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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• US Defends Airstrikes as Iraqi Anger Mounts VOA 08 Feb 2024 -- The United States is giving no indication of relenting after its latest airstrike in Iraq — targeting an Iranian-backed militia commander in downtown Baghdad — sparked renewed anger and fresh calls for the removal of U.S. troops from the country.
• Iraq Criticizes US Strikes After Baghdad Attack Killed Iran-Backed Militant Group Commander VOA 08 Feb 2024 -- Iraq Thursday sharply criticized a U.S. drone strike that the U.S. military said killed a leader of an Iranian-backed militant group, with an Iraqi spokesman calling the attack "a blatant assassination" that showed "no regard for civilian lives or international laws."
• Centcom Kills Kataib Hezbollah Commander Responsible for Strikes Against U.S. Forces DoD News 08 Feb 2024 -- Last night, U.S. Central Command announced it had conducted a strike in Iraq that killed a Kataib Hezbollah commander responsible for directly planning and participating in attacks on U.S. forces in the region, said Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.
• US assassinates resistance commander in Iraqi capital IRNA 08 Feb 2024 -- The US Defense Department (Pentagon) confirmed that American forces carried out a drone strike on the Iraqi capital Baghdad on Wednesday night, killing a senior resistance commander, according to American media reports.
• Explosions caused by missiles rock Baghdad IRNA 08 Feb 2024 -- Several explosions heard in the east of the Iraqi capital Baghdad late on Wednesday with some media reports suggesting they were caused by missile strikes on the city.
• Resistance groups condemn US assassination of Kata'ib Hezbollah commander Press TV 08 Feb 2024 -- Several resistance groups in West Asia have condemned the US assassination of a high-ranking commander of Iraq's Kata'ib Hezbollah anti-terror group.
• Iran strongly condemns 'American state terrorism' in Iraq Press TV 08 Feb 2024 -- Iran has strongly condemned the "terrorist act of the American government inside Iraq, which led to the martyrdom of several members of the resistance forces against terrorism".
• Baghdad attack in line with US support for Israeli regime: Iran FM spox. IRNA 08 Feb 2024 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has said that the latest aggressive attack by US Central Command (CENTCOM) in Baghdad, Iraq, was carried out in line with the US administration's all-out support for the Israeli regime's crimes against Palestinians.
• Militia leader killed in U.S. drone attack in Iraqi capital People's Daily 08 Feb 2024 -- At least three people were killed on Wednesday in a drone attack on a car of paramilitary Hashd Shaabi Forces in eastern Baghdad, Iraq's capital, an Interior Ministry source said.
• US Base at Oil Field in Eastern Syria Comes Under Missile Attack - Source Sputnik 08 Feb 2024 -- A US military base at the Al-Omar oil field in the Syrian eastern province of Deir ez-Zor has come under missile attack for the second time in past 24 hours, a local military source told Sputnik on Thursday.
• Feb. 8 Summary of USCENTCOM Self-Defense Strikes in Yemen CENTCOM 08 Feb 2024 -- On Feb. 8, between the hours of 5 a.m. - 9 p.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted seven self-defense strikes against four Houthi unmanned surface vessels (USV) and seven mobile anti-ship cruise missiles that were prepared to launch against ships in the Red Sea.
• Feb. 7 Summary of USCENTCOM Self-Defense Strikes in Yemen CENTCOM 08 Feb 2024 -- On Feb. 7, at approximately 9:00 p.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted self-defense strikes against two Houthi mobile anti-ship cruise missiles prepared to launch against ships in the Red Sea.
• CENTCOM conducts new attacks on Yemen IRNA 08 Feb 2024 -- US Central Command (CENTCOM) has said that it conducted strikes against two Yemeni mobile anti-ship cruise missiles which were prepared to launch against ships in the Red Sea.
• US, UK sustain aerial assaults in response to Yemen's pro-Palestinian operations Press TV 08 Feb 2024 -- The United States and Britain have carried out fresh aerial bombings against two western Yemeni provinces in response to the Arab Peninsula country's pro-Palestinian strikes.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Army announces Aviation Investment Rebalance US Army 08 Feb 2024 -- Warfighting is changing more rapidly than it has in decades, and the Army is continuously transforming based on lessons learned and a sober assessment of the modern battlefield. To meet emerging capability requirements in a resource constrained environment, the Army today announced it will rebalance its aviation modernization investments across new and enduring platforms.
• Lightning Focus 24 bolsters Soldiers' confidence for Africa missions Army News 08 Feb 2024 -- Sgt. Allen Khosho loves to talk and in the U.S. Army, he found the perfect profession—human intelligence collector.
• Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds a Press Briefing DoD 08 Feb 2024
• DOD Advances Microelectronics Commons to Build Domestic Semiconductor Industry, Workforce DoD 08 Feb 2024 -- Jan. 29 - Feb. 2 marked the second week of Microelectronics Commons (Commons) Hubs visits for representatives from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research & Engineering (OUSD(R&E)), Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC)-Crane Division, and National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL). Representatives traveled to Massachusetts and New York where they met with Hub leaders and members, as well as Governor Maura Healey and representatives from Congressional offices.
• Statement From Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on a Helicopter Crash in California DoD 08 Feb 2024
• National Guard Bureau Leaders Say Taking Care of Guardsmen Is Key to Meeting Mission at Home, Abroad DoD News 08 Feb 2024 -- Taking care of those serving on the front lines both at home and abroad is critical as the National Guard meets its mission, the force's top leaders said today.
• Vermont Airmen test agility during multi-state exercise US Air Force 08 Feb 2024 -- Throughout the course of two weeks, nearly 260 personnel from the Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Fighter Wing left the snow, sleet and freezing temperatures of a New England winter and made their way to the sunshine and more moderate climes of northern Georgia.
• One year later: AFMC continues to advance Strategic Plan Lines of Effort US Air Force 08 Feb 2024 -- The Air Force Materiel Command continues to make progress on the lines of effort identified in its 2023 Strategic Plan as it develops, delivers, supports and sustains the war-winning platforms and capabilities our warfighters need to succeed.
• USS Gunston Hall (LSD-44) arrives in Portsmouth ahead of Steadfast Defender US Navy 08 Feb 2024 -- USS Gunston Hall (LSD-44), a Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship arrived in Portsmouth, United Kingdom, Feb. 8, 2024 for a scheduled port visit prior to their participation in Exercise Steadfast Defender 24.
• U.S., Japan and Australia Conduct Trilateral Operations US Navy 08 Feb 2024 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John Finn (DDG 113) and Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) conducted trilateral operations with allied maritime forces from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) in the South China Sea, Feb. 7-8.
• Amphibious Ready Group Conducts Passing Exercise with Turkish Navy US Navy 08 Feb 2024 -- The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) conducted a passing exercise (PASSEX) with Turkish frigates TCG Gemlik (F-492) and TCG Gaziantep (F-490) in the Mediterranean Sea, Feb. 6.
• U.S. NAVY JOINS ARCTIC SPECIALIST 2024 IN NORWAY US Navy 08 Feb 2024 -- Sailors from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Mobile Unit (MU) Eight, attached to Commander Task Force (CTF) 68 at Naval Station Rota, Spain, began the annual Norway-hosted exercise Arctic Specialist 2024 in Ramsund, Norway, Feb. 5, 2024.
• National Security Memorandum on Safeguards and Accountability With Respect to Transferred Defense Articles and Defense Services The White House 08 Feb 2024
• US Senate Advances Stand-Alone $95 Billion Foreign Aid Bill VOA 08 Feb 2024 -- The U.S. Senate advanced a stand-alone $95 billion foreign assistance bill Thursday by a vote of 67-32, setting up a final vote on $60 billion in aid to Ukraine and $14 billion in assistance for Israel.
• Iraqi MPs call for urgent meeting to expel US troops IRNA 08 Feb 2024 -- An Iraqi lawmaker has called for an urgent meeting of parliament with the presence of Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani to discuss the expulsion of American forces from the country.
• Iraq: US airstrikes push Baghdad to expel American troops Press TV 08 Feb 2024 -- Iraq says repeated US strikes in the country are pushing the Baghdad government to end the presence of American troops, calling them a cause of instability.
• Putin Says In Interview With U.S. Commentator Russia Has 'No Interest' In Expanding War Into Poland RFE/RL 08 Feb 2024 -- Russia has no interest in invading NATO member Poland, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a controversial interview broadcast on February 8 in which he also said he believes a deal is possible to free detained Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich.
• Starting today, a new management team takes over the leadership of the Armed Forces of Ukraine - address by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy President of Ukraine 08 Feb 2024
• Zelenskiy Names New Ukrainian Military Commander, Says It's Time For 'Renewal' RFE/RL 08 Feb 2024 -- President Volodymyr Zelenskiy appointed Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskiy as the Ukrainian Army's commander in chief just minutes after announcing it was time for a "renewal" and "renewed leadership" of the country's armed forces.
• Zelenskyy Fires Top Military Commander VOA 08 Feb 2024 -- After days of speculation in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday fired General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the country's top military commander who has led the two-year fight against Russia's invasion, and replaced him with Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrskyi.
• Ukraine's Zelensky removes army chief amid war with Russia Press TV 08 Feb 2024 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has removed the top military commander Valery Zaluzhny in what seems to be a major shake-up of the country's war strategy in the third year of the conflict with Russia.
