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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• CENTCOM Forces Kill ISIS Leader During Precision Strike in Syria CENTCOM 20 Dec 2024 -- On Dec. 19, U.S. Central Command Forces conducted a precision airstrike targeting ISIS leader Abu Yusif aka Mahmud in the Dayr az Zawr Province, Syria resulting in two ISIS operatives killed, including Abu Yusif.

Defense Policy / Programs

• USAF's top leadership team concludes Standing Watch trip in Romania US Air Force 20 Dec 2024 -- U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi met with key NATO allies in Romania to conclude their week-long Standing Watch trip on Dec. 20.
• Air Force re-opens competition for select platforms in Next-Generation Ejection Seat program US Air Force 20 Dec 2024 -- The U.S. Air Force is updating its existing approach to the Next-Generation Ejection Seat (NGES) program to increase competition for some of the five platforms, inviting more industry players to compete for a contract to supply F-16 ejection seats with the potential to conduct competition for other aircraft platforms in the future.
• USS Beloit (LCS 29) makes it home to Mayport US Navy 20 Dec 2024 -- Freedom-variant littoral combat ship (LCS) USS Beloit (LCS 29) makes it to her homeport in Mayport, Fla., December 19.
• NAVAIR issues V-22 bulletin and interim flight clearance US Navy 20 Dec 2024 -- Based on engineering analysis, on December 20, 2024 NAVAIR issued a fleet bulletin directing the inspection of V-22 Osprey to verify the flight hours on each Proprotor Gearbox (PRGB) prior to an aircraft's next flight.
• USS Spruance returns home after five-month deployment to 5th and 7th Fleet US Navy 20 Dec 2024 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111), assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (ABECSG), returned to their homeport, Naval Base San Diego, after a five-month deployment in time for the holidays, Dec. 19.
• Space Force Marks Half-Decade of Service DoD News 20 Dec 2024 -- The U.S. Space Force, which stood up Dec. 20, 2019, is America's newest military service branch. Today, service leaders marked Space Force's 5th birthday with a small celebration in the Pentagon.
• STARCOM activates Space Force's first cyber range squadron United States Space Force 20 Dec 2024 -- Space Training and Readiness Command officially stood up the Space Force's first cyber range squadron, the 33rd Range Squadron (RGS), during an activation ceremony on Schriever Space Force Base, Dec. 16. The new squadron, which falls under Space Delta 11, marks a critical milestone in advancing the Space Force's ability to test, train, and prepare for cyber threats in the contested space domain.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With German Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius DoD 20 Dec 2024
• Allies agree NATO's 2025 common-funded budgets NATO 20 Dec 2024 -- Allies agreed NATO's common-funded budgets for 2025 at a meeting of the North Atlantic Council on Tuesday (17 December 2024).
• Joint statement from the Tallinn Mechanism Estonia MFA 20 Dec 2024 -- "Ukraine has withstood Russia's brutal full-scale invasion for over 1000 days. This war does not only take place in the trenches but also in cyberspace; it confirms that cyberattacks are an integral part of 21st century conflict and warfare, and cybersecurity is a crucial dimension of the overall resilience of society."
• Tallinn Mechanism raises €200 million to support Ukraine's resilience in cyberspace Estonia MFA 20 Dec 2024 -- Today 20 December marks one year since the launch of the Tallinn Mechanism, a cyber support platform for Ukraine established by Estonia and Ukraine's allies.
• Norway contributes to international support package for Ukraine Government of Norway 20 Dec 2024 -- Norway is contributing to a £186 million package to support Ukraine (approx. NOK 2.6 billion). The funding will provide much-needed military equipment through the International Fund for Ukraine.
• Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States - MK 75 76 mm Gun Mounts DSCA 20 Dec 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States of MK 75 76 mm Gun Mounts and related equipment for an estimated cost of $30 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States - Command, Control, Communications, and Computers Modernization DSCA 20 Dec 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States of Command, Control, Communications, and Computers Modernization and related equipment for an estimated cost of $265 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Memorandum on the Delegation of Authority Under Section 506(a)(3) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 The White House 20 Dec 2024
• Taiwan gets first batch of 'world's most advanced' tanks from US Radio Free Asia 20 Dec 2024 -- Taiwan has received 38 M1A2T tanks from the United States, the first U.S. tanks for the island in 23 years, and the first batch of an expected 122 due to arrive over the next two years.
• Delivering a plan for continuous Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment in Australia Australia DOD 20 Dec 2024 -- The Albanese Government has reaffirmed its commitment to continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment, delivered by an Australian workforce and anchored by sovereign supply chains, through the release of the 2024 Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Plan.
• Operation Okra ceases after 10 years of ADF support Australia DOD 20 Dec 2024 -- Operation Okra, the Australian Defence Force's (ADF) contribution to the international coalition against Daesh in Iraq and Syria, has concluded with the remaining ADF personnel returning home this month.
• ADF supports Vanuatu earthquake response Australia DOD 20 Dec 2024 -- RAAF Globemaster III and C-130J Hercules aircraft have returned 284 Australian citizens and approved foreign nationals from Vanuatu in the wake of the Port Vila earthquake on December 17.
• Australia takes leading role in Middle East maritime security Australia DOD 20 Dec 2024 -- As Houthi attacks on shipping intensified in the Red Sea, Australia stepped up its commitment to maritime security, assuming command of Combined Task Force 153 (CTF 153) on October 1.
• Surveillance, aid, responders and evacuees covered by RNZAF Vanuatu flights New Zealand Defence Force 20 Dec 2024 -- Multiple Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) flights to Vanuatu this week have delivered emergency responders and tonnes of search and rescue equipment and aid, while 93 New Zealanders and approved foreign nationals have been evacuated.
• Minister Blair concludes productive visit to Latvia and Poland Canada 20 Dec 2024 -- Yesterday, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, concluded a successful visit to Latvia and Poland during which he met with Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members ahead of the holidays and held bilateral meetings with his counterparts.
• His Majesty's Canadian Ship Charlottetown returns from Operation REASSURANCE Canada 20 Dec 2024 -- Today, His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Charlottetown returned to its home port of Halifax, Nova Scotia, following a six-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea region under Operation REASSURANCE.
• Prime partner in the Baltics: Pistorius welcomes Lithuanian counterpart Germany - Federal Ministry of Defence 20 Dec 2024 -- Defence Minister Pistorius welcomed Dovilė Šakalienė, Lithuania's new Minister of National Defence, at the Bendlerblock on 16 December 2024. Šakalienė had been confirmed by Lithuania's parliament, the Seimas, on 12 December.
• YARD 12707 (SURAT) AND YARD 12651 (NILGIRI) DELIVERED TO INDIAN NAVY India PIB 20 Dec 2024 -- In a historic milestone for the country's Aatmanirbharta, journey, two warships, a destroyer (Surat) and a frigate (Nilgiri) were delivered to the Indian Navy on 20 Dec 24
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD inks Rs 7,629 crore contract with L&T for K9 VAJRA-T Self-Propelled Tracked Artillery Guns for Indian Army India PIB 20 Dec 2024 -- Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Larsen & Toubro Limited for procurement of 155 mm/52 calibre K9 VAJRA-T Self-Propelled Tracked Artillery Guns for the Indian Army under Buy (Indian) category at a total cost of Rs 7,628
• Commander says sophisticated vessels, special weapons to join Iran's navy IRNA 20 Dec 2024 -- Commander of the Iranian Army's Naval Forces, Rear Admiral Shahram Irani said that domestically-made highly sophisticated vessels and special weapons will join Iran's navy forces.
• Iran Navy to take delivery of high-tech homegrown vessels, weapons: Commander Press TV 20 Dec 2024 -- Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani says that the navy will receive several new domestically designed and manufactured vessels and weapons, equipped with advanced and state-of-the-art technologies.
