NewzIntel.com

Category: Aviation

  • MIL-OSI: CLEAR Launches Concierge – a New Premium, Personalized Airport Experience

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CLEAR (NYSE: YOU), the secure identity platform, today announced CLEAR Concierge–a premium experience that gets travelers through the airport even faster, exclusive to CLEAR+ Members.

    Members can choose from two options: Concierge Express, where a dedicated CLEAR Ambassador meets you curbside and speeds you through the CLEAR+ Lane for a quick, stress-free start to your journey; and Concierge Gate Service, which includes all the benefits of Concierge Express, plus help with check in, bags, directions, and guidance all the way to your gate–perfect for traveling families or seniors.

    “Whether you’re catching a morning flight for work or traveling with your family on vacation, CLEAR Concierge helps you get through even faster every time,” said Caryn Seidman Becker, CEO of CLEAR. “It’s a premium experience that brings ease, predictability, and peace of mind to every journey.”

    CLEAR Concierge is now live at the following major U.S. airports within the CLEAR+ network, with more locations set to launch in the coming months:

    • Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
    • Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL)
    • Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
    • William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
    • Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE)
    • Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)
    • Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
    • Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU)
    • Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
    • Tulsa International Airport (TUL)
    • Denver International Airport (DEN)
    • Orlando International Airport (MCO)
    • Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
    • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

    CLEAR Concierge is also expected to operate soon at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

    Travel is hard, and it’s only getting harder. By 2030, U.S. airports are expected to see an additional one million travelers every single day, adding more stress to an already complex journey. CLEAR Concierge is designed to meet this moment—giving travelers a faster, more predictable, premium experience when they need it most.

    CLEAR Concierge services are available for purchase only for CLEAR+ Members. Concierge Express is available for $99 per use and Concierge Gate Service is available for $179 per use. Travelers under 17 can join CLEAR+ Members in the Lane for free.

    Additional information on CLEAR Concierge can be found here.

    About CLEAR
    CLEAR’s mission is to strengthen security and create frictionless experiences. With over 31 million Members and a growing network of partners across the world, CLEAR’s identity platform is transforming the way people live, work, and travel. Whether you are traveling, at the stadium, or on your phone, CLEAR connects you to the things that make you, you – making everyday experiences easier, more secure, and friction-free. CLEAR is committed to privacy done right. Members are always in control of their own information, and we never sell Member data. For more information, visit clearme.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This release may contain statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that any and such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results, developments and events may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those described in the Company’s filings within the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the sections titled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10- K. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein.

    CLEAR
    media@clearme.com

    This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Flights on the Wuhan-Moscow-Wuhan route will resume in September

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    WUHAN, July 9 (Xinhua) — The Wuhan-Moscow-Wuhan direct flight will officially resume on Sept. 9, the branch of China Southern Airlines in central China’s Hubei Province said Wednesday.

    Flights between Wuhan, the capital of Hubei, and the Russian capital will reportedly be operated by wide-body Airbus A350-900 passenger aircraft on Tuesdays and Sundays.

    The aircraft will depart from Wuhan Airport at 15:10 Beijing time and arrive at Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport at 19:15 local time, and depart in the opposite direction from Moscow at 21:15 local time, arriving in Wuhan at 10:30 the following day Beijing time. The one-way flight will take approximately 8 hours.

    Let us recall that this air route was launched on July 30, 2014, becoming the first direct flight in history connecting central China with Russia.

    According to the Hubei branch of China Southern Airlines, along with the recent implementation of a series of measures to facilitate people-to-people exchanges between China and Russia, the resumption of direct flights will further promote humanitarian exchanges between the two countries. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ will have Americans paying higher prices for dirtier energy

    Source: The Conversation – USA (2) – By Daniel Cohan, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University

    Congress passed Donald Trump’s tax and spending bill on July 3, 2025. Kevin Carter/Getty Images

    When congressional Republicans decided to cut some Biden-era energy subsidies to help fund their One Big Beautiful Bill Act, they could have pruned wasteful subsidies while sparing the rest. Instead, they did the reverse. Americans will pay the price with higher costs for dirtier energy.

    The nearly 900-page bill that President Donald Trump signed on July 4, 2025, slashes incentives for wind and solar energy, batteries, electric cars and home efficiency while expanding subsidies for fossil fuels and biofuels. That will leave Americans burning more fossil fuels despite strong public and scientific support for shifting to renewable energy.

    As an environmental engineering professor who studies ways to confront climate change, I think it is important to distinguish which energy technologies could rapidly cut emissions or need a financial boost to become viable from those that are already profitable but harm the environment. Unfortunately, the Republican bill favors the latter while stifling the former.

    The Spring Creek Mine in Decker, Mont., is just one mine in the Powder River Basin, the most productive coal-producing region in the U.S.
    AP Photo/Matthew Brown

    Cuts to renewable electricity

    Wind and solar power, often paired with batteries, provide over 90% of the new electricity added nationally and around the world in recent years. Natural gas turbines are in short supply, and there are long lead times to build nuclear power plants. Wind and solar energy projects – with batteries to store excess power until it’s needed – offer the fastest way to satisfy growing demand for power. Recent technological breakthroughs put geothermal power on the verge of rapid growth.

    However, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act rescinds billions of dollars that the Inflation Reduction Act, enacted in 2022, devoted to boosting domestic manufacturing and deployments of renewable energy and batteries.

    It accelerates the phaseout of tax credits for factories that manufacture equipment needed for renewable energy and electric vehicles. That would disrupt the boom in domestic manufacturing projects that had been stimulated by the Inflation Reduction Act.

    Efforts to build new wind and solar farms will be hit even harder. To receive any tax credits, those projects will need to commence construction by mid-2026 or come online by the end of 2027. The act preserves a slower timeline for phasing out subsidies for nuclear, geothermal and hydrogen projects, which take far longer to build than wind and solar farms.

    However, even projects that could be built soon enough will struggle to comply with the bill’s restrictions on using Chinese-made components. Tax law experts have called those provisions “unworkable,” since some Chinese materials may be necessary even for projects built with as much domestic content as possible. For example, even American-made solar panels may rely on components sourced from China or Chinese-owned companies.

    Princeton University professor Jesse Jenkins estimates that the bill will mean wind and solar power generate 820 fewer terawatt-hours in 2035 than under previous policies. That’s more power than all U.S. coal-fired power plants generated in 2023.

    That’s why BloombergNEF, an energy research firm, called the bill a “nightmare scenario” for clean energy proponents.

    However, one person’s nightmare may be another man’s dream. “We’re constraining the hell out of wind and solar, which is good,” said U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, a Texas Republican who is backed by the oil and gas industry.

    Federal tax credits for homeowners who install solar panels will now expire at the end of 2025.
    AP Photo/Michael Conroy

    Electric cars and efficiency

    Cuts fall even harder on Americans who are trying to reduce their carbon footprints and energy costs. The quickest phaseout comes for tax credits for electric vehicles, which will end on Sept. 30, 2025. And since the bill eliminates fines on car companies that fail to meet fuel economy standards, other new cars are likely to guzzle more gas.

    Tax credits for home efficiency improvements such as heat pumps, efficient windows and energy audits will end at the end of 2025. Homeowners will also lose tax credits for installing solar panels at the end of the year, seven years earlier than under the previous law.

    The bill also rescinds funding that would have helped cut diesel emissions and finance clean energy projects in underserved communities.

    Federal tax credits for buying electric vehicles will end on Sept. 30, 2025.
    AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

    Support for biofuels and fossil fuels

    Biofuels and fossil fuels fared far better under the bill. Tens of billions of dollars will be spent to extend tax credits for biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel.

    Food-based biofuels do little good for the climate because growing, harvesting and processing crops requires fertilizers, pesticides and fuel. The bill would allow forests to be cut to make room for crops because it directs agencies to ignore the effects of biofuels on land use.

    Meanwhile, the bill opens more federal lands and waters to leasing for oil and gas drilling and coal mining. It also slashes the royalties that companies pay to the federal government for fuels extracted from publicly owned land. And a new tax credit will subsidize metallurgical coal, which is mainly exported to steelmakers overseas.

    The bill also increases subsidies for using captured carbon dioxide to extract more oil and gas from the ground. That makes it less likely that captured emissions will only be sequestered to combat climate change.

    Summing it up

    With fewer efficiency improvements, fewer electric vehicles and less clean power on the grid, Princeton’s Jenkins projects that the law will increase household energy costs by over $280 per year by 2035 above what they would have been without the bill. The extra fossil fuel-burning will negate 470 million tons of anticipated emissions reductions that year, a 7% bump.

    The bill will also leave America’s clean energy transition further behind China, which is deploying more solar and wind power and electric vehicles than the rest of the world combined.

    No one expected President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act to escape unscathed with Republicans in the White House and dominating both houses of Congress, even though many of its projects were in Republican-voting districts. Still, pairing cuts to clean energy with support for fossil fuels makes Trump’s bill uniquely harmful to the world’s climate and to Americans’ wallets.

    This article includes some material previously published on June 10, 2025.

    Daniel Cohan receives research funding from the Carbon Hub at Rice University. He previously received research funding from Project InnerSpace, the Mitchell Foundation, the National Science Foundation, NASA, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

    – ref. ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ will have Americans paying higher prices for dirtier energy – https://theconversation.com/big-beautiful-bill-will-have-americans-paying-higher-prices-for-dirtier-energy-260588

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ will have Americans paying higher prices for dirtier energy

    Source: The Conversation – USA (2) – By Daniel Cohan, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University

    Congress passed Donald Trump’s tax and spending bill on July 3, 2025. Kevin Carter/Getty Images

    When congressional Republicans decided to cut some Biden-era energy subsidies to help fund their One Big Beautiful Bill Act, they could have pruned wasteful subsidies while sparing the rest. Instead, they did the reverse. Americans will pay the price with higher costs for dirtier energy.

    The nearly 900-page bill that President Donald Trump signed on July 4, 2025, slashes incentives for wind and solar energy, batteries, electric cars and home efficiency while expanding subsidies for fossil fuels and biofuels. That will leave Americans burning more fossil fuels despite strong public and scientific support for shifting to renewable energy.

    As an environmental engineering professor who studies ways to confront climate change, I think it is important to distinguish which energy technologies could rapidly cut emissions or need a financial boost to become viable from those that are already profitable but harm the environment. Unfortunately, the Republican bill favors the latter while stifling the former.

    The Spring Creek Mine in Decker, Mont., is just one mine in the Powder River Basin, the most productive coal-producing region in the U.S.
    AP Photo/Matthew Brown

    Cuts to renewable electricity

    Wind and solar power, often paired with batteries, provide over 90% of the new electricity added nationally and around the world in recent years. Natural gas turbines are in short supply, and there are long lead times to build nuclear power plants. Wind and solar energy projects – with batteries to store excess power until it’s needed – offer the fastest way to satisfy growing demand for power. Recent technological breakthroughs put geothermal power on the verge of rapid growth.

    However, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act rescinds billions of dollars that the Inflation Reduction Act, enacted in 2022, devoted to boosting domestic manufacturing and deployments of renewable energy and batteries.

    It accelerates the phaseout of tax credits for factories that manufacture equipment needed for renewable energy and electric vehicles. That would disrupt the boom in domestic manufacturing projects that had been stimulated by the Inflation Reduction Act.

    Efforts to build new wind and solar farms will be hit even harder. To receive any tax credits, those projects will need to commence construction by mid-2026 or come online by the end of 2027. The act preserves a slower timeline for phasing out subsidies for nuclear, geothermal and hydrogen projects, which take far longer to build than wind and solar farms.

    However, even projects that could be built soon enough will struggle to comply with the bill’s restrictions on using Chinese-made components. Tax law experts have called those provisions “unworkable,” since some Chinese materials may be necessary even for projects built with as much domestic content as possible. For example, even American-made solar panels may rely on components sourced from China or Chinese-owned companies.

    Princeton University professor Jesse Jenkins estimates that the bill will mean wind and solar power generate 820 fewer terawatt-hours in 2035 than under previous policies. That’s more power than all U.S. coal-fired power plants generated in 2023.

    That’s why BloombergNEF, an energy research firm, called the bill a “nightmare scenario” for clean energy proponents.

    However, one person’s nightmare may be another man’s dream. “We’re constraining the hell out of wind and solar, which is good,” said U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, a Texas Republican who is backed by the oil and gas industry.

    Federal tax credits for homeowners who install solar panels will now expire at the end of 2025.
    AP Photo/Michael Conroy

    Electric cars and efficiency

    Cuts fall even harder on Americans who are trying to reduce their carbon footprints and energy costs. The quickest phaseout comes for tax credits for electric vehicles, which will end on Sept. 30, 2025. And since the bill eliminates fines on car companies that fail to meet fuel economy standards, other new cars are likely to guzzle more gas.

    Tax credits for home efficiency improvements such as heat pumps, efficient windows and energy audits will end at the end of 2025. Homeowners will also lose tax credits for installing solar panels at the end of the year, seven years earlier than under the previous law.

    The bill also rescinds funding that would have helped cut diesel emissions and finance clean energy projects in underserved communities.

    Federal tax credits for buying electric vehicles will end on Sept. 30, 2025.
    AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

    Support for biofuels and fossil fuels

    Biofuels and fossil fuels fared far better under the bill. Tens of billions of dollars will be spent to extend tax credits for biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel.

    Food-based biofuels do little good for the climate because growing, harvesting and processing crops requires fertilizers, pesticides and fuel. The bill would allow forests to be cut to make room for crops because it directs agencies to ignore the effects of biofuels on land use.

