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Defense Policy / Programs

• Remarks by President Biden at Department of Defense Commander in Chief Farewell Ceremony | Fort Myer, VA The White House 16 Jan 2025
• Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the Armed Forces Farewell Tribute in Honor of President Biden DoD 16 Jan 2025
• Kentucky National Guard Military Police to Deploy Overseas Army News 16 Jan 2025 -- Nearly 40 Kentucky Army National Guard Soldiers said goodbye to loved ones at a deployment ceremony at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Richmond Jan. 4.
• SECNAV Del Toro Names Future Medium Landing Ship LSM 1 US Navy 16 Jan 2025 -- Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced Jan. 16, USS McClung (LSM 1) as the name for the first ship in the new McClung-class of medium landing ships.
• SECNAV Del Toro Names Future John Lewis-class Oilers T-AO 215 and T-AO 216 US Navy 16 Jan 2025 -- Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced the names of two future John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oilers, T-AO 205-class, to be the future USNS Joshua L. Goldberg (T-AO 215), the future USNS Thomas D. Parham Jr. (T-AO 216).
• Groundbreaking Ceremony Launches Construction of Nuclear Regional Maintenance Facility at Kings Bay US Navy 16 Jan 2025 -- Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Southeast hosted a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday for the construction of a new facility for the Nuclear Regional Maintenance Department (NRMD) at Naval Submarine Base (NSB) Kings Bay, Georgia.
• C-130 Hercules 70 Years Strong and Growing US Navy 16 Jan 2025 -- The ever-enduring C-130 Hercules celebrated 70 years of unwavering service last year. Since its inception in 1954, the Hercules continues to be used in over 70 countries with more than a million flight hours and growing.
• Ex-John F. Kennedy (CV 67) Embarks on Final Voyage US Navy Press Release 16 Jan 2025 -- The ex-John F. Kennedy (CV 67) began its final journey this morning as it departed from the U.S. Navy's Inactive Ships Maintenance Facility in Philadelphia, PA for transit to Brownsville, Texas where it will be dismantled.
• Department of the Navy Chief Sustainability Officer Releases CSO Serial Six to Address Technical Debt from Outdated Systems and Unsupported Technologies US Navy Press Release 16 Jan 2025 -- Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment and Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) Meredith Berger, in collaboration with Jane Overslaugh Rathbun, Chief Information Officer (CIO), Department of the Navy, released a sixth memorandum titled CSO Serial Six: Technical Debt on Dec. 31.
• New Glenn launch signals new era for Space Launch Complex 36 United States Space Force 16 Jan 2025 -- Space Launch Delta 45 supported the maiden flight for Blue Origin's New Glenn from Space Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Jan. 13. The orbital-class rocket, named after John Glenn - the first American to orbit Earth-marked the first launch from Space Launch Complex 36 in 20 years.
• Allied and Partner Chiefs of Defence meet to discuss deterrence and defence NATO 16 Jan 2025 -- On 15-16 January 2025, the NATO Military Committee in Chiefs of Defence Session took place at NATO Headquarters in Brussels. 32 Allied Chiefs of Defence together with their military counterparts from 27 Partners discussed NATO's vigilance & deterrence, strengthening military partnerships, and continued support to Ukraine.
• Budrys: "We need to strengthen NATO's defence capabilities and strengthen resilience" Lithuania MFA 16 Jan 2025 -- On 16 January, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Kęstutis Budrys, met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania, Emil Hurezeanu.
• Volodymyr Zelenskyy Discussed Strengthening Ukraine with Italy's Minister of Defense President of Ukraine 16 Jan 2025
• Defense Cooperation and Investments in Ukrainian Arms Production: President Met with Dutch Foreign Minister President of Ukraine 16 Jan 2025
• There Will Be More Investments from Partners in Ukrainian Drone Production - Address by the President President of Ukraine 16 Jan 2025
• Relations Between Ukraine and the United Kingdom Are Gradually Transitioning to an Alliance - Andriy Yermak President of Ukraine 16 Jan 2025
• Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Keir Starmer Reviewed Ukrainian-Made Bomber Drones and Reconnaissance UAVs with British Components President of Ukraine 16 Jan 2025
• Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Keir Starmer Discussed Further Cooperation to Strengthen Ukraine President of Ukraine 16 Jan 2025
• Ukraine and the United Kingdom Signed a Comprehensive One Hundred Year Partnership Agreement that Strengthens Cooperation in Defense, Economic and Other Spheres President of Ukraine 16 Jan 2025
• Britain, Ukraine sign 100-year agreement VOA 16 Jan 2025 -- Britain and Ukraine signed a 100-year agreement Thursday, with Britain pledging to provide Ukraine with $3.6 billion in military aid this year.
