March 2025 Security News

Trump sends more migrants to El Salvador prisons despite court dispute Press TV 31 Mar 2025 -- The United States has deported more migrants to El Salvador despite a court order disputing the legality of the move.
More Foreign Gang Terrorists Deported Out of America US Dept. of State 31 Mar 2025 -- Last night, in a successful counter-terrorism operation with our allies in El Salvador, the United States military transferred a group of 17 violent criminals from the Tren de Aragua and MS-13 organizations, including murderers and rapists.
Treasury Sanctions Criminal Operators and Money Launderers for the Notorious Sinaloa Cartel US Treasury 31 Mar 2025 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated six individuals and seven entities involved in a money laundering network supporting the Sinaloa Cartel, one of the most notorious and violent drug trafficking organizations in the world, and a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).
Over 300 student visas revoked as the U.S. cracks down on pro-Palestinian activism IRNA 29 Mar 2025 -- The United States has revoked the visas of over 300 foreign students for their involvement in pro-Palestinian protests at university campuses across the country.
Virginia National Guard Aviation Crews Train on Firefighting Army News 28 Mar 2025 -- Virginia National Guard aviation crews assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment, 29th Infantry Division, trained on aerial fire suppression with UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters equipped with water buckets during a prescribed burn.
Former Colombian Navy Lieutenant Sentenced to 15 Years for Helping Sell Locations of Navy Drug Interdiction Vessels to International Drug Traffickers US Dept. of Justice 28 Mar 2025 -- On Wednesday, Cesar Augusto Romero Caballero, of Colombia, was sentenced to 15 years in prison by U.S. District Court Judge James Moody Jr. for conspiracy to distribute cocaine having reasonable cause to believe it would be unlawfully imported into the United States. Romero Caballero pleaded guilty on April 8, 2024.
At least 6 noncitizen university students detained across U.S. People's Daily 28 Mar 2025 -- At least six noncitizen students studying in U.S. higher education have been detained by federal agents so far in March.
Rubio: US has revoked 'more than 300' visas over pro-Palestine advocacy Press TV 28 Mar 2025 -- The United States keeps cracking down on pro-Palestinian activists and demonstrations amid Washington's talk of a new wave of visa revocations for "disruptive actions," so to speak.
Sanctioning Evasion Network Supporting Hizballah Finance Operations US Dept. of State 28 Mar 2025-- The United States is today designating a Lebanon-based sanctions evasion network that supports Hizballah's finance team, which oversees commercial projects and oil smuggling networks that generate revenue for Hizballah.
Treasury Targets Hizballah Finance Team Sanctions Evasion Network US Treasury 28 Mar 2025 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating five individuals and three associated companies involved in a Lebanon-based sanctions evasion network supporting the Hizballah finance team. The Hizballah finance team manages a variety of lucrative commercial projects and oil smuggling networks, often in conjunction with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps - Qods Force (IRGC-QF), to generate and transfer revenue for Hizballah.
South Carolina National Guard Fights Upstate Wildfires Army News 27 Mar 2025 -- Following a successful fire suppression support mission in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina National Guard aviation units are helping control wildfires in the Upstate.
Suspected hacking into Foreign Service's remote access service Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland 27 Mar 2025 -- After unusual activity was noticed in the Foreign Service's remote access service, the initial investigation confirmed a suspected hacking incident. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has blocked the use of the service and made a request for an investigation to the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation.
Security Council Press Statement on Terrorist Attack in Niger UN Security Council 27 Mar 2025
Combined Drug Operation Seizes Six Tons of Cocaine in Gulf of Guinea AFRICOM 27 Mar 2025 -- In a significant combined operation, the French Navy seized over six tons of cocaine from a fishing vessel in the Gulf of Guinea on Saturday, March 15.
Justice Department Disrupts Hamas Terrorist Financing Scheme Through Seizure of Cryptocurrency US Dept. of Justice 27 Mar 2025 -- The Court-Authorized Seizure Interdicts Cryptocurrency Valued at Approximately $200,000 Intended to Support the Terrorist Activities of Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya (Hamas)
US agents conduct 'off campus' arrest of Iranian PhD student Press TV 27 Mar 2025 -- US immigration agents have conducted an "off campus" arrest, detaining an Iranian doctoral student.
US immigration agents snatch pro-Palestine PhD student off street in Boston Press TV 27 Mar 2025 -- Agents of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have detained a PhD student in Boston after the administration of President Donald Trump terminated her student visa.
West Virginia National Guard Joins Cyber Exercise in Qatar Army News 25 Mar 2025 -- The West Virginia National Guard Cyber Protection Team - Mission Element joined over 30 cyber operators from six nations in the multinational exercise Eagle Resolve 2025 in Doha, Qatar.
