February 2025 Security News

Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS Convenes Twenty-First Finance Working Group Meeting US Treasury 28 Feb 2025 -- Earlier this month, the United States, Italy, and Saudi Arabia convened virtually the 21st meeting of the Counter ISIS Finance Group (CIFG), a working group of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. The U.S. Departments of the Treasury and State jointly represented the United States at this event, which took place February 4 - 5 and included more than 30 member states and observers.
Minneapolis Man Arrested for Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS US Dept. of Justice 28 Feb 2025 -- Abdisatar Ahmed Hassan was arrested yesterday and charged by criminal complaint with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.
U.S. Arrest Of Tajik Suspect Highlights Mounting Islamic State Concerns RFE/RL 28 Feb 2025 -- The arrest of a Tajik man in New York charged with sending money to the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group adds to a growing list of citizens of the Central Asian nation accused of plotting or carrying out terrorist attacks in recent years.
High-Ranking Member of Violent Mexican Drug Cartel Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking Conspiracy US Dept. of Justice 28 Feb 2025 -- A Mexican national and high-ranking, violent member of the Los Zetas cartel pleaded guilty today to conspiring to manufacture and distribute large quantities of cocaine and marijuana destined for the United States.
Secretary Rubio's Meeting with High-Level Mexican Security Delegation US Dept. of State 28 Feb 2025
Statement from the Press Secretary The White House 28 Feb 2025
Iran condemns deadly bombing in Pakistan, stresses regional unity to fight terror Press TV 28 Feb 2025 -- Iran has condemned a deadly terrorist bombing at a religious seminary in northwestern Pakistan.
Prominent religious leader among 4 killed in northwest Pakistan bombing Press TV 28 Feb 2025 -- At least four people, including a prominent religious-political leader, have been killed and 20 others injured in a bomb attack during Friday prayers at a religious seminary in northwestern Pakistan.
Deadly Blast Rocks Pro-Taliban Seminary In Pakistan RFE/RL 28 Feb 2025 -- A powerful explosion at a seminary in northwestern Pakistan has killed at least seven people, including a top cleric.
Suicide bombing at Pakistan religious seminary kills senior cleric, others VOA 28 Feb 2025 -- Police in northwestern Pakistan said Friday a suicide bomber detonated himself during afternoon prayers at the Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary, killing at least six worshipers and wounding more than a dozen others.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi Announces 29 Wanted Defendants from Mexico Taken into U.S. Custody US Dept. of Justice 27 Feb 2025 -- Today, the United States secured custody of 29 defendants from Mexico who are facing charges in districts around the country relating to racketeering, drug-trafficking, murder, illegal use of firearms, money laundering, and other crimes.
Possible Kurdish-Turkish peace could be bad news for Islamic State VOA 27 Feb 2025 -- There is hope in Washington that the decision by the leader of a Turkey-based, U.S.-designated terror group to ask its factions to lay down their arms could ease tensions with Ankara and facilitate efforts to counter remnants of the Islamic State terror group.
Former Navy Sailor Pleads Guilty to Plotting to Attack Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago US Dept. of Justice 27 Feb 2025 -- A former Navy sailor has pleaded guilty in federal court in Chicago to plotting to attack Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago, Illinois, purportedly on behalf of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
North Korean hackers behind largest ever financial theft Radio Free Asia 27 Feb 2025 -- The largest known financial heist in history has been perpetrated by a North Korean state-backed hacker group, according to experts.
DR Congo: WHO tracks deadly mysterious illness UN News 27 Feb 2025 -- Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) are carrying out further investigations to determine the cause of another cluster of illness and deaths in Équateur province, UN officials reported on Thursday.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with premiers to discuss the Canada-U.S. relationship and Canada's fight against fentanyl Prime Minister of Canada 26 Feb 2025 -- Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met virtually with Canada's premiers to discuss Canada-U.S. relations and Canada's fight against fentanyl. The Prime Minister was joined by the Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs, Dominic LeBlanc, the Minister of Public Safety, David J. McGuinty, and Canada's Fentanyl Czar, Kevin Brosseau. The Prime Minister and the premiers welcomed the new Premier of Prince Edward Island, Rob Lantz, to the First Ministers' table and thanked the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, Andrew Furey, for his contributions.
