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• Statement from President Joe Biden on the House's National Security Supplemental The White House 17 Apr 2024
• Biden calls for quick congressional passage of Ukraine, Israel aid VOA 17 Apr 2024 -- U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday voiced his strong support for more military aid for Ukraine and Israel and humanitarian assistance for Palestinians in Gaza after House Speaker Mike Johnson said the House of Representatives will vote on the funding packages Saturday night.
• Statement by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on the Upcoming Vote on Reauthorization and Reform of FISA Section 702 The White House 17 Apr 2024
• US, China defense chiefs hold first call since 2022 VOA 17 Apr 2024 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his Chinese counterpart on Tuesday, the first dialogue between the two countries' defense chiefs in nearly 17 months.
• Chinese, US defense ministers hold talks; Taiwan question, South China Sea issue remain focus Global Times 17 Apr 2024 -- Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun spoke with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin via a video call on Tuesday at the latter's invitation. Dong said that China will never compromise on the Taiwan question and urged the US to recognize China's firm stance, respect China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea, according to a handout published by Chinese Ministry of National Defense on Wednesday.
• DOD Announces Next Round of Projects to Receive Funding From Pilot Program to Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT) DoD 17 Apr 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). This is the second tranche of projects to be selected during Fiscal Year 2024, and the first tranche awarded after the Department received a full appropriation for FY 2024.
• Austin, Brown Underscore Importance of Passing DOD's Proposed FY25 Budget DoD News 17 Apr 2024 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., testified to the importance of passing the Defense Department's fiscal year 2025 budget request during a House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense hearing today.
• DOD Priorities: Increasing Health, Energy Resilience, Bolstering Infrastructure DoD News 17 Apr 2024 -- Defense Department quality of life issues for service members, military construction and toxic chemical cleanup are being addressed in President Joe Biden's fiscal year 2025 budget request.
• Brown: Joint Force Must Continually Drive Change as Threats Evolve DoD News 17 Apr 2024 -- The Defense Department must continually drive change and anticipate emerging threats to meet evolving national security demands, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., said yesterday.
• Kendall, Allvin, Saltzman continue modernization drumbeat, need for Congress to approve budgets on time US Air Force 17 Apr 2024 -- Department of the Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall and the top-ranking military leaders from the Air Force and Space Force told a House committee April 17 that adequately defending the nation against modern-day adversaries demands the services modernize quickly and that Congress deliver funding in a timely and predictable manner.
• SECNAV Del Toro Meets with Wisconsin Governor, Michigan Cabinet, and Leadership of Fincantieri Marinette Marine US Navy Press Release 17 Apr 2024 -- Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro and senior members of his staff met with Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, members of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer's cabinet, and the leadership of Fincantieri Marinette Marine to coalesce federal, state, and local initiatives to ensure timely completion and delivery of the Constellation-class frigate.
• USS Albany Arrives in Faslane US Navy 17 Apr 2024 -- The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Albany (SSN 753) arrived in Faslane, Scotland for a scheduled port visit, April 17, 2024.
• Corvus Dawn: Innovation in the Indo-Pacific USMC News 17 Apr 2024 -- Focused on strengthening the operational ability of 3rd Radio Battalion (RADBN), exercise Corvus Dawn 24 sharpened the unit's capacity to deliver technical information-related capabilities to III MEF and the joint and multi-national force throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Rehearsing with a focus on redundant, resilient, and reliant capabilities. This exercise showcased the unit's ability to address dynamic challenges within this strategic area of operations.
• Why Sweden joined NATO - a paradigm shift in Sweden's foreign and security policy Government Offices of Sweden 17 Apr 2024 -- Speech by Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström at Selwyn College, Cambridge, 16 April 2024.
• Deputy Secretary General praises Italy's role in NATO, calls for strengthened cooperation with partners NATO 17 Apr 2024 -- Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană concluded a visit with NATO Permanent Representatives to Italy on Tuesday (16 April 2024) with an address in Rome marking the Alliance's 75th anniversary. Speaking at the Società Italiana per l'Organizzazione Internazionale (SIOI), Mr Geoană praised Italy's role in NATO, calling Italy an "indispensable Ally."
• Canada joins NATO air munitions initiative NATO 17 Apr 2024 -- Canada has joined NATO's Air Battle Decisive Munitions (ABDM) framework, which reduces the costs and delivery times of ammunition.
