March 2024 Security News

Press release on Russia's demands for Ukraine under the International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings and the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 31 Mar 2024
Russia Launches 'Counterterrorism Operation' In Daghestan; 3 Detained RFE/RL 31 Mar 2024 -- Three people have been detained after Russia launched what it described as a "counterterrorism operation" in the southern region of Daghestan, Russian state news agencies reported on March 31, quoting the National Anti-Terrorism Committee (NAC).
More Than Just Islamic State: Rising Militancy in Afghanistan and Pakistan VOA 30 Mar 2024 -- There has been a wave of attacks across Pakistan in recent weeks by militant groups operating in the region that have widely varying objectives.
Russia says Moscow terror attack suspects planned to flee to Kiev for reward People's Daily 30 Mar 2024 -- The Russian Investigative Committee said Friday that it had found evidence showing that the terrorists involved in the Moscow concert hall attack were planning to cross into Ukraine to receive their reward.
What A Missed Terror Warning Says About U.S.-Russian Ties And Putin's Thinking RFE/RL 30 Mar 2024 -- In December 2017, just a few weeks before millions of Russians were to begin celebrating New Year's - one of the country's most beloved holidays - Russia's main intelligence agency announced it had foiled an Islamic State plot to kill revelers as they visited prominent attractions in the country's second largest city, St. Petersburg.
Russia Accelerates Deportations As Many Tajik Migrants Leave On Own Accord RFE/RL 30 Mar 2024 -- Russia is deporting hundreds of foreigners for immigration violations in the wake of the deadliest terrorist attack in nearly two decades.
Bomb Blast Kills 1, Wounds 14 In Pakistan's Southwest RFE/RL 30 Mar 2024 -- One person has been killed and 14 others injured in the latest bombing in Pakistan's tumultuous southwestern province of Balochistan, officials told RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal.
Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's reply to a Rossiya Segodnya question regarding the fact that the Council of Europe has not responded to the March 22, 2024 terrorist attack in Crocus City Hall Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 29 Mar 2024
Russia says proof show link between Moscow attack terrorists, Ukraine People's Daily 29 Mar 2024 -- Russian Investigative Committee said Thursday that it has found evidence connecting terrorists from the Crocus City Hall attack in suburban Moscow with "Ukrainian nationalists."
U.S. Ambassador Issues Rare Statement On Warning Before Russia's Crocus Massacre RFE/RL 29 Mar 2024 -- The U.S. ambassador to Russia on March 29 issued an unusual diplomatic statement refuting Russian government claims about information that the United States shared with Russia ahead of the terrorist attack last week on a concert hall outside Moscow that killed more than 140 people.
Tajikistan Detains Several People In Connection With Deadly Moscow Attack RFE/RL 29 Mar 2024 -- Tajik authorities detained nine people this week in connection with the March 22 deadly attack on a concert hall near Moscow, local media reported on March 29, citing a security source.
Establishment of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy DoD 29 Mar 2024 -- As directed in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, the Department of Defense established the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy (ASD(CP)) and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy (OASD(CP)) on March 20, 2024.
World Braces for Islamic State to Build on Moscow Attack VOA 29 Mar 2024 -- What is normally a time of celebration is turning to one of anxiety, as counterterrorism officials are on high alert for the Islamic State terror group to build on its deadly Moscow attack with new plots targeting Easter.
China Presses Pakistan to 'Eliminate Security Risks' to Its Nationals After Deadly Attack VOA 29 Mar 2024 -- China joined a Pakistan probe Friday into the killing of five of its nationals in a suicide car bombing. That attack has led to the suspension of work on a multibillion-dollar Chinese-funded hydropower project.
WHO Member States agree to resume negotiations aimed at finalizing the world's first pandemic agreement WHO 28 Mar 2024
UN Security Council condemns terrorist attack in Pakistan People's Daily 28 Mar 2024 -- The Security Council on Wednesday condemned Tuesday's heinous and cowardly terrorist attack near Besham, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan, which resulted in the deaths of five Chinese nationals and one Pakistani.
DoD Releases Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Strategy DoD 28 Mar 2024 -- Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) released its Defense Industrial Base (DIB) Cybersecurity (CS) Strategy, an actionable approach to maturing a more resilient Joint Force and Defense cybersecurity ecosystem. Spanning Fiscal Year 2024 - 2027, the DoD DIB CS Strategy provides a path forward for the Department's internal and industry-facing cybersecurity activities.
Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Strategy Off-Camera On-The-Record Media Roundtable DoD 28 Mar 2024
DOD Releases Strategy to Bolster Cybersecurity Across Industrial Base DoD News 28 Mar 2024 -- The Pentagon today released its first strategy aimed at enhancing cybersecurity across defense industry stakeholders.
White House Reveals Urgency of Warning Russians of Potential Terror Attack VOA 28 Mar 2024 -- Duty to warn. It is the obligation that the United States says it takes upon itself if the intelligence community is able to identify an impending threat to a particular country.
What A Missed Terror Warning Says About U.S.-Russian Ties And Putin's Thinking RFE/RL 28 Mar 2024 -- In December 2017, just a few weeks before millions of Russians were to begin celebrating New Year's - one of the country's most beloved holidays - Russia's main intelligence agency announced it had foiled an Islamic State plot to kill revelers as they visited prominent attractions in the country's second largest city, St. Petersburg.
U.S. Again Dismisses Russian Assertion Of Ukrainian Link To Concert Hall Attackers RFE/RL 28 Mar 2024 -- The White House has again dismissed Russia's allegation that Ukraine was involved in the attack on the Crocus City concert hall and said that the United States had passed clear and detailed information to Russian security services about an extremist attack in Moscow in advance of the attack.
