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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• May 31 U.S. Central Command Update CENTCOM 31 May 2024 -- At approximately 1:30 a.m. (Sanaa time) on May 31, Iranian-backed Houthis launched one uncrewed aerial system (UAS) from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen into the Red Sea. The UAS crashed into the Red Sea with no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships.
• Houthis Claim Red Sea Attack on American Aircraft Carrier After US-UK Strikes Sputnik 31 May 2024 -- Yemen's Ansar Allah movement, also known as Houthis, has launched missile and UAV attacks on a US aircraft carrier in the Red Sea in response to the bombing of the country, Houthi political office member Hezam al-Asad told Sputnik on Friday.
• Houthis Threatens to Hit Targets in Red, Arabian Seas After US, UK Strikes on Yemen Sputnik 31 May 2024 -- Yemen's Ansar Allah movement, also known as Houthis, threatened to "respond directly and immediately" to US and UK strikes on Yemen by hitting targets in the Red and Arabian seas, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said on Friday.
• US, UK Aircraft Carry Out 13 Strikes on Houthi Targets in Yemen - Sources Sputnik 31 May 2024 -- US and UK military aircraft carried out 13 strikes on positions of Yemen's Shia movement Ansar Allah (Houthis) in three provinces of Yemen after a series of attacks on US ships in the Red, Arabian and Mediterranean seas, sources in local power bodies told Sputnik.
• Yemen vows 'very painful' response after US-UK strikes kill over a dozen Press TV 31 May 2024 -- Yemen has vowed a "painful response" to overnight airstrikes by US-British forces against targets across the Muslim nation, which killed at least 16 people and left several others injured.
• Iran condemns deadly US, UK attacks on Yemen, urges world to react Press TV 31 May 2024 -- Iran has strongly condemned earlier strikes by the United States and the United Kingdom against Yemen that killed and injured dozens of people across the Arab Peninsula nation.
• 'A direct hit': Yemen targets US aircraft carrier USS Eisenhower in Red Sea with ballistic missiles Press TV 31 May 2024 -- Yemen's military spokesman says the country's armed forces have targeted US aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Red Sea in response to deadly overnight attacks by America on the Arab country.
• U.S. Forces conduct strike targeting ISIS AFRICOM 31 May 2024 -- In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike in Somalia targeting ISIS militants, May 31, 2024.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meetings with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Singapore Minister for Defense Ng Eng Hen DoD 31 May 2024
• Endorsing a Statement of Principles for Indo-Pacific Defense Industrial Base Collaboration DoD 31 May 2024 -- Today, the United States endorsed a Statement of Principles for Indo-Pacific Defense Industrial Base Collaboration following extensive consultations with U.S. allies and partners across the Indo-Pacific region and around the world, including the recent Maluhia Talks at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Honolulu, Hawaii.
• Joint Staff J-6 Summit Strengthens Collaboration With Combatant Commands DoD News 31 May 2024 -- The Joint Staff J-6 hosted its annual Command, Control, Communications and Computers, dubbed C4, Cyber Global Summit at the Pentagon last week, convening representatives from the 11 combatant commands, Defense Information Systems Agency, Office of the Department of Defense Chief Information Officer, Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office, and Joint Staff to further efforts in enhancing the Joint Force's C4/Cyber capabilities.
• Austin: Nations Around Indo-Pacific Uniting Around Shared Values DoD News 31 May 2024 -- The United States is a Pacific nation. This region — more than any other — is shaping the course of this century, said Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III.
• Illinois Army Guard Takes on Exercise Immediate Response Army News 31 May 2024 -- The seaside location couldn't have been more idyllic. Gentle rolling sand dunes sloped gracefully to the water as the waves rhythmically lapped the coastline. A meandering breeze occasionally fluttered past, carrying a hint of the sea through the nearby pine trees and beachside scrub brush.
• 29th Infantry Division HQ Heads Exercise Immediate Response Army News 31 May 2024 -- Spc. Shiquies Branch, an administrative specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 29th Infantry Division, Virginia Army National Guard, has a birthday coming up. But she's spending it in the field, which isn't quite the celebration she had in mind.
• Washing Defender 24 out of Poland: DCTC keep vehicles squeaky clean Army News 31 May 2024 -- Tucked away near the city of Konotop, the Drawsko Pomorskie Combat Training Center bustles with activity as units send their equipment home as the Defender 24 exercise comes to an end.
• BALTOPS 2024 set to begin US Navy 31 May 2024 -- The 53rd iteration of Baltic Operations 2024 (BALTOPS 2024) NATO's premier maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, is set to begin with a pre-sail conference in Klaipėda, Lithuania, June 4, and will take place June 7-20.
