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Defense Policy / Programs

• CSAF, CMSAF complete INDOPACOM trip to reinforce alliances, partnerships US Air Force 21 Oct 2024 -- Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi traveled across the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility to engage key allies and partners amidst a dynamic and evolving security environment Oct. 10-18.
• F-35B test jet begins sea trials with Japanese multi-functional destroyer in eastern Pacific Ocean US Navy 21 Oct 2024 -- A U.S. F-35 Lightning II aircraft landed aboard Japan's Izumo-class multi-functional destroyer JS Kaga (DDH-184) for the first time Oct. 20 off the southern coast of California to begin developmental test aboard the allies' largest ship.
• U.S. 7th Fleet Destroyer and The Royal Canadian Navy Conduct Bilateral Transit in the Taiwan Strait US Navy 21 Oct 2024 -- USS Higgins (DDG 76) and HMCS Vancouver (FFH 331) transit the Taiwan Strait.
• USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) returns to homeport after Indo-Pacific deployment US Navy 21 Oct 2024 -- Amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) returned to homeport in San Diego, following a seven-month deployment in the U.S. 7th and 3rd Fleet areas of operations with embarked elements of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Oct. 18, 2024.
• USS Washington (SSN 787) Awarded Presidential Unit Citation US Navy 21 Oct 2024 -- The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Washington (SSN 787) was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation (PUC) for "outstanding performance in action while conducting operations within U.S. SIXTH Fleet" during their recent six-month deployment.
• U.S. 7th Fleet Destroyer and The Royal Canadian Navy Conduct Bilateral Transit in the Taiwan Strait US Navy 21 Oct 2024 -- USS Higgins (DDG 76) and HMCS Vancouver (FFH 331) transit the Taiwan Strait.
• U.S., Canada warships transit Taiwan Strait: Taiwan's defense ministry CNA 21 Oct 2024 -- United States and Canadian warships transited the Taiwan Strait Sunday, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) confirmed in a statement released on Monday.
• U.S., Canadian warships disrupt stability of Taiwan Strait: military spokesperson People's Daily 21 Oct 2024 -- The actions of the United States and Canada disrupted the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait, a military spokesperson said Monday in response to U.S. and Canadian warships' sailing through the strait on Sunday.
• Active phase of Rubezh 2024 joint exercise finishes in Tajikistan Russia MoD 21 Oct 2024 -- An active phase of Rubezh 2024 joint exercise with the Central Asian region's Collective Rapid Deployment Forces completed at the Kharbmaydon training ground in Tajikistan, during which issues related to the preparation and conduct of combat operations to destroy illegal armed groups that have invaded the territory of a CSTO member state were practised.
• Pacific Fleet's warships complete business call at the port of Qingdao, the People's Republic of China Russia MoD 21 Oct 2024 -- The large anti-submarine vessels Admiral Panteleyev and Admiral Tributs of the Pacific Fleet have completed their business call at the port of Qingdao of the People's Republic of China (PRC). After leaving the port, the ships headed for Vladivostok.
• Seoul could send weapons to Ukraine to counter North Korea's troop deployments Radio Free Asia 21 Oct 2024 -- South Korea could send weapons to Ukraine as part of "phased measures" it vowed to take against North Korea and Russia over their deepening military cooperation, a senior presidential official told reporters on Tuesday.
• Russia-North Korea Cooperation Poses No Threat to South Korea's Security - Embassy Sputnik 21 Oct 2024 -- Cooperation between Russia and North Korea is being held in compliance with international law and is not aimed against security interests of South Korea, a spokesperson for the Russian embassy in Seoul told Sputnik on Monday.
• South Korea summons Russian envoy to urge it to stop North Korean Ukraine involvement Radio Free Asia 21 Oct 2024 -- South Korea summoned Russia's ambassador on Monday to demand that it stops the involvement of North Korean troops in the war in Ukraine while the embassy insisted that cooperation with North Korea was "not directed against" South Korean security interests.
