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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
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Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• US Preparing 'Multiple Actions' to Deter Iran Proxies VOA 30 Jan 2024 -- As the United States prepares "multiple actions" in response to a drone attack by Iran-backed militants that killed American soldiers, Kataib Hezbollah, one of the more powerful of Iran's Iraq-based proxies, announced it is suspending all its military operations against U.S. troops in the region.
• Biden 'decided' on Jordan attack response, claims he wants to avoid 'wider war' Press TV 30 Jan 2024 -- US President Joe Biden says he has "decided" on how he wants the country to respond to a recent deadly attack against American forces in Jordan, but alleges that he is seeking to avoid a "wider war" in the West Asia region.
• U.S. Names Three Soldiers Killed In Jordan Attack, Points Finger At Iranian-Backed Militia RFE/RL 30 Jan 2024 -- The United States has released the names of the three American soldiers killed by a drone strike in Jordan that Washington has blamed on Iranian-backed forces and vowed to respond to the attack, which the Pentagon said carried the "footprints" of the Tehran-sponsored Kataib Hizballah militia.
• Iran FM spox slams NATO chief's baseless accusations against Iran IRNA 30 Jan 2024 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has condemned the unfounded allegations made by Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Jens Stoltenberg, against Iran.
• Iran categorically rejects US claims about Jordan attack ISNA 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.
• 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.
• Iran not responsible for actions of resistance groups: Iravani IRNA 30 Jan 2024 -- Iran's permanent representative and ambassador to the United Nations says in a letter to the Security Council that the Islamic Republic is not responsible for the actions of any individual or group in the region.
• Houthis fire anti-ship cruise missile toward Red Sea CENTCOM 30 Jan 2024 -- On Jan. 30, at approximately 11:30 p.m. (Sanaa time), Iranian-backed Houthi militants fired one anti-ship cruise missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward the Red Sea. The missile was successfully shot down by USS Gravely (DDG 107). There were no injuries or damage reported.
• US, UK pound Yemen again despite warnings: Sources IRNA 30 Jan 2024 -- The United States and Britain have reportedly carried out fresh airstrikes on Yemen, defying criticism and opposition that such attacks are in violation of international and the UN charter.
• US Not Withdrawing Its Armed Forces From Syria - Nuland Sputnik 30 Jan 2024 -- The United States is not planning to withdraw its military from Syria, Acting US Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland has said.
• Rocket barrages target US-occupied bases in eastern Syria Press TV 30 Jan 2024 -- Salvos of rockets have rained down on two military bases in Syria's eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr and the neighboring province of Hasakah, where US occupation troops and their allied militants are stationed.
• Explosion heard on Iraq-Syria border: Unofficial sources IRNA 30 Jan 2024 -- An explosion has reportedly been heard on the border between Iraq and Syria amid repeated warnings from American officials about a response to Sunday's deadly drone strike on a US base in Jordan.

Defense Policy / Programs

• U.S. not seeking war with Iran after soldiers killed in drone attack, White House says People's Daily 30 Jan 2024 -- The White House said Monday that the United States will not go to war with Iran after three U.S. soldiers were killed in the Middle East in a drone attack the Joe Biden administration attributed to Iran-backed militias.
• Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds a Press Briefing DoD 30 Jan 2024
• Remarks by Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks 'Collaborative Disruption at DoD: Innovating to Win in the 21st Century' at the American Dynamism Summit, Washington, D.C. (As Delivered) DoD 30 Jan 2024
• Readout of Senior DoD Officials' Meeting with Dr. Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago DoD 30 Jan 2024
• DOD Official Discusses Challenges, Solutions to Recruiting All-Volunteer Force DoD News 30 Jan 2024 -- Over the last 15 years, the recruiting rate of the all-volunteer force has been declining, said Stephanie Miller, deputy assistant secretary of defense for military personnel policy.
• Taking Care of Service Members Is Key to Recruiting Next Generation DoD News 30 Jan 2024 -- The Defense Department's focus on taking care of those in uniform is a critical component for motivating the next generation to serve, a senior Pentagon official said.
• Hicks Makes Case That Effective Defense Innovation Is Moving Forward DoD News 30 Jan 2024 -- Innovation is key to continuing U.S. military might, and the Defense Department is working to make the institution more agile and a good partner for private capital, said Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks at the American Dynamism Summit in Washington today.
• USAFRICOM's Ambassador Scott visits Tanzania to meet leaders, talk maritime security AFRICOM 30 Jan 2024 -- Ambassador Robert Scott, representing the U.S. Africa Command as the Deputy for Civil-Military Engagement, conducted a diplomatic visit to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from January 21 to 25. His agenda included bilateral meetings with Tanzanian officials and participation in a maritime security seminar.
