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  • MIL-OSI USA: DHS Statement on Capture of Violent Extremist Involved in Prairieland Attack on ICE Agents

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: DHS Statement on Capture of Violent Extremist Involved in Prairieland Attack on ICE Agents

    Song, a former U

    S

    Marine Corps reservist, joined a violent group of at least 10 individuals in opening fire on officers at the federal facility just after 10:30 p

    m

    on Independence Day

    He is charged with three counts of attempted murder of federal agents and three counts of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence

    His capture brings the total number of arrests in the attack to 14

    Image

    “On Independence Day, as Americans were celebrating our freedoms, a group of violent extremists attempted to assassinate federal officers protecting us from violent criminals,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin

    “Song’s arrest sends a clear message: under President Trump and Secretary Noem, if you lay a hand on an ICE agent, you will NOT walk free

    We will not forget, and we will not rest until every attacker is in custody

    ” 

    The Prairieland Detention Center, which housed more than 1,000 illegal aliens on the night of the attack, includes detainees with convictions for rape, child molestation, murder, kidnapping, arson, human trafficking, and terrorism

    Nearly 50 known members of MS-13, Tren de Aragua, and other transnational gangs were among the detainees, in addition to 13 Known or Suspected Terrorists (KSTs)

    This is just the latest in a disturbing pattern of politically motivated violence targeting DHS personnel

    Last week, ICE officers conducting enforcement operations in San Francisco were assaulted by violent protestors

    In June, rioters stormed an ICE field office in Portland

    ICE agents are now facing an 830% increase in assaults against them

    DHS and its law enforcement partners continue working around the clock to identify, arrest, and prosecute anyone involved in the July 4 ambush or other coordinated attacks against federal officers

     
    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wildfire Smoke Billows Over Northern California

    Source: NASA

    Several large wildland fires burned in Northern California in mid-July 2025 amid exceptional heat and low humidity. Notable blazes included the Green and Butler fires, visible in images captured by the OLI (Operational Land Imager) on the Landsat 8 satellite on July 13.
    On July 1, lightning ignited the Green fire north of the Pit River arm of Shasta Lake. By the date Landsat acquired these images, the blaze had grown to 10,334 acres (4,182 hectares), according to the U.S. Forest Service. The wide view above shows smoke billowing south, contributing to unhealthy air quality around the lake and in communities along the Sacramento River from Redding to Anderson, according to the interagency air quality monitoring tool AirNow. The second image below shows a detailed view of the active fire area; bright orange indicates the infrared signature of actively burning fires.

    Meanwhile, approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) to the northwest, the Butler fire was burning in the Six Rivers National Forest east of Orleans. When Landsat 8 captured this image (below) on July 13, the blaze had burned 7,203 acres, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Smoke plumes billowed toward the west over Orleans and had also wafted over regions east of the blaze. NASA’s TEMPO (Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution) sensor also observed nitrogen dioxide air pollution from the fire throughout the day.

    The weather conditions around the time of these images were favorable for fire, according to U.S. Forest Service reports, with temperatures climbing over 100 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity dropping below 20 percent. By mid-week, conditions improved somewhat as temperatures dropped below 100 degrees and humidity increased slightly.
    As of July 16, the fires had expanded to 15,438 acres (Green) and 9,191 acres (Butler) and were 13 percent and zero percent contained, respectively. Evacuation orders and warnings persisted in several zones in Shasta County near the Green fire and expanded to include several new zones, such as the area around Forks of Salmon, near the Butler fire.
    These fires and others can be tracked using NASA tools such as the Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS), Worldview, and the Fire Events Explorer.
    NASA Earth Observatory images by Lauren Dauphin, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey. Story by Kathryn Hansen.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wildfire Smoke Billows Over Northern California

    Source: NASA

    Several large wildland fires burned in Northern California in mid-July 2025 amid exceptional heat and low humidity. Notable blazes included the Green and Butler fires, visible in images captured by the OLI (Operational Land Imager) on the Landsat 8 satellite on July 13.
    On July 1, lightning ignited the Green fire north of the Pit River arm of Shasta Lake. By the date Landsat acquired these images, the blaze had grown to 10,334 acres (4,182 hectares), according to the U.S. Forest Service. The wide view above shows smoke billowing south, contributing to unhealthy air quality around the lake and in communities along the Sacramento River from Redding to Anderson, according to the interagency air quality monitoring tool AirNow. The second image below shows a detailed view of the active fire area; bright orange indicates the infrared signature of actively burning fires.

    Meanwhile, approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) to the northwest, the Butler fire was burning in the Six Rivers National Forest east of Orleans. When Landsat 8 captured this image (below) on July 13, the blaze had burned 7,203 acres, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Smoke plumes billowed toward the west over Orleans and had also wafted over regions east of the blaze. NASA’s TEMPO (Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution) sensor also observed nitrogen dioxide air pollution from the fire throughout the day.

    The weather conditions around the time of these images were favorable for fire, according to U.S. Forest Service reports, with temperatures climbing over 100 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity dropping below 20 percent. By mid-week, conditions improved somewhat as temperatures dropped below 100 degrees and humidity increased slightly.
    As of July 16, the fires had expanded to 15,438 acres (Green) and 9,191 acres (Butler) and were 13 percent and zero percent contained, respectively. Evacuation orders and warnings persisted in several zones in Shasta County near the Green fire and expanded to include several new zones, such as the area around Forks of Salmon, near the Butler fire.
    These fires and others can be tracked using NASA tools such as the Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS), Worldview, and the Fire Events Explorer.
    NASA Earth Observatory images by Lauren Dauphin, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey. Story by Kathryn Hansen.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Invites Media to Marshall’s 65th Anniversary Celebration July 19

    Source: NASA

    NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center will host astronauts for a media opportunity as the center celebrates its 65th anniversary during a free, community event on Saturday, July 19, from noon to 5 p.m. CDT at The Orion Amphitheater in Huntsville, Alabama.
    Marshall, along with its partners and collaborators, will fill the amphitheater with space exhibits, music, food vendors, and hands-on activities for all ages. The summer celebration will mark 65 years of innovation and exploration, not only for Marshall, but for Huntsville and other North Alabama communities.
    The event will kick off with a program at 12:30 p.m. led by Joseph Pelfrey, director of NASA Marshall, and will include a presentation from some of the Expedition 72 crew members who recently returned from their mission after dedicating more than 1,000 combined hours to scientific research and technology demonstrations aboard the International Space Station. The crew will share their experiences in space with the community.

    Media are invited to attend the event and participate in a news conference with the astronauts after the presentation but must confirm their attendance by 4:30 p.m., Thursday, July 17, to Lance D. Davis – lance.d.davis@nasa.gov – in Marshall’s Office of Communications.
    Media should arrive at the front entrance of The Orion Amphitheater by 11:45 a.m., Saturday, July 19, to be escorted by the Office of Communications.
    Founded July 1, 1960, in Huntsville, Marshall has shaped or supported nearly every facet of the nation’s ongoing mission of space exploration and discovery, solving the most complex, technical flight challenges, and contributing to science to improve life and protect resources around the world.
    Learn more about Marshall’s 65th anniversary celebration at:
    https://www.nasa.gov/marshall65/
    Lance D. DavisMarshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala. 256-640-9065 lance.d.davis@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s Chandra Finds Baby Exoplanet is Shrinking

    Source: NASA

    A star is unleashing a barrage of X-rays that is causing a closely-orbiting, young planet to wither away an astonishing rate, according to a new study using data from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory and described in our latest press release. A team of researchers has determined that this planet will go from the size of Jupiter down to a small, barren world.
    This graphic provides a visual representation of what astronomers think is happening around the star (known as TOI 1227) and a planet that is orbiting it at a fraction the distance between Mercury and the Sun. This “baby” planet, called TOI 1227 b, is just about 8 million years old, about a thousand times younger than our Sun. The main panel is an artist’s concept that shows the Jupiter-sized planet (lower left) around TOI 1227, which is a faint red star. Powerful X-rays from the star’s surface are tearing away the atmosphere of the planet, represented by the blue tail. The star’s X-rays may eventually completely remove the atmosphere.
    The team used new Chandra data — seen in the inset — to measure the amounts of X-rays from TOI 1227 that are striking the planet. Using computer models of the effects of these X-rays, they concluded they will have a transformative effect, rapidly stripping away the planet’s atmosphere. They estimate that the planet is losing a mass equivalent to a full Earth’s atmosphere about every 200 years.
    The researchers used different sets of data to estimate the age of TOI 1227 b. One method exploits measurements of how TOI 1227 b’s host star moves through space in comparison to nearby populations of stars with known ages. A second method compared the brightness and surface temperature of the star with theoretical models of evolving stars. The very young age of TOI 1227 b makes it the second youngest planet ever to be observed passing in front of its host star (a so-called transit). Previously the planet had been estimated by others to be about 11 million years old.
    Of all the exoplanets astronomers have found with ages less than 50 million years, TOI 1227 b stands out for having the longest year and the host planet with the lowest mass. These properties, and the high dose of X-rays it is receiving, make it an outstanding target for future observations.
    A paper describing these results has been accepted publication in The Astrophysical Journal and a preprint is available here. The authors of the paper are Attila Varga (Rochester Institute of Technology), Joel Kastner (Rochester Institute of Technology), Alexander Binks (University of Tubingen, Germany), Hans Moritz Guenther (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), and Simon J. Murphy (University of New South Wales Canberra in Australia).
    NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, manages the Chandra program. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory’s Chandra X-ray Center controls science operations from Cambridge, Massachusetts, and flight operations from Burlington, Massachusetts.

