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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• Wyoming, Nevada Guard aircrews assist California firefighters US Air Force 15 Jan 2025 -- Three Wyoming Air National Guard C-130 Hercules equipped with the U.S. Forest Service's Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems and associated personnel were activated by U.S. Northern Command to help fight Los Angeles area wildfires.
• Security Council Adopts Resolution 2768 (2025), Sustaining Monthly Reporting on Houthi Attacks in Red Sea UN Security Council 15 Jan 2025 -- One year after adopting a text demanding that the Houthis immediately cease all attacks on merchant and commercial vessels in the Red Sea, the Security Council today reiterated that demand in a new resolution and called for ongoing monitoring of the situation as these attacks continue with increasing sophistication.
• Yemen says US aircraft carrier targeted in Red Sea IRNA 15 Jan 2025 -- The Yemeni Army says it has targeted American aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea.
• Houthis Claim Sixth Attack on US Aircraft Carrier in Red Sea Sputnik 15 Jan 2025 -- Yemeni movement Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, said on Wednesday that they attacked the US aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman for the sixth time since it arrived in the Red Sea.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Remarks by President Biden in a Farewell Address to the Nation The White House 15 Jan 2025
• Senior Defense Officials Hold Round Table on the 14th Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation DoD 15 Jan 2025
• Readout of Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Amanda Dory's Meeting With Australian Secretary of Defence Gregory Moriarty DoD 15 Jan 2025
• Quadrennial Review Helps Ensure Troops Are Paid Competitively DoD News 15 Jan 2025 -- Every four years, the Defense Department conducts a complete review of the principles and concepts of the military compensation system — the Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation. In addition to DOD, the review includes the Coast Guard, the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Public Health Service.
• Air Force updates T-7A acquisition approach to field operational capability US Air Force 15 Jan 2025 -- The U.S. Air Force and Boeing have agreed upon a framework to adjust aspects of the T-7A Red Hawk acquisition approach to meet Air Education and Training Command's (AETC) operational needs and deliver a platform that is safe, suitable, and sustainable to replace the aging fleet of T-38C Talon aircraft.
• SECNAV Del Toro Names Destroyers and Frigate at the 37th Surface Navy Association (SNA) National Symposium US Navy 15 Jan 2025 -- Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced Jan. 15 the names of three guided missile destroyers -- the future USS Ray Mabus (DDG 147), the future USS Kyle Carpenter (DDG 148), and the future Robert R. Ingram (DDG 149). Del Toro also named a future guided missile frigate after Everett Alvarez Jr. (FFG 68).
• SECNAV Del Toro Delivers Virtual Farewell Remarks to NPS US Navy 15 Jan 2025
• Readout of Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti's Meeting with Republic of Korea (ROK) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Yang Yong-mo US Navy Press Release 15 Jan 2025
• Norwegian military, U.S. Marines, NATO allies prepare for major winter warfare exercise in Norway USMC News 15 Jan 2025 -- The Norwegian Armed Forces, the U.S. Marine Corps, and other NATO allies, are scheduled to conduct Exercise Joint Viking 25 in March 2025. Allied militaries have been conducting unit-level cold weather training in Norway since the beginning of January in preparation for the exercise.
• Oklahoma National Guard Engineers Deploying to Africa Army News 15 Jan 2025 -- Family and friends gathered at the Muskogee Readiness Center in Muskogee Jan. 13 to bid farewell to Oklahoma Army National Guard engineers preparing to deploy on a humanitarian mission to the Horn of Africa.
• Allied Chiefs of Defence meet with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte NATO 15 Jan 2025 -- Today and tomorrow, 15 - 16 January 2025, NATO's highest Military Authority, the Military Committee, meets in Chiefs of Defence format at NATO Headquarters in Brussels.
• NATO Head Urges Member States to 'Shift to Wartime Mindset' Sputnik 15 Jan 2025 -- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Wednesday that the best way to prevent war is to prepare for it, and that NATO states should change their mindset to a "wartime" one.
• Pevkur in the Netherlands: Allies must increase defence spending ahead of The Hague Summit Estonia MoD 15 Jan 2025 -- Today, during a joint seminar of the three Baltic states and the Netherlands held in The Hague, the defence ministers discussed NATO's forward defence concept, preparations for the upcoming summit in The Hague, the Russian threat, and topics related to the Baltic Defence Line.
• Hitting Russia's Military Industrial Base and Enablers of Sanctions Evasion US Dept. of State 15 Jan 2025 -- Building on our January 10 sanctions targeting Russia's energy sector, today the United States is designating over 250 enablers of Putin's war against Ukraine. These sanctions will further constrain Russia's ability to wage war and thwart sanctions evasion.