• Zaluzhny Removed as Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief, Replaced by Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrsky Sputnik 08 Feb 2024 -- The general's ouster comes after months of intrigue between himself and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who slammed the commander for revealing that Kiev's summer 2023 counteroffensive had ended in failure.
• Ukrainian Military Suffering Severe Shortage of Infantry, as Morale Plummets - Report Sputnik 08 Feb 2024 -- The Ukrainian government introduced a new bill on mobilization in the Verkhovna Rada on January 30. On Wednesday, the parliament passed it in the first reading.
• Ukraine launched negotiations with Denmark on the conclusion of a bilateral security agreement President of Ukraine 08 Feb 2024
• Chinese tech firm Hesai plans to sue Pentagon over 'military-related' allegation Global Times 08 Feb 2024 -- Chinese technology firm Hesai Technology said that the Pentagon's recent claim linking the company's business to the military is unfair and groundless. The company is planning to sue the US government department to protect its reputation, the company said on its official website on Wednesday.
• Indo-Pacific Endeavour returns to Maldives Australia DOD 08 Feb 2024 -- Defence's flagship regional engagement activity, Indo-Pacific Endeavour (IPE), returned to Maldives in January for only the second time.
• Germany Sends Frigate for Possible Participation in EU Red Sea Mission Sputnik 08 Feb 2024 -- Germany is sending its frigate Hessen with a crew of 240 Bundeswehr soldiers on Thursday for its expected participation in a European Union naval mission in the Red Sea to protect merchant ships from attacks by Yemen's Houthis, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said.
• 17TH IN - FN STAFF TALKS India PIB 08 Feb 2024 -- 17th Indian Navy (IN) - French Navy (FN) Staff Talks was held from 06-07 Feb 24 at New Delhi
• UK defence industry spending tops £25 billion for first time UK MOD 08 Feb 2024 -- Defence spending with UK industry by the Ministry of Defence has topped £25 billion for the first time, official statistics have revealed.
• Minister A. Anušauskas requested Italy's assistance in ensuring supply of spares for the Spartan cargo aircraft Lithuania MND 08 Feb 2024 -- On February 8 Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas met with the new Ambassador of Italy to Lithuania HE Emanuele de Maigret whom he requested for Italy's assistance to Lithuania in supplying spare parts for the Spartan cargo aircraft in a timely manner.
• Senate vets Biden's pick for key human rights diplomat Radio Free Asia 08 Feb 2024 -- Amid a backlog of Senate confirmation hearings, the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor has not had a confirmed leader since President Joe Biden took office with a pledge to put human rights at the center of his foreign policy.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with President-elect Nayib Bukele of El Salvador US Dept. of State 08 Feb 2024
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby, February 8, 2024 The White House 08 Feb 2024

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Feb. 8, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• Secretary-General's opening remarks at press conference on 2024 Priorities UN Secretary-General 08 Feb 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• 24h Operational Update: Operations in Western Khan Yunis and Northern Gaza Continue Israel Defense Forces 08 Feb 2024
• 36th Division Completes Operations in Gaza; Increases Readiness in the North Israel Defense Forces 08 Feb 2024
• Israeli regime withdraws another brigade from Gaza IRNA 08 Feb 2024 -- The Israeli regime's army declared the withdrawal of another brigade from the Gaza Strip on Wednesday night.
• Netanyahu rejects Hamas' proposed cease-fire terms in blow to Washington's diplomacy in Middle East, highlighting US-Israel divisions Global Times 08 Feb 2024 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed Hamas' proposals for a cease-fire and hostage deal in Gaza, calling them "delusional," in what is widely regarded as a blow for the diplomacy of the Biden administration in the Middle East as Secretary of State Antony Blinken makes his fifth visit from February 2 to Thursday to the region.
• Israel's Netanyahu rejects Hamas's offer for truce in Gaza People's Daily 08 Feb 2024 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Hamas's proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday.
• Feb. 7: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 08 Feb 2024
• Gaza death toll tops 27,800 IRNA 08 Feb 2024 -- At least 27,840 people have been killed and 67,317 others injured in Gaza since the Israeli regime began its war on the besieged Palestinian territory on October 7, according to the latest figures announced by the Health Ministry in Gaza.
• Genocide in Gaza: Israel intensifies attacks on Rafah Press TV 08 Feb 2024 -- Israel's war on the besieged Gaza Strip is now in its fifth month, with the focus of onslaught being the southern city of Rafah, which hosts more than half of the Palestinian population.