• The United States Announces New $400 Million Defense Aid Package for Ukraine President of Ukraine 21 Oct 2024
• Memorandum on the Delegation of Authority Under Section 614(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 The White House 21 Oct 2024
• Biden Administration Announces Additional Security Assistance for Ukraine DoD 21 Oct 2024 -- Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced additional security assistance to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs. This announcement is the Biden Administration's sixty-eighth tranche of equipment to be provided from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.
• United States Announces Significant New Military Assistance for Ukraine US Dept. of State 21 Oct 2024 -- The United States is providing another significant package of urgently needed weapons and equipment to our Ukrainian partners as they defend against Russia's ongoing attacks.
• US says it 'will get Ukraine what it needs' to maintain fight against Russia VOA 21 Oct 2024 -- The United States "will get Ukraine what it needs" to continue to fight its 32-month war with Russia, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said during a visit to Kyiv on Monday.
• Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on Ukraine's Fight for Freedom (As Delivered) DoD 21 Oct 2024
• U.S. Defense Chief In Kyiv In Show Of Support For Ukraine RFE/RL 21 Oct 2024 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told Ukrainian officials that the United States will send Kyiv "what it needs" for its fight against Russian forces after he arrived in Kyiv on October 21 as Moscow launched a fresh round of attacks on Ukraine's battered cities and infrastructure, injuring more civilians and destroying critical infrastructure.
• Statement From Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh on Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Visit to Ukraine DoD 21 Oct 2024
• Austin Affirms United States' Unwavering Support for Ukraine During Visit to Kyiv DoD News 21 Oct 2024 -- The U.S. remains unwavering in its support for Ukraine as Russia's disregard for international norms and ongoing war of aggression continues to threaten democracies throughout the globe, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said today.
• NATO Acting Deputy Secretary General in Riga: "The future of Ukraine is in NATO" NATO 21 Oct 2024 -- Speaking at the Riga Conference in Latvia on Saturday (19 October 2024), NATO Acting Deputy Secretary General, Ambassador Boris Ruge, underlined the importance of Ukraine prevailing in its fight to retain its sovereignty and independence in the face of Russian aggression.
• JOINT MILITARY TRAINING BETWEEN INDIAN AIR FORCE AND REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE AIR FORCE BEGINS AT AIR FORCE BASE IN WEST BENGAL India PIB 21 Oct 2024 -- On 21st October 2024, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) commenced the 12th edition of the Joint Military Training (JMT) exercise at Air Force Station Kalaikunda, West Bengal
• Combined IMEX maritime drill shows Iran cannot be isolated: Navy commander Press TV 21 Oct 2024 -- Iran's Navy chief Rear Admiral Shahram Irani says the presence and participation of different countries in the combined Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Maritime Exercise "IMEX 2024", hosted by Iran, shows that the country cannot be isolated.
• Iranian Armed Forces always in full readiness: Top IRGC commander IRNA 21 Oct 2024 -- A top commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force has asserted that the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic are always in full readiness, amid threats by the Israeli regime to attack Iran.
• Iran's armed forces at 'peak readiness' to respond to any threat: IRGC general Press TV 21 Oct 2024 -- The deputy commander for coordination of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force has stressed that Iran's armed forces are fully prepared to respond to any threat, amid heightened regional tensions.
• Israel confirms $8.7b military aid from US IRNA 21 Oct 2024 -- The Ministry of Defense of the Zionist regime has confirmed the $8.7 billion military aid package from the US to continue its warmongering measures in the region.
• Data on interceptions of aircraft completed near the Baltic States' borders on October 14-20, 2024 Lithuania MND 21 Oct 2024
• Strong Bilateral Defense Relationship Reaffirmed with Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Government of Iceland 21 Oct 2024 -- The challenging security environment, cooperation in the Arctic, and bilateral defense cooperation between Iceland and the United States were among the topics discussed during a recent meeting between Foreign Minister Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir and General Charles Q. Brown Jr., U.S. Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff.
• PH, US defense execs discuss AFP upgrade, intel pact conclusion Philippine News Agency 21 Oct 2024 -- Ranking Philippine and American defense officials discussed the much-needed upgrade of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the possible conclusion of the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) by the end of this year, the Department of National Defense (DND) said on Monday.
