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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• U.S. Central Command Weekly Update CENTCOM 18 Oct 2024 -- In the past week, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed 20 one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems (OWAUAS) and Land Attack Cruise Missiles (LACMs) in the CENTCOM area of responsibility (AOR). These Iranian-supplied weapons, launched episodically by the Houthis and Iranian-Aligned Militia Groups (IAMGs) over several days during the week, posed a significant risk to United States, allies, and partner forces, as well as civilians in the region and beyond. The drones and missiles were downed by a combination of U.S. Air Force and U.S Navy assets deployed to the region.
• Iraqi Security Forces, Partnered with Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, Conduct Targeted Strike That Killed Senior ISIS Leader CENTCOM 18 Oct 2024 -- Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) conducted precision airstrikes in Northeastern Iraq on Oct. 14 that killed four members of the terrorist organization ISIS, including a senior leader. The Iraqi-led strikes were conducted to disrupt and degrade ISIS attack networks in Iraq and were enabled by technical support and intelligence from Coalition Forces as part of Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR).

Defense Policy / Programs

• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Holds a Press Conference DoD 18 Oct 2024
• Army launches pilot to explore generative AI for acquisition activities US Army 18 Oct 2024 -- Ms. Jennifer Swanson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Data, Engineering and Software, announced today the launch of a pilot, #CalibrateAI, that will explore innovative applications of generative artificial intelligence for Army acquisition activities.
• U.S. Marines Complete Typhoon Krathon Humanitarian Assistance Efforts USMC News 18 Oct 2024 -- U.S. Marines across multiple forward-deployed commands concluded six days of foreign disaster relief efforts in the Philippines Oct. 10, 2024, supporting the U.S. Agency for International Development's humanitarian (USAID) response to Typhoon Krathon (locally known as Julian) at the request of the Philippine government.
• Military Leaders Strengthen Indo-Pacific Partnerships During Guam, Hawaii Visit US Navy 18 Oct 2024 -- Acting Under Secretary of the Navy (UNSECNAV) Tom Mancinelli and the Acting Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (DUSN(A&S)) Deborah Rosenblum traveled to Guam and Hawaii, Oct. 13-18, to meet with government officials, military leaders, and service members assigned to the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.
• Military Sealift Command Far East Participates in Sama Sama US Navy 18 Oct 2024 -- As part of the eighth iteration of Exercise Sama Sama 2024, Military Sealift Command (MSC) Far East participated in refueling-at-sea familiarization training aboard the Philippine Navy (PN) frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF 150), at Subic Bay, Philippines, Oct. 8-9.
• USS George Washington transits to Japan US Navy 18 Oct 2024 -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) departed the San Diego area for routine operations Oct. 8, beginning its transit to Yokosuka, Japan.
• Elements of the 15th MEU Return Home from Deployment Aboard USS Harpers Ferry USMC News 18 Oct 2024 -- More than 300 Marines and Sailors with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, embarked aboard USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), returned home to San Diego, Oct. 16, 2024, after completing a seven-month deployment in the U.S. 7th and 3rd Fleet areas of operation.
• NATO Secretary General: Strengthening deterrence "top priority" NATO 18 Oct 2024 -- NATO Defence Ministers wrapped up two days of talks on Friday (18 October) with a commitment to further support Ukraine, strengthen ties with partners in the Asia-Pacific and reinforce the Alliance's deterrence and defence.
• Russia Pressures Central Asian Prisoners To Fight In Ukraine As 'Expendable Force' RFE/RL 18 Oct 2024 -- A 24-year-old migrant worker from Kyrgyzstan, Eleman enlisted in the military at a Russian prison in 2023 with the promise of parole, big money, and Russian citizenship in return for six months of combat in Ukraine.
• Admiral of Fleet Kasatonov frigate fires missiles from Barents Sea at shore targets Russia MoD 18 Oct 2024 -- As part of planned combat training activities, the Northern Fleet's frigate Admiral of the Fleet Kasatonov launched missiles using a main missile system to hit a coastal target.
• Ship battle force of Pacific Fleet finishes business call at port of Georgetown in Malaysia Russia MoD 18 Oct 2024 -- The ship battle force (Pacific Fleet) comprising corvettes Gromky, Rezky, and Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov left the Georgetown port, Malaysia state after a friendly visit.