• Sanctions to Disrupt Russia's Military Industrial Base and Sanctions Evasion US Dept. of State 15 Jan 2025 -- Today, the United States is sanctioning nearly 250 enablers of Russia's illegal war against Ukraine. As part of this action, the Department of State is designating more than 150 individuals and entities.
• Treasury Disrupts Russia's Sanctions Evasion Schemes US Treasury 15 Jan 2025 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury is moving against Russian efforts to evade U.S. sanctions. This action targets a sanctions evasion scheme established between actors in Russia and the People's Republic of China (PRC) to facilitate cross-border payments for sensitive goods. In addition, Treasury is designating a Kyrgyz Republic-based financial institution that coordinated with Russian officials and a U.S.-designated bank to implement a sanctions evasion scheme.
• Why Do Ukrainians Oppose Lowering The Conscription Age? RFE/RL 15 Jan 2025 -- Svitlana Pokalchuk sent her two teenage sons abroad so that they could avoid military service in Ukraine when they came of age.
• The President of Ukraine and the President of Poland Discussed Further Defense and Political Support President of Ukraine 15 Jan 2025
• Supplies and Production of Arms, Advancing a Just Peace, and the Path to the EU: Volodymyr Zelenskyy Met with Donald Tusk President of Ukraine 15 Jan 2025
• JOINT STATEMENT by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland Donald Tusk President of Ukraine 15 Jan 2025
• Joint Statement by Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Republic of Poland 15 Jan 2025
• Baiba Braže: Latvia and the Netherlands agree - NATO must continue its military support to Ukraine and make every effort to constrain Russia Latvia MFA 15 Jan 2025 -- On 15 January 2025, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, during her working visit to the Netherlands, met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Caspar Veldkamp, and thanked for contribution by the Netherlands to security in the Baltic region, especially for the rotational participation of the Dutch troops in the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission from Ämari Air Base in Estonia, and for being part of the NATO eFP battle group in Lithuania.
• Exclusive: Submarines from China-Pakistan cooperation project to join Pakistan Navy fleet soon, says Pakistani naval chief Global Times 15 Jan 2025 -- In recent years, China and Pakistan have been enjoying high level, pragmatic naval cooperation. In addition to joint exercises and training operations such as the Sea Guardian series bilateral exercises and AMAN series multinational exercises, the two countries have also carried out cooperation in military equipment such projects involving Type 054A/P guided missile frigates and Hangor-class submarines.
• MND aims to stem exodus of volunteer soldiers with pay raises CNA 15 Jan 2025 -- The Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Wednesday it has proposed pay raises for volunteer enlistees amid reports of a fourfold increase in military personnel opting out of their contracts early.
• Taiwan to strengthen surveillance near undersea cables CNA 15 Jan 2025 -- Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Wednesday that it would step up surveillance near four key areas where undersea cables are located after a Chinese-owned vessel apparently cut an undersea fiber-optic cable near Keelung Harbor.
• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicates to the nation frontline naval combatants - INS Surat, INS Nilgiri & INS Vaghsheer - in Mumbai India PIB 15 Jan 2025 -- Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation three frontline naval combatants - INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer - on their commissioning at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, Maharashtra on January 15, 2025
• Govt is transforming the Armed Forces into a modern warfare machine in view of dynamic geopolitical world order: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at 77th Army Day celebrations in Pune India PIB 15 Jan 2025 -- "Government is leaving no stone unturned to transform the Armed Forces into a modern warfare machine in view of the dynamic geopolitical world order and the constantly-changing character of warfare," said Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh during his address at 'Gaurav Gatha', an event organised in Pune on January 15, 2025 as part of the 77th Army Day celebrations
• Iran Navy takes delivery of 'Zagros', its first advanced 'signals-intelligence' destroyer Press TV 15 Jan 2025 -- The Iranian naval defense industry has handed over the first "signals-intelligence" destroyer of its own indigenous production to the country's Navy.
• Iran Army receives first home-grown signals intelligence vessel IRNA 15 Jan 2025 -- The Islamic Republic of Iran Navy has received its first home-grown signals intelligence vessel, named Zagros.
• Japan - Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles with Extended Range DSCA 15 Jan 2025 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Japan of Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles with Extended Range and related equipment for an estimated cost of $39 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• South Korea, Japan, US hold air drills following North's missile tests Radio Free Asia 15 Jan 2025 -- South Korea, Japan and the United States held their first combined air drills of the year on Wednesday, a day after North Korea launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles, South Korea's defense ministry said.
