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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
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Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Houthi Attack in Bab al-Mandeb CENTCOM 13 Feb 2024 -- On Feb. 12 from 3:30 to 3:45 a.m. (Sanaa time), Iranian-backed Houthi militants fired two missiles from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward the Bab al-Mandeb. Both missiles were launched toward MV Star Iris, a Greek-owned, Marshall Islands-flagged cargo vessel transiting the Red Sea carrying corn from Brazil.
• US, UK launch fresh attacks on Yemen IRNA 13 Feb 2024 -- The US and UK air forces have launched a fresh round of attacks on Yemen amid rising military tensions in the region caused by the conflict in Palestine.
• Yemenis remain resolute as US, UK conduct new airstrikes Press TV 13 Feb 2024 -- The United States and Britain have once again carried out joint airstrikes on Yemen as the country says it is fully prepared to fight off a potential ground invasion by the outsiders.
• US Base in Syria's Omar Oil Field Attacked Three Times Within Hour - Source Sputnik 13 Feb 2024 -- A US military base sitting on natural oil and gas fields in eastern Syria was shelled three times within one hour, a local Syrian source told Sputnik.
• US military base in Syria targeted with missile IRNA 13 Feb 2024 -- An illegal US military base located in eastern Syria has come under fresh missile attack but there was no immediate report of damage or casualties.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh Holds a Press Briefing DoD 13 Feb 2024
• U.S., Tunisian Leaders Meet to Foster Bilateral Security Cooperation AFRICOM 13 Feb 2024 -- U.S. and Tunisian officials met Friday in Tunis to review our two nations' important, longstanding defense and security partnerships, including countering terrorist threats and to discuss upcoming joint activities and areas for future cooperation, including further U.S. support for Tunisia's work as a regional provider of security expertise.
• PEO Soldier equips first unit with the Army's next-generation combat helmet US Army 13 Feb 2024 -- On Feb. 12, 2024, PEO Soldier fielded the Next-Generation Integrated Head Protection System to approximately 2,000 Soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, marking the first-unit-equipped milestone in enhancing Soldier protection.
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Released From Hospital DoD 13 Feb 2024
• Austin Released From Hospital Today DoD News 13 Feb 2024 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III was released today from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, after having been admitted over the weekend.
• US Defense Secretary Leaves Hospital VOA 13 Feb 2024 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is out of the hospital just in time to address allies at a critical meeting focused on more support for Ukraine.
• Air Force to Re-Introduce Warrant Officer Rank, Other Major Changes DoD News 13 Feb 2024 -- To best optimize itself for great power competition, the Air Force plans to, among other things, bring back warrant officers within the cyber and information technology professions, said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin during a presentation Monday at the Air Force Association's 2024 Warfare Symposium.
• Special Ops Command Sees Change in Mission as a Return to Roots DoD News 13 Feb 2024 -- U.S. Special Operations Command leaders see the current move to integrate the command into great power competition as a return to its roots.
• B-52 Bomber Overhaul Economically Viable Given Cost of Developing New Aircraft Sputnik 13 Feb 2024 -- United States is moving to upgrade its aging fleet of B-52 strategic bombers that have served the country since the 1950s.
• U.S. 2nd Fleet Forward Deploys for Steadfast Defender 2024 US Navy 13 Feb 2024 -- A contingent of more than 100 U.S. 2nd Fleet and Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2 personnel are forward deployed to Bodø, Norway to establish a maritime command element, Commander Task Force North (CTF-N), in support of the NATO exercise Steadfast Defender 2024.
• U.S. Navy leaders visit Madagascar for Women, Peace and Security, bilateral engagements US Navy 13 Feb 2024 -- Juliet Beyler, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF)'s Executive Director, visited Antananarivo, Madagascar for a Women, Peace and Security (WPS) event organized and hosted by NAVAF and the U.S. Embassy, as well as engagements with U.S. and Malagasy officials, Feb. 12-13, 2024.