Tajik Man Detained In St. Petersburg Amid Migrant Crackdown RFE/RL 28 Mar 2024 -- A 26-year-old Tajik national has been detained in St. Petersburg on a charge of justifying terrorism, the Investigative Committee said on March 28.
5 Chinese nationals, 1 Pakistani killed in terrorist attack in NW Pakistan People's Daily 27 Mar 2024 -- Five Chinese nationals and one Pakistani were killed in a terrorist attack in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province on Tuesday, the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan confirmed.
European Lawmakers React After Alleged Targeting In Chinese Hacking Campaign RFE/RL 27 Mar 2024 -- Luke de Pulford, a British activist focused on China, didn't know he and a global group of lawmakers that he founded were being targeted by Chinese hackers until the U.S. Justice Department issued a press release about the yearslong campaign.
WHO launches CoViNet: a global network for coronaviruses WHO 27 Mar 2024
Malcolm Nance: 'Always Listen To A Terrorist Group And Believe Them When They Confess' RFE/RL 27 Mar 2024 -- Malcolm Nance is an expert in terrorism, extremism, and insurgency and a best-selling author of several books, including Defeating ISIS: Who They Are, How They Fight, What They Believe. He previously served in the U.S. Navy as a naval cryptologist, participating in antiterrorism and intelligence operations.
Treasury Sanctions Hamas-Aligned Terrorist Fundraising Network US Treasury 27 Mar 2024 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designatedtwo individuals and three entities as key financial facilitators involved in fundraising for Hamas. In the wake of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack perpetrated by Hamas against Israel, Gaza Now engaged in fundraising efforts to support Hamas. Gaza Now and its founder Mustafa Ayash, as well Al-Qureshi Executives and Aakhirah Limited, and their director Aozma Sultana, partnered on multiple fundraising efforts. This
Death Toll From Concert Hall Attack In Russia Rises To 143 RFE/RL 27 Mar 2024 -- The death toll in the Crocus City Hall terrorist attack near Moscow has risen to 143, the Ministry of Emergency Situations said on March 27.
How False Assumptions Are Clouding The Postmortem Of Russia's Terror Attack RFE/RL 27 Mar 2024 -- The deadly terrorist attack on Crocus City Hall outside Moscow has triggered a flood of unsubstantiated assessments spread widely in Russia.
Russia's Ethnic Minorities Brace For 'Excesses' As Xenophobia Spikes After Crocus Attack RFE/RL 27 Mar 2024 -- "I have a Kalmyk friend who is a doctor," a man who lives in Elista, the capital of Russia's Republic of Kalmykia, told RFE/RL. "He told me yesterday that his granddaughter in Moscow had been stopped by security forces. After all, they can't even tell whether a person is a Kalmyk, an Uzbek, a Tatar, or a Tajik. We are all the same to them.
Uzbek Citizens Urged To Obey Tougher Security Measures In Russia RFE/RL 27 Mar 2024 -- Uzbekistan has urged its citizens who work in Russia to comply with the stepped-up security measures that Moscow introduced following last week's deadly attack at a concert hall near Moscow.
Central Asians in Russia Face Backlash After IS-K Terror Attack VOA 27 Mar 2024 -- Russian media and analysts are reporting a spike in hate crimes and violence against migrants from Central Asia following last week's terror attack on a Moscow concert hall, which has led to the arrests of seven people of Tajik origin.
Security Council Press Statement on Terrorist Attack in Besham, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan UN Security Council 27 Mar 2024
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Remarks on the Dasu Bomb Attack in Pakistan PRC MofA 27 Mar 2024 -- Q: It's reported that a terrorist attack caused Chinese casualties in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan on March 26. What's the Foreign Ministry's comment?
China Says 'Deeply Rooted' Ties with Pakistan Unaffected by Terror Attack VOA 27 Mar 2024 -- China said Wednesday it had asked Pakistan to "speed up the hunt" for those behind the previous day's terrorist attack that killed five Chinese workers and their local driver.
Treasury Sanctions Financial Facilitators and Illicit Drug Traffickers Supporting the Syrian Regime US Treasury 26 Mar 2024 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned 11 individuals and entities supporting the regime of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad through the facilitation of illicit financial transfers and trafficking of illegal drugs, as well as the extraction and export of Syrian commodities. Syria has become the leading producer and exporter of Captagon, a highly addictive amphetamine-type stimulant trafficked illegally throughout the Middle East and Europe.
ISIL growing stronger in Syria, as war enters its thirteenth year UN News 26 Mar 2024 -- When a group linked to the ISIL terror organization claimed responsibility for the deadly attack on a Moscow concert hall on 22 March, one of the pretexts reportedly given for the killings was Russia's engagement in the Syrian civil war, which has turned into a proxy war involving several foreign powers.
Expanded meeting of the Prosecutor General's Office Board President of Russia 26 Mar 2024 -- Vladimir Putin spoke at the expanded meeting of the Prosecutor General's Office Board.
Why Putin Is Trying To Pin The Concert Hall Attack On Kyiv And The West RFE/RL 26 Mar 2024 -- In his first remarks following the assault on a concert hall outside Moscow on March 22, more than 18 hours after gunmen killed at least 139 people in the deadliest terror attack in Russia in 20 years, President Vladimir Putin made no mention of the extremist group Islamic State, which had already claimed responsibility.
