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Current Operations

• Yemeni forces strike US, Israeli vessels in fresh pro-Palestinian operations Press TV 24 Apr 2024 -- Yemen's Armed Forces have targeted two American vessels and an Israeli one in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, who are enduring a United States-backed Israeli war of genocide.
• April 24 Red Sea Update CENTCOM 24 Apr 2024 -- At 11:51 a.m. (Sanaa time) on April 24, a coalition vessel successfully engaged one anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) launched from Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist-controlled areas in Yemen over the Gulf of Aden. The ASBM was likely targeting the MV Yorktown, a U.S.-flagged, owned, and operated vessel with 18 U.S. and four Greek crew members. There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships.
• Statement From Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder on a Department of Defense Delegation to Niger DoD 24 Apr 2024 -- Per the U.S. State Department, U.S. Ambassador to Niger Kathleen FitzGibbon and Maj. Gen. Kenneth Ekman, U.S. Africa Command Director of Strategy, Engagement and Programs, will meet with National Council for Safeguarding the Homeland (CNSP) officials April 25 in Niamey, Niger to initiate discussions on an orderly and safe withdrawal of U.S. forces from Niger.
• On the Withdrawal of U.S. Troops from Niger US Dept. of State 24 Apr 2024 -- As part of ongoing U.S. government negotiations with the National Council for Safeguarding the Homeland (CNSP), U.S. Ambassador to Niger Kathleen FitzGibbon and Major General Kenneth Ekman, Director of Strategy, Engagement and Programs for U.S. Africa Command, will meet with CNSP officials in Niamey on April 25 to initiate discussions on an orderly and responsible withdrawal of U.S. forces from Niger.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Supplemental Bill Becomes Law, Provides Billions in Aid for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan DoD News 24 Apr 2024 -- President Joe Biden today signed into law a bill that provides much-needed security assistance to American partners, including Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.
• Biden signs $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan VOA 24 Apr 2024 -- U.S. President Joe Biden signed legislation Wednesday providing $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, saying, "When our allies are stronger. We are stronger."
• US Senate passes aid package for Ukraine, Israel amid fears over prolonged war Press TV 24 Apr 2024 -- The US Senate has overwhelmingly passed a $95-billion so-called aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and the Chinese Taipei, sending the long-delayed legislation to President Joe Biden to sign into law.
• Press Release: Bill Signed: H.R. 815 The White House 24 Apr 2024
• Remarks by President Biden on the Passage of H.R. 815, the National Security Supplemental The White House24 Apr 2024
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Call with Indonesia Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto DoD 24 Apr 2024
• Vice Chiefs: Operating Jointly Provides Advantage Over Adversaries DoD News 24 Apr 2024 -- The U.S. military is at its best when its separate branches are working together.
• U.S. Air Force B-1B bombers conclude BTF 24-2 EUCOM 24 Apr 2024 -- During the month-long deployment, which kicked off March 24 the B-1Bs and supporting personnel conducted several missions to train alongside Allies and partners across the European region, including the Czech Republic, Greece, Türkiye, and the U.K.
• US Losing Ground in Arctic to Russia Due to Lack of Icebreaking Capability - Coast Guard Sputnik 24 Apr 2024 -- The United States is losing ground in the Arctic to its near-peer competitors, including Russia and China, because of a lack of icebreaking capability, US Coast Guard Vice Commandant Admiral Steven D. Poulin said on Wednesday.
• Air Force exercises two Collaborative Combat Aircraft option awards US Air Force 24 Apr 2024 -- The Department of the Air Force made the decision to continue funding Anduril and General Atomics for detailed designs, manufacture, and testing of production representative test articles under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program.
• CARAT Sri Lanka 2024 Kicks Off US Navy 24 Apr 2024 -- The U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) began exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Sri Lanka 2024 with the SLN in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, April 22, 2024.
• Bangladesh, U.S. Navies Commence CARAT Bangladesh 2024 US Navy 24 Apr 2024 -- The United States and Bangladesh Navies began Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Bangladesh Apr. 22, commemorating the 30th year of the CARAT exercise series.
• Space Force Official Outlines Roadmap for Commercial Partnerships DoD News 24 Apr 2024 -- The Space Force aims to build upon its foundation of strong partnerships with the commercial sector to maintain the United States' competitive advantage in the frontier warfare domain, a senior service official said yesterday.
