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Defense Policy / Programs

• DOD Chief Digital and AI Office Introduces New Advana at Industry Day: Conference Spurs Industry Involvement in the Expansion of DOD's Largest Big-Data Platform DoD 18 Sep 2024 -- Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) hosted the Advana Industry Day.
• Poland is first stop for ASC commanding general on his first site visit to Europe Army News 18 Sep 2024 -- During his first site visit to Europe, the commanding general of U.S. Army Sustainment Command's first stop was the 405th Army Field Support Brigade's Logistics Readiness Center Poland at Camp Kościuszko in Poznan and Army Field Support Battalion-Poland at the Powidz Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 worksite in Powidz, Poland.
• U.S., Adriatic Charter military leaders discuss collective deterrence amid chronic Russian threat EUCOM 18 Sep 2024 -- Military leaders from the Adriatic Charter nations and observer states discussed security challenges and opportunities in the western Balkans and reaffirmed their steadfast support to Ukraine in its fight for democracy, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• DAF provides B-21 Raider program updates US Air Force 18 Sep 2024 -- Department of the Air Force leaders and industry partners provided updates on the B-21 Raider, the Air Force's newest bomber, during a panel at the Air and Space Force Association's Air, Space and Cyber Conference, Sept. 18.
• Healy stresses Reserve readiness during GPC panel at Air, Space, Cyber Conference US Air Force 18 Sep 2024 -- Lt. Gen. John Healy focused his remarks Sept. 18 on Reserve readiness and integration amid the Great Power Competition during a panel held here at the Air and Space Forces Association's Air, Space and Cyber Conference.
• US, allied airpower leaders outline Arctic defense strategy US Air Force 18 Sep 2024 -- Four senior Air Force leaders from the U.S. and allied nations discussed their combined efforts in deterring Russia in the Arctic during a panel at the Air Force Association's Air Space, and Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Sept. 17.
• Hecker gives update to five Operational Focus Areas US Air Force 18 Sep 2024 -- U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa Commander Gen. James Hecker stressed the importance of advancing joint and combined military capabilities, readiness, capacity and integration during a media round table at the 2024 Air and Space Forces Association's Air, Space & Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Maryland, Sept. 17.
• AMC commander emphasizes importance of exercises during Great Power Competition US Air Force 18 Sep 2024 -- Gen. Johnny Lamontagne, commander of Air Mobility Command, participated in a panel discussion titled "Exercising for Great Power Competition" with Gen. Kevin Schneider, Pacific Air Forces commander, Lt. Gen. David Miller, U.S. Space Force Space Operations Command commander, and Lt. Gen. John Healy, chief of the Air Force Reserve, and commander of Air Force Reserve Command, Sept. 18 at the Air and Space Forces Association Air, Space and Cyber Conference in National Harbor.
• AETC commander highlights "mission over function" during AFA US Air Force 18 Sep 2024 -- Lt. Gen. Brian S. Robinson, commander of Air Education and Training Command, shared his perspective on how the command is building an expanded, people-focused footprint in support of the service's efforts to reoptimize for Great Power Competition during an Air and Space Forces Association's 2024 Air, Space and Cyber Conference panel at National Harbor, Sept. 17.
• Nuñez voices mission value of Reserve families at Air, Space, Cyber Conference panel US Air Force 18 Sep 2024 -- Chief Master Sgt. Israel Nuñez highlighted the value of the 800,000-strong reserve forces population across the Department of Defense and its families during the "United Forces and Families: Shaping the Guardian Experience" panel at the Air and Space Forces Association's Air, Space and Cyber Conference at National Harbor, Sept. 17.
• Chief of Naval Operations releases Navigation Plan for America's Warfighting Navy US Navy 18 Sep 2024 -- Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti released her Navigation Plan (NAVPLAN) for America's Warfighting Navy at the Naval War College, Sept. 18.
• Makin Island Wins Supply LREA US Navy 18 Sep 2024 -- Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S Pacific Fleet (CNSP) recognized the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) as the recipient of the Logistics Readiness Excellence Award (LREA) for fiscal year 2023.
• CNO Naval War College NAVPLAN 24 Remarks US Navy 18 Sep 2024 -- Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S Pacific Fleet (CNSP) recognized the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) as the recipient of the Logistics Readiness Excellence Award (LREA) for fiscal year 2023.
• SECNAV Del Toro Names Future John Lewis-class Oiler USNS Dolores Huerta (T-AO 214) US Navy Press Release 18 Sep 2024
• With Two Nuclear-Armed Strategic Competitors, U.S. Modernization Top Priority DoD News 18 Sep 2024 -- With two nuclear-armed peer competitors — Russia and China — and with both advancing their nuclear capability, the U.S. now, more than ever, must move at full speed to modernize its nuclear deterrence capability. That effort is not just for U.S. national security, but as well for partners who depend on the U.S.
• Biden to host Quad leaders at Delaware home VOA 18 Sep 2024 -- President Joe Biden has made it a priority to elevate the relationship of the Quad, four countries touched by the Indo-Pacific region, the White House said, as he prepares to host the leaders of Japan, India and Australia on Saturday at his Delaware home.