• NATO and industry work together to strengthen maritime surveillance NATO 17 Apr 2024 -- On 16 - 17 April 2024, more than 200 industry representatives and government officials met at NATO Headquarters to address the most pressing challenges in the maritime domain. They reviewed how industry can better support NATO in the use of emerging and disruptive technologies for operational problems.
• Russian Defence Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu inspects compliance with instructions on development of robotic systems, advanced weapons systems, as well as military support Russia MoD 17 Apr 2024 -- At the Patriot Congress and Exhibition Centre, the head of the Russian military department received reports from the deputy defence ministers of the Russian Federation and the heads of central military directorates of the Russian Ministry of Defence on new scientific and technical developments in the Russian Armed Forces' combat service support system.
• Russian Army's Robotization Advances by Leaps and Bounds Amid Ukraine Conflict Sputnik 17 Apr 2024 -- The high-intensity conflict in Ukraine has transformed robotic systems into an indispensable tool on the battlefield, prompting Russia's engineers to move forward in research, subsequently ushering in cutting-edge innovations.
• Russian Fire Support Robot to Get Machine Gun Boost, Says Defense Minister Sputnik 17 Apr 2024 -- Russian Defense Minister Shoigu has ordered the fire support robot to be upgraded with a machine gun in order to enhance its capabilities for storming Ukrainian positions within the special military operation zone.
• Facing Republican Revolt, House Speaker Pushes Ahead On U.S. Aid For Ukraine, Other Allies RFE/RL 17 Apr 2024 -- House Speaker Mike Johnson (Republican-Louisiana) pushed back on April 16 against mounting anger within his own party over proposed U.S. security aid for Ukraine, Israel, and other allies, and rejected a call to step aside or risk a vote to oust him from office.
• Increasing Military Aid: The State and Business Implement the "Defence Partners" Project President of Ukraine 17 Apr 2024
• Andriy Yermak: Security Agreement with the United States Should Be Exemplary President of Ukraine 17 Apr 2024
• NATO Secretary General and the Prime Ministers of the Netherlands, Denmark and Czechia discuss support to Ukraine NATO 17 Apr 2024 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, and the Prime Minister of Czechia, Petr Fiala, to NATO Headquarters on Wednesday (17 April 2024).
• Countries In Czech-Led Initiative Pledge Enough To Buy 500,000 Shells For Ukraine RFE/RL 17 Apr 2024 -- Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said on April 16 that 20 countries had pledged enough money to buy 500,000 artillery shells under the Czech Republic's international fundraising drive to buy badly needed ammunition for the Ukrainian Army.
• Drone Coalitions first shipment will soon reach Ukraine Latvia MOD 17 Apr 2024 -- Latvia will soon send Ukraine the first batch of unmanned aerial vehicles organized by the state in cooperation with local industry. This is the first significant contribution of Latvia in the framework of the coalition.
• The President called on EU leaders to increase support for Ukraine and provide it with all necessary air defense capabilities President of the Republic of Lithuania 17 Apr 2024 -- President Gitanas Nausėda is attending the European Council meeting in Brussels on April 17-18. Wednesday evening, European leaders discussed support for Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and EU-Türkiye relations.
• PLA Southern Theater Command conducts live-fire air defense exercises on China-Myanmar border Global Times 17 Apr 2024 -- The Southern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) will organize its land and air forces to conduct live-fire air defense exercises on the Chinese side of China-Myanmar border starting from Wednesday, the Southern Theater Command confirmed in a statement on Wednesday.
• Defense minister defends estimated cost of indigenous sub program CNA 17 Apr 2024 -- Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng (邱國正) on Wednesday defended the Indigenous Defense Submarine (IDS) program and said claims by local media that the cost per sub would soar were "unfair."
• Defence strategy homes in on Australia's greatest risks Australia DOD 17 Apr 2024 -- The Australian Government has released the inaugural National Defence Strategy (NDS) and 2024 Integrated Investment Program (IIP).
• 2024 National Defence Strategy Australia DOD 17 Apr 2024 -- Today, the Albanese Government has released the inaugural National Defence Strategy, which sets out a fundamentally new approach to the defence of Australia and our interests.
• 2024 Integrated Investment Program Australia DOD 17 Apr 2024 -- The Albanese Government has boosted Defence spending to deliver the 2024 National Defence Strategy and build an integrated, focused force that is ready to deter potential threats.