• National Guard ready for potential record-breaking wildfire, hurricane season Army News 31 May 2024 -- With 2024 projected as one of the hottest years on record, climate scientists have noted a heightened risk of hurricanes and wildfires, but National Guard officials said the Guard is more prepared than ever to respond to these challenges.
• Retired Navy Admiral and Business Executives Arrested for Bribery Scheme US Dept. of Justice 31 May 2024 -- A retired Navy Admiral and two business executives were arrested today on criminal charges related to their roles in a bribery scheme that involved a U.S. government contract.
• NATO wraps up its largest exercise since the Cold War NATO 31 May 2024 -- NATO's largest exercise in decades, Steadfast Defender 2024, concluded on Friday (31 May 2024).
• Steadfast Defender 24 concludes NATO 31 May 2024 -- NATO's exercise STEADFAST DEFENDER 2024 - its largest live exercise in decades - concludes today after four months of intensive, pan-Alliance training.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg After Their Meeting US Dept. of State 31 May 2024
• Deputy Secretary Campbell's Meeting with NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană US Dept. of State 31 May 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg US Dept. of State 31 May 2024
• Final spurt before the NATO Summit in Washington: Informal meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers in Prague Germany Federal Foreign Office 31 May 2024 -- On 31 May, NATO Foreign Ministers are meeting in Prague. Their agenda will focus on getting ready for the Washington Summit in July and NATO's support for Ukraine.
• Landsbergis in Prague: "NATO can win, it can deter, and it can welcome new members" Lithuania MFA 31 May 2024 -- Today, on May 31, in Prague, Czech Republic, Lithuania's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gabrielius Landsbergis, is attending an informal meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the level of Ministers of Foreign Affairs. This is the last NATO foreign ministers meeting ahead of the summit in Washington, D.C., in July.
• NATO foreign ministers meet informally in Prague Poland - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 31 May 2024 -- On 30-31 May 2024, Prague hosted the last meeting of heads of diplomacies of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries ahead of the upcoming NATO summit in Washington. Poland was represented by Minister Radosław Sikorski.
• Canada wraps up participation in NATO's Exercise STEADFAST DEFENDER 2024 Canada 31 May 2024 -- The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) wrapped up its participation in NATO's largest exercise in decades, Exercise STEADFAST DEFENDER 2024. The final sub-exercise under the STEADFAST DEFENDER umbrella was Exercise SPRING STORM in Estonia, which ended on May 17, 2024.
• Medvedev cautions West not to underestimate Russia's willingness to use tactical nukes TASS 31 May 2024 -- The senior Russian official believes it is possible that the conflict between Russia and the West has already entered its final stage
• Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov holds working meeting with Tajikistan Defence Minister Sherali Mirzo Russia MoD 31 May 2024
• Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov participates in CSTO Council of Ministers of Defence meeting Russia MoD 31 May 2024 -- 'The U.S. and its allies' destructive activities have had a major negative impact on the situation,' said Andrei Belousov, speaking at the CSTO Council of Ministers of Defence meeting in Almaty on Friday.
• Russia, Belarus Display Air Power Striking Targets in Joint Drills Sputnik 31 May 2024 -- On Friday, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that the Russian and Belarusian air forces had carried out airstrikes on targets as part of a joint flight-tactical exercise.
• Ukraine Signs Security Deals With Nordic Countries As Russia Ramps Up Attacks RFE/RL 31 May 2024 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on May 31 signed security and cooperation agreements with Sweden, Norway, and Iceland as he attended the third Ukraine-Northern Europe Summit in Stockholm.
• The Development of Defense Cooperation, the Global Peace Summit, and the Path to the EU and NATO: Volodymyr Zelenskyy Met with the Prime Minister of Sweden President of Ukraine 31 May 2024
• Strengthening of Ukrainian Air Defense, Defense Assistance, and Preparations for the Peace Summit Were Discussed at the Summit in Stockholm - Volodymyr Zelenskyy President of Ukraine 31 May 2024
• Ukraine Signed a Security Agreement with Norway President of Ukraine 31 May 2024
• Agreement on Security Cooperation and Long-Term Support between Ukraine and the Kingdom of Norway President of Ukraine 31 May 2024
• Ukraine and Iceland Signed a Security Agreement President of Ukraine 31 May 2024
• Agreement on Security Cooperation and Long-Term Support between Ukraine and Iceland President of Ukraine 31 May 2024
• Ukraine and Sweden Signed a Security Agreement President of Ukraine 31 May 2024
• Agreement on Security Cooperation between Ukraine and Sweden President of Ukraine 31 May 2024
• NATO leader supports alliance's right to defend Ukraine VOA 31 May 2024 -- NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg Friday said he supports the alliances right to help Ukraine defend itself as its war against Russia evolves, including allowing Kyiv to return fire on targets inside Russia using NATO supplied weapons.