• Secretary Manalo and Japan Foreign Minister Iwaya Hold Bilateral Talks, Discuss Philippines-Japan Strategic Partnership Philippines DFA 15 Jan 2025 -- Upon the invitation of Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo, his Japanese counterpart Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi undertook an official visit to the Philippines from 14 to 15 January 2025.
• Japan to boost maritime security support to PH amid SCS tensions Philippine News Agency 15 Jan 2025 -- The Japanese government will strengthen its cooperation and maritime security support to the Philippines "in response to the developments in the South China Sea (SCS)".
• UK-Japan military exercise starts today as Defence Ministers discuss closer cooperation UK MOD 15 Jan 2025 -- Defence Secretary meets Japanese counterpart, setting out UK commitment to Indo-Pacific security.
• Minister D. Šakalienė in The Hague: NATO needs to agree on at least 3% of GDP spending, Ukraine's security is Europe's security Lithuania MND 15 Jan 2025 -- On January 15, Thursday, Minister of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė conducted a visit to The Hague.
• 50 new JLTVs delivered to Lithuania Lithuania MND 15 Jan 2025 -- Sin January Lithuania received a delivery of half a hundred world's most advanced armored personnel carriers Joint Light Tactical Vehicles JLTV.
• Leaders of Nordic and Baltic countries have invited Jens Stoltenberg to write a report on Nordic-Baltic security and defense cooperation President of the Republic of Lithuania 15 Jan 2025 -- President Gitanas Nausėda, together with the Heads of State and Government of the Nordic and Baltic countries, has today appointed the former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to prepare an independent report with policy recommendations aimed at advancing Nordic-Baltic security and defense cooperation.
• A look at the Defence news 6 - 12 January Netherlands Ministry of Defence 15 Jan 2025
• Flight operations with the ADS 15 in Switzerland have been temporarily suspended following an incident involving the Indian armed forces Federal Council - Swiss Government 15 Jan 2025 -- Flight operation with the reconnaissance drone system (ADS 15) of the Swiss Armed Forces has been temporarily suspended following an incident with a Hermes 900 HFE drone in India.
• Norway operates F-35s on biofuel Government of Norway 15 Jan 2025 -- Norway is the first country to operate F-35 fighter jets using a significant proportion of Sustainable Aviation Fuel. 'A historic climate initiative that can strengthen Norwegian preparedness,' said the Minister of Defence, Bjørn Arild Gram.
• U.S., Armenia Sign Strategic Partnership Agreement RFE/RL 15 Jan 2025 -- The United States and Armenia on January 14 signed a strategic partnership agreement expanding cooperation in security and several of areas as Yerevan seeks to distance itself from traditional ally Russia.
• Rubio, Trump's pick for top diplomat, vows robust US policy to promote 'peace,' 'security' VOA 15 Jan 2025 -- Florida Senator Marco Rubio appeared in a Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday for U.S. secretary of state, where he said that American voters expressed a clear preference on U.S. foreign policy when they chose Donald Trump to return to the White House.
• US imposes export controls on biotech equipment over AI security concerns VOA 15 Jan 2025 -- On Wednesday the U.S. Department of Commerce announced it would implement new export controls on certain biotechnology equipment, citing national security concerns relating to artificial intelligence and data science.
• Memorandum on the Eligibility of the Republic of Cyprus to Receive Defense Articles and Defense Services Under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Arms Export Control Act The White House 15 Jan 2025
• Readout of Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technology Anne Neuberger's Meeting on Protecting Undersea Cables The White House 15 Jan 2025
• Remarks by President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the Administration's Work to Strengthen America and Lead the World The White House 15 Jan 2025
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Christiane Amanpour for CNN, CNNi, and PBS US Dept. of State 15 Jan 2025
• Deputy Secretary Campbell's Call with Nigerian Foreign Minister Tuggar US Dept. of State 15 Jan 2025
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre The White House 15 Jan 2025

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Jan. 15, 2025

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News



Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Far-right Israeli ministers threaten to quit over Gaza deal IRNA 15 Jan 2025 -- Two far-right Israeli ministers have threatened to quit the ruling coalition if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agrees to a Gaza ceasefire deal.
• Israel, Hamas reach ceasefire deal VOA 15 Jan 2025 -- Israel and Hamas have reached a multiphase ceasefire that will lead to the release of some hostages held by the militant group for more than a year.
• Gaza ceasefire deal to pave way for Israeli hostage release, return of displaced Palestinians VOA 15 Jan 2025 -- The prime minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, announced that Israel and Hamas had agreed to a ceasefire deal that promised the release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas and the return of hundreds of thousands of people displaced in Gaza to their homes.
