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Current Operations

• Yemen says 'fully ready' for 'long naval battles with new methods to stun enemies' Press TV 18 Mar 2025 -- Yemen's defense minister has pledged the country's full combat readiness to retaliate against enemies' acts of provocation and aggression in kind, warning that the nation's Armed Forces were set to engage in drawn-out naval confrontations with the adversaries in the same context.
• Yemeni Armed Forces attack US aircraft carrier for third time in 48 hours Press TV 18 Mar 2025 -- The Yemeni Armed Forces have announced yet another attack on US forces in the Red Sea region, utilizing missiles and drones to prevent an imminent American assault on the Arab country.
• Iravani condemns US aggression against Yemen and 'baseless accusations' against Iran Press TV 18 Mar 2025 -- Iran has strongly condemned recent accusations by senior officials of US President Donald Trump's administration as entirely "baseless" and denounced American aggression against Yemen.
• Condemnations keep pouring in over U.S.-led attacks on Yemen IRNA 18 Mar 2025 -- North Korea and Venezuela have joined other countries in condemning recent deadly airstrikes carried out by the U.S. and British warplanes on Yemen.
• U.N. refutes Pentagon's claim, confirms civilian casualties in U.S. airstrikes on Yemen IRNA 18 Mar 2025 -- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has acknowledged civilian casualties in U.S. strikes on Yemen, despite the Pentagon's claim that the attacks only targeted military sites.
• U.S. military conducts fresh airstrikes on Yemen's Houthi-held Red Sea port city People's Daily 18 Mar 2025 -- The U.S. military launched a new wave of airstrikes on Yemen, targeting several sites in and around the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah Monday evening, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV said.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Official: Roughly 21,000 DOD Civilians Volunteered for Deferred Resignation DoD News 18 Mar 2025 -- A senior defense official told the media today that approximately 21,000 Defense Department civilian employees volunteered to participate in the Deferred Resignation Program.
• National Guard Seeks Reform, Innovation, Increased Lethality DoD News 18 Mar 2025 -- In this era of complexity and uncertainty, innovation is not just an option for the National Guard; it's a must, said National Guard Bureau Chief Air Force Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus today during the McAleese Defense Programs Conference in Washington.
• 109th Airlift Wing concludes 2024-25 Antarctic Science Support Season US Air Force 18 Mar 2025 -- The Airmen of the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing moved 1,076 passengers, carried 900 tons of cargo and transported 120,000 gallons of fuel during their annual support for science in Antarctica from October 2024 to February 2025.
• US, French Host First-ever Military Hackathon at Sea US Navy 18 Mar 2025 -- Data scientists aboard the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and the aircraft carrier FS Charles De Gaulle (R 91) conduct the first-ever military Hackathon at sea during Exercise Pacific Steller 2025.
• USS Vermont Returns Home From First Western Pacific Deployment US Navy 18 Mar 2025 -- The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Vermont (SSN 792) returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam March 16, following a seven-month deployment, the submarine's first deployment to the Western Pacific. 104 Sailors assigned to Vermont earned their first Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, since the submarine's departure from Pearl Harbor in August 2024.
• Seabees Prove Their Versatility by Constructing, Innovating, Supporting JTF-SG US Navy 18 Mar 2025 -- Operating with precision, efficiency, and self-sufficiency, the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 embodies a spirit of tirelessly building, repairing, and sustaining the infrastructure that keeps Joint Task Force Southern Guard (JTF-SG) running.
• Ready on Day One: U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and U.S. Sixth Fleet Reserve Enterprise US Navy 18 Mar 2025 -- Chief of Navy Reserve Vice Adm. Nancy Lacore's initial fighting instruction in 2024 directed reservists to focus efforts on preparations and readiness to respond to the call when needed, "We will posture our Force for warfighting by accelerating the pace of organizational development and strengthening our warfighters. The Navy Reserve Force will be READY on DAY ONE!"
• Stratcom Focuses on Nuclear Triad Modernization DoD News 18 Mar 2025 -- U.S. Strategic Command is tasked with presenting forces to the national decision makers and strategic deterrence options to the president, Stratcom Commander Air Force Gen. Anthony J. Cotton said today at the McAleese Defense Programs Conference in Washington.
• Russian Navy and Pakistan Navy to conduct PASSEX joint naval exercise in Arabian Sea Russia MoD 18 Mar 2025 -- A detachment of Russian Navy ships consisting of the corvettes Rezky, Aldar Tsydenzhapov of the Russian Federation, and the Pacific Fleet's medium sea tanker Pechenga will participate in the PASSEX drills together with the Navy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
• What Will Trump's Game Plan Be In High-Stakes Call With Putin? RFE/RL 18 Mar 2025 -- Mainstream Washington has often fretted over encounters between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart, President Vladimir Putin. The US leader has shown an affinity for the authoritarian Kremlin ruler that has stumped critics and even some allies, leading many to wonder whether the crafty former KGB colonel may use flattery and other means to get his way on issues.