• Britain announces Ukraine pact with military collaboration VOA 16 Jan 2025 -- Britain announced Thursday a treaty with Ukraine that includes military collaboration, science and technology partnerships, and an effort to track stolen Ukrainian grain.
• UK and Ukraine sign landmark 100 Year Partnership to deepen security ties and strengthen partnership for future generations Gov.UK 16 Jan 2025 -- The UK and Ukraine will sign a historic partnership, as the Prime Minister travels to the country to meet President Zelenskyy.
• One Hundred Year Partnership agreement between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Ukraine Gov.UK 16 Jan 2025
• £4.5 billion military boost to Ukraine front line to support UK growth and jobs UK MOD 16 Jan 2025 -- UK's steadfast support for Ukraine delivers on this Government's Plan for Change, supporting UK security and growth.
• France Tests Special Forces and Drones in Ukraine Intervention Drill Sputnik 16 Jan 2025 -- The French armed forces conducted exercises in the fall of 2024 to prepare for their possible deployment to Ukraine, the Intelligence Online news portal reported.
• North Koreans show 'superior combat readiness' to Russian contractors: official Radio Free Asia 16 Jan 2025 -- Russian soldiers captured by Ukraine "expressed concerns" about the superior combat readiness of allied North Korean troops compared with Russian contract soldiers in the Kursk region, said a senior Ukrainian officer.
• Chinese naval hospital ship Peace Ark wraps up 215-day Mission Harmony-2024 across 13 countries Global Times 16 Jan 2025 -- Chinese naval hospital ship Peace Ark completed its Mission Harmony-2024 on Thursday and returned to a military port in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang Province, as reported by China Bugle.
• Raksha Mantri holds telecall with UK Secretary of State for Defence India PIB 16 Jan 2025 -- Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held a telephonic conversation with the UK Secretary of State for Defence Mr John Healey on January 16, 2025
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD inks Rs 2,960 crore contract with BDL for Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles for Indian Navy India PIB 16 Jan 2025 -- Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the supply of Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM) for the Indian Navy at a cost of approximately Rs 2,960 crore
• Top general hails Iran's growing naval might IRNA 16 Jan 2025 -- Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Bagheri hails growing capabilities of the country's navy, saying it is fully prepared to execute and implement various complex plans and programs.
• Top general: Enemy dares not cast hostile glance at Iran Press TV 16 Jan 2025 -- Iran's top military general has praised the country's naval capabilities, saying the enemy does not dare cast a hostile glance at the Islamic Republic.
• UK-Japan military exercise starts today as Defence Ministers discuss closer cooperation UK MOD 16 Jan 2025 -- Defence Secretary meets Japanese counterpart, setting out UK commitment to Indo-Pacific security.
• Foreign Minister Tsahkna: The decision of the Biden administration is an error that should be rectified quickly Estonia MFA 16 Jan 2025 -- Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said the decision by the outgoing US administration to restrict access to advanced AI chip exports for selected EU Member States and NATO Allies was completely ungrounded, thoughtless, and harmful, not just for the countries moved to the so-called second category but also for the United States.
• Comment by Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna on the decision by the United States to deepen cooperation with Nordic-Baltic (NB8) countries to defend critical infrastructure Estonia MFA 16 Jan 2025
• Finland's comprehensive security reinforced through new security strategy for society Finnish MoD 16 Jan 2025 -- The Finnish Government adopted a government resolution on the Security Strategy for Society at its plenary session on 16 January 2025.
• The Nordic-Baltic countries and the United States affirm the need to deepen practical cooperation through NATO on protecting undersea cables Latvia MFA 16 Jan 2025 -- In light of the recent undersea cable incidents in the Baltic Sea, Director General of the Directorate of Security Policy and International Organizations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Juris Pēkalis, and Ambassador-at-Large, Jānis Kārkliņš, joined colleagues from the Nordic-Baltic countries, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden for a call with the United States Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technology Anne Neuberger to deepen cooperation on protecting undersea cables.
