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News Reports

Current Operations

• 29 May Red Sea Update CENTCOM 29 May 2024 -- At approximately 8:40 p.m. (Sanaa time) May 28, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed two missile launchers in an Iranian-backed Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.
• Another US MQ-9 drone downed by Yemen amid pro-Palestine campaign Press TV 29 May 2024 -- Yemen has downed yet another modern drone of the US military amid its expanding pro-Palestine campaign in the midst of Israel's brutal war on Gaza.
• US drone downed in Yemen IRNA 29 May 2024 -- A US drone has been downed in Yemen's Ma'arib.
• Yemen targets 6 vessels amid escalating anti-Israel campaign Press TV 29 May 2024 -- Yemen's Armed Forces have targeted six ships in waters near the country as well as the Mediterranean Sea as part of their operations against Israel and its backers the United States and Britain.
• US, UK renew aggression against Yemen's Hodeidah ISNA 29 May 2024 -- US-UK aggression aircraft launched, Tuesday, two airstrikes on Hodeidah province.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Fact Sheet: Secretary Austin's Tenth Trip to the Indo-Pacific Region DoD 29 May 2024 -- Starting on May 29, 2024, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III will travel to the Indo-Pacific region for the tenth time since taking office. His trip will occur as the Department of Defense continues to strengthen U.S. relationships with allies and partners to advance regional peace, stability, and deterrence.
• Army inaugurates Universal Artillery Projectile Lines facility US Army 29 May 2024 -- The U.S. Army's Joint Program Executive Office for Armaments and Ammunition hosted an opening ceremony for the Universal Artillery Projectile Lines facility, a new modular metal parts facility in Mesquite, Texas, on Wednesday, May 29.
• African Lion 2024 concludes in Ghana Army News 29 May 2024 -- The Ghana segment of African Lion 2024 (AL24) came to a successful close, marking a significant achievement in international military cooperation and operational readiness. Running from May 13 to May 26, this portion of the exercise brought together U.S. and Ghanaian forces to engage in a series of rigorous training activities aimed at enhancing interoperability and mutual readiness.
• African Lion 24 exercises Air Force's wings Army News 29 May 2024 -- A team representing the total force of U.S. Air Force Airmen joined the Moroccan Royal Air Force, Allied and partner nation military representatives, and other U.S. service members in Morocco for exercise African Lion 2024 (AL24), May 17, 2024.
• 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade leads staff exercise at African Lion 2024 in Ghana Army News 29 May 2024 -- The 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade (2nd SFAB) is playing a crucial role in African Lion 2024 (AL24) by leading a comprehensive staff exercise (STAFFEX) in Ghana. The STAFFEX focuses on enhancing operational capabilities through rehearsing the military decision-making process.
• Benelux surges to demonstrate multinational readiness and interoperability Army News 29 May 2024 -- From 140 Belgian and French paratroopers parachuting from the sky to the emergency response of dozens of Belgian and German police, fire and ambulance personnel, U.S. Army Garrison Benelux was abuzz with operations in support of the Belgian-led Storm Tide 24 multinational exercise at Chièvres Air Base and an Integrated Protection Exercise (IPE) at Zutendaal and Dülmen Army Pre-positioned Stock-2 (APS-2) sites.
• 79th 'Tigers' take on Checkered Flag 24-2, WSEP US Air Force 29 May 2024 -- The 79th Fighter and Fighter Generation Squadron 'Tigers' took part in Checkered Flag 24-2 and the Weapons System Evaluation Program at Tyndall Air Force Base from May 9-22. These exercises aimed to enhance air combat readiness alongside 5th generation aircraft and validate weapons systems and tactics in realistic, large-scale training scenarios.
• Tiger Strike 2024: USMC and Navy to Conduct Bilateral Training Exercise with Malaysia Armed Forces US Navy 29 May 2024 -- Members of the Malaysian and United States armed forces are scheduled to participate in Tiger Strike 2024, a bilateral training exercise in Kuantan and Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, from May 29 to June 6, 2024.
• Tender Touchdown: Emory S. Land Arrives in Darwin US Navy 29 May 2024 -- Submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS-39) arrived in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, for a regularly scheduled port call, May 28. Darwin is the first port call of Emory S. Land's current deployment, which began May 17.
• US May Ask More Asian Countries to Deploy Its Middle-Range, Long-Range Missiles - Lavrov Sputnik 29 May 2024 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday he was confident that the United States would ask some Asian states, apart from the Philippines, to allow deployment of its middle- and long-range missiles.
