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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• July 23 U.S. Central Command Update CENTCOM 23 Jul 2024 -- In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed three Iranian-backed Houthi missile launchers in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds a Press Briefing DoD 23 Jul 2024
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Hosted Bilateral in Honor of His Excellency Hanno Pevkur Minister of Defense Republic of Estonia DoD 23 Jul 2024
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur DoD 23 Jul 2024
• Austin Discusses NATO, Ukraine, Military Cooperation With Estonian Counterpart DoD News 23 Jul 2024 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III today hosted Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur in discussions at the Pentagon, just a week and a half after the conclusion of the NATO summit in Washington.
• U.S. Will Work With African Nations to Protect Interests, Encourage Cooperation DoD News 23 Jul 2024 -- The United States has vital interests on the African continent and will protect those interests in concert with African nations, said the deputy assistant secretary of defense for Africa during an interview earlier this month.
• Blinken, Austin to reinforce ties with Asian allies amid domestic political uncertainty VOA 23 Jul 2024 -- U.S. President Joe Biden's administration said it remains "intensely focused on" its foreign policy agenda in the final six months of his term, despite the challenges often faced by so-called lame-duck leaders.
• US bombers arrive in Romania for Bomber Task Force 24-4 US Air Force 23 Jul 2024 -- Two U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress aircraft assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, arrived at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania, for Bomber Task Force 24-4, July 21.
• Last T-1 Jayhawk flight from JBSA-Randolph to Davis-Monthan AFB marks end of era US Air Force 23 Jul 2024 -- The United States Air Force's T-1A Jayhawk made its final flight with the 99th Flying Training Squadron on July 15, soaring from Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph in Texas to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona.
• U.S. Coast Guard, Peruvian, Mexican Partners Collaborate on First Urban Search and Rescue Operations in Exercise RIMPAC 2024 US Navy 23 Jul 2024 -- July 13 marked the completion of the first urban search and rescue exercises in RIMPAC history, illustrating the growing value of the world's largest maritime exercise and the increased range and usefulness of the U.S. Coast Guard.
• Pakistan Assumes Command of Combined Maritime Forces' Combined Task Force 150 US Navy 23 Jul 2024 -- The Pakistan Navy assumed command of a multinational task force responsible for maritime security in the Middle East during a change-of-command ceremony at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, July 22.
• USS Blue Ridge arrives in Changi, Singapore US Navy 23 Jul 2024 -- U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and embarked 7th Fleet staff arrived in Changi, Singapore for a routine port visit, July 23.
• Press Announcement on the Fourth Philippines-United States Foreign and Defense Ministerial Dialogue (2+2) Philippines DFA 23 Jul 2024 -- Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo and Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr., will host United States Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III in Manila on 30 July 2024 for the 4th Philippines-U.S. Foreign and Defense Ministerial Dialogue ("2+2 Dialogue").
• PH, US to discuss ways to enhance alliance during Manila talks Philippine News Agency 23 Jul 2024 -- The Philippines and the United States are set to discuss ways to bolster their 72-year-old alliance in the upcoming Foreign and Defense Ministerial Dialogue (2+2) next week.
• Baltic Fleet minesweeper Aleksandr Obukhov practises combat training missions in Baltic Sea Russia MoD 23 Jul 2024 -- The Baltic Fleet minesweeper Aleksandr Obukhov practised a series of solo drills for the surface ship.
• Russian corvettes return to Pacific Fleet homeport after Maritime Interaction 2024 Russian-Chinese drills Russia MoD 23 Jul 2024 -- The corvettes Rezhsky, Gromky, and Sovershennyy of the Pacific Fleet returned to Vladivostok after participation in the Russian-Chinese exercise Maritime Interaction 2024 and maritime patrols with the People's Liberation Army Navy (PRC) in the waters of the Asia-Pacific region.
• Austin Reaffirms U.S. Support for Ukraine During Call With Counterpart DoD News 23 Jul 2024 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III today reaffirmed the United States' unwavering support for Ukraine as it relates to that country's ongoing conflict with Russia during a phone call with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, the Pentagon announced.