Interview: Putin, The Terror Attack, And The Threat Whose Name He 'Dare Not Speak' RFE/RL 26 Mar 2024 -- Gunmen entered a concert hall just outside Moscow on March 22 and opened fire, killing at least 139 people in the deadliest terror attack in Russia since the hostage crisis at a school in Beslan, in the North Caucasus, in September 2004. The extremist group Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, which came five days after President Vladimir Putin secured a new term in a tightly controlled election marred by evidence of massive fraud.
Lukashenka Contradicts Putin's Claim About Concert Hall Attackers' Escape Plan RFE/RL 26 Mar 2024 -- Belarusian authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka said on March 26 that the gunmen who attacked a concert hall near Moscow last week tried to flee into his country but were unable to because of additional security measures.
Turkmenistan To Repatriate University Students Studying In Russia After Terror Attack RFE/RL 26 Mar 2024 -- Turkmen authorities are exploring how to bring Turkmen students studying at Russian universities back home, amid fears of an anti-immigrant backlash in the wake of last week's terrorist attack on Moscow's outskirts.
Tajik Authorities Detain, Question Relatives Of Suspected Moscow Gunmen RFE/RL 26 Mar 2024 -- Tajik authorities detained relatives of four Tajik men accused of storming a Moscow-region concert hall and gunning down scores of people, questioning the relatives as the investigation into Russia's worst terrorist attack in decades widens.
Russia strengthens security, vows to combat terrorism following Moscow concert hall shooting People's Daily 26 Mar 2024 -- Russia is reeling from a bloody terrorist attack in Moscow, a tragedy that has prompted a significant tightening of security measures nationwide.
Five Arrested in South Texas for Allegedly Trafficking Military Grade Firearms to Mexican Drug Cartel US Dept. of Justice 26 Mar 2024 -- Five individuals were arrested in Laredo, Hebbronville, and Falls City, Texas, last week for allegedly trafficking military grade firearms to a drug cartel in Mexico.
From Offshoot To 'Spearhead': The Rise Of IS-K, Islamic State's Afghanistan Branch RFE/RL 26 Mar 2024 -- Since its emergence a decade ago, the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) militant group has largely focused its attacks on Afghanistan and Pakistan.
FCDO summons Chinese Chargé d'Affaires over malicious cyber activity UK FCDO 26 Mar 2024 -- The Chargé d'Affaires at the Chinese Embassy attended the summons after attribution of cyber attacks to Chinese state-affiliated individuals and organisations.
Britain Summons China Envoy To Hear Hacking Complaints VOA 26 Mar 2024 -- Beijing's chargé d'affaires at its London embassy was summoned by Britain Tuesday to hear complaints about a series of cyber attacks, blamed on alleged China-backed hackers.
New Zealand Links Parliament Hacking to China State-Backed Group VOA 26 Mar 2024 -- New Zealand said Tuesday a Chinese state-sponsored hacking operation targeted New Zealand's parliament in 2021, an allegation that came a day after the United States and Britain took actions in response to their own attacks by China-backed hacking groups.
Seven Hackers Associated with Chinese Government Charged with Computer Intrusions Targeting Perceived Critics of China and U.S. Businesses and Politicians US Dept. of Justice 25 Mar 2024 -- An indictment was unsealed today charging seven nationals of the People's Republic of China (PRC) with conspiracy to commit computer intrusions and conspiracy to commit wire fraud for their involvement in a PRC-based hacking group that spent approximately 14 years targeting U.S. and foreign critics, businesses, and political officials in furtherance of the PRC's economic espionage and foreign intelligence objectives.
Treasury Sanctions China-Linked Hackers for Targeting U.S. Critical Infrastructure US Treasury 25 Mar 2024 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Wuhan Xiaoruizhi Science and Technology Company, Limited (Wuhan XRZ), a Wuhan, China-based Ministry of State Security (MSS) front company that has served as cover for multiple malicious cyber operations. OFAC is also designating Zhao Guangzong and Ni Gaobin, two Chinese nationals affiliated with Wuhan XRZ,for their roles in malicious cyber operations targeting U.S. entities that operate within U.S. critical infrastructure sectors, directly endangering U.S. national security. This action is part of a collaborative effort with the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of State, and the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
UK holds China state-affiliated organisations and individuals responsible for malicious cyber activity UK FCDO 25 Mar 2024 -- UK calls out pattern of malicious cyber activity by Chinese state-affiliated organisations and individuals targeting democratic institutions and parliamentarians.
UK: Statement by the Spokesperson on recent malicious cyber activities European External Action Service (EEAS) 25 Mar 2024 -- The European Union expresses its solidarity with the United Kingdom on the impact of malicious cyber activities against their democratic processes.
US alleges massive Chinese state-backed hacking program Radio Free Asia 25 Mar 2024 -- U.S. Attorney-General Merrick Garland on Monday accused the Chinese government of an effort "to intimidate Americans" and silence dissidents abroad by using a massive state-run hacking program.
Ryanggang province restores coronavirus emergency command as cases increase Radio Free Asia 25 Mar 2024 -- A return to a Coronavirus Emergency Quarantine posture is underway in North Korea's Ryanggang province as cases of a respiratory disease with symptoms similar to COVID-19 increase, and at least one more child has died, residents told Radio Free Asia.
Meeting on measures being taken after the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall President of Russia 25 Mar 2024 -- The President held a videoconference meeting with the heads of the Government, regions, security services and law-enforcement agencies on measures being taken after the terrorist attack in the Crocus City Hall concert venue.
Putin Blames 'Radical Islamists' For Concert Massacre, But Still Points To Ukraine, U.S. RFE/RL 25 Mar 2024 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 25 said the terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall concert venue near Moscow was committed by radical Islamists.