• NATO reaffirms importance of long-standing partnership with Mauritania NATO 29 May 2024 -- Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană met with Defence Minister Hanana Ould Sidi of Mauritania at NATO Headquarters on Tuesday (28 May 2024), to take stock of developments in NATO-Mauritanian relations.
• Advanced warfare methods introduced into combat training at training ground of Pacific Fleet's Marines in Primorsky Krai Russia MoD 29 May 2024 -- At the Bamburovo training ground of the Pacific Fleet Marines, advanced modern combat methods continue to be introduced into combat training under supervision of experienced instructors on a daily basis.
• Servicemen of Central MD's motorised rifle formation undergo RBC reconnaissance drills near Orenburg Russia MoD 29 May 2024 -- Servicemen of the Central MD's motorised rifle formation underwent drills on radiological, chemical, and biological reconnaissance of an area near Orenburg.
• Russia May Spur Development of Mid-Range Missiles Due to Aggressive NATO Plans - Official Sputnik 29 May 2024 -- NATO's aggressive plans against Russia may accelerate the timetable for Moscow's creation and possible deployment of medium- and shorter-range missiles, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Wednesday.
• Over 465,000 Russian personnel have been killed or wounded since 2022 - a terrible human loss for Russians: UK statement to the OSCE UK FCDO 29 May 2024 -- Politico-Military Counsellor, Ankur Narayan, adds that despite the staggering costs to Russia, Putin is no closer to subjugating Ukraine. Russia can minimise its losses by withdrawing all of its forces from all of Ukraine.
• DIA report confirms North Korean missile debris found in Ukraine DIA 29 May 2024 -- Analysis confirms that Russia used ballistic missiles produced in North Korea in its war against Ukraine. North Korean missile debris was found throughout Ukraine, according to an unclassified report released today by the Defense Intelligence Agency.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Ukrainian Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov DoD 29 May 2024
• Blinken Says US Has Not Encouraged Kiev to Strike Outside of Ukraine Sputnik 29 May 2024 -- The United States has not encouraged Kiev to strike outside of Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday, adding that Ukraine has to make its own decisions.
• Military support package 16 to Ukraine - new capability to strengthen Ukraine's air defence and support to meet its prioritised needs Government Offices of Sweden 29 May 2024 -- Today, 29 May, the Government is presenting its 16th and largest military support package to Ukraine to date since Russia's full-scale invasion began. Sweden will provide Ukraine with a completely new capability to strengthen its collective air defence. The package, which will be part of an upcoming additional amending budget, amounts to SEK 13.3 billion and will meet Ukraine's prioritised needs.
• Lithuania contributes to Germany's initiative for buying Ukraine radars Lithuania MND 29 May 2024 -- Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas announced that additional EUR 13.5 million the Lithuanian Government had earmarked for Ukraine would be used to contribute to the German, French and U.S.-led Air Defence Capability Coalition and specifically for buying mobile air surveillance radars for Ukraine thus adhering to Germany's Immediate Action on Air Defense initiative.
• First Ukrainian pilots graduate from F-16 training in US VOA 29 May 2024 -- The first Ukrainian pilots have completed F-16 fighter jet training at a military base in Arizona, with others soon to follow this summer.
• Council Conclusions on EU Security and Defence European External Action Service (EEAS) 29 May 2024 -- The EU faces an unprecedented combination of threats and challenges that are often interlinked. The rules-based international order is increasingly being challenged by revisionist powers and authoritarian regimes while international tensions are on the rise.
• China building more Type 055 large destroyers: reports Global Times 29 May 2024 -- China is reportedly building more Type 055 large destroyers, reflecting the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's strides toward the blue water and efforts in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests as well as peace and stability in the world, experts said on Wednesday.
• Chinese, Cambodian navies conduct 1st joint live-fire drill as part of Golden Dragon-2024 Global Times 29 May 2024 -- On Monday local time, the participating forces of the China-Cambodia Golden Dragon-2024 joint exercise conducted live-fire drills in the sea near Sihanoukville Port in Cambodia.
• McCaul calls on Taiwan to increase its defense budget CNA 29 May 2024 -- United States Congressman Michael McCaul on Wednesday called on Taiwan to increase its defense budget, which he said is essential to protect the country from China's aggression.
