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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• May 24 U.S. Central Command Update CENTCOM 24 May 2024 -- At approximately 8:10 p.m. (Sanaa time) on May 23, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully engaged one Land Attack Cruise Missile (LACM) in an Iranian-backed Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.
• 23 May Red Sea Update CENTCOM 24 May 2024 -- At approximately 7:26 a.m. (Sanaa time) on May 23, Iranian-backed Houthis launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) into the Red Sea. There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships.
• Yemen targets three Israeli-linked ships, extends reach to Mediterranean Press TV 24 May 2024 -- Yemen's Armed Forces have announced carrying out three pro-Palestinian operations, striking two Israeli ships and one headed towards the occupied territories.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Remarks Welcoming Kenyan President William Ruto to the Pentagon DoD 24 May 2024
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With Kenya President William Ruto DoD 24 May 2024
• Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the United States Naval Academy Commencement (As Delivered) DoD 24 May 2024
• Secretary of Defense to Undergo Scheduled Medical Procedure DoD 24 May 2024
• Statement from Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder on Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Health Status DoD 24 May 2024
• Austin Welcomes Kenya's President to Pentagon Amid Long Strides in Defense Ties DoD News 24 May 2024 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III emphasized the close ties between the U.S. and Kenya today as he met with Kenyan President William S. Ruto.
• Exercise Red Guardian 2024 Gets Underway in Atlantic US Navy Press Release 24 May 2024 -- U.S. Navy assets will commence exercise Red Guardian 24 in the Atlantic Ocean, June 3, 2024. Exercise Red Guardian 24 is an important tactical development exercise for anti-submarine warfare operations (ASW).
• U.S. Navy Hosts U.K. Navy, Holds Bilateral Staff Talks US Navy Press Release 24 May 2024 -- Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Development, Vice Adm. Daniel Dwyer, hosted British Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Martin Connell for bilateral staff talks at the Pentagon, May 23, 2024.
• Idaho Guardsmen train with Canadian and Polish allies Army News 24 May 2024 -- For Soldiers of the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team, annual training was an international affair. The brigade's headquarters conducted a command post exercise May 4-18, 2024, in which soldiers from the Canadian Armed Forces participated, and Polish Land Forces observed and conducted a subject-matter expert exchange.
• WWII "Hit 'em HARDER" submarine wreck site confirmed US Navy 24 May 2024 -- Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) has confirmed the wreck site of World War II submarine USS Harder (SS 257).
• DIANA opens new Regional Hub in Estonia, showcases new cutting-edge innovations NATO 24 May 2024 -- On Friday (24 May 2024), NATO's Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) officially inaugurated its new Regional Hub in Tallinn, Estonia.
• The Netherlands takes command of NATO Mission Iraq NATO 24 May 2024 -- Lieutenant General Lucas Schreurs of the Netherlands assumed command of NATO Mission Iraq on Friday (24 May 2024), at a change of command ceremony in Baghdad. He succeeds Lieutenant General José Antonio Agüero Martínez of Spain, who had been in post since May 2023.
• Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov arrives to Minsk to speak with his Belarusian counterpart Russia MoD 24 May 2024
• Russian and Belarus defence ministers hold talks in Minsk Russia MoD 24 May 2024 -- Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov said that Belarus was and continues to be Russia's closest neighbour and reliable partner.
• Biden Administration Announces New Security Assistance for Ukraine DoD 24 May 2024 -- Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced a significant new security assistance package to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs.
• United States Announces Significant New Military Assistance for Ukraine US Dept. of State 24 May 2024 -- The United States is announcing today a significant new drawdown of weapons and equipment for Ukraine to support the brave Ukrainian people as they defend their country against Russia's aggression.
• US announces $275M in new military aid for Ukraine VOA 24 May 2024 -- The United States will provide a new $275 million military aid package for Ukraine to help the beleaguered country repel Russia's assault on Kharkiv, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement Friday.
• State Department: Ukraine makes own decisions on non-US weapons VOA 24 May 2024 -- In recent weeks, Ukraine has intensified its appeals to the Biden administration to lift the ban on using U.S.-provided weapons to strike targets inside Russia.
• US Announces $275Mln Weapons Package for Ukraine, Including HIMARS Ammunition - Blinken Sputnik 24 May 2024 -- The United States is providing a new weapons package for Ukraine worth $275 million to include additional high-mobility artillery rocket system (HIMARS) ammunition and 155mm artillery rounds, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Friday.
