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Current Operations

• Letter to the Speaker of the House and President Pro Tempore of the Senate Regarding the War Powers Report The White House 06 Dec 2024

Defense Policy / Programs

• Joint Statement From The Combined Space Operations Initiative Principals' Board Meeting in Italy to Advance Space Security DoD 06 Dec 2024 -- The Combined Space Operations (CSpO) Initiative Principals' Board met from December 3-5, 2024, in Florence, Italy. Senior representatives from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States gathered for the annual meeting.
• Austin: Defense Innovation Unit 'Moving at the Speed of Relevance' DoD News 06 Dec 2024 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III got a tour today of the Defense Innovation Unit in Mountain View, California, where cutting-edge technology is bringing critical solutions at rapid speed to the warfighters and allied partners.
• U.S. and Peruvian Marines Plan Together USMC News 06 Dec 2024 -- Leaders from the Peruvian marine corps and U.S. Marine Forces, South joined forces Nov. 12-15 as part of a Staff Planner Working Group (SPWG) hosted at the MARFORSOUTH headquarters.
• Surface Navy Celebrates Opening of Premier Warfighting Training Facility US Navy 06 Dec 2024 -- For the first time since its establishment in 2015, the Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) will bring all four Warfare Tactics Instructor (WTI) courses under one roof at a state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance the tactical proficiency of the Surface Fleet. This milestone marks the culmination of years of planning, collaboration, and investment in advancing surface warfare training and excellence.
• The WSP ARG-24th MEU (SOC) returns home after a 7-month deployment US Navy 06 Dec 2024 -- The Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (WSP ARG), commanded by Amphibious Squadron (CPR) 4, returned to Hampton Roads, Virginia following a seven-month deployment to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations, Dec. 6.
• Task Force 51/5-Led Operation Leads to Seizure of Narcotics At Sea US Navy 06 Dec 2024 -- The U.S. Coast Guard Sentinel-class fast response cutter Glen Harris (WPC 1144) interdicted a large cache of illicit narcotics at sea in international waters, Nov. 25.
• Navy to Christen Future Attack Submarine Arkansas US Navy Press Release 06 Dec 2024 -- The Virginia-class attack submarine USS Arkansas (SSN 800) will be christened on Dec. 7, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. EST at HII-Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Virginia.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Bilat with Armenian Minister of Defense Suren Papikyan DoD 06 Dec 2024
• The first Belgian F-35A arrives at Luke AFB US Air Force 06 Dec 2024 -- The first Belgian F-35A Lightning II arrived at Luke Air Force Base, Dec. 3, 2024. This milestone marks the beginning of Belgium's transition from the F-16 Fighting Falcon to the advanced F-35A, ushering in a new era for the Belgian Air Component.
• Zelenskyy reveals new Peklo drone-missile hybrid VOA 06 Dec 2024 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday introduced new "Peklo" drone-missiles being manufactured in a Ukrainian factory, the first batch of which, he said, already has been delivered to the nation's armed forces.
• Denmark pushes further donations to Ukraine before the end of the year Danish Ministry of Defence 06 Dec 2024 -- Further funds will be allocated for donations to Ukraine of defence equipment bought through the defence industry. At the same time, scheduled donations from both Denmark and France will be moved forward. The Government consulted the Foreign Policy Committee earlier today on the matter.
• The Estonian Centre for Defence Investments Announces Support Measure to Assist Ukrainian Defence Forces Estonia CDI 06 Dec 2024 -- The Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) will soon launch a program to purchase products or services suitable for targeted use by Ukraine's defence forces during crises and wartime. All eligible companies registered in Estonia are invited to offer their products or services.
• China arms sales experience slight growth globally as challenges remain VOA 06 Dec 2024 -- China's drive to buttress its military modernization through increased international arms sales has slowed, according to a new report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, or SIPRI, with experts citing Chinese-made weapons systems' lack of combat experience as one key obstacle.