• Concerns grow over new Gaza carnage amid planned Israeli assault on Rafah Press TV 08 Feb 2024 -- Fears have mounted over a new carnage against Palestinians as the Israeli military prepares to conduct an offensive in the overcrowded Gaza city of Rafah.
• UN Chief Warns of 'Gigantic Tragedy' if Israeli Military Expands Fight to Rafah VOA 08 Feb 2024 -- U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres renewed his appeal Thursday for a humanitarian cease-fire before a "gigantic tragedy" develops in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where Israel's military is reported to be planning to expand its offensive.
• Gazans 'have no homes - and they have no hope': UN chief UN News 08 Feb 2024 -- UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday expressed deep concerns over the situation in Gaza, reiterating his call for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages.
• Gazans 'stalked by hunger, disease and death', warns UN's top aid official UN News 08 Feb 2024 -- Amid further fighting across Gaza on Thursday, including reports of deadly airstrikes in the Rafah governorate, the UN's top aid official, Martin Griffiths, echoed widespread international fears about a further escalation of the conflict.
• Gaza 'buffer zone' possible war crime: UN human rights chief UN News 08 Feb 2024 -- Israel's reported attempt to create a "buffer zone" with Gaza could constitute a war crime, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk warned on Thursday.
• Risk of famine 'increasing by day' in war-torn Gaza Strip, UN warns Press TV 08 Feb 2024 -- The United Nations has warned that the risk of famine and malnutrition is "increasing by the day" in the besieged Gaza Strip, as Israel's strict blockade has cut off vital resources and caused the densely-populated territory to grapple with a humanitarian disaster.
• 'Age of chaos': UN chief warns of 'dangerous' Security Council divisions over Gaza war Press TV 08 Feb 2024 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned of "dangerous" divisions within the Security Council over Israel's ongoing war on the Gaza Strip, expressing concerns that the world is entering an "age of chaos."
• Biden Says Israel's Response in Gaza is 'Over the Top' VOA 08 Feb 2024 -- President Joe Biden on Thursday gave his sharpest criticism yet of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's military campaign, which has killed more than 27,000 Palestinians, according to health officials in Gaza.
• Blinken Heads Home Without Israeli-Hamas Cease-Fire or Hostage Release VOA 08 Feb 2024 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken returned to Washington from the Middle East on Thursday with no new deal in hand for a cease-fire in the four-month Israel-Hamas war in Gaza or release of any more hostages held by the militants.
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Israeli Chairman Lapid US Dept. of State 08 Feb 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Israeli Ministers Eisenkot and Gantz US Dept. of State 08 Feb 2024
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken, Israeli Former Defense Minister Benny Gantz, And Minister Gadi Eisenkot Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 08 Feb 2024
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Israeli Opposition Leader Yair Lapid Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 08 Feb 2024
• Blinken voices hope for ceasefire deal between Israel, Hamas People's Daily 08 Feb 2024 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in Israel on Wednesday that further efforts are needed on a hostage-for-ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas but expressed optimism such a deal can be achieved.
• Gaza martyrs' blood to put an end to Israeli regime: President Raisi IRNA 08 Feb 2024 -- Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi has emphasized that the Iranian authorities are confident that the blood of martyrs in the Gaza Strip will create a situation that puts an end to the Israeli regime and the current unjust world order.
• 3 Israeli troopers injured in Hezbollah attack IRNA 08 Feb 2024 -- An Israeli officer and two soldiers have been injured in an attack by Lebanon's resistance movement Hezbollah in the occupied region of Qiryat Shemona.
• Yemeni leader declares 'real victory' in stopping Israel-bound ships Press TV 08 Feb 2024 -- Yemen's Ansarullah leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi says the country has achieved a "real victory" by stepping up operations in the Red Sea and hindering the movement of ships connected to Israel.

Other Conflicts

• Taliban Consider Attending Doha Meeting, Reject New UN Envoy VOA 08 Feb 2024 -- Taliban officials remain opposed to the possible appointment of a U.N. envoy but say they are considering "meaningful participation" in an upcoming international meeting on Afghanistan.
• One-third of Myanmar population in need of aid, says UN Radio Free Asia 08 Feb 2024 -- The number of people in need of humanitarian assistance in Myanmar has soared to more than 18 million, or one-third of the population, from just over 1 million prior to the military coup, the United Nations announced this week, as the junta entered its fourth year in power.
• MHA decides to scrap Free Movement Regime (FMR) between India and Myanmar to ensure the internal security of the country and maintain the demographic structure of India's North Eastern States bordering Myanmar India PIB 08 Feb 2024 -- Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has decided to scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) between India and Myanmar to ensure the internal security of the country and to maintain the demographic structure of India's North Eastern States bordering Myanmar
• Cameroon Rebels Abduct Government Officials in Fresh Wave of Attacks VOA 08 Feb 2024 -- Cameroon separatist fighters Wednesday claimed responsibility for the killing of four government workers, including a policeman abducted Tuesday in the country's restive English-speaking North-West region. Government officials say two of the hostages, including a government official the military freed, are responding to treatment in a hospital. The abduction and killing followed renewed separatist attacks that have claimed several dozen civilians within two weeks.