• Army anti-landing exercise held on Day 2 of 'immediate response' drills CNA 18 Mar 2025 -- Taiwan's first-ever "immediate combat response" drills entered the second day on Tuesday, with the Army simulating anti-landing combat to keep Chinese forces from reaching Taipei, the country's capital and main economic and political hub.
• Taiwan Is Watching Ukraine And Trump. Here's What It's Learning. RFE/RL 18 Mar 2025 -- Just a few days after US President Donald Trump sparred with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a televised spat in the Oval Office, the self-governing island of Taiwan took a different approach to deal with the American leader.
• PLA drills a "just and necessary" move to safeguard peace in Taiwan Strait: mainland spokesperson People's Daily 18 Mar 2025 -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Monday said the drills conducted by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) near Taiwan are a "just and necessary" move to safeguard national sovereignty and peace in the Taiwan Strait.
• Chinese FM, Taiwan Affairs Office address PLA exercises around Taiwan Straits Global Times 18 Mar 2025 -- China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and China's State Council Taiwan Affairs Office both responded on Monday to inquiries regarding military exercises around Taiwan Straits, with foreign ministry spokesperson saying Taiwan question is at the very core of China's core interests, and "if the foundation is shaken, whatever above it cannot stand."
• Defence nanosatellite launched into orbit Australia DOD 18 Mar 2025 -- A fully operational, Australian-made nanosatellite has been launched from the United States into low-Earth orbit.
• Albanese Government invests more than $400 million to maintain Navy vessels locally Australia DOD 18 Mar 2025 -- The Albanese Government has secured more work for Australians to maintain and sustain vessels for the Navy through a $400 million contract with Navantia Australia.
• New lease of life for long-range submarine array Australia DOD 18 Mar 2025 -- Work is under way to overhaul a kilometres-wide and 300-metre-tall transmitter array in the remote West Australian town of Exmouth.
• 9th Australia-India Defence Policy Talks Australia DOD 18 Mar 2025 -- The 9th Australia-India Defence Policy Talks (DPTs) were held in New Delhi on 17 March. The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary Shri Amitabh Prasad, while the Australian side was led by First Assistant Secretary International Policy Division, Department of Defence Australia Mr Bernard Philip. The eighth DPT was held in 2023.
• Pacific security leaders gather to advance regional cooperation Australia DOD 18 Mar 2025 -- Pacific heads of military, law enforcement, customs and immigration will convene in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, for the seventh Joint Heads of Pacific Security (JHoPS) meeting from 18 to 20 March 2025.
• Australia - Countermeasures, Chaff, and Impulse Cartridges DSCA 18 Mar 2025 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of Countermeasures, Chaff, and Impulse Cartridges and related equipment for an estimated cost of $165 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Prime Minister Carney strengthens Canada's security and sovereignty Prime Minister of Canada 18 Mar 2025 -- First, Prime Minister Carney announced that Canada intends to partner with Australia to develop advanced Over-the-Horizon Radar technology. This partnership will include developing Canada's Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar system, an investment of more than $6 billion that will provide early warning radar coverage from threats to the Arctic. A key component of Canada's NORAD modernization plan, the radar system's long-range surveillance and threat tracking capabilities will detect and deter threats across the North.
• INDIAN AND FRENCH NAVIES SET FOR THE 23rd EDITION OF BILATERAL NAVAL EXERCISE - VARUNA 2025 India PIB 18 Mar 2025 -- The 23rd edition of the bilateral naval exercise VARUNA, a testament to the enduring maritime partnership between India and France, is set to take place from 19 to 22 Mar 25
• STRENGTHENING MARITIME CO-OPERATION: CHIEF OF NAVY, RNZN, VISITS INDIA India PIB 18 Mar 2025 -- RAdm Garin Golding, Chief of Navy, Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN), is in India on an official visit from 16 to 21 Mar 25, towards strengthening maritime cooperation and bilateral ties between the two Navies
• ICGS Saksham makes port call at Antsiranana, Madagascar India PIB 18 Mar 2025 -- Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Offshore Patrol Vessel Saksham made a port call at Antsiranana, Madagascar on March 18, 2025 as part of its overseas deployment to friendly countries in the Indian Ocean Region
• Raksha Mantri meets Netherlands Defence Minister in New Delhi India PIB 18 Mar 2025 -- Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held a meeting with the Defence Minister of the Netherlands Mr Ruben Brekelmans in New Delhi on March 18, 2025
• Director General Defence Intelligence Agency to embark on Australia Visit from March 19 India PIB 18 Mar 2025 -- Director General Defence Intelligence Agency (DG DIA) Lt General DS Rana is set to embark on an official visit to Australia from 19-21 March 2025
• 3rd Corps Command Conducts 'Exercise LOYAL LEDA 2025' Republic of Turkey Ministry of National Defence 18 Mar 2025
• Türkiye Takes Over the Allied Reaction Force Amphibious Task Force and Commander Landing Force Duties Republic of Turkey Ministry of National Defence 18 Mar 2025
• "With its high deterrence capacity, our heroic army has become an effective force globally" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 18 Mar 2025 -- Speaking after an iftar dinner with Military Academy cadets, President Erdoğan said: "Our heroic army, a source of pride for our nation, has become an effective force globally with the high deterrence capacity it has gained."
