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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• Gaza Pier Expected to Reopen This Week DoD News 18 Jun 2024 -- The temporary pier that's been used since May 17 to deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza was removed Friday and towed to Ashdod, Israel, as a way to avoid potential damage from high seas. It's expected the pier will be back in place on the Mediterranean Sea this week to once again facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
• June 18 U.S. Central Command Update CENTCOM 18 Jun 2024 -- In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed eight Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) in a Houthi controlled area of Yemen.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds a Press Briefing DoD 18 Jun 2024
• Readout of Senior Defense Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Defense Programs Leader's Trip to Adaptive Shield Exercise, Republic of Korea and Japan DoD 18 Jun 2024
• DoD Announces Two Solar Projects to Supply Five Military Installations in North and South Carolina With Clean Energy DoD 18 Jun 2024 -- The Department of Defense (DoD) announced at Fort Liberty today, a first-of-its-kind partnership with Duke Energy to power five military installations in North and South Carolina with carbon-free electricity.
• DOD Forges Clean Energy Pathway With Carbon Pollution-Free Electricity Contract DoD News 18 Jun 2024 -- Officials announced an agreement today between the Defense Department and an East Coast-based utility company to provide carbon pollution-free energy to installations throughout North and South Carolina.
• Military Leaders Urge Congress to Pass Timely 2025 Defense Budget DoD News 18 Jun 2024 -- The 2025 Defense Department budget request prioritizes maintaining operational readiness, taking care of people and continuing to build a joint force that is lethal, resilient, survivable, agile and responsive, said Army Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau, in prepared remarks before a Senate subcommittee.
• Air Force Reserve supports joint exercise Ivy Mass 2024 US Air Force 18 Jun 2024 -- The 302nd Airlift Wing participated in a 10-day exercise stressing command and control capabilities in a scenario simulating a large-scale conflict from June 3-13th, at Peterson Space Force Base and Fort Carson, Colorado.
• Mass Casualty Exercise Increases Medical Readiness, BALTOPS 24 US Navy 18 Jun 2024 -- American, Dutch, and Spanish Sailors and Marines conducted simultaneous medical drills between time zones and geographic boundaries aboard their vessels across the Baltic Region, during exercise Baltic Operations 2024 (BALTOPS 24), June 14, 2024.
• SECNAV Names Ship in Honor of Narragansett Tribe of Rhode Island US Navy Press Release 18 Jun 2024 -- Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced today that a future Navajo-class Towing, Salvage, and Rescue (T-ATS) ship will be named USNS Narragansett in honor of the Narragansett Indian Tribe of Rhode Island, June 18.
• Dutch prime minister is likely successor to NATO's Stoltenberg VOA 18 Jun 2024 -- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Tuesday that Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte would be "a very strong candidate" as Stoltenberg's successor to lead the transatlantic military alliance.
• Romania Now Last Hurdle For Rutte As NATO Chief After Hungary, Slovakia Sign On RFE/RL 18 Jun 2024 -- Romania remains the final country yet to give its support to longtime Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte becoming NATO's next secretary-general after Hungary dropped its objections following meetings in Brussels and Slovakia's president appeared to signal his country's support.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at a Joint Press Availability US Dept. of State 18 Jun 2024
• Secretary General meets with Secretary Blinken to prepare NATO's Washington Summit NATO 18 Jun 2024 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington D.C. on Tuesday (18 June 2024), as part of his visit to the United States and Canada, in preparation for the Washington Summit in July.
• NATO defence ministers support objectives of Finland's NATO integration Finnish MoD 18 Jun 2024 -- At their meeting of 14 June 2024, NATO defence ministers gave their political backing to establishing Multi Corps Land Component Command (MCLCC) and the presence of Forward Land Forces (FLF) in Finland.
• Data on interceptions of aircraft completed near the Baltic States' borders on June 10-16, 2024 Lithuania MND 18 Jun 2024
• Statement on summoning of Russian Ambassador to express stance against Russia's violation of Swedish airspace Government Offices of Sweden 18 Jun 2024 -- Today, Tuesday 18 June, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs has summoned the Russian Ambassador to express its stance against Russia's violation of Swedish airspace that took place on Friday 14 June.
• Russia Takes Responsible Approach to Nuclear Deterrence - Deputy Foreign Minister Sputnik 18 Jun 2024 -- Russia takes a very responsible approach to the nuclear deterrence issues, and it is necessary to clarify some parameters for the situations described in the nuclear doctrine, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Tuesday.
