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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• August 15 U.S. Central Command Update CENTCOM 15 Aug 2024 -- In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed one Iranian-backed Houthi ground control station in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh Holds a Press Briefing DoD 15 Aug 2024
• DOD Introduces New Supercomputer Focused on Biodefense Capabilities DoD 15 Aug 2024 -- On August 1, the Department of Defense (DoD) and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) inaugurated a new supercomputing system dedicated to biological defense at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL).
• Fiji, U.S., Host Seminar for Regional Land Forces DoD News 15 Aug 2024 -- Against the backdrop of the scenic Pacific Ocean, and a traditional kava ceremony, the armies of Fiji and the United States kicked off the 48th annual Indo-Pacific Armies Management Seminar and the 10th annual Senior Enlisted in Fiji.
• The Army's newest garrison: USAG Black Sea Army News 15 Aug 2024 -- On Aug. 8, the United States Army Garrison (USAG) Black Sea marked its official uncasing of colors and change of command ceremony. The U.S. Army formally redesignated the Army Support Activity-Black Sea to USAG Black Sea, effective June 15, 2024. This development establishes USAG Black Sea as the ninth Army garrison in Europe and the 81st globally, further strengthening the U.S. Army's presence in the Black Sea region.
• US Army gains new wet, dry gap crossing capability in Europe Army News 15 Aug 2024 -- The 21st Theater Sustainment Command activated the 809th Multi-Role Bridge Company during a reactivation ceremony at Tower Barracks located in Eastern Germany near the border of Czechia on July 30th.
• Exercise Agile Flag creates Mission Ready Airmen US Air Force 15 Aug 2024 -- The 9th Reconnaissance Wing participated in exercise Agile Flag 24-3 throughout Southern California from July 31 to Aug. 11. This year's iteration included the Command and Control force elements from the 23rd wing, and the 9th RW. exercise Agile Flag plays a critical role in Air Combat Command's transformation as the command evolves to provide relevant, combat credible forces through the Air Force Force Generation cycle.
• U.S., France Naval Forces Conduct Bilateral Operations in Indo-Pacific US Navy 15 Aug 2024 -- The U.S. Navy and French Navy joined forces to conduct bilateral operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 13.
• Pacific Partnership 2024 - 2 Concludes Second Mission Stop In Legazpi, Philippines US Navy Press Release 15 Aug 2024 -- Pacific Partnership 2024-2 (PP24-2) concluded its second mission stop in Legazpi, Philippines, Aug. 13, at a closing ceremony hosted aboard the expeditionary fast transport ship USNS City of Bismarck (T-EPF 9) at the Legazpi City Port, Philippines.
• Space Forces in Europe - Space Forces Africa holds change of command ceremony AFRICOM 15 Aug 2024 -- U.S. Space Forces in Europe - Space Forces Africa, also known as SPACEFOREUR-AF, is the U.S. Space Force component field command charged with supporting both U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command, encompassing 51 countries in Europe and 53 countries in Africa, respectively.
• NATO Naval Forces conduct exercise with Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force and Allies NATO 15 Aug 2024 -- Three NATO ships conducted a successful passing exercise with two Japanese ships in the Eastern Mediterranean on Wednesday (14 August 2024).
• Danish Battalion integrates NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia Latvia MFA 15 Aug 2024 -- On Monday, 19 August, a ceremony will take place at the military base "Ādaži" to highlight the integration of the Royal Danish Armed Forces Battalion within the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia.
• Pacific Fleet's detachment overcomes Strait of Malacca and enter Singapore Strait Russia MoD 15 Aug 2024 -- The Pacific Fleet's detachment made up of the Guards missile cruiser Varyag and frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov has overcome the Strait of Malacca and entered the Singapore Strait.
• Eastern MD troops arrive in Mongolia to participate in Selenga 2024 international exercise Russia MoD 15 Aug 2024 -- Military trains of the Eastern MD arrived in Mongolia to participate in the joint Selenga 2024 Russian-Mongol exercise. A solemn welcoming ceremony of Russian troops was held at the Bayantumen railway station near Choibalsan. According to the ancient tradition, Russian guests were met with national cuisine.
• Russian helicopters undergo combat training in Tajikistan highlands Russia MoD 15 Aug 2024 -- Russian crews of the Mi-8MTV5-1 transport and combat helicopters and the Mi-24 attack helicopters of the 201st Air Force Base aviation group practised search and elimination of mock enemy in the mountains of Tajikistan.