• Spain orders 25 additional Eurofighter aircraft Airbus 20 Dec 2024 -- The Spanish government has signed a contract with Munich-based, Germany, NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA) for the acquisition of 25 Eurofighter aircraft. Known as the Halcon II programme, the order will cover the delivery of 21 latest-generation single-seat and four twin-seat Eurofighter aircraft to replace part of the F-18 fleet operated by the Spanish Air and Space Force.
• Federal Air Transport Service: New state aircraft landed in Switzerland Federal Council - Swiss Government 20 Dec 2024 -- The new state aircraft type Bombardier Global 7500 landed on 19th of December 2024 in Switzerland. In future, the Swiss Confederation will thus have a state aircraft with state of the art technology in terms of security, efficiency and performance. The first deployment of the Bombardier Global 7500 aircraft by the Federal Air Transport Service is planned early in 2025.
• Letter of intent on strengthened defence cooperation between Sweden and Moldova Government Offices of Sweden 20 Dec 2024
• Egypt - Abrams Tank Refurbishment, Support, and Equipment DSCA 20 Dec 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Egypt of Abrams Tank Refurbishment, Support, and Equipment, and related equipment for an estimated cost of $4.69 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Egypt - Hellfire AGM-114R Missiles DSCA 20 Dec 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Egypt of Hellfire AGM-114R Missiles and related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of $630 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Egypt - Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) DSCA 20 Dec 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Egypt of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $30 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Kingdom of Morocco - Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles DSCA 20 Dec 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Morocco of Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $88.37 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Kingdom of Morocco - GBU-39B Small Diameter Bombs (SDB-I) DSCA 20 Dec 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Morocco of GBU-39B Small Diameter Bombs (SDB-I) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $86 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Greece - Aerosonde Uncrewed Aircraft Systems and Armored Security Vehicles DSCA 20 Dec 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Greece of Aerosonde Uncrewed Aircraft Systems and Armored Security Vehicles and related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of $130 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Operation Resolution New Zealand Defence Force 20 Dec 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Telephone Call with Republic of Korea FM Cho US Dept. of State 20 Dec 2024
• United States Welcomes Liechtenstein's Signing of the Artemis Accords US Dept. of State 20 Dec 2024 -- Liechtenstein became the 52nd signatory of the Artemis Accords at a ceremony at NASA headquarters today.

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Dec. 20, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 20 December 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 20 Dec 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Netanyahu to avoid Auschwitz liberation event in Poland over war crime arrest fears Press TV 20 Dec 2024 -- Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly skipping an event marking liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland next month out of fear of being arrested for the war crimes against the Palestinians in war-wracked Gaza.
• "Cold, sick and traumatized" - the ongoing nightmare for children in Gaza UNICEF 20 Dec 2024 -- This is a summary of what was said by UNICEF Communication Specialist Rosalia Bollen - to whom quoted text may be attributed - at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva
• Gaza is now a graveyard and there's no escape, say UN aid teams UN News 20 Dec 2024 -- Hunger, dire living conditions made worse by heavy winter rains and ongoing hostilities continue to endanger people's lives in Gaza, which has become "a graveyard", UN humanitarians warned on Friday.
• Doctors Without Borders says Israel committing 'genocide' in Gaza Press TV 20 Dec 2024 -- Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Secretary General Christopher Lockyear says Israel is committing "genocide" in Gaza.
• Trump wants to quickly end Gaza war — can he? VOA 20 Dec 2024 -- President-elect Donald Trump has signaled eagerness to wrap up the war in Gaza as quickly as possible, even as the outgoing Biden administration continues its last-ditch diplomatic push for a ceasefire deal.
• Norway to increase the support to Lebanon Government of Norway 20 Dec 2024 -- The Norwegian government will provide an additional NOK 40 million (USD 3.5 million) making the total Norwegian contribution to Lebanon in 2024 NOK 410 million (USD 36 million).
• Swedish Government increases humanitarian support to Gaza and surrounding region Government Offices of Sweden 20 Dec 2024 -- The Government has decided to allocate SEK 800 million to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the region. Sweden is also continuing its support to the response in Gaza through extensive core support to a number of key humanitarian actors.
