 28 Jan 2024 -- Vladimir Putin had a meeting with President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko at the Constantine Palace.
• Meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State President of Russia 29 Jan 2024 -- Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko chaired a meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State of Russia and Belarus at the Konstantin Palace.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on January 29, 2024 PRC MofA 29 Jan 2024
• US officials headed to Beijing for fentanyl talks Radio Free Asia 29 Jan 2024 -- A delegation of U.S. officials is in Beijing this week for talks with their Chinese counterparts about resumed cooperation on ending illicit outflows from China of precursors for the synthetic opioid fentanyl, which was suspended amid frosty relations in 2022.
• Chinese embassy in Nauru reopens, unveiling new chapter for China-Nauru relations Global Times 29 Jan 2024 -- The reopening ceremony of the Chinese Embassy in Nauru took place on Monday local time during which representatives from both the Chinese and Nauru governments jointly unveiled the plaque for the new facility, opening a new chapter for the bilateral relations between China and the South Pacific Island country.
• Mainland, HK implement arrangement to recognize each other's judgments of civil, commercial court cases Global Times 29 Jan 2024 -- The Chinese mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) jointly implemented an arrangement on Monday allowing the mainland and the HKSAR to recognize and enforce each other's judgments in civil and commercial court cases, which is hailed as an important milestone and considered as conducive to enhance Hong Kong's status as international legal service and dispute resolution center.
• China 'gamed' UN human rights review, experts say Radio Free Asia 29 Jan 2024 -- A top Chinese diplomat said Beijing would "earnestly study" 428 recommendations for addressing human rights submitted by U.N. members, calling them "objective and balanced."
• Analysts: UN Rights Review Shows Limits of China's Global Influence Campaign VOA 29 Jan 2024 -- China's human rights record faced rare public scrutiny at the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva last week, and while Beijing was able to lobby some countries from the Global South to praise human rights conditions in the country, analysts and advocates say its charm offensive has had a limited effect.
• HK court orders liquidation of Evergrande; 'impact on general market will be limited' Global Times 29 Jan 2024 -- A Hong Kong court ordered the liquidation of China Evergrande Group on Monday. The decision indicated a lack of progress in the company's debt restructuring plan, observers said, while noting that the impact on the general market will be limited as the result was largely expected.
• Hong Kong court orders seriously indebted China Evergrande to wind up Global Times 29 Jan 2024 -- The seriously indebted real estate developer, China Evergrande Group, was order to be liquidated by a Hong Kong court on Monday, China Media Group (CMG) reported.
• Hong Kong High Court Orders Liquidation of China's Evergrande Developer - Reports Sputnik 29 Jan 2024 -- Hong Kong's High Court has granted a petition by creditors to liquidate Evergrande, one of China's largest property developers with a record debt among global developers, Chinese media reported on Monday.
• Chinese national flag raised in Nauru after nearly 19 years of hiatus People's Daily 29 Jan 2024 -- A Chinese national flag-raising ceremony was held on Monday in Nauru by a Chinese diplomatic team, marking the first time in nearly 19 years that the five-star red flag has been raised in the Pacific island country.
• US, China Set to Launch Effort to Counter Fentanyl Production and Distribution VOA 29 Jan 2024 -- U.S. and Chinese officials are set to hold talks on addressing the supply of fentanyl and its precursor chemicals as they meet Tuesday and Wednesday in Beijing.
• Taiwan lawmakers urge outgoing president to visit contested island Radio Free Asia 29 Jan 2024 -- Taipei has completed a dredging and pier renovation project on Taiping island - the biggest feature in the South China Sea to be occupied by Taiwan.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Jan. 29, 2024 ROC MND 29 Jan 2024
• N Korea launches rural growth committee as economy struggles Radio Free Asia 29 Jan 2024 -- North Korea has formally launched a party committee dedicated to the development of its economically challenged rural regions. This initiative comes as local areas are dealing with economic difficulties stemming from sanctions and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Taking Actions to Combat the Iranian Regime's Transnational Repression US Dept. of State 29 Jan 2024 -- The United States and United Kingdom are taking joint action today to impose sanctions on 11 individuals for their connection to a criminal network that has targeted foreign dissidents and Iranian regime opponents for assassination at the behest of Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS).
• The United States and United Kingdom Target Iranian Transnational Assassinations Network US Treasury 29 Jan 2024 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets
• UK and US step up action to tackle domestic threat from Iran UK FCDO 29 Jan 2024 -- New sanctions, coordinated with the US, target Iranian officials responsible for threats to kill on UK soil and criminal gangs who do the regime's bidding overseas.
• Four Mossad-linked terrorists executed in Iran IRNA 29 Jan 2024 -- Four members of a team convicted of working for the Zionist regime's spy agency Mossad have been executed in Iran.
