• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Defense Policy / Programs

• Defense Intelligence Officials Underscore Need for Key Authorities to Counter Evolving Threats DoD News 12 Apr 2024 -- Defense intelligence officials underscored this week the critical role authorities under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act serve in defending against foreign adversaries amid an increasingly challenging national security landscape.
• Readout of Deputy Secretary of Defense Hicks' Meeting with Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra DoD 12 Apr 2024
• Essential to the future: Black Beauty Reservoir important part of HWAD Army News 12 Apr 2024 -- The Hawthorne Army Depot is the largest ammunition storage depot in the world, and it houses the most up-to-date and versatile demilitarization facility in the United States.
• The Department of Defense Releases the Updated Strategic Management Plan for Fiscal Years 2022 - 2026 DoD 12 Apr 2024 -- Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks has approved the updated Fiscal Years 2022 - 2026 DoD Strategic Management Plan.
• Top Concern of Transcom Is Sealift and Air Refueling DoD News 12 Apr 2024 -- The number one readiness concern of U.S. Transportation Command is sealift and air refueling, said Air Force Gen. Jacqueline D. Van Ovost, Transcom's commander.
• NPS President Explores Links Between Additive Manufacturing, Warfighting Readiness With Panelists at Sea-Air-Space US Navy 12 Apr 2024 -- One of the key measures of effectiveness for any warfighting organization is materiel readiness - the ability to maintain ships, aircraft, vehicles and weapons systems, keeping them in the fight. Ensuring materiel readiness has posed a challenge for military forces since the dawn of warfare, particularly in expeditionary environments where logistics chains are difficult and often contested.
• Japan, Republic of Korea, U.S. Navies Partner in Trilateral Maritime Exercise US Navy 12 Apr 2024 -- The U.S. Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN), conducted a trilateral maritime exercise, reaffirming their commitment to bolstering regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific, April 11-12.
• USS Gunston Hall Returns Home After NATO Exercise Steadfast Defender 2024 US Navy 12 Apr 2024 -- The Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) returned home to Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, April 11, following Steadfast Defender 2024, NATO's largest exercise in decades.
• U. S. Navy Accepts Delivery of Future USS Richard M. McCool Jr. US Navy 12 Apr 2024 -- The U.S. Navy accepted delivery of the future San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD 29) from HII's Ingalls Shipbuilding, April 11.
• SECNAV Del Toro Delivers Remarks at the USS Constellation (FFG 62) Keel Laying US Navy 12 Apr 2024
• SECNAV Del Toro Celebrates the Keel Laying of the Future USS Constellation (FFG 62) US Navy Press Release 12 Apr 2024 -- Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro traveled to Marinette, Wisconsin, to celebrate the keel laying for the future USS Constellation (FFG 62), April 12.
• Army signs wide-ranging procurement agreement to cut costs Army News 12 Apr 2024 -- The Army and a Minnesota Service Cooperative have formalized a 10-year renewable partnership to sustain garrisons across the nation. In a Pentagon signing ceremony on Wednesday, April 10, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment Rachel Jacobson said she was excited to partner with Sourcewell, the Minnesota local unit of government that provides cooperative purchasing nationwide to help local, state, and federal agencies operate efficiently.
• Pennsylvania Guard WMD Civil Support Team Completes Exercise Army News 12 Apr 2024 -- The Pennsylvania National Guard's 3rd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team conducted a training exercise April 11 to validate its proficiency.
• Transcom Commander Testifies on Top Readiness Concerns DoD News 12 Apr 2024 -- Sealift and aerial refueling capabilities are top readiness concerns for U.S. Transportation Command, Air Force Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost told the Senate Armed Services Committee yesterday.
• Joint Readout of Inaugural U.S.-Philippines 3+3 Meeting The White House 12 Apr 2024
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo, Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro, and Philippine National Security Advisor Eduardo M. Año Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 12 Apr 2024
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Remarks Welcoming Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the Pentagon DoD 12 Apr 2024
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. DoD 12 Apr 2024
• Austin Emphasizes U.S. Commitment to Defend Philippines DoD News 12 Apr 2024 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III today hosted an enhanced honor cordon and meeting to welcome Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the Pentagon.