• Russian, Omani naval flotillas arrive in Iran to take part in IONS Maritime Exercise Press TV 18 Oct 2024 -- Flotillas of Russian and Omani warships have arrived in Iran's territorial waters in the Persian Gulf to participate in the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Maritime Exercise "IMEX 2024," which will be hosted by the Southern Fleet of the Iranian Navy in the coming days.
• North Korea sending troops to aid Russia in Ukraine war: South's spy agency Radio Free Asia 18 Oct 2024 -- South Korea's spy agency said Friday that North Korea had decided to send "large-scale" troops to support Russia's war in Ukraine, with 1,500 special forces already in Russia's Far East undergoing training.
• South Korea Accuses Pyongyang Of Sending Soldiers To Russia RFE/RL 18 Oct 2024 -- South Korea claims Pyongyang began moving special forces to Russia earlier this month, days after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy made a similar accusation that North Korea had sent soldiers and weapons to help support the Kremlin in its war against Ukraine.
• US 'concerned' by reports North Korea shipping soldiers to Russia VOA 18 Oct 2024 -- Growing evidence of an expanding military partnership between North Korea and Russia is sparking renewed concern in Washington, where officials see Moscow making a determined but desperate push to advance in its war against Ukraine.
• Germany Preparing Aid Package for Ukraine, Including Missiles, Thousands of Attack Drones Sputnik 18 Oct 2024 -- Germany has delivered eight Leopard 1 tanks, 20 infantry fighting vehicles, Iris-T SLM and Iris-T SLS air defense systems and other weapons to Ukraine; AIM-9L missiles and thousands of attack drones are being prepared for delivery, according to an updated list of weapons delivered to Ukraine on the German government website.
• Lightning strikes twice in Malaysia Australia DOD 18 Oct 2024 -- The RAAF and Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) joined forces once again to conduct Exercise Elangaroo 24 at RMAF Butterworth from September 30 to October 4.
• The Estonian Defence Forces Upgraded Their Fleet Of Vehicles Estonia CDI 18 Oct 2024 -- Today, the Estonian Defence Forces took delivery of the first new Scania G410 6×4 tractor trucks, which will enhance the capability of their logistics units. Additionally, other new vehicles are set to arrive in Estonia over the course of this and next year, improving the logistical and tactical capabilities of the units.
• INS SHARDUL CONCLUDES PORT VISIT AT DUBAI India PIB 18 Oct 2024 -- INS Shardul as part of long range training deployment concluded its visit to Port Rashid, Dubai, UAE, on 16 Oct 24
• INDIAN NAVY'S FIRST TRAINING SQUADRON DEPARTS MANAMA, BAHRAIN India PIB 18 Oct 2024 -- Indian Navy's First Training Squadron (1TS) - INS Tir and ICGS Veera completed their long range training deployment to Manama, Bahrain, on 16 Oct 24
• Japan - Rolling Airframe Missile Block 2B Tactical Missiles DSCA 18 Oct 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Japan of Rolling Airframe Missile Block 2B Tactical Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $360 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• HMNZS Manawanui in Samoa New Zealand Defence Force 18 Oct 2024 -- The latest updates on the HMNZS Manawanui incident near Samoa.
• EU Military Committee: Meeting at Chiefs of Defence level, 15 October 2024 EC/CEU 18 Oct 2024 -- On the occasion of the Hungarian presidency of the EU, the European Union Military Committee meeting at Chiefs of Defence (CHOD's) level was held in Budapest, Hungary, from 14 to 16 October.
• Pevkur at NATO Defence Ministers' Meeting: Increasing defence spending is a race to preserve peace Estonia MoD 18 Oct 2024 -- At the NATO Defence Ministers' meeting held yesterday and today in Brussels, defence ministers discussed Ukraine's victory plan with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, NATO's capability targets, and increasing defence spending.
• Sweden and Hungary sign Letter of Intent Government Offices of Sweden 18 Oct 2024 -- On 16 October, Mr Jonson and Mr Szalay-Bobrovniczky signed a Letter of Intent (LOI). This LOI is a bilateral declaration on expanded defence cooperation between Sweden and Hungary.
• Biden hits Germany with lightning-quick visit focused on Middle East, Ukraine VOA 18 Oct 2024 -- President Joe Biden made a lightning-fast, pomp-filled visit to Germany Friday, making an in-person push for transatlantic unity and scooping up Germany's highest civilian honor.
