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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• April 18 USCENTCOM Conducts Humanitarian Air Drop into Gaza CENTCOM 18 Apr 2024 -- U.S. Central Command conducted an air drop of humanitarian assistance into Northern Gaza on April 18, 2024, at 1:09 p.m. (Gaza time) to provide essential relief to civilians affected by the ongoing conflict.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds a Press Briefing DoD 18 Apr 2024
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With Norwegian Minister Of Defence, Bjørn Arild Gram DoD 18 Apr 2024
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Remarks Welcoming Norwegian Defense Minister Bjorn Gram to the Pentagon DoD 18 Apr 2024
• Defense Innovation Board Holds Spring 2024 Meeting DoD 18 Apr 2024 -- The Defense Innovation Board (DIB) held its Spring Board Meeting virtually on April 17th, 2024.
• Austin Lauds Norway's Increased Defense Spending DoD News 18 Apr 2024 -- The United States commends Norway for its plan to reach NATO's shared commitment to spend at least 2% of its gross domestic product on defense during this calendar year, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said.
• Louisiana National Guard engineers prepare for deployment Army News 18 Apr 2024 -- Louisiana National Guard Soldiers of the 1021st Engineer Vertical Construction Company, 205th Engineer Battalion, 225th Engineer Brigade, conduct pre-mobilization training at the Louisiana National Guard Training Center in Pineville. Soldiers are preparing for deployment to the Central Command area of responsibility to support Operations Inherent Resolve, Freedom Sentinel and Spartan Shield.
• Army Guard elevates disaster response with UAS training Army News 18 Apr 2024 -- In preparation for the direst of days on the homeland front, a dozen Citizen-Soldiers recently enhanced their technical acumen on unmanned aviation systems after completing a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers qualification course.
• Argentina takes first step toward NATO partnership NATO 18 Apr 2024 -- Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană met Argentine Defence Minister Luis Petri at NATO Headquarters on Thursday (18 April 2024) for talks on working toward a partnership between the Alliance and Argentina.
• CIA director: Ukraine could lose war against Russia without US aid VOA 18 Apr 2024 -- The director of the CIA warned Thursday there is a "real risk that the Ukrainians could lose on the battlefield by the end of 2024," in its war against Russia.
• Ukraine and the Czech Republic Started Negotiations on a Bilateral Security Agreement President of Ukraine 18 Apr 2024
• Our Domestic Defense Production Yielded Important Results - Address by the President President of Ukraine 18 Apr 2024
• Strengthening of Air Defense, Weapons for Soldiers and Sanctions against Russia: The President Addressed the Countries Participating in the European Council Meeting President of Ukraine 18 Apr 2024
• NATO chief says alliance working to send more air defense systems to Ukraine VOA 18 Apr 2024 -- NATO is working to send more air defense systems to Ukraine, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday, noting that Ukraine had an "urgent, critical need for more air defense."
• Secretary General participates in G7 meeting, stresses NATO's support to Ukraine NATO 18 Apr 2024 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg underlined the importance of strengthening support to Ukraine at the G7 meeting of Foreign Ministers in Capri, Italy, on Thursday (18 April 2024).
• Zelensky, Stoltenberg agree to hold urgent meeting of Ukraine-NATO Council People's Daily 18 Apr 2024 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Jens Stoltenberg on Wednesday agreed to hold an urgent meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Council.
• G7 reaffirms support for Ukraine's defense, financial needs VOA 18 Apr 2024 -- The Group of Seven on Thursday reaffirmed its support for Ukraine's defense, addressing both its urgent short-term financing needs and long-term reconstruction. Germany will host a Ukraine recovery conference in Berlin this year, while Italy will host the conference in 2025.
• 'Send Them To Ukraine': EU's Borrell Urges Europeans To Donate Air Defense Systems RFE/RL 18 Apr 2024 -- The European Union's foreign policy chief called on EU member states to give Ukraine more air defense systems as the embattled country grapples with increasingly intense Russian air strikes on its infrastructure while its stocks of weapons and ammunition dwindle as critical U.S. aid remains stuck in Congress.
