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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• US Congress Debates Response to Deadly Strike That Killed 3 US Soldiers VOA 31 Jan 2024 -- A drone attack that killed three U.S. troops in Jordan last Saturday has led to debates in Congress about the best course of action, after the U.S. Treasury announced sanctions against some of the entities held responsible.
• Kataib Hezbollah Should Take US Warning 'Seriously,' White House Says VOA 31 Jan 2024 -- National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby warned that Kataib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group based in Iraq, should take "seriously" the Biden administration's determination to respond to Sunday's drone attack by Iran-backed militants that killed three American soldiers on a U.S. base in Jordan.
• US Response to Military Base Attack to Include Strikes on Iranian Targets, Cyber Ops - Reports Sputnik 31 Jan 2024 -- The United States' response to the deadly attack on US forces in Jordan will target Iranian assets outside of Iran as part of a campaign that will include US strikes and cyber operations, NBC News reported on Wednesday citing US officials.
• Iraqi Militants 'Suspend' Actions Against U.S. As Washington Mulls Response To Drone Strike RFE/RL 31 Jan 2024 -- An Iraqi militant group backed by Iran suspected of being behind a drone strike that killed three U.S. soldiers in Jordan has announced a "suspension" of operations against U.S. forces as Washington said it had decided how to respond to the attack but did not elaborate.
• Iraqi Resistance announces 'suspension' of anti-American operations Press TV 31 Jan 2024 -- The Islamic Resistance, an umbrella group of Iraqi anti-terror groups, has announced a pause in its operations against American targets across the region.
• Houthi Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile and Iranian UAVs Shot Down in Gulf of Aden CENTCOM 31 Jan 2024 -- On Jan. 31, at approximately 8:30 p.m. (Sanaa time), Iranian-backed Houthi militants fired one anti-ship ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward the Gulf of Aden. The missile was successfully shot down by the USS Carney (DDG 64). At 9:10 p.m., the USS Carney engaged and shot down three Iranian UAVs in its vicinity. There were no injuries or damage reported.
• CENTCOM Self-Defense Strike Against Houthi UAVs and Ground Control Station CENTCOM 31 Jan 2024 -- On Jan. 31, at approximately 8:30 p.m. (Sanaa time), Iranian-backed Houthi militants fired one anti-ship ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward the Gulf of Aden.
• UK Considering Sending Aircraft Carrier to Red Sea to Deter Houthis - Reports Sputnik 31 Jan 2024 -- The United Kingdom is considering sending an aircraft carrier to the Red Sea to ensure the safety of ships passing through the region from missile and drone attacks by the Houthis, The Telegraph newspaper reported on Tuesday.
• Yemen attacks US warship in Red Sea: Army spokesman IRNA 31 Jan 2024 -- Yemen's army spokesman says the country has attacked a US warship sailing in the Red Sea to respond to US aggressions on the Arab country and as part of a campaign to support the people of Palestine in their fight against Israel's invasion of Gaza.
• Houthis Report New Attack on US Navy Destroyer in Red Sea Sputnik 31 Jan 2024 -- Yemen's Houthis said on Wednesday that the movement delivered a new strike on a US Nave destroyer USS Gravely warship in the Red Sea, the target of the attack was the destroyer USS Gravely.
• Yemeni forces target US Navy destroyer in Red Sea with missiles: Army spokesman Press TV 31 Jan 2024 -- Yemen's naval units have fired "several" missiles at a US Navy warship just off the coast of Yemen in the Red Sea, according to the Yemeni military's spokesman.
• U.S. Forces Strike and Destroy Houthi Surface-to-Air Missile CENTCOM 31 Jan 2024 -- Jan. 31 at approximately 3:30 p.m. (Sanaa time), USCENTCOM forces struck and destroyed a Houthi surface-to-air missile prepared to launch.

Defense Policy / Programs

• DOD Launches Distributed Bioindustrial Manufacturing Program to Bolster Domestic Supply Chains DoD 31 Jan 2024 -- The Department of Defense announced new opportunities for American businesses to advance biotechnology as part of President Biden's efforts to strengthen and build the resiliency of America's defense industrial base and secure its supply chains.
• DOD Harnesses Science, Technology to Counter Adversaries DoD News 31 Jan 2024 -- China is attempting to offer an alternative to the international world order, increasing its capacity to reshape international borders and rapidly developing capabilities in artificial intelligence, hypersonic weapons, shipbuilding and space capabilities, said Heidi Shyu, undersecretary of defense for research and engineering.
• Official Says DOD Aims to Promote Service in Its Recruiting Message DoD News 31 Jan 2024 -- The Defense Department's all-volunteer force, made up of uniformed members and civilians, is the finest fighting force in the world, said Acting Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Ashish S. Vazirani during the America's All-Volunteer Force: The Next 50 Years conference, hosted at the Institute for Defense Analyses in Alexandria, Virginia, Monday.
• 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit Successfully Concludes Realistic Urban Training USMC News 31 Jan 2024 -- The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit successfully completed their Realistic Urban Training Exercise on January 25th, 2024
• U.S. fighter jet crashes off S. Korea's western coast People's Daily 31 Jan 2024 -- A U.S. fighter jet crashed in waters off South Korea's western coast, Yonhap news agency said Wednesday.
• US Air Force Confirms Crash of Its F-16 Fighter Jet in South Korea Sputnik 31 Jan 2024 -- The United States Air Force 8th Fighter Wing confirmed on Wednesday recent media reports that an American F-16 fighter jet fell into the sea near the western South Korean city of Gunsan, adding that the pilot successfully ejected and survived.
