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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• Conclusion of Temporary Pier Operations in Gaza CENTCOM 18 Jul 2024 -- U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) personnel have concluded operations for the USAID-led mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza from the sea using the Joint Logistics Over the Shore (JLOTS) capability.
• US military officially ends mission of controversial pier off Gaza's coast Press TV 18 Jul 2024 -- The US military has officially declared an end to the mission of its floating pier off the coast of the Gaza Strip that was apparently used to facilitate an Israeli massacre instead of delivering aid to the besieged territory.
• July 18 U.S. Central Command Update CENTCOM 18 Jul 2024 -- In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed two surface-to-air missiles (SAM) and four uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAV) on the ground in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.
• US, UK conduct 3 attacks on Hodeidah International Airport IRNA 18 Jul 2024 -- The United States and the United Kingdom have conducted three airstrikes on the airport of Yemeni Hodeidah city on Thursday morning in continuation of their aggression in support of Israel.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh Holds a Press Briefing DoD 18 Jul 2024
• Russia, China Vying for Influence in Southern Hemisphere With U.S. DoD News 18 Jul 2024 -- Russian warships have been making port visits to Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua, and 22 nations in the U.S. Southern Command's area of responsibility have signed on to China's Belt and Road Initiative, the commander of Southcom told attendees of the Aspen Security Forum.
• Logistical Excellence in Action: The Role of Strategic Airlift and Interoperability in Exercise Eagle Partner 24 Army News 18 Jul 2024 -- A C-17 Globemaster III appeared in the air over Zvartnots International Airport, landed softly, and soon was rolling on the tarmac, following directions given by air traffic control employees. It stopped, and within five minutes, Soldiers from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment started exiting the aircraft.
• DOD Developing Regional Sustainment Framework in Indo-Pacific DoD News 18 Jul 2024 -- In coordination with Indo-Pacific allies, the U.S. military is launching a regional sustainment framework to begin development of a global network of regionally aligned maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities, DOD officials said yesterday.
• Brown Meets With Japanese, South Korean Counterparts in Tokyo DoD News 18 Jul 2024 -- Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., today emphasized the importance of continuing to advance the trilateral defense relationship among the U.S., South Korea and Japan during meetings with his counterparts from the countries in Tokyo.
• Allvin calls for 'Collective Agility' in response to evolving strategic environment US Air Force 18 Jul 2024 -- U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin emphasized the importance of "Collective Agility" during a keynote address to global leaders, industry partners, and academics in the air and space defense industry at the Global Air and Space Chiefs' Conference in London, July 18.
• Successful Conclusion of Humanitarian Assistance, Disaster Relief training at RIMPAC 2024 US Navy 18 Jul 2024 -- The Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) portion of the multinational joint exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024 has come to a successful close, July 15. HADR is a military cooperation that aims to save lives, reduce suffering, and resolve emergencies during natural disasters. This year, nine nations actively participated: Canada, Chile, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Peru, Republic of Korea (ROK), Singapore and the United States.
• USS Gridley, Partner Nations Hold VBSS Drill During RIMPAC 2024 US Navy 18 Jul 2024 -- The Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) participated in a multinational visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) drill while underway July 15 during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), a large-scale international maritime exercise.
• USS Bulkeley Aids in Rescue of Vessel in Distress US Navy 18 Jul 2024 -- Sailors from USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM 79) provided life-saving assistance to an adrift vessel on July 16, during routine operations in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.
• Military Experts Highlight Space Opportunities, Threats at Aspen Conference DoD News 18 Jul 2024 -- Attendees of the Aspen Security Forum yesterday discussed a subject that influences all other topics the experts at the Colorado conference will talk about: space.
• Navy, DOD Leaders Discuss Space Capabilities During Second Naval Space Summit at NPS US Navy 18 Jul 2024 -- Recognizing the importance of a rapidly evolving space domain to U.S. national defense, key leaders from the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Department of Defense gathered at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) for the second annual Naval Space Summit, July 9-11.
• Guard, International Partners Train on Cyber Skills in Slovenia Army News 18 Jul 2024 -- More than 140 National Guard members from six states worked alongside international partners in a cyber training exercise to expand interoperability and track and eliminate cyber threats.
• NY National Guard civil support teams learn from Brazilian counterparts Army News 18 Jul 2024 -- Thirty-five New York National Guard Soldiers and Airmen spent a week in Rio De Janeiro learning how to help secure a major soccer tournament from a chemical, biological, or radiological attack from Brazilian Soldiers.
• NATO Nations Face Challenges to Defend the Alliance, Cavoli Says DoD News 18 Jul 2024 -- The NATO nations face challenges in defending all alliance territory from aggression, said Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, supreme allied commander Europe and commander of U.S. European Command.