• NATO releases first international strategy on biotechnology and human enhancement technologies NATO 12 Apr 2024 -- NATO Allies broke new ground by adopting the first international strategy to govern the responsible development and use of biotechnologies and human enhancement technologies at a meeting of Allied Defence Ministers in February. On Friday (12 April 2024), NATO released a public version of the strategy.
• Iceland hosts NATO's Cyber Threat Intelligence Conference in Reykjavik "Government of Iceland 12 Apr 2024 -- Over 200 cyber security experts from NATO member states took part in NATO's Cyber Threat Intelligence Conference in Reykjavík on 9-11 April.
• Defence Staff Chief of the Russian Armed Forces holds a meeting of CSTO Military Committee Russia MoD 12 Apr 2024 -- Chief of General Staff General of the Russian Armed Forces - First Deputy Defence Minister Valery Gerasimov chaired a teleconference of the CSTO Military Committee.
• Russia Successfully Test Launches ICBM of Mobile Ground-Based Complex Sputnik 12 Apr 2024 -- Russia carried out a successful test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) of a mobile ground-based missile complex from the Kapustin Yar test site, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Friday.
• Ukraine Asks France to Help Hold Positions in 2024 to Launch New Counteroffensive - Reports Sputnik 12 Apr 2024 -- Kiev has asked Paris to help the Ukrainian military hold the positions on the battlefield this year so that it can launch a new counteroffensive in 2025, a French official who took part in the talks with the Ukrainian authorities has told Le Figaro newspaper.
• New Mobilization Law in Ukraine May Go Into Effect in Second Half of May - Lawmaker Sputnik 12 Apr 2024 -- The law tightening mobilization in Ukraine may go into effect in the second half of May, Yevheniya Kravchuk, a member of the Ukrainian parliament, said on Friday.
• Netherlands Pledges Additional 1 Billion Euros In Military Support For Ukraine RFE/RL 12 Apr 2024 -- The Netherlands will provide Ukraine with an additional 1 billion euros ($1.06 billion) in military support this year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on April 12.
• China Castigates 'Dangerous' US Decision to Put Mid-Range Missiles in Asia-Pacific Sputnik 12 Apr 2024 -- The US decision to deploy intermediate-range missiles in the Asia-Pacific region is a dangerous trend and China will resolutely oppose it, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian said on Friday.
• Australian company integrates into US nuclear-powered submarine supply chain Australia DOD 12 Apr 2024 -- The Albanese Government welcomes the initial purchase order of processed Australian steel by a major U.S. military shipbuilder, marking another important milestone in the AUKUS partnership and providing significant boost for the defence industry and local jobs.
• President Macron Plans to Boost Military Production in France Sputnik 12 Apr 2024 -- French defense companies need to further increase military production in the country, French President Emmanuel Macron said during a visit to explosives production plant Eurenco.
• New procurement rules help rapid fitting of military laser to Royal Navy ships UK MOD 12 Apr 2024 -- following defence procurement reforms, with DragonFire to be on Royal Navy warships from 2027.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Shoukry US Dept. of State 12 Apr 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Jordanian Foreign Minister Safadi US Dept. of State 12 Apr 2024

Defense Industry

• Contracts For April 12, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 12 April 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 12 Apr 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, April 12, 2024 Israel Defense Forces 12 Apr 2024
• Zionist regime arrested 15,000 Palestinians since Al-Aqsa storm operation IRNA 12 Apr 2024 -- Media affiliated with the Zionist regime announced that thousands of 15,000 people in Gaza have been arrested by the Zionist forces since the Al-Aqsa storm operation on October 7, 2023.
• Israel releases video of aid truck entering Gaza VOA 12 Apr 2024 -- The Israeli government Friday released video it said showed the first humanitarian aid trucks entering northern Gaza through a newly opened aid corridor.