Kremlin Silent About Evidence That Moscow Attack Suspects Were Abused RFE/RL 25 Mar 2024 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman refused to answer a question regarding indications that the four suspects in the deadly terrorist attack on a concert hall outside of Moscow may have been abused during and after their detention.
Putin calls Moscow terrorist attack bloody, barbaric, vows retribution People's Daily 25 Mar 2024 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday called a terrorist attack here bloody and barbaric, vowing retribution for the perpetrators, organizers and financiers.
4 suspects charged with terrorism following Moscow concert hall attack People's Daily 25 Mar 2024 -- The four individuals directly involved in the Moscow concert hall attack have been charged with terrorism, local media reported on Monday.
4 Suspects in Russia Concert Hall Attack Charged With Terrorism VOA 25 Mar 2024 -- A Moscow court Sunday ordered pre-trial detention for four suspects charged with acts of terrorism in connection with an attack on a concert hall in the Russian capital that killed at least 137 people.
Suspects In Russian Concert Attack Appear In Moscow Court RFE/RL 24 Mar 2024 -- Two suspects charged with acts of terrorism in connection with the attack on a concert hall outside Moscow that left 137 people dead have been placed in pretrial detention for two months pending trial, a Moscow court ruled late on March 24.
4 Suspects in Russia Concert Hall Attack Charged With Terrorism VOA 24 Mar 2024 -- Four suspects in the Moscow concert hall attack that killed at least 137 people were ordered to be detained, pending trial, Moscow's Basmanny district court ruled Sunday.
Putin vows punishment as Moscow mourns victims Global Times 24 Mar 2024 -- The terror attack in Moscow that has reportedly caused at least 137 deaths will further unify Russians, as Chinese experts said the incident will not weaken, but will strengthen the authority of Russian President Vladimir Putin as Russians want the government and military to revenge for the victims, and Russia will surely retaliate not only against the terrorists but also other related hostile forces behind the attack.
Putin vows punishment over Moscow concert massacre ISNA 24 Mar 2024 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin pledges to punish the terrorists and any party involved in the Crocus City Hall massacre that killed nearly 150 people in the Russian capital.
Rescue Operation at Crocus City Hall Completed, Search Underway - Moscow Region Governor Sputnik 24 Mar 2024 -- The rescue operation at the Crocus City Hall concert venue near Moscow has wrapped up, with 133 bodies pulled from the rubble, while the search effort is still underway, Moscow Region Governor Andrey Vorobyov said on Saturday.
Moscow Terrorist Attack 'Serious Intelligence Failure,' Says Ex-U.S. Envoy To Russia RFE/RL 24 Mar 2024 -- A former U.S. envoy to Moscow said the worst terrorist attack on Russian soil in nearly two decades represents "a serious intelligence failure" and warned that President Vladimir Putin could use it to justify further mobilization and oppression.
Explainer: What Is Islamic State-Khorasan, The Group Blamed For The Moscow Concert Attack? RFE/RL 24 Mar 2024 -- Scores of people were killed after gunmen stormed a concert venue in the Moscow region in what was the deadliest attack in Russia in decades.
Address to citizens of Russia President of Russia 23 Mar 2024
Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on condolences and expressions of support received from abroad following the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 Mar 2024
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna's comment on yesterday's attack in Moscow Estonia MFA 23 Mar 2024 -- Yesterday's attack on a concert hall in Moscow clearly showed that the Putin regime is focused on conquering neighboring countries and organizing hybrid operations instead of caring for the well-being and safety of its own people.
Xi extends condolences to Putin after deadly Moscow terror attack Global Times 23 Mar 2024 -- At least 133 people have been killed in a terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall music venue in the city of Krasnogorsk in the Moscow Region as of press time on Saturday. This is the first large-scale terrorist attack targeting civilians within Russia since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and came within a week after Vladimir Putin won a reelection victory.
Xi extends condolences to Putin over deadly Moscow concert hall terror attack People's Daily 23 Mar 2024 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday extended condolences to Russian President Vladimir Putin over the serious terrorist attack that caused heavy casualties at a concert hall in Moscow Oblast.
Raeisi tells Putin Iran stands with Russia after terrorist attack in Moscow Press TV 23 Mar 2024 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi has called for serious action by the international community to punish the "masterminds and perpetrators" of a terrorist attack on a Moscow concert hall.
Iran strongly condemns Moscow terror attack IRNA 23 Mar 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has strongly condemned a deadly terror attack on a concert hall in Moscow that killed over 40 people and wounded at least 140 others.
World reacts to Russia terror attack IRNA 23 Mar 2024 -- Reactions and condemnations have been pouring in following a terrorist attack in Russia where dozens of people were killed after gunmen began firing at people at the Crocus City Hall near the capital Moscow.
UN Security Council strongly condemns terrorist attack in Russia People's Daily 23 Mar 2024 -- The UN Security Council on Friday strongly condemned the terrorist attack at a concert hall in Krasnogorsk, Moscow Region, the Russian Federation.
US shared intel on possible terror attack was general: Russian source IRNA 23 Mar 2024 -- A Russian intelligence source has said that the country's intelligence services received information from the United States about a planned terrorist attack, but the information was general without specifying.
Russia terrorist attack death toll rises to 133 IRNA 23 Mar 2024 -- The number of people killed in a shooting attack on a concert hall near the Russian capital Moscow has risen to 133, investigators have announced, while health officials said over 150 others had been wounded, including children.