Hegseth Visits Guantanamo Bay, Engages With Troops DoD News 26 Feb 2025 -- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth traveled to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, yesterday, where he took time to speak to service members who are currently supporting the illegal alien holding operations being led by the Department of Homeland Security.
Trump $5 million 'gold card' plan sparks immigration confusion VOA 26 Feb 2025 -- Immigration law experts expressed confusion on Wednesday, the day after President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would begin selling a gold card visa for $5 million that would allow wealthy foreigners to live and work in the U.S. and provide them with "a route to citizenship."
Nigeria's counterterrorism center warns of threats, launches review of strategy VOA 26 Feb 2025 -- Nigeria's National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) warns that terrorist groups are getting more sophisticated — using new technologies and exploiting political and economic grievances to expand their operations. In response, authorities have launched a review of the national anti-terrorism strategy to address emerging threats.
Tajik National Arrested in Brooklyn for Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIS US Dept. of Justice 26 Feb 2025 -- Mansuri Manuchekhri, 33, of Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, New York, was arrested today for allegedly conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) and to the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), possessing firearms while unlawfully in the United States, and immigration fraud. Manuchekhri was arrested today and made his initial appearance this afternoon in the Eastern District of New York.
Fourth Round of Pakistan-Japan Counter-Terrorism Consultations Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 26 Feb 2025 -- The 4th Round of Pakistan-Japan Counter-Terrorism Consultations was convened in Tokyo on 26 February 2025. The Pakistan delegation was led by Additional Secretary (UN), Nabeel Munir, while the Japanese side was led by Ambassador in charge of International Cooperation for Countering Terrorism and International Organized Crime of Japan, Minami Hiroyuki.
Pentagon chief tours Guantanamo Bay as more detainees arrive VOA 25 Feb 2025 -- More migrants slated for deportation from the United States arrived Tuesday at the detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, under the watchful eye of U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Barrio Azteca Gang Leader and Member Extradited from Mexico to the United States to Face Charges Related to 2010 U.S. Consulate Murders in Juarez US Dept. of Justice 24 Feb 2025 -- Two alleged members of the Barrio Azteca (BA), a transnational criminal organization allied with the Juarez Cartel, were extradited from Mexico to the United States to face charges related to the March 2010 murders of U.S. Consulate employees in Juarez, Mexico.
Jaish al-Adl terror group claims responsibility for bomb attack in southeast Iran Press TV 22 Feb 2025 -- The so-called Jaish al-Adl terrorist group has claimed responsibility for a bomb attack in Iran's southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan province against the office of a major foundation responsible for providing housing for the deprived and construction of urban housing units.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with President of the United States of America Donald J. Trump Prime Minister of Canada 22 Feb 2025 -- The Prime Minister and the President of the United States spoke today about the war in Ukraine, ahead of Monday's virtual G7 meeting. The Prime Minister also updated the President about shared progress at the Canada-U.S. border combatting fentanyl, including the work of Canada's new Fentanyl Czar and Canada's listing of cartels. The Prime Minister noted seizures of fentanyl at the border have decreased.
Kentucky National Guard adapts to shifting weather threats Army News 21 Feb 2025 -- The Kentucky National Guard continues its response efforts for the ongoing severe winter storm crisis, deploying 256 service members — mostly on state active duty — to assist communities across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Indiana National Guard Aids Kentucky Flood Response Army News 21 Feb 2025 -- Four Indiana National Guard Soldiers with the 38th Infantry Division's combat aviation brigade helped their southern neighbors in Kentucky with flood relief efforts.
Rubio highlights emerging terror threat in Afghanistan VOA 21 Feb 2025 -- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested late Thursday there are ungoverned regions in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan that provide opportunities for extremist groups to operate.
US states push back against possible election security changes VOA 21 Feb 2025 -- Moves by U.S. President Donald Trump to potentially gut programs aimed at supporting election security are not sitting well with key state election officials, who are now asking the Trump administration to reconsider.
In CPAC remarks, White House national security adviser pledges crackdown on Mexican cartels VOA 21 Feb 2025 -- Politicians, media personalities and conservative activists gathered outside Washington on Friday for the second day of a conference featuring a range of political allies of President Donald Trump.
Armed Drug Cartel Member Sentenced to Over 20 Years in Prison for Trafficking Hundreds of Kilos of Cocaine and Methamphetamine US Dept. of Justice 21 Feb 2025 -- A Mexican national and armed member of the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) was sentenced today in the District of Columbia to 20 years and 10 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy that distributed large quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine destined for the United States.
