December 2024 Security News

Guantanamo Bay Detainee Transfer Announced DoD 31 Dec 2024 -- The Department of Defense announced today the repatriation of Ridah Bin Saleh al-Yazidi from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay to the Government of Tunisia.
US repatriates Tunisian detainee from Guantanamo Bay VOA 31 Dec 2024 -- The United States announced late Monday the repatriation of a Tunisian man who had been held at the U.S. military detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba since 2002.
US Treasury's hacking accusation unfounded, China opposes disinformation out of political purposes: FM Global Times 31 Dec 2024 -- In response to US Treasury's claim that a China state-sponsored actor infiltrated Treasury workstations in what US Treasury officials are describing as a "major incident," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that regarding these unfounded accusations lacking evidence, we have repeatedly stated our position.
WHO continues to urge China to share data five years after COVID-19 UN News 31 Dec 2024 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) this week reflected on COVID-19, and ongoing efforts to understand the disease, five years after its emergence.
China has made greatest contribution to COVID-19 origins tracing research, opposing political manipulation: FM responds to WHO's call for data sharing Global Times 31 Dec 2024 -- On the origins tracing of COVID-19, China has always adhered to the spirit of scientific openness and transparency, and has actively supported and participated in global scientific tracing, while it firmly opposes any form of political manipulation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, in response to media inquiry regarding remarks from World Health Organization (WHO), which has called on China to share data and access so to understand the origins of COVID-19.
US imposes sanctions on IRGC entity over alleged election interference Press TV 31 Dec 2024 -- The United States has announced sanctions on an entity it says is affiliated with the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) over its alleged interference in the 2024 US presidential elections.
U.S. Announces Sanctions Against Russian, Iranian Entities Accused Of Election Interference RFE/RL 31 Dec 2024 -- The United States on December 31 imposed sanctions on entities in Iran and Russia that it accused of attempting to "stoke socio-political tensions" through disinformation campaigns during the 2024 U.S. elections.
Sanctions in Response to Attempted Iranian and Russian Interference in U.S. General Election US Dept. of State 31 Dec 2024 -- The United States is imposing sanctions today on the Cognitive Design Production Center (CPDC), a subordinate organization of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and the Moscow-based Center for Geopolitical Expertise and its director, Valery Mikhaylovich Korovin, affiliates of the Russian Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU).
Treasury Sanctions Entities in Iran and Russia That Attempted to Interfere in the U.S. 2024 Election US Treasury 31 Dec 2024 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating a subordinate organization of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and a Moscow-based affiliate organization of the Russian Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) and its director pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13848, the U.S. election interference authority. As affiliates of the IRGC and GRU, these actors aimed to stoke socio-political tensions and influence the U.S. electorate during the 2024 U.S. election. Today's actions build on sanctions previously imposed on the IRGC, the GRU, and their numerous subordinate and proxy organizations, pursuant to several authorities targeting the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and malicious cyber-enabled activities.
Milestone: COVID-19 five years ago WHO 30 Dec 2024 -- Five years ago on 31 December 2019, WHO's Country Office in China picked up a media statement by the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission from their website on cases of 'viral pneumonia' in Wuhan, China.
On-the-Record Press Gaggle by White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby The White House 27 Dec 2024
Global solidarity key to future pandemic preparedness, says UN chief UN News 27 Dec 2024 -- In a message commemorating Friday's International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged all nations to invest in resilience and equity to make a healthier and safer world for all.
Bird flu tightens grip on California as human cases rise People's Daily 26 Dec 2024 -- California's battle against avian influenza A (H5N1) intensified amid spreading infections across dairy farms and a growing number of human infection, including two newly confirmed cases in Stanislaus and Los Angeles counties.
COVID-19 epidemiological update – 24 December 2024 WHO
Assistant Secretary Leaf, Special Presidential Envoy Carstens, and Senior Advisor Rubinstein's Travel to Syria US Dept. of State 20 Dec 2024 -- Assistant Secretary Barbara A. Leaf, Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens, and Ambassador Daniel Rubinstein travelled to Damascus, Syria to engage with the Syrian people, including members of civil society, humanitarians, and others regarding their vision for the future of Syria and how the United States can support them.
US removes $10M bounty on leader of rebel group now in charge of Syria VOA 20 Dec 2024 -- The United States has removed the $10 million bounty placed on Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, the militant fighter who led the rebellion that removed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad from power earlier this month.