• NATO Secretary General at the European Political Community: the transatlantic Alliance is the cornerstone for European security NATO 18 Jul 2024 -- Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg underlined the enduring significance of NATO at a meeting of the European Political Community (EPC) hosted by the UK government on Thursday (18 July 2024), stating that the "transatlantic Alliance is the cornerstone for European security."
• Ukraine and Slovenia Signed a Security Agreement President of Ukraine 18 Jul 2024
• Agreement on Security Cooperation and Long-Term Support Between Ukraine and the Republic of Slovenia President of Ukraine 18 Jul 2024
• Ukraine and the Czech Republic Signed a Security Agreement: Joint Ammunition Production and Partnership with Dnipropetrovsk Region President of Ukraine 18 Jul 2024
• Agreement on Security Cooperation and Long-Term Support Between Ukraine and the Czech Republic President of Ukraine 18 Jul 2024
• EU's Proposed Defense Union & NATO Escalation Push Russia to Rethink Strategy - Kremlin Sputnik 18 Jul 2024 -- The prospects of the EU turning into a defense union forces Russia to adapt its foreign policy approaches accordingly, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday.
• Russia says 'European Defense Union' proposal signals militarization Press TV 18 Jul 2024 -- Russia has issued another warning against a proposal made by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on "a true European Defense Union."
• Maritime Interaction 2024: Russian-Chinese naval exercise completes in South China Sea Russia MoD 18 Jul 2024 -- The Maritime Interaction 2024 joint naval exercise involving the Russian Navy and the PLA Navy has come to an end in the South China Sea.
• Joint Drill Strengthened Trust Between Russian, Chinese Navies - Beijing Sputnik 18 Jul 2024 -- A joint Russia-China Maritime Interaction 2024 naval exercise has strengthened mutual understanding and trust between the two countries' navies, the Chinese National Defense Ministry said on Thursday.
• Moscow Not Ruling Out Nuclear Missiles Deployment After US Missiles Deployed in Germany Sputnik 18 Jul 2024 -- Russia will choose from the widest possible range of options when developing its response to the deployment of US long-range missiles in Germany, while not ruling out any options, including the deployment of similar nuclear-equipped systems, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told reporters on Thursday.
• Russia Develops State-of-the-Art Mobile Anti-Drone System Sputnik 18 Jul 2024 -- Specialists from Roselektronika Holding, a part of Rostec, have developed a new mobile defense complex for protecting military and other vehicles against drone attacks.
• US says China's halt of arms-control talks undermines strategic stability VOA 18 Jul 2024 -- The United States called China's decision to suspend nascent arms-control talks with Washington "unfortunate," noting that China has opted not to engage in efforts to manage strategic risks and prevent costly arms races.
• China, Russia wrap up joint naval drill, show 'high-level combat orientation' Global Times 18 Jul 2024 -- The 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) adopted a resolution on further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization at its third plenary session, drawing up a sweeping blueprint that will guide China's reform and opening-up for years to come, according to a communique released on Thursday.
• Taiwan is one of the largest buyers of U.S. arms: Republican lawmakers CNA 18 Jul 2024 -- Two Republican lawmakers on Wednesday said Taipei is one of the biggest buyers of American defense equipment and reiterated U.S. support for Taiwan.
• Taiwan has been paying for its defense: U.S. State Department CNA 18 Jul 2024 -- Taiwan has been paying for its own defense, a U.S. State Department official emphasized on Wednesday, noting that purchases of military equipment are important to the U.S. economy and for ensuring regional security.
• Drivers, pedestrians must seek shelter during Wanan defense drill: MOI CNA 18 Jul 2024 -- Traffic controls will be imposed and pedestrians will be required to go to shelters during the 30-minute-long Wanan air defense drills that are scheduled to take place across Taiwan on July 22-25.
• Austral Shield turns up the heat Australia DOD 18 Jul 2024 -- On a comfortable 26-degree winter's day in Far North Queensland, Army personnel, vehicles and equipment from Brisbane's 11th Brigade arrived by air and land to begin Exercise Austral Shield 2024.
• Poseidon hunts submarines in the Pacific Australia DOD 18 Jul 2024 -- A Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon dropped four exercise torpedoes on a US Navy nuclear submarine during a maritime patrol serial at Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC).
• Action Plan: Implementing the Canada-Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Canada 18 Jul 2024 -- Canada and the Republic of Korea (Korea) are building a stronger bilateral partnership. As directed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Yoon Suk Yeol in May 2023, we, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Canada and Korea, have agreed to an Action Plan to implement the Canada-Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).
