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News Reports

Current Operations

• Key Islamic State planner killed in airstrike, US and Somali officials say VOA 12 Feb 2025 -- Ahmed Maeleninine, an Omani-born leader of Islamic State, was killed in U.S. airstrikes against the terror group in Somalia earlier this month, officials of the Puntland region said Wednesday.
• CMF's Combined Task Force 150 Carries Out First Drug Interdiction with New Zealand In Command CENTCOM 12 Feb 2025 -- A U.S. Coast Guard fast-response cutter, working in direct support of New Zealand-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 of Combined Maritime Forces, seized nearly 2,400 kilograms of illegal drugs from a vessel in the Arabian Sea, Feb. 7.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Holds Media Availability in Stuttgart, Germany DoD 12 Feb 2025
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's Meeting With Jordan's King Abdullah II DoD 12 Feb 2025
• Hegseth Calls on NATO Allies to Lead Europe's Security, Rules Out Support for Ukraine Membership DoD News 12 Feb 2025 -- Stating that the U.S. does not believe NATO membership for Ukraine would be a "realistic" outcome of any negotiated peace settlement with Russia, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, today, called on NATO allied countries to increase their defense spending and take the lead in providing for Ukraine and Europe's security.
• Historic US, Poland cavalry divisions train together at Exercise Combined Resolve Army News 12 Feb 2025 -- The U.S. Army's 1st Cavalry Division and Polish Army's 11th Armored Cavalry Division staff built interoperable command processes while serving as Exercise Combined Resolve's high command in Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, Jan. 27 to Feb. 7, 2025.
• 36th AS flexes agility, conducts airdrop operations under limited visibility US Air Force 12 Feb 2025 -- As the sun set over the Yokota Air Base flightline, four C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron revved engines in preparation for a routine, yet convincing, demonstration of world-class agility, Feb. 6.
• 352nd SOW, Finnish Utti Jaeger Regiment strengthen NATO's interoperability in austere weather environments US Air Force 12 Feb 2025 -- Finnish Special Operations forces from the Utti Jaeger Regiment and U.S. Air Force 352nd Special Operations Wing participated in a bilateral training, Jan. 28-31, 2025, at Utti Jaeger Regiment base, Finland.
• MSC chartered ship MV Ocean Giant completes cargo offload in support of Operation Deep Freeze 2025 US Navy 12 Feb 2025 -- The Military Sealift Command chartered ship MV Ocean Giant has completed a cargo offload of supplies at McMurdo Station, Antarctica in support of the annual resupply mission Operation Deep Freeze 2025.
• U.S. Navy EOD and divers conduct arctic warfare training exercise SNOWCRABEX 2025 US Navy 12 Feb 2025 -- U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 2, conducted Snow Crab Exercise 2025 at Camp Ripley in Little Falls, Minnesota, Jan. 27-Feb. 7.
• Exercise Cutlass Express 2025 launches across East Africa US Navy 12 Feb 2025 -- Exercise Cutlass Express 2025 will take place throughout East Africa and the western Indian Ocean from Feb. 10-21, 2025.
• Flagship of NATO's Mine Countermeasures Group 1 visits Latvia NATO Allied Maritime Command 12 Feb 2025 -- As part of NATO's commitment to securing critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, the flagship of Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1) visited Latvia. During this visit, the Commander of SNMCMG1, Belgian Navy Commander Erik Kockx, met with the Deputy Commander of the Minesweeper Squadron of the Latvian Navy, Lieutenant Commander Jurijs Andrejevs, to discuss regional security, ongoing cooperation, and NATO's efforts to protect critical undersea infrastructure.
• Russia Scores Huge Geopolitical Triumph with Sudan Base Sputnik 12 Feb 2025 -- Sudan and Russia have reached a mutual understanding regarding the agreement on Moscow's naval base, with both sides finalizing all necessary terms, Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssef Ahmed al-Sharif announced following talks with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, in Moscow.
• Cost-Effective And Battle-Tested: Why Russia's Supercam S350 Outperforms Western Drones Sputnik 12 Feb 2025 -- For the first time, Russia will present its light-class, maneuverable, aircraft-type Supercam S350 UAV at IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
• Allies to discuss Ukraine military aid VOA 12 Feb 2025 -- Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said allies gathering Wednesday in Brussels would discuss the supply of military aid for Ukraine, including accelerating deliveries of key weapons such as air defense systems.
• Opening Remarks by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at Ukraine Defense Contact Group (As Delivered) DoD 12 Feb 2025
• US defense chief: Return to Ukraine's 2014 borders 'unrealistic' VOA 12 Feb 2025 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told NATO military allies on Wednesday that Ukraine's hoped-for return to its 2014 borders is an "unrealistic objective," and that the United States does not believe that Kyiv membership in NATO is a "realistic outcome" of a negotiated end to Russia's three-year war on Ukraine.