• Russia Opposes Militarization of Eastern Mediterranean - Foreign Ministry Sputnik 15 Aug 2024 -- Moscow believes that Turkey's readiness to establish a military base in Northern Cyprus could increase regional conflict risks, and opposes the militarization of the Eastern Mediterranean, Yuri Pilipson, the director of the Russian Foreign Ministry's Fourth European Department, told Sputnik.
• It Is Time to Adopt Important Legislative Things - Defense Legislative Package for Ukraine - Address by the President President of Ukraine 15 Aug 2024
• Taiwan's military releases footage of under-development suicide drone CNA 15 Aug 2024 -- Taiwan's military on Thursday released rare footage of an under-development suicide drone.
• AUKUS Defense Trade Integration Determination US Dept. of State 15 Aug 2024 -- The United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom worked tirelessly to strengthen the AUKUS partnership by furthering defense trade integration. Today, the Department of State submitted to the Congress a determination that Australia and UK export control systems are comparable to those of the United States and have implemented a reciprocal export exemption for U.S. entities.
• IAEA Director General Statement in Relation to the Agreement between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States Related to Naval Nuclear Propulsion IAEA 15 Aug 2024
• Germany - PATRIOT Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement Missiles DSCA 15 Aug 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Germany of PATRIOT Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $5.0 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• INDIAN NAVAL SHIP TABAR REACHES GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN FOR A TWO DAY VISIT India PIB 15 Aug 2024 -- Indian Navy's frontline stealth frigate, INS Tabar commanded by Capt MR Harish arrived at Gothenburg, Sweden on 14 Aug 24 for a two day visit
• India is becoming 'Aatmanirbhar' in defence & emerging as a global manufacturing hub, says Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his Independence Day 2024 address India PIB 15 Aug 2024 -- India is attaining 'Aatmanirbharta' in defence and is emerging as a global manufacturing hub due to the steps taken by the Government in the last few years
• Rescuing Sahand Frigate major achievement for Iran Navy: Cmdr. IRNA 15 Aug 2024 -- Commander of the Iranian Navy, Rear Admiral Shahram Irani has hailed the recent successful operation to save the Sahand Frigate, which had rolled over in Bandar Abbas while undergoing repairs.
• Denmark - Precision Guidance Kits DSCA 15 Aug 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Denmark of Precision Guidance Kits and related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of $85 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Italy - MQ-9 Block 5 Aircraft DSCA 15 Aug 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Italy of MQ-9 Block 5 Aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $738 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Jakarta's exercises with Beijing signal nonalignment stance in US-China rivalry VOA 15 Aug 2024 -- As Indonesia gears up to participate in U.S.-led joint military exercises this month, it agreed at a meeting this week to hold military training with China, a move analysts say points to Indonesia's nonalignment stance regarding the U.S.-China rivalry.
• On-the-Record Press Gaggle by White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby The White House 15 Aug 2024

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Aug. 15, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 15 August 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 15 Aug 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari- August 15, 2024 Israel Defense Forces 15 Aug 2024
• Israeli military will 'never eliminate' Hamas, say US and Zionist officials IRNA 15 Aug 2024 -- American and Israeli officials have conceded that the Israeli military has failed to achieve its objectives in Gaza, with the possibility of weakening Hamas being further diminished as the war drags on, the New York Times reports.
• Israel mounting 'diplomatic pressure' to stave off ICC arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant: Report Press TV 15 Aug 2024 -- The Israeli regime is reportedly applying "diplomatic pressure" on the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is seeking arrest warrants against the regime's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and its minister of military affairs, Yoav Gallant, on charges of war crimes.
• Israeli Delegation Arrives in Qatar to Hold Ceasefire Talks - Netanyahu's Adviser Sputnik 15 Aug 2024 -- The Israeli delegation sent to hold negotiations on a ceasefire and hostage release in the Gaza Strip has arrived in Doha, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's adviser Dmitri Gendelman told Sputnik on Thursday.