• SPACE, a premier testing & evaluation hub for sonar systems for Indian Navy, set up by DRDO, inaugurated in Kerala India PIB 17 Apr 2024 -- A state-of-the-art Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and Evaluation (SPACE) was inaugurated by Secretary, Department of Defence (R&D) and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat at Underwater Acoustic Research Facility, Kulamavu in Idukki, Kerala on April 17, 2024
• Japan sending special unit to Asia-Pacific 'endangers regional stability' Global Times 17 Apr 2024 -- After Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force announced its intention to dispatch a special security unit to the Asia-Pacific region, Chinese observers said the move is to deter China's influence in region and it constitutes a major breakthrough for Japan in the military field to cooperate with US regional strategies, which threatens regional peace and stability.
• A look at the Defence news 8 - 14 April Netherlands Ministry of Defence 17 Apr 2024
• Petr Fiala discusses deeper Czech-U.S. cooperation in the U.S. Congress Government of the Czech Republic 17 Apr 2024 -- On Tuesday 16 April 2024, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala held talks in the U.S. Congress, mainly on Czech-U.S. relations, and also on the U.S. aid package for Ukraine and other countries, which is pending in the House of Representatives.
• Japan-Republic of Korea-United States Trilateral Ministerial Joint Press Statement US Treasury 17 Apr 2024 -- Today, we, the Finance Ministers of Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States held our first trilateral meeting in Washington, DC. Our discussion builds on our Trilateral Leaders' Summit last August in Camp David, and affirms the importance of our relationship to our own economies and to the global economy.
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Italian Foreign Minister Tajani US Dept. of State 17 Apr 2024
• Readout of Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer's Call with President Irfaan Ali of Guyana The White House 17 Apr 2024
• Remarks by President Biden Before Air Force One Departure | Avoca, PA The White House 17 Apr 2024
• United States Welcomes Switzerland and Sweden's Signing of the Artemis Accords US Dept. of State 17 Apr 2024 -- Yesterday, the United States welcomed Switzerland and Sweden into the Artemis Accords family as we strengthen collaboration in space, to include scientific research, education, commercial ventures, and efforts to ensure the sustainable use of space environments.

Defense Industry

• Contracts For April 17, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 17 April 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 17 Apr 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Prime Minister's Office - Tekuma Authority Joint Announcement Israel - Prime Minister 17 Apr 2024
• April 16: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 17 Apr 2024
• Over 5,000 Palestinians nabbed in Gaza since October 7 IRNA 17 Apr 2024 -- The Gaza Government Media Office has declared that the Israeli regime's army has arrested and incarcerated more than 5,000 Palestinians in the besieged strip since October 7, 2023.
• Israel has killed more than 10,000 women in Gaza since October: UN Press TV 17 Apr 2024 -- The United Nations says more than 10,000 women have been killed in the besieged Gaza Strip since Israel launched its savage campaign in early October.
• Security Council Hears Briefing from Commissioner-General of Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in Near East UN Security Council 17 Apr 2024 -- The Security Council met this afternoon on the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine. The Council heard a briefing from Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
• $2.8 billion appeal for three million people in Gaza, West Bank UN News 17 Apr 2024 -- UN and partner agencies insisted on Wednesday that "critical changes" are needed to improve aid access into Gaza, as they launched a $2.8 billion appeal to provide urgent assistance for millions of people in the devastated enclave, but also in the West Bank, where Palestinians have been targeted by increasing settler violence.
• 'Insidious campaign' by Israel is denying life-saving aid to Gaza says UNRWA chief UN News 17 Apr 2024 -- The Commissioner-General of the UN relief agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) briefed the Security Council in New York on Wednesday as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, telling ambassadors that life-saving deliveries are being blocked by Israel as part of an "insidious campaign" to push it out of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
• Statement by the Commissioner-General of UNRWA to the Security Council UNRWA 17 Apr 2024
• Chief of relief agency UNRWA pushes back against Israeli accusations VOA 17 Apr 2024 -- The head of the embattled U.N. agency that assists Palestinian refugees said Wednesday that as famine is taking hold across Gaza, the agency is facing an Israeli campaign to push it out of the occupied Palestinian territories and prevent it from carrying out its humanitarian mission.
• 1.7 million Palestinians forcibly displaced in Gaza: UNHCR Press TV 17 Apr 2024 -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCR) has announced about 1.7 million Palestinians have been forcibly displaced inside Gaza due to Israel's genocidal war against the people of Palestine.
• Joint Statement by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell and Commissioner Janez Lenarčič on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and West Bank European Commission 17 Apr 2024
• Palestinians in Gaza are facing a devastating humanitarian crisis and an imminent risk of famine: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 17 Apr 2024 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on UNRWA.