Defense Contractor MORSECORP Inc. Agrees to Pay $4.6 Million to Settle Cybersecurity Fraud Allegations US Dept. of Justice 26 Mar 2025 -- MORSECORP Inc. (MORSE), of Cambridge, Massachusetts, has agreed to pay $4.6 million to resolve allegations that MORSE violated the False Claims Act by failing to comply with cybersecurity requirements in its contracts with the Departments of the Army and Air Force.
U.N. envoy rejects "politically-motivated" accusations of al-Qaeda presence in Iran IRNA 26 Mar 2025 -- Permanent Representative and Ambassador to the United Nations Amir- Sa'eed Iravani has categorically rejected allegation of the presence of al-Qaeda members on Iranian soil.
Hegseth Gives Order to Enhance Military Mission at Southern Border DoD News 25 Mar 2025 -- Service members assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border have a new directive: conduct patrols.
Niger: Mosque attack which killed 44 should be 'wake-up call', says rights chief UN News 25 Mar 2025 -- UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Tuesday condemned the recent attack on a mosque in Kokorou village, in western Niger, in which at least 44 worshippers were killed and 20 injured.
Niger: Türk says egregious mosque attack should be wake-up call OHCHR 25 Mar 2025 -- UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Tuesday condemned the recent attack on a mosque in western Niger, in which at least 44 worshippers were killed and scores injured.
Islamic State Is Evolving, But Has The World Taken Its Eyes Off The Ball? RFE/RL 25 Mar 2025 -- US-backed forces declared in 2019 that the Islamic State (IS) group had been destroyed. But as the past few years have shown, that only marked the end of its quasi-state that controlled territory in Iraq and Syria -- not the threat it continues to present.
United States Announces Plans to Extradite Three Tren de Aragua Members, Who Have Been Declared Alien Enemies, Wanted by Chile for Homicide and Kidnapping Offenses US Dept. of Justice 24 Mar 2025 -- Earlier today, the United States declared three members of Tren de Aragua (TdA) Alien Enemies and announced plans to extradite them to Chile, where they are wanted for violent crimes including homicide, kidnapping for ransom, and other offenses.
China maintains 'high-pressure' stance on fentanyl: GAC Global Times 24 Mar 2025 -- China's General Administration of Customs (GAC) said on Monday that it has adopted legal management and control and comprehensive measures to maintain a "high-pressure" stance in the investigation and seizure of fentanyl-related substances.
USS Spruance deploys to U.S. Northern Command Area of Responsibility US Navy Press Release 22 Mar 2025 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) departed Naval Base San Diego to support U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) southern border operations in the USNORTHCOM area of responsibility, March 22.
OIC General Secretariat Strongly Condemns the Terrorist Attack in Niger Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 22 Mar 2025 -- The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack perpetrated on 21 March 2025, against worshippers performing Friday prayers in the village of Fambita, located in the district of Téra, Niger, which resulted in dozens of deaths and injuries.
Iran slams terror attack on mosque in southwestern Niger Press TV 22 Mar 2025 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei has strongly condemned a terrorist attack on a mosque in southwestern Niger.
Tornado Cash Delisting US Treasury 21 Mar 2025 -- Based on the Administration's review of the novel legal and policy issues raised by use of financial sanctions against financial and commercial activity occurring within evolving technology and legal environments, we have exercised our discretion to remove the economic sanctions against Tornado Cash as reflected in Treasury's Monday filing in Van Loon v. Department of the Treasury.
Switzerland splits sanctions list on ISIL, Al-Qaida and the Taliban Federal Council - Swiss Government 21 Mar 2025 -- On 21 March, the Federal Council divided the Ordinance on Measures against Persons and Organisations with Links to Usama bin Laden, Al-Qaida or the Taliban into two separate ordinances. This decision reflects several UN Security Council resolutions. The ordinances will come into force on 15 May.
U.S. Marshals Arrest Fugitive Tren De Aragua Member for Violent Crimes US Dept. of Justice 21 Mar 2025 -- In a coordinated effort by the U.S. Marshal Service (USMS) Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force (SERFTF), USMS Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Chicago Police Department, a high-ranking member of the Venezuelan street gang Tren De Aragua (TDA) was arrested yesterday in Cobb County, Georgia.
Eighth India-EU Cyber Dialogue (March 20, 2025) India MEA 21 Mar 2025 -- The Eighth India-EU Cyber Dialogue was held on 20 March 2025 in New Delhi.
14th meeting of ADMM-Plus Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism concludes in New Delhi India PIB 21 Mar 2025 -- The 14th meeting of ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism (EWG on CT) was held in New Delhi from March 19 to 20, 2025
Attorney General Pamela Bondi Announces Severe Charges Against Violent Tesla Arsonists US Dept. of Justice 20 Mar 2025 -- Today, Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced charges against three individuals responsible for the violent destruction of Tesla properties. All three defendants will face the full force of the law for using Molotov cocktails to set fire to Tesla cars and charging stations.
Maryland MS-13 Gang Members Indicted for Murder in Aid of Racketeering US Dept. of Justice 20 Mar 2025 -- A federal grand jury has charged Manuel Erazo Alvarado, also known as Castigo, 46, and Erick Guillen Pleitez, also known as Kilo, both of Annapolis, Maryland, with murder in aid of racketeering.