FSB Director reported to President about detention of terrorists who participated in the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall President of Russia 23 Mar 2024
Fire, shooting claim over 90 lives in Moscow terrorist attack People's Daily 23 Mar 2024 -- The fire at a concert hall in Moscow's suburbs has been largely extinguished, with some areas still smoldering, Governor of Moscow Oblast Andrey Vorobyev said on Saturday.
Putin vows punishment as death toll soars to 133 in Moscow terrorist attack Press TV 23 Mar 2024 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged to track down and punish those behind the "bloody and barbaric" terrorist attack in a concert hall outside Moscow as the death toll has soared to 133, according to Russian authorities.
Russia Says 4 Foreign Suspects Detained As Death Toll From Concert Attack Reaches 133 RFE/RL 23 Mar 2024 -- Rescuers pulled more bodies from the rubble of a Moscow-area concert venue on March 23 as the toll from a deadly attack claimed by the Islamic State (IS) militant group reached 133 and security officials said four suspected gunmen had been detained in connection with Russia's worst terrorist violence in nearly two decades.
How Putin's Police State Leaves Russia Vulnerable To Terrorist Attacks RFE/RL 23 Mar 2024 -- A week after the last Russian presidential election, in 2018, a fire at a crowded mall in Siberia killed more than 60 people, many of them children.
In Russian Crises, Putin Often Vanishes From Public Eye RFE/RL 23 Mar 2024 -- When Russia's nuclear submarine the Kursk sank above the Arctic Circle in August 2000 during President Vladimir Putin's first year in office, it took four days for the new Russian leader to make a public statement on a tragedy that killed 118 sailors.
A Look Back At Major Terror Attacks Under Putin's Rule RFE/RL 23 Mar 2024 -- Gunmen opened fire at a packed music venue in Moscow on March 22, killing at least 115 people and wounding many more, in the worst such attack in Russia in years.
Ukrainian Denials Of Involvement Sharpen After Attack On Russian Concert RFE/RL 23 Mar 2024 -- President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and other Ukrainian officials on March 23 furiously denied any role by their country in the devastating attack on a Moscow-area concert hall a day earlier that killed at least 133 people and was claimed by the militant group Islamic State (IS), in a message that was also being pushed by Western officials.
Terrorist Attack in Moscow US Dept. of State 23 Mar 2024 -- "The United States strongly condemns yesterday's deadly terrorist attack in Moscow."
Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on the Terrorist Attack in Moscow The White House 23 Mar 2024
UN condemns deadly attacks in Moscow UN News 22 Mar 2024 -- The UN chief condemned in the strongest possible terms Friday's deadly terrorist attack at a concert hall outside Moscow.
A Look at IS-Khorasan — Group Believed to Be Behind Moscow Attack VOA 23 Mar 2024 -- The United States is assigning responsibility for Friday's attack on a Moscow concert hall that killed more than 130 people on the Islamic State terror group's Afghan affiliate, known as Islamic State-Khorasan, or IS-Khorasan.
The President is being informed on the developments at the Crocus City Hall and measures being taken in this regard President of Russia 22 Mar 2024
Islamic State Group Claims Attack on Moscow Concert Hall; 60 Dead VOA 22 Mar 2024 -- Assailants opened fire at a large concert hall in Moscow on Friday, killing more than 60 people, injuring more than 100 others, and setting fire to the venue.
Dozens Dead After Gunmen Storm Moscow Concert Hall; Islamic State Claims Responsibility RFE/RL 22 Mar 2024 -- Camouflage-clad gunmen killed at least 62 people and injured scores of others when they opened fire at a crowded concert hall on the outskirts of Moscow in an attack quickly condemned around the world as an act of terrorism.
60 Russians killed, 150 injured in Moscow terrorist attack; Iran condemns Press TV 22 Mar 2024 -- A terrorist attack at a concert hall in a Moscow suburb has left dozens of Russians dead and injured. Iran and several other countries have condemned the deadly incident.
40 people killed, over 140 wounded in terror attack in Moscow IRNA 22 Mar 2024 -- At least 40 0eople have been killed and 140 wounded according to unofficial reports in the worst terror attack in Russia in years, as gunmen in combat fatigues opened fire and detonated explosives in a big concert hall in Moscow.
Ukraine Denies Role In Deadly Attack On Russian Concert Venue RFE/RL 22 Mar 2024 -- A senior adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said late on March 22 that Kyiv was not involved in the attack on a Moscow-area concert hall the same evening that left dozens dead and many more injured after gunmen stormed in and fired at concertgoers.
West Virginia Guard Fighting Wildfires From the Air Army News 22 Mar 2024 -- Two West Virginia National Guard UH60M and HH60M Black Hawk helicopters and personnel helped the West Virginia Division of Forestry and local government and emergency management officials battle large-scale wildfires in Hardy County March 22.
Deputy Secretary Adeyemo Announces New Treasury Sanctions Against Sinaloa Cartel Fentanyl Network US Treasury 22 Mar 2024 -- Today, Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo announced, alongside local leaders and law enforcement in Arizona, that the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned operatives in a Black Market Peso Exchange (BMPE) scheme to launder millions in illicit fentanyl proceeds for the Sinaloa Cartel.
Gangster Disciples and Sisters of the Struggle Members Sentenced for Gang-Related Murders US Dept. of Justice 21 Mar 2024 -- A high-ranking member of the Gangster Disciples and a leader of its parallel female organization, the Sisters of the Struggle (SOS), were sentenced yesterday for their roles in a murder conspiracy stemming from gang-related retribution that resulted in the shooting deaths of three men.
Fentanyl Precursor Scheduling at the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs US Dept. of State 21 Mar 2024 -- This week at the 67th Session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) in Vienna, Austria, the international community came together and agreed to new controls for multiple precursor chemicals used in the illicit manufacturing of fentanyl and other synthetic drugs.