• NATO Secretary General in Prague: Allies must maintain support to Ukraine "for as long as necessary" NATO 31 May 2024 -- TO Foreign Ministers concluded two days of meetings and events in Prague, Czechia on Friday (31 May 2024) with an informal session of the North Atlantic Council.
• Stoltenberg More Confident About Ukraine's Ability To Defend Kharkiv After Policy Shift On Weapons RFE/RL 31 May 2024 -- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg says he's more confident that Ukraine can successfully defend the eastern city of Kharkiv now that NATO allies have eased restrictions on the use of weapons they supply to hit targets inside Russia.
• NATO Is In For 'The Long Haul' In Backing Ukraine, Says Stoltenberg RFE/RL 31 May 2024 -- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on May 31 that the military alliance must enhance its role in supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia's unprovoked invasion and make clear to Moscow that Western backing for Kyiv will continue for as long as necessary.
• Argentina Not Planning to Jointly Produce Arms With Ukraine - Presidency Sputnik 31 May 2024 -- Argentina has no plans to work together with Ukraine to produce weapons, as it currently has no capacity for that, Argentine presidential spokesman Manuel Adorni said on Friday.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With People's Republic of China (PRC) Minister of National Defense Admiral Dong Jun DoD 31 May 2024
• Austin Emphasizes Open Lines of Communication Between U.S., China Militaries DoD News 31 May 2024 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III emphasized the importance of maintaining open lines of military-to-military communication at multiple levels between the United States and China during his first meeting with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun.
• US, Chinese defense leaders exchange views over contentious issues in Singapore VOA 31 May 2024 -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun held their first in-person meeting on the sideline of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Friday.
• US, China defense chiefs meet in hope of easing tension Radio Free Asia 31 May 2024 -- Defense chiefs from China and the United States met in Singapore on Friday at a security forum in an encounter aimed at improving communication between the two powers amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Chinese defense chief stresses redline on core issues with Austin Global Times 31 May 2024 -- Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had their face-to-face meeting on Friday on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, marking the first in-person talks between Chinese and US defense chiefs since November 2022 and a further step in resuming military dialogue and consultations amid recent tensions in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Straits.
• Tsahkna at Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs: Ukraine has the right to strike military targets outside its territory in the name of victory Estonia MFA 31 May 2024 -- Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna attended the informal Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Prague today and yesterday, where he stressed that the goal of the Allies must be the victory of Ukraine, and to achieve this, Ukraine has the right to strike military targets also on Russian territory.
• Report on Power Demonstration Firing of 600mm Super-large Multiple Rocket Sub-Units Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Directly Guides Power Demonstration Firing KCNA 31 May 2024 -- The gangsters' regime and the puppet army of the ROK committed a hideous act of infringing upon the sovereignty of the DPRK that can never be overlooked by staging a clumsy counteraction of dangerous armed demonstration against the exercise of legitimate sovereign right of the DPRK.
• Northern Territory airstrip upgrade enables greater training opportunities for Australia and United States Australia DOD 31 May 2024 -- Australia and the United States will now have greater training opportunities in Northern Australia after the completion of upgrades to Nackeroo Airstrip at Bradshaw Field Training Area in the Northern Territory.
• Exercise Albatross AusIndo concludes Australia DOD 31 May 2024 -- Australian and Indonesian air forces have successfully completed another Exercise Albatross AusIndo 24 in Bali, Indonesia.
• Steel-cutting ceremony for first Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel of ICG held at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai India PIB 31 May 2024 -- The steel-cutting ceremony for the first Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) took place at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai in the presence of Indian Coast Guard (lCG) officials on May 31, 2024
• Bolide missiles for the RBS-70 aircraft defence system delivered to the Lithuanian Armed Forces Lithuania MND 31 May 2024 -- On May 31 the Lithuanian Armed Forces received the Bolide-type missiles for its RBS-70 short-range man-portable missile air defence system to improve air defence efficiency.
• Thailand's China submarine deal for relations, not defense, say experts VOA 31 May 2024 -- Thailand's government appears set to complete a deal for a Chinese-built diesel-electric attack submarine — a one-off purchase first negotiated under its previous military government — but experts say at this point, motivation for the deal may more political than military.
• US, Japan, S. Korea reaffirm cooperation on economic, regional security VOA 31 May 2024 -- The United States, Japan and South Korea "strongly oppose" any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the Indo-Pacific waters and "strongly condemned" North Korea's recent launches using ballistic missile technology.
• United States-Japan-Republic of Korea Trilateral Vice Foreign Minister-Level Dialogue US Dept. of State 31 May 2024 -- The following text was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Japan, and the Republic of Korea on the occasion of the United States-Japan-Republic of Korea Trilateral Vice Foreign Minister-Level Dialogue.