• Prime Minister Orpo stresses need for urgent military support to Ukraine and calls for restraint in the Middle East Finnish Government 18 Apr 2024 -- In the evening on Wednesday 17 April, the special European Council discussed the security situation in Europe and the Middle East.
• Ground Drones: The Next Frontier Of Unmanned Combat In Ukraine RFE/RL 18 Apr 2024 -- The modern battlefield has been transformed by drones in the air and on the high seas, and now both Russia and Kyiv appear to be on the cusp of deploying large numbers of ground drones onto Ukrainian soil.
• Missile falls off P-3C plane during aerial training: Air Force CNA 18 Apr 2024 -- A missile carrying no warhead fell off a P-3C anti-submarine aircraft during routine aerial training Thursday, according to the Air Force Command Headquarters.
• Taiwan Army concludes two rounds of drills testing precision weapons CNA 18 Apr 2024 -- Taiwan's Army has recently concluded two rounds of drills in southern Pingtung county testing the precision shooting capabilities of its missiles and rockets, the Military News Agency (MNA) reported Thursday.
• China warns against US-Philippine joint military exercise Radio Free Asia 18 Apr 2024 -- China has slammed an annual Philippine-U.S. joint military exercise scheduled to begin next week, warning against "maritime provocations."
• First Autonomous Undersea Vehicle 'Ghost Shark' Prototype Ready Australia DOD 18 Apr 2024 -- The Albanese Government will deliver a sovereign, autonomous undersea capability, through the Ghost Shark Program.
• National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program, Ghost Shark 18 Apr 2024 -- "One of the most exciting projects that is being worked on is the project that's standing right behind me – Ghost Shark. Ghost Shark has been a co-development between the Defence Science and Technology Group, the Royal Australian Navy and Anduril. They've been co-developing this sovereign, uncrewed sea power capability and, importantly, it's a co-investment. Over $70 million from Defence, over $70 million from Anduril and a tonne of staff working on trying to develop and deliver the most advanced undersea autonomous vehicle – vessel in the world."
• Funding injection to boost Navy capability Australia DOD 18 Apr 2024 -- Conventionally armed, nuclear‑powered submarines and infrastructure will receive $53 billion to $63 billion over the next decade as part of Australia's investment in developing a Navy with enhanced maritime, air and land strike capability.
• Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile successfully flight-tested by DRDO off the Odisha coast India PIB 18 Apr 2024 -- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful flight-test of Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha on April 18, 2024
• UK's most lethal tank rolls off the production lines UK MOD 18 Apr 2024 -- British Army soldiers are a step closer to getting their hands on one of Europe's most lethal tanks - the Challenger 3 - the Defence Secretary has announced.
• Argentina - Basler BT-67 Aircraft DSCA 18 Apr 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Argentina of Basler BT-67 Aircraft and related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of $143 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• The Presidents of Bulgaria and Italy Visit the Novo Selo Training Area President of the Republic of Bulgaria 18 Apr 2024 -- Head of state Rumen Radev and his Italian counterpart, Sergio Mattarella, visited the Novo Selo Training Area today.
• Readout of U.S.-Israel Strategic Consultative Group The White House 18 Apr 2024
• DFA Statement in Response to Chinese Statements on the PH-JP-US Trilateral Summit Philippines DFA 18 Apr 2024 -- The historic Trilateral Summit held on 11 April 2024 provided the Philippines, Japan and the United States the opportunity to build upon their robust bilateral relations, expand their economic cooperation in support of the Philippines' development goals, and reaffirm their proud and resolute commitment to their shared fundamental values of freedom, democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law.
• Kenyan military chief killed in helicopter crash, president says VOA 18 Apr 2024 -- Kenya's military chief was among nine people killed in a helicopter crash Thursday, according to Kenyan President William Ruto.
• Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the Death of Kenya's Chief of Defence Forces DoD 18 Apr 2024
• Statement from National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Helicopter Crash in Kenya The White House 18 Apr 2024
• EU Set To Provide Nonlethal Assistance To Armenia RFE/RL 18 Apr 2024 -- A preliminary agreement has been reached in Brussels on providing nonlethal assistance to Armenia from the European Peace Facility (EPF), according to a diplomatic document obtained by RFE/RL.
• Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby En Route Philadelphia, PA The White House 18 Apr 2024

Defense Industry

• Contracts For April 18, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 18 April 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 18 Apr 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• PM Netanyahu to the Mossad division heads forum Israel - Prime Minister 18 Apr 2024
• Netanyahu says Israel preserves right to self-defense People's Daily 18 Apr 2024 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday stressed Israel's "right to defend itself against Iran," when receiving British Foreign Secretary David Cameron and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in Jerusalem.
• April 17: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 18 Apr 2024
• Palestinian death toll in Gaza rises to 33,899: ministry People's Daily 18 Apr 2024 -- The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip from ongoing Israeli attacks has risen to 33,899, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said in a press statement on Wednesday.
• Israeli airstrike kills 13 Palestinians on gathering in Gaza City People's Daily 18 Apr 2024 -- At least 13 Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting a gathering of Palestinians in the northern Gaza Strip, local eyewitnesses and medical sources said on Wednesday.
• Palestine faces key challenges for sending aid to Gaza: PM People's Daily 18 Apr 2024 -- Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa stressed on Wednesday the key challenges facing the Gaza Strip amid ongoing conflict.
• Guterres appeals for maximum restraint in the Middle East UN News 18 Apr 2024 -- Recent escalations in the Middle East make it even more important to support efforts towards lasting peace between Israel and a fully independent, viable and sovereign Palestinian state, UN Secretary-General António Guterres told the Security Council on Thursday.
• Gaza: UN experts decry 'systemic obliteration' of education system UN News 18 Apr 2024 -- UN independent human rights experts on Thursday raised alarm over the "systematic destruction" of the Palestinian education system in the Gaza Strip, as Israel's military operation continues unabated.
• Palestine's status at the UN explained UN News 18 Apr 2024 -- What will it take for Palestine to become a full UN Member State? As the Security Council takes up the matter while the devastating war in Gaza enters its seventh month, we looked at Palestine's current status and what it takes to become a UN Member State.
• US vetoes Palestine's request for full UN membership UN News 18 Apr 2024 -- The Security Council rejected Palestine's request for UN membership on Thursday, with the United States casting a veto.
• Security Council Fails to Recommend Full United Nations Membership for State of Palestine, Owing to Veto Cast by United States UN Security Council 18 Apr 2024 -- The Security Council today blocked Palestine's bid to become a full member of the United Nations due to a United States veto on a draft resolution that would have recommended the granting of such status.
• Security Council Debates Situation in Middle East, including Question of Palestine UN Security Council 18 Apr 2024 -- The Security Council met today in an all-day open debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine. The Council heard an address from the United Nations Secretary-General, as well as over 60 Member States and other speakers.
• Secretary-General's remarks to the Security Council on the Middle East UN Secretary-General 18 Apr 2024
• UN launches 2.8-bln-dollar flash appeal for Palestine People's Daily 18 Apr 2024 -- The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) on Wednesday launched a flash appeal worth 2.822 billion U.S. dollars for the occupied Palestinian territory.
• Palestinians across Gaza face 'man-made famine': UNRWA Press TV 18 Apr 2024 -- The United Nations Relief Works and Agency (UNRWA) has warned that the grip of a "man-made" famine is tightening its grip across the war-torn Gaza Strip, as Israel has severely blockaded the Palestinian territory plunging it into a humanitarian crisis.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant DoD 18 Apr 2024
• US vetoes Palestinian request for full UN membership Press TV 18 Apr 2024 -- The United States has predictably cast its veto against a bid by the Palestinian Authority (PA) for Palestine to be recognized as a full member of the United Nations.