India-Based Chemical Manufacturing Company and Top Employees Indicted for Unlawful Importation of Fentanyl Precursor Chemicals US Dept. of Justice 20 Mar 2025 -- An India-based chemical manufacturing company and three high-level employees were charged in federal court in Washington, D.C., today related to illegally importing precursor chemicals used to make illicit fentanyl.
High-Ranking MS-13 Leader Arraigned in Long Island Federal Court on Terrorism and Racketeering Charges After His Arrest in Mexico US Dept. of Justice 19 Mar 2025 -- Earlier today, a high-ranking leader of La Mara Salvatrucha, also known as MS-13, was arraigned on a four-count indictment charging him, along with a dozen other high-ranking MS-13 leaders, with directing the transnational criminal organization's unlawful activities in the United States, El Salvador, Mexico, and elsewhere over the past two decades.
Terrorism remains an evolving challenge, use of advanced tech necessitates collaborative & action-oriented approach, says Defence Secretary at 14th meeting of ADMM-Plus Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism India PIB 19 Mar 2025 -- "India remains steadfast in its zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and believes in an approach that combines robust domestic mechanisms, enhanced intelligence-sharing, and strong regional cooperation," said Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh during the keynote address at the 14th meeting of ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) - Plus Experts Working Group (EWG) on Counter-Terrorism in New Delhi on March 19, 2025
NATO Innovation Hackathon recognises advanced technologies for defence NATO 19 Mar 2025 -- From 11 to 18 March 2025, NATO and the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) brought together more than 60 companies from across the Alliance to compete in the first NATO Innovation Hackathon. The aim was to uncover new technological solutions to improve intelligence gathering and Unmanned Arial Vehicles (UAV) and electronic warfare system detection, including in degraded visual environments, such as at night.
Treasury Targets Mexico-Based Leader of Transnational Criminal Organization Responsible for Smuggling Thousands of Migrants Across the U.S. Southern Border US Treasury 18 Mar 2025 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Jumilca Sandivel Hernandez Perez (Hernandez Perez), a key leader of the Lopez Human Smuggling Organization (HSO), a Guatemala-based Transnational Criminal Organization responsible for the smuggling of thousands of illegal aliens from Guatemala, through Mexico, and into the United States.
Taiwan-based hacking group engages in persistent cyberattacks against Chinese mainland: cybersecurity firm Global Times 18 Mar 2025 -- China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) published an article on Monday through its official Wechat account, revealing details about four members of the "Information, Communications and Electronic Force Command" (ICEFCOM) linked to "Taiwan independence" forces. A technical expert from the Chinese cybersecurity company Qi-Anxin Group told the Global Times that APT organizations from the island of Taiwan have been persistently deploying various cyber weapons in large-scale attacks.
Mainland warns stern punishment for Taiwan's cyberattackers People's Daily 18 Mar 2025 -- A mainland spokesperson on Monday said that Taiwan's Information, Communications and Electronic Force Command (ICEFCOM) has overestimated itself while carrying out cyberattacks against the mainland, warning that such provocations will face a stern punishment.
Taiwan refutes China 'cyberattack' allegation CNA 17 Mar 2025 -- Taiwan's Information, Communications, and Electronic Force Command (ICEFCOM) on Monday rejected an allegation by China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) that it launched cyberattacks targeting China's Internet infrastructure to push a "Taiwan independence" agenda.
Mainland discloses four members of cyber force linked to Taiwan secessionist authorities; disclosure serves as a stern warning: expert Global Times 17 Mar 2025 -- China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Monday revealed four members of the "Information, Communications and Electronic Force Command" (ICEFCOM) of Taiwan island linked to Taiwan secessionists authorities, operating cyber activities against the Chinese mainland.
Ministry of State Security discloses members of 'internet army' in 'Taiwan independence' forces Global Times 17 Mar 2025 -- China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) released a statement on Monday, revealing details about four members of the "Information, Communications and Electronic Force Command" linked to "Taiwan independence" forces and warning that the internet is not beyond the reach of the law. They must recognize the situation, abandon the fantasy of "Taiwan independence," refuse to become cannon fodder for "Taiwan independence," and cease their cybercriminal activities that undermine national unity, the MSS said.
ISIL(Da'esh) and Al-Qaeda: the Council adds one entity to its autonomous list of sanctions EC/CEU 17 Mar 2025 -- The Council decided today to add Al Azaim Media Foundation to the EU autonomous list of persons, groups, undertakings and entities associated with ISIL(Da'esh) and Al-Qaeda, and therefore subject to EU restrictive measures.
US deports hundreds of Venezuelans to El Salvador despite court order to stop Press TV 17 Mar 2025 -- The administration of US President Donald Trump has transferred a large number of immigrants to El Salvador, even as a federal judge issued an order that bars the deportation.
