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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• USCENTCOM Conducts Strike Killing Kata'ib Hezbollah Senior Leader CENTCOM 07 Feb 2024 -- At 9:30 p.m. (Baghdad time) February 7, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted a unilateral strike in Iraq in response to the attacks on U.S. service members, killing a Kata'ib Hezbollah commander responsible for directly planning and participating in attacks on U.S. forces in the region.
• US Drone Strike in Iraq Kills Iran-Backed Militant Group Commander VOA 07 Feb 2024 -- The United States military says it carried out a drone strike on a vehicle in Baghdad, killing a leader of an Iranian-backed militant group.
• US Involved in Strike That Hit 'High-Value Target' in Iraq, Official Tells VOA VOA 07 Feb 2024 -- A U.S. official tells VOA the United States military was involved in a strike against a high-value target whom local reports identify as the commander of the Iranian-backed group linked to recent attacks on U.S. service members in the Middle East.
• US kills top resistance commander in drone strike against Baghdad Press TV 07 Feb 2024 -- The US military announces carrying out a drone strike against the eastern section of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, killing three people, including a senior commander of Iraq's Kata'ib Hezbollah resistance group.
• Kataib Hezbollah Confirms Baghdad Car Explosion Killed One of Its Leaders Sputnik 07 Feb 2024 -- Iraq's major militant group Kataib Hezbollah confirmed that a car explosion in Baghdad killed one if its leaders on Wednesday.
• Iran rejects 'baseless' US claims intended to justify illegal strikes Press TV 07 Feb 2024 -- Iran has dismissed as "baseless" the accusations leveled by the United States at the Iranian Armed Forces in a bid to justify its recent illegal airstrikes on Iraq and Syria.
• Iran UN envoy responds to 'baseless' US accusations IRNA 07 Feb 2024 -- Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations has rejected as baseless the US accusations against the Iranian Armed Forces in a letter and once again condemned the recent American military operations against Iraq and Syria.
• US Base at Oil Field in Eastern Syria Shelled - Source Sputnik 07 Feb 2024 -- The base of the United States at the Al-Omar oil field in the Syrian eastern governorate of Deir ez-Zor was shelled, with sounds of explosions having been heard coming from there, a local source told Sputnik.
• US Intelligence Warns of Growing Iranian-Houthi Weapons Cooperation VOA 07 Feb 2024 -- The United States is offering fresh evidence that Houthi attacks on international shipping are being carried out with weaponry designed by Iran, though some analysts and experts warn the findings raise concerns about the effectiveness of the U.S. actions against the Houthis and what it portends of Iran's weapons development program.
• CENTCOM confirms Yemen's attack on Greek bulk carrier IRNA 07 Feb 2024 -- The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed that the Yemeni forces targeted MV Star Nasia, a Marshall Island-flagged, Greek-owned-and-operated bulk carrier transiting the Gulf of Aden.
• US, UK Strikes Hit Yemen's Hudaydah Province - Local Source Sputnik 07 Feb 2024 -- The United States and the United Kingdom on Wednesday launched two new strikes targeting north of Yemen's Hudaydah province, a source in the local authorities told Sputnik.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Alaska Army Guard conducts cold-weather readiness training Army News 07 Feb 2024 -- Soldiers with Bison Company, 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, recently demonstrated readiness and resilience during cold weather training in Bethel Feb. 2-4, 2024.
• Readout of Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen H. Hicks' Meeting with the Defense Business Board DoD 07 Feb 2024
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Remarks Welcoming Kenyan Defense Minister Aden Duale to the Pentagon DoD 07 Feb 2024
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Defence Aden Duale DoD 07 Feb 2024
• Austin Praises Close U.S.-Kenya Partnership DoD News 07 Feb 2024 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III praised the close partnership between the U.S. and Kenya on a range of security issues as he met today with Kenyan Defense Minister Aden Bare Duale.
• US Military Sealift Capabilities Now 'Screaming National Security Vulnerability' - Congressman Sputnik 07 Feb 2024 -- US capability to move the troops and logistics support it needs across the oceans in any conflict with Russia or China is woefully inadequate and suffering critical shortages and "screaming vulnerabilities," House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party Chairman Mike Gallagher warned on Wednesday.
• US not seeking naval conflict with Iran: Pentagon IRNA 07 Feb 2024 -- The US Department of Defense (Pentagon) says it is not looking for a naval conflict with the Islamic Republic of Iran amid military adventurism by American and British forces in the water off Iran under the pretext of providing security to the international maritime trade.
• Iraqi PM: US-led military coalition will ultimately end its 'mission' Press TV 07 Feb 2024 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani says the US-led military coalition purportedly formed to fight the Daesh terrorist group will eventually wind down its presence in the Arab country.
• NATO Allies Pressure Hungary Over Blocking Sweden's Accession VOA 07 Feb 2024 -- Hungary's NATO allies are turning up the pressure on Prime Minister Viktor Orban to swiftly approve Sweden's accession to the alliance after his MPs refused an opportunity to vote on the issue this week.