• 2024 Quad Cyber Challenge Joint Statement US Dept. of State 21 Oct 2024 -- The following text was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Australia, India, and Japan.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan US Dept. of State 21 Oct 2024
• On-the-Record Press Gaggle by White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby The White House 21 Oct 2024
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, October 21, 2024 The White House 21 Oct 2024

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Oct. 21, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 21 October 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 21 Oct 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Israel arrests 7 settlers, accuses them of carrying out 'tasks' for Iran: Report Press TV 21 Oct 2024 -- Israeli prosecutors say authorities have arrested seven Jewish settlers from the northern part of the occupied territories on charges of carrying out tasks for Iran and gathering information on the regime's strategic installations.
• Oct. 20: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 21 Oct 2024
• Israeli captive killed in northern Gaza clashes IRNA 21 Oct 2024 -- An Israeli captive has been killed in recent confrontations between Palestinian resistance forces and the occupying army in northern Gaza, according to media reports.
• Over 11,000 Palestinians were arrested in West Bank, al-Quds IRNA 21 Oct 2024 -- The Palestinian Prisoners and Freedmen Affairs Committee announced in a report that more than 11,400 people have been arrested in the occupied West Bank and al-Quds since the beginning of the war against the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023.
• Israeli forces intensify attacks on north Gaza, prevent aid trucks from entering Press TV 21 Oct 2024 -- Israeli forces have increased the intensity of the attacks on northern Gaza, preventing trucks loaded with humanitarian aid from entering the besieged area.
• IDF Says Eliminated New Commander of Hezbollah Unit in Damascus Sputnik 21 Oct 2024 -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirms an airstrike on Damascus that targeted a new Hezbollah commander responsible for moving weapons and money, IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said on Monday.
• Nearly 400,000 Flee to Syria From Hostilities in Lebanon Sputnik 21 Oct 2024 -- The number of people who have fled to Syria because of the ongoing military activities in Lebanon has almost reached 400,000, a source at the Syrian Department of Immigration and Passports told Sputnik.
• Ballistic missile hits Tel Aviv IRNA 21 Oct 2024 -- A ballistic missile fired from Lebanon hit the city of Tel Aviv, the center of the occupied territories.
• Hezbollah fires ballistic missiles into occupied territories IRNA 21 Oct 2024 -- The Lebanese resistance movement, Hezbollah, reportedly launched long-range ballistic missiles into occupied territories, as per Israeli media sources.
• Arab League chief expresses opposition to any foreign intervention in Lebanon IRNA 21 Oct 2024 -- Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit has expressed his opposition to any foreign intervention in Lebanon, highlighting the need for implementing the UNSC Resolution 1701.
• Hezbollah strikes new Zionist targets IRNA 21 Oct 2024 -- Hezbollah of Lebanon has launched fresh attacks on several Zionist targets.
• 15 Israeli troops wounded in Hezbollah rocket attack IRNA 21 Oct 2024 -- The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah has launched a barrage of rockets on occupied Palestine, wounding 15 Israeli troops, reports say.
• Hezbollah fires more rockets, downs Israeli drone IRNA 21 Oct 2024 -- Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement has conducted fresh retaliatory operations against Israeli targets in response to the Zionist regime's brutalities against Palestinian and Lebanese civilians.
• Zionist regime continues deadly strikes on Lebanon IRNA 21 Oct 2024 -- Israeli warplanes have once again bombed areas south of the Lebanese capital as part of the Zionist regime's ongoing bloodshed across the Arab country.
• Israel keeps up intense bombing campaign against southern Beirut Press TV 21 Oct 2024 -- The Israeli regime has kept up its intense bombing campaign against the southern suburbs of Lebanon's capital Beirut.
• Hezbollah strikes Israeli military intelligence base in Tel Aviv Press TV 21 Oct 2024 -- Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement has carried out a rocket strike against an Israeli military intelligence base in the suburbs of the city of Tel Aviv in the occupied Palestinian territories.