• Aug 14: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 15 Aug 2024
• New cease-fire talks start as Gaza death toll passes 40,000 Global Times 15 Aug 2024 -- A new round of Gaza cease-fire talks was held in the Qatari capital Doha on Thursday afternoon, while Hamas officials did not join the talks, media reported. Hamas' absence from a new round of Gaza cease-fire talks has dashed hopes that they may yield some substantial results, and the failure to reach a deal increases the risk of Iran striking Israel to avenge the killing of a Hamas leader in Tehran last month, said observers.
• Israeli genocide in Gaza passes grim milestone of 40,000 deaths Press TV 15 Aug 2024 -- The overall death toll from the Israeli-US campaign of death, destruction and genocide in Gaza has surpassed the grim milestone of 40,000, the Gaza Health Ministry says.
• Death Toll From Israeli Strikes on Gaza Strip Exceeds 40,000 - Gaza Health Ministry Sputnik 15 Aug 2024 -- The death toll from Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip has exceeded 40,000, the Gazan Ministry of Health said on Thursday.
• Most of Gaza's 40,000 dead are women and children, says UN rights chief UN News 15 Aug 2024 -- As the number of Palestinians killed in Gaza passes the dark milestone of 40,000, UN rights chief Volker Türk called on Thursday for an end to the killing "once and for all" and the release of all hostages while negotiators prepared to meet in Qatar to renew efforts to halt the conflict and avert a wider war.
• UN calls for immediate end to Gaza war as death toll tops 40,000 IRNA 15 Aug 2024 -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has demanded an immediate ceasefire and end to the war on Gaza as the Palestinian death toll in more than 10 months of non-stop Israeli bombing and shelling campaign crosses the grime milestone of 40,000.
• Israeli forces increasingly killing, injuring children in occupied West Bank since Gaza war, warns UN Press TV 15 Aug 2024 -- Since the onset of Israel's brutal war on the besieged Gaza Strip, the Israeli military's use of live ammunition to kill and wound Palestinian children in the occupied West Bank has significantly increased compared to the previous 10 months, the United Nations warns.
• White House: Latest Gaza cease-fire talks have 'promising start' VOA 15 Aug 2024 -- The White House said Thursday that the latest Gaza cease-fire talks in Doha, Qatar, with top U.S. officials are off to a "promising start" but that closing a deal immediately appeared to be unlikely.
• Sanctions Targeting Houthi and Hizballah Networks US Dept. of State 15 Aug 2024 -- The United States is imposing sanctions on one individual and six companies, and blocking three vessels, for their involvement in illicit revenue generation to support the Houthis' destabilizing activities on behalf of Iran-based, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Qods Force-backed Houthi financier Sa'id al-Jamal.
• Treasury Adds Further Sanctions Targeting Houthi and Hizballah Trade Networks US Treasury 15 Aug 2024 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned several companies, individuals, and vessels for their involvement in the shipment of Iranian commodities, including oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), to Yemen and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on behalf of the network of Iran-based, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF)-backed Houthi financial official Sa'id al-Jamal. OFAC is also updating the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List) entry for the sanctioned vessel ARTURA (IMO: 9150365), which was responsible for shipping commodities for Sa'id al-Jamal, to reflect the changing of its name to OHAR.
• Israel reaches 'end of line' in Gaza, will 'never eliminate' Hamas: US officials Press TV 15 Aug 2024 -- US and Israeli officials have once again conceded the occupying regime's failure in its months-long aggression on the besieged Gaza Strip, stressing that the possibility of defeating the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has notably decreased.
• US: Reports of Israel's use of civilians as human shields 'disturbing' IRNA 15 Aug 2024 -- The US State Department has called "disturbing" the reports that the Israeli army is using Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip as human shields and asked the regime to investigate the allegations.
• US, UN, Arab states condemn al-Aqsa visit by Israeli hardline minister VOA 15 Aug 2024 -- The United States, the United Nations and Arab countries condemned a visit by Israel's hardline national security minister and hundreds of supporters to Jerusalem's flashpoint al-Aqsa Mosque compound, where they performed Jewish prayers.
• Restart of negotiations on Gaza ceasefire: Foreign Secretary's statement UK FCDO 15 Aug 2024 -- The Foreign Secretary David Lammy has issued a statement on the restart of negotiations on a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza.
• The UK condemns the Houthis' reckless and escalatory attacks across the Middle East: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 15 Aug 2024 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Yemen.