• S. Korea, US Conduct Joint Space Drills Against Perceived Threats From N. Korea - Reports Sputnik 24 Apr 2024 -- South Korea and the United States have conducted joint space exercises aimed at addressing North Korea's alleged jamming attacks on global positioning system (GPS) and other space-based threats as part of annual air drills, South Korean media reported on Wednesday, citing the air force.
• 21st Theater Sustainment Command sets theater for first time in Norway Army News 24 Apr 2024 -- The 21st Theater Sustainment Command and 598th Transportation Brigade of the Army's Surface Deployment Distribution Command, alongside their Norwegian Allies makes history today by setting the theater for the first time here during the Defender 2024 exercise April 24, 2024.
• Russia blocks UN resolution on peaceful use of outer space VOA 24 Apr 2024 -- Russia blocked a U.N. Security Council resolution Wednesday reaffirming the need to prevent a nuclear arms race in outer space.
• Statement from National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Russia's Veto of the UN Security Council Resolution on the Outer Space Treaty The White House 24 Apr 2024
• Russia vetoes Security Council draft resolution on a weapon-free outer space UN News 24 Apr 2024 -- Russia used its veto to quash a draft resolution aimed at keeping weapons out of outer space.
• Security Council Fails to Adopt Resolution on Prevention of Arms Race in Outer Space Owing to Negative Vote UN Security Council 24 Apr 2024 -- The Security Council this afternoon failed to adopt a proposed draft resolution aimed at the prevention of an arms race in outer space.
• There should be no nuclear weapons stationed in space: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 24 Apr 2024 -- Explanation of Vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on non-proliferation.
• NATO Maneuvers Near Russian Borders Raise Risks of Possible Military Incidents - Zakharova Sputnik 24 Apr 2024 -- The NATO maneuvers near Russia's borders scheduled to kick off on Friday in Finland increase the risks of possible military incidents, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has told Sputnik.
• Biden Administration Announces Significant New Security Assistance for Ukraine DoD 24 Apr 2024 -- Today, following the passage of the national security supplemental which the President just signed into law, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced a significant new security assistance to urgently meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs.
• Brown: DOD 'Moving Out' to Get Aid to Ukraine DoD News 24 Apr 2024 -- The Defense Department is moving quickly to provide much-needed military assistance to Ukraine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., said today.
• United States Announces Significant New Military Assistance for Ukraine US Dept. of State 24 Apr 2024 -- Following passage of the national security supplemental, the United States is today announcing a significant new package of weapons and equipment for Ukraine to support the brave Ukrainian people as they defend their country and their freedom against Russia's aggression.
• Memorandum on Delegation of Authority Under Section 614(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 The White House 24 Apr 2024
• US provides Ukraine with long-awaited ATACMS VOA 24 Apr 2024 -- The United States has provided Ukraine with long-range tactical ballistic missiles known as ATACMS, U.S. defense department spokesman Major Charlie Dietz told VOA.
• U.S. Confirms It Sent Missiles With 300-Kilometer Range To Ukraine RFE/RL 24 Apr 2024 -- The U.S. State Department confirmed on April 24 that the United States sent long-range missile systems known as ATACMS to Ukraine for use inside its territory, and the weapons arrived in the country this month.
• Biden Signs Ukraine Aid Package, Says Weapons Shipments To Start In Coming Hours RFE/RL 24 Apr 2024 -- U.S. President Joe Biden has signed a long-delayed military aid package hours after it was passed by the Senate, saying U.S. military aid will begin flowing again to Ukraine in the next few hours.
• US Discreetly Provided Ukraine With ATACMS Missiles in April Sputnik 24 Apr 2024 -- President Joe Biden quietly directed his national security team to provide the long-range Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) to Ukraine as part of the security aid package announced in March and those munitions arrived in April, a Pentagon spokesperson told Sputnik on Wednesday.
• Ukraine to get largest-ever military aid package from UK: Zelensky People's Daily 24 Apr 2024 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Tuesday that Ukraine would soon get the largest-ever military aid package from Britain worth 500 million pounds (619 million U.S. dollars).
