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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• Defeat ISIS Mission in Iraq and Syria for January - June 2024 CENTCOM 16 Jul 2024 -- From January to June 2024, ISIS has claimed 153 attacks in Iraq and Syria. At this rate, ISIS is on pace to more than double the total number of attacks they claimed in 2023. The increase in attacks indicates ISIS is attempting to reconstitute following several years of decreased capability.
• Oil tanker targeted in Red Sea IRNA 16 Jul 2024 -- The Yemeni armed forces published on Tuesday images of targeting an oil tanker that violated the ban on the entry of ships into the ports of the occupied territories.
• Yemen conducts 3 operations against Israel-bound ships IRNA 16 Jul 2024 -- Spokesman for the Yemeni Armed Forces Brigadier General Yahya Saree announced on Monday night that the country had carried out three more "successful" operations in the Red Sea and the Mediterranean against commercial ships bound for occupied Palestine.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds a Press Briefing DoD 16 Jul 2024
• DoD Chief Digital and AI Office Hosts First GIDE Industry Insights Forum DoD 16 Jul 2024 -- Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO), in partnership with the Office of Under Secretary of Defense Research and Engineering (OUSD R&E) and the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), conducted the first Global Information Dominance Experiments (GIDE) Industry Insights Forum.
• U.S. Goal in Middle East Is Easing Tensions, Finding Diplomatic Solutions DoD News 16 Jul 2024 -- The United States would like to see a ceasefire in Gaza, an easing of tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border and a cessation of Houthi aggression in the Red Sea area, said Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, who spoke to the media today.
• Brown Meets With Key Leaders in Philippines DoD News 16 Jul 2024 -- Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., today discussed ongoing efforts to further strengthen the longtime U.S.-Philippine alliance as he met with key leaders in Manila, Philippines.
• Immersive Program Arms DOD, Builds Acquisition Professionals' Innovation Skills DoD News 16 Jul 2024 -- The Defense Department is looking for the next cohort of acquisition professionals seeking to expand their careers with the tools and insights needed to harness commercial technology innovation.
• Kentucky Guard attends leader engagement with Djibouti Army News 16 Jul 2024 -- Kentucky National Guard senior leadership arrived in Djibouti to celebrate 47 years of independence during a key leader engagement June 25-27. Kentucky leadership attended Djibouti's Independence Day parade and met with Djiboutian and Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) leaders as part of the State Partnership Program (SPP).
• US, Italy conduct staff training exercise ahead of exercise Saber Junction 2024 Army News 16 Jul 2024 -- Soldiers from the Vittorio Veneto Division, Italian Army, and the 173rd Airborne Brigade participated in a weeklong staff exercise with U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) to prepare for exercise Saber Junction 2024 (SJ24).
• BAK-12 installation strengthens Slovak partnership US Air Force 16 Jul 2024 -- Airmen from the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing completed the installation of a new Barrier Arresting Kit-12 allowing U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa F-16 Fighting Falcons to land at Malacky Air Base, July 10.
• USS Carney visits Québec, Highlights Maritime Security and Partnerships US Navy 16 Jul 2024 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) visited Québec City, Canada, for the Rendez-vous naval de Québec, July 3-8, 2024.
• Blue Ridge CO Visits DPAA Site US Navy 16 Jul 2024 -- U.S. Navy Capt. Nicholas DeLeo, commanding officer of the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship, USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) visited the crash site of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, lost in the Bay of Nha Trang during the Vietnam War, while Blue Ridge was in Vietnam for a scheduled port visit, July 9, 2024.
• USS Carney Visits Newport, Shares Warfighting Experiences US Navy 16 Jul 2024 -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) visited Naval Station Newport, July 11-15, engaging with various training and education commands to share lessons learned from the crew's September 2023 to May 2024 independent deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation.