• Latvia Sends 1st Batch of Over 500 Drones to Ukraine - Defense Ministry Sputnik 23 Jul 2024 -- Latvia has sent its first batch of over 500 drones to Ukraine, Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds said.
• Wanan air raid drills enter 2nd day with northern Taiwan in focus CNA 23 Jul 2024 -- The annual Wanan air raid defense drills entered their second day Tuesday, targeting seven administrative areas in northern Taiwan.
• Typhoon affects Taiwan's annual war games VOA 23 Jul 2024 -- A powerful typhoon on a path toward Taiwan has forced the island to curtail its annual war games.
• Lai inspects 1st Han Kuang exercises as president CNA 23 Jul 2024 -- President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) made his first inspection of Taiwan's annual Han Kuang exercises as the nation's commander-in-chief on Tuesday.
• Albanese Government boosting ADF capability and safeguarding Australians with accelerated littoral fleet build Australia DOD 23 Jul 2024 -- The build of 18 medium landing craft for the Army's new littoral fleet is being accelerated, underscoring the Albanese Government's commitment to keeping Australians safe and support for Australia's sovereign defence industry.
• AUKUS Navy Chiefs strengthen ties during first trilateral visit to HMAS Stirling Australia DOD 23 Jul 2024 -- The Chiefs of Navy for Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States have strengthened their naval ties today, during a visit to HMAS Stirling in Western Australia.
• Rs 6.22 lakh crore allocated to MoD, highest among Ministries, in Regular Union Budget 2024-25; 4.79% higher than FY 2023-24 India PIB 23 Jul 2024 -- In the Regular Union Budget of Financial Year (FY) 2024-25, Ministry of Defence (MoD) has been allocated Rs 6,21,940
• Iran reports 4-fold increase in defense exports IRNA 23 Jul 2024 -- Iran's defense minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani has told the Iranian parliament that the country's defense industry exports have quadrupled since the current administration took office in August 2021.
• Overhaul operation of frigate Sahand starts IRNA 23 Jul 2024 -- The Iranian Navy frigate Sahand was transferred to one of marine repair centers of Bandar Abbas for an overhaul operation.
• Austin Meets With Iraqi Counterpart After Security Cooperation Dialogue DoD News 23 Jul 2024 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III today underscored the United States' commitment to Iraq's continued sovereignty and security during a meeting with Iraqi Defense Minister Muhammad al-Abbasi at the Pentagon.
• Lockheed Martin Plans Hypersonic Missile Development in UK for AUKUS Collaboration Sputnik 23 Jul 2024 -- US defense contractor Lockheed Martin is ready to develop a jet-launched hypersonic missile on the UK's soil before producing it in the United States, The Telegraph newspaper reported on Tuesday.
• UK Defence Secretary Says Military Faces 'Serious Challenges' Sputnik 23 Jul 2024 -- UK Defence Secretary John Healey said that the country's armed forces were facing "serious challenges," including lack of personnel, inefficiency during procurement process, and others.
• 'Pulling the Future into the Present', RUSI Land Warfare Conference 2024 UK Army 23 Jul 2024 -- The Army's newly appointed Chief of the General Staff (CGS), General Sir Roly Walker KCB DSO ADC Gen, has brought a close to this year's Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) Land Warfare Conference declaring a bold ambition to "...double the Army's fighting power in three years and triple it by the end of the decade."
• Defence Secretary speech at RUSI Land Warfare Conference 2024 UK MOD 23 Jul 2024 -- Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey, gave a speech to the RUSI Land Warfare Conference 2024
• Chief of the Defence Staff speech at RUSI Land Warfare Conference 2024 UK MOD 23 Jul 2024 -- The Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, gave a speech to the RUSI Land Warfare Conference 2024
• First two F-16s arrive in Slovakia Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic 23 Jul 2024 -- The first two of 14 Slovak F-16 Block 70s arrived at Kuchyňa Air Base on Monday evening (22 July 2024), ushering in a new era of Slovakia's supersonic aviation.
• Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - System Logistics and Sustainment Support DSCA 23 Jul 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of System Logistics and Sustainment Support and related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of $2.8 billion.
• Minister Blair announces $35.8 million investment to equip Canadian troops in Latvia with 90 new tactical vehicles Canada 23 Jul 2024 -- Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, announced that Canada is investing $35.8 million (including taxes) to deliver 90 Light Tactical Vehicles (LTVs) to Canadian Army personnel deployed in Latvia under Operation REASSURANCE - Canada's mission in support of NATO's assurance and deterrence measures.
• SCO holds first joint anti-terrorism drill in China featuring all member states Global Times 23 Jul 2024 -- The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) recently held its first joint anti-terrorism drill in China featuring all member states, with experts saying on Tuesday that the large-scale exercise showed the SCO's determination and capabilities in tackling resurging threats from terrorism.
• ECOWAS counterterrorism force not ready for action, analysts say VOA 23 Jul 2024 -- Regional analysts have voiced skepticism about a so-called standby counterterrorism force announced Sunday by West African bloc ECOWAS. The critics say despite the comments from Nigeria's president suggesting the force is ready for deployment, ECOWAS has not provided any details about its size, base, funding or mode of operation.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Mongolian Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 23 Jul 2024
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken Before his Meeting with Yezidi Civil Society Leaders US Dept. of State 23 Jul 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Mongolian Foreign Minister Battsetseg US Dept. of State 23 Jul 2024
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken Remarks to the Press US Dept. of State 23 Jul 2024
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken At the AGOA Private Sector Forum US Dept. of State 23 Jul 2024

Defense Industry

• Contracts For July 23, 2024
• Prysmian Cables Settles Allegations of Falsified Test Results and Failure to Test Cable Used in Military Vehicles US Dept. of Justice 23 Jul 2024 -- Prysmian Cables and Systems USA LLC (Prysmian), located in Abbeville, South Carolina, has agreed to pay $920,000 to settle allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly falsifying test results and failing to conduct required testing on military cable, known as M13486 cable, that was used in vehicles manufactured for use by the military.

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 23 July 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 23 Jul 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Misfired Projectile Launched Toward Israel by Hamas Hits School in Gaza Israel Defense Forces 23 Jul 2024
• IDF Says Targeted Over 50 'Terror' Infrastructure Sites in Khan Yunis Over Past Day Sputnik 23 Jul 2024 -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Tuesday that it struck over 50 "terror" infrastructure sites in the Khan Yunis area over the past 24 hours.
• PM Netanyahu and his Wife Sara's First Meeting in the US - with Representatives of the Families of the Hostages Israel - Prime Minister 23 Jul 2024
• Netanyahu visits DC amid US political turmoil at critical juncture of Gaza war VOA 23 Jul 2024 -- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington late Monday, the day after President Joe Biden announced he is withdrawing from the U.S. presidential race - a decision that adds another layer of uncertainty to U.S.-Israel relations at a crucial moment in the Gaza war.
• Knesset lends preliminary approval to bill calling UNRWA 'terror organization' Press TV 23 Jul 2024 -- Knesset, the Israeli parliament, has lent its preliminary approval to a bill branding the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees as a "terrorist organization," mounting Tel Aviv's unrelenting attacks against the body.
• July 22: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 23 Jul 2024
• Polio at high risk of spreading within Gaza Strip VOA 23 Jul 2024 -- A senior World Health Organization official expressed alarm Tuesday at the high risk of polio spreading within the Gaza Strip because of dire sanitary conditions in the war-wracked enclave, and that the paralytic disease it causes could spill across borders without prompt action to stem the outbreak.
• Israel has killed 16,000 Palestinian children in Gaza since October: Media office Press TV 23 Jul 2024 -- The Government Media Office in Gaza says Israel has killed at least 16,000 children in the besieged territory since October.