• Readout of President Biden's Meeting with Prime Minister De Croo of Belgium The White House 31 May 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Jordanian Foreign Minister Safadi US Dept. of State 31 May 2024
• Deputy Secretary Verma's Meeting with Jamaican Foreign Minister Johnson Smith US Dept. of State 31 May 2024
• Deputy Secretary Verma's Meeting with Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne US Dept. of State 31 May 2024
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken At a Solo Press Availability US Dept. of State 31 May 2024
• Deputy Secretary Campbell's Meeting with European External Action Service Secretary General Sannino US Dept. of State 31 May 2024
• Deputy Secretary Campbell's Meeting with Belgian Secretary General of Foreign Affairs Gentzis US Dept. of State 31 May 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud US Dept. of State 31 May 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan US Dept. of State 31 May 2024
• Deputy Secretary Campbell's Meeting with Republic of Korea First Vice Foreign Minister Kim US Dept. of State 31 May 2024
• Deputy Secretary Campbell's Participation in U.S.-Japan Strategic Diplomacy and Development Dialogue US Dept. of State 31 May 2024

Defense Industry

• Contracts For May 31, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 31 May 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 31 May 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Palestinian death toll in Gaza rises to 36,224 People's Daily 31 May 2024 -- The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 36,224, according to a statement by health authorities in the Palestinian enclave on Thursday.
• Israel military kills 60 Palestinians across Gaza as tanks roll into central Rafah Press TV 31 May 2024 -- The Israeli military has killed at least 60 Palestinians over the past 24 hours across the Gaza Strip as Israeli tanks were rolling into central Rafah on Friday.
• Situation in southern Gaza 'horrific and apocalpytic': WFP UN News 31 May 2024 -- Aid corridors in southern Gaza must be fully opened to allow the entry of food, fuel and other desperately needed relief items, a senior official with the World Food Programme (WFP) said on Friday.
• Gaza: Children are starving amid persistent aid access obstacles, warn UN agencies UN News 31 May 2024 -- Far too little aid is reaching people in Gaza to the extent that children are now starving, UN humanitarians said on Friday, in a renewed appeal to Israel to respect international law regarding the safe passage of lifesaving relief in the war-shattered enclave.
• Background Press Call on President Biden's Remarks on the Middle East The White House 31 May 2024
• Remarks by President Biden on the Middle East The White House 31 May 2024
• Biden pushes for cease-fire deal as Israel digs deeper into Rafah VOA 31 May 2024 -- As Israeli forces advance deeper into the southern Gaza city of Rafah, President Joe Biden declared Friday that Hamas had lost its ability to carry out a major terrorist attack on Israel and endorsed what he said was the latest Israeli offer of a cease-fire deal.
• Biden Says Israel Has Offered Proposal to Ensure Enduring Cessation of Hostilities in Gaza Sputnik 31 May 2024 -- US President Joe Biden said on Friday that Israel has offered a new comprehensive proposal with a roadmap that would lead to an enduring cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip as well as the release of all hostages.
• Iran: Vanquished Israel ramps up Rafah attacks to make up for 'unprecedented' defeats Press TV 31 May 2024 -- Iran's Interim Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani says Israel's crimes in the Gaza Strip and its southern city of Rafah aim to make up for the regime's "unprecedented" defeats in various fields.
• Israel: Statement by the High Representative on attempts to label a UN agency a 'terrorist organisation' European External Action Service (EEAS) 31 May 2024 -- The European Union is deeply concerned about discussions in the Israeli Knesset on designating UNRWA as a terrorist organisation, and removing its staff's immunities and privileges. The EU is also concerned that the Israeli Land Authority ordered UNRWA to vacate its East Jerusalem premises within the next 30 days.
• Joint statement adopted by China, Arab states calls for immediate cease-fire Global Times 31 May 2024 -- The full text of the joint statement of China and Arab states on the Palestinian issue was released on Friday. The text noted that relevant resolutions of the United Nations must be fully and effectively implemented and that the two sides will work together to promote an immediate cease-fire in the Gaza Strip and strive for a comprehensive, just, and lasting resolution of the Palestinian issue as soon as possible.
• Libya joins South Africa's genocide case against Israel at ICJ IRNA 31 May 2024 -- Libya's representative to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Ahmed Al-Jahani, has said that the Hague-based court has accepted his country's request to join South Africa's genocide case against Israel.
• Egypt warns of 'military response' after Israel's seizure of sensitive buffer zone Press TV 31 May 2024 -- Egypt has warned it's ready to respond militarily after Israeli troops seized a sensitive corridor of land along its border with the Gaza Strip.
• Israel using truce talks to press ahead with aggression, Gaza genocide: Haniyeh Press TV 31 May 2024 -- The head of the Political Bureau of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has said that the Israeli regime was deliberately prolonging ceasefire negotiations to keep up its genocidal war against the Gaza Strip.