• CNO Delivers Keynote Address at WEST 2024 US Navy 13 Feb 2024
• Top Space Force General Says Guardian Ethos Is Key to Meeting Future Demands DoD News 13 Feb 2024 -- The drive and determination among Space Force guardians will continue to define the nation's newest military service as it meets the demands of the future, the chief of space operations said today.
• Remarks by President Biden on Senate Passage of the Bipartisan Supplemental Agreement The White House 13 Feb 2024
• Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the Senate's Passage of the National-Security Supplemental DoD 13 Feb 2024
• US Senate Approves Aid Package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan VOA 13 Feb 2024 -- U.S. President Joe Biden called on U.S. lawmakers Tuesday to swiftly pass a $95 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, despite opposition in the Republican-led House of Representatives.
• Biden Slams Trump for NATO Comments, Urges Republicans to Fund Ukraine VOA 13 Feb 2024 -- U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday delivered a forceful refutation of challenger Donald Trump's harsh criticism of NATO, seeking to portray support for the former president as a threat to American interests.
• Biden Urges House To Vote Immediately On Ukraine Aid, Says Failure Of Bill Is 'What Putin Is Betting On' RFE/RL 13 Feb 2024 -- U.S. President Joe Biden has called for the House of Representatives to quickly pass a bill that would provide billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine, challenging Republicans lawmakers to take a stand against Russian President Vladimir Putin and vote in favor of the spending package.
• U.S. Senate passes US$95 billion Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan aid bill CNA 13 Feb 2024 -- The United States Senate voted Tuesday to pass the final version of a legislation providing US$95.34 billion in aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.
• Statement from Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen on Passage of the National Security Supplemental US Treasury 13 Feb 2024 -- Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen today released the following statement on the United States Senate's passage of the National Security Supplemental:
• Senate Fails to Add Compact Funds to Aid Package VOA 13 Feb 2024 -- A last-minute bipartisan effort to add key funding aimed at countering China in the Pacific has failed in the U.S. Senate even as a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan moved forward.
• Almost $5 billion of Indo-Pacific aid in bipartisan Senate bill Radio Free Asia 13 Feb 2024 -- The U.S. Senate on Tuesday passed a $95.3 billion bipartisan spending bill that includes $4.83 billion for Taiwan and other U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific, but only after hours of midnight filibustering from Republican senators aligned with former President Donald Trump.
• PM Sudani reiterates US-led coalition should leave Iraq IRNA 13 Feb 2024 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammed Shia Al-Sudani has reiterated that the US-led international coalition of military forces is nearing the end of its mission in the Arab country.
• NATO Allies discuss the importance of boosting defence industrial capacity with European Commissioner Thierry Breton NATO 13 Feb 2024 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the European Commissioner for the Internal Market, Thierry Breton, to the NATO Headquarters on Tuesday (13 February 2024).
• Infographic — Ukraine Security Assistance: Contract Actions & Industrial Base Investment
• Over 600 Canadian Armed Forces members training with Allies and partners in Alaska on Exercise GLOBAL RESOLVE 24 Canada 13 Feb 2024 -- Over 350 Canadian Army soldiers will begin practicing their cold weather combat skills in a joint exercise at the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) in Fort Wainwright, Alaska from February 13 to 22, 2024.
• North Korea fires cruise missiles off its east coast Radio Free Asia 13 Feb 2024 -- North Korea fired several cruise missiles into the sea Wednesday, Yonhap News reported, citing the South Korean military. It's the fifth cruise missile launch this year, as Pyongyang ratchets up the military pressure on Seoul in response to January's military exercises between South Korea, the United States and Japan .
