• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Defense Policy / Programs

• US Senate approves Hegseth as defense secretary by 51-50 vote VOA 24 Jan 2025 -- The U.S. Senate has approved Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump's nominee to serve as defense secretary, on a mostly party-line 51-50 vote.
• US Army Europe and Africa hosts second Nordic NATO Staff Talks Army News 24 Jan 2025 -- Senior leaders from U.S. Army Europe and Africa and their Nordic allies gathered at Lucius D. Clay Kaserne in Wiesbaden, Germany, for the second iteration of the Nordic Staff Talks, held Jan. 22-23, 2025. This significant event provided an opportunity for military leaders, senior staff members, and action officers from across participating nations to come together and ensure a shared understanding of upcoming exercises and initiatives.
• Forging the Future: Training Center Opens to Train Next Generation of Defense Manufacturers US Navy 24 Jan 2025 -- The U.S. Navy strengthened its efforts to revitalize the nation's shipbuilding capability with the opening of a new training center in Danville, Virginia.
• F-35 project expands capabilities at FRCE US Navy 24 Jan 2025 -- Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) celebrated the completion of its F-35 Lightning II expansion project with an informal ribbon cutting ceremony Jan. 14.
• SPACECENT breaks ground on Space Campus project in CENTCOM AOR United States Space Force 24 Jan 2025 -- In a significant milestone for the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Forces - Central officially broke ground on the Space Campus at Al Udeid Air Base, Jan. 14. The ceremony, attended by key personnel and stakeholders, marked the beginning of a new era in space capabilities for the region.
• Landmark £9 billion contract for British business to boost jobs, growth and nuclear deterrent UK MOD 24 Jan 2025 -- A major deal, worth approximately £9 billion, has been struck with British firm Rolls-Royce to bolster support to the Royal Navy's fleet of nuclear submarines, boosting national security and economic growth and delivering on the government's Plan for Change.
• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh flags-off 'SANJAY - The Battlefield Surveillance System' from New Delhi India PIB 24 Jan 2025 -- Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh flagged-off 'SANJAY - The Battlefield Surveillance System (BSS)' from South Block, New Delhi on January 24, 2025
• On heightened watch: IRGC warns extra-regional players as naval drills get underway Press TV 24 Jan 2025 -- The naval forces of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) have launched extensive exercises spanning the southern Iranian provinces of Bushehr and Khuzestan's littoral waters.
• Joint statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense on the delivery of aid from the Republic of Cyprus to the Lebanese Armed Forces Press and Information Office, Ministry of Interior, Republic of Cyprus 24 Jan 2025 -- The Republic of Cyprus, in cooperation with the Government of the French Republic, in the framework of their joint commitment to provide assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces, delivered today, Friday, January 24th 2025, a total of 33 tons of supplies and support equipment to the Lebanese Armed Forces.
• More defence investment is a must, says Minister D. Šakalienė at the Baltic Ministerial Lithuania MND 24 Jan 2025 -- On January 22-23 the Baltic Defence Cooperation Ministerial Committee held a meeting at the Rokantiškės Military Campus. Minister of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė with Minister of Defence of Latvia Andris Sprūds and Minister of Defence of Estonia Hanno Pevkur discussed security of undersea infrastructure, priorities for the NATO Summit in The Hague, assistance to Ukraine and other topics.
• Romualdez welcomes US assurance of 'ironclad' commitment to PH Philippine News Agency 24 Jan 2025 -- House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Friday welcomed the assurance from the newly appointed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that the Trump administration will continue to uphold its "ironclad" commitment to the Philippines.
• AFP: Missile system deployment part of PH, US long-standing ties Philippine News Agency 24 Jan 2025 -- The presence of the United States-made "Mid-Range Capability" (MRC) Typhon Missile System in the Philippines is part of the Manila's long-standing defense relationship with Washington DC, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Friday.
• Vietnam, South Korea finalizing $300m howitzer deal: Korean media Radio Free Asia 24 Jan 2025 -- Vietnam and South Korea are close to wrapping-up a US$300 million arms deal, the first between the two countries, Korean media reported.
