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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Statement on Trump’s Sweeping New Illegal Cuts to Critical National Security Initiatives

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Trump seeks to gut funding to: combat global narcotics trade, support allies’ defenses, strengthen American competitiveness, and more

    Illegal move threatens billions of dollars more for Americans’ housing, NASA, and other critical programs

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chair, issued the following statement on illegal cuts President Trump sought to make on Monday to critical investments in America’s national security and competitiveness, which were enacted into law under the yearlong continuing resolution (CR) he signed earlier this month.

    “In the latest installment of the president’s campaign to defy our laws and jeopardize our national security in the process, President Trump is attempting to choke off critical investments to combat the flow of fentanyl globally, slash support for the defense of American allies, weaken the competitiveness of U.S. businesses, set back next-generation weather forecasting, and much more. Trump is even slashing investments to help communities that are too often left behind finally get ahead–and his illegal move threatens billions of dollars more in funding to help people keep a roof over their head.

    “Cutting off these resources will devastate ongoing national security initiatives that advance our interests across the globe, and I trust Presidents Xi and Putin thank Trump for this latest gift he has delivered them.

    “What President Trump has just done is wrongheaded, counterproductive, and unlawful, and I hope my colleagues in Congress join me in working to protect these investments and ensure the law is followed.”

    In the fiscal year 2024 appropriations bills, Congress included $12.5 billion in emergency funding for key priorities as allowed by the 2023 Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) agreement. Congress routinely includes funds designated as emergency, which are not subject to statutory spending caps, in its spending laws—in both annual funding bills and legislation like the disaster relief package passed in December. House Republicans’ yearlong fiscal year 2025 continuing resolution, which was approved by nearly every Republican Member of Congress and signed into law earlier this month, continued the vast majority of emergency funding included in the fiscal year 2024 appropriations laws.

    When statutory caps on discretionary funding are in effect—as they are now under the FRA—Congress has been careful to ensure emergency funding it provides is also designated by the president as emergency funding in order to prevent a sequester of discretionary funding under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, which would result in across-the-board cuts. This is a decades-old practice that has been followed without incident under Democratic and Republican presidents alike. But the law is very clear: the President must certify all or none of the emergency funds provided by Congress. Presidents cannot pick and choose which funds to designate as emergency and keep flowing, as President Trump has now unlawfully done by certifying some but not all of the emergency funding provided for fiscal year 2025. House Republicans’ fiscal year 2025 CR cites fiscal year 2024 appropriations laws that state emergency funding shall be made available “only if the President subsequently so designates all such amounts and transmits such designations to the Congress.” Section 1110 of the fiscal year 2025 CR continues these requirements, which the President is now flouting–effectively seeking to exercise a line-item veto of emergency funding that he simply does not have.

    President Trump’s illegal cuts will seriously harm ongoing national security initiatives that keep our country safe and competitive. 

    In refusing to designate $2.934 billion of the $12.4 billion in emergency funding provided under House Republicans’ yearlong CR, President Trump is attempting to choke off critical investments that keep America and our allies safe. This includes:

    • $115 million cut to the State Department’s work combatting international fentanyl and narcotics trade, human trafficking, and other crimes across the globe that impact American communities and other U.S. national security interests.
    • $275 million cut to foreign military financing that enables eligible partner nations to purchase U.S.-made weapons, promoting U.S. interests and security cooperation.
    • $1.5 billion cut (-17%) to lifesaving U.S. humanitarian assistance.
    • $310 million cut (-40%) to U.S. assistance in Europe and Eurasia, which is critical to counter-Russia efforts.
    • $300 million cut to economic growth programs that Congress established to increase investment in secure supply chains, digital connectivity and security, and other critical sectors, including to enhance the competitiveness of U.S. businesses.
    • $50 million cut to the International Trade Administration’s work to strengthen the competitiveness of U.S. industry abroad and ensure fair trade and compliance with trade laws and agreements. These resources play a critical role in U.S. efforts to counter the People’s Republic of China, Russia, and other competitors and adversaries.
    • $20 million cut (-10.5%) to the Bureau of Industry and Security’s vital work advancing U.S. national security through vigilant export controls and the promotion of continued U.S. leadership in technology. These resources play a critical role in U.S. efforts to counter the People’s Republic of China, Russia, and other competitors and adversaries.
    • $30 million cut (-7.5%) to the Economic Development Administration’s investments in economically distressed communities across the U.S. and its ongoing work to build durable regional economies across the country.
    • $100 million cut to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) procurement, acquisition, and construction budget, which—among other things—funds the procurement of next-generation weather radars and satellites that play an indispensable role in providing the American people with accurate weather forecasting.
    • $234 million cut (-100%) to the National Science Foundation’s equipment and facilities construction budget, which funds essential upgrades to and construction of new, cutting-edge scientific facilities. This funding supports the new Leadership-Class Computing Facility based in Texas to facilitate and support domestic AI research, the Antarctic Infrastructure Recapitalization, and other projects advancing American innovation, discovery, and security.

    President Trump’s illegal attempt to cherry-pick what emergency funding moves–when the law clearly states that the President must certify all or none of the emergency funding provided by Congress–threatens the availability of the entire $12.4 billion in emergency funding provided for fiscal year 2025, which includes more than $9 billion in funding for other critical programs. None of the emergency funding is available to be spent under the law until the President designates all of it. This includes funding for: 

    • Critical rental assistance that serves more than 7 million people, ensuring they keep a roof over their heads at a time when homelessness and housing unaffordability have hit an all-time high;
    • Salaries of Drug Enforcement Administration agents who are combatting the fentanyl crisis;
    • Ongoing NASA missions, including the Artemis mission to return Americans to the Moon;
    • More.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman Shares Memories of Northwest Arkansas Veteran Who Helped Paved the Way for Expanded Roles for Women

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman

    WASHINGTON––The Veterans History Project, an initiative of the Library of Congress’s American Folklife Center, is marking its 25th year collecting and retaining the oral histories of our nation’s veterans. U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), whose office has actively promoted and participated in the program including training more than 1,200 Arkansans to engage with it and conducting more than 100 veteran interviews, continues to commemorate its impact and significance.

    One of Boozman’s latest submissions recognized the service and sacrifice of Northwest Arkansas U.S. Army veteran Debra Holmes in his office’s ‘Salute to Veterans’ series highlighting the military service of Arkansans.

    Holmes grew up in Derby, Kansas, a location that inspired her love of aviation.

    “We lived six miles off the Boeing Aircraft runway that was adjacent to an Air Force base, McConnell Air Force Base. And so, as a young girl, I would get to see the B-52s climbing slowly up into the air,” Holmes said. 

    As the daughter of a WWII Army medic who served at the Battle of the Bulge and stepdaughter of a Navy WWII veteran, she learned early on about the importance of patriotism and service. 

    In high school, she talked with her classmates’ parents stationed at the local Air Force base and gained their perspective on military service. 

    “It’s an incredible honor to serve your country,” she said. “That was very appealing to me.”

    While her family had a history of working at Boeing, Holmes had other plans. 

    “I wanted to see the world, so I couldn’t wait until I could get enough money or education and go out into the world. At that time the Army had a slogan ‘Join the Army, See the World.’”

    In 1974, the week of her 19th birthday, she went to a recruiting office to enlist in military service.

    “My brothers had had draft numbers so we had sat up and watched the draft. And my mother never thought in any way, shape or form that her youngest and only daughter would join the military. She was not thrilled,” Holmes recalled.

    The Army had recently started expanding opportunities for women beyond administrative and nursing roles to include military occupational specialties, allowing Holmes to pursue her interest in air traffic control.

    She attended basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.

    While she didn’t know what to expect in basic training, she had some previous shooting experience that helped her on the range. Her first shots with an M16 hit the target and her sergeant asked her where she learned to shoot.