• Israeli drone attack in Tulkarm refugee camp kills 5, including Palestinian commanders Press TV 23 Jul 2024 -- An Israeli drone attack in the occupied West Bank city of Tulkarm and its refugee camp has killed five Palestinians, including three resistance commanders, as Israeli forces intensify their offensive in the region.
• Israel places over 80% of Gaza under evacuation orders or 'no-go zones' Press TV 23 Jul 2024 -- United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the occupied Palestinian territory says the Israeli military has ordered the evacuation of, or designated as "no-go zones" more than 80% of the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Where do I go now, ask Gazans uprooted by new Israeli evacuation orders UN News 23 Jul 2024 -- Gazans uprooted by the Israeli military's latest evacuation orders have fled their shelters and homes "running for their lives", with barely any belongings and little idea where they will end up, UN humanitarians said on Tuesday.
• UN chief welcomes agreement between Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas UN News 23 Jul 2024 -- The UN Secretary-General has welcomed a new agreement signed on Tuesday in Beijing by Hamas and Fatah, together with smaller Palestinian factions, aimed at ending years of political rivalry as the war in Gaza grinds on.
• UNRWA slams Israel's order to evacuate Khan Yunis IRNA 23 Jul 2024 -- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has condemned the Zionist army's order to evacuate Khan Yunis, located in southern Gaza.
• US, UAE, Israel Hold Secret Meeting on Post-War Plan for Gaza - Reports Sputnik 23 Jul 2024 -- Officials from the United States, Israel, and the UAE held a secret meeting to discuss a future plan for Gaza after the end of the war, Axios reported on Tuesday, citing two Israeli officials.
• Israel serious threat to regional peace, security: Iran UN envoy IRNA 23 Jul 2024 -- Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nation, Amir Saeid Iravani during a Security Council meeting on the situation on the Middle East with the focus on Syria lashed out at the Zionist regime calling it a serious threat to regional peace and security.
• Hamas reaches agreement with rival Fatah in China for unity VOA 23 Jul 2024 -- Rival Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas have signed a declaration in Beijing to end years of discord and unite to form a national unity government, China announced on Tuesday.
• UN welcomes China-brokered agreement for Palestinian unity Press TV 23 Jul 2024 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed an accord brokered by China seeking reconciliation between Hamas and other Palestinian resistance factions.
• Palestinian factions sign unity declaration in Beijing People's Daily 23 Jul 2024 -- At the invitation of the Chinese side, high-level representatives of 14 Palestinian factions held a reconciliation dialogue in Beijing from July 21 to 23, and the Palestinian factions inked a declaration on ending division and strengthening unity.
• China successfully mediates Palestinian factions to sign 'historic declaration' for reconciliation Global Times 23 Jul 2024 -- China has made another significant contribution to the peace and stability of a world in turbulence as 14 factions from Palestine, including Fatah and Hamas, with key support from China, reached a historic declaration for nationwide reconciliation in Beijing on Tuesday. Experts said it will be one of key steps for the Palestinian people to achieve their goal of establishing a state and the realization of long-standing peace between Palestine and Israel.
• Reconciliation dialogue of Palestinian factions in Beijing brings valuable hope to long-suffering Palestinian people: Chinese Foreign Ministry Global Times 23 Jul 2024 -- High-level representatives from 14 Palestinian factions held a reconciliation dialogue from Sunday to Tuesday at the invitation of China and signed the Beijing Declaration on ending division and strengthening Palestinian unity.
• UK, Jordan call for 'immediate ceasefire in Gaza' Press TV 23 Jul 2024 -- Britain and Jordan have called for an "immediate ceasefire in Gaza to end suffering" of the Palestinians in the besieged territory due to Israel's barbarous campaign of genocide.
• For first time, Japan sanctions four Israeli settlers over acts of violence against Palestinians in West Bank Press TV 23 Jul 2024 -- Japan has sanctioned four Israeli settlers over acts of violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, the government's top spokesperson says.