• After start of bilateral operational exercise, Pacific Fleet carries out enhanced security of strongholds in Primorsky region Russia MoD 18 Jun 2024 -- After the start of the Pacific Fleet bilateral operational exercise, the anti-submarine sabotage units and anti-submarine units of the Primorsky Flotilla of Joint Forces began reinforced guarding of the ships' bases in the area of responsibility of the formation.
• Corvette Boykiy performs anti-submarine tasks and artillery live fires at sea Russia MoD 18 Jun 2024 -- As part of elements of the K-2 course task, the corvette crew performed anti-submarine tasks and artillery live fires in the Baltic Sea waters.
• Xi: Carry forward spirit of patriotism, revolution People's Daily 18 Jun 2024 -- President Xi Jinping has called on the alumni association of the Huangpu Military Academy to carry forward the spirit of patriotism and revolution, firmly oppose separatism seeking "Taiwan independence" and promote national reunification.
• Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States - Switchblade 300 Anti-Personnel and Anti-Armor Loitering Missile System DSCA 18 Jun 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States of Switchblade 300 Anti-Personnel and Anti-Armor Loitering Missile System and related equipment for an estimated cost of $60.2 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States - ALTIUS 600M-V Unmanned Aerial Vehicles DSCA 18 Jun 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States of ALTIUS 600M-V Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $300 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• PH holds 2nd multilateral maritime drills with allies in WPS Philippine News Agency 18 Jun 2024 -- Naval vessels of the Philippines, Canada, Japan, and the United States held a second multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MMCA) within the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced on Tuesday.
• Back in black and bigger than ever Australia DOD 18 Jun 2024 -- The biggest Exercise Pitch Black in Air Force history will return from July 12 to August 2.
• CDS Gen Anil Chauhan releases Joint Doctrine for Cyberspace Operations India PIB 18 Jun 2024 -- Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan released the Joint Doctrine for Cyberspace Operations during the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) meeting held on June 18, 2024, in New Delhi
• INS SUNAYNA IN PORT VICTORIA, SEYCHELLES India PIB 18 Jun 2024 -- INS Sunayna, an Offshore Patrol Vessel based at Southern Naval Command, entered Port Victoria, Seychelles on 15 Jun 24 in the company of Seychelles Coast Guard Ship (SCGS) Zoroaster
• Netanyahu says US promised to lift restrictions of arms deliveries to Israel Press TV 18 Jun 2024 -- Benjamin Netanyahu says the United States had promised him to remove all restrictions on weapons transfers to Israel in the coming days.
• Speech by Minister for Defence Pål Jonson in Manila Government Offices of Sweden 18 Jun 2024 -- Speech by Minister for Defence Pål Jonson at the Swedish National Day reception organised by the Embassy of Sweden in the Philippines on 6 June 2024 in Manila.
• France Hails Deal To Provide Armenia With Howitzers As 'New Important Milestone' RFE/RL 18 Jun 2024 -- French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu said his country has signed a deal to provide CAESAR self-propelled howitzers to Armenia, a move that's likely to further raise anger in Azerbaijan and Russia toward France.
• Mali Seeks to Boost Military Capabilities With Russia's Assistance - Foreign Minister Sputnik 18 Jun 2024 -- Mali's aim is to promptly bolster its military capabilities with Russia's assistance, and both countries are discussing a military equipment procurement program, Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop told Sputnik.
• Joint Statement on the U.S. - Austria Strategic Dialogue US Dept. of State 18 Jun 2024 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Republic of Austria on the occasion of the U.S. - Austria Strategic Dialogue.
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre The White House 18 Jun 2024

Defense Industry

• Contracts For June 18, 2024
• KNDS offers the complete range of proven artillery systems KNDS 18 Jun 2024 -- Almost 200 KNDS artillery systems are in service or under contract for Ukraine.
• MBDA expands its Deep Precision Strike capabilities with the Land Cruise Missile system MBDA 18 Jun 2024 -- MBDA unveils the Land Cruise Missile (LCM) system, a new ground-launched Deep Precision Strike capability, to meet the needs of the new strategic environment on the battlefield.

