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News Reports

Current Operations

• April 23 USCENTCOM, Royal Jordanian Air Force Conduct Humanitarian Airdrops into Gaza CENTCOM 23 Apr 2024 -- U.S. Central Command and the Royal Jordanian Air Force conducted a combined humanitarian assistance airdrop into Northern Gaza on April 23, 2024, at 11:50 A.M. (Gaza time) to provide essential relief to civilians in Gaza affected by the ongoing conflict.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Biden to sign aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan VOA 23 Apr 2024 -- U.S. President Joe Biden said he will sign legislation Wednesday providing $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan after the Senate gave its approval late Tuesday.
• Statement from President Joe Biden on Senate Passage of the National Security Package The White House 23 Apr 2024
• Statement from Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen on Passage of the National Security Supplemental US Treasury 23 Apr 2024
• Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds a Press Briefing DoD 23 Apr 2024
• Readout of U.S.-Slovakia High Level Defense Group DoD 23 Apr 2024
• Readout of Under Secretary of Defense Dr. William LaPlante's Visit to Paris, France and Brussels, Belgium DoD 23 Apr 2024
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Minister of Defense Nikos Dendias DoD 23 Apr 2024-
• U.S., Zambian Armies Kick Off Land Forces Summit DoD News 23 Apr 2024 -- U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, joined with the Zambian army Monday in the Zambian town of Livingstone to cohost the African Land Forces Summit 2024, the Pentagon announced today.
• DOD Combines Adaptation, Mitigation to Confront Climate Change DoD News 23 Apr 2024 -- The Defense Department is actively engaging a two-pronged approach to confront climate change by avoiding the unmanageable while at the same time managing the unavoidable, according to one DOD climate official.
• US Army's 18th CSS Battalion conducts convoy support center operations in support of Saber Strike 2024 Army News 23 Apr 2024 -- The 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (18th CSSB) deployed a team of fuelers and maintainers to establish a level-two convoy support center (CSC-LVL II) in Wettiner-Kaserne, near Frankenberg, from April 10-13. The CSC was a critical logistical node for the convoys from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment as they conducted a tactical road march from Grafenwöhr, Germany, to training sites in Lithuania in support of the Saber Strike 24 exercise within the DEFENDER 2024 exercise construct.
• Idaho Guard, Firefighters Practice Water Hoist Rescues Army News 23 Apr 2024 -- The Idaho Army National Guard's State Aviation Group and the Boise Fire Department's Swiftwater Dive Team practiced hoist rescues from the water during exercises April 18-19 at a Boise pond.
• New York National Guard Sharpens Disaster Readiness Skills Army News 23 Apr 2024 -- Soldiers from the New York National Guard's 42nd Infantry Division honed their command and control capabilities as the Region II Homeland Response Force April 15-19 at Camp Smith Training Site near Peekskill.
• Experts discuss emerging challenges to NATO nuclear deterrence in Skopje NATO 23 Apr 2024 -- NATO's annual Nuclear Policy Symposium got underway on Tuesday (23 April 2024). Representatives from NATO, Allied governments, and experts from academia are in Skopje, North Macedonia to discuss current nuclear policy issues.
• NATO Secretary General meets Polish and UK Prime Ministers, welcomes new support for Ukrainee NATO 23 Apr 2024 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg visited Poland on Tuesday (23 April 2024) to meet with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
• Deputy Secretary Campbell's Meeting with NATO Deputy Secretary General Geoană US Dept. of State 23 Apr 2024
• Strengthening security is a priority for NATO Allies Poland - Ministry of National Defence 23 Apr 2024 -- On Tuesday, April 23rd, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Rishi Sunak, Secretary of State for Defence Grant Shapps and Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg visited the 1st Warsaw Armoured Brigade.
