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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• CENTCOM Intercepts Iranian Weapons Shipment Intended for Houthis CENTCOM 15 Feb 2024 -- A U.S. Coast Guard cutter, forward deployed to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility, seized advanced conventional weapons and other lethal aid originating in Iran and bound to Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen from a vessel in the Arabian Sea on Jan. 28.
• Feb. 14 Summary of Red Sea Activities CENTCOM 15 Feb 2024 -- On Feb. 14, between the hours of 1p.m. - 7:30p.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces successfully conducted four self-defense strikes against seven mobile anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM), three mobile unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and one explosive unmanned surface vessel (USV) in Houthi controlled areas of Yemen, that were prepared to launch against ships in the Red Sea.
• US Strikes Military Equipment in Houthi-Controlled Part of Yemen - CENTCOM Sputnik 15 Feb 2024 -- The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Thursday its forces had carried out four strikes against military equipment of Yemen's Ansar Allah rebel movement, also known as the Houthis, which allegedly posed a threat to US vessels passing through the Red Sea.
• Russia, China denounce US-UK strikes on Yemen as illegal Press TV 15 Feb 2024 -- Russia and China have denounced as illegal the strikes by the United States and United Kingdom against targets in Yemen, saying they were not authorized by the United Nations Security Council.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds a Press Briefing DoD 15 Feb 2024
• MDA, SDA Confirm Successful Launch of the Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor and Tranche 0 Satellites DoD 15 Feb 2024 -- On Wednesday, the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and Space Development Agency (SDA) confirmed the successful launch of six satellites to low-Earth orbit at 5:30 p.m. ET from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space by SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket.
• DOD Announces Next Round of Projects to Receive Funding From the Pilot Program to Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT) DoD 15 Feb 2024 -- The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) announced the next round of projects to receive funding via the pilot program to Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT). These projects are the first to be selected during FY24 with additional selections expected following an appropriation.
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Returns to Work at the Pentagon DoD 15 Feb 2024
• DOD Releases Resilient and Healthy Defense Communities Strategy DoD 15 Feb 2024 -- The Department of Defense today released its Resilient and Healthy Defense Communities (RHDC) Strategy, which will guide the Department's actions in the coming years to improve the built and natural environment on defense installations.
• Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations and Environment Brendan Owens Holds an Off-Camera, On-The-Record Media Roundtable on the Department's Resilient & Healthy Defense Communities Strategy DoD 15 Feb 2024
• SECNAV Del Toro Delivers Keynote Address at WEST 2024 US Navy 15 Feb 2024
• US officials: Funding for Pacific allies 'must be done' Radio Free Asia 15 Feb 2024 -- A deal by Congress to find funding for promised aid to three Micronesian allies of the United States "simply must be done" in order to stop Beijing from growing its influence in the strategically located countries, a senior White House official said Thursday.
• Statement From Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on Today's NATO Defense Ministerial in Brussels DoD 15 Feb 2024
• NATO's European Allies Collectively at 2% GDP Defense Spending for 1st Time Ever VOA 15 Feb 2024 -- This year, for the first time since the alliance's creation, NATO's European allies will spend 2% of their collective GDP on defense, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced Thursday.
• NATO Military Spending Has Steadily Increased DoD News 15 Feb 2024 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said in a statement that NATO has projected 18 allies will spend at least 2% of their gross domestic product on defense this year, and those not spending at least 2% should have plans to swiftly meet that target.
• NATO Leader Highlights Programs to Increase Defense, Deterrence DoD News 15 Feb 2024 -- Steps to secure NATO and aid Ukraine were at the heart of discussions defense ministers held at NATO headquarters today, said alliance leader Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
• NATO: Press remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell upon arrival at the NATO Defence Ministers Meeting European External Action Service (EEAS) 15 Feb 2024
• Norway joins NATO initiative on production capacity Government of Norway 15 Feb 2024 -- Today, the Norwegian Minister of Defence, Bjørn Arild Gram, signed a Letter of Intent on joint procurement of ammunition and missiles.
• We urge NATO Allies to implement ambitious de fence spending goals and develop missing capabilities, says A. Anušauskas Lithuania MND 15 Feb 2024 -- On February 15 Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas attended the NATO Defence Ministers' meeting in Brussels held in the run-up to the NATO Summit in Washington. Lithuania invited NATO Allies to set and implement ambitious defence spending goals and fill in capability gaps.