    Learn more about the Chandra X-ray Observatory and its mission here:

    chandra

    https://chandra.si.edu

    This release features an artist’s illustration of a Jupiter-sized planet closely orbiting a faint red star. An inset image, showing the star in X-ray light from Chandra, is superimposed on top of the illustration at our upper left corner.
    At our upper right, the red star is illustrated as a ball made of intense fire. The planet, slightly smaller than the star, is shown at our lower left. Powerful X-rays from the star are tearing away the atmosphere of the planet, causing wisps of material to flow away from the planet’s surface in the opposite direction from the star. This gives the planet a slight resemblance to a comet, complete with a tail.
    X-ray data from Chandra, presented in the inset image, shows the star as a small purple orb on a black background. Astronomers used the Chandra data to measure the amount of X-rays striking the planet from the star. They estimate that the planet is losing a mass equivalent to a full Earth’s atmosphere about every 200 years, causing it to ultimately shrink from the size of Jupiter down to a small, barren world.

    Megan WatzkeChandra X-ray CenterCambridge, Mass.617-496-7998mwatzke@cfa.harvard.edu
    Corinne BeckingerMarshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama256-544-0034corinne.m.beckinger@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA to Preview Advanced US-India Radar Mission Ahead of Launch

    Source: NASA

    NASA will host a news conference at 12 p.m. EDT Monday, July 21, to discuss the upcoming NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) mission.
    The Earth-observing satellite, a first-of-its-kind collaboration between NASA and ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), carries an advanced radar system that will help protect communities by providing a dynamic, three-dimensional view of Earth in unprecedented detail and detecting the movement of land and ice surfaces down to the centimeter.
    The NISAR mission will lift off from ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, on India’s southeastern coast. Launch is targeted for no earlier than late July.
    NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California will stream the briefing live on its X, Facebook, and YouTube channels. Learn how to watch NASA content through a variety of platforms, including social media.
    Participants in the news conference include:

    Nicky Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters
    Karen St. Germain, director, Earth Science Division, NASA Headquarters
    Wendy Edelstein, deputy project manager, NISAR, NASA JPL
    Paul Rosen, project scientist, NISAR, NASA JPL

    To ask questions by phone, members of the media must RSVP no later than two hours before the start of the event to: rexana.v.vizza@jpl.nasa.gov. NASA’s media accreditation policy is available online. Questions can be asked on social media during the briefing using #AskNISAR.
    With its two radar instruments — an S-band system provided by ISRO and an L-band system provided by NASA — NISAR will use a technique known as synthetic aperture radar (SAR) to scan nearly all the planet’s land and ice surfaces twice every 12 days. Each system’s signal is sensitive to different sizes of features on Earth’s surface, and each specializes in measuring different attributes, such as moisture content, surface roughness, and motion.
    These capabilities will help scientists better understand processes involved in natural hazards and catastrophic events, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, land subsidence, and landslides.
    Additionally, NISAR’s cloud penetrating ability will aid urgent responses to communities during weather disasters such as hurricanes, storm surge, and flooding. The detailed maps the mission creates also will provide information on both gradual and sudden changes occurring on Earth’s land and ice surfaces.
    Managed by Caltech for NASA, JPL leads the U.S. component of the NISAR project and provided the L-band SAR. NASA JPL also provided the radar reflector antenna, the deployable boom, a high-rate communication subsystem for science data, GPS receivers, a solid-state recorder, and payload data subsystem. NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, manages the Near Space Network, which will receive NISAR’s L-band data.
    Multiple ISRO centers have contributed to NISAR. The Space Applications Centre is providing the mission’s S-band SAR. The U R Rao Satellite Centre provided the spacecraft bus. The rocket is from Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, launch services are through Satish Dhawan Space Centre, and satellite mission operations are by the ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network. The National Remote Sensing Centre is responsible for S-band data reception, operational products generation, and dissemination.
    To learn more about NISAR, visit:
    https://nisar.jpl.nasa.gov
    -end-
    Karen Fox / Elizabeth VlockHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1600karen.c.fox@nasa.gov / elizabeth.a.vlock@nasa.gov
    Andrew Wang / Scott HulmeJet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.626-379-6874 / 818-653-9131andrew.wang@jpl.nasa.gov / scott.d.hulme@jpl.nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom calls on Trump to end Los Angeles militarization, shares community resources

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jul 16, 2025

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom visited local businesses in the Los Angeles area that have been impacted by the federal government’s indiscriminate immigration raids, called on Trump to end his deployment of soldiers, and shared new “know your rights” resources with the community.

    LOS ANGELES – Providing support to local communities impacted by federal immigration enforcement actions, Governor Gavin Newsom today met with business owners and faith leaders in the Los Angeles area.

    Enough is enough – Stephen Miller and Trump’s chaos campaign needs to end now. They are violating constitutional rights, terrorizing neighborhoods and businesses, and targeting people because of their skin color and the language they speak. These heartless and cruel actions have real consequences for our economy and society.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Visiting with community members

    Governor Newsom met with local restaurant owners of Cuernavaca’s Grill in the City of Bell to discuss the economic impact these indiscriminate immigration actions have had on their small business.

    The Governor then stopped by a church in Downey that recently was targeted by federal immigration agents. 

    Economic impact of this cruel policy

    Trump’s actions have a chilling effect – the state’s economy is likely to contract later this year due to fallout from global tariffs and immigration raids in Los Angeles and other cities that have rattled key sectors, including construction, hospitality, and agriculture, according to a UCLA Anderson forecast.

    Mass deportations in California could slash $275 billion from the state’s economy and eliminate $23 billion in annual tax revenue. The loss of immigrant labor would delay projects (including rebuilding Los Angeles after the wildfires), reduce food supply, and drive up costs.

    Undocumented immigrants contributed $8.5 billion in state and local taxes in 2022 — a number that would rise to $10.3 billion if these taxpayers could apply to work lawfully.

    New resource for community 

    Trump’s militarization of Los Angeles has also led to increasingly concerning tactics by federal immigration enforcement, including violating the law and people’s constitutional rights. Families are being terrorized by the broad enforcement efforts targeting Latino neighborhoods, harming U.S. citizens, and racially profiling families and workers. That’s why it’s important to remember the following if you are affected by a federal immigration action:

    • You can observe and record public immigration arrests, but stay calm and at a safe distance to avoid risk to yourself and others.
    • Do not interfere or argue with federal agents. Physical obstruction or verbal escalation can put your safety at risk and may lead to criminal charges.
    • Agents don’t need a judge-signed warrant to arrest someone in public — but do need one to enter non-public areas of private property.
    • Prepare yourself and your family in case you are arrested. Memorize the phone numbers of your family members and your lawyer. Make emergency plans if you have children or take medication. 

    For more information on helpful community resources, the Governor’s Office has released new factsheets here in English and here in Spanish.

    End the militarization of LA now

    For over a month, about 4,000 National Guard members have been serving as political pawns for the President in Los Angeles, pulled away from their families, communities, and civilian jobs. While half are just now beginning to demobilize, many remain without a clear mission, direction, or a timeline for returning to their communities. California urges Trump and the Department of Defense to end this theatrical deployment and send all remaining guardsmembers home immediately.

    The federal government can enforce immigration laws and keep us safe without violating our rights, terrorizing entire communities, breaking the law, disrupting the economy, and raising costs for families. 

    Recent news

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    Jul 16, 2025

    News What you need to know: On July 17, the LGBTQ support option on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will end thanks to the Trump administration – but California is stepping up and doubling down on life-saving support for young gay people in crisis.  LOS…

    Jul 16, 2025

    News LOS ANGELES COUNTY — Governor Gavin Newsom will hold a media availability to speak on the federal government’s demobilization of 2,000 National Guard members, as well as the effect of immigration raids on immigrant communities across California.WHEN: Wednesday,…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UH Seeks New Proposals to Expand Statewide Broadband Access

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    UH Seeks New Proposals to Expand Statewide Broadband Access

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    July 14, 2025

    HONOLULU — The University of Hawaiʻi Broadband Office has announced the release of eight new Requests for Proposals (RFPs) aimed at expanding high-speed internet access across the state through Hawaii’s Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, a federal initiative to provide affordable, high-speed broadband access to all Americans, especially those in areas that are currently unserved or underserved. The re-release of all RFPs, with revisions, is part of a final “Benefit of the Bargain” Round conducted in compliance with the latest federal policy guidance.

    This latest posting of the RFPs mark Hawaii’s continued efforts to respond quickly to changing federal guidance while still moving forward on a multi-year effort under the BEAD program to address disparities in broadband coverage.

    “High-speed internet is critical for creating opportunity and improving digital access,” said Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, who leads the state’s Connect Kākou initiative. “We are continuing to move forward to connect communities that have been historically underserved, and I’m grateful to the many partners who are contributing to a more connected Hawaiʻi.”

    The RFP process will lead to the competitive selection of vendors to connect these communities, as well as nearly 700 community anchor institutions, which include schools, libraries, healthcare facilities, and other public spaces that provide broadband access and essential support services to residents.

    Interested parties are encouraged to review the RFP details and submit proposals by August 1, 2025 at 5:00pm HST. Click here for more information on the RFPs and submission guidelines. Hawaiʻi’s participation in the BEAD program is part of Connect Kākou, the State of Hawaiʻi initiative to ensure people from all walks of life have reliable access to high-speed internet, and have the tools and knowledge to safely and confidently use the internet.