• Hamas says ready for 'complete agreement' if Israel ends war Press TV 31 May 2024 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says it has told mediators that it is ready for a "complete agreement" only if Israel stops the war, rejecting further talks amid the ongoing war.
• Hezbollah says 'fully ready' to respond to Israel's expansion of aggression Press TV 31 May 2024 -- The Lebanese Islamic resistance movement Hezbollah has warned the Israeli regime against expanding the scope of its aggression against Lebanon, asserting that they are impervious to the regime's threats and that the enemies are lined up in crosshairs.
• Nasrallah: Israel has no place in region's future; cancerous tumor must be eradicated Press TV 31 May 2024 -- The leader of Hezbollah's resistance movement has called for global efforts to eradicate the Zionist regime, saying it's a "cancerous gland" that must be removed.
• Lebanon's Hezbollah targets gatherings of Israeli forces with missiles Press TV 31 May 2024 -- Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement has carried out fresh retaliatory strikes on a number of Israeli military positions, among them two gatherings of the occupying regime's forces.

Other Conflicts

• Marcos condemns Beijing's 'assertive' moves in the South China Sea Radio Free Asia 31 May 2024 -- Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. used a speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore on Friday to criticize Beijing's "assertive" moves in the South China Sea and to call for responsible management of the U.S.-China rivalry.
• Latest Philippines claims cannot obscure fundamental illegitimacy of S.China Sea arbitration: Chinese FM Global Times 31 May 2024 -- In response to the Philippines claiming that the recent advisory opinion issued by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) "reinforces the legitimacy" of the South China Sea arbitration, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Friday that the opinion should not be used by certain countries for their selfish aims. "Any hypes that seek to mislead the public will fail. They will not turn the null and void award into a legal one," Mao said.
• The Azadi Briefing: Taliban's New Pick For Health Minister Triggers Criticism RFE/RL 31 May 2024
• Taliban accuse Pakistan of sowing 'distrust' between Afghanistan, China VOA 31 May 2024 -- The Taliban government Friday dismissed the findings of a Pakistan probe that attributed a recent fatal attack against Chinese workers in the country to militants operating from Afghanistan.
• Security Council Extends Mandate of Iraq Assistance Mission for Final 19 Months to Complete Liquidation Phase, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2732 (2024) UN Security Council 31 May 2024 -- The Security Council extended the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) today for a final 19 month-period until 31 December 2025, after which UNAMI will cease all work and operations except with respect to any remaining liquidation of the Mission.
• Now is the time for a transition to a new partnership between Iraq and the United Nations: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 31 May 2024 -- Statement by Ambassador Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on UNAMI.
• Iran reiterates political solution to situation in Syria IRNA 31 May 2024 -- Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Amir Saeid Iravani has stressed that Iran remains committed to a political resolution of the situation in Syria and will continue supporting a truly Syrian-led, Syrian-owned, UN-facilitated political process.
• Adopting Resolution 2733 (2024) with 9 Votes in Favour, 6 Abstentions, Security Council Authorizes One-Year Extension of Measures to Implement Arms Embargo against Libya UN Security Council 31 May 2024 -- The Security Council today decided to renew measures designed to implement the arms embargo against Libya for another year, in particular those authorizing Member States — acting nationally or through regional organizations — to inspect vessels on the high seas off Libya's coast believed to be in violation of the arms embargo imposed on that country.
• Security Council Committee Concerning Libya Grants Humanitarian Travel Exemption, Valid for Six Months to One Listed Individual UN Security Council 31 May 2024 -- On 31 May 2024, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya decided to grant a humanitarian travel exemption, pursuant to paragraph 16(a) of resolution 1970 (2011), effective from 1 June through 30 November 2024, to the following individual:
• Myanmar junta recruits thousands of soldiers: report Radio Free Asia 31 May 2024 -- Myanmar's junta has recruited nearly 4,000 men nationwide in its latest round of conscription as it seeks to reinforce the ranks of its army in the face of battlefield setbacks to insurgents battling to end military rule, a nonprofit group said.
• Burmese workers in Thailand fear getting drafted under new visa restrictions Radio Free Asia 31 May 2024 -- Burmese migrant workers in Thailand are worried that a new policy requiring them to apply for an extension to their stay from Myanmar will subject them to conscription into the junta military, according to aid groups.
• Violence drives Haiti's children into armed groups; up to half of all members are now children - UNICEF UNICEF 31 May 2024 -- As armed violence continues to drive the deteriorating conditions across Haiti, the UN has estimated that 30 to 50 per cent of armed group members are children who are subject to coercion, abuse and exploitation stemming from persistent social, economic and political fragility caused by ongoing violence that has spiraled parts of the country into chaos.