• Statement by the Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian, and Polish Ministers of Defence on Withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention Poland - Ministry of National Defence 18 Mar 2025 -- Since ratifying the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (Ottawa Convention), the security situation in our region has fundamentally deteriorated.
• Lithuania withdraws from the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention Lithuania MND 18 Mar 2025 -- On March 18 at 9 a.m. (Vilnius time), Lithuania, Poland, Latvia and Estonia announced their withdrawal from the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (Ottawa Convention). Military threats to the countries bordering Russia and Belarus have significantly increased over the past years, that requires strengthening deterrence and defence capabilities.
• Ministry of Defence proposes Latvia's withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention Latvia MOD 18 Mar 2025 -- Due to changing regional security and Latvia's defence needs, after consultations with allies, and in order to show solidarity and unity with other countries in the region, the Ministry of Defence of Republic of Latvia proposes Latvia's withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, following similar decisions from Estonia, Lithuania and Poland.
• Baltic and Polish defence ministers recommend withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention Estonia MoD 18 Mar 2025 -- In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the defence ministers of the Baltic States and Poland recommend withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention, which bans the use of anti-personnel landmines.
• Foreign Minister Tsahkna: We can't prohibit ourselves from using weapons that Russia is prepared to use against us Estonia MFA 18 Mar 2025 -- Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said he was in close contact with neighbouring and nearby countries to make common moves towards withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention that bans anti-personnel mines, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was working on a draft law to that effect.
• Commission unveils the White Paper for European Defence and the ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030 European Commission 18 Mar 2025 -- Today, the Commission and the High Representative have presented a White Paper for European Defence - Readiness 2030.The Commission has also presented, as part of the ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030, an ambitious defence package providing financial levers to EU Member States to drive an investment surge in defence capabilities.
• Questions and answers on the Defence Package: White Paper for European Defence - Readiness 2030 European Commission 18 Mar 2025
• Remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas and Commissioner Kubilius on the White Paper for European Defence and the ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness European Commission 18 Mar 2025
• Could The EU Become A Military Superpower? RFE/RL 18 Mar 2025 -- Only two weeks after a European Union summit where the bloc's leaders pledged to spend billions on defense in a "watershed moment for Europe,"they are returning to Brussels for another meeting on March 20-21. This time, the EU's leaders aim to solidify plans for strengthening Europe's defense autonomy amid ongoing doubts about the US commitment to protecting European nations and sustaining military support for Ukraine.
• Parliamentary Secretary Artjoms Uršuļskis: development of the EU's defence industry and increasing capabilities is a homework for all of us Latvia MFA 18 Mar 2025 -- In a discussion on the draft conclusions of the European Council on 20-21 March, Artjoms Uršuļskis also called for stepping up efforts to protect critical energy infrastructure at sea and on land. As concerns the EU's next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028-2034), a balance needs to found between new and traditional priorities in order to promote the EU's competitiveness as much as possible.
• Budrys meets with the head of NATO: words will not deter Russia, only NATO military power can do it Lithuania MFA 18 Mar 2025 -- On 17 March in Brussels, Lithuania's Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. They discussed preparations for the NATO summit in The Hague, increasing military support for Ukraine, European security challenges, and the need for NATO allies to increase defence spending.
• Major PH Navy missile systems to be fired in Balikatan 2025 Philippine News Agency 18 Mar 2025 -- The Philippine Navy (PN) will fire three major missile systems in its inventory when its naval units join live-fire exercises for this year's iteration of the "Balikatan" exercises with American forces in late April.
• US might not cut pledged Pacific aid, NZ foreign minister says Radio Free Asia 18 Mar 2025 -- The Trump administration might let hundreds of millions of dollars in aid pledged to Pacific island nations during former President Joe Biden's time in office stand, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said after talks in Washington on Monday.
• EU Politicians Make Push For Radio Free Europe Funding After Trump Cuts RFE/RL 18 Mar 2025 -- European Union politicians said they are continuing their push into possible support for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty after the US government moved to cut the Prague-based broadcaster's funding amid concerns its closure would be a blow to pro-democracy media.
• Some US media outlets have notorious track record in China coverage, says FM on VOA staff placed on leave Global Times 18 Mar 2025
• Joint Statement on Unjust Detention US Dept. of State 18 Mar 2025 -- The text of the following statement was released by representatives of the of the United States of America, Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Israel, and the United Kingdom at a multilateral meeting in Big Sky, Montana.

Defense Industry

• Contracts For March 18, 2025

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 18 March 2025 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 18 Mar 2025

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Netanyahu's testimony in corruption trial cancelled amid renewed Gaza genocide Press TV 18 Mar 2025 -- The Israeli prime minister's testimony in a corruption trial has been canceled due to "security developments," following the renewed attacks on Gaza which have so far killed hundreds of people, including many children.