• Data on interceptions of aircraft completed near the Baltic States' borders on April 15-21, 2024 Lithuania MND 23 Apr 2024
• Russian Deputy Defense Minister Detained On Suspicion Of Corruption RFE/RL 23 Apr 2024 -- Russian law enforcement officials have detained Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov on suspicion of taking a bribe, the Investigative Committee said on April 23.
• Defence Ministry Board session takes place in Moscow Russia MoD 23 Apr 2024 -- Today, Russian Defence Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu holds a Defence Ministry Board session at the National Centre for State Defence Control.
• Russian media: Kremlin plans to deploy ballistic missiles on Finnish border VOA 23 Apr 2024 -- Russian media report that the Kremlin plans to deploy ballistic missiles close to its border with Finland. It's the latest in a series of military and hybrid threats that Russia has made against the Nordic state since it joined NATO in April last year in the wake of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
• Ukraine Restricts Consular Services For Conscription-Age Men Living Abroad RFE/RL 23 Apr 2024 -- Ukraine has moved to restrict consular services at its diplomatic missions for men of conscription age (18-60) who live abroad as Kyiv tries to increase troop levels in its fight to repel invading Russian forces.
• Officials: US plans $1 billion aid package for Ukraine VOA 23 Apr 2024 -- The United States is planning to send a military aid package valued at up to $1 billion immediately after a supplemental funding bill under discussion in the Senate is passed and signed into law, two defense officials tell VOA.
• Long-Delayed Ukraine Aid Bill Passes Procedural Hurdle In Senate RFE/RL 23 Apr 2024 -- The U.S. Senate on April 23 voted to advance a long-delayed military-aid package that includes more than $60 billion for Ukraine as early as April 23 after the House of Representatives passed the measure on April 20 following months of bickering.
• Biden promises quick provision of additional arms to Ukraine in call with Zelensky People's Daily 23 Apr 2024 -- U.S. President Joe Biden told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over phone on Monday that his administration will soon quickly provide additional arms to Ukraine once a bill authorizing related funds clears Congress and becomes law.
• PM to announce largest-ever military aid package to Ukraine on visit to Poland Gov.UK 23 Apr 2024 -- Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will announce the largest-ever military aid package to Ukraine on his visit to Poland.
• Lithuania handed over M577 armored personnel carriers to Ukraine Lithuania MND 23 Apr 2024 -- As Lithuania continues rendering steady military assistance to Ukraine, the war-torn country received Lithuania's shipment of M577 armored personnel carriers for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
• PLA Navy celebrates 75th founding anniversary as open day events held across the country Global Times 23 Apr 2024 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy held open day events in multiple coastal cities across China around Tuesday to mark the 75th anniversary of its founding, with numerous people getting onboard advanced warships to enjoy the moment of pride and patriotism with naval officers. Military experts said the Chinese navy will keep developing and getting more powerful in the future to meet the demand of safeguarding the nation and world peace.
• Chinese lawmakers deliberate law revision to enhance national defense education Global Times 23 Apr 2024 -- Chinese lawmakers on Tuesday started deliberating a draft revision to the Law on National Defense Education. Experts believe that this move is part of the country's efforts to enhance the citizens' national defense awareness, as well as providing a stronger legal foundation for advancing national defense education in the new era.
• Taiwan President-elect: US military aid package strengthens deterrence against authoritarianism VOA 23 Apr 2024 -- Taiwan's President-elect Lai Ching-te says the U.S. House of Representatives passage over the weekend of an $8 billion military aid package to counter China's influence will "strengthen deterrence against authoritarianism" and "boost confidence in the region."
• Military aid act 'tangible demonstration' of U.S. support for Taiwan: lawmakers CNA 23 Apr 2024 -- A group of visiting United States lawmakers on Tuesday said the recent passage of a Security Supplemental Appropriations Act through the U.S. Congress is a "tangible demonstration" of Washington's support toward Taipei.