• Israel, Hamas Agree Cease-Fire Deal, Although Much 'Uncertainty' Remains RFE/RL 15 Jan 2025 -- Israel and the U.S.-designated Palestinian terrorist group Hamas have reached a multiphase cease-fire deal that includes the exchange of Israeli hostages for some 1,000 Palestinian prisoners and the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.
• Israel and Hamas Agree to 42-Day Ceasefire, Hostage and Prisoner Exchange Planned Sputnik 15 Jan 2025 -- The parties to the conflict in the Palestinian Gaza Strip - Israel and the Hamas movement - have reached a 42-day ceasefire agreement in the first phase, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.
• Hamas, Israel agree Gaza ceasefire deal IRNA 15 Jan 2025 -- Palestinian Resistance Movement Hamas and the Israeli regime have agreed to a deal that will halt the Gaza war and lead to a prisoner swap between the two sides.
• Hamas confirms handing approval of Gaza ceasefire deal to mediators Press TV 15 Jan 2025 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has handed its approval of the proposed ceasefire for the Gaza Strip mediated by Egypt and Qatar.
• Jan. 14: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 15 Jan 2025
• Israeli Airstrikes Kill 13 People in Central Gaza Strip - Reports Sputnik 15 Jan 2025 -- Thirteen people were killed in Israeli airstrikes on the city of Deir al Balah in the central Gaza Strip, Palestinian broadcaster Al Aqsa reported.
• Israel continues Gaza attacks as ceasefire nears IRNA 15 Jan 2025 -- Despite the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas and Israel being on the verge of a truce, 22 people were killed in Gaza as the occupying regime still continues its crimes in the besieged area.
• Israel has slaughtered 13,000 students in Gaza, West Bank since October 2023 Press TV 15 Jan 2025 -- Israel has killed more than 13,000 students in the besieged Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank since October 2023.
• Israel, Hamas agree in principle to Gaza ceasefire deal: US media IRNA 15 Jan 2025 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas and the Israeli regime have reached an agreement on a Gaza ceasefire draft and the release of prisoners, the CBS news network reported citing sources close to the negotiating team in the Qatari capital Doha.
• Secretary-General's statement - on a deal to secure a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza UN Secretary-General 15 Jan 2025
• UN chief welcomes Gaza ceasefire, hostage deal VOA 15 Jan 2025 -- The U.N. secretary-general welcomed the announcement Wednesday of a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza that is to take effect on Sunday.
• Guterres hails Gaza ceasefire deal as 'critical first step' UN News 15 Jan 2025 -- The UN Secretary-General has welcomed Wednesday's announcement of a deal to secure a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza following 15 months of war.
• Gaza ceasefire offers hope, stakes remain high - Statement by United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher UNOCHA 15 Jan 2025
• Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell on the announcement of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip UNICEF 15 Jan 2025 -- "UNICEF welcomes the announcement today of a ceasefire deal between the parties to the conflict in the Gaza Strip. This is long overdue for the children and families of Gaza who have endured more than a year of bombardment and deprivation, and for the hostages in Gaza and their families in Israel who have suffered so much.
• UN Human Rights Chief relieved by Gaza ceasefire, urges prompt implementation OHCHR 15 Jan 2025 -- News of the first phase of a ceasefire in Gaza comes with the promise of "huge relief after so much unbearable pain and misery over the past 15 months," UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said on Wednesday, as he called on both parties to implement their respective obligations promptly, concurrently and in good faith.
• UNRWA will 'stay, deliver' aid to Palestinians despite Israel's ban: Lazzarini Press TV 15 Jan 2025 -- The UN Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) says it will continue to distribute aid in the Palestinian territories despite Israel's inhumane ban, which is due to be implemented by the end of January.
• Readout of President Joe Biden's Call with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel The White House 15 Jan 2025
• Statement from President Joe Biden The White House 15 Jan 2025
• Statement from Vice President Kamala Harris The White House 15 Jan 2025
• Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the Ceasefire and Hostage-Release Deal Between Israel and Hamas DoD 15 Jan 2025
• Iran FM spox terms maintaining, strengthening unity among Palestinian groups necessary IRNA 15 Jan 2025 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, has emphasized the importance of maintaining and strengthening cohesion and unity among the various Palestinian groups, urging them to avoid any discord and division to effectively confront the occupying regime.
• EU announces new €120 million humanitarian aid package for Gaza European Commission 15 Jan 2025 -- As part of the EU's long standing commitment to support Palestinians in need and in light of the latest developments in the region, the European Commission today announced a new aid package for Gaza worth €120 million.