• Hegseth Says Return To Ukraine's Pre-2014 Borders 'Unrealistic' RFE/RL 12 Feb 2025 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says it's "unrealistic" to expect Ukraine's borders to return to their pre-2014 positions after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv could offer Moscow territory seized by Ukrainian forces in Russia's Kursk region in exchange for land occupied by Russia.
• U.S. defense secretary says Ukraine returning to pre-2014 borders is 'unrealistic' IRNA 12 Feb 2025 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says it is "unrealistic" to expect Russia to return territory seized from Ukraine in 2014 back to Kiev.
• Pentagon Chief Casts Doubt on Ukraine's NATO Gamble As Peace Talks Loom Sputnik 12 Feb 2025 -- The United States holds the view that Ukraine's NATO membership is not a feasible outcome of any potential negotiation with Russia, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said on Wednesday.
• NATO Defence Ministers to address defence spending, industrial capacity, support to Ukraine NATO 12 Feb 2025 -- Defence Ministers will meet in Brussels tomorrow (13 February 2025) to begin preparations for the NATO Summit in The Hague in June.
• Chair of the NATO Military Committee visits Ukraine NATO 12 Feb 2025 -- On 07 and 08 February 2025, the Chair of the NATO Military Committee Admiral Cavo Dragone paid a visit to Ukraine. This is the first official foreign visit undertaken in the Chair's new position. This visit underscores the NATO Military Authorities' unfettered support to Ukraine.
• High Stakes For Ukraine As World Leaders To Meet For Munich Security Conference RFE/RL 12 Feb 2025 -- All eyes will be on southern Germany this weekend as world leaders assemble at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof for the three-day Munich Security Conference.
• UK leads major Ukraine Summit and announces £150 million firepower package UK MOD 12 Feb 2025 -- Defence leaders from across the world have gathered in Brussels today as the UK convenes a major Ukraine summit at NATO HQ.
• Taiwan to scale up annual military drill as China tensions mount Radio Free Asia 12 Feb 2025 -- Taiwan is going to increase the scale of its main annual military exercise by mobilizing more reserve brigades, amid media reports that the number of Chinese military aircraft entering the airspace around Taiwan has doubled since the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te in May last year.
• Volunteer soldiers to be asked to sign dual nationality affidavit: MND CNA 12 Feb 2025 -- The Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Wednesday said it will ask all applicant volunteer soldiers to sign an affidavit that they do not have dual nationality, to avoid the re-occurrence of a recent incident when a naval serviceman was found having a Chinese ID card.
• Taiwan's military relaxes rules on height, tattoos CNA 12 Feb 2025 -- A senior Taiwanese military official in charge of recruitment said Wednesday that the Ministry of National Defense (MND) has relaxed height and tattoo restrictions to boost recruitment.
• Lightning crews drop bombshell in Guam Australia DOD 12 Feb 2025 -- The Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) 75 Squadron has launched into Exercise Cope North 25 with a bang, testing the skill of their armament technicians (ARMTECHs) and aircrew by dropping 64 GBU-39 small-diameter bombs off the coast of Guam.
• Projects of Concern Summit supports future capability success Australia DOD 12 Feb 2025 -- The Albanese Government held its eighth Projects of Concern Summit in Canberra today to remediate the sustainment performance of Australia's Collins class submarines.
• Investing in Australian-made radars to support Army's long-range fires capability Australia DOD 12 Feb 2025 -- The Albanese Government is investing an additional $272 million to support local defence industry and Australian jobs, through the procurement of up to 14 multi-mission phased array radars (MMPARs) for the Australian Army.
• 7th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity Canada 12 Feb 2025 -- "The combined armed and defense forces of the Philippines, Canada, and the United States, demonstrating a collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, will conduct a Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone, on 12 February 2025."
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Secretary General of NATO Mark Rutte Prime Minister of Canada 12 Feb 2025
• Raksha Rajya Mantri addresses Indian Navy Seminar at Aero India 2025 India PIB 12 Feb 2025 -- "India is strategically poised to play a pivotal role due to the geostrategic position in the Indian Ocean for which indigenous capability was essential for peaceful coexistence and security in the region," stated Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth during a seminar organised by Indian Navy on February 12, 2025 at Aero India 2025, Bengaluru
• INDUCTION OF THIRD 25T BOLLARD PULL TUG ASHVA (YARD 337) AT NAVAL DOCKYARD, VISAKHAPATNAM India PIB 12 Feb 2025 -- Induction ceremony for third 25T Bollard Pull (BP) Tug Ashva was held on 12 Feb 25 at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam in presence of Rear Admiral K Srinivas, ASD(V) as the Chief Guest
• India moving towards becoming a global leader in defence innovation & aerospace technology: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at Valedictory event of Aero India 2025 India PIB 12 Feb 2025 -- "India is going through a revolutionary phase of transformation and is moving towards becoming a global leader in defence innovation & aerospace technology," said Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh while addressing the Valedictory event of 15th Aero India in Bengaluru, Karnataka on February 12, 2025
• Raksha Mantri holds bilateral meetings with Defence Ministers of Zimbabwe, Yemen, Ethiopia, Gambia & Gabon on Day 3 of Aero India 2025 India PIB 12 Feb 2025 -- On the margins of Aero India 2025, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held bilateral meetings with Minister of Defence, Zimbabwe Mrs Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri; Minister of Defense, Yemen Lt Gen Mohsen Mohammed Hussein Al Daeri; Minister of Defense, Ethiopia Mrs Aisha Mohammed (Eng
• Defence Secretary meets multiple defence delegations at Aero India 2025 India PIB 12 Feb 2025 -- Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh held a number of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru on February 11, 2025
• New investment in Royal Navy fleet communications to boost jobs UK MOD 12 Feb 2025 -- £250 million upgrade to naval communications will support more than 100 high-skilled UK jobs, delivering on the Government's Plan for Change.