• April 11: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 12 Apr 2024
• Dozens killed in Israeli bombing of Palestinian home in Gaza City Press TV 12 Apr 2024 -- Israeli warplanes have conducted fresh air raids on the besieged Gaza Strip, killing a total of 30 Palestinians and wounding dozens.
• Gaza: No improvement in aid access to north, insists senior UN aid official UN News 12 Apr 2024 -- The situation for Gazans remains dire despite hopes stemming from recent commitments by Israel to boost assistance, the UN's top aid official in the Occupied Palestinian Territory said on Friday.
• UN Security Council voices 'grave concern' over killing of charity staff in Gaza Press TV 12 Apr 2024 -- The UN Security Council has expressed "grave concern" over an Israeli airstrike that killed seven members of the US-based charity, World Central Kitchen earlier this month in the Gaza Strip.
• UN: Massive aid must enter Gaza to avoid catastrophic outcome VOA 12 Apr 2024 -- A senior U.N. official warned of a catastrophic outcome for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians living precariously in war-torn Gaza if humanitarian aid delivery into the territory is not massively expanded in the coming days.
• Designating Hamas Cyber and UAV-Unit Operatives US Dept. of State 12 Apr 2024 -- Operatives of terrorist group Hamas have used information warfare and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to facilitate terrorist violence across multiple fronts. In coordination with our international partners, the United States is today taking action against Hamas by targeting four Gaza- and Lebanon-based leaders of the terrorist group's cyber and UAV operations.
• Treasury Targets Hamas UAV Unit Officials and Cyber Actor US Treasury 12 Apr 2024 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is taking action against Hamas, targeting Gaza- and Lebanon-based leaders of the terrorist group's offensive cyber and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations. Concurrent with this action, the European Union is imposing sanctions targeting Hamas.
• US Moving More Assets to Mideast to Bolster Deterrence Ahead of Iran Retaliation Sputnik 12 Apr 2024 -- The US military is moving additional assets into the Middle East to bolster deterrence and force protection ahead of an anticipated Iranian retaliatory strike against Israel, a US defense official told Sputnik on Friday.
• Iran stresses need for greater pressure on Israel to stop 'genocide' Press TV 12 Apr 2024 -- Iran has underlined the need for greater pressure on Israel to stop the war and genocide in Gaza, and end the policy of starving Gazans and imposing famine on the residents of the coastal territory.
• Nordic statement on the opening of the port of Ashdod and the Erez crossing 12 April 2024 Government of Norway 12 Apr 2024 -- The Nordic countries welcome the Israeli government's announcement that life-saving humanitarian assistance to Gaza can be received in the port of Ashdod, that the Erez crossing will be reopened to facilitate entry to north Gaza, and that humanitarian assistance from Jordan entering through Kerem Shalom crossing in the south will be increased.
• EU blacklists three Palestinian entities IRNA 12 Apr 2024 -- The European Union, in a statement continuing to support the criminal Zionist regime and ignore the killing of the defenseless and oppressed Palestinians in Gaza, blacklisted three military wings of Hamas as well as the Islamic Jihad Movement for their participation in the Al-Aqsa storm operation.
• France, India, Russia, UK warn citizens to travel to Israel Press TV 12 Apr 2024 -- Several countries including France, India, Russia, Poland and the United Kingdom have warned their citizens against traveling to Israel, amid Iran's expected response to a terrorist strike by the regime on the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital earlier this month.
• No consensus achieved on full UN membership for Palestine: Report IRNA 12 Apr 2024 -- President of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for April Vanessa Frazier says that the members of the Council have failed to reach a consensus on Palestine's application for full UN membership.
• UN fails to accept Palestine statehood amid US opposition Press TV 12 Apr 2024 -- Members of the UN Security Council have failed to reach a consensus on the Palestinian bid to become a full member state of the United Nations.
• Military Wing of Palestinian Group Islamic Jihad Announces Attack on Israel's Sderot Sputnik 12 Apr 2024 -- Al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement, announced a rocket attack on Israel's Sderot.