• Foreign Minister Baerbock on the ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas Germany Federal Foreign Office 15 Jan 2025
• Strong international support for Palestine and the two-state solution at Global Alliance meeting in Oslo Government of Norway 15 Jan 2025 -- Today, Norway hosted a meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution at Oslo City Hall.
• PM statement on the Israel-Hamas ceasefire: 15 January 2025 Gov.UK 15 Jan 2025
• Foreign Secretary statement on Israel-Hamas ceasefire UK FCDO 15 Jan 2025 -- The Foreign Secretary has issued a statement welcoming the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas on 15 January.
• Israeli drone strike kills 6 Palestinians in West Bank IRNA 15 Jan 2025 -- An Israeli drone attack on the occupied northern West Bank city of Jenin has left at least six Palestinians dead and several others injured, news sources reported.
• Israel's carnage in West Bank's Jenin camp will not break resistance, says Hamas Press TV 15 Jan 2025 -- The Palestinian Hamas resistance movement has condemned a deadly Israeli airstrike targeting the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank, emphasizing that such massacres will fail to undermine the determination and willpower of the resistance front there.
• Hamas thanks Iran, Resistance Front following achievement of ceasefire in Gaza Press TV 15 Jan 2025 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has hailed the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip's triumphing against the Israeli regime during the latter's 15-month-long war of genocide against the coastal sliver.

Other Conflicts

• 2025 should be a year of progress and reform, in the service of the rule of law, cooperation and peace: UK Statement at the UN General Assembly UK FCDO 15 Jan 2025 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN General Assembly briefing by the UN Secretary-General on his 2025 priorities.
• PH to raise latest WPS dev'ts with China on Jan. 16 bilateral meet Philippine News Agency 15 Jan 2025 -- The Philippine government is set to raise its concerns over recent developments in the West Philippine Sea, and highly likely Beijing's deployment of its so-called "monster ship" near Zambales, during the two states' scheduled bilateral meeting on Thursday.
• DFA exec doubts China will get nod on research in PH waters Philippine News Agency 15 Jan 2025 -- An official of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is doubtful that China can get permission from the Philippines over the conduct of marine scientific research (MSR) within the latter's territory.
• Executive Order on Taking Additional Steps with Respect to the Situation in Syria The White House 15 Jan 2025
• Message to the Congress with Regards to Taking Additional Steps with Respect to the Situation in Syria The White House 15 Jan 2025
• UN rights chief in historic meeting in Syria's with caretaker authority in Damascus UN News 15 Jan 2025 -- The UN human rights chief Volker Türk has described the unbearable suffering of former detainees under the deposed Assad regime and insisted that he stands with the people of the war-torn nation as they "rebuild a country that works for all Syrians".
• Iran's presence in Syria at request of Assad govt. to fight terrorism, Daesh: Iraqi PM Press TV 15 Jan 2025 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani says Iran's presence in Syria was at the official request of former President Bashar al-Assad's government with the aim of helping the Arab country in the battle against terrorism.
• Israel hits HTS military target in Syria for 1st time since fall of Assad Press TV 15 Jan 2025 -- Israel has reportedly carried out a deadly airstrike on a military target belonging to the HTS administration in Syria for the first time since the foreign-backed militant group took over the Arab country and unseated President Bashar al-Assad.
• Notice to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Widespread Humanitarian Crisis in Afghanistan and the Potential for Deepening Economic Collapse in Afghanistan. The White House 15 Jan 2025
• Message to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Widespread Humanitarian Crisis in Afghanistan and the Potential for Deepening Economic Collapse in Afghanistan The White House 15 Jan 2025
• India steps up engagement with Taliban VOA 15 Jan 2025 -- The first high level diplomatic meeting held between India and the Taliban leadership marked a significant step in rebuilding New Delhi's influence in Afghanistan, according to analysts. They say New Delhi's growing engagement with the Taliban is prompted by strategic considerations in the Central Asian country that has important implications for its security and is likely to deepen amid growing tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan.
• Houthis Undermining Regional, International Peace Efforts in Yemen, Says Delegate, Calling on Security Council to Pave Way towards Political Solution UN Security Council 15 Jan 2025 -- The conflict in Yemen has become increasingly internationalized, with the escalating cycle of strikes and counter-strikes hindering the prospects of peace, a senior United Nations official told the Security Council today, warning that the improved security conditions for civilians that have existed since the 2022 truce could be lost.
• Yemen will only prosper when all Yemenis can play their role in building a better future for their country: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 15 Jan 2025 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Yemen.
• Myanmar insurgents say they launched rocket attack on junta deputy Radio Free Asia 15 Jan 2025 -- Pro-democracy fighters in Myanmar launched a barrage of rockets at junta facilities in the eastern town of Loikaw as the deputy of the ruling military council was visiting, a rebel group said on Wednesday.