The spread of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza calls for stepped up action, FAO says FAO 17 Mar 2025 -- Averting losses of hundreds of millions of poultry crucial to mitigate impacts on food security, nutrition and affordability of poultry products
FAO warns of 'unprecedented' avian flu spread, in call for global action UN News 17 Mar 2025 -- The rapid spread of the highly infectious avian flu virus H5N1 has reached an "unprecedented" scale, wiping out hundreds of millions of birds worldwide and increasingly spilling over into mammals, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned on Monday.
Quad Workshop on Pandemic Preparedness for the Indo-Pacific Region, New Delhi (March 17, 2025) India MEA 17 Mar 2025 -- dia, under its presidency of the Quad, is hosting the "Quad Workshop on Pandemic Preparedness for the Indo-Pacific Region" from March 17-19, 2025.
COVID-19 epidemiological update – 17 March 2025 WHO
On the President's Action to Protect Americans from Dangerous Foreign Gang Members US Dept. of State 16 Mar 2025 -- "Under the President's direction, his administration invoked the Alien Enemies Act to initiate the removal of hundreds of dangerous members of Tren de Aragua (TdA), a vicious and violent Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), which has been threatening our nation, conducting irregular warfare, and terrorizing Americans."
Statement from the Press Secretary The White House 16 Mar 2025
Statement from Attorney General Pamela Bondi on Federal Judge Blocking Deportations US Dept. of Justice 15 Mar 2025
Invocation of the Alien Enemies Act Regarding the Invasion of The United States by Tren De Aragua The White House 15 Mar 2025
USS Gravely Deploys to U.S. Northern Command Area of Responsibility US Navy 15 Mar 2025 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) departed Naval Weapons Station Yorktown for a scheduled deployment to the U.S. Northern Command Area of Responsibility (USNORTHCOM AOR), March 15. The ship will operate in U.S. and international waters.
CENTCOM Forces Kill ISIS Chief of Global Operations Who Also Served as ISIS #2 CENTCOM 14 Mar 2025 -- On March 13, U.S. Central Command forces, in cooperation with Iraqi Intelligence and Security Forces, conducted a precision airstrike in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, that killed the Global ISIS #2 leader, chief of operations and the Delegated Committee Emir - Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, alias "Abu Khadijah", and one other ISIS operative.
PH, Canada to beef up cybersecurity cooperation Philippine News Agency 14 Mar 2025 -- The Department of National Defense (DND) on Friday announced that the Philippines and Canada have agreed to beef up their cybersecurity cooperation.
New Zealand-led task force makes $NZ332-million drug bust in the Middle East New Zealand Defence Force 14 Mar 2025 -- A New Zealand-led multi-national maritime task force has made its second drug bust of the year, seizing 318kg of heroin and 83kg of methamphetamine in the Middle East with a street value of $NZ332 million.
Iraq says key Islamic State leader is dead VOA 15 Mar 2025 -- One of the Islamic State terror group's most senior leaders is dead, killed in what U.S. and Iraqi officials describe as a joint operation.
Eight GoodFellas Gang Members and Associates Charged with Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering, Including Attempted Murder US Dept. of Justice 14 Mar 2025 -- An indictment was unsealed yesterday in the Northern District of Georgia charging eight members and associates of the GoodFellas Gang for their alleged roles in a criminal enterprise engaged in attempted murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and attempted carjacking in and around Atlanta.
High-Ranking Member of Violent Mexican Drug Cartel Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking Conspiracy US Dept. of Justice 14 Mar 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.
Security Council Press Statement on Terrorist Attack in Pakistan UN Security Council 14 Mar 2025
Military says death toll in Pakistan's train hijacking rises to 31 VOA 14 Mar 2025 -- Pakistan officials confirmed Friday that 31 people, including 23 security personnel, lost their lives in Tuesday's train hijacking by armed militants in the country's restive Balochistan province.
ICE Arrests in First 50 Days of Trump Administration DHS 13 Mar 2025 -- In the first 50 days of the Trump Administration, Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) has made 32,809 enforcement arrests. To put this figure into perspective, in the entire fiscal year 2024, ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations made 33,242 of these at-large arrests.
Securing the Southern Border: Two Months of Decisive Action DoD News 13 Mar 2025 -- In the two months since President Donald J. Trump's inauguration Jan. 20, 2025, the administration has launched a multi-front campaign to secure the U.S.-Mexico border, targeting cartels, transnational criminal organizations and illegal immigration.
Homeland Security, rights group to meet in court over migrants at Guantanamo Bay VOA 13 Mar 2025 -- U.S. government lawyers are expected to face off with attorneys for civil and immigration rights groups over the use of a U.S. naval base in Cuba to hold migrants slated for deportation.
ECOWAS regional bloc activates counterterror force VOA 12 Mar 2025 -- Security analysts are praising ECOWAS, the Economic Community of West African States, for activating its regional standby force but remain doubtful about its effectiveness following the recent withdrawal of three member states.