• U.S., Australia, Philippines, U.K. begin Exercise Predator's Run 24 in Northern Territory USMC News 16 Jul 2024 -- U.S. Marines and Sailors with Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 24.3 Marine Air-Ground Task Force arrived at Mount Bundey Training Area, Northern Territory, Australia on July 15, 2024, to commence Exercise Predator's Run 24.
• NATO's Military Expansion Into Asia-Pacific Aims to Disrupt ASEAN Structure - Lavrov Sputnik 16 Jul 2024 -- NATO's military infrastructure is advancing into the Asia-Pacific region to undermine the existing architecture centered around ASEAN, stated Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
• Russian-Chinese naval patrols complete in South China Sea Russia MoD 16 Jul 2024 -- The Russian-Chinese naval patrols have completed in the South China Sea.
• China, Russia navies wrap up joint patrol, start live-fire exercise in South China Sea Global Times 16 Jul 2024 -- Chinese and Russian navies recently wrapped up a joint naval patrol that stretched from northern Pacific waters to the South China Sea, meanwhile, the sea phase of a live-fire exercise between the two navies started, as experts expect the joint operations to enhance the two navies' interoperability in dealing with maritime security threats.
• On first day of Maritime Interaction 2024 naval exercise between Russian Navy and PLA Navy, sailors from two countries practise anti-submarine warfare and conduct artillery firings Russia MoD 16 Jul 2024 -- The maritime part of the Maritime Interaction 2024 naval exercise between the Russian Navy and the PLA Navy began with an anti-submarine episode, during which joint efforts in the waters of the South China Sea detected and destroyed one submarine of the mock enemy. In the course of practical operations, the combat crews of the Russian and Chinese ships fired rocket-propelled bombs.
• Russian Navy Holds Live-Fire Exercises Near Coast of Sevastopol Sputnik 16 Jul 2024 -- The Russian Navy is holding live-fire exercises off the coast of the city of Sevastopol, Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev said on Tuesday.
• Russia may have shared US arms info with China: lawmakers Radio Free Asia 16 Jul 2024 -- Moscow may have shared information with Beijing about the capabilities of American weapons systems it has encountered in its invasion of Ukraine, a group of U.S. lawmakers say.
• Interview: More Patriots and F-16s for Ukraine, but no deep strikes in Russia VOA 16 Jul 2024 -- In May, the United States gave Ukraine permission to strike Russian targets just across the border using American-provided weapons. This decision enabled Ukrainians to better defend against Russian attacks in Kharkiv and other Ukrainian regions. However, the permission did not extend to the deployment of long-range weapons like ATACMS missiles, which the U.S. has also been providing to Ukraine.
• Former NATO Assistant Secretary-General: We Shouldn't Be 'Carving Up Somebody Else's Country' RFE/RL 16 Jul 2024 -- At a summit in Washington on July 9-11, NATO announced a major aid package to support Ukraine's fight against Russia's full-scale invasion and said that Kyiv was on an "irreversible path" to membership.
• Taiwan's sub prototype undocked, set to undergo final tests CNA 16 Jul 2024 -- The Navy confirmed on Tuesday that Taiwan's first domestically built submarine prototype was undocked on Monday in Kaohsiung Harbor and will undergo its final harbor acceptance tests (HAT).
• Taiwan to host 'unscripted' drills aimed at simulating China invasion VOA 16 Jul 2024 -- Taiwan hosts a series of military exercises and drills next week that will include preventing attacks on key airports and ports, and testing the ability of troops to respond to scenarios similar to a hypothetical invasion from China.
• Government invests in Bendigo with new Bushmasters Australia DOD 16 Jul 2024 -- The Albanese Government is continuing to support local jobs in Bendigo with a $45 million contract to build an additional 15 Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles.
• Defence rapid response training starts in Northern Australia Australia DOD 16 Jul 2024 -- The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has commenced Exercise Austral Shield 2024 around Derby in Western Australia, Darwin in the Northern Territory, Cairns in Queensland, and Christmas Island, to practice its ability to defend our region and rapidly deploy to Australia's north.