• Qatar evaluating role as mediator between Israel, Hamas VOA 17 Apr 2024 -- Qatar is rethinking its role as a mediator between Israel and Hamas, its prime minister said Wednesday during a press conference with his Turkish counterpart in Doha.
• India treads carefully amid rising Middle East tensions VOA 17 Apr 2024 -- Mounting hostility between Israel and Iran is creating a diplomatic problem for India, which has long-standing and important relations with both countries.
• Israel has speeded up settlement expansion since October 7: Report Press TV 17 Apr 2024 -- Israel has accelerated its settlement expansion across East al-Quds since the regime launched its brutal campaign of death and destruction in the besieged Gaza Strip in early October, a report says.
• Hamas chief loses another close relative in Israeli raids IRNA 17 Apr 2024 -- Palestinian media outlets have reported that Head of the Political Bureau of the Hamas movement Ismail Haniyeh has lost his nephew in an Israeli attack.
• Hezbollah launches retaliatory strike in northern part of Israel VOA 17 Apr 2024 -- Lebanon's Hezbollah launched a missile strike Wednesday on a military base in northern Israel that left 14 soldiers wounded, six of them seriously, according to media reports.
• Explosions heard in Israeli Meron airbase IRNA 17 Apr 2024 -- The Israeli regime's news sources in the occupied lands have reported that the sound of an explosion was heard in the regime's Meron airbase, located in the north of occupied Palestine.
• Hezbollah targets Zionists' position in Branit Barracks IRNA 17 Apr 2024 -- The Islamic Resistance of Lebanon has conducted a missile attack on the headquarters of the 91st Division in Galilee in "Barnit" barracks.
• Hezbollah attack on Israeli military position injures 18: Reports Press TV 17 Apr 2024 -- At least 18 people have been injured, some of them seriously, in a drone and missile attack by Lebanon's resistance movement Hezbollah that hit an Israeli military center near the Lebanese border, Israeli media reported.
• Hezbollah pounds another Zionist military base IRNA 17 Apr 2024 -- Lebanon's Hezbollah Resistance Movement has targeted another Israel base in the continuation of the operation against the Zionist army and in support of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
• Zionist regime assassinates Hezbollah commander IRNA 17 Apr 2024 -- A senior commander pf Lebanon's Hezbollah Resistance Movement was assassinated in an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon on Tuesday.
• Israel's deterrence against Iran failed: Islamic Jihad official IRNA 17 Apr 2024 -- The Deputy Secretary General of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement has said that Iran's retaliatory missile and drone strikes against Israel exposed the regimes' deterrence, turning it into a failure.

Other Conflicts

• Army chief: Regret-inducing response awaits any aggression IRNA 17 Apr 2024 -- Iranian Army Chief Commander Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi has said that any aggression against Iran's interests will be met with a firm and regret-inducing response.
• Op. True Promise changes regional power balance: Navy chief IRNA 17 Apr 2024 -- Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani says "Operation True Promise" against the Zionist regime changed the regional power balance.
• Foe's strategic mistake to be answered with Sukhoi Su-24: Commander IRNA 17 Apr 2024 -- The Iranian Army Air Force is completely ready and waiting for the command of the Supreme Leader to hit the targets, especially with the Sukhoi Su-24, says the Iranian Army Air Force commander, Brigadier General Hamid Vahedi.
• Next retaliatory operation will not be limited: Pres. Raisi warns Israeli regime IRNA 17 Apr 2024 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi warned Wednesday that if the Zionist regime makes the slightest act of aggression on Iran's soil, it will be dealt with a powerful and fierce blow.
• Raeisi: Iran 'Operation True Promise' inflicted strategic defeat on Israel Press TV 17 Apr 2024 -- President Ebrahim Raeisi says Iran's retaliatory operation against Israel inflicted not only a military defeat but also a strategic setback on the occupying Tel Aviv regime, and dissuaded certain regional Arab countries seeking to normalize diplomatic ties with the Zionist entity.
• 'Operation True Promise' exhibits new power balance in West Asia: Amir-Abdollahian Press TV 17 Apr 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says the Islamic Republic's retaliatory strikes on the Israeli-occupied territories presented a new definition of the balance of power in the West Asia region.