• Ukraine Started Negotiations on a Security Agreement with Portugal President of Ukraine 24 Apr 2024
• We Expect the US President to Sign the Ukraine Aid Bill Today — Andriy Yermak on the United News Telethon President of Ukraine 24 Apr 2024
• U.S. Senate passes US$95 billion aid for Taiwan, Ukraine, Israel CNA 24 Apr 2024 -- The United States Senate on Tuesday passed a package to provide US$95 billion in aid to Taiwan, Ukraine, and Israel which also includes a provision that could lead to a ban on the popular social media app TikTok.
• Defense chief vows more counselors amid military suicides CNA 24 Apr 2024 -- Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng (邱國正) on Wednesday called suicide cases in Taiwan's military "regrettable" and pledged to increase the number of military counselors to prevent more such cases from happening.
• Amid warning of Chinese jet threat, defense head offers reassurances CNA 24 Apr 2024 -- Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng (邱國正) on Wednesday offered reassurances after a local military expert warned recently that Chinese warplanes are inching closer to Taiwan and could reach the Presidential Office in Taipei within minutes.
• Resilient bases to shore up the north Australia DOD 24 Apr 2024 -- The ADF will be better equipped to defend Australia's north thanks to $14 billion to $18 billion in funding for resilient bases under the 2024 Integrated Investment Program.
• Government invests $500 million in defence capability and delivers job boost Australia DOD 24 Apr 2024 -- The Albanese Government is investing $500 million in next-generation air missile defence as part of an unwavering commitment to strengthen national security and provide the Australian Defence Force with the capabilities it needs to make Australians safer.
• Leader: Iran's arms sector example of turning sanctions, hostilities into opportunity ISNA 24 Apr 2024 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says the Islamic Republic's remarkable achievements in arms production attest to the fact that a "lively nation" can turn sanctions into opportunities.
• Leader: Iran's progress in arms sector example of turning sanctions, hostilities into opportunity Press TV 24 Apr 2024 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says the Islamic Republic's remarkable achievements in arms production attest to the fact that a "lively nation" can turn sanctions into opportunities.
• US military aid to Israel under scrutiny as Biden signs $26 billion in new assistance VOA 24 Apr 2024 -- President Joe Biden signed legislation Wednesday for $26 billion in additional wartime assistance to Israel. It comes more than six months after a Hamas terrorist attack in Israel killed more than 1,200 people and triggered an Israeli response that has killed more than 34,000 people in Gaza.
• Poland - Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles - Extended Range DSCA 24 Apr 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Poland of Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles - Extended Range and related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of $1.275 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• The Netherlands - Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles - Extended Range DSCA 24 Apr 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Netherlands of Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles -Extended Range and related equipment for an estimated cost of $700 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Minister of National Defence L. Kasčiūnas met with Ministers of Defence and Civil Defence of Sweden Lithuania MND 24 Apr 2024 -- Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas is conducting a visit to Stockholm, he met with Minister of Defence Pål Jonson and Minister of Civil Defence Carl-Oscar Bohlin.
• New Artillery Maintenance Workshop for Indirect Fire Weapons Opens in Tapa Estonia CDI 24 Apr 2024 -- The Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) inaugurated a new workshop in Tapa for the maintenance of indirect fire weapons, where the Estonian Defence Forces will begin servicing K9 self-propelled howitzers and 120-mm towed mortars.
• A look at the Defence news 15 - 21 April Netherlands Ministry of Defence 24 Apr 2024
• Deputy Defence Minister Igor Melicher welcomes U.S. delegation for U.S.-Slovakia High Level Defense Group (HLDG) meeting in Bratislava Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic 24 Apr 2024 -- Deputy Defence Minister Igor Melicher welcomed a United States Department of Defense (DOD) delegation led by Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for European and NATO Policy Lisa Sawyer to the Slovak Ministry of Defence in Bratislava today (23 April 2024).
• Joint Statement on the Philippines-United States Bilateral Strategic Dialogue US Dept. of State 24 Apr 2024 -- The following statement was jointly released by the United States and The Philippines on the occasion of the successful conclusion of the 11th Philippines-United States Bilateral Strategic Dialogue in Washington, D.C.:
• Joint Statement on the Second U.S.-Oman Strategic Dialogue US Dept. of State 24 Apr 2024 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Sultanate of Oman on the occasion of the Second U.S.-Oman Strategic Dialogue.