Security Council ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee Removes One Entry from Its Sanctions List UN Security Council 21 Feb 2025 -- On 21 February 2025, 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 removed the entry below from the ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List after concluding its consideration of the de-listing request for this name submitted through the Office of the Ombudsperson established pursuant to Security Council resolution 1904 (2009), and of the Comprehensive Report of the Ombudsperson on this de-listing request.
Mexico's president calls for constitutional reform to protect nation's sovereignty VOA 20 Feb 2025 -- Mexico's president said Thursday that she would propose constitutional reforms to protect her country's sovereignty, after the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump designated eight Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
Trump loyalist Kash Patel takes helm of FBI VOA 20 Feb 2025 -- The Trump administration's makeover of the United States' national security and law enforcement agencies took a major step forward Thursday, with Senate lawmakers voting 51-49 to confirm Kash Patel as the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
ICYMI: Secretary Noem Deputized State Department Officials as Immigration Officers DHS 20 Feb 2025 -- On Tuesday, Secretary Noem signed a memorandum deputizing up to 600 special agents within the State Department's Diplomatic Security Service across the country to help with arresting and deporting illegal immigrants.
President: Mexico won't accept US 'invasion' in fight against cartels Press TV 20 Feb 2025 -- Mexico has said it shall never tolerate an "invasion" of its national sovereignty by the United States under the pretense of fighting drug cartels.
Law Enforcement Cooperation Between United States and Mexico Results in Mexican Takedown of Cartel-Linked Alien Smugglers US Dept. of Justice 20 Feb 2025 -- Last night, extensive bilateral cooperation between the United States and Mexico resulted in the Mexico Attorney General's Office "Fiscalía General de la República" (FGR) conducting a significant enforcement operation to dismantle a prolific transnational alien smuggling organization operating in Juarez, Chihuahua, along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Terrorist Designations of International Cartels US Dept. of State 20 Feb 2025 -- Today, the State Department is fulfilling one of President Trump's first promises since he took office. I'm pleased to announce the Department's designation of eight organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs).
Designation of International Cartels US Dept. of State 20 Feb 2025 -- The United States remains committed to protecting our nation, the American people, and our hemisphere by stopping the campaigns of violence and terror committed by international cartels and transnational organizations.
Pakistan-EU Hold Counter Terrorism Dialogue Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Feb 2025 -- Pakistan and the European Union held their ninth Counter-Terrorism Dialogue in Brussels, on 20 February 2025. The two delegations discussed cooperation on counter-terrorism, as part of their wider engagement on Security matters in the framework of the 2019 Strategic Engagement Plan.
Department of Defense Chief of Staff Joseph Kasper Statement on U.S. NORTHCOM Commander Gen. Gregory M. Guillot's Meeting With General Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, Secretary of National Defense of Mexico (Defensa) Regarding Cooperative Activities Along the United States and Mexico Border DoD 19 Feb 2025 -- General Gregory M. Guillot, Commander, US Northern Command, and General Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, Secretary of National Defense of Mexico (Defensa), met recently to discuss cooperation on security along the Mexico and U.S. border.
Second Round of Pakistan-UK Counter Terrorism Dialogue (London, 17-18 February 2025) Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 19 Feb 2025 -- The 2nd Round of Pakistan-United Kingdom Counter Terrorism Dialogue took place in London from 17-18 February, 2025. The Pakistan delegation was led by Mr. Abdul Hameed, Director General for Counter-Terrorism, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the United Kingdom's side was headed by Ms. Kitty Jenkins, Joint Director for National Security, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
As Peace Gets Pushed Further from Reach, Dark Spirit of Impunity for Terrorism Spreads, Multilateral Solutions Key UN Security Council 18 Feb 2025 -- Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres' remarks to the UN Security Council open debate on the maintenance of international peace and security: practicing multilateralism, reforming and improving global governance, in New York today:
US 'border czar' unhappy with pace of migrant arrests VOA 16 Feb 2025 -- U.S. President Donald Trump's "border czar" said Sunday he is "not happy" with the number of undocumented migrants being arrested by immigration agents and deported to their home countries.
US counterterror official warns of growing global threat VOA 15 Feb 2025 -- A senior U.S. counterterrorism official is cautioning that the threat from global jihadists has expanded significantly, although the resources to counter them have declined.