• NATO Secretary General chairs meeting of National Security Advisers, addresses preparations for Washington Summit NATO 07 Feb 2024 -- National Security Advisers from all NATO Allies and invitee Sweden met in Brussels on Wednesday (7 February 2024) to discuss preparations for the Washington Summit in July, including continued support to Ukraine, strengthening NATO's deterrence and defence, and the growing challenges posed by China.
• Massive Explosion Reported Near Russian City That Is Home To Missile Production Plant RFE/RL 07 Feb 2024 -- A large explosion lit up the night sky on February 7 near Votkinsk, a city about 1,000 kilometers east of Moscow that is the location of a Russian military production facility.
• 'Black Hole' Subs to Protect Russia's Nuclear Assets in Far East Sputnik 07 Feb 2024 -- A fleet of advanced stealthy submarines is expected to bolster Russia's naval capabilities in the Far East in the not-so-distant future.
• US' Aerospace Command Claims Detected 4 Russian Jets Over International Waters Near Alaska Sputnik 07 Feb 2024 -- The US' North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said on Wednesday that it had located and tracked four Russian military jets in the international airspace designated by the United States as the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).
• Russian Tu-95MS Missile Carriers Fly Over Bering, Chukchi Seas' Neutral Waters - MoD Sputnik 07 Feb 2024 -- Two Russian Tu-95MS strategic missile carriers have conducted a planned flight over neutral waters of the Bering and Chukchi seas, the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) said on Wednesday.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Ukrainian Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov DoD 07 Feb 2024
• Ukrainian Forces Beginning to Worry About Potential Ammunition Shortages - White House Sputnik 07 Feb 2024 -- Ukrainian forces are beginning to become concerned about potential ammunition shortages amid a lack of action by Congress to approve additional security assistance, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said on Wednesday.
• US, NATO Reaffirm Need to Support Ukraine VOA 07 Feb 2024 -- U.S. and NATO officials Wednesday reaffirmed their strong support for Ukraine's continued battle against Russia as top humanitarian leaders denounced a wave of missile attacks Ukraine's president said killed at least five people.
• NATO Not Interfering in Issue of Possible Replacement of Zaluzhny in Ukraine - Stoltenberg Sputnik 07 Feb 2024 -- NATO is not interfering in the issue of possible replacement of Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Valery Zaluzhny, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday, adding that NATO's support for Kiev will continue.
• 'The Situation Is Critical': What The Looming Fall Of Avdiyivka Says About Ukraine's Battlefield Mood RFE/RL 07 Feb 2024 -- In a wooded southeast corner of Avdiyivka, the industrial Donbas city where Ukrainian troops have been desperately holding out against Russian assaults, there's a facility called Tsar's Hunt, once frequented by tourists relaxing in its restaurant, a low-slung hotel, gardens, and outdoor pool.
• Ukrainian Parliament Adopts Bill on Toughening Mobilization in First Reading - Lawmaker Sputnik 07 Feb 2024 -- Ukraine's parliament on Wednesday adopted in the first reading a bill on toughening of mobilization, Ukrainian lawmaker Oleksiy Goncharenko said.
• Our task this year is not only to bolster Ukraine's sky shield and long-range capabilities, but also to inflict systemic losses on Russia - address by the President of Ukraine President of Ukraine 07 Feb 2024
• We are ready to start negotiations with Estonia on a bilateral security agreement as soon as possible - Ihor Zhovkva after meeting with Kyllike Sillaste-Elling President of Ukraine 07 Feb 2024
• China's carrier-based fighter jets trains with early warning aircraft Global Times 07 Feb 2024 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's aircraft carrier-based fighter jets recently conducted a training exercise with early warning aircraft, a model of warplane currently based only on land but not on aircraft carriers , prompting experts to predict that the Chinese carrier-based early warning aircraft will make its official appearance soon.
• Getting sister squadron ready to fly Australia DOD 07 Feb 2024 -- Seven Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) pilots travelled to the Institute of Aviation Medicine (IAM) at RAAF Base Edinburgh late last year to complete the first of a dedicated aviation medicine training course.
• New beginnings for patrol boat Australia DOD 07 Feb 2024 -- ADV Cape Pillar and its crew were officially welcomed to their home port of HMAS Coonawarrawith a ceremony conducted at Larrakeyah Defence Precinct.
• Defence continues to support United Nations sanctions against North Korea Australia DOD 07 Feb 2024 -- Defence has deployed one Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft as part of Operation Argos to enforce United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions against the rogue nuclear state.
• PROCURING OF WEAPONS BY CAPFS India PIB 07 Feb 2024 -- In order to promote indigenous manufacturing, the arms and ammunition sector has been opened to the private industry
• India Projects Naval Power in Arabian Sea Amid Houthi Strikes, Piracy Resurgence VOA 07 Feb 2024 -- From helping douse a fire on a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker hit by a Houthi missile on January 26 to rescuing vessels hijacked by pirates, Indian navy warships have been providing security to merchant ships in the Arabian Sea.