• Australian Defence science and universities network expanded to include Northern Territory Australia DOD 16 Jul 2024 -- The Australian Defence Science and Universities Network (ADSUN) has been expanded to include the Northern Territory, bolstering Australia's Defence research and innovation ecosystem.
• Italy's flagship debut at Pitch Black Australia DOD 16 Jul 2024 -- In an historic first, the Italian Navy's flagship, the aircraft carrier Cavour, has arrived in Australia to participate in Exercise Pitch Black, representing a significant milestone for Italy's naval operations in the Indo-Pacific region.
• New software ensures a safer flight Australia DOD 16 Jul 2024 -- The Government's focus on Australian industry capability has resulted in the delivery of an Australian-developed software Weight and Balance Tool (WBT) for Air Force's fleet of P-8A Poseidon aircraft.
• Washington-Seoul alliance is a 'nuclear alliance,' US official says VOA 17 Jul 2024 -- A high-ranking U.S. official stressed Tuesday that the U.S.-South Korea alliance is a "nuclear alliance," reinforcing the South Korean government's description of the two allies, after the United States and South Korea signed new deterrence guidelines last week.
• New era for defence: government launches root and branch review of UK Armed Forces UK MOD 16 Jul 2024 -- A review has been commissioned by the Prime Minister and will be overseen by the Defence Secretary, and headed by Lord Robertson.
• Britain launches review of 'hollowed-out' military VOA 16 Jul 2024 -- Britain said Tuesday it will review its military strategy to ensure it is prepared for what officials called a "deadly quartet" that includes China, Iran, North Korea and Russia.
• New Defence Secretary sets out commitment to AUKUS to drive regional British growth UK MOD 16 Jul 2024 -- New Defence Secretary, John Healey, has set out Britain's commitment to the AUKUS partnership as an important driver of jobs and growth.
• Memorandum on Presidential Determination on the Proposed Amendment to the 1958 Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland for Cooperation on the Uses of Atomic Energy for Mutual Defense Purposes The White House 16 Jul 2024
• Government is committed to capacity building of PSUs: Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth India PIB 16 Jul 2024 -- Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth has reiterated the Government's commitment to ensure capacity building of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) by providing all required support and handholding
• Aatmanirbharta in defence: MoD notifies fifth Positive Indigenisation List of 346 items for DPSUs India PIB 16 Jul 2024 -- In a major boost to Aatmanirbharta in defence & minimise imports by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence has notified the fifth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) consisting of 346 items
• Japan-Germany security cooperation troubles North Korea, China VOA 16 Jul 2024 -- North Korea and China are watching for possible regional impacts from Japan's recent enhanced security cooperation with Germany.
• PH, US military chiefs tout strong ties, discuss cooperation Philippine News Agency 16 Jul 2024 -- The strong military ties between the Philippines and the United States got a further boost following the visit of US Joint Chiefs of Staff chair Gen. Charles Brown Jr. on Tuesday.
• FA-50PH jets to 'dogfight' with Thai 'Gripen' in Pitch Black 2024 Philippine News Agency 16 Jul 2024 -- Philippine Air Force (PAF) FA-50PH "Fighting Eagle" light jet fighters and their pilots are scheduled to "dogfight" with Royal Thai Air Force's (RTAF) JAS-39 "Gripen" aircraft on Tuesday, as part of the ongoing "Pitch Black" exercises in Darwin, Australia.
• PH, Australia armies kick off 'Exercise Carabaroo 2024' Philippine News Agency 16 Jul 2024 -- The Philippine Army (PA) and its Australian Army counterparts on Monday formally kicked off the month-long Exercise Carabaroo 2024 in the latter's northern city of Darwin.
