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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
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Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• US, British warplanes bomb Yemeni Defense Ministry as conflict over Gaza escalates Press TV 17 Dec 2024 -- US and British warplanes have carried out fresh airstrikes on the Yemeni capital Sana'a and other regions, intensifying attacks as Yemeni Armed Forces continue their anti-Israeli operations in support of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip amid the regime's genocide.
• Yemen warns of expanded response to attacks IRNA 17 Dec 2024 -- A senior political figure in Yemen has warned the United States and the United Kingdom against further escalation of attacks on the country.
• Yemeni official warns of more options for retaliation as aggression escalates Press TV 17 Dec 2024 -- A senior Yemeni official says the country has a plan for confrontation with its adversaries, including the US, vowing that more options for reprisal attacks will open as their aggression increases.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Guantanamo Bay Detainee Transfer Announced DoD 17 Dec 2024 -- The Department of Defense announced today the repatriation of Mohammed Abdul Malik Bajabu (ISN 10025) from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay to the Government of Kenya.
• Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds a Press Briefing DoD 17 Dec 2024
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs, His Excellency Sheikh Saoud Al Thani DoD 17 Dec 2024
• Reports of Drone Incursions Taken Seriously, DOD Spokesman Says DoD News 17 Dec 2024 -- The Defense Department is taking all reports of drones seriously and working with the White House, the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Aviation Administration to examine the sightings and assess the situation, Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said today.
• DOD Reissues Nuclear Weapons Systems Surety Program Standards DoD 17 Dec 2024 -- The Department of Defense (DoD) released today, the reissuance of DoD Instruction 3150.02, "DoD Nuclear Weapons Systems Surety Program."
• Aviano AB F-16s, Airmen test capabilities during NATO exercise Poggio Dart US Air Force 17 Dec 2024 -- U.S. Air Force Airmen and aircraft assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy, joined Italian and German forces for NATO Allied Air Command's annual Poggio Dart 2024 exercise over Northern Italy, Dec. 2-13.
• CNO Press Briefing: Atlantic Council by Chief of Naval Operations US Navy 17 Dec 2024
• In Fifth Year, Space Force Commander Details Service's Stellar Accomplishments DoD News 17 Dec 2024 -- America's newest military service, the U.S. Space Force, stood up five years ago this Friday. In advance of an out-of-this world birthday celebration, the service's commander, Gen B. Chance Saltzman, reflected on half a decade of accomplishments.
• USSF field commands successfully launch GPS III, demonstrating expedited launch capabilities United States Space Force 17 Dec 2024 -- U.S. Space Force's Space Systems Command and Space Operations Command executed an accelerated timeline to meet a specific warfighter need through a Rapid Response Trailblazer launch. SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket launched this National Security Space Launch mission with a GPS III Space Vehicle aboard, named SV-07, Dec. 16, from Space Launch Complex 40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.
• Senior Defense and Senior Military Official Hold a DoD Background Briefing on Ukraine DoD 17 Dec 2024
• Prime Minister announces new sanctions and £35 million of emergency support for Ukraine as Russia continues to attack critical national infrastructure Gov.UK 17 Dec 2024 -- The UK has provided £35 million of emergency support to help Ukraine repair its energy grid and support the most vulnerable through a third winter of war, the Prime Minister has announced today.
• Kyiv Says It Broke Up Russian Spy Network Targeting F-16 Fighter Data RFE/RL 17 Dec 2024 -- The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said it disrupted what it described as the "biggest network" of Russian spies operating within the country who were allegedly collecting intelligence on ally-donated F-16 fighter jets, among other military targets.
• Australian Government and industry partners reach SSN AUKUS agreement BAE Systems 17 Dec 2024 -- The Australian and UK Governments have announced a significant milestone between the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) and industry partners that will support the delivery of the SSN AUKUS fleet of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy.
• New Zealand to lead maritime drug interception team in Middle East and Indian Ocean New Zealand Defence Force 17 Dec 2024 -- New Zealand is delivering a triple punch in the fight against narcotic smuggling in the Indian Ocean next year by taking command of an international task force and deploying a frigate and a mine countermeasures team to the front line.