• Future Location of US Arms in Germany Undecided Sputnik 18 Jul 2024 -- The future location of the US weapons in Germany is undecided yet, but the arms will be conventional, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said on Thursday.
• INDIAN NAVAL SHIP TABAR ARRIVES IN HAMBURG, GERMANY India PIB 18 Jul 2024 -- Indian Navy's frontline frigate, INS Tabar arrived at Hamburg, Germany on 17 July 24 for a three day visit
• Multiple initiatives are being taken by the Indian Armed Forces to maintain an edge over our adversaries: CDS Gen Anil Chauhan India PIB 18 Jul 2024 -- Multiple initiatives are being taken by the Indian Armed Forces to maintain an edge over our adversaries, and improvements in our war fighting doctrines, strategy and concepts as per perceived threat have been enunciated
• China lodges complaints with Japan over latest defense white paper Press TV 18 Jul 2024 -- Beijing has lodged formal complaints with Japan over its new annual defense white paper, which labeled China as its "greatest strategic challenge."
• Minister for the Armed Forces speech at Global Air & Space Chiefs' Conference 2024 UK MOD 18 Jul 2024 -- Minster for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard, speech at the Global Air & Space Chiefs' Conference 2024.
• A Britain secure at home and strong abroad - UK defence a key focus during King's Speech UK MOD 18 Jul 2024 -- The King's Speech announces the Armed Forces Commissioner who will be a strong, independent champion to improve life for UK service personnel and their families, while the Government reinforces the UK's unshakeable commitment to NATO.
• MOD has plans for the SVK defence industry's complex modernisation, starting in Dubnica nad Váhom Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic 18 Jul 2024 -- The Slovak Defence Ministry has invested €10m in the complete replacement of the manufacturing machinery to make artillery gun barrels in the 100 - 155mm calibre range at ZTS Špeciál.
• Baiba Braže: Canada is Latvia's closest friend and a strong ally in strengthening NATO's eastern flank Latvia MFA 18 Jul 2024 -- On 18 July 2024, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, took part in an event hosted by the Ambassador of Canada to Latvia, Brian Szwarc, in recognition of cooperation between Latvia and Canada in security and defence, and the changeover of Canadian military command in Latvia.
• Regrettable that Lithuania withdraws from Convention on Cluster Munitions Government of Norway 18 Jul 2024
• PH Army test-fires Israeli-made Sabrah light tank guns Philippine News Agency 18 Jul 2024 -- The Philippine Army's (PA) 1st Tank Battalion has test-fired the 105mm main guns of its newly acquired light tanks from Israel.
• Deputy Secretary Campbell's Meeting with Senegalese President Faye US Dept. of State 18 Jul 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Omani Foreign Minister Albusaidi US Dept. of State 18 Jul 2024
• On-the-Record Press Gaggle by White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby The White House 18 Jul 2024
• U.S.-Kazakhstan Strategic Energy Dialogue US Dept. of State 18 Jul 2024 -- The U.S. Department of State and Department of Energy, in coordination with Kazakhstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Energy, held the 2024 U.S.-Kazakhstan Strategic Energy Dialogue on July 18 in Astana.
• Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meeting with Brazilian Presidential Advisor Celso Amorim The White House 18 Jul 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Mexican Foreign Secretary Bárcena US Dept. of State 18 Jul 2024

Defense Industry

• Contracts For July 18, 2024
• Man Sentenced for Selling $3.5M in Counterfeit and Substandard Electronics for Use in Military Systems US Dept. of Justice 18 Jul 2024 -- A California man was sentenced yesterday to three years and six months in prison for a scheme to defraud the Department of Defense's (DoD) Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) by selling over $3.5 million worth of fan assemblies to the DLA that were either counterfeit or that he misrepresented were new when in fact they were used or surplus.

Other Conflicts

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

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Netanyahu makes surprise visit to southern Gaza VOA 18 Jul 2024 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Israeli troops in southern Gaza on Thursday as their tanks continue to drive into Rafah. The visit comes as Netanyahu is set to address the U.S. Congress next week in Washington.
• PM Netanyahu in Rafah: "Only the military pressure will help us advance the hostages deal." Israel - Prime Minister 18 Jul 2024 -- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today, in Rafah, in the Gaza Strip, received a comprehensive briefing from the Head of the IDF Technological and Logistics Directorate, Maj.-Gen. Michel Yanki, about the activity of the logistics, maintenance and medical personnel, who have been working around the clock for nine months in order to support the combat soldiers.