• Four Mossad-linked terrorists executed in Iran Press TV 29 Jan 2024 -- Iranian Judiciary authorities have executed four people convicted of working for the Israeli Mossad spy agency and plotting a bomb attack against a Defense Ministry factory in the country's central province of Isfahan.
• Iran Executes Four Ethnic Kurds Despite Claims Of Unfair Trials RFE/RL 29 Jan 2024 -- Iran has hanged four ethnic Kurds - all under the age of 30 - convicted of spying for Tehran's archenemy, Israel, despite protests by rights group who said they were found guilty without a fair trial.
• Pakistan, Iran Agree to Broaden Anti-Terror Cooperation After Missile Strikes VOA 29 Jan 2024 -- Pakistan and Iran agreed Monday to broaden political and security cooperation to confront terrorism after exchanging unprecedented missile strikes earlier this month against alleged militant bases in each other's territories.
• Meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan and Iran Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 29 Jan 2024 -- Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani today met with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, in Islamabad. Senior Officials from both sides were present in the meeting. Foreign Minister Abdollahian is on an official visit to Pakistan at the invitation of Foreign Minister Jilani.
• Iran FM, Pakistan PM meet in Islamabad IRNA 29 Jan 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and Pakistan's Prime Minister Anwaar ul-Haq Kakar have met in the Pakistani capital city of Islamabad.
• Iran FM, Pakistan army chief confer on security cooperation IRNA 29 Jan 2024 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and Pakistani Army Chief Syed Asim Munir have discussed the latest developments in mutual ties including security and border cooperation.
• Iran considers Pakistan's security as its own: FM Amirabdollahian IRNA 29 Jan 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has emphasized that the country considers the security of neighboring Pakistan as that of its own and of the region's.
• Iran, Pakistan agree to expand security cooperation ISNA 29 Jan 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein AmirAbdollahian on Monday said there was "no doubt" that militants located in the border areas of Pakistan and Iran were "led and supported by third countries".
• Iran, Pakistan vow to jointly fight common threat of terrorism Press TV 29 Jan 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Gen. Syed Asim Munir urge joint efforts, more coordination and intelligence sharing to fight terrorism as a common threat to both countries.
• Iran, Pakistan won't allow terrorists to endanger mutual security, relations: FM Amir-Abdollahian Press TV 29 Jan 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says Iran and Pakistan are committed to improving their relations and will never allow terrorists to endanger the security of the two nations.
• Iran-Pakistan borders no safe haven for terrorists: FM IRNA 29 Jan 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian says borders between the country and Pakistan are no place for activities of terrorists who are supported by the extra-regional enemies of the two countries.
• Iran FM arrives in Pakistan on key visit IRNA 29 Jan 2024 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian arrived in Islamabad on Sunday night on an invitation from his Pakistani counterpart, Jalil Abbas Jilani for bilateral talks.
• Myanmar junta sentences nearly 400 women in 3 years since coup Radio Free Asia 29 Jan 2024 -- Nearly 400 women in Myanmar have been sentenced to prison, some for more than 20 years - or even death - for political offenses in the three years since the coup, a report by the Burmese Women's Union said.
• Australian Mining Companies Funding Myanmar Junta, Report Says VOA 29 Jan 2024 -- Australian mining companies operating in Myanmar are contributing to military government funding, according to a new report.
• Myanmar OKs Resumption of Construction at Beijing-Backed Indian Ocean Port VOA 29 Jan 2024 -- Myanmar's military government has approved resumption of construction of the Chinese-backed Kyaukphyu deep-sea port after years of delay.
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Sultan and Prime Minister of Oman His Majesty Haitham bin Tariq Al Said Prime Minister of Canada 29 Jan 2024
• Taking Financial Measures Against Iraqi Bank and Designating its Owner US Dept. of State 29 Jan 2024 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury is today taking action to protect the international financial system from being exploited by money launderers and terrorist financiers connected to Iran's malign activities.
• U.S. Treasury Takes Action to Protect Iraqi Financial System From Abuse US Treasury 29 Jan 2024 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury is using powerful tools to protect the Iraqi and international financial system from abuse by terrorist financiers, fraudsters, and money launderers. Treasury is issuing a finding and notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that identifies Al-Huda Bank, an Iraqi bank that serves as a conduit for terrorist financing, as a foreign financial institution of primary money laundering concern.Along with its finding, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) proposed a rule that would sever the bank from the U.S. financial system by prohibiting domestic financial institutions and agencies from opening or maintaining a correspondent account for or on behalf of Al-Huda Bank.In addition, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is imposing sanctions on the bank's owner.