• France and Norway step up defence cooperation Government of Norway 16 Jan 2025 -- French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu visited Norway on 16 January. During the visit, Norway and France signed a letter of intent on closer defence cooperation.
• New Zealand takes command of international task force disrupting drug smuggling in the Middle East New Zealand Defence Force 16 Jan 2025 -- A senior Royal New Zealand Navy officer will lead international naval efforts against drug smuggling in the Middle East, where New Zealand will also contribute a frigate later in the year.
• No: 13, 16 January 2025, Regarding the USA's Decision to Designate the Greek Cypriot Administration as an Eligible Country for Arms Sales and Military Training Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Jan 2025
• PH Navy eyes deeper cooperation with French counterparts Philippine News Agency 16 Jan 2025 -- The Philippine Navy (PN) said it is looking to deepen its cooperation with France amid its looming deployment of a carrier strike group in the Indo-Pacific.
• PH soldiers showcase military free fall expertise in Japan Philippine News Agency 16 Jan 2025 -- Elite soldiers of the Philippine Army (PA) demonstrated their military free fall and airborne capabilities during the New Year Jump in Indo-Pacific 2025 in Japan.
• Norway signs space agreement with the US Government of Norway 16 Jan 2025 -- Today, Norway and the U.S. signed a Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA), which will facilitate the launch of U.S. launchers and satellites from Andøya Spaceport.
• U.S.-Norway Technology Safeguards Agreement US Dept. of State 16 Jan 2025 -- On January 16, 2025, the United States and Norway signed the Agreement on Technology Safeguards Associated with U.S. Participation in Space Launches from Norway, or the U.S.-Norway Technology Safeguards Agreement.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken At a Press Availability US Dept. of State 16 Jan 2025
• Readout of Vice President Harris's Call with King Abdullah II of Jordan The White House 16 Jan 2025
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Christiane Amanpour for CNN, CNNi, and PBS US Dept. of State 16 Jan 2025
• Deputy Secretary Campbell's Call with Gabonese Transition President Oligui US Dept. of State 16 Jan 2025
• Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economics' Remarks on U.S. Principles of Economic Statecraft The White House 16 Jan 2025

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Jan. 16, 2025

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 16 January 2025 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 16 Jan 2025

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Israel Blames Hamas for Reneging on Gaza Agreement, Creating Last-Minute Crisis Sputnik 16 Jan 2025 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office on Thursday accused Palestinian movement Hamas of reneging on points of agreement on the Gaza Strip reached with mediators and trying to make last-minute concessions.
• Israel's Ceasefire Agreement With Hamas 'Painful, Hard' Decision - Foreign Ministry Sputnik 16 Jan 2025 -- Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on Wednesday called the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas a very hard and painful decision that is yet to be approved by the Israeli government.
• Israel agrees to hostage deal with Hamas VOA 16 Jan 2025 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says a deal to return hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip has been reached, clearing a hurdle toward a ceasefire aimed at ending the 15-month war between the two sides.
• Jan. 15: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 16 Jan 2025
• Israeli strikes continue in Gaza despite ceasefire deal IRNA 16 Jan 2025 -- Dozens more Palestinians are killed as Israel keeps pounding the Gaza Strip with air and artillery strikes despite the announcement of a ceasefire deal between the regime and the Palestinians resistance movement, Hamas.
• Mediators release terms of Gaza ceasefire deal IRNA 16 Jan 2025 -- Media sources have given the details of a ceasefire agreement between the Israeli regime and the Palestinian resistance movement, Hamas that will lead to an end of more than 15 months of bloodshed in the Gaza Strip.
• Hamas: Continuing Israeli strikes endanger captives held in Gaza Press TV 16 Jan 2025 -- Hamas's armed wing has warned that Israel's continuing airstrikes and shelling in Gaza after the announcement of a ceasefire deal are risking captives meant to be released.
• Dozens of Palestinians killed in new Israeli strikes since ceasefire deal Press TV 16 Jan 2025 -- Dozens of Palestinians have been killed in fresh Israeli strikes on the besieged Gaza Strip despite a ceasefire agreement reached between the occupying regime and the Hamas resistance movement.
• Hamas: Ceasefire agreement result of steadfastness, resistance in Gaza over 15 months Press TV 16 Jan 2025 -- Hamas has hailed announcement of a ceasefire in the Israeli regime's genocidal war against the Gaza Strip, calling the deal the result of steadfastness and resistance in the coastal sliver for over 15 months.