• Israeli Parliament Approves Resolution Against Establishing Palestinian State Sputnik 18 Jul 2024 -- The Israeli parliament, Knesset, has approved, by a majority vote of 68 out of 120 members, a resolution opposing the establishment of a Palestinian state in the West Bank, Israeli news portal Ynet reported on Thursday.
• Escorted by police, extremist Israeli minister intrudes into al-Aqsa Mosque for third time in a year Press TV 18 Jul 2024 -- Israel's far-right security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, escorted by the regime's forces, has stormed the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the occupied Old City of al-Quds, the third such desecration in less than a year.
• July 17: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 18 Jul 2024
• Israel kills Lebanese Jamaa Islamiya group senior leader IRNA 18 Jul 2024 -- A senior leader of the Lebanese Jamaa Islamiya group was killed in an Israeli drone attack in eastern Lebanon.
• Israel bombs Gaza refugee camps as tanks push deeper into Rafah Press TV 18 Jul 2024 -- Israel has bombarded the Gaza Strip's historic refugee camps in the center and struck Gaza City in the north, while tanks pushed deeper into Rafah in the south.
• Gaza death toll rises to 38,848 as Israel commits more massacres IRNA 18 Jul 2024 -- The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza has said that 38,848 people have been martyred in the besieged territory since the Israeli genocidal war began in October.
• 'Largest' displacements so far in Gaza's war of attrition: UN aid agencies UN News 18 Jul 2024 -- UN humanitarians issued a fresh alert on Thursday about having to cut rations in Gaza where fresh evacuation orders by the Israeli military have prompted "the largest displacements since October" across the enclave.
• No end in sight to the 'war on women' in Gaza UN News 18 Jul 2024 -- Wars are never gender neutral and Gaza is further evidence of this as some one million women and girls bear "the worst brunt" of nine months of conflict, the UN Women Special Representative in the Occupied Palestinian Territory said on Thursday.
• UNRWA says struggles to prevent spread of diseases in Gaza People's Daily 18 Jul 2024 -- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) said Wednesday that it is struggling to prevent the spread of diseases among displaced people in the Gaza Strip.
• At UN, Iran urges intl. action to stop Israeli genocide in Gaza Press TV 18 Jul 2024 -- President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Mirjana Spoljaric Egger has expressed deep concern over the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, appreciating Iran's contributions to the Geneva-based humanitarian organization.
• Iran strives to end Israel war in Gaza, prevent spread of tensions: Interim foreign minister Press TV 18 Jul 2024 -- Iran has once again reiterated its support for the resistance front in Palestine, saying it is trying to prevent the expansion of tensions in the region.
• No: 140, 18 July 2024, Regarding the Provocation by an Israeli Minister at Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Resolution by the Israeli Parliament Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Jul 2024
• Lavrov: Hezbollah, Lebanese govt. avoid full-scale war with Israel, but some within regime seek conflict Press TV 18 Jul 2024 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement and the Lebanese government do not want a "full-blown war" with Israel but "some" within the regime are seeking it.
• Hamas, Islamic Jihad urge PLO to withdraw recognition of Israel Press TV 18 Jul 2024 -- The Palestinian resistance movements of Hamas and Islamic Jihad have called on the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) to withdraw its recognition of Israel.
• Islamic Jihad slams Ben-Gvir's provocative intrusion into al-Aqsa Mosque Press TV 18 Jul 2024 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Islamic Jihad has condemned in the strongest terms Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's intrusion into the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East al-Quds.
• Hezbollah fires barrage of rockets at Israeli positions IRNA 18 Jul 2024 -- Lebanon's Hezbollah Resistance Movement has first a barrage of rockets at Israeli positions in different areas of occupied Palestine in the past 24 hours, official sources of the Zionist regime reported on Wednesday night.
• Netanyahu's insistence on war quickens Israel's demise: Hezbollah official Press TV 18 Jul 2024 -- A senior official with Lebanon's resistance movement Hezbollah has said that the Israeli prime minister's insistence on waging another war against the country only serves to speed up the occupying entity's demise.
• Top Lebanese resistance commander killed in Israeli drone attack Press TV 18 Jul 2024 -- The leader of Lebanon-based Islamic Group, who is also a commander of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas, has been assassinated in an Israeli drone strike in eastern Lebanon.
• Thousands of Israeli settlers seek shelter as Hezbollah fires missile barrage Press TV 18 Jul 2024 -- Tens of thousands of Israeli settlers in the northern part of the occupied territories seek refuge in shelters to escape the missiles that the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah rained down on the area.

Other Conflicts

• Chinese FM strongly opposes Vietnam's unilateral claims on the South China Sea Global Times 18 Jul 2024 -- Vietnam unilaterally presented to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) its Submission on the Limits of the Extended Continental Shelf in the South China Sea. The claims made by Vietnam cover parts of China's Nansha Qundao, which infringes on China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Thursday.