• NATO consistently strengthens deterrence and defense capabilities Poland - Ministry of National Defence 15 Feb 2024 -- On Thursday, February 15, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defense Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz took part in a meeting of defense ministers of the North Atlantic Alliance countries.
• The President to foreign ambassadors: We need to strengthen EU-NATO cooperation and the transatlantic link President of the Republic of Lithuania 15 Feb 2024 -- President Gitanas Nausėda met with foreign ambassadors accredited to Lithuania on the eve of the Day of the Restoration of the State of Lithuania.
• US Confirms Russia Pursuing 'Space-Based' Anti-Satellite System VOA 15 Feb 2024 -- The new national security threat that sent some in Washington into a tizzy and sparked calls urging Americans not to panic, is a new Russian anti-satellite capability, the White House confirmed Thursday, again emphasizing there is no immediate threat to life or limb.
• Russia slams US for 'malicious fabrication' over space capabilities Press TV 15 Feb 2024 -- Moscow has dismissed as mere "malicious fabrication" a warning by Washington about Russia's newly-achieved capabilities in space.
• Blinken Says Russian 'Threat' Not Active Capability, But US Taking It 'Very Seriously' Sputnik 15 Feb 2024 -- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday that an alleged Russia-related "national security threat" is not an active capability, but a potential one that Washington is taking "very, very seriously" and discussing with its allies.
• White House Confirms Russia Has 'Troubling' Anti-Satellite Capability But Says It Poses No Threat RFE/RL 15 Feb 2024 -- The White House on February 15 confirmed that Russia has obtained a "troubling" emerging anti-satellite "capability" but said it had not yet been deployed and poses no immediate threat.
• U.S. Embassy Ukraine, Office of Defense Cooperation co-host resilience workshop with Ukrainian and international Allies EUCOM 15 Feb 2024 -- The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine and Office of Defense Cooperation in Kyiv co-sponsored a resilience workshop with Ukraine's Government Office for Coordination of European and Euro-Atlantic integration and the U.S. Institute for Security Governance in Krakow, Poland, Feb. 6-7, 2024.
• Stoltenberg Hopeful U.S. Will Unblock Aid As NATO Ministers Discuss Ukraine Support RFE/RL 15 Feb 2024 -- NATO defense ministers met in Brussels on February 15 to discuss continued military aid for war-wracked Ukraine as Kyiv's forces, exhausted and lacking sufficient ammunition and heavy weapons, face an increasingly aggressive Russian assault in the east while civilians across Ukraine are being pounded relentlessly by Moscow's missiles and drones.
• Defence ministers address strengthening NATO's deterrence and defence, support to Ukraine NATO 15 Feb 2024 -- NATO Defence Ministers met on Thursday (15 February 2024) to address the Alliance's deterrence and defence, as well as support to Ukraine.
• NATO Planning to Launch New Training Center for Ukrainian Military - Reports Sputnik 15 Feb 2024 -- NATO is planning to open a new training center for the Ukrainian armed forces to complement the European Union's training mission and help Kiev meet the alliance's standards, Spanish newspaper El Pais reported on Thursday, citing diplomatic sources.
• Estonia joins drone and demining coalitions to support Ukraine Estonia MoD 15 Feb 2024 -- Yesterday in Brussels at the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (Ramstein) meeting, Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur signed declarations of intent for Estonia to join drone and demining coalitions to support Ukraine.
• UK to supply thousands of drones as co-leader of major international capability coalition for Ukraine UK MOD 15 Feb 2024 -- The UK and Latvia will jointly lead a capability coalition, which will see thousands of drones supplied to Ukraine, including first-person view (FPV) drones, which have proven highly effective on the battlefield.
• Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Supervises Test-fire of Surface-to-sea Missile Padasuri-6 KCNA 15 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, supervised the evaluation test-fire of new-type surface-to-sea missile Padasuri-6 to be equipped by the navy on the morning of February 14.
• North Korea Test-Fired New-Type Surface-to-Sea Missile Padasuri-6 - State Media Sputnik 15 Feb 2024 -- North Korea on Wednesday test-fired the new-type surface-to-sea missile Padasuri-6, which will be equipped by the country's navy, North Korean state-run news agency KCNA reported.