• Readout of the Meeting of President Macron of France, Chancellor Scholz of Germany, Prime Minister Starmer of the United Kingdom, and President Biden of the United States The White House 18 Oct 2024
• Remarks by President Biden Before Air Force One Departure | Schönefeld, Germany The White House 18 Oct 2024
• Remarks by President Biden and Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany in Joint Statements to the Press | Berlin, Germany The White House 18 Oct 2024
• Remarks by President Biden and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier of Germany at an Order of Merit Ceremony | Berlin, Germany The White House 18 Oct 2024
• Readout of President Biden's Meeting with Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany The White House 18 Oct 2024
• Readout of President Biden's Meeting with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier of Germany The White House 18 Oct 2024
• On-the-Record Press Gaggle by White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby The White House 18 Oct 2024

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Oct. 18, 2024

Other Conflicts

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

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Israel - Prime Minister 18 Oct 2024 -- "One year ago, Yahya Sinwar, the terrorist chief of Hamas, launched the October 7th massacre against Israel. (...) Today, the mastermind of this day of sheer evil is no more. Yahya Sinwar is dead."
• PM Netanyahu Speaks with US President Joe Biden Israel - Prime Minister 18 Oct 2024
• Israeli officials say Sinwar killing could offer chance for cease-fire VOA 18 Oct 2024 -- Israeli officials say the country's killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar offers a new chance for a deal that would release Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza. The United States, which has designated Hamas a terrorist organization, has already begun a push for a new cease-fire deal.
• Oct. 17: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 18 Oct 2024
• Hamas Confirms Death of Head of Political Bureau Sinwar - Movement Deputy Head Sputnik 18 Oct 2024 -- The Palestinian movement Hamas confirmed on Friday the death of the head of the movement's politburo Yahya Sinwar, deputy head of the political bureau of the movement Khalil al-Hayya said.
• Hamas Confirms Sinwar's Death; U.S. Sees 'Opportunities' For Change RFE/RL 18 Oct 2024 -- Iran-backed Hamas, designated a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union, has confirmed the death of leader Yahya Sinwar, considered to be the mastermind of the October 7, 2023, attack that killed some 1,200 people in Israel and triggered the war in Gaza between Israel and the militant group.
• Hamas officially confirms martyrdom of Yahya Sinwar in Gaza IRNA 18 Oct 2024 -- Khalil al-Hayya, the deputy chairman of the Hamas Political Bureau, has announced, that Yahya Sinwar, the head of Hamas Politburo, was martyred in the terrorist act of the Zionist regime on Thursday.
• Hamas confirms leader Yahya Sinwar martyred in Israeli strike Press TV 18 Oct 2024 -- Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar has been martyred in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza's Rafah city, a senior Hamas official confirmed.
• Official: Hamas cannot be eliminated with 'martyrdom of its leaders' Press TV 18 Oct 2024 -- A senior Hamas official says the resistance group that is seeking the liberation of Palestine from the Israeli occupation cannot be eliminated with the "martyrdom of its leaders".
• Death toll in Gaza War mounts to 42,500 IRNA 18 Oct 2024 -- The total death toll from the Israeli war on Gaza has climbed to 42,500 since the start of the conflict on October 7, 2023, the Health Ministry in Gaza has announced.
• Two Israeli soldiers injured in shooting operation near Dead Sea Press TV 18 Oct 2024 -- At least two Israeli soldiers have been injured in a shooting operation in the occupied territories near the Dead Sea, amid retaliatory attacks by Palestinians against the regime's year-long onslaught on the besieged Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank.
• Some 31 Israeli troopers injured in Hezbollah drone operation IRNA 18 Oct 2024 -- Some 31 Israeli soldiers were reportedly wounded in a drone operation carried out by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
• Some 15 rockets fired at Haifa from Lebanon: Report IRNA 18 Oct 2024 -- Some 15 rockets have been fired from Lebanon toward Haifa in northern occupied territories.
• 5 Zionist soldiers killed, 24 others wounded on Lebanese front IRNA 18 Oct 2024 -- The Zionist army announced the death of five soldiers of this regime during the conflict with Hezbollah fighters near the border of Lebanon and the north of the occupied territories and the injury of 24 other soldiers.
• Hezbollah announces 'new phase' of escalation against Israel Press TV 18 Oct 2024 -- Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement has announced the start of a new phase in its retaliatory operations against Israel, which has been conducting strikes on Lebanon and Gaza for more than a year.
• Hezbollah vows to escalate war following death of Hamas leader VOA 18 Oct 2024 -- Hezbollah vowed Friday to escalate its war with Israel a day after Israel Defense Forces said they had killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, the architect of the October 7 Hamas terror attack that sparked the Gaza war.