• Report on Participation of 600 mm Super-large Multiple Rocket Sub-units in First Combined Tactical Drill Simulating Nuclear Counterattack Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Guides Combined Tactical Drill Simulating Nuclear Counterattack KCNA 23 Apr 2024 -- There took place a drill on April 22 to operate super-large multiple rocket units that are to play an important role in substantially strengthening the prompt counterattack capacity of the state nuclear force and raising a war deterrent under the state's nuclear weapon combined management system "Haekbangashoe" for the first time.
• Boost in ability to strike from afar Australia DOD 23 Apr 2024 -- Long-range strike capabilities and advanced targeting systems will receive $28 billion to $35 billion in the coming decade under the 2024 Integrated Investment Program.
• Exercise prepares special ops for offshore crisis event Australia DOD 23 Apr 2024 -- Special Operations Command recovery task group conducted an exercise on the Yolla offshore gas platform in Bass Strait at the beginning of April.
• N Korea holds first ever 'nuclear trigger' drills, simulates nuclear counterattack Press TV 23 Apr 2024 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has overseen unprecedented drills simulating a nuclear counterattack amid joint military exercises by the US and South Korea.
• North Korea says it has tested 'nuclear trigger' counterattack system VOA 23 Apr 2024 -- North Korea says it carried out its first-ever nuclear counterattack drills on Monday.
• Successful test of new version of Medium-Range Ballistic Missile India PIB 23 Apr 2024 -- A successful launch of the new variant of a Medium-Range Ballistic Missile was carried out under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command on April 23, 2024
• DRDO develops Lightest Bullet Proof Jacket for protection against highest threat Level 6 of BIS India PIB 23 Apr 2024 -- DRDO's Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE), Kanpur has successfully developed the lightest Bullet Proof Jacket in the country for protection against 7
• Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - Multifunctional Information Distribution Systems DSCA 23 Apr 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of Multifunctional Information Distribution Systems and related equipment for an estimated cost of $101.1 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Resignations in Israeli military trigger domino effect IRNA 23 Apr 2024 -- Israeli media outlets have reported that following the resignation of the regime's military espionage chief and the chief of the Central Command of the Israeli army, some other military commanders have also decided to resign.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With UK Secretary of State for Defence Grant Shapps DoD 23 Apr 2024
• PM announces 'turning point' in European security as UK set to increase defence spending to 2.5% by 2030 Gov.UK 23 Apr 2024 -- Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced that the UK will increase defence spending to 2.5% by 2030.
• Prime Minister's defence speech in Warsaw: 23 April 2024 Gov.UK 23 Apr 2024 -- Prime Minister Rishi Sunak makes a speech on defence.
• Amid China tensions, India delivers supersonic cruise missiles to Philippines VOA 23 Apr 2024 -- India has begun delivery of supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines as the two countries tighten defense and strategic ties amid rising tensions between the East Asian nation and China over maritime disputes in the South China Sea.
• Analysts: US missile deployment expected to assist Philippines' defense Radio Free Asia 23 Apr 2024 -- The U.S. Army's deployment of a mid-range missile launcher in the Philippines earlier this month is expected to help Manila prepare to defend its territories amid geopolitical tension over the South China Sea, security analysts said.
• Deputy Secretary Campbell Chairs the U.S.-Philippines 3+3 Senior Officials' Meeting US Dept. of State 23 Apr 2024 -- Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell chaired the U.S.-Philippines 3+3 Senior Officials' Meeting between senior U.S. officials from the Department of State, Department of Defense, and National Security Council and their counterparts from the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, Philippine Department of Defense, and Philippine National Security Council in Washington, D.C. today.
• Press Gaggle by Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates and National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby En Route Tampa, FL The White House 23 Apr 2024

Defense Industry

• Contracts For April 23, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 23 April 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 23 Apr 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• April 22: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 23 Apr 2024
• Israel widens strikes, orders more evacuations in north of Gaza VOA 23 Apr 2024 -- Israeli forces stepped up attacks across Gaza on Tuesday as the Israel-Hamas war entered its 200th day. Residents reported some of the heaviest shelling in weeks along with new orders to evacuate northern regions of the enclave, which Israeli officials called a "dangerous combat zone."