• Minsk Forced to Suspend CFE Treaty to Ensure National Security - Foreign Ministry Sputnik 29 May 2024 -- The decision of Belarus to suspend the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) is a forces response step aimed at ensuring the country's national security, the Belarusian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
• Remarks by Minister of National Defence Bill Blair at CANSEC 2024 Canada 29 May 2024
• Minister Blair announces major investments in equipment and training for the Canadian Armed Forces in partnership with Canada's defence industry Canada 29 May 2024 -- Today, at the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries' annual defence industry tradeshow (CANSEC), the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, announced significant investments to equip the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) with new, state-of-the-art platforms for training and operations at home and abroad.
• INDIAN NAVAL SHIP KILTAN DEPARTS BRUNEI India PIB 29 May 2024 -- Indian Naval Ship Kiltan visited Muara, Brunei as part of Operational Deployment of the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet to South China Sea
• RudraM-II air-to-surface missile successfully flight-tested by DRDO from Su-30 MK-I off the Odisha coast India PIB 29 May 2024 -- Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested the RudraM-II air-to-surface missile from Su-30 MK-I platform of the Indian Air Force (IAF) off the coast of Odisha at around 1130 hours on May 29, 2024
• Conclusion of the Franco-German Defence and Security Council. Élysée - President of France 29 May 2024
• A look at the Defence news 20 - 26 May Netherlands Ministry of Defence 29 May 2024
• 'Preparing For A Bad Scenario': On Latvia's Russian Border As Fortification Work Begins RFE/RL 29 May 2024 -- In places where once not even border posts disturbed the landscape, earthmoving equipment is currently carving a trench down the boundary between Baltic NATO and Russian territory.
• Sweden - UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters DSCA 29 May 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Sweden of UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters and related equipment for an estimated cost of $900 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Austria - UH-60M Blackhawk Helicopters DSCA 29 May 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Austria of UH-60M Blackhawk Helicopters and related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of $1.05 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• EU security and defence: Council sets out five main priorities European External Action Service (EEAS) 29 May 2024 -- The Council today approved conclusions on EU security and defence in a context of an unprecedented combination of threats and challenges, such as Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, and increased tensions in the Middle East, the Sahel and other areas of the world.
• Schuman Security and Defence Forum: Closing remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell European External Action Service (EEAS) 29 May 2024
• Schuman Forum for Security and Defence: Keynote speech by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell at the opening session European External Action Service (EEAS) 29 May 2024
• Schuman Security and Defence Forum: Keynote speech by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell at the opening session European External Action Service (EEAS) 29 May 2024
• Schuman Security and Defence Forum : Press remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell upon arrival European External Action Service (EEAS) 29 May 2024
• Blinken pledges US support for Moldova amid rising Russian threats VOA 29 May 2024 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to Moldova, pledging $135 million to enhance energy security and counter Russian disinformation during his visit to Chisinau.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean Remarks to the Press US Dept. of State 29 May 2024
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Moldovan President Maia Sandu at a Joint Press Availability US Dept. of State 29 May 2024
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Moldovan President Maia Sandu Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 29 May 2024
• Joint Statement on the XI High Level Dialogue Colombia - United States US Dept. of State 29 May 2024 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Republic of Colombia on the occasion of the XI High Level Dialogue.
• Deputy Secretary Verma's Meeting with Colombian President Petro US Dept. of State 29 May 2024
• On-the-Record Press Gaggle by White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby The White House 29 May 2024
• Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre En Route Philadelphia, PA The White House 29 May 2024

Defense Industry

• Contracts For May 29, 2024
• France, Germany to Jointly Work on Long-Range Weapons Sputnik 29 May 2024 -- German and French authorities along with partners intend to cooperate on the development of long-range weapons, according to the final document of the German-French council on security and defense meeting.

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 29 May 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 29 May 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari-May 29, 2024 Israel Defense Forces 29 May 2024
• Israeli official expects war with Hamas to last until year's end VOA 29 May 2024 -- A top Israeli official said Wednesday that he expected Israel's war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to last through the end of the year, amid continued calls for a cease-fire.
• Fighting in Gaza Will Last at Least Another 7 Months - Israeli Security Council Head Sputnik 29 May 2024 -- Hostilities in the Gaza Strip will last at least another seven months, Israeli National Security Council chief Tzachi Hanegbi said on Wednesday.
• May 28: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 29 May 2024
• Gaza is now a 'famine-stricken zone': Palestinian NGOs Press TV 29 May 2024 -- Palestinian NGOs and professional unions have declared that the Gaza Strip is now a "famine-stricken zone."
• 21 Palestinians killed in Israeli strike on Rafah displacement tents People's Daily 29 May 2024 -- At least 21 Palestinians were killed and dozens injured on Tuesday in an Israeli bombardment of displaced persons' tents in the Al-Mawasi area in the west of Rafah city in the southern Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian security and medical sources.