• Israel denies UN accusations that it's targeting peacekeepers in Lebanon VOA 18 Oct 2024 -- A U.N. official Friday accused the Israel Defense Forces of repeatedly targeting U.N. peacekeepers along the blue line, the U.N.-drawn provisional border between Israel and Lebanon.
• Statement by UNICEF Deputy Executive Director for Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations Ted Chaiban on the near-blockade of aid and access in North Gaza UNICEF 18 Oct 2024 -- "The situation in northern Gaza is extremely grave. Renewed mass forced displacement, increased conflict, and ongoing military obstruction that amounts to an effective-blockade has cut off hundreds of thousands of children and families from vital humanitarian aid.
• Gaza at a 'critical juncture' as top UN officials call for a ceasefire now UN News 18 Oct 2024 -- The UN Secretary-General has said the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar should lead to a swift end to the year-long war in Gaza, the release of all hostages and unimpeded delivery of aid, his Deputy Spokesperson told reporters on Friday.
• Freedom of expression also under fire in Gaza war, rights expert says UN News 18 Oct 2024 -- No conflict in recent times has threatened freedom of expression so far beyond its borders as the war in Gaza, an expert appointed by the UN Human Rights Council said on Friday in New York.
• Lebanon: Peacekeepers pledge to stay, doing 'whatever they can to help' UN News 18 Oct 2024 -- Despite ongoing heavy shelling every day across the UN-patrolled Blue Line separating southern Lebanon and Israel, the UN peacekeeping force that's stationed there reiterated its determination on Friday to fulfil its mandate from the Security Council and assist civilians wherever possible.
• Palestine: International law obliges Israel to end occupation, says rights panel UN News 18 Oct 2024 -- All States and international organizations, including the United Nations, have obligations under international law to bring to an end Israel's unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, according to a new legal position paper released Friday by a top independent human rights panel.
• Joint Statement of German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Yahya Sinwar US Dept. of State 18 Oct 2024
• Trump breaks his silence on Sinwar as Harris seizes opportunity in his death VOA 18 Oct 2024 -- Vice President Kamala Harris on Friday reiterated her call to end the bloodshed in Gaza, underscoring that the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar creates an opportunity "to end this war and bring the hostages home."
• Iran FM says Sinwar sought martyrdom in Gaza IRNA 18 Oct 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that not only did Martyr Yahya Sinwar not fear death but he also sought martyrdom in Gaza.
• Sinwar spent precious life for Palestinian cause: Iran IRNA 18 Oct 2024 -- The Iranian foreign ministry says Martyr Yahya Sinwar Hamas Leader spent his priceless life in line with the Palestinian cause.
• Iran FM warns against possibility of expansion of war in region IRNA 18 Oct 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned against the expansion of war in the region, saying there is a common understanding about the threat of conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon and the critical situation of the displaced.
• 'Legend of anti-Israeli struggle': IRGC chief cmdr. exalts martyred Hamas leader Press TV 18 Oct 2024 -- The chief commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) honors the memory of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas' martyred Political Bureau Chief, Yahya Sinwar, who was assassinated in a direct clash with the Israeli forces on the battlefield in southern Gaza.
• Iran president: Assassinations of resistance leaders won't weaken fight against Israeli occupation Press TV 18 Oct 2024 -- The assassination of the leaders and commanders of the resistance front will not weaken the Islamic nation's resistance against bullying and occupation, says Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
• Iran: Sinwar martyrdom to inspire those who follow path of freedom Press TV 18 Oct 2024 -- Iran says the assassination of Yahya Sinwar, leader of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas, will become a source of inspiration for the path of resistance.
• Regional leaders offer condolences over martyrdom of Hamas chief IRNA 18 Oct 2024 -- Regional leaders have issued messages of condolence due to the martyrdom of the head of Hamas Politburo, Yahya Sinwar, by the Zionist regime in the Gaza Strip.
• Lebanon, Yemen resistance honor martyred Hamas leader Press TV 18 Oct 2024 -- Lebanon's Hezbollah and Yemen's Ansarullah honor the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas' martyred Political Bureau Chief, Yahya Sinwar, who was assassinated in a direct clash with the Israeli forces on the battlefield in southern Gaza.
• 'We'll be with you until victory,' Ansarullah leader says after Sinwar's martyrdom Press TV 18 Oct 2024 -- The leader of Yemen's popular resistance movement Ansarullah affirm his country's robust support for the Palestinian cause following the martyrdom of Hamas' Political Bureau Chief Yahya Sinwar.