• Israel intensifies strikes across Gaza on day 200 of genocidal war Press TV 23 Apr 2024 -- The Israeli military has conducted heavy artillery strikes against the northern Gaza Strip, targeting various locations as the regime's genocidal war on the besieged territory entered the 200th day.
• 200 days of Israeli aggression against Gaza ISNA 23 Apr 2024 -- Israel strikes once again as the central Gaza Strip faces relentless Israeli aggression for the 200th day in a row. At dawn today, a heartbreaking number of Palestinians were martyred and injured in a deadly series of air strikes and artillery shelling.
• Mass graves in Gaza show victims' hands were tied, says UN rights office UN News 23 Apr 2024 -- Disturbing reports continue to emerge about mass graves in Gaza in which Palestinian victims were reportedly found stripped naked with their hands tied, prompting renewed concerns about possible war crimes amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, said on Tuesday.
• UNRWA Situation Report #103 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem - All information from 18-21 April 2024, is valid as of 21 April 2024 at 22:30 UNRWA 23 Apr 2024
• Israel still prevents food convoys from reaching north of Gaza: UNRWA Press TV 23 Apr 2024 -- The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) says Israel continues to prevent its food convoys from reaching the north of the Gaza Strip, where food supplies are "a matter of life and death."
• UN rights chief 'horrified' by mass grave reports at Gaza hospitals Press TV 23 Apr 2024 -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has been "horrified" by the discovery of mass graves at two hospitals in the besieged Gaza Strip.
• UNRWA committed to implement independent review recommendations UN News 23 Apr 2024 -- The head of the UN agency that assists Palestine refugees, UNRWA, on Tuesday reiterated that he welcomed the recommendations of a much-awaited report on its efforts to ensure neutrality and to respond to allegations of serious breaches when they arise.
• Readout of Vice President Harris's Call with President Herzog of Israel The White House 23 Apr 2024
• Gaza: Speech by the High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell in the EP plenary on the civilian deaths European External Action Service (EEAS) 23 Apr 2024 -- Check against delivery!
• Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide on the report of the Commission of Inquiry into the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) Government of Norway 23 Apr 2024
• Hamas to survive, reconstitute as Israel fails to destroy command centers, tunnels: US media Press TV 23 Apr 2024 -- An American daily has highlighted Israel's failure to destroy tunnels dug by Hamas below the Gaza Strip, saying the underground passages will allow the resistance group to "survive and reconstitute" after the ongoing Israeli aggression.
• Hamas dismisses Blinken's accusation of obstructing ceasefire agreement in Gaza Press TV 23 Apr 2024 -- The Palestinian Hamas resistance movement has sternly criticized US Secretary of State Antony Blinken for accusing the group of obstructing a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.
• Hezbollah continues striking Israeli positions ISNA 23 Apr 2024 -- In support of the Palestinian people and resistance in Gaza and in light of the Israeli aggression on the various South Lebanon villages, the Islamic Resistance continued striking the Zionist occupation sites near Lebanon border.
• Hezbollah carries out separate attacks against Zionist targets IRNA 23 Apr 2024 -- Hezbollah of Lebanon has launched a series of attacks against Zionist bases in northern parts of the Palestinian Israeli-occupied territories.
• 'Hezbollah sent important message by downing 5 Israeli drones' IRNA 23 Apr 2024 -- The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah sent an important message to the Israeli regime as well as resistance fighters and their supporters by shooting down five drones belonging to the regime, an analyst said.
• Hezbollah targets Zionists' position in northern occupied Palestine IRNA 23 Apr 2024 -- The Lebanese Hezbollah announced that it targeted the Zionist Jalul Alam base in northern occupied Palestine.
• Region to change after Ops. Al-Aqsa Storm, True Promise: Hezbollah IRNA 23 Apr 2024 -- The region would experience a change after Operation Al-Aqsa Storm and Iran's punitive response to the Israeli regime's offensive, says the head of the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah's Executive Council.