• No: 145, 23 July 2024, Regarding the Declaration Adopted by Palestinian Political Factions in Beijing Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 Jul 2024
• No: 144, 23 July 2024, Regarding the Israeli Parliament's Efforts to Designate the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East as a Terrorist Organisation Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 Jul 2024
• Hamas announces 'national unity' deal with other Palestinian factions Press TV 23 Jul 2024 -- The Gaza-based Hamas resistance movement says it has signed an agreement in Beijing with other Palestinian factions, including Fatah, to work together for "national unity," with Chinese officials describing it as a deal aimed at maintaining Palestinian rule over Gaza once the bloody Israeli onslaught ends.
• Hizbollah launches drone, rocket attacks on occupied Palestine IRNA 23 Jul 2024 -- The Zionist media reported on Tuesday drone and rocket attacks by the Hezbollah movement in the north of occupied Palestine and the sounding of sirens in this area.
• Hezbollah rockets land in Zionist settlement IRNA 23 Jul 2024 -- Lebanon's Hezbollah Resistance Movement targeted the Zionist settlement of Tsurial located in the northern occupied Palestine with a rocket attack for the first time, Israeli news sources reported on Monday night.
• Hezbollah fires rockets on Israeli Tzuriel moshav in retaliation for south Lebanon attacks Press TV 23 Jul 2024 -- Fighters from the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement have launched for the first time dozens of rockets at an illegal Israeli settlement in the northern part of the 1948 occupied territories in retaliation for the Israeli military's attacks against southern Lebanon.
• 'Gates of hell': Ansarullah warns has 'surprises' for Israel in coming days Press TV 23 Jul 2024 -- A senior Yemeni official has cautioned that retaliation for the recent deadly airstrike on al-Hudaydah will not be postponed and that Israel must be prepared for unexpected events in the coming days.

Other Conflicts

• AFP echoes Marcos: No yielding in resolve to protect WPS Philippine News Agency 23 Jul 2024 -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has committed to rallying behind President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s tough stance on asserting Manila's rights over the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in his State of the Nation Address on Monday.
• China should accept PBBM's declaration on WPS - lawmaker Philippine News Agency 23 Jul 2024 -- Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez on Tuesday said China should accept President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s declaration in his 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA) that the Philippines will neither yield nor waver in asserting its rights over the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
• Marcos Jr. picks words carefully in SONA regarding South China Sea, with 'midterm election, US' reliability on mind' Global Times 23 Jul 2024 -- Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. picked his words carefully in his remarks concerning the South China Sea in his State of the Nation Address 2024 (SONA), a sign of willingness to de-escalate the tensions, some experts said.
• Taliban lament lack of support despite victory against illicit Afghan drugs VOA 23 Jul 2024 -- Afghanistan's Taliban claimed Tuesday that their crackdown on illegal drug production in the country has helped address a major global challenge but expressed frustration at the ongoing lack of international support in response.
• Interview: Pakistani Islamist Leader Opposes Military Operation To Root Out Militants RFE/RL 23 Jul 2024 -- Maulana Fazlur Rehman, leader of the largest Islamist party in Pakistan, has voiced his opposition to a planned operation by the military to root out militants along the Afghan border.
• Yemen: UN envoy warns of threat of return to 'full-fledged war' as regional tensions escalate UN News 23 Jul 2024 -- Yemen is at risk of returning to full-scale war and the international community has a common interest and responsibility to stop this from happening, UN Special Envoy for the country Hans Grundberg warned the Security Council on Tuesday.
• 'Only Way to Move Forward in Yemen Is to Find Mutually Acceptable Solutions through Dialogue, Negotiation', Special Envoy Tells Security Council UN Security Council 23 Jul 2024 -- Seven months of an escalatory trajectory in Yemen — accompanied by threats of a full-scale return to war — reached a new and dangerous level, the Organization's senior official for that country warned the Security Council today, as he expressed deep concern about a drone attack on Tel Aviv by the Houthis on 19 July and the subsequent Israeli retaliatory attacks on Hudaydah port on 20 July.