• Hill AFB Airmen bring F-35A's vital capabilities to Red Flag's modern fight US Air Force 30 Jan 2024 -- Over the past two weeks, Airmen from the 421st Fighter Squadron and 421st Fighter Generation Squadron have been launching and flying the nation's most capable multi-role fighter in the Air Force's premier combat exercise.
• USS Arleigh Burke Ports in Limassol, Cyprus US Navy 30 Jan 2024 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) arrived in Limassol, Cyprus for a regularly scheduled port visit 25 Jan., 2024.
• UCT 1 Supports U.S. Allies in São Tomé US Navy 30 Jan 2024 -- Seabee divers assigned to Underwater Construction Team 1 (UCT 1) conducted a four-week cross training exercise with São Tomé Coast Guard divers and executed underwater harbor clearance efforts to allow for safer navigation through the shipping channel of São Tomé from Dec. 15, 2023 to Jan. 21, 2024.
• Readout of Assistant Secretary of Defense Ely Ratner's Meeting With Australia's First Assistant Secretary Bernard Philip DoD 30 Jan 2024
• F-16 crashes near Kunsan Air Base Kunsan Air Base 30 Jan 2024 -- An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing here experienced an in-flight emergency over the West Sea and crashed at approximately 8:41 a.m. today.
• Joint Statement on the Inaugural Peshmerga Executive Steering Committee Meeting Between the Department of Defense and Kurdistan Regional Government Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs DoD 30 Jan 2024
• Pressure Grows on Hungary to Approve Sweden's NATO Bid VOA 30 Jan 2024 -- Pressure to approve Sweden's accession to NATO is mounting on Hungary, the last member state yet to ratify Stockholm's application. The Hungarian and Swedish prime ministers are due to meet on the sidelines of a European Union summit in Brussels on Thursday to discuss the issue.
• NATO Secretary General meets US Congressional leadership for talks on Ukraine, other key security issues NATO 30 Jan 2024 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, and other members of Congressional leadership in Washington D.C. on Tuesday (30 January 2024).
• Sergei Shoigu inspects fulfilment of state defence order at defence industry enterprises in Yekaterinburg Russia MoD 30 Jan 2024 -- Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation General of the Army General Sergei Shoigu has visited the Central Military District and inspected the fulfilment of the state defence order at the defence industry enterprises in Yekaterinburg.
• Russia's Defense Minister Shoigu Announces Drastic Increase in Missile Production Sputnik 30 Jan 2024 -- A "significant increase" in production was announced by authorities, including almost doubling the missiles used in air defenses.
• Russia Warns US Against Returning Tactical Nuclear Weapons to UK Sputnik 30 Jan 2024 -- Russia strongly warns the US against returning its tactical nuclear weapons to the territory of the UK, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Tuesday.
• CIA's Burns: US Would Make Mistake of 'Historic Proportions' to Abandon Ukraine VOA 30 Jan 2024 -- With more aid for Ukraine stalled in Congress, U.S. spy chief William Burns says in a new assessment that it would be a self-inflicted mistake of "historic proportions" for the United States to walk away from its support for Kyiv in its nearly two-year war with Russia.
• Macron Says EU Should 'Accelerate' Aid To Ukraine As Russia Continues Missile Attacks RFE/RL 30 Jan 2024 -- French President Emmanuel Macron urged Europe's leaders to find ways to "accelerate" aid to Ukraine as Russia continued to pound the EU hopeful with missiles.
• Joint UK-Japan Plan to Supply Artillery Shells to Ukraine Falls Through - Reports Sputnik 30 Jan 2024 -- More bad news for Ukraine - Japan and the UK fail to carry out preliminary agreements on supplying the struggling army with more artillery, as the silver lining at the end of the tunnel goes dim for the Kiev regime.
• Zelensky Reportedly Dead Set on Ousting Top General Zaluzhny Sputnik 30 Jan 2024 -- While General Valery Zaluzhny still remains Ukraine's commander-in-chief despite rumors of his impending sacking emerging on Monday, his resignation is apparently still being sought by the Ukrainian president.
• US-Made Small Diameter Bomb Expected to Arrive in Ukraine as Soon as Wednesday - Reports Sputnik 30 Jan 2024 -- The United States will deliver the first batch of new long-range precision bombs to Ukraine on Wednesday following successful tests almost a year after the US announced it would deliver the weapons to Kiev, Politico reported on Tuesday, citing a US official and other people in the know.
• NATO Secretary General in Washington: Supporting Ukraine serves US interests NATO 30 Jan 2024 -- At 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.
• War in Ukraine - Military support for Ukraine Germany - Federal Government 30 Jan 2024 -- Germany provides support for Ukraine by supplying equipment and weapons, these come from supplies of the Federal Arms Forces and from deliveries from industry financed from the Federal Government's funds for security capacity building. An overview.
• Development of China's CH-7 stealth drone to finish in 2024 Global Times 30 Jan 2024 -- After receiving new designs to further enhance effectiveness in information-based combat in modern warfare, China's CH-7 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has completed tests and its development is scheduled to finish this year. Chinese observers expect the drone to make a new appearance at the upcoming Airshow China in November.