• Meeting on the Armed Forces development amid the special military operation President of Russia 18 Sep 2024 -- Vladimir Putin held a meeting, via videoconference, on current issues concerning the Armed Forces development amid the special military operation.
• North Korea 'modifying' Russian jet as early warning aircraft: think tank Radio Free Asia 18 Sep 2024 -- North Korea is "making progress" in modifying a Russian aircraft to become its first airborne early warning, or AEW, platform, a British think tank said.
• CIS Air Defence Coordination Committee holds session in Minsk Russia MoD 18 Sep 2024 -- On 18 September 2024, the 59th meeting of the CIS Air Defence Coordination Committee was held in Minsk (Belarus).
• Russia and Laos commence Laros 2024 joint military drills in Primorsky region Russia MoD 18 Sep 2024 -- The ceremonial opening of the Laros 2024 joint Russian-Lao military exercise was held at the Russian Eastern Military District's military training ground.
• Two PLA Navy ships make call at Pacific Fleet's home port Russia MoD 18 Sep 2024 -- Today, destroyer Xining and frigate Linyi of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy arrived in Vladivostok.
• Chinese FM responds to Japanese claim on PLA aircraft carrier activities Global Times 18 Sep 2024 -- The aircraft carrier Liaoning of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy has reportedly launched an exercise in the West Pacific, with the island of Taiwan and Japan sensationalizing the voyage which experts said is normal and legitimate.
• China sanctions US military firms over arms sales to Taiwan Press TV 18 Sep 2024 -- China has imposed sanctions on nine US military contractors in retaliation for Washington's approval of weapons sales to the country's Taiwan region this week.
• China sanctions 9 US firms over military sales to Taiwan Radio Free Asia 18 Sep 2024 -- China imposed sanctions on Wednesday on nine U.S. military-linked firms for their sale of equipment to Taiwan and it denounced what it called the "dangerous trend" of U.S. military support for the democratic island.
• Release of the Report into the 20-year Review into the Inspector General of the Australian Defence Force Australia DOD 18 Sep 2024 -- On 18 September, the Department of Defence became aware that the report into the 20-year Review into the Inspector General of the Australian Defence Force had been published on the website of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veterans Suicide. Defence understands the report has since been removed.
• Spirit of cooperation Australia DOD 18 Sep 2024 -- A United States Air Force (USAF) Bomber Task Force mission, involving its B-2 Spirit stealth bombers operating out of RAAF Base Amberley across August and September, has concluded.
• State-of-the-art armoured vehicle fleet supported under new contract UK MOD 18 Sep 2024 -- Thousands of UK military land vehicles will be maintained under a new £71 million contract, supporting the government's growth mission by creating hundreds of jobs.
• UK commits to bolstering European security as foreign secretary visits Norwegian military command UK FCDO 18 Sep 2024 -- Foreign Secretary travels to Norway to strengthen defence and security cooperation.
• CONTROLLED DITCHING OF HALE RPA ON ROUTINE SURVEILLANCE MISSION India PIB 18 Sep 2024 -- A High Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft (HALE RPA) leased by the Indian Navy operating from INS Rajali, Arakkonam (near Chennai) encountered a technical failure at about 1400 hrs whilst on a routine surveillance mission which could not be reset in flight
• ICGS Sujay makes port call in Bali for a three-day visit as part of overseas deployment to East Asia India PIB 18 Sep 2024 -- Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Offshore Patrol Vessel Sujay with integral helicopter made a port call at Bali, Indonesia on September 18, 2024, for a three-day visit, as part of its ongoing overseas deployment to East Asia
• A look at the Defence news 9 - 15 September Netherlands Ministry of Defence 18 Sep 2024
• Switzerland Dumps Neutrality as Senate Rejects Ban on Joining NATO Drills Sputnik 18 Sep 2024 -- The Swiss Council of States, the upper house of the parliament, said on Wednesday that it had voted against a ban on the participation of its military in joint NATO drills.

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Sept. 18, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• The Chief of the General Staff at the Northern Command Israel Defense Forces 18 Sep 2024
• Israeli Defense Minister Says New Phase of War Begins, Military Efforts Shifted to North Sputnik 18 Sep 2024 -- Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Wednesday that a new phase of the war has begun and that the center of gravity of the military effort has shifted to the northern front.
• Israeli army admits 4 troops killed in Gaza; total deaths top 714 IRNA 18 Sep 2024 -- The Israeli regime's army has admitted that four military personnel were killed in an ambush in the city of Rafah, located in the south of the Gaza Strip.
• Israeli military confirms 4 troopers killed in Rafah; regime's Gaza death toll at 348 Press TV 18 Sep 2024 -- The Israeli regime has announced the death of four of its occupation forces and the injury of several others in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, amid the nearly year-long genocidal war on the blockaded Palestinian territory.