DHS and DG CONNECT Announce Initiative Comparing Cyber Incident Reporting to Better Align Transatlantic Approaches DHS 20 Mar 2024 -- Today, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and European Commission's Directorate General for Communications, Networks, Content, and Technology (DG CONNECT) announced an initiative to compare cyber incident reporting elements that will inform cyber incident reporting requirements by the US, and European Union (EU) under the NIS 2 Directive.
Imposing Sanctions on Actors Supporting Kremlin-Directed Disinformation Efforts US Dept. of State 20 Mar 2024 -- The United States is today designating two individuals and two entities for providing services to the government of Russia in connection with a foreign malign influence campaign.
Treasury Sanctions Actors Supporting Kremlin-Directed Malign Influence Efforts US Treasury 20 Mar 2024 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated two individuals and two entities for services they provided the Government of the Russian Federation (GoR) in connection with a foreign malign influence campaign, including attempting to impersonate legitimate media outlets.
Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office, City of New Orleans Hosts Readiness Event DHS 18 Mar 2024 -- In partnership with the City of New Orleans, with the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD), is hosting a multiday readiness event from Monday, March 18, through Friday, March 22.
Joint Statement on the Inaugural United States-Czech Republic Cyber Dialogue US Dept. of State 18 Mar 2024 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Czech Republic on the occasion of the Inaugural 2024 United States-Czech Republic Cyber Dialogue.
Growing Coalition of Governments Join the U.S. In Countering the Proliferation and Misuse of Commercial Spyware US Dept. of State 18 Mar 2024 -- Today, at the third Summit for Democracy in Seoul, South Korea, Secretary Blinken announced that Finland, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Poland, and the Republic of Korea have joined the Joint Statement on Efforts to Counter the Proliferation and Misuse of Commercial Spyware, launched by an inaugural group of 11 like-minded countries at the second Summit for Democracy.
Joint Statement on Efforts to Counter the Proliferation and Misuse of Commercial Spyware US Dept. of State 18 Mar 2024 -- At the third Summit for Democracy on March 18, 2024, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Poland, and Republic of Korea joined this first-of-its-kind international commitment to work collectively to counter the proliferation and misuse of commercial spyware. This joint statement, which was originally announced at the second Summit for Democracy on March 30, 2023, has been updated to reflect these additional countries.
Background Press Call on U.S. Efforts to Counter Misuse of Commercial Spyware and the Third Summit for Democracy The White House 18 Mar 2024
Joint Statement on Efforts to Counter the Proliferation and Misuse of Commercial Spyware The White House 18 Mar 2024
"Rock Doc" Sentenced for Opioid Distribution Conspiracy US Dept. of Justice 18 Mar 2024 -- A Tennessee nurse practitioner known locally as the "Rock Doc" was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for illegally prescribing opioids — including oxycodone and fentanyl — from his medical practice in Jackson, Tennessee.
COVID symptoms kill 5 North Korean children, schools and daycares shuttered Radio Free Asia 18 Mar 2024 -- At least five North Korean children have died as a resurgence of a respiratory disease believed to be COVID-19 has caused authorities to enact quarantine procedures in Ryanggang province, residents told Radio Free Asia.
ASD-Microsoft initiative bolsters Australia's cyber defence Australia DOD 18 Mar 2024 -- The Albanese Government has delivered a world-first initiative between the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) and Microsoft which will further strengthen Australia's cyber defences.
Epidemiological update on COVID-19 - 15 Mar 2024
Finland and the United States intensify their cooperation on cybersecurity Finnish Government 15 Mar 2024 -- The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will facilitate exchange of information on cybersecurity between the Finnish Ministry of Finance and the US Treasury Department.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the 67th Session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs Side Event "Protecting Global Public Health and Safety: Mounting a Unified International Response to Synthetic Drugs and Their Precursors" US Dept. of State 15 Mar 2024
Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the 67th Session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs US Dept. of State 15 Mar 2024
READOUT: Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson's Travel to Japan US Treasury 15 Mar 2024 -- On March 13 and 14, Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson held meetings in Tokyo, Japan to continue close coordination between the two G7 allies on pressing national security issues, including countering Russian attempts to evade multilateral sanctions and export controls particularly through third countries; protecting maritime shipping from illegal, dangerous, and destabilizing Houthi attacks; and on cyber threats and ransomware.
Leader of Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced for International Cocaine Trafficking Conspiracy US Dept. of Justice 14 Mar 2024 -- A leader of the Lorenzana drug trafficking organization was sentenced last week to 33 years in prison and ordered to forfeit $27 million for charges related to international drug trafficking.
Developing national capacities to strengthen cybersecurity OSCE 14 Mar 2024 -- Promoting the responsible use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) by OSCE participating States was the focus of a two-day training event held in Belgrade, Serbia on 13 and 14 March. With the continued digitalization of societies, states are increasingly using ICTs to pursue their objectives. However, in a borderless domain such as cyberspace, this can lead to misperception and a lack of transparency.
The Sixth U.S.-France Cyber Dialogue US Dept. of State 14 Mar 2024 -- On March 11-12, 2024, the United States and France held the sixth bilateral Cyber Dialogue in Washington, D.C., to reaffirm our ongoing partnership on cyberspace and digital policy issues. Our governments are both committed to promoting an open, interoperable, secure, and reliable cyberspace in which all states behave responsibly.