• Exercise brings Australia, Japan and United States closer together Australia DOD 06 Dec 2024 -- Australia will join Japan and the United States as a participant in Exercise Yama Sakura 87 for the second consecutive year, enhancing our interoperability and mutual defence capability.
• Dual Indigenous names for Defence bases unveiled Australia DOD 06 Dec 2024 -- Defence demonstrated its commitment to First Nations peoples with the unveiling of dual base names on Wiradjuri country at RAAF Base Wagga and Blamey Barracks, Kapooka, as part of a dual naming pilot program.
• Government progressing historic land-based maritime strike capabilities for the Australian Army Australia DOD 06 Dec 2024 -- The Albanese Government is rapidly pushing ahead to equip the Australian Army with a second long-range fires regiment.
• RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY HUB IN DEFENCE SECTOR India PIB 06 Dec 2024 -- Government has taken various initiatives to develop India into a research and technology hub. Some of them are as follows:
• CURTAIN RAISER - COMMISSIONING OF INS TUSHIL India PIB 06 Dec 2024 -- The Indian Navy is all set to commission its latest multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, INS Tushil, at Kaliningrad, Russia, on 09 Dec 24. The ceremony will be presided over by the Hon'ble Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh, as the Chief Guest, with many high ranking Russian and Indian government and defence officials present.
• The Netherlands - AIM-120D3 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles DSCA 06 Dec 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Netherlands of AIM-120D3 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of up to $807 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• ECDI Announces Tender for Loitering Air Munitions Framework Agreement Estonia CDI 06 Dec 2024 -- The Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) has announced a tender for a framework agreement on loitering air munitions for a duration of seven years, to fulfill the Estonian Defence Forces' needs for various short- and long-range systems.
• Joint infantry fighting vehicle procurement worth SEK 25 billion signed Government Offices of Sweden 06 Dec 2024 -- Today, the Defence Materiel Administration and its Danish counterpart, the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation, signed a contract with BAE Systems Hägglunds for the coordinated procurement of 205 units of the Combat Vehicle 90, CV9035 MKIIIC version.
• The Presidents of Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia adopted a joint statement on cooperation in defense and security and resilience building President of the Republic of Lithuania 06 Dec 2024 -- On Friday, President Gitanas Nausėda, together with Estonian President Alar Karis and Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, adopted a joint statement on enhanced cooperation in defense, security and resilience building.
• Joint Statement of the Presidents of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania on enhanced cooperation in defense and security and resilience building President of the Republic of Lithuania 06 Dec 2024
• The President: The Baltic States allocating 3% of their GDP to defense are an example for other NATO members President of the Republic of Lithuania 06 Dec 2024 -- On Friday, President Gitanas Nausėda met with Estonian President Alar Karis and Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs in Klaipėda for a regular annual meeting of the Presidents of the three Baltic States. The three leaders discussed the security situation in the region, support for Ukraine, energy independence and joint infrastructure projects.
• Philippines, US, Japan stage joint naval maneuvers in South China Sea Radio Free Asia 06 Dec 2024 -- The allied navies of the Philippines, United States and Japan staged joint maneuvers in the South China Sea, two days after Chinese coast guard and navy ships allegedly harassed Filipinos near the disputed Scarborough Shoal.
• PH, US, Japan militaries hold joint maritime drill Philippine News Agency 06 Dec 2024 -- The militaries of the Philippines, United States and Japan conducted a "multilateral maritime cooperative activity" (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea on Friday.
• Sea phase of PH Navy's unilateral exercise ends Philippine News Agency 06 Dec 2024 -- The Philippine Fleet (PF) on Friday announced that the sea phase of its interoperability exercise between marine and reservist units successfully concluded on Thursday.
• Operation Resolution New Zealand Defence Force 06 Dec 2024
• Norway: fourth Dialogue on Security and Defence with the EU takes place in Brussels European External Action Service (EEAS) 06 Dec 2024 -- On 5 December, the European Union and Norway held their fourth Dialogue on Security and Defence in Brussels. This year our long-standing partnership has been taken to the next level through the signing of the Security and Defence Partnership, which has opened up avenues for further dialogue and cooperation.