• Hezbollah says launched 'deepest attack' on Israel since start of Gaza war Press TV 23 Apr 2024 -- Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement says it has launched the deepest strike ever into the Israeli occupied territories since the regime began the current war in the besieged Gaza Strip in early October.
• ICRC decries escalating Israeli raids across occupied West Bank Press TV 23 Apr 2024 -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has drawn attention to the "recent escalation of violence in multiple areas" due to deadly Israeli raids into the occupied West Bank.

Other Conflicts

• UN: Guns fueling rape of children, women in war zones VOA 23 Apr 2024 -- Actor and U.N. Goodwill Ambassador Danai Gurira told diplomats Tuesday that finding a child to sexually abuse in a conflict zone can cost less than one dollar. She urged policymakers to curb the illicit flow of weapons as one way to prevent these crimes.
• Silence the guns, amplify women's voices for peace to end rape in wartime UN News 23 Apr 2024 -- The UN verified 3,688 cases of rape and other sexual violence committed in war in 2023, a "dramatic increase" of 50 per cent over the previous year, the Security Council heard on Tuesday.
• Images disprove claims Iran's air defenses were damaged in suspected Israeli attacks IRNA 23 Apr 2024 -- Western media are claiming that the Zionist regime attacked the S-300 Air Defense System in Iran's central city of Isfahan last week. inflicting damage on the system. However, a closer look at satellite images taken from the site that host the systems show no damage was inflicted on the systems after the suspected attacks.
• Iran's anti-Israel operation caused strategic effects in regional, int'l arenas IRNA 23 Apr 2024 -- Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Bagheri has said that Iran's anti-Israel operation has caused strategic effects in regional and international arenas.
• President Raeisi: Nothing will remain of Israel in case of another mistake Press TV 23 Apr 2024 -- Iran's President Ebrahim Raeisi has issued a stern warning against any Israeli aggression on the Iranian soil, saying the occupying regime will face a devastating response in case of another mistake.
• Iran's True Promise ushers in new era for region with global strategic implications: Baqeri Press TV 23 Apr 2024 -- Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri has stressed that Iran's recent retaliatory strikes on the Israeli-occupied territories have had "strategic" impacts both on the region and the world.
• Iran's decisive response to Israeli aggression disrupted enemy's equations: Hamas Press TV 23 Apr 2024 -- The spokesman for the Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Palestianian resistance movement Hamas, has hailed Iran's unprecedented retaliatory military operation against Israel, saying the Islamic Republic's decisive response disrupted the enemy's equations.
• Tensions simmer near a shoal both China and the Philippines claim Radio Free Asia 23 Apr 2024 -- The Bagong Bayan fishing village is nestled in a coconut orchard next to the clear waters of a small lagoon.
• China, Cambodia to advance negotiations on Code of Conduct in South China Sea Global Times 23 Apr 2024 -- China and Cambodia stressed their commitment to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and advance the negotiation on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea for its early conclusion, during Chinese top diplomat's visit to Cambodia between Sunday and Tuesday.
• Small businesses a lifeline for Afghan women facing Taliban restrictions VOA 23 Apr 2024 -- Zuhal Akbari has opened a new pastry factory in the western Afghan city of Herat, recruiting women "so that they can do something for themselves, their families and their health."
• UN envoy calls for improved security in Haiti to promote political progress People's Daily 23 Apr 2024 -- The top UN envoy for Haiti on Monday stressed the need for improved security in the country to allow for further political progress.
• Thailand offers to mediate in Myanmar conflict, urges ASEAN involvement amid violence Radio Free Asia 23 Apr 2024 -- Thailand is ready to act as a mediator in the conflict in Myanmar and help bring about a comprehensive resolution to fighting between junta forces and rebel groups, the top Thai diplomat said during a visit to the border Tuesday.