• UK, Russia slam Zionists' storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque IRNA 15 Aug 2024 -- Britain and Russia have joined the chorus of condemnations over Tuesday's storming and desecration of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli settlers accompanied by far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
• Türkiye urges Islamic countries to strive for Gaza ceasefire IRNA 15 Aug 2024 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, while meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Ankara, called on Islamic countries to put more efforts to establish a ceasefire in the war-ravaged Gaza Strip.
• Hamas: Ceasefire must involve 'complete' Israeli withdrawal from Gaza Press TV 15 Aug 2024 -- The Islamic resistance movement Hamas has once again stressed that any agreement with Israel must ensure a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza, the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and a prisoner exchange deal.
• Deif is 'fine': Hamas rejects Israeli claims of military chief assassination Press TV 15 Aug 2024 -- A senior member of Hamas has categorically dismissed Israeli reports on the assassination of the Palestinian resistance movement's military leader, Mohammed Deif, in the occupying regime's barbaric aggression on the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Hamas not to participate in Gaza ceasefire talks: official People's Daily 15 Aug 2024 -- A Hamas official announced on Wednesday that the movement will not participate in the upcoming ceasefire negotiations in Qatar.
• Hezbollah likely to hit 'high-value' target to rattle Israeli army: Report IRNA 15 Aug 2024 -- Since the back-to-back assassination of resistance leaders in Beirut and Tehran, Hezbollah has become increasingly unresponsive to external communications in what could be the sign of a major retaliatory strike on a "high-value" Israeli target, according to a report.
• Houthi: Resistance front's response to Israeli assassinations 'definite' Press TV 15 Aug 2024 -- The leader of Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement says the Axis of Resistance's response to the recent Israeli assassinations is "definite and decisive."

Other Conflicts

• PCG accuses China Coast Guard of neglecting fishing regulations in WPS Philippine News Agency 15 Aug 2024 -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday accused the China Coast Guard (CCG) of neglecting its responsibilities with the Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) due to its failure to properly inspect Chinese fishing vessels.
• Taliban 'deliberately' keep 1.4 million Afghan girls out of school VOA 15 Aug 2024 -- The United Nations said Thursday that Taliban authorities in Afghanistan have "deliberately deprived" 1.4 million girls of schooling since they reclaimed power three years ago, putting at risk the future of an entire generation.
• From Allies To Enemies: Relations Between Afghan Taliban And Pakistan Hit Rock Bottom RFE/RL 15 Aug 2024 -- Days after the Taliban seized power in 2021, Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed, the powerful head of Pakistan's notorious Inter-Services Intelligence agency, took what seemed a victory lap in the Afghan capital, Kabul.
• Afghan Evacuees Remain In Limbo In Albania 3 Years After Taliban Takeover RFE/RL 15 Aug 2024 -- Fatima and her young son fled their home soon after the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in 2021.
• At Least 1.4 Million Afghan Girls Banned From Attending School Since Taliban Takeover, UNESCO Says RFE/RL 15 Aug 2024 -- At least 1.4 million girls in Afghanistan have been denied access to secondary education since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, UNESCO, the United Nations' cultural agency, said on August 15.
• Statement by ministers Joly, Hussen and Miller on third year since fall of Kabul, Afghanistan Canada 15 Aug 2024 -- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, today issued the following statement:
• Federal Government Commissioner for Human Rights Policy and Humanitarian Assistance at the Federal Foreign Office on the anniversary of the Taliban's seizure of power in Afghanistan Germany Federal Foreign Office 15 Aug 2024
• Foreign Minister Baerbock on the Taliban's takeover in Afghanistan three years ago Germany Federal Foreign Office 15 Aug 2024
• UN reiterates call to release staffers detained in Yemen UN News 15 Aug 2024 -- Ansar Allah in Yemen must immediately release 13 UN staff and dozens of personnel from civil society, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other entities, who have been arbitrarily detained for more than two months, two senior officials told the Security Council on Thursday.
• Yemen 'Facing Clamp Down by Ansar Allah on Humanitarian, Civic Space', Special Envoy Warns Security Council, Calling for Release of Those Detained UN Security Council 15 Aug 2024 -- Calling on the Houthis, formally known as Ansar Allah, for the immediate release of all detained humanitarian and diplomatic staff in Yemen, the United Nations' top official in that country underscored today that the Security Council must continue supporting its political transition.