• UN humanitarian flight takes vital medical supplies to Haiti UN News 31 May 2024 -- On Thursday, a humanitarian flight operated by the UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) flew from Panama to Haiti - specifically the Port-au-Prince airport - for the first time in three months, according to Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
• Fighting around the Golo water reservoir jeopardizes main water source for over 130,000 children UNICEF 31 May 2024 -- "The deteriorating security situation and the intense conflict in and around El Fasher, Darfur, have led to a significantly growing displacement of the civilian population from the area. The scarcity of safe drinking water and healthcare poses a particularly grave threat to the displaced, sick, injured, and children.
• Famine appears imminent in Sudan as war blocks aid for millions VOA 31 May 2024 -- Major relief agencies warn that time is running out for millions of people in Sudan, who are "at imminent risk of famine" because the country's warring parties are preventing aid from reaching them.
• Sudan: as millions face famine, humanitarians plead for aid access UN News 31 May 2024 -- Famine in Sudan is "imminent" if aid agencies continue to be prevented from providing relief, UN humanitarians warned on Friday.
• Statement by Principals of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC): No time to lose as famine stalks millions in Sudan amid intense fighting and access denials WHO 31 May 2024
• UN human rights chief sounds alarm over rising violence in Burkina Faso UN News 31 May 2024 -- The UN's top human rights official on Friday voiced serious concern over the dramatic deterioration of the situation in Burkina Faso, where almost 1,800 people are reported to have been unlawfully killed between November last year and April.

News Reports

• French officials foil Olympics terrorism plot VOA 31 May 2024 -- French security officials have foiled a plot to attack a soccer game at the upcoming Paris Olympics.
• U.S. confirms third human bird flu case tied to dairy outbreak People's Daily 31 May 2024 -- A second human case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A (H5) virus infection has been identified in the state of Michigan, marking the third human case associated with an ongoing multistate outbreak of A (H5N1) in U.S. dairy cows, U.S. health authorities said on Thursday.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks during Business Council meeting on BRICS issues, Moscow, May 31, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 31 May 2024
• Russia Declares Barred Presidential Candidate, Soldiers' Wives Group 'Foreign Agents' RFE/RL 31 May 2024 -- The Russian Justice Ministry on May 31 added Yekaterina Duntsova, who last year filed documents to register to run for president, to its list of so-called "foreign agents."
• The Week In Russia: Lies And Legitimacy RFE/RL 31 May 2024 -- The Kremlin sought to undermine Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's legitimacy. Moscow mounted more strikes on Kharkiv, killing more civilians. And the White House reportedly gave Kyiv the green light for limited attacks on targets inside Russia.
• Thai police crack down on Russian investors on holiday island of Phuket Radio Free Asia 31 May 2024 -- Police on the Thai holiday island of Phuket have charged more than 100 people, including 67 Russians, suspected of breaking business laws in a crackdown on the multi-million dollar property sector that has seen a surge in prices since Russians flocked in after their government's invasion of Ukraine.
• Chinese state security authority warns of 'network espionage traps'; government employee sentenced to 10 years for spying Global Times 31 May 2024 -- China's Ministry of State Security on Friday unveiled a case involving a former government employee who was lured by a foreign intelligence agency through the internet, stealing secrets for money. The individual was sentenced to 10 years in prison lawfully.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on May 31, 2024 PRC MofA 31 May 2024
• Deputy Secretary Campbell's Meeting with PRC Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu US Dept. of State 31 May 2024
• China, Arab states work to build a community of shared future of high quality Global Times 31 May 2024 -- Relations between China and Arab states have reached new heights recently with the interactions of top leaders continuing on Friday and more cooperation documents being signed. Analysts said that the intensified exchanges between China and Arab states will inject fresh impetus into bilateral relations, and the joint China-Arab states statement on the Palestinian issue, which voices the need to end the Gaza conflict, will help promote the seeking of a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue.
• US to issue visa bans for Hong Kong officials Radio Free Asia 31 May 2024 -- The United States will impose visa bans against unnamed Hong Kong officials in response to Thursday's guilty verdicts against 14 democracy activists on "subversion" charges, the State Department said Friday.
• China hits back at West's criticism of HKSAR court's verdict on case of conspiracy to subvert state power Global Times 31 May 2024 -- China's central government authorities and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government expressed strong opposition and condemnation against some remarks made by Western countries, anti-China organization and foreign media that smear the rule of law in the city following the verdict of a case of conspiracy to subvert state power.
• China's securities watchdog imposes record fine on Evergrande for 'fraud' in stern warning to violators Global Times 31 May 2024 -- China's top securities regulator fined Evergrande Group 4.175 billion yuan ($587.67 million) for fraudulent bond issuance and information disclosure violations, while imposing a lifetime ban on Hui Ka Yan, also known as Xu Jiayin, the founder of the real estate developer, from the securities market together with a fine of 47 million yuan, China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) said on Friday in a statement.