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 18 June 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 18 Jun 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Excerpt from PM Netanyahu's Remarks at the Memorial Ceremony for the Fallen of the Altalena Israel - Prime Minister 18 Jun 2024
• Statement by PM Netanyahu Israel - Prime Minister 18 Jun 2024 -- ""When Secretary Blinken was recently here in Israel, we had a candid conversation. I said I deeply appreciated the support the U.S. has given Israel from the beginning of the war. But I also said something else. I said it's inconceivable that in the past few months, the administration has been withholding weapons and ammunitions to Israel."
• Netanyahu's cabinet can be overthrown: Lapid IRNA 18 Jun 2024 -- The Israeli regime's opposition leader Yair Lapid has slammed prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet as "deranged and incompetent," saying it can be overthrown by opposition forces.
• Israelis stage new mass demonstrations against Prime Minister Netanyahu VOA 18 Jun 2024 -- Thousands of Israelis staged a mass demonstration in Jerusalem Monday to protest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the war in Gaza.
• June 17: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 18 Jun 2024
• 8,663 Zionist soldiers transferred to rehabilitation centers IRNA 18 Jun 2024 -- Zionist sources have reported that since the onset of the war on the Gaza Strip, some 8,663 Zionist troopers have been transferred to rehabilitation centers.
• More Zionists injured in clashes with resistance fighters in Gaza IRNA 18 Jun 2024 -- The Zionist army has confirmed the injury of 16 more of its soldiers in fighting with Palestinian resistance forces on the ground in the Gaza Strip.
• Gaza: UN rights chief slams 'unconscionable death and suffering' UN News 18 Jun 2024 -- As the war drags on in Gaza, UN human rights chief Volker Türk on Tuesday condemned Israel's "relentless" attacks across the war-shattered enclave, while repeating longstanding calls for the release of all remaining hostages.
• UN rights chief sounds alarm on 'unconscionable' suffering in Gaza Press TV 18 Jun 2024 -- UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk raised the alarm on "unconscionable death and suffering" of Palestinians under Israel's relentless attacks on the Gaza Strip.
• US: Gaza cease-fire can bring Israel-Hezbollah conflicts to an end VOA 18 Jun 2024 -- A cease-fire in Gaza can bring the conflicts along the Israel-Lebanon border to an end, senior U.S. officials said amid worries of an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah fighters based in southern Lebanon.
• US calls for 'urgent' de-escalation of Israel-Hezbollah clashes VOA 18 Jun 2024 -- The United States has called for a de-escalation of cross-border exchanges between Israel and Lebanese group Hezbollah as threats of a full-blown war loom.
• Saudi Crown Prince calls for int'l action to protect Gazans IRNA 18 Jun 2024 -- The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman has called on the international community to take all measures to immediately stop the Zionist regime's aggression against the Gaza Strip and ensure the protection of Palestinian civilian.
• Resistance dismantled Israeli war cabinet; Tel Aviv in strategic deadlock: Hamas Press TV 18 Jun 2024 -- A senior Hamas official says Palestinian resistance caused the dissolution of the Israeli regime's war cabinet after eight month of war on the Gaza strip.
• Israel trapped in 'strategic bottleneck': Hamas IRNA 18 Jun 2024 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas' representative in Lebanon, Ahmad Abdel Hadi, has said that Israeli regime is trapped in a "strategic bottleneck."
• Israeli occupation suffering from deep crisis: Hamas official ISNA 18 Jun 2024 -- Hamas representative in Lebanon, Ahmad Abdel Hadi, said that "the Zionist entity is in disarray and is suffering from a deep crisis due to the Palestinian Resistance and the Axis of Resistance."
• Hezbollah publishes drone surveillance footage of key Israeli sites in Haifa Press TV 18 Jun 2024 -- The Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement has published video footage gathered from its surveillance aircraft of strategic locations in the northern part of the 1948 occupied territories, including sea and air ports in the city of Haifa.
• Hezbollah field commander killed in Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon Press TV 18 Jun 2024 -- The Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement says a field commander of the group was killed after the Israeli military carried out an airstrike targeting his vehicle in southern Lebanon close to the border with the 1948 occupied territories.
• Lebanon's Hezbollah fires rockets at northern occupied Palestine IRNA 18 Jun 2024 -- Lebanon's Hezbollah announced on Tuesday night a rocket attack on the headquarters of the Zionist military in northern occupied Palestine.
• Hezbollah releases drone footage of sensitive Israeli targets IRNA 18 Jun 2024 -- The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah has released unprecedented drone footage of sensitive targets at the Israeli port city of Haifa, in what is seen as a major security failure for Tel Aviv.