• Budrys with the Minister of Defence of Finland: "Our future and Europe's security require decisive action" Lithuania MFA 12 Feb 2025 -- On 11 February, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Kęstutis Budrys, met with the Minister of Defence of Finland, Antti Häkkänen, in Helsinki.
• D. Šakalienė to attend NATO Defence Ministerial, Ramstein format meeting and the Munich Security Conference Lithuania MND 12 Feb 2025 -- On February 12-13 Minister of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė is conducting a visit to Brussels to attend the NATO Defence Ministers' meeting.
• A look at the Defence news 3-9 February Netherlands Ministry of Defence 12 Feb 2025
• Operation Resolution New Zealand Defence Force 12 Feb 2025 -- The latest on Operation Resolution in Samoa.
• Royal New Zealand Navy frigate sails to disrupt terrorist, criminal, activities in Middle East New Zealand Defence Force 12 Feb 2025 -- Denying terrorist and criminal organisations the funds to conduct illicit activities will be the primary aim of HMNZS Te Kaha, which sailed from Devonport Naval Base today for the Middle East region.
• Tolentino calls for creation of West Philippine Sea Command Philippine News Agency 12 Feb 2025 -- Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino on Wednesday called for the establishment of a dedicated West Philippine Sea Command to enhance maritime security and national defense.
• AFP eyes 2 subs to beef up defensive capabilities Philippine News Agency 12 Feb 2025 -- Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Wednesday said the military is keen on acquiring at least two submarines of the diesel-electric type as part of its ongoing modernization program.
• 7th PH maritime cooperative activity with US, Canada on - Brawner Philippine News Agency 12 Feb 2025 -- Naval and air units of the Philippines, Canada, and the United States are conducting the 7th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
• PH, US military chiefs eye bigger drills Philippine News Agency 12 Feb 2025 -- The chiefs-of-staff of the Philippines and the United States are looking to expand military exercises being conducted by the two nations.
• PH Air Force restores to service C-130 cargo plane Philippine News Agency 12 Feb 2025 -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has announced that it has successfully restored to full operational status a Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" transport aircraft following "critical structure maintenance procedures" that lasted for almost four months.
• Japan to transfer 2 patrol vessels to Indonesia Radio Free Asia 12 Feb 2025 -- Japan is donating two new patrol vessels to Indonesia under its Official Security Assistance program as Tokyo seeks to address security challenges in the region.
• ONE VOICE FOR AMERICA'S FOREIGN RELATIONS The White House 12 Feb 2025
• Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Establishes One Voice for America's Foreign Relations The White House 12 Feb 2025
• Readout of President Donald J. Trump's Meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan The White House 12 Feb 2025
• Rubio heads to Munich amid diplomatic push for Ukraine peace deal VOA 12 Feb 2025 -- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to depart Thursday for Munich and later this week will visit the Middle East amid an intensive diplomatic push to end Russia's aggression in Ukraine, as well as efforts to follow up on U.S. President Donald Trump's plan for the post-war Gaza Strip.
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Senior Advisor Adam Boehler with Kaitlan Collins of CNN February 11, 2025 Via Telephone US Dept. of State 12 Feb 2025
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio And Senior Advisor Adam Boehler With Chris Cuomo of NewsNation February 11, 2025 Via Telephone US Dept. of State 12 Feb 2025
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio And Senior Advisor Adam Boehler With Sean Hannity of Fox News February 11, 2025 Via Telephone US Dept. of State 12 Feb 2025

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Feb. 12, 2025

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 12 February 2025 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 12 Feb 2025

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Negotiators work to preserve Israel-Hamas ceasefire VOA 12 Feb 2025 -- While mediators were working to preserve a fragile ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, Israel called up military reservists and the nation's defense minister echoed U.S. President Donald Trump's threat that "all hell would break out" if hostages were not released Saturday.
• Hamas rejects US-Israeli 'threats' on captive exchange Press TV 12 Feb 2025 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says it will not bow down to threats from Israel and the United States on the issue of captives.