• Remarks by President Trump After Air Force One Arrival Fletcher, NC The White House 24 Jan 2025
• REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP BEFORE MARINE ONE DEPARTURE The White House 24 Jan 2025
• Baiba Braže, in a conversation with Marco Rubio, highlights Latvia's close partnership with the U.S. and thanks for support Latvia MFA 24 Jan 2025
• Secretary Rubio's Call with Vietnam Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son US Dept. of State 24 Jan 2025
• Secretary Rubio's Call with New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Peters US Dept. of State 24 Jan 2025
• Secretary Rubio's Call with Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed bin Mubarak US Dept. of State 24 Jan 2025
• Secretary Rubio's Call with Latvian Foreign Minister Braze US Dept. of State 24 Jan 2025
• Secretary Rubio's Call with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Budrys US Dept. of State 24 Jan 2025
• Secretary Rubio's Call with Denmark Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen US Dept. of State 24 Jan 2025
• Secretary Rubio's Call with Vietnam Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son US Dept. of State 24 Jan 2025

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Jan. 24, 2025

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 24 January 2025 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 24 Jan 2025

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Hamas announces hostages to be released in next exchange VOA 24 Jan 2025 -- Hamas on Friday announced the names of four Israeli women hostages whom the militant group is set to release Saturday in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in the second swap under the ceasefire deal in Gaza.
• 200 Palestinians will be released in second round of prisoner exchange with Israel IRNA 24 Jan 2025 -- In the second round of prisoner exchange between Hamas and the Zionist regime, 200 Palestinians will be released.
• Hamas to release four female Israeli forces in exchange for ex-resistance commander Press TV 24 Jan 2025 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says a prominent Palestinian commander will be freed as part of the second prisoner exchange with Israel after last week's Gaza ceasefire.
• Zionist regime continues to occupy Lebanese territory: Report IRNA 24 Jan 2025 -- The Israeli security cabinet did not approve the withdrawal of forces from southern Lebanon, according to reports from Zionist media outlets.
• Israel says won't withdraw from south Lebanon by Sunday deadline Press TV 24 Jan 2025 -- The Israeli regime says its military will not withdraw from Lebanon by Sunday's deadline, in violation of a ceasefire agreement that ended months of aggression against the Arab country.
• Hezbollah issues warning over Israel's bid to prolong Lebanon occupation Press TV 24 Jan 2025 -- The Hezbollah resistance movement says a possible Israeli delay to withdraw the occupation forces from southern Lebanon will constitute an infringement on the Arab country's sovereignty.
• UN rights office raises alarm over escalating violence in occupied West Bank UN News 24 Jan 2025 -- The UN human rights office, OHCHR, on Friday expressed grave concerns over escalating violence in the Jenin area of the occupied West Bank, condemning the use of "unlawful lethal force" by Israeli security forces.
• Concern at use of unlawful lethal force in Jenin in the occupied West Bank OHCHR 24 Jan 2025
• UN blasts Israel's use of 'war fighting' methods in West Bank's Jenin Press TV 24 Jan 2025 -- The United Nations has raised serious concerns about the disproportionate use of force by Israeli military in its ongoing major assault on the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank.
• Israeli resignations 'clear sign' of defeat in Gaza: IRGC chief Press TV 24 Jan 2025 -- The chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says the resignations of prominent Israeli officials are a clear sign of the regime's defeat in Gaza.
• US mercenary firms to take charge of key Gaza checkpoints: Report Press TV 24 Jan 2025 -- US "private security" contractors will deploy armed guards to Gaza and inspect vehicles of Palestinians returning to their homes in the north via an Israeli-installed checkpoint that divides the strip into two parts, a report says.

Other Conflicts

• UNHCR's operations responded as emergencies intensified in 2024 UNHCR 24 Jan 2025 -- New wars, unresolved conflicts and a spike in climate-related disasters resulted in appalling levels of death, destruction and displacement last year, forcing UNHCR's global operations to respond to intensifying humanitarian needs.
