Daily National Security News Briefing

Hot Documents

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Russo-Ukraine War

Ukraine Conflict News

16 September 2024

Current Operations

• U.S. Withdrawal from Niger completed AFRICOM 16 Sep 2024 -- The U.S. Department of Defense and the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Niger announce that the withdrawal of U.S. forces and assets from Niger is complete.
• US base in northeastern Syria comes under rocket attack Press TV 16 Sep 2024 -- A military installation used by the occupying American forces in northeastern Syria has been reportedly targeted by a barrage of rockets.
• Yemeni forces shoot down another American spy drone, third in a week Press TV 16 Sep 2024 -- Yemeni Armed Forces have shot down another advanced American drone in support of Palestinians, who have come under a US-enabled Israeli genocide in the Gaza Strip, and in protest at Washington's aggression against Yemen.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh Holds an Off-Camera, On the Record Press Briefing DoD 16 Sep 2024
• Department of Defense & Department of Commerce Joint Statement: Announcement in Support of the Manufacture of Microelectronics and Advanced Semiconductors for National Security DoD 16 Sep 2024 -- "The Biden-Harris Administration has awarded Intel Corporation up to $3 billion in direct funding under the CHIPS and Science Act for a capability known as the 'Secure Enclave.'
• AFRICOM Leadership Visits Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti AFRICOM 16 Sep 2024 -- In a demonstration of U.S. commitment to regional stability and security, key leaders from U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) visited Camp Lemonnier to engage with U.S. troops deployed in Africa.
• AFRICOM Commander Visits Kenya AFRICOM 16 Sep 2024 -- U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, commander, U.S. Africa Command visited Kenya to further cooperation and build on the strong relationship with the Kenyan Defence Force, Sept 11-13. The command's Director of Operations, U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Claude Tudor, and Director of Intelligence, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Rose Keravuori accompanied Langley has he visited Nairobi and Manda Bay, Kenya.
• Allvin lauds Airmen for embracing, pushing forward efforts to reoptimize the force US Air Force 16 Sep 2024 -- Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin delivered a clear and unambiguous message about the future of the service during a high-profile keynote address, Sept. 16.
• DAF adapting, modernizing in today's warfighting environment US Air Force 16 Sep 2024 -- Department of the Air Force senior leaders highlighted modernization and integration challenges during the Air and Space Force Association's Air, Space and Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Maryland, Sept. 16.
• Kendall highlights accomplishments, urgency to finish transitioning to Great Power Competition US Air Force 16 Sep 2024 -- Conceding that his future as secretary is connected to the outcome of November's election, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall used a high-profile keynote address Sept. 16 to highlight achievements modernizing and reshaping the Air Force and Space Force while also emphasizing unfinished work and the urgency driving it.
• Air Force activates provisional Integrated Capabilities Command US Air Force 16 Sep 2024 -- The U.S. Air Force activated Integrated Capabilities Command (Provisional) to accelerate force modernization efforts against a backdrop of evolving global threats on Sept. 16.
• VXS-1 Squadron Leads the Charge, Tracking Hurricane Francine in Real-Time US Navy 16 Sep 2024 -- U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Scientific Development Squadron ONE (VXS) 1 deployed observational buoys in front of Hurricane Francine's projected path on Tuesday, Sept. 10 during an eight and a half hour flight to provide real-time updates to other National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP) Hurricane Coastal Impacts (NHCI) team for timely prediction and operational readiness.