• Two U.S. Navy carriers join Japan destroyer on Multi-Large Deck Event in Philippine Sea US Navy 31 Jan 2024 -- The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group (CSG), Theodore Roosevelt CSG and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) conducted a Multi-Large Deck Event (MLDE) in the Philippine Sea, Jan. 31.
• Australia, India, Japan, Korea, and the U.S. Complete Multilateral Exercise Sea Dragon 2024 US Navy 31 Jan 2024 -- The U.S. Navy and four allied and partner nations concluded the annual, multinational exercise Sea Dragon 2024, Jan. 24.
• US, allies and partners integrate for dynamic targeting kill-chain automation experiments US Air Force 31 Jan 2024 -- The 805th Combat Training Squadron, also known as the Shadow Operations Center-Nellis, executed their annual capstone event by experimenting with and developing tactics, techniques and procedures for integrated two-way kill-chain automation between the operational and tactical command and control including battle management levels, to create competitive advantages for the United States and its allies and partners at Nellis Air Force Base.
• Army announces upcoming unit deployments US Army 31 Jan 2024 -- The Department of the Army announced today the spring deployments of the following units.
• Secretary General in Washington: through NATO, the US has more friends and allies than any other power NATO 31 Jan 2024 -- On Wednesday (31 January 2024), Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg delivered a speech at the Heritage Foundation in Washington D.C. He emphasised that in a world with rising security threats, NATO Allies must ensure robust deterrence, prepare for enduring competition with China, and invest more in defence.
• NATO Secretary General meets US Congressional leadership for talks on Ukraine, other key security issues NATO 31 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).
• Joint statement by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Mike Johnson NATO 31 Jan 2024
• Russian Defence Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu holds talks with his Chinese counterpart Russia MoD 31 Jan 2024 -- The Russian Defence Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu held teleconference with the Minister of National Defence of People's Republic of China Admiral Dong Jun.
• Sergei Shoigu inspects fulfilment of state defence order in terms of production of self-propelled artillery systems in Yekaterinburg Russia MoD 31 Jan 2024 -- Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation General of the Army Sergei Shoigu has inspected implementation of the state defence order for the production and repair of the 2S19 Msta-S, 2S3 Akatsiya, 2S4 Tyulpan, 2S5 Giatsint, and 2S35 Koalitsiya SV self-propelled artillery systems at the Ural Plant of Transport Engineering (Uraltransmash).
• Russian warship conducts exercise in South China Sea Radio Free Asia 31 Jan 2024 -- A Russian Pacific Fleet warship has conducted an anti-submarine exercise in the South China Sea as part of the fleet's training program, Russia's ministry of defense confirmed in a news release.
• Russia's New Next-Generation Stealth Subs Outrank Predecessors - Developer Sputnik 31 Jan 2024 -- The 677 Lada-class diesel-electric submarines are designed for reconnaissance, surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, anti-shipping, and mine-laying missions. The subs are equipped with advanced technology, including improved stealth capabilities, enhanced communication systems, and advanced torpedoes.
• EU Ministers Meet, Urging More Ammo For Ukraine RFE/RL 31 Jan 2024 -- Defense ministers from the European Union's 27 member states have opened an informal meeting in Brussels to discuss the need to beef up the bloc's defense industry and its military support to Ukraine, which has pleaded for months for military supplies in its war to repel invading Russian forces.
• EU Set for Crucial Summit on Ukraine Aid as Hungary Accuses Bloc of 'Blackmail' VOA 31 Jan 2024 -- European Union heads of state will try to persuade Hungary to unblock billions of dollars of EU aid for Ukraine at a crucial EU Council summit in Brussels on Thursday, as Kyiv warns it is running low on ammunition to fight Russia's invasion.
• Pevkur in Brussels: we will keep our promise to send Ukraine 1 million rounds of ammunition Estonia MoD 31 Jan 2024 -- Yesterday and today in Brussels at the informal meeting of European Union defence ministers, the discussion focused on the 1 million rounds of ammunition for Ukraine initiative.
• Europe must step-up efforts on arms and ammunition to Ukraine Germany - Federal Government 31 Jan 2024 -- In their joint guest article, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Prime Ministers Mette Frederiksen, Petr Fiala, Kaja Kallas and Mark Rutte call on the EU to provide Ukraine with sustainable, long-term military support. The article appeared in the Financial Times.
• PLA holds live-fire missile drill along southeastern coast, 'warns secessionists, external forces' Global Times 31 Jan 2024 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) recently held a live-fire missile exercise along the southeastern coast where it can cover the Taiwan Straits, sending a warning to "Taiwan independence" secessionists and external interference forces, experts said on Wednesday.
• Taiwan Navy holds drills to test combat capabilities CNA 31 Jan 2024 -- Taiwan's Marine Corps. conducted a maritime exercise at the Zuoying Naval Base in Kaohsiung Wednesday, which featured a mine-laying ship and a locally-made assault boat carrying out maritime surveillance and combat missions in order to practice defending against a Chinese attack.
• Report of KPA General Staff Launching-Drill of Strategic Cruise Missile Conducted KCNA 31 Jan 2024 -- The Korean People's Army (KPA) staged a drill of launching strategic cruise missile "Hwasal-2" in the West Sea of Korea on January 30.
• Australia Wary of China's Security Ambitions in the Pacific VOA 31 Jan 2024 -- Australia considers itself the economic and security guardian of the Pacific region.
• Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane co-chairs 12th India-Oman Joint Military Cooperation Committee meeting at Muscat India PIB 31 Jan 2024 -- Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane co-chaired the 12th Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMCC) meeting with Secretary General, Ministry of Defence, Oman Dr
• Pentagon Says F-35 Fighter Jets for Turkiye 'Not on Table' at Present Time Sputnik 31 Jan 2024 -- The provision of F-35 fighter jets by the United States for Turkiye is not currently on the table due to Ankara maintaining Russian S-400 air defense systems, Defense Department spokesperson Pat Ryder said on Tuesday.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With United Kingdom Secretary of State for Defence Grant Shapps DoD 31 Jan 2024
• Austin Lauds Strength of U.S.-U.K. Relationship DoD News 31 Jan 2024 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps today underscored the U.S. and United Kingdom's shared commitment to upholding global peace and security as the two leaders met to discuss a range of security issues.
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with UK Defense Secretary Shapps US Dept. of State 31 Jan 2024
• Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meeting with Secretary of State for Defence Grant Shapps of the United Kingdom The White House 31 Jan 2024
• Netherlands, Germany, Poland Ink Deal to Create Military Corridor Sputnik 31 Jan 2024 -- The Netherlands, Germany and Poland have signed a declaration on the creation of a military corridor for the movement of military equipment, Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollong said on Wednesday.
• Federal Council approves report on strengthening the defence capability of the Armed Forces and deepening international cooperation Federal Council - Swiss Government 31 Jan 2024 -- At its meeting on 24 January, the Federal Council approved the Report on Defence Capability and Cooperation, which addresses postulates submitted by the Council of States Security Policy Committee SPC-S (23.3000) and Council of States member Josef Dittli (23.3131). The report sets out how Switzerland intends to strengthen the defence capabilities of its Armed Forces and achieve closer, institutionalised cooperation with NATO while maintaining its neutrality.
• Informal Foreign Affairs Council (Defence): Press remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell at the press conference European External Action Service (EEAS) 31 Jan 2024
• Informal Foreign Affairs Council (Defence): Press remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell upon arrival European External Action Service (EEAS) 31 Jan 2024
• Luxembourg to contribute 12 million euros to renovation of Ämari Air Base Estonia MoD 31 Jan 2024 -- Today in Brussels at the sidelines of the informal meeting of defence ministers of the European Union, Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur and Minister of Defence of Luxembourg Yuriko Backes exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding, with which Luxembourg will contribute 12 million euros towards the renovation of the Ämari Air Base.
• A look at the Defence news 22 - 28 January Netherlands Ministry of Defence 31 Jan 2024
• Readout of Vice President Harris's Meeting with Prime Minister Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago The White House 31 Jan 2024
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby The White House 31 Jan 2024

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Jan. 31, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 31 January 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 31 Jan 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to a Delegation of UN Ambassadors: "It's time that the international community and the UN itself understand that UNRWA's mission has to end." Israel - Prime Minister 31 Jan 2024
• PM Netanyahu Meets with Representatives of the Families of the Hostages Israel - Prime Minister 31 Jan 2024
• Israeli Forces Strike Northern and Southern Gaza Amid Push for New Halt in Fighting VOA 31 Jan 2024 -- Amid an international push for a new, temporary cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces carried out airstrikes Wednesday in northern and southern Gaza.
• Jan. 30: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 31 Jan 2024
• Israel pulls some troops from Gaza, Lebanon border: Report IRNA 31 Jan 2024 -- The Israeli military has reportedly withdrawn some troops from the Gaza Strip and along the border with Lebanon.
• Palestinian death toll in Gaza rises to 26,751: ministry People's Daily 31 Jan 2024 -- The Palestinian death toll from the ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 26,751, and 65,636 others wounded since Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Tuesday.
• Humanitarian response in Gaza 'completely dependent' on UNRWA, says relief chief UN News 31 Jan 2024 -- It has been another day of intense activity across the UN as the crisis in the Middle East stemming from the war in Gaza continues, both in the region and at UN Headquarters in New York. The Security Council reviewed the world court's (ICJ) provisional ruling on genocide allegations, and the UN chief briefed the top UN committee on Palestinian rights, stressing that the relief agency, UNRWA, is the "backbone" of humanitarian operations in Gaza.
• Gaza: A struggle to keep young hopes alive, amid shattered dreams UN News 31 Jan 2024 -- Children in Gaza will likely lose at least a year of education, with the school year suspended, and classrooms closed or turned into shelters. Ziad Taleb, a correspondent for UN News, has been talking to teachers and children at a school in the central Gaza city of Deir al-Balah, which is overflowing with displaced people who have fled their homes in a desperate attempt to find safety.
• Gaza economic recovery could take decades: UN report UN News 31 Jan 2024 -- The war in Gaza has resulted in an unprecedented level of destruction to its economy which will take tens of billions of dollars and decades to reverse, UN trade and development body UNCTAD said in a new report on Wednesday.
• Guterres: Two-State solution the only path to a just, lasting peace UN News 31 Jan 2024 -- Secretary-General António Guterres underscored on Wednesday the critical role of the UN committee on the rights of Palestinians in the face of the ongoing and escalating war in Gaza, stressing that only a two-State solution can ensure a just and lasting peace and stability in the Middle East region.
• 'We cannot abandon the people of Gaza': chiefs of UN agencies and NGOs unite in appeal for UNRWA UN News 31 Jan 2024 -- Deadly clashes and shelling continued in Khan Younis in southern Gaza overnight into Wednesday as top UN humanitarians and NGO chiefs warned of the "catastrophic consequences" of defunding UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees facing allegations of collusion with Hamas.