• Fresh round of Israeli raids hit Beirut, several other Lebanese areas Press TV 21 Oct 2024 -- A fresh round of Israeli airstrikes have hit the suburb of Dahiyeh in the south of Lebanon's capital Beirut and several areas in the country's east.
• Hezbollah rockets streak across occupied territories, hit vital Israeli military positions Press TV 21 Oct 2024 -- The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah has launched fresh reprisal attacks on Israeli military positions and illegal settlements in the northern part of the occupied Palestinian territories in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and in response to the Tel Aviv regime's unrelenting strikes across Lebanon.
• Israel launches fresh airstrikes on southern Beirut Press TV 21 Oct 2024 -- The Israeli military has pressed ahead with its air and ground invasion of Lebanon, leaving more civilians dead and injured across the Arab country.
• Guterres 'unequivocally condemns' continued civilian deaths in Gaza UN News 21 Oct 2024 -- The UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday condemned the "continued and widespread" loss of life across Gaza, including Israeli strikes on a residential block in Beit Lahiya on Saturday which killed dozens, according to the Gazan health ministry.
• 'Hundreds displaced overnight' as airstrikes destroy humanitarian facilities in Lebanon UN News 21 Oct 2024 -- Ongoing airstrikes across Lebanon "continue to kill and injure civilians and displace a growing number of families," according to the latest update from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
• UNRWA Situation Report #6 on the Syria emergency response to displacement from Lebanon. All information from 17 October - 20 October 2024, valid as of 20 October 2024 at 14:00 UNRWA 21 Oct 2024
• Gaza: the Israeli Authorities continue to deny humanitarian missions UNRWA 21 Oct 2024
• US envoy in Beirut for talks with Lebanese officials VOA 22 Oct 2024 -- U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein was in Beirut Monday for talks aimed at trying to bring a resolution to the conflict along the Israel-Lebanon border, part of a diplomatic push that is also bringing Secretary of State Antony Blinken to the region in search of a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.
• READOUT: Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo's Meeting with Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa of the Palestinian Authority US Treasury 21 Oct 2024 -- Today, U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo spoke with Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa.
• Iran slams continued Israeli crimes in Gaza, warns of 'horrible, unpredictable' consequences Press TV 21 Oct 2024 -- Iran has strongly condemned the continuation of Israeli crimes against civilians in the Gaza Strip, blaming the international community for its inaction on the regime's ongoing atrocities.
• Arab League calls for Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territories Press TV 21 Oct 2024 -- Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit has called for the Israeli regime's prompt withdrawal from Lebanese territories it has occupied amid the Tel Aviv regime's ground offensive against the country.
• Hamas: Sinwar represents school of thought, current of Resistance Press TV 21 Oct 2024 -- The representative of Hamas in Tehran has paid homage to the late leader of the Palestinian resistance movement Yahya Sinwar, stating that he represents a "school of thought" and symbolizes a current of Resistance against the Israeli occupation and aggression.
• Hamas: 'Sinwar storm' will destroy Israel; our power impervious to assassinations Press TV 21 Oct 2024 -- A senior Hamas official says the anti-Israeli struggle led by the Palestinian resistance movement's former Political Bureau Chief Yahya Sinwar will eventually lead to the regime's destruction.
• Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement rejects martyrdom of Ziyad al-Nakhalah IRNA 21 Oct 2024 -- The representative of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement in Syria rejected the claims related to the martyrdom of the secretary general of this movement in the attack by the Zionist regime on Damascus.
• Iraqi resistance drone targets occupied Golan IRNA 21 Oct 2024 -- The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has carried out a drone attack on the Israeli target in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights.
• Iraqi resistance strikes 'vital Israeli targets' with drones Press TV 21 Oct 2024 -- The Islamic resistance in Iraq says it has carried out fresh retaliatory operations, striking a number of Israeli targets inside the occupied territories.
• Yemen warns US of facing far worse than 'hell of Vietnam' if Hudaydah invaded Press TV 21 Oct 2024 -- Yemen warns the US that if it acts on a reported plan to invade the western Yemeni port of al-Hudaydah, it will face consequences that are far worse than the dire situation it faced during the Vietnam War, when tens of thousands of American troops were killed.