• Battery embraces new littoral role Australia DOD 15 Feb 2024 -- Traditionally steeped in the ethos of conventional gunnery, the 101st Battery of the 8th/12th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, is now at the forefront of a new frontier: the littoral space.
• Flexible training benefits reservists Australia DOD 15 Feb 2024 -- 9th Brigade's Reserve Accelerated Training Scheme (RATS) is being run again in 2024 after a successful pilot last year.
• Canada acquiring air defence and anti-drone capabilities for Canadian Armed Forces members deployed with NATO in Latvia Canada 15 Feb 2024 -- Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, announced that Canadian Armed Forces members deployed to NATO's Canada-led Battle Group in Latvia will soon have two new defensive capabilities that are being acquired on an urgent basis. This new equipment will strengthen the defence capacity of the Battle Group as a whole, further adding to the deterrence capabilities of soldiers from all contributing nations.
• EU Requires $5.4Bln for Defense Spending in 2024 - Polish Foreign Minister Sputnik 15 Feb 2024 -- The European Union requires 5 billion euros ($5.4 billion) for defense spending in 2024, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said on Thursday.
• US Signs Agreement to Build Bases for Elite Somali Army Force VOA 15 Feb 2024 -- The United States and Somalia's government on Thursday signed a security pact that they presented as a road map toward building a functional Somali army, capable of taking over security responsibilities and the fight against al-Shabab militants.
• 'Iran advanced drones carry out reconnaissance operations at any point' IRNA 15 Feb 2024 -- Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh says Iran is able to carry out reconnaissance operations at any point using invisible advanced drones.
• MoD's procurement on Government e-Marketplace (GeM) crosses Rs 1 Lakh Crore milestone India PIB 15 Feb 2024 -- The Ministry of Defence (MoD) achieved a significant milestone by becoming the only ministry to cross the figure of Rs 1 lakh crore Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of procurement through Government e-Marketplace (GeM) since its inception in 2016
• Japan to assist 4 ASEAN countries to counter China: report Radio Free Asia 15 Feb 2024 -- The Japan International Cooperation Agency is preparing a 10-year maritime security support plan for four ASEAN nations - Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam - to boost security in the South China Sea, according to a media report.
• Italy - AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles DSCA 15 Feb 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Italy of AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $69.3 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Italy - Small Diameter Bomb II DSCA 15 Feb 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Italy of Small Diameter Bomb II and related equipment for an estimated cost of $150 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Norway starts maritime training mission Government of Norway 15 Feb 2024 -- This spring, Norwegian soldiers start training Ukrainian Marines specialized in small boat operations.
• Seven countries join Latvia's Drone Coalition, Latvia will invest 10 million euro Latvia MOD 15 Feb 2024 -- On Wednesday, 14 February, several countries of Ukraine Defence Contact Group (Rammstein Group) announced they will be joining Latvia's Drone Coalition for Ukraine. Letter of intent to join the Drone Coalition for Ukraine was signed by Latvia and Ukraine, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Estonia, Sweden, Denmark and Germany.
• UK joins Latvia's Drone Coalition Latvia MOD 15 Feb 2024 -- On Thursday, 15 February, the United Kingdom joined Latvia's Drone Coalition in support of Ukraine. The two countries will jointly lead the Drone Coalition.
• Munich Security Conference Opens With Europe On Edge Over War In Ukraine, Trump's View Of NATO RFE/RL 15 Feb 2024 -- The Munich Security Conference kicks off on February 16 at a critical time, as the U.S. presidential election campaign heats up with a rematch between former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden looking likely and with a major U.S. military aid package bogged down in Congress.
Foreign Minister Baerbock on the eve of the 60th Munich Security Conference Germany Federal Foreign Office 15 Feb 2024
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama at a Joint Press Availability US Dept. of State 15 Feb 2024
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Albanian President Bajram Begaj Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 15 Feb 2024
• On First Trip to Albania, Blinken Lauds 'Extraordinary Partnership' VOA 15 Feb 2024 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken traveled to Albania for the first time on Thursday as part of efforts to "reaffirm the strength of the United States' relations" with the Balkan nation, according to State Department officials.