• AFP completes resupply mission for BRP Sierra Madre Philippine News Agency 24 Jan 2025 -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced Friday that it completed a troop rotation and resupply (RORE) mission for troops manning the BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57) in Ayungin Shoal at the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
• Speaker reaffirms PH unwavering stance to protect sovereignty Philippine News Agency 24 Jan 2025 -- Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has reaffirmed the Philippines' unwavering stance on territorial integrity as he highlighted President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s firm policy on safeguarding Philippine sovereignty.
• CCG monitors China-permitted living supply delivery at Ren'ai Jiao to Philippine vessel Global Times 24 Jan 2025 -- On Friday, with China's permission, the Philippines dispatched a civilian ship to deliver living supplies to its illegally "grounded" warship at Ren'ai Jiao. The China Coast Guard (CCG) inquired about and verified it and monitored the entire process, CCG spokesperson Liu Dejun said in a statement on Friday.
• BRP Cabra keeps CCG vessel off Zambales coast Philippine News Agency 24 Jan 2025 -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Cabra's strategic maneuvering has kept the Chinese Coast Guard vessel 3103 from getting closer to the Zambales coastline.
• Iraq warns of Daesh resurgence in Syria after Assad's fall Press TV 24 Jan 2025 -- The Iraqi foreign minister has warned of a potential resurgence of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in neighboring Syria, calling for an inclusive political dialogue to restore security to the neighboring country after the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad.
• Gunmen kill 13 people in Shia-populated villages in Syria's Homs Press TV 24 Jan 2025 -- At least 13 people have been killed in Shia-populated villages in Syria's Homs Province, amid raids by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) administration forces and local gunmen.
• Iran calls for protection of minority groups in Syria Press TV 24 Jan 2025 -- The Iranian foreign minister has underlined the necessity of protecting the rights of minority groups in Syria under the country's new rulers.
• Foreign Minister Meets with New Syrian Administration Leader in Damascus SPA 24 Jan 2025 -- New Syrian administration leader Ahmad al-Sharaa received here today Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, who conveyed to him and the Syrian people the greetings of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
• Afghan Taliban condemn ICC arrest warrants for leadership VOA 24 Jan 2025 -- Afghanistan's ruling Taliban on Friday condemned the International Criminal Court's request for arrest warrants against their supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, and his chief justice for alleged persecution of women and girls.
• Afghans Laud ICC Arrest Warrants Over Taliban's Repression Of Women RFE/RL 24 Jan 2025 -- Afghan rights groups have applauded the International Criminal Court's announcement that it is seeking arrest warrants for two top Taliban officials for allegedly persecuting Afghan women and girls, an accusation the Taliban-run Foreign Ministry called "baseless."
• Afghanistan: UN experts welcome ICC Prosecutor's application for arrest warrants for senior Taliban officials OHCHR 24 Jan 2025 -- Human rights experts* today welcomed the request by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue arrest warrants for senior Taliban leaders Haibatullah Akhundzada and Abdul Hakim Haqqani for the crime against humanity of persecution on gender grounds in Afghanistan. The experts issued the following statement:
• Spain welcomes International Criminal Court's application for arrest warrants against authorities of de facto Taliban government Spain MFA 24 Jan 2025
• ICC Prosecutor Seeks Arrest Warrants For Taliban Leaders Over Repression Of Afghan Women RFE/RL 24 Jan 2025 -- The International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor is seeking arrest warrants for two top Taliban officials alleging they are responsible for persecuting Afghan women and girls.
• Afghan refugees in Pakistan worry as US suspends resettlement program VOA 24 Jan 2025 -- The Sultani family was nearing the final stages of their case to resettle in the U.S., though their plan was disrupted after President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Jan. 20 suspending the relocation of refugees to the U.S.