• Hamas wining despite Israel's upper hand on tactical level: Israeli general Press TV 18 Sep 2024 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas is wining in the besieged Gaza Strip and cannot be defeated despite Israel's upper hand on a tactical level, says a senior Israeli general.
• Prime Minister's Office Statement Israel - Prime Minister 18 Sep 2024
• Sept. 17: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 18 Sep 2024
• Gaza death toll in Israeli attack tops 41,272 IRNA 18 Sep 2024 -- The Palestinian Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip declared that 41,272 civilians have been martyred in occupied Palestine since October 7, 2023, amid the Israeli massacre that continues in the Gaza Strip.
• UN General Assembly demands Israel end 'unlawful presence' in Occupied Palestinian Territory UN News 18 Sep 2024 -- The United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday voted overwhelmingly to adopt a resolution that demands that Israel "brings to an end without delay its unlawful presence" in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
• UN appeals for restraint after further devices explode across Lebanon UN News 18 Sep 2024 -- UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an end to the escalation in violence in the Middle East amid reports of a fresh wave of electronic device detonations in Lebanon which caused further deaths and injuries.
• UNRWA Situation Report #137 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. All information from 13 - 16 September 2024, valid as of 16 September 2024 at 22:30 (local time) UNRWA 18 Sep 2024
• Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on Lebanon UN Secretary-General 18 Sep 2024
• UN General Assembly passes resolution, urging Israel to end its occupation IRNA 18 Sep 2024 -- The UN General Assembly has approved a Palestinian resolution Wednesday calling on Israel to end its "unlawful presence" in the occupied territories within a year.
• UN rights chief terms Lebanon explosions violation of international law IRNA 18 Sep 2024 -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has described the recent explosion of radio communication devices (pagers) in various parts of Lebanon as a violation of international law.
• UN overwhelmingly demands Israel end occupation of Palestinian territories Press TV 18 Sep 2024 -- The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution that demands Israel end its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory within a year.
• Lebanon Pager Blasts Could Be Preemptive Strike Before Major Military Operation - UN Chief Sputnik 18 Sep 2024 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Wednesday that the pager detonations in Lebanon could be a preemptive action ahead of a major military operation which has to be avoided at all costs.
• UN General Assembly mulls over draft resolution tabled by Palestine People's Daily 18 Sep 2024 -- The UN General Assembly on Tuesday resumed its 10th emergency special session on the issue of Israeli actions in occupied East Jerusalem and the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, with member states deliberating a draft resolution introduced by the State of Palestine.
• 20 killed, 450 injured in Lebanon walkie-talkie explosions targeting Hezbollah VOA 18 Sep 2024 -- At least 20 people were killed and 450 were injured Wednesday in a new round of explosions in Lebanon, with the latest blasts from remotely detonated walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah militants.
• Israel's Suspected Attack On Electronic Devices In Lebanon Marks New Phase In Hizballah Hostilities RFE/RL 18 Sep 2024 -- A suspected Israeli attack targeting electronic devices used by members of the Iranian-backed Lebanese militant group Hizballah appears to mark a new phase in the escalating hostilities between the longtime foes.
• Second Wave Of Remote Detonations Kills At Least 20 People In Lebanon RFE/RL 18 Sep 2024 -- A second wave of device explosions killed at least 20 people and wounded hundreds more in Lebanon, officials said on September 18, stoking fears of an all-out war in the region.
• Pagers used for terrorism in Lebanon 'made in Hungary': Taiwan's Gold Apollo Press TV 18 Sep 2024 -- Taiwanese company Gold Apollo says the pagers used in the Israeli deadly terrorist attack in Lebanon on Tuesday had been made by a Hungarian firm, to which the company had authorized its brand on the devices.
• Hezbollah confirms martyrdom of 10 members in Israeli attacks IRNA 18 Sep 2024 -- Lebanon's Hezbollah Resistance Movement has confirmed the martyrdom of 10 of its members, including some in Tuesday's cyber-terror attack by the Zionist regime.
• Hezbollah launches combined attacks on Zionist settlements IRNA 18 Sep 2024 -- Local media has reported that Hezbollah of Lebanon has conducted missile and drone attacks against Zionist settlements in the northern parts of the Palestinian Israeli-occupied territories.
• Fresh explosions reported in Lebanon IRNA 18 Sep 2024 -- Media sources have reported new explosions in southern Dahieh of Beirut and other parts of Lebanon.
• Three People Killed as Result of Explosion of Devices in Eastern Lebanon - Reports Sputnik 18 Sep 2024 -- Sounds of explosions similar to recent ones of the detonation of pagers are heard in several areas of Lebanon, the Lebanese Al Jadeed broadcaster reported on Wednesday, citing sources.
• IRGC says no casualties among its forces in Lebanon pager blasts IRNA 18 Sep 2024 -- A spokesperson for the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has dismissed media reports claiming that members of Iran's elite force were among the casualties of Tuesday's pager explosions in Lebanon.