• Full-blown conflict in South China Sea not in US interests, say experts as US senators advise Biden to make 'visible' support to Philippines Global Times 18 Jul 2024 -- Some US senators have been caught stoking US interference toward disputes in the South China Sea between China and the Philippines, by calling for the Biden administration to make "visible and concrete demonstrations" of support the Philippines.
• China firmly opposes Vietnam's submission on undersea shelf in South China Sea People's Daily 18 Jul 2024 -- China firmly opposes the submission by Vietnam to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (UNCLCS) on the extent of its undersea shelf in the South China Sea, and has lodged stern representations to the Vietnamese side, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.
• Statement on Viet Nam's Unilateral Submission of Extended Continental Shelf Philippines DFA 18 Jul 2024 -- "The Department of Foreign Affairs takes note of the submission made by Viet Nam to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf on 17 July 2024 regarding its claim to an extended continential shelf in the South China Sea. The Philippines affirms its claim to its extended continental shelf in the Western Palawan Region consistent with its maritime entitlements under UNCLOS, as demonstrated by our ECS submission made on 15 June 2024.
• PH asserts claim to ECS; stands ready for talks with Vietnam Philippine News Agency 18 Jul 2024 -- The Philippine government on Thursday affirmed its claim to its extended continental shelf (ECS) in the Western Palawan Region but reiterated its readiness to talk with Vietnam as the latter makes a new submission to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS).
• Philippines reports fewer Chinese ships in South China Sea Radio Free Asia 18 Jul 2024 -- The number of Chinese ships in Philippines-claimed areas in the South China Sea has dropped, but the military on Tuesday said it was too early to tell whether this was because of an agreement to de-escalate tensions in the waterway.
• Sanctions on Additional Houthi Financial Facilitators US Dept. of State 18 Jul 2024 -- The Houthis in Yemen continue to receive vast revenues from the illicit shipment of Iranian commodities.
• Treasury Maintains Pressure on Houthi Illicit Shipping and Finance Schemes US Treasury 18 Jul 2024 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating and identifying as blocked property a dozen persons and vessels, respectively, that have played a critical role in financing the Houthis' destabilizing regional activities as part of the network of Sa'id al-Jamal. Today's action includes Indonesia-based Malaysian and Singaporean national Mohammad Roslan Bin Ahmad and People's Republic of China (PRC)-based Chinese national Zhuang Liang, who have facilitated illicit shipments and engaged in money laundering for the network. Sa'id al-Jamal's network continues to provide tens of millions of dollars in revenue to the Houthis in Yemen through its shipment of Iranian commodities, including oil, a funding stream underpinning the Houthis' ongoing attacks against commercial shipping in the Red Sea. This action targets numerous aspects of this illicit network across the spectrum of its operations, from clients and facilitators to insurance providers, vessels, and ship management firms.
• 30,000 civilians trapped by conflict in Myanmar's Lashio Radio Free Asia 18 Jul 2024 -- Around 30,000 civilians are trapped in the largest town in northeastern Myanmar's Shan state amid intensified fighting between the military and ethnic Kokang rebels, residents and aid workers said Thursday.
• DSWD gives package of services to ex-rebels, other extremist groups Philippine News Agency 18 Jul 2024 -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), together with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), continues to intensify its efforts to provide more opportunities to sustain the reintegration of former rebels (FR) into society, a senior DSWD official said on Thursday.
• Washington touts 15-day Congo truce VOA 18 Jul 2024 -- U.S. diplomats are working closely with African partners, the White House said Thursday, amid a fresh 15-day truce between the army and Rwanda-backed rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Experts on the ground say they're holding their breath, citing the dire humanitarian consequences of spiraling violence in this fragile region.
• CAR officials say 300 rebels disarm as country tries to organize local elections VOA 18 Jul 2024 -- Officials in the Central African Republic say at least 300 rebels have dropped their weapons in the past month in an operation jointly organized by United Nations peacekeeping forces and government troops. Yet, while a total of about 5,000 fighters have put down their arms in the past decade, peace seems to elude the troubled nation.
• Human Rights abuses in CAR detention centres need urgent response: UN experts UN News 18 Jul 2024 -- Immediate action is needed to address human rights abuses in detention centres across the Central African Republic (CAR) according to a new UN report released on Thursday.
• Security Council Press Statement on Colombia Following UN Security Council Colombia Session July 2024 UN Security Council 18 Jul 2024 -- The members of the Security Council reiterated their full and unanimous support for the peace process in Colombia. They stressed the importance of ensuring the comprehensive implementation of the 2016 Final Agreement and expressed appreciation to Colombia President Gustavo Petro for participating in the Security Council meeting. They took note with interest of the announcement of the Government's report on implementation of the 2016 Agreement.