    “My uncle worked for Daisy BB company, and I’ve shot BB guns,” she shared with him. “He was not impressed.”

    Following basic training she attended air traffic control school at Fort Rucker, Alabama (today known as Fort Novosel.) Holmes was enrolled in an accelerated training course that was challenging, but the practice and persistence paid off giving her the tools to be a good controller. 

    She was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where the military was running simulations. She was often the only female air traffic controller.

    “The soldiers, sailors and marines that I primarily engaged with who had either been to Vietnam or who had been drafted – because I was a woman and also a volunteer – they were not happy,” she recalled, shaking her head. “They voiced the fact that they didn’t think it was appropriate for women in the miliary especially in these new roles that they were rolling out. The other male volunteers were much more accepting.”

    Holmes expected an assignment to Germany based on her enlistment. However, the Army reassigned her to Yongsan, South Korea, where she was initially nervous to be in a new location. She remembered asking for a sign that things would be okay.

    “We’re all going along on this bus and I look up, and I don’t think I ever saw another one after that and I was there for two years, but it was a Coca-Cola billboard in Korean,” she said. “That was the answer to my prayer. And I thought ‘oh yeah. I can do this now.’ I used to put in my letters a Korean Coca-Cola bottle cap to my family. It was kind of a fun message that I would make it.” 

    She recalled her living conditions in a Quonset Hut that included dangerously cold temperatures, forcing her to chip ice off the toilet, followed by the rainy monsoon season. 

    She was stationed close to the demilitarized zone which put her in dangerous situations, but her training gave her the tools to succeed.

    Her fondest memory of her time in South Korea was the engagement with locals on her way to do laundry. Every two weeks she looked forward to dancing and singing with area kids as she made her way through the village. She learned it was something her hosts also cherished when, on one of her last visits, the men, women and children showed their appreciation by bowing to her and honoring her with a gift.

    “They had heard that American women like two things: gum and perfume, so they put their money together and bought me a pack of Chanel No. 5 gum,” she said. “They had put this together to give me a gift because I had sang and danced and played with the kids. I was so honored.” 

    She recalled arriving stateside in her uniform to unexpected hostility. Not only were travelers at the airport calling her names, but a passenger on her domestic flight threw a drink on her. 

    “It was really difficult. It was really difficult,” she said. “Once I got out of the military I didn’t mention it for 33 more years. I wouldn’t tell anybody. I just didn’t mention it. I didn’t put it on any resume, anything. I’m not going to chance it,” she recalled.

    Holmes finished her military service at Fort Eustis, Virginia. By this point, she had been certified in all types of air traffic control.

    “There weren’t many of us in the world at that point in time that had that certification.” She credits her commander in South Korea for providing her with the opportunities that led to her success. 

    Holmes loved air traffic control, but things changed after she was in a tower hit by lightning during a tropical storm. She sustained serious injuries. 

    “I could go back to air traffic control, but I was never as sharp. I was never as quick at it. And I couldn’t settle for that.”

    Following military service, Holmes pursued a career in technology and later transitioned to a hospice chaplain.

    Today she calls Springdale home and participates in a number of veteran organizations to support her fellow servicemembers.

    “I have fulfilled a promise I made a very young girl in me, that I would see the world and I would have adventures. And the Army kicked that off for me. If you can go to a country where you know nobody and nothing, you can find your way. And in the military people do have your back. And I don’t think a civilian can quite understand what that means. I don’t think I could even put it into words, but it’s something sacred.”

    “I’m grateful for Debra Holmes’ dedication and service to our nation. Her time in uniform serves as a reminder of the adversity women faced on their path to military success and the responsibility we have to honor our commitment to support the men and women who answered the call to serve. I’m honored to collect and preserve her memories,” Boozman said.

    Boozman submitted Holmes’ entire interview to the Veterans History Project and will continue to mark the program’s 25th anniversary this year with events in several Arkansas communities to conduct interviews with veterans and train those interested in learning how to participate.