• UNRWA Situation Report #110 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem - All information from 23-26 May 2024, is valid as of 26 May 2024 UNRWA 29 May 2024
• Special Coordinator, Stressing 'All Sides Must Urgently Change Course', Appeals to Security Council for Support of Gaza's Political Future UN Security Council 29 May 2024 -- Briefing the Security Council on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question, the Special Coordinator for that region's peace process urged Member States to support Gaza's political future, work with the new technocratic Palestinian Government and develop a framework of its recovery, as many speakers, condemning the recent strike on Rafah, renewed calls for a ceasefire to enable humanitarian aid deliveries to the Palestinian people.
• UN experts outraged by Israeli strikes on civilians sheltering in Rafah camps OHCHR 29 May 2024 -- Israeli air strikes on a camp sheltering displaced civilians in Tal al-Sultan in Rafah, that have reportedly claimed at least 46 lives including 23 women, children and older persons on Sunday night are an outrage, UN experts* said today, demanding decisive international action to end the bloodshed in Gaza.
• Gaza: UN Middle East envoy reiterates call for ceasefire, hostage release agreement UN News 29 May 2024 -- The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process on Wednesday urgently called for an immediate return to negotiations, the release of hostages and a humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, as the Israeli military assault exacerbates human suffering amid rising regional tensions.
• Gaza medics struggling in face of 'overwhelming disaster' as vital supplies run low: WHO UN News 29 May 2024 -- Vital medical supplies are fast running out in Gaza's remaining hospitals, the UN health agency warned on Wednesday, amid reports of continuing Israeli bombing and hostilities in the enclave.
• UN chief says 'horror' in Gaza must stop after deadly Rafah strikes Press TV 29 May 2024 -- The UN chief has decried a deadly Israeli airstrike targeting displaced Palestinians in Gaza's southern city of Rafah, urging an immediate end to what it called horror and suffering across the Palestinian territories.
• Lives of 600,000 kids at risk as Israeli war machine rages in Gaza: UNICEF Press TV 29 May 2024 -- The United Nations Children's Fund warns that Israel's invasion of Rafah has put the lives of more than 600,000 displaced children at risk.
• White House asserts no change in military support for Israel despite Rafah carnage Press TV 29 May 2024 -- In yet another brazen act of support for Israel's months-long genocide against the besieged Gaza Strip, the administration of US President Joe Biden has hinted that the regime's deadly strikes targeting displaced Palestinians in the southern city of Rafah did not cross a "red line" and would not lead to a change in Washington's policy towards Tel Aviv.
• PM Netanyahu Meets with US Senator Lindsey Graham Israel - Prime Minister 29 May 2024
• PM Netanyahu Meets with Former US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley Israel - Prime Minister 29 May 2024
• Statement about Rafah from Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide Government of Norway 29 May 2024
• Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström Government Offices of Sweden 29 May 2024
• Brazil's Lula withdraws ambassador to Israel over war in Gaza Press TV 29 May 2024 -- Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has withdrawn his country's ambassador to Israel over the occupying entity's months-long genocidal war in the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Algeria seeks end to Rafah massacre with draft UN resolution Press TV 29 May 2024 -- Algeria is seeking a firm United Nations action to force Israel to halt its aggression on Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, where more than a million Palestinians have sheltered from Israel's brutal bombardments elsewhere.
• China 'deeply pained' by 'severe' situation in Gaza: President Xi Press TV 29 May 2024 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping says he is "deeply pained" by the "extremely severe" situation in the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Mexico seeks to join South Africa's genocide case against Israel at ICJ Press TV 29 May 2024 -- Mexico has filed an application with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to join South Africa's genocide case against Israel.
• "Not only the humanity, but also the UN, along with its spirit, has died in Gaza" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 29 May 2024 -- Addressing AK Party's parliamentary group meeting, President Erdoğan drew attention to Israel's attack on a refugee camp in Rafah, and said: "If the future of the world is to be left to the discretion of five countries, what are all those giant buildings for? Why bother spending that much money, or employing that many people? The United Nations has failed to protect its own personnel and aid workers, let alone stop the genocide. Not only the humanity, but also the UN, along with its spirit, has died in Gaza."
• The United Kingdom is appalled by the deeply distressing scenes emerging from Rafah: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 29 May 2024 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East.
• Mexico to join South Africa's genocide case against Israel IRNA 29 May 2024 -- Mexico filed a declaration of intervention in South Africa's genocide case against Israel before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), The Hague-based world court announced on Tuesday.