• Islamic Jihad warns fate of Israeli captives depends on Netanyahu's actions Press TV 12 Feb 2025 -- The Palestinian Islamic Jihad warns Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel is responsible for the fate of captives held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
• Israel warns of Gaza offensive resumption if Hamas fails to free hostages by Saturday People's Daily 12 Feb 2025 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that if the Israeli hostages held in Gaza were not returned by Saturday, the ceasefire with Hamas would be canceled, and Israel would resume "intensive fighting" in the war-torn enclave.
• Israel orders forced displacement of Palestinians in Nur Shams refugee camp Press TV 12 Feb 2025 -- Israel has ordered the immediate evacuation of Palestinian residents from the Nur Shams refugee camp in the northern part of the occupied West Bank as the regime escalates its military offensive.
• Israel says will stay in Lebanon beyond extended withdrawal deadline Press TV 12 Feb 2025 -- The Israeli military says it will stay in Lebanon even after the extended deadline for the withdrawal of the regime forces under the ceasefire, warning local residents in southern Lebanon not to return to their homes.
• Statement by UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa Edouard Beigbeder on child casualties in the West Bank UNICEF 12 Feb 2025 -- "Conflict-related violence continues to bring death and fear to civilians, including women and children in the West Bank. On 7 February, a 10-year-old Palestinian boy succumbed to his wounds after reportedly being shot, while two days later, in another tragic event in Nur Shams camp, an eight-month pregnant woman was reportedly shot and killed along with her unborn baby.
• 13 children killed in the West Bank since year began: UNICEF UN News 12 Feb 2025 -- The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) has voiced deep alarm at the growing number of children killed, injured and displaced in the occupied West Bank, as violence continues to escalate.
• Resumption of hostilities in Gaza must be avoided "at all costs": UN chief People's Daily 12 Feb 2025 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres early Tuesday called on Hamas to proceed with planned release of Israeli hostages, warning renewed hostilities in Gaza must be avoided "at all costs."
• Arab League chief rejects Trump plan to displace Palestinians from Gaza VOA 12 Feb 2025 -- Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit rejected any plan to displace Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, saying Wednesday that such resettlement would be "unacceptable."
• Iran diplomatic initiative: OIC set to hold emergency meeting on Trump's Gaza plot Press TV 12 Feb 2025 -- The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is reportedly to hold an emergency meeting of its foreign ministers in response to an Iranian diplomatic initiative, to address the US's "plans" for forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.
• Egypt, Jordan urge 'unity' on Gaza, rebuilding without relocation Press TV 12 Feb 2025 -- Egypt and Jordan have underscored 'unity' on the issue of the Gaza Strip, calling for rebuilding the Palestinian territory without relocating Gazans.
• Senior Arab officials warn Trump's Gaza scheme could inflame West Asia Press TV 12 Feb 2025 -- Senior Arab officials have warned that US President Donald Trump's vicious scheme to take over the Gaza Strip and resettle Palestinians will fuel regional instability.
• South Africa won't withdraw genocide case against Israel after Trump threatens to cut off aid Press TV 12 Feb 2025 -- South Africa says it will not withdraw its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) despite US President Donald Trump's order to freeze Washington's aid to the country.
• Federal Foreign Office on the Cabinet decision regarding the EU Mission EUBAM Rafah Germany Federal Foreign Office 12 Feb 2025
• "Regional countries cannot achieve stability without peace in Gaza" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 12 Feb 2025 -- Speaking at a joint press conference with President Subianto of Indonesia, President Erdoğan said: "It is not possible for the other countries in the region to achieve stability until Gaza and Palestinians find peace."
• KCNA Commentary Denounces U.S. as Ferocious Robber KCNA 12 Feb 2025 -- The world is now seething with the U.S. "bomb declaration".

Other Conflicts

• No Chinese would accept China not responding legitimately to Manila's provocation: Chinese FM on Marcos' remarks Global Times 12 Feb 2025 -- "I will answer your question with the same format," said China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun during a press conference on Wednesday in response to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's remark during the Senate campaign event that none of his Senate candidates are applauding China or cheering when the Philippine vessels get hit by Chinese water cannons.
• Telephone conversation with President of the transitional phase of the Syrian Arab Republic Ahmed al-Sharaa President of Russia 12 Feb 2025 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the transitional phase of the Syrian Arab Republic Ahmed al-Sharaa.
• Putin talks Russia-Syria cooperation in first phone call with Jolani Press TV 12 Feb 2025 -- Russian President Putin has spoken with HTS leader Mohammad al-Jolani on the phone, offering his nation's support in safeguarding Syria's "sovereignty and territorial integrity."
• Security Council: Syrian leaders urged to prioritise inclusive transition UN News 12 Feb 2025 -- The UN Special Envoy for Syria on Wednesday called on the country's caretaker authorities to make the transition to democratic rule inclusive, warning that transparency, rule of law and fair elections - particularly for women taking part - remain key concerns.