Defense Industry

• Contracts For April 24, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 24 April 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 24 Apr 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Israel deploys reserve brigades to Gaza Strip VOA 24 Apr 2024 -- Israel's military said Wednesday it is deploying two reserve brigade divisions to the Gaza Strip, a move that comes as Israel prepares for a ground invasion in the southern city of Rafah.
• Statement by PM Netanyahu Israel - Prime Minister 24 Apr 2024 -- "We see this exponential rise of antisemitism throughout America and throughout Western societies as Israel tries to defend itself against genocidal terrorists, genocidal terrorists who hide behind civilians. Yet it is Israel that is falsely accused of genocide, Israel that is falsely accused of starvation and all sundry war crimes."
• April 23: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 24 Apr 2024
• Israeli war machine claims more civilian lives across Gaza as genocidal war rages Press TV 24 Apr 2024 -- The Israeli regime's military has claimed the lives of more Palestinians as it presses ahead with its genocidal war on the Gaza Strip.
• Israeli army says 606 forces killed in Gaza war IRNA 24 Apr 2024 -- The army of the Zionist regime has announced that 606 Israeli forces have been killed since the start of the genocidal war on Gaza on October 7, 2023.
• UNRWA seeks $1.2 billion to meet urgent needs in Gaza and the West Bank UN News 24 Apr 2024 -- The UN agency that assists Palestine refugees, UNRWA, launched a $1.2 billion appeal on Wednesday to address the unprecedented humanitarian crisis in the besieged Gaza Strip and to respond to needs in the West Bank as violence there increases.
• Latest hunger data spotlights extent of famine risk in Gaza, Sudan and beyond UN News 24 Apr 2024 -- Dangerous levels of acute hunger affected a staggering 281.6 million people last year - the fifth year in a row that food insecurity has worsened - heightening growing fears of famine and "widespread death" from Gaza to Sudan and beyond, UN agencies warned on Wednesday.
• Nearly 2 million people depend on assistance from UNRWA as war in Gaza enters 200 days and violence increases in the West Bank UNRWA 24 Apr 2024 -- UNRWA is seeking US$ 1.21 billion to address the unprecedented humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and respond to needs in the West Bank as violence increases.
• Security Council Briefed by Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza UN Security Council 24 Apr 2024 -- The Security Council met this afternoon to hear a briefing on the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine. Addressing the Council was Sigrid Kaag, Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza pursuant to Security Council Resolution 2720 (2023).
• 75% of Gaza population displaced by Israeli war: UNRWA IRNA 24 Apr 2024 -- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinian refugees says 75 percent of displaced Gazans or about 1.7 million people have had to flee several times in search of relative safety amid incessant Israeli airstrikes and shelling across the besieged Palestinian Strip.
• UN human rights chief condemns killings of women, children in Rafah People's Daily 24 Apr 2024 -- The United Nations' (UN) Human Rights chief Volker Turk has strongly condemned recent Israeli strikes in Rafah that resulted in the deaths of many women and children.
• Following Iran's attack against Israel - Federal Government strives to promote de-escalation Germany - Federal Government 24 Apr 2024 -- Following Iran's unprecedented attack on Israel's national territory, the Federal Government is making every effort to prevent a conflagration in the Middle East. Federal Chancellor Scholz spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on the phone on Sunday. At the European Council meeting, Scholz and his European counterparts initiated new EU sanctions against Iran.
• Gaza destruction worse than in WWII Germany: Top EU diplomat IRNA 24 Apr 2024 -- The European Union foreign policy chief, referring to the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, said the situation in the besieged Palestinian territory is "catastrophic, apocalyptic," with destruction proportionally "even greater" than that which Germany experienced in World War II.
• Jamaica officially recognizes state of Palestine Press TV 24 Apr 2024 -- Jamaica says it has decided to officially recognize Palestine as a state amid prolonged concerns over Israel's ongoing war in the Gaza Strip and the dire humanitarian crisis in the besieged territory.