• Hezbollah hits Zionist Merkava tank in northern occupied lands IRNA 18 Jun 2024 -- Hezbollah of Lebanon has hit and annihilated a Zionist Merkava tank in northern parts of the Palestinian Israeli-occupied territories, according to local media.
• Zionist regime assassinates another Hezbollah commander IRNA 18 Jun 2024 -- The Zionist regime has assassinated one more commander of the Hezbollah Resistance Movement, in continuation of its crimes in southern Lebanon, news sources reported.

Other Conflicts

• High Commissioner for Human Rights Highlights the Cruelty of War and the Urgent Need to Find the Way Back to Peace as he Presents his Global Update at the Opening of the Fifty-Sixth Regular Session of the Human Rights Council OHCHR 18 Jun 2024 -- The Human Rights Council this morning opened its fifty-sixth regular session, which will be held from 18 June to 12 July, hearing Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, present his global update on the situation of human rights around the world.
• US reaffirms MDT commitment amid China's 'dangerous' acts in WPS Philippine News Agency 18 Jun 2024 -- The State Department has reaffirmed the United States' commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) following China's latest actions in the West Philippine Sea that involved a Chinese Coast Guard "ramming and towing" a Filipino vessel.
• Philippine navy sailor severely injured in South China Sea collision VOA 18 Jun 2024 -- The Philippine military says a maritime collision Monday in the South China Sea was an "intentional-high speed ramming" of a supply ship by the Chinese coast guard that "seriously injured" one navy sailor. However, China's coast guard says the supply ship is to blame.
• Manila accuses China of dangerous maneuvers in South China Sea Radio Free Asia 18 Jun 2024 -- Eight Philippine naval personnel were injured, one of them severely, on Monday when Chinese vessels blocked a Philippine resupply mission to the Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands, Philippine media reported.
• Statement regarding recent incidents in the South China Sea Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 18 Jun 2024 -- The Australian Government expresses its grave concern at, and stands by the Philippines in its response to, the dangerous and illegal actions by China's vessels against Philippine vessels and crew taking part in a routine mission to Second Thomas Shoal, within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone, on 17 June.
• Canada condemns actions by People's Republic of China against Philippine vessels in South China Sea Canada 18 Jun 2024 -- Today, Global Affairs Canada issued the following statement on actions taken by the People's Republic of China against Philippine vessels in the South China Sea:
• Philippines' unilateral claim on South China Sea infringes on China's sovereign rights, jurisdiction: spokesperson People's Daily 18 Jun 2024 -- The Philippines' unilateral submission on the extent of its undersea shelf in the South China Sea infringes on China's sovereign rights and jurisdiction, violates international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and goes against the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Monday.
• Systemic gender oppression in Afghanistan may amount to crimes against humanity UN News 18 Jun 2024 -- The systemic oppression against Afghan women and girls is "so severe and extensive that they appear to form a widespread and systematic attack" which could amount to crimes against humanity said Richard Bennett, the independent rights expert monitoring Afghanistan, addressing the UN Human Rights Council on Tuesday.
• Human Rights Council Hears that the Severity of Violations against Women and Girls in Afghanistan Might Amount to Crimes against Humanity, and that Nearly 18 Million Individuals Face Acute Hunger in Sudan Amidst Looming Famine OHCHR 18 Jun 2024 -- The Human Rights Council this afternoon held an enhanced interactive dialogue on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, hearing that the severity of violations against women and girls in Afghanistan might amount to crimes against humanity.
• UN expert condemns Taliban 'crimes' against Afghan women, girls VOA 18 Jun 2024 -- The United Nations human rights expert for Afghanistan warned Tuesday against sidelining the rights and voices of women at an upcoming international meeting with the country's fundamentalist Taliban leaders.
• 'Systematic Discrimination': Taliban's Drastic Cut In Salaries Of Female State Employees Triggers Anger RFE/RL 18 Jun 2024 -- Shugufta, an elementary school teacher, earned around $300 per month under the previous Western-backed Afghan government.
• NB8 statement on Human Rights Situation in Afghanistan, delivered by Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland 18 Jun 2024 -- Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland Elina Valtonen delivered the Nordic-Baltic statement at the 56th Session of the UN Human Rights Council on 18 June 2024.