China has never exported fentanyl-related medications to North America: NMPA Global Times 13 Mar 2025 -- In response to a media inquiry regarding the production, operation, and export management of fentanyl-related substances in China, as well as whether there is any issue of fentanyl-related substances leaking from legitimate enterprises, a spokesperson for the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) said China has never exported fentanyl-related pharmaceuticals to North America.
Treasury Sanctions Swedish Gang and Leader Serving Iranian Regime US Treasury 12 Mar 2025 -- Today, Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned the Foxtrot Network, a transnational criminal organization (TCO) primarily based in Sweden that has trafficked illicit drugs and that carried out attacks on Israelis and Jews in Europe, along with its fugitive leader Rawa Majid. In January 2024, the Foxtrot Network orchestrated an attack on the Israeli Embassy in Stockholm, Sweden, on behalf of the Government of Iran.
Sanctioning the Foxtrot Network US Dept. of State 12 Mar 2025 -- Today, the United States is sanctioning the Foxtrot Network, a transnational criminal organization, and its fugitive leader, Rawa Majid. The Foxtrot Network is a notorious criminal gang based in Sweden and a prominent drug trafficking organization in the region.
Afghanistan: Opium prices approach historic peaks, crime syndicates benefit UN News 12 Mar 2025 -- Prices for opium in Afghanistan have increased tenfold since the de facto authorities imposed a drug ban in 2022 following their takeover in Kabul, latest UN data shows.
Security Council ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee Amends Twelve Entries on Its Sanctions List UN Security Council 12 Mar 2025 -- On 11 March 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 enacted the amendments specified with strikethrough and/or underline in the entries below on its ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List of individuals and entities subject to the assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo
US clears out remaining migrants from Guantanamo Bay VOA 12 Mar 2025 -- The United States has cleared out the last migrants being held at its naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, sending them back to the U.S. mainland as they await deportation.
IS in Sahel expands terror threat beyond strongholds VOA 12 Mar 2025 -- On Feb. 24, the Moroccan counterterror agency broke up a terrorist cell calling itself "the Lions of the Caliphate in the Maghreb Al Aqsa." Authorities said the group was making remote-controlled bombs to carry out attacks in the North African country.
China willing to strengthen counterterrorism co-op with Pakistan: Chinese FM responds to Pakistan train hijack Global Times 12 Mar 2025 -- When asked by the media about Tuesday's train hijacking incident in Pakistan by a separatist militant group, which involved 450 passengers, and the successful rescue of 104 passengers by Pakistani security forces, who killed at least 16 terrorists in the process, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated, "We have noted the relevant reports and strongly condemn this terrorist attack."
Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) Issues Southwest Border Geographic Targeting Order US Treasury 11 Mar 2025 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued a Geographic Targeting Order (GTO) to further combat the illicit activities and money laundering of Mexico-based cartels and other criminal actors along the southwest border of the United States. The GTO requires all money services businesses (MSBs) located in 30 ZIP codes across California and Texas near the southwest border to file Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs) with FinCEN at a $200 threshold, in connection with cash transactions.
Regional organisations must respect and promote human rights while countering terrorism: UN expert OHCHR 11 Mar 2025 -- Dozens of regional organisations around the world play a vital role in the fight against terrorism, but they have also enabled serious human rights violations and evaded adequate scrutiny, a UN expert said today.
Troubled international situation poses a threat to Sweden Swedish Security Service 11 Mar 2025 -- Developments internationally occur quickly and could affect Swedish security. Sweden is experiencing a serious security situation, and there is a substantial risk that this situation could deteriorate.
DHS Launches CBP Home App with Self-Deport Reporting Feature DHS 10 Mar 2025 -- Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is launching the CBP Home app with a self-deportation reporting feature for aliens illegally in the country.
Canadian Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Destruction of Energy Facilities in North and South Dakota US Dept. of Justice 10 Mar 2025 -- Cameron Monte Smith, 50, a citizen of Canada, was sentenced today 150 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for two counts of destruction of an energy facility, one act in the District of North Dakota and one act in the District of South Dakota. Smith was also ordered to pay $2.1 million in restitution.
Drug traffickers running routes through war zones, top UN official warns UN News 10 Mar 2025 -- A "new black market" for synthetics and drug trafficking through war zones are fuelling instability around the world, the chief of the UN drugs and crime office said on Monday.
Secretary Kristi Noem Announces Expanded Leadership to Revamp ICE DHS 09 Mar 2025 -- Today, Secretary Kristi Noem announced new leadership to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to reinstitute a culture of results and accountability after four years of agency decay under the Biden Administration.
U.S. additional tariffs on Chinese goods under pretext of fentanyl issue groundless: commerce ministry People's Daily 08 Mar 2025 -- A Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson said on Friday that the U.S.'s decision to impose an additional 20-percent tariff on imports from China under the pretext of the fentanyl issue is groundless.