• Time for building a highly capable Aatmanirbhar defence space ecosystem, says CDS Gen Anil Chauhan India PIB 07 Feb 2024 -- Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan has stressed that as the country is going through Amrit Kaal, it is time for building a highly capable Aatmanirbhar defence space ecosystem
• Poland - Aerostat Systems DSCA 07 Feb 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Poland of Airspace and Surface Radar Reconnaissance aerostat systems and related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of $1.2 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• A look at the Defence news 29 January - 4 February Netherlands Ministry of Defence 07 Feb 2024
• UK destroyer returns home for repair after Yemeni attacks in Red Sea IRNA 07 Feb 2024 -- The British Defense Ministry says its warship HMS Diamond has left its mission in the Red Sea to undergo a period of maintenance after it came under fire in three separate attacks by Yemen's naval forces.
• Norway providing NOK 275 million to United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Government of Norway 07 Feb 2024 -- The funds from Norway will go to UNRWA's efforts to provide assistance to the 5.9 million Palestinian refugees in Gaza, in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, Syria and Jordan.
• US Senate Rejects Border Security Measure Linked to Ukraine, Israel Aid VOA 07 Feb 2024 -- The U.S. Senate failed Wednesday to advance a bipartisan proposal to tighten migration controls along the U.S.-Mexico border that would also have provided billions of dollars of military aid to Ukraine and Israel.
• U.S. House rejects standalone Israel aid bill People's Daily 07 Feb 2024 -- The U.S. House rejected an aid package for Israel on Tuesday, thwarting the effort of the chamber's top Republican to pass a standalone bill tailored for the Middle East ally and tank Democrats' bid for broader national security funding.
• Acting Deputy Secretary Nuland's Meeting with Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Defense Duale US Dept. of State 07 Feb 2024
• Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby En Route New York, NY The White House 07 Feb 2024

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Feb. 7, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• Secretary-General's remarks to the General Assembly on Priorities for 2024 UN Secretary-General 07 Feb 2024
• Peace is UN's raison d'être: Guterres UN News 07 Feb 2024 -- Around the globe, "peace is the missing piece" as conflicts rage, divisions grow and polarization deepens, the UN Secretary-General said on Wednesday.
• UN Chief: 'Age of Chaos' Engulfing the World Must End VOA 07 Feb 2024 -- U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Wednesday that the world has entered an "age of chaos" that is causing a multitude of suffering and thwarting progress - and must be reversed.
• 7 February 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 07 Feb 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• 24h Operational Activity: Armed Terrorists Cells Thwarted and Weapons Located Israel Defense Forces 07 Feb 2024
• Statement by PM Netanyahu Israel - Prime Minister 07 Feb 2024
• Yielding to Hamas' Demands Will Not Lead to Release of Hostages - Netanyahu Sputnik 07 Feb 2024 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected on Wednesday Hamas' proposals for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip in exchange for the release of the hostages, saying only military actions could help bring the captives home.
• PM Netanyahu Meets with Argentinian President Javier Milei Israel - Prime Minister 07 Feb 2024
• Feb. 6: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 07 Feb 2024
• Humanitarian disaster looms over Rafah as Israel's ground invasion imminent Press TV 07 Feb 2024 -- Concern is growing as an Israeli ground invasion of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip is imminent, with the situation in the city near the Egyptian border getting more intense by the hour amid the occupying regime's genocidal war.
• 32 captives held by Hamas killed in Israeli bombings in Gaza Press TV 07 Feb 2024 -- A US report says 32 captives held by the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas in the Gaza Strip have been killed in Israeli bombings as the occupying regime continues its brutal war on the besieged territory.
• Over 30 Hostages Held by Hamas in Gaza Confirmed Dead - IDF Sputnik 07 Feb 2024 -- Thirty-one of the remaining hostages held by Palestinian movement Hamas in the Gaza Strip have been pronounced dead, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Daniel Hagari said.
• Gaza war enters fifth month amid reports of potential ceasefire deal UN News 07 Feb 2024 -- As the devastating Gaza-Israel war entered its fifth month on Wednesday leaving a reported 27,585 Palestinians dead and nearly 70,000 injured, the UN's top humanitarian official welcomed early indications of a "potential breakthrough" in negotiations for a ceasefire and the release of all remaining hostages.
• UN Middle East envoy upholds need for Gaza ceasefire UN News 07 Feb 2024 -- The top UN official in the Middle East underscored the importance of a ceasefire in Gaza during a briefing to journalists at UN Headquarters on Wednesday.
• As crisis enters fifth month, further fighting in Rafah risks claiming more lives and exacerbating humanitarian needs - Statement by Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator UNOCHA 07 Feb 2024 -- With the Gaza hostilities entering their fifth month, hope is dwindling for the millions of people affected and the humanitarians striving to assist them.
• UNRWA Situation Report #74 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem (All information from 4-5 February 2024, is valid as of 5 February 2024 at 22:30 local time) UNRWA 07 Feb 2024
• Attacks on Rafah could cause 'large scale' loss of lives: UN IRNA 07 Feb 2024 -- The United Nations warned on Tuesday that the continued Israeli attack on the southern Gaza city of Rafah could cause large-scale loss of civilian lives and called for every possible effort to prevent attacks as the city has become the focal point of the regime's bombing and shelling campaign in recent days.