• SEK 40 million in humanitarian assistance to children in Gaza ahead of winter Government Offices of Sweden 20 Dec 2024 -- The Swedish Government has decided to provide SEK 40 million to the efforts of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Gaza.
• Israeli settlers accused of setting fire to and vandalizing West Bank mosque VOA 20 Dec 2024 -- Palestinian residents in Israel's occupied West Bank city of Marda reported Friday that Israeli settlers set fire to and vandalized a mosque, writing slurs and threatening slogans in spray paint on its walls.
• Hamas urges pressure on Zionist regime, solidarity with Palestinian nation IRNA 20 Dec 2024 -- Hamas movement has called for putting pressure on the Zionist regime to stop the aggression and war against Gaza, condemning the regime's crimes and strengthening solidarity with the Palestinian nation.

Other Conflicts

• Adopting Resolution 2764 (2024), Security Council Underscores Importance of Preserving Child Protection Capacities in UN Mission Transitions UN Security Council 20 Dec 2024 -- The Security Council today adopted a resolution highlighting the need for sustainable child protection capacities in United Nations peace operations and the importance of their smooth, responsible transfer to the Organization's country teams during mission transitions or withdrawals.
• Security Council Extends Mandate of United Nations Observer Force in Golan for Six Months through Resolution 2766 (2024), Amid Reports of Israel Incursion UN Security Council 20 Dec 2024 -- The Security Council today renewed the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan for six months until 30 June 2025 and requested the Secretary-General to ensure that the Force has the required capacity and resources to fulfil its mandate "in a safe and secure way".
• UN chief: Israel's attacks violate Syria's sovereignty Press TV 20 Dec 2024 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned Israel's attacks on Syria as a violation of the country's territorial integrity and demanded an immediate halt to all the aggressions against the country.
• UN chief urges Israel to stop violations of Syria's sovereignty, territorial integrity People's Daily 20 Dec 2024 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday urged Israel to stop violations of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• Assistant Secretary Leaf, Special Presidential Envoy Carstens, and Senior Advisor Rubinstein's Travel to Syria US Dept. of State 20 Dec 2024 -- Assistant Secretary Barbara A. Leaf, Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens, and Ambassador Daniel Rubinstein travelled to Damascus, Syria to engage with the Syrian people, including members of civil society, humanitarians, and others regarding their vision for the future of Syria and how the United States can support them.
• US removes $10M bounty on leader of rebel group now in charge of Syria VOA 20 Dec 2024 -- The United States has removed the $10 million bounty placed on Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, the militant fighter who led the rebellion that removed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad from power earlier this month.
• US drops $10 million bounty on leader of HTS militants Press TV 20 Dec 2024 -- The US is dropping a $10 million prize it had set for the arrest of the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militants in Syria.
• Senior US delegation in Syria for talks with HTS 'terrorists' Press TV 20 Dec 2024 -- A senior delegation of US diplomats has arrived in Syria to speak directly to the representatives of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) which is designated a terrorist group by Washington.
• For a peaceful future for Syria: Foreign Minister Baerbock travels to Turkey Germany Federal Foreign Office 20 Dec 2024 -- Foreign Minister Baerbock is travelling to Ankara to talk with her Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan on 20 December. The focus of her trip is the peace process in Syria.
• Foreign Minister Baerbock prior to her departure for Turkey Germany Federal Foreign Office 20 Dec 2024 -- Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock issued the following statement today (20 December) prior to her departure for Turkey:
• FM Spox terms Tehran's withdrawal of advisory forces from Syria as responsible act IRNA 20 Dec 2024 -- The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the decision to withdraw the Iranian advisors from Syria was a responsible action which was done taking into account the conditions prevailing in Syria and the situation in the region.
• Developments in Syria must be accompanied by protecting country's territorial integrity: Pezeshkian IRNA 20 Dec 2024 -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in a meeting with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan stressed that any developments in Syria must be accompanied by maintaining the territorial integrity of that country, and the slightest damage to the territorial integrity of Syria is not acceptable in any way.