• IRGC Quds Force commander condoles with Haniyeh IRNA 18 Apr 2024 -- Commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Brigadier General Ismail Qa'ani has extended his condolences to the Hamas political bureau chief over the martyrdom of several family members and relatives in Israeli attacks.
• Palestine's application for full membership of the United Nations Federal Council - Swiss Government 18 Apr 2024 -- Palestine's application for full UN membership will not be submitted to the UN General Assembly due to the veto by the United States on 18 April in the UN Security Council. Switzerland abstained from the vote. After assessing the situation and consulting with the chairs of the parliamentary foreign affairs committees, the Federal Council concluded that granting Palestine full UN membership at this time would not be conducive to easing the situation and peace efforts in the Middle East. Switzerland remains committed to the two-state solution.
• Following 'destructive' statements, Qatar says reassessing role as mediator in Gaza truce talks Press TV 18 Apr 2024 -- Qatar's prime minister has said Doha is reassessing its role as a mediator in negotiations between the Palestinian resistance group Hamas and the Israeli regime aimed at bringing about a ceasefire in Gaza.
• Chinese official criticizes US for its UN votes on Gaza cease-fire VOA 18 Apr 2024 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi criticized the United States on Thursday for its votes on previous United Nations resolutions for a Gaza cease-fire, following talks in Jakarta with his Indonesian counterpart, Retno Marsudi.
• China expresses support for Palestine's full UN membership ahead of Security Council vote Global Times 18 Apr 2024 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and also expressed China's support for Palestine over the upcoming UN Security Council (UNSC) vote on its full UN membership, which is likely to be blocked by Israeli ally the US.
• Russia calls on UNSC to impose sanctions on Israel IRNA 18 Apr 2024 -- Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN Security Council Vassily Nebenzia has said that the Council must urgently consider imposing sanctions on Israel for its non-compliance to the Gaza ceasefire resolution in Ramadan.
• There is a devastating and growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza - Gazans need more aid, and they need it now: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 18 Apr 2024 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East.
• Palestinian presidency condemns U.S. envoy's comments on full UN membership for Palestine People's Daily 18 Apr 2024 -- The Palestinian presidency on Wednesday condemned the remarks by U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) Linda Thomas-Greenfield over full UN membership for Palestine.
• Palestinian official rejects change in Al-Aqsa status quo People's Daily 18 Apr 2024 -- Adnan Al-Husseini, a member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization and head of the Jerusalem Affairs Department, rejected on Wednesday the plan to change the current status quo in the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the eastern part of Jerusalem.
• Palestinian resistance movement launches missile attack on southern occupied Palestine IRNA 18 Apr 2024 -- Quds Brigades (Saraya Al-Quds), the military wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement, announced on Thursday night that it has targeted Ashkelon, Sderot and some Zionist towns adjacent to the Gaza Strip with rocket attacks in response to the killing of Palestinian civilians.
• Israeli airstrikes kill Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon VOA 18 Apr 2024 -- Israel's military said Thursday it conducted airstrikes throughout the Gaza Strip targeting Hamas fighters and infrastructure along with aerial strikes that killed two Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon.
• Hezbollah says targets Israeli base to support Gazans IRNA 18 Apr 2024 -- Lebanon's Hezbollah has announced it carried out a missile attack on a gathering of Israeli forces in the al Malikiyah military base to support the Palestinian resistance and the people in Gaza.
• Missile attack on Israeli bases in northern occupied Palestine: Media sources IRNA 18 Apr 2024 -- The news sources reported early on Thursday that the Israeli regime's bases in northern occupied Palestine were attacked by missiles.

Other Conflicts

• US Officials Say Israel Carries Out Missile Strike Inside Iran: US Networks VOA 18 Apr 2024 -- Israel carried out a predawn missile strike inside Iran on Friday local time, U.S. media reported, citing unnamed U.S. officials.
• 'IRGC determined to confront hostile pro-Zionist activities in cyberspace' IRNA 18 Apr 2024 -- The Cyber Security Command of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has called on the Iranian people to report any pro-Zionist activities in cyberspace.