• The UK calls for the immediate and unconditional release of detained UN personnel: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 23 Jul 2024 -- Statement by UK Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Yemen.
• Three killed in renewed clashes near embattled Myanmar town Radio Free Asia 23 Jul 2024 -- Three civilians were killed in shelling by Myanmar junta forces on the outskirts of the town of Lashio after a Chinese-brokered ceasefire failed to hold and fighting between the military and insurgents resumed, residents told Radio Free Asia on Tuesday.
• The United States Invites the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to Ceasefire Talks Co-hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Switzerland US Dept. of State 23 Jul 2024 -- Over the past 15 months, the horrific conflict in Sudan has pushed millions to the brink of starvation and displaced nearly 10 million people.
• Sudan war: Nearly 26 million going hungry due to rising food prices, access challenges UN News 23 Jul 2024 -- Nearly 26 million people in war-torn Sudan are not getting enough to eat, the UN reported on Tuesday, citing its humanitarian affairs office, OCHA.
• Sudan Fact-Finding Mission documents disturbing patterns of rights violations on mission in Chad OHCHR 23 Jul 2024 -- The UN's Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan called on the international community to urgently step up efforts to end the country's war, saying it had documented disturbing patterns of grave human rights violations during its three-week mission to neighboring Chad.
• Attacks on civilians in Burkina Faso force thousands into neighbouring Niger UN News 23 Jul 2024 -- Renewed attacks on civilians in eastern Burkina Faso by non-State armed groups have forced thousands to flee to neighbouring Niger in search of safety, amid a deepening emergency, UN humanitarians have warned.

News Reports

• Imposing Sanctions on ISIS Affiliates in Africa US Dept. of State 23 Jul 2024 -- The United States is taking action today to advance the mission of the Counter ISIS Finance Group (CIFG), which supports international efforts to curb financing of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) worldwide.
• Treasury Targets ISIS Facilitation Network in Eastern, Central, and Southern Africa US Treasury 23 Jul 2024 -- Today, the United States is taking action against a network of three individuals associated with the expanded activities of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) on the African continent. These individuals serve as key financiers and trusted operatives, enabling the activities of ISIS and its leaders across Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa. They also serve as critical links between far-flung ISIS operations, including ISIS affiliates in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Mozambique, Somalia, and ISIS cells in South Africa, allowing ISIS leadership to leverage each affiliate's capabilities to conduct terrorist attacks that undermine peace and security in the region.
• Treasury Sanctions CJNG Cell Leaders Linked to Fentanyl US Treasury 23 Jul 2024 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned two Mexican members of Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG) and two Mexican companies. CJNG, a Mexico-based criminal organization, is one of the largest producers and traffickers of illicit fentanyl to the United States.
• US Secret Service Director Resigns Over Trump Assassination Attempt Sputnik 23 Jul 2024 -- US Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has stepped down from her position following widespread calls for her resignation over the attempted assassination of Republican nominee Donald Trump, NBC News reported on Tuesday, citing three sources.
• Meeting with Accounts Chamber Chairman Boris Kovalchuk President of Russia 23 Jul 2024 -- Vladimir Putin had a working meeting with Chairman of the Accounts Chamber Boris Kovalchuk.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's greetings to the organisers and participants in the roundtable discussion dedicated to the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Syria Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 Jul 2024
• UN experts condemn sentencing of journalists in Russia UN News 23 Jul 2024 -- Independent UN human rights experts said in a statement on Tuesday that the recent prison sentencing of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and Radio Liberty journalist Alsu Kurmasheva send a "threatening message" to all journalists.
• Rules on implementing Law on Guarding State Secrets highlights reliability of smart information equipment Global Times 23 Jul 2024 -- A set of rules for implementing the country's Law on Guarding State Secrets will take effect on September 1, which highlights reliability of the information equipment such as smart terminal products used as part of classified information systems.