• Hezbollah launches rockets, drones into Israel as US warns Iran VOA 12 Apr 2024 -- U.S. President Joe Biden delivered a stern, one-word warning to Iran on Friday as the world braced for Tehran to exact revenge for a deadly Israeli airstrike on its embassy compound in Damascus, Syria.
• Lebanese Hezbollah Fires Dozens of Missiles at Israeli Positions - Statement Sputnik 12 Apr 2024 -- The Lebanese movement Hezbollah said on Friday that it has fired dozens of missiles at Israeli artillery positions.
• Israel failed to eliminate Hamas, free its captives: Haniyeh Press TV 12 Apr 2024 -- The leader of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, says Israel has failed to achieve any of the declared goals of its war on Gaza, including eliminating the group and freeing its captives.
• Israeli regime in "unprecedented isolation": Hamas IRNA 12 Apr 2024 -- Head of the Hamas Political Bureau Ismail Haniyeh says that what is happening in the corridors of diplomacy indicates "an unprecedented isolation" for the Israeli occupation entity.

Other Conflicts

• Botswana objects to G7-EU diamond-tracking system VOA 12 Apr 2024 -- African diamond producers, led by Botswana, are demanding a review of the tracking and verification system that European Union and G7 nations introduced March 1.
• Israel Prepared to Defend Itself Against Looming Iranian Attack - Defense Minister Sputnik 12 Apr 2024 -- Israel is ready to defend itself against Iran's looming attack on the ground and in the air in close cooperation with partners, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Friday.
• Israel Expects Iran's Direct Attack Within Next 24 to 48 Hours - Reports Sputnik 12 Apr 2024 -- Israel is expecting a direct attack from Iran on southern or northern Israel within the next 24 to 48 hours, The Wall Street Journal has reported, citing a person familiar with the matter.
• Afghan forces arrest 2 Daesh terrorists in province bordering Iran Press TV 12 Apr 2024 -- Afghan security forces have arrested two members of the Daesh terrorist group in Nimruz Province bordering Iran.
• Germany detains Iraqi couple suspected of genocide against Yazidis VOA 12 Apr 2024 -- German officials are interrogating an Iraqi couple who are suspected of committing crimes that may amount to genocide while they were associated with the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria between October 2015 and December 2017.
• Insurgents kidnap, kill 11 travelers in southwestern Pakistan VOA 12 Apr 2024 -- Police in southwestern Pakistan said Friday that separatist militants blocked a national highway linking the country to Iran, kidnapped 11 travelers and then shot them all to death.
• China raps attack on Iran consulate, urges US to play constructive role Press TV 12 Apr 2024 -- China has condemned the Israeli attack on Iran's diplomatic premises in Syria and called on the United States to play "a constructive role" in the West Asia region.
• Thailand ready for any scenario on Myanmar border, foreign minister says Radio Free Asia 12 Apr 2024 -- Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has discouraged Myanmar's junta from further violence in the border region after the army lost a major border town, the Thai foreign minister said Friday.
• EU Wants 'Substantial' Talks Between Armenia, Azerbaijan, Says Envoy RFE/RL 12 Apr 2024 -- A top EU diplomat on April 11 said he wants to see "genuine, substantial negotiations" between Armenia and Azerbaijan leading to a peace treaty, agreements on border delimitation, and opening of transport links.
• Secretary-General's remarks for the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda UN Secretary-General 12 Apr 2024
• UN pays tribute to victims and survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda UN News 12 Apr 2024 -- The UN renewed its commitment to never forget the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda during a candle lighting ceremony on Friday to mark 30 years since the horrific events there unfolded.
• The United States Welcomes Establishment of Haiti's Transitional Presidential Council US Dept. of State 12 Apr 2024 -- The United States welcomes today's establishment of a Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) in Haiti.