• Statement by PM Netanyahu Israel - Prime Minister 18 Mar 2025
• Prime Minister's Office Announcement Israel - Prime Minister 18 Mar 2025
• The Chief of the General Staff in Rafah Israel Defense Forces 18 Mar 2025
• Hundreds Reported Killed After Israel Begins Deadly Strikes On Gaza, Lebanon, Syria RFE/RL 18 Mar 2025 -- More than 300 people were reported killed after Israel launched deadly air strikes in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, and southern Syria in what it said were targeted attacks against extremists planning terror assaults, reigniting tensions that threatened to engulf the region in a new, bloody conflict.
• Death toll soars past 400 as Israel launches massive airstrikes across Gaza Press TV 18 Mar 2025 -- The Israeli military has killed at least 412 Palestinians, mostly children and women, throughout the Gaza Strip's entire expanse during a large-scale violation of Tel Aviv's ceasefire agreement with the Gaza-based resistance movement Hamas.
• Israel kills over 400 Palestinians in large-scale airstrikes on Gaza IRNA 18 Mar 2025 -- The Israeli military has carried out large-scale strikes on the Gaza Strip, killing at least 412 Palestinians, in gross violation of a ceasefire with the Palestinian resistance movement, Hamas, that took effect nearly two months ago.
• Israel launches airstrikes across Gaza Strip, exposing 'inherent fragility' of the negotiation process: expert Global Times 18 Mar 2025 -- Israel launched a wave of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early on Tuesday, saying it was striking dozens of Hamas targets, in its heaviest assault in the territory since a cease-fire took effect in January, according to the AP. At least 412 people were killed, Xinhua News Agency reported.
• Israeli airstrikes kill al-Quds brigades spokesman in Gaza Press TV 18 Mar 2025 -- Naji Abu Saif, also known as Abu Hamza, the spokesman for the Al-Quds Brigades, the military arm of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, has been killed in a fresh wave of Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip.
• Hamas says Israel assassinated 5 senior officials along with families in Gaza Press TV 18 Mar 2025 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says several of its senior members have been assassinated after being directly targeted by Israel's military forces on Tuesday.
• Death toll soars past 300 as Israel launches massive airstrikes across Gaza Press TV 18 Mar 2025 -- The Israeli military has killed at least 342 Palestinians, mostly children and women, throughout the Gaza Strip's entire expanse during a large-scale violation of Tel Aviv's ceasefire agreement with the Gaza-based resistance movement Hamas.
• Israel violently raids West Bank villages amid escalated aggression over past weeks Press TV 18 Mar 2025 -- Israeli regime forces have raided a number of villages on the outskirts of the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah, amid the illegal entity's ramped-up aggression on the Palestinian territory over the past weeks.
• Gaza massacre: Hezbollah says Israel, US 'two sides of same bloodthirsty coin' Press TV 18 Mar 2025 -- Lebanon's Hezbollah says the regime of Benjamin Netanyahu is attacking unarmed people in Gaza with the Trump administration's backing since neither of them honors the agreements they make.
• Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on Gaza UN Secretary-General 18 Mar 2025
• Resumed Hostilities, Blocked Aid Destroying Ceasefire Gains in Gaza, Security Council Hears UN Security Council 18 Mar 2025 -- As Israel resumes airstrikes over Gaza and blocks entry of humanitarian aid into the Strip, the modest gains made during the ceasefire are being destroyed, Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, told the Security Council today.
• Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell on the attacks in Gaza UNICEF 18 Mar 2025 -- "Reports and images emerging from the Gaza Strip following today's attacks are beyond horrifying. Hundreds of people have reportedly been killed, including more than 130 children, representing one of the largest single-day child death toll in the last year.
• 'Intolerable' suffering in Gaza amid deadly airstrikes, continued aid blockade UN News 18 Mar 2025 -- The UN Secretary-General on Tuesday spoke of new "intolerable" suffering for Gazans following the resumption of deadly Israeli airstrikes, underscoring three immediate needs: a renewed ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access and the unconditional release of hostages.
• Statement by Muhannad Hadi, Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory on the urgent need to reinstate a ceasefire UNOCHA 18 Mar 2025
• UNRWA Commissioner-General: We welcome the vote to continue Swiss funding UNRWA 18 Mar 2025
• Gaza: a return to the ceasefire is a must UNRWA 18 Mar 2025
• U.N. chief 'shocked' by the number of civilians killed in new Israeli strikes on Gaza IRNA 18 Mar 2025 -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has been "shocked" by the mounting civilian casualties resulting from Israel's latest airstrikes on Gaza.
• Israel steps up annexation of the occupied West Bank: U.N. report IRNA 18 Mar 2025 -- The United Nations Human Rights Office has reported a significant expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank in violation of international law.
