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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• US MQ-9 Drone Shot Down by Houthis VOA 21 Feb 2024 -- The Pentagon has confirmed that Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen shot down a MQ-9 Reaper drone on Monday.
• Yemeni Navy targeted 2 US-owned ships in Gulf of Aden: Yemeni Army ISNA 21 Feb 2024 -- The Yemeni Armed Forces' Navy targeted two US-owned ships in the Red Sea, confirming direct and precise hits to the vessels, on Monday evening, the spokesperson for the YAF Brigadier General Yahya Saree announced.
• US, UK launch new joint attacks on Yemen IRNA 21 Feb 2024 -- The Yemeni media have reported yet another joint attacks by American and British warplanes on the Arab country.
• New US-UK aggression targets Yemen's Hodeidah ISNA 21 Feb 2024 -- It has been reported late Monday that an American-British aggression targeted the Al-Kadan area in the Al-Dahi district, in the coastal governorate of Hodeidah, overlooking the Red Sea, west of the country, through an airstrike.
• U.S., British warplanes strike Houthi targets in Yemen's Hodeidah People's Daily 21 Feb 2024 -- U.S. and British warplanes launched four airstrikes overnight on Houthi sites in Yemen's port city of Hodeidah, the group's al-Masirah TV said on Wednesday.
• Yemen says in talks with EU over Red Sea shipping safety Press TV 21 Feb 2024 -- Yemeni authorities have held "constructive talks" with the representatives of the European Union (EU) to ensure the safety of shipping in the Red Sea, Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein al-Ezzi says.
• Houthi Attacks on International Shipping US Dept. of State 21 Feb 2024 -- The United States condemns the reckless and indiscriminate attacks on civilian cargo ships by the Houthis.
• Pennsylvania Guard Takes Over Horn of Africa Security Mission Army News 21 Feb 2024 -- The Pennsylvania National Guard's Task Force Paxton assumed control over the security mission in East Africa from Task Force Tomahawk during a Feb. 10 transfer of authority ceremony.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Hicks Announces Delivery of Initial CJADC2 Capability DoD News 21 Feb 2024 -- The Defense Department has delivered its initial iteration of the Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control, or CJADC2, capability, Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks announced today.
• Pentagon Official Lays Out DOD Vision for AI DoD News 21 Feb 2024 -- The Pentagon's top artificial intelligence official laid out the Defense Department's vision yesterday for scaling digital data analytics and AI across the department to ensure decision advantage for the warfighter.
• DOD's Engineering Focus Is on Cutting-Edge Approaches, Talent Diversity DoD News 21 Feb 2024 -- Recruiting the next generation of engineers to tackle complex problems and provide solutions for the warfighter is a Defense Department imperative, said Heidi Shyu, undersecretary of defense for research and engineering, at a virtual DOD Engineer's Week event.
• SECNAV Del Toro Delivers Remarks at USNS James D. Fairbanks (T-ATS 13) Naming Celebration US Navy 21 Feb 2024
• VCNO Visits Defense Industry, Navy Leadership in Newport US Navy Press Release 21 Feb 2024 -- Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jim Kilby visited Newport, R.I., to meet with defense industry leaders at General Dynamics Electric Boat, Quonset Point and Navy leadership at Naval Station Newport, Feb. 20.
• SECNAV Del Toro Names Ship in Honor of Force Master Chief Petty Officer of the Seabees James D. Fairbanks US Navy Press Release 21 Feb 2024 -- Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced that the future Navajo-class Towing, Salvage, and Rescue (T-ATS) ship will be named in honor of James D. Fairbanks, member of the Chippewa Tribe and the 13th Force Master Chief Petty Officer of the Seabees.
• USS Gunston Hall (LSD-44) arrives in Harstad, Norway, for Steadfast Defender 2024 US Navy 21 Feb 2024 -- USS Gunston Hall (LSD-44), a Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship arrived in Harstad, Norway, Feb. 21, 2024 for a scheduled port visit during NATO exercise Steadfast Defender 24.
• USS Delbert D. Black Returns to Homeport Following a Surge Deployment US Navy 21 Feb 2024 -- USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) returned to its homeport of Naval Station Mayport, February 18, 2024, following a near 3-month surge deployment.
• USEUCOM, Bosnia and Herzegovina leaders hold strategic-level defense discussions EUCOM 21 Feb 2024 -- In late 2021, USEUCOM, in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, expanded its support to the country through its European Recapitalization Incentive Program to help with the force's defense modernization.
• NATO Secretary General and Georgian Prime Minister discuss strengthening ties NATO 21 Feb 2024 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze in Brussels on Wednesday (21 February 2024) to discuss further strengthening the Alliance's long-standing partnership with Georgia.