• China unveils rules for implementing Law on Guarding State Secrets People's Daily 23 Jul 2024 -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang has signed a decree of the State Council to unveil a set of rules for implementing the country's Law on Guarding State Secrets, which will take effect on September 1.
• China's MSS unveils a new case on illegal surveying and mapping Global Times 23 Jul 2024 -- China's Ministry of State Security unveiled on Tuesday a new case based on a real-life story about a taxi driver reporting some suspicious activities to the national security authorities. It was discovered that these activities involved illegal surveying and mapping to steal a large amount of sensitive geographic information and classified geological data.
• The formulation of the CPC's landmark reform resolution People's Daily 23 Jul 2024 -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) has unveiled a comprehensive set of reforms in a document adopted at a key policy meeting that concluded on July 18.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on July 23, 2024 PRC MofA 23 Jul 2024
• China Condemns US Distortions of Its Arctic Policy Sputnik 23 Jul 2024 -- The United States is engaged in misrepresenting China's Arctic policy and makes irresponsible statements regarding Beijing's usual activities in the region, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a briefing on Tuesday.
• Leaked plan reveals bid to get Chinese officials to have more kids Radio Free Asia 23 Jul 2024 -- A leaked internal draft document from the municipal health authority in the southeastern Chinese city of Quanzhou floating measures to encourage officials and government employees to have three children to boost flagging birth rates has sparked heated debate on social media.
• Wang Yi hails 'new starting points' of bilateral ties in meeting with Maldives FM Global Times 23 Jul 2024 -- China-Maldives relations are standing at a new historical starting point, and China is ready to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation with the Maldives in various fields, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday during his meeting with visiting Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer in Beijing.
• Taiwan, China officials to discuss speedboat incident Wednesday CNA 23 Jul 2024 -- Officials from Taiwan and China will meet to discuss the Kinmen speedboat incident, which left two Chinese nationals dead on Feb. 14, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) announced Tuesday.
• Mainland spokesperson slams Lai Ching-te's "Taiwan independence" stance People's Daily 23 Jul 2024 -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Monday said the separatist remarks made recently by Lai Ching-te, leader of the Taiwan region, have once again exposed his true nature as an obstinate advocate and perpetrator of "Taiwan independence."
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 23 Jul 2024
• Lai Ching-te's wrongful claim again reveals stubborn position on 'Taiwan independence': Taiwan Affairs Office Global Times 23 Jul 2024 -- Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te's blatant clamor for the establishment of a so-called "national identity centered on Taiwan," has once again exposed his true colors of stubbornly adhering to the position of "Taiwan independence" and carrying out separatist activities for "Taiwan independence," Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office, said on Monday.
• North Korea brushes off any hope of better U.S. ties under Trump Radio Free Asia 23 Jul 2024 -- North Korea dismissed on Tuesday a suggestion by former U.S. President Donald Trump that he could improve relations if he were to win November's election, saying it did not expect any change in U.S. hostility and it was ready for confrontation.
• Russian prosecutor chief in North Korea for cooperation talks Radio Free Asia 23 Jul 2024 -- Russian Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov is visiting North Korea to improve cooperation, his office said, marking the first visit by a chief Russian prosecutor to the isolated North.
• Vice-Chairman of SPA Standing Committee of DPRK Meets Russian Delegation KCNA 23 Jul 2024 -- Kang Yun Sok, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, met and had a talk in a friendly atmosphere with the delegation of the Supreme Prosecutor's Office of the Russian Federation headed by Director Igor Krasnov, which paid a courtesy call on him at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on Monday.
• Talks Held between Directors of Prosecutors Offices of DPRK and Russia KCNA 23 Jul 2024 -- Talks between Kim Chol Won, director of the Central Public Prosecutors Office of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and Igor Krasnov, director of the Supreme Prosecutor's Office of the Russian Federation, were held at the Mansudae Assembly Hall here on Monday.
• Delegation of Supreme Prosecutor's Office of Russian Federation Arrives KCNA 23 Jul 2024 -- A delegation of the Supreme Prosecutor's Office of the Russian Federation headed by Director Igor Krasnov arrived here on Monday.