• Ansarullah condemns Trump's decision to blacklist it as terrorist organization Press TV 24 Jan 2025 -- The political bureau of Yemen's Ansarullah movement has condemned the US decision to blacklist them as a terrorist organization.
• Statement by the Secretary-General - on detention of United Nations personnel in Yemen UN Secretary-General 24 Jan 2025
• Myanmar's Arakan Army confirms torture, execution of POWs in leaked viral video Radio Free Asia 24 Jan 2025 -- Ethnic Rakhine rebels on Friday confirmed the torture and execution of two prisoners of war from Myanmar's military after video clips of the killings went viral online.
• Myanmar's junta launches offensives on rebel strongholds in Mandalay region Radio Free Asia 24 Jan 2025 -- Fighting is raging in central Myanmar's Mandalay region as the military launches offensives against areas controlled by anti-regime forces, and tens of thousands of civilians have fled from their homes, according to rebels and residents.
• DRC: Risk of imminent attack on Goma OHCHR 24 Jan 2025
• UNHCR gravely concerned by worsening violence and humanitarian crisis in eastern DR Congo UNHCR 24 Jan 2025 -- UNHCR is gravely concerned about the safety and security of civilians and internally displaced people (IDPs) in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as conflict further intensifies across South and North Kivu Provinces.
• DR Congo emergency: Fears that regional capital Goma faces attack UN News 24 Jan 2025 -- Intensifying hostilities in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo involving the non-state armed group M23 have caused further mass displacement in the mineral-rich region, with fears that the regional capital Goma could come under attack, UN agencies warned on Friday.
• Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on Sudan UN Secretary-General 24 Jan 2025
• US $910 million needed to support humanitarian efforts in north-east Nigeria in 2025 - UN UNOCHA 24 Jan 2025 -- A total of just over US$ 910 million is required to respond to the humanitarian needs of 3.6 million people in need of life-saving assistance in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY) states in north-east Nigeria in 2025. A total of 7.8 million people are considered to be in need of humanitarian assistance.
• No: 20, 24 January 2025, Regarding the Escalating Violence in Colombia Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 Jan 2025

News Reports

• Remarks by President Trump During Hurricane Helene Briefing The White House 24 Jan 2025
• Europe gravitates to greater self-reliance as Trump begins new term People's Daily 24 Jan 2025 -- U.S. President Donald Trump's first days in the White House have sent ripples of unease through Europe. Accusing the EU of unfair treatment, Trump has vowed to impose tariffs to address trade imbalances.
• South Africa expresses concern over U.S. announcement to withdraw from Paris Agreement People's Daily 24 Jan 2025 -- South Africa has expressed "profound regret" over the U.S. decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, said a government official on Thursday.
• U.S. Senate confirms John Ratcliffe as CIA director People's Daily 24 Jan 2025 -- U.S. Senate on Thursday voted to confirm former director of national intelligence John Ratcliffe as the next Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) director under President Donald Trump.
• BI: Alleged spy studied in Chinese military-run university Philippine News Agency 24 Jan 2025 -- The Chinese national who was arrested for alleged espionage activities in the country was found to have studied in an institution run by the Chinese military, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Friday.
• Security Council Adopts Presidential Statement Reaffirming that Acts of Terrorism Constitute among Most Serious Threats to International Peace, Security UN Security Council 24 Jan 2025 -- The Security Council today unanimously adopted a presidential statement reaffirming that acts of international terrorism constitute one of the most serious threats to international peace and security in the twenty-first century, calling on all Member States to summon the requisite political will to denounce all acts of terrorism.
• Answers to questions from journalist Pavel Zarubin President of Russia 24 Jan 2025 -- "I cannot but agree with him that if he had been President, if his victory had not been stolen from him in 2020, then maybe there would not have been the Ukraine crisis that broke out in 2022. (...) Regarding talks about Ukraine, we have consistently made it clear, and I wish to underscore it one more time, we remain open to them "
• The Kremlin Shrugs At Trump's New Sanctions Threat. But Should Putin Be Worried? RFE/RL 24 Jan 2025 -- Since long before his inauguration this week and his election in November, President Donald Trump has been promising to broker an end to Russia's war against Ukraine while providing few hints about how he would seek to get it done.