• Palestine, Russia Agree on Road Map to Strengthen Medical Aid to Palestinians - Minister Sputnik 29 May 2024 -- Russia and the Palestinian Authority have worked out a road map to strengthen medical assistance to Palestinians, with Ramallah hoping that Russia's aid will increase, Palestinian Authority Health Minister Maged Abu Ramadan told Sputnik.
• Rafah massacre: Resistance says US statements prompt Israel to kill more Gazans Press TV 29 May 2024 -- The Palestinian resistance groups have condemned the recent statements made by the White House spokesman regarding Rafah carnage, saying the remarks prompt the Israeli regime to continue its aggression and acts of genocide in Gaza.
• War's continuation means more Israeli captives: Hamas official ISNA 29 May 2024 -- Hamas senior official Bassem Naim affirmed that the continuation of the Israeli aggression "means more Israeli captives in the hands of the Palestinian resistance in the Gaza Strip."
• Hamas on ceasefire: Netanyahu buying more time to commit more crimes Press TV 29 May 2024 -- A high-ranking official from the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has underlined the need for a complete end to the Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip, and return of displaced families to their areas in order for a ceasefire to be struck.
• Hezbollah targets Israeli army position in northern occupied Palestine IRNA 29 May 2024 -- Lebanon's Hezbollah has once again targeted the gathering of the Zionist military in northern occupied Palestine.
• Nasrallah: No future for Nazi-like Israel in region ISNA 29 May 2024 -- Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah condemned Tuesday the Rafah massacre, stating that it stripped away the false story that had been used to present the Israeli occupation as a "civilized" entity.

Other Conflicts

• Manila vows to protect fishermen amid Beijing's South China Sea fishing ban Radio Free Asia 29 May 2024 -- The Philippine military on Tuesday vowed it would protect Filipino fishermen during the four-month fishing ban China has imposed in contested South China Sea waters, including in areas within Manila's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
• Beijing escalates South China Sea tensions with new detention order, Manila says Radio Free Asia 29 May 2024 -- Beijing's new threat of detaining fishermen in South China Sea waters it considers its own marks an escalation in maritime tensions, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Wednesday.
• Taliban appear set to take part in UN-organized Doha meeting on Afghanistan VOA 29 May 2024 -- Afghanistan's Taliban rulers stated their intention Wednesday to join a United Nations-organized meeting in Doha on June 30 that aims to facilitate and coordinate the world's engagement with the country hit by a multitude of crises.
• Distrustful Of The Taliban, A Growing Number Of Afghans Ditch Banks RFE/RL 29 May 2024 -- An increasing number of Afghans are taking out their money from banks and closing their accounts, a trend spurred by mistrust in the unrecognized Taliban government and concerns about the country's bleak economic outlook.
• Child killed in Israeli airstrike in northwest Syria IRNA 29 May 2024 -- A Israeli airstrike has killed a child and injured at least ten more civilians in the city of Baniyas, northwest Syria.
• Israeli airstrikes kill 4, including child, across Syria: Reports Press TV 29 May 2024 -- Israeli airstrikes have reportedly claimed the lives of four people, including a child, targeting separate locations across Syria.
• EU Statement - UN Security Council Arria-formula meeting: Myanmar European External Action Service (EEAS) 29 May 2024 -- Written Statement by the European Union at the United Nations Security Council Arria-formula meeting on Children and Youth of Myanmar
• Myanmar junta threatens to block food aid for Rohingyas who refuse military training Radio Free Asia 29 May 2024 -- Myanmar's junta is forcibly recruiting Rohingyas in the Rakhine state capital Sittwe and threatening to block monthly international aid supplies if they refuse to join military training, according to members of the ethnic group who are sheltering in camps for the displaced.
• Clashes displace 15,000 civilians in western Myanmar Radio Free Asia 29 May 2024 -- Fighting in western Myanmar has forced thousands of people to flee from their homes, left parts of a town in smoldering ruins and killed three civilians, residents told Radio Free Asia, as opponents of military rule try to defeat the junta that seized power in 2021.
• Bangladesh accepts 2 World Bank projects to improve refugee lives Radio Free Asia 29 May 2024 -- In addition to loans and grants from the World Bank, the Bangladesh authority has approved two projects worth $700 million to improve the quality of life of Rohingya refugees living in Cox's Bazar and the host community people of the southeast district.
• UNICEF reports surge in violence against children in Africa's central Sahel UN News 29 May 2024 -- Violence against children in the central Sahel region of Africa surged dramatically in the last quarter of 2023, skyrocketing by 70 per cent over the previous three months, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported on Wednesday.