• Czech Republic has two new mission commanders to command NATO air operations in case of conflict Czech Republic Ministry of Defence & Armed Forces 21 Feb 2024 -- Since February, the Čáslav AFB has two new Mission Commanders, who are able to control a multinational air operation in case of conflict. JAS-39 Gripen fighter pilots completed the test in a Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP) exercise in Spain two weeks ago.
• Iraq no longer needs U.S.-led coalition forces: PM People's Daily 21 Feb 2024 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani said Tuesday that Iraq does not need military advisors from 25 countries to work within the mission of the U.S.-led international coalition to fight the Islamic State (IS) group.
• Visiting the Gorbunov Kazan Aviation Plant President of Russia 21 Feb 2024 -- Vladimir Putin visits the capital of Tatarstan and the Gorbunov Kazan Aviation Plant.
• Presentation of state decorations to military units and divisions of the Aerospace Forces President of Russia 21 Feb 2024 -- The President presented state decorations to the military units and divisions of the Aerospace Forces at Chkalovsky airfield.
• Defense of the sky and our frontline positions from Russian air and missile strikes is one of the key tasks this year - address by the President of Ukraine President of Ukraine 21 Feb 2024
• Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) - Taiwan Advanced Tactical Data Link System Upgrade Planning DSCA 21 Feb 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States of a Taiwan Advanced Tactical Data Link System Upgrade Planning and related equipment for an estimated cost of $75 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Embarrassing blow: UK nuclear missile crashes into ocean during rare test launch Press TV 21 Feb 2024 -- A UK Trident nuclear missile has misfired and crashed into the ocean off the US coast of Florida during a failed test launch by a British nuclear submarine in an embarrassing blow for the United Kingdom's outdated naval warfare force.
• UK Navy Carries Out Unsuccessful Launch of Trident II Ballistic Missile Sputnik 21 Feb 2024 -- The navy of the United Kingdom has carried out an unsuccessful launch of a Trident II intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from the HMS Vanguard ballistic missile-armed submarine while UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps was on board, The Sun reported on Tuesday, citing sources and the UK Ministry of Defense.
• Forces combine on the Indian Ocean Australia DOD 21 Feb 2024 -- Warships of the Royal Australian Navy, United States Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force conducted two days of combined training in the Indian Ocean while sailing to India for Exercise Milan.
• Working with partners to control the skies Australia DOD 21 Feb 2024 -- Controlling almost 4 million square km a mission, the Royal Australian Air Force has established its position in the skies.
• Analysts warn multibillion navy overhaul 'irrational and dangerous' as Australia eyes largest navy buildup since WWII Global Times 21 Feb 2024 -- Australia on Tuesday announced a multibillion overhaul of its navy, claiming it is responding to "increasing geostrategic uncertainty." Chinese analysts criticized the plan as being "irrational and dangerous" as it neither matches Australia's real needs in geopolitics nor its economic capability. They warned that the assertive plan may trigger an arms race and deal a blow to the security and stability of Australia as well as the whole Asia-Pacific region.
• INDUS-X Summit Convenes in New Delhi, India DoD 21 Feb 2024 -- The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Indian Ministry of Defense (MoD) participated in the second India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) Summit today in New Delhi, India.
• Fact Sheet: India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) DoD 21 Feb 2024 -- In June 2023, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Indian Ministry of Defense (MoD) launched the India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X), guided by a bilateral collaboration agenda.
• Aeronautical Development Agency Signs MoU with Indian Air Force India PIB 21 Feb 2024 -- Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has signed an MoU with the Indian Air Force (IAF) for integration of futuristic Weapons and Sensors for LCA Tejas aircraft
• New drones join IRGC UAV fleet ISNA 21 Feb 2024 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Ground Force has taken delivery of sophisticated homegrown kamikaze and combat unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), featuring state-of-the-art technologies suitable for operations against enemy targets.
• IRGC Ground Force takes delivery of sophisticated homegrown kamikaze, combat drones Press TV 21 Feb 2024 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Ground Force has taken delivery of sophisticated homegrown kamikaze and combat unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), featuring state-of-the-art technologies suitable for operations against enemy targets.
• Iran's Dena destroyer participates in India's Milan 2024 naval drills Press TV 21 Feb 2024 -- Iran's Navy has dispatched its domestically designed and manufactured Dena destroyer to India to participate in the Milan 2024 multilateral naval exercise, which is the Indian Navy's biggest ever maneuver.
• IRGC Navy's new warships are equipped with SAM, cruise missiles: Commander Press TV 21 Feb 2024 -- The two warships recently added to the fleet of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy are equipped with domestically-developed surface-to-air (SAM) and cruise missiles, Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri says.