• IRGC warns of 'tit-for-tat' retaliation if Israel attacks Iran's nuclear facilities Press TV 18 Apr 2024 -- An IRGC official has warned that if Israel takes action against Iran's nuclear facilities, it will definitely face "tit-for-tat" retaliation against the regime's nuclear centers with advanced weapons.
• President: Any aggression on Iranian soil will be met with regret-inducing response IRNA 18 Apr 2024 -- Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi has warned the Zionist regime that the tiniest act of aggression against Iranian soil will be met with a response that will make the regime and its supporters regret their action.
• Iran to respond more severely to any Israeli miscalculation: FM IRNA 18 Apr 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has warned against adventurism by the Zionist regime, saying that the Islamic Republic will respond to any miscalculation more severely.
• President Raeisi: Iran to make Israel rue 'slightest attack' Press TV 18 Apr 2024 -- President Ebrahim Raeisi says Iran will make Israel and its supporters regret the "slightest attack" amid reports that Tel Aviv was "making a decision to act" against the Islamic Republic.
• At UN, Iran warns Israel against retaliation VOA 18 Apr 2024 -- Speaking just days after launching a massive aerial attack on Israel, Iran told the U.N. Security Council on Thursday that Israel "must be compelled to stop any further military adventurism against our interests."
• Iran sufficed to striking part of Israel's military positions: FM to UN chief Press TV 18 Apr 2024 -- Iran's foreign minister says the country could have conducted its recent retaliatory strikes against the Israeli regime in a wider scope, but sufficed to hit only part of the regime's military positions.
• 'Stop any further Israeli adventurism,' Iran FM tells Security Council Press TV 18 Apr 2024 -- Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has called on the UN Security Council to force Israel to stop any further military action against Iran or face the Islamic Republic's "decisive" response to any aggression.
• Iran slams G7 statement, vows no iota of doubt to respond to aggression Press TV 18 Apr 2024 -- Iran has condemned the G7 statement regarding Iran's retaliation of Israel's attack on its consulate in Syria, pledging that it will not hesitate for a second in responding to aggressors.
• Iran not after tension, informed US of retaliatory operation against Israel: Foreign minister Press TV 18 Apr 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says Tehran informed the United States of its plan to carry out strikes against Israel in retaliation for the regime's terrorist attack on the Islamic Republic's diplomatic premises in Syria.
• Joint Statement on the Islamic Republic of Iran's Attack on the State of Israel Australia DFAT 18 Apr 2024 -- The Permanent Representatives of the United States, Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom to the United Nations issued the following joint statement condemning the Islamic Republic of Iran's attack on the State of Israel:
• US was informed before and after anti-Israel op.: Iran FM IRNA 18 Apr 2024 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian says the United States was informed about Tehran's decision to punish the Israeli regime and after the operation 'True Promise' was accomplished with strikes on Israeli targets in the occupied territories.
• IRGC: Israel's Dimnoa nuclear reactor not among Op. True Promise's targets Press TV 18 Apr 2024 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) dismisses reports of affliction of damage to the Israeli regime's Dimona nuclear reactor during the Islamic Republic's recent Operation True Promise against the occupying regime.
• Israel retreats, delays plan to strike back at Iran after US call: Sources Press TV 18 Apr 2024 -- Israel has for now retreated from its plan to strike back at Iran after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received a call from US President Joe Biden, sources say.
• Current Philippine admin unilaterally abandons 'gentleman's agreement': Chinese embassy Global Times 18 Apr 2024 -- The current Philippine administration unilaterally abandoned the 'gentleman's agreement' between China and the Duterte administration on the Ren'ai Jiao (Ren'ai Reef). China urged the Philippines to honor its commitments, safeguarding the hard-won peace and stability in the South China Sea, according to the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines on Thursday.
• Wang Yi warns of 'small cliques' amid US-orchestrated S.China Sea tension Global Times 18 Apr 2024 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday warned of "small cliques" and called for joint efforts to preserve hard-won peace in the South China Sea during his visit to Indonesia.