• North Korea fires several cruise missiles off its west coast Press TV 30 Jan 2024 -- North Korea has test-launched a third round of cruise missiles in less than a week, firing the weapons into the waters off its west coast.
• INDIAN NAVY RESPONDS TO THE HIJACKING OF SRI LANKAN FISHING VESSEL IN COLLABORATION WITH SEYCHELLES DEFENCE FORCES AND SRI LANKA NAVY India PIB 30 Jan 2024 -- In a coordinated multilateral response to the hijacking of a Sri Lankan fishing vessel, the Indian Navy in collaboration with Seychelles Defence Forces and Sri Lanka Navy successfully intercepted and rescued the hijacked vessel
• INS Sumitra Carries out 2nd Successful Anti Piracy Ops - Rescuing 19 Crew members and Vessel from Somali Pirates India PIB 30 Jan 2024 -- Indian Naval Ship Sumitra, having thwarted the Piracy attempt on FV Iman, has carried out yet another successful anti-piracy operation off the East Coast of Somalia, rescuing Fishing Vessel Al Naeemi and her Crew (19 Pakistani Nationals) from 11 Somali Pirates
• India-US cooperation will act as force multiplier for rules-based world order: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at Indo-American Chamber of Commerce conference in New Delhi India PIB 30 Jan 2024 -- The capital and technological know-how from the US can help India to achieve its goal of becoming a developed country by 2047, while investments here can give the American companies high returns and an avenue of de-risking
• Iran's future satellite carriers will put 15-ton cargoes into orbit: Defense Ministry Press TV 30 Jan 2024 -- Iran's Defense Ministry says the country has long-term plans to develop satellite launch vehicles capable of putting cargoes weighing up to 15 tons into orbit.
• Defence: Keynote speech by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell at the EDA High-level Symposium on Military Mobility European External Action Service (EEAS) 30 Jan 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani US Dept. of State 30 Jan 2024
• Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meeting with Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani of Qatar The White House 30 Jan 2024
• Remarks by President Biden Before Marine One Departure The White House 30 Jan 2024
• Press Gaggle by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Olivia Dalton and NSC Coordinator John Kirby En Route West Palm Beach, FL The White House 30 Jan 2024
• READOUT: Under Secretary Brian Nelson's Travel to Iraq US Treasury 30 Jan 2024 -- On January 28 and 29, Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson traveled to Baghdad, Iraq to continue work between the two countries on countering illicit finance and strengthening the Iraqi financial system.

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Jan. 30, 2024
• US Defense Firms Avoiding Pentagon Contracts Due to Inflation Issues - Reports Sputnik 30 Jan 2024 -- US defense firms are rejecting contracts from the Pentagon due to inflation-related issues, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing defense industry leaders.
• Project Manager Pleads Guilty to Kickback Scheme to Defraud a U.S. Army Facility US Dept. of Justice 30 Jan 2024 -- A former project manager for a government contractor pleaded guilty today for his role in a conspiracy to inflate project costs by over $200,000 and receive kickbacks related to contracts for commercial flooring services at a U.S. Army facility in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 30 January 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 30 Jan 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• A Hamas Terrorist Cell That Hid Inside The "Ibn Sina" Hospital In Jenin And Planned To Carry Out A Terror Attack In The Immediate Period Was Neutralized. Israel Defense Forces 30 Jan 2024
• Israeli forces storm al-Amal hospital in South Gaza Press TV 30 Jan 2024 -- Israeli forces have stormed al-Amal hospital south of the Gaza Strip, demanding that displaced people taking refuge there evacuate at gunpoint.
• IDF Confirms Use of Method of Flooding Hamas Tunnels in Gaza Strip Sputnik 30 Jan 2024 -- The Israeli military uses the methods of flooding tunnels of the Palestinian movement Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Tuesday.
• PM Netanyahu to the Students of the Bnei David Institutions in Eli: "The testament of the fallen is our mission - total victory." Israel - Prime Minister 30 Jan 2024
• PM Netanyahu's Remarks in Eli Israel - Prime Minister 30 Jan 2024
• Over 700k displaced Gazans suffering from various diseases: Health ministry IRNA 30 Jan 2024 -- Gaza's health ministry says more than 700,000 displaced people in the besieged territory have contracted infectious, skin, cold, diarrhea and hepatitis diseases.
• Gaza faces threat of epidemics amid ongoing health catastrophe Press TV 30 Jan 2024 -- Health authorities in Gaza are sounding alarm bells on the rapid spread of epidemics, as dead bodies remain scattered in the streets and under the rubble of buildings destroyed by the Israeli airstrikes.