News Reports

• Former Government Official Arrested for Acting as Unregistered Agent of South Korean Government US Dept. of Justice 17 Jul 2024 -- Sue Mi Terry Provided South Korean Intelligence Officers Access, Information and Advocacy in Exchange for Luxury Goods and Funding
• Ex-Polish Defense Minister Accused of Declassifying Defense Plan - Counterintelligence Sputnik 17 Jul 2024 -- The Polish Military Counterintelligence Service (SKW) on Wednesday presented to the prosecutor's office the case materials against former Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak, who is suspected of declassifying Poland's defense plan in the event of an attack.
• Combating terrorism: Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland files indictment against one person Federal Council - Swiss Government 18 Jul 2024 -- The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG) has filed an indictment in the Federal Criminal Court against a 51-year-old Algerian national. It alleges that the suspect supported and participated in the proscribed terrorist group 'Islamic state' (IS).
• Alleged Transnational Human Smuggler Indicted and Sanctioned in the United States and Arrested in Mexico US Dept. of Justice 18 Jul 2024 -- An indictment was unsealed yesterday containing criminal charges against the alleged leader of a human smuggling organization responsible for unlawfully bringing thousands of migrants into the United States. Along with the organization, the defendant, who was arrested in Mexico at the request of the United States, has also been designated for financial sanctions by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
• Treasury Targets Transnational Criminal Organization Smuggling Migrants into the United States US Treasury 18 Jul 2024 -- Today Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned the Abdul Karim Conteh Human Smuggling Organization(Karim HSO), a transnational criminal organization (TCO) based in Tijuana, Mexico.
• Alleged Transnational Human Smuggler Indicted and Sanctioned in the United States and Arrested in Mexico DHS 18 Jul 2024 -- An indictment was unsealed yesterday containing criminal charges against the alleged leader of a human smuggling organization responsible for unlawfully bringing thousands of migrants into the United States. Along with the organization, the defendant, who was arrested in Mexico at the request of the United States, has also been designated for financial sanctions by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
• Eighteen MS-13 Members and Associates Sentenced for 10 Murders, Seven Attempted Murders, Kidnapping, Drug Trafficking, and Firearms Offenses US Dept. of Justice 18 Jul 2024 -- The last defendant of 18 La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang members charged in connection with a multi-year investigation by federal, state, and local law enforcement was sentenced today. The investigation involved charges of racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping, drug trafficking, firearms offenses, obstruction of justice, and destruction of evidence.
• On the 30th Anniversary of the AMIA Terrorist Attack: Launching Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism US Dept. of State 18 Jul 2024 -- Today marks the 30th anniversary of the 1994 Iran-backed Hizballah bombing of the Asociación Mutual Israelita Argentina (AMIA) in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
• Iran Talks A Big Talk, But Could It Target Trump On U.S. Soil? RFE/RL 18 Jul 2024 -- Former U.S. President Donald Trump has been in Tehran's crosshairs ever since he ordered the killing of top Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in neighboring Iraq in 2020.
• Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, July 18, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Jul 2024
• Meeting with Head of the Federal Customs Service Valery Pikalyov President of Russia 18 Jul 2024 -- Vladimir Putin held a working meeting with Head of the Federal Customs Service Valery Pikalyov, who briefed the President on the service's performance in the first half of 2024, emphasising customs control digitalisation.
• Statement by deputy director of department for non-proliferation and arms control, mfa of russia, Mr. Anton mazur at the 1084th plenary meeting of the osce forum for security co-operation, 17 July 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Jul 2024
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to media questions following his visit to the United States within the framework of Russia's UN Security Council Presidency, New York, July 17, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Jul 2024
• Orban Proposes to EU to Reopen Direct Communication Lines With Russia Sputnik 18 Jul 2024 -- The European Union should reopen direct communication lines with Russia while maintaining the current level of contacts with Ukraine, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said in a report to European Council President Charles Michel published on Thursday.
• Closing arguments due in 'sham' trial of American journalist Evan Gershkovich VOA 18 Jul 2024 -- American journalist Evan Gershkovich was back in a Russian court Thursday for the second hearing in what is widely seen as a sham trial.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on July 18, 2024 PRC MofA 18 Jul 2024
• China aims to elevate BRI cooperation toward higher quality for modernization of all countries People's Daily 18 Jul 2024 -- China stands ready to elevate Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation toward higher quality for the modernization of all countries, and build an open, inclusive and interconnected world for common development, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.