• Commitment to Inclusive Political Transition Vital for Syria's Success, Special Envoy Says, Warning Further Conflict Could Hinder Fight against Da'esh UN Security Council 12 Feb 2025 -- Acknowledging the Syrian caretaker authorities pledges to achieve an inclusive Syrian-owned and -led political transition in line with the key principles of Council resolution 2254 (2015), the United Nations senior mediator in the country warned the Security Council today that further conflict could have a drastic impact on the fight against Da'esh and international peace and security.
• The UN must play a vital role in stabilising and rebuilding Syria: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 12 Feb 2025 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.
• Iran tells United Nations Security Council it supports formation of inclusive gov't in Syria IRNA 12 Feb 2025 -- Iran has informed the United Nations Security Council that it supports the formation of an "inclusive" government in Syria through "free elections" and "comprehensive national dialogue."
• Iran slams US allegations against Tehran concerning Syria, condemns sanctions, Israeli violations Press TV 12 Feb 2025 -- Iran's ambassador to the United Nations has strongly rejected the US's accusations against the Islamic Republic of "destabilizing" Syria, calling them "baseless" and a deliberate distortion of reality aimed at misleading the international community.
• Working together for the future of Ukraine and Syria: Foreign Minister Baerbock travels to Paris Germany Federal Foreign Office 12 Feb 2025 -- Foreign Minister Baerbock is travelling to Paris today to discuss further support for Ukraine with the Foreign Ministers of France, Poland, Italy, Spain, the UK and Ukraine, as well as the EU High Representative. Then on Thursday, she will take part in an international conference on Syria.
• Iraqi Forces Conduct Airstrike Against ISIS, Enabled by CENTCOM Forces CENTCOM 12 Feb 2025 -- On Feb. 10, Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), enabled by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces, conducted precision airstrikes in the vicinity of Kirkuk, Iraq, killing two ISIS operatives.
• Daesh claims responsibility for deadly bombing attack in northern Afghanistan Press TV 12 Feb 2025 -- The Daesh terrorist group in Afghanistan has claimed responsibility for the latest bombing attack that left at least five people dead and several others injured in the country's northern province of Kunduz.
• Security Council Press Statement on Terrorist Attack in Afghanistan UN Security Council 12 Feb 2025
• Guterres calls for probe into death of WFP staff member detained in Yemen UN News 12 Feb 2025 -- Flags at all UN offices in Yemen are flying at half-mast this week following the death of a World Food Programme (WFP) staff member who had been arbitrarily detained by the Houthi de facto authorities in the north since last month.
• Yemen: Statement by the Spokesperson on the death of a WFP staff member in detention by the Houthis European External Action Service (EEAS) 12 Feb 2025 -- The European Union joins the statement issued by the UN Secretary General on 11 February 2025 and strongly condemns the death on 10 February of a World Food Programme (WFP) staff who had been arbitrarily detained by the Houthi since 23 January 2025.
• Myanmar military torches nearly 200 homes in Sagaing region Radio Free Asia 12 Feb 2025 -- Myanmar junta forces torched nearly 200 homes in the northwestern region of Sagaing, the latest incident in a campaign to punish communities that support insurgents that has seen more than 100,000 homes burned since a 2021 coup, residents and a monitoring group said on Wednesday.
• Telecom outages impact livelihoods in Myanmar's Rakhine Radio Free Asia 12 Feb 2025 -- Telecommunications outages in western Myanmar's embattled Rakhine state have persisted for nearly 100 days, impinging on its more than 3 million residents' right to information and livelihoods, sources in the region said Wednesday.
• Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on the Central African Republic UN Secretary-General 12 Feb 2025
• Suspended U.S. aid hits UN humanitarian operations in DRC: UN official People's Daily 12 Feb 2025 -- The suspension of U.S. foreign aid has harmed UN humanitarian operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a senior UN official said Tuesday.
• Tibetans mourn Dalai Lama's brother at funeral in northeast India Radio Free Asia 12 Feb 2025 -- More than 1,200 Tibetans gathered on Tuesday to mourn the death of Dalai Lama's elder brother, Gyalo Thondup, at a funeral service in the hill town of Kalimpong in northeast India.

News Reports

• Intelligence Community Welcomes Lt. Col. Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence Director of National Intelligence 12 Feb 2025 -- Today, Lieutenant Colonel Tulsi Gabbard took the oath of office to serve as the eighth Senate-confirmed and first female combat veteran Director of National Intelligence (DNI).
• New US intelligence chief promises to deliver for Trump VOA 12 Feb 2025 -- U.S. President Donald Trump's effort to overhaul the country's intelligence apparatus appears set to move forward, with lawmakers confirming Tulsi Gabbard as the nation's next director of national intelligence.
• President Trump Announces the President's Intelligence Advisory Board The White House 11 Feb 2025
• Further cyber sanctions in response to Medibank Private cyberattack Australia DOD 12 Feb 2025 -- The Albanese Government has imposed additional cyber sanctions in response to the 2022 cyberattack against Medibank Private.