• Several dead as Syrian tribesmen fight US-backed separatists in east Press TV 15 Aug 2024 -- Clashes in Syria's eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr between Arab tribal fighters and US-backed Kurdish-led separatists from the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have left several people dead and others wounded, local media say.
• IRGC adviser martyred following injuries in US-led airstrike in Syria Press TV 15 Aug 2024 -- A military adviser of the Aerospace Division of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has been martyred from injuries in a recent airstrike in Syria by the US-led occupation.
• PH, Singapore push for peaceful resolution of Myanmar conflict Philippine News Agency 15 Aug 2024 -- The Philippines and Singapore on Thursday pushed for the peaceful resolution of the continued unrest in their Southeast Asian neighbor Myanmar.
• Attacks against Rohingyas now 'worse than in 2017' Radio Free Asia 15 Aug 2024 -- Recent alleged attacks against the Rohingya in western Myanmar are "worse than in 2017," when hundreds of thousands of the Muslim minority fled to neighboring Bangladesh, and represent a "second wave of genocide," two experts said in a press briefing Thursday.
• Arakan Army seizes key town in southern Myanmar Radio Free Asia 15 Aug 2024 -- Myanmar's ethnic Arakan Army has captured a key town in Rakhine state's southernmost Gwa township after launching attacks on junta positions earlier this week, residents said Thursday.
• Myanmar's rivals compete to win over young hearts and minds Radio Free Asia 15 Aug 2024 -- Both sides in Myanmar's civil war are trying to win over young people, offering opportunities in education to the third of the population who have faced disruption and disappointment since a 2021 military coup triggered bloody turmoil.
• Myanmar's old army leader calls on China to help restore stability Radio Free Asia 15 Aug 2024 -- A former military leader of Myanmar, Senior Gen. Than Shwe, has called on China to help Myanmar end internal conflict and stabilize the country, according to China's foreign ministry.
• US applauds Sudan's decision to open Adre border crossing with Chad VOA 15 Aug 2024 -- The United States welcomed Thursday's announcement by Sudan's sovereign council to allow the use of the Adre border crossing with Chad for three months, while continuing efforts to bring both sides of Sudan's warring military factions to the negotiating table.
• Attack on a city in Sudan kills at least five and injures more: UNICEF UN News 15 Aug 2024 -- Bombing which devastated a school and market in the Sudanese city of El Obeid on Wednesday has left five girls dead and 20 children injured according to the UN Children's Fund's Sudan Representative.
• At least five children reportedly killed and 20 injured in shelling of school and market in El Obeid city, Sudan UNICEF 15 Aug 2024 -- "Yesterday, five girls were reportedly killed and 20 children injured in attacks in El Obeid city in Kordofan state, during which shells hit Al-Khansa Secondary School for Girls, and a crowded marketplace.
• Kosovar President Says Mitrovica Bridge Should Open In Coordination With Pristina's Western Partners RFE/RL 15 Aug 2024 -- Kosovar President Vjosa Osmani said on August 15 the country must ensure that the main bridge in Mitrovica, which divides the northern city into an Albanian-majority southern side and a Serb-majority northern side, is opened in a way that does not provoke conflict with Kosovo's international partners.
• Security Council Extends Authorization of African Union Transition Mission in Somalia until 31 December, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2478 (2024) UN Security Council 15 Aug 2024 -- The Security Council today extended its authorization of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) until the end of the year, expressing grave concern that Al-Shabaab continues to pose a serious threat to the peace, security and stability of Somalia and the region.

News Reports

• EU Criticizes Claims of Intelligence Cooperation Between Belgrade and Moscow RFE/RL 15 Aug 2024 -- The European Union has told Serbia that maintaining ties with Russia during its war of aggression against Ukraine is not compatible with EU values and the accession process.
• Man Arrested for Explosives Threats and Attack on Energy Facility US Dept. of Justice 15 Aug 2024 -- Hashem Younis Hashem Hnaihen, 43, a Jordanian citizen residing in Orlando, Florida, is charged with four counts of threatening to use explosives and one count of destruction of an energy facility. At his detention hearing yesterday, Hnaihen was ordered detained pending trial.
• WHO declares mpox global public health emergency People's Daily 15 Aug 2024 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Wednesday mpox a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), sounding the alarm over its potential for further international transmission.