• The live-fire phase of the Exercise DYNAMIC FRONT 2024 Has Been Successfully Conducted Republic of Turkey Ministry of National Defence 21 Feb 2024
• A look at the Defence news 12 - 18 February Netherlands Ministry of Defence 21 Feb 2024
• We will offer better conditions and new infrastructure to U.S. troops, says A. Anušauskas meeting with Ambassador K. McDonald Lithuania MND 21 Feb 2024 -- On February 21 Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas had a meeting with the recently appointed United States Ambassador to Lithuania Kara McDonald on the regional security situation and the most pressing issues of bilateral defence cooperation.
• CRRT chairmanship back in Lithuania Lithuania MND 21 Feb 2024 -- The Cyber Rapid Response Team (CRRT) of the Lithuanian-initiated CRRT and Mutual Assistance in Cyber Security project has identified its 2024 objectives to be implemented under supervision of the Ministry of National Defence.
• Sweden Struggling to Replenish Weapons After Ukraine Expenditures - Reports Sputnik 21 Feb 2024 -- Sweden, along with many other European nations, has supplied several packages of military support to the Kiev regime, including heavy equipment such as artillery, tanks and combat vehicles, as well as ammunition.
• Somalia Approves Defense Agreement With Turkey VOA 21 Feb 2024 -- Somalia's executive and legislative branches have approved a crucial 10-year defense and economic cooperation agreement with Turkey, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has announced.
• Assistant Secretary Phee Engages on Sudan in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia US Dept. of State 21 Feb 2024 -- During her recent travel to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in connection with the African Union Summit, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee, accompanied by USAID Assistant Administrator for Africa Monde Muyangwa, Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Mike Hammer and Ambassador to Sudan John Godfrey, held a series of meetings focused on addressing Sudan's continuing conflict and humanitarian crisis.

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Feb. 21, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 21 February 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 21 Feb 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• 24h Operational Update: Targeted Operations in the Zaytun Area, Terrorists Eliminated Israel Defense Forces 21 Feb 2024
• Israeli army instructs soldiers not to film 'revenge videos' in Gaza amid ICJ genocide case Press TV 21 Feb 2024 -- The Israeli army's chief of staff Herzi Halevi has instructed troops "not to film revenge videos" after footage was used as evidence in the case against the regime for genocide before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.
• Israeli Parliament Approves Resolution Rejecting Unilateral Recognition of Palestine Sputnik 21 Feb 2024 -- The Israeli parliament approved on Wednesday by a vast majority of votes a draft government resolution rejecting the recognition of a Palestinian state by Israel under international pressure.
• Feb. 20: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 21 Feb 2024
• Israeli Airstrikes Hit Northern, Southern Gaza VOA 21 Feb 2024 -- The Israeli military said Wednesday it carried out airstrikes in northern and southern Gaza, a day after the United States vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution that called for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire, scaled up aid access and rejected the forced displacement of Palestinians.
• UNRWA Situation Report #80 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem (All information from 18-19 February 2024, is valid as of 19 February 2024 at 22:30 (local time) ) UNRWA 21 Feb 2024
• Statement by Principals of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC): Civilians in Gaza in extreme peril while the world watches on WHO 21 Feb 2024
• Gaza situation inhumane, ceasefire now: WHO chief Press TV 21 Feb 2024 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the alarm over the "inhumane" humanitarian situation in Gaza, which continues to deteriorate as Israel's bombs keep falling on the besieged territory.
• Gaza has become a 'death zone', warns UN health chief UN News 21 Feb 2024 -- An "inhumane" health and humanitarian situation now prevails across Gaza with conditions continuing to deteriorate, the head of the UN World Health Organization warned on Wednesday.
• WHO Chief Calls Gaza a 'Death Zone' VOA 21 Feb 2024 -- The Israeli military said Wednesday that it had carried out airstrikes in northern and southern Gaza, as the head of the World Health Organization said the enclave had become a "death zone."
• Humanitarian Agencies Call On Israel to Provide Aid to Palestinians VOA 21 Feb 2024 -- The heads of 19 United Nations agencies and partner organizations expressed their frustration in a joint statement Wednesday, calling on Israel "to fulfill its legal obligation" to provide food and medical supplies and facilitate aid operations to Gaza, and for world leaders to prevent an even worse catastrophe from happening.
• US Opposes Hague Court Issuing Opinion on Israeli-Occupied Territories VOA 21 Feb 2024 -- The United States said Wednesday the United Nations' top court should not issue an advisory opinion saying that Israel should "immediately and unconditionally withdraw" from territories sought for a Palestinian state without getting security guarantees in return.