• Navy missile boat gets battle system upgrade Philippine News Agency 16 Jul 2024 -- One of the Philippine Navy's most capable surface combatants, fast attack interdiction craft BRP Nestor Acero (PG-901), got more potent as its "battle net" (BNET) system got a significant upgrade from Israeli defense manufacturer Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
• EU Countries Eyeing Sweden's Conscription Model as Means to Reinforce Troops Sputnik 16 Jul 2024 -- Sweden's conscription model has sparked interest in Germany, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, as the three countries are seeking to strengthen their depleted ranks, Politico reported on Tuesday.
• Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Hostage-Taking and the Wrongful Detention of United States Nationals Abroad The White House 16 Jul 2024
• Letter to the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Hostage-Taking and the Wrongful Detention of United States Nationals Abroad The White House 16 Jul 2024
• Deputy Secretary Campbell's Meeting with Transition President Oligui Nguema US Dept. of State 16 Jul 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Thai Foreign Minister Maris US Dept. of State 16 Jul 2024
• The United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Sign Framework Agreement for Space Cooperation US Dept. of State 16 Jul 2024 -- On July 15, the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signed a framework agreement that opens new possibilities for cooperation between our two countries on civilian space exploration and research.

Defense Industry

• Contracts For July 16, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 16 July 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 16 Jul 2024
• Polarised Security Council debates meaning of multilateralism UN News 16 Jul 2024 -- The current polarised international political landscape was on raw display at the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday, as it convened for the Russian presidency's signature event for the month, Multilateral cooperation in the interest of a more just, democratic and sustainable world order.
• Security Council: Multilateral cooperation in the interest of a more just, democratic and sustainable world order UN Security Council 16 Jul 2024
• We must defend the UN Charter: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 16 Jul 2024 -- Statement by UK Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on multilateral cooperation.
• Statement by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during the UN Security Council meeting on multilateral cooperation in the interest of a more just, democratic and sustainable world order, New York, July 16, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Jul 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Excerpt from PM Netanyahu's Remarks at the State Ceremony for the IDF Soldiers who Fell in Operation Protective Edge Israel - Prime Minister 16 Jul 2024 -- Following is an excerpt from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks today, at Mt. Herzl in Jerusalem, at the state memorial ceremony for IDF soldiers who fell in Operation Protective Edge:
• Netanyahu intends to destroy Israel: Opposition leader IRNA 16 Jul 2024 -- Israel's opposition leader Benny Gantz, who recently resigned from the regime's war cabinet, has said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to destroy Israel.
• Israel sets up committee to deal with soldiers' post-traumatic stress disorder Press TV 16 Jul 2024 -- Israel has set up a committee to meet the needs of soldiers suffering from mental health and psychological problems since the start of the regime's barbarous campaign in Gaza in early October 2023.
• July 15: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 16 Jul 2024
• Israeli airstrikes kill about 60 in southern, central Gaza VOA 16 Jul 2024 -- Israeli airstrikes have left about 60 people dead across southern and central parts of Gaza, according to health officials in the Palestinian territory, as Israel seeks to root out Hamas militants it accuses of hiding in densely populated areas.
• Gaza death toll jumps to 38,713 IRNA 16 Jul 2024 -- The death toll from Israel's war on Gaza has increased to 38,713 since the conflict began on October 7.
• Israel attacks 'safe areas' in Gaza again, kills 50 Palestinians: Health officials Press TV 16 Jul 2024 -- Israeli airstrikes on places designated to be "safe" for the displaced have once again killed Palestinians in the Gaza Strip's southern and central areas, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
• Israel killed at least 9,240 Palestinian students since October: Education ministry Press TV 16 Jul 2024 -- More than 9,000 students have been killed and more than 15,000 others wounded in the ongoing Israeli war on the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, reports the Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
• Gaza: Multiple strikes kill dozens near UN aid hub as thousands flee fighting UN News 16 Jul 2024 -- Multiple strikes have killed dozens of people in central Gaza, landing just 100 metres from a humanitarian hub, UN agencies said on Tuesday, as thousands continue to face displacement amid the ongoing war.