    Meanwhile, the bill opens more federal lands and waters to leasing for oil and gas drilling and coal mining. It also slashes the royalties that companies pay to the federal government for fuels extracted from publicly owned land. And a new tax credit will subsidize metallurgical coal, which is mainly exported to steelmakers overseas.

    The bill also increases subsidies for using captured carbon dioxide to extract more oil and gas from the ground. That makes it less likely that captured emissions will only be sequestered to combat climate change.

    Summing it up

    With fewer efficiency improvements, fewer electric vehicles and less clean power on the grid, Princeton’s Jenkins projects that the law will increase household energy costs by over $280 per year by 2035 above what they would have been without the bill. The extra fossil fuel-burning will negate 470 million tons of anticipated emissions reductions that year, a 7% bump.

    The bill will also leave America’s clean energy transition further behind China, which is deploying more solar and wind power and electric vehicles than the rest of the world combined.

    No one expected President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act to escape unscathed with Republicans in the White House and dominating both houses of Congress, even though many of its projects were in Republican-voting districts. Still, pairing cuts to clean energy with support for fossil fuels makes Trump’s bill uniquely harmful to the world’s climate and to Americans’ wallets.

    This article includes some material previously published on June 10, 2025.

    Daniel Cohan receives research funding from the Carbon Hub at Rice University. He previously received research funding from Project InnerSpace, the Mitchell Foundation, the National Science Foundation, NASA, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

    – ref. ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ will have Americans paying higher prices for dirtier energy – https://theconversation.com/big-beautiful-bill-will-have-americans-paying-higher-prices-for-dirtier-energy-260588

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: INNOPROM-2025: New Horizons of Industrial Development

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The 15th anniversary industrial exhibition INNOPROM continues its work in Yekaterinburg. Today the pavilions opened their doors to all categories of visitors, and the flow of guests has noticeably increased. The trend of this year’s exhibition is the demonstration of advanced developments that have already proven their effectiveness in real production conditions.

    The delegation of the Polytechnic University takes part in key events of the business program, where current issues of industrial development, innovative technologies and scientific and technical cooperation are discussed.

    Thus, at the Polytechnic stand, a cooperation agreement was signed between the Federal State Autonomous Institution “Digital Industrial Technologies” and Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University.

    The document, which envisages cooperation between the parties in order to implement joint expert and analytical activities aimed at highlighting the results and stimulating the development and effective application of advanced digital and production technologies, artificial intelligence technologies in industrial sectors of the Russian Federation economy, was signed by the director of the organization Eduard Shantayev and the chief designer for the key scientific and technological development area of SPbPU “System Digital Engineering”, director of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering” Alexey Borovkov.

    Alexey Borovkov also took part in the events of the INNOPROM business program, including the session “Fast. Complex. Precise. How additive technologies accelerate industrial development.” The participants discussed the prospects for industry growth due to increased demand for additive technologies and materials, tools for interaction between business, science and the state, as well as successful cases of implementing such technologies in industry.

    During his speech, Alexey Ivanovich spoke about a world-class project carried out in the interests of the Fuel Division of the Rosatom State Corporation – the development of a digital twin of a VVER-1000 fuel assembly (FA) with an anti-debris filter and mixing grids.

    The optimized design of the anti-debris filter and the geometry of the mixing grids of the fuel assembly was developed in six months and, in contrast to the original product, is 10 times more efficient, the speaker emphasized.

    Alexey Borovkov also presented the developments of the Polymer Composite Materials laboratory of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering”, including demonstrators of overprinting and induction welding technologies for thermoplastic composite materials, as well as automated laying out of thermoplastic unidirectional prepregs.

    According to Alexey Borovkov, overprinting technology is ideal for working with engineering polymers due to the absence of a number of technological limitations and is of great interest for integration into large technological chains: laying out – stamping – printing.

    An award ceremony was held at the Polytechnic stand. For his great contribution to the development of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, the General Director of the Union of Defense Industry Enterprises of the Sverdlovsk Region Vladimir Shchelokov received the “For Merits” badge of distinction. The honorary award was presented to him by the Scientific Secretary of SPbPU Dmitry Karpov.

    SPbPU is an active member of the Union. The University improves the quality of personnel training in the military-industrial complex, as well as in the field of scientific research and educational services. The Union participates in the implementation of federal target programs and technology platforms to achieve leadership in the leading high-tech sectors of the economy: aviation and engine building, rocket and space industry, nuclear power complex, shipbuilding, electronic and radio-electronic industry and others. The Union includes more than 100 enterprises and organizations.

    It is a great honor for me to receive this award. I would like to express my gratitude for the fruitful cooperation with the Polytechnic University. A distinctive feature of your university is the ability to implement projects, and visual confirmation of this can be seen at the exhibition stand. There is much to learn from the Polytechnic University. And I am sincerely proud of our friendship, – said Vladimir Shchelokov.

    In turn, Vladimir Shchelokov awarded the director of the Center for Scientific and Technological Partnership and Targeted Training of SPbPU Oleg Ipatov with a commemorative medal “80 Years of the Great Victory”.

    This year, INNOPROM pays special attention to machines, units, machine tools and robotic systems that are actively used in various industries today. The technological potential of SPbPU is presented at a separate stand. Here, visitors can get acquainted with innovative developments that have undergone practical testing and are ready for implementation in industrial production.

    At the exhibition, a team from the Laboratory of Light Materials and Structures (LLMS) of IMMiT demonstrated electric arc 3D printing. Right before the eyes of the audience, a “Laval nozzle” was created – a gas channel of a special profile designed to accelerate the gas flow to supersonic speeds.

    The printing technology is based on melting metal wire using an electric arc. This approach allows for high-speed production of products: up to 2.2 kg/h for aluminum alloys and up to 6 kg/h for steel. The key advantage is the absence of restrictions on the shape of the part: the manipulator easily moves along the rail system and follows the growth of the product, which allows for the implementation of the concept of an open production cell.

    The laboratory carries out a full cycle of implementation of additive technologies – design and launch of 3D printing installations, personnel training, technical support and production support.

    Mikhail Kuznetsov, Head of the Laser and Additive Technologies Research Laboratory at the Institute of Metallurgy and Metallurgy at St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, spoke about the laboratory’s work at INNOPROM: At the exhibition, we presented the “Nomad” laser cladding complex, samples made using laser welding and additive technologies. Of particular interest are the hip joint cups. The samples were made as part of R&D in close cooperation with the Armalit JSC company with the participation of the Vreden Institute of Traumatology and are evidence of how modern solutions can effectively work to address the challenges of import substitution and technological sovereignty of the country. We held a number of productive meetings with industry representatives and engineering centers from different regions of Russia. It is especially valuable that enterprises from a wide variety of industries, from aircraft manufacturing to medicine, are interested in our technologies. This indicates a high degree of versatility and applied significance of our solutions.

    The Polytechnic University was also represented in the international agenda of the forum. Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Computer Technology and Information Systems of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Leading Researcher of the Gazpromneft-Polytech Scientific and Educational Center, Analyst in the project “Automation of Seismic Data Processing Using Artificial Neural Networks” Sergey Khlopin took part in the round table “Russian-Chinese Scientific and Technical Cooperation in the Field of Development and Implementation of High Technologies”. As part of the session “Projects and Technologies in the Field of Intellectual Production”, he made a report “Current Models for the Implementation of Digital Technological Projects in the Field of Geological Exploration”. Sergey Vladimirovich spoke about the cooperation between SPbPU and Chinese partners.

    Sergey Khlopin, commenting on the results of his speech, noted: This year, INNOPROM-2025 became a platform for demonstrating the start of the work process of Gazpromneft-Polytech REC specialists in the field of AI application for geological exploration. One of the key tasks that the models being created will be aimed at solving in the future is the labor-intensive manual processing of seismic information. In tests, the model shows accuracy comparable to classical methods on linear data, but significantly exceeds them in cases with nonlinear dependencies, which are more common in practice. However, the project has just started, so the team faces various difficulties during development. Neural networks do not always give the correct result. We are solving the problem of the relevance of the data received.

    Since 2018, Polytech has implemented more than 20 contracts for research and development work with 12 of the largest industrial and research companies in China. The most active cooperation is in the field of telecommunications and IT technologies, aviation industry, automotive industry and new materials. During the discussion of the interaction of the Gazpromneft-Polytech REC with an industrial partner, Sergey Khlopin demonstrated the successful experience of implementing a scientific project aimed at the practical application of the results of industrial operation. He also emphasized the importance of further developing cooperation and expressed confidence in the formation of reliable partnerships with representatives of the PRC in an alliance with an industrial partner.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FALQs: The 80th Anniversary of the Arab League

    Source: US Global Legal Monitor

    The following is a guest post by George Sadek, a senior foreign law specialist at the Law Library of Congress covering covering laws of Arabic-speaking countries and Islamic law. George has written numerous posts for In Custodia Legis, including the New Multinational Report on the Acquisition of Citizenship through International Adoption, FALQS: Qatar’s New Counterterrorism Law, and FALQ: Saudi Arabia Imposes Enhanced Penalties on Violators of Hajj Regulation. This post is part of our Frequently Asked Legal Questions series. 

    The Arab League, also known as the League of Arab States, was formed in Cairo on March 22, 1945, initially with seven members: Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Yemen. This year (2025), it celebrates its 80th anniversary. I thought this occasion would be a good opportunity to address the purpose of the Arab League, its members, its headquarters, Secretary General, and charter.

    Who are the members of the Arab League?

    The Arab league has 22 members. In addition to the founding members listed above, the members include Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Kuwait, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, the Palestinian Authority, Qatar, Somalia, Sudan, Tunisia, and United Arab Emirates.

    What is the purpose of the Arab League?

    The main purpose of the Arab League is to enhance cooperation among Arab countries. For instance, in April 1950, members of the Arab League signed a joined defense agreement among themselves. Additionally, in April 1983, members of the Arab League signed the Riyadh Arab Agreement for judicial cooperation.

    Article 3 of the charter of the Arab League provides that the league assists member states to cooperate in the following matters:

    1-Economic and financial affairs, including commercial relations, customs, currency and questions of agriculture and industry;

    2-Communications, railroads, roads, aviation, navigation, and telegraphs;

    3-Cultural affairs;

    4- Passports, visas, execution of judgments, and extradition of criminals;

    5-Social and health affairs.

    Who is the current secretary general of the Arab League?

    Ahmed Aboul Gheit is the current secretary general of the Arab League. He assumed this position in July 2016. He is the former minister of foreign affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt from between 2004 and 2011.

    Where is the Arab League headquarters located?

    According to article 10 of the charter of the Arab League, the headquarters of the Arab League is in Cairo, Egypt. However, there has been a recent debate among Arab countries as to whether the headquarters should moved to Saudi Arabia or Qatar.

    Where can I find additional resources?

    For legal developments taking place in countries that are members of the Arab League, please consult the Law Library resource, the Global Legal Monitor.

    If you have a question regarding laws of Arab countries, you can also submit it using the  Ask a Librarian form on our website.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Willis Aviation Services Limited Announces Long-Term Base Maintenance Partnership with Jet2.com

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    COCONUT CREEK, Fla., July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC) (“WLFC” or the “Company”), the leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines and global provider of aviation services, announced today that its subsidiary, Willis Aviation Services Limited (“WASL”), a premier provider of aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (“MRO”) services, has secured a commitment from leading leisure airline Jet2.com (“Jet2”) for two base maintenance lines for the upcoming season.

    This announcement follows the successful completion of a single maintenance line for Jet2 this year, highlighting the strong performance and capabilities of the WASL delivery team in Teesside. Building on that success, Jet2 has expanded its commitment by adding a second maintenance line. Both lines will be carried out at WASL’s new state-of-the-art facility located at Teesside International Airport in Northeast England.

    As aircraft maintenance services remain in high demand across the UK and Europe, WASL’s recently announced expansion plans at Teesside add essential capacity to the UK MRO sector to perform heavy maintenance checks, transitional activity and paint for airlines and lessors globally. Further, the new Teesside facility is expected to create a significant number of new highly skilled jobs and contribute to the pipeline of talent that supports both immediate operational needs and long-term skill development in the region.

    “We are thrilled to continue our work supporting Jet2’s fleet at our expanding Teesside facility,” said Austin C. Willis, WLFC’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our investment in Teesside enables WASL to deliver essential services for airlines including Jet2 and reflects our commitment to driving local economic growth and creating skilled jobs in the UK aerospace industry.”

    “We are pleased with WASL’s engagement and performance with its base maintenance services for our fleet as we uphold the highest standards of safety, operational excellence and reliability for our customers,” said Chris Hubbard, Director of Engineering & Maintenance at Jet2.com. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with WASL in the 2025 and 2026 season.”

    Willis Lease Finance Corporation

    Willis Lease Finance Corporation (“WLFC”) leases large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines, auxiliary power units and aircraft to airlines, aircraft engine manufacturers and maintenance, repair, and overhaul providers worldwide. These leasing activities are integrated with engine and aircraft trading, engine lease pools and asset management services through Willis Asset Management Limited, as well as various end-of-life solutions for engines and aviation materials provided through Willis Aeronautical Services, Inc. Through Willis Engine Repair Center®, Jet Centre by Willis, and Willis Aviation Services Limited, the Company’s service offerings include Part 145 engine maintenance, aircraft line and base maintenance, aircraft disassembly, parking and storage, airport FBO and ground and cargo handling services. Willis Sustainable Fuels intends to develop, build and operate projects to help decarbonize aviation.

    Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Do not unduly rely on forward-looking statements, which give only expectations about the future and are not guarantees. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update them to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which the forward-looking statement is based, except as required by law. Our actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: the effects on the airline industry and the global economy of events such as war, terrorist activity and the COVID-19 pandemic; changes in oil prices, rising inflation and other disruptions to world markets; trends in the airline industry and our ability to capitalize on those trends, including growth rates of markets and other economic factors; risks associated with owning and leasing jet engines and aircraft; our ability to successfully negotiate equipment purchases, sales and leases, to collect outstanding amounts due and to control costs and expenses; changes in interest rates and availability of capital, both to us and our customers; our ability to continue to meet changing customer demands; regulatory changes affecting airline operations, aircraft maintenance, accounting standards and taxes; the market value of engines and other assets in our portfolio; and risks detailed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and other continuing  and current reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It is advisable, however, to consult any further disclosures the Company makes on related subjects in such filings. These statements constitute the Company’s cautionary statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

     CONTACT: Lynn Mailliard Kohler
      Director, Global Corporate Communications
      (415) 328-4798

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China, Egypt Should Deepen Strategic Coordination for Common Interests: Chinese Premier

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    CAIRO, July 9 (Xinhua) — China and Egypt, as important members of the Global South, should further strengthen strategic coordination to safeguard common interests, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Wednesday upon his arrival in Cairo for an official visit to Egypt at the invitation of his Egyptian counterpart Mostafa Madbouly.

    Noting that China and Egypt are ancient civilizations, the Chinese premier said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties nearly 70 years ago, the two countries have remained close friends who support each other and strategic partners with a shared destiny.

    In recent years, under the strategic leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, China-Egypt relations have flourished, their traditional friendship has become stronger over time, political mutual trust has deepened, practical cooperation has yielded fruitful results, and multilateral coordination has become increasingly close and effective, he said.

    According to Li Qiang, the two countries have created a model of solidarity, unity, self-reliance, mutual benefit and mutual support for major developing countries.

    He noted that last year, the two heads of state met twice and reached an important consensus on advancing the construction of a China-Egypt community with a shared future in the new era, which opened up new opportunities for bilateral relations.

    As global changes accelerate unseen in a century and various challenges emerge, China and Egypt, as key members of the Global South, should also jointly promote peace and prosperity, the Chinese premier said.

    Li Qiang noted that China is willing to work with Egypt to deepen cooperation in all fields under the strategic leadership of the two heads of state, continuously enrich the content of the China-Egypt comprehensive strategic partnership, give strong impetus to development and national revival, and actively promote regional and global peace and stability.

    The Egyptian prime minister and senior government officials met Li Qiang at the airport and held a welcoming ceremony in his honor. Before arriving in Egypt, the Chinese premier attended the 17th BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DHS to End ‘Shoes-Off’ Travel Policy

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: DHS to End ‘Shoes-Off’ Travel Policy

    lass=”text-align-center”>Passengers can now keep their shoes on at TSA security checkpoints
    WASHINGTON—Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced a new policy today which will allow passengers traveling through domestic airports to keep their shoes on while passing through security screening at TSA checkpoints

    The new policy will increase hospitality for travelers and streamline the TSA security checkpoint process, leading to lower wait times

    “Ending the ‘Shoes-Off’ policy is the latest effort DHS is implementing to modernize and enhance traveler experience across our nation’s airports,” said Secretary Noem

    “We expect this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints, leading to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience

    As always, security remains our top priority

    Thanks to our cutting-edge technological advancements and multi-layered security approach, we are confident we can implement this change while maintaining the highest security standards

    This initiative is just one of many the Trump administration is pursuing to usher in the President’s vision for a new Golden Age of American travel

    ”
    Other aspects of TSA’s layered security approach will still apply during the TSA checkpoint process

    For example, passengers subject must still clear identity verification, Secure Flight vetting, and other processes

    Ending the “Shoes-Off” policy is the latest in a series of changes DHS has implemented since the Trump administration entered office

    On July 2nd, TSA announced its “Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease” program which provides special benefits to uniformed service members and their families, including a TSA PreCheck enrollment discount and expedited access lanes at select airports

    In May, TSA began implementation of REAL ID at airport checkpoints which has seen a 94 percent compliance rate which has led to a more efficient security process

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by FS at Korea-Hong Kong Business Luncheon (English only) (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Korea–Hong Kong Business Luncheon held in Seoul, Korea, today (July 9): 
     
    Mr Joo Yong-tae (Deputy Mayor for Economy, Seoul), Mr Kevin Lee (Director of the International Trade Division of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

         Annyeonghaseyo. Good afternoon. It is both a pleasure and honour to be here with you today in Seoul.
     
         Let me begin by extending my warmest greetings and heartfelt appreciation to the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry and our ETO (Economic and Trade Office) colleagues for organising this luncheon.
     
    Hong Kong: good for business
     
         Allow me to start by offering a brief snapshot of where Hong Kong stands today.
     
         Hong Kong has been back on a path of growth following the global challenges of the pandemic.  In 2024, we recorded a GDP growth of 2.5 per cent. This year, despite continued global uncertainties from tariff war to geopolitical tensions, our economy recorded a 3.1 per cent growth in the first quarter. Our merchandise exports continued to register strong double-digit growth.
     
         Foreign businesses continue to cast a vote of confidence in our city. In 2024, the number of overseas and Mainland companies operating in Hong Kong reached an all-time high at nearly 10 000.  American and European companies rose by around 10 per cent, while Korean companies rose by 9 per cent year on year.  
     
         Hong Kong continues to shine in international rankings. We are among the world’s top three global financial centres. The latest IMD (International Institute for Management Development) World Competitiveness Ranking places us as the third most competitive economy worldwide. Last October, the Fraser Institute reaffirmed our position as the world’s freest economy. These accolades are no coincidence. They are the result of persistent hard work to drive our competitiveness forward, backed by transparent, consistent and predictable policies, market openness and global connectivity.
     
         A critical foundation of our success is a stable and secure environment. This year marks the fifth anniversary of the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law. It restores law and order in Hong Kong and provides confidence to the international business community. Indeed, a survey by the American Chamber of Commerce (in Hong Kong) in January this year showed that (more than) 80 per cent of its members expressed confidence in Hong Kong’s rule of law.  And 70 per cent reported that the National Security Law had no impact on their business operations.
     
         Under the “one country, two systems” framework, Hong Kong continues to be an open, diverse and international city. We are a free port, uphold a freely convertible currency pegged to the US dollar, ensure the free flow of capital, goods, information and talent, and practise the common law system.
     
         President Xi Jinping and the Central Government of China have made clear that the “one country, two systems” framework is here to stay for the long term. 
     
         Investor confidence is reflected in hard data. Our stock market, for example, rose by 18 per cent last year, and has gained another 20 per cent this year. Initial public offerings (IPOs) on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange have raised about US$16 billion so far this year, making Hong Kong the top IPO venue globally to date. The total bank deposits grew by 7 per cent last year and another 7 per cent this year, now exceeding US$2.3 trillion, six times our GDP.
     
    The Greater Bay Area
     
         Meanwhile, Hong Kong is the international gateway to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, or GBA, which is an economic powerhouse with 87 million people and a combined GDP of US$2 trillion. With a per capita GDP of US$23,000, or US$40,000 on a purchasing power parity basis, the GBA is not just a manufacturing base, but also a sophisticated, high-growth consumer market.
     
         The region is deeply interconnected. High-speed rail puts us just 15 minutes from Shenzhen and 45 minutes from Guangzhou. With seven international airports and a combined annual passenger throughput of over 200 million, the GBA sits within a five-hour flight radius of half the world’s population. Hong Kong International Airport, the world’s busiest cargo airport, now operates with a third runway and is gearing up to handle 120 million passengers and 10 million tonnes of cargo annually by 2035.
     
         The GBA is also a cradle of innovation. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou science and technology cluster ranks second globally in innovation, and has done so for five consecutive years. Hong Kong excels in basic research, anchored by five universities ranked among the world’s top 100. Three of them are in the global top 20 for data science and AI; our two medical schools are ranked among the top 40. Meanwhile, Shenzhen and Guangzhou lead in commercialisation and advanced manufacturing. Together, the GBA is like fusing the financial power of New York with the innovation energy of Silicon Valley.
     
    Opportunities for Korean businesses
     
         So, what does this mean for Korean businesses?
     
         First, Hong Kong’s financial markets offer unparalleled connectivity and liquidity. We serve as a two-way platform, connecting international capital with Mainland markets and vice versa. Through our Connect Schemes, including Stock Connect, Bond Connect, and ETF (Exchange-traded Fund) Connect, and more, Mainland investors can access Hong Kong’s markets, while global investors can access the Mainland through Hong Kong.
     
         The recent surge in our stock market reflects two important trends. First, the rebalancing act of international investors to diversify risks out of global economic uncertainty, particularly in the US; and second, optimism about China’s technology prowess demonstrated by DeepSeek and others. Korean investors have already taken note. And they are apt in taking actions. In February this year, we saw the highest level of Korean investment into our stock market in over three years.
     
         Beyond the stock market, asset and wealth management is another area where we are seeing rapid growth. Hong Kong now manages over US$4 trillion in assets. With a growing ecosystem of related financial services, we are on track to become the world’s largest cross-border wealth management hub by 2028. For Korean firms in private banking and asset management, the opportunities are significant. Indeed, many American and European asset and wealth managers have been expanding their hiring and office accommodation in the city.
     
         Hong Kong also serves as a powerful springboard for Korean goods, not just into the GBA or the Chinese Mainland, but across the entire ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region. As a duty-free port with seamless customs clearance and unmatched connectivity, Hong Kong offers Korean exporters a fast, cost-effective and reliable route to high-growth markets. From electronics and cosmetics to food products and fashion, Hong Kong is your launchpad.
     
         In innovation and technology, Hong Kong is making strategic and forward-looking moves. We are placing particular emphasis on the development of key sectors such as artificial intelligence and biotech. In addition to our world-class research capabilities, Hong Kong is where Mainland and international data converge. This is a distinct competitive advantage for data-intensive industries.  
     
         Our close collaboration with other cities in the GBA is further accelerating this momentum.  Along our boundary with neighbouring Shenzhen, we are developing a joint innovation and technology park, where we are piloting innovative policies to facilitate the seamless flow of data, talent, capital and even biosamples. We have also established joint clinical trial centres to expedite drug development and streamline cross-boundary regulatory approvals. For Korean tech and pharmaceutical firms seeking expansion and collaboration opportunities, Hong Kong is your ideal location. 
     
    The pleasures of life
     
         Beyond business, Hong Kong is a city alive with culture, diversity, and global connectivity. We are a true melting pot of East and West.  Korean culture, from K-pop to kimchi, has found a warm and enthusiastic following in Hong Kong.  And we are glad that more and more Korean visitors are coming to our city to see for themselves our vibrancy. In the first half of this year, Hong Kong welcomes more than half a million of Korean visitors, a 25 per cent increase year on year.
     
         The pleasures of life are part of our fabric. With more than 200 Michelin-recognised restaurants, hiking trails minutes from the city, and a coastline that rivals the best in the region, Hong Kong offers not only opportunity, but quality of life. Above all, Hong Kong remains one of the safest cities in the world, a place you can walk freely, day or night.
     
         And we are just getting started. The newly opened Kai Tak Sports Park offers a world-class, multipurpose venue for sport and entertainment events. In January next year, we’re excited to welcome BLACKPINK to our stage. And who knows, NewJeans and aespa may not be far behind!
     
         Ladies and gentlemen, I hope I’ve been able to offer you a fresh perspective on Hong Kong, not just as a financial centre or trade hub, but as a dynamic, welcoming city filled with opportunity, energy and creativity. A city where Korean businesses, investors and talents can thrive.
     
         If I may, let me now share a short video that captures the vibrancy, openness and possibilities of Hong Kong today.
     
         That is Hong Kong – dynamic and welcoming. A city that means business, and a city that celebrates life. We look forward to welcoming you soon, to Hong Kong.
     
         Kamsahamnida. Thank you very much.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: European Court of Human Rights: Russia responsible for downing of flight MH17

    Source: Government of the Netherlands

    News item | 09-07-2025 | 11:57

    On 9 July 2025 the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) held that Russia is responsible for the downing of flight MH17 and for the deaths of everyone on board, including 196 Dutch nationals. Russia is also responsible for the additional suffering caused to the next of kin, owing to its continued denial of any involvement and its obstruction of the investigations into the downing of the aircraft. The judgment is an important step on the road to justice.

    ECtHR and flight MH17

    In 2020 the Netherlands submitted an inter-State application to the ECtHR regarding Russia’s responsibility for the downing of flight MH17 on 17 July 2014 over eastern Ukraine. All 298 people on board were killed, including 196 Dutch nationals.

    The ECtHR’s judgment

    This is the second time in a short period that it has been established at international level that Russia violated international law when it downed flight MH17. The ECtHR ruled in the Netherlands’ favour in regard to Russia’s violation of four human rights, as laid down in the European Convention on Human Rights:

    • Russia is responsible for the downing of flight MH17 and the deaths of everyone on board (Article 2, right to life, substantive).
    • Russia did not perform an adequate investigation of its own, and did not cooperate sufficiently with requests for information submitted by the Netherlands and the Joint Investigation Team (Article 2, right to life, procedural).
    • Russia’s lack of cooperation and continued denial of any involvement in the downing of flight MH17 caused the next of kin additional suffering (Article 3, prohibition of torture and inhuman treatment).
    • Russia did not provide the next of kin with any legal remedy (Article 13, right to an effective remedy).