• Blinken to Brazil's Lula: US Rejects Nazi Comparison to Israeli Attacks on Hamas VOA 21 Feb 2024 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Wednesday, briefing him on U.S. efforts to end the Israeli-Hamas war in Gaza but also telling him the U.S. disagrees with his assessment likening Israel's war effort to that of Nazi genocide in World War II.
• U.S. vetoes Security Council draft resolution demanding humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza People's Daily 21 Feb 2024 -- The United States on Tuesday vetoed a Security Council draft resolution that would have demanded an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza.
• US vetoing of Gaza resolution diplomatic catastrophe of century: Iran FM IRNA 21 Feb 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has described a decision by the United Sates to veto for a third time a draft United Nations Security Council resolution to impose a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza as the diplomatic catastrophe of the century.
• Iran condemns US vetoing of UNSC Gaza resolution IRNA 21 Feb 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has condemned the United States for vetoing a draft United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution that included a demand for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza where the Israeli regime has been pressing on with an incessant campaign of genocide against the Palestinians.
• 'Diplomatic catastrophe of century': Iran's foreign minister slams US veto of Gaza resolution Press TV 21 Feb 2024 -- Iran's foreign minister has censured Washington for vetoing, for the third time, a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Chilean envoy accuses Israeli regime of violating int'l law IRNA 21 Feb 2024 -- Chile's special representative to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) Ximena Fuentes has accused the Zionist regime of committing systematic violations of international law in the Gaza war.
• NAM condemns Israeli regime's continued aggression on Gaza IRNA 21 Feb 2024 -- Iran's Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Zahra Ershadi has said, on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), that the movement slams the Israeli regime's continued aggression on Gaza.
• Arab League, OIC, and Egypt condemn US veto of Gaza ceasefire Press TV 21 Feb 2024 -- The Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and Egypt have censured the third veto by the United States of a draft resolution proposed at the United Nations Security Council demanding an immediate end to Israel's brutal war in the besieged Gaza Strip.
• NAM denounces continuing Israeli onslaught on Gaza: Iran envoy Press TV 21 Feb 2024 -- The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) censures Israel's unrelenting hostilities against the Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip that have resulted in thousands of human casualties, Iran's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations says.
• World condemns US veto of Gaza ceasefire resolution at UNSC Press TV 21 Feb 2024 -- Condemnations have poured in from world countries after the United States once again vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution that demanded an immediate ceasefire in Israel's months-long genocidal war on the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Objection to cease-fire in Gaza no different from giving green light to slaughter: Chinese envoy Global Times 21 Feb 2024 -- Following the US veto on a Security Council draft resolution that would have demanded an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza, China's United Nations envoy said Tuesday that objection to a cease-fire in Gaza is no different from giving the green light to the continued slaughter.
• Assault on Rafah will be met with decisive response: Resistance groups IRNA 21 Feb 2024 -- Senior officials of the Palestinian Hamas and Islamic Jihad resistance movements have warned the Zionist regime against any ground invasion of the southern Gaza city of Rafah, saying such assault will be met with a strong and decisive response.
• Hamas: US veto of truce resolution greenlit Israeli genocide on Gaza IRNA 21 Feb 2024 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has strongly condemned the US veto of a UN Security Council resolution proposed by Algeria for a ceasefire in Gaza.
• Hamas leader arrives in Cairo to hold talks on Gaza truce People's Daily 21 Feb 2024 -- Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on Tuesday arrived in Cairo to hold talks with Egyptian officials on the Gaza truce.
• Hezbollah conducts strikes against Israeli positions, military bases ISNA 21 Feb 2024 -- In a series of operations on Monday, the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon - Hezbollah targeted various Israeli military positions and sites across the Lebanese-Palestinian border, the group said in a statement, confirming that all attacks achieved direct hits.
• 14 injured in Israeli drone strikes in Lebanon's southern town of Ghazieh People's Daily 21 Feb 2024 -- Israeli warplanes on Monday afternoon hit multiple targets in the southern town of Ghazieh with air-to-surface missiles, injuring 14 people, Lebanese military sources told Xinhua.
• Gaza: Israeli forces attack MSF shelter in Al-Mawasi Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders 21 Feb 2024 -- The international medical humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) condemns in the strongest possible terms the killing of two MSF staff family members during an Israeli offensive on Al-Mawasi in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. Six others were injured in the attack.
• Israel raids Gaza 'safe' area sheltering displaced Palestinians; MSF says 'horrified' Press TV 21 Feb 2024 -- The medical aid group Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has expressed horror over a deadly Israeli assault on a southern Gaza town that was previously designated as "safe" area by the regime's military.