• AIR ACCIDENT ON HAWK 132 AIRCRAFT India PIB 13 Feb 2024 -- One Hawk aircraft of the Indian Air Force met with an accident at Kalaikunda, West Bengal today during a training sortie
• MoD inks contract worth Rs.2269.54 Cr with BEL to procure 11 Shakti Electronic Warfare Systems for Indian Navy India PIB 13 Feb 2024 -- The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Hyderabad on 13 February 2024 in New Delhi, for procurement of 11 Shakti Electronic Warfare Systems along with associated equipment / accessories for Indian Navy under Buy (Indian- IDDM) category at a total cost of Rs
• IRGC fires ballistic missile from warship for first time IRNA 13 Feb 2024 -- The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy has for the first time fired a ballistic missile from one of its warships.
• IRGC launches long-range ballistic missile from warship ISNA 13 Feb 2024 -- The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has successfully launched a long-range ballistic missile from one of its warships, the elite force's commander says.
• IRGC Navy successfully test-fires Zolfaqar-class ballistic missile from warship Press TV 13 Feb 2024 -- The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy has for the first time test-fired a Zolfaqar-class ballistic missile from one of its warships.
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Canadian Foreign Minister Joly US Dept. of State 13 Feb 2024
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 13 Feb 2024
• Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O'Brien And Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Yuri Kim Previewing Secretary Blinken's Upcoming Travel to Albania and Germany US Dept. of State 13 Feb 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Senegalese President Sall US Dept. of State 13 Feb 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Jordanian King Abdullah II US Dept. of State 13 Feb 2024
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken at "Hostage Diplomacy as an International Security Threat: Strengthening Our Collective Action, Deterrence, and Response" US Dept. of State 13 Feb 2024
• Readout of Vice President Kamala Harris's Meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan The White House 13 Feb 2024
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby The White House 13 Feb 2024

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Feb. 13, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 13 February - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 13 Feb 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, February 13th , 2024 Israel Defense Forces 13 Feb 2024
• 24h Operational Update: Troops Eliminate Over 30 Terrorists and Strengthen Operational Control of Khan Yunis Israel Defense Forces 13 Feb 2024
• Three Israeli soldiers, including senior officer, killed in southern Gaza ISNA 13 Feb 2024 -- The Israeli occupation military confirmed that three of its troops, including a senior officer, were killed in battles with Palestinian Resistance fighters in southern Gaza, raising the death toll among occupation forces to 569 since October 7.
• No Deal Yet on New Gaza Cease-fire Plan, as Concerns Grow for Rafah VOA 13 Feb 2024 -- Officials from the United States, Israel, Qatar and Egypt ended talks in Cairo on Tuesday with no agreement on a new cease-fire in Gaza or the release of more hostages held by Hamas militants.
• New Round of Hamas Hostage Talks to Be Held in Cairo on Feb. 13 Sputnik 13 Feb 2024 -- The latest round of talks on the release of hostages held by Palestinian movement Hamas with the participation of CIA Director William Burns will be held in Cairo on Tuesday.
• Feb. 12: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 13 Feb 2024
• IDF Kills Over 10,000 Hamas Fighters in Gaza Strip Since October 7 Sputnik 13 Feb 2024 -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has eliminated more than 10,000 Hamas fighters in the Gaza Strip, including many commanders, since the escalation of the Middle East conflict, but much remains to be done to reach the war's objectives, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said on Tuesday.
• Military operations in Rafah could lead to a slaughter in Gaza and put a fragile humanitarian operation at death's door - Statement by Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator UNOCHA 13 Feb 2024 -- "The scenario we have long dreaded is unraveling at alarming speed. More than half of Gaza's population - well over 1 million people - are crammed in Rafah, staring death in the face: They have little to eat, hardly any access to medical care, nowhere to sleep, nowhere safe to go."
• Statement to the media by Philippe Lazzarini, UNWRA Commissioner-General UNRWA 13 Feb 2024
• UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia reiterate support for UNRWA UNRWA 13 Feb 2024 -- UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini conducted a four-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of his efforts to mobilize support for the Agency as it continues to respond to the catastrophic situation in Gaza.