US drops $10 million bounty on leader of HTS militants Press TV 20 Dec 2024 -- The US is dropping a $10 million prize it had set for the arrest of the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militants in Syria.
Senior US delegation in Syria for talks with HTS 'terrorists' Press TV 20 Dec 2024 -- A senior delegation of US diplomats has arrived in Syria to speak directly to the representatives of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) which is designated a terrorist group by Washington.
United States Charges Dual Russian and Israeli National as Developer of LockBit Ransomware Group US Dept. of Justice 20 Dec 2024 -- A superseding criminal complaint filed in the District of New Jersey was unsealed today charging a dual Russian and Israeli national for being a developer of the LockBit ransomware group.
Jordanian National Pleads Guilty to Explosives Threats and Attack on Energy Facility US Dept. of Justice 20 Dec 2024 -- Hashem Younis Hashem Hnaihen, 44, of Orlando, pleaded guilty today to four counts of threatening to use explosives and one count of destruction of an energy facility.
Amid Growing Strength of Terrorist Groups in Sahel, West Africa, Senior Official Urges Security Council to Scale Up Support within Regional Frameworks UN Security Council 20 Dec 2024 -- In a region grappling with escalating threats due to violent non-State actors, civic restrictions, political transitions and heightened humanitarian needs, the head of UN efforts in West Africa and the Sahel called on the Security Council for scaled up support within regional frameworks, as speakers welcomed small signs of progress on the democratic front.
China counting on cyber-psychological cocktail to expand dominance VOA 19 Dec 2024 -- China's push to develop the world's premier fighting force extends beyond conventional and nuclear capabilities, with U.S. officials warning that Beijing is pouring resources into a mix of psychological warfare and cyber operations.
US slow to react to pervasive Chinese hacking, experts say VOA 19 Dec 2024 -- As new potential threats from Chinese hackers were identified this week, the federal government issued one of its strongest warnings to date about the need for Americans — and in particular government officials and other "highly targeted" individuals — to secure their communications against eavesdropping and interception.
Chinese FM responds to White House director of drug-control policy on progress made between two countries Global Times 19 Dec 2024 -- In response to remarks made by White House director of drug-control policy that progress had been made with China on fentanyl since China-US summit in San Francisco in November 2023 and progress cannot be allowed to slow down, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated the cooperation in drug control is one of the important consensuses reached during the meeting between the two heads of state in San Francisco, and China is willing to continue drug control cooperation with the US on the basis of equality, mutual benefit, and mutual respect.
Combating terrorism: Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland brings charges against two suspected IS members Federal Council - Swiss Government 19 Dec 2024 -- The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG) has brought charges before the Federal Criminal Court against two Swiss nationals aged 22 and 28. The OAG alleges that the two residents of Canton Zurich, who have prior convictions, initially supported the banned terrorist group 'Islamic State' (IS) and then subsequently became members.
U.S. California declares state of emergency over bird flu People's Daily 19 Dec 2024 -- California Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday declared a state of emergency in response to the outbreak of Avian influenza A (H5N1), commonly known as bird flu, which has infected 34 people in the Golden State.
U.S. confirms first human bird flu severe case People's Daily 19 Dec 2024 -- The United States has confirmed a severe human case of avian influenza A (H5N1) virus (H5N1 bird flu) infection.
Bird flu spillover to other species poses global health threat, experts warn VOA 18 Dec 2024 -- International human and animal health experts warn the H5N1 avian influenza is evolving quickly and posing a global health threat as the virus is increasingly crossing species barriers and infecting a wide range of domestic and wild mammals.
Guantanamo Bay Detainee Transfers Announced DoD 18 Dec 2024 -- The Department of Defense announced today the repatriation of Mohammed Farik bin Amin (ISN 10021) and Mohammed Nazir bin Lep (ISN 10022) from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay to the Government of Malaysia.
CISA Directs Federal Agencies to Secure Cloud Environments CISA 17 Dec 2024 -- The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) today issued Binding Operational Directive (BOD) 25-01, Implementing Secure Practices for Cloud Services to safeguard federal information and information systems.
Guantanamo Bay Detainee Transfer Announced DoD 17 Dec 2024 -- The Department of Defense announced today the repatriation of Mohammed Abdul Malik Bajabu (ISN 10025) from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay to the Government of Kenya.
Treasury Takes Sweeping Action Against Global Narcotics Traffickers US Treasury 17 Dec 2024 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is sanctioning 12 individuals and eight entities, located across seven countries, who are linked to the global illicit drug trade. Today's action, taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14059, underscores the United States' commitment to combating the synthetic drug threat at home and abroad.