Trump administration moves quickly with mass deportation plans VOA 15 Feb 2025 -- Since taking office, U.S. President Donald Trump has declared illegal immigration a national emergency. The Trump administration has ramped up its mass deportation efforts, expanding the use of expedited removal and using Guantanamo Bay as a detention site for certain migrants.
Keeping Education Accessible and Ending Covid-19 Vaccine Mandates in Schools The White House 15 Feb 2025
Convicted Russian Cybercriminal Returns To Russia After Release Of American RFE/RL 14 Feb 2025 -- Confessed Russian cybercriminal Aleksandr Vinnik, who was released by the United States in a swap for an American citizen held by Russia for more than three years, has arrived in Moscow.
Intelligence agencies close in on Islamic State caliph VOA 14 Feb 2025 -- A growing number of countries think they have unmasked the man running the Islamic State terror group's global operations.
DOD Prepares Invitation to Bring Back Troops Separated for Refusing COVID Vaccine DoD News 14 Feb 2025 -- Over the course of 500 days, beginning in 2021, nearly 8,000 active duty and reserve service members were involuntarily separated from service for refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Many others left voluntarily to avoid the vaccine mandate.
Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Prohibits Federal Funding for COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates in Schools The White House 14 Feb 2025
2nd meeting of the India - Tanzania Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter Terrorism (February 12 - 13, 2025) India MEA 14 Feb 2025 -- India and Tanzania held the 2nd meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter Terrorism on 12-13 February 2025 in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.
COVID-19 epidemiological update – 13 February 2025 WHO
Pennsylvania Guard Civil Support Team Polishes Skills Army News 13 Feb 2025 -- Soldiers and Airmen from the Pennsylvania National Guard's 3rd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team trained Feb. 3-7 at the Lancaster County Public Safety Training Center.
Top Northcom, NORAD Officer Highlights Trio of Homeland Security Concerns During Senate Testimony DoD News 13 Feb 2025 -- U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command's most senior leader pointed out three topics that have "direct implications for homeland defense" during a posture hearing today before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Capitol Hill.
INTERPOL WASHINGTON AND CANADA SIGN HISTORIC PARTNERSHIP TO COMBAT TREN DE ARAGUA US Dept. of Justice 13 Feb 2025 -- INTERPOL Washington Director Jeffrey A. Grimming and National Central Bureau Ottawa Director Marie-Josee Homsy have signed a historic Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) to strengthen cross-border law enforcement collaboration against Tren de Aragua (TdA), one of the world's most dangerous transnational criminal organizations.
Number of accused 'high-threat' migrants at Guantanamo Bay rising VOA 13 Feb 2025 -- The U.S. military is now housing about 68 detainees at its prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as part of an effort to assist the Department of Homeland Security with mass deportations.
Daesh claims responsibility for deadly bombing attack in northern Afghanistan Press TV 12 Feb 2025 -- The Daesh terrorist group in Afghanistan has claimed responsibility for the latest bombing attack that left at least five people dead and several others injured in the country's northern province of Kunduz.
Security Council Press Statement on Terrorist Attack in Afghanistan UN Security Council 12 Feb 2025
CMF's Combined Task Force 150 Carries Out First Drug Interdiction with New Zealand In Command CENTCOM 12 Feb 2025 -- A U.S. Coast Guard fast-response cutter, working in direct support of New Zealand-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 of Combined Maritime Forces, seized nearly 2,400 kilograms of illegal drugs from a vessel in the Arabian Sea, Feb. 7.
Royal New Zealand Navy frigate sails to disrupt terrorist, criminal, activities in Middle East New Zealand Defence Force 12 Feb 2025 -- Denying terrorist and criminal organisations the funds to conduct illicit activities will be the primary aim of HMNZS Te Kaha, which sailed from Devonport Naval Base today for the Middle East region.
Assessment of the terrorist threat 2025 Swedish Security Service 12 Feb 2025 -- The terrorist threat to Sweden has been assessed as primarily stemming from violent Islamist, or violent right-wing extremist ideology. This was reported by the National Centre for Terrorist Threat Assessment (NCT) in its annual assessment for 2025.
US funding cuts threaten global health response, WHO chief warns UN News 12 Feb 2025 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed deep concern over the impact of US funding cuts on critical global health initiatives, warning they pose a direct threat to public health efforts worldwide.