• Jan. 29: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 30 Jan 2024
• Palestinian death toll from Israeli attacks on Gaza rises to 26,637: ministry People's Daily 30 Jan 2024 -- The Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza said on Monday that the Palestinian death toll from the Israeli offensive on the enclave has reached 26,637 since it began on Oct. 7, 2023.
• Israel Says Its Forces 'Neutralized' Militants Hiding in West Bank Hospital VOA 30 Jan 2024 -- Israel's military said Tuesday it "neutralized" three militants in the occupied West Bank, including one it said had links to Hamas and was planning an imminent attack inspired by the Oct. 7 Hamas assault that Israel says killed 1,200 people.
• 'No substitute' for UNRWA's lifesaving work in Gaza: Senior Humanitarian Coordinator UN News 30 Jan 2024 -- No organization can be a substitute for the UN agency assisting Palestinians, UNRWA, in the war-ravaged Gaza Strip, the Organization's senior coordinator for the enclave said on Tuesday.
• Gaza: Aid cuts to UN agency could be felt in weeks UN News 30 Jan 2024 -- Donor funding cuts stemming from Israel's allegations against a dozen staff members at the UN agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA, will be felt within weeks, the UN Spokesperson said on Tuesday, as fears grow that consequences on the ground could contradict recent International Court of Justice (ICJ) orders for temporary measures to prevent "genocidal acts" in Gaza.
• Amid UNWRA funding crisis, desperate Gazans scour trucks for food UN News 30 Jan 2024 -- As the UN chief prepares to meet representatives from countries who donate to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) late on Tuesday following allegations of collusion with Hamas, the UN health agency, WHO, reiterated that now was not the time to abandon the people of Gaza.
• Statement by Principals of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee, We cannot abandon the people of Gaza UNOCHA 30 Jan 2024 -- The allegations of involvement of several UNRWA staff in the heinous attacks on Israel on 7 October are horrifying. As the Secretary-General has said, any UN employee involved in acts of terror will be held accountable.
• UNRWA Situation Report #71 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem (all information from 28-29 January 2024, is valid as of 29 January 2024 at 22:30) UNRWA 30 Jan 2024
• WHO Says Defunding UNRWA a 'Distraction' from Dire Situation in Gaza VOA 30 Jan 2024 -- The World Health Organization warns that defunding UNRWA, the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, threatens to worsen the already dire situation of more than 2 million civilians in Gaza, many of whom are facing starvation, ill health and the threat of death from the spread of infectious diseases.
• UN chief to convene with key donors to ensure continued support for Palestine refugees relief work People's Daily 30 Jan 2024 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is scheduled to hold a meeting with key donors to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) on Tuesday, to ensure continued support for relief work for Palestinian refugees, his spokesperson said Monday.
• Iran condemns Israeli attack inside Jenin hospital as 'organized terrorism' IRNA 30 Jan 2024 -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson has strongly condemned a deadly attack by Israeli forces inside a hospital in the occupied West Bank, saying such heinous action pays the way for normalizing "organized terrorism" in the world.
• US knows political solution only way to end regional crisis: Iran FM IRNA 30 Jan 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian says that the United States should concentrate its efforts for ending the current crisis in the West Asia region on political solutions rather than seeking an escalation in military confrontation.
• US knows only 'political solution' can end Israel's genocide in Gaza: Iran's FM Press TV 30 Jan 2024 -- The United States knows very well that only a political solution can end Israel's ongoing genocide against the Gaza Strip and the crisis gripping West Asia, says Iran's foreign minister.
• Canada provides additional humanitarian assistance in Gaza Canada 30 Jan 2024 -- Canada wholeheartedly recognizes that Palestinian civilians' need for humanitarian assistance is growing by the hour. The scale of the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip continues to require our urgent attention and immediate response. We must ensure that Palestinian civilians who need life-saving assistance receive it quickly.
• Financial support for UNRWA delayed "Government of Iceland 30 Jan 2024 -- Bjarni Benediktsson, Minister for Foreign Affairs, decided on Friday to delay the disbursement of Iceland's annual core contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) following reports of allegations of the involvement of twelve UNRWA employees in the terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7.
• Israeli Forces Kill 3 Militants in West Bank Hospital VOA 30 Jan 2024 -- Israeli forces killed three Palestinian militants Tuesday inside a hospital in the occupied West Bank, including one that Israel's military said was a Hamas member planning an imminent attack.
• Hospital massacre: Undercover Israeli forces kill three Palestinians at West Bank center Press TV 30 Jan 2024 -- A unit of undercover Israeli special forces has fatally shot three young Palestinians inside a hospital in the northern West Bank, in an unusual event since the beginning of the latest round of violence in the occupied territory.
• Iran urges intl. condemnation of Israel's 'barbaric' assassination of Palestinian patients in West Bank Press TV 30 Jan 2024 -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman has strongly condemned the assassination of Palestinian patients by Israeli forces in a hospital in the occupied West Bank, calling on the international community not to remain silent in the face of the "terrorist act."