• Blinken: Hamas Proposes Nonstarters on Hostage Deal, Leaves Room for Negotiation VOA 07 Feb 2024 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday that Hamas militant leaders' proposal for a cease-fire in exchange for the release of Israeli hostages contained "clear nonstarters," but leaves room for ongoing negotiations.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken At a Press Availability US Dept. of State 07 Feb 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Palestinian Authority President Abbas US Dept. of State 07 Feb 2024
• PM Netanyahu Meets with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken Israel - Prime Minister 07 Feb 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Israeli Minister Gallant US Dept. of State 07 Feb 2024
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Israeli President Herzog Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 07 Feb 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Israeli President Herzog US Dept. of State 07 Feb 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu US Dept. of State 07 Feb 2024
• Egyptian president meets Blinken on Gaza crisis People's Daily 07 Feb 2024 -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed efforts to end the conflict in Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid to the Palestinians on Tuesday, the Egyptian presidency said.
• Israel 'loser' in war on Gaza, says impossible to 'destroy' Hamas: Iran Press TV 07 Feb 2024 -- An Iranian diplomat says the Israeli regime is the loser in its months-long genocidal war against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
• IRGC commander says Israel has received response to its mischiefs on daily basis Press TV 07 Feb 2024 -- A senior commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has warned the Israeli regime that endangering the Islamic Republic's interests anywhere in the world will not go unanswered.
• Russia Doing Everything to Help Hostages Since Escalation of Palestine-Israel Conflict - Putin Sputnik 07 Feb 2024 -- Russia is doing everything to help people that were taken hostage since the recent escalation of the Palestine-Israel conflict, President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.
• Saudi Arabia: No normalization with Israel before permanent Gaza truce Press TV 07 Feb 2024 -- Saudi Arabia says it will not begin diplomatic relations with Israel before the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from the besieged territory.
• Normalizing Saudi-Israel Ties Requires Palestinian State Recognition Sputnik 07 Feb 2024 -- Saudi Arabia will restore diplomatic relations with Israel only if a Palestinian state is recognized within its 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital and the conflict in the Gaza Strip is ended, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
• Palestinian ambassador censures UNSC for failing to address Gaza crisis Press TV 07 Feb 2024 -- The Palestinian ambassador to the UN has criticized the Security Council for its inaction in the face of the ongoing Israeli genocidal war on Gaza, expressing disappointment over the body's inability to fulfill its mandate to protect peace and security.
• Hamas details 3-stage Gaza ceasefire deal in response to Paris proposal Press TV 07 Feb 2024 -- In response to a truce proposal, the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has reportedly demanded a three-phase deal, 45 days each, to secure a prisoner-captive exchange, humanitarian aid, and reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, among other issues.
• Hamas Unveils 3-Stage Ceasefire Plan in Gaza Strip - Reports Sputnik 07 Feb 2024 -- Palestinian Hamas movement has unveiled a three-phase ceasefire plan in the Gaza Strip, including a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops, reconstruction of the infrastructure of the enclave and the exchange of hostages and bodies of the dead, Reuters reported on Wednesday, citing the draft document.
• Any ceasefire in Gaza must be 'sustainable': Islamic Jihad IRNA 07 Feb 2024 -- The Palestinian resistance movement, Islamic Jihad, says any ceasefire deal in Gaza must be "comprehensive" and "sustainable."
• Islamic Jihad says ceasefire with Israel must be inclusive, permanent Press TV 07 Feb 2024 -- The Palestinian Islamic Jihad resistance movement says it will only agree to a ceasefire deal with Israel that can be permanent and meets all major conditions set by the Palestinians.
• Hezbollah, Zionist regime exchange fire as tensions rise over Gaza IRNA 07 Feb 2024 -- Lebanese Resistance movement Hezbollah and the Israeli regime exchanged fire on Wednesday in the latest clashes between the two sides as regional tensions continue to mount over the Gaza war.
• Hezbollah fighters strike Israeli military outposts in solidarity with Palestinians Press TV 07 Feb 2024 -- As a show of staunch support for Palestinians amid the relentless Israeli onslaught against the Gaza Strip, fighters from the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement have launched two attacks targeting Israeli military positions.
• Houthis Fire 6 Missiles, With One Slightly Damaging Greek Vessel in Gulf of Aden - CENTCOM Sputnik 07 Feb 2024 -- The Houthis fired six missiles toward the Southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden on Tuesday, with one of the missiles slightly damaging a Greek-owned vessel, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said.

Other Conflicts

• Mr. Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator - Transcript of Press Conference with UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, 7 February 2024 UNOCHA 07 Feb 2024
• China, ASEAN unlikely to achieve Code of Conduct in 2024: experts Radio Free Asia 07 Feb 2024 -- Recent developments in the South China Sea have highlighted the need for a legally-binding Code of Conduct for all competing parties in the disputed waters. Yet maritime analysts express doubt that such rules can be agreed any time soon.