• Cameroon Rebels Abduct Government Officials in Fresh Wave of Attacks VOA 08 Feb 2024 -- Cameroon separatist fighters Wednesday claimed responsibility for the killing of four government workers, including a policeman abducted Tuesday in the country's restive English-speaking North-West region. Government officials say two of the hostages, including a government official the military freed, are responding to treatment in a hospital. The abduction and killing followed renewed separatist attacks that have claimed several dozen civilians within two weeks.
• Security Council debates Kosovo's new rules on Serbian currency UN News 08 Feb 2024 -- Trust building, not unilateral actions, are the linchpin in forging a peaceful path forward for Belgrade and Pristina, the UN's top official in Kosovo told the Security Council on Thursday, as the body called an urgent meeting at Serbia's request to debate new banking regulations that have triggered fresh tensions.
• Current tensions reinforce the importance for Kosovo and Serbia to return to the EU-facilitated dialogue: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 08 Feb 2024 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Kosovo.
• OIC denounces Argentina's decision to move embassy to occupied al-Quds Press TV 08 Feb 2024 -- The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has expressed its strong condemnation of a plan by Argentina's President Javier Milei's to move the country's embassy from Tel Aviv to occupied al-Quds.

News Reports

• Remarks by President Biden The White House 08 Feb 2024
• Biden Denies Claims of Poor Document Handling, Contrasts Case with Trump's VOA 08 Feb 2024 -- U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday pushed back on claims he incorrectly handled sensitive government documents, forcefully contrasting his case with that of former President Donald Trump - and drawing a contrast with Trump's own high-stakes legal travails the same day the Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that could remove Trump from the presidential race.
• Statement from President Joe Biden The White House 08 Feb 2024
• Background Press Call on Bilateral Engagements and the Trilateral Fentanyl Committee's Fourth Meeting in Mexico The White House 08 Feb 2024
• Joint Statement from Mexico, Canada, and the United States Reaffirming Our Shared Commitment to Address the Regional Challenge of Synthetic Drugs and Firearms Trafficking The White House 08 Feb 2024
• Finland updates risk assessment of money laundering and terrorist financing Finnish Government 08 Feb 2024 -- Unofficial international money remittances involve a very high risk of money laundering and terrorist financing. In addition, public authorities responsible for anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism and other key actors consider the risk to be high for virtual currency providers, banks and payment service providers.
• Chinese firm helps websites push pro-Beijing content: research Radio Free Asia 08 Feb 2024 -- A Chinese company in the southern city of Shenzhen has assisted at least 123 websites operating in China but posing as local media outlets in 30 countries across Europe, Asia and Latin America to disseminate disinformation, according to a recent study.
• China-Linked Hackers Lurk in Critical US Systems VOA 08 Feb 2024 -- China-linked hackers targeting key sectors of the U.S. economy appear to have been hiding in key computer systems and networks for at least five years, according to a new warning from the United States and key allies, who urge companies to take urgent action to mitigate the risk.
• China urges U.S. to stop jeopardizing cybersecurity People's Daily 08 Feb 2024 -- China urged the United States to immediately stop its dangerous, irresponsible behavior to launch indiscriminate cyberattacks and jeopardize cybersecurity, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday.
• Telephone conversation with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev President of Russia 08 Feb 2024 -- During their telephone conversation, Vladimir Putin warmly congratulated President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on his landslide victory in the early presidential election and wished him new successes during his work in this high state position.
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with President of the Republic of Abkhazia Aslan Bzhania Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 08 Feb 2024
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Secretary General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia Kairat Sarybay Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 08 Feb 2024
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with historical leader of the Lebanese Progressive Socialist Party Walid Jumblatt Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 08 Feb 2024
• U.S. Imposes Fresh Russia-Related Sanctions, Updates Restrictions On Diamond Imports RFE/RL 08 Feb 2024 -- The United States on February 8 imposed fresh sanctions for alleged violations of an oil price cap set by the Group of Seven (G7) nations and took steps to further restrict the importation of certain categories of diamonds mined in Russia, the U.S. Treasury Department said.
• Designating Additional Violators of Price Cap Policy on Russian Oil and Taking Steps on Russian Diamonds US Dept. of State 08 Feb 2024 -- The United States is taking additional action today to enforce the Price Cap Coalition's policies by designating four entities and identifying one vessel as blocked property.