• Secretary-General's remarks to the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People UN Secretary-General 31 Jan 2024
• UNRWA funding suspension catastrophic for Gaza: Heads of UN agencies ISNA 31 Jan 2024 -- Withdrawing funds from UNRWA is perilous and would result in the collapse of the humanitarian system in Gaza, with far-reaching humanitarian and human rights consequences in the occupied Palestinian territory and across the region, said the statement from heads of organizations that form the UN Inter-Agency Standing Committee.
• 'This is a population starving to death,' WHO warns about Gaza Press TV 31 Jan 2024 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the people in the Gaza Strip are starving to death due to the constraints imposed by Israel on the delivery of humanitarian aid into the besieged Palestinian territory.
• UNRWA has no replacement in Gaza, UN warns amid funding cuts Press TV 31 Jan 2024 -- The UN aid coordinator for the Gaza Strip says no organization could ever replace the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees due to UNRWA's "tremendous capacity" in handling the situation in the besieged Palestinian territory.
• 'Hellish': WHO says unable to deliver aid to Gaza hospital despite 'serious medicine shortage' Press TV 31 Jan 2024 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) says it could not deliver medicine, fuel and food to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis in southern Gaza despite a "serious shortage" after delays at checkpoints.
• UN Security Council says concerned about 'rapidly deteriorating' Gaza conditions Press TV 31 Jan 2024 -- The United Nations Security Council has raised the alarm at the "dire and rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation" in the Gaza Strip as Israel continues its genocidal war on the besieged territory.
• 'No substitute for UN agency assisting Palestinians' IRNA 31 Jan 2024 -- A senior UN relief coordinator for Gaza has rejected an Israeli call for stripping the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees of its authority in the Gaza Strip, saying there is no alternative to the agency known as UNRWA.
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza Kaag US Dept. of State 31 Jan 2024
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza Sigrid Kaag Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 31 Jan 2024
• Sustainable truce in Israeli war on Gaza key to security conundrum in region: Iran's UN mission Press TV 31 Jan 2024 -- Iran's permanent mission to the United Nations says a sustainable ceasefire in Israel's genocidal war on the Gaza Strip is the key to restoring security and stability in the West Asia region.
• China expected to play bigger role in Middle East: Yemeni official Global Times 31 Jan 2024 -- China said on Tuesday that it supports Yemen's sovereignty, territorial integrity and supports the legitimate government of the country and a resolution to the Yemen issue through political means. Amid the escalating Red Sea crisis, Yemen also expects China to play a bigger role in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.
• After ICJ ruling, all countries now obliged to stop aiding Israel's Gaza war: South Africa FM Press TV 31 Jan 2024 -- South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor says a recent ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) means all countries have an obligation to stop aiding Israel in its brutal war in Gaza.
• We continue to work intensively with the UN and partners to get more aid into Gaza: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 31 Jan 2024 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Gaza.
• China Circumspect After International Court Ruling on Israel VOA 31 Jan 2024 -- In a carefully worded response this week, China voiced its support of the U.N.'s International Court of Justice, or ICJ, ruling that orders Israel to desist from the killing of Palestinians in Gaza. Experts tell VOA that privately China has reservations about the use of such courts to deal with allegations of genocide, which could have awkward implications for Beijing.
• Hamas warns against 'new massacre' after Israeli forces attack hospital IRNA 31 Jan 2024 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has warned against a "new massacre" being committed by the Zionist regime's military after its incursion into a hospital in Khan Younis.
• Hamas warns of Israeli military's intention to commit carnage at Khan Younis hospital Press TV 31 Jan 2024 -- The Palestinian Hamas resistance movement has warned about the Israeli military's intention to perpetrate a massacre at al-Amal Hospital in the southern Gaza Strip, after the regime forces stormed the medical facility.
• Hezbollah conducts fresh missile attacks on Zionist positions IRNA 31 Jan 2024 -- The Lebanese Hezbollah Resistance Movement has targeted the Zionist regime's positions in northern occupied Palestine with missiles.
• Hezbollah targets Zionists' positions in northern occupied Palestine IRNA 31 Jan 2024 -- The Lebanese Hezbollah has reported that it targeted the Zionist regime's positions in northern occupied Palestine.
• Completely ready for war with Israel: Hezbollah official Press TV 31 Jan 2024 -- Amid continued Israeli-triggered border confrontations between the occupying regime and Hezbollah, a senior official with the Lebanese resistance movement says the group is completely ready for potential warfare with Tel Aviv.
• Yemeni missiles can reach US fleet in 75 seconds ISNA 31 Jan 2024 -- Cooper affirmed, during an interview with CBS, that there has never been an instance of targeting commercial ships or US Navy vessels with ballistic missiles before, in reference to one of the operations by the Yemeni Armed Forces whereby they targeted a US warship with a number of ballistic missiles.
• US threats via Omani back channels will not deter Yemen: Al-Houthi ISNA 31 Jan 2024 -- In a post on X, Al-Houthi said that expanding the scope of engagement in the region is one among many other threats made by the US against the Yemeni people via Omani officials.
• Yemen's Houthis say ready for long-term confrontation with U.S., Britain in Red Sea People's Daily 31 Jan 2024 -- Commander of Yemen's Houthis on Tuesday said the group is ready for a long-term confrontation with the United States and Britain in the Red Sea as tensions are rising in the region amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
• Yemen strikes American commercial ship bound for occupied Palestine Press TV 31 Jan 2024 -- Yemen's Armed Forces strike an American commercial vessel bound for the occupied Palestinian territories in continued support for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, who have come under a genocidal US-backed war by the Israeli regime.