• Iran/Israel: Speech by the High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell at the EP plenary European External Action Service (EEAS) 24 Apr 2024
• Zionists attack, arrest Palestinians in Quds, West Bank IRNA 24 Apr 2024 -- The Zionist regime's forces have launched attacks against various parts of the West Bank, arresting a number of civilians.
• Statement by Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide on settler violence in the West Bank Government of Norway 24 Apr 2024
• Hamas says not considering leaving Qatar IRNA 24 Apr 2024 -- The Hamas media spokesman has announced that the Palestinian resistance movement's leaders will not leave Qatar to move to another place.
• Sinwar still supervising Gaza war; Israel deliberately delaying talks on captives: Hamas official Press TV 24 Apr 2024 -- A senior Hamas official has dismissed claims that the ongoing genocidal Israeli war against the Gaza Strip has led to "isolation" of the resistance movement's leader Yahya Sinwar.
• Hezbollah carries out missile attack on Israeli positions IRNA 24 Apr 2024 -- The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah says it has carried out a fresh missile attack on Israeli-occupied territories in northern Palestine.
• Palestinian resistance in position of imposing its will: Islamic Jihad official IRNA 24 Apr 2024 -- After 200 days of resistance, Palestinian resistance movements stand in the position of imposing their will on the battlefield and in negotiations, says Ziyad al-Nakhalah, the Secretary General of the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine.
• Israel far from defeating Resistance: Abu Obeida ISNA 24 Apr 2024 -- Palestinian al-Qassam Brigades spokesperson Abu Obeida hails the steadfastness of the Palestinian Resistance as it still faces the Israeli occupation forces.

Other Conflicts

• UN: Conflict, climate change driving hundreds of millions into hunger VOA 24 Apr 2024 -- A new analysis of the state of global hunger finds conflict, climate change, and economic shocks are driving an increasing number of people into acute hunger, jeopardizing gains made over previous years in achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development goal of ending hunger by 2030.
• No longer a US priority, is Afghanistan a Central Asia problem now? VOA 24 Apr 2024 -- Afghanistan's Central Asian neighbors are holding out hope that America, based on its pledges at September's C5+1 summit, will expand its role in this neighborhood. The wish list includes delivering more humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people, facilitating the expansion of trade, and combating the threats of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan.
• Pakistan, Iran see Afghanistan-based terror groups as 'serious threat' to global security VOA 24 Apr 2024 -- Pakistan and Iran pledged Wednesday they would increase joint efforts against Afghanistan's terrorism threat and urged Afghanistan's hardline Taliban government to involve all Afghans in "basic decision-making."
• Junta recaptures key border base, but Karen rebels say fight isn't over Radio Free Asia 24 Apr 2024 -- Myanmar's military has reclaimed a key base in Myawaddy, a trading hub on the Thai border, after it fell to rebels earlier this month, an official with an ethnic Karen militant group said Wednesday. But he called its withdrawal "temporary" and said it has no intention of entering into peace talks with the junta.
• Junta wields fear as a weapon with killing of civilians in Myanmar's Sagaing Radio Free Asia 24 Apr 2024 -- Junta troops arrested and killed nearly 90 civilians in northern Myanmar's Sagaing region during the first quarter of 2024, according to data compiled by RFA Burmese, including several elderly villagers and others who were unable to flee military raids.
• Five Rohingya found dead after Arakan Army arrest Radio Free Asia 24 Apr 2024 -- Five Rohingya Muslims arrested by ethnic minority insurgents in western Myanmar have been found dead, sources close to the victims' families told Radio Free Asia on Wednesday.
• Thailand warns Myanmar's rivals against using its soil for harm: ministers Radio Free Asia 24 Apr 2024 -- Thailand has warned Myanmar's junta and rebel groups against using its territory for "their own sake," Thailand's defense minister said, amid fears that fighting in eastern Myanmar could spill over the Thai-Myanmar border.
• Haiti: Speech by the High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell at the EP plenary on the situation in the country European External Action Service (EEAS) 24 Apr 2024 -- Speech delivered by Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, on behalf of High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell
• On Genocide Remembrance Day, Armenians Told To 'Overcome Trauma' Of 1915 Mass Killings RFE/RL 24 Apr 2024 -- Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian urged Armenians to "overcome the trauma" of the massacre of their ethnic kin by Ottoman Turks more than a century ago and stop yearning for their "lost homeland" as they marked the anniversary of the Armenian genocide on April 24.