• Assessment of the terrorist threat 2025 Swedish Security Service 12 Feb 2025 -- The terrorist threat to Sweden has been assessed as primarily stemming from violent Islamist, or violent right-wing extremist ideology. This was reported by the National Centre for Terrorist Threat Assessment (NCT) in its annual assessment for 2025.
• US funding cuts threaten global health response, WHO chief warns UN News 12 Feb 2025 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed deep concern over the impact of US funding cuts on critical global health initiatives, warning they pose a direct threat to public health efforts worldwide.
• WHO faces communication challenges on bird flu after U.S. withdrawal People's Daily 12 Feb 2025 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) said Tuesday that communication with the United States regarding the ongoing bird flu outbreak has become increasingly difficult as a result of the country's withdrewal from the UN health agency.
• US warns citizens of potential terror threats at key mosque in Pakistan's capital VOA 12 Feb 2025 -- The United States advised its citizens Wednesday to steer clear of a popular mosque in Pakistan's capital due to potential terrorist threats.
• Trump tariffs on aluminum, steel draw strong backlash Global Times 12 Feb 2025 -- US President Donald Trump's decision to impose a 25 percent tariff on all steel and aluminum imports "without exceptions or exemptions" has drawn strong reactions from major US trading partners, with some of its traditional allies vowing firm countermeasures.
• EXPLAINED: How US tariffs affect Vietnam's economy Radio Free Asia 12 Feb 2025 -- Vietnam's steel industry faces a double threat from the U.S. after President Donald Trump signed an executive order to impose a 25% tax on all steel imports from March 4. It was already being investigated by the U.S. Commerce Department for illegal subsidies and dumping. Vietnam's aluminum exporters face a similar surcharge.
• Telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump President of Russia 12 Feb 2025 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the United States of America Donald Trump.
• U.S. To Release Russian Cybercriminal As Part Of Prisoner Exchange: Reports RFE/RL 12 Feb 2025 -- The United States is releasing a confessed Russian cybercriminal as part of a deal with the Kremlin that set American teacher Marc Fogel free, reports said.
• President DonalD J. Trump Brings Marc Fogel Home The White House 12 Feb 2025
• Trump Welcomes American Teacher Freed By Russia To White House RFE/RL 12 Feb 2025 -- U.S. President Donald Trump on February 11 welcomed an American teacher freed by Moscow to the White House after he landed on U.S. soil, saying the Russians had been "very fair" in agreeing to his release and indicating that Russia would release another American on February 12.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun's Regular Press Conference on February 12, 2025 PRC MofA 12 Feb 2025
• China's FM kicks off diplomatic activities highlighting high-level exchanges, advocating multilateralism Global Times 12 Feb 2025 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday kicked off a series of diplomatic activities, which include visits to the UK, Ireland, and attending a slew of multilateral conferences namely the Munich Security Conference, a UN Security Council high-level event and G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting.
• China opposes drawing lines along ideological differences, says FM on Vance's remarks at AI summit Global Times 12 Feb 2025 -- Commenting on US Vice President JD Vance's speech at the AI summit in Paris which claimed that authoritarian regimes were using AI to control their citizens and also subsidizing cheap tech for export, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun reiterated on Wednesday that China is embracing the AI transformation and is working hard to advance AI. China takes the safety and security of AI seriously, and supports entrepreneurial innovation by Chinese companies.
• Hong Kong vows to keep up 'national security' crackdown Radio Free Asia 12 Feb 2025 -- Hong Kong police say they will keep up a crackdown on dissent in the name of "national security," citing the actions of overseas activists and "interference by foreign forces" as an ongoing threat.
• London council won't argue against China's 'super-embassy' at key hearing Radio Free Asia 12 Feb 2025 -- Days after thousands of people rallied in London to protest plans for a new Chinese "super-embassy," the local council has said it won't argue against the project at a key government hearing, sparking allegations of political pressure from the highest levels of government.
• Long March-8A carrier rocket completes maiden flight People's Daily 12 Feb 2025 -- China's Long March-8A carrier rocket successfully conducted its maiden flight on Tuesday, sending a group of low Earth orbit satellites into space from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in the southern Hainan Province.
• CMSA unveils official names for spacesuits and lunar vehicle in China's manned moon mission Global Times 12 Feb 2025 -- Wangyu and Tansuo, meaning "Looking into the Universe" and "Exploration," respectively, were officially unveiled by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) on Wednesday as the names of the spacesuits and manned lunar vehicle for the country's manned moon exploration mission, set to take place before 2030.
• Ministry of National Defense Press Release Regarding "U.S. Navy Vessels Passing Through the Taiwan Strait" ROC MND 12 Feb 2025
• U.S. military vessels make first Taiwan Strait transit of Trump's 2nd term CNA 12 Feb 2025 -- Two American military vessels transited the Taiwan Strait from Sunday through early Wednesday, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) said in a statement.