• Raisi Reiterates Warning As Israel Mulls Response To Weekend Air Attack RFE/RL 17 Apr 2024 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has reiterated his warning to Israel that "the tiniest invasion" would trigger a swift and severe response amid global concerns over how the Jewish state will retaliate following a drone and missile attack on it orchestrated by Tehran over the weekend.
• Iran Inclined to See Russia as Key Player in Resolving Mideast Conflict Sputnik 17 Apr 2024 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi discussed the current escalation in the Middle East, during a telephone conversation on April 16.
• New sanctions against Iran expected "in coming days," U.S. treasury secretary says People's Daily 17 Apr 2024 -- U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen said Tuesday that she expects the United States to impose new sanctions on Iran "in the coming days."
• US eyes on new sanctions on Iran, urged to be responsible in Mideast affairs Global Times 17 Apr 2024 -- The US-led West is once again eyeing a series of new sanctions against Iran, as Israel's war cabinet has put off a third meeting to decide on a response to Iran's attack. However, analysts warned that more sanctions are unlikely to stop Iran or an escalation of the tensions in the Middle East, but could instead trigger more aggressive decisions from Iran. The US should take responsibility and use its influence to prevent Israel from escalating the conflict, they said.
• As Iran And Israel Escalate Conflict, Arab States Stick To Their Guns RFE/RL 17 Apr 2024 -- As the world anxiously awaited the outcome of Iran's large-scale attack against Israel, some Arab countries had already taken steps to blunt its impact.
• Hamas: Iran's attack ended Israel's era of hit-and-run Press TV 17 Apr 2024 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says Iran's military response to Israel's deadly April 1 strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus confirmed the end of the regime's era of acting "without accountability or punishment."
• Israel has lost deterrence against Iran: Islamic Jihad Press TV 17 Apr 2024 -- The Palestinian Islamic Jihad resistance movement says Israel has lost its deterrence against Iran as evidenced by the Islamic Republic's unprecedented drone and missile strike in the occupied territories.
• PM Netanyahu's Remarks at the Start of the Government Meeting Israel - Prime Minister 17 Apr 2024
• PM Netanyahu Meets with British Foreign Secretary David Cameron and with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock Israel - Prime Minister 17 Apr 2024
• Secretary General Jonatan Vseviov: Drone and missile attacks can be successfully fended off with international cooperation - we simply have to be brave Estonia MFA 17 Apr 2024 -- Yesterday, on April 16th, Jonatan Vseviov, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, took part in an informal videoconference of EU foreign ministers focussing on Iran's drone and missile attack on Israel over the weekend and the security situation in the Middle East.
• On Israel visit, German FM urges 'restraint' after Iran's massive attack Press TV 17 Apr 2024 -- Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock was in Israel. She urged "prudent restraint" against the backdrop of Iran's Operation True Promise against the occupying regime in retaliation for its April 1 bombing of the Iranian consulate in Damascus.
• US works on 'comprehensive response' on Iran, urges Israel to exercise restraint VOA 17 Apr 2024 -- The United States said it is working with allies on a coordinated response to Iran's drone and missile strikes on Israeli soil over the weekend. At the same time, it continues to urge Israel to exercise restraint and avoid igniting a wider regional conflict.
• Iran's Afghan Community Worried About Prospect Of War With Israel RFE/RL 17 Apr 2024 -- Many in Iran are worried about the prospect of a war with Israel and the possible impact on the country's faltering economy.
• Journalist jailed as Taliban continue media crackdown VOA 17 Apr 2024 -- Free-press advocates are calling on de facto Taliban authorities in Afghanistan to release a local reporter jailed on unspecified charges.
• Taliban crack down on Afghan TV channels for alleged rule breaches VOA 17 Apr 2024 -- The Taliban government in Afghanistan has suspended the broadcast of two privately run local TV channels over alleged violations of official regulations and "Islamic values."
• Pakistan claims to have killed 7 'terrorists' near Afghan border VOA 17 Apr 2024 -- Pakistan said Wednesday that its border security forces killed a group of seven "terrorists," who were attempting to cross over from Afghanistan.
• Arakan Army attacks another junta border outpost in western Myanmar Radio Free Asia 17 Apr 2024 -- Arakan Army rebels began an offensive against a junta police outpost on the Bangladesh border on Wednesday as Myanmar military forces responded with artillery fire, residents told Radio Free Asia.
• Ethnic Mon groups announce anti-junta alliance in southern Myanmar Radio Free Asia 17 Apr 2024 -- Two ethnic armed groups in southern Myanmar have formed an alliance aimed at capturing military junta outposts and taking control of townships in Mon state, which has been relatively peaceful since the 2021 military coup.