• Memorandum on Delegation of Authority Under Section 506(a)(2) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 The White House 12 Apr 2024 -- "direct the drawdown of up to $60 million in articles and services from the inventory and resources of any agency of the United States Government and military education and training from the Department of Defense (...) to the Multinational Security Support Mission for Haiti and to the Haitian National Police"
• Rape, murder and hunger: The legacy of Sudan's year of war UN News 12 Apr 2024 -- Rape. Murder. Hunger. Corpses filling streets, making it impossible to walk. Sudan was plunged into an ongoing, devastating war one year ago on 15 April, leaving in its wake almost 15,000 dead, eight million civilians on the run, 25 million in dire need of assistance and warnings from humanitarians about famine, aid blockades and a growing list of atrocities on all sides.
• Canada provides funding to Sudan and neighbouring countries to respond to humanitarian needs Canada 12 Apr 2024 -- The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, accompanied by members of Canada's Sudanese community, announced today in Toronto, Ontario, that Canada is providing $132.2 million in international assistance funding, including $100.7 million in humanitarian assistance funding and $31.5 million in development assistance funding, to address urgent needs in Sudan and its neighbouring countries: the Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia and South Sudan.

News Reports

• Belgium investigates alleged Russian interference in EU elections VOA 12 Apr 2024 -- Belgium authorities are investigating suspected Russian interference in upcoming European parliamentary elections, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said Friday, after claims that lawmakers were paid to promote Kremlin propaganda.
• Executive Order on COVID-⁠19 and Public Health Preparedness and Response The White House 12 Apr 2024
• PET releases an English version national risk assessment of terrorist financing Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET) 12 Apr 2024-- The Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET) releases its third National risk assessment of terrorist financing. The objective of the risk assessment is to prevent terrorist financing in Denmark and abroad.
• Taking Actions to Reduce Russia's Revenue from Metals Trade US Dept. of State 12 Apr 2024 -- The United States, in coordination with the United Kingdom, is today taking additional actions to disrupt Russian revenue from its metals trading by prohibiting the importation into the United States of aluminum, copper, and nickel of Russian origin.
• United States and United Kingdom Take Action to Reduce Russian Revenue from Metals US Treasury 12 Apr 2024 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, in coordination with the United Kingdom, issued two new prohibitions to disrupt the revenue that Russia earns from its export of aluminum, copper, and nickel.
• UK and U.S. to clamp down harder on the trade of Russian metals UK FCDO 12 Apr 2024 -- Today's action brings the world's two largest metal exchanges into the scope of existing bans.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks at the meeting of Russia-Central Asia foreign ministers, Minsk, April 12, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 12 Apr 2024
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and CIS Secretary-General Sergey Lebedev make remarks and reply to questions at a joint news conference following the CIS Council of Foreign Ministers, Minsk, April 12, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 12 Apr 2024
• First Launch of Russian Methane-Powered Rocket Amur to Take Place in 2030 Sputnik 12 Apr 2024 -- The first launch of the Russian-made methane-powered carrier rocket Amur-LNG with a reversible first stage is planned for 2030, Russian Trade Minister Denis Manturov said on Friday.
• Tajik Foreign Minister Speaks Out About Treatment Of Crocus City Hall Suspects RFE/RL 12 Apr 2024 -- Tajikistan's foreign minister on April 12 condemned the treatment of the mostly Tajik suspects in last month's terrorist attack on a Moscow-area concert hall that killed more than 140 people.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on April 12, 2024 PRC MofA 12 Apr 2024
• China blasts US-Japan-Philippines summit, lodges representations Global Times 12 Apr 2024 -- Chinese authorities on Friday expressed strong opposition to the US, Japan and Philippines' highly-targeted summit in Washington, as the group vowed to enhance military ties to cope with "China's threats," ignoring its deeds that undermine regional peace and stability.
• Never mind the overcapacity, have some dim sum! Radio Free Asia 12 Apr 2024 -- China's state media appeared keen this week to portray U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen as a relatable grandmother figure, showing her out and about at restaurants, quaffing beer and using chopsticks with a practiced hand, despite slow progress on intractable trade issues.
• EU's 'market distortion' claim against China a serious mistake: commerce ministry Global Times 12 Apr 2024 -- The EU's unilateral adoption of so-called "market distortion" criteria to evaluate China's economy is a serious mistake and severely undermines the authority of the WTO rules system, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said Thursday, while calling for an immediate halt to this wrong approach from the EU.