• PLA monitors US vessels' first Taiwan Straits transit in 2025; 'PLA more proactive in releasing information' Global Times 12 Feb 2025 -- In the early morning of Wednesday at 1:52 am, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command released a statement from its spokesperson regarding the transit of US vessels through the Taiwan Straits.
• Mainland condemns U.S.-Japan joint declaration for containing irresponsible Taiwan remarks People's Daily 12 Feb 2025 -- A mainland spokesperson on Wednesday condemned the recent U.S.-Japan joint declaration for its irresponsible remarks on Taiwan, calling it a blatant interference in China's internal affairs.
• US, Japan urged to stop interfering in China's internal affairs, Chinese FM on US-Japan defense talks, joint statement Global Times 12 Feb 2025 -- When asked whether the reported meeting between the defense chiefs of Japan and the US in Japan in late March, which involves the Taiwan question, will impact Foreign Minister Wang Yi's planned Japan visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Wednesday that we urge the US and Japan to abide by the one-China principle and their own commitments, and immediately stop interfering in China's internal affairs and manipulating China-related issues.
• DPP banning DeepSeek only harms Taiwan's interests: Taiwan Affairs Office Global Times 12 Feb 2025 -- When asked to comment on the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities' claim that public offices and public schools have been completely banned from using AI models from DeepSeek, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said on Wednesday that such moves only harm the interest of Taiwan enterprises and public.
• DPP's obstructing cross-Straits tourism ignores damage to interests of island's residents, businesses: spokesperson Global Times 12 Feb 2025 -- The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities, driven by their pursuit of "Taiwan independence" and political self-interest, turn a deaf ear to the mainstream public opinion and industry voices in Taiwan region. They ignore the damage done to the interests of grassroots residents and businesses in the island, repeatedly using various untenable excuses to obstruct and restrict cross-Straits tourism and exchanges in various fields, creating barriers and obstacles, Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said on Wednesday.
• DPP hyping 'threat' from mainland cannot fool the public: spokesperson Global Times 12 Feb 2025 -- Commenting on Lai Ching-te's hyping up of the so-called "threat" from the mainland again, who claimed that espionage cases involving the mainland against Taiwan have been increasing in recent years, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said on Wednesday that people are surely familiar with these tactics by now. No matter how hard the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities try, they have exhausted their tricks and cannot fool the public.
• Spokesperson for Taiwan Affairs Office rejects Rubio's comment of 'supporting Guatemala expanding relation with Taiwan,' urging US to exercise caution Global Times 12 Feb 2025 -- In response to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's statement asserting full US support for Guatemala in expanding relations with Taiwan, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, urged the US to abide by the one-China principle and the provisions of the three China-US joint communiqués on Wednesday. Zhu called on the US to handle Taiwan-related questions with utmost caution and to stop sending wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" forces.
• DPP authorities aligning with US chip policies risk harm to Taiwan island's own industry: experts Global Times 12 Feb 2025 -- The US practice of unilateralism and trade protectionism proves once again that the US will always put its interests first. Facts have proven that the more the DPP authorities rely on the US, the deeper the harm to the Taiwan island, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said at a press conference on Wednesday.
• PLA naval, air forces conduct patrols, training around Taiwan island Global Times 12 Feb 2025 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command dispatched multiple waves of naval and air forces to conduct combat alert patrols and training around the island of Taiwan from Chinese New Year's Eve on January 28 to the Lantern Festival on Wednesday, China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Wednesday.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 12 Feb 2025
• Ministry of National Defense Weekly Press Conference Reference Material for the 2nd Week of February 2025 ROC MND 12 Feb 2025
• US vessels' passage through Taiwan Straits sends wrong signals, under surveillance of Chinese military: spokesperson Global Times 12 Feb 2025 -- From February 10 to 12, the US destroyer USS Ralph Johnson and the oceanographic survey ship Bowditch transited the Taiwan Straits. The Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) deployed naval and air forces to monitor the entire passage of the US vessels, effectively responding to and managing the situation, said Senior Captain Li Xi, spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army, on Wednesday.
• Russia's envoy claims West seeks to exclude Russia and China from 'talks with Iran' IRNA 12 Feb 2025 -- Russia's Ambassador to Tehran Alexey Dedov has claimed that Western countries are seeking to exclude Russia and China from "negotiations with Iran."
• Pezeshkian administration has 'active plan' to counter U.S. maximum pressure: Spokesperson IRNA 12 Feb 2025 -- The administration of President Masoud Pezeshkian has an "active plan" to counter the United States' "maximum pressure" campaign, spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani says.
• Iran condemns litany of hostile US actions, calls out Washington's hypocrisy Press TV 12 Feb 2025 -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry has released a fact sheet featuring the United States long list of historically hostile actions towards the Islamic Republic, denouncing Washington's hypocritical approach towards the country.