• SEK 75 billion in military support to Ukraine Government Offices of Sweden 24 May 2024 -- To further enhance Sweden's support to Ukraine and provide long-term stability, the Government and the Sweden Democrats have agreed on a three-year framework for military support to Ukraine totalling SEK 75 billion for 2024-2026, which equates to SEK 25 billion a year.
• Marking 110 years of silent service Australia DOD 24 May 2024 -- It's been 110 years since the Royal Australian Navy took delivery of its first submersible vessels, and while the technology has changed dramatically, the mission and purpose of the nation's 'silent service' remains the same.
• Brazil - UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters DSCA 24 May 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Brazil of UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters and related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost up to $950 million, which includes initial acquisition of $450 million in Major Defense Equipment, and up to $500 million in other equipment and services. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Readout of the Second U.S.-India Advanced Domains Defense Dialogue DoD 24 May 2024
• Not seeing, not hearing, still continue fighting. Ramstein Guard tested air capabilities with system jamming Czech Republic Ministry of Defence & Armed Forces 24 May 2024 -- From fighters in the sky to radars on the ground. Almost a complete order of battle of air assets and ground equipment of the Czech Air Force was involved in exercise Ramstein Guard last week. In the context of the changing security environment, traditional training gains on importance again, this time with focus on combat with the opponent employing various system to disrupt communication and seeking to gain superiority in the electromagnetic spectrum.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken at a State Luncheon in Honor of Kenyan President William Ruto US Dept. of State 24 May 2024
• Remarks by Vice President Harris and President William Ruto of the Republic of Kenya at a State Luncheon The White House 24 May 2024
• Remarks by Vice President Harris and President William Ruto of the Republic of Kenya During a Moderated Conversation on Digital Inclusion in Africa The White House 24 May 2024
• Readout of President Biden's Call with President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt The White House 24 May 2024
• Briefing with Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs James O'Brien on Secretary Blinken's Upcoming Travel to Europe US Dept. of State 24 May 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Call with German Foreign Minister Baerbock US Dept. of State 24 May 2024

Defense Industry

• Contracts For May 24, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 24 May 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 24 May 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Prime Minister Netanyahu Announces 'Detailed' Plans on Israel-Lebanon Border Sputnik 24 May 2024 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday visited the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Northern Command Headquarters, where he received an operational briefing on offensive and defensive activity on the border with Lebanon; after the visit, he announced "detailed" plans to restore security there.
• May 23: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 24 May 2024
• Israel intensifies strikes on Gaza as top UN court ruling due Press TV 24 May 2024 -- Israel has intensified its deadly strikes on the besieged Gaza Strip, as the UN's top court is due to rule on a plea to halt the genocidal war on the besieged strip.
• Statement on Rafah by Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, 24 May 2024 UNOCHA 24 May 2024 -- There has been nothing limited about the suffering and misery that Israel's military operation in Rafah has brought to the people of Gaza.
• UNRWA Situation Report #109 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem - All information from 20-22 May 2024, is valid as of 22 May 2024 UNRWA 24 May 2024
• World reacts to UN court's ruling that Israel should halt Gaza offensive VOA 24 May 2024 -- World leaders reacted to a ruling Friday by the U.N. International Court of Justice that Israel should "immediately halt its military offensive" in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. The decision intensifies international pressure on Israel regarding its assault on Gaza, but Israel has said it will not comply.
• Gaza: World court orders Israel to halt military operations in Rafah UN News 24 May 2024 -- The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday issued new provisional measures that order Israel to immediately end military operations in Rafah in southern Gaza and to open the governate's border crossing for urgent aid deliveries.
• Top UN Court Orders Israel To 'Immediately Halt' Its Offensive In Rafah RFE/RL 24 May 2024 -- The United Nation's highest court has ruled that due to the deteriorating situation in the Gaza Strip, Israel must "immediately halt" its military offensive in the city of Rafah and take urgent steps to address the humanitarian crisis in the region.
• World court orders Israel to 'immediately halt' Rafah offensive IRNA 24 May 2024 -- The International Court of Justice, the top United Nations court, has ordered Israel to halt its offensive in Gaza's southern city of Rafah.
• End Rafah invasion: World welcomes ICJ rulin, Israel still defiant Press TV 24 May 2024 -- The International Court of Justice (ICJ), based in the Hague, ordered Israel on Friday to "immediately" halt its military assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah.