• UNRWA Situation Report #121 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem - All information from 11-14 July 2024, is valid as of 14 July 2024 at 22:30 UNRWA 16 Jul 2024
• Everywhere in Gaza is a potential killing zone: UN chief IRNA 16 Jul 2024 -- Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres has reacted to the continued atrocities of the Israeli regime in the Gaza Strip, warning that all places in the besieged area are unsafe for Palestinians.
• Israel killed 539 displaced Palestinians in UNRWA facilities since October Press TV 16 Jul 2024 -- At least 539 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes on facilities run by the UN relief agency for Palestine refugees sheltering the displaced across the Gaza Strip since early October.
• 'Inexcusable devastation': UN chief urges immediate ceasefire in Gaza as genocide rages Press TV 16 Jul 2024 -- The United Nations secretary general has called for a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, calling the devastation and deaths in the war-battered territory "inexcusable."
• Update to the July 11, 2024, West Bank Sanctions Action US Dept. of State 16 Jul 2024
• EU top diplomat opposes blacklisting UNRWA IRNA 16 Jul 2024 -- European Union Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell has said that the EU rejects attempts aimed at blacklisting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, known as UNRWA.
• EU imposes sanctions on extremist Zionist individuals, entities IRNA 16 Jul 2024 -- The European Union has imposed sanctions on five Zionist individuals and three entities citing "serious and systematic violation of human rights" of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
• 3 Israeli settlers injured in West Bank retaliatory attack IRNA 16 Jul 2024 -- Palestinian resistance fighters have opened fire at a vehicle of Zionist settlers in the occupied West Bank, wounding three people.
• Fatah, Hamas reported to meet in China, 'showing nation's constructive role' Global Times 16 Jul 2024 -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday said that China will work together with all parties within Palestine to promote reconciliation, amid reports that representatives of Fatah and Hamas are due to meet again in Beijing within days. Experts said that China's stance on justice for the Palestine issue has been well recognized and supported by different groups within the country, and that intra-Palestinian reconciliation will help Palestine deal with Israel and solve the ongoing crisis more effectively.
• Hezbollah member killed in new Zionist attack on Lebanon IRNA 16 Jul 2024 -- The Lebanese Resistance Movement, Hezbollah has confirmed the martyrdom of yet another of its member along with several other people in the Zionist regime's attack on southern Lebanon on Monday night.
• Ansarullah leader: Yemeni army operation to stop Israel's aggression in Gaza continues exponentially IRNA 16 Jul 2024 -- Leader of Yemen's Ansarullah Movement Abdul Malik al-Houthi urged all the Islamic nations to fight the Zionist invaders, saying that the Yemeni army's operations to stop the Israeli regime's aggression against the Gaza Strip continue exponentially.
• Houthi: Yemenis humiliate US, spare no effort in supporting Palestine Press TV 16 Jul 2024 -- The leader of Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement says Yemenis have humiliated the United States, sparing no effort in supporting Palestine against Israel.
• Israel's restrictions on movement in al-Khalil hurdle to 'essential services': ICRC Press TV 16 Jul 2024 -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has denounced intensified restrictions imposed by the Israeli regime in the southern occupied West Bank city of al-Khalil, describing them as a hurdle to "essential service."

Other Conflicts

• Navy: Effects of PH-China talks on WPS tensions yet to be seen Philippine News Agency 16 Jul 2024 -- The effects of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) meeting between the Philippines and China have yet to be seen as far as easing tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) is concerned, a ranking Philippine Navy (PN) official said on Tuesday.
• Sudan: 800,000 still trapped in El Fasher where supplies running out, warns WHO UN News 16 Jul 2024 -- Hunger and fear of famine stalk Sudan where a staggering 800,000 people still remain trapped in the North Darfur capital El Fasher without enough food, water or medical support, the World Health Organization, WHO, said on Tuesday.