• Russia Calls Trump's Push for Direct Communication 'Commendable' Sputnik 24 Jan 2025 -- Russia considers Trump's desire to establish direct communication with Moscow "commendable," the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Friday.
• Foreign Ministry's answers to media questions for Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's news conference on the performance of Russian diplomacy in 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 Jan 2025
• Statement of the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations Office and Other International Organizations in Geneva Ambassador Gennady Gatilov at the plenary meeting of the Conferenсe on Disarmament, Geneva, 23 January 2025 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 Jan 2025
• Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's answers to Rossiya Segodnya questions about Arctic issues Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 Jan 2025
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on January 24, 2025 PRC MofA 24 Jan 2025
• Remarks by H.E. Wang Yi at the MFA New Year Reception 2025 PRC MofA 24 Jan 2025
• Rubio holds phone call with China's Wang Yi Radio Free Asia 24 Jan 2025 -- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke by telephone on Friday about the need to properly manage bilateral relations and the status of the island of Taiwan.
• Wang Yi Has a Phone Call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio PRC MofA 24 Jan 2025 -- On 24 January, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi had a phone call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio upon request.
• Secretary Rubio's Call with China's Director of the CCP Central Foreign Affairs Commission and Foreign Minister Wang Yi US Dept. of State 24 Jan 2025
• No winner in trade war or tariff war: Chinese FM responds to Trump's 'prefer not to impose tariffs on China' remark Global Times 24 Jan 2025 -- In response to a question regarding Trump's remarks saying he'd "prefer not to have to impose tariffs on China" during an interview with Fox News, while also claiming that "we have one very big power over China, and that's tariffs," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reaffirmed that China has stated its position on this issue many times.
• Germany should rationally view China's devt: Chinese FM responds to politician's warning of 'great risk' of investing in China Global Times 24 Jan 2025 -- In response to the warning from Friedrich Merz, German Christian Democratic candidate for chancellor, who warned of "great risks" for companies investing in China, Mao Ning, spokesperson from China's Foreign Ministry, said Germany should objectively and rationally view China's development, uphold the tradition of China-Germany friendship, recognize the mutually beneficial nature of China-Germany cooperation, and do more that align with the interests of both countries and peoples.
• Lunar New Year travel offers boost to China's economic woes VOA 24 Jan 2025 -- China's annual mass migration ahead of the Lunar New Year will peak with billions of trips anticipated during this year's holiday, which begins Tuesday.
• Five years after Wuhan lockdown, China still 'struggling to recover' Radio Free Asia 24 Jan 2025 -- Five years ago, authorities in the central Chinese city of Wuhan and surrounding areas in Hubei province imposed a travel ban on some 18 million people, just days after admitting that the newly emerging coronavirus was transmissible between people.
• Taiwan says 85% of national security cases involve retired army, police Radio Free Asia 24 Jan 2025 -- Taiwan said 85% of its national security cases were found to involve retired military and police officers, adding China "systematically and organically cultivated" these forces in the island.
• Communication between Taiwan, Matsu back to normal: Chunghwa Telecom CNA 24 Jan 2025 -- Chunghwa Telecom said Thursday that communication between Taiwan and Matsu Islands has been restored via undersea cable after a partial repair of the No. 2 cable, one of two damaged earlier this month.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 24 Jan 2025
• Ministry of National Defense Issues Press Release Regarding Chinese Communist Party Launching Carrier Rocket ROC MND 24 Jan 2025
• Interview: Trump would like to resume personal diplomacy with Kim Jong Un Radio Free Asia 24 Jan 2025 -- Fred Fleitz is the vice chair of the America First Policy Institute's Center for American Security, and until recently he was a member of the Trump transition team. He previously served as a deputy assistant to the president during Trump's first term and chief of staff of the National Security Council, among other U.S. national security positions over the years.