• Ansarullah slams US designation of Yemeni strikes as 'terrorist' Press TV 18 Jun 2024 -- The Ansarullah resistance movement of Yemen has denounced the United States over designating anti-Israeli maritime operations by Yemeni naval units as "terrorist."
• 'Nowhere is safe' for civilians as Sudan war descends further into chaos UN News 18 Jun 2024 -- The UN Security Council in New York on Tuesday focused on the worsening crisis in Sudan as civilians continue to suffer amidst the brutal fighting between rival militaries, while the Geneva-based Human Rights Council heard independent investigators describe combatants' "blatant disregard" for fundamental human rights and international law.
• Briefing Security Council, Senior Humanitarian Official Warns 'Famine Is Imminent' in Sudan, Calling for End to Horrific Conflict UN Security Council 18 Jun 2024 -- With famine impending, human rights violations on the rise and fighting escalating between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, the international community must work towards an immediate ceasefire in Sudan, senior United Nations officials and a women's rights activist told the Security Council today.
• Sudan, UAE envoys clash at UN VOA 18 Jun 2024 -- The representatives of Sudan and the United Arab Emirates clashed Tuesday at the U.N. Security Council over Khartoum's accusations that Abu Dhabi is providing arms and other support to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, fueling a brutal war in Sudan.
• The UK calls for urgent de-escalation in El Fasher: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 18 Jun 2024 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Sudan.
• Islamic State in Somalia poses growing threat, US officials say VOA 18 Jun 2024 -- The United States is sharpening its counterterrorism focus on Somalia, going after increasingly high-profile targets linked to a resurgence of the Islamic State terror group from its base in the Horn of Africa.
• Junta troops arrest hundreds following forced relocations in western Myanmar Radio Free Asia 18 Jun 2024 -- Junta troops over the last week have arrested and interrogated several hundred people who were recently forced to move into the state capital of western Rakhine state, several people told Radio Free Asia on Tuesday.
• Systematic terror, brutal atrocities rife in Myanmar: UN human rights chief UN News 18 Jun 2024 -- The UN's top human rights official said on Tuesday that Myanmar is in "agonizing pain", suffocated by an illegitimate military regime which uses "horrific war tactics" and commits brutal atrocity crimes.
• High Commissioner for Human Rights Says Myanmar is Being Suffocated by an Illegitimate Military Regime, Speaks of Stories of Horrific War Tactics and Brutal Atrocity Crimes UNOHCHR 18 Jun 2024 -- The Human Rights Council this morning held an interactive dialogue with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on his report on Myanmar, hearing that Myanmar was being suffocated by an illegitimate military regime, and of stories of horrific war tactics and brutal atrocity crimes.
• Report: Number of internally displaced people in Haiti increases by 60% VOA 18 Jun 2024 -- The number of internally displaced people in Haiti has risen 60% since March, when armed gangs took control of the capital, the United Nations migration agency reported Tuesday.
• US lawmakers meet with Tibetan Parliament and Dalai Lama VOA 18 Jun 2024 -- A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers led by Congressman Michael McCaul and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi arrived Tuesday in Dharamshala, India, to visit the Tibetan Parliament in Exile — also known as the Central Tibetan Administration or CTA — and meet with the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.
• US urged to recognize anti-China separatist nature of the Dalai group: Chinese FM Global Times 18 Jun 2024 -- China is gravely concerned about the relevant reports that the US lawmakers plan to meet with the 14th Dalai Lama and urges the US side to fully recognize the anti-China separatist nature of the Dalai group, honor the commitments the US has made to China on issues related to Xizang, have no contact with the Dalai group in any form, and stop sending the wrong signal to the world, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Tuesday.
• Designating Elements of Milorad Dodik's Patronage Network US Dept. of State 18 Jun 2024 -- The United States condemns the persistent efforts of Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik to erode the regional peace frameworks that have brought stability and security to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).
• Treasury Targets Milorad Dodik's Network of Wealth Generating Companies, Including Prointer US Treasury 18 Jun 2024 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating a network of two individuals and seven entities that provide major sources of revenue for U.S.-designated Republika Srpska (RS) President Milorad Dodik (Dodik) and his family. Dodik has used his official position to accumulate personal wealth through companies linked to himself and to Igor Dodik (Igor).

News Reports

• Weekly COVID-19 cases in Taiwan nearly double to 623 CNA 18 Jun 2024 -- A total of 623 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases were reported from June 11 to 17, nearly double the previous week's 329 cases, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said Tuesday.