• Pakistan: Attack on northwestern health facility killed 5 civilians, 2 soldiers VOA 16 Jul 2024 -- Pakistan said Tuesday that a militant attack on a rural medical facility in a northwestern volatile region early in the morning resulted in the deaths of at least five civilians and two soldiers.
• Junta deploys first round of military recruits to Myanmar's frontlines Radio Free Asia 16 Jul 2024 -- The first round of soldiers recruited under Myanmar's controversial military draft law have completed their training and are being deployed to the frontlines of the junta's war against rebels in the country's remote border areas, their family members said Tuesday.
• Myanmar junta steps up security in Mandalay as fighting spreads across region Radio Free Asia 16 Jul 2024 -- Junta forces have tightened security in Myanmar's second-biggest city, Mandalay, while shelling civilians elsewhere in the region, after coming under renewed attack from an alliance of insurgent forces battling to end military rule.
• Guterres renews call for accountability 10 years after 'tragic downing' of flight MH17 UN News 16 Jul 2024 -- UN Secretary-General António Guterres is remembering the 298 people killed in "the tragic downing" of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 over conflict-affected eastern Ukraine 10 years ago this Wednesday, his Spokesperson said in a statement.
• A Decade After MH17, Persistent Pain And 'A Warning More Relevant Than Ever' RFE/RL 16 Jul 2024 -- For Piet Ploeg, it has been a decade of mourning and efforts to punish the perpetrators, but the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 is "something one can never get over."
• Ukraine: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 EC/CEU 16 Jul 2024 -- On 17 July, we honour the memory of the 298 innocent people, including 80 children, of 17 nationalities who lost their lives in the downing of 'Malaysia Airlines' Flight MH17 ten years ago. The ten-year commemoration brings back very painful memories. We renew our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the victims.
• Army: Talaingod ruling to deter groups luring youth to insurgency Philippine News Agency 16 Jul 2024 -- The government will not hesitate to apply the full force of the law to persons and groups exposing the youth to deceitful and dangerous ideologies, the Philippine Army (PA) spokesperson has said.
• Former UCK Commander Sentenced To 18 Years By Kosovar Tribunal RFE/RL 16 Jul 2024 -- The Hague-based Kosovo tribunal has sentenced former Kosovo Liberation Army (UCK) commander Pjeter Shala to 18 years in prison for war crimes committed during Kosovo's war of independence from Serbia.
• UN and EU humanitarians appeal for more support for Haiti UN News 16 Jul 2024 -- The multifaceted humanitarian catastrophe in Haiti requires urgent international attention, three senior aid officials from the United Nations and the European Union have said, wrapping up a four-day visit to the Caribbean country where they saw firsthand how ongoing gang violence has upended people's lives.
• 12 killed as Somali troops, local militias clash VOA 16 Jul 2024 -- Twelve people were killed Monday in central Somalia as government soldiers and local militias fought over two truckloads of weapons illegally brought over the border from Ethiopia.
• US sees 'incremental progress' in Ethiopia's reconciliation efforts VOA 16 Jul 2024 -- The United States is encouraged by "incremental progress" on peace and reconciliation efforts in Ethiopia, 20 months after a cease-fire was implemented in the northern Tigray region, according to a senior U.S. official.
• Letter to the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Mali The White House 16 Jul 2024
• Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Mali The White House 16 Jul 2024

News Reports

• Treasury Sanctions Cartel Accountants, Announces Joint Notice on Timeshare Fraud in Mexico US Treasury 16 Jul 2024 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned three Mexican accountants and four Mexican companies linked, directly or indirectly, to timeshare fraud led by the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG). Concurrently, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued a Notice, jointly with OFAC and FBI, to financial institutions that provides an overview of timeshare fraud schemes in Mexico associated with CJNG and other Mexico-based transnational criminal organizations.