• United States Welcomes Uruguay's Signing of the Artemis Accords US Dept. of State 15 Feb 2024 -- On February 15, 2024, Uruguay became the 36th signatory to the Artemis Accords, underscoring its commitment to the peaceful, safe, and transparent exploration and use of outer space.
• Deputy Secretary Campbell's Call with ROK First Vice Foreign Minister Kim US Dept. of State 15 Feb 2024
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby The White House 15 Feb 2024

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Feb. 15, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 15 February 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 15 Feb 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, February 15th , 2024 Israel Defense Forces 15 Feb 2024
• Efforts Are Underway to Rescue the Bodies of Hostages From Nasser Hospital Israel Defense Forces 15 Feb 2024
• 24h Operational Update: Successful eliminations of Hamas terrorists in Joint Ground, Naval and Aerial activities Israel Defense Forces 15 Feb 2024
• Israel Urges World Court to Reject South Africa Appeal Over Rafah VOA 15 Feb 2024 -- The International Court of Justice should reject a South African request that the court issue additional emergency measures to protect Palestinians' rights in Rafah, Israel argued to the World Court.
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Israel War Cabinet member Minister Benny Gantz Prime Minister of Canada 15 Feb 2024 -- Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with Minister Benny Gantz, a member of Israel's War Cabinet, to discuss the situation in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank.
• PM call with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel: 15 February 2024 Gov.UK 15 Feb 2024
• Feb. 14: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 15 Feb 2024
• Israeli Forces Carry Out Operation Inside Khan Younis Hospital VOA 15 Feb 2024 -- Israel's military said it was conducting an operation Thursday inside the main hospital in southern Gaza, while Gaza health officials said Israeli fire killed one person and wounded several others at the site.
• UNRWA Says Israeli Army Destroyed Rehabilitation Center for Visually Impaired in Gaza Sputnik 15 Feb 2024 -- UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA said on Thursday that its rehabilitation center for the visually impaired in Gaza City had been completely destroyed by Israeli forces.
• Evacuation of Refugees in Rafah to Supposed Safe Zone is 'Illusion' - UN Sputnik 15 Feb 2024 -- The evacuation of refugees from the Rafah city to the supposed safe zone is an illusion, as there is no safe place in the Gaza Strip, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths has said.
• Gaza: Threat of ground invasion looms over Rafah UN News 15 Feb 2024 -- UPDATED: Amid ongoing airstrikes targeting Gaza's southernmost city of Rafah and reports that Israeli forces have conducted a military operation inside the Nasser Hospital Complex, concerns over a potential ground invasion of the densely populated border city are escalating.
• Gaza: Israel's censure of rights expert should not distract from possible war crimes UN News 15 Feb 2024 -- An independent expert appointed by the UN Human Rights Council said on Thursday that Israel's decision to ban her from entering the country is nothing new and must not distract from atrocities being committed in Gaza.
• Israel's symbolic "ban" must not distract from atrocity crimes in Gaza: UN expert OHCHR 15 Feb 2024 -- The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, Francesca Albanese, said today that Israel's decision to symbolically ban her entry is a distraction from atrocities being committed in Gaza. She issued the following statement:
• Readout of President Biden's Call with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel The White House 15 Feb 2024
• Iran calls for emergency OIC meeting on Israeli aggression in Rafah Press TV 15 Feb 2024 -- Iran has called for an emergency meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) amid the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, especially Rafah which faces an imminent Israeli invasion.
• Joint statement by the Prime Ministers of Australia, Canada and New Zealand Prime Minister of Australia 15 Feb 2024 -- The Prime Ministers of Australia, Canada and New Zealand today issued the following statement on reports of Israel's planned military operation in Rafah.
• Canada, Australia, New Zealand Urge Israel to Nix Plans for Rafah Ground Offensive Sputnik 15 Feb 2024 -- The prime ministers of Canada, Australia and New Zealand issued a a joint statement on Thursday urging Israel not to commence its planned offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah and warning of catastrophic consequences for Palestinians of expanding the Israeli military operation.
• Israel's ground invasion of Rafah disregards ICJ order, says South African envoy to UN Press TV 15 Feb 2024 -- South Africa's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations has warned that a looming Israeli attack on the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip ignores preventive measures issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to stop breach of Palestinians' rights.