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Caspar Veldkamp: ‘The judgment of the European Court of Human Rights is crystal clear: Russia is responsible for the downing of flight MH17 and for the deaths of everyone on board, including 196 Dutch nationals. This confirms what we have known and felt all along, and is an important step on the road to justice.

    Russia is also responsible for additional suffering caused to the next of kin, due to its continued denial of any involvement and lack of cooperation. Nothing can take away the grief and suffering, but I hope that this outcome brings a sense of justice and acknowledgement.’

    Next steps

    Up until now, the proceedings before the ECtHR have been focused on establishing the human rights violations concerned. Now that these have been established, the ECtHR can determine the consequences of the violations and the damages payable. Throughout this process, the Netherlands will remain in close contact with the next of kin about potential damages.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • Extremely proud of our diaspora: PM Modi in Namibia

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed deep pride in the Indian diaspora in Namibia, commending their role in preserving Indian culture and fostering stronger ties between India and the southern African nation.

    In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “The Indian community in Namibia is extremely optimistic about closer India-Namibia friendship and this reflected in the special welcome in Windhoek. I am extremely proud of our diaspora, particularly the manner in which they have retained a connect with their culture and traditions.”

    PM Modi arrived in Namibia earlier today on the final leg of his five-nation tour. He received a traditional welcome at Hosea Kutako International Airport, where he was greeted by Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi.

    Local musicians and dancers performed at the airport to mark the occasion. In a gesture that drew warm applause, Prime Minister Modi joined the performers and played the Namibian drums, highlighting his appreciation for local customs and traditions.

    This marks Prime Minister Modi’s first visit to Namibia and only the third visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in the last 27 years.

    Soon after his arrival, the Prime Minister posted on X, “Landed in Windhoek a short while ago. Namibia is a valued and trusted African partner with whom we seek to boost bilateral cooperation.”

    During the visit, PM Modi will hold bilateral talks with Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Both leaders are expected to discuss expanding cooperation in key areas such as energy, healthcare, education, digital technology, and development partnership.

    The visit will also include an address to a Joint Session of the Namibian Parliament, marking an important milestone in India-Namibia relations.

    According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India and Namibia share historic ties dating back to India’s early support for Namibia’s independence movement. In 1946, India raised the issue of Namibian independence at the United Nations.

    Ahead of his visit, PM Modi described Namibia as “a trusted partner” with whom India shares a “common history of struggle against colonialism.”

    “I look forward to meeting President H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and charting a new roadmap for cooperation for the benefit of our peoples, our regions and the wider Global South,” the Prime Minister said, adding that addressing the Namibian Parliament would be a privilege as both nations celebrate “our enduring solidarity and shared commitment for freedom and development.”

    The Prime Minister had earlier expressed confidence that his visits to the five countries would further strengthen India’s ties across the Global South, deepen cooperation on both sides of the Atlantic, and expand engagement within multilateral platforms such as BRICS, the African Union, ECOWAS and CARICOM.

    -IANS

  • Wildfire loses intensity in southern France, firefighters continue battle

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A wildfire that reached the northwestern outskirts of France’s second city of Marseille lost intensity overnight, but firefighters were still battling the flames on Wednesday.

    Residents who had been told on Tuesday to stay in their homes for their own safety were once again allowed out.

    “With the fire in northern Marseille now clearly under control, we can announce this morning that the 16th arrondissement is no longer on lockdown,” Marseille Mayor Benoit Payan said in a post on social media platform X.

    “I call on all Marseille residents to exercise the utmost caution in the area, as emergency services are hard at work,” he said.

    Martine Vassal, head of the area council, said firefighters had worked through the night to control the fire, which she said remained a cause for concern.

    “It is not finished. Weather conditions are worrying for us,” Vassal told broadcaster BFM.

    Local officials said the airport for France’s second-largest city could close for commercial flights to prioritise air resources if the fire flared up again.

    It was too soon for the hundreds of residents who had fled from the wildfire to return, officials said.

    Hundreds of firefighters, aided by helicopters and aircraft, have been fighting the flames, which have been fanned by winds of up to 70 kph (43 mph) that brought plumes of smoke over the southern coastal city. Officials said the blaze was caused by a car that caught on fire.

    The fire had burnt through 700 hectares (2.7 square miles) but no fatalities had been reported, regional prefect Georges-Francois Leclerc said late on Tuesday.

    Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau told reporters late on Tuesday that the fire had been fast-moving, affecting 60 houses and burning down 10.

    The fire in Marseille and a separate one near Narbonne, another southern French city, were the first major fires of the summer, Sophie Primas, the government’s spokesperson, said in an interview with RTL on Wednesday, adding that wildfire season had come early this year.

    Climate change has made wildfires more destructive in Mediterranean countries in recent years.

    This week and last week, fires have also raged in northeastern Spain, on the Greek island of Crete, and in Athens.

    Philippe, a victim of the fires whose surname was not given, told BFM that he had slept poorly after evacuating and hoped to return to his home at noon on Wednesday.

    “There is nothing we can do,” he said. “It is very very, very hard.”

    (Reuters)

  • Prime Minister Modi arrives in Namibia on final leg of five-nation tour

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Windhoek, Namibia, on Wednesday morning, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Namibia in nearly three decades and only the third such visit from India to the southern African nation.

    PM Modi is in Namibia on a State visit at the invitation of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Upon his arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport, the Prime Minister was accorded a ceremonial welcome and greeted by Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi. In a symbolic gesture reflecting cultural exchange, PM Modi also tried his hand at playing traditional Namibian drums at the airport.

    In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Prime Minister’s visit underscores India’s “multi-faceted and deep-rooted historical ties with Namibia”. The visit marks the final leg of his five-nation tour, which included stops in Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, and Brazil.

    “During the visit, the Prime Minister will hold bilateral discussions with President Nandi-Ndaitwah. He will also pay homage to the Founding Father and first President of Namibia, the late Dr. Sam Nujoma, and is expected to address the Parliament of Namibia,” the MEA said.

    The Indian diaspora in Namibia has welcomed the Prime Minister’s visit with great enthusiasm. Members of the community are preparing to greet him with a traditional Garba dance. “We are thrilled that Prime Minister Modi has arrived in Namibia. We will present a Garba dance to welcome him,” said a member of the diaspora.

    In a post on X, PM Modi described Namibia as a “valued and trusted African partner” and said he looked forward to strengthening bilateral cooperation during his engagements.

    “Landed in Windhoek a short while ago. Namibia is a valued and trusted African partner with whom we seek to boost bilateral cooperation. Looking forward to meeting President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and addressing the Namibian Parliament today,” the Prime Minister said.

  • India and Brazil reaffirm strategic partnership with roadmap for next decade

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a State Visit to Brazil on Tuesday at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, with both leaders pledging to deepen ties across a wide range of strategic areas.

    In a joint statement, the two nations reaffirmed their commitment to bolster the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership, describing their shared vision as rooted in common values and aimed at advancing peace, prosperity and sustainable development.

    Defence and Security

    PM Modi and President Lula welcomed growing military collaboration, including joint exercises and senior‐level visits. They noted the recent Agreement on the Exchange and Mutual Protection of Classified Information, and established a Bilateral Cybersecurity Dialogue to share expertise on cyber threats. Both condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and voiced Brazil’s solidarity with India. They condemned all forms of terrorism and agreed to deepen action against UN-designated groups such as Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad, including measures at the UN and FATF. An agreement to combat international terrorism and organized crime was also signed, and both leaders pledged support for the UN Convention on Cybercrime at its signing in Hanoi next year.

    They called for UN Security Council reform, backing expansion in permanent and non-permanent seats with fair representation for Asia, Africa and Latin America. Brazil reaffirmed support for India’s bid for a non-permanent Council seat in 2028–29, while India endorsed Brazil’s aspiration for permanent membership. The two urged a UN Charter review conference in 2025, marking the Organization’s 80th anniversary.

    On Middle East peace, both leaders urged a return to diplomacy, endorsing a two-state solution alongside safe humanitarian access in Gaza and backing UNRWA’s mandate. They also called for renewed dialogue to end hostilities in Ukraine.

    Food and Nutritional Security

    As leading agricultural producers, India and Brazil agreed to advance sustainable farming, fair trade and public stockholding for food security. They reaffirmed the goal of eradicating hunger by 2030 and pledged support for the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty. Joint research on crop productivity, animal genetics and biotechnology will be encouraged through collaboration between national R&D bodies.

    Energy Transition and Climate Action

    The leaders underscored strong collaboration on bioenergy and biofuels, reaffirming their commitment to the Global Biofuels Alliance and exploring sustainable aviation fuel. PM Modi welcomed Brazil’s ‘Tropical Forests Forever Fund’ and India confirmed its support for Brazil’s presidency of COP30 in Belém next year.

    Both sides agreed to step up collaboration on climate finance, sustainable development, and a stronger, fairer international financial system, while urging developed countries to meet their Official Development Assistance commitments.

    Digital Cooperation and Emerging Tech

    Acknowledging the transformative potential of digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies, the two countries signed an MoU to deepen cooperation. India and Brazil pledged to work together on global digital governance and boost direct ties between their innovation ecosystems.

    Industrial Partnerships

    Both leaders noted growing bilateral investment flows and agreed to streamline visa processes to boost business and tourism. They invited closer ties in pharmaceuticals- highlighting Indian API firms in Brazil-aviation, defence equipment, mining, and oil and gas, including carbon capture technologies. A ministerial Commerce and Trade Review Mechanism will oversee the implementation of the 2020 Bilateral Investment Cooperation and Facilitation Treaty and the 2022 Double Taxation Protocol.

  • Trump says steep copper tariffs in store as he broadens his trade war

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he would impose a 50% tariff on imported copper and soon introduce long-threatened levies on semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, broadening his trade war that has rattled markets worldwide.

    One day after he pressured 14 trading partners, including powerhouse U.S. suppliers like South Korea and Japan, with fresh tariff letters, Trump reiterated his threat of 10% tariffs on products from Brazil, India and other members of the BRICS group of countries.

    He also said trade talks have been going well with the European Union and China, though he added he is only days away from sending a tariff letter to the EU.

    Trump’s remarks, made during a White House cabinet meeting, could inject further instability into a global economy that has been shaken by the tariffs he has imposed or threatened on imports to the world’s largest consumer market.

    U.S. copper futures jumped more than 10% after Trump’s announcement of new duties on a metal that is critical to electric vehicles, military hardware, the power grid and many consumer goods. They would join duties already in place for steel, aluminum and automobile imports, though it was unclear when the new tariffs might take effect.

    U.S. pharmaceutical stocks also slid following Trump’s threat of 200% tariffs on drug imports, which he said could be delayed by about a year.

    Other countries, meanwhile, said they would try to soften the impact of Trump’s threatened duties after he pushed back a Wednesday deadline to August 1.

    Trump’s administration promised “90 deals in 90 days” after he unveiled an array of country-specific duties in early April. So far only two agreements have been reached, with the United Kingdom and Vietnam. Trump has said a deal with India is close.

    Trump said countries have been clamoring to negotiate.

    “It’s about time the United States of America started collecting money from countries that were ripping us off … and laughing behind our back at how stupid we were,” he said.

    He said late Tuesday that “a minimum of seven” tariff notices would be released on Wednesday morning, and more in the afternoon. He gave no other details in his Truth Social post.

    Trading partners across the globe say it has been difficult to negotiate even framework agreements with the U.S. given the haphazard way new tariffs are announced, complicating their internal discussions about concessions.

    HIGHEST LEVELS SINCE 1934

    Following Trump’s announcement of higher tariffs for imports from the 14 countries, U.S. research group Yale Budget Lab estimated consumers face an effective U.S. tariff rate of 17.6%, up from 15.8% previously and the highest in nine decades.

    Trump’s administration has been touting those tariffs as a significant revenue source. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington has taken in about $100 billion so far and could collect $300 billion by the end of the year. The United States has taken in about $80 billion annually in tariff revenue in recent years.

    The S&P 500 finished slightly lower on Tuesday, a day after Wall Street markets sold off sharply following Trump’s new tariffs announcement.

    Trump said he will “probably” tell the European Union within two days what rate it can expect for its exports to the U.S., adding that the 27-member bloc had been treating his administration “very nicely” in trade talks.

    The EU, the largest bilateral trade partner of the U.S., aims to strike a deal before August 1 with concessions for key export industries such as aircraft, medical equipment and spirits, according to EU sources. Brussels is also considering an arrangement that would protect European automakers with large U.S. production facilities.

    However, German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil warned that the EU was prepared to retaliate if necessary.

    “If we don’t reach a fair trade deal with the U.S., the EU is ready to take counter measures,” he said in the lower house of parliament.

    Japan, which faces a possible 25% tariff – up from 24% first threatened in April – wants concessions for its large automobile industry and will not sacrifice its agriculture sector, a powerful domestic lobby, for the sake of an early deal, top trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa said on Tuesday.

    South Korea, which also faces a possible 25% tariff, said it planned to intensify trade talks over the coming weeks “to reach a mutually beneficial result.”

    Washington and Beijing agreed to a trade framework in June, but with many of the details still unclear, traders and investors are watching to see if it unravels before a separate, U.S.-imposed August 12 deadline or leads to a lasting detente.