• Red Sea Conflict Hits Egypt, Other Parts of the Region VOA 21 Feb 2024 -- Egypt's economy is facing serious hurdles after revenue from the country's most strategic asset — the Suez Canal — has dropped by nearly half. Attacks by the pro-Iranian Houthi militia group on ships passing by Yemen has made merchant ships avoid the Red Sea and the canal.
• Federal Council opens consultation on draft legislation to ban Hamas Federal Council - Swiss Government 21 Feb 2024 -- Switzerland is to ban Hamas. The Federal Council decided at its meeting on 21 February to open the consultation on the necessary legal basis. The ban will also include Hamas cover and successor organisations as well as organisations that act on its behalf or in its name.

Other Conflicts

• Peacekeeping is a vital tool to reduce global conflict and create stability: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 21 Feb 2024 -- Statement by Ambassador Archie Young at the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (C-34).
• Afghan Fund Untapped in Switzerland, Taliban Make No Demand VOA 21 Feb 2024 -- Sixteen months after its establishment, the U.S.-backed Fund for the Afghan People has yet to release any payments for its intended purposes, a board member reveals.
• Two killed as fresh Israeli strike targets position in southwestern Damascus Press TV 21 Feb 2024 -- At least two people have been killed when Israeli military aircraft carried out an airstrike against a residential building in the southwestern sector of the Syrian capital city of Damascus.
• Pro-junta 'drone test' injures 13 children in Myanmar Radio Free Asia 21 Feb 2024 -- A drone test by pro-junta militia injured 13 children in Myanmar, residents told Radio Free Asia.
• Myanmar: Mandatory conscription shows junta's 'desperation', rights expert says UN News 21 Feb 2024 -- Myanmar's military government is becoming an even greater threat to civilians following the imposition of a mandatory draft this month, the UN independent expert on human rights in the country said on Wednesday.
• Letter to the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Libya The White House 21 Feb 2024
• Press Release: Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency With National Emergency With Respect to Libya The White House 21 Feb 2024
• 21st round of India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting India MEA 21 Feb 2024 -- The 21st round of India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting was held at Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on 19th February 2024.
• The 21st China-India Corps Commander Level Meeting was held at the Chinese side of Moldo-Chushul border on Monday, China's Ministry of National Defense announced on Wednesday. Global Times 21 Feb 2024 -- The 21st China-India Corps Commander Level Meeting was held at the Chinese side of Moldo-Chushul border meeting point on Monday, China's Ministry of National Defense announced on Wednesday. Both sides engaged in positive, in-depth and constructive communication on addressing the border issues of mutual concern. Both sides agreed to continue communication through military and diplomatic channels to reach a solution acceptable to both sides. The two sides agreed to maintain peace in the border areas, according to the ministry.
• UN envoy calls for curb on illicit weapons in Central African Republic UN News 21 Feb 2024 -- The head of the UN peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) on Wednesday urged greater support for the country's efforts to build a professional national army, as part of a security overhaul, and stem the proliferation of deadly illicit weapons.
• The United Kingdom urges the Government of Central African Republic to ensure all parties are included in the peace process: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 21 Feb 2024 -- Statement by Alternate Political Coordinator Laura Dix at the UN Security Council meeting on Central African Republic.

News Reports

• Justice Department Announces Nuclear Materials Trafficking Charges Against Japanese Yakuza Leader US Dept. of Justice 21 Feb 2024 -- Takeshi Ebisawa, Leader within the Yakuza Transnational Organized Crime Syndicate, Allegedly Trafficked Nuclear Materials, Including Uranium and Weapons-Grade Plutonium
• Executive Order on Amending Regulations Relating to the Safeguarding of Vessels, Harbors, Ports, and Waterfront Facilities of the United States The White House 21 Feb 2024
• FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠Harris Administration Announces Initiative to Bolster Cybersecurity of U.S. Ports The White House 21 Feb 2024
• On-the-Record Press Call on the Biden-⁠Harris Administration Initiative to Bolster the Cybersecurity of U.S. Ports The White House 21 Feb 2024
• Biden unveils $20 billion for US port security Radio Free Asia 21 Feb 2024 -- U.S. President Joe Biden has signed an executive order that creates new rules to bolster security at American ports, while also committing $20 billion to shift away from the use of Chinese-made cranes that officials are at risk of being seized remotely and shut down.
• US Moves to Shore Up Port Security Against Cyberattacks VOA 21 Feb 2024 -- The White House is moving forward with reforms aimed at shoring up cybersecurity at U.S. ports, some of which may already be in danger of falling under the sway of hackers linked to China.