• Iranian Envoy To Kabul Sees Afghanistan As Part Of Tehran's 'Axis Of Resistance' RFE/RL 07 Feb 2024 -- Iran's special envoy to Afghanistan and the head of its embassy in Kabul says Tehran includes the war-torn country as part of is "axis of resistance" - a loose-knit network of Iranian-backed proxies and militant groups that aid it in opposing the West, Arab foes, and primarily Israel.
• UN central emergency response fund contributes to WFP's assistance to Afghan returnees from Pakistan WFP 07 Feb 2024 -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes a contribution of US$3.8 million from the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support Afghans forced to leave Pakistan and return to Afghanistan. The funding will allow WFP to provide cash assistance to nearly 33,000 families or more than 230,000 children, women and men, including persons with disabilities returning to Afghanistan at a time when already one third of the people are going hungry.
• Message to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Widespread Humanitarian Crisis in Afghanistan and the Potential for a Deepening Economic Collapse in Afghanistan The White House 07 Feb 2024
• Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Widespread Humanitarian Crisis in Afghanistan and the Potential for a Deepening Economic Collapse in Afghanistan The White House 07 Feb 2024
• Arab Parliament censures Argentina for moving embassy to al-Quds Press TV 07 Feb 2024 -- The Arab Parliament has censured a plan by Argentina's right-wing President Javier Milei to relocate the country's embassy from Tel Aviv to the occupied al-Quds.
• Five people killed, several injured in Israeli airstrikes against Syria's Homs: Report Press TV 07 Feb 2024 -- At least five people were killed and several others injured when Israeli military aircraft carried out a series of airstrikes in Syria's western province of Homs.
• Israel targets Syria's Homs with missiles IRNA 07 Feb 2024 -- The Zionist regime has carried out fresh attacks on Syria's center Homs province despite international condemnations and Damascus' repeated complaints to the UN about the Israeli violation of the Arab country's sovereignty.
• Dozens Killed In Blasts Ahead Of Pakistani Elections; Islamic State Claims Responsibility RFE/RL 07 Feb 2024 -- Two blasts near election offices of candidates in Pakistan's southwestern province of Balochistan killed nearly 30 people and wounded dozens on February 7, a day before the parliamentary vote is to be held in the South Asian country.
• Bomb Blasts Kill 30 in Pakistan Ahead of Thursday's Elections VOA 07 Feb 2024 -- Authorities in Pakistan said Wednesday that at least 30 people are dead and dozens more injured in two bomb blasts targeting election campaign offices in southwestern Baluchistan province.
• Twin bombings in Pakistan kill 28 ahead of elections Press TV 07 Feb 2024 -- Two bomb explosions near the offices of electoral candidates in Pakistan's southwestern province of Balochistan have killed at least 28 people, officials said.
• Another Explosion Occurs in Pakistan's Balochistan Province Bringing Death Toll Up to 25 - Reports Sputnik 07 Feb 2024 -- Another explosion occurred in Pakistan, the total death toll has risen to 25 and another 40 people are injured, Pakistani TV channel GEO reported on Wednesday.
• Junta troops seize over 300 villagers in central Myanmar Radio Free Asia 07 Feb 2024 -- One woman died and over 300 villagers were detained after a junta raid in central Myanmar, residents and an armed resistance member told Radio Free Asia on Wednesday.
• Arakan Army captures two junta battalions in Rakhine state Radio Free Asia 07 Feb 2024 -- The Arakan Army has captured two key military units in western Myanmar's Rakhine state, giving it effective control of Minbya township and putting it in a position to challenge junta control of the state capital, according to an ethnic rebel alliance and sources in the region.
• Children and teachers killed in air strikes on schools in eastern Myanmar UNICEF 07 Feb 2024 -- Statement by Debora Comini, UNICEF Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific
• UNICEF condemns air strike on schools in Myanmar UN News 07 Feb 2024 -- The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) has strongly condemned Monday's deadly airstrike on two schools in eastern Myanmar resulting in the deaths of at least four children and two teachers, with many more left injured.
• Myanmar Fighting Raises Hopes, Fears in Bangladesh VOA 07 Feb 2024 -- Growing apprehension is palpable in Bangladesh as the civil war in neighboring Myanmar inches closer to its border, with two deaths reported Tuesday when stray shells from Myanmar landed in a village in the hilly Bandarban District.
• Message to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Situation in and in Relation to Burma The White House 07 Feb 2024
• Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Situation in and in Relation to Burma The White House 07 Feb 2024
• SECURITY SITUATION IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR AND LADAKH India PIB 07 Feb 2024 -- The Government has a policy of zero tolerance against terrorism and the security situation has improved significantly in Jammu and Kashmir
• Serbian National Bank Condemns Kosovo's Move To Block Delivery Of Dinars Under New Rule Favoring Euros RFE/RL 07 Feb 2024 -- The National Bank of Serbia on February 7 condemned the refusal by Kosovo to allow a delivery of dinars into the country just days after the government in Pristina introduced a new regulation banning the use of any currency other than the euro in commercial transactions.