    “We have had a really good relationship with China lately, and we’re getting along with them very well. They’ve been very fair on our trade deal, honestly,” Trump said, adding that he has been speaking regularly with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

    Trump said the United States would impose tariffs of 25% on goods from Tunisia, Malaysia and Kazakhstan; 30% on South Africa and Bosnia and Herzegovina; 32% on Indonesia; 35% on Serbia and Bangladesh; 36% on Cambodia and Thailand; and 40% on Laos and Myanmar.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Four killed, 27 injured in fire at Cairo TV building

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    CAIRO, July 9 (Xinhua) — At least four people were killed and 27 others were injured in a major fire that broke out at the Telecom Egypt building in central Cairo on Monday, Egypt’s Health Ministry said on Tuesday.

    The injured were taken to nearby hospitals, while several others were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation, the ministry said in a statement.

    A fire that started on Monday afternoon at a key telecommunications facility owned by Telecom Egypt in Cairo’s Ramses district has caused temporary disruptions to telephone and internet service in parts of the capital and other regions.

    Egypt’s Communications and Information Technology Minister Amr Talaat said on Tuesday that services would be gradually restored within 24 hours.

    Meanwhile, Egypt’s Civil Aviation Ministry announced that flights at Cairo International Airport had resumed in full following overnight delays caused by communication disruptions.

    “All affected flights have departed and operations at all Cairo airport terminals have returned to normal,” the ministry said in a statement.

    A security source told the official MENA news agency that a preliminary investigation suggests the fire was caused by a short circuit, noting that forensic lab experts will collect evidence from the scene to determine the exact cause. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: NZ Post is the latest company to drop its climate targets – another sign business is struggling to decarbonise

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Pii-Tuulia Nikula, Associate Professor, School of Business, Eastern Institute of Technology

    Getty Images

    NZ Post committed to cutting its emissions by 32% by 2030 (based on 2018 levels), but recently announced it would abandon its climate target.

    The company was part of the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi), the leading international body allowing businesses worldwide to set and validate targets which they can then promote as backed by science.

    More than 10,000 businesses have joined SBTi and the database currently includes 36 New Zealand businesses with active targets or commitments.

    In recent years, however, well known businesses have been abandoning SBTi. NZ Post’s decision follows Air New Zealand’s announcement to withdraw last year and Auckland Airport’s less publicised decision not to renew its SBTi target.

    NZ Post was one of the early adopters of SBTi in New Zealand. Its initial commitment in 2018 included not only the company’s own direct emissions (known as scope 1) but also purchased energy (scope 2) and other indirect emissions (known as scope 3, such as emissions from air freight or waste disposal).

    In the past few years, NZ Post has signalled its intention to update its target to pursue even greater reductions of 42%. In 2023, it made a commitment to align itself with a pathway to achieve net zero by 2050.

    But the company has now decided to fully withdraw from SBTi. NZ Post’s website announcement states:

    After careful consideration and a thorough assessment of both technical feasibility and financial implications, it has become clear that our target is no longer feasible at a technical level and, given the scale of investment required, under present economic conditions.

    NZ Post seems to have found itself in the contradiction between economic objectives and climate action. Ambitious climate action seems to rarely win such a battle.

    The company was already questioning its ability to meet its SBTi targets in its 2022 and 2023 climate disclosures. Its parcel volumes were growing and it struggled with emissions associated with heavy freight and aviation.

    It also stated its emissions had increased due to the acquisition of Fliway Group, improved supply-chain data, and emission factor changes. This indicated it would struggle to meet even less ambitious climate targets.

    Why this is a problem

    One might commend NZ Post for their transparency in disclosing their decision to withdraw from SBTi. However, so far the announcement hasn’t been included in the company’s media releases and remains tucked away in the sustainability section.

    The broader issue is that businesses can use SBTi to gain reputational value without following up with required decarbonisation. The current SBTi setup has some limitations that allow such behaviour.

    For instance, companies can make an SBTi commitment and promote it for two years before having to submit an actual target for validation. Businesses can also promote their SBTi targets for years without making required progress. Finally, some SBTi businesses provide limited reporting, making assessment of their progress difficult.

    In a 2025 consultation, SBTi acknowledged some of these problems and signalled its plan to enhance tracking and accountability.

    Climate action vs profitability

    There are other issues that make transparency limited. For instance, businesses such as Air New Zealand seem to be able to withdraw from the SBTi and fully disappear from the SBTi public target dashboard, making it difficult to track those that have decided to withdraw.

    While most SBTi businesses are probably not joining the scheme with the intention of “carbonwashing”, the ability of many to meet their targets seems uncertain.

    In business contexts, climate action remains subordinate to profitability and revenue growth objectives. Hence, not many businesses are willing to pursue all potential ways to meet their targets as this would require making difficult decisions around economic objectives.

    Many companies struggle to make progress towards science-based goals or don’t have credible transition plans aligned with the goal to keep overall warming at 1.5°C.

    The question remains whether the current SBTi engagement of businesses genuinely reflects ambitious climate action or whether it is merely designed to give stakeholders the impression of global progress through symbolic commitments.

    In its 2024 climate disclosure NZ Post states:

    The more organisations committed to the science-based reductions, the greater our collective ability to achieve decarbonisation.

    The opposite is true as well. The decision of NZ Post and other companies to drop their SBTi targets may diminish the collective ability of businesses in New Zealand to achieve decarbonisation aligning with global climate goals.

    SBTi’s plan to implement new monitoring and reporting mechanisms would enhance accountability. However, it will not make meeting targets any easier. Committing to and promoting ambitious but potentially unrealistic targets can cause reputational damage.

    A safer pathway for many businesses wanting to do as much as they can within the boundaries of the current economic system may be a public disclosure of their support for climate action, transparency about the actions the business is taking, and providing transparent and detailed emissions reporting.

    Pii-Tuulia Nikula does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. NZ Post is the latest company to drop its climate targets – another sign business is struggling to decarbonise – https://theconversation.com/nz-post-is-the-latest-company-to-drop-its-climate-targets-another-sign-business-is-struggling-to-decarbonise-260589

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: More than 322 million trips have been recorded on the Central Ring Road since the launch of traffic

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    On July 8, 2021, Russian President Vladimir Putin launched traffic along the entire length of the Central Ring Road (TsKAD) in the Moscow Region. The highway has become one of the largest projects in recent years. Since the launch of traffic on this highway, motorists have made more than 322 million trips, Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin reported.

    “The Central Ring Road, which is over 340 km long, is of great importance for the economy, logistics and ecology of Moscow, the Moscow Region and neighboring regions. This modern highway has allowed transit transport to be taken beyond the 13 urban districts of the Moscow Region and directly connected the regional districts. It has a high throughput capacity and provides all the necessary conditions for safe travel. With the opening of the Central Ring Road, it was possible to significantly reduce the load on the Moscow Ring Road, the A-107 and A-108 highways, increase the transport accessibility of the capital’s airports for residents of the region, and connect key highways, including regional and federal highways of the Moscow Region. We see that the Central Ring Road is in demand among motorists. Since the launch of traffic along its entire length, more than 322 million trips have been recorded on the road,” said Marat Khusnullin.

    The Deputy Prime Minister added that travel on toll sections of the Central Ring Road allows for travel time to be reduced by almost three times compared to alternative routes. This was made possible by the absence of traffic lights and pedestrian crossings, as well as at-grade intersections with other roads. The total length of these sections is 264 km.

    The head of the state company Avtodor, Vyacheslav Petushenko, noted that the most popular section of the Central Ring Road since the launch of traffic along its entire length remains the section between the M-4 Don highway and the Kaluga Highway. The average daily traffic intensity along it is about 19 thousand trips.

    “The section from Domodedovo to the M-7 Volga highway is in second place. Over the past few years, an average of about 17.5 thousand trips per day have been recorded here. The bypass of the village of Malye Vyazemy, which was put into operation in December last year, rounds out the top three. It immediately became popular among drivers, and the average daily traffic intensity on it today reaches 14.1 thousand trips. Traffic on the section from M-7 Volga to M-11 Neva also remains consistently high. On average, 10.6 thousand trips per day are recorded here. On the section from M-10 Rossiya to M-11 Neva, about 7 thousand trips per day are recorded,” Vyacheslav Petushenko noted.

    Work on upgrading the Central Ring Road and improving convenience for motorists continues. Construction of a transport interchange at the intersection with Dmitrovskoe Highway is currently underway.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: USS George Washington Departs Manila, Continues Indo-Pacific Patrol

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    MANILA, Philippines – Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), the flagship of the USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWA CSG), with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 embarked, departed Manila, Philippines, following a scheduled port visit, July 7, 2025.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen, Cramer Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Establish A Combat Identifier for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Crew, Improving Services And Recognition

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND), members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, introduced the bipartisan Combat Action Recognition and Evaluation (CARE) for Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Crews Act to establish a status identifier for remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) crew who conduct combat operations, to help increase their access to mental health services and give them proper recognition. Creating a status identifier will provide them with the recognition and access to services they deserve, which have long been overlooked and out of reach. Nevada’s Creech Air Force Base is one of the highest operational tempo RPA installations throughout the Air Force. 
    Currently, RPA crews fly combat missions from the United States, but they have no identifier in their records for combat operations performed because they are not physically located in a combat zone. If a crew member decides to change career fields within the military or leave the service, there are often barriers for the member to receive the appropriate mental health services for those exposed to a combat environment because they lack a combat status identifier. This makes it difficult for members to receive prompt mental health care while in service or through the VA once they separate, despite the continuing mental health impacts of these operations.
    “Remotely Piloted Aircraft crew like those at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada perform combat operations but have no status identifier in their records for having done so, making it challenging to receive the support and care they deserve once they transition,” said Senator Rosen. “That’s why I’m introducing this bipartisan bill to establish a status identifier for these crews in order to help improve the recognition they’ve earned and to ensure their future care. I’ll always fight to support Nevada’s servicemembers.”
    “Now more than ever, military missions use airborne ISR platforms to meet our national security objectives,” said Senator Cramer. “Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) crews, including Fargo’s Happy Hooligans and the airmen from the 319th at Grand Forks, are an integral part of the nation’s Joint Force. The CARE for RPA Crews Act recognizes the accomplishments of RPA crews and identifies the appropriate resources to keep our airmen fit for duty.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: DHS to End ‘Shoes-Off’ Travel Policy

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    Passengers can now keep their shoes on at TSA security checkpoints

    WASHINGTON—Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced a new policy today which will allow passengers traveling through domestic airports to keep their shoes on while passing through security screening at TSA checkpoints.

    The new policy will increase hospitality for travelers and streamline the TSA security checkpoint process, leading to lower wait times.

    “Ending the ‘Shoes-Off’ policy is the latest effort DHS is implementing to modernize and enhance traveler experience across our nation’s airports,” said Secretary Noem. “We expect this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints, leading to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience. As always, security remains our top priority. Thanks to our cutting-edge technological advancements and multi-layered security approach, we are confident we can implement this change while maintaining the highest security standards. This initiative is just one of many the Trump administration is pursuing to usher in the President’s vision for a new Golden Age of American travel.”

    Other aspects of TSA’s layered security approach will still apply during the TSA checkpoint process. For example, passengers subject must still clear identity verification, Secure Flight vetting, and other processes.

    Ending the “Shoes-Off” policy is the latest in a series of changes DHS has implemented since the Trump administration entered office. On July 2nd, TSA announced its “Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease” program which provides special benefits to uniformed service members and their families, including a TSA PreCheck enrollment discount and expedited access lanes at select airports. In May, TSA began implementation of REAL ID at airport checkpoints which has seen a 94 percent compliance rate which has led to a more efficient security process.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Update 11: Alberta wildfire update (July 8, 3 p.m.)

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Mullin Highlights Historic Border Security and Air Traffic Control Modernization in ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator MarkWayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)

    ICYMI: Mullin Highlights Historic Border Security and Air Traffic Control Modernization in ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’

    “This will put us in in the driver’s seat again and put us where we need to be.”

    Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) joined SiriusXM’s Patriot’s David Webb on The David Webb Show to unpack the enormous border security wins in President Trump’s historic ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’ (OBBB) in the wake of recent violence against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Senator Mullin also spoke about the importance of modernizing the air traffic control industry.

    Sen. Mullin’s full interview can be found here.

    On how the Democratic Party is fueling the attacks on our ICE agents:

    “What’s really damning here is that the people who call on violence on the ICE agents have been absolutely silent about that. That’s the Democrat leaders. I mean, they have been the ones that stirred this fire. They’re the ones that have [stoked] the flames, and I would say, led to this…

    “The Democrat Party has still said nothing about it. But are we surprised? Because this lawless activity is what they received in their own hometowns, which most these people are not from that, they’re from a blue state, from a blue city. When you start looking at their backgrounds, these are the leaders that have actually [stoked] these flames, that brought these people into this rage, that thinking that this is okay.”

    On how the OBBB restores America’s sovereignty at the southern border:

    “Keep in mind that the Biden administration, over the last four years, gutted the ICE agents, gutted the retention centers, they gutted the Border Patrol, and they handcuffed, I would say not literally, but dang near, anybody from being able to enforce border law and border security, meaning that the people that were crossing, 89% of the individuals crossing illegally was detained and released into the United States on parole, which means they was never actually in the hearing, which they should have been, in less than 24 hours. And so the ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ restored that. We put $46 billion to finish the wall…

    “God forbid something happens in three and a half years, and God forbid we get a Democrat back in the White House, they can’t stop this. This wall is going to be completed, and honestly probably be completed before President Trump leaves office, and then we put just over $4 billion for new agents, up to 10,000 ICE agents and those agencies related to ICE, because ICE isn’t the only one going in and arresting illegals. We also use local law enforcement, and we want to reimburse local law enforcement that’s willing to work with us.”