• Pacific Partnership 2024-2 Concludes Mission in Yap, Federated States of Micronesia US Navy 16 Sep 2024 -- YAP, Federated States of Micronesia-A multinational team representing five Pacific nations concluded the fourth mission stop of Pacific Partnership 2024-2 (PP24-2) with a closing ceremony at the Yap Living History Museum in Colonia, Yap, Sept. 10.
• Navy commissions USS New Jersey (SSN 796) US Navy 16 Sep 2024 -- The Navy commissioned the fast-attack Virginia-class submarine USS New Jersey (SSN 796) in a traditional ceremony held September 14, at Naval Weapons Station Earle in Middletown, New Jersey.
• SECNAV Del Toro Issues Letter to Congress Concerning Continuing Resolution US Navy Press Release 16 Sep 2024 -- Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro issued a letter to Congressional leaders detailing the concerns and impacts of a six-month continuing resolution (CR) on the Navy and Marine Corps today, Sept. 16, 2024.
• Readout of Acting Deputy Under Secretary of Defense Ms. Cara Abercrombie's Travel to the Republic of Korea DoD 16 Sep 2024
• Putin to Add 2.3Mln Personnel to Russia's Armed Forces Sputnik 16 Sep 2024 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has decided to increase the number of the Russian armed forces to 2,389,130 personnel, including 1.5 million military members, according to a decree published on the official website for legal information on Monday.
• Putin orders military to boost troop numbers to 1.5 million Press TV 16 Sep 2024 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the country's military leaders to recruit more forces to increase its troop numbers to 1.5 million.
• Ocean 2024 CPX: Caspian Flotilla ships destroy air and surface targets Russia MoD 16 Sep 2024 -- Pacific Fleet's warships destroyed air and surface targets during the Ocean 2024 strategic naval drills and returned to their home port.
• Ocean 2024 CPX: Baltic Fleet ships destroy mock enemy submarine Russia MoD 16 Sep 2024 -- During the Ocean 2024 strategic naval drills in the Baltic Sea waters, the small anti-submarine ship Aleksin in cooperation with the Ka-27PL naval anti-submarine helicopters of the Fleet trained in locating, detecting and destroying a submarine of a mock enemy.
• Ocean 2024 CPX: Pacific Fleet's Marines neutralise amphibious assault group in Primorye Russia MoD 16 Sep 2024 -- The Pacific Fleet's marine units, operating on a training ground in Primorsky region, trained in eliminating an amphibious assault group landing on an unequipped coast.
• Ocean 2024 CPX: Northern Fleet's ships strike mock enemy in Barents Sea Russia MoD 16 Sep 2024 -- During the Ocean 2024 strategic naval drills, the Northern Fleet's warships launched a strike against a mock enemy in the Barents Sea.
• Ocean 2024 CPX: Pacific Fleet and PLA Navy hold comprehensive missile and artillery live fires Russia MoD 16 Sep 2024 -- Warships of the Russian Pacific Fleet and the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy, acting in a joint unit, have completed comprehensive live fires with the use of missile and artillery weaponry in the Sea of Japan during the Ocean 2024 strategic naval drills.
• Ocean 2024 CPX: four anti-submarine aircraft set up mine barriers off Kamchatka coast Russia MoD 16 Sep 2024 -- During the Ocean 2024 CPX, a group of anti-submarine aircraft of the mixed aviation regiment of the Northeastern Group of Troops and Forces set up mines at a naval training ground.
• Russia's Pacific Fleet, China's Navy Conduct Joint Drills in Sea of Japan Sputnik 16 Sep 2024 -- Russian and Chinese warships conducted missile and artillery firing drills in the Sea of Japan as part of ongoing joint exercises Monday, the Russian Defense Ministry told reporters.
• Threat From China Increasing, Air Force Official Says DoD News 16 Sep 2024 -- Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall spoke about the growing threat that China poses to the Indo-Pacific region during a keynote address today at an Air & Space Forces Association convention just outside of Washington.
• DOD Delegation Concludes Military Talks With China DoD News 16 Sep 2024 -- A Defense Department delegation concluded the latest round of military-to-military talks with Chinese counterparts over the weekend, as U.S. officials continue to emphasize the importance of maintaining open lines of communication for responsibly managing competition.