• Iran condemns Trump's threat to use force against country Press TV 12 Feb 2025 -- Iran has strongly condemned US President Donald Trump's threat to use force against the country, as deeply alarming and irresponsible.
• 'I am here and will be to the end:' President Pezeshkian refutes rumors of resignation IRNA 12 Feb 2025 -- President Masoud Pezeshkian has rejected rumors that he has resigned before or that he may do so later in his presidency.
• Iran's oil output up nearly 13% in 2024: OPEC data Press TV 12 Feb 2025 -- Latest data from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) show that Iran's oil production rose significantly in 2024 despite US efforts to ramp pressure on the country's energy sector through imposing back-to-back sanctions on its oil exports.
• Iran's water diplomacy versus neighbors Press TV 12 Feb 2025 -- Iran's foreign policy towards neighbors is a policy of friendship and brotherhood, but it has always had differences with some of the neighboring countries over the management of water resources.
• U.S Director of National Intelligence calls on Prime Minister (February 12, 2025) India MEA 12 Feb 2025 -- The U.S. Director of National Intelligence, Ms. Tulsi Gabbard, called on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today.
• India - France Joint Statement on the visit of Shri Narendra Modi, Hon'ble Prime Minister of India to France India PIB 12 Feb 2025 -- At the invitation of the President of the French Republic, H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, paid a visit to France on 10-12 February 2025.
• Prime Minister holds bilateral talks with President of France (February 12, 2025) India MEA 12 Feb 2025 -- In a special gesture reflecting the personal rapport between the two leaders, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron flew together from Paris to Marseille in the French Presidential Aircraft yesterday.
• Transcript of Special briefing by MEA on Prime Minister's visit to France (February 12, 2025) India MEA 12 Feb 2025
• RFE/RL Journalist Kuznechyk Released After More Than 3 Years In Belarus Prison RFE/RL 12 Feb 2025 -- Andrey Kuznechyk, a journalist with RFE/RL's Belarus Service, has been released from a Belarusian prison after being held for more than three years on charges he, his employer, U.S. officials and human rights organizations called politically motivated.
• Welcoming the Release of U.S. Citizen and Political Prisoners from Captivity in Belarus US Dept. of State 12 Feb 2025 -- "President Trump's strong leadership has led to the release of an American unjustly detained in Belarus and two political prisoners."
• US, Japan aligned in 'peace through strength' to counter China VOA 12 Feb 2025 -- After the meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba last week, the two nations voiced alignment on Trump's "peace through strength" approach toward countering China in the Indo-Pacific region, analysts said.
• Doorstop interview - Merimbula Prime Minister of Australia 12 Feb 2025
• Press Conference by Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan 12 Feb 2025
• Turkmenistan to export gas to Turkey via Iran: Reports Press TV 12 Feb 2025 -- Turkmenistan has reached an agreement with Turkey for exports of gas via Iran amid growing energy cooperation between regional countries.
• Secretary General on official visit to Republic of Moldova pledges continued support to the country's reforms, European aspirations Council of Europe 12 Feb 2025 -- The Council of Europe Secretary General, Alain Berset, has started his first official two-day visit to the Republic of Moldova.
• Statement of Foreign Policy Government Offices of Sweden 12 Feb 2025 -- On 12 February, Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard presented the 2025 Statement of Foreign Policy in the Riksdag.
• NBI files grave threats, sedition charges vs. VP Sara Philippine News Agency 12 Feb 2025 -- The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday filed grave threats and inciting to sedition charges against Vice President Sara Duterte before the Department of Justice (DOJ).
• Bangladesh protests probe reveals top leaders led brutal repression UN News 12 Feb 2025 -- The repression of mass protests in Bangladesh last year that toppled longtime prime minister Sheikh Hasina left as many as 1,400 people dead in just 46 days - the vast majority shot by security forces, UN human rights chief Volker Türk said on Wednesday.
• World News in Brief: Peacekeeper killed in CAR, Gaza and DR Congo latest, preventing violent extremism UN News 12 Feb 2025 -- The UN Secretary-General has strongly condemned the killing of a Tunisian peacekeeper serving with the UN Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic, MINUSCA.
• Washington forum takes on Central Asia water insecurity VOA 12 Feb 2025 -- Central Asia has a growing population, rising economic demand and severe water shortages that require greater coordination among governments and international aid groups to build out crucially needed water infrastructure, experts on the region say.
• Austria's far-right leader fails to form a government after coalition talks collapse VOA 12 Feb 2025 -- Talks in Austria to form a coalition government with the far-right Freedom Party and the conservative People's Party collapsed Wednesday after the two sides failed to agree on disputed policy points.
• Zimbabwe to pay displaced, foreign white farmers VOA 12 Feb 2025 -- Zimbabwe's government said Wednesday it will compensate foreign investors who lost assets in the country's controversial land reforms in the early 2000s but were protected by bilateral investment protection agreements.