    # # #

    Media Contact:
    Shari Nishijima
    Office of the Lieutenant Governor

    Daniel Meisenzahl
    UH Office of Communications

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR News Release – Seeking Community Input for Maui Nearshore Marine Management, July 16, 2025

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR News Release – Seeking Community Input for Maui Nearshore Marine Management, July 16, 2025

    Posted on Jul 16, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

         JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

    KA ‘OIHANA KUMUWAIWAI ‘ĀINA

     

    DAWN N.S. CHANG
    CHAIRPERSON

     

     

    SEEKING COMMUNITY INPUT FOR MAUI NEARSHORE MARINE MANAGEMENT

     

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    July 16, 2025

      

    MAUI COUNTY, Hawai‘i – Maui residents are called to join the conversation and provide feedback on a revised draft proposal developed for Maui’s nearshore waters, ensuring healthy reefs and abundant resources for future generations. The DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) Holomua Marine Initiative is hosting two upcoming information exchange sessions on the proposal.

    The community-nominated Maui Navigation Team has worked collaboratively with DAR for more than two years to create draft management recommendations with the Maui community, which were first shared to the public through a series of Information Exchange Sessions hosted in September of 2024. The navigation team is grateful to everyone who attended these sessions and took time to share their manaʻo and feedback. Based on the comments received during these initial sessions, the navigation team has further revised the proposal to reflect the priorities and needs communicated to it by the Maui community and is seeking additional input.

    Please save the date, RSVP at https://bit.ly/holomuarsvp and join one of these upcoming sessions:

    • Pukalani: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 – 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
      Mayor Hannibal Tavares Pukalani Community Center
      91 Pukalani St., Pukalani
    • Kīhei: Wednesday, August 6, 2025 – 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
      Kīhei Community Center
       303 E Lipoa St., Kīhei

     

     

    The Holomua Marine Initiative first launched on Maui in October of 2022 with a series of public talk-story sessions to learn more about community management priorities and concerns regarding the status of Maui’s nearshore resources. Holomua is an inclusive, bottom-up approach to marine resource management that is community-driven and incorporates local ecological and cultural knowledge.

    When the process first launched, the Maui community nominated members to form a navigation team, which is a 16-member hui of Maui fishers, community leaders, cultural practitioners and scientists who were tasked to co-develop a nearshore management plan with support from DAR. The team members bring decades of experience with Maui’s nearshore resources and knowledge of local fishing practices. The team represents 10 of the 12 Maui moku.  

    The navigation team’s management proposal for Maui includes strategies that are centered around the Holomua Marine Initiative’s four main pillars for effective management: 1) place-based planning, 2) pono practices, 3) monitoring and 4) restoration. Some key topics in the draft proposal include fishing rules geared toward reducing unsustainable fishing practices, improved enforcement and strengthening compliance, creating a habitat restoration area and addressing land-based threats to the nearshore reefs such as injection wells and sedimentation.

    The draft recommendations offer a holistic approach to nearshore marine management for Maui, and balance the need for conservation and restoration of resources like fish and corals, while also allowing sustainable harvest to continue feeding Maui families.

     

     

    # # # 

     

    RESOURCES 

    (All images/video courtesy: DLNR) 

     

    For information and updates: Holomua Marine Initiative on Instagram (@holomuamarine) and Facebook (@holomuamarine), or visit the website at https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/holomua/

     

    Event flyer: see attached

     

    Video – Holomua Information Exchange Session, Lahaina (September 25, 2024): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/im45i4aocp20s7gu060ak/Lahaina-Meeting-September-25-2024.mov?rlkey=2i47awpeyv9k9egzthk8u6y5b&st=17m1tjc6&dl=0

     

     

     

    Media Contacts: 

    Patti Jette                                                                                         

    Communications Specialist                                                          

    Hawai‘i Dept. of Land and Natural Resources                           

    808-587-0396                                                                                  

    [email protected]                                                           

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom invites LA Fire survivors to continue shaping rebuilding efforts through Engaged California

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jul 16, 2025

    What you need to know: Residents impacted by the Eaton and Palisades fires have an opportunity to help directly shape the next steps of rebuilding their communities. The first phase of the engagement with fire survivors has led to a series of early actions guided by residents’ input, including streamlined permitting technology for local communities.

    LOS ANGELES – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom is urging anyone who was affected by the LA fires in January to sign up for the Engaged California platform and use their voice to shape the rebuilding of their community. This call to action is for anyone who has lived or worked in, or was impacted by the evacuation zones in the path of the Eaton and Palisades fires.

    “Recovery isn’t something that happens to you, it happens with you. The feedback generated from the Engaged California process is reflective of residents’ experiences and is needed for leaders to understand their vision for rebuilding the future. Engaged California is designed to build trust and understanding of what actions need to be taken. I am very grateful to everyone who has participated so far. We are just getting started.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    After signing up, individuals affected by the evacuation zones will be invited to the program’s platform to share ideas on rebuilding Altadena and the Palisades, weighing choices that can guide recovery in both the short and long term.

    “Engaged California has given us valuable insight into how people are feeling in a moment of unimaginable tragedy,” said California Government Operations Secretary Nick Maduros. “This next step will be pivotal for us to listen and learn about how rebuilding should look according to those who experienced it firsthand.”

    You spoke. We listened.

    Engaged California was piloted as part of the administration’s response to the fire recovery, and nearly 8,000 people have signed up. It marks the first time California has used a dedicated, open digital tool to gather wildfire survivor input at this scale

    Launching in February, participants began to share comments as they prioritized topics for wildfire recovery from mid-March through May 16. Residents were asked to weigh in on 10 recovery topics, including housing and infrastructure, emotional well-being, and wildfire prevention.

    “This is a significant milestone in a brand-new program for the State of California,” said Office of Data and Innovation Director Jeffery Marino. “The voices of Californians impacted by the fires are being heard by their government and used to make data-driven decisions. This early action shows it is possible to have a two-way conversation between Californians and their government that results in meaningful, impactful outcomes.” 

    Early actions

    Here are a few examples of the early actions taken that deliver on what survivors said they need

    Provide clear and affordable rebuilding pathways

    Residents said they want an easier permit process and less red tape for rebuilding.

    ✅ Action taken: The state launched Archistar, a new artificial intelligence-driven software tool to aid Los Angeles City and County in accelerating the approval process for rebuilding permits. This week marked the beta launch of the new AI permitting tool made possible by a partnership between the state and philanthropic partners, including LA Rises. The tool aims to fast-track the approval process for rebuilding permits to help Angelenos get back into their homes following the Eaton and Palisades fires. 

    ✅ Action taken: Launched the CalAssist Mortgage Fund to assist homeowners whose homes were destroyed or left uninhabitable.

    Mental health

    Residents expressed a need for mental health support.

    ✅ Action taken: There are many resources available now on the ca.gov/lafires recovery website, including immediate assistance, ongoing support, and care for all age groups and language needs. Yesterday, the Governor also announced a new public outreach campaign with LA Rises, which will connect and support impacted Angelenos with key resources and share stories of community efforts to recover and rebuild for the long term in the aftermath of the Eaton and Palisades fires.

    Efficient, effective, and engaged

    Since the start of his administration in 2019, Governor Newsom has made efficiency and engagement a top priority, implementing new technologies and practices that make government more efficient and responsive to the people it serves. In 2019, the Governor established the Office of Data Innovation to help advance this important work and yesterday announced a new effort through the California Breakthrough Project —  which brings together innovators and leaders from the Golden State’s top tech companies to help guide this work

    As the birthplace of the tech industry, California is at the forefront in the study and implementation of AI in government. In 2023, Governor Newsom issued an executive order directing the state to utilize Generative AI technologies to improve state services and help solve important issues. Since that time, the state has integrated AI and other efficiency solutions to make state government work faster and even more effectively.

    Engaged California is a bold, new state program that elevates the voices of survivors through a digital platform. They opt in and share their thoughts while connecting with other people in their communities on topics that are important to them. The comments are anonymous and will remain anonymous. You can read all comments in full here.

    To get involved in the rebuilding conversation, visit engaged.ca.gov and sign up. 

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    Jul 16, 2025

    News What you need to know: On July 17, the LGBTQ support option on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will end thanks to the Trump administration – but California is stepping up and doubling down on life-saving support for young gay people in crisis.  LOS…

    Jul 16, 2025

    News LOS ANGELES COUNTY — Governor Gavin Newsom will hold a media availability to speak on the federal government’s demobilization of 2,000 National Guard members, as well as the effect of immigration raids on immigrant communities across California.WHEN: Wednesday,…

    Jul 15, 2025

    News What you need to know: Productions filmed in California are raking in the nominations in this year’s Emmy bids.  SACRAMENTO –  Today, the nominees for the 77th Emmy Awards were announced, with California-based television productions securing at least 104…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AMERICA/BRAZIL – Father Mario Lanciotti, Xaverian missionary, among myths, tales, and legends of the indigenous people of the Amazon