WHO faces communication challenges on bird flu after U.S. withdrawal People's Daily 12 Feb 2025 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) said Tuesday that communication with the United States regarding the ongoing bird flu outbreak has become increasingly difficult as a result of the country's withdrewal from the UN health agency.
US warns citizens of potential terror threats at key mosque in Pakistan's capital VOA 12 Feb 2025 -- The United States advised its citizens Wednesday to steer clear of a popular mosque in Pakistan's capital due to potential terrorist threats.
U.S. To Release Russian Cybercriminal As Part Of Prisoner Exchange: Reports RFE/RL 12 Feb 2025 -- The United States is releasing a confessed Russian cybercriminal as part of a deal with the Kremlin that set American teacher Marc Fogel free, reports said.
Further cyber sanctions in response to Medibank Private cyberattack Australia DOD 12 Feb 2025 -- The Albanese Government has imposed additional cyber sanctions in response to the 2022 cyberattack against Medibank Private.
Sanctioning Key Infrastructure Enabling Russia-Based Ransomware Attacks US Dept. of State 11 Feb 2025 -- In coordination with Australia and the United Kingdom, the United States is today sanctioning Zservers, a Russia-based bulletproof hosting (BPH) services provider, and two Russian nationals serving as Zservers operators, for their roles in supporting LockBit ransomware attacks.
United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom Jointly Sanction Key Infrastructure that Enables Ransomware Attacks US Treasury 11 Feb 2025 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the United Kingdom's Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office are jointly designating Zservers, a Russia-based bulletproof hosting (BPH) services provider, for its role in supporting LockBit ransomware attacks.
New UK sanctions target Russian cybercrime network UK FCDO 11 Feb 2025 -- A key Russian cybercrime syndicate responsible for aiding merciless ransomware attacks around the world has been targeted by new UK sanctions.
High-Ranking Affiliate of Sinaloa Cartel Charged with Drug Conspiracy in Chicago US Dept. of Justice 11 Feb 2025 -- A grand jury in Chicago returned an indictment yesterday charging a high-ranking affiliate of the Sinaloa Cartel for allegedly manufacturing and distributing fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and other drugs and importing them into the United States.
U.S. dairy worker infected with new virus strain of bird flu People's Daily 11 Feb 2025 -- The United States has confirmed its first human case with a new strain of the bird flu virus in a diary worker, health authorities said Monday.
UN Security Council raises alarm over rising IS-K threat from Afghanistan VOA 10 Feb 2025 -- United Nations counterterrorism officials warned during a Security Council meeting Monday that an Islamic State affiliate in Afghanistan remains a significant threat to regional and global security.
Security Council hears of persistent and evolving Da'esh threat UN News 10 Feb 2025 -- The terrorist group Da'esh, also known as ISIL, remains a serious global security threat despite years of sustained efforts to dismantle its operations, UN counter-terrorism officials warned during a Security Council meeting on Monday.
Noting Terrorist Groups' Resilience, UN Counter-Terrorism Chief Tells Security Council Lasting Global Collaboration Key to Address Conditions Conducive to Lawlessness UN Security Council 10 Feb 2025 -- The resilience of terrorist groups underscores the need for sustained international collaboration and comprehensive, long-term responses that address the conditions conducive to terrorism, the Security Council heard today during a briefing on the threat posed by Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh).
The UK remains committed to achieving justice for survivors of Daesh crimes: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 10 Feb 2025 -- Statement by Fergus Eckersley, UK Minister Counsellor, at the UN Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.
Cyber-Defence Campus of the DDPS identifies vulnerabilities in collision warning system of civil aviation Federal Council - Swiss Government 10 Feb 2025 -- The Cyber-Defence Campus of the DDPS has found two vulnerabilities in the collision warning system "Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) II" of civil aviation. On 21 January 2025, the detected and published vulnerabilities were classified by the American Cyber Defence Agency CISA and the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) of the USA as moderate to severe.
MONEYVAL calls on Guernsey to step up efforts against money laundering Council of Europe 10 Feb 2025 -- The Council of Europe's anti-money laundering body, MONEYVAL, has published a report urging Guernsey to improve the investigation, prosecution and conviction of money laundering offences whilst also highlighting Guernsey's good understanding of the risks of money laundering/terrorist financing and its highly effective application of targeted financial sanctions.