• Pakistan Rejects Baseless Assertions by India's Defence Minister and Chief of Army Staff Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 15 Jan 2025 -- Pakistan strongly rejects the baseless accusations and unfounded assertions made by India's Defence Minister and Chief of Army Staff on 13 and 14 January 2025.
• Army: Reds no longer capable of disrupting 2025 polls Philippine News Agency 15 Jan 2025 -- The Philippine Army (PA) said communist insurgents are no longer capable of disrupting or influencing the 2025 midterm elections.
• Kosovo: Statement by the Spokesperson on recent actions of the Kosovo authorities against Serbia supported institutions European External Action Service (EEAS) 15 Jan 2025 -- Kosovo's recent actions against and closure of Serbia-supported structures, conducted in the midst of the election campaign for the 9 February parliamentary elections, go against its obligations towards the European Union under the normalisation process. EULEX is monitoring the conduct of these recent actions in accordance with its mandate.
• Kosovo Raids Parallel Serb Institutions Amid Simmering Ethnic Tensions RFE/RL 15 Jan 2025 -- Authorities in Kosovo raided municipal offices in 10 Serbia-backed areas as the government continues to press the closure of so-called parallel institutions that gave Belgrade leverage in its former province.
• U.S. Support for the United Nations Group of Experts Report on the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo US Dept. of State 15 Jan 2025 -- The United States is deeply concerned by the findings of the United Nations Group of Experts December 2024 midterm report on the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
• Children bear the brunt of escalating conflict and famine in Sudan UNICEF 15 Jan 2025 -- "As I wrap up my visit to Sudan, where the conflict rages on unabated, at least 120 people were reportedly killed following shelling in Omdurman on 13 and 14 January. Early reports indicate that there were children among the casualties. Just days before, between 7 and 8 January, 23 children were reportedly killed and nine injured by shelling in Khartoum State. These are only a few examples of unconscionable violence against children. Since the conflict broke out in April 2023, thousands of children have been killed or injured, and sexual violence and child recruitment have been widely reported, with devastating consequences.
• Statement by the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, on recent attacks against civilians UNOCHA 15 Jan 2025 -- The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Ms. Clementine Nkweta-Salami, has expressed deep concern over reports of recent attacks against civilians.
• Statement by the Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, on the mass killings of civilians in Kukawa, Borno State UNOCHA 15 Jan 2025 -- I am horrified by the recent mass killing of fishermen and farmers in Borno States's Kukawa Local Government Area (LGA) reportedly by members of a non-state armed group (NSAG).

News Reports

• TikTok 'refugees' flock to China's RedNote Radio Free Asia 15 Jan 2025 -- More than half a million users have piled onto the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote, days ahead of a looming ban on TikTok in the United States, according to data from app stores and social media videos.
• Overview of information influence activities Finnish Government 15 Jan 2025 -- Information influence activities are goal-oriented and systematic acts aimed at influencing public opinion, perceptions and behaviour and undermining the ability of society to function. Methods include disseminating false or misleading information, exerting pressure and using true information in a manipulative way.
• A Russian Airline Bomb Plot? What To Know About Polish PM's Accusations RFE/RL 15 Jan 2025 -- The accusation was as blunt as it was serious: Russia is plotting terror attacks against unspecified targets utilizing aircraft, Poland's prime minister said.
• US, Japanese companies send landers on moon missions VOA 15 Jan 2025 -- Two moon landers built by private U.S. and Japanese companies are on their way to the moon after lifting off early Wednesday on a shared ride aboard a SpaceX rocket.
• Meeting of the Pobeda (Victory) Organising Committee President of Russia 15 Jan 2025 -- Vladimir Putin held a meeting, via videoconference, of the Russian Pobeda (Victory) Organising Committee.
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's telephone conversation with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 15 Jan 2025
• Kallas Says Europe Should Increase Pressure On Moscow In Push To End War RFE/RL 15 Jan 2025 -- EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Kyiv and its partners should continue to apply pressure on Russia to improve Ukraine's position in any eventual negotiations to end the war.
• China adds 7 U.S. companies to unreliable entity list People's Daily 15 Jan 2025 -- China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said Tuesday that seven U.S. companies have been added to the unreliable entity list for selling arms to China's Taiwan region.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun's Regular Press Conference on January 15, 2025 PRC MofA 15 Jan 2025
• Rubio says US at risk of relying on China Radio Free Asia 15 Jan 2025 -- China is the "biggest threat" to U.S. security today and is seeking a world where America depends on it for economic necessities and bends to its will, Sen. Marco Rubio told fellow senators Wednesday ahead of his expected confirmation as secretary of state.