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Dec. 6, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 6 December 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 06 Dec 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Israeli-Hamas peace talks resume in Egypt VOA 06 Dec 2024 -- Officials of Hamas and Israel say Gaza peace talks have resumed in Egypt after mediators from Qatar and the United States suspended them in frustration last month.
• Statement by UNICEF Middle East and North Africa Regional Director Edouard Beigbeder, on the killing of children in Nuseirat and Al Mawasi, Gaza UNICEF 06 Dec 2024 -- "In a single day of bloodshed, children in different parts of the Gaza Strip were reportedly killed while sheltering inside their tents or desperately queueing for a piece of bread amid a rapidly worsening food crisis.
• Gaza: No evacuation order given before hospital strike, says WHO UN News 06 Dec 2024 -- One of the last partially functional health centres in besieged northern Gaza was hit several times overnight into Friday, leaving four health workers among the casualties and the dead, according to the UN World Health Organization (WHO).

Other Conflicts

• UN Security Council: humanitarian aid must reach those in need despite UN sanctions Federal Council - Swiss Government 06 Dec 2024 -- Humanitarian aid often takes place in contexts affected by UN sanctions. On 6 December 2024, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution setting out humanitarian exemptions for all UN financial sanctions. The resolution underlines Switzerland's long-standing commitment to reducing the negative impact of sanctions on the civilian population and on humanitarian work. It protects the civilian population - a priority of the Federal Council for Switzerland's membership of the Council in 2023-24. Switzerland, together with the United States, put the resolution to the vote in the Security Council.
• Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on the detention of United Nations and humanitarian personnel in Yemen UN Secretary-General 06 Dec 2024
• New funding for White Helmets in Syria in response to escalation UK FCDO 06 Dec 2024 -- UK announces new funding to support White Helmets' response to the current escalations in Syria
• Syrian Rebels Advance Toward Homs As Thousands Flee RFE/RL 06 Dec 2024 -- Russian forces bombed a key bridge and highway to try and slow a lightning advance by rebels toward the Syrian city of Homs as thousands fled the area.
• Syrian Militants' Capture Of Key City A 'Game-Changer' RFE/RL 06 Dec 2024 -- Militants have seized control of a second major city in Syria in what experts say is a turning point in the country's 13-year civil war.
• Syria crisis: More than 280,000 uprooted in northwest escalation UN News 06 Dec 2024 -- More than 280,000 people have been uprooted in northwest Syria in a matter of days following the sudden and massive offensive into Government-controlled areas led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is sanctioned by the Security Council as a terrorist group.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Foreign Minister Fidan on the Situation in Syria US Dept. of State 06 Dec 2024
• Report exposes systematic torture in Syrian detention facilities UN News 06 Dec 2024 -- The UN General Assembly-mandated team investigating serious crimes in Syria released a new report on Friday, documenting systematic torture and abuse across over 100 Government detention facilities.
• Iraq: Security Council briefed on major milestones and ongoing challenges UN News 06 Dec 2024 -- There have been significant developments in Iraq in recent months - which has so far avoided being dragged into the widening Middle East conflict - but corruption and other challenges persist, the new UN Special Representative for the country told the Security Council on Friday.
• Despite Many Obstacles that Remain, 'Iraq Today Is More Secure, Stable and Open', Special Representative Tells Security Council UN Security Council 06 Dec 2024 -- More Must Be Done on Missing Kuwaiti Nationals, Property, Underline Many Delegates More Must Be Done on Missing Kuwaiti Nationals, Property, Underline Many Delegates
• Survivors and victims of Daesh crimes deserve justice: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 06 Dec 2024 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on meeting on Iraq.