• KEEL LAYING OF SIXTH SHIP (BY 528, MAGDALA) OF ASW SWC PROJECT AT CSL, KOCHI India PIB 17 Dec 2024 -- Keel Laying of the sixth ship (BY 528, Magdala) of the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) project was undertaken in presence of RAdm Satish Shenai, CSO (Training), Southern Naval Command on 17 Dec 24
• Raksha Mantri chairs Consultative Committee meeting for Ministry of Defence on roles & functions of new DPSUs India PIB 17 Dec 2024 -- A meeting of Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) under the chairmanship of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh was held in New Delhi on December 17, 2024
• Turkish Naval Forces On the Command of SNMCMG-2 Republic of Turkey Ministry of National Defence 17 Dec 2024
• 3rd Corps (HRF) Command Conducts On Guard 2024 Computer - Assisted Command Post Exercise Republic of Turkey Ministry of National Defence 17 Dec 2024
• Government buys back 36,347 military homes to improve housing for forces families and save taxpayers billions UK MOD 17 Dec 2024 -- A major deal to bring the Armed Forces housing estate back into public ownership has been agreed by the government.
• PM meeting with Prime Minister Kristersson of Sweden: 17 December 2024 Gov.UK 17 Dec 2024
• PM meeting with Prime Minister Michal of Estonia: 17 December 2024 Gov.UK 17 Dec 2024
• PM meeting with President Stubb of Finland and Prime Minister Frederiksen of Denmark: 17 December 2024 Gov.UK 17 Dec 2024
• Norway - M1156A1 Precision Guidance Kits Fuzes DSCA 17 Dec 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Norway of M1156A1 Precision Guidance Kits Fuzes and related equipment for an estimated cost of $130 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Minister of National Defence D. Šakalienė reached Lithuania's largest deal to date, acquisition of Leopard tanks, in Berlin Lithuania MND 17 Dec 2024 -- During her first official visit to Berlin on December 16 Minister of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė signed a confirmation of the Leopard 2 tank acquisition contract.
• The President: A robust NATO deterrence policy and strong national defense capabilities are essential President of the Republic of Lithuania 17 Dec 2024 -- On Monday evening, President Gitanas Nausėda participated in an informal dinner with the leaders of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) countries in Tallinn.
• PH-Japan RAA to 'firmly contribute' to regional secure, peace Philippine News Agency 17 Dec 2024 -- The future Philippine-Japanese reciprocal access agreement (RAA) would not only boost the already robust security cooperation between the two states but also help contribute to regional peace and security, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Dec. 17, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 17 December 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 17 Dec 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Israel's defense minister envisions Israeli post-war security control in Gaza VOA 17 Dec 2024 -- Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Tuesday that Israel would have security control over Gaza after its war against the Hamas militant group.
• Dec. 16: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 17 Dec 2024
• Israel, Hamas move closer to ceasefire deal in Gaza: Reports IRNA 17 Dec 2024 -- After months of deadlock, the Israeli regime and the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas appear to be close to reaching a ceasefire deal in Gaza, reports said.
• Two Israeli occupation troops killed in southern Gaza IRNA 17 Dec 2024 -- Two Israeli occupation troops have been killed in clashes with Palestinian resistance fighters in the southern Gaza Strip.
• 2 Zionist soldiers killed, several injured in Rafah IRNA 17 Dec 2024 -- The Zionist media have reported that two of the soldiers of this regime were killed in Rafah in the south of the Gaza Strip.
• Israel says 2 more troops killed in southern Gaza Press TV 17 Dec 2024 -- The Israeli military reports two more soldiers have been killed during fighting with the Palestinian resistance fighters in the southern part of the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Gaza ceasefire deal within reach if Israel stops setting new conditions: Hamas Press TV 17 Dec 2024 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has described ongoing ceasefire talks in Qatar as "serious and positive," saying that an exchange of captives for prisoners is within reach if the Israeli occupation stops raising new conditions.
• Hamas: PA operations in Jenin a complete crime IRNA 17 Dec 2024 -- The Palestinian resistance movement, Hamas has denounced security operations by the Palestinian Authority (PA) forces in the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank.
• WHO warns Gaza's Kamal Adwan hospital in 'appalling' conditions amid Israeli attacks Press TV 17 Dec 2024 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) has described conditions at the Kamal Adwan hospital in northern Gaza as "appalling" as the medical facility has come under incessant Israeli attacks.