• Israel/Palestine: Statement by the Spokesperson on housing demolition in East Jerusalem European External Action Service (EEAS) 15 Feb 2024 -- The European Union condemns the demolition of community leader Fakhri Abu Diab's home in East Jerusalem, where his family had resided for generations.
• South Africa deplores Israel for ignoring ICJ verdict on Gaza IRNA 15 Feb 2024 -- South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Naledi Pandor warned on Wednesday night that a verdict issued by the International Court of Justice on her country's petition has not stopped the Israeli regime from continuing its war on the Gaza Strip.
• Red Sea stability depends on Gaza peace: Russia IRNA 15 Feb 2024 -- First Deputy Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations Dmitry Polyanskiy said on Wednesday that the cessation of war and the establishment of peace in the Gaza Strip will stabilize the situation in the Red Sea.
• Media Quote by UN Humanitarian Coordinator about Increase of Civilian Casualties in South Lebanon UNOCHA 15 Feb 2024
• At least 11 civilians, including children, killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon Press TV 15 Feb 2024 -- At least 11 people, including children, have been killed in Israeli strikes on villages in southern Lebanon, according to a report.
• Hezbollah: Resistance axis resolved to liberate Palestine no matter the cost Press TV 15 Feb 2024 -- The Lebanese resistance movement of Hezbollah says the regional resistance axis is resolved to liberate Palestine from Israeli occupation and aggression no matter the cost.
• Hezbollah responds to Israeli 'massacres' with intensive rocket fire Press TV 15 Feb 2024 -- Hezbollah says it fired dozens of rockets into northern occupied territories, a day after Israeli raids killed 15 people in dense urban areas in Lebanon's south.
• 11 killed in Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon IRNA 15 Feb 2024 -- Eleven people, including four civilians, have been killed after the Zionist regime's warplanes struck the Nabatieh region in southern Lebanon.
• Hezbollah video shows captured Israeli drone IRNA 15 Feb 2024 -- The Lebanese resistance movement, Hozbollah, has released a video showing the recent interception and capture of an Israeli drone in the skies over Lebanon.
• Yemeni forces claim 'direct hit' on British ship in Gulf of Aden Press TV 15 Feb 2024 -- Yemen says its armed forces fired missiles at a British ship passing though the Gulf of Aden on Thursday and scored a "direct hit" in their latest operation in solidarity with the Palestinians.
• Houthis Attack UK Ship in Gulf of Aden - Military Spokesman Sputnik 15 Feb 2024 -- The Yemeni navy attacked the British ship Lycavitos under the flag of Barbados with anti-ship missiles in the Gulf of Aden on Thursday, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said.
• Houthis Reportedly 'Ready for New Escalation' If Israel Continues Operation in Gaza Sputnik 15 Feb 2024 -- Yemen's Ansar Allah rebel movement, also known as the Houthis, is ready for a new escalation in the Red Sea and is planning to keep attacking vessels if Israel continues its ground operation in the Gaza Strip, the movement's senior political official, Mohammed Al-Bukhaiti, told ITV News on Thursday.
• Red Sea Attacks Foster Arab-Israeli Trade Link by Land VOA 15 Feb 2024 -- Houthi drone and missile attacks on Red Sea shipping have spurred the development of an alternative "land bridge" to carry cargo by truck from the Persian Gulf across Saudi Arabia and Jordan to Israel and Egypt.

Other Conflicts

• China Coast Guard expels Philippine vessel for illegal intrusion into South China Sea waters after repeated warnings Global Times 15 Feb 2024 -- The China Coast Guard (CCG) announced on Thursday night that it had expelled a Philippine vessel that had illegally intruded into the waters adjacent to Huangyan Dao, also known as Huangyan Island, in the South China Sea, despite repeated warnings from the CCG.
• Under Sanctions, Taliban Pay Debts, Seek More Electricity From Neighbors VOA 15 Feb 2024 -- Afghanistan has cleared its outstanding electricity debts to three Central Asian neighbors and is negotiating for an increase in energy supplies, a move that could signal the Taliban government is moving toward economic stabilization.
• Azerbaijani Envoy Hands Letter To Taliban On Opening Embassy In Kabul RFE/RL 15 Feb 2024 -- Afghanistan's Taliban-led government says Azerbaijan has officially reopened its embassy in Kabul, following through on a pledge made last year.