• Chinese private rocket firm completes milestone launch Global Times 31 May 2024 -- Chinese private rocket startup Galactic Energy Co announced Friday that its solid-fueled launch vehicle Ceres-1 Y12 has successfully launched into the space, carrying five satellites into an orbit 535 kilometers above the Earth.
• Chinese rocket launches 5 satellites into space People's Daily 31 May 2024 -- China on Friday successfully launched the CERES-1 commercial carrier rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, sending a group of five satellites into space.
• Cabinet may have Legislature reconsider law revisions: Premier CNA 31 May 2024 -- The Cabinet may have the Legislature reconsider recently passed amendments aimed at checking the president's and Cabinet's powers and strengthening the Legislature's ability to investigate corruption, Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) said Friday.
• Taiwan to counter China's economic coercion after tariff cut suspension CNA 31 May 2024 -- Taiwan's government said Friday it is ready to address China's economic coercion, following a unilateral announcement by Beijing earlier in the day that it is expanding the suspension of preferential tariff rates on Taiwanese imports that had been part of a bilateral trade deal.
• Taiwan protests China's suspension of tariff cuts (update) CNA 31 May 2024 -- Taiwan's government has criticized China for unilaterally announcing a plan to expand its suspension of preferential tariff rates for Taiwanese imports that had been part of a bilateral trade deal, effective from June 15.
• DPP authorities should bear full responsibility for mainland's tariff measure: ministry Global Times 31 May 2024 -- The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities should bear full responsibility for mainland's suspension of Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) tariff rates for 134 imported products from the Taiwan island, a Ministry of Commerce spokesperson said on Friday.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan May 31, 2024 ROC MND 31 May 2024
• KCNA Commentary on Air Espionage against DPRK KCNA 31 May 2024 -- RC-135U, a U.S. air force spying aircraft, again committed air espionage against the DPRK near its southern border after taking off from Japan on May 29.
• Joint Statement on DPRK-Russia US Dept. of State 31 May 2024 -- The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, the High Representative of the European Union, and the Secretary of State of the United States of America affirm that the recent sanctions designations by each of our governments represent a coordinated effort to hold the DPRK and Russia to account and to impose costs on actors and entities involved in the unlawful transfer of arms from the DPRK to Russia for use in attacking Ukraine.
• DPRK: EU sanctions nine additional individuals and entities involved in the country's activities related to illegal weapons programmes and supporting Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine EC/CEU 31 May 2024 -- The Council today sanctioned a further six individuals and three entities in view of sanctions evasion activities carried out by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) that could generate funds for its illegal nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, in violation of and with flagrant disregard for the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and in view of the military support given by the DPRK to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.
• Statement by the Federal Foreign Office on reports of the latest series of ballistic missile tests by North Korea Germany Federal Foreign Office 31 May 2024
• The Security Council must take action against North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 31 May 2024 -- Statement by Fergus Eckersley, UK Political Counsellor, at the Security Council meeting on DPRK.
• UN official urges DPR Korea to halt missile activities and return to dialogue UN News 31 May 2024 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) repeated launches using ballistic missile technology not only violate Security Council resolutions but also pose a serious risk to aviation and maritime traffic, a senior UN official said on Friday.
• Democratic People's Republic of Korea's Unannounced, New Satellite Launch, Threatens Peace, Denuclearization Efforts, Speakers Warn Security Council UN Security Council 31 May 2024 -- The unannounced launch on 27 May by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea of yet another reconnaissance satellite using new technology represents a violation of United Nations resolutions and a grave threat to peace and denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula, speakers warned the Security Council today.
• UN urges de-escalation on Korean peninsula after launch, missiles VOA 31 May 2024 -- A senior United Nations official said Friday that the organization remains "deeply concerned" about growing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, following North Korea's latest attempted launch of a spy satellite and firing of ballistic missiles.
• DFA Statement on DPRK Satellite Launch Philippines DFA 31 May 2024 -- The Philippines condemns the DPRK's latest satellite launch using ballistic missile technology which provokes tensions and undermines economic progress, peace, and stability in the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific region.
• King of Bahrain: Manama trying to restore diplomatic ties with Iran IRNA 31 May 2024 -- The king of Bahrain said that his country is working to restore diplomatic relations with Tehran.
• Ex-Parliament speaker Larijani submits bid to run for Iran president Press TV 31 May 2024 -- Veteran Iranian politician Ali Larijani has registered to run in an early presidential election to replace the late President Ebrahim Raeisi.