• Hamas Says Received Proposal on Truce in Gaza Strip, Will Give Response After Studying It Sputnik 30 Jan 2024 -- Palestinian movement Hamas has received a proposal regarding a truce in the Gaza Strip and will give a response after studying it, the chairman of the movement's political office, Ismail Haniyeh, said on Tuesday.
• Hamas 'studying' ceasefire proposal, prioritizes end of Israeli aggression in Gaza Press TV 30 Jan 2024 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says it is "studying" a new ceasefire proposal, stressing that its priority is to end the Israeli aggression and a full withdrawal of occupying forces from the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Ceasefire in Gaza prerequisite for any subsequent step: Hamas official ISNA 30 Jan 2024 -- El-Nounou indicated that a set of proposal was presented to Hamas, affirming that no agreement has been reached so far.
• Hamas leader condemns UNRWA cuts as defiance of ICJ ruling Press TV 30 Jan 2024 -- The leader of the Hamas resistance movement has strongly denounced a Western pause in funding the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, which assists the displaced people across the Israeli-bombarded Gaza.
• UNRWA funding suspension shows complicity in war: Hamdan ISNA 30 Jan 2024 -- Osama Hamdan pointed to several massacres carried out by the Israeli occupation in Gaza, 48 hours after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to halt genocidal acts.
• Islamic Jihad chief sets 4 conditions for release of Israeli captives Press TV 30 Jan 2024 -- A senior Palestinian resistance leader has announced four conditions for the release of Israeli captives being held in the territory amid efforts by the US and allies to secure their release.
• Israeli outpost comes under fresh attack by Hezbollah IRNA 30 Jan 2024 -- Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement says it has carried out fresh missile strikes against an Israeli military base in northern occupied Palestine.
• Hezbollah launches 13 attacks against Israel ISNA 30 Jan 2024 -- In following six operations that were launched between Monday midnight and morning, the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon launched a series of attacks on various targets near the entirety of the Lebanese-Palestinian border.
• Yemeni minister vows bitter end to US hegemony IRNA 30 Jan 2024 -- Yemen's Defense Minister, Major General Mohammad Nasser Al-Atefi, downplays strikes on the country, adding that it is Yemen that will impose a bitter end to the US hegemony.
• Yemen vows to put 'painful end' to US hegemony in Red Sea Press TV 30 Jan 2024 -- Yemen's defense minister has censured American and British attempts to militarize the Red Sea in support of Israel's genocidal war on the besieged Gaza Strip, stressing that the Yemeni armed forces will put a "painful end" to the US hegemony in the strategic waterway.

Other Conflicts

• Philippines - Viet Nam Joint Press Statement Philippines DFA 30 Jan 2024
• Philippines, Vietnam set to boost cooperation in South China Sea Radio Free Asia 30 Jan 2024 -- Vietnam and the Philippines on Tuesday signed two memoranda of understanding on cooperation in the South China Sea during the visit by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Hanoi, the Philippine Presidential Communications Office said.
• Vietnam, Philippines Sign Deals on South China Sea Security VOA 30 Jan 2024 -- Vietnam and the Philippines agreed on Tuesday to boost cooperation between their two coast guards to prevent incidents in the South China Sea, waters claimed in their entirety by Beijing.
• China's President Receives Afghan Ambassador; Taliban Seek Recognition From Russia, Iran VOA 30 Jan 2024 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday received the credentials of ambassadors from several countries, including neighboring Afghanistan, in what amounts to the first official recognition of the interim Taliban government by a major nation.
• No: 20, 30 January 2024, Regarding the United Nations Security Council Resolution No. 2723 (2024) on the Extension of the Mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in the Island of Cyprus Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 30 Jan 2024
• Karen army claims 5 dead after junta helicopter crash Radio Free Asia 30 Jan 2024 -- The Karen National Liberation Army shot down a Myanmar junta aircraft, killing soldiers onboard, a member of the ethnic force told Radio Free Asia.
• Humanitarian partners seek US$1.6 billion to assist 5.2 million people in Somalia in 2024 UNOCHA 30 Jan 2024 -- Today, the United Nations in Somalia, humanitarian partners together with the Federal and State Governments released the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP), which seeks US$1.6 billion to assist 5.2 million people out of 6.9 million who need lifesaving humanitarian and protection assistance in Somalia.

News Reports

• Federal Indictments Allege International Organized Crime Syndicate Imported and Exported Narcotics Across North America US Dept. of Justice 30 Jan 2024 -- Ten people were arrested in multiple cities over the past day in relation to two federal indictments charging members of an organized crime syndicate who allegedly conspired to traffic and import hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and other controlled substances from Mexico through Los Angeles for export to Canada or re-distribution throughout the United States.