• Taiwan's RF-5 recon jets to stay in use through 2025 CNA 16 Sep 2024 -- Taiwan's Air Force continues to allocate around NT$10 million (US$314,391) for 2025 to keep its RF-5 recon aircraft fleet operational until it receives new intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, a military source told CNA Monday.
• Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States - Return, Repair, and Reshipment of Spare Parts DSCA 16 Sep 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States of Return, Repair, and Reshipment of Spare Parts and related equipment for an estimated cost of $228 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Albanese Government invests in Domestic Rocket Motor Program Australia DOD 16 Sep 2024 -- The Albanese Government is investing in a sovereign rocket motor program to help keep Australians safe, and generate well-paid, high-skilled jobs.
• Statement from National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on the Three Year Anniversary of AUKUS The White House 16 Sep 2024
• Our Brigade in Lithuania: Pistorius and Kasčiūnas sign mutual agreement Germany - Federal Ministry of Defence 16 Sep 2024 -- On 13 September 2024, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius met his Lithuanian counterpart Laurynas Kasčiūnas for talks at the Bendlerblock in Berlin. The subsequent signing of a mutual agreement marks another milestone on the way to the permanent deployment of a German Brigade in Lithuania.
• Iran Air Defense Force announces key enhancements to advanced defense system Press TV 16 Sep 2024 -- A ranking commander in the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Defense Force (IRIADF), a branch of the country's Army, has announced implantation of key enhancements to one of the force's advanced indigenous defense systems.
• Indigenous systems 'superior factor' in Iran's air defense power: Commander Press TV 16 Sep 2024 -- A senior Iranian commander says the use of indigenous systems, which were created amid decades-long sanctions by the West, is the superior factor in the country's air defense power.
• Iran's Pezeshkian Claims No Transfer Of Weapons To Russia Since He Took Office RFE/RL 16 Sep 2024 -- President Masud Pezeshkian claims that Iran has not transferred any weapons to Russia since he took office in late July and seemed to open the door for direct talks with the United States over nuclear issues, but only if Washington shows it is not "hostile" toward the Islamic republic.
• Sweden announces ambition to take on role as Framework Nation in NATO enhanced forward presence to be established in Finland Finnish MoD 16 Sep 2024 -- The governments of Finland and Sweden held a joint session in Stockholm on 16 September 2024. The purpose of the joint session was to further deepen cooperation between the two countries.
• Data on interceptions of aircraft completed near the Baltic States' borders on September 9-15, 2024 Lithuania MND 16 Sep 2024
• More budget for PCG vessel maintenance, crew welfare sought Philippine News Agency 16 Sep 2024 -- Increasing budgetary support for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is crucial for providing adequate provisions, regular maintenance, and essential medical and welfare support for its crew, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said Monday.
• United States and Uzbekistan Sign MOU on Critical Minerals Partnership US Dept. of State 16 Sep 2024 -- Today, Ambassador Jonathan Henick and First Deputy Minister of Geology Omonullo Nasritdinxodjaev signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation between the United States and Uzbekistan on critical minerals.
• U.S.-India 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue US Dept. of State 16 Sep 2024 -- U.S. and Indian officials convened today in New Delhi, India, to discuss opportunities to expand collaboration during the eighth U.S.-India 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue.
• Delegation-level Talks between Pakistan and the United States Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Sep 2024 -- Acting Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, John Bass, today held delegation-level talks with Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Sept. 16, 2024