• Top security official: Iran doesn't regret spending in Syria Press TV 20 Dec 2024 -- Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Akbar Ahmadian says Iran does not regret spending on the fight against the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in Syria, as its expenditure achieved the goal of ensuring the Islamic Republic's security.
• Syria: Rights investigators call for protection of evidence, including mass grave sites UN News 20 Dec 2024 -- In a landmark mission to Syria, the UN probe into the most serious rights violations committed in the country since 2011 has called on caretaker authorities to take immediate measures to protect mass grave sites and preserve critical evidence.
• Syria transition may fail if support lifeline is delayed, says IOM chief UN News 20 Dec 2024 -- The head of the UN migration agency stressed on Friday that Syria is in no position to take back millions of Syrians following the fall of the Assad regime, while there is an urgent need to "re-evaluate" sanctions impacting the war-ravaged country.
• UN Commission of Inquiry team visits Syria, welcomes encouraging signs by new authorities to engage on human rights issues, and urges protection of mass graves and evidence UNOCHA 20 Dec 2024 -- Team members from a United Nations inquiry into human rights abuses in Syria received new information about the former Government's detention facilities and mass grave sites during their first visit to the country since the Human Rights Council established the probe in 2011.
• UN Commission of Inquiry team visits Syria, welcomes encouraging signs by new authorities to engage on human rights issues, and urges protection of mass graves and evidence OHCHR 20 Dec 2024 -- Team members from a United Nations inquiry into human rights abuses in Syria received new information about the former Government's detention facilities and mass grave sites during their first visit to the country since the Human Rights Council established the probe in 2011.
• Syria: Experts advocate for sovereignty, democratic reconstruction and respect for human rights OHCHR 20 Dec 2024 -- A group of independent human rights experts* today called for unified support for Syria in its critical transition following the fall of the Assad regime.
• Syria: Missing persons and other human rights concerns OHCHR 20 Dec 2024
• CCG closely monitors, drives away Philippine aircraft illegally entering China's airspace over Huangyan Dao: spokesperson Global Times 20 Dec 2024 -- On Thursday, a Philippine C-208 aircraft illegally entered China's airspace over Huangyan Dao without permission from the Chinese government. The China Coast Guard (CCG) closely monitored the situation and issued a warning, driving away the aircraft in accordance with the law, CCG spokesperson Liu Dejun said in a statement on Friday.
• AFP unfazed by challenges, firm on defending PH sovereignty in WPS Philippine News Agency 20 Dec 2024 -- The military stands undeterred by challenges in asserting the Philippines' sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said Friday.
• Joint Statement on Afghanistan US Dept. of State 20 Dec 2024 -- Special Envoys and Representatives for Afghanistan of Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States met in Geneva on December 16, 2024 to discuss the situation in Afghanistan.
• The Azadi Briefing: Taliban Minister Criticizes His Government's Media Crackdown RFE/RL 20 Dec 2024
• Myanmar rebels capture major military base in west, group says Radio Free Asia 20 Dec 2024 -- Ethnic minority insurgents captured a major military base in western Myanmar on Friday after months of fighting, the group said, the latest major set-back for the junta that seized power in 2021.
• Thailand calls regional talks on war-torn Myanmar frank but short on agreement VOA 20 Dec 2024 -- Thailand says regional talks it hosted Friday on a stalled peace plan for Myanmar were "frank" but reached no consensus on a path forward.
• Myanmar military appears to be using Thai fisherman as leverage, experts say VOA 20 Dec 2024 -- Myanmar's recent arrest and sentencing of four Thai fishermen has heightened tensions between the Southeast Asian neighbors with some analysts telling VOA the move appears to be aimed at gaining legitimacy and recognition ahead of high-level government meetings in Bangkok this week.