Treasury Sanctions Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) Operative US Treasury 14 Mar 2024 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Diego Macedo Gonçalves do Carmo (Gonçalves), a member of Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC), a Brazil-based criminal organization sanctioned pursuant to counter narcotics authorities. The PCC is the most notorious organized crime group in Brazil and among the largest in Latin America, and Gonçalves is a key operative responsible for laundering hundreds of millions of dollars for the organization.
JN.1 variant of COVID-19 now the dominant strain in China: CDC Global Times 13 Mar 2024 -- The JN.1 variant of the COVID-19 virus has become the dominant strain in China, according to an update released by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) on Monday.
Ahead of Paris Olympics, French state bodies targeted by 'unprecedented' cyberattacks Press TV 12 Mar 2024 -- Several French government institutions have been hit by cyberattacks of "unprecedented intensity" ahead of the Paris Olympics.
Taking Coordinated Actions with Bahrain against Supporters of Al-Ashtar Brigades US Dept. of State 12 Mar 2024 -- In coordination with the Kingdom of Bahrain, the United States is today designating three Iran- based operatives and a financial facilitator linked to Al-Ashtar Brigades, a U.S.-designated terrorist group.
U.S. Targets Al-Ashtar Brigades Operatives US Treasury 12 Mar 2024 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is taking action in coordination with the Kingdom of Bahrain against key Iran-based operatives and a financial facilitator for designated terrorist group Al-Ashtar Brigades. The Department of State designated Al-Ashtar Brigades as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in 2018.
Laos' highest court aims for special court in lawless Golden Triangle Radio Free Asia 12 Mar 2024 -- Laos' highest court is working to set up a special court in the notorious Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone to directly clamp down on an area that has attracted scam-related businesses and human trafficking, a government official told Radio Free Asia.
Statement from Secretary Mayorkas on the President's Fiscal Year 2025 Budget for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security DHS 11 Mar 2024 -- The Biden-Harris Administration today submitted to Congress the President's Budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, which provides $62.2 billion in discretionary funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In addition, the Budget provides $22.7 billion for the Disaster Relief Fund to respond to major disasters and emergencies, and $4.7 billion for the Southwest Border Contingency Fund to resource border security and immigration enforcement efforts along the Southwest border.
Designating Transnational Network Supporting al-Shabaab US Dept. of State 11 Mar 2024 -- The United States is designating sixteen entities and individuals in a transnational network that spans the Horn of Africa, United Arab Emirates, and Cyprus, for facilitating financing and money laundering for the al-Shabaab terrorist organization.
Treasury Designates Transnational al-Shabaab Money Laundering Network US Treasury 11 Mar 2024 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on 16 entities and individuals who compose an expansive business network spanning the Horn of Africa, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Cyprus that raises and launders funds for al-Shabaab, a terrorist group affiliated with al-Qa'ida. Individuals within this network include influential businesspeople in the region that lend financial backing to al-Shabaab, a terrorist group responsible for some of the worst terrorist attacks in East Africa's modern history. These attacks have claimed the lives of thousands of innocent civilians. These individuals and entities are being designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as amended, which targets terrorist groups and their enablers.
US Sanctions Money Launderers Connected to Al-Shabab VOA 11 Mar 2024 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned 16 entities and individuals Monday for their role in fundraising and money laundering for the terrorist group al-Shabab.
Al-Qaida's Yemen Affiliate Announces Death of Leader VOA 11 Mar 2024 -- Al-Qaida's branch in Yemen announced the death of its leader Khalid al-Batarfi on Sunday.
US intelligence: Beijing may try to influence 2024 election Radio Free Asia 11 Mar 2024 -- Beijing has improved its ability to covertly spread disinformation and may try to influence America's 2024 presidential election, according to a report issued Monday by the U.S. intelligence community.
China capable of preventing and dealing with 'Disease X': official Global Times 10 Mar 2024 -- While the occurrence of "Disease X," which is gaining global attention, is difficult to avoid, the resulting pandemic can be prevented and dealt with, Wang Hesheng, director of China's National Disease Control and Prevention Administration, told a press conference on the sidelines of the two sessions on Saturday.
China to make proactive preparations for future pandemics: health official People's Daily 10 Mar 2024 -- China will draw on the experience of COVID-19 prevention and control, and make proactive preparations for future pandemics such as "Disease X," which the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned could be a next global public health threat, said a health official on Saturday.
Shanghai-based ZPMC says cargo cranes don't pose cybersecurity risk at US ports Global Times 10 Mar 2024 -- Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co (ZPMC), a major global maker of ship-to-shore cargo cranes, said in a statement on Sunday that its cranes do not pose a cybersecurity risk to any port, responding to the US government's reported plan to invest billions in its own cargo cranes to replace ZPMC cranes.
Ransomware Attacks: Death Threats, Endangered Patients and Millions of Dollars in Damages VOA 10 Mar 2024 -- A ransomware attack on Change Healthcare, a company that processes 15 billion health care transactions annually and deals with 1 in 3 patient records in the United States, is continuing to cause massive disruptions nearly three weeks later.
Kazakhstan Confirms Two Citizens Killed In Russia In What FSB Calls Antiterror Operation RFE/RL 09 Mar 2024 -- Kazakhstan on March 9 confirmed that two of its citizens were shot dead in Russia in what the Kremlin said was an antiterrorism operation that prevented an attack against a synagogue in the Moscow area.
DOD Remains Committed to Protecting Health of Service Members, Learning From Effects of COVID-19 DoD News 08 Mar 2024 -- Four years removed from the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, a pair of Defense Department health officials on Thursday testified that DOD remains committed to protecting service members' health, while also continuing to monitor and learn from the effects of COVID-19.