• UK statement: Taliban imposes medical training ban on women and girls UK FCDO 06 Dec 2024 -- The UK government expresses concerns following reports of the Taliban's decision to suspend medical education for women and girls in Afghanistan
• Hague Special Court Hits Former Kosovar President With Witness Tampering Charges RFE/RL 06 Dec 2024 -- Prosecutors with a special international court in The Hague confirmed on December 6 that a new indictment has been filed against former Kosovar President Hashim Thaci and four other people for allegedly attempting to influence witness testimony in a war crimes trials.
• No: 248, 6 December 2024, Regarding the Armament Activities of the Greek Cypriot Administration Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 06 Dec 2024
• Kokang rebels execute 6 after public trials in Myanmar's Shan state Radio Free Asia 06 Dec 2024 -- Ethnic Kokang rebels in northern Myanmar have executed six people following a public trial in front of hundreds of people that was filmed and posted on social media, including murder, the group confirmed Friday.
• Cameroon truck drivers ask military to protect goods destined for CAR VOA 06 Dec 2024 -- Road transport has failed to fully resume between Cameroon and the landlocked Central African Republic after a top-level crisis meeting this week to reopen borders sealed by Cameroon following escalating violence in C.A.R. Hundreds of truck drivers say they will cross into C.A.R. when government troops protect them from rebels.

News Reports

• INTERVIEW: An Ex-FBI agent helps unravel the mysteries of a spy swap Radio Free Asia 07 Dec 2024 -- A secret deal between the US and China announced in November allowed Chinese nationals to be freed in exchange for the release of several Americans imprisoned in China.
• Renewed concerns that US adversary behind 'Havana Syndrome' VOA 06 Dec 2024 -- A series of brain injuries and other serious health ailments that struck hundreds of U.S. diplomats and intelligence officials was almost certainly the work of a U.S. adversary, according to a new report by U.S. lawmakers, who accuse the nation's intelligence agencies of trying to hide the truth.
• Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2761 (2024), Security Council Approves Continued Humanitarian Exemption to Asset Freeze by Da'esh, Al-Qaida Sanctions Regime UN Security Council 06 Dec 2024 -- The Security Council today decided to maintain the exemption of humanitarian aid providers from asset freeze measures imposed by the Da'esh and Al-Qaida sanctions regime — a decision that provides those personnel and entities with greater operational clarity and predictability, while maintaining systematic monitoring measures to prevent the carveout from being exploited by terrorist organizations.
• Statement from President Joe Biden on U.S.-Mexico Security Cooperation The White House 06 Dec 2024
• Doctors want urgent action on DRC's yet-to-be identified disease outbreak VOA 06 Dec 2024 -- Africa's Center for Disease Control and Prevention — Africa CDC — says it is working to identify a new disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo that has claimed at least 79 lives and infected hundreds more.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's interview to Tucker Carlson, Moscow, December 6, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 06 Dec 2024
• Press Release on Bilateral Consultations on Biological Security between Russia and Mali Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 06 Dec 2024
• Russia's malign activities in the the OSCE area: Joint statement to OSCE Ministerial Council 2024 UK FCDO 06 Dec 2024 -- UK and others underline that Russia's malicious activities in the OSCE region, which aim to undermine support for Ukraine, will not work.
• The Ruble Swoons And Russia's Economy Wobbles Further RFE/RL 06 Dec 2024 -- When you're a Russian retiree living on a limited income, it's bad enough trying to contend with skyrocketing prices for staples like eggs, potatoes, or butter. Now add to the list of worries: a swooning ruble hitting lows not seen in years.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on December 6, 2024 PRC MofA 06 Dec 2024
• Chinese National and U.S. Legal Permanent Resident Charged for Illegal Scheme to Export Controlled Data and Defraud the Department of Defense US Dept. of Justice 06 Dec 2024 -- A four-count indictment was unsealed today charging Hang Sun, also known as Cody Sun, with conspiracy, wire fraud, smuggling, and a violation of the Arms Export Control Act for his role in an illegal scheme to send export-controlled defense-related technical data to China and to unlawfully supply the Department of Defense (DOD) with Chinese-origin rare earth magnets for aviation systems and military items.