• Letter to the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Transnational Criminal Organizations The White House 16 Jul 2024
• Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Transnational Criminal Organizations The White House 16 Jul 2024
• 4 new human cases of bird flu confirmed in U.S. People's Daily 16 Jul 2024 -- Four new human cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu, infection in the state of Colorado have been confirmed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bringing the total cases to nine since 2022.
• Pakistan says 4 nationals killed in Oman attack VOA 16 Jul 2024 -- Pakistan said Tuesday four of its nationals were killed and 30 others injured in an unprecedented gun attack targeting a Shi'ite Muslim minority mosque in Oman's capital, Muscat.
• Statement by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during the UN Security Council meeting on multilateral cooperation in the interest of a more just, democratic and sustainable world order, New York, July 16, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Jul 2024
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Jul 2024
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's answer to a question from Rossiya 1 television channel, New York, July 16, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Jul 2024
• Press release on Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin's participation in the ministerial segment of the High-Level Forum on Sustainable Development under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Jul 2024
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Head of the Federal Department (Minister) of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Jul 2024
• What to watch for during China's Third Plenum VOA 16 Jul 2024 -- Western media and Chinese official scholars are watching for signs of possible policy or political moves at China's long-delayed Third Plenum, but most have low expectations for any "big moves" regarding economic reform.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on July 16, 2024 PRC MofA 16 Jul 2024
• Xiconomics in Practice: Key meeting to have profound significance for China, world Global Times 16 Jul 2024 -- In one of his most recent public remarks regarding the third plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese President Xi Jinping said during a meeting with Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Beijing on July 8 that China will further deepen overall reform and promote high-quality development and high-level opening up, which will provide new opportunities and create new momentum for China-Hungary cooperation. The remarks succinctly highlighted the focus of the critical session and its profound significance for both China and the world.
• Policy support helps developers make progress in H1 deliveries Global Times 16 Jul 2024 -- China's real estate sector has made steady progress in ensuring the punctual delivery of homes in the first half of the year, with the top 10 developers delivering 700,000 homes, underscoring the effectiveness of the policy support given to the sector through a period of necessary correction.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 16 Jul 2024
• COVID-19, influenza outbreaks have peaked: CDC CNA 16 Jul 2024 -- COVID-19 and influenza cases in Taiwan have peaked, with the epidemic phases likely to pass by mid-August, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said Tuesday.
• North Korea's use of forced labor 'deeply institutionalized': UN says Radio Free Asia 16 Jul 2024 -- North Korea's use of forced labor has become "deeply institutionalized" and, in some cases, serious human rights violations have been committed in the process that could amount to the crime against humanity of enslavement, a U.N report said.
• DPR Korea: Forced labour is institutionalized and dangerous, warns UN rights office UN News 16 Jul 2024 -- Forced labour is widespread and institutionalized across the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), maintained through violence and recrimination, the UN human rights office OHCHR said on Tuesday.
• Forced labor in North Korea cited as possible crime against humanity VOA 16 Jul 2024 -- A report by the United Nations human rights office Tuesday accuses the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) of widespread forced labor, which in some instances "may constitute a crime against humanity of enslavement" under international criminal law.
• North Korean diplomat commended by Kim Jong Un defects to South Korea Radio Free Asia 16 Jul 2024 -- A North Korean diplomat who had been stationed in Cuba defected to South Korea last year, Seoul's spy agency said Tuesday, joining a small but growing number of defections by the North's elite in recent years.
• Sister of North Korean Leader Warns of 'Dear Price' for Sending Balloons From South Sputnik 16 Jul 2024 -- North Korean defectors in South Korea will face grave consequences if they continue to send leaflet-carrying balloons into the North's territory, Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said on Tuesday.