• Israeli Airstrike on Gaza's Residential Area Kills 12 Sputnik 16 Jan 2025 -- At least 12 people have been killed and over 20 have been injured in an Israeli airstrike on residential buildings in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in the Gaza city, the Gaza Strip civil defense said on Thursday.
• UNRWA Situation Report #155 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. All information updated for 9 - 14 January 2025 UNRWA 16 Jan 2025
• 'Enough death and destruction': Gazans hope for ceasefire and a better future UN News 16 Jan 2025 -- In the wake of Wednesday's announcement of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas due to come into effect on Sunday, displaced Gazans - ground down by 15 months of devastating conflict - have told UN News they hope an end to their suffering is in sight.
• UN human rights chief hails 'signs of new beginnings' in Lebanon and Syria UN News 16 Jan 2025 -- The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed solidarity with the people of Lebanon and Syria on Thursday, acknowledging the traumas both nations have endured over decades.
• US confident Israel-Hamas ceasefire, hostage release deal will start Sunday VOA 16 Jan 2025 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday he is confident that a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal agreed to by Israel and Hamas will start as scheduled on Sunday to end 15 months of fighting despite a last-minute dispute between the warring parties.
• Biden Announces Ceasefire Deal Between Hamas, Israel in Farewell Address DoD News 16 Jan 2025 -- In his final address from the Oval Office yesterday, President Joe Biden announced a ceasefire and hostage-exchange deal between Israel and Hamas — a truce that Defense Department officials believe signals a possible end to 15 months of conflict in the region.
• PM Netanyahu speaks with US President-elect Donald Trump and with US President Joe Biden Israel - Prime Minister 16 Jan 2025
• Readout of Vice President Harris's Call with President Herzog of Israel The White House 16 Jan 2025
• Ayatollah Khamenei: Palestinian patience, resistance forced Israel to back down Press TV 16 Jan 2025 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has commended the sacrifices and valor of Palestinians and their resistance in the face of the months-long Israeli aggression that resulted in a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and forced the regime to back down.
• Iran welcomes Gaza ceasefire, urges prosecution of Israeli authorities for genocide Press TV 16 Jan 2025 -- Iran has welcomed a newly-reached ceasefire in the Israeli regime's 15-month-long genocidal war against the besieged Gaza Strip, while calling for the prosecution of Israeli authorities over their appalling crimes in the besieged territory.
• IRGC hails Gaza truce as 'irreparable defeat' for Israel, great victory for Palestinians Press TV 16 Jan 2025 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says a ceasefire in the Israeli regime's genocidal war against the Gaza Strip is a "great" victory for the steadfast people of Palestine and an "irreparable and multifaceted" defeat for the Zionists.
• Iran says Gaza ceasefire deal 'historical victory' for Palestinians IRNA 16 Jan 2025 -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry has hailed the Gaza ceasefire agreement as a "historical victory" for the Palestinian people who have endured one of the biggest acts of genocide in history.
• World reacts to Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal IRNA 16 Jan 2025 -- Reactions keep pouring in following the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas and the Israeli regime after talks mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States.
• China welcomes Israel, Hamas ceasefire accord, hopes it can be effectively implemented Global Times 16 Jan 2025 -- China welcomes the Gaza ceasefire agreement and hopes that this agreement will be implemented effectively and that there will be a full and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in response to a question about China's view on Israel-Hamas ceasefire accord.
• Statement on agreement for release of hostages and ceasefire in Gaza India MEA 16 Jan 2025
• Chair's statement: Meeting in the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State solution Government of Norway 16 Jan 2025 -- On Wednesday 15 January, 85 states and international organisations met in Oslo, Norway, for the third follow-up meeting in the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two State-Solution, initiated by Saudi Arabia as Chair of the Arab-OIC Ministerial Committee on Gaza, the EU and Norway.
• Pakistan Welcomes the Ceasefire Deal in Gaza Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Jan 2025 -- Pakistan welcomes the Gaza ceasefire reached on 15 January 2025 and calls for its immediate and full implementation. It is hoped that the truce would lead to permanent ceasefire and help in scaling up humanitarian assistance.
• Ceasefire deal reached between Israel, Hamas, welcomed by int'l community People's Daily 16 Jan 2025 -- Israel and Hamas have agreed to a Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal following intensive mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, Qatar's prime minister announced on Wednesday.