• World court orders Israel to 'immediately halt' Rafah offensive Press TV 24 May 2024 -- The International Court of Justice, the top United Nations court, has ordered Israel to halt its offensive in Gaza's southern city of Rafah.
• Despite Biden's ICC rejection, US sometimes sides with court VOA 24 May 2024 -- The Biden administration denounced an International Criminal Court announcement this week that it is pursuing arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders over alleged war crimes during Israel's military campaign in Gaza and the militant group's October 7 attack on Israel.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Israeli Minister Gantz US Dept. of State 24 May 2024
• EU's Borrell warns Israel for 'threatening' ICC judges Press TV 24 May 2024 -- European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has warned Israel over "threatening" the judges of the International Criminal Court that could soon issue arrest warrants for the regime's prime minister and minister of military affairs.
• Statement of H.E. Ms. Elina Valtonen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland on the announcement of the Prosecutor of the ICC to apply for warrants of arrest related to the situation in the State of Palestine Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland 24 May 2024 -- Finland is firmly committed to the rule-based international order and international law. Accountability for serious violations of international law, including individual criminal responsibility of those most responsible, is a key component of lasting international peace. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has a central role in combatting impunity, complementing national jurisdictions.
• Colombia to open embassy in occupied West Bank's Ramallah Press TV 24 May 2024 -- Colombia's foreign minister has announced that his country will open an embassy in the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah, after is has cut ties with Israel.
• Norway contributes NOK 100 million in budget support to Palestine Government of Norway 24 May 2024 -- 'The financial situation for the Palestinian Authority is acute. They need money to pay for basic services, such as health and education, for the population. Therefore, Norway is now transferring NOK 100 million in budget support', said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.
• No: 94, 24 May 2024, Regarding the Order of the International Court of Justice Indicating Provisional Measures Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 May 2024
• U.S.-Europe divisions deepen as Norway, Ireland, Spain recognize Palestinian statehood People's Daily 24 May 2024 -- Norway, Ireland and Spain on Wednesday decided to recognize Palestine as a state, marking a significant shift in European policy more than seven months into the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
• Hezbollah hits Israeli outposts, Islamic Resistance in Iraq targets Haifa Press TV 24 May 2024 -- Lebanon's Hezbollah and the Islamic Resistance in Iraq have conducted separate operations against Israeli military positions in the 1948 occupied territories in support of Palestinians amid the genocidal war on Gaza.
• Iraqi resistance strikes new Israeli positions Press TV 24 May 2024 -- The Islamic Resistance in Iraq says it has carried out a fresh strike on Israeli positions in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Other Conflicts

• Security Council denounces attacks against aid workers, UN personnel UN News 24 May 2024 -- The United Nations Security Council on Friday strongly condemned rising attacks on humanitarian workers and UN personnel, urging all conflict parties to ensure their safety and access.
• Security Council Adopts Resolution Calling on States to Respect, Protect United Nations, Humanitarian Personnel in Accordance with International Law UN Security Council 24 May 2024 -- In the wake of a day-long open debate on protecting civilians in armed conflict that it held on 21 May, the Security Council today adopted a resolution calling on States to respect and protect United Nations and humanitarian personnel in accordance with their obligations under international law, recalling those established 75 years ago in the Geneva Conventions of 1949.
• Philippines Opens New Surveillance Station Near Taiwan Amid US-Led Militarization Sputnik 24 May 2024 -- Amid rising tensions between Beijing and Manila over the disputed waters in the South China Sea, an increasingly militarized Philippines triggered further ire in China by taking part in the massive Balikatan joint drills with the US earlier this month.
• The Azadi Briefing: Deadly Floods Worsen Hunger Crisis In Afghanistan RFE/RL 24 May 2024
• French court issues life sentences to three senior Syrian officials for war crimes VOA 24 May 2024 -- A court in the French capital on Friday ordered life sentences for three senior Syrian government officials in a landmark case.
• Myanmar junta soldiers surrender in Thailand after border clash Radio Free Asia 24 May 2024 -- Dozens of Myanmar soldiers fled into Thailand following a clash with ethnic minority insurgents, a Thai commander told Radio Free Asia Friday, the latest spillover from increasingly bitter fighting in Myanmar.
• China awaits junta approval to resume border trade with Myanmar's Shan state Radio Free Asia 24 May 2024 -- Ethnic rebels in eastern Myanmar's Shan state have reopened checkpoints on the border with China that were shuttered at the start of an offensive six months ago, but official trade has yet to resume as Beijing is awaiting approval from the military regime, rebel officials and residents said Friday.