• Treasury Targets Price Cap Violation Network and Implements G7 Ban on Russian Diamonds US Treasury 08 Feb 2024 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is taking its second price cap enforcement action of 2024, imposing sanctions on four entities and identifying one vessel as blocked property. The network of these entities and the vessel were involved in a price cap violation scheme in late 2023. OFAC is also issuing two new determinations that implement G7 commitments to ban the importation of Russian diamonds.
• Finland's eastern border to remain closed Finnish Government 08 Feb 2024 -- The Government has decided that the border crossing points on the land border between Finland and Russia will remain closed until 14 April 2024. It will also not be possible to submit applications for international protection at any border crossing points on the land border between Finland and Russia. The Government decided on the matter in its session on 8 February 2024.
• Telephone conversation with President of China Xi Jinping President of Russia 08 Feb 2024 -- President Vladimir Putin had an extensive telephone conversation with President of China Xi Jinping.
• Russia, China Not Accepting Political, Military Pressure From United States Sputnik 08 Feb 2024 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed mutual rejection of the US course aimed at interfering in the internal affairs of other countries and exerting political and military pressure, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said on Thursday.
• Putin and Xi Reiterate Strong Ties, Reject 'US Interference' VOA 08 Feb 2024 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke on the phone Thursday, according to the Kremlin, reiterating their strong diplomatic ties while rejecting what they called "U.S. interference" in other countries' affairs.
• Xi calls for 'close strategic coordination' to face US in talks with Putin Press TV 08 Feb 2024 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin that both countries should employ "close strategic coordination" and firmly stand up against interference by external forces, particularly the United States.
• Russia, China Must Cooperate Closely to Ensure Security, Oppose External Interference - Xi Sputnik 08 Feb 2024 -- Russia and China should cooperate closely to ensure security and resolutely oppose any external interference in internal affairs, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday.
• Five Eyes alliance smears China for hacking to cover up for itself: FM Global Times 08 Feb 2024 -- The Five Eyes alliance's repeated smearing and attacking China are merely to cover up the basic fact that the grouping itself is "the largest global intelligence agency and the US is the No.1 'hacking state' in the world,'' said a spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, in response to the Five Eyes' warning against so-called Chinese hacker group Volt Typhoon.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on February 8, 2024 PRC MofA 08 Feb 2024
• Hong Kong police vow to hunt exiled activist Agnes Chow 'for life' Radio Free Asia 08 Feb 2024 -- Hong Kong police have officially listed overseas democracy activist Agnes Chow as a wanted person after she skipped bail and fled to Canada in December, warning they will "pursue her for life," pro-China newspapers and an official police account reported on Wednesday.
• Activists Condemn China's Jailing of Feminist, Increased Crackdown on Dissent VOA 08 Feb 2024 -- Some activists and analysts are saying Monday's sentencing of a prominent Chinese feminist activist to more than three years in jail shows Beijing's increasing retaliation against those closely associated with detained activists.
• Combating ETIM is China's core concern in counter-terrorism and shared responsibility of intl community: FM Global Times 08 Feb 2024 -- The East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM), a terrorist organization that has planned and carried out a series of violent terrorist attacks both inside and outside of China, has increased its connections with international and regional terrorist forces such as the Islamic State (IS) and Al-Qaeda, posing a serious threat to China's overseas interests and the security and stability of relevant countries and regions, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a press conference on Thursday, stressing that combating ETIM is China's core concern in counter-terrorism and shared responsibility of the international community.
• China replaces top regulator as it attempts to end stock market rout Radio Free Asia 08 Feb 2024 -- Chinese stock markets rose Thursday after Beijing replaced its securities regulator. For the Lunar New Year-shortened week, the CSI300 jumped 5.8% and the Shanghai Index advanced 5%, the biggest weekly gains since November 2022.
• China Appoints 'Broker Butcher' in Bid to Boost Struggling Stock Markets VOA 08 Feb 2024 -- China has replaced the head of its securities watchdog with veteran regulator Wu Qing, known as the "Broker Butcher" for his tough enforcement of trading regulations in the past. Wu's appointment comes as policymakers in China are struggling to stabilize the country's stock markets.
• Taiwan remains committed to maintaining peace, stability: Tsai CNA 08 Feb 2024 -- Taiwan will keep working with its democratic partners to maintain peace and stability, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Thursday evening, as she wished the public a happy Lunar New Year of the Dragon in a pre-recorded video message.
• China may replicate flight path adjustments in East, South China Seas: Expert CNA 08 Feb 2024 -- China's unilateral alterations to flight paths near the Taiwan Strait median line not only undermine stability in the Taiwan Strait but also pose a threat to regional security, particularly amid concerns such maneuvers could be replicated in the East and South China Seas, a defense expert warned.