• US threats won't deter Yemen from keeping up anti-Israel operations: Top official Press TV 31 Jan 2024 -- A ranking Yemeni official says the US's threats against the country will not deter it from continuing its operations in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, who have come under a genocidal Washington-backed war by the Israeli regime.

Other Conflicts

• Manila manipulates issues in South China Sea Global Times 31 Jan 2024 -- The Philippines has continued its provocations in the South China Sea by illegally trespassing on Huangyan Dao (also known as Huangyan Island) and tried to form "small clique" by signing an agreement with Vietnam on cooperation in the sea. Chinese experts said Manila's behavior will further complicate the situation in this region and sabotage political trust between all parties involved in the South China Sea issue, which goes against the interests of all ASEAN member states.
• China's acceptance of new Afghan ambassador 'normal diplomatic arrangement': FM spokesperson Global Times 31 Jan 2024 -- China's acceptance of the appointment of the new Afghan ambassador to China by the interim government is a normal diplomatic arrangement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed on Wednesday, noting that the international community should strengthen communication with the country to jointly help promote its reconstruction and development.
• Wet Winter Weather Brings New Miseries To Vulnerable Afghans RFE/RL 31 Jan 2024 -- Ongoing snowfall and rain that ended a long dry spell in Afghanistan are now bringing new problems to impoverished Afghans across the country as heating needs jump while humanitarian aid deliveries are impeded.
• 'All Doors Are Closed' For Single And Unaccompanied Afghan Women Under The Taliban RFE/RL 31 Jan 2024 -- Women have borne the brunt of the Taliban's repressive laws in Afghanistan, where the extremist group has imposed constraints on their appearances, freedom of movement, and right to work and study.
• Fierce fighting in Rakhine state prompts aid workers to evacuate Radio Free Asia 31 Jan 2024 -- U.N. and other humanitarian organizations are evacuating their workers out of western Myanmar's Rakhine state amid intensifying fighting between junta troops and the rebel ethnic Arakan Army near the state capital and in several other townships.
• In Ethiopia, UNHCR's Grandi urges more support for people fleeing Sudan UNHCR 31 Jan 2024 -- With nearly 8 million people displaced by the brutal conflict in Sudan, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi has called for urgent and additional support to meet their needs.
• UN: 8 million Sudanese displaced by conflict since April 2023 Press TV 31 Jan 2024 -- The United Nations (UN) says nearly 8 million people have been forced from their homes in Sudan over the past months of conflict.
• Designating Entities in Sudan that Contribute to War Efforts US Dept. of State 31 Jan 2024 -- The United States is designating today three Sudanese entities that have helped finance and secure materiel for the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Zadna International Co for Development Ltd is a major component of the SAF's commercial empire and is used by SAF to launder funds.
• Treasury Targets Entities Funding the Conflict in Sudan US Treasury 31 Jan 2024 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned three entities for their role in undermining the peace, security, and stability of Sudan. These designations signal the continued commitment of the United States to identify and isolate funding sources for both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the two main belligerent parties responsible for the conflict in Sudan.
• Ahead of Tibetan New Year, China urges monks to 'expose, denounce' Dalai Lama Radio Free Asia 31 Jan 2024 -- Bearing gifts ahead of the Tibetan New Year, Chinese authorities in Tibetan-populated parts of Sichuan province visited at least 35 Buddhist monasteries, and urged eminent monks to "deeply expose and denounce" the Dalai Lama and to safeguard the "unity of the motherland."
• Baku, Yerevan Hold Latest Round Of Talks On Border Delimitation RFE/RL 31 Jan 2024 -- Senior Armenian and Azerbaijani officials held another round of direct talks on the delimitation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, a key hurdle to a comprehensive peace deal between the two nations.
• Kosovo Going Ahead With Dinar Ban, But With 'Easy Transition' RFE/RL 31 Jan 2024 -- Officials in Kosovo say they will forge ahead with a controversial decision to restrict all cash transactions anywhere in the country to euros from February 1, but they will give time for ethnic Serbs in the country to adjust to the new currency regime.
• UN, Somalia Launch $1.6 Billion Appeal for Humanitarian Aid VOA 31 Jan 2024 -- The United Nations and the Somali government have launched a $1.6 billion appeal to address humanitarian challenges in Somalia. The 2024 Humanitarian Needs Action Plan seeks to provide life-saving support to over 5 million Somalis this year.
• Nigeria Civil Society Coalition Demands Accountability Over Insecurity VOA 31 Jan 2024 -- A coalition of more than 40 civil society groups has petitioned Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, calling on him to address chronic insecurity that has only gotten worse since he assumed office last May. The petition follows a series of kidnappings in the capital, Abuja, and southwestern Ekiti state.

News Reports

• Brazil's Leader Reshuffles Intelligence Agency Over Alleged Spying on Officials - Reports Sputnik 31 Jan 2024 -- The deputy director of the Brazil Intelligence Agency (ABIN), Alessandro Moretti, and seven heads of the agency's departments will leave their positions as part of the restructuring launched by the government of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva after another round of police operations, media reported.
• Brazil's President Fires Intelligence Agency's Second-in-Command VOA 31 Jan 2024 -- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has dismissed a top official in the country's intelligence agency amid an investigation of suspected illegal spying involving the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro.
• U.S. Government Disrupts Botnet People's Republic of China Used to Conceal Hacking of Critical Infrastructure US Dept. of Justice 31 Jan 2024 -- A December 2023 court-authorized operation has disrupted a botnet of hundreds of U.S.-based small office/home office (SOHO) routers hijacked by People's Republic of China (PRC) state-sponsored hackers.