• Taiwan company denies manufacturing exploding Hezbollah pagers CNA 18 Sep 2024 -- A Taiwanese company which reportedly has exported the pagers that exploded and killed Hezbollah members in Lebanon denied the allegation on Wednesday, saying the pagers in question were manufactured by a firm licensing its brand.
• Did A Budapest-Based Company Make Pagers Used In Attack On Hizballah In Lebanon? RFE/RL 18 Sep 2024 -- A Budapest-based company alleged to have made the pagers used in the deadly attack on Hizballah in Lebanon appears to have only one employee working from an empty office that offers a range of services but not pager manufacturing.
• Hezbollah: Israel will pay 'heavy price' for its crime IRNA 18 Sep 2024 -- The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah has warned that the Zionist regime will pay a heavy price for its pager terrorist attack across the Arab country.
• Lebanon health minister says 3,000 people injured in Israeli pager attack IRNA 18 Sep 2024 -- The Lebanese minister of health announced that some 3,000 people injured in the Israeli regime's pager attack on Tuesday have been hospitalized, thanking Iran, Iraq and Egypt for their assistance.
• More communication devices explode in Lebanon day after pager blasts Press TV 18 Sep 2024 -- At least 14 people have been killed as more communication devices detonated in Lebanon a day after simultaneous explosions of pagers across the country left at least a dozen dead and thousands injured.
• Hezbollah vows to continue pro-Gaza ops as death toll from pager blasts rises to 12 Press TV 18 Sep 2024 -- Hezbollah vows to continue its anti-Israeli strikes in support of the Gaza Strip, which is subject to a genocidal Israeli war, asserting that the recent Israeli atrocity that caused casualties in Lebanon will only strengthen its resolve to continue the path of struggle and resistance.
• Lebanese Labor Minister Slams Pager Explosions as Terrorist Attack by Israel Sputnik 18 Sep 2024 -- The explosion of pagers of thousands of Lebanese citizens was a terrorist attack committed by Israel, Lebanese Labor Minister Mustafa Bayram told Sputnik on Wednesday.
• Hezbollah Warns Israel to Expect Response for Wave of Lebanon Pager Blasts Sputnik 18 Sep 2024 -- Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based Shiite movement, said on Wednesday that it would respond to Israel for the mass detonation of pagers that left thousands of Lebanese maimed and injured.
• Mossad behind pager explosions in Lebanon: Media IRNA 18 Sep 2024 -- Western media have concluded that the Israeli spy agency Mossad planted explosives in the batteries of pagers that exploded in Lebanon, resulting in deaths and injuries on Tuesday's evening.
• Iranian FM condemns deadly pager blasts in Lebanon People's Daily 18 Sep 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi has strongly condemned the targeting of Lebanese citizens in simultaneous pager explosions in the Arab state, calling it a "terrorist action by Israel."
• Iran envoy condemns Israel's cyber terrorism in Lebanon Press TV 18 Sep 2024 -- Iran's UN ambassador has strongly condemned Israel's acts of terrorism against Lebanon, saying the Zionist Israeli regime must be held accountable for the heinous crime.
• Blinken visits Egypt for talks on securing Gaza cease-fire VOA 18 Sep 2024 -- Progress has been made on a Gaza cease-fire deal over the past month and a half, but now Israel and Hamas must show "political will" to get an agreement concluded, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant DoD 18 Sep 2024
• Egypt's Sisi discusses Gaza ceasefire talks with Blinken in Cairo Press TV 18 Sep 2024 -- President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt says his country will step up efforts to secure a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, during talks with visiting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty At a Joint Press Availability US Dept. of State 18 Sep 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Egyptian President El-Sisi US Dept. of State 18 Sep 2024
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty Before the U.S.-Egypt Strategic Dialogue US Dept. of State 18 Sep 2024
• 'Iran to follow up on Israeli attack against its ambassador in Lebanon' IRNA 18 Sep 2024 -- Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Amir Saeid Iravani says his country will follow up on the attack against its ambassador in Lebanon, demanding the UN chief and the Security Council condemn Israel's terrorist action against the ambassador as well as targeting of Lebanese civilians.
• Israeli pager attacks in Lebanon 'source of shame' for West: Pezeshkian IRNA 18 Sep 2024 -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has condemned the mass pager explosions in Lebanon, describing the terror attack by the Israeli regime as a "source of shame" for Western countries, not least the United States.
• Lebanon pager blasts disgrace to the West: Iranian president Press TV 18 Sep 2024 -- President Masoud Pezeshkian says Israel's pager detonations in Lebanon are a shame for the regime's Western backers, not least the United States.
• Iran condemns Lebanon's deadly pager explosions as Israeli 'mass murder' Press TV 18 Sep 2024 -- The spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry has vehemently denounced the pager explosions across Lebanon, which killed at least nine people and wounded some 3,000 others, describing the tragedy as an act of mass murder perpetrated by the occupying Israeli regime.
• Canada abstains from United Nations General Assembly resolution on the Advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the legal consequences arising from Israel's policies and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory Canada 18 Sep 2024
• Canada imposes third round of sanctions on perpetrators of extremist settler violence against Palestinian civilians in West Bank Canada 18 Sep 2024 -- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing new sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Extremist Settler Violence) Regulations.