• No: 68, 24 April 2024, Regarding the Statements by Authorities of Some Countries Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 Apr 2024
• The United States Calls for an Immediate Cessation of Attacks in El Fasher, North Darfur, Sudan US Dept. of State 24 Apr 2024 -- The United States calls on all armed forces in Sudan to immediately cease attacks in El Fasher, North Darfur.
• Security Council Hears Briefings on Great Lakes Region UN Security Council 24 Apr 2024 -- The Security Council met this morning on the situation in the Great Lakes region. Briefing the Council were Huang Xia, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes region, Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, and Pétronille Vaweka, Coordinator of Women Engaged for Peace in Africa.
• The United Kingdom is deeply concerned by the worsening conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 24 Apr 2024 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

News Reports

• INTERVIEW: Examining fake news sites generating Chinese propaganda Radio Free Asia 24 Apr 2024 -- Japan's "Ginza Daily," Italy's "Milano Moda Weekly," South Korea's "Incheon Focus," France's "Friendly Paris" and Ecuador's "Iguazu."
• Biden signs measure aimed at targeting Captagon trade in Syria VOA 24 Apr 2024 -- Largely overlooked in the massive foreign aid package signed into law by U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday is a measure that targets the trafficking of a dangerous drug in Syria.
• Seven teenagers arrested in Australia anti-terrorism probe VOA 24 Apr 2024 -- Seven teenagers in Australia have been arrested in a sweeping anti-terrorism operation in the wake of last week's stabbing attack of a bishop in Sydney.
• Address to participants in 12th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues President of Russia 24 Apr 2024
• Russian Special Services Continue to Identify People Behind Crocus City Hall Attack - Putin Sputnik 24 Apr 2024 -- Russian special services and law enforcement agencies are identifying people behind last month's Crocus City Hall terror attack near Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.
• Meeting on spring flood relief President of Russia 24 Apr 2024 -- Vladimir Putin chaired a videoconference meeting on spring flood relief in the Orenburg, Kurgan and Tyumen regions.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on April 24, 2024 PRC MofA 24 Apr 2024
• Biden signs TikTok ban bill Radio Free Asia 24 Apr 2024 -- China's ByteDance must sell its ownership stake in the popular social media app TikTok within the next year or the app could be banned in the United States under legislation signed into law Wednesday.
• Blinken looks to boost people-to-people ties during second visit to China VOA 24 Apr 2024 -- While Washington and Beijing are divided over a range of thorny issues, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken began his second visit to China this week focusing first on the importance of direct engagement. It is something, he says, that is essential for addressing key issues affecting people from both countries and the world.
• Blinken arrives in Shanghai with little optimism on major breakthrough due to US' mind-set Global Times 24 Apr 2024 -- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Shanghai on Wednesday afternoon to begin the second official visit to China of his tenure. Some Chinese experts said whether this visit, which shows Washington's eagerness to cooperate with China, can achieve a breakthrough depends on the US' mind-set and attitude.
• Commentary: Sound, stable China-U.S. ties need consensus and actions People's Daily 24 Apr 2024 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will begin his second China visit in less than a year. His first stop is Shanghai, where the historic Shanghai Communique was issued 52 years ago.
• China In Eurasia Briefing: Previewing Xi's Big Europe Trip RFE/RL 24 Apr 2024
• Hong Kong: Speech by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell in the EP plenary on the security law European External Action Service (EEAS) 24 Apr 2024 -- Speech delivered by Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, on behalf of High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 24 Apr 2024
• EU 'forced labor' ban overshadows China ties, but not dominator amid fruitful cooperation Global Times 24 Apr 2024 -- The European Parliament on Tuesday approved rules to ban goods produced by the so-called forced labor, which does not refer to but is believed to target China, thus casting a shadow on China-EU trade.
• Chinese economy running on long-term positive trajectory: Foreign Ministry Global Times 24 Apr 2024 -- Chinese economy is rebounding and the long-term trajectory of positive growth is unlikely to change, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told a press conference on Wednesday.