Kentucky Army Guard Assists with Flood Response Army News 07 Mar 2025 -- The Kentucky Army National Guard's 207th Engineer Construction Company helped respond to floods that damaged Eastern Kentucky, removing debris and clearing roads.
Reporting cyberattacks on critical infrastructure mandatory from 1 April Federal Council - Swiss Government 07 Mar 2025 -- At its meeting on 7 March, the Federal Council introduced a reporting obligation for cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, which will come into force on 1 April. Operators of critical infrastructure will be required to report cyberattacks to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) within 24 hours of discovery. These reports will enable the NCSC to assist victims of cyberattacks and alert operators of critical infrastructure.
DHS Ends Collective Bargaining for TSA's Transportation Security Officers, Enhancing Safety, Efficiency, and Organizational Agility DHS 07 Mar 2025 -- Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it is ending collective bargaining for the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) Transportation Security Officers, which has constrained TSA's chief mission: to safeguard our transportation systems and keep Americans safe.
Former Refugee Pleads Guilty and Admits to Supporting ISIS US Dept. of Justice 07 Mar 2025 -- A former Iraqi refugee and legal permanent resident of Richmond, Texas, has entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Notorious Violent Mexican Cartel Leader Sentenced to Life Plus 30 Years in Prison for International Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses US Dept. of Justice 07 Mar 2025 -- A U.S.-Mexican dual national and co-founder of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) — an international drug trafficking organization — was sentenced today in the District of Columbia to a term of life in prison plus 30 years to run consecutively for his role in a major drug trafficking conspiracy and ordered to forfeit over $6 billion of drug trafficking proceeds.
Garantex Cryptocurrency Exchange Disrupted in International Operation US Dept. of Justice 07 Mar 2025 -- The Justice Department announced today a coordinated action with Germany and Finland to disrupt and take down the online infrastructure used to operate Garantex, a cryptocurrency exchange that allegedly facilitated money laundering by transnational criminal organizations — including terrorist organizations — and sanctions violations. Since April 2019, Garantex has processed at least $96 billion in cryptocurrency transactions.
Wang Yi: The United States should not return good with evil on the fentanyl issue PRC MofA 07 Mar 2025 -- At the press conference on March 7, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated China's position on the fentanyl issue.
Taiwan confirms failed hacking attempts after U.S. indicts Chinese hackers CNA 06 Mar 2025 -- Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Thursday confirmed it was targeted by Chinese hackers but stressed no information was stolen, after a group of alleged Chinese hackers were indicted in the United States on Wednesday for targeting American government agencies, MOFA and several other foreign governments.
Exclusive: World's 'largest online black market' loses banking license Radio Free Asia 06 Mar 2025 -- Huione Pay, the banking arm of what's been called the world's "largest ever illicit online marketplace," has been stripped of its banking license, the National Bank of Cambodia confirmed to RFA this week.
Up to $10 Million Reward Offer for Information Leading to Arrest and/or Conviction of Canadian Narcotics Trafficker US Dept. of State 06 Mar 2025 -- Today, the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs is announcing a reward offer under the Narcotics Rewards Program (NRP) of up to $10 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction, in any country, of Canadian narcotics trafficker Ryan James Wedding.
AMENDMENT TO DUTIES TO ADDRESS THE FLOW OF ILLICIT DRUGS ACROSS OUR NORTHERN BORDER The White House 06 Mar 2025
AMENDMENT TO DUTIES TO ADDRESS THE FLOW OF ILLICIT DRUGS ACROSS OUR SOUTHERN BORDER The White House 06 Mar 2025
US practices 'thief crying stop thief,' says Chinese FM on indictment of 12 Chinese nationals over alleged cyberattacks Global Times 06 Mar 2025 -- China rejected the groundless US accusations of alleged cyberattacks and urged the US to immediately stop its wrongdoing of abusing sanctions, foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Thursday.
U.S. designation of Ansarullah as a terrorist organization bears no legitimacy: Yemeni official IRNA 06 Mar 2025 -- A senior Yemeni official has dismissed the United States designation of the Ansarullah resistance movement as a terrorist organization, saying the move has no legitimacy.
Significant seizure of illegal narcotics by HMCS Harry DeWolf as part of Operation CARIBBE Canada 06 Mar 2025 -- On March 1, 2025, His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Harry DeWolf successfully assisted a United States Coast Guard (USCG) Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) in conducting a seizure of 750 kilograms of cocaine in the Caribbean Sea.
The first EU "cyber" Council: focus on crisis management and critical infrastructure security Lithuania MND 06 Mar 2025 -- The Informal Council of the European Union Transport, Telecommunications and Energy has unanimously passed a Warsaw Call declaration on cyber defence management as an effort to strengthen EU resilience to cyber threats with the rapidly evolving technologies in mind. This was the first meeting of the EU Council on cyber security and defence.
Islamic State in retreat after offensive in Somalia's Puntland VOA 05 Mar 2025 -- One month ago, on the morning of Feb. 4, forces from Somalia's Puntland region attacked Islamic State terror group fighters, who responded with drones, suicide attacks and infantry charges.