• West Bank faces 'mass ethnic cleansing' amid Israeli plan of takeover: UN rapporteur Press TV 18 Mar 2025 -- A high-ranking United Nations human rights official has warned that the West Bank faces the threat of mass ethnic cleansing by Israel as the occupying entity is carrying out its plans of taking over the entire Palestinian territory and displacing its inhabitants.
• 'Tragedy foretold and stain on our collective humanity': Special Rapporteur warns of mass ethnic cleansing in the West Bank OHCHR 18 Mar 2025 -- Palestinians face serious risk of mass ethnic cleansing as Israel advances its long-held plan to take Palestinian lands and evacuate them of Palestinians under the fog of war, a UN expert warned today.
• Israel ramps up settlement and annexation in West Bank with dire human rights consequences OHCHR 18 Mar 2025 -- The Government of Israel last year ratcheted up settlement of the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, transferring its own population into the territory and unlawfully demolishing Palestinian homes, while settler violence increased in a climate of continuing impunity, a report by the UN Human Rights Office has found
• Comment by UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk on the Israeli airstrikes on Gaza OHCHR 18 Mar 2025
• Israeli policy of West Bank annexation amounts to 'war crime': UN rights chief Press TV 18 Mar 2025 -- UN High Commissioner Volker Turk says the Israeli policy of expanding and consolidating settlements across the occupied West Bank amounts to "a war crime."
• 'Shocked': UN chief slams fresh Israeli massacre in Gaza Press TV 18 Mar 2025 -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed shock over the massacre of hundreds in indiscriminate Israeli airstrikes on Gaza on Tuesday, which have drawn widespread denunciation from the global community.
• Iran condemns renewed Israeli attacks on Gaza as continuation of 'genocide and ethnic cleansing' IRNA 18 Mar 2025 -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqae has expressed Iran's strong condemnation of renewed Israeli attacks on Gaza, which have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians, including many children.
• Renewed Israeli attacks on Gaza 'continuation of genocide, ethnic cleansing': Iran Press TV 18 Mar 2025 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei has strongly condemned renewed Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, describing them as a "continuation of genocide and ethnic cleansing" in the besieged territory.
• The U.S. is complicit in 'war of extermination' in Gaza: Hamas IRNA 18 Mar 2025 -- The Palestinian resistance movement says the United States' advance knowledge of Israel's deadly strikes on Gaza "confirms its direct partnership in the war of extermination" against the Palestinian people.
• Hamas holds US 'directly responsible' for Israel's renewed aggression Press TV 18 Mar 2025 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has held the United States, the Tel Aviv regime's biggest benefactor, responsible for Israel's renewed aggression against defenseless civilians in the besieged Gaza Strip.
• 'Jihad of victory': Palestinian groups hold US accountable for renewed genocide, vow resistance Press TV 18 Mar 2025 -- Palestinian groups have blasted Israel for resuming its genocidal war on the Gaza Strip, as the regime conducts its deadliest aerial assaults on the besieged territory since a January ceasefire.
• Statement by Minister Eide on resumed military operations in Gaza Government of Norway 18 Mar 2025
• Aboul Gheit denounces Israel's brutal raids on Gaza League of Arab States 18 Mar 2025 -- Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, condemned in the strongest terms the brutal Israeli raids on the Gaza Strip, which left hundreds dead and wounded, most of them women and children.
• Israeli Occupation Violates the Sanctity of Ramadan with Massacres, Attacks on Mosques, and Bans on Prayers —— Another Bloody Week Before Israel's Reversal of the Ceasefire Agreement in Gaza Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 18 Mar 2025 -- The period from March 11-17, 2025, one day before the Israeli occupation forces ended the ceasefire agreement, witnessed numerous violations that set the stage for this reversal
• OIC Condemns Resumption of Wanton Israeli Aggression on the Gaza Strip Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 18 Mar 2025 -- The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly condemned the Israeli occupation forces' resumption of wanton military aggression on the Gaza Strip, in which hundreds have been either martyred, wounded or missing.
• OIC condemns Israel's renewed aggression on Gaza Press TV 18 Mar 2025 -- The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has strongly condemned Israel's resumption of military aggression against the Gaza Strip, saying it holds the occupying regime fully responsible for the ongoing crimes against the Palestinians.
• Condemnations pour in after Israel unleashes deadliest Gaza strikes since ceasefire agreement Press TV 18 Mar 2025 -- Overnight Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, which were the deadliest since a ceasefire began in the besieged territory, have drawn a wave of condemnations worldwide.
• Spanish Government demands resumption of ceasefire in Gaza Spain MFA 18 Mar 2025
• No: 59, 18 March 2025, Regarding Israel's Recent Attacks on Gaza Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Mar 2025
• Aid should never be used as a political tool: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 18 Mar 2025 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Gaza.