• Junta attacks in Myanmar's Bago region kill 8, displace 6,000 Radio Free Asia 23 Apr 2024 -- Junta attacks since the weekend in central Myanmar's Bago region have killed at least eight people and displaced around 6,000 people, a rebel official and residents said Tuesday.
• Myanmar junta chief missing from public view after drone attack Radio Free Asia 23 Apr 2024 -- A senior Myanmar military official has not been seen in public for weeks following a drone attack, leading to speculation he might have been wounded, according to a political analyst.
• Myanmar junta slams US aid plan VOA 23 Apr 2024 -- Myanmar's ruling junta, the State Administrative Council, is criticizing a U.S. aid package that is being funneled through opponents of the regime, saying the United States should consider whether its actions amount to support for terrorism.
• What's Behind The Deadly Surge Of Violence In Pakistan's Balochistan? RFE/RL 23 Apr 2024 -- Pakistan's southwestern province of Balochistan has been the scene of a low-level insurgency and a brutal government crackdown for decades.
• Solving Azerbaijan-Armenia border issues vital for South Caucasus stability: Iran IRNA 23 Apr 2024 -- The continuation of Azerbaijan and Armenia's efforts to resolve border issues peacefully is necessary for establishing lasting peace and stability in the South Caucasus, says Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani.
• Farewell Barak: Uzbekistan Absorbs Kyrgyz Exclave As Part Of Historic Border Deal RFE/RL 23 Apr 2024 -- In the formerly Soviet countries of Central Asia, there are enclaves, exclaves, and now, ex-exclaves.
• Kosovo, Serbia Trade Accusations At UN Security Council Meeting RFE/RL 23 Apr 2024 -- The presidents of Serbia and Kosovo traded accusations on April 22 at a session of the UN Security Council in New York called to consider a report on the work of UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).

News Reports

• U.S. Report Highlights Worsening Human Rights Abuses In Russia, Iran, Afghanistan RFE/RL 23 Apr 2024 -- Russia has continued to show blatant disregard for human rights both in its unprovoked war against Ukraine and in the treatment of its own citizens over the past year, the U.S. State Department has said in its latest annual report on human rights around the globe, which also highlights the abuses committed by Iran's theocratic regime and the Taliban's mistreatment of Afghans -- especially its discrimination against women and girls.
• Chinese spy' hype in UK and Germany aimed at souring atmosphere of cooperation: FM spokesperson Global Times 23 Apr 2024 -- In response to accusations over "Chinese spies" by the UK and Germany on Monday and Tuesday, a spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that the so-called "Chinese spy threat theory" is not new in Europe, every time before or after China-Europe high-level interactions in recent years, there would be such a hype, with a clear intention of smearing and hitting China and souring the atmosphere of China-EU cooperation. 
• German prosecutors accuse aide to European lawmaker of spying for China VOA 23 Apr 2024 -- German prosecutors said Tuesday that an aide to a German lawmaker in the European Parliament had been arrested on suspicion of spying for China.
• Terrorist and Hostage-Taking Related Designations of JNIM and al-Murabitoun Leaders US Dept. of State 23 Apr 2024 -- The Department of State is today designating a total of seven Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and al-Murabitoun leaders for their involvement in the hostage-taking of U.S. nationals in West Africa.
• Terrorist and Hostage-Taking Related Designations of JNIM and al-Murabitoun Leaders US Dept. of State 23 Apr 2024 -- The United States remains committed to bringing American hostages home and to deterring future hostage-takings. Today, the Department of State is designating a total of seven individuals pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as amended, and E.O. 14078.
• U.S. Targets West African Hostage Takers US Treasury 23 Apr 2024 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned two leaders of al-Qa'ida-aligned terrorist group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) for hostage-taking of U.S. persons in West Africa. OFAC is designating these individuals pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14078, "Bolstering Efforts To Bring Hostages and Wrongfully Detained United States Nationals Home," which targets those involved in, hostage-taking of a U.S. national or the wrongful detention of a U.S. national abroad. The Department of State concurrently designated five JNIM leaders pursuant to E.O. 14078, and designated two of these, as well as two additional leaders of JNIM, pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended.