• UN food agency warns two million in Gaza face 'acute' hunger' amid siege, aggression Press TV 17 Dec 2024 -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that two million people in Gaza are are suffering from "acute hunger," as Israel prevents humanitarian missions from reaching the war-wracked besieged strip.
• Yemen pounds Israeli military target using 'Palestine 2' hypersonic missile IRNA 17 Dec 2024 -- Yemen says it has carried out a successful military operation against the Israeli regime using a hypersonic ballistic missile.
• Israeli settler detained for suspected Iranian espionage plot Press TV 17 Dec 2024 -- Israeli forces say they have arrested a settler from the occupied city of al-Quds on charges of espionage for Iran and being involved in a plot to carry out an attack in the occupied territories.

Other Conflicts

• Syria crisis: 'Key priority' is preserving evidence of crimes, say UN investigators UN News 17 Dec 2024 -- The historic shift of power in Syria and the possibility of finally accessing evidence of horrific human rights violations could bring accountability closer than ever - if only proof can be preserved - a top UN investigator said on Tuesday.
• Security Council Press Statement on Situation in Syria UN Security Council 17 Dec 2024
• 'At Moment of Hope, Peril, We Must Rise to the Challenge, Back People of Syria,' Under-Secretary-General Tells Security Council UN Security Council 17 Dec 2024 -- In its first open briefing since the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad nearly 10 days ago, speakers at today's Security Council meeting hailed the end of his family's 54-year dictatorship as a moment of hope for the Syrian people, with two Syrian citizens urging the 15-nation organ to stand by Syrians in their efforts to achieve an inclusive political transition, as well as justice and accountability for the atrocities committed by the Assad regime.
• UN Security Council calls for Syrian-led political transition VOA 17 Dec 2024 -- The U.N. Security Council is calling for a Syrian-led political transition that allows all Syrians to "independently and democratically determine their own futures," following the ouster of longtime leader Bashar al-Assad.
• Syria faces uncertain future after regime's collapse amid humanitarian crises UN News 17 Dec 2024 -- At a historic crossroads, just 11 days after the collapse of the Assad regime, Syria faces a fragile mix of hope and chaos, plagued by a volatile security situation and a worsening humanitarian crisis, top UN officials told the Security Council on Tuesday.
• The Syrian people have our full support as they build a new future: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 17 Dec 2024 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.
• Senior British diplomats meet with head of HTS militant group in Syria Press TV 17 Dec 2024 -- A group of diplomats from the United Kingdom have held talks with the head of the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militant group, which ousted former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government earlier this month, amid widespread reports of Western and Israeli support.
• Syria: Speech by High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas at the EP plenary on the situation in the region European External Action Service (EEAS) 17 Dec 2024
• Syria's future should be determined without foreign interference or imposition: Iran IRNA 17 Dec 2024 -- Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Amir Saeid Iravani said that the Islamic Republic of Iran once again declares its firm support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria.
• UNHCR urges continued protection and support for Syrians inside and outside the country UNHCR 17 Dec 2024 -- While recent developments bring hope and a chance for peace and stability, they also underscore the immense challenges facing displaced Syrians inside the country and refugees abroad.
• PM Netanyahu on the Summit of Mt. Hermon: "We will stay in this important place until another arrangement is found that ensures Israel's security" Israel - Prime Minister 17 Dec 2024
• Israel continues to pound Syria with airstrikes IRNA 17 Dec 2024 -- Israeli warplanes have carried out fresh attacks on Syria, targeting the port of Latakia and the outskirts of Damascus.
• Zionist regime occupies another part of Syrian territory IRNA 17 Dec 2024 -- The Zionist regime's army has advanced in southern Syria, seizing additional territories of the Arab country, according to the news sources.
• Syria won't allow to use its soil to attack Israel: HTS cmdr. IRNA 17 Dec 2024 -- The top commander of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), one of the Syrian armed groups that recently overthrew the government of President Basher al-Assad, has told a British newspaper that he will not allow his country to become a place for attacking Israel.
• HTS head vows not to 'allow Syria to be used for anti-Israeli attacks' Press TV 17 Dec 2024 -- The head of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militant group, which ousted the Syrian government earlier this month amid widespread reports of Western and Israeli support, says he will not allow the country's soil to be used for anti-Israeli attacks.