• Israel to attack other countries if it liquidates Palestinian cause; anti-Israeli military action 'ideal': Al-Houthi Press TV 18 Mar 2025 -- The leader of Yemen's Ansarullah popular resistance movement warns that the Israeli regime will start attacking other countries if it manages to defeat the Palestinian cause of liberation from its occupation and aggression, recommending military action by the world's Arab and Muslim countries against the regime.
• Yemen announces successful hypersonic missile strike on Israeli airbase Press TV 18 Mar 2025 -- The Yemeni Armed Forces have announced the successful targeting of Israel's Nevatim Airbase, from which the attacks on Gaza are being carried out, using a hypersonic ballistic missile named "Palestine-2."

Other Conflicts

• PH Navy willing to escort civic group's 3rd mission to WPS Philippine News Agency 18 Mar 2025 -- The Philippine Navy is willing to escort the third mission of the Atin Ito Coalition in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in May for security purposes, an official said Tuesday.
• 'Situation in Yellow Sea is stable,' FM responds to inquiry on China-SK maritime disputes Global Times 18 Mar 2025
• What's Behind The New Wave Of Violence In Pakistan's Balochistan? RFE/RL 18 Mar 2025 -- Balochistan, a vast mineral-rich province in southwestern Pakistan, has been the scene of a simmering separatist insurgency for nearly a quarter-century.
• Three killed, over dozen wounded as Israeli strikes hit military bases in Syria Press TV 18 Mar 2025 -- Israeli warplanes have carried out a series of strikes on former Syrian army outposts near the capital Damascus and in the southern Dara'a province, in the latest string of attacks targeting the country's military infrastructure following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government.
• Syria's HTS militants enter Lebanese town, ransack homes Press TV 18 Mar 2025 -- Militants aligned with Syria's ruling Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) regime have entered parts of a Lebanese town, ransacking homes, reports say, after shelling of Lebanon's border areas killed several and wounded dozens of others.
• UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Statement for the Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic UK FCDO 18 Mar 2025 -- UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic. Delivered by the UK Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.
• Statement: UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini at the Brussels Conference on Syria UNRWA 18 Mar 2025
• State Secretary Kravik's remarks at the donor conference for Syria in Brussels Government of Norway 18 Mar 2025
• Brussels IX Conference on "Standing with Syria: meeting the needs for a successful transition" - Joint Press Statement by the Co-chairs (High Representative Kallas and Commissioners Suica & Lahbib) and Foreign Minister H.E. Asaad Hasan Al-Shaibani of the Syrian transitional government EC/CEU 18 Mar 2025 -- The Brussels IX Conference on "Standing with Syria: meeting the needs for a successful transition", hosted and chaired by the European Union (EU) on 17 March 2025, gathered key regional and international partners together with the Syrian Arab Republic.
• Report: Rohingya militant groups kill, torture community's refugees in Bangladesh Radio Free Asia 18 Mar 2025 -- On New Year's day last year, a Rohingya community leader, Mohammad Faisal, shared a poem he wrote about fear and violence in Bangladesh refugee camps and shared it on social media.
• Villagers flee as fighting rocks Myanmar's delta Radio Free Asia 18 Mar 2025 -- War is encroaching into Myanmar's rice-basket Ayeyarwady River delta, residents said on Tuesday, as fighters from the powerful Arakan Army, or AA, rebel group pile pressure on the military as they push out of their home territory.
• Historic Armenia-Azerbaijan Deal Seen As 'Real Opportunity' For Peace RFE/RL 18 Mar 2025 -- Since the collapse of the Soviet Union more than three decades ago, rival South Caucasus neighbors Armenia and Azerbaijan have fought two wars that have killed tens of thousands of people and displaced hundreds of thousands more.
• Help secure BARMM polls, PH peace body urges MNLF Philippine News Agency 18 Mar 2025 -- The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) called on the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to help ensure that the first parliamentary elections of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) would be peaceful and orderly.
• OSCE Chair Demands Respect For Constitution To End Bosnia's Crisis RFE/RL 18 Mar 2025 -- The chairperson-in-office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Elina Valtonen, demanded respect for Bosnia-Herzegovina's constitutional framework during a visit to Sarajevo on March 18, as a political crisis centering on the country's Bosnian Serb entity Republika Srpska deepens.
• Cyprus talks show 'new atmosphere' between divided island's leaders: Guterres UN News 18 Mar 2025 -- UN-led efforts to kick-start talks on the divided Mediterranean island of Cyprus have resulted in agreements on new trust-building measures.
• Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan calls for the protection of the population and respect for humanitarian efforts amid rising tensions in Upper Nile State UNOCHA 18 Mar 2025 -- The Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan, Ms. Anita Kiki Gbeho, expresses deep concern over the escalating violence in Nasir, Ulang, and Baliet counties, Upper Nile State, affecting the population and disrupting humanitarian operations.