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Thursday, 17 July 2025

    by Gianluca FrinchillucciRome (Agenzia Fides) – A new light is shining on missionary witness among the peoples of the Amazon. Professor Mario Polia, anthropologist, historian of religions, and profound expert on Andean cultures, has published a valuable collection of oral accounts collected by Father Mario Lanciotti, a Xaverian missionary active in Brazil in the 1960s, and a former missionary in China and Japan.The work brings together myths, tales, legends, and cosmogonic tales passed down orally for generations by the indigenous people of the Amazon. Father Lanciotti heard them directly from the faithful of his missions, during long evenings in the villages, often by moonlight, to the sound of crickets and night frogs. “For me,” he wrote, “it was not a pastime: I considered it indispensable for my missionary work.” “I have always tried to better understand the people to whom I was sent and to help them according to my abilities and capabilities. I have tried to love and accept them as they are, avoiding noise and paternalism,” he recounted in one of his testimonies. Furthermore, in a letter to a friend, he wrote words of luminous serenity: “I am here, in the middle of the Amazon rainforest, on the banks of the Xingu River. I am happy. When I came to work in this abandoned place, I was over 71 years old, but now I feel rejuvenated by 40. Here I truly feel at home as a missionary. The Lord has been so good to me in my old age! If you want to be happy, come with me!”“Father Lanciotti,” Polia affirms, “knew how to compile these oral testimonies, even though he was aware that, for many, these beliefs needed to be overcome. As he himself said, old superstitions remain in the deepest layers of the soul, like posters glued one on top of the other: when you tear off the first one, the previous one reappears. Lanciotti’s great intelligence was understanding that, to evangelize, you must first understand the other’s way of thinking. His compilation is an act of respect and listening.”“I spent a long period in the Xingu River area, on the border between the lands occupied by the whites and the forests where the indigenous tribes still live,” Father Lanciotti noted in another account. “I spent many afternoons with the ‘civilized’ Indians. We sat on the grass, in the moonlight, while crickets, toads, and night birds accompanied us. After religious instruction, I encouraged my indigenous interlocutors to tell me stories of the jungle and mythological events handed down through the centuries.” Father Mario Lanciotti (1901-1983), originally from Cupra Marittima (Ascoli Piceno, Italy), was a Xaverian missionary for fifty years in China, Japan, and finally Brazil. He worked in the most difficult areas of Pará and the Xingu, dedicating his life to serving the most disadvantaged. Almost blind, he asked to live out his final years in a nursing home in Belém, “the poorest among the poor.” He was buried in Abaetetuba, on the banks of the Amazon River. (Agenzia Fides, 17/7/2025)

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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/HOLY LAND – Raid on Catholic Parish in Gaza

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Jerusalem (Agenzia Fides) – This morning, Thursday, July 17, the Latin Catholic parish of the Holy Family in Gaza was the target of an attack that left several people injured, including parish priest Gabriel Romanelli, a missionary of the Institute of the Incarnate Word, who was wounded in the leg.The news was confirmed by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which in a brief statement stated that two people have died. The church has suffered serious damage.This morning, the Israeli army carried out intense bombing on the refugee camps. Since dawn, according to the Ambamed news site, at least 21 civilians, mostly children, have been killed.Before October 7, as Parish Priest Romanelli recently recalled, the Christian community in Gaza had 1,017 faithful. Following the start of Israeli military operations, the parish has become a refuge for at least 500 remaining Christians.Yesterday, 94 Palestinian civilians were killed and another 252 injured. Meanwhile, Israeli media have reported at least four suicides in the past two weeks among Israeli soldiers returning from military operations in the Gaza Strip. (GV) (Agenzia Fides, 17/7/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Landmark partnership puts Met officers closer to communities

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A landmark agreement with a housing developer and a London local authority will bring frontline offices closer to communities as part of the Met’s focus on neighbourhood policing.

    The opening of the Kidbrooke Village Community Police Hub provides local officers with a dedicated base to enhance their response to issues that matter most in the area.

    The space was jointly funded by Berkeley Homes, the Royal Borough of Greenwich and the Met, demonstrating how businesses and other agencies can work together to improve community safety at a time when budgets are stretched.

    Up to 24 officers covering six wards will be stationed at the hub which puts them closer to the areas they serve and will help the Met build on reductions in theft, burglary, robbery, anti-social behaviour and retail crime across London.

    Six neighbourhood teams will now be within a 20-minute walk of their wards. A further two will be based nearer to the areas they serve. They were previously spread between bases in Mottingham, Sidcup and Woolwich – which are both at least 20 minutes away by car.

    The hub was formally opened by Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes on Tuesday, 15 July.

    Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes said:

    “Across the Met we are focused on tackling the crimes that matter most to Londoners and we have made significant progress in reducing neighbourhood crime – with a 19 per cent reduction in offences since April.

    “House building is important for London – but as the city grows it inevitably puts extra pressure on local policing teams at a time when we’re having to make tough choices.

    “Working closely with councils and developers will be key to ensuring more officers can be based near to the areas they serve – and I’d like to thank Berkeley Homes and the Royal Borough of Greenwich for their support in ensuring our teams remain at the heart of their communities.”

    Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said:

    “We’ve invested, alongside Berkeley Homes and the police, to bring a new police base to Kidbrooke. This means more police on our streets, supporting the community and understanding the patch. They’ll be able to respond quicker and be more of a presence, which we know residents really care about. This investment is part of our wider work to make sure Greenwich is kept safe.”

    Councillor Rachel Taggart-Ryan, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Enforcement, said:

    “We know how much residents care about having local police in their communities, available to respond to calls and get on the scene quickly. That’s why, along with our partners, we’ve put funding into making this a reality in Kidbrooke, a growing area that more and more people are calling home. This is part of our wider work to target area specific crime like anti-social behaviour and theft, and we’re so pleased to see it open.”

    Paul Pritchard, Berkeley’s Development Director, said:

    “Berkeley would like to thank those involved in the opening of the new Community Policing Hub at Kidbrooke Village, from the Met Police, our local MP, the Mayor of Greenwich, councillors, officers, representatives from our local schools, and other key residents and stakeholders from the community.

    “After the closure of many facilities, it is a tribute to all who have helped ensure we have been able to open this new facility. We look forward to the Met’s presence once again, helping to reinforce a safer neighbourhood for Kidbrooke and the wider area and further strengthening this already resilient and sustainable community.”

    Police buildings are an important part of the fabric of London underpinning all Met activity and offering reassurance, functionality and a constant presence for communities in an ever-changing city.

    Our estate also needs to adapt to the changing nature of policing. To meet the needs of Londoners, it is imperative to have good quality buildings, where there are not leaking roofs and crumbling walls, in the right locations close to communities, and ones which are as reasonably accessible for victims as possible.

    The Met’s relentless focus on driving down crimes that matter most to the public in first six weeks of this financial year has seen promising reductions in a number of crime types compared to the same period last year across London:

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: International Relations (IR) Committee Launches People-Centred Oversight Mechanism in Western Cape

    Source: APO


    .

    The Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation yesterday successfully launched the People-Centred Oversight Mechanism in the Western Cape where there were traditional leaders, academics, students and representatives from different non-governmental organisations.

    The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Supra Mahumapelo, said the People-Centred Oversight Mechanism is an initiative of the committee to ensure that ordinary citizens in villages, townships and small towns have a say in foreign policy and international trade relations that impact on their lives.

    The committee heard from the Western Cape legislature that no one must be left behind when it comes to international and trade relations and these policies have an impact on job creation and the economy of the country.

    There was a call to link trade agreements negotiated by the DIRCO and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition with local governments that are affected by those agreements. That will ensure that municipalities will have a say in these agreements and implementation is at local level.

    Student representatives from the universities of the Western Cape, Cape Town and Stellenbosch appealed for opportunities for students to be able to participate in international trade delegations and in the drafting of policies on international relations. They called for inclusion in decision making as the future leaders of the country.

    The women’s wing of the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa welcomed the opportunity to engage with the committee. The role of the DIRCO is significant and the management of the influx of refugees is a challenge that requires engagement with all stakeholders. There is little engagement with traditional leaders in this regard. With the incorporation of the traditional leadership, social cohesion will be enhanced.

    With reference to the United States (USA), the opposition parties in the Western Cape Legislature reiterated the need for the province to send a positive message to the international community that South Africa is a united country especially when there are utterances that impact on the economic policy of South Africa.

    Labour unions positively viewed the engagement and called for more such dialogues so that workers on the ground can understand what foreign policy is and informed the committee that there is a need for structured platforms so that information reaches the workers. A call was made to the DIRCO to use social media platforms to disseminate information to inform workers and ordinary people on the ground about what is happening internationally.

    COSATU representatives called for all international agreements to translate into job creation in the country. The representative called for migrant workers to be protected and there should be a labour impact assessment in countries that export goods to South Africa. The impact of imported goods from the European Union and China have an impact on local jobs.

    Africa’s Growth and Opportunity Act was passed as part of the Trade and Development Act of 2000 in the USA. It provides duty- free access to the USA market for almost all products from more than 40 eligible sub-Saharan African countries including South Africa. The impact of the 30% increase on tariffs on exports needs to be engaged on.

    The committee heard the sentiment among the people about the importance of the oversight mechanism and their hope for its effectiveness. Representatives also called for monitoring and evaluation of the oversight mechanism, transparency and accessibility. The committee will upon the end of the launch proramme at all the nine provinces, develop monitoring and evaluation mechanism for the programme.

    The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Supra Mahumapelo said that going forward the DIRCO will provide reports on Trade Agreements and their impact on a quarterly basis. The reports will include the volume of minerals/products produced and released in SA for export. He said: “ Together with the Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour we must be able to engage with our counterparts on the trumpeting tariffs of the US.”

    Mr Mahumapelo said workers in South Africa must be able to understand how the utterances of the US affect the economic growth of South Africa. The People-Centred Oversight Mechanism has been launched in Mpumalanga, North West and Gauteng provinces. The committee strives to complete to launch the programme in the remaining five provinces by early next year 2026.”

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President Boakai Consoles the Federal Republic of Nigeria

    Source: APO


    .

    The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has sent a condolence message to the Government and People of the Federal Republic of Nigeria following the death of His Excellency Mr. Muhammadu Buhari, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who died on Sunday, July 13, 2025 in London at the age of Eighty-Two (82).

    According to a Foreign Ministry release, President Boakai, on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Liberia and in his own name, expressed profound and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family for the irreparable loss sustained.  