    On the importance of $12.5 billion in OBBB to modernize our air traffic control industry:

    “Air and Space has become our second largest industry in our state. But also, what a lot of people don’t realize is, in Oklahoma City, we train all the air traffic controllers across the United States. We have a huge facility there. And one thing you’d be surprised when you go into these towers, they’re using technology from the 80s, literally from the 80s, instead of using a true GPS system that we all have in our vehicles…

    “With the $12 billion, we’ll be able to start going into these towers systematically and upgrading the systems to technology that every other aviation system in the world is using…

    “This will put us in in the driver’s seat again, and put us where we need to be. And luckily, we have an actual Transportation Secretary that knows what they’re doing, not, you know, Pete Buttigieg.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Egypt: Release people detained over expressing support for Gaza March  

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Egyptian authorities must unconditionally and immediately release anyone detained solely for expressing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amidst Israel’s ongoing genocide, including at least seven Egyptian nationals detained for expressing support for the Gaza March, Amnesty International said today. The organization is also calling on the authorities to investigate allegations of torture and other ill-treatment related to the arrests and deportations of international activists in connection with the planned solidarity march.

    Hundreds of international activists travelled to Egypt in June to take part in a global march to the city of Rafah in a bid to break Israel’s illegal blockade on the occupied Gaza Strip, but Egyptian authorities responded by arresting scores of Egyptian and foreign nationals and deporting non-Egyptians.  

    Amnesty International documented the arbitrary detention, incommunicado detention, and ill-treatment of three Egyptians and five foreign nationals in connection with the Gaza March between 10 and 16 June. Amnesty International obtained a testimony that at least one Egyptian national was subjected to torture during their detention. The organization is calling for all those still being held solely for expressing solidarity with Palestinians to be unconditionally and immediately released, including those detained for expressing solidarity with Palestinians since October 2023. 

    It is unthinkable that Egyptian authorities are arresting and punishing activists for showing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza while Israel is committing genocide against them.

    Mahmoud Shalaby, Egypt and Libya Researcher at Amnesty International.

    “The world has seen a glimpse of the brutality that Egyptian authorities continue to inflict on dissidents. The arbitrary arrests and ill-treatment that these activists have been subjected to represents just a fraction of the ongoing repression faced by virtually anyone who expresses views not condoned by the government,” said Mahmoud Shalaby, Egypt and Libya Researcher at Amnesty International.  

    “It is unthinkable that Egyptian authorities are arresting and punishing activists for showing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza while Israel is committing genocide against them. Egypt’s authorities should instead be facilitating the right to peaceful assembly and expression, starting by releasing anyone arbitrarily detained for demonstrating in solidarity with Palestinians and investigating all allegations of torture and other ill-treatment.”  

    On 11 June, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in an official statement that foreign nationals must receive prior authorization to visit areas bordering Gaza through, among other means, submitting a request to Egyptian embassies. Organizers of the Gaza March told Amnesty International that they had submitted authorization requests to over 30 Egyptian embassies abroad, approximately two and a half months ahead of the march’s scheduled date. Embassy officials informed them that the requests had been forwarded to authorities in Cairo, but the organizers never received a response. 

    Egyptian security forces later shut down the march by arresting Egyptian and foreign activists upon their arrival at the airport, from hotels or at checkpoints on the way to Rafah, before deporting hundreds of non-Egyptians. 

    Arbitrary detention and torture or other ill-treatment of Egyptian nationals 

    According to a lawyer at the Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms (ECRF), between 10 and 12 June 2025, security forces arrested three Egyptian nationals (two men and one woman) from their homes in Cairo and al-Sharkia governorates. The three were part of a Telegram group that supported the Gaza March. 

    Upon their arrest, they were reportedly held in incommunicado detention at undisclosed National Security Agency (NSA) facilities for periods ranging from nine to ten days. NSA agents then brought the three to the Supreme State Security Prosecution (SSSP) in Cairo on 21, 22, and 23 June.  

    SSSP prosecutors accused them of charges including “joining a terrorist group [the Muslim Brotherhood],” “publishing false news,” and “funding a terrorist group,” according to the ECRF lawyer. Prosecutors then ordered their pretrial detention for 15 days pending investigations. 

    During the SSSP questioning, one of the men said that NSA agents had subjected him to electric shocks on his hands and a sensitive part of his body, and beat him with kicks and slaps to the face. The other man told the prosecutor that NSA agents beat him and forced him to strip naked. These acts constitute ill-treatment and may amount to torture. 

    In June, SSSP prosecutors questioned four other Egyptian nationals (three men and one woman) and ordered their detention for 15 days in connection with the same charges pending the same case, according to ECRF’s lawyer. 

    Arbitrary arrest and ill-treatment of foreign nationals 

    Amnesty International spoke to five foreign nationals who had travelled to attend the Gaza March including Stefanie Crisostomo, a Croatian-Peruvian activist, and Saif Abukeshek, a Spanish national and the Gaza March spokesperson. They told Amnesty that Egyptian police subjected them to severe beatings and other acts of violence when they arrested them. They also said that they had been held in incommunicado detention in police stations, NSA facilities, and Cairo Airport.  

    Crisostomo told Amnesty International that on 14 June, plain-clothed NSA agents arrested her and her husband at a hotel in Cairo without providing any reason or allowing them to contact their embassies or anyone else after confiscating their phones. They were then transferred to an undisclosed security facility, where police detained her French husband for 30 hours, while transferring Stefanie to Cairo Airport. At the airport, she refused to be deported until the police released her husband. The police then handcuffed her and grabbed her arms tightly, causing bruising. Amnesty International reviewed photographs of her arms in which the bruises are clearly visible and is concerned that this may amount to ill-treatment. 

    One of the other foreign nationals, who chose not to disclose his nationality, said that on 13 June police arrested him, along with approximately 15 others, at a checkpoint in Ismailia Governorate on their way to Rafah. During the arrest, police beat him with batons, striking him on his face and neck. He said that during the arrest, one of the police officers attempted to put their finger in his anus. Police took the group to an Ismailia police station and detained them until the following morning, before transferring him to Cairo Airport for deportation. 

    The two other men, both Norwegians, as well as Saif said that on 16 June, plain-clothed police arrested them at a coffee shop in Cairo without showing a warrant. The police then blindfolded them and drove them to an undisclosed security facility in an unmarked van. NSA officers questioned the two Norwegian men, while still blindfolded and handcuffed, about the number of participants in the Gaza March, their identities, and their accommodation. One of the men told Amnesty International that when he refused to answer, an NSA agent slapped him twice on the face and kneed him in the chest. According to the man, the blow caused a minor rib fracture. 

    The second man said that when he refused to answer certain questions an NSA agent slapped him on the face and kicked him in the chest.  

    Saif Abukeshek said that police deliberately slammed his body into walls and doors while moving him between different rooms at the facility, blindfolded and handcuffed with his hands behind his back. “I could clearly hear them laughing at me crashing into the walls,” he said. 

    The three were later transferred to Cairo Airport to be deported after spending between two to 25 hours at the facility. None of the four men were allowed at any point to contact their embassy or anyone else to inform them about their arrest, until their deportation. 

    Background: 

    Between October 2023 and June 2024, Amnesty International and Egyptian human rights groups have documented the arrests of over 123 people who had expressed solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza by peacefully protesting, posting comments online, hanging signs or writing slogans on walls. At least scores remain in pre-trial detention facing investigation over bogus charges of involvement in terrorism, spreading false news or illegal assembly. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Egypt: Release people detained over expressing support for Gaza March  

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Egyptian authorities must unconditionally and immediately release anyone detained solely for expressing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amidst Israel’s ongoing genocide, including at least seven Egyptian nationals detained for expressing support for the Gaza March, Amnesty International said today. The organization is also calling on the authorities to investigate allegations of torture and other ill-treatment related to the arrests and deportations of international activists in connection with the planned solidarity march.

    Hundreds of international activists travelled to Egypt in June to take part in a global march to the city of Rafah in a bid to break Israel’s illegal blockade on the occupied Gaza Strip, but Egyptian authorities responded by arresting scores of Egyptian and foreign nationals and deporting non-Egyptians.  

    Amnesty International documented the arbitrary detention, incommunicado detention, and ill-treatment of three Egyptians and five foreign nationals in connection with the Gaza March between 10 and 16 June. Amnesty International obtained a testimony that at least one Egyptian national was subjected to torture during their detention. The organization is calling for all those still being held solely for expressing solidarity with Palestinians to be unconditionally and immediately released, including those detained for expressing solidarity with Palestinians since October 2023. 

    It is unthinkable that Egyptian authorities are arresting and punishing activists for showing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza while Israel is committing genocide against them.

    Mahmoud Shalaby, Egypt and Libya Researcher at Amnesty International.

    “The world has seen a glimpse of the brutality that Egyptian authorities continue to inflict on dissidents. The arbitrary arrests and ill-treatment that these activists have been subjected to represents just a fraction of the ongoing repression faced by virtually anyone who expresses views not condoned by the government,” said Mahmoud Shalaby, Egypt and Libya Researcher at Amnesty International.  

    “It is unthinkable that Egyptian authorities are arresting and punishing activists for showing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza while Israel is committing genocide against them. Egypt’s authorities should instead be facilitating the right to peaceful assembly and expression, starting by releasing anyone arbitrarily detained for demonstrating in solidarity with Palestinians and investigating all allegations of torture and other ill-treatment.”  

    On 11 June, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in an official statement that foreign nationals must receive prior authorization to visit areas bordering Gaza through, among other means, submitting a request to Egyptian embassies. Organizers of the Gaza March told Amnesty International that they had submitted authorization requests to over 30 Egyptian embassies abroad, approximately two and a half months ahead of the march’s scheduled date. Embassy officials informed them that the requests had been forwarded to authorities in Cairo, but the organizers never received a response. 

    Egyptian security forces later shut down the march by arresting Egyptian and foreign activists upon their arrival at the airport, from hotels or at checkpoints on the way to Rafah, before deporting hundreds of non-Egyptians. 

    Arbitrary detention and torture or other ill-treatment of Egyptian nationals 

    According to a lawyer at the Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms (ECRF), between 10 and 12 June 2025, security forces arrested three Egyptian nationals (two men and one woman) from their homes in Cairo and al-Sharkia governorates. The three were part of a Telegram group that supported the Gaza March. 

    Upon their arrest, they were reportedly held in incommunicado detention at undisclosed National Security Agency (NSA) facilities for periods ranging from nine to ten days. NSA agents then brought the three to the Supreme State Security Prosecution (SSSP) in Cairo on 21, 22, and 23 June.  

    SSSP prosecutors accused them of charges including “joining a terrorist group [the Muslim Brotherhood],” “publishing false news,” and “funding a terrorist group,” according to the ECRF lawyer. Prosecutors then ordered their pretrial detention for 15 days pending investigations. 

    During the SSSP questioning, one of the men said that NSA agents had subjected him to electric shocks on his hands and a sensitive part of his body, and beat him with kicks and slaps to the face. The other man told the prosecutor that NSA agents beat him and forced him to strip naked. These acts constitute ill-treatment and may amount to torture. 

    In June, SSSP prosecutors questioned four other Egyptian nationals (three men and one woman) and ordered their detention for 15 days in connection with the same charges pending the same case, according to ECRF’s lawyer. 

    Arbitrary arrest and ill-treatment of foreign nationals 

    Amnesty International spoke to five foreign nationals who had travelled to attend the Gaza March including Stefanie Crisostomo, a Croatian-Peruvian activist, and Saif Abukeshek, a Spanish national and the Gaza March spokesperson. They told Amnesty that Egyptian police subjected them to severe beatings and other acts of violence when they arrested them. They also said that they had been held in incommunicado detention in police stations, NSA facilities, and Cairo Airport.  

    Crisostomo told Amnesty International that on 14 June, plain-clothed NSA agents arrested her and her husband at a hotel in Cairo without providing any reason or allowing them to contact their embassies or anyone else after confiscating their phones. They were then transferred to an undisclosed security facility, where police detained her French husband for 30 hours, while transferring Stefanie to Cairo Airport. At the airport, she refused to be deported until the police released her husband. The police then handcuffed her and grabbed her arms tightly, causing bruising. Amnesty International reviewed photographs of her arms in which the bruises are clearly visible and is concerned that this may amount to ill-treatment. 

    One of the other foreign nationals, who chose not to disclose his nationality, said that on 13 June police arrested him, along with approximately 15 others, at a checkpoint in Ismailia Governorate on their way to Rafah. During the arrest, police beat him with batons, striking him on his face and neck. He said that during the arrest, one of the police officers attempted to put their finger in his anus. Police took the group to an Ismailia police station and detained them until the following morning, before transferring him to Cairo Airport for deportation. 

    The two other men, both Norwegians, as well as Saif said that on 16 June, plain-clothed police arrested them at a coffee shop in Cairo without showing a warrant. The police then blindfolded them and drove them to an undisclosed security facility in an unmarked van. NSA officers questioned the two Norwegian men, while still blindfolded and handcuffed, about the number of participants in the Gaza March, their identities, and their accommodation. One of the men told Amnesty International that when he refused to answer, an NSA agent slapped him twice on the face and kneed him in the chest. According to the man, the blow caused a minor rib fracture. 

    The second man said that when he refused to answer certain questions an NSA agent slapped him on the face and kicked him in the chest.  

    Saif Abukeshek said that police deliberately slammed his body into walls and doors while moving him between different rooms at the facility, blindfolded and handcuffed with his hands behind his back. “I could clearly hear them laughing at me crashing into the walls,” he said. 

    The three were later transferred to Cairo Airport to be deported after spending between two to 25 hours at the facility. None of the four men were allowed at any point to contact their embassy or anyone else to inform them about their arrest, until their deportation. 