• The Federal Foreign Office on the situation in South Sudan Germany Federal Foreign Office 18 Mar 2025
• Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on Somalia UN Secretary-General 18 Mar 2025

News Reports

• Treasury Targets Mexico-Based Leader of Transnational Criminal Organization Responsible for Smuggling Thousands of Migrants Across the U.S. Southern Border US Treasury 18 Mar 2025 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Jumilca Sandivel Hernandez Perez (Hernandez Perez), a key leader of the Lopez Human Smuggling Organization (HSO), a Guatemala-based Transnational Criminal Organization responsible for the smuggling of thousands of illegal aliens from Guatemala, through Mexico, and into the United States.
• UN migration agency forced to restructure amid significant budget cuts UN News 18 Mar 2025 -- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is undertaking "essential structural adjustments" at its Geneva headquarters and globally, in response to a substantial 30 per cent reduction in donor support for 2025 - including a significant decrease in projects funded by the United States.
• Plenary session of RSPP Congress President of Russia 18 Mar 2025 -- Vladimir Putin took part in the annual congress of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs.
• After 3-Year Legal Fight, U.S. Court Approves Sale Of Oligarch-Linked Luxury Yacht RFE/RL 18 Mar 2025 -- For nearly three years, a $325 million, 106-meter super yacht -- and the issue of who actually owns it -- has been the subject of a brass-knuckles legal fight playing out in U.S. federal court.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on March 18, 2025 PRC MofA 18 Mar 2025
• China opposes overstretching national security concept, says FM spokesperson on report of US Commerce dept's DeepSeek ban Global Times 18 Mar 2025
• Wang Yi Has a Phone Call with Diplomatic Adviser to the French President Emmanuel Bonne PRC MofA 18 Mar 2025 -- On March 18, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi had a phone call with Diplomatic Adviser to the French President Emmanuel Bonne at the latter's request.
• Hong Kong 'monitoring social media' under year-old security law Radio Free Asia 18 Mar 2025 -- In the year since Hong Kong passed its "Article 23" legislation, national security police have hauled in the friends of a pro-democracy activist in Taiwan over comments he made on social media, and are increasingly monitoring people's social media interactions.
• Chinese FM and HK chief executive respond to inquiries on CK Hutchison's controversial Panama deal Global Times 18 Mar 2025 -- When asked whether the Chinese Foreign Ministry can confirm or give more details on media reports that Chinese authorities are investigating CK Hutchison's sale of its overseas ports after the company agreed to sell its Panama operations, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Tuesday that "on your specific question, I'd refer you to competent authorities. Let me stress more broadly that China firmly opposes moves that infringe on and undermine other countries' legitimate rights and interests through economic coercion, hegemonism and bullying."
• Thai delegation heads to China to check on deported Uyghurs Radio Free Asia 18 Mar 2025 -- Thailand's deputy prime minister was due to travel to the Xinjiang region on Tuesday to check that China is keeping a promise on the safety of 40 Uyghur men who Thailand deported despite warnings from the U.S. and others that they faced torture if sent back.
• China sets economic growth target with confidence People's Daily 18 Mar 2025 -- On March 11, 2025, China's annual "two sessions," the annual meetings of China's top legislature, the National People's Congress (NPC), and the top political advisory body, the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), concluded in Beijing.
• Latest military threats show China a 'troublemaker': Taiwan officials CNA 18 Mar 2025 -- China's ongoing provocations of Taiwan with gray zone tactics and military exercises have intensified regional tensions and shown that China is the "troublemaker" threatening peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, officials said Tuesday.
• Tech firm faces NT$2.17 million fine over Chinese funding CNA 18 Mar 2025 -- Financial technology provider AnyTech (認和科技) will be fined NT$2.17 million (US$65,770) for violating rules governing Chinese investment in Taiwan, according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) on Tuesday.
• China sends 59 warplanes and 9 vessels near Taiwan CNA 18 Mar 2025 -- China sent 59 warplanes and nine vessels in Taiwan's vicinity on Monday after a few days of relative calm, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Tuesday.
• Chinese FM, Taiwan Affairs Office address PLA exercises around Taiwan Straits Global Times 18 Mar 2025 -- China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and China's State Council Taiwan Affairs Office both responded on Monday to inquiries regarding military exercises around Taiwan Straits, with foreign ministry spokesperson saying Taiwan question is at the very core of China's core interests, and "if the foundation is shaken, whatever above it cannot stand."
• Drills near Taiwan 'firm response' to external forces, separatists: China Press TV 18 Mar 2025 -- Beijing has described its recent military drills near the self-governing island of Taiwan as a "firm response" and warning to external forces helping separatist groups in the Chinese Taipei.
• China steps up air and sea incursions near Taiwan Radio Free Asia 18 Mar 2025 -- China has increased incursions by its aircraft and warships in the Taiwan Strait with 59 sorties reported from Monday evening to Tuesday morning, as it repeated warnings against any "external interference" on the "Taiwan question."
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 18 Mar 2025
• Taiwan-based hacking group engages in persistent cyberattacks against Chinese mainland: cybersecurity firm Global Times 18 Mar 2025 -- China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) published an article on Monday through its official Wechat account, revealing details about four members of the "Information, Communications and Electronic Force Command" (ICEFCOM) linked to "Taiwan independence" forces. A technical expert from the Chinese cybersecurity company Qi-Anxin Group told the Global Times that APT organizations from the island of Taiwan have been persistently deploying various cyber weapons in large-scale attacks.