• Ethnic army intercepts junta convoy on Thai-Myanmar border Radio Free Asia 18 Apr 2024 -- An armed ethnic group intercepted a junta convoy near the Thai-Myanmar border on Thursday, according to an announcement from rebel forces.
• Report: Government-linked hackers in China target exiled Tibetan leaders VOA 18 Apr 2024 -- A new report by a team of Tibet-focused cybersecurity analysts details how hackers with links to the Chinese government are using cyber espionage tactics to target members of the Tibetan government-in-exile and the office of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.
• Bosnia and Herzegovina: Statement by the Spokesperson on latest legislative initiatives in Republika Srpska European External Action Service (EEAS) 18 Apr 2024 -- The Republika Srpska National Assembly is discussing the adoption of legislative initiatives that would undermine the constitutional order of the country, the functionality of its institutions and fundamental freedoms, and go against Bosnia and Herzegovina's commitments on its EU path.
• In Bosnia, A Legal Loophole Lets War Criminals Get Off With Just A Fine RFE/RL 18 Apr 2024 -- Violent war criminals are buying their way out of prison time in Bosnia-Herzegovina, exploiting a loophole that the Organization for Cooperation and Security in Europe (OSCE) and others warn trivializes horrific crimes and seriously undermines public confidence in a region still tormented by questions of wartime guilt.
• Senior Kosovar Police Officer Still In Serbian Custody RFE/RL 18 Apr 2024 -- Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti said a deputy chief of the Kosovo Police remains in Serbian custody after being detained by Serbian police at the border, a move some Kosovar officials said was retaliation for the country being recommended for membership in the Council of Europe, a top European human rights body.
• Tibetan political leader 'optimistic' about passage of US bill on Tibet Radio Free Asia 18 Apr 2024 -- The leader of Tibet's government-in-exile on Wednesday said he was hopeful that a U.S. bill urging China to resolve issues related to Tibet through dialogue with the Dalai Lama or Tibetan leaders would be approved by the Senate.

News Reports

• Pandemic experts express concern over avian influenza spread to humans UN News 18 Apr 2024 -- The ongoing global spread of "bird flu" infections to mammals including humans is a significant public health concern, senior UN medics said on Thursday, as they announced new measures to tackle airborne diseases.
• FBI calls out China for making critical infrastructure 'fair game' for cyber operations VOA 18 Apr 2024 -- Efforts by China-linked hackers to infiltrate computer systems and networks that run key sectors of the U.S. economy — only to lie in wait for an opportunity to strike — appear to predate Chinese cyber operations that sparked warnings by U.S. officials earlier this year.
• Thirty-Seven Gang Members and Associates Sentenced in Large-Scale Racketeering and Drug Trafficking Case US Dept. of Justice 18 Apr 2024 -- The 37th and final defendant was sentenced today in a Northern District of Mississippi case that targeted the violent activities, drug trafficking, and money laundering of the Simon City Royals prison gang.
• Foreign National Extradited from Chile to the United States for Kidnapping and Assaulting U.S. Army Soldiers in Colombia US Dept. of Justice 18 Apr 2024 -- A Colombian national was extradited from Chile to the United States yesterday to face charges related to kidnapping and assaulting two U.S. Army soldiers who were on temporary duty in Bogota, Colombia.
• Excerpts from the briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, April 18, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Apr 2024
• China deepens engagement with new Indonesian president as top diplomat visits Jakarta Radio Free Asia 18 Apr 2024 -- China's top diplomat met the outgoing Indonesian president and his successor in Jakarta on Thursday, as Beijing deepened its engagement with future leader Prabowo Subianto, amid a competition for regional influence with the United States.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on April 18, 2024 PRC MofA 18 Apr 2024
• US probe targeting China's maritime, logistics, shipbuilding sectors lacks factual basis: ministry Global Times 18 Apr 2024 -- The US petition regarding China's maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors is filled with numerous unfounded accusations, distorting normal trade and investment activities, and China strongly opposes this, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said on Wednesday.