• Joint Statement on the Ongoing Conflict in Myanmar US Dept. of State 24 May 2024 -- The following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the European Union to address the ongoing conflict in Myanmar.
• Myanmar violence draws global condemnation VOA 24 May 2024 -- The European Union, the U.S. and their allies issued a joint statement Friday about the rising violence in Myanmar.
• Myanmar: UN rights office warns of growing crisis in Rakhine state UN News 24 May 2024 -- The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on Friday called for an end to renewed violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state, where reports have emerged of attacks against the minority Muslim Rohingya community, including beheadings and the razing of homes.
• Myanmar: Growing human rights crisis in Rakhine state UNOHCHR 24 May 2024
• UN: Situation in Sudan's North Darfur capital grows more dire by the day VOA 24 May 2024 -- Humanitarians warned Friday that the situation in North Darfur's capital, El Fasher, is growing more dire by the day, as the state's only functioning hospital has about a week's worth of supplies left and as casualties mount.
• Sudan's El Fasher facing humanitarian emergency as violence escalates VOA 24 May 2024 -- United Nations agencies warn the humanitarian situation for an estimated 800,000 people in and around the Sudanese city of El Fasher is rapidly deteriorating as clashes escalate between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
• Poland's support is crucial for saving lives in Sudan Poland - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 May 2024 -- Poland's support to people displaced by the year-long war in Sudan is crucial for saving lives in one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has said.
• Sudan: Deteriorating situation in El Fasher, health system collapsing nationwide UN News 24 May 2024 -- The humanitarian situation for some 800,000 civilians in El Fasher, Sudan, and surrounding areas in North Darfur continues to deteriorate amid ongoing clashes between rival military forces, the UN reported on Friday.
• Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's comment on the UN General Assembly's resolution on the Srebrenica genocide Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 May 2024
• Bosnian Serbs' Move Toward Secession 'Dangerous, Irresponsible,' U.S. Envoy Warns RFE/RL 24 May 2024 -- A proposal by the leaders of Republika Srpska to separate the Serbian entity from Bosnia-Herzegovina is "secession by another name" and "based upon a set of lies" that would mean the end of the entity, the U.S. envoy to Sarajevo has warned.
• Concerned by Ongoing Conflict in West Africa, Sahel, Security Council Adopts Presidential Statement Aimed at Tackling Political, Humanitarian Challenges UN Security Council 24 May 2024 -- The Security Council today unanimously adopted a presidential statement aimed at addressing security, political and humanitarian challenges in West Africa and the Sahel.

News Reports

• Former CIA Officer Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Espionage US Dept. of Justice 24 May 2024 -- Alexander Yuk Ching Ma, 71, of Honolulu, a former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officer, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to gather and deliver national defense information to the People's Republic of China (PRC).
• China strongly dissatisfied and firmly opposes UK fabricating charges against Chinese citizens: FM Global Times 24 May 2024 -- China voiced strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition on Friday toward the UK continuously fabricating charges and cases under the so-called pretext of national security and stigmatizing China and even arbitrarily arresting and prosecuting Chinese citizens in the UK.
• Romania Arrests Suspected Spy For Russia, Declares Diplomat Persona Non Grata RFE/RL 24 May 2024 -- Prosecutors with Romania's anti-organized crime agency on May 24 announced the arrest of a Romanian man suspected of spying for Moscow since 2022.
• Thailand moves toward ratifying UN convention against enforced disappearances VOA 24 May 2024 -- Thailand is set to ratify a U.N. convention that would see new ways to protect at-risk individuals from being extrajudicially abducted, kidnapped or disappeared.
• Manager of Mexico-Based Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to More Than 20 Years in Prison for International Methamphetamine Trafficking and Money Laundering US Dept. of Justice 24 May 2024 -- A manager of a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization was sentenced today to 21 years and 10 months in prison and ordered to forfeit $1,339,500 for his role in an international drug trafficking conspiracy.
• WHO negotiators fail to draft pandemic treaty VOA 24 May 2024 -- Two years of negotiations ended Friday without a final draft of a global agreement on how to best handle the next pandemic that public health officials say is sure to come.
• Putin Gears Up to Visit North Korea - Kremlin Sputnik 24 May 2024 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited Russia in September 2023. On September 13, Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with him at the Vostochny space center.
• Russia: Daesh behind Moscow concert hall attack with NATO, Ukraine help Press TV 24 May 2024 -- Russia has said for the first time that the Daesh terrorist group coordinated the concert hall assault in Moscow in March, the country's deadliest terror attack in two decades.