Other Conflicts


Ukraine Conflict News
• 16 September 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 16 Sep 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• PM Netanyahu to US Envoy Amos Hochstein: It will not be possible to return our residents without a fundamental change in the security situation in the north Israel - Prime Minister 16 Sep 2024
• Sept. 15: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 16 Sep 2024
• Airstrikes in Gaza leave 16 dead, Palestinian officials say VOA 16 Sep 2024 -- Israeli airstrikes killed 16 people in the Gaza Strip early Monday, according to Palestinian officials, and took out 20 Hezbollah launchers and military infrastructure sites in southern Lebanon, the Israel Defense Forces said.
• Nearly two dozen Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza as genocide rages on Press TV 16 Sep 2024 -- At least 22 people, including women and children, have been killed in fresh Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, amid a genocidal war on the besieged Palestinian territory.
• More action on the ground needed to save civilian lives in Gaza, top UN official tells Security Council UN News 16 Sep 2024 -- Not enough progress is being made in getting desperately needed aid and commercial goods into Gaza, the UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for the Strip said in a briefing to the Security Council on Monday.
• How aid is (and is not) getting into Gaza UN News 16 Sep 2024 -- A relentless siege, deadly targeted attacks and chronic restrictions on lifesaving aid deliveries into the war-torn Gaza Strip by Israeli forces: that's just some of what aid workers are grappling with as they try to provide the level of lifesaving assistance needed to stave off widespread famine and epidemics in the strip.
• Classrooms turned to rubble: UNRWA official describes realities of life in a war zone UN News 16 Sep 2024 -- A school that once served as a place of learning and play for hundreds of children is now a refuge filled with tents and makeshift shelters for those displaced by the ongoing conflict in Gaza, a senior official from the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has reported.
• Sanitary disaster in Gaza 'worsening by the day', warns UNRWA UN News 16 Sep 2024 -- Overcrowded shelters in Gaza, a lack of running water and the constant threat of disease are making conditions worse by the day for people in the enclave, the UN agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA, warned on Monday.
• 'Time Slipping Away as Man-made Humanitarian Crisis Turns Gaza into the Abyss', Senior United Nations Official Tells Security Council UN Security Council 16 Sep 2024 -- Underscoring that the only credible measure of progress is the actual condition on the ground in Gaza, the head of United Nations humanitarian efforts in the Strip told the Security Council today that sufficient political will is sorely needed to ensure effective humanitarian operations amid restrictions, security incidents and continued suffering.
• Sanitary conditions in Gaza 'worsening by the day', UNRWA warns Press TV 16 Sep 2024 -- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has raised the alarm over the deteriorating sanitary conditions in the Gaza Strip, amid the Israeli regime's ongoing war against Palestinians.
• Blinken to visit Egypt for talks on securing Gaza cease-fire VOA 16 Sep 2024 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Egypt on Tuesday amid efforts to engage key regional partners in the Middle East to present a revised proposal for a Gaza cease-fire.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant DoD 16 Sep 2024
• Austin Urges Israel to Take Diplomatic Path to Reduce Area Tensions DoD News 16 Sep 2024 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant yesterday following the Iran-backed Houthi ballistic missile attack against Israel that day and a barrage of rocket attacks into northern Israel by the Iran-backed terrorist organization Lebanese Hezbollah over the weekend, according to a Pentagon news statement.
• Allegations of weapon transfers by Iran an insult to Yemenis: Araqchi Press TV 16 Sep 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has once again dismissed claims that the country has supplied weapons to Yemen, saying Sana'a is capable of meeting its military requirements.
• Humanitarian workers in Gaza must be allowed to carry out their work safely: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 16 Sep 2024 -- Statement by UK Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Barbara Woodward, at the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East.
• Palestinian Foreign Ministry censures 'settler terrorism' after school attack in West Bank Press TV 16 Sep 2024 -- The Palestinian Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned an attack on a Bedouins school carried out by Israeli occupation forces and local settlers in the occupied West Bank.
• Hamas chief Sinwar hails Yemeni missile strike, says it sent clear message to Israel Press TV 16 Sep 2024 -- The head of the political bureau of Hamas resistance movement has congratulated Yemeni Armed Forces for firing a ballistic missile deep into the occupied territories, stating that the launch sent a clear message to the occupying Tel Aviv regime.
• Hamas urges formation of national consensus govt. for administration of Palestine affairs Press TV 16 Sep 2024 -- The Gaza Strip-based Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has called for formation of a "national consensus" government for administration of Palestinians' affairs.
• Yemen ready to send 1000s of trained fighters to Hezbollah: Ansarullah Press TV 16 Sep 2024 -- Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement says the country is prepared to send "thousands of trained fighters" to Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement if necessary.
• Top Yemeni defense official dismisses Netanyahu's military threats Press TV 16 Sep 2024 -- The Yemeni deputy defense minister has shrugged off Israel's military threats against the Arab nation after it fired a missile deep into the occupied territories, stressing that Yemen's Armed Forces are resolute to continue operations against the Tel Aviv regime.
• Yemeni missile attack exposes serious flaws in Israel's Iron Dome system: Report Press TV 16 Sep 2024 -- The latest Yemeni retaliatory attack on Tel Aviv has exposed flaws in Israel's missile systems as the regime's air defenses failed to destroy the ballistic missile, an Israeli report says.
• Yemeni army to employ more top-tier weapons in anti-Israel operations: Information Minister Press TV 16 Sep 2024 -- Yemen's information minister says Israel should expect more attacks on its interests, stressing that Yemen's Armed Forces will further employ domestically-developed advanced weapons against the Tel Aviv regime in the near future.
• Houthi: Yemen's anti-Israeli operations will continue until regime ends genocide in Gaza Press TV 16 Sep 2024 -- The Leader of the Ansarullah resistance movement has once again underscored Yemen's support for Palestinians in the face of the Israeli genocidal war on the Gaza Strip.
• Hezbollah: Yemen's retaliatory attack on Tel Aviv revealed 'weakness' of Israel at all levels Press TV 16 Sep 2024 -- Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement has praised Yemen's recent attack that hit an Israeli targets near Tel Aviv in retaliation for the regime's genocidal war on Gaza.