• 29 Naxals killed in gunfight with govt forces in India's Chhattisgarh People's Daily 17 Apr 2024 -- At least 29 Naxals, including a top commander, were killed and three members of government forces wounded Tuesday in a fierce gunfight in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh, police said.

News Reports

• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani at the Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to Expand Collaboration on Countering Foreign State Information Manipulation US Dept. of State 17 Apr 2024
• The United States of America and Italy Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Expand Collaboration on Countering Foreign State Information Manipulation US Dept. of State 17 Apr 2024 -- Today, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Italy's Vice President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation between the United States and Italy on countering foreign state information manipulation.
• US says China is funding America's fentanyl crisis Radio Free Asia 17 Apr 2024 -- China is funding the United States' fentanyl crisis by using tax rebates to subsidize the manufacture and export of raw materials for the drug, a U.S. congressional report found.
• CISA, FBI, and ODNI Release Guidance for Securing Election Infrastructure Against the Tactics of Foreign Malign Influence Operations CISA 17 Apr 2024 -- Today, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) released Securing Election Infrastructure Against the Tactics of Foreign Malign Influence Operations, a guidance document that details the latest tactics employed in foreign malign influence operations to shape U.S. policies, decisions, and discourse and could be used to target America's election infrastructure.
• Securing Election Infrastructure Against the Tactics of Foreign Malign Influence Operations CISA/FBI/ODNI 17 Apr 2024
• Security agencies warn election officials to brace for attacks on US presidential race VOA 17 Apr 2024 -- U.S. intelligence and security agencies are trying to prepare election officials for a wave of new attacks aiming to destroy voter confidence in November's presidential election, just as a series of reports warn some familiar adversaries are starting to ramp up their efforts.
• More Deaths Confirmed In Kazakhstan, Russia As Devastating Floods Continue RFE/RL 17 Apr 2024 -- Seven people have been found dead in Kazakhstan as floods caused by abrupt warm weather that led to a massive snowmelt continue to wreak havoc across the country and in southern Russia.
• Meeting with Government members President of Russia 17 Apr 2024 -- Vladimir Putin held a meeting with members of the Government, via videoconference.
• Foreign Ministry statement on personal sanctions on members of Australia's municipal councils Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 17 Apr 2024
• PACE pays tribute to Alexei Navalny, calls for sweeping measures to counter Putin's totalitarian regime Council of Europe 17 Apr 2024 -- PACE has paid tribute to Alexei Navalny, declaring that the Russian state bears full responsibility for his death, and urged a series of sweeping measures to counter what it called Vladimir Putin's "totalitarian regime".
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at the presentation of the Republic of Bashkortostan, Moscow, April 17, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 17 Apr 2024
• Russia's FSB Detains Courier of Explosives for Ukrainian Defector's Car Bombing in Moscow Sputnik 17 Apr 2024 -- The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said on Wednesday it detained a Russian-Moldovan national who had trafficked explosive components to blow up a car of a former Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) officer in Moscow.
• Another Tajik Arrested In Connection With Moscow Terrorist Attack RFE/RL 17 Apr 2024 -- Russian authorities have arrested a dual Tajik-Russian national in connection with the March 22 terrorist attack on the Crocus City Hall concert venue on the outskirts of Moscow that left 144 people dead.
• Report: China is exporting digital control methods Radio Free Asia 17 Apr 2024 -- China's government has turned the country's tech companies like Huawei and ZTE into its "proxies" and uses their dominant market share in developing countries around the Indo-Pacific region to export its authoritarian model of the internet, according to a new report.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on April 17, 2024 PRC MofA 17 Apr 2024
• US prepared to 'take further steps' as it warns China against enabling Russia VOA 17 Apr 2024 -- The United States warned China on Wednesday against helping Russia in its war on Ukraine and said it is "prepared to take further steps as necessary." In Italy, foreign ministers from the Group of Seven leading industrialized nations gathered to reaffirm their support for Ukraine's defense.
• Biden to triple tariffs on Chinese steel ahead of reelection bid VOA 17 Apr 2024 -- In response to mounting pressure from labor unions anxious about the impact of cheap Chinese exports on the U.S steel industry, President Joe Biden is poised to triple tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from China.