• Russia-Belarus talks President of Russia 24 May 2024 -- Vladimir Putin and President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko held talks in Minsk.
• News conference following Russian-Belarusian talks President of Russia 24 May 2024 -- Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko made statements for the media and answered media questions following Russian-Belarusian talks.
• Russia: Statement by the High Representative on the incident on the border with Estonia European External Action Service (EEAS) 24 May 2024 -- On Thursday early morning, Russian border guards unilaterally removed light buoys placed by Estonia on the Narva River to demarcate the border with Russia.
• South Korea, Japan, China eye practical wins at rare summit VOA 24 May 2024 -- South Korea, Japan, and China will resume high-level talks for the first time in over four years next week, sending senior leaders to a summit aimed at stabilizing ties among the Asian neighbors.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on May 24, 2024 PRC MofA 24 May 2024
• Addition of three US firms to unreliable entities list 'normal,' says MOFCOM Global Times 24 May 2024 -- China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said on Thursday that China's move to add three US firms to the unreliable entities list is a normal law enforcement action, noting that US companies selling arms to Taiwan island harms peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits.
• Hong Kong's US offices should be closed, activists say Radio Free Asia 24 May 2024 -- The United States should shutter Hong Kong's foreign offices in Washington, D.C., New York and San Francisco and also revoke the jurisdiction's special powers to clear U.S. dollar transactions, pro-democracy activists told Congress on Thursday.
• Submarine cables become tool for certain countries to steal intelligence: China's National Security Ministry Global Times 24 May 2024 -- Submarine cables have in recent years become a tool for some countries to steal intelligence information and even seek geopolitical interests, China's Ministry of State Security revealed on Friday.
• China, GCC states urged to align plans for growth People's Daily 24 May 2024 -- President Xi Jinping has said that China stands ready to promote solidarity and pursue cooperation with countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council to write a new chapter in China-GCC relations.
• US, allies urge Taiwan participation in World Health Assembly VOA 24 May 2024 -- The United States and several allies issued a joint statement Friday voicing support for Taiwan to take part in the World Health Organization's World Health Assembly, which formally opens Monday in Geneva.
• Most countries support one-China principle, oppose Taiwan region's participation in WHA: FM Global Times 24 May 2024 -- The support by a majority of countries for China's position on the Taiwan region's participation in the World Health Assembly (WHA) proves again that the one-China principle represents the will of the international community and the trend of the times, and also fully reflects the majority of countries holding a stance for justice on the Taiwan question related to the WHA, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Friday.
• Taiwan looks to resolve suspended cross-strait travel by May end: MOTC CNA 24 May 2024 -- A cross-ministry meeting is to be held to discuss the travel suspension between Taiwan and China in an effort to resolve the current deadlock by the end of May, Transport Minister Li Men-yen (李孟諺) has said.
• Chinese aircraft detected 74.08 km from Taiwan: Defense ministry CNA 24 May 2024 -- Twenty-eight Chinese military aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait in the 24 hours starting at 6 a.m. on Thursday, with an unspecified number flying as close as 40 nautical miles (74.08 kilometers) to Keelung in northern Taiwan.
• U.S. State Dept. coordinates closely with Taiwan amid PLA drills CNA 24 May 2024 -- The U.S. State Department said it was "monitoring very closely" in coordination with Taiwan after Beijing launched two days of military exercises in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding areas on Thursday.
• Drills of PLA, CCG continue around Taiwan island Global Times 24 May 2024 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the China Coast Guard (CCG) continued to conduct drills around the island of Taiwan on Friday, forming what some experts call a new normal of "anti-salami-slicing" against provocations by the "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces.
• China tests 'seize power' capability on second day of surprise drill around Taiwan Press TV 24 May 2024 -- China has started the second day of military drills around Chinese Taipei, conducting "seize power" and control key areas exercises.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan May 24, 2024 ROC MND 24 May 2024
• PLA's Joint Sword-2024A military drills around Taiwan Straits continue on Friday Global Times 24 May 2024 -- The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army continues to conduct the "Joint Sword-2024A" military exercise around the Taiwan Straits on Friday. This exercise involves integrated operations within and outside the island chain, testing the capabilities of joint seizure of power, joint strikes, and key area control: Li Xi, spokesperson for the theater command
• PLA continues joint military drills surrounding Taiwan Island People's Daily 24 May 2024 -- The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Friday continued joint drills surrounding Taiwan Island.