• Funding is needed to support Sudanese refugees in Chad: UNHCR UN News 29 May 2024 -- 29 May 2024 - The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is calling on partners to assist them in supporting about 185,000 Sudanese who have journeyed into Chad and are trying to escape dangerous borders, specifically in Adre border town.

News Reports

• Belgium searches home, office of European Parliament employee VOA 29 May 2024 -- The office of Belgium's federal prosecutor says police searched the residence and offices of a European Parliament employee Wednesday as part of its probe into a suspected Russian interference campaign to pay EU lawmakers to promote Russian propaganda.
• Treasury Releases First Ever Non-fungible Token Illicit Finance Risk Assessment US Treasury 29 May 2024 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury published a 2024 Non-fungible Token (NFT) Illicit Finance Risk Assessment. The risk assessment explores how vulnerabilities associated with NFTs and NFT platforms may be exploited by illicit actors for money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing.
• US optimistic a deal to lessen threats of future pandemics is in sight VOA 29 May 2024 -- Despite the failure of negotiators to reach a pandemic accord ahead of this week's World Health Assembly, a senior U.S. official remains optimistic that an agreement to lessen the threats of global killer disease outbreaks is in sight.
• Chinese citizens stole 'billions' in COVID relief funds, US says Radio Free Asia 29 May 2024 -- The U.S. Treasury Department has issued sanctions against three Thailand-based Chinese nationals for their alleged role in a cybercrime operation that took control of Americans' computers to secure billions of dollars of COVID-19 relief funds.
• 911 S5 Botnet Dismantled and Its Administrator Arrested in Coordinated International Operation US Dept. of Justice 29 May 2024 -- Botnet Infected Over 19M IP Addresses to Enable Billions of Dollars in Pandemic and Unemployment Fraud, and Access to Child Exploitation Materials
• Message to President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev President of Russia 29 May 2024 -- Vladimir Putin sent a message to President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
• US Treasury promises to tighten sanctions on Russia VOA 29 May 2024 -- U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday to meet with Ukrainian officials for talks about tightening sanctions on Russia and financial support for Ukraine.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on May 29, 2024 PRC MofA 29 May 2024
• Chinese, Equatorial Guinean presidents hold talks, elevate ties People's Daily 29 May 2024 -- China and Equatorial Guinea on Tuesday elevated their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation.
• Xi meets Sisi as China, Arab countries to hold conference Global Times 29 May 2024 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with visiting Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Beijing on Wednesday. Multiple top leaders from Arab countries are expected to pay state visits to China and attend the opening ceremony of the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, which will be held on May 30. Experts said that China and Arab countries will boost cooperation at the conference, and discuss the ongoing crisis in Gaza as Israel bombed Rafah, causing serious civilian casualties.
• Hong Kong High Court finds 14 democracy activists guilty of subversion Radio Free Asia 29 May 2024 -- A Hong Kong court found 14 of the city's leading democracy activists guilty of subversion on Thursday under a tough national security law imposed on the city by China four years ago in what was described by one former lawmaker as a 'political trial.'
• Hong Kong businessman defends home against spies - on British soil Radio Free Asia 29 May 2024 -- Hong Kong businessman Herbert Chow, who fled the city after his pro-democracy children's clothing chain Chickeeduck was targeted by the government, has surrounded his U.K. home with floodlights and surveillance cameras as an unexplained death in a Hong Kong spying case sends shockwaves through the exile community.
• Chinese first-tier cities lower down payments, mortgage interest rates amid efforts to boost housing market Global Times 29 May 2024 -- First-tier cities, including Shanghai Municipality, Guangzhou and Shenzhen in South China's Guangdong Province, have lowered down payments and interest rates for home purchases in a swift move, echoing the central bank's policy shift on May 17.
• New Taiwan laws could pave way for Chinese influence, critics fear Radio Free Asia 29 May 2024 -- Taiwan's premier said on Wednesday that the administration will consider sending back new legislation that could weaken the power of the democratically elected president, sparking fears of growing Chinese influence in the island's political life, to lawmakers for review.
• Reform bills fail to reflect public expectations: Presidential Office CNA 29 May 2024 -- The Presidential Office believes the Legislative Yuan's passage of controversial amendments to strengthen its powers of investigation does not reflect the common expectations of society, it said Tuesday after the revisions were passed.