• Statement attributable to the Spokesperson of the Secretary-General - on Sudan UN Secretary-General 20 Dec 2024
• Sudan's El Fasher siege: UN humanitarians killed as refugee crisis intensifies UN News 20 Dec 2024 -- The ongoing conflict in Sudan - particularly around besieged El Fasher - and a growing refugee crisis on the South Sudan border, have intensified an already alarming humanitarian crisis, according to UN agencies on Friday.
• UNHCR and partners rush aid as Sudan arrivals overwhelm South Sudan border UNHCR 20 Dec 2024 -- Over 20 months in, the war in Sudan shows no sign of slowing down and, in fact, continues to escalate. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, warns that the recent surge in arrivals in South Sudan is overwhelming services in border areas, and funding for the humanitarian response remains insufficient.
• Sudan: Alarming El Fasher siege, hostilities must end - UN report OHCHR 20 Dec 2024 -- The ongoing siege and hostilities in El Fasher, the capital of Sudan's North Darfur State, have left at least 782 civilians dead and more than 1,143 injured, says a report from the UN Human Rights Office. Thousands of civilians are besieged, without guarantees of safe passage out of the city, and at risk of death or injury from indiscriminate attacks by all parties to the conflict.
• UN official calls for end to siege of El Fasher in Sudan's North Darfur VOA 20 Dec 2024 -- United Nations human rights chief Volker Türk is calling for an end to the siege of El Fasher in Sudan's North Darfur state, which has resulted in hundreds of civilian deaths and injuries, and the widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure.
• Interview: Biden administration pushes for Sudan ceasefire in remaining weeks VOA 20 Dec 2024 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced $200 million in new humanitarian funding for the Sudanese people at a high-level Sudan meeting he chaired Thursday at the U.N. Security Council, bringing total U.S. support to Sudan to more than $2.3 billion since fighting began among rival generals in April 2023.
• Accountability for Those Who Undermine a Sustainable Peace in South Sudan US Dept. of State 20 Dec 2024 -- Today the United States is announcing steps to impose visa restrictions on multiple individuals responsible for, or complicit in, undermining and impeding a sustainable peace in the Republic of South Sudan.
• The UK will continue to work closely with UNOWAS to build peace and security in West Africa and the Sahel: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 20 Dec 2024 -- Statement by Fergus Eckersley, UK Minister Counsellor, at the UN Security Council meeting on West Africa and the Sahel.
• Security Council Renews Mandate of Stabilization Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2765 (2024) UN Security Council 20 Dec 2024 -- The Security Council today extended for one year the mandate of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), expressing grave concern over the ongoing offensive by the 23 March Movement (M23) in North Kivu, in violation of the ceasefire, and the unauthorized presence of external forces from a neighbouring State in the eastern part of the country.
• The UK calls on all parties to the conflict to refrain from obstructing MONUSCO operations: UK Statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 20 Dec 2024 -- Explanation of vote delivered by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, following the vote on renewing MONUSCO's mandate.

News Reports

• United States Charges Dual Russian and Israeli National as Developer of LockBit Ransomware Group US Dept. of Justice 20 Dec 2024 -- A superseding criminal complaint filed in the District of New Jersey was unsealed today charging a dual Russian and Israeli national for being a developer of the LockBit ransomware group.
• Jordanian National Pleads Guilty to Explosives Threats and Attack on Energy Facility US Dept. of Justice 20 Dec 2024 -- Hashem Younis Hashem Hnaihen, 44, of Orlando, pleaded guilty today to four counts of threatening to use explosives and one count of destruction of an energy facility.
• Amid Growing Strength of Terrorist Groups in Sahel, West Africa, Senior Official Urges Security Council to Scale Up Support within Regional Frameworks UN Security Council 20 Dec 2024 -- In a region grappling with escalating threats due to violent non-State actors, civic restrictions, political transitions and heightened humanitarian needs, the head of UN efforts in West Africa and the Sahel called on the Security Council for scaled up support within regional frameworks, as speakers welcomed small signs of progress on the democratic front.