• Houthi: Israel 'failed miserably' in onslaught on Gaza Strip Press TV 16 Jan 2025 -- The leader of Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement says Israel "failed miserably" in the Gaza Strip, and that the US and the Tel Aviv regime were forced to accept the ceasefire agreement with Hamas after committing horrific crimes for months.
• Muslim World League Welcomes Gaza Ceasefire Agreement SPA 16 Jan 2025 -- The Muslim World League (MWL) welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, appreciating the efforts of the State of Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the United States of America in achieving this agreement.
• Global Leaders and Top Officials Hail Gaza Ceasefire Agreement Sputnik 16 Jan 2025 -- Top officials of various world powers, including Germany, France, Spain and Switzerland, have welcomed the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which has been agreed upon by Israel and Palestinian movement Hamas.
• "May the ceasefire lead to auspicious outcomes for all our Palestinian brothers and sisters" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 16 Jan 2025 -- Holding a joint press conference with President Khurelsukh of Mongolia, President Erdoğan, regarding the ceasefire deal reached by Hamas and Israel, said: "I hope that the deal will lead to auspicious outcomes for all our Palestinian brothers and sisters, first and foremost the people of Gaza who have been patiently resisting the Israeli oppression for 467 days. Although over 50 thousand people, most of them women and children, have been martyred, Gaza has not given in, it could not be captured, and the Gazans have not bowed down to the oppressor."
• Middle East: Foreign Secretary's statement, 16 January 2025 UK FCDO 16 Jan 2025 -- Oral statement to Parliament

Other Conflicts

• Syria to Deploy UN Peacekeeping Forces in Buffer Zone on Golan Heights Sputnik 16 Jan 2025 -- The new Syrian authorities agreed to deploy UN peacekeeping forces in the buffer zone on the Golan Heights near the border with Israel, the leader of the new Syrian administration, Ahmad al-Sharaa, said on Thursday.
• EU provides €235 million humanitarian aid to Syrians European Commission 16 Jan 2025 -- The European Commission will provide new humanitarian support to Syrians, both inside Syria and in neighbouring countries, for an amount of €235 million for 2025.
• Experts weigh chance of success in new South China Sea case against Beijing Radio Free Asia 16 Jan 2025 -- Philippine officials have suggested that, in the face of grave aggression from China in the South China Sea, new legal action is not a matter of if, but when.
• China 'monster ship' still in Zambales - PCG Philippine News Agency 16 Jan 2025 -- China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5901, dubbed as the "monster ship" for its size, has remained off the coast of Zambales province, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
• China, Philippines hold 10th BCM meeting on SCS amid lingering tensions Global Times 16 Jan 2025 -- Chinese side made solemn representations over the recent infringement and provocative activities of the Philippine side in the South China Sea and hyping China-Philippine disputes relating to the South China Sea during the Tenth Meeting of the China and Philippines Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea, in Xiamen, East China's Fujian Province, on Thursday, which was co-chaired by Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong and Philippine Foreign Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro.
• Philippines and China Convene 10th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea Philippines DFA 16 Jan 2025 -- The Philippines and China convened the 10th Meeting of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea (BCM) today in Xiamen, Fujian - the hometown of the majority of Chinese Filipinos.
• Pakistan deports Afghans with UNHCR papers VOA 16 Jan 2025 -- As part of its drive to expel Afghan citizens from the nation's capital, Pakistan has deported dozens bearing UNHCR-issued documents, the agency told VOA Thursday.
• A decade of conflict: 'Almost 40 million Yemenis have waited far too long' UN News 16 Jan 2025 -- The UN's Special Envoy for Yemen and a top aid official briefed the Security Council on Wednesday warning of the grave consequences that could follow if hostilities stemming from its long running civil conflict - which have now spilled across the entire region - continue into a second decade.
• Junta blockades keep Myanmar children malnourished and without vaccines Radio Free Asia 16 Jan 2025 -- Myanmar children nationwide are facing extreme shortages of food and medicine in areas under rebel control, leading to malnutrition and illness, aid workers and residents told Radio Free Asia.