• Thousands protest outside Legislature as reform bills pass CNA 29 May 2024 -- Around 70,000 demonstrators gathered around the Legislative Yuan in Taipei on Tuesday evening as the Legislature passed all amendments to the Law Governing the Legislature's Power, mostly proposed by opposition parties.
• Second U.S. congressional group in Taiwan since Lai's inauguration CNA 29 May 2024 -- A second group of United States members of Congress visiting Taiwan since President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) inauguration on May 20 arrived in the country Wednesday.
• Taiwan 'ready' amid warnings of Chinese civilian vessel threat: Expert CNA 29 May 2024 -- China is preparing an armada of ferries and civilian vessels to invade Taiwan, foreign experts have warned, but a Taiwan defense expert said the country has contingencies ready to handle the threat.
• As long as 'Taiwan independence' provocation continues, PLA's actions to defend territorial integrity won't stop: spokesperson Global Times 29 May 2024 -- In response to the Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te's speech on May 20, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said on Wednesday that those remarks are extremely arrogant and vile in nature, betray the national interest and run counter to the people's will, constituting a blatant provocation against the one-China principle and a severe disruption to peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits.
• Mainland sends out strong warning to 'Taiwan independence,' vowing strong countermeasures Global Times 29 May 2024 -- Following the highly provocative speech given by Taiwan's regional leader last week and the continuous collusion between the US and the DPP authorities, officials from the Chinese mainland sent out a strong warning again to "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces, reiterating the need to recognize the nature of the forces that betray and ultimately harm Taiwan.
• Maintaining stability of Taiwan Straits in common interest of China and Japan, senior CPC official tells Kishida Global Times 29 May 2024 -- Maintaining stability of the Taiwan Straits is in the common interest of both China and Japan, said Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, when meeting with Japanese Prime Minister and President of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party Fumio Kishida in Tokyo on Wednesday. The two sides also expressed willingness to enhance political party exchanges.
• DPP authorities clearly "instigators of war," says mainland spokesperson People's Daily 29 May 2024 -- The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities are clearly war instigators, contrary to their self-proclaimed role as "pilots for peace," a mainland spokesperson said on Wednesday.
• Mainland denounces Lai Ching-te's "Taiwan independence" words People's Daily 29 May 2024 -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday denounced Lai Ching-te, Taiwan's new leader, saying his debut speech on May 20 was full of lies and deceit and utilized a patchwork of information to distort history, fully revealing his "Taiwan independence" nature.
• Mainland's Taiwan affairs official meets former KMT chairperson People's Daily 29 May 2024 -- Song Tao, a senior Taiwan affairs official of the Chinese mainland, met on Tuesday with representatives of Taiwan guests who attended a cross-Strait exchange event, including Hung Hsiu-chu, former chairperson of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party, in Guangzhou in south China's Guangdong Province.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan May 29, 2024 ROC MND 29 May 2024
• 'Air raid' alarm as North Korea sends trash balloons across DMZ Radio Free Asia 29 May 2024 -- At 11:34 p.m. on Tuesday, mobile phones in parts of South Korea's Gyeonggi province screeched out an alert from authorities warning of an "air raid", sparking panic among residents living close to one of the world's most heavily fortified borders.
• Speech Made by Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un on Congratulatory Visit to Academy of Defence Sciences KCNA 29 May 2024 -- Following is the full text of the speech made by the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un on his congratulatory visit to the Academy of Defence Sciences on May 28:
• Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Pays Congratulatory Visit to DPRK Academy of Defence Sciences KCNA 29 May 2024 -- The Academy of Defence Sciences of the DPRK, entrusted with the honorable mission to dynamically propel the defence industry revolution in the new era as a comprehensive scientific research base which has firmly guaranteed the Workers' Party of Korea's great cause of building a military power with the steadfast revolutionary spirit, outstanding patriotism and matchless scientific and technological capability, has greeted its 60th founding anniversary in the course of its proud development.
• Statement by the Federal Foreign Office on reports of attempted satellite launch by North Korea Germany Federal Foreign Office 29 May 2024
• Iranian, Russian envoys hold talks ahead of IAEA Board of Governors' meeting IRNA 29 May 2024 -- Iranian and Russian representatives have held talks in Vienna ahead of an upcoming meeting by the International Atomic Energy Agency's Board of Governors.
• Iran will respond should IAEA issue another resolution IRNA 29 May 2024 -- Iran is prepared to respond if the IAEA Board of Governors issues a resolution against the country at its upcoming meeting next week, according to an analysis by IRNA.