• China FM urges Germany to stop manipulation, smears, and protect Chinese national's legitimate rights after reports of espionage probe into Chinese suspect Global Times 20 Dec 2024 -- In response to an inquiry on that German authorities are launching an espionage probe into a Chinese national who allegedly took pictures at a German naval base, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said that he is not aware of the case and the Chinese government consistently urges Chinese citizens abroad to abide by local laws and regulations.
• State Council meeting President of Russia 20 Dec 2024 -- Vladimir Putin chaired a State Council meeting at the Kremlin on the support of families in the Russian Federation.
• 'Unprecedented' Russia-China ties based on 'full trust': Putin Radio Free Asia 20 Dec 2024 -- Russia and China have developed relations to an unprecedented level based on "full trust" and they almost always coordinate international action, Russian President Vladimir Putin told his annual press conference.
• Video address on Security Agency Worker's Day President of Russia 20 Dec 2024
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on December 20, 2024 PRC MofA 20 Dec 2024
• Lithuania faces tough balancing act over ties with China VOA 20 Dec 2024 -- The pledge by Lithuania's new government to reset diplomatic relations with China after Beijing downgraded bilateral ties with the country in 2021 is facing challenges even before it has begun.
• Vietnam's party general secretary meets Chinese defense minister amid high level of political mutual trust Global Times 20 Dec 2024 -- General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam met with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun in Hanoi on Thursday. Dong and his delegation attended a grand gathering marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army, according to the Xinhua News Agency.
• EXCLUSIVE: One US-sanctioned Hong Kong company disappears, another takes its place Radio Free Asia 20 Dec 2024 -- A Hong Kong security company sanctioned by the United States for allegedly supporting Russia has disappeared from a list of government-licensed security firms, only to be replaced by a start-up company that has directors and government contracts in common with its predecessor or its parent company, Radio Free Asia has learned.
• 'Forced labor' narrative on Xinjiang chili pepper 'one lie after another': FM Global Times 20 Dec 2024 -- Spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lin Jian on Friday slammed Western media saying that chili pepper products sold in UK and US supermarkets contain ingredients from Xinjiang are probably produced using "forced labor" by citing a report by an anti-China academic Adrian Zenz, noting that the so-called report mentioned by certain media outlets is deeply flawed, and it pretentiously quotes some vague accounts by so-called anonymous witnesses, but does not provide any factual basis, and even lacks the most basic field investigation.
• Xi stresses adherence to 'one country, two systems' as Macao celebrates 25th anniversary of return to motherland Global Times 20 Dec 2024 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed on Friday the long-term adherence to "one country, two systems" as Macao celebrates a quarter-century of transformative success since its return to the motherland.
• Xi expresses confidence in Macao's new chief executive People's Daily 20 Dec 2024 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday expressed his confidence in Sam Hou Fai, who was just sworn in as the sixth-term chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR).
• Xi leaves Macao after anniversary celebrations, inspection tour People's Daily 20 Dec 2024 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping left the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on a special plane on Friday after concluding a series of activities here.
• EXPLAINED: What are China's plans for Macau? Radio Free Asia 20 Dec 2024 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping left Macau on Friday after a three-day ceremonial visit to mark the 25th anniversary of the former Portuguese enclave's handover to Chinese rule, after laying out his vision for the role the gambling hub will play in his plans to boost China's flagging economy.
• Xi meets HKSAR chief executive People's Daily 20 Dec 2024 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday urged Hong Kong and Macao to strive for greater accomplishments and achieve better development, as the practice of "one country, two systems" has entered a new stage.
• Xi commends Macao's achievements in past 5 "extraordinary" years People's Daily 20 Dec 2024 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday commended the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) for its achievements over the past five "extraordinary" years.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 20 Dec 2024
• MND Issues Statement on Chinese Satellite Launch ROC MND 20 Dec 2024
• Captain in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Charged with Murder and Terrorism Offenses US Dept. of Justice 20 Dec 2024 -- A complaint was unsealed today charging Mohammad Reza Nouri, 36, of Iran, also known as Muhammad Rida Husayn, Ali Asghar Nuri, and Abu Abbas, an Iranian national and officer in the IRGC, in connection with Nouri's alleged role in orchestrating the Nov. 7, 2022, murder of American Stephen Troell in Baghdad, Iraq. Nouri was arrested in Iraq in March 2023.