• UN appeals for $4.1 billion in aid for war-torn Sudan and refugee-hosting countries UN News 07 Feb 2024 -- The United Nations on Wednesday urged countries not to forget millions of people caught up in the war between rival militaries in Sudan, calling for $4.1 billion to help stave off famine and assist those who have fled into neighbouring countries.
• As Sudan conflict fuels epic suffering, UN launches humanitarian and refugee response plans for 2024 UNHCR 07 Feb 2024 -- The United Nations and its partners today appealed for a combined $4.1 billion to meet the most urgent humanitarian needs of civilians in war-torn Sudan and those who have fled to neighbouring countries.
• UN Launches Appeal to Aid Millions in War-Torn Sudan VOA 07 Feb 2024 -- As Sudan is about to enter its 10th month of conflict, United Nations agencies launched a $4.1 billion appeal Tuesday to provide urgent aid for 14.7 million people inside Sudan and 2.7 million people who have taken refuge in five neighboring countries.
• Report: China Increasing Digital Surveillance of Tibetans VOA 07 Feb 2024 -- A new report by Tibetan activist groups and experts shows new evidence that the Chinese government is increasing digital surveillance of Tibetans through practices such as the mandatory installation of apps at police checkpoints or utilizing big data policing platforms supported by technologies from American tech firms.

News Reports

• Treasury Publishes 2024 National Risk Assessments for Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and Proliferation Financing US Treasury 07 Feb 2024 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury published the 2024 National Risk Assessments on Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and Proliferation Financing. These reports highlight the most significant illicit finance threats, vulnerabilities, and risks facing the United States.
• Justice Department Announces Charges and Arrest in Two Separate Illicit Technology Transfer Schemes to Benefit Governments of China and Iran US Dept. of Justice 07 Feb 2024 -- In two separate cases out of U.S. Attorneys' Offices on opposite coasts, several individuals are charged - one of whom was arrested yesterday - in connection with sophisticated schemes to transfer sensitive technology, goods, and information for the benefit of hostile foreign adversaries, in violation of U.S. law.
• US High Court to Hear Arguments on Trump's Eligibility to Regain Presidency VOA 07 Feb 2024 -- The U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments Thursday about whether likely Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is ineligible for the office and must be excluded from states' ballots because of his role in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
• U.S. House Republicans fail to impeach homeland security secretary over border security People's Daily 07 Feb 2024 -- In a major blow to the Republicans, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Tuesday survived an impeachment vote over the border security issue in the House of Representatives.
• U.S. federal appeals court denies Trump immunity from prosecution People's Daily 07 Feb 2024 -- In a significant legal development, a three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit on Tuesday delivered a ruling denying Donald Trump broad immunity from federal prosecution.
• US court rules Trump does not have immunity in election interference trial Press TV 07 Feb 2024 -- The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has ruled that former President Donald Trump does not have executive immunity in an election interference case lodged against him.
• Man Pleads Guilty to Opioid Distribution and Money Laundering Conspiracy US Dept. of Justice 07 Feb 2024 -- A New Jersey man pleaded guilty today to drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracy charges.
• Treasury Sanctions Ecuador's Notorious Los Choneros Gang and Its Leader US Treasury 07 Feb 2024 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned one of Ecuador's most violent gangs, Los Choneros, and its leader, José Adolfo Macías Villamar(also known by the alias "Fito"), pursuant to counter narcotics authorities. OFAC's action follows a steep rise in violence in Ecuador attributed to the actions of Los Choneros and other drug trafficking gangs in the country.
• Meeting with Government members President of Russia 07 Feb 2024 -- The President held a meeting with Government members via videoconference. The main topic was the development of air transport in the medium term. A number of current issues were reviewed at the start of the meeting.
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Secretary General of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation Imangali Tasmagambetov Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07 Feb 2024
• New Russian Bill Would Crack Down Further on Dissent Against Government VOA 07 Feb 2024 -- A new bill would permit Russian authorities to confiscate money, valuables and other assets from people convicted of inciting "extremist activities" and deliberately spreading false information to discredit the country's military and hurt state security.
• Sweden Ends Investigation Into Nord Stream Blasts Due To Jurisdiction Issues RFE/RL 07 Feb 2024 -- Sweden has ended its investigation into the explosions that rocked the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines in 2022, saying it has no jurisdiction to proceed.
• Sweden Stops Investigation Into Nord Stream Blasts - Prosecution Authority Sputnik 07 Feb 2024 -- Sweden announces the termination of the investigation into the explosions at the Nord Stream gas pipelines, the Swedish Prosecution Authority said on Wednesday.
• Boosted By Defense Spending, Russian Economic Growth Jumped 3.6 Percent In 2023 RFE/RL 07 Feb 2024 -- Russia's economy jumped 3.6 percent last year despite sweeping Western sanctions as the government cranked up military spending amid its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
• U.S. and International Partners Publish Cybersecurity Advisory on People's Republic of China State-Sponsored Hacking of U.S. Critical Infrastructure CISA 07 Feb 2024 -- The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), National Security Agency (NSA), and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), along with key U.S. and international government agencies published a Joint Cybersecurity Advisory today on malicious activity by a People's Republic of China (PRC) state-sponsored cyber actor, known as Volt Typhoon, to compromise critical infrastructure and associated actions that should be urgently undertaken by all organizations.