• African leaders meet in Nigeria to discuss terrorism VOA 23 Apr 2024 -- A high-level Africa counterterrorism summit opened Monday in Nigeria with hundreds of delegates from around the world. Africa has become the world's epicenter of terrorism. Leaders at the summit hope to change that through regional cooperation and partnerships.
• General Assembly debates Security Council's rising veto use UN News 23 Apr 2024 -- The General Assembly on Tuesday debated veto power in the Security Council on the eve of the second anniversary of a special measure adopted to monitor its use, following on the heels of the United States vetoing Palestine's bid last week for full UN membership.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on April 23, 2024 PRC MofA 23 Apr 2024
• China lays out five major goals it expects to focus on for Blinken's China visit Global Times 23 Apr 2024 -- Ahead of the upcoming visit of the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to China, China's Foreign Ministry introduced five major goals that China is focusing on during this visit, which include making solemn representations and demands on matters such as the Taiwan question, trade and technology restrictions and the South China Sea issue.
• China to make solemn representations and demands during Blinken's visit on Taiwan, South China Sea and technology restriction Global Times 23 Apr 2024 -- Ahead of the upcoming visit of the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to China this week, a senior official from China's Foreign Ministry introduced five major targets that China is focusing on during this visit, making solemn representations and demands on matters such as the Taiwan question, trade and technology restrictions and the South China Sea issue.
• China says US still interfering in its affairs despite efforts to stabilize relations Press TV 23 Apr 2024 -- China says relations with the United States are stabilizing despite Washington's continued "interference" in its internal affairs.
• Hong Kong schools ban books, warn teachers not to get 'political' Radio Free Asia 23 Apr 2024 -- Hong Kong schools have been banning books, warning teachers not to express "political" views, training students how to raise the Chinese flag correctly and screening patriotic films, according to online documents that reveal what the city's "national security education" program looks like on the ground.
• European parliament passes law banning forced labor products Radio Free Asia 23 Apr 2024 -- The European Parliament on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved a new law that prevents the import and distribution of goods made with forced labor, a move that Uyghur advocates said would help clamp down on China's use of forced labor in far western Xinjiang.
• China's Ministry of Public Security launches nationwide Fox Hunt 2024 campaign to repatriate economic fugitives fled abroad Global Times 23 Apr 2024 -- China's Ministry of Public Security (MPS) have deployed the public security departments nationwide to launch the Fox Hunt 2024 campaign to repatriate economic fugitives who have fled abroad, the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) said on Tuesday.
• China mulls revising anti-money laundering law People's Daily 23 Apr 2024 -- Chinese lawmakers on Tuesday started deliberating a draft revision to the Anti-Money Laundering Law, with rules specifying anti-money laundering obligations for specific non-financial institutions.
• China's envoy in Washington urges U.S. to avoid Thucydides Trap in bilateral ties People's Daily 23 Apr 2024 -- Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng has said that China does not consider the Thucydides Trap an inevitable part of its relationship with the United States. To avoid stepping into it, Washington should try to work with Beijing.
• China always be Cambodia's most reliable friend, firmest supporter for development: Chinese FM People's Daily 23 Apr 2024 -- Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Monday that no matter how the international situation has changed, China will always be Cambodia's most reliable friend and firmest supporter for its development.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Apr. 23, 2024 ROC MND 23 Apr 2024
• North Korea sends officials to Iran amid suspected military cooperation Radio Free Asia 23 Apr 2024 -- A North Korean delegation led by the cabinet minister for international trade is visiting Iran, the North's state-run media reported on Wednesday, amid suspicion Tehran used North Korean weapons technology for its attack on Israel.