• Gazans 'anxious and living in fear' of Israeli assault on Rafah, warns top UN aid official UN News 13 Feb 2024 -- As international efforts continue to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, the head of UNRWA, the UN aid agency for Palestinians, warned on Tuesday that those in the enclave remain deeply traumatised by the war with Israel and afraid of a full-scale assault on Rafah in the south.
• Unpacking Egypt's vital aid role in Gaza and Sudan UN News 13 Feb 2024 -- Sharing borders with Gaza, Israel, Libya and Sudan, Egypt has taken a lead role in providing lifesaving aid in the region. Since the outbreak of conflict in Sudan last April and the ongoing war in Gaza, both the Government and the Egyptian Red Crescent Society have been key actors in helping to assist millions of civilians caught in the crossfire.
• UNRWA Chief: Agency Essential to Respond to Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza VOA 13 Feb 2024 -- The head of the U.N. agency that assists Palestinian refugees has dismissed calls for it to be disbanded and says that UNRWA is the best positioned agency to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
• Calls for UNRWA closure in Gaza 'short-sighted', says agency chief Press TV 13 Feb 2024 -- The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has denounced "short-sighted" calls to have the agency dismantled amid the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
• Heads of CIA, Mossad may discuss prisoner-captive deal in Cairo ISNA 13 Feb 2024 -- The heads of the CIA and Israeli Mossad agency are expected to meet with top Egyptian and Qatari officials Tuesday for talks on a prisoner-captive deal.
• Iran FM, Hamas official discuss Gaza developments IRNA 13 Feb 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and Head of Hamas' political bureau Ismail Haniyeh reviewed the latest developments regarding the war in Gaza.
• Iran strongly condemns deadly Israeli airstrikes on Rafah IRNA 13 Feb 2024 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has strongly condemned the latest airstrikes by the Zionist regime on civilian areas in the southern Gaza city of Rafah that left scores of Palestinians, including a significant number of children dead or injured.
• Iran: Expansion of Israel's war crimes to Rafah will have serious consequences for regime ISNA 13 Feb 2024 -- Iran's foreign minister has issued a stern warning over Israel's planned ground invasion of the city of Rafah in southern Gaza Strip, saying it will have serious consequences for the regime.
• Spain continues to arm Israel despite claims of halting exports: Report IRNA 13 Feb 2024 -- Spain has continued to send weapons and military equipment to the occupied territories contrary to the claim of Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares that it had stopped all arms exports to the occupying regime, according to a Spanish newspaper.
• Made-in-India 'killer' drones fly in Gaza sky as Israeli genocide rages on: Report Press TV 13 Feb 2024 -- An Indian conglomerate has dispatched Hermes 900 killer drones to Israel as the UAVS are extensively used in the regime's indiscriminate bombing campaign in the Gaza strip amid the genocidal war, a report says.
• EU's Borrell calls for Israel arms supply cut amid Gaza genocide Press TV 13 Feb 2024 -- The European Union's foreign policy chief has called on Israel's allies to cut arms supplies for the regime if they want to lessen the immense civilian casualties that its genocidal war against the Gaza Strip is causing.
• Foreign Minister Eide warning against aground operation in Rafah Government of Norway 13 Feb 2024
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Remarks on Israeli Large-scale Airstrikes in the Southern Gaza City of Rafah PRC MofA 13 Feb 2024
• China warns of 'humanitarian disaster' in Rafah amid Israel's plan for incursion Press TV 13 Feb 2024 -- China has called on Israel to immediately stop its planned ground assault on densely populated Rafah, warning of a "serious humanitarian disaster" if the occupying regime invades the Gaza Strip's southernmost city.
• Arab League chief: Displacement of Palestinians to lead to confrontation 'for next 1,000 years' Press TV 13 Feb 2024 -- The secretary general of the Arab League has warned any seizure of the Gaza Strip or the occupied West Bank by Israel would mean "a confrontation for the next thousand years."
• France to deny visa to violent Israeli settlers Press TV 13 Feb 2024 -- France has announced its decision to deny visas to violent Israeli settlers amid an increased number of Zionist attacks against Palestinians in the occupied lands.