Other Conflicts

• Two killed in missile attack on car in Syria's Damascus: State media Press TV 21 Oct 2024 -- A guided missile attack on a car in the Mazzeh neighborhood of Damascus has left at least two civilians dead, according to Syrian state media.
• China strongly condemns explosion attack on Consulate-General in Mandalay, Myanmar: FM Global Times 21 Oct 2024 -- China expressed deep shock at an attack at its Consulate-General in Mandalay, Myanmar, and strongly condemned the act, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian at a regular press briefing.
• China calls for action after attack on consulate in Myanmar Radio Free Asia 21 Oct 2024 -- China on Monday urged Myanmar's junta to find and punish the perpetrators of a bomb attack on its consulate in Mandalay over the weekend, but observers warned that more attacks are likely amid public anger over Beijing's support for the military regime.
• Indian traders hopeful after China border patrol deal announced VOA 22 Oct 2024 -- After four years of heightened tensions and disrupted economic ties, India and China have agreed on a return to 2020 border patrol arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Himalayas, India's Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar announced Monday.
• DSWD reengages 1,400 MILF decommissioned combatants in Davao Region Philippine News Agency 21 Oct 2024 -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) conducted reengagement activities for 1,400 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) decommissioned combatants (DCs) in the Davao Region on Oct. 7 to 11.
• Central African Republic: Council extends the mandate of the EU advisory mission for two years EC/CEU 21 Oct 2024 -- The Council today adopted a decision extending the mandate of the EU advisory mission in the Central African Republic (EUAM RCA) for a further two years, until 7 August 2026, with a budget allocation of over €24 million for this period.
• Security Council Press Statement on Situation in Colombia following Security Council Session on 15 October UN Security Council 21 Oct 2024 -- The members of the Security Council reiterated their full and unanimous support for the peace process in Colombia. They stressed the importance of ensuring the comprehensive implementation of the 2016 final peace agreement.
• Iran launches housing project in Bu Musa island Press TV 21 Oct 2024 -- Iran's government has ordered the start of a housing project on the island of Bu Musa in the Persian Gulf, just days after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) repeated claims on the island.

News Reports

• Moldova's Sandu Heading To Presidential Runoff, As EU Vote Tilts Toward 'Yes' Camp RFE/R 21 Oct 2024 -- Almost final results show pro-European President Maia Sandu has won the first round of Moldova's presidential election but will head to a runoff, while a referendum on European Union integration slowly turned in favor of the "yes" camp early on October 21.
• Moldova's Razor-Thin EU 'Yes' Vote Puts President Sandu In A Tight Spot RFE/RL 21 Oct 2024 -- A narrow victory for the "yes" camp in Moldova's referendum on the EU is not exactly the result that pro-EU President Maia Sandu was hoping for.
• Results Show Moldovans Determined To Continue On Way To Europe, Sandu Says RFE/RL 21 Oct 2024 -- President Maia Sandu said a knife-edge vote in favor of Moldova's European integration has proven that Moldovans have chosen the European Union even while being bombarded with disinformation and manipulation.
• Moldova: Joint Statement by High Representative Josep Borrell and the European Commission on the Presidential Election and the Constitutional Referendum European External Action Service (EEAS) 21 Oct 2024 -- The first round of the presidential election and a constitutional referendum on EU accession were held in the Republic of Moldova on 20 October.
• The election results show that Russia's efforts were not successful: Moldova remains on the democratic course. Estonia MFA 21 Oct 2024 -- The people of Moldova have made their choice and expressed their support for changing their constitution and joining the European Union.
• Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 20 October referendum in Moldova Latvia MFA 21 Oct 2024 -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the nationwide referendum held on 20 October in Moldova on amending the constitution to include a clause on Moldova's course towards accession to the EU.
• Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's comment on the first round of presidential elections and the constitutional referendum in Moldova Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Oct 2024
• House bill penalizing espionage in times of peace filed Philippine News Agency 21 Oct 2024 -- A lawmaker on Monday filed two measures seeking to amend the country's espionage laws, introducing penalties for spying during peacetime and imposing heavier sanctions on various espionage-related activities.