• Dual U.S.-Russian Citizen Sentenced To 12 Years For Treason In Yekaterinburg RFE/RL 15 Aug 2024 -- A Russian court in Yekaterinburg has sentenced dual U.S.-Russian citizen Ksenia Karelina to 12 years in prison after convicting her of treason for transferring $51 to a Ukrainian aid charity in early 2022.
• Navalny's Widow Scorns Official Document Describing Opposition Leader's Cause Of Death RFE/RL 15 Aug 2024 -- Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny, said on August 15 that a three-page document provided by Russian authorities offered no convincing explanation for his death in a penal colony six months ago.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Remarks on August 15, 2024 PRC MofA 15 Aug 2024
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Remarks on General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and President To Lam's Upcoming Visit to China PRC MofA 15 Aug 2024
• Brisk Repairing of Damage in DPRK KCNA 15 Aug 2024 -- The North Phyongan Provincial on-site headquarters for the restoration work is pushing ahead with the restoration work with integrated operation and guidance, true to the decision of the 22nd emergency enlarged meeting of the Political Bureau of the Eighth Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea.
• Analysts: Flood disaster exposes Kim Jong Un's fear of South Korean influence VOA 15 Aug 2024 -- As North Korean leader Kim Jong Un struggles to cope with devastating floods in his country, his recent brash words have exposed his fear of South Korean influence over his people, analysts in Seoul said.
• South Korean president proposes official dialogue channel with North Korea Radio Free Asia 15 Aug 2024 -- South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol proposed an official dialogue channel with North Korea that can "take up any issue" as tension rises on the Korean Peninsula.
• Japanese PM Kishida to step down amid low approval rating Global Times 15 Aug 2024 -- Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced on Wednesday that he will not run in the upcoming Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership race in September, paving the way for Japan to have a new prime minister.
• "We will continue our efforts until terror is no more a source of threat to our country" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 15 Aug 2024 -- Speaking at the Gendarmerie and Coast Guard Academy Graduation Ceremony, President Erdoğan said: "We will continue our efforts with determination until terror is no more a source of threat to our country."
• Biden's remarks on Venezuela prompt questions over US policy VOA 15 Aug 2024 -- President Joe Biden said Thursday he supports new elections in Venezuela, giving a VOA reporter a two-word response — "I do" — when asked "do you support new elections in Venezuela?"
• Brazil's Lula calls for new election in Venezuela VOA 15 Aug 2024 -- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva does not recognize Nicolas Maduro as the winner of last month's contested Venezuelan presidential election and has called on Venezuela to publish voting tallies that the country has so far failed to release.
• Venezuela: Statement by the High Representative on the publication of the interim report of UN Panel of Experts on presidential elections European External Action Service (EEAS) 15 Aug 2024 -- I welcome the decision by UN Secretary-General António Guterres to make the interim report of the United Nations Panel of Experts public. The Panel was invited by Venezuela's National Electoral Council (CNE) to assess the overall conduct of the elections within the framework of the Barbados Agreement. This timely report sheds light on the electoral process and highlights the lack of substantiation for the results announced by Venezuelan authorities.
• Vietnam's top leader to visit China from Sunday Radio Free Asia 15 Aug 2024 -- Vietnam's top leader To Lam will visit China for three days from Sunday, the 67-year-old's first foreign trip since he was elected general secretary of the Communist Party on Aug. 3.
• Downfall of Bangladesh's leader is a lesson to Southeast Asian autocrats Radio Free Asia 15 Aug 2024 -- The overthrow of Bangladesh's Sheikh Hasina earlier this month wouldn't have pleased Southeast Asia's autocrats. Some have been more open than others about their concerns.
• World News in Brief: Zimbabwe rights plea, 'serious concern' over Azerbaijan prosecutions, Bahrain prisoner alert UN News 15 Aug 2024 -- Zimbabwean authorities must immediately release human rights defenders who have been arbitrarily detained for over two weeks and drop the charges against them, a group of independent UN human rights experts said on Thursday.
• Nigerian lawmaker withdraws bill that would jail citizens for subversive activities VOA 15 Aug 2024 -- Nigerian legislation that critics said would have allowed the government to crack down on dissent has been withdrawn.
• Mongolia finds ways to align with the West without alarming China, Russia VOA 15 Aug 2024 -- Landlocked between Russia and China, analysts say Mongolia is finding ways to balance its outreach to Western democratic nations without alarming it neighbors to the north or south.