• China Urges Philippines to Avoid Crossing 'Red Lines' on Taiwan Sputnik 08 Feb 2024 -- The Philippines should understand that the Taiwan issue is a "red line" for China and cannot be crossed, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on Thursday, adding that Manila should not "play with fire."
• Two indicted for publishing fake presidential election polls CNA 08 Feb 2024 -- Two men have been indicted for publishing fake polls before Taiwan's Jan. 13 presidential election under the instruction of Chinese officials, for which they received funding, according to the Taichung District Prosecutors Office.
• DPP manipulates tourism for political purposes, harms cross-Straits exchanges: Taiwan Affairs Office Global Times 08 Feb 2024 -- The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council on Wednesday criticized the secessionist Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities of Taiwan for using tourism for political manipulation and harming cross-Straits exchanges.
• Mainland slams DPP for political manipulation via tourism People's Daily 08 Feb 2024 -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday slammed Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for its political manipulation via tourism.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Feb. 8, 2024 ROC MND 08 Feb 2024
• North Korea ends all economic cooperation with South: state media Radio Free Asia 08 Feb 2024 -- Seoul is not considering reciprocal actions towards North Korea's recent decision to annul all economic agreements with South Korea, as no swift impact on inter-Korean relations is expected, government sources in the South said.
• 30th Plenary Meeting of 14th SPA Standing Committee of DPRK Held KCNA 08 Feb 2024 -- The 30th Plenary Meeting of the 14th Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) of the DPRK took place at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on Feb. 7.
• DPRK Foreign Ministry Researcher on Porous "Missile Information-sharing System" KCNA 08 Feb 2024 -- Kim Sol Hwa, a researcher of the Institute for Japan Studies under the DPRK Foreign Ministry, issued the following article "A porous umbrella called 'missile information-sharing system' will never prevent the hail of fire from pouring down":
• Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Gives Field Guidance to Regional Industrial Factories in Kimhwa County KCNA 08 Feb 2024 -- Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, gave field guidance to the regional industrial factories in Kimhwa County on February 7.
• South Korea releases top secret survey of North Korean escapees Radio Free Asia 08 Feb 2024 -- An exhaustive, 10-year survey of 6,351 North Korean escapees about their former lives in the isolated country paints a bleak picture: Food and energy are both scarcer, and government surveillance and crackdowns are stricter.
• Iran self-reliant in meeting nuclear requirements amid Western double standards: AEOI chief IRNA 08 Feb 2024 -- Head of the Atomic Energy Agency of Iran (AEOI) Mohammad Eslami has said that the destructive behaviors of arrogant powers (the US and some of its Western allies) and the double standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) pushed Iran to meet its nuclear requirements through domestically developed research.
• Iran Has 'So Much To Lose' In Direct War With Israel And The United States RFE/RL 08 Feb 2024 -- Since Israel launched its war in the Gaza Strip, Iranian-backed militant groups have attacked Israeli and U.S. targets across the Middle East in a show of support for Palestinians.
• Meta Bans Accounts Of Iran's Supreme Leader, Likely For Pro-Hamas Posts RFE/RL 08 Feb 2024 -- Meta has removed accounts run by the office of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Instagram and Facebook for posts in support of the Palestinian group Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.
• More Iranian Students Barred From Studies Over Protest Activities As Crackdown Continues RFE/RL 08 Feb 2024 -- At least five students at Tehran's Soore University have been barred from attending classes next semester without being given due process as authorities continue to crack down on any signs of dissent on campus.
• Saudi envoy conveys messages of King, Crown Prince to President Raisi IRNA 08 Feb 2024 -- Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Tehran Abdullah bin Saud Al-Enezi has handed over messages to Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, which were from King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.
• Iran FM receives Saudi King Salman's message to President Raeisi Press TV 08 Feb 2024 -- Iran's foreign minister has received a message from Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud addressed to President Ebrahim Raeisi.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud US Dept. of State 08 Feb 2024
• Pakistan Election Results Suffer Delay VOA 08 Feb 2024 -- Pakistan held its long-delayed elections Thursday, but almost nine hours after polling ended, no constituency had reported a complete tally.
• Pakistan counts votes after polling day hit by suspension of mobile services Press TV 08 Feb 2024 -- Pakistan has begun counting votes after polling ended in a general election that witnessed terrorist attacks and the suspension of mobile services.
• Voting-Counting Under Way After Pakistani Parliamentary Elections Marred By Violence RFE/RL 08 Feb 2024 -- Vote counting was under way on February 8 following elections in Pakistan that took place amid worsening economic conditions and an upsurge of violence that prompted authorities to deploy thousands of extra security forces across the country and shut down mobile-phone networks in border areas.