Other Conflicts

• Philippines says it did not surrender from Sabina Shoal Radio Free Asia 16 Sep 2024 -- Filipino officials tried to reassure the Philippine public Monday that they had not surrendered Manila's claim of sovereign rights over Sabina Shoal to China by withdrawing a coast guard ship from the disputed reef.
• PH Navy: WPS patrols, surveillance flights continue Philippine News Agency 16 Sep 2024 -- Maritime and air surveillance patrols will continue in all Philippine-held features in the West Philippine Sea, a ranking Philippine Navy official said Monday.
• Veteran Warlord Dostum Seeks Parallel Afghan Government To Undermine Taliban RFE/RL 16 Sep 2024 -- Veteran Afghan warlord and former politician Abdul Rashid Dostum has urged groups that oppose the fundamentalist Taliban to unite to form a government-in-exile for Afghanistan to challenge that extremist group's unrecognized leadership.
• Turkish-backed group besieges Syrian-Kurdish village after protest VOA 16 Sep 2024 -- A village in northwestern Syria has been under siege by a Turkish-backed group of armed militants following a women-led protest against ongoing abuses carried out by the Syrian faction.
• Shortages in Myanmar lead to 'socialist-era' economy Radio Free Asia 16 Sep 2024 -- The queue for cooking oil stretches down a Yangon street. Householders turn up before dawn to fill a plastic bottle at a subsidized rate in Myanmar's commercial capital - the latest evidence of a tanking economy.
• Myanmar's junta presses ahead with census before proposed election Radio Free Asia 16 Sep 2024 -- Myanmar's junta is trying to conduct a nationwide census to prepare for elections it says it intends to hold in November 2025, but because various rebel groups control big chunks of the country amid a three-year civil war, opponents say only half of the country's 55 million citizens will be counted.
• Myanmar junta arrests dozens for sending supplies to rebel zone Radio Free Asia 16 Sep 2024 -- Junta forces in Myanmar arrested and interrogated about 70 residents in the capital of Rakhine state on suspicion of being rebel sympathizers and trying to send supplies into rebel zones, residents told Radio Free Asia on Monday.
• Cagayan troops feted for neutralizing NPA leader, 2 others Philippine News Agency 16 Sep 2024 -- Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. lauded the soldiers in Cagayan province for neutralizing a ranking New People's Army (NPA) leader and two others.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Azerbaijani President Aliyev US Dept. of State 16 Sep 2024