• China refutes US 'debt trap' accusations, saying international creditors account for big chunk of developing countries' debts Global Times 18 Apr 2024 -- China refutes US 'debt trap' claim, says international creditors account for big chunk of developing countries' debts
• Hong Kong arrests 291 for endangering national security in past 4 years Radio Free Asia 18 Apr 2024 -- Hong Kong has arrested 291 people for endangering national security in the near four years since the city's first national security law took effect. They range from 15 to 90 years old, according to the Hong Kong Security Bureau.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Apr. 18, 2024 ROC MND 18 Apr 2024
• KCNA Detailed Report on Completion of Construction of 10 000 Flats at Second Stage in Hwasong Area KCNA 18 Apr 2024 -- The Korean Central News Agency Thursday released a detailed report that another flourishing socialist living space was built in the Hwasong area of the capital city under the grand plan and outstanding leadership of the Central Committee of the great Workers' Party of Korea.
• UN OKs shipment of vaccine storage equipment to North Korea Radio Free Asia 18 Apr 2024 -- The U.N. Security Council Sanctions Committee on North Korea approved a request from UNICEF for a sanctions exemption so that vaccine storage equipment could be transported into North Korea, U.N. documents showed.
• 'Iran nuclear facilities secure; country ready to fire powerful missiles' IRNA 18 Apr 2024 -- A senior commander in Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has said that the country's nuclear facilities are fully secure, and that Iran has its finger on the trigger to fire powerful missiles in response to a possible attack by the Israeli regime.
• Statement from President Joe Biden on Iran Sanctions The White House 18 Apr 2024
• U.S. Announces New Sanctions On Iran In Response To Attack On Israel RFE/RL 18 Apr 2024 -- The United States has announced new sanctions on Iran targeting its drone production capabilities after its attack on Israel, the U.S. Treasury Department said in a statement on April 18.
• Targeting Iran's UAV Program, Steel Industry, and Automobile Companies US Dept. of State 18 Apr 2024 -- In response to Iran's unprecedented attack on Israel, the United States is taking sweeping actions against several actors involved in Iran's unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program, suppliers and customers of one of Iran's largest steel producers, and Iranian automobile companies with connections to U.S.-designated entities Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL).
• Treasury Targets Iranian UAV Program, Steel Industry, and Automobile Companies in Response to Unprecedented Attack on Israel US Treasury 18 Apr 2024 -- Today, in response to Iran's unprecedented attack on Israel on April 13, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is targeting 16 individuals and two entities enabling Iran's UAV production, including engine types that power Iran's Shahed variant UAVs, which were used in the April 13 attack.
• US, UK impose new sanctions on Iran over retaliation against Israel Press TV 18 Apr 2024 -- The United States and United Kingdom in a coordinated move have imposed new widespread sanctions on Iran's drone and missile programs after Tehran's recent retaliatory operation against Israel.
• UK and US sanction leading Iranian military figures and entities following the attack on Israel UK FCDO 18 Apr 2024 -- The UK sanctioned a further 7 individuals and 6 entities that enabled Iran's destabilising activity in the Middle East, including its direct attack on Israel.
• UK sanctions Iran's defense minister IRNA 18 Apr 2024 -- Under the pretext of preventing the escalation of tensions in the region, following Iran's legitimate defense against the aggressive act of the Zionist regime, the UK regime sanctioned Brigadier Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, the Minister of Defense and Support of the Armed Forces of Iran, along with a number of personalities and military institutions of the Islamic Republic.
• EU to expand sanctions on Iran over retaliation against Israel Press TV 18 Apr 2024 -- The European Union has decided to impose new sanctions on Iran's drone and missile programs under the pretext of Tehran's recent retaliatory operation against Israel.
• Iran reiterates commitment to IAEA cooperation People's Daily 18 Apr 2024 -- Iran's nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami reaffirmed on Wednesday the country's commitment to nuclear activities that align with its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
• Pakistan to host Iran's president Monday for official bilateral talks VOA 18 Apr 2024 -- Pakistan announced Thursday that Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi will pay a three-day official visit to Islamabad, starting April 22, as the neighboring countries seek to mend relations after an unprecedented exchange of antiterror missile strikes on each other's territory.