• Two years on, Chinese carry 'painful' memories of COVID lockdowns Radio Free Asia 06 Dec 2024 -- At the 20th party congress in October 2022, ruling Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping made it clear to the country that his hugely unpopular zero-COVID restrictions, including grueling lockdowns and the mass testing, tracking and quarantining of citizens, would remain in place for the foreseeable future.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 06 Dec 2024
• South Korea's Yoon faces impeachment as key conservative turns against him VOA 06 Dec 2024 -- The head of South Korea's ruling People Power Party has announced support for suspending the duties of President Yoon Suk Yeol - a stunning, last-minute move to abandon his fellow conservative leader that analysts say greatly increases the chances of Yoon's impeachment over his failed attempt at martial law.
• Iran's New Hijab Law Seen As 'Vengeful Act' Against Women RFE/RL 06 Dec 2024 -- Lengthy prison terms, hefty fines, and travel bans.
• Former Pakistan PM Khan threatens civil disobedience movement from prison VOA 06 Dec 2024 -- Pakistan's jailed former prime minister, Imran Khan. has threatened to start a nationwide civil disobedience movement this month following a government crackdown on his supporters that resulted in the deaths of several.
• Landsbergis testifies at the U.S. Helsinki Commission Congressional Hearing dedicated to the role of Belarus in Russia's crimes during his visit to the United States Lithuania MFA 06 Dec 2024 -- On 5 December, in Washington, D.C., the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Gabrielius Landsbergis, while on a working visit to the United States of America, testified at the U.S. Helsinki Commission Congressional Hearing convened to examine the role of Belarus in Russia's crimes.
• Additional support for rare earths refining for a Future Made in Australia Prime Minister of Australia 06 Dec 2024 -- The Albanese Labor Government is delivering vital support to Australia's critical minerals sector by providing up to $475 million in additional finance to develop the Eneabba Rare Earths Refinery project in Western Australia.
• Joint Statement of the Presidents of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland President of the Republic of Lithuania 06 Dec 2024
• Joint Statement by the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and Poland on Georgia Germany Federal Foreign Office 06 Dec 2024
• Pressure Grows On Georgian Government Amid Police Brutality Claims, EU Concerns RFE/RL 06 Dec 2024 -- Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili has called on Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze to step down as pressure mounts on the government amid a violent crackdown on unrest sparked by a decision to suspend European Union membership talks.
• Minister Eide's remarks at the OSCE Ministerial Council in Malta Government of Norway 06 Dec 2024 -- Thank you to Malta for being such good hosts, administrators of the organization and congratulate Finland and wish them good luck for the next year, which is a very important year, 50 years after the Helsinki Final Act.
• Statement on Romanian Constitutional Court's Ruling on Romania's Presidential Elections US Dept. of State 06 Dec 2024
• Romanian Court Annuls Presidential Election, Throws Process Into Chaos RFE/RL 06 Dec 2024 -- Romania's Constitutional Court annulled the entire presidential election -- even as a runoff vote was under way -- throwing the process into upheaval after a Moscow-friendly, far-right candidate won the first round.
• Remarks made by Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly at the launch of the Arctic Foreign Policy Canada 06 Dec 2024
• Minister Joly launches Canada's Arctic Foreign Policy Canada 06 Dec 2024 -- The Arctic is experiencing major change. The shifting geopolitical landscape, evolving security threats and acceleration of climate change are impacting the Arctic in unique ways and highlight the need for strong Canadian leadership to respond to the changing reality in the region.
• Backgrounder - Deliverables of Canada's Arctic Foreign Policy Canada 06 Dec 2024
• Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (December 06, 2024) India MEA 06 Dec 2024
• Ghana's election expected to be highly competitive VOA 06 Dec 2024 -- By Former Ghanaian President John Mahama is one of the main challengers of ruling party candidate Mahamudu Bawumia in the West African nation's December 7 national elections.