• DHS Bolsters Indo-Pacific Maritime Cybersecurity through Partnership with Indonesia DHS 18 Jun 2024 -- From June 10-13, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) partnered with the Government of Indonesia under U.S. Department of State International Narcotics and Law Enforcement and U.S. Department of Defense Threat Reduction Agency programs to enhance the security and resilience of the international maritime transportation system.
• Federal Indictment Alleges Alliance Between Sinaloa Cartel and Money Launderers Linked to Chinese Underground Banking US Dept. of Justice 18 Jun 2024 -- The Justice Department today announced a 10-count superseding indictment charging Los Angeles-based associates of Mexico's Sinaloa drug cartel with conspiring with money-laundering groups linked to Chinese underground banking to launder drug trafficking proceeds.
• MS-13 Members and Associates Sentenced for Racketeering and Narcotics Conspiracies and Four Murders US Dept. of Justice 18 Jun 2024 -- The last defendant of the six La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang members who were convicted at two separate federal trials was sentenced today. The six defendants were sentenced for racketeering conspiracy, narcotics conspiracy, and offenses related to the murders of four men in 2019.
• Statement from Homeland Security Advisor Dr. Liz Sherwood Randall on New Actions to Combat Global Illicit Drug Manufacturing and Trafficking The W
  hite House 18 Jun 2024
• Statement from National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on the Global Effort toStrengthen the Cybersecurity of Energy Supply Chains The White House 18 Jun 2024
• China, Iran, North Korea 'Countries Of Concern' For Russia Support, Blinken Says RFE/RL 18 Jun 2024 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken described China, Iran, and North Korea as "countries of concern" for their involvement in Russia's war economy at a June 18 joint press conference with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.
• Canada announces additional sanctions against Russian government for its responsibility in death of Alexei Navalny Canada 18 Jun 2024 -- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing additional sanctions on 13 individuals under the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations.
• Backgrounder - Russia sanctions Canada 18 Jun 2024 -- Canada is imposing sanctions against Russian officials in response to gross and systematic human rights violations that have been committed in Russia.
• Russian Law On 'Undesirable Organizations' Violates Rights Convention, European Court Says RFE/RL 18 Jun 2024 -- The European Court of Human Rights on June 18 ruled unanimously that Russia violated the European Convention on Human Rights when it labeled several foreign organizations operating in Russia as "undesirable" and when it prosecuted Russians for being involved with those organizations.
• Putin in North Korea, with new treaty in focus VOA 18 Jun 2024 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived early Wednesday in North Korea, where he is expected to sign a treaty outlining Moscow's expanded cooperation with Pyongyang.
• Russia's Putin Hails Growing Ties As He Arrives In North Korea RFE/RL 18 Jun 2024 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in North Korea early on June 19 at the start of a visit set to boost defense ties between the two countries as Moscow pursues its war in Ukraine.
• Putin starts visits to North Korea, Vietnam amid West's attention Global Times 18 Jun 2024 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin started his visits to two Asian countries on Tuesday, which according to analysts will attract intensive attention from the US and the West as they may potentially impact the regional geopolitical landscape.
• Russian President's Visit to DPRK Welcomed: Newspapers of DPRK KCNA 18 Jun 2024 -- At the invitation of Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, president of the Russian Federation, will pay a visit to the DPRK.
• Russian People Will Surely Win Victory of Justice KCNA 18 Jun 2024 -- The anti-imperialist independent forces are working hard to defend the sovereignty and security of their countries and build an independent multi-polar world. On the contrary, the hegemony-seeking forces insist on a uni-polar world. Their fierce confrontation is mirrored in the on-going Russia's special military operations against Ukraine, showing apparent contradiction between justice and injustice.
• Russia and Democratic People's Republic of Korea: Tradition of Friendship and Cooperation Lasts Decade after Decade KCNA 18 Jun 2024 -- V. Putin, president of the Russian Federation, released an article titled "Russia and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea: Tradition of friendship and cooperation lasts decade after decade".
• Vladimir Putin arrived in Pyongyang President of Russia 18 Jun 2024 -- Vladimir Putin arrived on a friendly state visit in the capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Pyongyang.