• Designating ISIS Supporters US Dept. of State 30 Jan 2024 -- The United States is today designating two individuals who have helped create, manage, and support an ISIS affiliated platform that provides ISIS leadership and supporters with technical cybersecurity training, enabled ISIS's use of virtual currency, and supported the terrorist group's recruitment. We are also designating one financial facilitator involved in transferring funds to ISIS-affiliated individuals in Syria.
• Treasury Designates ISIS Cyber Facilitators and Trainers US Treasury 30 Jan 2024 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated two cybersecurity experts affiliated with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) for providing ISIS leadership and supporters with cybersecurity training, enabling their use of virtual currency, and supporting the terrorist group's recruitment. Additionally, OFAC designated an ISIS financial facilitator involved in transferring funds to ISIS-affiliated individuals in Syria.
• US Takes Shot at Islamic State's Cyber Operations VOA 30 Jan 2024 -- The United States is taking new steps to cut off efforts by the Islamic State terror group to grow its virtual, self-declared caliphate.
• Press release on why the OSCE ODIHR will not be present among international election observers during the 2024 presidential election in Russia Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 30 Jan 2024
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad of the Republic of Gambia Mamadou Tangara Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 30 Jan 2024
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement and answers to media questions during a joint news conference following his talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad Mamadou Tangara, Moscow, January 30, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 30 Jan 2024
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks during talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad of the Republic of The Gambia Mamadou Tangara, Moscow, January 30, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 30 Jan 2024
• Russia Discussing Integration of Payment Infrastructure With BRICS Sputnik 30 Jan 2024 -- Russia is discussing with other BRICS countries the integration of national financial message transmission systems, and currently 159 foreign participants from 20 countries have already joined the Russian platform, Russian Central Bank Head Elvira Nabiullina told Sputnik.
• Russian Anti-War Candidacy Bid An Unexpected Obstacle In Kremlin's Effort To Smoothly Reinstall Putin RFE/RL 30 Jan 2024 -- The repressive Soviet Union was notorious for its long lines of weary people waiting hours to acquire some hard-to-come-by commodity. But in Russia this winter, long lines have become a symbol of protest, with enthused citizens waiting for things that have become vanishingly rare under authoritarian President Vladimir Putin: freedom of expression, competitive elections, the opportunity to influence the future of their country.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on January 30, 2024 PRC MofA 30 Jan 2024
• Readout of the U.S.-PRC Bilateral Counternarcotics Working Group Inaugural Meeting The White House 30 Jan 2024
• China, US resume talks on fentanyl, showing negotiation is the way out: experts Global Times 30 Jan 2024 -- China and the US reportedly resumed talks in Beijing Tuesday on jointly stemming the production of ingredients for the drug fentanyl. The shift from blaming China to seeking cooperation signifies a significant change in the US approach toward the issue, highlighting that negotiation and cooperation are the way forward for the two countries to solve their problems, experts said.
• US probes of Chinese firms affect operations, hurt confidence: MOFCOM Global Times 30 Jan 2024 -- The US side has repeatedly conducted surprise probes of Chinese-funded companies, disturbing Chinese businesses and businesspeople, seriously affecting normal business operations, and undermining the confidence of Chinese companies in investing in the US, a spokesperson of China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said on Tuesday.
• Beijing says construction of multibillion-dollar China-Thailand rail must be sped up Radio Free Asia 30 Jan 2024 -- China and Thailand need to speed up the construction of a delayed, high-speed railway to link their countries, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Monday at the end of a three-day visit to Bangkok.
• HK begins public consultation regarding Article 23, adds new items including prohibitions on foreign interference Global Times 30 Jan 2024 -- Hong Kong officially launched the public consultation process regarding the Article 23 legislation on Tuesday, which is considered a necessary step to enhance national security law's enforcement and effectively prevent activities that compromise national security.
• Hong Kong introduces security law targeting 'foreign forces' in city Radio Free Asia 30 Jan 2024 -- Hong Kong on Tuesday revealed details of fresh national security legislation aimed at wiping out "undercurrents" of dissent and support for democracy among the city's own population, as well as espionage by the CIA and British intelligence services, officials said.
• Hong Kong to Craft its Own National Security Law VOA 30 Jan 2024 -- Four years after China imposed a strict national security law on Hong Kong, the territory's leader says the time has come for the city to pass its own version.
• China Introduces Strict Rules In Xinjiang On Islam, Other Religions RFE/RL 30 Jan 2024 -- In a move set to tighten government control over practicing religion in China's western Xinjiang Province, the Muslim-majority region will introduce a set of regulations that - among other things - will require all new places of worship to reflect "Chinese characteristics and style."
• China's Jailing of Brit for Espionage Will Further Discourage Business, Analysts Say VOA 30 Jan 2024 -- Beijing's revelation that it sentenced an elderly and well-connected British businessman who has lived in China for decades to five years in prison for espionage will further discourage business and trade, say analysts and a friend of the man.