• Today's resolution ensures the UN sanctions regime on Libya remains fit for purpose: UK Statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 16 Jan 2025 -- Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, following the vote on the UN Security Council resolution on the Libya Sanctions Regime
• HRW report: Governments, armed groups intensify abuses in Africa VOA 16 Jan 2025 -- Human Rights Watch has found that African governments continue to crack down and wrongly arrest political opponents, critics, activists and journalists. The rights group also says armed forces and armed groups in some African countries have targeted civilians, killing them and driving them from their homes.
• Sanctioning Sudanese Armed Forces Leader and Weapons Supplier US Dept. of State 16 Jan 2025 -- The United States today sanctioned Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, the leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), along with one company and one individual involved in weapons procurement.
• Treasury Sanctions Leader of Sudanese Armed Forces and Weapons Supplier US Treasury 16 Jan 2025 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is sanctioning Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan (Burhan), the leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), under Executive Order (E.O.) 14098, "Imposing Sanctions on Certain Persons Destabilizing Sudan and Undermining the Goal of a Democratic Transition." This action follows the designation of the leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohammad Hamdan Daglo Mousa (Hemedti), on January 7, 2025. In addition, OFAC is sanctioning one company and one individual involved in weapons procurement on behalf of the Defense Industries System (DIS), a procurement arm of the SAF that OFAC sanctioned in June 2023.
• US sanctions Sudan army leader, citing atrocities VOA 16 Jan 2025 -- Washington has slapped sanctions on Sudan's army leader, citing his responsibility for war crimes in a conflict that has bled the oil-rich country dry over the last year — sparking a famine, killing tens of thousands of people and driving millions from their homes — just a week after the U.S. sanctioned his opponent for acts it described as genocide.

News Reports

• Biden Warns Of Dangers Of 'Oligarchy' In America As Tech Billionaires Flock To Trump RFE/RL 16 Jan 2025 -- U.S. President Joe Biden delivered a farewell address to nation on January 15, warning that a "dangerous oligarchy" of extremely wealthy people is taking shape in America and wielding power and influence that threatens democracy.
• Analysts weigh in on what 2nd Trump term means for Africa VOA 16 Jan 2025 -- As U.S. President-elect Donald Trump prepares to be sworn into office, African analysts weigh in on what governing for the second term-president may feel like for the continent compared to his first term.
• Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats - Report US Dept. of State 16 Jan 2025 -- In July 2023, the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats was launched as a new effort to disrupt drug traffickers, dismantle the supply chain for fentanyl and other synthetic drugs, and save lives - in America and abroad. Since then, the Coalition has grown to include over 160 governments and 15 international organizations working together to prevent the manufacturing, trafficking, and distribution of illicit drugs, detect emerging drug threats, and promote effective public health interventions.
• Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, January 16, 2025 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Jan 2025
• Talks with President of the Central African Republic Faustin-Archange Touadera President of Russia 16 Jan 2025 -- Vladimir Putin held talks at the Kremlin with President of the Central African Republic Faustin-Archange Touadera, who is in Russia on an official visit.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's answers to questions from Moscow. Kremlin. Putin television programme, Moscow, January 16, 2025 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Jan 2025
• Miami-Based Real Estate Broker Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Violate Russia-Ukraine Sanctions and to Commit Money Laundering US Dept. of Justice 16 Jan 2025 -- Miami real estate broker Roman Sinyavsky pleaded guilty today to engaging in a scheme to violate U.S. sanctions and commit money laundering by conducting transactions involving blocked properties owned by sanctioned Russian oligarchs Viktor Perevalov and Valeri Abramov.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun's Regular Press Conference on January 16, 2025 PRC MofA 16 Jan 2025
• China reaches out to US allies ahead of Trump's inauguration VOA 16 Jan 2025 -- China initiated a new round of diplomatic outreach to Japan and the European Union this week as Washington prepares for President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration.
• FM urges US to establish a correct perception of China over Rubio's China-related rhetoric Global Times 16 Jan 2025 -- A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Thursday called on the US to establish a right perception toward China, and stop its illegitimate attacks and smears on China, emphasizing China's firm commitment to resolutely safeguarding our own sovereignty, security, and development interests, in response to questions about hawkish remarks made by US Senator Marco Rubio, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for secretary of state.
• China to probe US exports of legacy chips as Biden administration rushes to offload tech containment curbs Global Times 16 Jan 2025 -- The Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said on Thursday that it has received reports from domestic companies of concerns over unfair subsidies the Biden administration is giving to US chipmakers, and said that Chinese investigating authorities will review them in accordance with relevant Chinese laws and regulations, and could follow World Trade Organization rules, initiating investigations as required by law.