• Security Council: Continued Libya impasse threatens country's future UN News 15 Feb 2024 -- Progress towards credible elections in Libya is impossible without an agreement between the key political players, the UN's top envoy to the north African country said on Thursday.
• Libyan people continue to suffer from political stalemate: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 15 Feb 2024 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Libya.
• Young people scramble to leave Myanmar as military conscription looms Radio Free Asia 15 Feb 2024 -- Young people in Myanmar's commercial capital are lining up outside the Thai embassy to apply for visas and looking for other ways to leave the country following an announcement from the junta regime that it will call up conscripts for mandatory military service.
• Arakan Army escalates assaults in Myanmar's west Radio Free Asia 15 Feb 2024 -- An ethnic army in Myanmar launched an attack on yet another major city in the country's west, with the state's capital close behind, according to locals on Thursday.
• The UK calls on Iran to use influence to stop Daesh attacks and de-escalate regional tensions: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 15 Feb 2024 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security.
• US House passes bill urging China to resolve Tibet dispute Radio Free Asia 15 Feb 2024 -- The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday passed a bill that urges China to resolve issues related to Tibet through dialogue with the Dalai Lama or Tibetan leaders and directs the State Department to actively counter disinformation about the history of the formerly independent country.
• Pro-Kremlin Leader In Breakaway Abkhazia Pushes 'Foreign Agents' Bill To Silence Critics RFE/RL 15 Feb 2024 -- If the de facto pro-Kremlin leader of Abkhazia gets his way, Georgia's breakaway region could face draconian restrictions on any individual or group receiving foreign funding as its rubberstamp parliament debates legislation apparently modeled after Russia's much criticized "foreign agents" law.

News Reports

• Justice Department Conducts Court-Authorized Disruption of Botnet Controlled by the Russian Federation's Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff (GRU) US Dept. of Justice 15 Feb 2024 -- A January 2024 court-authorized operation has neutralized a network of hundreds of small office/home office (SOHO) routers that GRU Military Unit 26165, also known as APT 28, Sofacy Group, Forest Blizzard, Pawn Storm, Fancy Bear, and Sednit, used to conceal and otherwise enable a variety of crimes.
• U.S. Offers Rewards Worth Millions For Info On Russian Ransomware Group RFE/RL 15 Feb 2024 -- The United States on February 15 announced a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the identification or location of any of the leaders of the Russian-based criminal group known as BlackCat.
• Foreign National Pleads Guilty to Role in Cybercrime Schemes Involving Tens of Millions of Dollars in Losses US Dept. of Justice 15 Feb 2024 -- A Ukrainian national pleaded guilty today to his role in two separate and wide-ranging malware schemes involving tens of millions of dollars in losses.
• Remarks by Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson on Treasury's Efforts to Safeguard the U.S. Financial System from Illicit Finance US Treasury 15 Feb 2024
• 'Force alone is not the answer' says UN counter-terrorism chief UN News 15 Feb 2024 -- International cooperation is vital to confront the multi-faceted challenges resulting from terrorism, the head of the UN Office dedicated to confronting the scourge worldwide said on Thursday, calling for decisive multilateral action.
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's participation in the presentation of the second edition of the collection titled Crimea in Russia's Development: History, Politics, Diplomacy. Documents from the Foreign Ministry Archives Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 15 Feb 2024
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at the presentation of the collection of documents titled Crimea in Russia's Development: History, Politics, Diplomacy. Documents from the Foreign Ministry Archives, Moscow, February 15, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 15 Feb 2024
• Russian Anti-War Presidential Hopeful's Appeals Denied RFE/RL 15 Feb 2024 -- Russia's Supreme Court on February 15 rejected two appeals filed by anti-war presidential hopeful Boris Nadezhdin related to a decision by election officials not to register him for next month's election.
• China, Russia Double Down on Ties Despite Complications in Trade Relations VOA 15 Feb 2024 -- China and Russia have doubled down on their "no-limits partnership" in recent weeks, with leaders from both countries vowing to maintain "close personal interaction" and the Chinese ambassador to Russia revealing Russian President Vladimir Putin's plan to visit China this year.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Remarks on Wang Yi's Upcoming Trip to the 60th Munich Security Conference and Visit to Spain and France PRC MofA 15 Feb 2024
• China's Xi appeared 'humble' but now rules supreme, ambassador says Radio Free Asia 15 Feb 2024 -- China's Xi Jinping was once a "humble" leader who has "totally changed" since taking control of the country in the style of Mao Zedong, according to the memoir of Hideo Tarumi, a former Japanese ambassador to Beijing who left his post in December amid deteriorating bilateral ties.