• Full text: Communique of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China People's Daily 18 Jul 2024 -- The 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China concluded its third plenary session here on Thursday with a communique issued.
• Third plenum draws up sweeping reform blueprint to advance Chinese modernization Global Times 18 Jul 2024 -- The 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) adopted a resolution on further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization at its third plenary session, drawing up a sweeping blueprint that will guide China's reform and opening-up for years to come, according to a communique released on Thursday.
• Plenum urges holistic approach to national security Global Times 18 Jul 2024 -- The 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) issued a communique on Thursday as its third plenary session concluded, stressing that the Chinese modernization is the modernization of peaceful development, while also saying that modernizing national defense and the armed forces is an integral part of Chinese modernization.
• CPC Central Committee adopts resolution on further deepening reform comprehensively Global Times 18 Jul 2024 -- The 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) adopted a resolution on further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization at its third plenary session held here from Monday to Thursday.
• CPC Central Committee adopts resolution on further deepening reform comprehensively People's Daily 18 Jul 2024 -- The 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) adopted a resolution on further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization at its third plenary session held here from Monday to Thursday.
• China's third plenum offers little in the way of economic help Radio Free Asia 18 Jul 2024 -- The ruling Chinese Communist Party on Thursday published a communique from its third plenum that analysts said was long on slogans dear to General Secretary Xi Jinping and short on practical measures to boost the flagging economy - despite promises of reinvigorating reforms in state media reports.
• China's Third Plenum does nothing to revive economy, observers say VOA 18 Jul 2024 -- China's ruling party has concluded the Third Plenum of its 20th Central Committee with a communique described as vague and cliché by China watchers, who said it lacks specific measures to address China's economic difficulties.
• China encourages foreign firms to seize opportunities from equipment renewal, trading-in of consumer goods Global Times 18 Jul 2024 -- The Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) held a roundtable on Wednesday to discuss the country's program of large-scale equipment upgrades and trade-in initiatives for consumer goods, aiming to explain the policies to foreign investors, address their questions about investment and cooperation in China, and encourage foreign companies to seize the opportunities.
• China's first-half data sets stage for full-year growth target People's Daily 18 Jul 2024 -- The International Monetary Fund on Tuesday revised China's 2024 economic growth up to 5 percent in an update to its World Economic Outlook, compared with its 4.6-percent forecast in April.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 18 Jul 2024
• Kim Jong Un Receives Russian Military Delegation Led by Deputy Defense Chief - State Media Sputnik 18 Jul 2024 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has received a Russian military delegation headed by Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko, the Voice of Korea broadcaster reported on Friday.
• UN agency cites improvements in North Korea's food security; experts still cautious VOA 18 Jul 2024 -- The head of the United Nations agency responsible for alleviating world hunger is heaping praise on the government of North Korea after a breakthrough visit to the reclusive country, the first from any official of a U.N. specialized agency since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019.
• Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Gives Field Guidance over Construction of Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area KCNA 18 Jul 2024 -- The leadership of the great father, who has always worked heart and soul to provide our people with the most civilized and happy life, gave birth to another story of love in the Wonsan Kalma area turning into a beautiful cultural tourist resort for the people.
• Seoul sanctions Hong Kong shipping firm over North Korea breach Radio Free Asia 18 Jul 2024 -- South Korea has sanctioned a Hong Kong shipping firm and a North Korean vessel over allegations of the illegal transfer of North Korean coal in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions, South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday.
• Alabama Man Pleads Guilty to Violating Iran Sanctions US Dept. of Justice 18 Jul 2024 -- Ray Hunt, also known as Abdolrahman Hantoosh, Rahman Hantoosh and Rahman Natooshas, 70, of Owens Cross Roads, Alabama, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to export U.S.-origin goods to the Islamic Republic of Iran in violation of trade sanctions.
• Iran seeks justice for Gen. Soleimani assassins through int'l mechanisms: Acting FM IRNA 18 Jul 2024 -- Iran's Acting Foreign Minister, Ali Bagheri Kani, in an interview with the CNN network, has reiterated his country's pledge to use domestic and international legal and judicial frameworks and mechanisms to execute justice on the perpetrators of Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani.
• Iran insists on exhausting all legal capacities in pursuing Gen. Soleimani's assassination case Press TV 18 Jul 2024 -- Iran's acting foreign minister insists that the country will exhaust all available domestic and international legal capacities towards consigning those involved in the assassination of the country's top anti-terror commander to justice.
• Myanmar anti-junta activists accused of assassination plot die in custody, group says Radio Free Asia 18 Jul 2024 -- Two members of an anti-junta group accused of trying to kill Myanmar's junta leader died after being tortured during interrogation, a spokesperson for the group told Radio Free Asia.