• China, US increase exchanges; Washington still 'lacks sincerity' Global Times 17 Apr 2024 -- China and the US have recently engaged in intensive dialogues and communications across multiple fields, involving military, financial and economic aspects. Observers believe the current frequent interactions between the world's two largest economies are positively meaningful and conducive to better managing differences between the two sides, and also beneficial for the US to form correct understanding and judgments about China's actions and policies.
• China's top economic planner vows to ramp up measures to secure growth as Q1 result shines, despite West's 'Peak China' hype Global Times 17 Apr 2024 -- China's top economic planner, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), announced a series of stimulus measures to further boost the economy as the country achieved a better-than-expected result of GDP growth of 5.3 percent in the first quarter, a reflection of the good start to the year and an indication of the stronger momentum ready to be unleashed.
• Xi meets German chancellor, calls for achieving mutual success People's Daily 17 Apr 2024 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, calling on the two sides to carry forward the distinctive characteristics of mutual benefit and win-win outcomes and achieve mutual success.
• Chinese premier holds talks with German chancellor People's Daily 17 Apr 2024 -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang held talks with Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz in Beijing on Tuesday, calling for a new level of bilateral relations with expanded mutual understanding and win-win results through dialogue and cooperation.
• KMT lawmakers to visit China for 'peaceful' talks: Caucus convener CNA 17 Apr 2024 -- Kuomintang (KMT) Legislator Fu Kun-chi (傅崐萁), who also heads the party's caucus, announced his plans Wednesday to lead a delegation of fellow KMT lawmakers on a visit to China by May 20 to advance cross-strait dialogue and peace.
• Doubts cast China will be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027 VOA 17 Apr 2024 -- A senior U.S. intelligence official is casting doubt on China's ability to make good on plans to possibly reunify Taiwan by force by its self-imposed deadline.
• U.S. patrol aircraft transits Taiwan Strait: Defense ministry CNA 17 Apr 2024 -- A United States P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft transited the Taiwan Strait Wednesday morning, according to Taiwan's defense ministry.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Apr. 17, 2024 ROC MND 17 Apr 2024
• People's Ideal Street Symbolizing Comprehensive Development of Prosperous Powerful Nation Inauguration Ceremony of 10 000 Flats at Second Stage in Hwasong Area Takes Place with Splendor Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Cut Inauguration Tape and Blesses Owners of New House KCNA 17 Apr 2024 -- Epoch-making changes have been made one after another in the promotion of the people's well-being under the wise leadership of the great Party Central Committee. The construction of 50 000 flats in Pyongyang is a project for building flourishing socialist living spaces in the capital of our dignified state every year. The whole country has greeted the birth of a new ideal street with joy with the completion of the task of the third year for the housing construction.
• Argentina ruling on AMIA case politicized: Iran FM spox IRNA 17 Apr 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has rejected an anti-Iran ruling by Argentina's highest criminal court over the AMIA case, saying that the ruling was aimed at political purposes.
• 'Unsubstantiated': Iran rejects Argentine court's blaming for AMIA bombing Press TV 17 Apr 2024 -- The spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry has dismissed a ruling by an Argentine court that blames Iran for two bombing attacks in the country during the 1990s, labeling the claims in the verdict as unsubstantiated and politically motivated.
• Seizure of Israeli-linked ship 'retaliatory move': Official IRNA 17 Apr 2024 -- Iran's Deputy President for Legal Affairs Mohammad Dehghan has described the seizure of the Israeli-linked ship as a 'retaliatory move'.
• Iran rejects nuclear activities against interaction with IAEA: Nuclear chief Press TV 17 Apr 2024 -- Iran's nuclear chief says the Islamic Republic will not settle for any kind of nuclear activity that undermines the interaction between Tehran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
• Myanmar junta releases thousands of prisoners in New Year amnesty Radio Free Asia 17 Apr 2024 -- Myanmar prisons nationwide released over 3,000 prisoners on Wednesday, according to junta-controlled media, but watchdog groups said that few of those freed were political prisoners.
• Development, democracy dominate debate in India's mammoth election VOA 17 Apr 2024 -- Nearly a billion Indians will be eligible to start voting Friday in the world's biggest election, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a third term in office.
• "We will stand up for our rights without backing down on matters concerning Türkiye's security" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 17 Apr 2024 -- Addressing AK Party's parliamentary group meeting, President Erdoğan said: "We will inshallah achieve victory in our fight against inflation within the upcoming four-year election-free period. We will by no means make any concession on the fight against terror, and will reinforce the security of our country and citizens both at home and abroad. We will stand up for our rights without backing down on matters concerning Türkiye's security."