• FBI director: Chinese hackers targeting US infrastructure Radio Free Asia 31 Jan 2024 -- Chinese state hackers are targeting U.S. civilian infrastructure, including the electrical grid, water treatment plants and transport systems, and are waiting to "wreak havoc" when ordered by Beijing, FBI Director Christopher Wray told Congress on Wednesday.
• US Bracing for 'Cyber Onslaught' From China VOA 31 Jan 2024 -- Armies of hackers linked to the Chinese government are relentlessly "burrowing deep" into the computer systems that help run America's critical infrastructure, posing an urgent threat that cannot be ignored, according to a new warning from top U.S. security officials.
• Islamic State Trying to Rise Under the Radar VOA 31 Jan 2024 -- The Islamic State terror group, whose name once inspired fear across swaths of the Middle East and beyond, may be seeking to regain its reputation, pushing a new campaign it says is focused on killing the group's enemies wherever they can be found.
• While Small in Number, Tajik Fighters an Asset for Islamic State-Khorasan VOA 31 Jan 2024 -- The Iranian government has traced this month's twin suicide bombings in Kerman city to ethnic-Tajik fighters of the Islamic State Khorasan Province who, experts say, are "fairly small" in number but play "an important part" in the group's military activities.
• H3N2 and H10N5 mixed infection found in Zhejiang: isolated, low human transmission risk Global Times 31 Jan 2024 -- The National Disease Control and Prevention Administration reported its discovery of a case involving a mixed infection of H3N2 and H10N5 in East China's Zhejiang Province, local media reported on Wednesday.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at a BRICS sherpa and sous-sherpa meeting, Moscow, January 31, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 31 Jan 2024
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's participation in a joint meeting of the committees of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 31 Jan 2024
• Russia Sent 200,000 Tonnes of Wheat to Africa as Promised - Foreign Ministry Sputnik 31 Jan 2024 -- Russia sent 200,000 tonnes of wheat to African countries from November 2023 to January 2024 as promised, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday.
• CIA Director Says Ukraine War 'Corroding' Putin's Grip On Power RFE/RL 31 Jan 2024 -- Russia's war against Ukraine has eroded President Vladimir Putin's grip on power, hollowed out the Russian military, and stoked an "undercurrent of disaffection" within the country, according to the director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
• Another Brick In The Great Kremlin Firewall: Mass Internet Outages Part Of 'Sovereign Internet' RFE/RL 31 Jan 2024 -- How bad was the outage that cascaded across Russia's Internet on the evening of January 30?
• Russian Anti-War Candidate Submits Application To Run For President RFE/RL 31 Jan 2024 -- Russian politician Boris Nadezhdin, who has openly called for a halt in Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, has submitted an application to the Central Election Commission (TsIK) to register as a candidate for the March 17 presidential election.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on January 31, 2024 PRC MofA 31 Jan 2024
• DOD Releases List of People's Republic of China (PRC) Military Companies in Accordance With Section 1260H of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 DoD 31 Jan 2024 -- Today, the Department of Defense released an update to the names of "Chinese military companies" operating directly or indirectly in the United States in accordance with the statutory requirement of Section 1260H of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021.
• White House Touts China Outreach Success VOA 31 Jan 2024 -- The Biden administration is touting its outreach to China, pointing to cooperation on counternarcotics, discussions on artificial intelligence, and the resumption of military-to-military contacts as evidence of cooperation that has reduced tension between the two rivals.
• US official: China may never surpass America's economy Radio Free Asia 31 Jan 2024 -- China's economy may never surpass the size of America's, with long-running predictions of a flip at the top of the world pecking order repeatedly pushed back, a White House official said Tuesday.
• Chinese FM accuses US of politicizing academic research, damaging people-to-people exchanges Global Times 31 Jan 2024 -- China has made solemn démarches to the US, and accuses it politicizing and weaponizing academic research, and overstretching the concept of national security to wantonly suppress and ill-treat Chinese students. Such moves undermine Chinese citizens' lawful rights and interests and basic human rights, cause the chilling effect and sour the atmosphere for China-US people-to-people exchanges, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Wednesday, in response to the revelation that some Chinese students had experienced unwarranted harassment and even deportation at the US border.
• China remains Africa's largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years People's Daily 01 Feb 2024 -- China has remained Africa's largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years, with bilateral trade reaching a record 282.1 billion U.S. dollars in 2023, a Ministry of Commerce official said on Wednesday.
• Evidence against Jimmy Lai 'obtained through torture': UN expert Radio Free Asia 31 Jan 2024 -- Prosecution witness evidence in the trial of pro-democracy Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai may have been obtained through torture, according to a United Nations expert on torture.
• Vietnam Overtakes China as Largest Exporter of Goods Made With Uyghur Forced Labor VOA 31 Jan 2024 -- Vietnam was the top exporter to the United States of products covered by the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act in 2023, the first time a country has outranked China since the law passed in 2021, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
• Global expectation for China's economy improves amid robust policy support Global Times 31 Jan 2024 -- As China has stepped up monetary and fiscal support for its economic recovery, both global and domestic expectations for China's growth prospect in 2024 are rising. In its latest report, the IMF has further raised its forecast for China's growth in 2024 to 4.6 percent, up 0.4 percentage point from its previous projection.
• China's top financial regulator vows to reform small institutions in bid to tackle risks in 2024 Global Times 31 Jan 2024 -- China's top financial regulator said on Tuesday that it will push forward reforms of small and medium-sized financial institutions to reduce risks, as part of efforts to resolutely guard against systemic financial risks in 2024.