Second Round of Pakistan-Turkiye Counter Terrorism Consultations Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 10 Feb 2025 -- The second round of Pakistan-Turkiye Counter-Terrorism Consultations was held in Islamabad on 10 February 2025. The Pakistan delegation was led by Director General for Counter Terrorism, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abdul Hameed and the Turkish side was headed by Director General for Intelligence and Security, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkiye, Ambassador Kenan Yilmaz.
US Justice Department disbands teams investigating corruption, election interference VOA 08 Feb 2025 -- The U.S. Department of Justice will refocus much of its staff and resources on the "total elimination" of drug cartels and transnational criminal organizations in the United States while disbanding units dedicated to prosecuting white-collar crime and kleptocrats and tracking foreign efforts to influence U.S. elections.
Trump administration sends third flight of detainees to Guantanamo VOA 08 Feb 2025 -- The top U.S. homeland security official got a firsthand look at the detention center at Guantanamo Bay, visiting the U.S. naval base in Cuba on Friday, posting video of what appears to be a third flight of "high-threat illegal aliens" to arrive at the facility.
U.S. Navy Leaders Observe Joint Task Force Southern Guard Operations US Navy Press Release 07 Feb 2025 -- Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, Commander U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet, and Rear Adm. John Hewitt, Commander, Navy Region Southeast, visited Joint Task Force Southern Guard onboard Naval Station Guantanamo Bay (NSGB) February 5 and 6, as the Joint Task Force prepares to receive illegal aliens from the United States. Sardiello and Hewitt accompanied Adm. Alvin Holsey, Commander, U.S. Southern Command, during the visit.
US homeland security leader official set to visit Guantanamo Bay VOA 07 Feb 2025 -- The top U.S. homeland security official was set to get a firsthand look at the detention center at Guantanamo Bay, visiting the U.S. naval base in Cuba a day after sending a second flight of "high-threat illegal aliens" to be held there.
Historical precedent, legal questions swirl around Trump plan to detain migrants at Guantanamo VOA 07 Feb 2025 -- The Trump administration's expansion of migrant detention facilities, notably its use of the U.S. naval station at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, has reignited debate among human rights advocates and legal experts.
From Oligarchs To Cartels: The U.S. Reshapes Global Law Enforcement RFE/RL 07 Feb 2025 -- The decision by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi on day 1 of her new job to shut down a special unit focusing on seizing Russian oligarchs' assets reflects the dramatically shifting priorities in international law enforcement under the new administration of Donald Trump.
U.S. Attorney General Ends Task Force Targeting Assets Of Russian Oligarchs RFE/RL 07 Feb 2025 -- The U.S. Justice Department is disbanding a program aimed at seizing the assets of Russian oligarchs started after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Defense Secretary Says Enlisted Morale Is High at Southern Border DoD News 05 Feb 2025 -- During a media interview today, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said morale is high among U.S. troops currently assisting with enforcement operations at the southern border because they are supporting the strengthening of their own country.
US deportation flight carrying undocumented Indian migrants lands in Punjab VOA 05 Feb 2025 -- A U.S. deportation flight carrying Indian nationals accused of entering the U.S. illegally landed in the northern state of Punjab Wednesday - the first such flight to India since the Trump administration launched a crackdown on undocumented immigrants.
Bosnia and Herzegovina urged to strengthen efforts against money laundering and terrorist financing Council of Europe 05 Feb 2025 -- The Council of Europe's anti-money laundering body MONEYVAL has released a report urging Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) to improve its measures to combat money laundering (ML) and terrorist financing (TF).
Department of Defense Announces Arrival of High-Threat Illegal Aliens at Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility DoD 05 Feb 2025 -- The Department of Defense announced the arrival of 10 high-threat illegal aliens to the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba yesterday.
10 'high-threat illegal aliens' arrive at Guantanamo Bay VOA 05 Feb 2025 -- The first undocumented migrants — described by U.S. officials as the "the worst of the worst" — are being held in jail cells at the U.S. detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, waiting to be sent home.
Guatemala will accept 40% more deportation flights from US VOA 05 Feb 2025 -- Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Wednesday U.S. plans to support Guatemala with new infrastructure projects and to sign waivers on foreign aid to strengthen the United States' partnership with the Central American country.