• China's VPN Usage Nearly Doubles Amid Internet Censorship VOA 15 Feb 2024 -- Last year, VPN usage in China nearly doubled, according to data from IT education news outlet Techopedia, this despite the country's strict regime of internet controls of everything from overseas websites to online games.
• Taiwan thanks U.S. Senate for passing aid bill, keeping eye on House decision CNA 15 Feb 2024 -- A senior Taiwanese diplomat on Thursday expressed gratitude to the United States Senate for passing a US$95 billion foreign aid package that includes funding for Taiwan, saying that it again exemplified bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress for Taiwan.
• Death of 2 Chinese men off Kinmen regrettable: Taiwan agency CNA 15 Feb 2024 -- The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said Thursday it was regrettable that two Chinese men had died the day before when their speedboat capsized during a chase by the Taiwan Coast Guard in waters off the Kinmen Islands.
• Taiwan affirms cooperation with Palau despite China pressure CNA 15 Feb 2024 -- Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Thursday affirmed that the country will continue to push for peace, prosperity and stability with Palau in the Indo-Pacific region, at a time when China has encouraged the Pacific ally to cut ties with Taiwan.
• Taiwan has no preconditions for foreign exchanges: MOFA CNA 15 Feb 2024 -- Taiwan's government said Thursday that it sets no preconditions for conducting exchanges with a foreign country and welcomes any opportunities to expand the nation's international presence.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Feb. 15, 2024 ROC MND 15 Feb 2024
• Kim Jong Un's Sister Talks of 'New Future' Between North Korea and Japan VOA 15 Feb 2024 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's sister, Kim Yo Jong, expressed an optimistic perspective on future relations between North Korea and Japan, even implying that Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida would one day visit Pyongyang, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency.
• Press Statement of Vice Department Director of C.C., WPK Kim Yo Jong KCNA 15 Feb 2024 -- Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, issued the following press statement on February 15:
• Pyongyang 'open to enhancing ties with Japan': N Korean leader's sister Radio Free Asia 15 Feb 2024 -- The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Thursday said the hermit state is open to enhancing its ties with Japan, even suggesting the possibility of inviting the Japanese Prime Minister to Pyongyang.
• US Sees No 'Imminent' War by North Korea Despite Dangerous Activities VOA 15 Feb 2024 -- The United States does not see signs of an "imminent" war by North Korea despite "incredibly dangerous" activities in recent months and its refusal to engage in diplomatic talks with the U.S., a top U.S. official told reporters Thursday.
• N Korea peddles illicit gambling sites to South's criminal ring Radio Free Asia 15 Feb 2024 -- A North Korean information technology group has created illegal online gambling websites and sold them to a South Korean cybercrime ring, the South's National Intelligence Service revealed.
• Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Inspects Major Munitions Factory KCNA 15 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 a major munitions factory.
• Iran to take 'reciprocal action' if its ships are seized: Top official Press TV 15 Feb 2024 -- Iran's Vice President for Legal Affairs Mohammad Dehqan says the country will reciprocate if its ships are seized illegally, as the United States acknowledges the confiscation of Iranian oil.
• Iran opposes outsiders' presence in region: President IRNA 15 Feb 2024 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi says that the Islamic Republic is opposed to outsiders' presence in the region on the pretext of resolving the issues.
• Iran: Dialogue, not unilateral claims, key to settlement of Arash gas field row Press TV 15 Feb 2024 -- Iran has once again reiterated the need to avoid unilateral claims and to resort to dialogue to settle a territorial dispute over the Persian Gulf Arash natural gas field shared with Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
• US persists on anti-Iran sanctions policy IRNA 15 Feb 2024 -- The United States Department of the Treasury has announced new sanctions against three individuals and four entities over the allegations that they were transferring sophisticated American technology to Iran.