• German chancellor heads to Beijing amid efforts to balance trade, geopolitical concerns VOA 12 Apr 2024 -- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will kick off a three-day visit to China Saturday, aiming to double down on Germany's deep economic ties with China amid rising trade tension between Beijing and the European Union.
• China Blasts Kishida's Speech to US Congress Sputnik 12 Apr 2024 -- In response to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's comments during his address to the US Congress, the Chinese Embassy in Washington told Sputnik that it expressed opposition to any rhetoric that tarnishes China's international image.
• Hong Kong jails Portuguese national for overseas social media posts Radio Free Asia 12 Apr 2024 -- A court in Hong Kong has handed a five-year jail term to a dual Portuguese national for "incitement to secession" after he headed a political party to campaign for independence that was registered in the United Kingdom.
• Former chairman of China Everbright Group indicted for embezzlement, bribery People's Daily 12 Apr 2024 -- Tang Shuangning, former chairman of China Everbright Group, has been indicted on charges of embezzlement and taking bribes, according to the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) Friday.
• China issues key document to tackle risks, promote high-quality development in capital market Global Times 12 Apr 2024 -- China's State Council, the cabinet, on Friday released a sweeping guideline, only the third of its kind, to strengthen regulation, tackle risks and promote the high-quality development of the capital market, as the country moves to build itself into a global financial powerhouse.
• Queqiao-2 relay satellite mission a complete success, capable of providing service for future lunar exploration: CNSA Global Times 12 Apr 2024 -- China National Space Administration (CNSA) announced on Friday that Queqiao-2 relay satellite mission completed in-orbit communication tests and it has been a complete success. The satellite is capable of providing relay communication services for the fourth phase of the lunar exploration project and subsequent domestic and international lunar exploration missions.
• Ma-Xi meeting outlet for de-escalating tensions: Academic CNA 12 Apr 2024 -- The meeting between Taiwan's former President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) and Chinese leader Xi Jinping (習近平) in Beijing on Wednesday offered an outlet for de-escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait, an academic said Friday.
• Commentary: Xi's meeting with Ma injects positive energy to relations across Taiwan Strait People's Daily 12 Apr 2024 -- The recent meeting of Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, with a Taiwan delegation led by Ma Ying-jeou has injected stability and positive energy into the relations across the Taiwan Strait.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Apr. 12, 2024 ROC MND 12 Apr 2024
• Int'l Security Analyst on U.S. Attempt to Deploy Intermediate-range Missiles in Asia-Pacific Region KCNA 12 Apr 2024 -- Jong Min, an international security analyst of the DPRK, issued the following article "U.S. attempt to deploy intermediate-range missiles causes strategic instability in Asia-Pacific region" on Friday:
• Talks Held between Choe Ryong Hae and Zhao Leji KCNA 12 Apr 2024 -- Talks were held here on Thursday between Choe Ryong Hae, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), first vice-president of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly, and Zhao Leji, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the C.C., Communist Party of China (CPC) and chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China (PRC).
• WPK Central Committee and DPRK Government Host Banquet in Honor of Party and Government Delegation of PRC KCNA 12 Apr 2024 -- The Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and the government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) hosted a banquet at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on Thursday evening in welcome of the party and government delegation of the People's Republic of China (PRC) on an official goodwill visit to the DPRK.
• Chinese Party and Government Delegation Arrives in Pyongyang KCNA 12 Apr 2024 -- A party and government delegation of the People's Republic of China (PRC) headed by Zhao Leji, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the Communist Party of China (CPC) and chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the PRC, arrived here on April 11 to pay an official goodwill visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) at the invitation of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and the government of the DPRK.
• Key Iranian Commanders Are Being Assassinated Abroad. How Will That Affect Tehran's Proxy Network? RFE/RL 12 Apr 2024 -- Israel appears to have ramped up an assassination campaign against key Iranian generals and commanders based abroad in recent months.