• Putin arrives in North Korea, vows to boost cooperation and fight sanctions Radio Free Asia 18 Jun 2024 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in North Korea in the wee hours Wednesday for a meeting with counterpart Kim Jong Un, promising hours before the visit that the two nations will develop an "alternative settlement system" to facilitate commercial cooperation outside the control of the West and fight its sanctions.
• Russia and Democratic People's Republic of Korea: Tradition of Friendship and Cooperation Lasts Decade after Decade KCNA 18 Jun 2024 -- V. Putin, president of the Russian Federation, released an article titled "Russia and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea: Tradition of friendship and cooperation lasts decade after decade".
• Article by Vladimir Putin in Rodong Sinmun newspaper, Russia and the DPRK: Traditions of Friendship and Cooperation Through the Years President of Russia 18 Jun 2024
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on June 18, 2024 PRC MofA 18 Jun 2024
• China opposes politicization of human rights issues, hopes to have mutual progress through exchanges with EU Global Times 18 Jun 2024 -- China opposes the politicization and double standards of human rights issues, opposes using human rights issues to interfere in China's internal affairs, and China hopes that it can achieve mutual progress through exchanges with the EU and make positive contributions to global human rights governance, said Miao Deyu, assistant minister of foreign affairs, while meeting with EU officials on Monday in Beijing.
• Despite differences, China, EU continue exchanges on human rights Global Times 18 Jun 2024 -- China and the EU recently engaged in deep and candid exchanges on human rights. During these discussions, China emphasized its opposition to the politicization and double standards of human rights issues and to using such issues to interfere in China's internal affairs. Despite their differences on human rights topics, both sides remain committed to dialogue, which analysts believe will help dispel negative disinformation and promote the healthy development of China-Europe relations.
• Verdict on '35-plus' defendants affirms Hong Kong's zero-tolerance on acts of subversion: top national security authority Global Times 18 Jun 2024 -- The latest verdict on "35-plus" defendants demonstrated the openness, transparency, fairness and justice of Hong Kong's judicial system, China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) said on Tuesday, noting that the court's judgement affirmed the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)'s zero-tolerance toward acts of subversion.
• Local currency settlement strengthens mutual benefit in foreign trade People's Daily 18 Jun 2024 -- Recently, a Chinese-made aircraft leased by Indonesia arrived in Jakarta. It marked China's first cross-border leasing of a homegrown aircraft settled in offshore Chinese yuan.
• Australia complains after Chinese officials block view of Cheng Lei Radio Free Asia 18 Jun 2024 -- The Australian government said Tuesday it has complained to Beijing after Chinese officials tried to block formerly jailed Chinese state TV journalist Cheng Lei from view during a news conference by Premier Li Qiang during his visit to the country.
• Premier Li's 'fruitful' visit to Australia paves way for further improvement in bilateral ties Global Times 18 Jun 2024 -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday called on businesses from China and Australia to continue to deepen cooperation in traditional fields and expand cooperation in new areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology and life science, and stressed the importance of bilateral cooperation in stabilizing industrial and supply chains, while attending a CEO roundtable in Perth, Australia as he was wrapping up a high-stakes visit to the country.
• Premier Li's visit continues stabilisation of relationship with China Prime Minister of Australia 18 Jun 2024 -- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has welcomed Premier Li Qiang's visit to Australia as an important milestone in stabilising our relationship with China.
• 7th Australia-China CEO roundtable Prime Minister of Australia 18 Jun 2024
• Address to the community welcome banquet for Premier Li Qiang Prime Minister of Australia 18 Jun 2024
• Chinese premier stresses maintaining hard-won positive momentum for stable development of China-Australia ties People's Daily 18 Jun 2024 -- Although oceans apart, China and Australia have long been forging ahead side by side in history, benefiting greatly from win-win cooperation.
• Western Australia at the centre of visit by the Premier of China Prime Minister of Australia 18 Jun 2024
• Defense minister mum on specifics regarding Chinese sub sighting CNA 18 Jun 2024 -- Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) confirmed on Tuesday that a Chinese submarine had surfaced in the early hours of the morning in the Taiwan Strait, but declined to comment on the details or the likely intent behind the move.