• China firmly opposes 'overcapacity' hype as speculation is unjustified: Chinese FM Global Times 24 Apr 2024 -- China firmly opposes the so-called "overcapacity" hype by some Western countries, and the speculation is wholly unjustified, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Wednesday.
• China's Chang'e-7 lunar mission to carry instruments developed through int'l cooperation People's Daily 24 Apr 2024 -- China's Chang'e-7 lunar exploration mission will carry six scientific instruments developed by six countries and one international organization, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) announced on Wednesday.
• U.S. lawmakers pledge support for Taiwan in face of China threat CNA 24 Apr 2024 -- Visiting members of the United States House of Representatives on Wednesday expressed support for Taiwan as it faces increasing pressure from China and pledged to promote closer bilateral ties across different domains.
• New Taipei ward chief indicted in alleged subsidized China trip case CNA 24 Apr 2024 -- Prosecutors indicted Hsu Cheng-kai (許政鎧), an opposition Kuomintang (KMT) ward chief in New Taipei's Yonghe District, and his aunt surnamed Chen (陳), on Wednesday for being commissioned by the Taiwan Affairs Office in Kunshan City, China, last year to invite 12 ward chiefs to visit China.
• Taiwan-based companies could share opportunities in mainland's push for building up new quality productive forces: spokesperson Global Times 24 Apr 2024 -- The development of new quality productive forces in the Chinese mainland is characterized by greater inclusiveness and a higher level of opening-up, which will provide new opportunities for Taiwan-based companies for their participation in the high-quality development of the mainland, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, told a press conference on Wednesday.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Apr. 24, 2024 ROC MND 24 Apr 2024
• DPRK Delegation Leaves for Iran KCNA 24 Apr 2024 -- A delegation of the DPRK Ministry of External Economic Relations led by Minister Yun Jong Ho left here by air on April 23 to visit Iran. -0-
• Press Statement of Vice Department Director of C.C., WPK Kim Yo Jong KCNA 24 Apr 2024 -- Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), issued the following statement "Evil doer's audacity can never work on us" on Wednesday:
• DPRK Foreign Ministry Official Issues Press Statement KCNA 24 Apr 2024 -- The chief of the Foreign News Section of the Department of Press and Information of the DPRK Foreign Ministry issued the following press statement on Wednesday:
• North Korea: US military drills drive regional security into turmoil Press TV 24 Apr 2024 -- North Korea says that the US military exercise with South Korea is driving the regional security environment into dangerous turmoil.
• Iran will check Erdogan's ambitious goals in Iraq, experts say VOA 24 Apr 2024 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has agreed with Iraqi officials to expand bilateral relations, an attempt that experts say will be challenged by neighbor Iran, which has established significant political clout in Iraq.
• Tehran dismisses Jordan-Kuwait statement on Arash gas field IRNA 24 Apr 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has dismissed a joint statement by leaders of Kuwait and Jordan, which questioned Iran's ownership of the Arash gas field.
• Iran refutes Kuwait's assertion of exclusive rights to Arash gas field Press TV 24 Apr 2024 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry has dismissed new assertions by Kuwait of exclusive rights to the entirety of the Arash gas field in the Persian Gulf, urging the Arab sheikhdom to avoid bringing the matter into the media spotlight and instead come to the negotiating table to reach an amicable solution.
• Iran, Russia sign MoU to boost security cooperation IRNA 24 Apr 2024 -- Iran and Russia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to boost cooperation on security issues.
• Iran urges Argentina to avoid baseless accusations against citizens of other countries IRNA 24 Apr 2024 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has called on Argentine authorities to refrain from making unfounded accusations against citizens of other countries in the case of AMIA.
• Iran FM spox urges US to reconsider interventionist policies IRNA 24 Apr 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani urges the US to reconsider its interventionist and threatening human rights policies.
• Iran dismisses US allegation of 'malicious cyber activity' Press TV 24 Apr 2024 -- Iran has categorically dismissed Washington's "unfounded" allegation of "malicious cyber activity" leveled against some Iranian individuals and firms, urging the United States to reconsider its interventionist policies.
• Iran, Pakistan urge UNSC to hold Israel accountable for atrocities Press TV 24 Apr 2024 -- Iran and Pakistan have called on the United Nations Security Council to hold the Israeli regime accountable for its acts of atrocity across West Asia, notably its attacks on diplomatic missions and the territory of regional countries.