• Shanghai further eases curbs on home purchases, in boost for market Global Times 30 Jan 2024 -- Shanghai on Tuesday further eased its restrictions on home purchases, as it moved to allow unmarried individuals without local residency status who have paid taxes in the city for at least five years to buy homes in certain areas.
• Evergrande collapse casts long shadow on China's troubled property market Radio Free Asia 30 Jan 2024 -- After seven postponements, the Hong Kong High Court has finally issued a liquidation order against Chinese property giant Evergrande Group this week as China, the world's second-largest economy, struggles to fix its worst real estate crisis amid shrinking growth.
• Will Evergrande's Liquidation Order be Enforced in China? VOA 30 Jan 2024 -- The liquidation of debt-ridden China Evergrande Group, ordered by a Hong Kong court on Monday, is unlikely to be enforced elsewhere in China, analysts say.
• China, France to make comprehensive strategic partnership more solid, vibrant People's Daily 30 Jan 2024 -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said Monday that China will work with France to foster a more solid and vibrant comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries and to jointly contribute wisdom and strength to world peace, security, prosperity and progress.
• HK begins public consultation regarding Article 23, adds new items including prohibitions on foreign interference Global Times 30 Jan 2024 -- Hong Kong officially launched the public consultation process regarding the Article 23 legislation on Tuesday, which is considered a necessary step to enhance national security law's enforcement and effectively prevent activities that compromise national security.
• Mainland-HK civil, commercial arrangement comes into operation People's Daily 30 Jan 2024 -- The courts of mainland and Hong Kong may recognize and enforce reciprocally effective judgments in civil and commercial matters after a new arrangement came into effect on Monday.
• Taiwan protests China's unilateral adjustment of flight routes CNA 30 Jan 2024 -- Taiwan's Civil Aviation Administration (CAA) on Tuesday protested China's unilateral adjustment of flight routes close to the median line of the Taiwan Strait.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Jan. 30, 2024 ROC MND 30 Jan 2024
• S Korea labels Kim regime irrational, calls for an end to provocation Radio Free Asia 30 Jan 2024 -- South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol issued a fresh warning to North Korea Wednesday, as Pyongyang continued its military provocation, with missile tests potentially placing the United States and its allies within the range of its nuclear capabilities.
• Analysts: North Korea Seeks to Dominate South Korea Through Nuclear Coercion VOA 30 Jan 2024 -- Several prominent analysts are voicing doubts about a widely cited article concluding that North Korea has decided to wage war against South Korea, suggesting that Pyongyang's provocative military buildup is more likely intended to win control over the South through intimidation.
• Iran summons British ambassador over 'baseless' accusations Press TV 30 Jan 2024 -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry has summoned the British ambassador in Tehran to convey the Islamic Republic's strong protest to "baseless accusations" leveled by the UK against Tehran.
• Iran officially participates for first time in BRICS summit as full member Press TV 30 Jan 2024 -- Iran's representatives have officially taken part for the first time in a meeting of the BRICS group of emerging economies in Russia, less than a month after joining the economic bloc as a full member.
• Border guards gun down notable terrorist figure in Iran's southeast IRNA 30 Jan 2024 -- Iranian border guards have shot down a notable terrorist figure in an armed clash in the country's southeastern borders.
• Three Years After Coup, Myanmar's Junta Losing Ground but Holding On VOA 30 Jan 2024 -- February 1 will mark three years since Myanmar's military toppled the country's democratically elected government, setting off a bloody civil war that continues to tear apart the country of 54 million people.
• Beware of junta's political tricks, government-in-exile warns Radio Free Asia 30 Jan 2024 -- Increasingly desperate after a series of battlefield losses, Myanmar's junta may try to trick the world into thinking it is making changes to the political system - but don't fall for it, the foreign minister of the country's government-in-exile said.
• Rights group urges sanctions against Australian mining companies in Myanmar Radio Free Asia 30 Jan 2024 -- Australian companies engaged in Myanmar's junta-controlled mining sector are tacitly supporting the ruling military regime, which is approaching its third year in power, the rights group Justice For Myanmar said in a report issued Tuesday.
• Thai court drops drug-trafficking charges against Myanmar businessman with alleged junta ties Radio Free Asia 30 Jan 2024 -- A Bangkok court dropped drug-trafficking charges on Tuesday against a Myanmar businessman with alleged links to the military junta who is under U.S. sanctions, and four Thai nationals, including the son-in-law of a Thai senator, citing insufficient evidence.
• Myanmar demands greater focus urges UN rights chief, three years after coup UN News 30 Jan 2024 -- Three years after the military deposed the elected Government in Myanmar, the ever-deteriorating human rights crisis in the country is now in freefall, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said on Tuesday, appealing for greater attention from the international community.
• Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan sentenced to 10 years in jail IRNA 30 Jan 2024 -- A Pakistani court has sentenced former prime minister Imran Khan and his close ally former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi to 10 years in jail in a case related to the leaking of state secrets.