• Tehran Police To Launch New Phase Of Hijab Enforcement RFE/RL 12 Apr 2024 -- Tehran police said they will launch a new phase of enforcement of the mandatory hijab law from April 13 even though the new "hijab and chastity" bill has yet to be approved by the country's Guardians Council.
• Argentine Court Finds Iran, Proxies To Blame For 1994 Jewish Center Bombing RFE/RL 12 Apr 2024 -- A high court in Argentina has ruled that Iran, and its Lebanese proxy Hizballah, are responsible for the 1994 bombing of a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires that killed 85 people and injured some 300 others.
• Myanmar democracy icon Suu Kyi believed held in solitary confinement in Naypyidaw Prison Radio Free Asia 12 Apr 2024 -- For over a year, the whereabouts of Myanmar's jailed democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi has been a mystery. But a source close to her legal team told Radio Free Asia they believe she is in solitary confinement in Naypyidaw Prison, in the capital.
• Mideast tensions loom ahead of Biden meeting with Iraqi PM al-Sudani VOA 12 Apr 2024 -- President Joe Biden is set to welcome Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on Monday, with the threat of a Gaza war spillover looming in the background. Security officials are on guard against expected Iranian retaliation for an attack on its consulate in Damascus earlier this month.
• Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (April 12, 2024) India MEA 12 Apr 2024
• L. Kasčiūnas discussed bilateral relations and security situation with Minister of Defence of Slovenia Lithuania MND 12 Apr 2024 -- On April 12 Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas met with Minister of Defence of Slovenia Marjan Šarec. Ministers discussed bilateral relations in defence area and security situation.
• Mexico asks UN to expel Equador following embassy raid Press TV 12 Apr 2024 -- Mexico has lodged a formal complaint with United Nation's top court to expel Ecuador from the UN, in response to an armed raid on its embassy in Quito last week.
• With new trilateral partnership, Philippines eyes more foreign investment Radio Free Asia 12 Apr 2024 -- The Philippines stands to reap an economic windfall through a new security partnership with the U.S. and Japan that their leaders unveiled at a Washington summit Thursday, in seeking to dull the edge of China's influence in the Asia-Pacific.
• Wave of increased food insecurity hits West and Central Africa UN News 12 Apr 2024 -- Almost 55 million people are facing further food and nutrition insecurity in West and Central Africa during the region's three-month lean season from June through August, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) said on Friday.
• Worsening hunger grips West and Central Africa amid persistent conflict and economic turmoil WFP 12 Apr 2024 -- Nearly 55 million people in West and Central Africa will struggle to feed themselves in the June-August 2024 lean season, according to the March 2024 Cadre Harmonisé food security analysis released by the Permanent Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS).
• World News in Brief: Looming famine threat for Sudan, 3.3 million in need near Ukraine frontline, Haiti update, there's a place for all in outer space UN News 12 Apr 2024 -- UN humanitarians in Sudan issued a fresh alert on Friday about pervasive food insecurity and looming famine.
• Will donors help prevent famine at Sudan support conference? VOA 12 Apr 2024 -- Humanitarians said an international support conference next week for Sudan must be a success, as 18 million Sudanese face crisis levels of hunger while funding for lifesaving programs is running out.
• Designations of Former Surinamese President Desiré Delano Bouterse and Six Former Surinamese Military Officials Due to Involvement in Gross Violations of Human Rights US Dept. of State 12 Apr 2024 -- The United States is today announcing the designations of former Surinamese President Bouterse and six former Surinamese military officials: Benny Brondenstein, Stephanus Marinus Dendoe, Iwan Dijksteel, Ernst Gefferie, Kenneth Kempes, and Lucien Lewis pursuant to Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, due to their involvement in extrajudicial killings of political opponents during the "December Murders" of 1982.
• Mali junta bans media from covering politics VOA 12 Apr 2024 -- Mali's junta has issued an order that bans media from reporting on activities of political parties and associations.
• National ID card issue hangs over planned South Sudanese elections VOA 12 Apr 2024 -- Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudanese residents have been working to build their country, the world's youngest nation.