• Whether Second Hand of DPRK-U.S. Confrontation Stops or Not Depends on U.S. Act: KCNA Commentary KCNA 23 Jul 2024 -- The U.S. is running high fever in its move to expand the overall structure of confrontation against the DPRK.
• 274% increase in Iran's receiving oil revenue in Pres. Raisi's gov't IRNA 23 Jul 2024 -- Iran's Ministry of Petroleum has announced that Iran's oil revenues reached more than $28 billion in the last Iranian calendar year, which shows a 274% increase, despite struggling with severe oil sanctions.
• New Trials, Sentences In Belarus Amid Ongoing Crackdown On Dissent RFE/RL 23 Jul 2024 -- Belarusian activist Lizaveta Makrydzina has gone on trial over her participation in 2020 mass rallies challenging the results of a presidential election that announced the country's authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka as the winner in the face of opposition claims the voting was rigged.
• India to spend billions of dollars on job creation VOA 23 Jul 2024 -- The government in India will spend $24 billion on boosting employment opportunities for young people, as job creation emerges as the biggest challenge confronting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his third term.
• Gunshot victims fill Bangladesh hospital's morgue; internet shutdown eased Radio Free Asia 23 Jul 2024 -- A major hospital in Bangladesh says it is overwhelmed with gunshot victims following days of student protests against a discriminatory quota system for prized government jobs, indicating the heavy use of lethal measures by security forces as they tried to quell the unrest.
• Kazakh President Refuses To Pardon Jailed Former PM Masimov RFE/RL 23 Jul 2024 -- Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev has agreed with the presidential commission on clemencies to reject a pardon request filed by Karim Masimov, a once-powerful politician who was prime minister twice and is now serving 18 years in prison on charges of high treason and attempting to seize power during unrest in 2022.
• Justice Department to Recover Nearly $85M in Additional Funds Linked to 1MDB Scheme US Dept. of Justice 23 Jul 2024 -- The Justice Department has reached an agreement with "Jasmine" Loo Ai Swan (Loo), the former general counsel of 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), Malaysia's sovereign investment development fund, to recover artwork by Pablo Picasso and a financial account in Switzerland traced to funds allegedly embezzled from 1MDB.
• Strategic communication document presented by Poland on FAC with regard to transatlantic cooperation benefits Poland - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 Jul 2024 -- During the last session of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) on 22 July in Brussels, Poland presented a document highlighting the importance of strategic communication in transatlantic relations.
• EU Green-Lights Talks With Armenia On Visa-Free Travel, Offers Military Aid RFE/RL 23 Jul 2024 -- The European Union has approved opening talks with Armenia on visa liberalization and has offered 10 million euros ($10.9 million) in military aid to the Caucasus country, the bloc's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, has announced.
• Vietnam intensifies crackdown on critics before general secretary's funeral Radio Free Asia 23 Jul 2024 -- The Vietnamese government is intensifying a crackdown on critical voices before Friday's state funeral of Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong who died last week. Authorities have fined residents for discussing Trong's death on social media and asked Facebook to block dissenting posts.
• UN and partners launch emergency appeal to address severe drought in Malawi UN News 23 Jul 2024 -- UN agencies alongside humanitarian partners in Malawi have launched a Flash Appeal to help millions in the country stricken by drought that has decimated harvests and sent hunger levels soaring.
• Uganda police arrest dozens of protesting youth VOA 23 Jul 2024 -- A heavy military and police presence in and around Kampala left the streets deserted as pockets of young people marched toward parliament Tuesday.
• Cameroon opposition, civil society condemn government threats toward Biya opponents VOA 23 Jul 2024 -- Condemnation is widespread in Cameroon following government threats to arrest civilians who criticize the country's president. The threats increased after Cameroon's political opposition accused President Paul Biya of postponing elections. In a release Tuesday, Human Rights Watch described the threats as censorship of free speech.