• Enlarged Plenary Meetings of WPK Committees of Ministries and National Agencies Held KCNA 16 Jul 2024 -- The enlarged plenary meetings of the Committees of the Workers' Party of Korea of the Ministry of Railways, the Ministry of Land and Maritime Transport, the Pyongyang Construction Commission, the State Academy of Sciences, the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Physical Culture and Sports were held from July 11 to 14 to implement the decisions of the Tenth Plenary Meeting of the Eighth Central Committee of the WPK.
• Press Statement of Vice Department Director of WPK Central Committee Kim Yo Jong KCNA 16 Jul 2024 -- Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, released the following press statement at 10:00 on July 16:
• Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Guides Construction of Sinpho City Offshore Farm KCNA 16 Jul 2024 -- The programme for socialist construction in the new era of the Workers' Party of Korea, which regards the great people-first principle as its sacred political idea, and its outstanding and energetic guidance continue to give birth to the most scientific and revolutionary strategies for great regional development and bring them to brilliant fruition in the course of the comprehensive development of our dignified state.
• Iran's Islamist rulers silent on attempted assassination of Trump VOA 16 Jul 2024 -- Iran's Islamist rulers have made no public comment on the attempted assassination of former U.S. President Donald Trump in the three days since the shooting attack on the man whom they have long seen as their nemesis and targeted with threats of vengeance since he left office.
• Acting FM: Iran's new gov't foreign policy based on strengthening multilateralism IRNA 16 Jul 2024 -- Iran's Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani said that new approach and foreign policy of the elected President of the Islamic Republic of Iran focuses on strengthening multilateralism.
• It's now West's turn to prove honesty in interaction with Iran: Interim FM Press TV 16 Jul 2024 -- Iran's interim Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani says the recent presidential election was a testament to national stability, and that it is now the West's turn to positively react to the constructive developments in the country.
• Top EU Officials To Boycott Meetings Held By Hungary; Orban Says Trump Ready To Act RFE/RL 16 Jul 2024 -- European commissioners will boycott informal meetings held by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and instead will send lower-level bureaucrats for the duration of Budapest's six-month rotating presidency of the European Union, the European Commission announced after Orban's unsanctioned meetings with Russian and Chinese leaders Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping.
• United Arab Emirates: 3rd High-level Political Dialogue with the EU held in Brussels European External Action Service (EEAS) 16 Jul 2024 -- The 3rd High-level Political Dialogue between the European Union and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was held in Brussels on 15 July. This meeting further consolidated the comprehensive EU - UAE partnership.
• IMF should work with Kenya to account for public funds, says rights group VOA 16 Jul 2024 -- Advocacy group Human Rights Watch called Tuesday for greater accountability of public funds in Kenya, framing it partially as a human rights issue.
• Kenya: Renewed anti-government protests leave one person dead Press TV 16 Jul 2024 -- Renewed clashes between police and protesters in Kenya have left one person dead in the east African country.
• The 'Kyrgyz Prince' In The White Helicopter: President Apologizes For Relative's Extravagant Behavior RFE/RL 16 Jul 2024 -- A lavish engagement party of the Kyrgyz president's niece in late June became the most talked about event in the Central Asian country. The groom used a government helicopter to propose, prompting President Sadyr Japarov to issue an apology. A few weeks later, the wealthy groom was arrested on drug-dealing charges.
• World News in Brief: Sudan displacement 'grim milestone', UN deputy chief in West Africa, Côte d'Ivoire joins UN water treaty UN News 16 Jul 2024 -- More than 10 million people in Sudan have been displaced since war erupted last April, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said on Tuesday, citing the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
• US, Latin American grouping aims to confront economic problems VOA 16 Jul 2024 -- The problems of rising poverty and decreasing productivity in Latin America will be on the agenda when the foreign ministers of 12 regional countries convene in Washington on Wednesday, a U.S. State Department official said.
• Nigeria to resume crude oil refining in August, industry authorities say VOA 16 Jul 2024 -- Nigeria plans to resume local refining of crude oil in early August, national petroleum authorities announced Monday.