Avian flu reported in 108 countries across five continents, says UN health agency UN News 17 Dec 2024 -- Avian influenza has caused the deaths of more than 300 million birds worldwide and the virus "is increasingly crossing species barriers", according to UN health officers.
New Zealand to lead maritime drug interception team in Middle East and Indian Ocean New Zealand Defence Force 17 Dec 2024 -- New Zealand is delivering a triple punch in the fight against narcotic smuggling in the Indian Ocean next year by taking command of an international task force and deploying a frigate and a mine countermeasures team to the front line.
Poland improves its understanding of money laundering and terrorist financing risks and statistics Council of Europe 16 Dec 2024 -- Poland has improved its measures for tackling money laundering and terrorist financing (AML/CFT), the Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism (MONEYVAL) has concluded in a new follow-up report
DHS, FBI, FAA & DoD Joint Statement on Ongoing Response to Reported Drone Sightings DHS 16 Dec 2024 -- There are more than one million drones lawfully registered with the FAA in the United States and there are thousands of commercial, hobbyist and law enforcement drones lawfully in the sky on any given day.
DoD Releases Version 4.3 Update to Online Cyber Resilient Weapon Systems Body of Knowledge for Engineering Workforce DoD 16 Dec 2024 -- The Department of Defense (DoD) announced the release of Version 4.3 of the Online Cyber Resilient Weapon Systems Body of Knowledge (CRWS-BoK) today, a free resource designed to support the public and private sector workforces in designing, engineering, and safeguarding secure cyber resilient systems.
Virginia Man Convicted for Crypto Financing Scheme to ISIS US Dept. of Justice 16 Dec 2024 -- A jury convicted Mohammed Azharuddin Chhipa, 35, of Springfield, Virginia, on Dec. 13 for charges relating to his efforts to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a foreign terrorist organization.
4 Men Arrested In North Macedonia Suspected Of Plotting Terrorist Acts RFE/RL 15 Dec 2024 -- Four men suspected of planning terrorist attacks have been arrested in western North Macedonia, Interior Minister Pance Toskovski said on December 15.
OFAC-Sanctioned Afghan Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Narco-Terrorism and Witness Tampering US Dept. of Justice 13 Dec 2024 -- Haji Abdul Satar Abdul Manaf, 59, of Afghanistan, also known as Haji Abdul Sattar Barakzai, was sentenced to 30 in prison for attempting to import heroin into the U.S., engaging in narco-terrorism for the benefit of the Taliban, attempting to engage in narco-terrorism for the benefit of the Haqqani Network, and witness tampering offenses.
Joint DHS/FBI Statement on Reports of Drones in New Jersey DHS 12 Dec 2024
Rydox Cybercrime Marketplace Shut Down and Three Administrators Arrested US Dept. of Justice 12 Dec 2024 -- The Justice Department today announced the seizure of Rydox, an illicit website and marketplace dedicated to selling stolen personal information, access devices, and other tools for carrying out cybercrime and fraud, and the arrest of Rydox administrators and Kosovo nationals Ardit Kutleshi, 26, and Jetmir Kutleshi, 28.
On the Release of the 2023 Country Reports on Terrorism US Dept. of State 12 Dec 2024 -- The Department of State has issued the 2023 Country Reports on Terrorism (CRT), which provide a detailed look at how the counterterrorism environment and associated threats have evolved over the past year, fulfilling an important Congressional mandate.
Louisiana Guard conducts disaster response training Army News 11 Dec 2024 -- The Louisiana National Guard Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High-Yield Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package conducted a training exercise in Georgia culminating in a National Guard Bureau evaluation Dec. 1-7, 2024.
Money laundering and terrorist financing: MONEYVAL publishes progress reports on Croatia, Georgia and Monaco Council of Europe 11 Dec 2024 -- The Council of Europe Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism (MONEYVAL) has published follow-up reports on Croatia, Monaco and Georgia assessing their compliance with the 40 Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations.
TD Bank Insider Arrested and Charged with Facilitating Money Laundering US Dept. of Justice 11 Dec 2024 -- A former Florida-based employee of TD Bank N.A. was arrested and charged by criminal complaint yesterday for facilitating money laundering to Colombia through the financial institution.