    Background: 

    Between October 2023 and June 2024, Amnesty International and Egyptian human rights groups have documented the arrests of over 123 people who had expressed solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza by peacefully protesting, posting comments online, hanging signs or writing slogans on walls. At least scores remain in pre-trial detention facing investigation over bogus charges of involvement in terrorism, spreading false news or illegal assembly. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Beyond Flights: Airports Could Bolster Grid Security and Adaptability

    Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory

    As Aviation Continues To See Greater Demand, NASA and NREL Show How Regional Airports Can Become Energy Nodes

    Photo from Getty Images

    Between fleets of rental vehicles and ground support equipment, electricity demand at U.S. airports might quintuple in the next 20 years.

    Smaller regional and general aviation airports, which often have simple rural electric connections, are part of that overwhelming growth. Major airport electric investments are incoming, to say nothing of battery-powered electric aircraft that require substantial charging supplies on the ground.

    With 30-year decision-making in the air, researchers at NREL, a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory, are using the Advanced Research on Integrated Energy Systems (ARIES) platform and other capabilities to analyze energy options for airports, utilities, and public regulators. In many cases, they find a win-win for on-site energy generation and storage.

    [embedded content]

    Text version

    On-Site Power To Offset Costs

    For any utility, a fivefold expansion in electric infrastructure is serious work. Adding new generation, lines, and substations quickly becomes an expensive project, especially with a regional airport budget. But NREL researchers say there might be a better way.

    “Airports—which are often public entities—are figuring out whether there will be enough demand to pay for the infrastructure,” said Scott Cary, project manager of ports and airports at NREL. “To offset some of that cost and increase resilience, part of that conversation should be, ‘What should we generate locally?’”

    On-site power from distributed energy resources can lower operating costs by letting airports sell electricity back into the grid. But perhaps more important to regional airports, the on-site resources can serve a local source of stability and energy backup: They can form energy nodes.

    “Many of our small, rural airports have available land. Cost-effective distributed energy resources can potentially supply all loads and a majority of the charging loads at the airport. This could generate revenue while also helping the region with power reliability,” Cary said.

    That value proposition could resonate with aviation stakeholders, but some may see it as a leap of faith. For that reason, NREL and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) are evaluating the costs, policies, and operations in a research activity named Airports as Energy Nodes (ÆNodes). Starting with two partner airports, the research team will build a repeatable research model for the 5,000 other U.S. regional and general aviation airports to explore their energy horizons.

    [embedded content]

    Text version

    Exact Answers to Airport Energy Buildout

    To get an idea for how regional and general aviation airports will become energy nodes, researchers at NASA and NREL simulated thousands of hypothetical flight itineraries in which electric aircraft offer short-distance service for high-demand routes relative to existing traffic. These results provided a baseline concept of electricity requirements and options, enabling the next stage of research: replicating the power systems of partner airports, including Winchester Regional Airport in Virginia and Tweed New Haven Airport in Connecticut.

    Airports across the United States are planning expansions, including Tweed New Haven Airport (blueprint illustrated above), and ÆNodes will help them assess electrical options to become energy nodes. Image from Tweed New Haven Airport

    “First, we’ve forecasted electric loads and mapped those to typical regional airport buildout. Next, we’ll look at the system in coordination with the utility and ask how we can make it better,” Cary said. “Where do we site energy assets? What adjustments to airport policies or configuration are needed? We can test those questions virtually with power hardware in the loop. We forecast electrical behavior, so utilities can see there’s a way to safely bring those assets online.”

    The two airports, which are seeing continued growth, are expanding services including electrified aircraft, and NREL’s expertise and research capabilities will deliver confidence around those intrepid investments. A significant challenge is showing the utilities that the electric plan will work, and for that, NREL will use the ARIES platform.

    The Advanced Research on Integrated Energy Systems (ARIES) platform is capable of replicating power systems and will be used for that purpose in the ÆNodes activity for utilities and airports to understand expansion plans. Photo by Josh Bauer, NREL

    With data from both airports and their respective utilities, researchers have modeled the partners’ electric systems and loads in detail. Soon, they will translate that information to real utility hardware with ARIES, which they can use to emulate charging fleets of electric aircraft and ground equipment. This will show how utility components handle large loads and surprise disruptions. It will also show how airport electrical systems can be configured for local use: as a source of energy backup and potential economic revenue.

    “ÆNodes is about easing the transition for the aviation, utility, and greater airport ecosystems. By looking at this now, we are identifying potential solutions proactively to improve resilience from economic, energy, and transportation perspectives,” Cary said.

    Gates Are Closing, Prepare for Takeoff

    Given the harmony between electric aircraft and short-distance flights, and constant developments in aviation technology, the next steps at airports could be consequential. NREL and NASA want to make sure aviation decision makers can see clearly down the runway.

    “Electric aircraft are in certification—now is the time to prepare,” Cary said. “There is a whole adoption cycle for getting a network in place and scaling it to the demand that airports expect to see. NREL can help airports make those decisions effectively.”

    By NREL’s analysis, airports can optimize the value of their energy investments by building local generation—like battery storage—and by supplying electricity back to the local grid to bolster its reliability. To realize this vision of airports as energy nodes, NREL will show that transformative electrical buildouts are safe and valuable and will utilize insights from its partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration around electric aircrafts.

    “ÆNodes is focused on all loads at an airport. We’re taking the results from electrical emulations to the utility and saying, ‘Here’s the load, and based on your system, you can do it in this way,’” Cary said. “Then we can apply the same model from airport to airport.”

    Learn more about NREL’s aviation, energy security and resilience, and broader transportation and mobility research.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hunting a fugitive in a pandemic

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    In January 2020, Brazilian Federal Police officers arrived at the home of Gonzalo Sanchez in the coastal municipality of Angra dos Reis to find the former Argentine Navy officer had once again disappeared.

    Under house arrest after he was first tracked down and arrested in 2013, Sanchez, aged 69, was wanted by his home country for crimes against humanity and the Brazilian Supreme Court had recently authorized his extradition.

    Death flights

    As part of the notorious Task Group 3.3 charged with combating ‘subversives’, Sanchez allegedly participated in dozens of ‘forced disappearances’ during Argentina’s 1976-1983 military regime, including the killing of journalist and writer Rodolfo Walsh.  

    Victims were routinely kidnapped and brought to the Escuela Superior de Mecánica de la Armada – a Navy school which doubled as a secret detention centre – where they were interrogated, tortured and, ultimately, murdered. Many were drugged and thrown from planes into the Atlantic Ocean in so-called ‘death flights’.

    In 2009, an INTERPOL Red Notice was issued at Argentina’s request against Sanchez, who had by that point been on the run for several years. On his arrest in 2013, he was found living under a false name and providing nautical engineering services in Agra dos Reis – a reminder of his Navy past.

    INTERPOL’s Fugitive Investigative Support unit had been following the case closely since 2016 as part of Project BASIC – a coordinated effort to crack down on outstanding war criminals.

    Ideal place for a fugitive

    As soon as Brazilian Federal police discovered Sanchez was once again a fugitive, it was clear that finding him would take considerable time and effort.

    “At this moment, we realized that it would be a difficult and possibly time-consuming job, since the region of Angra dos Reis, in Rio de Janeiro state, is full of islands, hills, communities and farms. It’s an ideal place for a fugitive from justice,” said a representative from Brazil’s INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) in Brasilia.

    “We realized it would be a difficult and time-consuming job. […] It’s an ideal place for a fugitive from justice.”

    A specialized team of Brazilian Federal Police officers from the INTERPOL satellite office in Rio de Janeiro was assigned exclusively to the case and sent to Angra dos Reis. A task force was established with local Federal Police officers and a 24/7 investigation began.

    The task force started with what they knew about the fugitive: he had fathered a Brazilian child and belonged to a local religious community. Being on the run and out of work also likely meant that the same family and friends who facilitated Sanchez’s escape were continuing to support him financially. Officers began a three-month surveillance and monitoring mission of Sanchez’s inner circle in of Paraty – a historic colonial municipality on the Southern border of Rio de Janeiro state.

    Family reunion

    Complicating the surveillance effort, however, was the arrival of the global COVID-19 pandemic to Brazil’s shores. The pandemic meant street circulation was down, making the presence of police harder to disguise, and restrictions on public gatherings meant that Sanchez would not be attending religious gatherings any time soon.

    On the day after Mother’s day in Brazil (10 May), the police task force received intelligence indicating that a core group of people close to Sanchez, including his seven-year-old son, were travelling up the coast to the “Taquari hinterland”. Bordering a vast mountainous nature reserve, the area was exposed with few houses, meaning a discreet police approach would be practically impossible. When the team arrived as close as they could without raising suspicion, they conferred with locals who indicated that Sanchez was hiding in a house on the outskirts of the village, closest to the nature reserve.

    Police entered the house to find Gonzalo Sanchez with his family and close friends, confirming the thesis of a family reunion. None of those present offered any resistance and Sanchez was taken into custody.

    Homecoming

    As soon as Sanchez was captured, the police reports were forwarded to NCB Brasilia, which coordinated his extradition. The INTERPOL NCBs in Brasilia and Buenos Aires had worked together closely beforehand to ensure that nothing would impede the process, including the pandemic. Due to the lack of commercial flights between the two countries in the context of COVID-19, a Brazilian Federal Police aircraft transported Sanchez to the border in Foz do Iguaçu, where he was handed over to Argentine authorities.

    “In our view, the most important part of this case was the good coordination between Brazil and Argentina that allowed the fugitive to be arrested in Rio de Janeiro on 11 May and surrendered to Argentina at the border of Foz do Iguaçu-Puerto Iguazu on 14 May – a distance of almost 1500 kilometers,” said Commissioner Bruno Samezima, Head of NCB Brasilia. “COVID-19 did not prevent police from effectively carrying out their duties.”

    “The most important part of this case was the coordination between Brazil and Argentina […]. COVID-19 did not prevent police from carrying out their duties.”

    “In the face of such a serious pandemic situation, the arrest of Sanchez truly represents the professionalism and service of law enforcement officers,” said Commissioner Edgardo Martin Moses, Head of NCB Buenos Aires. “His extradition involved a great effort and coordination between both countries to ensure he could be successfully brought before justice, while ensuring the safety and health of Argentine and Brazilian officials.”

    For Stephen Kavanagh, INTERPOL’s Executive Director of Police Services, the case is a prime example of how COVID-19 has both changed and reaffirmed the vital role of police work in a challenging context.

    “The horrific crimes which Gonzalo Sanchez is accused of occurred more than 40 years ago. And yet, when the Brazilian police received the go-ahead to locate and extradite him – in the middle of a global pandemic – they wasted no time and succeeded in a matter of months,” the INTERPOL official said.

    “It may not be ‘business as usual’ but the dedication of law enforcement to bring fugitives to justice remains the same.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Northfield Capital Completes Strategic Aviation Expansion With Acquisition of Second Pilatus PC-12; Updates Aircraft Loan Agreement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Northfield Capital Corporation (TSX-V: NFD.A) (“Northfield” or the “Corporation”), a proudly Canadian-owned investment company, is pleased to announce the completion of its aviation fleet expansion strategy through the acquisition of a second Pilatus PC-12 NG aircraft. The transaction was completed through Northfield’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Spruce Goose Aviation Inc. (“Spruce Goose”) and complements earlier purchases of two high-performance helicopters. The transaction finalizes the Corporation’s multi-aircraft buildout designed to support growth at its commercial operating subsidiary, True North Airways Inc. (“True North” or “TNA”). The purchase was funded through an amendment to the Aircraft Loan Agreement (as defined below), increasing total available proceeds to US$5.795 million.

    This aircraft marks True North’s second PC-12 in its active fleet following the addition of two helicopters earlier this year, acquired to address rising demand for charter flight hours and mission-specific services throughout Canada, the U.S., and Central America. The aircraft is a modern, low-time, high-utility platform that enhances TNA’s operational scale and geographic reach.

    “This completes the staged rollout of our aviation growth strategy, said Robert D. Cudney, Chief Executive Officer of Northfield. “With three helicopters, two Pilatus PC-12s, a light jet (Cessna Citation) and mid-size jet (Gulfstream G100) now under management, we have assembled a fleet that is optimized for charter demand, infrastructure logistics, government contracts, and exploration support across North and Central America. We now move from capital deployment to cash flow generation.”

    Iain Hayden, CEO of True North Airways, added: “Adding a second PC-12 gives us meaningful lift to meet charter demand, with operational flexibility and reliability. This second PC-12 brings our fixed-wing charter capabilities to another level. Its short-field performance, payload capacity, and operating economics make it the perfect aircraft to serve our growing client base across remote and urban markets. As demand continues to rise, we’re proud to offer our clients the versatility and reliability they’ve come to expect from TNA. Combined with our helicopter assets, we can now offer a fully integrated aviation solution to our clients — whether they’re in executive travel, energy, remote logistics, or public service. The strategy is complete, and we’re excited to fly.”

    Strategic Fleet Expansion Completed

    Northfield’s aviation initiative was designed to scale True North Airways’ commercial capacity in response to growing demand for:

    • Executive and private charters
    • Aerial firefighting and medical support
    • Resource exploration and infrastructure logistics
    • Government and community contracts

    In March 2025, Spruce Goose acquired two helicopters — a 1999 Eurocopter AS350-B3 and a 1980 Bell 206B3 Jet Ranger — to anchor rotary-wing operations in Ontario and El Salvador. The July 2025 purchase of a 2014 Pilatus PC-12 NG adds long-range, fixed-wing capability and completes the planned fleet expansion.