    In his condolence message to the Nigerian President His Excellency Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President Boakai stressed that former President Buhari will be remembered for the formidable role he played in consolidating the embodied Africa’s struggle for a sustained multi-party democracy. 

    The Liberian leader also stated that the former President will also be credited for being twice elected Nigeria’s President. He served as a military head of state between January 1984 and August 1985. 

    He then hoped that the resilience and strength that the people of Nigeria have always demonstrated during challenging circumstances will be brought to bear during this difficult period of national mourning. 

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President Boakai Hails France On National Day Observance

    Source: APO


    .

    The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has sent a congratulatory message to the Government and people of the Republic of France on the occasion France’s National Day, (the Bastille Day) on July 14, 2025.

     According to a Foreign Ministry release, in the message to his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, President Boakai, on behalf of the Republic of Liberia, extended warmest congratulations and best wishes to the Government and people of France as they commemorate this historic landmark.    

    President Boakai noted that as the people of France celebrates this important moment in their national history, Liberia joins in honoring the enduring values of liberty, equality, and fraternity that have long inspired nations around the world. 

    The Liberian leader added that his government salute the resilience, cultural riches and global contributions of the French people. He emphasized that France and Liberia share a longstanding relationship which is marked by mutual respect, cooperation and shared ideals.

    President Boakai stressed that he appreciate France’s support which have extended over the years in areas such as development, education, health, and multilateral diplomacy. 

    “We remain committed to deepening our partnership and working closely together to address global challenges and promote peace, stability, and prosperity for all”, the Liberian President stated.   

    He then wished President Macron sincere congratulations and best wishes for continued peace, progress and the well-being for the people of France. 

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Uganda: President Museveni Meets East African Community (EAC) Secretary General

    Source: APO


    .

    President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni yesterday met and held fruitful discussions with the Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC), H.E. Veronica M. Nduva, at State House, Entebbe.

    The two leaders discussed issues of mutual interest aimed at strengthening regional integration and cooperation among EAC member states.

    The meeting was also attended by Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Uganda.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Benin Can Mobilize More Domestic Resources to Drive Inclusive Growth and Equity

    Source: APO


    .

    More inclusive growth path, taxation and spending adapted to vulnerable populations could further accelerate efforts to reduce poverty and inequality, notes the latest edition of the Benin Economic Outlook report.

    The first part of the report, Raising Domestic Revenue Mobilization while Protecting the Poor, analyzes recent economic developments and presents the country’s medium-term prospects. In 2024, Benin’s economic growth reached 7.5%, its highest level since 1990, thanks to the strong performance of the services and industrial sectors. Poverty fell by 2.2 percentage points, from 33.2% in 2023 to 31% in 2024.

    Continued fiscal consolidation helped achieve the West African Economic Monetary Union –WAEMU– fiscal deficit target of 3% in 2024 and reduce the debt, thereby helping to improve the country’s debt profile. Benin is on the verge of integrating into global value chains with the development of the Glo-Djigbé industrial zone (GDIZ). Despite heightened global trade uncertainties and volatile trade relations with neighboring countries, economic growth is projected to average 7.1% over 2025-2027. The dynamism of economic activity added to the moderation in inflation should support a decline in poverty to 22.3% in 2027.

    “Continued efforts to mobilize domestic resources and a rebalancing of the composition of debt in favor of domestic debt, in line with medium-term revenue mobilization and debt strategies, should enable Benin to maintain its macroeconomic stability, which is critical for attracting private investment and supporting the ongoing economic transformation.” says Mamadou Tanou Baldé, World Bank Economist and Lead author of the report.

    The second part of the report focuses on domestic revenue mobilization while protecting the poor. The simplification of tax policy and the digitization of tax collection processes have improved the quality of services and secured revenue collection. Revenue mobilization in Benin has steadily increased since 2016 and has demonstrated resilience in the face of various shocks, including border closures with some neighboring countries, the COVID-19 pandemic, the rising cost of living in 2022, and insecurity. Tax revenue, the main driver of revenue growth, increased from 9.2% of GDP in 2016 to 13.2% in 2024, an increase of 4% over the period. Despite this progress, the gap with its peers remains and Benin needs to increase domestic revenue mobilization to finance its development plan. While Benin’s fiscal system reduces inequality by 3 Gini points, an improvement in the fiscal system, including a mix of more targeted taxes and transfers, could lift more than 100,000 people out of poverty each year while continuing to mobilize more resources.

    “To improve the situation, Benin should strengthen social safety nets, implement more progressive taxation and increase social spending more targeted at the poorest to improve the redistributive impact of its fiscal policies,” adds Arthur Alik-Lagrange, World Bank Lead Economist and co-author of the report.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Development Bank and Partners Launch a $263.8 Million Infrastructure Project to Transform Urban Development in Abia State

    Source: APO

    The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org), in partnership with the Islamic Development Bank, Nigeria’s Federal Government and the Abia State, has launched the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project, a transformative $263.8 million initiative to modernize urban infrastructure, enhance mobility, and promote inclusive, climate-resilient development over the next five years.

    The project addresses critical infrastructure gaps in urban transport, erosion control and waste management which have long constrained mobility, public health and economic productivity in the cities of Umuahia and Aba in Abia State.

    The African Development Bank is contributing $115 million to the project, including $100 million from its ADB window and $15 million from the Canada-AfDB Climate Fund (CACF). The Islamic Development Bank is co-financing with $125 million, while the Federal Government of Nigeria is providing $23.8 million in counterpart funding.

    The project will rehabilitate more than 248 kilometers of roads in the cities of Umuahia and Aba, restore two erosion sites, and catalyze private sector investment in solid waste management through public-private partnerships.

    Abia State, like many rapidly growing regions, has faced mounting infrastructure challenges driven by urban expansion, environmental pressures and limited investment over time. Cities such as Umuahia and Aba are contending with aging roads, erosion threats, and strained waste systems. This project signals a decisive shift toward integrated, climate-resilient urban development that supports inclusive growth and long-term sustainability.

    Speaking at the launch, Dr. Alex C. Otti, Governor of Abia State, said the initiative marked a defining moment in the State’s infrastructure renewal agenda: “The fruits of development are richer when supported by partners who believe in your vision. We are focused on raising living standards, expanding access to education and healthcare, and driving economic productivity. Investor confidence is growing, public optimism is rising, and Abia is emerging as a destination of choice for opportunity and impact.”

    The project is expected to generate over 3,000 temporary jobs during the construction phase, with 30 percent reserved for women, and approximately 1,000 permanent jobs during the operational phase. A key feature of the project is its focus on youth employment and skills development: 50 percent of the permanent roles will go to young people, who will be trained through the State Youth Road Maintenance Corps—a cadre of local engineers drawn from all 17 Local Government Areas of Abia State.

    Dr. Akande Oyebola, Assistant Director at the International Economic Relations Department of the Federal Ministry of Finance, reaffirmed the Government’s support: “This initiative represents a significant milestone in our collective effort to drive economic growth, strengthen infrastructure, and improve the quality of life for the people of Abia State.”

    Dr. Abdul Kamara, Director General of the African Development Bank’s Nigeria Country Department, commended the leadership of the federal and state governments. “This project is rooted in partnership, ambition and long-term impact,” he said.  “At its core, this project is about lives, it is about reducing travel time by half, increasing incomes, improving access to schools and hospitals, and creating space for entrepreneurs, particularly women and youth, to thrive.”

    Beyond the physical infrastructure, the project incorporates comprehensive social and environmental safeguards. These include training for women and youth entrepreneurs, resettlement support, HIV/AIDS and STI awareness campaigns, and strengthened systems for procurement and financial management.

    Otumchere Oti, Abia State Commissioner for Works, reaffirmed the State’s commitment to accountable delivery.

    “Today we reassure all stakeholders, our development partners, contractors, communities, and government institutions, that implementation will be guided by diligence, transparency, and accountability. Our monitoring mechanisms are robust, and our resolve is strong. This is a defining moment for Abia State, and we shall rise to it with determination and unity,” he said.

    The African Development Bank will provide technical support, capacity building, and close implementation supervision through its Nigeria Country Department and sector teams.

    The launch of the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project marks a key milestone in the Bank’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s development priorities through inclusive, sustainable infrastructure investment.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    Contact:
    Nkiruka Henrietta Ugoh
    Nigeria Country Department
    media@afdb.org

    About the African Development Bank Group:
    The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • Syria’s Sharaa vows to protect Druze rights as ceasefire holds

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa accused Israel of trying to fracture Syria and promised to protect its Druze minority on Thursday, after U.S. intervention helped end deadly fighting between government forces and Druze fighters in the south.

    Overnight, the Islamist-led government’s troops withdrew from the predominantly Druze city of Sweida, where scores of people have been killed in days of conflict.

    One local journalist said he’d counted more than 60 bodies in the streets of Sweida on Thursday morning. Ryan Marouf of Suwayda24 told Reuters he had found a family of 12 people killed in one house, including women and an elderly man. “People are looking for bodies,” he said in a voice recording.

    Violence in Syria escalated sharply on Wednesday as Israel launched airstrikes in Damascus,while also hitting government forces in the south, demanding they withdraw and saying Israel aimed to protect Syrian Druze -part of asmall but influential minority that also has followers in Lebanon and Israel.

    Israel, which bombed Syria frequently under the rule of ousted President Bashar al-Assad, has struck the country repeatedly this year, describing its new leaders as barely disguised jihadists and saying it will not allow them to deploy forces in areas of southern Syria near its border.