Juan Orlando Hernández, Former President of Honduras, Convicted in Manhattan Federal Court of Conspiring to Import Cocaine into the United States and Related Firearms Offenses US Dept. of Justice 08 Mar 2024 -- A federal jury convicted Juan Orlando Hernández, also known as JOH, 55, of Honduras, on all three counts in the indictment, which included cocaine-importation and weapons offenses. Hernández is scheduled to be sentenced on June 26.
Joint Statement of the 20th U.S.- India Counterterrorism Joint Working Group US Dept. of State 07 Mar 2024 -- The following is the text of a joint statement by the Governments of the United States of America and India on the occasion of the 20th meeting of the U.S.-India Counterterrorism Joint Working Group and 6th Designations Dialogue on March 5, 2024 in Washington, D.C.
Warfield ANGB transitions to cyber mission US Air Force 07 Mar 2024 -- The Department of the Air Force selected Warfield Air National Guard Base, Maryland, as the preferred location to transition from an A-10 to a cyber wing mission.
Focus on cyber operations that cause physical damage is not enough ICRC 07 Mar 2024 -- Statement by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), delivered by Tilman Rodenhauser, Legal Advisor, at the 7th substantive meeting of the Open-Ended Working Group on security of and in the use of information and communications technologies 2021-2025, New York, 6 March 2024
Five New Mexico Compound Defendants Sentenced to Life in Prison in Connection with Kidnapping and Terrorism Plot US Dept. of Justice 06 Mar 2024 -- A federal judge in New Mexico today sentenced five defendants: Jany Leveille, Siraj Ibn Wahhaj, his sisters Hujrah Wahhaj and Subhanah Wahhaj, and Subhanah's husband, Lucas Morton. Siraj, Hujrah and Subhanah Wahhaj, and Lucas Morton were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Per the terms of her plea agreement, Leveille was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Upon her release from prison, Leveille will enter removal proceedings.
Iran thwarted over 20 sabotage attempts on elections day IRNA 06 Mar 2024 -- Iran's telecoms minister Issa Zarepour says the country thwarted more than 20 sabotage attempts targeting its communications infrastructure on March 1 when nationwide elections were held to choose members of two legislative bodies.
Cyber threats impacting the safety and dignity of civilians in conflict ICRC 05 Mar 2024 -- Statement by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), delivered by Veronique Christory, Senior Arms Advisor, on the Existing and Potential Threats in the Sphere of Information Security, Open-Ended Working Group on Security of and in the Use of Information and Communications Technologies 2021-2025, New York, 5 March 2024
Honduran Man Arrested for Retaliating Against a Federal Witness US Dept. of Justice 05 Mar 2024 -- A Honduran man was arrested last week in Antioch, Tennessee, after being charged with conspiring to retaliate and retaliating against a witness (Individual A) who testified in a federal trial.
Sanctioning Members of the Intellexa Commercial Spyware Consortium US Dept. of State 05 Mar 2024 -- The proliferation and misuse of commercial spyware pose growing security risks to the United States.
Treasury Sanctions Members of the Intellexa Commercial Spyware Consortium US Treasury 05 Mar 2024 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated two individuals and five entities associated with the Intellexa Consortium for their role in developing, operating, and distributing commercial spyware technology used to target Americans, including U.S. government officials, journalists, and policy experts. The proliferation of commercial spyware poses distinct and growing security risks to the United States and has been misused by foreign actors to enable human rights abuses and the targeting of dissidents around the world for repression and reprisal.
Drugs online: UN-backed body offers solutions to counter narcotics surge UN News 05 Mar 2024 -- Drug dealers have continued to use cutting-edge digital technology, social media platforms and disinformation to sell their illegal produce, fuelling narcotics consumption globally, a UN-backed report launched on Tuesday showed.
Iran foiled nearly 200 cyber-attacks in month to elections: Official IRNA 05 Mar 2024 -- Head of Iran's Civil Defense Organization Brigadier General Gholamreza Jalali says Iran has foiled nearly 200 cyber-attacks in the month leading up to the recent parliamentary elections.
India's anti-terror agency to investigate Bengaluru cafe blast People's Daily 05 Mar 2024 -- The Indian government has asked the country's anti-terror agency National Investigation Agency (NIA) to probe the recent blast at a popular eatery in the southern city of Bengaluru, state-run broadcaster All India Radio (AIR) said Monday.
CISA and Partners Coordinate on Security and Resilience for Super Tuesday CISA 04 Mar 2024 -- Tomorrow, Super Tuesday, is one of the largest national-level election days of the year. Primary elections and caucuses are taking place across a number of states and one U.S. territory.
Nearly £300m of drugs seized by Royal Navy in the Caribbean Sea UK MOD 04 Mar 2024 -- A Royal Navy warship seized drugs with a street value of £290.66m in two separate blows to drug runners in the Caribbean.
JFHQ-DODIN Officially Launches its New Cyber Operational Readiness Assessment Program DoD News 01 Mar 2024 -- Following a successful nine-month pilot, Joint Force Headquarters — Department of Defense Information Network is officially launching its Cyber Operational Readiness Assessment program today.
PM address on extremism: 1 March 2024 Gov.UK 01 Mar 2024
Remarks by President Biden After Operation Briefing | Brownsville, TX The White House 01 Mar 2024
China urges U.S. to formulate universal data security rules to enable orderly, free data flows People's Daily 01 Mar 2024 -- China firmly rejects the U.S. false accusation that China purchases American personal and sensitive data for malicious activities, and urges the United States to work with others to formulate universal data security rules to enable orderly and free data flows around the world, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Thursday.

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March 2024 Security News