• Pakistan Tallies Election Results After Controversial Polls VOA 08 Feb 2024 -- Pakistan held its long-delayed elections Thursday, but sporadic violence and the nationwide suspension of mobile phone and internet services overshadowed the polls, raising credibility concerns about an already controversial vote.
• Joint Statement on the 14th meeting of the Pakistan-Russia Consultative Group on Strategic Stability Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 08 Feb 2024 -- On 7 February 2024, the 14th round of Pakistan-Russia Consultative Group on Strategic Stability was held under the chairmanship of Additional Foreign Secretary (Arms Control and Disarmament) Mohammad Kamran Akhtar and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs S.A. Ryabkov
• Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (February 08, 2024) India MEA 08 Feb 2024
• Indian court allows Hindus to pray in another disputed mosque Press TV 08 Feb 2024 -- In one of the most sensitive religious disputes in India, the country's court permits Hindu worshipers to pray inside a mosque in the north Indian city of Varanasi.
• Australia-Papua New Guinea Annual Leaders' Dialogue Prime Minister of Australia 08 Feb 2024
• Former Brazilian President Bolsonaro Targeted in Coup Probe VOA 08 Feb 2024 -- Brazilian police launched an investigation Thursday into allegations of an attempted military coup by the government of former president Jair Bolsonaro following his election loss in 2022.
• Top cop in Savannakhet sacked for underreporting drug seizures Radio Free Asia 08 Feb 2024 -- The Lao government has fired a high-ranking police officer in southern Savannakhet province for allegedly underreporting drug seizures and selling the remainder for personal profit, but didn't charge him with a criminal offense, officials said.
• Iranian Hackers Interrupt UAE Broadcasts With Deepfake News VOA 08 Feb 2024 -- Iranian state-backed hackers interrupted TV streaming services in the United Arab Emirates in December to broadcast a deepfake report on the Israel-Hamas war, Microsoft said this week.
• Azerbaijan: Statement by the Spokesperson on the presidential elections European External Action Service (EEAS) 08 Feb 2024 -- Early presidential elections took place in the Republic of Azerbaijan on 7 February. These were the first elections held across the entire territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan. President Ilham Aliyev was re-elected for his fifth term in office.
• Aliyev On Verge Of Victory In Azerbaijan Presidential Vote That OSCE Slams As Lacking 'Genuine Pluralism' RFE/RL 08 Feb 2024 -- The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has slammed Azerbaijan's snap presidential election for being held in a "restrictive environment" and lacking genuine pluralism with incumbent strongman Ilham Aliyev on the verge of a landslide victory that will hand him a fifth consecutive term as president.
• UNICEF urges all parties to safeguard children amid latest unrest in Haiti UNICEF 08 Feb 2024 -- UNICEF is deeply concerned by recent reports highlighting the violence faced and witnessed by children during the current socio-political events in Haiti. We urge all stakeholders to ensure that children are protected, regardless of their situation.
• Hungary and EU Face Off Over New Sovereign Defense Law VOA 08 Feb 2024 -- Hungary has rejected criticism of its new sovereignty protection law after the European Union instigated legal action against Budapest on Wednesday over concerns the legislation breaches basic democratic rights.
• EU's Dilemma: Dealing With Hungary's Viktor Orban VOA 08 Feb 2024 -- Hungary's prime minister, Viktor Orban, has long been a thorn in the European Union's side, his many critics say, with attacks on press freedom, judicial independence, immigration and the LBGTQ community among others flouting the EU's rule of law and democratic values.
• Venezuela vows 'forceful' response if oil drilling begins in disputed Guyana waters Press TV 08 Feb 2024 -- Venezuela has vowed a "forceful response" if oil drilling begins in the disputed waters controlled by neighboring Guyana, as announced by US oil company ExxonMobil this week.
• Indonesians to vote next week amid huge controversies over eligibility, ethical breaches Radio Free Asia 08 Feb 2024 -- With only a week left until voters in Indonesia head to the polls to elect his successor, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo is facing a political storm over allegations of meddling with the vote in this young democracy.
• Micronesian leaders warn 'competitive political actors' exploiting delays in US funding Radio Free Asia 08 Feb 2024 -- Palau, Micronesia and the Marshall Islands, which occupy a militarily strategic expanse of the western Pacific, have warned that delays to U.S. financial assistance have created opportunities for "competitive political actors" in the region.
• World News in Brief: Ukraine nuclear power plant update, DR Congo flood response, impact of US terrorism designations UN News 08 Feb 2024 -- The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) this week undertook his fourth visit to the beleaguered Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) in southern Ukraine, his office said on Thursday.