• 'Smart balloons' drop leaflets, loudspeakers into North Korea Radio Free Asia 24 Jan 2025 -- aiming to reach more people in the reclusive country.
• DPRK Premier Takes Oath at Twelfth Session of 14th SPA KCNA 24 Jan 2025 -- At the Twelfth Session of the 14th Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Premier Pak Thae Song took an oath, on behalf of the members of the Cabinet, to remain faithful to the constitution of the Republic and live up to the expectations of the Party and the people with absolute devotion.
• Twelfth Session of 14th Supreme People's Assembly of DPRK Held KCNA 24 Jan 2025 -- The Twelfth Session of the 14th Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea took place at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on Jan. 22 and 23.
• On Fulfillment of State Budget of DPRK for 2024 and Its State Budget for 2025 KCNA 24 Jan 2025 -- Deputy Ri Myong Guk, minister of Finance, made a report on the fulfillment of the state budget for 2024 and on the state budget for 2025 deliberated at the Budget Committee of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly before the Twelfth Session of the 14th SPA.
• On DPRK Cabinet's Work for Last Year and Tasks for This Year KCNA 24 Jan 2025 -- Deputy Pak Thae Song, premier of the Cabinet of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, made a report on the last year's work of the Cabinet and its tasks for this year at the Twelfth Session of the 14th Supreme People's Assembly.
• Iran, Russia will not accept excessive demands of enemies: President Pezeshkian IRNA 24 Jan 2025 -- Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between Iran and Russia shows that neither country intends to accept excessive demands of enemies, emphasizing that both countries are capable of collaborating to foster policies that promote tranquility, security, development, and economic growth in the region.
• Official: 70 billion kWh of nuclear electricity added to Iran's grid Press TV 24 Jan 2025 -- Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), says 70 billion kilowatts hour of nuclear energy has been injected into Iran's electricity grid so far.
• The Farda Briefing: Iran Talks Tough But Signals Openness For Negotiations With U.S. RFE/RL 24 Jan 2025
• Could Belarus's Presidential Election Be Lukashenka's Last? RFE/RL 24 Jan 2025 -- As opposition-minded Belarusians will tell you, the country's presidential election on January 26 isn't a real election. Independent media has been gutted, or forced abroad, there are no credible opposition candidates, and the vote is merely an exercise in consolidating President Alyaksandr Lukashenka's grip on power. It will be anything other than free or fair.
• Ahead of election, media group accuses Belarus of crimes against humanity VOA 24 Jan 2025 -- Ahead of Belarus' presidential election this weekend, a media advocacy group filed a complaint Friday with the International Criminal Court accusing the country's longtime leader of crimes against humanity against journalists.
• Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs (January 24, 2025) India MEA 24 Jan 2025
• Press Conference by Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan 24 Jan 2025
• Türkiye: Press remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas at the joint press conference European External Action Service (EEAS) 24 Jan 2025
• World News in Brief: More UN staffers detained in Yemen, education hit by climate crisis, Nigeria aid plan UN News 24 Jan 2025 -- The UN has suspended all official movements by its teams into and out of Houthi-held areas of Yemen, after more UN staffers were detained on Thursday.
• Minister Radosław Sikorski takes part in 55th World Economic Forum in Davos Poland - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 Jan 2025 -- Held from 20 to 24 January, this year's World Economic Forum hosted some 3,000 attendees, over 1,400 organisations, and about 900 speakers, including heads of states or governments, ministers, CEOs of global enterprises, and representatives of think tanks and the academia. The theme of the Forum was "Collaboration for the Intelligent Age".
• Nigeria seeks $910 million to tackle worsening humanitarian crisis VOA 24 Jan 2025 -- Nigerian authorities and the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs have launched an appeal for $910 million to address an escalating humanitarian crisis in the northeastern states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe.
• Drought led to 71,000 'excess deaths' in Somalia, report shows VOA 24 Jan 2025 -- A study finds that severe drought plaguing parts of Somalia since 2022 has killed at least 71,000 people beyond the number expected.