• Iran dismisses UK, Australia 'baseless' claims, urges end to interventions in West Asia Press TV 20 Dec 2024 -- The spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry has rejected as "baseless, unrealistic, and irrelevant" the recent claims made by the UK and Australia on the Islamic Republic.
• US, Israel after partitioning Muslim states to advance Tel Aviv's regional domination: Iran Press TV 20 Dec 2024 -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warns about a long-term underway plot by the United States and the Israeli regime aimed at disintegration of regional Muslim countries as a means of enabling Tel Aviv to dominate the entire region.
• Australia's Support for Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Expansion Australia DFAT 20 Dec 2024 -- On 20 December 2024, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister of Australia, and the Hon Jeremiah Manele MP, Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, released a Joint Statement announcing that Australia would a package of support to grow the size and capability of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).
• Following Georgia's elections, ODIHR reiterates concerns over pressure on voters and independence of state institutions and calls for concrete action OSCE 20 Dec 2024 -- In its final report on the observation of the 26 October parliamentary elections in Georgia, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) reiterates its earlier findings and conclusions. The elections took place amidst serious concerns about the impact of recently adopted legislation on fundamental freedoms and civil society, steps to diminish the independence of institutions involved in the election process, and pressure on voters, which combined with election day practices compromised the ability of some voters to cast their vote without fear of retribution.
• Georgian Elections: OSCE Flags Vote-Buying, Violence, And 'Instrumentalized' Media In Final Report RFE/RL 20 Dec 2024 -- The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) said in its final report on the October 26 parliamentary elections in Georgia that numerous issues "negatively impacted" the elections and eroded public trust.
• Georgia Promises Changes To 'Foreign Agents' Law Amid Mounting International Pressure RFE/RL 20 Dec 2024 -- The Georgian government has pledged to amend its controversial "foreign agents" law following discussions with the secretary-general of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset.
• Secretary General concludes visit to Georgia Council of Europe 20 Dec 2024 -- Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset has concluded his three-day visit to Georgia today. He made the following statement at a press conference in Tbilisi today, focusing on fundamental freedoms, democracy and recently adopted legislation
• Lithuania, together with other OSCE participating States, invoked the Vienna mechanism on the human rights situation in Georgia Lithuania MFA 20 Dec 2024 -- On 20 December, Lithuania, together with 37 other participating states of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), invoked the Vienna mechanism in response to law enforcement and informal groups' violence against protesters, media representatives and opposition figures in Georgia.
• Sweden cooperates with United States to counteract foreign malign information influence activities and spread of disinformation Government Offices of Sweden 20 Dec 2024 -- Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United States to counteract foreign malign information influence activities.
• Poland Outraged Over Hungary's Decision To Shelter Politician Wanted On Corruption Charges RFE/RL 20 Dec 2024 -- Poland has summoned Hungary's ambassador over Budapest's decision to grant political asylum to a Polish opposition politician who is wanted for alleged corruption during his tenure in Poland's previous government.
• Security and economic woes plague West Africa, as key elections loom UN News 20 Dec 2024 -- West Africa and the Sahel continue to grapple with a confluence of political, security and humanitarian crises as countries prepares for pivotal elections in 2025, the UN special envoy for the vast region told ambassadors in the Security Council on Friday.
• West and Central Africa faces deepening food crisis - UN agencies call for enhanced humanitarian action and lasting hunger solutions WFP 20 Dec 2024 -- Over 40 million* people across West and Central Africa are struggling to feed themselves during the 2024 post-harvest season. This number is set to rise to 52.7 million by mid-2025, including 3.4 million people facing emergency levels of hunger (IPC/CH Phase 4) according to a new Cadre Harmonisé food security analysis released this month.