• Canada imposes third round of sanctions on perpetrators of extremist settler violence against Palestinian civilians in West Bank Canada 18 Sep 2024
• Canada imposes additional sanctions in response to Hamas' terrorist attacks against Israel Canada 18 Sep 2024 -- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing additional sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Hamas Terrorist Attacks) Regulations. These sanctions build on Canada's efforts to countering Hamas and its acts of terror, as well as its affiliates and financial networks.
• Canada imposes additional sanctions in response to Hamas' terrorist attacks against Israel Canada 18 Sep 2024
• Israel/Palestine: Statement by the High Representative on the UN General Assembly Special Session vote European External Action Service (EEAS) 18 Sep 2024 -- In the context of a particularly dire situation in the Middle East, I acknowledge the great significance of today's adoption by the UN General Assembly of a Resolution demanding inter alia an end to Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory within one year, and on which a wide majority of States voted in favour.
• Lebanon: Statement by the High Representative on the new series of explosions across the country European External Action Service (EEAS) 18 Sep 2024 -- I firmly condemn today's new attack via the explosion of a high number of electronic devices across Lebanon, which has caused several casualties and a high number of injuries. Once again, the indiscriminate method used is unacceptable due to the inevitable and heavy collateral damages among civilians, and the broader consequences for the entire population, including fear and terror, and the collapse of hospitals.
• Lebanon: Statement by the High Representative on the series of explosions across the country European External Action Service (EEAS) 18 Sep 2024 -- Following yesterday's series of explosions in Lebanon, I called the Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib. He briefed me on the explosion of a high number of electronic devices in many areas across the country. Thousands of people were injured - hundreds in critical condition - hospitals are collapsing.
• Estonia supports UN General Assembly resolution on ending Israel's occupation Estonia MFA 18 Sep 2024 -- At a vote held today 18 September in New York, Estonia supported the UN General Assembly resolution that expresses support for the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and calls on Israel to end its occupation on Palestinian territory.
• Norway's statement at the UN Emergency Special Session on The International Court of Justice's advisory opinion on the Israeli occupation. Government of Norway 18 Sep 2024 -- The statement was delivered by Norway's Permanent Representative to the UN in New York, Ambassador Merete Brattested on September 17, 2024.
• Norwegian support to strengthen Moldova's resilience Government of Norway 18 Sep 2024 -- The Norwegian support to Moldova announced during the state visit of Moldovan President Maja Sandu to Norway in the spring has now been distributed. Approximately NOK 275 million of the total NOK 350 million in funding announced by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre during the state visit will be used in areas relating to energy and the environment, education, elections, and efforts to combat disinformation.
• Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's comment on the large-scale cyberattack in Lebanon Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Sep 2024
• Russia: Pager blasts against Hezbollah meant to 'provoke major war' Press TV 18 Sep 2024 -- Russia says the attack against Lebanon's resistance movement Hezbollah through pager blasts was intentionally designed to "provoke a major war in the Middle East", after simultaneous explosions of thousands of pagers across the Arab country killed a dozen people and wounded thousands others.
• No: 194, 18 September 2024, Regarding the Meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Arab League Contact Group on Gaza in Amman Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Sep 2024
• The UK's explanation of vote on the UN General Assembly resolution on the ICJ's Advisory Opinion on Israel's presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories UK FCDO 18 Sep 2024 -- Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, on the UN General Assembly resolution on the ICJ's Advisory Opinion on Israel's presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories - Wednesday 18 September 2024.
• Hamas planted bombs in 14K buildings in Rafah to kill Israeli soldiers: Report IRNA 18 Sep 2024 -- The Israeli regime's radio claims that Hamas has planted bombs in more than 14,000 buildings in Rafah in the south of the Gaza Strip to kill Israeli soldiers.
• Iraqi resistance says countdown to target Zionist settlements started IRNA 18 Sep 2024 -- Secretary-General of Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba Akram al-Kaabi has vowed to target all Zionist settlements.
• Iraq's Nujaba says will target all Israeli settlements after Lebanon terrorist attacks Press TV 18 Sep 2024 -- A major Iraqi resistance group has vowed to open fire on all Israeli settlements throughout the occupied Palestinian territories in response to the occupying regime's recent terrorist attacks in Lebanon that left at least 9 people dead and nearly 3,000 others injured.

Other Conflicts

• DFA considers filing resolution on WPS issue at UNGA Philippine News Agency 18 Sep 2024 -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is currently reviewing a proposal to file a resolution at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly regarding China's rising aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
• Senate resolution commending crew of BRP Teresa Magbanua filed Philippine News Agency 18 Sep 2024 -- Senator Robinhood Padilla has filed a resolution commending the crew of the Philippine Coast Guard's (PCG) vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua enduring harassment and hardships while maintaining the country's presence in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
• China to step up counteractions if Manila keeps provocation: expert Global Times 18 Sep 2024 -- The Philippines insisted on Monday that it had not given up China's Xianbin Jiao, two days after the Philippine Coast Guard ship MRRV-9701 left the lagoon of Xianbin Jiao (also known as Xianbin Reef) in the South China Sea.