• In talks with Biden, Jordan king calls for full, 'lasting' ceasefire in Gaza Press TV 13 Feb 2024 -- After meeting with US President Joe Biden, Jordan's King Abdullah II has called for a full and "lasting ceasefire" to end the current war in the besieged Gaza Strip, as Israel is preparing to launch a ground offensive into the crowded southern city of Rafah.
• South Africa calls for ICJ intervention over Israel's ground invasion of Rafah Press TV 13 Feb 2024 -- South Africa has filed an "urgent request" at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over Israel's planned ground invasion of the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, urging its intervention to protect Palestinian rights.
• International concerns mounting over potential Israeli ground invasion of Rafah Press TV 13 Feb 2024 -- International concerns are growing as Israel's ground invasion of Rafah is looming large, with world leaders expressing grave concerns over the military operation against the densely populated area in the far south of Gaza.
• Syria cautions about 'catastrophic' repercussions of Israel's planned invasion of Rafah on regional stability Press TV 13 Feb 2024 -- Syria has warned about the "catastrophic repercussions" of an impending Israeli ground offensive on the Gaza Strip's southernmost city of Rafah, saying such a move will seriously jeopardize the security and stability of the West Asia region.
• US Pushing Israel and Palestine Towards Catastrophe - Russian FM Lavrov Sputnik 13 Feb 2024 -- Russia does not see any prospects for a quick stabilization of the situation around the Gaza Strip, especially against the backdrop of Israeli plans to expand the military operation, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday.
• Hezbollah targets Zionist settlements with two missiles: Reports IRNA 13 Feb 2024 -- Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement has fired two anti-armor missiles toward the occupied territories, Zionist media outlets have reported.
• 5 Hezbollah members killed in Israeli attacks IRNA 13 Feb 2024 -- Lebanon's Hezbollah Resistance Movement announced the martyrdom of five more of its fighters in attacks by the Zionist occupiers on the south of Lebanon.
• Hezbollah says to expand war front if Israel escalates aggression against Lebanon, Gaza Press TV 13 Feb 2024 -- Lebanon's resistance movement Hezbollah has warned it would expand the anti-Israel front in the south if the occupying regime escalated it acts of aggression against the Lebanese territory and the Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Hezbollah fighters target Israeli spying devices, gathering of soldiers near border Press TV 13 Feb 2024 -- Fighters from the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement have separately targeted espionage equipment and a gathering of Israeli troops stationed at military outposts close to the border between the Arab country and the 1948 occupied territories.
• Hezbollah: Axis of resistance has 'surprises at highest level' if Israel commits foolish act Press TV 13 Feb 2024 -- A Lebanese lawmaker from the political wing of the Hezbollah resistance movement has warned of retaliatory surprises if Israel oversteps the limits and commits an act of great folly against his country.

Other Conflicts

• Secretary-General's remarks to the Security Council High-level Open Debate on the Impact of Climate Change and Food Insecurity on the Maintenance of Int'l Peace and Security UN Secretary-General 13 Feb 2024
• Rising hunger: UN chief identifies wars, climate chaos as aggravating factors UN News 13 Feb 2024 -- Countries must act now to break the deadly links between conflict, climate and food insecurity, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Tuesday, addressing a Security Council meeting focused on these challenges.
• Afghan Special Migration to US Hits Record High VOA 13 Feb 2024 -- The number of Afghans granted Special Immigrant Visas, or SIVs, for resettlement in the United States increased by more than 100% last year, according to new U.S. government data.
• Syrian returnees subjected to "gross human rights violations and abuses", UN report details OHCHR 13 Feb 2024 -- Many Syrians who had fled the war face gross human rights violations and abuses upon their return to Syria, according to a report by the UN Human Rights Office released today.