White Supremacist Leader Found Guilty of Conspiring to Destroy Regional Power Grid US Dept. of Justice 04 Feb 2025 -- After a six-day trial, a jury found Brandon Russell, 29, of Orlando, Florida, guilty of conspiracy to damage an energy facility.
'High threat' undocumented migrants sent to Guantanamo VOA 04 Feb 2025 -- A small number of migrants were transferred from Texas to a detention facility in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on Tuesday via U.S. military aircraft, U.S. defense officials told VOA.
Rubio pledges US support for Costa Rica's fight against cyberattacks, drug trafficking VOA 04 Feb 2025 -- Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday pledged U.S. support to bolster Costa Rica's cybersecurity defenses, 5G telecommunications infrastructure, and its battle against narcotics.
Massachusetts Member of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula Sentenced to 44 Years in Prison for Terrorism Offenses US Dept. of Justice 04 Feb 2025 -- Minh Quang Pham, also known as "Amim", 41, of Massachusetts, was sentenced today to 44 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release for attempted suicide bombing in alliance with al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Counter-Terrorism: The European Union and the UK hold second Dialogue in London European External Action Service (EEAS) 04 Feb 2025 -- The second EU-UK Counter-Terrorism Dialogue took place in London on 4 February 2025, strengthening the UK and EU's strategic cooperation on counter-terrorism.
European Union and UK hold second Counter-Terrorism Dialogue in London UK FCDO 04 Feb 2025 -- The second EU-UK Counter-Terrorism Dialogue took place in London on 4 February 2025, strengthening the UK and EU's strategic cooperation on counter-terrorism.
Lithuanian Armed Forces Cyber Defence Command has been kicked off against next generation threats Lithuania MND 04 Feb 2025 -- February 4, the Cyber Defence Command of the Lithuanian Armed Forces has been inaugurated at a ceremony in Vilnius. The new command will strengthen the defensive capabilities of the Lithuanian Armed Forces in cyber domain, plan and execute cyber operations, integrate strategic and operational level communications and IT systems.
Russian War Commander Killed In Moscow Blast -- Was It An Inside Job Or Kyiv? RFE/RL 04 Feb 2025 -- Hours after an explosion at an upscale Moscow apartment complex killed the founder of a unit fighting on Russia's side in the war against Ukraine, it was unclear who was behind the blast, but two theories immediately came to the fore.
Groundbreaking Ebola vaccination trial launches today in Uganda WHO 03 Feb 2025 -- In a global first, Uganda's Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners today launched a first-ever clinical efficacy trial for a vaccine from Ebola from the Sudan species of the virus, and at an unprecedented speed for a randomized vaccine trial, in an emergency.
Uganda begins Ebola vaccine trial VOA 03 Feb 2025 -- Uganda began a vaccine trial Monday against the Sudan strain of Ebola that has killed one person in the outbreak declared last week.
U.S. Army South leads joint task force in support of illegal alien holding operation in Guantanamo Bay US Army 03 Feb 2025 -- At the direction of the President of the United States, and in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Defense, U.S. Army South (USARSOUTH) has assumed responsibility as the lead Joint Task Force for ongoing illegal alien holding operations at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Defense Secretary Says Full Control of Southern Border Equals 'Mission Accomplishment' DoD News 03 Feb 2025 -- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth today said that full control of the southern border is the goal of the current administration and all of the intergovernmental agencies working to enforce border security.
Progress on the Situation at Our Northern Border The White House 03 Feb 2025
Progress on the Situation At Our Southern Border The White House 03 Feb 2025
China condemns US tariffs, saying fentanyl is 'America's problem' Radio Free Asia 03 Feb 2025 -- China expressed "strong dissatisfaction and opposition" to U.S. President Donald Trump's imposition of a 10% tariff on all Chinese imports and vowed to take "corresponding countermeasures."
Trump Orders First Military Action Of New Term, Targets IS Affiliates In Somalia RFE/RL 02 Feb 2025 -- U.S. President Donald Trump said he ordered military strikes on a senior "attack planner" of the Islamic State (IS) extremist group in Somalia who had been hiding with other members in the impoverished and unsteady East African nation.
U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting ISIS-Somalia AFRICOM 01 Feb 2025 -- In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted airstrikes against ISIS-Somalia on Feb. 1, 2025.

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February 2025 Security News