    The Eurocopter AS350-B3 Helicopter and the Pilatus PC-12 were financed under a single amended aviation loan facility totaling US$5.795 million (see below), with assets fully secured and revenue-generating, and the Jet Ranger was financed with cash on hand.

    New: 2014 Pilatus PC-12 NG Acquisition

    The most recent acquisition — a 2014 Pilatus PC-12 NG — is a low-hour, executive-class turboprop offering exceptional range, payload, and short-field performance. This is True North’s second PC-12, providing scale and scheduling flexibility to meet increasing charter demand in Canada, the U.S., and the Caribbean. The aircraft supports executive charter, air ambulance, infrastructure access, and remote cargo needs — all with exceptionally low operating costs and high dispatch reliability.

    Figure 1: 2014 Pilatus PC-12 NG

    Key specifications of the Pilatus PC-12 NG:

    • Engine: Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67P
    • Cruise Speed: 260 knots (481 km/h)
    • Range: 1,803 NM (3,340 km)
    • Service Ceiling: 30,000 ft
    • Payload: ~2,236 lbs
    • Cabin: Executive 6-seat layout
    • Features: 5-blade MT propeller, TAWS-A, Honeywell Primus Apex avionics, weather radar, large cargo door, upgraded NiCad batteries
     

    Helicopter Fleet Acquired March 2025

    As part of the broader strategy, Northfield previously acquired the following helicopters through Spruce Goose: a 1999 Eurocopter AS350-B3 (or “AS350-B3”) and 1980 Bell 206B-3 Jet Ranger (or “Jet Ranger”), which will expand TNA’s capabilities in firefighting, resource exploration, executive and cargo charters, and government contract services across Canada and El Salvador.

    Enhancing Aerial Capabilities with the AS350-B3

    In March 2025, an AS350-B3 helicopter—renowned for its high-altitude performance, robust single-engine power, and exceptional lifting capability—was acquired to enhance aerial operations. This versatile aircraft has since become an integral asset for demanding missions such as firefighting, air ambulance support, resource sector logistics, infrastructure and government services, as well as private and corporate charters. With its addition earlier this year, the range and effectiveness of aerial operations have notably expanded, supporting an even broader array of government and commercial contracts in Canada.

    Figure 2: 1999 Eurocopter AS350-B3

    Key specifications of the AS350-B3:

    • Engine: Turbomeca Arriel 2B1
    • Cruise Speed: 122 knots (226 km/h)
    • Range: 340 nautical miles (630 km)
    • Useful Load: 2,557 lbs (1,160 kg)
    • External Load Capacity: 3,500 lbs (1,587 kg)
    • Seating Capacity: Pilot + 5 passengers

    Jet Ranger: Supporting Expansion in El Salvador

    In addition to the AS350-B3, a Jet Ranger was also acquired, a proven workhorse in the aviation industry. This helicopter will be deployed in El Salvador under TNA South S.A. de C.V. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of TNA), where it will service resource development, cargo and logistics transportation, infrastructure projects, executive-tourism charters and high-end travel, all which aligns with the country’s current pro-business stance. Its lightweight design and fuel efficiency make it ideal for cost-effective aerial operations, which we forecast will assist with long-term profitability for True North Airways.

    Figure 3: 1980 Bell 206B-3 Jet Ranger

    Key specifications of the Jet Ranger:

    • Engine: Rolls-Royce 250-C20B
    • Cruise Speed: 115 knots (213 km/h)
    • Range: 374 nautical miles (693 km)
    • Useful Load: 1,400 lbs (635 kg)
    • Seating Capacity: Pilot + 4 passengers

    Aircraft Loan Agreement

    The Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries have entered into an amending agreement dated July 7, 2025 (the “Amending Agreement”), to increase the principal amount of the previously obtained Aircraft Loan (as defined below), from US$5.195 million to US$5.795 million, in order to finance the purchase of a PC-12 NG Aircraft. Northfield and certain of its subsidiaries will continue to guarantee the obligations under the Aircraft Loan Agreement, as amended by the Amending Agreement, and Echo Capital Fund I Inc. (the “Lender”), an arm’s length private lender in the aviation space, will also take security against the new aircraft being purchased with the remaining proceeds from the loan.

    On March 14, 2025, Northfield along with certain of its subsidiaries entered into an aircraft loan agreement (the “Aircraft Loan Agreement”) with the Lender to finance the purchase of certain aircraft by Spruce Goose. The original Aircraft Loan Agreement provided for a loan (the “Aircraft Loan”) to Spruce Goose of up to US$5.195 million with a term of five years, with interest thereon based on a variable floating rate equal to the annual interest rate posted and announced by Laurentian Bank of Canada plus 300 basis points calculated and compounded monthly in arrears for the relevant period of the Aircraft Loan. The Aircraft Loan Agreement requires interest and principal to be paid monthly based on a ten-year amortization period, with any remaining balance due at the end of the five-year term of the Aircraft Loan. The Aircraft Loan can be repaid at the election of Spruce Goose following the first year of the term of the Aircraft Loan Agreement.

    At the time of the Aircraft Loan, the proceeds were used by the Corporation to purchase the AS350-B3.

    The Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries provided a guarantee in connection with the Aircraft Loan and the Lender also took security against certain aircrafts of Spruce Goose, including the AS350-B3 helicopter purchased with a portion of the proceeds from the Aircraft Loan. The Aircraft Loan Agreement contains other customary terms, covenants and representations and warranties for a transaction of such nature.

    About Northfield Capital Corporation

    Northfield Capital Corporation is a publicly traded, leading Canadian investment firm with deep roots in resources, mining, aviation, and premium alcoholic beverages. Founded in 1981 by Robert D. Cudney, Northfield combines decades of experience with forward-thinking strategies to unlock opportunities across its diverse portfolio. Northfield is dedicated to fostering growth and innovation in businesses that drive economic prosperity in Canada. For more information, visit www.northfieldcapital.com.

    About True North Airways Inc.

    True North Airways Inc. is a leading Canadian aviation services provider specializing in executive charter services, resource and infrastructure support, emergency response, and tourism aviation solutions. With a growing fleet and operational bases in Ontario, Canada and El Salvador, TNA serves corporate executives, government contracts, resource exploration firms, and high-net-worth travelers and is committed to providing safe, efficient, and tailored aviation solutions across North and South America. Learn more at www.truenorthairways.ca.

    For further information, please contact:

    Michael G. Leskovec, CPA, CA
    Chief Financial Officer
    Telephone: (416) 628-5940

    Forward-Looking Information

    This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is identified by terms such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions, including references to assumptions. Such information may relate to, but is not limited to, aircraft deployment strategies, the demand for aircraft services, the repayment terms of the Aircraft Loan and future use of proceeds. Forward-looking information is based on current expectations, estimates, projections, and assumptions that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, changes in consumer preferences, regulatory developments, economic conditions, including as a result of tariffs and other economic penalties, supply chain disruptions, competitive dynamics in the aviation industry, and external market factors impacting Northfield’s and its aviation business operations. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially due to a variety of risks and uncertainties. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Northfield Capital Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities laws.

    Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/10cbaedd-8fd6-4821-b4dc-b8666300c576

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d25bea8a-9251-4d44-8bf2-648f0c689822

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e3cae6ef-3889-427a-bcab-b564ecb31105

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Sheehy Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Guarantee Military Right to Repair Its Equipment

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    July 08, 2025

    This bill would extend the Army’s right to repair policy to all the services, standing up for taxpayers and service members.

    Bill Text (PDF) | Bill One-Pager (PDF)

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) introduced the Warrior Right to Repair Act of 2025, legislation that would require contractors to provide the Department of Defense (DoD) with access to technical data and materials the military needs to repair and maintain its own equipment. 

    The DoD has long relied on defense contractors to provide the U.S. military with a wide range of equipment. Contractors often set out terms for this equipment, from its cost to the necessary design requirements. Many of these contracts contain provisions that restrict DoD’s ability to conduct repairs, including provisions that limit the sharing of intellectual property and technical data with DoD, which leaves service members unable to repair their own equipment and waiting weeks or months for a contractor to perform repairs that service members could do themselves.

    These restrictions have concerning implications for service members’ skills, sustainment costs, and readiness. Restricting service members from repairing their equipment often leads to higher sustainment costs and increases the risk of DoD being overcharged. The Navy was forced to fly contractors to ships at sea to perform simple fixes, Marines in Japan had to send engines back to the United States for repairs instead of fixing them on-site, and one contractor charged $900 a page for upgrades to its maintenance manuals for an Air Force aircraft used to provide air support to troops in battle. 

    Last month, Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll announced that the Army will ensure right to repair provisions are included in future Army contracts and will identify and propose contract modifications for right to repair provisions in current contracts. The Warrior Right to Repair Act of 2025 would extend the Army’s right to repair policy to all the services, standing up for taxpayers and service members.

    “It’s common sense for members of our military to be able to fix their own weapons,” said Senator Warren. “Senator Sheehy and I are fighting to improve military readiness and save taxpayers billions. It’s about time we stood up to Pentagon contractors that are squeezing every last cent from us at the expense of our national security.”

    “For decades, American service members have been forced to rely on a broken status quo to repair equipment on the battlefield, threatening our readiness and costing taxpayers billions,” said Senator Tim Sheehy. “Our warfighters – and the American public – deserve better, and I’m proud to lead this bipartisan legislation to streamline bloated bureaucracy, increase competition, and provide our warfighters with the quality and quantity of equipment they need to win the next fight.”

    In May 2025, Senators Warren and Sheehy published a Fox News op-ed that underscored how right to repair restrictions imposed by defense contractors hurt the military’s ability to respond to threats and bloat the national defense budget by blocking service members from repairing weapons and equipment. 

    Specifically, the Warrior Right to Repair Act would:

    1. Ensure contractors provide DoD with “fair and reasonable” access to repair materials, including parts, tools, and information, by ensuring DoD’s procurement contracts guarantee access, on fair and reasonable terms, to materials needed for service members to repair equipment and for services to compete for sustainment contracts.

    2. Define “fair and reasonable access” as providing similar terms, conditions, and prices as those the contractor makes available to the authorized repair providers to allow for an even playing field.

    3. Incorporate right to repair in current contracts by initiating a review to determine the contract modifications needed to remove repair restrictions that currently limit DoD’s ability to maintain and repair systems effectively and efficiently. 

    The legislation is endorsed by the Project On Government Oversight (POGO) and the U.S. Public Interest Research Groups (PIRG).

    “This bill will strengthen America’s military readiness and cut wasteful spending by giving our service members the tools and authority to repair their own equipment,” said Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette, the interim Vice President for Policy and Government Affairs at the Project On Government Oversight. “When their essential equipment breaks down, our troops shouldn’t be forced to wait for a contractor to fix it at taxpayers’ expense. By ensuring the right-to-repair, this bill is a win for both national security and fiscal responsibility.”

    Senator Warren has been a leader on right to repair in the military:

    • In June 2025, at a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Navy Secretary John Phelan told Senator Elizabeth Warren that he is a “huge supporter of right to repair” and expressed support for a bill guaranteeing the military can repair its own equipment and requiring contractors to offer repair materials for a fair and reasonable price.

    • In May 2025, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Tim Sheehy called for every service of the military to follow the example set by Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and ensure the military has the right to repair the equipment it owns. The senators also announced a new bipartisan bill to make the right to repair policies permanent.

    • In May 2025, at a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Air Force Secretary Troy E. Meink said he agreed with Senator Elizabeth Warren and fully supported making the right to repair a strategic priority for the Air Force. He also agreed on the need to update the branch’s policies to include the right to repair in contracts service-wide and prevent defense contractors from price-gouging the military.

    • In May 2025, at a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Elizabeth Warren uplifted how the right to repair can help the U.S. military and allied forces promote innovation and reduce costs.

    • In May 2025, Secretary of the Army Daniel P. Driscoll announced that the Army will ensure right to repair provisions are included in future Army contracts, after pressure from Senator Warren.

    • In April 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren secured a commitment from Mr. Michael Cadenazzi, nominee to be the next Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy, to support AI competition and innovation in defense contracting.

    • In March 2025, at a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, Senator Elizabeth Warren questioned General Randall Reed, Commander for Transportation Command, about the importance of the military’s ability to have the right to repair its own equipment.

    • In February 2025, at a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Elizabeth Warren questioned Mr. John Phelan, the nominee to be Secretary of the Navy, about his views on ensuring the Navy’s right to repair its own equipment – one of Senator Warren’s priorities.

    • In January 2025, at a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, a Palantir Executive agreed with Senator Elizabeth Warren that legal loopholes should not enable companies to price-gouge the military.

    • In January 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren questioned Mr. Dan Driscoll, nominee for Secretary of the Army, about his views on enhancing the Army’s right to repair its own equipment and his commitments to address the revolving door between the Pentagon and contractors.

    • In December 2024, Senator Elizabeth Warren and Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.) introduced the Servicemember Right-to-Repair Act to increase military readiness and cut costs by allowing servicemembers to repair their own equipment.

    • In September 2024, Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote to the Defense Department and to the defense contractor industry regarding the costly restrictions imposed on the Department of Defense that bar the military from repairing its own military equipment and instead force it to pay billions of dollars extra to military contractors. 

    • In July 2024, Senator Elizabeth Warren included a provision in the Senate Fiscal Year 2025 NDAA that would require contractors to provide DoD with “fair and reasonable” access to repair materials with a bipartisan committee vote of 21-4.

    MIL OSI USA News –