• Pakistan's ex-PM Imran Khan sentenced to 10 years in jail ahead of elections Press TV 30 Jan 2024 -- A Pakistani court sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi to 10 years in jail for "revealing official secrets," Khan's party spokesman has said.
• Former Pakistani PM Khan Sentenced To 10 Years For Revealing State Secrets RFE/RL 30 Jan 2024 -- A court in Pakistan sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi, one of his Pakistan Tehrik-e Insaf (PTI) party deputies, to 10 years in prison each, after ruling they were guilty of revealing state secrets.
• Pakistan's Ex-PM Khan Sentenced To 10 Years Over US-Related State Secrets VOA 30 Jan 2024 -- A special court in Pakistan sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan to 10 years in prison Tuesday on charges that while in office, he made public state secrets involving the United States.
• Pakistan says thwarted three 'coordinated' terror attacks in border province Press TV 30 Jan 2024 -- Pakistan says security forces prevented three "coordinated" attacks launched by terrorists in Mach town in southwestern Balochistan.
• Election Rally Bombing, Insurgent Raid Kill Several in Southwestern Pakistan VOA 30 Jan 2024 -- A bomb explosion at an election rally in Pakistan's southwestern Baluchistan province Tuesday killed at least four people and injured several others.
• Venezuela: Sanctions Actions and Supporting Democracy US Dept. of State 30 Jan 2024 -- Actions by Nicolas Maduro and his representatives in Venezuela, including the arrest of members of the democratic opposition and the barring of candidates from competing in this year's presidential election, are inconsistent with the agreements signed in Barbados last October by representatives of Nicolas Maduro and the Unitary Platform.
• US reimposes sanctions on Venezuela after court upholds candidate ban Press TV 30 Jan 2024 -- The United States has started to reimpose sanctions on Venezuela by restricting its mining sector after the South American nation's top court upheld the disqualification of an opposition presidential hopeful.
• Venezuela warns of strong response if U.S. resumes sanctions People's Daily 30 Jan 2024 -- Venezuela on Monday warned it will respond in a "severe, reciprocal and strong" way if the United States resumes sanctions or applies sanctions against the South American country.
• Saudi Aramco Will Not Increase Oil Production to 13Mln Barrels Per Day Sputnik 30 Jan 2024 -- Saudi state-owned oil and gas company Saudi Aramco announced on Tuesday it would maintain oil production capacity at 12 million barrels per day and will not increase it to a planned 13 million.
• Ukraine, Middle East Conflicts Hamper Fight Against Graft VOA 30 Jan 2024 -- Global efforts to curb public sector corruption are stalling, even reversing in some regions due to armed conflicts and dysfunctional justice systems, a leading corruption watchdog said on Tuesday.
• Report: 'Little to no' progress on fighting corruption in Asia Radio Free Asia 30 Jan 2024 -- For yet another year, there was "little to no meaningful progress towards curbing corruption" in Asia in 2023, according to the latest annual graft index from Transparency International, with only three regional jurisdictions making it into the world top 20.
• Corruption Watchdog Warns Of 'Troubling Picture' In Central Asia RFE/RL 30 Jan 2024 -- Transparency International says its 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) paints a "troubling picture" of Central Asia as the region struggles with "dysfunctional rule of law, rising authoritarianism, and systemic corruption."
• World News in Brief: Response plan for Somalia launched, mass executions in Iraq, Ukraine update, new European heat record UN News 30 Jan 2024 -- The UN and partners launched the 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan for Somalia on Tuesday, calling for $1.6 billion to assist 5.2 million people across the Horn of Africa nation.
• Papua New Guinea highlights Australia ties after China security deal report Radio Free Asia 30 Jan 2024 -- Papua New Guinea's foreign minister has reaffirmed close security ties with Australia following a report that the Pacific island country - recently rocked by riots and looting - was considering a policing and security cooperation agreement with China.
• Atoll nations, predicted to sink, have kept pace with sea-level rise Radio Free Asia 30 Jan 2024 -- For an attention-grabbing speech to the 2022 U.N. climate conference, a Tuvalu cabinet minister stood on one of the atoll nation's smallest islands and predicted it could be the first to be submerged by rising seas.
• 'Historic Day': Moldova Applies To Join Single European Payments System RFE/RL 30 Jan 2024 -- Moldova's central bank (BNM) on January 30 officially applied to join the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), the simplified payment integration initiative that enables countries in Western Europe to effect cashless bank transfers and direct debits in euros.
• Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger Send Formal Withdrawal Notifications to ECOWAS - Reports Sputnik 30 Jan 2024 -- Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger sent official notices to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) of their intention to leave the bloc, the media reported on Monday.
• At least 170,000 children displaced amid escalating violence in Haiti UNICEF 30 Jan 2024 -- The surge in armed violence across Haiti has triggered a profound humanitarian crisis, with the number of internally displaced children soaring to 170,000.