• Iraqi fighters conduct drone attack on Israeli target Press TV 18 Oct 2024 -- The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of anti-terror fighters, has conducted a fresh drone attack on a "key" Israeli target in the occupied territories.
• Yemeni armed forces hit Israel-affiliated ship in Arabian Sea: Spokesman Press TV 18 Oct 2024 -- The Yemeni armed forces say they have targeted yet another Israel-affiliated ship in the Arabian Sea with drones.

Other Conflicts

• China builds spy base on disputed island: think tank Radio Free Asia 18 Oct 2024 -- China is developing one of the contested Paracel Islands into a major intelligence base in the northern part of the South China Sea, new satellite images analyzed by a British think tank revealed.
• The Azadi Briefing: Calls For Probe Into Reported Killing Of Afghan Migrants On Iran Border RFE/RL 18 Oct 2024
• Rebel army advances on junta's western headquarters in Myanmar's Rakhine state Radio Free Asia 18 Oct 2024 -- Heavy fighting is underway in western Myanmar's Rakhine state between junta troops and ethnic rebels in the vicinity of the military's western command center, trapping civilians in the crossfire, residents said Friday.
• China denies entry to Myanmar nationals trapped by battle Radio Free Asia 18 Oct 2024 -- Villagers and rare earth miners are trapped on the Myanmar-China border following a battle between allied rebel forces and junta troops, residents told Radio Free Asia on Friday.
• Myanmar deportees from Thailand abducted for military services Radio Free Asia 18 Oct 2024 -- Myanmar's junta has forcibly recruited migrant workers sent home by Thailand for illegal entry and overstaying their visas in as many as five separate incidents in recent weeks, according to deportees, some of whom said they were released after paying hefty "ransoms" to the military.
• Joint donor statement on humanitarian access in Sudan Canada 18 Oct 2024
• Security Council Renews Sanctions Regime on Haiti for One Year, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2752 (2024) UN Security Council 18 Oct 2024 -- The Security Council today authorized the renewal for one year the sanctions regime on Haiti, continuing a travel ban and asset freeze, and expanding the scope of an arms embargo as well as the designation criteria for those measures initially established in October 2022 and later renewed in October 2023 to quell rampant gang violence and restore security in the crisis-torn nation. (For background, see Press Releases SC/15073 and SC/15455.)
• UN Security Council extends sanctions, arms embargo on Haiti UN News 18 Oct 2024 -- The UN Security Council on Friday renewed for one year the sanctions regime on Haiti - including a targeted assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo measures - aimed at curbing the illicit flow of weapons to criminal gangs which have sown chaos across the Caribbean island nation.

News Reports

• 5 Tactics The Kremlin Is Using To Meddle In 2024 Elections RFE/RL 18 Oct 2024 -- It's election season in Eastern Europe, and for the Kremlin - bogged down in Ukraine and desperately in need of allies - the stakes are higher than ever.
• Meeting with journalists from BRICS countries President of Russia 18 Oct 2024 -- Vladimir Putin answered questions from the heads of leading BRICS media agencies. The meeting was held ahead of the BRICS summit in Kazan.
• BRICS Business Forum President of Russia 18 Oct 2024 -- Vladimir Putin addressed the plenary session of the BRICS Business Forum.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on October 18, 2024 PRC MofA 18 Oct 2024
• Readout: Foreign Secretary meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister UK FCDO 18 Oct 2024 -- Foreign Secretary David Lammy met Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China, Wang Yi, in Beijing today.
• China's increasing passport controls evoke Mao era VOA 18 Oct 2024 -- The Chinese government has been acting to restrict travel outside the country by ordering some teachers, civil servants and executives of state-owned enterprises to hand in their passports.
• Peace cannot be achieved by compromising sovereignty: Tsai in Europe CNA 18 Oct 2024 -- Compromising sovereignty and yielding to authoritarian aggression will not bring about peace, former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said during a visit to the European Parliament's complex in Brussels on Thursday.