• Reward Offers for Information on LockBit Leaders and Designating Affiliates US Dept. of State 21 Feb 2024 -- The Department of State is announcing reward offers totaling up to $15 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of any individual participating in a LockBit ransomware variant attack and for information leading to the identification and/or location of any key leaders of the LockBit ransomware group.
• Meeting with President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon President of Russia 21 Feb 2024 -- Vladimir Putin met with President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon in Kazan.
• Meeting with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev President of Russia 21 Feb 2024 -- Vladimir Putin had a meeting with President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Kazan.
• Meeting with President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov President of Russia 21 Feb 2024 -- Vladimir Putin met with President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov in Kazan.
• Meeting with President of the Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik President of Russia 21 Feb 2024 -- Vladimir Putin met with President of the Republic of Srpska Milorad Dodik in Kazan.
• Dodik Doubles Down On Refusal To Join Sanctions Against Moscow In Meeting With Putin RFE/RL 21 Feb 2024 -- Milorad Dodik, the pro-Russia president of the Serbian entity of Bosnia-Herzegovina, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 21 and reaffirmed the entity's refusal to join Western sanctions against Moscow over its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Foreign Minister of Brazil Mauro Vieira Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Feb 2024
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Foreign Minister of the United Mexican States Alicia Barcena Ibarra Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Feb 2024
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Feb 2024
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Foreign Minister of the Plurinational State of Bolivia Celinda Sosa Lunda Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Feb 2024
• Press release Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Foreign Minister of Paraguay Ruben Ramirez Lezcano Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Feb 2024
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at the G20 ministerial meeting on the G20's role in addressing ongoing international tensions, Rio de Janeiro, February 21, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Feb 2024
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks at a meeting with President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Feb 2024
• EU Approves 'One Of Broadest' Sanctions Packages Against Russia So Far RFE/RL 21 Feb 2024 -- The European Union has approved a new package of sanctions against Russia, its 13th since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine almost two years ago, in what the bloc's rotating president Belgium said was "one of the broadest approved by the EU."
• UK sanctions heads of Arctic penal colony where Alexei Navalny was killed UK FCDO 21 Feb 2024 -- The UK has sanctioned 6 individuals heading up the penal colony where Alexei Navalny died on 16 February 2023.
• Supreme Court Rejects Nadezhdin's Latest Appeal Over Decision To Bar Him From Russian Presidential Vote RFE/RL 21 Feb 2024 -- Russia's Supreme Court on February 21 threw out anti-war presidential candidate Boris Nadezhdin's latest appeal of the Central Election Commission's (TsIK) decision to bar him from next month's presidential election.
• Russia Adds Navalny's Self-Exiled Brother To Its 'Wanted List' Again RFE/RL 21 Feb 2024 -- Russia's Interior Ministry on February 20 again added self-exiled Oleg Navalny, a younger brother of opposition politician Aleksei Navalny, who died in Russian prison last week, to it "wanted list" on unspecified charges.
• Meeting with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev President of Russia 21 Feb 2024 -- Vladimir Putin met with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Kazan.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on February 21, 2024 PRC MofA 21 Feb 2024
• G20 not a platform for resolving geopolitical struggles and security issues: Chinese FM Global Times 21 Feb 2024 -- The G20 is the premier forum for international economic cooperation, not a platform for resolving geopolitical and security issues. This is a G20 consensus. We hope that the foreign ministers' meeting will help enhance solidarity and cooperation and contribute to global economic growth and development, a spokesperson of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said ahead of a G20 foreign ministers' meeting scheduled for Wednesday in Brazil, while some Western countries are again seeking to turn the event into arena for geopolitical struggles and prevent countries from reaching consensus.
• FM welcomes World Bank's appointment of Zhang Wencai as managing director, chief administrative officer Global Times 21 Feb 2024 -- China welcomed an announcement by the World Bank of the appointment of Zhang Wencai, vice president of the Export-Import Bank of China, as managing director and chief administrative officer (CAO) of the bank, Mao Ning, a spokesperson of China's Foreign Ministry, told a press conference on Wednesday.
• Chinese FM meets with Macron in Paris, concludes Europe trip Global Times 21 Feb 2024 -- French President Emmanuel Macron met with the visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Paris on Tuesday local time, where Wang also co-chaired a new round of strategic dialogue between China and France.
• Hong Kong official slams groups' criticism of new security law Radio Free Asia 21 Feb 2024 -- Hong Kong security chief Chris Tang has lashed out at the London-based rights group Hong Kong Watch after it issued a statement signed by 86 groups saying that forthcoming security legislation would have "devastating consequences" for human rights in the city.