News Reports

• Sanctioning Enablers of the Intellexa Commercial Spyware Consortium US Dept. of State 16 Sep 2024 -- The United States will not tolerate the misuse of technologies that undermine Americans' national security or that of our allies, nor will we tolerate the misuse of technologies to perpetrate human rights abuses or undermine freedom of expression.
• Treasury Sanctions Enablers of the Intellexa Commercial Spyware Consortium US Treasury 16 Sep 2024 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned five individuals and one entity associated with the Intellexa Consortium for their role in developing, operating, and distributing commercial spyware technology that presents a significant threat to the national security of the United States.
• Pacific Islands Forum investigating cyberattack on networks Radio Free Asia 16 Sep 2024 -- The Pacific islands' peak diplomatic body is investigating a cyberattack on its networks, its top official said Friday while refusing to be drawn on reports that Chinese state-sponsored hackers were responsible for the breach.
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's talks with Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Sep 2024
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement and answers to media questions at a joint news conference following talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty, Moscow, September 16, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Sep 2024
• 'Finally, A Boy!': The Lonely, Secret Lives Of Putin's 'Crown Princes' RFE/RL 16 Sep 2024 -- In June, RFE/RL's Russian Service reported that satellite images showed the Valdai resort residence of President Vladimir Putin had been fortified with antiaircraft defenses, apparently intended to protect the lavish estate from Ukrainian drones.
• China releases US pastor David Lin after 18 years in jail Radio Free Asia 16 Sep 2024 -- An American pastor held by China since 2006 on what Washington has described as spurious charges has been freed after 18 years in prison, a U.S.-based rights group said on Sunday.
• US will 'continue to push' for release of detainees in China, State Department says VOA 16 Sep 2024 -- On Monday, after the U.S. State Department announced the release of David Lin, an American pastor, from nearly two decades of imprisonment in China, officials said more work remains to secure the freedom of other Americans held in China.
• First conviction under Hong Kong's security law for wearing 'seditious' T-shirt VOA 16 Sep 2024 -- A Hong Kong man on Monday pleaded guilty to sedition for wearing a T-shirt with a protest slogan, becoming the first person convicted under the city's new national security law passed in March.
• Premier Cho vows speedy review of Chinese boat incidents CNA 16 Sep 2024 -- Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) on Monday assured the public that the government will promptly review several Chinese nationals recently caught entering Taiwan illegally by boat.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 16 Sep 2024
• Front-runner for next Japanese leader eyes better North Korean ties Radio Free Asia 16 Sep 2024 -- Shinjiro Koizumi, the front-runner in the race to become Japan's next prime minister, vowed to explore new opportunities to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un without preconditions, stressing they are of the same generation.
• Pezeshkian: Iran ready to negotiate, will never bow to bullying Press TV 16 Sep 2024 -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says Tehran is ready to negotiate with the West and remains committed to all international regulations, but will never bow to pressure.
• Iranian Foreign Minister Sees Possibility to Resurrect JCPOA if West Negotiates on 'Equal Terms' Sputnik 16 Sep 2024 -- Participants in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal, may resume talks based on "trust in exchange for lifting sanctions" but progress depends on whether the two sides can negotiate on equal terms, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Sunday.
• Iran should not be only party living up to JCPOA commitments, says AEOI chief Press TV 16 Sep 2024 -- The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) says "political and psychological pressures" on Tehran to be the sole party living up to its obligations under the 2015 Iran deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), will not work.
• On Amini Death Anniversary, Iran's Jailed Nobel Winner Mohammadi Urges Action Against 'Gender Apartheid' RFE/RL 16 Sep 2024 -- Imprisoned Iranian Nobel Peace laureate Narges Mohammadi issued a plea on September 16 to coincide with the second anniversary of the death in police custody of Iranian-Kurdish student Mahsa Amini for international institutions and people to act to end the oppression of women in Iran and under other theocratic and authoritarian regimes.