• Navy official says PH troops in WPS resupplied for holiday season Philippine News Agency 17 Dec 2024 -- A ranking Philippine Navy official on Tuesday said rotation and reprovisioning (RORE) for Filipino troops manning the country's nine features in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) has been completed in time for the holiday season.
• Philippine vessel delivers supplies to illegally 'grounded' warship at Ren'ai Jiao under Chinese permission Global Times 17 Dec 2024 -- On December 12, with the permission of the Chinese side, the Philippines dispatched a civilian ship to deliver supplies to its illegally "grounded" warship at Ren'ai Jiao. The China Coast Guard (CCG) inquired about it and monitored the entire process, CCG spokesperson Liu Dejun said in a statement on Tuesday.
• Myanmar and Thailand to discuss disputed militia posts on border Radio Free Asia 17 Dec 2024 -- Representatives of the Thai government and Myanmar junta are due to discuss a series of militia posts along the two countries' common border that Thailand says are in its territory, Myanmar's junta spokesperson said.
• AFP: Reds no longer capable of large-scale ops Philippine News Agency 17 Dec 2024 -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Tuesday communist insurgents are no longer capable of conducting large-scale operations, even as they look to celebrate the 56th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Dec. 26.
• ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Approve Establishment of a Special Tribunal for The Gambia US Dept. of State 17 Dec 2024 -- The United States congratulates the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Government of The Gambia on the landmark decision by ECOWAS Heads of State and Government to establish a Special Tribunal for The Gambia.
• WFP delivers aid to over 800,000 in Sudan UN News 17 Dec 2024 -- The World Food Programme (WFP) has intensified its emergency response in Sudan, delivering food assistance to more than 800,000 people in famine-affected and at-risk areas, even as conflict continues to escalate across the country.
• The Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, condemns shelling and airstrikes on civilian areas in parts of Darfur and Khartoum UNOCHA 17 Dec 2024 -- The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Ms. Clementine Nkweta-Salami, has expressed grave concern about the protection of civilians following airstrikes and shelling that over the past week resulted in reports of mass civilian casualties in parts of the Darfur region and Khartoum state.
• Operational Update on surge in food aid in Sudan WFP 17 Dec 2024 -- The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has delivered food assistance to more than 800,000 people in famine and famine risk areas across war-torn Sudan since recently launching a large-scale surge in food aid. Recent operational progress is fragile as the situation on the ground is volatile and dangerous.
• Ugandan court asks government to pay LRA war crimes' victims VOA 17 Dec 2024 -- A Ugandan International Crimes Division Court has ordered the Ugandan government to pay reparations to war crimes victims affected by atrocities committed by former Lord's Resistance Army commander Thomas Kwoyelo.

News Reports

• UK court dismisses claim against intel agency by alleged Chinese 'spy' Radio Free Asia 17 Dec 2024 -- A London-based lawyer accused of secretly working with China's propaganda arm has lost a legal appeal against the U.K.'s domestic intelligence service.
• Allegation of so-called 'Chinese spy' in UK is just preposterous: Chinese FM Global Times 17 Dec 2024 -- In response to an alleged "Chinese spy" case in the UK, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Tuesday that the "China espionage" accusation is just preposterous. Advancing China-UK relations is in the interest of both countries, and conducive to global growth and response to global challenges.
• Chinese embassy urges UK to cease anti-China political manipulation regarding businessman banned from entering UK Global Times 17 Dec 2024 -- The Chinese Embassy in the UK on Tuesday urged the UK side to immediately stop creating trouble, stop anti-China political manipulations, and stop undermining normal personnel exchanges between the two countries after a Chinese businessman is reportedly being banned from entering the UK.
• CISA Directs Federal Agencies to Secure Cloud Environments CISA 17 Dec 2024 -- The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) today issued Binding Operational Directive (BOD) 25-01, Implementing Secure Practices for Cloud Services to safeguard federal information and information systems.
• Treasury Takes Sweeping Action Against Global Narcotics Traffickers US Treasury 17 Dec 2024 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is sanctioning 12 individuals and eight entities, located across seven countries, who are linked to the global illicit drug trade. Today's action, taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14059, underscores the United States' commitment to combating the synthetic drug threat at home and abroad.