• Venezuela Sanctions Relief: Expiration of General License 44 US Dept. of State 17 Apr 2024 -- After a careful review of the current situation in Venezuela, the United States determined Nicolas Maduro and his representatives have not fully met the commitments made under the electoral roadmap agreement, which was signed by Maduro representatives and the opposition in Barbados in October 2023. Therefore, General License 44, which authorizes transactions related to oil or gas sector operations in Venezuela, will expire at 12:01 AM on April 18.
• United States to reimpose oil sanctions on Venezuela VOA 17 Apr 2024 -- The Biden administration is reimposing oil sanctions on Venezuela, following President Nicolas Maduro's broken post-election promises for democratic reform.
• PACE recommends that Kosovo* becomes a member of the Council of Europe Council of Europe 17 Apr 2024 -- The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has recommended that Kosovo* be invited to become a member of the Council of Europe - while deciding to monitor its fulfilment of an extensive list of commitments and obligations as from its accession.
• Georgia: Statement by the High Representative and the Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement on the adoption of the "transparency of foreign influence" law European External Action Service (EEAS) 17 Apr 2024 -- Today, the Georgian Parliament passed the "transparency of foreign influence" law in its first reading, despite repeated calls by the European Union to retract such legislation, and despite the mass protests.
• Protesters Give Georgian Government Ultimatum To Pull Controversial 'Foreign Agents' Law RFE/RL 17 Apr 2024 -- Thousands of Georgians rallied in front of parliament demanding the government immediately withdraw a controversial "foreign agents" bill being pushed through the legislature after lawmakers approved the first reading of it despite warnings from civil society groups and several Western governments that the bill is a replica of Russia's law on foreign agents, which Moscow has used for years to muzzle dissent.
• Solomon Islands awaits vote count after closely watched elections VOA 17 Apr 2024 -- Polls closed Wednesday in the Solomon Islands where elections for the country's next government were being watched for potential regional impacts given the country's relationship with China.
• Solomon Islands holds high-stake elections amid warnings on US intervention Global Times 17 Apr 2024 -- Amid media reports on possible US intervention, the Solomon Islands on Wednesday held its pivotal general elections, which are under close watch beyond the South Pacific as it is believed the election results could have an impact on regional dynamics.
• China-South Korea competition grows in Vietnam VOA 17 Apr 2024 -- A Vietnamese delegation's visit to China last week has underscored increasingly close economic ties between the territorial rivals, which analysts say is posing a challenge to the dominance of South Korean investment in Vietnam.
• Vietnam's 'Provisional National Government' offers empty promises, lawyers say Radio Free Asia 17 Apr 2024 -- More than 60 people in Vietnam have been given long prison sentences for being members of the so-called "Provisional National Government of Vietnam," since it was classified as a terrorist organization by the Ministry of Public Security in 2018.
• More damage control than deterrence in death sentence for Vietnam's $12 billion fraudster Radio Free Asia 17 Apr 2024 -- After Truong My Lan was sentenced to death last week over her role in a US$12.5 billion financial fraud case, the consensus appears to be that the Communist Party of Vietnam is offering up a human sacrifice to show that its "blazing furnace" anti-corruption campaign is for real.
• Yerevan Assures Iran That South Caucasus Won't Turn Into Field Of 'Geopolitical Competition,' Envoy Says RFE/RL 17 Apr 2024 -- Iran says it has received assurances from Armenia regarding its concerns about the potential escalation of geopolitical competition in the South Caucasus stemming from the Armenian leader's recent high-level discussions with U.S. and EU officials in Brussels.
• Head Of Anti-Graft Agency In Montenegro Arrested On Suspicion Of Abuse Of Office RFE/RL 17 Apr 2024 -- The director of Montenegro's Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) has been arrested after a search of the ACA's offices and vehicles in Podgorica in the latest in a series of measures aimed at curtailing graft and abuse of public office at the highest levels of the Montenegrin justice system.
• Designation of Former Malawi Public Officials for Significant Corruption US Dept. of State 17 Apr 2024 -- The Department of State announced today the public designations of former Solicitor General and Principal Secretary of Justice Reyneck Matemba, former Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Agency Director John Suzi-Banda, former Malawi Police Service Attorney Mwabi Kaluba, and former Inspector General of the Malawi Police Service George Kainja, as generally ineligible for entry into the United States, due to their involvement in significant corruption.