• Thailand urges Myanmar's junta to free Aung San Suu Kyi Radio Free Asia 18 Apr 2024 -- The Thai Foreign Ministry urged Myanmar's military junta to release Aung San Suu Kyi in a statement that also welcomed this week's move of the former de facto leader to house arrest.
• Cyberpartisans Hack Belarusian Fertilizer Plant, Demand Release Of Political Prisoners RFE/RL 18 Apr 2024 -- A group known as Cyberpartisans says it hacked into the computers and security systems of a major Belarusian state-run producer of nitrogen compounds and fertilizers and is demanding the release of workers who were arrested during protests against the disputed 2020 presidential election.
• No: 63, 18 April 2024, Regarding the Conclusions of the Extraordinary European Council of 17-18 April 2024 Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Apr 2024
• G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting: Press remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell in Capri European External Action Service (EEAS) 18 Apr 2024 -- Check against delivery!
• Burkina Faso expels French diplomats for 'subversive activities' VOA 18 Apr 2024 -- Burkina Faso's military junta has expelled three French diplomats for "subversive activities," according to a government statement Thursday.
• Burkina Faso orders three French diplomats to leave country over 'subversive activities' Press TV 18 Apr 2024 -- Burkina Faso has ordered three French diplomats to leave the coup-hit country within two days over "subversive activities", a year after the junta ruling the African nation cut off ties with France, the landlocked country's former colonial ruler.
• Georgia "Transparency of Foreign Influence" Draft Law US Dept. of State 18 Apr 2024
• How Georgia's Ruling Party Is Using Laws On 'Foreign Agents' And 'Gay Propaganda' To Maintain Its Grip On Power RFE/RL 18 Apr 2024 -- This month, Georgia's ruling party has introduced divisive new laws aimed at combating what they have called "gay propaganda" and "foreign agents." They have justified the legislation in nativist terms, portraying their opponents as serving foreign interests and espousing values alien to Georgia.
• European right-wing politicians call for 'preserving nation-state in Europe' and end to Ukraine aid VOA 18 Apr 2024 -- Right-wing politicians in Europe called for an end to Western support for Ukraine in its war against Russian invaders, as hundreds of people gathered in Brussels this week for the European National Conservatism Conference, which ended Wednesday.
• Debt to China fuels anxiety in Kyrgyzstan VOA 18 Apr 2024 -- Previously deferred debt repayments to China are coming due in Kyrgyzstan, raising public concerns in the Central Asian country about deepening financial dependence on its powerful eastern neighbor.
• Analysts skeptical about Nigeria's bid to improve local crude refining VOA 18 Apr 2024 -- Nigeria has been Africa's largest or second-largest oil exporter for years, but relies heavily on imports to meet local energy needs. The government is trying to change that, saying the country's four moribund oil refineries will be revived and put back in operation.
• Early Solomon Islands election results show shakeup in most populous province Radio Free Asia 18 Apr 2024 -- A Solomon Islands politician ousted as premier of the Pacific island country's most populous province after opposing diplomatic recognition of China has been reelected to its provincial assembly, according to preliminary election results released Friday.
• Chad's junta leader orders military crackdown after opposition calls for election boycott VOA 18 Apr 2024 -- In response to growing campaign violence, Chad's transitional president, General Mahamat Idriss Deby, has ordered his military to arrest angry civilians and make sure peace reigns in the run-up to the May 6 presidential election and afterwards. Opposition and civil society groups, which have called for a boycott of the vote, which they dismiss as a sham, acknowledge that some civilians have attacked members of the Deby's campaign team.
• Sputtering economy threatens progress in Bangladesh VOA 18 Apr 2024 -- Once hailed for its strides in economic growth and social advancement, Bangladesh now grapples with an uncertain trajectory as its faltering economy threatens to reverse hard-won gains in poverty alleviation.