• Rubio to lobby Thailand not to deport detained Uyghurs to China Radio Free Asia 15 Jan 2025 -- The Trump administration's pick to become the top U.S. diplomat said Wednesday he would lobby Thailand against deporting 48 Uyghurs to China where they could face persecution.
• China adheres to path of peaceful development, does not engage in arms race with any country: FM spokesperson Global Times 15 Jan 2025 -- In response to claims by the US that China is expanding its nuclear arsenal, including statements by US President-elect Donald Trump suggesting China might have more nukes than the US in the future, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun emphasized that as a responsible major country, China adheres to the path of peaceful development and strives for friendly cooperation with all nations.
• Xi holds talks with Sri Lankan President in Beijing Global Times 15 Jan 2025 -- China will actively support Sri Lanka in focusing on economic development and the two countries should jointly foster new highlights in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, as well as cooperation in modern agriculture, digital economy and marine economy, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Wednesday, Xinhua News Agency reported.
• China In Eurasia Briefing: A Baltic Warning About A New Era For Beijing In EuropeChina In Eurasia Briefing: A Baltic Warning About A New Era For Beijing In Europe RFE/RL 15 Jan 2025
• FM slams US addition of 37 Chinese entities to import ban list, calls Xinjiang forced labor accusation 'completely unfounded' Global Times 15 Jan 2025 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun on Wednesday called the US' so-called forced labor accusation "completely unfounded," and reiterated that China will take resolute measures to firmly safeguard Chinese companies' legitimate and lawful rights and interests after the US Department of Homeland Security announced on Tuesday it is adding 37 Chinese entities to its list of those banned from exporting to the US over so-called Xinjiang forced labor practices.
• Renewal of Deferred Enforced Departure for Hong Kong US Dept. of State 15 Jan 2025 -- The United States reaffirms its solidarity with people in Hong Kong in the face of Beijing's steady assault on the rights and freedoms guaranteed to Hong Kong under the Basic Law and the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
• Memorandum on the Extending and Expanding Eligibility for Deferred Enforced Departure for Certain Hong Kong Residents The White House 15 Jan 2025
• China's special-purpose barges could overrun Taiwan shores: experts Radio Free Asia 15 Jan 2025 -- China's construction of "special-purpose barges" has raised concerns about its plans to invade Taiwan, with analysts warning that the vessels could enable Beijing's rapid troop deployment onto Taiwanese soil, addressing challenges posed by the self-ruled island's often rough, difficult-to-navigate waters.
• Taiwan's embassy in Tuvalu blasts Beijing over 'disinformation' CNA 15 Jan 2025 -- Taiwan's embassy in Tuvalu has accused China of engaging in a "disinformation" campaign to sabotage diplomatic ties with the Pacific ally after a Chinese government-funded news site showed clips of Tuvaluans backing a switch in allegiance to Beijing.
• DPP slammed for keeping cyber army to smear Chinese mainland Global Times 15 Jan 2025 -- The spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, Chen Binhua, criticized the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities during a press conference on Wednesday, accusing them of resorting to the old tactic of "spending people's money on brainwashing." He further claimed that the DPP has kept cyber army to smear Chinese mainland.
• 'No concession!' Mainland slams DPP's provocations, warns 'Taiwan independence' a dead end Global Times 15 Jan 2025 -- A spokesperson of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office on Wednesday lashed out at Taiwan secessionists over a series of recent provocative remarks and actions by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities, saying that the Chinese mainland remains unwavering in its resolve to punish secessionists, and also calling the vast number of Taiwan compatriots to firmly oppose the provocations of Taiwan secessionists and external interference, maintain peace in the Taiwan Straits, and foster cross-Straits exchanges and cooperation.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 15 Jan 2025
• North Koreans in China bewildered by arrest of South Korean president Radio Free Asia 15 Jan 2025 -- North Korean trade officials stationed in China were shocked when they heard that South Korean police arrested President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul on Wednesday, two such officials told Radio Free Asia.
• Chinese FM spokesperson responds to arrest of South Korean President Yoon Global Times 15 Jan 2025 -- When asked to comment on the arrest of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, Guo Jiakun, Chinese FM spokesperson said he won't comment on the internal affairs of South Korea. China and South Korea are important neighbors and cooperative partners. China is willing to work with South Korea to jointly promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations, said Guo.
• Yoon Defends Arrest as 'Voluntary' to Prevent Bloodshed - Reports Sputnik 15 Jan 2025 -- South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on Wednesday called his arrest a "voluntary" appearance for questioning intended to "avoid bloodshed," Yonhap News Agency reported.