• Afghanistan: UN warns of growing crisis under increasingly authoritarian Taliban rule UN News 18 Sep 2024 -- Concerns for women and the overall state of humanitarian rights in Afghanistan are growing following further legal clampdowns by the Taliban, the UN Security Council heard on Wednesday.
• The Taliban must reverse its abhorrent policies against Afghan women and girls: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 18 Sep 2024 -- Statement by Jess Jambert-Gray, Deputy Political Coordinator, at the UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan.
• Sanctions, Travel Bans on Taliban Resulting in Afghanistan Being 'Ruptured from International Community', Special Representative Warns Security Council UN Security Council 18 Sep 2024 -- The Security Council today examined the impacts of the Taliban's new morality law on women and girls in Afghanistan, with speakers calling on the de facto authorities to reverse course and strengthen their engagement with the international community.
• Uzbekistan opens free economic zone on Afghan border VOA 18 Sep 2024 -- Afghans longing for closer connections with the outside world are finding an outlet in the border city of Termez, where neighboring Uzbekistan invites them to visit a new international trade center aimed at boosting regional trade and creating business opportunities.
• Myanmar rebels kill 12 women from pro-military village: report Radio Free Asia 18 Sep 2024 -- Rebel forces in central Myanmar ambushed a vehicle near a junta stronghold killing 12 women on their way to work in nearby fields, military-controlled media reported on Wednesday.
• UN report describes torture and death of hundreds in custody since Myanmar coup Radio Free Asia 18 Sep 2024 -- At least 1,853 people have died in military custody, including 88 children and 125 women, since Myanmar's military coup - many after being tortured - according to a new U.N. report on the situation of human rights in the country.
• India-controlled Kashmir votes in first regional poll after special status scrapped Press TV 18 Sep 2024 -- People in the Indian-controlled Kashmir have gone to the polls to cast their ballots in the first local elections since the 2019 cancellation of the Muslim-majority territory's special semi-autonomous status by the government in New Delhi.
• Amid 'Atrocious' Humanitarian Situation in North Darfur, Senior Official, Briefing Security Council, Stresses Need for 'Rapid De-escalation in Conflict' UN Security Council 18 Sep 2024 -- A new wave of large-scale fighting between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces broke out in the city of El Fasher on 12 September, a senior UN official told the Security Council today, reporting that hundreds of thousands of people trapped in the capital of North Darfur, Sudan, are now "at risk of the consequences of mass violence".
• UN: 'Immediate action' needed to halt fighting in Sudan's Darfur VOA 18 Sep 2024 -- A senior United Nations official warned Wednesday that "immediate action" is needed to halt the fighting in the capital of Sudan's North Darfur region, where hundreds of thousands of civilians are at risk.
• Sudan: UN urges immediate action to stop fighting in El Fasher UN News 18 Sep 2024 -- A sharp escalation in fighting in Sudan's El Fasher, along with ongoing clashes between rival military factions across the country, is heightening the risk of atrocities, including violence against women, and worsening the already dire humanitarian crisis, senior UN officials warned on Wednesday.
• The RSF must halt its siege of El Fasher: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 18 Sep 2024 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Sudan.

News Reports

• Joint ODNI, FBI, and CISA Statement Director of National Intelligence 18 Sep 2024 -- "Since the 19 August 2024 joint ODNI, FBI, and CISA public statement on Iranian Election Influence Efforts, the FBI has learned additional details about Iran's efforts to sow discord and shape the outcome of U.S. elections."
• Intelligence suggests Iran sought to ensnare Trump, Biden in hack-and-leak VOA 18 Sep 2024 -- Iran's efforts to upend U.S. politics ahead of November's presidential election by targeting the campaign of former President Donald Trump went well beyond a standard hack-and-leak operation.
• UK summons Russian Ambassador following Russia's public campaign of aggression against the UK UK FCDO 18 Sep 2024 -- The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has summoned the Russian Ambassador today following Russia's malicious and deliberate public campaign of aggression against the UK.
• Court-Authorized Operation Disrupts Worldwide Botnet Used by People's Republic of China State-Sponsored Hackers US Dept. of Justice 18 Sep 2024 -- The Justice Department today announced a court-authorized law enforcement operation that disrupted a botnet consisting of more than 200,000 consumer devices in the United States and worldwide. As described in court documents unsealed in the Western District of Pennsylvania, the botnet devices were infected by People's Republic of China (PRC) state-sponsored hackers working for Integrity Technology Group, a company based in Beijing, and known to the private sector as "Flax Typhoon."
• US targets second major Chinese hacking group VOA 18 Sep 2024 -- The United States has identified and taken down a botnet campaign by China-directed hackers to further infiltrate American infrastructure as well as a variety of internet-connected devices.
• Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism The White House 18 Sep 2024
• Message to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism The White House 18 Sep 2024
• Russia's president approves proposal for signing strategic partnership agreement with Iran Press TV 18 Sep 2024 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved of a proposal forwarded by the country's foreign ministry for signing of a strategic partnership agreement with Iran.
• Telephone conversation with President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva President of Russia 18 Sep 2024 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Federative Republic of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on September 18, 2024 PRC MofA 18 Sep 2024
• Too many Americans 'unjustly' jailed in China, lawmakers say Radio Free Asia 18 Sep 2024 -- U.S. lawmakers on Wednesday urged the Biden administration to do more to bring home Americans unjustly imprisoned in China, as family members of the prisoners begged for help to secure their release.
• Nigeria, China share common interests, aspirations as Global South nations: Foreign Minister Tuggar Global Times 18 Sep 2024 -- The heads of state of China and Nigeria recently decided to elevate their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and build a high-level China-Nigeria community with a shared future. Nigeria's Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar told the Global Times in a recent interview that the elevated ties will bring more long-term and in-depth cooperation between the two countries.
• Mutual respect the foundation for DRC and China to conduct cooperation: Foreign Minister Wagner Global Times 18 Sep 2024 -- "Mutual respect is the foundation for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and China to conduct cooperation." Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, DRC state minister for Foreign Affairs, told the Global Times in a recent interview that the tangible impacts of the bilateral cooperation has driven development of infrastructure and other key sectors of DRC.
• Exclusive: FOCAC promotes solidarity of Global South, boost modernization: South Africa FM Global Times 18 Sep 2024 -- The 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) ran from September 4 to 6 in Beijing, the largest diplomatic event hosted by China in recent years, with the highest attendance of foreign leaders. In a recent exclusive interview with the Global Times, South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola said he believes China and Africa will take this forum as an opportunity to carry out more practical cooperation, promote solidarity and boost the modernization of the Global South.
• Macao's electoral authority accepts Sam as candidate for chief executive election People's Daily 18 Sep 2024 -- Macao's Electoral Affairs Commission for the Chief Executive Election issued a notice on Wednesday announcing Sam Hou Fai as the only accepted candidate for the chief executive election.
• Japanese-Uyghur lawmaker urges Tokyo to take firmer stand on China Radio Free Asia 18 Sep 2024 -- A Japanese lawmaker of Uyghur descent has called on Tokyo to take a stronger stand against China's human rights abuses against the 12 million mostly Muslim ethnic group living in northwestern China.
• Taiwan's coastal defenses questioned after Chinese man's illegal entry attempt VOA 18 Sep 2024 -- A recent attempt by a Chinese man to illegally enter Taiwan after crossing the 180-kilometer-wide Taiwan Strait in a rubber boat is raising concerns on the island about its coastal defense capabilities and overall preparedness amid rising tensions between Beijing and Taipei.
• US Navy flies maritime patrol aircraft through Taiwan Strait Radio Free Asia 18 Sep 2024 -- The U.S. Navy has flown a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft through the Taiwan Strait to demonstrate what it calls "freedom of navigation" through the waterway claimed by China.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 18 Sep 2024
• North Korea ballistic missile launches on 18 September 2024: FCDO statement UK FCDO 18 Sep 2024 -- Following North Korea's ballistic missile launches on 18 September, a Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson gave a statement.
• Some JCPOA parties fail to live up to their commitments: Iranian official IRNA 18 Sep 2024 -- Spokesman of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Behrouz Kamalvandi has said that some of the parties to the Iran nuclear deal called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) continue to fail to fulfill their promises and live up to their commitments.
• US reacts to Iranian president's call for end to hostile approach IRNA 18 Sep 2024 -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's remarks about Washington's vicious policies in the Wes Asia region and his call for Americans "to end their hostility since the Iranian nation is not hostile to them" have prompted reactions from the US State Department spokesman.
• US imposes new rights-related sanctions on Iran Press TV 18 Sep 2024 -- The United States has imposed a new round of sanctions on Iran on accusations of human rights violations as Washington continues with its unsuccessful policy of pressuring Tehran into new political and military concessions.
• U.S. Imposes Fresh Sanctions On 12 Individuals Over Violent Repression In Iran RFE/RL 18 Sep 2024 -- The United States on September 18 issued a new round of sanctions on 12 individuals who it said were tied to Iran's "ongoing, violent repression" inside and outside the country.
• Sanctioning Iranian Officials in Connection with Human Rights Violations US Dept. of State 18 Sep 2024 -- The United States is today designating 12 individuals in connection with Iran's violent and coercive tactics, both inside and outside Iran. We are taking these actions in coordination with Australia and Canada, who are each also rolling out new sanctions this week against those responsible for human rights abuses in Iran.