• 'Widespread Fear': Spate Of Killings In Pakistan's Restive Northwest Targets Journalists RFE/RL 18 Jul 2024 -- Hassan Zeb was in his car when two unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire and killed him in broad daylight.
• Macron accepts PM's resignation, asks him to stay as caretaker People's Daily 18 Jul 2024 -- French President Emmanuel Macron has accepted Prime Minister Gabriel Attal's resignation, but asked him to stay as the head of a caretaker cabinet until the formation of a new administration, the French presidential office said Tuesday.
• United Kingdom - France joint press statement. Élysée - President of France 18 Jul 2024 -- The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the President of the French Republic met today at Blenheim Palace.
• European Political Community: Press remarks by the High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell before the meeting European External Action Service (EEAS) 18 Jul 2024
• Profile: With Von Der Leyen Approved For A Second Term, EU Centrists Find Temporary Refuge RFE/RL 18 Jul 2024 -- The European Parliament's endorsement on July 18 of German Ursula von der Leyen for a second five-year term as president of the European Commission marks a bid for continuity in the EU's executive branch with a seasoned politician whose European tenure has been inextricably bound to the fortunes of the bloc's political center.
• Statement by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with President Metsola following the European Parliament Plenary vote European Commission 18 Jul 2024
• Statement at the European Parliament Plenary by President Ursula von der Leyen, candidate for a second mandate 2024-2029 European Commission 18 Jul 2024
• Landsbergis to Lithuanian Ambassadors: "A secure Lithuania, a triumphant Ukraine, a strong NATO and an efficient EU remain our guiding principles across capitals" Lithuania MFA 18 Jul 2024 -- In Vilnius, during the annual meeting of the heads of Lithuanian diplomatic missions, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Gabrielius Landsbergis, thanked his colleagues for their unity and joint efforts to defend Lithuania's interests.
• Kenya bans protests against US-backed austerity imposed by IMF Press TV 18 Jul 2024 -- Kenya has announced a ban on protests in central Nairobi, attributing the decision to concerns about purported criminal infiltration during anti-government protest rallies.
• To Lam takes over from Nguyen Phu Trong as Vietnam's top leader Radio Free Asia 18 Jul 2024 -- Vietnam's newly appointed president has assumed the duties of Communist Party chief after General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, who has held the position for 13 years, stepped back for health reasons, state media said Thursday.
• To Lam: The man with the golden steak is now leading Vietnam Radio Free Asia 18 Jul 2024 -- In the West, he may be best known for eating a gold-covered steak while his countrymen survive on an average of about US$10 a day.
• Vietnam's Communist Party expels outspoken parliamentarian Radio Free Asia 18 Jul 2024 -- The Communist Party of Vietnam has expelled National Assembly delegate Le Thanh Van, a member of parliament's Finance and Budget Committee known for speaking out on various issues, the party said.
• A Very British European Political Summit, With Democracy And Migration On The Menu RFE/RL 18 Jul 2024 -- A week after the NATO summit in Washington, there is another gathering of leaders. This time, it's the European Political Community (EPC) summit -- a powwow that brings together leaders from pretty much all European nations, barring Belarus and Russia, that is taking place in the United Kingdom on July 18.
• EU, U.S. React To Serbia Banning Entry To Certain Foreign Nationals RFE/RL 18 Jul 2024 -- The European Union and the United States have called on Belgrade to adhere to democratic principles and human rights standards in response to Serbia's decision to ban certain foreign citizens from entry.
• Eastern Afghanistan reels from fatal storms; dozens dead, hundreds homeless UN News 18 Jul 2024 -- UN teams and humanitarian partners in Afghanistan are mobilizing in response to devastating windstorms and flash floods that have ravaged eastern regions of the country, resulting in dozens of fatalities and the destruction of hundreds of homes.
• World News In Brief: Bangladesh student protests, Yemen's maternal deaths, Mandela Day, honouring LGBT rights at EuroGames 2024 UN News 18 Jul 2024 -- The UN chief urged the Government of Bangladesh on Thursday to create an environment that allows proper dialogue with student protesters following weeks of demonstrations in the South Asian country.
• Eswatini's pro-democracy movement undeterred as MPs sentenced to prison VOA 18 Jul 2024 -- The sentencing Tuesday in Eswatini of two former members of parliament to lengthy prison terms on charges of terrorism marks a significant escalation in the tensions between the monarchy and those advocating for democratic reform in the southern African nation. Human rights groups condemned the convictions, saying the court decision raises questions about human rights and political repression. Pro-democracy activists say they are undeterred.