    Addressing Syrians on Thursday, interim President Sharaa accused Israel of seeking to “dismantle the unity of our people”, saying it had “consistently targeted our stability and created discord among us since the fall of the former regime”.

    Sharaa, who was commander of an al Qaeda faction before cutting ties with the group in 2016, said protecting Druze citizens and their rights was “our priority” and rejected any attempt to drag them into the hands of an “external party”.

    He also vowed to hold to account those who committed violations against “our Druze people”.

    The Syrian Network for Human Rights said it had documented 193 dead in four days of fighting, among them medical personnel, women and children.

    The Network’s head Fadel Abdulghany told Reuters the figure included cases of field executions by both sides, Syrians killed by Israeli strikes and others killed in clashes but that it would take time to break down the figures for each category.

    A Reuters reporter saw government fighters loot and burn homes during this week’s violence, including just before they departed Sweida overnight. Fighters also shaved off the moustaches of Druze men.

    Moustaches are worn by Druze sheikhs and many other Druze men as a symbol of religious and cultural identity with spiritual significance.

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said late on Wednesday the United States had engaged all the parties involved and that steps had been agreed that would end “this troubling and horrifying situation”.

    Sharaa credited U.S. Arab and Turkish mediation for saving “the region from an uncertain fate”. A Turkish security source said Ankara played a crucial role in securing the ceasefire.

    The violence has underlined the challenges that Sharaa faces in stabilizing Syria and exerting centralised rule over the country, despite his warming ties with the United States and his administration’s evolving security contacts with Israel.

    Sharaa faces challenges to stitch Syria back together in the face of deep misgivings from groups that fear Islamist rule. In March, mass killings of members of the Alawite minority exacerbated the mistrust. The Druze follow a religion that is an offshoot of Islam.

    ISRAELI STRIKES

    Israel’s airstrikes on Wednesday blew up part of Syria’s defence ministry and hit near the presidential palace as it vowed to destroy government forces attacking Druze in southern Syria.

    “We will not allow southern Syria to become a terror stronghold,” said Eyal Zamir, Israel’s military chief of staff.

    The United Nations Security Council will meet on Thursday to address the conflict, diplomats said.

    “The council must condemn the barbaric crimes committed against innocent civilians on Syrian soil,” said Israel’s ambassador to the U.N., Danny Danon. “Israel will continue to act resolutely against any terrorist threat on its borders, anywhere and at any time.”

    Scores of Israeli Druze broke through the border fence on Wednesday, linking up with Druze on the Syrian side.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Israeli Druze citizens not to cross the border. The Israeli military said it was working to safely return civilians who had crossed.

    (Reuters)

  • South Korea lashed by heavy rain, four dead and more than 1,000 evacuated

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Four people died and more than 1,000 have been evacuated in South Korea after the country was lashed by torrential rain on Thursday, the safety ministry said.

    A driver was killed after a 10-metre-high (33 ft) roadside wall collapsed on top of a moving vehicle on Wednesday in Osan, some 44 kilometres (27 miles) south of Seoul, fire agency officials said.

    Another person was found with no heartbeat in a flooded car in Seosan, South Chungcheong province, and could not be revived.

    As of 5 p.m. (0800 GMT), some parts of the South Chungcheong region further south of the capital had seen more than 400 millimetres (15.7 inches) of rain since Wednesday, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety said.

    The downpours resulted in record rainfall in the area and more wet weather was forecast for Thursday night, the Korea Meteorological Administration said.

    Landslide alerts were raised to the highest level for several regions including Chungcheong as the heavy rains continued, according to the Korea Forest Service.

    In the city of Gwangju, some 267 kilometres (166 miles) south of Seoul, 87 roads and 38 buildings were submerged within about two hours after torrential rain warnings were issued, according to the Yonhap News Agency.

    Some 403 schools were closed and 166 reported property damage from the heavy rain on Thursday, the Ministry of Education said.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: STARR, Stripes programs reward Airmen, Guardians referrals

    Source: United States Airforce

    Two programs, Stellar Talent Acquisition Recruiting Referral and Stripes for Referrals, aim to incentivize all Airmen and Guardians to inspire the next generation to serve in the Air Force and Space Force.

    WARNER ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFNS) —  

    Airmen and Guardians are eligible for decorations or promotions through recruiting referrals under the Airman and Guardian Referral Program.

    Referral Programs 
    Two programs, Stellar Talent Acquisition Recruiting Referral and Stripes for Referrals, aim to incentivize all Airmen and Guardians to inspire the next generation to serve in the Air Force and Space Force.

    Who is Eligible for Medals 
    STARR authorizes enlisted service members up to senior master sergeant and officers up to lieutenant colonel to receive up to two Air and Space Achievement Medals for referring three enlisted accessions applicants who depart for basic military training.

    Additionally, any enlisted member or officer up to colonel, may receive the Air and Space Commendation Medal for referring five enlisted accessions applicants who depart for BMT.

    Who is Eligible for Promotion
    Stripes for Referrals allows Airman and Guardian recruits to be promoted up to E-2 by referring two enlisted accessions candidates, or to E-3 by referring four enlisted accessions candidates who join the Delayed Entry Program or Delayed Entry Training.

    How To Apply
    Applications must be submitted through the Aim High application to qualify for the Air and Space Achievement and Commendation Medals. All users must create an account and input information in the ‘Refer a Friend’ portion of the app to receive credit for valid referrals.

    The Department of the Air Force launched a Barriers to Service Cross-Functional Team to examine existing policies and procedures to ensure they reflect the service members needed for the future. The programs are part of this initiative and serve as a cost-effective instrument for referring candidates and increasing enlistments throughout the DAF.

    Learn More
    More information on the STARR program can be found in DAFMAN 36-2806 and Stripes for Referrals in DAFMAN 36-2032.

    To submit referrals via application: 
    – Download the Aim High Application on your mobile device
    – Create an account using your full, first and last name and your .mil email address
    – Open the application and look for the three horizontal lines at the bottom right labeled ‘more’
    – Select ‘more’ and scroll to the bottom and select ‘Refer a Friend’ 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: JBSA Airmen bring help, hope to flood-stricken Hill Country communities

    Source: United States Airforce

    Members of the 33rd Cyberspace Operations Squadron, 59th Medical Wing and 502d Air Base Wing assisted with flood relief operations in the Texas Hill Country, supporting efforts in the communities of Ingram and Hunt.

    INGRAM, Texas (AFNS) —  In a display of service and compassion, members of the 33rd Cyberspace Operations Squadron, 59th Medical Wing and 502nd Air Base Wing assisted on July 11 with flood relief operations in the Texas Hill Country, supporting efforts in the communities of Ingram and Hunt.

    One team assembled at City West Church in Kerrville, partnering with Mercy Chefs to organize and distribute hot meals. Three additional groups were dispatched to Hunt to assist with debris removal and participate in search and recovery operations in flood-damaged areas.

    “We partnered with Heroes for Humanity, the Mexican National Fire Department, and local rescue teams, including K-9 units, to help bring closure to families in the wake of this tragedy,” said Master Sgt. Nicholas Galbraith, 33rd Cyberspace Operations Squadron flight chief.

    “It was incredibly moving to see our Airmen volunteer their personal time to come out and serve. Efforts like this strengthen our bonds, not just within the unit, but with the community,” Galbraith said. “Our presence matters. We want these families to know they’re not alone, and that the Air Force is here for them, standing alongside them during their time of loss.”

    The response was part of a broader effort following the catastrophic flash floods that struck the Texas Hill Country on July 4-5. According to news reports, 130 people died, including 103 in Kerr County alone, with around 160 others still missing.

    At the direction of Galbraith, Joint Base San Antonio mobilized volunteers from across multiple units to assist in the recovery and support efforts.

    At City West Church, JBSA personnel partnered with Mercy Chefs, a nonprofit organization specializing in feeding disaster victims and first responders. The Airmen worked side by side with civilian volunteers to prep meals, organize donations, and provide emotional and spiritual care to anyone who needed it.

    “Mercy Chefs was founded nearly 20 years ago in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina,” said Gary LeBlanc, CEO and founder of the organization. “We provide high-quality, chef-prepared meals to victims, volunteers and first responders, both across the country and around the world.”

    LeBlanc said his team had been vacationing and picnicking over the holiday when they saw the flooding and immediately mobilized.

    “We were able to deploy quickly and got our first meals out by Saturday night, most of which went directly to the rescue teams that had started responding on Friday,” LeBlanc said.

    The arrival of Air Force personnel on Friday provided a significant boost to their efforts.

    “When the Air Force came in today, it was a game changer,” LeBlanc said. “They were incredibly sharp, followed instructions, were proactive, and immediately integrated into the operation. It was an amazing lift for us. We prepared nearly 4,000 meals just today.”

    “We saw people truly struggling as they worked to recover and heal,” said Maj. Todd Leathermon, chaplain with the 59th Medical Wing. “There was a clear need, and this gave us a chance to use the skills we’ve gained both through Air Force training and our ministry experience before joining the military. Whether it’s providing spiritual and emotional support, helping prepare meals, or simply being present, we’re here to care for them.”

    Meanwhile, in Hunt, three JBSA-led teams entered flood-damaged zones to help clear debris and aid in search and recovery efforts.

    “I’ve always wanted to join special forces, and this is great experience for me as I plan to cross-train in that field,” said Staff Sgt. Roberto Castro, with the 426th Cyberspace Operations Squadron. “I’ve been through several hurricanes so I understand how devastating they can be. I just thought, why not help out where I can?”

    Though the tasks varied — from chopping vegetables to hauling debris — the heart behind the mission remained the same.

    Throughout the day, chaplains remained available to volunteers and locals, ready to offer a listening ear or a quiet moment of spiritual care.