• Iran determined to use BRICS capacities: Minister IRNA 15 Feb 2024 -- Iran's Finance Minister, Ehsan Khandouzi in a meeting with Rustam Minnikhanov, the visiting president of Russia's autonomous republic of Tatarstan said the Islamic Republic has started the process of joining the BRICS bloc and serious measures are being taken by the ministry to use this new capacities.
• Security of Iran, Iraq intertwined: Iraqi official IRNA 15 Feb 2024 -- Iraqi National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji says the security of Iran and Iraq are tied together, stressing the need for expanding mutual ties to help restore regional security and stability.
• Security of Iran, Iraq closely intertwined: Iraq's top security official Press TV 15 Feb 2024 -- Iraqi National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji says security of Iran and his country is closely intertwined.
• Former Belarusian Law Enforcement Officers Sentenced To Lengthy Prison Terms In Absentia RFE/RL 15 Feb 2024 -- The Minsk City Court on February 15 handed lengthy prison terms to six former Belarusian law enforcement officers who backed protests in 2020 challenging the official results of the presidential election that gave authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka a sixth term in office.
• Transcript of Special Briefing by Foreign Secretary on Prime Minister's visit to the UAE and Qatar (February 15, 2024) India MEA 15 Feb 2024
• What Are the Key Takeaways From Pakistan's Election? VOA 15 Feb 2024 -- A week after Pakistan's general elections delivered a hung parliament, runners-up are poised to form a coalition government while the winners continue to protest the results. Observers say the election delivered surprises for all stakeholders.
• Transcript of the Weekly Press Briefing by the Spokesperson on Thursday, 15 February 2024 Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 15 Feb 2024
• PM meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan: 15 February 2024 Gov.UK 15 Feb 2024
• Venezuela Shuts Down UN Human Rights Office, Expels Staff VOA 15 Feb 2024 -- Venezuela on Thursday ordered the U.N. human rights office in Caracas to shut down all operations, ordering the staff to leave the country within three days.
• Venezuela accuses UN human rights office of conspiring with coup plotters Press TV 15 Feb 2024 -- The Venezuelan government has ordered the local UN human rights office to "suspend its activities" and vacate its staff within 72 hours, accusing the body of conspiring against the country.
• Indonesia's Prabowo declares victory as president after preliminary counts Press TV 15 Feb 2024 -- Indonesia's defense minister and former general Prabowo Subianto has declared victory after preliminary counts from government-approved pollsters indicated he would win high office with a majority in his third attempt.
• US Will 'Respect' Indonesian Vote Results, White House Says VOA 15 Feb 2024 -- The White House said Thursday that it would accept the results of Indonesia's presidential election in which Prabowo Subianto, a former army general who for more than a decade was banned from entering the United States because of allegations linked to human rights abuses, has claimed victory.
• Remarks by Hon. Enrique A. Manalo Philippines DFA 15 Feb 2024
• Polish and UK foreign ministers hold talks Poland - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 15 Feb 2024 -- Head of Polish diplomacy Radosław Sikorski met with his UK counterpart in Warsaw today.
• Papua New Guinea Parliament, in aftermath of riots, backs Marape as PM Radio Free Asia 15 Feb 2024 -- Papua New Guinea's prime minister was backed by three quarters of legislators in a parliamentary confidence vote Thursday, following riots last month that highlighted the Pacific island country's tenuous hold on stability.
• Presidential Elections in Azerbaijan, 2024: UK statement to the OSCE UK FCDO 15 Feb 2024 -- Ambassador Neil Holland thanks the ODIHR mission for observing the Presidential election that took place on 7 February in Azerbaijan.
• World News in Brief: Warmest January on record, Sudan diplomacy push, catching childhood cancer early UN News 15 Feb 2024 -- In the battle to slow global warming, January was the hottest month on record according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on Thursday.
• Sweden Phasing Out Development Aid to Cambodia, Spurring Anxiety VOA 15 Feb 2024 -- The Swedish government will phase out bilateral development cooperation with Cambodia by the end of this year, raising concerns among civil society groups likely to see their budgets shrink.
• WFP calls for humanitarian access as violence and unrest wreak havoc in Haiti WFP 15 Feb 2024 -- Amid sustained attacks on civilians by armed groups, increasing displacement and civil unrest in Haiti, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is calling for unimpeded access for aid agencies and the free flow of food commodities to prevent already-dire levels of hunger from becoming catastrophic.