Introductory Remarks: The Future of U.S. Counterterrorism Policy US Dept. of State 11 Dec 2024
Message to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Global Illicit Drug Trade The White House 11 Dec 2024
Press Release: Notice to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Global Illicit Drug Trade The White House 11 Dec 2024
China-Based Hacker Charged for Conspiring to Develop and Deploy Malware That Exploited Tens of Thousands of Firewalls Worldwide US Dept. of Justice 10 Dec 2024 -- A federal court in Hammond, Indiana, unsealed an indictment today charging Guan Tianfeng, a citizen of the People's Republic of China (PRC) for his involvement in a conspiracy to hack indiscriminately into firewall devices worldwide in 2020.
U.S. Takes Action in Response to Compromise of Firewall Products US Dept. of State 10 Dec 2024 -- The United States is imposing sanctions today on the Chengdu-based cybersecurity company Sichuan Silence Information Technology Company, Limited (Sichuan Silence), and one of its employees, Guan Tianfeng (Guan), for their roles in the compromise of tens of thousands of firewalls worldwide, including firewalls at U.S. critical infrastructure companies.
Treasury Sanctions Cybersecurity Company Involved in Compromise of Firewall Products and Attempted Ransomware Attacks US Treasury 10 Dec 2024 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is sanctioning cybersecurity company Sichuan Silence Information Technology Company, Limited(Sichuan Silence), and one of its employees, Guan Tianfeng(Guan), both based in People's Republic of China (PRC), for their roles in the April 2020 compromise of tens of thousands of firewalls worldwide. Many of the victims were U.S. critical infrastructure companies.
Cyber Command Chief Discusses Challenges of Getting Intel to Users DoD News 08 Dec 2024 -- The United States has spent trillions of dollars on ensuring intelligence and the network that distributes that intelligence is the best on the planet, but more needs to be done, said Air Force Gen. Timothy D. Haugh, commander of U.S. Cyber Command, director, National Security Agency and chief, Central Security Service, in a discussion at the Reagan Defense Forum yesterday.
Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2761 (2024), Security Council Approves Continued Humanitarian Exemption to Asset Freeze by Da'esh, Al-Qaida Sanctions Regime UN Security Council 06 Dec 2024 -- The Security Council today decided to maintain the exemption of humanitarian aid providers from asset freeze measures imposed by the Da'esh and Al-Qaida sanctions regime — a decision that provides those personnel and entities with greater operational clarity and predictability, while maintaining systematic monitoring measures to prevent the carveout from being exploited by terrorist organizations.
Statement from President Joe Biden on U.S.-Mexico Security Cooperation The White House 06 Dec 2024
Two years on, Chinese carry 'painful' memories of COVID lockdowns Radio Free Asia 06 Dec 2024 -- At the 20th party congress in October 2022, ruling Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping made it clear to the country that his hugely unpopular zero-COVID restrictions, including grueling lockdowns and the mass testing, tracking and quarantining of citizens, would remain in place for the foreseeable future.
Doctors want urgent action on DRC's yet-to-be identified disease outbreak VOA 06 Dec 2024 -- Africa's Center for Disease Control and Prevention — Africa CDC — says it is working to identify a new disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo that has claimed at least 79 lives and infected hundreds more.
'War on drugs has failed, completely and utterly': UN human rights chief UN News 05 Dec 2024 -- The UN human rights chief has called on leaders and international stakeholders to radically rethink global drug policy, stating that the decades-long "War on Drugs" approach has "destroyed countless lives and damaged entire communities".
Interpol operation seizes 3,400 bombs in South America VOA 05 Dec 2024 -- The International Criminal Police Organization — or Interpol — announced Thursday that an operation involving law enforcement from nine South American countries has resulted in the arrest of 45 people and the seizure of more than 3,000 homemade bombs and tons of explosive material linked to regional criminal groups.
Reward Increased Up to $15 Million for Information Leading to Arrest and/or Conviction of Cartel Leader US Dept. of State 04 Dec 2024 -- Today, the U.S. Department of State is announcing a reward offer increase under the Narcotics Rewards Program (NRP) of up to $15 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Mexican national Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as "El Mencho."
Chinese hackers still lurk in US telecommunications systems VOA 03 Dec 2024 -- Chinese hackers blamed for compromising U.S. telecommunications infrastructure and spying on American presidential campaigns and American officials are still entrenched in those systems, according to senior U.S. officials who warn it could be years before the hackers are kicked out.
Security Council ISIL (Da'esh), Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee Amends Three Entries on Its Sanctions List UN Security Council 02 Dec 2024 -- On 2 December 2024, the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning ISIL (Da'esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities enacted the amendments specified with strikethrough and/or underline in the entries below on its ISIL

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December 2024 Security News