• Mali, Burkina and Niger announce their withdrawal from ECOWAS People's Daily 29 Jan 2024 -- Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger are no longer members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), military officials of the three countries decided in a joint statement read this Sunday in the television news of Malian television (ORTM).
• Orban fears prompt Michel quit U-turn People's Daily 29 Jan 2024 -- European Council President Charles Michel has abandoned plans to leave his post early and stand in the spring European Parliament election because of concerns a power vacuum might lead to the Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban stepping into his place.
• Ruling ANC Suspends Former South African President's Membership VOA 29 Jan 2024 -- South Africa's ruling African National Congress on Monday suspended former President Jacob Zuma's membership after he campaigned for a different political party.
• Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime: Council adds four persons and one entity to EU sanctions list EC/CEU 29 Jan 2024 -- The Council today approved additional restrictive measures against four persons and one entity under the European Union's Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, in view of the continuing deterioration of the human rights situation in Russia.
• Kenya's Government Says it Will Appeal High Court Ruling that Blocks Sending Police to Haiti VOA 29 Jan 2024 -- Kenyan President William Ruto says he will appeal a court ruling last week rejecting a planned deployment of Kenyan police officers to Haiti. Ruto promised last year that Kenya would lead a multinational force to help fight gangs in the troubled Caribbean nation, but critics challenged his legal authority.
• Fifteenth meeting of the Accession Conference with Montenegro at Ministerial level EC/CEU 29 Jan 2024 -- The fifteenth meeting of the Accession Conference with Montenegro at Ministerial level was held today in Brussels.
• Montenegro: High Representative/Vice President Josep Borrell met with Prime Minister Milojko Spajić European External Action Service (EEAS) 29 Jan 2024 -- High Representative/Vice President Josep Borrell held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of Montenegro Milojko Spajić in Brussels on Monday. The meeting took place in the margins of the 15th Ministerial Intergovernmental Conference with Montenegro, where the High Representative participated alongside the Presidency of the Council of the EU and the European Commission.
• Venezuela: Statement by the Spokesperson on banning opposition politicians European External Action Service (EEAS) 29 Jan 2024 -- The European Union is very concerned by recent developments in Venezuela and the Supreme Court's ratification of the disqualification of opposition politicians Maria Corina Machado and Henrique Capriles from the upcoming presidential elections. Decisions intended to prevent members of the opposition from exercising their core political rights can only undermine democracy and the rule of law.
• Krišjānis Kariņš: Latvia is interested in the existence of a world order based on the rule of law Latvia MFA 29 Jan 2024 -- On 29 January 2024, Foreign Minister Krišjānis Kariņš attended the official event for the launch of the annual publication of the Latvian Institute of International Affairs, "Latvian Foreign and Security Policy. Yearbook 2024".
• The Parliamentary Secretary: Undesirable foreign influence on democratic processes in the European Union should be prevented Latvia MFA 29 Jan 2024 -- On 29 January 2024, in Brussels, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Reinis Brusbārdis, attended a meeting of the General Affairs Council of the European Union (EU), which discussed a proposal to prevent undesirable foreign influence on legislative processes in the EU.
• Tuvalu's Taiwan ties, Australia security treaty in focus following election Radio Free Asia 29 Jan 2024 -- Tuvalu's recognition of Taiwan and its contentious security treaty with Australia could be reviewed by a new government after elections in the Pacific island country produced significant changes for its 16-member parliament.
• Judges keep house arrest limits in place for Cambodian opposition leader Radio Free Asia 29 Jan 2024 -- Former Cambodian opposition party leader Kem Sokha's bid to overturn his 27-year sentence for treason will undergo eight more hearings in the coming months after Appeals Court judges at Tuesday's hearing denied a request to lift visitation restrictions.
• Cambodian opposition leader appeals 27 year sentence Radio Free Asia 29 Jan 2024 -- Cambodia's Court of Appeal began hearing former opposition party leader Kem Sokha's bid to overturn his 27-year sentence for treason on Tuesday.
• Georgian PM Garibashvili Resigns Ahead Of Elections Later This Lear RFE/RL 29 Jan 2024 -- Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has announced his resignation to give his party time to prepare for general elections that are to be held in the Caucasus nation by October.
• World News in Brief: Progress on transfats, Ukraine war update, General Assembly President in China UN News 29 Jan 2024 -- Five countries have been awarded for their efforts towards eliminating mass-produced trans fats in food, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Monday.
• Analysts Examine Implications of African States' Exit From ECOWAS VOA 29 Jan 2024 -- Analysts in West Africa are reacting to the sudden exit of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from the regional economic bloc ECOWAS, the Economic Community of West African States, and are raising security concerns. The three nations led by military juntas announced the withdrawal in a televised broadcast Sunday, accusing the regional body of becoming a threat to member states.