• Israeli Jets Strike Airport in Syria's Aleppo From Lebanon - Russian Military Sputnik 13 Feb 2024 -- Israeli jets have attacked using cruise missiles the Nayrab airport in Syria's Aleppo from the territory of Lebanon on February 12, Rear Adm. Vadim Kulit, deputy head of the Russian Defense Ministry's Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in Syria, said on Tuesday.
• Junta shelling of Rakhine village kills 12 people, leaves 32 wounded Radio Free Asia 13 Feb 2024 -- Four straight days of artillery shelling of a village in western Myanmar's Rakhine state left 12 people dead and 32 wounded as inhabitants hunkered down between positions taken by military junta troops and the rebel ethnic Arakan Army.
• Emboldened by draft law, pro-junta militias press civilians into taking up arms Radio Free Asia 13 Feb 2024 -- Pro-junta militias in northern Myanmar's Kachin state are grabbing anyone they can find and forcing them to take up arms against resistance fighters after the military regime announced it would begin enforcing a conscription law over the weekend, residents said.
• Myanmar junta kills 4 civilians in tea shop shelling Radio Free Asia 13 Feb 2024 -- Junta shelling killed four civilians and injured seven others in Myanmar's Sagaing region, locals told Radio Free Asia on Tuesday.
• Armenia Says 4 Soldiers Killed By Azerbaijani Fire; Baku Says Operation Was Retaliation RFE/RL 13 Feb 2024 -- Four Armenian soldiers were shot dead and another one was wounded by Azerbaijani fire early on February 13 at one of the southern sections of the border between the two countries, the Armenian Defense Ministry said, in the first shooting incident in months.
• Armenia says 4 soldiers killed in border clashes with Azerbaijan Press TV 13 Feb 2024 -- Armenia and Azerbaijan have traded blame on fire fight that erupted along the volatile border between the two arch-foes, with Yerevan saying four of its soldiers were killed in the southern region of Siunik.
• Iran renews call for peaceful settlement of Armenia-Azerbaijan disputes IRNA 13 Feb 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has renewed Tehran's call for a peaceful settlement of disputes between Armenia and Azerbaijan, saying Iran is concerned about rising tensions on the border between the countries.
• Iran urges Armenia, Azerbaijan to exercise restraint amid border tensions Press TV 13 Feb 2024 -- Iran has voiced concern over the escalation of border tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan, urging the two neighbors to exercise restraint.
• Ethiopia: Statement by the Spokesperson on the latest developments in Amhara European External Action Service (EEAS) 13 Feb 2024 -- The European Union is seriously concerned by the alleged targeted killings of civilians in the town of Merawi, in the Amhara region of Ethiopia. We call for an independent investigation into these events.
• Civilians suffer as 'perfect storm' of war, disease and displacement grips Sudan UN News 13 Feb 2024 -- Civilians continue to bear the brunt as the war between rival militaries in Sudan spreads into new areas, driving displacement and hunger while exposing communities to deadly diseases, UN humanitarians warned on Tuesday.

News Reports

• Will Disinformation Disrupt the 2024 US Elections? VOA 13 Feb 2024 -- When Russia tried to influence the 2016 U.S. presidential election, it set off what appeared to be a reckoning with foreign disinformation campaigns in the United States.
• France, Allies Accuse Russia of Increased Disinformation Activities VOA 13 Feb 2024 -- France and several other Western countries allied with Ukraine accused Russia on Monday of developing a network of websites to promote pro-Russian propaganda and undermine their governments.
• Expansion of Kremlin-backed Media in Bosnia Is a Concern, Analysts Say VOA 13 Feb 2024 -- When Russia launched its full invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the European Union moved to suspend broadcasts by the Kremlin-backed outlets Sputnik and Russia Today, or RT, citing "systematic information manipulation and disinformation."
• US House Republicans Impeach Homeland Security Chief VOA 13 Feb 2024 -- Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives voted Tuesday night to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, claiming he is responsible for a record influx of illegal migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in the past year.