• Chinese FM slams US' intensified restrictions on advanced chips to prevent diversion to China Global Times 16 Jan 2025 -- US move is a typical act of economic coercion and hegemonic bullying, and China is strongly dissatisfied and resolutely opposed to this, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Thursday, in response to a question over the US' strengthened restrictions on advanced computing semiconductors, enhancing foundry due diligence to prevent diversion to China.
• Joint Statement between the People's Republic of China and The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka PRC MofA 16 Jan 2025
• Uyghurs welcome largest Chinese import blacklisting yet Radio Free Asia 16 Jan 2025 -- Uyghur activists have welcomed the Biden administration's blacklisting of a further 37 Chinese companies for ties to slave labor in China's Xinjiang region, the largest addition yet to an import ban list introduced under legislation passed in late 2021.
• Chinese FM urges US to stop interfering in HK affairs in response to Biden's extension of DED for certain HK residents Global Times 16 Jan 2025 -- In response to Biden's two-year extension of Deferred Enforced Departure for certain Hong Kong residents living in the US, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that the practice of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong has achieved universally recognized success, noting that any attempts to smear Hong Kong will not succeed nor undermine the international community's confidence in Hong Kong.
• China refutes Biden's DED extension for certain HK residents Global Times 16 Jan 2025 -- In response to Biden's two-year extension of the Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for certain Hong Kong residents living in the US, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that the since the return of Hong Kong, the implementation of One Country, Two Systems in Hong Kong has been a well-recognized success, noting that no design to vilify Hong Kong will ever succeed or weaken international confidence in Hong Kong.
• 'TikTok' refugees could soon run into Chinese censorship on RedNote Radio Free Asia 16 Jan 2025 -- Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote, is scrambling to recruit English-language "content reviewers" after being flooded with anglophone users styling themselves "refugees" from a looming U.S. ban on TikTok.
• Taiwan launches detention rule in light of 'gray zone' activities at sea CNA 16 Jan 2025 -- Taiwan's authorities said Thursday that a mechanism has been established to facilitate interdepartmental efforts to allow vessels suspected of engaging in acts of sabotage in coastal waters to be detained.
• Defending Taiwan 'critical,' says Rubio at U.S. Senate hearing CNA 16 Jan 2025 -- Senator Marco Rubio, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's pick for secretary of state, said during his Senate nomination hearing on Wednesday that defending Taiwan against China was "critical" for the United States.
• Taiwan will remain 'important' in Canada's Indo-Pacific strategy: Envoy CNA 16 Jan 2025 -- Canada will maintain its Indo-Pacific strategy, even if the country elects a new government later this year, and Taiwan will remain a strong partner, Canada's representative to Taipei said Wednesday.
• DPP authorities' attempts to seek 'independence' ultimately futile: FM on so-called 'foreign minister' of Taiwan attending inauguration ceremony of President of Palau Global Times 16 Jan 2025 -- Taiwan is a province of China, and there is no such thing as a "president" or a "foreign ministry" of the Taiwan region, a Chinese FM spokesperson said on Thursday, in response to a question about the so-called "foreign minister" of Taiwan, Lin Chia-lung, attending the inauguration ceremony of the President of Palau as a so-called "presidential envoy" from January 15 to 18.
• DPP's fake democracy only serves for "Taiwan independence": mainland spokesperson People's Daily 16 Jan 2025 -- The so-called "democracy" repeatedly claimed by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities is a fake democracy that only serves their purpose of seeking "Taiwan independence," a mainland spokesperson said on Wednesday.
• Mainland welcomes more Taiwan residents to settle in mainland: spokesperson People's Daily 16 Jan 2025 -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday extended a welcome to Taiwan residents who are optimistic about their development prospects in the mainland and decided to obtain residency here.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 16 Jan 2025
• South Korean president skips questioning for second day after arrest Press TV 16 Jan 2025 -- Yoon Suk Yeol, who became the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested Wednesday, has not attended a second day of questioning about his bid to impose martial law.
• US experts question reason for probe of loudspeaker broadcasts into North Korea VOA 16 Jan 2025 -- A move by South Korean opposition leaders to launch an independent probe of embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol over Seoul's use of loudspeaker broadcasts into North Korea is raising questions among some U.S. experts about the future direction of Seoul's approach toward Pyongyang.