• 10 offenses that could lead to getting hauled in to 'drink tea' Radio Free Asia 31 Jan 2024 -- China's feared state security police have published a listicle of 10 offenses under the country's vague Counter-espionage Law that can get you hauled in for questioning, known colloquially as "drinking tea."
• China's Ministry of State Security adopts 'Invitation for Tea' slang, unveils 10 Investigation triggers Global Times 31 Jan 2024 -- The internet slang of "invitation for tea" has been given a new connotation among Chinese netizens, meaning being summoned or investigated for suspected illegal activities by law enforcement departments. China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Tuesday on its official Wechat public account listed 10 types of misconduct and scenarios under which individuals might find themselves invited for "a cup of tea" by the national security agencies.
• Flight path adjustments shows China rejects strait median line: Experts CNA 31 Jan 2024 -- China's unilateral adjustments to flight paths close to the Taiwan Strait median line are meant to further encroach on the formerly tacit boundary and put more pressure on Taiwan as it monitors airspace in its vicinity, according to experts.
• China's revised flight paths could harm aviation safety: MOTC official CNA 31 Jan 2024 -- China's recent adjustments to its flight paths in the Taiwan Strait could potentially affect aviation safety around the Taiwan-controlled Kinmen and Matsu islands, Taiwan's transportation minister said Wednesday.
• Mainland's adjustment to Straits flight route serves aviation safety, alleviate congestion: Taiwan Affairs Office Global Times 31 Jan 2024 -- The M503 flight path is for civil aviation in the Shanghai Flight Information Region, and operating the route is aimed at easing traffic congestion and ensuring flight safety, a Chinese mainland official said on Wednesday, in response to the secessionist Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)'s hype of and opposition to the mainland's adjustment to Taiwan Straits flight routes.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Jan. 31, 2024 ROC MND 31 Jan 2024
• Foreign Ministry statement on the situation in the Korean Peninsula Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 31 Jan 2024
• Chinese Nationals Charged with Illegally Exporting U.S.-Origin Electronic Components to Iran and Iranian Military Affiliates US Dept. of Justice 31 Jan 2024 -- Four Chinese nationals are charged in an indictment in the District of Columbia with various federal crimes related to a years-long conspiracy to unlawfully export and smuggle U.S.-origin electronic components from the United States to Iran.
• We neither seek nor fear war: IRGC chief to US IRNA 31 Jan 2024 -- The chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has said that Iran is not seeking war, but it is not afraid of it either.
• 'No threat will go unanswered', IRGC chief warns US against escalating regional tensions Press TV 31 Jan 2024 -- The chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has warned that Iran "will not leave any threat unanswered" as the United States seeks to escalate tensions in West Asia already inflamed by Israel's genocidal war on the Gaza Strip.
• FM urges US to stop threatening Iran, says Tehran's response would be decisive IRNA 31 Jan 2024 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has urged the US to stop using the language of threat, warning that the Islamic Republic would give a prompt and decisive response to threats.
• Iran warns any US attacks will be met with response ISNA 31 Jan 2024 -- Iran's envoy to the United Nations Amir Saeid Iravani warned that Tehran would respond decisively to any attack on its territory, its interests, or Iranian nationals outside its borders.
• Iran FM urges US to drop language of threat, focus on political solutions Press TV 31 Jan 2024 -- Iran's foreign minister has advised the US to stop using a language of threat against the axis of resistance and instead focus on a political solution to the conflict in the region.
• Iran warns of 'crushing response' to any attack on its territory, interests Press TV 31 Jan 2024 -- Iran's permanent mission to the United Nations has warned that any act of aggression against Iran and its people will be met with a crushing response.
• Designating IRGC-QF and Hizballah Financial Facilitators US Dept. of State 31 Jan 2024 -- The United States is today designating three entities and one individual as part of a network generating funding for the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) and Hizballah by selling Iranian commodities and receiving funds from the Syrian government.
• Treasury Sanctions Iranian IRGC-QF and Hizballah Financial Network US Treasury 31 Jan 2024 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned three entities and one individual located in Lebanon and Türkiye for providing critical financial support to an Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) and Hizballah financial network. These entities have generated hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of revenue from selling Iranian commodities, including to the Syrian government. These commodity sales provide a key source of funding for the IRGC-QF and Hizballah's continued terrorist activities and support to other terrorist organizations throughout the region.
• Agreement on Arash gas field within reach through cooperation: Iran IRNA 31 Jan 2024 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani says an agreement on a disputed gas field with Kuwait can be reached if the two countries commit to working together in a constructive atmosphere.
• Iran's oil output hits five-year record: Bloomberg IRNA 31 Jan 2024 -- A recent report by Bloomberg says Iran has set a five-year record in oil production in 2023.
• Any attack on country will be met with decisive response: Iran UN envoy IRNA 31 Jan 2024 -- Iran's permanent representative and ambassador to the United Nations has issued a stark warning, saying the Islamic Republic would decisively respond to any attack on the county, its interests and nationals under any pretexts.
• Myanmar: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the 3rd anniversary of the military coup EC/CEU 31 Jan 2024 -- Three years ago, on 1 February 2021, the military in Myanmar overthrew by force a democratically elected Government.
• Myanmar Extends State of Emergency for Six Months VOA 31 Jan 2024 -- Myanmar's ruling military junta Wednesday extended by six months a state of emergency that was about to expire. The move comes ahead of the three-year anniverary of the coup that toppled the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi.
• EU approves over €19 million in humanitarian aid for Myanmar in 2024 European Commission 31 Jan 2024 -- As conflict continues in most parts of Myanmar, the Commission has allocated over €19 million in humanitarian aid to address the most urgent needs of the population. This funding will support the large number of internally displaced people, which reached 2.6 million last year, as well as others affected by the ongoing fighting.