• Avian flu reported in 108 countries across five continents, says UN health agency UN News 17 Dec 2024 -- Avian influenza has caused the deaths of more than 300 million birds worldwide and the virus "is increasingly crossing species barriers", according to UN health officers.
• Russian Uranium Stake In Kazakhstan Sold To China Amid Western Sanctions Risk RFE/RL 17 Dec 2024 -- Russia's Rosatom is selling its stakes in uranium deposits in Kazakhstan to Chinese-owned companies as the Central Asian nation looks to avoid any international sanctions against Russian-linked assets and a sign of China's growing influence in the region.
• Russian State Duma Pushes Bill To Block 'Foreign Agents' From Revenues RFE/RL 17 Dec 2024 -- Russian lawmakers have approved a bill that restricts how so-called foreign agents can access their income inside the country as the government continues to clamp down on political opponents amid the war in Ukraine.
• VOA interview: US urges Europe to end energy dependency on Russia VOA 17 Dec 2024 -- The outgoing administration of U.S. President Joe Biden plans in its final weeks to "continue tightening the noose" around Russia's key energy exports with new sanctions to deprive Moscow of revenue for its war on Ukraine, according to Assistant Secretary of State Geoffrey Pyatt.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on December 17, 2024 PRC MofA 17 Dec 2024
• China's top diplomat summarizes five highlights of China's diplomacy in 2024 Global Times 17 Dec 2024 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday that China's diplomacy in 2024 had created a sound external environment for China's high-quality development and injected valuable stability into a volatile world.
• US Senate to vote on bill that fuels possibility of Chinese drone ban VOA 17 Dec 2024 -- The 2025 defense spending authorization bill is coming up to a final vote in the U.S. Senate. As the American Northeast buzzes with drone sightings and fears of foreign surveillance, the bill moves to ban products from the world's largest drone-maker: China.
• Chinese FM slams EU's unjustified sanctions for allegedly 'supporting Russia,' vows to take necessary measures Global Times 17 Dec 2024 -- China firmly opposes unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law or authorization by the UN Security Council. China deplores and firmly opposes the EU's unjustified sanctions against Chinese companies, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated on Tuesday, after the EU added seven Chinese companies and individuals to its sanctions list and hyped up their roles in supporting Russia in the Ukraine crisis.
• China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the EU's unjustified sanctions against Chinese companies: FM spokesperson Global Times 17 Dec 2024 -- China has consistently opposed unilateral sanctions that lack a basis in international law and are not authorized by the UN Security Council; the country expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the EU's unjustified sanctions against Chinese companies, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated on Tuesday.
• Press freedom continues to deteriorate in Hong Kong VOA 17 Dec 2024 -- Jailed pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai testified Tuesday that the Hong Kong government became "very strict" after Beijing's national security law came into effect in 2020.
• Taipei mayor calls for less military activity at forum with Chinese officials CNA 17 Dec 2024 -- Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) called for "fewer roaring sounds from vessels and planes" and stressed the importance of continued cross-strait exchanges during the opening of the Twin-City Forum in Taipei Tuesday.
• Shanghai-Taipei City Forum makes new progress in deepening cooperation: Taiwan Affairs Office Global Times 17 Dec 2024 -- The 2024 Shanghai-Taipei City Forum was held in Taipei from Monday to Tuesday. Representatives of the two cities had in-depth exchanges and interactions, reached many positive consensuses, signed two memorandums of understanding on exchanges and cooperation, and made new progress in deepening the cooperation between the two cities, Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said on Tuesday.
• Taiwan-Shanghai forum opens after military tensions Radio Free Asia 17 Dec 2024 -- An annual forum between the cities of Shanghai and Taipei that is meant to promote dialogue across the Taiwan Strait has opened about six months late after tensions including unprecedented Chinese sabre-rattling raised doubts that it could be organized this year.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 17 Dec 2024
• Joint U.S.-ROK-Japan Symposium on Countering DPRK Illicit Maritime Activities US Dept. of State 17 Dec 2024 -- The U.S. Department of State, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea (ROK), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan co-hosted a Joint U.S.-ROK-Japan Maritime Industry Symposium on Countering DPRK Illicit Maritime Activities in Singapore on December 17, 2024. The
• U.S. Imposes Sanctions on an Entity and Individuals Contributing to Democratic People's Republic of Korea Virtual Currency Money Laundering Network US Dept. of State 17 Dec 2024 -- The United States is imposing sanctions on two individuals and one entity pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery.