• China's Inviting Sympathetic Foreign Media to Xinjiang Can Backfire VOA 21 Feb 2024 -- Albanian Canadian scholar Olsi Jazexhi seemed to be the perfect foreign writer for the Chinese government to invite to Xinjiang, its westernmost province and home to the ethnic Uyghur Muslim minority so mistreated by Beijing that its critics have called it cultural genocide.
• French President Macron meets Chinese FM Wang Yi, expresses anticipation for high-level exchanges in 2024 Global Times 21 Feb 2024 -- French President Emmanuel Macron met with visiting member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Paris on Tuesday local time. Macron fondly recalled his successful visit to China last year, expressing anticipation for jointly preparing for this year's high-level exchanges with the Chinese side.
• CGA fails to clarify if collision caused fatal capsizing CNA 21 Feb 2024 -- Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration (CGA) on Wednesday failed to clarify if a patrol boat hitting a Chinese vessel it was pursuing caused a fatal capsizing off the coast of Kinmen last week.
• Taiwan's military to stay out of China dispute to avoid escalation CNA 21 Feb 2024 -- Taiwan's military has no intention to "directly intervene" in an ongoing maritime dispute with Beijing over an incident in waters off a Taiwan-held island near China's coast to avoid escalating tensions, it said Wednesday.
• U.S. calls for peace amid Taiwan-China maritime dispute CNA 21 Feb 2024 -- The United States reiterated its commitment to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait on Tuesday amid a dispute triggered by a boat chase in waters near Taiwan-held Kinmen Island last week that led to the death of two Chinese nationals.
• Taiwan authorities 'shoot self in foot' by concealing facts over fatal boat incident Global Times 21 Feb 2024 -- Taiwan authorities on Wednesday morning changed the wording and admitted there had been multiple collisions between vessels in the process of a fatal incident in which Taiwan authorities chased a Chinese mainland fishing boat and capsized it in waters near Kinmen Island, just a few kilometers off Xiamen city, Fujian Province, leading to the deaths of two mainland fishermen on February 14.
• 2 surviving fishermen return to mainland after fatal incident Global Times 21 Feb 2024 -- The two surviving fishermen of a fatal incident caused when their vessel capsized after being chased near Kinmen Island returned to the Chinese mainland on Tuesday, accompanied by representatives of the Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) branch in the port city of Quanzhou, Fujian Province.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Feb. 21, 2024 ROC MND 21 Feb 2024
• North Korea bans more than 100 patriotic songs that refer to reunification Radio Free Asia 21 Feb 2024 -- North Korea has banned more than 100 patriotic songs because they refer to reunification with the South - the latest step making it clear that unifying the divided peninsula is no longer a priority for Pyongyang, generating confusion among residents.
• Statement from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland on the Extradition of Polad Omarov from Czechia to the United States US Dept. of Justice 21 Feb 2024 -- The Justice Department issued the following statement from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland on the extradition of Polad Omarov from Czechia to the United States:
• Israeli conspiracy behind Iran gas pipeline explosions: Minister IRNA 21 Feb 2024 -- Iran successfully foiled a plot by the Israeli regime to damage the natural gas transmission pipelines in southern and central parts of the country earlier this month, the country's Oil Minister Javad Owji has said.
• Iran says foiled Israeli plot to disrupt life of Iranians via gas pipeline attacks Press TV 21 Feb 2024 -- Iran's oil minister has blamed Israel for twin sabotage attacks on gas pipelines in the country last week, saying the government managed to foil an "evil" plot and repair the pipelines in the shortest time possible.
• Iran Blames Israel For Explosions At Gas Pipelines That Disrupted Supplies RFE/RL 21 Feb 2024 -- Iranian Oil Minister Javad Owji has blamed Israel for a spate of recent explosions that disrupted gas transmission lines in two of Iran's provinces, incidents that have heightened tensions further between the two rivals.
• Rights Group Says Number Of Christians Arrested In Iran On The Rise RFE/RL 21 Feb 2024 -- The number of Christians arrested in Iran jumped sharply in the last six months of 2023, according to a religious rights group, which called on the government to "immediately and unconditionally" release all Christians detained on charges relating to their faith and religious activities.
• Deteriorating human rights situation in Belarus of utmost concern as crackdown continues, human rights office ODIHR says OSCE 21 Feb 2024 -- The human rights situation in Belarus continues to deteriorate as those who voice dissent or stand up for the human rights of others are subject to investigation, persecution, and frequently prosecution, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said in a statement today.