• Thousands of cyberattacks against China detected in 2023 with their IP addresses being traced to the Philippines: Chinese cyber security company Global Times 07 Feb 2024 -- Thousands of cyberattacks against China were detected in 2023 with their IP addresses being traced to the Philippines, most of which were unsuccessful, the Global Time learned from a Chinese cyber security company on Tuesday, contrary to the baseless accusations and unfounded speculations made by certain officials from the Philippines that China had launched a cyberattack against the Philippine government and officials.
• US launches indiscriminate cyberattacks on global scale, including on its allies: reports Global Times 07 Feb 2024 -- The US has established a set of capabilities in global surveillance and cyber weapons, serving as a pillar to pursue its goal of cyber hegemony. Cyberattacks by American advanced persistent threat (APT) organizations are carried out indiscriminately around the globe, including even those against its allies, two cybersecurity reports showed on Wednesday.
• China's state security authority calls for awareness of counterespionage when studying abroad Global Times 07 Feb 2024 -- China's top anti-espionage authority called for the public to enhance their awareness of counterespionage when studying abroad, after it published a case on its WeChat account on Wednesday, describing a story of an overseas university graduate who was recruited and turned to become a foreign spy by an intelligence agency while studying abroad, and engaged in espionage activities.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on February 7, 2024 PRC MofA 07 Feb 2024
• Official visit to People's Republic of China by Ignazio Cassis Federal Council - Swiss Government 07 Feb 2024 -- Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, visited Beijing on 6 and 7 February, marking the resumption of the strategic dialogue between Switzerland and the People's Republic of China. This visit was part of Mr Cassis's tour of the Asia-Pacific region. Discussions in Beijing centred on priority bilateral issues and current international affairs.
• China opens fifth Antarctic research station, to provide platform for scientific cooperation Global Times 07 Feb 2024 -- China's Qinling Station in Antarctica, the country's fifth research station on the continent, started operation on Wednesday. The research facility is expected to help enhance mankind's scientific understanding of Antarctica, provide a platform for China to cooperate with other countries in scientific expeditions and promote peace and sustainable development in the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday.
• All funds from additional 1 trillion yuan of govt bonds allocated, in boost for economy Global Times 07 Feb 2024 -- China has allocated all the funds raised from the issuance of an additional 1 trillion yuan ($139 billion) of government bonds for post-disaster rebuilding and disaster prevention projects, China's top economic planner said on Wednesday, in a major boost for infrastructure investment and related economic activity.
• Exclusive: Disappeared oil man was CCP agent, business partner says Radio Free Asia 07 Feb 2024 -- A well-known oil man who has been linked to numerous bribery schemes and sanctioned by the U.S. government struck deals in Angola while secretly working for China's ruling party, his longtime business partner told a Hong Kong court.
• Beijing, Washington in talks to stabilize economic ties People's Daily 07 Feb 2024 -- The latest meeting in Beijing between high-ranking Chinese and United States officials indicated that the two countries are making continuing joint efforts to stabilize bilateral economic and trade ties through a pragmatic approach and candid communication, experts said on Tuesday.
• Taiwan's gov't U-turns on planned lifting of China group travel ban CNA 07 Feb 2024 -- Taiwan's Tourism Administration took a policy U-turn Wednesday by deciding to maintain a three-year ban on Taiwanese tour groups traveling to China, citing Beijing's failure to send Chinese group tourists reciprocally.
• EU reports on China's information manipulation targeting Taiwan CNA 07 Feb 2024 -- The European Union released its second Report on Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) Threats at the end of January, which stated that Ukraine was the most targeted country but also found the Asia Pacific, including Taiwan, to be under similar attacks.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Feb. 7, 2024 ROC MND 07 Feb 2024
• Future Generation of DPRK Grows up Healthily Thanks to WPK's Loving Care: Rodong Sinmun KCNA 07 Feb 2024 -- The bright faces of children growing up with nothing to envy in the world under the special loving care of the Workers' Party of Korea serve as the inexhaustible strength giving vitality to the socialist country and the driving force of the advance promising the brighter future, says Rodong Sinmun Wednesday in an article.
• UN should update North Korea rights report: experts Radio Free Asia 07 Feb 2024 -- The United Nations should update its landmark 2014 report about human rights abuses taking place in North Korea to account for the reign of Kim Jong Un, according to a panel of experts speaking on the 10-year anniversary of the report's release on Wednesday.
• Iran has never left negotiating table, will never do so in future: Raisi IRNA 07 Feb 2024 -- Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi says his country has never left the negotiating table and will never do so in the future.
• Iran says no plans to build wall at Afghanistan border IRNA 07 Feb 2024 -- Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi has dismissed rumors of building a border wall between Iran and Afghanistan, saying there are no such plans.
• Iran says coordination with IAEA developing IRNA 07 Feb 2024 -- The top atomic official in Iran has described the country's coordination with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as "developing."