• Modi accused of hate speech by opposition as India's phased elections roll on VOA 24 Apr 2024 -- India's main opposition Congress Party has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of "hate speech" following remarks at recent election rallies in which he said the rival party would favor the minority Muslim community if voted to power.
• Joint Statement between Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Islamic Republic of Iran at the Culmination of the Visit by the President of Iran Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 Apr 2024
• No: 69, 24 April 2024, Regarding 2023 Human Rights Report of the U.S. Department of State Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 Apr 2024
• Prime Minister's conference speech in Germany: 24 April 2024 Gov.UK 24 Apr 2024
• PM meeting with Chancellor Scholz of Germany: 24 April 2024 Gov.UK 24 Apr 2024 -- Joint understanding following the meeting of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz today [24 April 2024].
• Botswana rejects controversial UK proposal on asylum-seekers VOA 24 Apr 2024 -- Botswana says it has rejected a proposal to accept asylum-seekers from the United Kingdom, an arrangement similar to the one Rwanda has agreed to.
• With Conflicts Raging In Ukraine, Middle East, Amnesty Warns Rights Under Threat RFE/RL 24 Apr 2024 -- Rights watchdog Amnesty International has warned that world order is under threat amid a wave of international rule breaking, deepening global inequality, superpower rivalries, and accelerating climate change.
• Amnesty: Global rule of law on brink of collapse, fueled by AI VOA 24 Apr 2024 -- A breakdown in the international rule of law is being accelerated through rapid advancement in technology and artificial intelligence, which risks a "supercharging" of human rights violations, according to an annual report, by Amnesty International, published April 24.
• Georgia: Speech by the High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell in the EP plenary on attempts to reintroduce a foreign agent law in Georgia and its restrictions on civil society European External Action Service (EEAS) 24 Apr 2024 -- Speech delivered by Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, on behalf of High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell.
• Indonesia officially declares Prabowo Subianto as president People's Daily 24 Apr 2024 -- Indonesia's General Election Commission (KPU) here on Wednesday declared Prabowo Subianto as the country's eighth president after appeals of two defeated presidential candidates concerning a dispute over presidential polls in February were rejected by the constitutional court.
• Solomon Islands PM Sogavare commands largest bloc in Parliament after election Radio Free Asia 24 Apr 2024 -- Manasseh Sogavare, the pro-Beijing prime minister of the Solomon Islands, commands the largest bloc in Parliament after elections last week, but fell short of a majority and faces several rivals for leadership of the Pacific island country.
• Why Is Viktor Orban Keeping The 100-Year-Old Treaty Of Trianon Alive? RFE/RL 24 Apr 2024 -- On a hill overlooking Varpalota, a former mining town a 90-minute car ride from Budapest, sits a newly refurbished museum with a single and equivocal message: Hungary was -- and is -- a victim.
• The Two Problems That Bulgaria Can't Solve RFE/RL 24 Apr 2024 -- At first glance, Bulgaria might seem to be on a reasonably solid path. The country is a member of the European Union and NATO. Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev has committed to increasing support for Ukraine. And the current government has doubled down on Bulgaria's plan to adopt the euro in 2025.
• Opposition Candidate Leads Presidential Race In North Macedonia RFE/RL 24 Apr 2024 -- Presidential candidate Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova of the main opposition VMRO-DPMNE held a big lead after the first round of presidential elections in North Macedonia, initial incomplete results showed late on April 24.
• Gabon's dialogue proposes national rebirth, presidential term limits VOA 24 Apr 2024 -- Gabon's month-long national dialogue intended to lay the groundwork for restoring civilian rule in the Central African nation concludes at the end of April, with delegates proposing a range of options for new governance.
• Global Report on Food Crises: acute hunger remains persistently high in 59 countries with 1-in-5 people assessed in need of critical urgent action WFP 24 Apr 2024 -- According to the latest Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC), nearly 282 million people in 59 countries and territories experienced high levels of acute hunger in 2023 - a worldwide increase of 24 million from the previous year. This rise was due to the report's increased coverage of food crisis contexts as well as a sharp deterioration in food security, especially in the Gaza Strip and the Sudan.