Justice Department Charges 12 Chinese Contract Hackers and Law Enforcement Officers in Global Computer Intrusion Campaigns US Dept. of Justice 05 Mar 2025 -- The Justice Department, FBI, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and Departments of State and the Treasury announced today their coordinated efforts to disrupt and deter the malicious cyber activities of 12 Chinese nationals, including two officers of the People's Republic of China's (PRC) Ministry of Public Security (MPS), employees of an ostensibly private PRC company, Anxun Information Technology Co. Ltd. (??????????) also known as "i-Soon," and members of Advanced Persistent Threat 27 (APT27).
US charges 12 Chinese hackers and officials, offers $10M in rewards Radio Free Asia 05 Mar 2025 -- The United States on Wednesday charged 12 alleged state-backed Chinese hackers and state officials with offenses related to accessing the email accounts of Chinese dissidents and foreign governments agencies, including the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
US indicts 12 Chinese nationals in hacking-for-hire scheme VOA 05 Mar 2025 -- The U.S. Justice Department announced indictments Wednesday against 12 Chinese nationals accused in a global hacking campaign targeting U.S.-based dissidents, news organizations, government agencies and a large religious organization.
Chinese Nationals with Ties to the PRC Government and "APT27" Charged in a Computer Hacking Campaign for Profit, Targeting Numerous U.S. Companies, Institutions, and Municipalities United States Attorney for the District of Columbia 05 Mar 2025 -- A federal judge in Washington, D.C., today, unsealed two separate indictments that allege Chinese nationals Yin Kecheng, 38, (? ??) a/k/a "YKC" ("YIN") and Zhou Shuai, 45, (??) a/k/a "Coldface" ("ZHOU") violated various federal statutes by participating in years-long, sophisticated computer hacking conspiracies that successfully targeted a wide variety of U.S.-based victims from 2011 to the present-day.
Sanctions on China-Based Hacker and Data Broker US Dept. of State 05 Mar 2025 -- The Department of Justice today unsealed indictments charging Zhou Shuai and Yin Kecheng, eight employees of i-Soon, a Chinese technology company, and two officers of China's Ministry of Public Security (MPS) with a variety of hacking-related offenses.
Treasury Sanctions China-based Hacker Involved in the Compromise of Sensitive U.S. Victim Networks US Treasury 05 Mar 2025 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating Zhou Shuai, a Shanghai-based malicious cyber actor and data broker, and his company, Shanghai Heiying Information Technology Company, Limited (Shanghai Heiying). In collaboration with another malicious cyber actor, U.S.-sanctioned Yin Kecheng, Zhou Shuai illegally acquired, brokered, and sold data from highly sensitive U.S. critical infrastructure networks.
Up to $2 Million Reward Offers Each for Information Leading to Arrests and/or Convictions of Malicious Cyber Actors from China US Dept. of State 05 Mar 2025 -- Today, the Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs is announcing two reward offers under the Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program (TOCRP) of up to $2 million each for information leading to the arrests and/or convictions, in any country, of malicious cyber actors Yin KeCheng and Zhou Shuai, both Chinese nationals residing in China.
Beijing Leveraging Freelance Hackers and Information Security Companies to Compromise Computer Networks Worldwide FBI 05 Mar 2025 -- is releasing this Public Service Announcement to highlight that the Chinese government is using formal and informal connections with freelance hackers and information security () companies to compromise computer networks worldwide.
We'll Find You, Hold You Accountable: Exercise Proves U.S. Can Find Nuclear Event Perpetrators DoD News 05 Mar 2025 -- The Defense Department and a team of interagency partners led by the FBI engaged in an iteration of the Prominent Hunt exercise to validate the team's ability to gather evidence to support presidential decision-making during a nuclear attack scenario.
Defense Secretary Discusses Security at Home, Abroad Ahead of Border Visit DoD News 05 Mar 2025 -- During a media interview today, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth discussed security at the southern border and how the Defense Department is handling the threat of a potential future conflict with China.
Vance visits Mexico border, says US won't invade Mexico VOA 05 Mar 2025 -- U.S. Vice President JD Vance led a trio of White House officials on a visit Wednesday to a key crossing point on the Texas-Mexico border, where he echoed President Donald Trump's hard-line immigration push and assured Americans that U.S. forces don't plan to invade Mexico.
Announcement of a Visa Restriction Policy Targeting Foreign Officials and Others Facilitating Illegal Migration into the United States US Dept. of State 05 Mar 2025 -- "Securing our nation's borders is critically important to making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. Countries along migratory routes must do their part to prevent and deter the transit of aliens seeking to illegally enter the United States"
Alleged International Leader of MS-13 Extradited on RICO Charge US Dept. of Justice 05 Mar 2025 -- Moises Humberto Rivera-Luna, also known as Santos and Viejo Santos, 55, an alleged international leader of the violent MS-13 drug gang, made an initial appearance today in the District of Columbia following his extradition from Guatemala to the United States to face racketeering conspiracy charges.