• Iran's nuclear activities continue; sanctions removal talks underway: Acting FM Press TV 29 May 2024 -- Iran's acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani says the Islamic Republic is proceeding with its peaceful nuclear activities under the supervision of the country's top security body, adding that talks on the removal of anti-Iran sanctions are also underway.
• Bagheri: Exchange of messages between Iran ,US continues ISNA 29 May 2024 -- Iran's Acting foreign minister Ali Bagheri Kani said that the exchange of messages between Iran and the United States continues as before and has no interruption in this regard.
• Iranian Rights Activists Slam UN For Planning Memorial For 'Butcher' Raisi RFE/RL 29 May 2024 -- The United Nations has announced plans to hold a memorial ceremony for the late Iranian president, Ebrahim Raisi, this week, sparking sharp criticism from rights activists, who decried a move to honor a man they refer to as the "Butcher of Tehran."
• Execution Spike In Iran Boosts Global Total To Highest In Almost A Decade, Amnesty Says RFE/RL 29 May 2024 -- Executions around the globe rose to their highest number in almost a decade, spurred by a spike in cases of the death penalty being carried out in Iran, according to a new report by watchdog Amnesty International.
• YouTube Confirms Iranian Foreign Ministry Account Closed Over U.S. Sanctions RFE/RL 29 May 2024 -- Internet video platform YouTube has confirmed terminating an account run by Iran's Foreign Ministry to comply with U.S. sanctions against the Islamic republic.
• Military investigators find no evidence of sabotage in presidential copter crash IRNA 29 May 2024 -- Iranian military investigators have found no evidence of any explosion caused by sabotage or cyberattack in the helicopter crash that resulted in the death of late president Ebrahim Raisi and his entourage this month.
• Investigation rules out sabotage in Iran's presidential helicopter crash Press TV 29 May 2024 -- The ongoing probe into the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of President Ebrahim Raeisi of Iran and several other officials has ruled out sabotage as the reason behind the tragic incident.
• US renews rhetoric against Iran's nuclear program IRNA 29 May 2024 -- The United States has renewed its rhetoric against Iran over the country's peaceful nuclear program, saying Washington continues to pressure Tehran to prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons.
• With The Veto Defeated, What Happens Next On Georgia's 'Foreign Agent' Law? RFE/RL 29 May 2024 -- Lawmakers from the ruling Georgian Dream party comfortably overrode a presidential veto 84-4 in a vote boycotted by most of the opposition on May 28, further propelling the so-called "foreign agent" law toward enactment.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses concerns about the situation in Georgia Lithuania MFA 29 May 2024 -- On 29 May, Lithuania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Georgian Ambassador after the Georgian Parliament voted to override President Salome Zurabishvili's veto of the so-called 'foreign influence' law.
• Azerbaijan: Statement by the Spokesperson on the human rights situation European External Action Service (EEAS) 29 May 2024 -- President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed on Saturday 25 May a decree pardoning 154 prisoners. This year, unlike in the past, the decree did not include persons sentenced for exercising their fundamental rights.
• Briefing by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Justice on restoring rule of law and constitutional order in Poland Poland - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 29 May 2024
• Cambodia's 'Xi Jinping Boulevard' highlights strong ties with China Radio Free Asia 29 May 2024 -- Cambodia has renamed one of its main roads in the capital Phnom Penh "Xi Jinping Boulevard" in honor of the Chinese president for his "historical contribution to the development of Cambodia."
• Chinese-Led Consortium To Build Massive Port Project On Georgia's Black Sea Coast RFE/RL 29 May 2024 -- Georgia has announced that a Chinese consortium submitted the sole bid to build a sprawling deep-sea port in Anaklia, ending a multiyear political saga over the megaproject that puts Tbilisi's growing ties with Beijing in the spotlight.
• Vanuatu votes in referendum to tame political instability Radio Free Asia 29 May 2024 -- Vanuatu is voting on Wednesday in its first referendum since independence, with citizens asked to decide on proposed constitutional amendments aimed at preventing party hopping and curbing political instability in the South Pacific nation.
• Cameroon meeting of French-speaking Africa lawmakers decry instability, foreign influence VOA 29 May 2024 -- Francophone lawmakers from about 30 African states are meeting in Cameroon's capital, Yaounde, to find a solution to the political instability in French-speaking African nations — including a string of recent coups, security threats and popular discontent. The lawmakers say among the solutions to the growing crisis are dialogue, a return to democratic principles and an end to foreign influence.
• Ex-Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra to be formally charged with insulting monarchy VOA 29 May 2024 -- Prosecutors in Thailand say they will indict former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra for violating the law that forbids any criticism of the Thai royal family.