• Joint Statement Two Years After Mahsa Zhina Amini's Death US Dept. of State 16 Sep 2024 -- The following is the joint statement released by the Secretary of State of the United States and the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, on the second anniversary of the death of Mahsa Zhina Amini.
• Iran: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union EC/CEU 16 Sep 2024 -- On the anniversary of the death of Jina Mahsa Amini, we honour her memory and the 'Women, Life, freedom' movement driven by the courage and determination of countless Iranians, especially women.
• Australia imposes more sanctions on Iran over human rights concerns VOA 16 Sep 2024 -- Australia is imposing more sanctions on Iranian officials on the second anniversary of the jailing and death of Mahsa Jina Amini.
• Top US diplomat, counterparts mark anniversary of Amini's death in Iran VOA 16 Sep 2024 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his counterparts from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement Monday marking the second anniversary of the death of the young Kurdish-Iranian activist Mahsa Amini.
• Germany implements border checks as migration debate stirs election tensions VOA 16 Sep 2024 -- Germany began implementing checks on all its land borders from Monday as the government tries to reduce the number of asylum seekers and irregular migrants entering the country.
• Joint statement between UK and Italy: 16 September 2024 Gov.UK 16 Sep 2024 -- Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni released a joint statement today.
• Tsahkna to his Serbian counterpart: I expect EU candidate country Serbia to align with the EU's foreign and security policy Estonia MFA 16 Sep 2024 -- Today 16 September, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna met with his Serbian colleague Marko Ðjurić to discuss Russia's aggression in Ukraine, security in Europe and European Union enlargement.
• 'Express Your Loyalty': Russian Speakers In Latvia Face Language Test - Or Deportation RFE/RL 16 Sep 2024 -- Russian citizens who permanently reside in Latvia but have failed the required Latvian-language exam have started receiving letters warning them to leave within 30 days or face "forced deportation."
• U.S. Slaps New Sanctions On Georgian Government Officials, Dozens Of Others RFE/RL 16 Sep 2024 -- The United States has slapped sanctions on more than 60 Georgians, including two members of the government, who it said have "undermined" democracy and human rights in the country amid concerns in the West of Tbilisi's tilt toward Moscow.
• Promoting Accountability for Serious Human Rights Abuse and Anti-Democratic Actions in Georgia US Dept. of State 16 Sep 2024 -- The United States is today imposing a broad array of accountability measures on a number of Georgian government officials and others who have undermined Georgia's democracy and the human rights of the Georgian people.
• Treasury Sanctions Georgian Officials and Extremists for Serious Human Rights Abuse US Treasury 16 Sep 2024 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned individuals who have undermined fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, in Georgia. Specifically, the Department of the Treasury sanctioned two Georgian government officials associated with brutal crackdowns on peaceful protestors and political opponents, and two private Georgian citizens that are responsible for or complicit in, or have directly or indirectly engaged in violently suppressing the exercise of the freedom of peaceful assembly of Georgians engaged in the democratic process and peaceful expression. All four individuals are being designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13818, which builds upon and implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuse around the world.
• Orban Cancels Foreign Trips As Floodwaters In Central, Eastern Europe Wreak Havoc RFE/RL 16 Sep 2024 -- Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said he has canceled all of his "international obligations" as his country braces for floodwaters that have already ravaged much of Central and Eastern Europe, where several people have died in the wake of torrential rains from Storm Boris.
• Electricity in short supply as Zambia deals with drought-driven energy crisis VOA 16 Sep 2024 -- As Zambia deals with its worst drought in 20 years, businesses and households are going for days without electricity. Experts say the severe energy crisis could worsen Zambia 's already fragile economy and lead to massive job losses.