• Why The BRICS Summit In Russia Could Be The Most Important One Yet RFE/RL 21 Oct 2024 -- As Russian President Vladimir Putin hosts leaders for the 16th annual BRICS summit, he's looking to signal to the West that Moscow is not isolated on the world stage.
• Russia-UAE talks President of Russia 21 Oct 2024 -- Vladimir Putin and President of the United Arab Emirates Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held talks in the St Alexander Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace.
• Interview with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov for the documentary, MGIMO 80, Moscow, October 20, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Oct 2024
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's interview to Argumenty i Fakty newspaper, Moscow, October 20, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Oct 2024
• Russia-North Korea Cooperation Poses No Threat to South Korea's Security - Embassy Sputnik 21 Oct 2024 -- Cooperation between Russia and North Korea is being held in compliance with international law and is not aimed against security interests of South Korea, a spokesperson for the Russian embassy in Seoul told Sputnik on Monday.
• Lawmakers Question Why U.S. Oil Company Still Working In Russia RFE/RL 21 Oct 2024 -- More than 50 members of Congress have signed a letter calling on the U.S. government to toughen sanctions on Russian oil and questioning an exception granted to U.S.-based oil-services company Schlumberger (SLB) that has allowed it to continue operating in the country.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on October 21, 2024 PRC MofA 21 Oct 2024
• BRICS to contribute to building a more equitable and orderly multipolar world: Chinese Ambassador to Russia Global Times 21 Oct 2024
• World Uyghur Congress faces harassment ahead of general assembly VOA 21 Oct 2024 -- The General Assembly of the World Uyghur Congress (WUC) is set to begin Thursday, following months of ongoing harassment from the Chinese government that the top Uyghur organization has described as "unprecedented."
• China to conduct live-fire drills around island closest to Taiwan CNA 21 Oct 2024 -- China will hold live-fire drills Tuesday in waters around Niushan Island, the closest point on China's coast to the island of Taiwan, several Chinese media outlets reported Monday, citing a maritime safety advisory.
• PLA Eastern Theater Command tracks, monitors US, Canadian warships through Taiwan Straits Global Times 21 Oct 2024 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) tracked and monitored US and Canadian warships when they made a transit through the Taiwan Straits on Sunday.
• Taiwan no plan to relocate South African office despite request: FM CNA 21 Oct 2024 -- Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) said Monday that the ministry has informed the South African government it will not relocate Taiwan's representative office in Pretoria, the capital of South Africa, before the end of October as requested.
• South Africa bows to Chinese pressure to move Taiwan office, analysts say VOA 21 Oct 2024 -- South Africa's decision to further downgrade relations with Taiwan, comes as the dominant political party, the African National Congress, or ANC, strives to reassure longtime ally Beijing after the formation of a coalition government, analysts tell VOA.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 21 Oct 2024
• Rodong Sinmun Lauds Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un as Outstanding Leader KCNA 21 Oct 2024 -- An era of comprehensive development of socialism being opened up on this land amid the vigorous struggle to create a world-class example of building an independent and powerful state is a brilliant fruition brought about by the respected General Secretary Kim Jong Un , peerlessly great man and outstanding leader of the Juche revolution, Rodong Sinmun Monday says in an article, and goes on:
• EU mulls putting IRGC on blacklist: Spox IRNA 21 Oct 2024 -- The lead spokesperson for the external affairs of the European Union, Peter Stano, has stated that consultations are still ongoing regarding the designation of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) on the list of so-called "terrorist organizations".
• Iran envoy rejects Russia has withdrawn from Rasht-Astara railway project IRNA 21 Oct 2024 -- Iran's Ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, has dismissed claims that Moscow has withdrawn from the Rasht-Astara railway project.
• Critics concerned as Pakistan parliament moves to pick new chief justice VOA 21 Oct 2024 -- Pakistan's government amended the constitution Monday, authorizing parliament to select the Supreme Court chief justice, a move opposition parties and independent critics slammed as an infringement on judicial independence.