• Treasury Targets IT Worker Network Generating Revenue for DPRK Weapons Programs US Treasury 16 Jan 2025 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is sanctioning two individuals and four entities for generating illicit revenue for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) government.
• IRGC captures another 15 terrorists during drills in southeast Iran Press TV 16 Jan 2025 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Ground Force has captured 15 more terrorists in the course of the ongoing counterterrorism military exercise in the southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan province.
• Terrorists nabbed in IRGC operation in southeastern Iran IRNA 16 Jan 2025 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has reported the arrest of 15 terrorists who were planning sabotage activities in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan.
• President Pezeshkian: Iran open to talks but fully prepared to crush enemy in event of aggression Press TV 16 Jan 2025 -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says Iran is fully prepared to give a "teeth-breaking response" to any aggression by the enemy but remains open to dialogue as a favorable means of resolving the differences.
• FM Araghchi: Iran-Russia strategic deal step toward 'more just world' Press TV 16 Jan 2025 -- A comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, scheduled to be signed between Iran and Russia during President Masoud Pezeshkian's visit to Moscow, will be a step toward creating a more "balanced and just" world, says Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen Prime Minister of Canada 16 Jan 2025 -- Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
• Prime Minister congratulates ISRO for the successful demonstration of space docking of satellites India PIB 16 Jan 2025 -- Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated ISRO and the entire space fraternity for the successful demonstration of space docking of satellites
• Transcript of the Weekly Media Briefing by the Spokesperson Thursday, 16 January 2025 Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Jan 2025
• Cuba releases prominent dissident from prison VOA 16 Jan 2025 -- Jose Daniel Ferrer, one of Cuba's most prominent political prisoners and leader of Patriotic Union of Cuba, was released Thursday from prison after 3½ years.
• Türkiye: Expert dismayed by continued misuse of counter terrorism law to keep human rights defenders in long-term detention OHCHR 16 Jan 2025 -- The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Mary Lawlor, today expressed deep concern at the continued long-term detention in Türkiye of nine prominent human rights defenders and lawyers, all of whom were arbitrarily arrested in connection with their peaceful work and convicted in unfair trials on spurious terrorism-related charges.
• International rights group calls out democracies for ignoring allies' abuses Radio Free Asia 16 Jan 2025 -- Democratic governments around the world need to do more to take authoritarian regimes to task after 2024 saw an unwillingness to cooperate to resolve crises such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the Myanmar military's arrest and killing of democracy campaigners, Human Rights Watch said on Thursday.
• With A New Government, Many Bulgarians Fear A Return To The Past RFE/RL 16 Jan 2025 -- With the approval of a new coalition government, Bulgaria's parliament has ended a prolonged stretch of political instability, during which the country was largely governed by caretaker cabinets and underwent seven elections in four years.
• World News in Brief: Security Council Libya resolution, cyclone recovery in Mozambique, Marburg virus in Tanzania, counter-terrorism laws in Türkiye UN News 16 Jan 2025 -- The UN Security Council on Thursday passed a resolution to renew the mandate of the Panel of Experts (PoE) of the 1970 Libya Sanctions Committee which also extends measures related to the illicit export of petroleum from oil-rich Libya, initially authorised in 2014.
• Security Council Adopts Presidential Statement Welcoming Election of New President in Lebanon, Cessation of Hostilities UN Security Council 16 Jan 2025 -- The Security Council today unanimously adopted a presidential statement on Lebanon, welcoming the recent election of President Joseph Aoun and the designation of Nawaf Salam as Prime Minister.
• Mozambique president sworn in amid tight security, protests VOA 16 Jan 2025 -- Under tight security measures, Mozambique's new president, Daniel Chapo, was sworn in as the country's fifth president on Wednesday.
• Zimbabwe ruling party to push for third term for President Mnangagwa VOA 16 Jan 2025 -- Zimbabwe's ruling party says it will initiate steps to amend the constitution so President Emmerson Mnangagwa can run for a third term in the 2028 elections. The opposition is strongly opposed to amending the 2013 constitution, which limited presidents to two five-year terms.
• Congo court sentences Chinese nationals to 7 years in prison in illegal mining crackdown VOA 16 Jan 2025 -- A court in the Democratic Republic of Congo has sentenced three Chinese nationals to seven years in prison for engaging in activities related to illegal mining.