15 September 2024

Current Operations

• Sept 15 U.S. Central Command Update CENTCOM 15 Sep 2024 -- In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed one missile system in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Ocean 2024 CPX: Tu-160 long-range bombers perform fly over international waters of East Siberian Sea Russia MoD 15 Sep 2024 -- Two Tu-160 long-range bombers of the Russian Aerospace Forces made a flight over the international waters of the East Siberian Sea during the Ocean 2024 strategic naval drills.
• Ocean 2024 CPX: Tu-95ms long-range bombers perform tasks over international waters of Chukchi Sea Russia MoD 15 Sep 2024 -- Two Tu-95ms long-range bombers of the Russian Aerospace Forces made a flight over the international waters of the Chukchi Sea during the Ocean 2024 strategic naval drills.
• Ocean 2024 CPX: Baltic Fleet's military engineers set up pontoon crossing Russia MoD 15 Sep 2024 -- Military engineers set up a pontoon crossing over the Pregolya River in the village of Velikolukskoye (Kaliningrad region) during the Ocean 2024 strategic naval drills.
• Ocean 2024 CPX: Su-35s fighter jets cover amphibious squadron Russia MoD 15 Sep 2024 -- Two Su-35s multi-role fighter jets covered an amphibious squadron over the international waters of the Sea of Japan and intercepted a mock enemy during the Ocean 2024 strategic naval drills.
• Ocean 2024 CPX: Caspian Flotilla repels night attack of uncrewed surface vehicles and destroys coastal enemy targets Russia MoD 15 Sep 2024 -- In the framework of the Ocean 2024 CPX, the Caspian Flotilla trained to repel attacks of uncrewed surface vehicles of a mock enemy. Organic heavy machine guns and small arms engaged high-speed small naval targets at night and day time.
• Ocean 2024 CPX: MiG-31BM interceptors cover surface action group Russia MoD 15 Sep 2024 -- During the Ocean 2024 strategic naval drills, a pair of MiG-31BM high-altitude interceptors were tasked with covering the Pacific Fleet surface action group over the international waters of the Japanese Sea.
• Ocean 2024 CPX: Border Guard Service, Ministry of Internal Affairs, and National Guard of Russia cooperate with Defence Ministry Russia MoD 15 Sep 2024 -- In the framework of the Ocean 2024 CPX, units of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, Border Directorate of the Federal Security Service, and the Federal Service of the National Guard Troops are deployed to accomplish special tasks in the manoeuvre areas of the fleets and the Caspian Flotilla.
• Zelenskiy Says Speedy Aid 'Critically Important' As Lammy Dismisses Moscow 'Bluster' RFE/RL 15 Sep 2024 -- President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has again urged the United States and other allies to "promptly implement" agreements on weapons and other supplies to help Ukraine fight Russia's invasion, underscoring Western debates on the extent and current restrictions on military aid to Kyiv.
• We Have Already Explained to All Our Partners Why Ukraine Truly Needs Sufficient Long-Range Capabilities - Address by the President President of Ukraine 15 Sep 2024
• Ukraine Continues to Rely on U.S. Support at This Defining Moment - Andriy Yermak During Meeting with Congress Members President of Ukraine 15 Sep 2024
• Calls Grow For NATO Members To Help Ukraine Shoot Down Russian Drones And Missiles RFE/RL 15 Sep 2024 -- NATO, whose military aid and support has been vital for Ukraine in its war with Russia, is facing growing calls to do more to fend off Russian missiles and drone strikes -- a few of which have violated NATO members' airspace.
• INDIAN NAVY GEARING UP FOR HADR OPS AT MYANMAR - TYPHOON YAGI India PIB 15 Sep 2024 -- Indian Navy has commenced rapid preparations to deploy Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in response to the devastating flash floods in Myanmar

Defense Industry

Other Conflicts


Ukraine Conflict News

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Houthi airstrike hits Israel; Netanyahu vows retaliation VOA 15 Sep 2024 -- New tensions erupted in the Middle East on Sunday as Houthi rebels in Yemen hit Israel with a missile attack and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quickly vowed to retaliate.

Other Conflicts

News Reports

• Trump unharmed after second assassination attempt, authorities say VOA 15 Sep 2024 -- Former U.S. President Donald Trump thanked the Secret Service and local police late Sunday, after what the FBI said was an apparent assassination attempt at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida.
• Foreign Ministry Official Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's comment on the US's most recent restrictions on Russian media Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 15 Sep 2024
• Memorandum on the Presidential Determination on Major Drug Transit or Major Illicit Drug Producing Countries for Fiscal Year 2025 The White House 15 Sep 2024
• Rio Tinto CEO Says 'Well-Organized' Disinformation Targeting Serbian Lithium Project RFE/RL 15 Sep 2024 -- The chief executive of Anglo-American mining company Rio Tinto has alleged via local media that his company and its controversial multibillion-dollar plans to create Europe's largest lithium mine in Serbia are the target of a "carefully designed and well-organized" disinformation campaign.
• Rights In Spotlight As Scholz Visits Central Asia, Signs Uzbek Migration Pact RFE/RL 15 Sep 2024 -- International watchdog Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to promote human rights when he "makes history" this week as the first German chancellor to attend a summit in Central Asia with all five of that post-Soviet region's presidents.