• Commentary: "Taiwan independence" provocations invite quick, resolute punishment People's Daily 24 May 2024 -- The People's Liberation Army on Thursday began two-day drills around the Taiwan Island.
• Key Iranian Assembly Elects 93-Year-Old Conservative As Its Leader RFE/RL 24 May 2024 -- Mohammad Movahedi Kermani, 93, has been elected the head of Iran's Assembly of Experts, marking a continuation of traditional conservative leadership in a key institution responsible for selecting the nation's supreme leader.
• Dispute by Iranian ex-president's allies, 'interrogator journalist' sparks firestorm VOA 24 May 2024 -- A lawyer closely associated with the former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad made a claim about Ameneh Sadat Zabihpour, an employee of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), known as the "interrogator journalist," igniting a firestorm on social media.
• Iran Armed Forces releases report on Raisi, companions copter crash IRNA 24 May 2024 -- The General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces has released its first report on the aspects to and reasons behind a recent helicopter crash that led to the martyrdom of President Ebrahim Raisi and his accompanying delegation.
• IRGC chief: We attacked heart of Israel thanks to President Raeisi's bravery Press TV 24 May 2024 -- The chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has hailed President Ebrahim Raeisi for showing "indescribable bravery" in Iran's retaliatory operation against Israel.
• France's image in the Pacific battered by New Caledonia decolonization crisis Radio Free Asia 24 May 2024 -- French military forces sent to quell New Caledonia's pro-independence riots will stay "as long as necessary," President Emmanuel Macron said during a flying visit to the Pacific island territory that reinforced regional perceptions of France as an out-of-touch colonial power.
• Transcript of the Press Briefing by the Spokesperson on Friday, 24 May 2024 Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 May 2024
• Pakistan to compensate families of slain Chinese workers VOA 24 May 2024 -- Pakistan will pay more than $2 million to the families of Chinese workers killed in a suicide bombing this year.
• U.S. To Review Relations With Georgia, Slaps Visa Bans On Officials Over 'Foreign Agent' Law RFE/RL 24 May 2024 -- The United States has announced visa restrictions on Georgian government officials and a comprehensive review of bilateral relations with Tbilisi over a "foreign agent" law recently pushed forward by the ruling Georgian Dream party despite weeks of mass protests.
• Georgians March Against 'Foreign Agent' Law As Parliament Set To Consider President's Veto RFE/RL 24 May 2024 -- Opponents of Georgia's controversial "foreign agent" bill marched in Tbilisi on March 24, expressing their opposition to the legislation and the Interior Ministry's handling of earlier protests that turned violent.
• Minister Tvinnereim's remarks at the launch of Norway's new humanitarian strategy Government of Norway 24 May 2024
• Minister Eide's remarks at the launch of Norway's new humanitarian strategy Government of Norway 24 May 2024
• Parties finish campaigning ahead of Cambodia's nationwide local vote Radio Free Asia 24 May 2024 -- Political parties in Cambodia have wrapped up an eight-day campaign period ahead of Sunday's provincial, municipal and district council elections that will feature candidates from the ruling Cambodian People's Party and four other parties.
• Vietnam 'does not support' anti-Hun Sen comments on TikTok: ministry Radio Free Asia 24 May 2024 -- Vietnam "does not support" offensive comments about veteran Cambodian leader Hun Sen posted on one of his social media pages, Vietnam's foreign ministry said in a response to a Cambodian request for help to track down those responsible.
• Bagrat Galstanian: The Armenian Archbishop Taking On The Government RFE/RL 24 May 2024 -- Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian is facing the most serious challenge of his six years in power, and it is coming from an unlikely source: an archbishop.
• Russia Recalls Ambassador To Armenia In Further Sign Of Strained Relations RFE/RL 24 May 2024 -- Russia recalled its ambassador to Armenia for consultations on May 24 amid a continuing deterioration of relations between the two longtime allies.
• World News in Brief: UN aid chief on Rafah, Gaza fuel shortage, rising hunger in Haiti UN News 24 May 2024 -- Global uproar calling for an end to the Israeli incursion in Rafah "has grown too loud to ignore", UN Humanitarian Affairs Coordinator Martin Griffiths said on Friday, in a fresh appeal for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages.
• Niger's journalists wary of red lines, arrests after military coup VOA 24 May 2024 -- When Gazali Mahaman Abdou heard about the military coup in his home country of Niger last July, he went to work reporting on developments.