• South Korea's Yoon reaffirms commitment to foreign policy agenda VOA 23 Apr 2024 -- The South Korean government says it will push ahead with its foreign policy agenda despite a crushing defeat in parliamentary elections at the hands of a liberal opposition party that promises to push back against President Yoon Suk Yeol's foreign and security policies.
• Sanctioning Iranian Cyber Actors US Dept. of State 23 Apr 2024 -- The United States is today imposing sanctions on two Iranian companies and four individuals involved in malicious cyber activity on behalf of, directly or indirectly, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Cyber Electronic Command (IRGC-CEC), a U.S.-designated entity.
• Treasury Designates Iranian Cyber Actors Targeting U.S. Companies and Government Agencies US Treasury 23 Apr 2024 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned two companies and four individuals involved in malicious cyber activity on behalf of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Cyber Electronic Command (IRGC-CEC). These actors targeted more than a dozen U.S. companies and government entities through cyber operations, including spear phishing and malware attacks. In conjunction with today's action, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation is unsealing an indictment against the four individuals for their roles in cyber activity targeting U.S. entities.
• US sanctions 2 companies , 4 individuals on charges of cyber activities by IRGC IRNA 23 Apr 2024 -- In the continuation of Washington's sanctions against Tehran, especially the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) and its anti-Iran claims, the US Treasury Department announced that its Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned two companies and four individuals involved in cyber activities under the IRGC command.
• 'Regrettable': Iran slams EU sanctions, says bloc satisfying criminal Israeli regime Press TV 23 Apr 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has censured the European Union over tightening sanctions on the country in reprisal for the recent extensive missile and drone strikes against Israel, saying the bloc should not yield to Washington's demands to appease the occupying Tel Aviv regime.
• Iran begins second round of proceedings against MKO terrorists IRNA 23 Apr 2024 -- Iran has begun the second round of legal proceedings against members of the infamous terrorist group Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MKO).
• US report on human rights repeats past anti-Iran rhetoric IRNA 23 Apr 2024 -- The US State Department on Monday in its annual report entitled "Human Rights of Countries" has repeated its past rhetoric against Iran, accusing it of violating rights of its citizens in 2023.
• AEOI chief: Iran set to build more nuclear power plants, generate more electricity Press TV 23 Apr 2024 -- The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) says the country intends to construct more nuclear plants and increase the capacity of nuclear power generation as part of efforts to ensure national energy security.
• Iran, Pakistan to bring peace, stability to region through cooperation: Raeisi Press TV 23 Apr 2024 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi has stressed that the Islamic Republic and Pakistan can play a major role in achieving regional peace through promotion of their bilateral ties.
• In Sign Of Thawing Relations With Saudis, Iranian Pilgrims Leave For Mecca RFE/RL 23 Apr 2024 -- For the first time in nine years, a group of Iranian pilgrims has arrived in Saudi Arabia to perform the Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca, a sign of thawing relations between Tehran and Riyadh.
• Iran Homing In On Africa With Trade Promises, Chaos RFE/RL 23 Apr 2024 -- Iran is expanding its footprint in Africa, offering arms, partnerships, and chaos as it works to boost its influence on the continent.
• Raisi: Iran considers Pakistan's security as its own IRNA 23 Apr 2024 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a meeting with his Pakistani counterpart said that the Islamic Iran considers Pakistan's security as its security, and emphasized the need to use the capacity and opportunity of the common borders between the two countries for the benefit of the two nations.
• World News in Brief: South Sudan tax impositions, Somalia flash floods, Ukraine attacks UN News 23 Apr 2024 -- The UN acknowledges assurances from the South Sudanese government that the recent imposition of taxes on fuel and supply trucks does not apply to the Organization. Still, concerns remain regarding humanitarian aid efforts in the region since some of the UN's fuel and supply trucks are being held at many depots and the border.
• New US sanctions on Venezuela grave mistake: Maduro ISNA 23 Apr 2024 -- The Venezuelan President meets with an Iranian delegation visiting the country to enhance strategic relations between Caracas and Tehran.