• Statement from President Joe Biden on House GOP's Baseless Impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas The White House 13 Feb 2024
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at the 13th Middle East Conference of the Valdai Club, Moscow, February 13, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 13 Feb 2024
• Russia Puts Estonian PM And Dozens Of Baltic Officials On Wanted List For Removing Monuments RFE/RL 13 Feb 2024 -- Moscow has placed Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas on Russia's wanted list, the first time a foreign leader has been put on the Interior Ministry's list, for "destroying monuments to Soviet soldiers" as relations between the Kremlin and the West continue to show signs of deteriorating.
• Estonian PM on Russian Wanted List Over Efforts to Remove Soviet-Era War Memorials VOA 13 Feb 2024 -- Russia has declared Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and officials from other eastern European nations as "wanted" over their efforts to remove Soviet-era war memorials in their countries.
• Hong Kong adds hundreds of surveillance cameras in public places Radio Free Asia 13 Feb 2024 -- Hong Kong will add thousands of surveillance cameras on the streets and could use facial recognition to track the movements of residents, sparking concerns of totalitarian monitoring of citizens' every move amid an ongoing crackdown on public dissent.
• Hong Kong is now over, says China's former good friend Radio Free Asia 13 Feb 2024 -- Once seen as a good friend of China's and former chairman of Morgan Stanley in Asia, Stephen Roach has said Hong Kong is over, attributing the city's "demise" to its domestic politics, China's structural problems and global developments namely worsening U.S.-China tensions.
• BASF's exit from Xinjiang ventures may prompt more to follow Radio Free Asia 13 Feb 2024 -- German chemical giant BASF is pulling out of its joint ventures in China's Xinjiang with renewed urgency, amid intensified pressure to exit the region where Western governments have accused Beijing of human rights abuses against the Uyghur ethnic minority.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Feb. 13, 2024 ROC MND 13 Feb 2024
• Cyber Attacks Spike Suddenly Prior to Taiwan's Election VOA 13 Feb 2024 -- Chinese-linked cyber actors appear to have made a massive, last-minute push to try to derail Taiwan's recent elections, though the precise goals of the sudden campaign — and the extent to which the attacks succeeded — remain unclear.
• Even With Trump, Kim Jong Un May Spurn Talks, Analysts Warn VOA 13 Feb 2024 -- Six months after the collapse of their 2019 summit in Hanoi, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent a letter to then U.S. President Donald Trump conveying a sense of personal betrayal.
• DPRK Premier Inspects Various Sectors KCNA 13 Feb 2024 -- Premier Kim Tok Hun, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and vice-president of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK, inspected various sectors of South and North Hwanghae provinces.
• Iran to prepare document on national strategy to fight corruption IRNA 13 Feb 2024 -- Iranian Justice Minister Amin Hossein Rahimi has announced that Iran will develop a national strategy to combat corruption.
• Iran supports Venezuela against illegal US act of plane seizure IRNA 13 Feb 2024 -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman has announced the country's strong support for Venezuela's efforts to restore ownership over assets and properties illegally confiscated by the United States.
• Iran slams US over illegal seizure of Venezuelan plane Press TV 13 Feb 2024 -- Iran has censured the United States for the illegal seizure of a Venezuelan cargo plane formerly owned by an Iranian firm, saying the move amounts to "hijacking."
• Iran's foreign minister praises 'constructive' Tehran-Doha ties Press TV 13 Feb 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has praised the "constructive" relations of cooperation between the Islamic Republic and Qatar on regional and international issues.
• Majority Of Iranians Shunning Workforce Amid Rise In Discontent RFE/RL 13 Feb 2024 -- Almost six out of every 10 Iranians are neither employed or seeking work, while more than half of those who are employed also hold down a side job.
• 4 Baluchis Sentenced To Death In Iran For Alleged Insurrection RFE/RL 13 Feb 2024 -- Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Court has handed death sentences to four ethnic Baluchis on charges of "baghy," meaning insurrection against a legitimate Imam and the Islamic ruler of the country.