• Who Was Fethullah Gulen, The Influential Islamic Cleric? RFE/RL 21 Oct 2024 -- Fethullah Gulen, the prominent U.S.-based Turkish cleric, was an influential figure in much of the Muslim world.
• Turkish Opposition cleric, Erdogan's longtime rival Gulen dies in US aged 83 Press TV 21 Oct 2024 -- Turkish opposition cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom the Ankara government accuses of having masterminded the failed July 2016 coup attempt against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has died at the age of 83 in the United States where he was based.
• Fethullah Gulen, Rival Of Turkey's Erdogan, Dies In Exile RFE/RL 21 Oct 2024 -- U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, once an ally of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan but later accused of masterminding a failed coup attempt in 2016, has died at the age of 83.
• In Ethiopia, UN chief advocates for permanent Security Council seats for Africa UN News 21 Oct 2024 -- Speaking in the Ethiopian capital on Monday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated his call for global institutional reform, highlighting the need for two permanent seats on the Security Council for Africa and stronger financial support to address the continent's challenges.
• Albanian Ex-President Meta Detained Over Corruption Allegations RFE/RL 21 Oct 2024 -- Albanian police detained former President Ilir Meta on October 21 on corruption charges lodged by the Special Prosecutor's Office against Corruption (SPAK).
• BRICS to draw blueprint for development of its mechanism Global Times 21 Oct 2024 -- The 16th BRICS Summit, scheduled to be held in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to 24, has drawn global attention as it marks the first summit since the group's expansion.
• Vietnam's parliament names Luong Cuong president Radio Free Asia 21 Oct 2024 -- Vietnam's National Assembly elected four-star general and top Communist Party official Luong Cuong president on Monday at the beginning of a month-long session in Hanoi. He was the only candidate in the vote in the legislature, streamed live on the government's YouTube channel.
• Laos-Vietnam highway, high-speed railway face funding issues Radio Free Asia 21 Oct 2024 -- Multibillion-dollar proposals to build a railway and expressway between Laos and Vietnam have stalled due to lack of funding as Laos remains burdened by crushing debt, an official at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport told Radio Free Asia.
• UN climate case could be global circuit breaker: Vanuatu official Radio Free Asia 21 Oct 2024 -- Pacific island nations hope the climate change case they've brought to the U.N. court will help overcome the shortcomings of international negotiations and spur greater action, Vanuatu's attorney-general said in an interview as governments prepared for the public hearings.
• World court faces 'unprecedented number' of cases UN News 21 Oct 2024 -- The International Court of Justice, or ICJ, is currently dealing with an unprecedented number of cases, particularly as the Middle East continues to be mired in conflict, according to the Court's Registrar Philippe Gautier.
• World News in Brief: Egypt malaria-free, tropical storm lashes Cuba, Mozambique killings, WHO support for South Sudan UN News 21 Oct 2024 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially certified Egypt as malaria-free. The achievement marks the culmination of a century-long effort to eradicate a disease that has plagued the nation since ancient times.
• On the Killings of Elvino Dias and Paulo Guambe in Mozambique US Dept. of State 21 Oct 2024 -- "The United States condemns the killings of lawyer Elvino Dias and Podemos parliamentary candidate Paulo Guambe in Mozambique."
• Palau gears up for election amid Chinese threats, US military buildup VOA 22 Oct 2024 -- Driving toward the center of Palau's commercial city of Koror, election yard signs for presidential, senate and house of delegates' candidates in this tiny island nation's November elections line the street as waves of the pristinely blue Pacific Ocean lap the shore not far away.
• Cameroon's president returns home after more than a month's absence VOA 22 Oct 2024 -- Cameroon's president returned home Monday after more than a monthlong absence that sparked rumors and speculation about the 91-year-old politician's health.
• Botswana's advance voting marred by ballot paper shortages VOA 22 Oct 2024 -- Early voting in Botswana Saturday was marred by irregularities, including a lack of ballot papers, forcing the electoral body to order a re-run in some voting areas. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has been criticized for mishandling the voting process as concerns mount ahead of the October 30 general election.