    “It’s been incredible to see all levels of government come together from our local law enforcement, military members, and even our brethren from Mexican emergency services to help bring closure to families,” said Master Sgt. James Newcomb, superintendent of cyber support operations. “For me, it’s meaningful because this is my duty. As military members, it’s our job to give back to the community — to help, serve, protect, support and defend the American people.” 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni attends CISL Confederal Congress

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    17 Luglio 2025

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, today delivered a speech at the 20th Confederal Congress of CISL [Italian Confederation of Workers’ Unions], entitled ‘The Courage of Participation’.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Villagers at flood risk in Pett receive new flood warning service

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Villagers at flood risk in Pett receive new flood warning service

    59 properties in Pett, in East Sussex, to benefit. Households urged to register for new, more targeted service.

    The Marsham Sewer, which will benefit from a new flood warning service.

    The Environment Agency has announced a new flood warning service to 59 householders in Pett for the Marsham Sewer, a drainage channel, or ditch, that flows eastwards through the parish.

    Pett is at risk of flooding from both the sea and the Marsham Sewer. The village has a flood warning service which covered the coastal risk, but not for the risk from the sewer.

    But a new flood warning service area has now been created by targeting groups of households where, during periods of flood-risk, the chances of flooding might be greater than the larger surrounding area. This will make the flood warnings they receive more targeted and enable the homeowners to take the steps they need to respond in good time. 

    Flood warnings tell people about an imminent risk of flooding to their home or business and helps people make informed decisions about how to respond. There are three types of warning – flood alert, flood warning and severe flood warning. Each warning type is triggered by particular weather, river or sea conditions which cause flooding.

    Householders are encouraged to prepare if they receive a flood alert, which could mean packing a bag that includes medicines, insurance documents and anything else they wouldn’t want to lose if flooding were to take place.

    A flood warning calls on people to act now which means turning off gas, water and electricity and moving family and pets to safety.

    A severe flood warning means you are in immediate danger and to follow advice from emergency services.

    Henry Bethell, Environment Agency flood resilience team leader for Kent, said:

    We know the devastating impact that flooding can have, which is why protecting people and communities is our top priority. However, the climate emergency means we cannot prevent all flooding – so we’re working to make communities resilient to future flooding.

    We want to ensure that everyone has as much time as possible to prepare for flooding, which is why we’re pleased that people in Pett will now be able to receive our free flood warning service for the Marsham Sewer.

    Home and business owners will be automatically enrolled to the flood warning service via their mobile network. However, to get the most benefit out of the service the Environment Agency is encouraging people to register directly with them by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188, or visiting www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings where they can register preferred contact details. 

    Background:

    • 6.3 million properties in England are at risk of flooding.
    • With climate change projections, 8 million properties could be at risk of flooding by mid-century.
    • The average cost of flood damage to a home is £30,000.
    • The average cost of flooding to a business is £82,000.
    • If you are flooded, temporary accommodation costs on average £10,000.
    • If you are flooded you are likely to be out of your home for an average of 5 months.
    • Know what to do when you receive a flood warning and download a personal flood plan – www.gov.uk/guidance/flood-alerts-and-warnings-what-they-are-and-what-to-do.

    All Environment Agency news releases, both area and national, can be found under Announcements at www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency.

    Follow us on Twitter, now known as X: @envagencyse

    Contact us:

    Journalists only: 0800 141 2743 or communications_se@environment-agency.gov.uk.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Infrastructure Pipeline kicks off new era of infrastructure delivery

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Infrastructure Pipeline kicks off new era of infrastructure delivery

    New tool gives investors and industry clarity they need to plan for the long term and support the delivery of the government’s infrastructure ambitions.

    • UK’s major infrastructure projects published giving investors and British business the certainty to plan for the long term.
    • NISTA’s new interactive Pipeline website sets out 780 planned projects including transport, energy, schools and hospitals.
    • Follows publication of government’s landmark 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy setting out new approach to infrastructure and vital reforms to ensure planning and delivery is joined up.

    Construction firms have been given the certainty and confidence they need to invest in major UK infrastructure projects as the government publishes details of hundreds of live schemes, underpinning the delivery of the government’s landmark 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy.

    This Infrastructure Pipeline will provide real time updates on 780 planned private and public sector projects, giving industry the clarity needed to plan for the long term and creating good quality jobs and supply chain capacity necessary to deliver the government’s infrastructure ambitions and the Plan for Change. It will support our modern Industrial Strategy, boosting business investment and driving growth across the country.

    Building on data from 40 government departments, public bodies and regulated businesses, the new interactive online tool provides details of around 780 public and privately led infrastructure projects under construction, in development, or at an early stage of planning including transport, energy, schools and hospitals.

    The pipeline outlines £530 billion of projects and programmes over the next ten years, which includes £285 billion funded solely by the public sector.

    It comes as the government announced last month at least £725 billion of government funding over the coming decade, as part of a new approach to how projects are planned and delivered.

    Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones MP said:

    Last month, I set out a comprehensive ten-year strategy to restore confidence in the UK’s capacity to provide the infrastructure we need to renew Britain.

    Delivering that ambition will require support from the private sector to invest in the jobs and training opportunities workers need to help us rebuild the country.

    This pipeline brings industry on that journey with us – by giving business leaders and investors confidence about future work and therefore the confidence to invest in their workforce.

    By providing a more consistent picture of significant infrastructure investments planned by both government and the private sector, the pipeline also aims to improve the quality of policy making, spending decisions and the delivery of major projects – replacing the previously erratic and uncoordinated nature of infrastructure planning with a more certain picture.

    This is backed by a new online pipeline tool allowing users to see the national and regional picture of planned investments by both the government and private sector in real time. As well as providing details of individual projects, users will also be able to look at the full range of planned investments.

    The pipeline will managed by the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) and updated on a regular basis. 

    Becky Wood, Chief Executive Office of NISTA, said:

    We’ve listened to a wide range of voices to ensure this pipeline is designed to give the infrastructure sector the information and insights needed to plan with confidence and to build the skills, workforce and supply chains required.

    NISTA is committed to working with investors, operators and construction firms on future iterations to ensure the pipeline is where private and public sector partners will stand firmly behind a shared ambition to do things better.

    John Foster, Chief Policy and Campaigns Officer at CBI said:

    A dynamic, forward-looking infrastructure pipeline is exactly what business needs to plan, invest, and build with confidence. This announcement responds to long-standing calls from industry and sends a strong signal that government is serious about long-term infrastructure planning. Greater clarity and certainty on upcoming projects will unlock investment in nationally significant schemes, strengthen supply chains, and support high-value jobs across the UK.

    Sam Gould, Director of policy and external affairs at the Institution of Civil Engineers said:

    The ICE has promoted the importance of an up-to-date, credible project pipeline for some time, so NISTA’s publication of the new Infrastructure Pipeline is a welcome step forward.

    Having an agreed list of projects provides essential clarity for the industry to plan – not just for delivery, but to enable better workforce planning and attract necessary finance.

    The commitment from NISTA to regularly update the Pipeline with insights and data from across industry is also positive, and the ICE looks forward to working with NISTA to refine and develop this Pipeline.

    This joined-up, systematic approach is what’s needed to plan for and deliver the infrastructure the UK needs.

    Mark Reynolds, Mace’s Executive Chair and Co-Chair of the Construction Leadership Council and Co-Chair of the Construction Skills Mission Board, said:

    The construction industry cannot invest in new skills, capacity and technology without clarity on our future workload. The government’s pipeline plays a critical role in allowing us to scale up to deliver 1.5m new homes and a revitalisation of our national infrastructure.

    NISTA’s new dynamic approach is a major step forward; and the inclusion of employment data will make a significant difference to firms across the country as they plan for the next few years of growth. The Construction Skills Mission Board will be working with our members from government, industry, training bodies, the devolved authorities and the unions to build the skilled workforce we need to realise the ambitious plans laid out in the pipeline.

    More information

    • Additional comments:

    Leo Quinn, Group Chief Executive of Balfour Beatty, said:

    The new Infrastructure Pipeline is a big step forward, giving industry the clarity and confidence to invest in skills, grow capability and deliver sustainable, digital solutions. It’s what Balfour Beatty has been calling for: funded schemes, greater detail and transparency, and real-time updates to support business planning. The challenge now is keeping up momentum and making it a trusted tool for long-term UK infrastructure planning.

    Suzannah Nichol OBE, Chief Executive, Build UK said:

    The new Infrastructure Pipeline is another step towards much needed visibility and stability for the construction supply chain and private sector investors. This dynamic approach showing a clear and updated pipeline of work will give our members more confidence to invest in the skills, resources and technology required to deliver and maintain the social and economic infrastructure we all rely on.

    Build UK is committed to working with the Treasury and NISTA to ensure the pipeline is an effective tool, supporting improved performance and productivity and driving economic growth.

    Jon Phillips, Chief Executive, Global Infrastructure Investor Association said:

    This is a positive step towards strengthening the UK’s appeal as a destination for private finance of critical infrastructure.

    Global investors will value a clear pipeline of projects that shows the full scope of the UK’s investment potential.

    We look forward to working closely with the government to ensure the pipeline meets investors’ needs and has the greatest possible impact on UK economic growth.

    David Allen, spokesperson for the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), and Executive Director of CECA Southern, said:

    The long-term certainty provided by the pipeline published today – and the ease of access that the online tool provides – will boost the infrastructure sector’s delivery capacity, at a time when we need the UK economy to be firing on all cylinders.

    CECA members have consistently argued that key to delivering the best results is providing industry with clear visibility of the forward pipeline of investment.