• Taiwan cuts pension of retired general who attended unification event CNA 18 Oct 2024 -- Authorities in Taiwan have decided to reduce the monthly pension payments for a retired major general by 75 percent in accordance with the law after an investigation found he attended an event in Hong Kong promoting the political unification of China and Taiwan.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 18 Oct 2024
• Joint Statement on Strengthening Cooperation to Improve Human Rights in North Korea US Dept. of State 18 Oct 2024 -- The following text was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Republic of Korea, and Japan on the occasion of the Trilateral Meeting on Human Rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
• US, allies take lead on North Korea sanctions VOA 18 Oct 2024 -- Over the blue waters of the East China Sea, a Canadian air force patrol crew scans the horizon, searching for vessels suspected of making illicit transfers of oil to North Korea.
• Press Statement of Kim Yo Jong, Vice Department Director of C.C., WPK KCNA 18 Oct 2024 -- The following is the press statement of Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, titled "Do not spout absurd remarks":
• Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Inspects 2nd Corps Headquarters of KPA KCNA 18 Oct 2024 -- Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, on October 17 inspected the headquarters of the 2nd Corps of the Korean People's Army.
• Spokesman for DPRK Ministry of Public Security Releases Statement KCNA 18 Oct 2024 -- On Friday morning, rubbish scattered by a large balloon sent by the ROK scum was found again in Hwaam-ri and Munbong-ri of Phyonggang County in Kangwon Province and in Ryonghak-ri of Cholwon County of the province near the southern border of the DPRK.
• DPRK top leader calls S. Korea "foreign country and apparent hostile country" People's Daily 18 Oct 2024 -- The top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) called South Korea "a foreign country and an apparent hostile country," and stressed "useless awareness about fellow countrymen and unreasonable idea of reunification" when he addressed inter-Korean relations, as he called for ramping up the war-fighting capabilities during an inspection trip to the headquarters of the 2nd Corps of the Korean People's Army on Thursday, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Friday.
• PM meeting with President Macron of France, Chancellor Scholz of Germany and President Biden of the United States: 18 October 2024 Gov.UK 18 Oct 2024
• PM speech in Berlin: 18 October 2024 Gov.UK 18 Oct 2024
• Foreign Minister Baerbock on the situation in Moldova Germany Federal Foreign Office 18 Oct 2024
• Transdniester Vows 'Free Movement' For Moldovan Voters RFE/RL 18 Oct 2024 -- De facto authorities in Moldova's Transdniester have pledged not to obstruct the access of voters from the Russian-backed separatist region to polling stations amid concerns that Moscow will attempt to interfere with the two key votes scheduled for October 20.
• Saakashvili: If Ruling Party Wins Upcoming Elections, Independent Georgia 'Will Cease To Exist' RFE/RL 18 Oct 2024 -- The imprisoned former Georgian president, Mikheil Saakashvili, has warned of dire consequences if the ruling Georgian Dream party wins the upcoming parliamentary elections.
• World News in Brief: UNAMA concern over migrant deaths, 'war tactics' in the West Bank, UN political chief underscores support for Somalia UN News 18 Oct 2024 -- The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) expressed its deep concern over disturbing reports that Iranian border police opened fire on a group of Afghan migrants, resulting in deaths and injuries.
• In a meeting with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State James O'Brien, Foreign Minister Baiba Braže calls on the U.S. to expand its military and economic presence in Latvia Latvia MFA 18 Oct 2024 -- In a meeting with the United States Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia, James O'Brien, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, welcomed support provided by the U.S. for the security of the Baltic States and Europe.
• IMF, ADB set sights on damning $37m Solomon Islands aid audit Radio Free Asia 18 Oct 2024 -- The International Monetary Fund and Asian Development Bank are poring over a highly-critical audit of a multimillion dollar COVID-19 aid package in Solomon Islands, partly supported by the two institutions, that found widespread mismanagement and potential corruption.
• Kenyan court blocks new deputy president choice VOA 18 Oct 2024 -- A court has blocked Kenya President William Ruto's nominee for new deputy president a day after lawmakers had voted to remove the former deputy president, Rigathi Gachagua, from office over accusations of gross misconduct and undermining the president.
• Indonesian President-elect Prabowo touted as foreign policy president VOA 18 Oct 2024 -- Analysts expect a departure in style and substance from Prabowo Subianto, set to be inaugurated Sunday as Indonesia's eighth president, compared to predecessor Joko Widodo.
• No: 216, 18 October 2024, Regarding the Third Meeting of the 3+3 South Caucasus Regional Cooperation Platform in İstanbul Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Oct 2024
• African port growth hindered by poor road, rail networks, report says VOA 18 Oct 2024 -- Africa has seen the capacity of its ports grow significantly over the years, but a report from the Africa Finance Corporation says the expansions, upgrades and investments have not led to better inland logistics and supply chains.