• Three years of misery in Myanmar, by the numbers Radio Free Asia 31 Jan 2024 -- Three years after Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing led a military coup that ousted the democratically elected civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi, citing unsupported claims of electoral fraud, Myanmar is in a state of war, chaos and economic ruin and the junta rules less territory than it did at the start.
• Suu Kyi's son receives 1st letter from her since Myanmar coup Radio Free Asia 31 Jan 2024 -- In mid-January, Kim Aris received a letter from his mother, Aung San Suu Kyi, the former de facto leader of Myanmar and Nobel laureate who is serving a 27-year prison sentence.
• Myanmar: Military's 'campaign of violence' must end, UN chief says on anniversary of coup UN News 31 Jan 2024 -- On the third anniversary of the military coup in Myanmar, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced grave concern over the deteriorating situation in the country.
• UN: Myanmar Human Rights in Freefall Three Years After Military Coup VOA 31 Jan 2024 -- Three years after Myanmar's military junta overthrew the country's democratically elected government, the U.N.'s top human rights official is calling on the international community to redouble efforts "to hold the military accountable" for the many crimes and abuses it has committed against the country's civilian population.
• Joint Statement Marking Three Years Since the Military Coup in Myanmar US Dept. of State 31 Jan 2024 -- The following is the text of a joint statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union, and the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States, marking three years since the military coup in Myanmar.
• Imposing Sanctions on Burma's Military Regime Three Years After the Military Coup US Dept. of State 31 Jan 2024 -- The United States is today designating four individuals and two entities linked to Burma's military regime. We are taking this action to target the regime's sources of revenue which support military activities against civilians. The action also targets those who provide material and support for the production of arms in Burma.
• Treasury Sanctions Military Cronies and Companies in Burma Three Years after Military Coup US Treasury 31 Jan 2024 -- Today, marking the three-year anniversary of the military coup in Burma, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating two entities closely associated with Burma's military regime, as well as four cronies, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14014.
• US Marks Anniversary of Myanmar Coup With New Sanctions VOA 31 Jan 2024 -- The United States is imposing further sanctions on Myanmar's military regime three years after the February 1, 2021, military coup, and designating four individuals and two entities associated with it.
• Myanmar arrests alleged Chinese scammers, former MP Radio Free Asia 31 Jan 2024 -- Police in northern Myanmar have arrested 10 phone and internet fraud suspects and sent them to China, the Chinese embassy in Yangon announced.
• Ex-Pakistani PM Khan gets more jail time ahead of elections Press TV 31 Jan 2024 -- Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have been sentenced to 14 years in jail for "corruption", the second sentence handed to him in two days just a week before national elections.
• Pakistani Ex-PM Khan, Wife Sentenced To 14 Years In Prison For Corruption RFE/RL 31 Jan 2024 -- Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Khan, were both sentenced to 14 years in prison on January 31 in a corruption case, a day after he was convicted to 10 years for leaking state secrets in a separate trial, his Pakistan Tehrik-e Insaf (PTI) party said.
• Ex-Pakistani Prime Minister, Wife, Receive 14 Year Prison Sentences on Corruption Charges VOA 31 Jan 2024 -- Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife have each been sentenced to 14 years in prison on corruption charges.
• Israel-Saudi Arabia normalization still possible: US IRNA 31 Jan 2024 -- A White House spokesman has said that there is still the possibility to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia despite the war on Gaza and the growing opposition to any diplomatic nexus between Tel Aviv and Riyadh.
• UAE sends first ambassador to Syria in 13 years Press TV 31 Jan 2024 -- The United Arab Emirates has dispatched the country's first ambassador to Syria after 13 years, following the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two Arab countries.
• U.S. rolls back sanctions on Venezuela following ban on opposition candidate from running for president People's Daily 31 Jan 2024 -- The Joe Biden administration reimposed sanctions on Venezuela targeting its oil and gas sector on Tuesday, saying the move was in response to the decision by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government to ban a leading opposition candidate from running for president.
• Explainer: Southeast Asia explores little-known carbon credit scheme Radio Free Asia 31 Jan 2024 -- In Bangkok, known for its heavy traffic, pollution, and aging buses, a major Thai public limited firm Energy Absolute, or EA, is transforming public transport through the Bangkok E-Bus program.
• World News in Brief: Haiti child displacement, Hong Kong torture claims, support Sudan refugees UN News 31 Jan 2024 -- Escalating armed violence in Haiti has triggered a profound humanitarian crisis, the UN Children's Fund, UNICEF, warned on Wednesday.
• Central Africa Communication Ministers Discuss Ways to Stop Hate Speech VOA 31 Jan 2024 -- Communication ministers from the Economic Community of Central African States, ECCAS, are meeting in Bangui, Central African Republic, this week to map out ways to stop the spread of hate speech.
• Thai Party Ordered to End Bid to Amend Law Protecting Monarchy VOA 31 Jan 2024 -- Thailand's Constitutional Court on Wednesday ordered the kingdom's most radical party, Move Forward, to stop pressing for reform of a hard-line royal defamation law that effectively criminalizes open debate on the role of the monarchy.
• The EU announces EUR 117 million in humanitarian aid for Chad and Sudan in 2024 European Commission 31 Jan 2024 -- The European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, is currently visiting Chad to ascertain the humanitarian situation in the country and meet with the authorities. During this visit, the Commissioner will announce new funding of EUR 45 million in EU humanitarian aid for Chad.