• Nuclear chief: 'Iranium' will turn Iran into major player in enrichment field IRNA 07 Feb 2024 -- Newly-developed magnetic mass spectrometer "Iranium" will turn the country into a major player in the field of uranium enrichment, says the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, Mohammad Eslami.
• Iraq, Netherlands discuss ties, security cooperation People's Daily 07 Feb 2024 -- Iraqi senior officials exchanged views Tuesday with visiting Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot on bilateral relations and security cooperation.
• Why China Is Closely Watching The Pakistani Elections RFE/RL 07 Feb 2024 -- In elections being closely watched by China, Pakistanis are heading to the polls in a tight race defined by a teetering economy and growing security risks that could shape the future for billions of dollars of Chinese infrastructure projects for their country.
• NATIONAL POLICY TO COMBAT LEFT WING EXTREMISM India PIB 07 Feb 2024 -- As per Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, subjects of Police and Public Order are with the State Governments
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with caretaker Prime Minister of Lebanon Najib Mikati Prime Minister of Canada 07 Feb 2024 -- Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the caretaker Prime Minister of Lebanon, Najib Mikati, about the ongoing situation in the Middle East.
• A New Prime Minister In Kazakhstan To Tackle The Same Old Problems RFE/RL 07 Feb 2024 -- "Active work without formalities, bureaucracy, and unnecessary meetings. More deeds, fewer words." This was how Kazakhstan's new Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov summed up his philosophy on government on February 6, the same day he was parachuted into the position from his prior role as President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev's chief of staff.
• The United Kingdom is clear that multilateralism is the best tool to tackle the shared challenges of the 21st century: UK statement at the UN General Assembly UK FCDO 07 Feb 2024 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN General Assembly 54th plenary meeting 78th session.
• ASEAN and EU Ministers Meet in Brussels and Adopt Joint Statement to Further Deepen Relations Philippines DFA 07 Feb 2024 -- Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo co-chaired the 24th ASEAN EU Ministerial Meeting as Country Coordinator for ASEAN-European Union Dialogue Relations.
• Foreign ministers of Poland and Portugal hold consultations Poland - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07 Feb 2024 -- Chief of Polish diplomacy Radosław Sikorski met today in Warsaw with his Portuguese counterpart João Gomes Cravinho.
• As Ballots Pile Up, So Do The Reports Of Irregularities In Azerbaijan's Presidential Vote RFE/RL 07 Feb 2024 -- As Azerbaijanis began voting in a snap presidential election, reports trickled in of alleged abuses, all of them very familiar to the international monitors who had come to watch the vote.
• Analysis: Aliyev's Victory Lap Election RFE/RL 07 Feb 2024 -- Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's choice of where to cast his vote said everything about why the country held an early presidential election today.
• Azerbaijani President Aliyev Expected To Easily Win Fifth Term, Partial Results Of Snap Poll Indicate RFE/RL 07 Feb 2024 -- Azerbaijan's incumbent strongman, President Ilham Aliyev, appears to have won a fifth consecutive term in office based on preliminary results of a snap election he called following Baku's swift and decisive victory over ethnic Armenian separatists in the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh.
• OSCE Urges Kyrgyz Authorities To 'Review Worrying' Law On 'Foreign Representatives' RFE/RL 07 Feb 2024 -- The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has urged Kyrgyz authorities to revise a draft law on so-called "foreign representatives," saying a decision by lawmakers to move toward its adoption will pose "significant risks" to media freedom and open debate on issues of public interest in the Central Asian nation.
• UNICEF strengthens response to DRC's worst floods in 60 years and growing cholera outbreak UNICEF 07 Feb 2024 -- UNICEF and partners are responding to devastating flooding in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with the Congo River rising to levels not seen in more than 60 years.
• World News in Brief: UN official condemns attacks in Ukraine, DR Congo faces fresh fighting and devastating floods UN News 07 Feb 2024 -- The UN's top aid official in Ukraine has condemned a new wave of attacks on cities and towns early on Wednesday.
• Crackdown on political activists tops Thai-Cambodian summit agenda Radio Free Asia 07 Feb 2024 -- The prime ministers of Thailand and Cambodia on Wednesday vowed to crack down on what they called "interference" in Cambodian politics by Thai-based political activists.
• Thailand's Election Winners Face Potential Breakup After Royal Insult Law Ruling VOA 07 Feb 2024 -- Thailand's most popular political party is facing a spate of legal challenges that could see it dissolved or its lawmakers ejected from parliament since a top court found it in breach of the constitution.
• Newly-Uncovered False Foreign Exchange Claims Could Hurt Nigerian Economy VOA 07 Feb 2024 -- Nigeria's central bank said this week it uncovered $2.4 billion in false foreign exchange claims after investigating backlogs of $7 billion due to be cleared. Authorities said the findings will reduce pressures caused by foreign exchange shortages and warned that false claims could harm Nigeria's economy.
• Former Chilean President Sebastian Pinera Killed in Helicopter Crash VOA 07 Feb 2024 -- Former Chile President Sebastian Pinera was killed Tuesday in a helicopter crash.