• South Korean President Yoon arrested over failed martial law bid Press TV 15 Jan 2025 -- South Korea's authorities have arrested the country's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his last month's failed martial law declaration.
• S. Korean president arrested in residence over martial law imposition People's Daily 15 Jan 2025 -- South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol was arrested in presidential residence Wednesday, becoming the country's first sitting president to be kept in custody over his short-lived martial law imposition.
• Yoon becomes first sitting president of S.Korea arrested Global Times 15 Jan 2025 -- When asked to comment on the arrest of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, Guo Jiakun, Chinese FM spokesperson, said "We don't comment on the ROK's (Republic of Korea) domestic affairs. China and the ROK are important neighbors and cooperation partners. China stands ready to work with the ROK for the sound and steady growth of bilateral relations." 
• Iranian President Addresses Trump Assassination Claims and Nuclear Stance Sputnik 15 Jan 2025 -- Iran has never tried to assassinate US President-elect Donald Trump, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Wednesday.
• Iran not afraid of war but hopes Trump will pursue peace: President Pezeshkian tells NBC IRNA 15 Jan 2025 -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says the Islamic Republic is not afraid of war but hopes US President-elect Donald Trump will pursue peace rather than conflict.
• Iran, confident of peaceful nature of its nuclear program, never left negotiation table: FM Press TV 15 Jan 2025 -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has asserted that Iran has never acted as the party to leave the negotiation table due to its confidence in the peaceful nature of its nuclear energy program.
• West's opposition cannot stop Iran's progress: AEOI chief IRNA 15 Jan 2025 -- Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Mohammad Eslami has said the objections from the West have not hindered the Islamic Republic's progress in peaceful nuclear activities.
• Iran holding talks just with Europe for now: FM IRNA 15 Jan 2025 -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that Iran is currently engaged only in negotiations with the Europeans.
• Exclusive: Iran-Russia ties to be elevated to strategic partnership level, Kremlin says IRNA 15 Jan 2025 -- Tehran and Moscow are set to ink a comprehensive deal that will elevate the Iranian-Russian relations to the level of strategic partnership, the spokesperson for the Kremlin says.
• Iran, Russia Set to Bolster Defense Ties for Regional & Global Peace - Iranian FM to Sputnik Sputnik 15 Jan 2025 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized in an article for Sputnik that a key component of the new strategic deal between Iran and Russia is the enhancement of security and defense cooperation.
• France faces big challenges in rebuilding cyclone-hit Mayotte VOA 15 Jan 2025 -- The French government won praise last month for making good on its promise to rebuild the fire-hit Notre Dame cathedral in just five years. But authorities are facing a rockier time when it comes to rebuilding cyclone-hit Mayotte — France's impoverished overseas territory off the coast of East Africa.
• Biden administration delists Cuba as state sponsor of terrorism People's Daily 15 Jan 2025 -- U.S. President Joe Biden notified Congress on Tuesday that his administration would remove the designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, the White House said, as part of a deal to free political prisoners in the Caribbean island country and those determined by Washington as being unjustly detained by the government in Havana.
• Pakistan welcomes World Bank's $20 billion lending pledge VOA 15 Jan 2025 -- Pakistan confirmed on Wednesday that the World Bank has pledged to lend $20 billion over the next decade, commencing in 2026 under its Country Partnership Framework, to help address the impoverished country's acute development challenges.
• Extraordinary Press Conference by Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan 15 Jan 2025
• Press Conference by Foreign Press Secretary KITAMURA Toshihiro Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan 15 Jan 2025
• Venezuela: Statement by the Spokesperson on recent decisions by the Venezuelan authorities European External Action Service (EEAS) 15 Jan 2025 -- The European Union deeply regrets and rejects the decision by the Venezuelan authorities to substantially reduce the accredited diplomatic staff of several Member States in Caracas. We stand in full solidarity with the affected Member States. The EU urges the immediate reversal of this unilateral and unacceptable action, which only serves to deepen Venezuela's international isolation and undermines bilateral relations with the EU and its Member States.
• Thai police seek Hun Sen adviser believed linked to Bangkok killing of critic Radio Free Asia 15 Jan 2025 -- Interpol red notices were issued for 2 Cambodian suspects who may have coordinated on the shooting with the gunman.
• Vietnam shuts TV channels in govt cost-cutting plan Radio Free Asia 15 Jan 2025 -- More than 1,000 reporters, editors and administrative staff from state-controlled Vietnamese broadcasters, including Voice of Vietnam's VTC Digital Television, lost their jobs on Wednesday as the channels were taken off the air, state media reported.