• Taiwan president faces renewed pressure over cross-strait relations VOA 18 Jun 2024 -- China initiated a new wave of influence campaigns against Taiwan over the past few days, as its top official overseeing Taiwan affairs reiterated Beijing's "resolve and ability to shatter" the island's attempt to seek independence while promising to welcome more Taiwanese people to participate in cross-strait exchanges.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 18 Jun 2024
• China, SK hold 2+2 dialogue as 'new buffer' to stabilize ties, 'meaningful for NE Asia' Global Times 18 Jun 2024 -- China and South Korea on Tuesday held the first 2+2 vice-ministerial level diplomatic and security dialogue in Seoul, among other bilateral channels that were resumed in line with agreements reached during the China-Japan-South Korea trilateral leaders' meeting in late May.
• Iran's digital currency available to public in late June under pilot scheme Press TV 18 Jun 2024 -- The Central Bank of Iran (CBI) has announced the start of a pilot scheme for using the country's digital currency under a pilot program in the southern island of Kish.
• Pezeshkian says he favors diplomacy but vows not to cave in to coercion Press TV 18 Jun 2024 -- Masoud Pezeshkian, one of the six candidates in the June 28 presidential election, says he is not against diplomacy and negotiations but will not cave in to coercion.
• Activists Condemn Iran-Sweden Prisoner Swap Of Convicted War Criminal Nouri RFE/RL 18 Jun 2024 -- International human rights groups and activists have strongly condemned a prisoner exchange between Sweden and Iran that involved Hamid Nouri, a former Iranian prison official convicted in the Nordic country of crimes against humanity.
• Deputy Secretary Campbell's Meeting with Indian Foreign Secretary Kwatra and Deputy National Security Advisor Misri US Dept. of State 18 Jun 2024
• India, US to strengthen high technology cooperation VOA 18 Jun 2024 -- Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his third term in office, India and the United States agreed to strengthen cooperation in high technology areas during a visit by White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan to New Delhi.
• Hong Kongers' voices more influential in UK elections VOA 18 Jun 2024 -- General elections in the United Kingdom will be held on July 4, and thousands of Hong Kongers who are eligible to vote through the British National (Overseas) program, or BNO visa, are expected to make their voices heard.
• Thaksin granted bail, Thai court cases raise risk of political crisis VOA 18 Jun 2024 -- Influential former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a powerful backer of the ruling government, was granted bail on Tuesday, local media reported, avoiding pre-trial detention for allegedly insulting the monarchy in a 2015 interview.
• Malaysia PM announces plan to join BRICS IRNA 18 Jun 2024 -- Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim announced that his country will soon start the official process of joining the BRICS group of emerging economies.
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman Prime Minister of Canada 18 Jun 2024 -- Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman.
• Surprise Acquittals: Is Kyrgyzstan's Hard-Line Leader Going Soft? RFE/RL 18 Jun 2024 -- Of all the joyous scenes that followed the surprise acquittals of 22 defendants accused in one of Kyrgyzstan's highest profile political trials to date, one stood out.
• WFP increases response in West and Central Africa to address rising hunger UN News 18 Jun 2024 -- The World Food Programme (WFP) will increase its food and nutrition assistance programme this month in West and Central Africa in hopes of reaching 7.3 million people as the June-August lean season is under way at a time when hunger levels are high and food resources are low.
• World News in Brief: Weapons sales threat, More aid for Haiti, global refugee and migrant survey UN News 18 Jun 2024 -- A conference focused on small arms and light weapons is taking place at a "difficult and dangerous moment for humanity," according to the UN Chief António Guterres.
• The oligarch, Russia and the West: The battle for Georgia's future VOA 18 Jun 2024 -- On top of a steep hill overlooking Tbilisi, tucked behind the city's ancient fortress, sits a sprawling, futuristic $50 million mansion that locals call "the glass palace." A shark tank, private zoo and helipad lie within the heavily guarded compound. Its owner, Bidzina Ivanishvili, reportedly calls it his "James Bond" house.
• Putin's visit puts Vietnam in 'difficult position' with 'no breakthrough,' experts say VOA 18 Jun 2024 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin's upcoming visit to Vietnam will put the Southeast Asian country in a difficult position and could even be seen as risky for Hanoi, according to three international relations experts who spoke on Monday to VOA. They expected no breakthrough from the visit.
• WFP kicks off major lean season response in West Africa amid dwindling funding for humanitarian operations WFP 18 Jun 2024 -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is ramping up its lifesaving food and nutrition assistance programme in West and Central Africa, targeting 7.3 million people during the ongoing June-August lean season - when food stocks run out and hunger peaks. The programme - which kicks off in June - supports national governments' lean season response plans in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and Nigeria.