• Pakistan Comes Close to Getting New Government After Disputed Polls VOA 13 Feb 2024 -- Pakistan's former prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, was nominated as the country's next chief executive Tuesday after a key political party pledged support for his candidacy to end uncertainty stemming from the country's disputed elections last week that left no clear winner.
• Armenia: Press remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell after the EU-Armenia Partnership Council European External Action Service (EEAS) 13 Feb 2024
• Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna's annual foreign policy speech Estonia MFA 13 Feb 2024
• Foreign Minister Tsahkna in the annual foreign policy speech: no one wants to live in a world where Putins roam Estonia MFA 13 Feb 2024 -- Today 13 February, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna presented a report on foreign policy at the Parliament of Estonia (Riigikogu), and outlined the main objectives and lines of action in Estonia's foreign policy. The minister focused on the ways we can achieve victory for Ukraine and ensure that the values we cherish endure.
• Rumen Radev: EU Diplomacy Must Effectively Help Resolve Conflicts Close to its Borders President of the Republic of Bulgaria 13 Feb 2024 -- EU diplomacy must be much more active in areas of conflicts close to its borders and help resolve them. This is what Head of State Rumen Radev said today at a meeting with the heads of the diplomatic missions of the EU member states accredited in Bulgaria.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summons Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of the Russian Federation for explanations Latvia MFA 13 Feb 2024 -- On 14 February 2024, the Chargé d'Affaires, a.i., of the Embassy of the Russian Federation, Oleg Zykov, is being summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia in order to receive his explanations concerning a publicly accessible list of former and current public officials of Latvia against whom politically motivated charges had been brought by Russia.
• Senegal Suspends Mobile Internet, Bans Election Delay Demonstration VOA 13 Feb 2024 -- Senegal's government banned a scheduled march and suspended mobile internet access on Tuesday, amid continued protests over President Macky Sall's decision to postpone the Feb. 25 presidential election.
• Senegal: Concern around suspended election OHCHR 13 Feb 2024
• Navigating cliffs, wading through rivers: How Indonesia organizes elections Radio Free Asia 13 Feb 2024 -- For Damianus Luhat, a long-serving election official in Indonesia's East Kalimantan province, organizing a vote is not just a civic duty but also an adventure, which includes braving rapids and cliffs and camping overnight.
• 'Restrictive Measures A New Normal': Turkmen Region Imposes Unofficial Nighttime Curfew RFE/RL 13 Feb 2024 -- Residents of Turkmenistan's western province of Balkan can be arrested if they leave their homes after 9 p.m.
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz Prime Minister of Canada 13 Feb 2024 -- Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz.
• Venezuela Fact-finding Mission expresses profound concern over detention of human rights activist, calls for end to government repression UN Human Rights Council 13 Feb 2024 -- The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela expressed deep concern over the fate of a human rights activist detained by authorities on Friday, and urged the Government to end a wave of repression against opponents that is intensifying nationwide.
• World News in Brief: Rafah 'slaughter' fears, Ukraine energy system attacks, rights abuses against Syrian returnees UN News 13 Feb 2024 -- UN Humanitarian Affairs Coordinator Martin Griffith has reiterated his warning against a full-scale military assault on Rafah, where more than half of Gaza's population is now sheltered.
• Zimbabwe Will Attempt to Establish Gold-Backed Currency VOA 13 Feb 2024 -- Zimbabwe's government said Monday it is introducing a gold-backed currency to replace the country's nearly worthless dollar, which most businesses have shunned, preferring the U.S. dollar or South African rand.
• Thailand's Thaksin Set for Parole as Old Rivalries End, New Ones Begin VOA 13 Feb 2024 -- Thaksin Shinawatra, the billionaire ex-premier once at the center of Thailand's political divisions, is poised to be freed from a police hospital within days, after he was granted parole just six months after returning to the country from a 15-year self-exile overseas.
• Ex-Thai Prime Minister Granted Parole VOA 13 Feb 2024 -- Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been granted parole after serving six months of a one-year prison sentence.