• Treasury Sanctions Iranian Officials Connected to Human Rights Violations US Treasury 18 Sep 2024 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating 12 individuals in connection with the Iranian regime's ongoing, violent repression of the Iranian people, both within Iran's borders and abroad. These designations target members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), officials of Iran's Prisons Organization, and those responsible for lethal operations overseas. Today's action is being taken in coordination with Canada and Australia, which have also unveiled new sanctions against those connected to human rights abuses in Iran.
• Canada imposes further sanctions against Iran Canada 18 Sep 2024 -- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing additional sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations.
• Canada imposes further sanctions against Iran Canada 18 Sep 2024
• Iranian-American Freed In Prisoner Exchange Accuses Iran Of 'Selling' Its Own People RFE/RL 18 Sep 2024 -- Siamak Namazi, a naturalized U.S. citizen, was arbitrarily arrested while visiting his native country of Iran for a memorial service in 2015.
• WFP to launch Myanmar flood response to people affected by typhoon Yagi WFP 18 Sep 2024 -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is gearing up to launch a rapid flood response this week in Myanmar to provide emergency food assistance to people in areas submerged by floods following the passage of Super Typhoon Yagi over the past few days. This response is a major scale-up in WFP flood relief efforts ongoing since July.
• Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister holds talks with the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Sep 2024 -- Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar today held delegation-level talks with the Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk.
• Russia pledges to back Pakistan's BRICS membership VOA 18 Sep 2024 -- Russia expressed support Wednesday for Pakistan's entry into the BRICS intergovernmental group of major emerging economies from the Global South.
• Pakistan, Russia expand economic ties amid Western sanctions VOA 18 Sep 2024 -- Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk met with Pakistani officials in Islamabad on Wednesday to deepen economic ties and expand cooperation "across multiple sectors," as Moscow grapples with U.S. and EU economic sanctions over its war against Ukraine.
• New Re-usable Low-cost launch vehicle for Bharat India PIB 18 Sep 2024 -- The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the development of Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), that will be a significant step towards the Government's vision of establishing & operating the Bharatiya Antariksh Station and towards developing capability for Indian Crewed Landing on the Moon by 2040
• Bharatiya Anthariksh Station (BAS): Our own Space Station for Scientific research to be established with the launch of its first module in 2028 India PIB 18 Sep 2024 -- The union cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the building of first unit of the Bharatiya Anatriksh Station by extending the scope of Gaganyaan program
• After Moon and Mars, India sights science goals on Venus India PIB 18 Sep 2024 -- The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the development of Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM), that will be a significant step towards the Government's vision of exploring and studying the Venus, beyond moon and mars
• Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on the adoption of Germany's Arctic policy guidelines Germany Federal Foreign Office 18 Sep 2024
• Germany's Arctic policy guidelines: Germany and the Arctic in the context of climate change and the Zeitenwende Germany Federal Foreign Office 18 Sep 2024 -- On 18 September 2024, the federal cabinet adopted the new interministerial Arctic policy guidelines. Their clear aim is to safeguard security and stability in the Arctic.
• His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar concludes visit to Canada Canada 18 Sep 2024 -- The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, along with the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, and other senior officials welcomed His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar to Canada, from September 17 to 18.
• Backgrounder: Canada increases development cooperation with Qatar Canada 18 Sep 2024
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Emir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Prime Minister of Canada 18 Sep 2024 -- On September 17 and 18, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau welcomed the Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to Canada.
• How far can Vietnam's To Lam push his 'palace coup' before meeting resistance? Radio Free Asia 18 Sep 2024 -- Unlike China under paramount ruler Xi Jinping, the fellow Communist nation of Vietnam is not ruled by a single leader.
• Vietnamese executive on trial for second time in country's biggest fraud case Radio Free Asia 18 Sep 2024 -- Vietnamese businesswoman Truong My Lan, who has already been sentenced to death for masterminding the country's biggest fraud, went on trial again on Thursday, according to state media.
• Tajiks Skeptical That Attack On Top Islamic Leader Was 'Hooliganism' RFE/RL 18 Sep 2024 -- Tajikistan's top Islamic leader has not been seen in public since an unprecedented stabbing attack last week that witnesses say left him with a knife wound on his forehead.
• U.S. Envoy Calls Out Hungary For Actions Leading Toward 'Democratic Crisis' RFE/RL 18 Sep 2024 -- The U.S. ambassador to Hungary said a troubling trend in Hungary over the past six months threatens to put it on a path toward a "democratic crisis" and raises the possibility that the United States would consider reviewing U.S.-Hungarian relations.
• Top EU Diplomat Warns Georgia Over Law Restricting LGBT Rights RFE/RL 18 Sep 2024 -- The European Union's top diplomat has called on Georgia to scrap legislation approved by lawmakers that curbs LGBT rights and allows for bans on cultural events such as Pride marches.
• World News in Brief: Yemen detainee appeal, Typhoon Yagi impacts, ease asylum seekers' plight, mpox cash boost UN News 18 Sep 2024 -- Regional directors from six UN agencies and three non-governmental organizations (NGOs) called on Wednesday for the immediate and unconditional release of scores of colleagues who have been arbitrarily detained in Yemen for 100 days.