    This is essential to maintaining confidence across our sector, and enables businesses to plan efficiently, invest in skills and innovation, and deliver the economic and social outcomes the UK needs.

    • The Infrastructure Pipeline is a dynamic online tool, developed after extensive engagement with a wide range of industry stakeholders.
    • It provides both an interactive and downloadable information about each scheme, including details of anticipated spend, the current project status and its expected completion date, together with information on the Pipeline’s methodology and how it will evolve in future. 
    • This first iteration of the pipeline reflects public spending settlements agreed across government as part of the recent Spending Review. The next update planned for early 2026 will add further details following the completion of business planning across government resulting from Spending Review decisions..
    • The Pipeline is not an announcement of new government policy or project investments – it is an update on the latest position on each project.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Biometrics will work on all metro turnstiles.

    As Maxim Liksutov stated, by the end of 2025, all payment equipment for station access will be connected to the biometrics service. For example, late last week, work was completed on the Solntsevskaya line, where biometrics were implemented at 138 access points. Biometrics have become a convenient and secure way to pay for travel, with all user data securely encrypted and the system itself having bank-level protection.

    Previously, this convenient payment method was launched on all turnstiles of the following lines: Troitskaya, Butovskaya, Nekrasovskaya, and Filyovskaya.

    Moscow is a global leader in the number of transport types where biometric payment is available. The payment service operates in the metro, on the MCC, Aeroexpress, regular river routes, and some MCD stations. The most modern payment method can be used at approximately 1.5 thousand urban transport turnstiles. Following the task of Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, the best Russian payment solutions continue to be developed in the capital’s transport for user convenience, Maxim Liksutov added.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Biometrics will be installed at all metro turnstiles.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    As Maxim Liksutov explained, by the end of 2025, all payment equipment for passage at stations will be connected to the biometric service. For example, at the end of last week, work was completed on the Solntsevskaya Line, where biometrics appeared at 138 passages. Biometrics has become a convenient and secure way to pay for travel, in which all user data is securely encrypted, and the system itself has a bank-level of protection.

    Previously, a convenient method of paying for travel was launched at all turnstiles of the following lines: Troitskaya, Butovskaya, Nekrasovskaya and Filevskaya.

    Moscow is the world leader in the number of types of transport where payment by biometrics is available. The payment service operates in the metro, on the Moscow Central Circle, Aeroexpress, regular river routes and some MCD stations. The most modern method of paying for travel can be used at about 1.5 thousand turnstiles of city transport. According to the task of Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, the best Russian payment solutions for the convenience of users continue to be developed in the capital’s transport, – added Maxim Liksutov.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese peacekeepers to South Sudan complete main supply route rehabilitation task 2025-07-17 19:09:48 The 15th Chinese Peacekeeping Horizontal Engineering Company to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) recently completed the rehabilitation of the road connecting Tonj to Romich.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

      The Chinese peacekeepers are operating engineering vehicles to pave the road. (Photo by Li Zhi and Teng Kaifu)

      By Zhang Xiaokun and Liu Di

      BEIJING, July 17 — The 15th Chinese Peacekeeping Horizontal Engineering Company to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) recently completed the rehabilitation of the road connecting Tonj to Romich. The road is a vital part of the supply route for the UN to carry out humanitarian relief in South Sudan. The completion of the task also marks the successful conclusion of the supply route construction mission assigned to the Chinese peacekeeping engineering contingent to the UNMISS in 2025.

      The road from Tonj to Romich, with a total length of about 112 kilometers, is a vital transport line connecting several key cities and towns in South Sudan. The Chinese peacekeeping engineering contingent dispatched 43 troops and 23 vehicles and machines to complete the rehabilitation task with high standards in 49 days, making great contributions to the local agricultural material transportation and the improvement of people’s wellbeing.

      According to Zheng Pei, a member of the Chinese peacekeeping engineering contingent, since their deployment in December last year, they have repaired 333 kilometers of road in total in South Sudan, which is the longest road repair length among the seven engineering contingents of the UNMISS.

      The Chinese peacekeepers are operating engineering vehicles to pave the road. (Photo by Li Zhi and Teng Kaifu)

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: East African countries and open borders: great strides, but still a long way to go

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Alan Hirsch, Senior Research Fellow New South Institute, Emeritus Professor at The Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, University of Cape Town

    It’s not uncommon to find a Ugandan taxi driver in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, just as one regularly meets Zimbabwean Uber drivers in South Africa. But there is a big difference. A Ugandan working in Rwanda most likely has a secure legal right to be there, whereas Zimbabweans working in South Africa are often uncertain of their current or future legality.

    East Africa has made greater strides towards the free flow of people crossing borders and seeking work than most of Africa. Only the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) is in the same league.

    While the African Union’s Free Movement of Persons protocol has faltered at a continental level, some of the regional economic communities have made progress. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) allows visa-free travel across almost all its borders.

    Ecowas and the East African Community (EAC) have driven ambitiously towards regional common markets including the freeing up of job-seeking, residential settlement and business development across the borders of member states.

    The New South Institute, a think-tank focused on governance reforms in the global south, is nearing the end of a research programme on migration governance reform in Africa. Our new report is on East Africa.

    We have found that unlike much of the global north, the African continent is moving towards more open borders for people. In some of the global south the promise of economic growth outweighs political fears. Yet progress is slow, and not coordinated. Mostly migration reform happens in regions and between neighbours.

    The progress in the East African Community is particularly notable compared with other African regional communities. We identify a number of reasons for this, including strong leadership and co-operation between state and non-state actors.

    The commitment to free movement

    The East African Community adopted its Common Market Protocol in 2010. The bloc is made up of Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, the DRC and Somalia.

    The regional body’s common market pact includes the movement of goods, services, capital and people. It gives people the right – on paper at least – to find employment across borders, the right to reside and the right to establish a business. There is also a commitment to the harmonisation and mutual recognition of academic and professional qualifications and labour policies to ease mobility.

    Even before the common market protocol, the regional bloc began to establish one-stop border posts on many of its internal borders to facilitate the flow of goods and people. Though they don’t all operate the same way or equally well, they have been successful at easing movement.

    Uneven outcomes

    The common market’s impact on the movement of people has been uneven within the region. Most integrated are Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda, which allow the cross-border movement of citizens with standardised identity documents – they do not need passports.

    It is also relatively easy to get jobs across these borders.

    Tanzania and Burundi are close to the inner circle but still require passports, though no visas. The three states which joined more recently, South Sudan, the DRC and Somalia, are all fragile states with governance systems that do not always meet the standards needed for acceptance into all the privileges of the regional bloc.

    In practice there is differential treatment. Generally, it is more difficult for citizens of the three latecomers to get regular access and jobs in their regional partners.

    Another limitation when it comes to the mobility of people is that little progress has been made in the formal harmonisation of education, health and social welfare systems between member states. This inhibits job seeking across borders.

    In addition, national labour laws, which tend to require permits for foreigners, still apply to varying degrees in the region. Some countries are more permissive. For example, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda have a reciprocal no-fee work permit agreement.

    Another shortcoming has been that the outcomes of court processes in enforcing the freedom of movement have been disappointing. This is so even though the regional bloc has an active East African Court of Justice. Its legal mandate includes the enforcement of the bloc’s treaty and its protocols.

    In some cases the court has found that national actions inhibiting the movement of persons were trumped by the regional protocol. It has instructed the errant governments to comply. But its ability to enforce the decisions is minimal.

    Reasons for success

    Leadership has been important. The fact that the strongest economy in the region, Kenya, has been part of the leading echelon is significant.

    Rwanda and Uganda have led by example too. Rwanda was one of the first countries on the continent to offer visa-free entry to all other African countries. For its part, Uganda is widely admired for its refugee inclusion programmes.

    Another factor outlined in our report has been the opportunity for collaboration fostered by relationships between formal institutions, such as governments, and non-state actors such as the International Organisation for Migration. Interactions between these various players have created opportunities for officials and policymakers from states of the region to meet, discuss issues of concern, and develop relationships of trust and understanding.

    Another non-state donor-funded actor, TradeMark Africa, which was established in 2010 to support in the implementation of the common market in east Africa, provided considerable support. For example it supported the implementation of the regional One-Stop Border Post programme..

    Way forward

    Based on our report we identified changes that could make a positive difference.

    Firstly, the development of reliable, harmonised systems in the region to collect and manage data on population mobility and employment. This would build confidence that policy was being made on the basis of reliable information.

    Secondly, reducing friction in cross-border monetary transactions, including migrants’ remittances. This would make it easier for migrants to send some of their income to their countries of origin.

    Thirdly, improvements to population registers, identity documents, passports and cross-border migration management systems. Improvements would build mutual trust in the integrity of systems and pave the way for further commitments to lowering migration barriers.

    Fourth, cooperation on cross-border access to social services such as health and education. This is one of the most important intermediate steps towards freeing up mobility for the citizens of the region.

    Fifth, reconsidering some of the amendments made to weaken the East African Court of Justice in 2007. This would strengthen the de jure powers of the court, adding considerably to the entrenchment of cross-border rights in the region.

    Ultimately, the key constraint in the region is political and security instability, which holds back social and economic development. Nevertheless, incremental progress on mobility is possible despite issues in the fragile states, even though it may result in asymmetric progress within the East African Community.

    Alan Hirsch’s work on migration governance is part of his responsibilities while employed as a Senior Research Fellow at the New South Institute.

    – ref. East African countries and open borders: great strides, but still a long way to go – https://theconversation.com/east-african-countries-and-open-borders-great-strides-but-still-a-long-way-to-go-261021

    MIL OSI –