United States Arrests ISIS-K Attack Planner for Role in Killing of U.S. Military Service Members at Abbey Gate, Afghanistan US Dept. of Justice 05 Mar 2025 -- On March 2, 2025, the United States charged Mohammad Sharifullah, also known as "Jafar," a member of the terrorist organization the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham-Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), with providing and conspiring to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization resulting in death, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2339B.
Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister Received a Call from the US National Security Advisor Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 05 Mar 2025 -- The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, received a call from the US National Security Advisor, Michael Waltz on 4th March 2025. The NSA conveyed President Trump's appreciation and thanks for Government of Pakistan's efforts in countering terrorism.
Pakistan's Arrest Of Islamic State Operative Signals Renewed U.S. Cooperation RFE/RL 05 Mar 2025 -- Pakistan's arrest of a suspected Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) operative and his extradition to the United States signals renewed counterterrorism cooperation between the two countries, experts said.
US-Pakistan capture of 'top terrorist' signals deep counterterrorism cooperation despite cold ties, experts say VOA 05 Mar 2025 -- The U.S. Justice Department presented in a federal court in Virginia the alleged mastermind of the August 2021 bombing that killed 13 U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
China releases white paper on fentanyl-related substances, stresses rigorous control People's Daily 05 Mar 2025 -- China's State Council Information Office on Tuesday released a white paper, titled "Controlling Fentanyl-Related Substances -- China's Contribution," highlighting the country's rigorous control over the chemicals.
10 Chinese Nationals Charged With Large-Scale Hacking Of U.S. And International Victims On Behalf Of The Chinese Government United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York 04 Mar 2025 -- Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Sue J. Bai, the Head of the U.S. Department of Justice's National Security Division; and Leslie R. Backschies, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI"), announced the unsealing of a two-count criminal Indictment charging 10 defendants with a years-long hacking scheme committed through the Chinese company i-Soon.
China releases white paper on fentanyl control, highlighting rigorous policy Global Times 04 Mar 2025 -- China's State Council Information Office on Tuesday released a white paper titled Controlling Fentanyl-Related Substances - China's Contribution, highlighting the country's rigorous control over these chemicals.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Remarks on China Releasing the White Paper "Controlling Fentanyl-Related Substances—China's Contribution" PRC MofA 04 Mar 2025
The U.S. formally blacklists Ansarullah, the Yemeni group resisting American dominion IRNA 04 Mar 2025 -- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced that Washington has formally designated Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO).
Washington designates Yemen's Ansarullah as 'foreign terrorist organization' Press TV 04 Mar 2025 -- The US State Department has designated Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement as a "Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO)," fulfilling one of President Donald Trump's first promises upon taking office in January.
Designation of Ansarallah as a Foreign Terrorist Organization US Dept. of State 04 Mar 2025 -- "Today, the State Department is fulfilling one of President Trump's first promises upon taking office, and I'm pleased to announce the Department's designation of Ansarallah, commonly referred to as the Houthis, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization."
Treasury Sanctions Head of Online Darknet Marketplace Tied to Fentanyl Sales US Treasury 04 Mar 2025 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Iran-based Behrouz Parsarad(Parsarad), the sole administrator of Nemesis, an online darknet marketplace, which was subject of an international law enforcement operation and was taken down in 2024.
'Rapid expansion' of synthetic drugs reshaping illicit markets, UN anti-narcotics body warns UN News 04 Mar 2025 -- Synthetic drugs are rapidly transforming the global drug trade, fuelling an escalating public health crisis, according to the UN administered International Narcotics Control Board (INCB).
Iran deputy interior minister urges enhanced anti-drug campaign with Afghanistan Press TV 03 Mar 2025 -- Iran's Deputy Interior Minister Ali Akbar Pour Jamshidian says Iran and Afghanistan should increase joint cooperation in the campaign against narcotics.
Amendment to Duties to Address the Situation at our Southern Border The White House 02 Mar 2025
Amendment to Duties to Address the Flow of Illicit Drugs across our Northern Border The White House 02 Mar 2025
DOD Statement on Deployment of Stryker Brigade Combat Team to Help Secure Our Southern Border DoD 01 Mar 2025
Pentagon Deploys Stryker Brigade, Aviation Battalion to Southern Border DoD News 01 Mar 2025 -- The Pentagon is deploying a Stryker Brigade Combat Team and a General Support Aviation Battalion to the southwestern border, accelerating efforts to fulfill President Donald J. Trump's directive to bolster military support in securing the U.S. - Mexico border.
Trump To Bolster Security At Mexican Border With 3,000 Additional Troops RFE/RL 01 Mar 2025 -- The U.S. military on March 1 said it will deploy almost 3,000 additional troops to the country's southern border with Mexico, bolstering the force there to some 9,000, as part of President Donald Trump's efforts to combat illegal immigration.

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