• Mainland warns stern punishment for Taiwan's cyberattackers People's Daily 18 Mar 2025 -- A mainland spokesperson on Monday said that Taiwan's Information, Communications and Electronic Force Command (ICEFCOM) has overestimated itself while carrying out cyberattacks against the mainland, warning that such provocations will face a stern punishment.
• Delegation of Russian Foreign Ministry Leaves KCNA 18 Mar 2025 -- A delegation of the Russian Foreign Ministry led by Vice-Minister Andrei Rudenko left here for home on March 17.
• Delegation of DPRK Ministry of Public Health Leaves for Russia KCNA 18 Mar 2025 -- A working-level delegation of the DPRK Ministry of Public Health led by Vice-Minister Jon Sol Ryong left here for Russia on March 17.
• North Korea orders people to change names that sound too South Korean Radio Free Asia 18 Mar 2025 -- North Korea has ordered that parents give their children names that reflect the country's revolutionary spirit -- and in some cases has even told people to change their names if they sound too South Korean, residents told Radio Free Asia.
• Iran strongly criticizes the West's interventionist approach in the Human Rights Council IRNA 18 Mar 2025 -- Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva Ali Bahreini has criticized Western countries for abusing the mechanisms of the Human Rights Council, emphasizing that they seek to politicize human rights against Iran by ignoring fundamental human rights issues, including the Palestinian crisis.
• Iran warns the U.S. of grave consequences in case of any potential aggression IRNA 18 Mar 2025 -- Amir-Sa'eed Iravani, Iran's ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations, says any act of aggression would result in severe consequences, for which the U.S. would be fully accountable.
• Iran is looking to nullify sanctions: Parliament speaker IRNA 18 Mar 2025 -- Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf says the Islamic Republic is actively pursuing both the removal and nullification of anti-Iran sanctions at the same time.
• Special Rapporteur on Iran presents first report to UN Human Rights Council OHCHR 18 Mar 2025 -- The human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran shows concerning patterns regarding the right to life, lack of transparency and freedom of expression and equality, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran, Mai Sato, said today.
• UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Statement for the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran UK FCDO 18 Mar 2025 -- Statement for the Joint Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran. Delivered by the UK's Permanent Representative to the WTO & UN, Simon Manley.
• Iran set to increase daily gas extraction by 500 million cubic feet IRNA 18 Mar 2025 -- The capacity of gas extraction in Iran will increase 50% more to its current daily production capacity, according to a contractor involved in a project.
• PM call with Prime Minister Mitsotakis of Greece: 18 March 2025 Gov.UK 18 Mar 2025
• Press Conference by Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan 18 Mar 2025
• U.S. Files Civil Forfeiture Complaint Against Aircraft Used by Nicolás Maduro Moros in Violation of U.S. Sanctions and Export Control Laws US Dept. of Justice 18 Mar 2025 -- The United States today filed a civil forfeiture complaint in the Southern District of Florida against a Dassault Falcon 900 EX aircraft, bearing tail number T7-ESPRT, which was smuggled from the United States under false pretenses and operated for the benefit of Nicolás Maduro Moros (Maduro) and his representatives in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (the Maduro Regime) in violation of U.S. sanctions and export control laws.
• Venezuela: Harsh repression and crimes against humanity ongoing Fact-Finding Mission says OHCHR 18 Mar 2025 -- The Government of Venezuela continues to engage in actions constituting the crime against humanity of persecution on political grounds, committed in connection with the crime of imprisonment or severe deprivation of physical liberty and other crimes, the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela said in its latest update on the country's human rights situation.
• UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Statement for the Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela UK FCDO 18 Mar 2025 -- UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela. Delivered by the UK Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.
• General Affairs Council adopts regulation on establishing the Reform and Growth Facility for the Republic of Moldova Poland - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Mar 2025 -- On 18 March, General Affairs Council (GAC) adopted a regulation on establishing the Reform and Growth Facility for the Republic of Moldova.
• DOJ: Duterte habeas suit 'moot,' lacks merit Philippine News Agency 18 Mar 2025 -- The Department of Justice (DOJ) has asked the Supreme Court to deny the writ of habeas corpus sought by the children of former president Rodrigo Duterte for being moot and lacking merit.
• Public servants kept in dark as Laos merges government ministries Radio Free Asia 18 Mar 2025 -- Laos will merge several government ministries, reducing their number from 17 to 13, in a bid to cut costs and improve efficiency, the ruling Lao People's Revolutionary Party said in a plan released over the weekend.
• Human Rights Council focuses on Iran, Syria, Venezuela UN News 18 Mar 2025 -- Top independent experts reported to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Tuesday, putting the records of Iran, Syria and Venezuela under the spotlight during the 47-member body's latest session.