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Brazilian President Lula da Silva US Dept. of State 21 Feb 2024
• Blinken Meets with Brazil's President Ahead of G20 Talks VOA 21 Feb 2024 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met in Brazil Wednesday with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva ahead of talks with his counterparts from the Group of 20.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's interview with the Brazilian newspaper O Globo, February 21, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Feb 2024
• Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Cuba and of the Emergency Authority Relating to the Regulation of the Anchorage and Movement of Vessels The White House 21 Feb 2024
• Letter to the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Cuba and of the Emergency Authority Relating to the Regulation of the Anchorage and Movement of Vessels The White House 21 Feb 2024
• Comment for the media by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov following the talks with Miguel Díaz-Canel, President of Cuba and First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba, Havana, February 19, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Feb 2024
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks during talks with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez, Havana, February 19, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 19 Feb 2024
• Bound by shared values and common interests, India & the U.S. are key stakeholders in Indo-pacific region, says Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane in INDUS-X Summit India PIB 21 Feb 2024 -- Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane has stressed that navigating the complex dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region, India and the United States are key stakeholders in the region, bound by shared values and common interests
• Transcript of Special Briefing by Foreign Secretary on the visit of Prime Minister of Greece to India (February 21, 2024) India MEA 21 Feb 2024
• Indian Farmers Pause March to Delhi After Protester's Death VOA 21 Feb 2024 -- Indian farmers paused their protest march for two days after clashes with police left one protester dead, the protest leaders said Wednesday.
• Political rivals of Pakistan's ex-PM Imran Khan reach deal on coalition govt. Press TV 21 Feb 2024 -- Pakistan's main political rivals of imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan have announced a power-sharing agreement to form a coalition government after an inconclusive national election did not produce a clear majority.
• Pakistan advances work on gas pipeline project with Iran to avoid fine: Report Press TV 21 Feb 2024 -- Pakistan has reportedly decided to advance much-delayed work on a joint gas pipeline project with Iran as a means of avoiding a whopping fine.
• Foreign Secretary's meeting with the Argentine Minister of Foreign Affairs, February 2024 UK FCDO 21 Feb 2024 -- Foreign Secretary David Cameron met the Argentine Minister of Foreign Affairs, Diana Mondino at the G20 Foreign Ministers' Summit in Rio de Janeiro on 21 February
• South Africa Sets Date for New Parliamentary Elections VOA 21 Feb 2024 -- South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa announced Wednesday that the country's next general elections will take place on May 29.
• G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting: Speech by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell at the session on 'The G20's role in dealing with the ongoing international tensions' European External Action Service (EEAS) 21 Feb 2024
• Hun Sen's youngest son named Cambodian deputy prime minister Radio Free Asia 21 Feb 2024 -- The family of former Prime Minister Hun Sen is solidifying its already iron grip on Cambodia after the National Assembly on Wednesday voted unanimously to appoint Minister of Civil Service Hun Many as a deputy prime minister.
• Cambodia's Hun Many is no mere spare for his PM brother Radio Free Asia 21 Feb 2024 -- It looks like Hun Many, the younger brother of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, wants more attention.
• World News in Brief: Ukraine attacks in Donetsk, Afghan quake costs, 'forever chemicals' dumped in US, benefits of multilingual education UN News 21 Feb 2024 -- As the war in Ukraine nears the two-year mark since Russia's full-scale invasion began, UN humanitarians reported on Wednesday that attacks along the frontline in the Donetsk region had disrupted clean water supplies in Kramatorsk City.
• 'India Out' Campaign Gains Traction in Bangladesh VOA 21 Feb 2024 -- Opponents of Bangladesh's Awami League, frustrated by the Sheikh Hasina-led party's runaway victory in elections last month, are promoting a boycott of goods made in neighboring India, which they suspect of covertly working to keep Hasina in power.
• After Navalny's Death, Family of Jailed Azerbaijani Activist Fears for His Life VOA 21 Feb 2024 -- The prison death last week of Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny has elevated fears for the welfare of politically active prisoners in neighboring Azerbaijan, including economist Gubad Ibadoglu.
• Kenya's Government Says it is Taking Steps to Ease Cost of Living VOA 21 Feb 2024 -- Kenya's government says it is committed to building the economy by increasing revenue collection, reducing government spending, and ensuring the country is able to repay its debt and live within its means.
• US Ambassador Meets With Gabon Coup Leader VOA 21 Feb 2024 -- A U.S. delegation met with the military ruler of Gabon on Tuesday and reiterated the need for a quick return to constitutional order six months after the nation's August 30 coup.
• Isolated in Europe, Hungary's Prime Minister Hopes for Return of Trump VOA 21 Feb 2024 -- Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been in power for almost 14 years, making him the European Union's longest-serving head of state. Critics at home and abroad say the 52-year-old has systematically tightened his grip on power by eroding democratic institutions and has long been a thorn in the side of European and NATO unity, threatening to block support for Ukraine and European Union sanctions on Russia.