• Treasury Disrupts North Korean Digital Assets Money Laundering Network US Treasury 17 Dec 2024 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is sanctioning two individuals and one entity involved in a network that launders millions of dollars of illicit funds generated by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) information technology (IT) workers and cybercrime to support the DPRK Government.
• As Expiry of Iran Nuclear Deal Approaches and Regional Tensions Flare, Security Council Hears Calls for Return to Diplomacy that Achieved Agreement UN Security Council 17 Dec 2024 -- With the clock ticking down towards the expiration of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action as conflicts proliferate in the Middle East, nuclear diplomacy is needed now, the Security Council heard today, even as its members disagreed on both how the Plan veered off-course and how to get it back on track.
• UN urges parties to re-engage on Iran nuclear deal UN News 17 Dec 2024 -- The head of UN political affairs called on Tuesday for urgent re-engagement to restore an international agreement on Iran's nuclear programme.
• There is no justification for Iran's stockpiling of high enriched uranium: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 17 Dec 2024 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on non-proliferation.
• IAEA chief calls for revisions to Iran nuclear deal IRNA 17 Dec 2024 -- Rafael Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has once again claimed that the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) requires significant reforms due to advancements in Iran's nuclear program.
• Iran manufacturing its own version of Boeing, Airbus engine parts: Official Press TV 17 Dec 2024 -- Iran's civil aviation chief says the country has mastered the technology needed to manufacture spare parts for the engines of Boeing and Airbus jets.
• Iran helped Syria's fight against terrorism; embassy reopening on agenda: Foreign Ministry Press TV 17 Dec 2024 -- The spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry says the reopening of the country's embassy in the Syrian capital of Damascus is "high on the agenda," adding that the diplomatic mission will resume its activities once the "necessary conditions" are met.
• Leader: US, allies 'completely wrong' to presume resistance ended Press TV 17 Dec 2024 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says the presumption of the United States and its allies that the resistance has ended is "completely wrong."
• Myanmar court suspends jail sentences for Thai fishermen Radio Free Asia 17 Dec 2024 -- A Myanmar court jailed four Thai fishermen for up to six years for illegal intrusion and fishing in its waters but suspended their sentences to maintain good relations between the neighbors, a Thai newspaper reported, adding they are expected to be released soon.
• Wider Europe Briefing: The EU Carries Over Its Problems To 2025 RFE/RL 17 Dec 2024
• Australia's deals with Pacific nations aim to curb China's influence VOA 17 Dec 2024 -- Australia signed two multi-million dollar deals with Nauru and Papua New Guinea last week that analysts say will help Canberra counter China's growing influence in the Pacific.
• German Chancellor Scholz loses confidence vote, snap elections to follow Global Times 17 Dec 2024 -- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost in a vote of confidence in the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, on Monday.
• Transcript of Special Briefing by Foreign Secretary on the State visit of President of Sri Lanka to India (December 16, 2024) India MEA 17 Dec 2024
• "There is no place for DAESH or PKK in the future of our region" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 17 Dec 2024 -- Holding a joint press conference with EU Commission President von der Leyen, President Erdoğan drew attention to the fight against DAESH and PKK, and said: "Türkiye is the only country, the only NATO ally that has defeated both of the terrorist organizations on the ground. We will by no means allow these groups to thrive. There is no place for DAESH or PKK and its extensions in the future of our region."
• Council of Europe Secretary General visits Georgia Council of Europe 17 Dec 2024 -- The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, will begin an official visit to Tbilisi on 18 December.
• Canada imposes new sanctions against Venezuelan officials Canada 17 Dec 2024 -- Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that Canada is imposing new sanctions against Venezuelan officials under the Special Economic Measures (Venezuela) Regulations.
• Backgrounder: Canada imposes sanctions against Venezuelan officials Canada 17 Dec 2024
• EU Launches Probe Into TikTok Over Suspected Romanian Election Interference RFE/RL 17 Dec 2024 -- The European Union has launched an investigation into the Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok over accusations that it was used by Russia to influence the result of Romania's first round of presidential elections won by a far-right Moscow-friendly candidate.