• Iran's Presidential Hopefuls Register To Run For Early Election After Raisi's Death RFE/RL 31 May 2024 -- Nine presidential hopefuls so far have registered their candidacy to run in Iran's June 28 election, including a conservative heavyweight and a moderate who was barred from running in the 2021 presidential election.
• New US sanctions target Iran drone production VOA 31 May 2024 -- The U.S. Treasury Department announced new sanctions Friday aimed at disrupting Iran's unmanned aerial vehicle, or UAV, program, which has been providing deadly UAVs to Russia for use in attacks against Ukraine.
• US imposes more sanctions on enablers of Iran's Drone production IRNA 31 May 2024 -- The US on Friday issued sanctions targeting entities for enabling Iran's drone program, in Washington's latest action seeking to disrupt the production and proliferation of UAVs.
• Treasury Targets Enablers of Iran's UAV Production US Treasury 31 May 2024 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is targeting four entities associated with OFAC-designated Rayan Roshd Afzar Company (RRA) that have procured critical parts for Iran's unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program. Additionally, OFAC is targeting an Iranian executive of Iran Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO), a subsidiary of Iran's Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL) that oversees UAV manufacturers Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company (HESA) and Qods Aviation Industries (QAI).
• EU Expands Sanctions On Iran Over Drone Transfers To Russia, Proxies RFE/RL 31 May 2024 -- The Council of the European Union on May 31 placed sanctions on three Iranian entities and six individuals over their involvement in the transfer of drones to Russia and Tehran's regional allies.
• Iran: EU lists more individuals and entities for the transfer of drones for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and for the transfer of drones and missiles in the Middle East and Red Sea region EC/CEU 31 May 2024 -- The Council today adopted restrictive measures against six individuals and three entities for their role in the transfer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Russia in support of its war of aggression against Ukraine;the transfer of UAVs or missiles to armed groups and entities undermining peace and security in the Middle East and the Red Sea region; or for being involved in Iran's UAV programme.
• EU sanctions Iran's defense minister; US targets Iran Aviation Industries Press TV 31 May 2024 -- The European Union has imposed new sanctions on a number of Iranian individuals and entities for their alleged role in the "transfer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Russia."
• Israel put hundreds of warplanes on alert to confront Iran op.: IRGC cmdr. Press TV 31 May 2024 -- A senior commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says the Israeli regime put hundreds of warplanes on alert to confront Iran's retaliatory strikes last month.
• Transcript of the Press Briefing by the Spokesperson on Friday, 31 May 2024 Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 31 May 2024
• Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif heads to China next week VOA 31 May 2024 -- Pakistan's prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, will lead a high-level delegation to China next week on an official 5-day visit, Islamabad announced Friday.
• Pakistan launches communication satellite with Chinese assistance VOA 31 May 2024 -- Pakistan's space agency on Thursday launched its second satellite in a month from a launch site in China's northwest Sichuan province.
• Minister Joly meets with the Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs Canada 31 May 2024 -- Yesterday, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Jan Lipavský, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, in Prague, to reaffirm Canada and Czechia's strong partnership and exchange on geopolitical challenges.
• Philippines Welcomes U.S.' Role in ASEAN and Rules-Based International Order Philippines DFA 31 May 2024 -- Emphasizing the crucial role of maritime cooperation in preserving peace and security in the IndoPacific, Undersecretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro welcomed the U.S.' support for the rules-based international order underpinned by international law.
• The Next Front In The Battle Over Georgia's 'Foreign Agent' Law RFE/RL 31 May 2024 -- TBILSI -- Mika Dzidziguri realized just a few years ago that people from outside the country could help Georgian society turn a corner.
• Former Armenian President Sarkisian Acquitted On Corruption Charges RFE/RL 31 May 2024 -- Former Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian has been acquitted more than four years after going on trial on corruption charges that he rejected as politically motivated.
• Demonstrators Led By Archbishop Clash With Police In Latest Anti-Government Protest In Yerevan RFE/RL 31 May 2024 -- Demonstrators led by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanian scuffled with riot police in Yerevan on May 31 as they rallied in the Armenian capital to demand Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian's resignation.
• Designation of Ugandan Public Officials US Dept. of State 31 May 2024 -- The Department of State is publicly designating five current and former Ugandan officials for their involvement in significant corruption or gross violations of human rights.
• Uganda hits back at US over sanctions VOA 31 May 2024 -- Ugandan authorities objected Friday to new U.S. sanctions over what the United States calls significant corruption and gross human rights violations, saying the sanctions target parliament Speaker Anita Among and other officials who backed the 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Law.
• World News in Brief: Updates on worsening crises in Gaza, South Sudan, DR Congo UN News 31 May 2024 -- Continued hostilities and evacuation orders in Gaza have led to the closure of key humanitarian facilities in Rafah, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Friday.