    An interview day is scheduled for April 30 at the Fort Chaffee Barbershop and Military Museum. To learn more, contact Kathy Watson in the senator’s Fort Smith office at 479-573-0189.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker, Barrasso, Van Hollen, Ricketts Lead and Applaud Passage of Resolution Honoring Greek Independence Day

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Barrasso (R-WY), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) led and applauded the Senate passage of a bipartisan resolution to commemorate the 204th anniversary of Greek Independence Day (March 25). In addition to celebrating Greece’s historic role as the birthplace of democracy and its immense contributions to global society, the bipartisan resolution also recognizes the strength of the United States’ enduring partnership and friendship with Greece.

    “For hundreds of years the United States and Greece have worked together, inspired each other, and fought alongside each other to protect democracy everywhere,” said Senator Booker. “I extend my deepest congratulations to the people of Greece as they celebrate 204 years of democracy, and I am pleased to see this resolution recognizing Greek Independence Day pass the Senate.”

    “Congratulations to the people of Greece as they celebrate the anniversary of their independence. The U.S. Senate is honoring our strong partner and important ally with this bipartisan Greek Independence Day Resolution,” said Senator Barrasso. “For over 200 years, our nations have fought side by side to advance freedom, liberty and democracy around the world. The U.S. – Greece relationship is built on shared values and a lasting partnership. We look forward to finding additional ways to strengthen our close cooperation and friendship in the years ahead.”

    “In 1821, America proudly stood in support of the new Greek Republic emerging from the ashes of the Ottoman Empire – and ever since then, we have enjoyed a strong cultural, economic, and security partnership. With this resolution, we commemorate 204 years of self-determination for the people of Greece and the enduring bonds between our two nations,” said Senator Van Hollen.

    “I want to congratulate Greece on its 204th Independence Day. Greece is a steadfast ally of the United States,” said Senator Ricketts. “Omaha, NE is home to an amazing Greek community. Today, we all celebrate its independence—and look forward to continued partnership in the years ahead!”

    The resolution is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jim Justice (R-WV), Ed Markey (D-MA), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Chris Coons (D-DE), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Todd Young (R-IN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Michael Bennet (D-CO).

    To read the full text of the resolution, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: The battle for Khartoum: tracking Sudan’s war over two years

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Kagure Gacheche, Commissioning Editor, East Africa

    Sudan has been engulfed in brutal conflict since 15 April 2023, when tensions between the country’s two most powerful military factions erupted into civil war.

    The conflict stems from a long-standing power struggle over military control and integration. Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces began in the capital, Khartoum, and quickly spread across the country. International efforts to broker peace since have largely failed.

    The conflict, which has been going on for two years now, has created one of the world’s worst humanitarian emergencies.

    An estimated 30 million Sudanese civilians are in need of aid. Brutal attacks, looting and destruction of infrastructure have become commonplace. Millions of people lack access to essential medical care. Food shortages and economic collapse have worsened the suffering.

    The war has also triggered a massive displacement crisis, with more than 14 million people forced to flee their homes. Many have sought refuge in neighbouring countries, while others remain trapped in dangerous conditions within Sudan.

    As the conflict drags on, the toll on Sudan’s people continues to grow. Estimates of those killed vary widely, from 20,000 to 62,000, but the actual figure could be much larger.

    With no clear resolution in sight, Sudan’s crisis is one of the most urgent and devastating conflicts in the world. At The Conversation Africa, we have worked with academics who have tracked the conflict since 2023.

    Weapons flow

    Early on, it was clear that both the Sudanese army and the paramilitary force had a sufficient supply of weapons to sustain a protracted conflict. The country was already awash with firearms. It is ranked second – after Egypt – among its regional neighbours in total firearms estimates. Khristopher Carlson, part of a research project tracking small arms and armed violence in Sudan, noted that the two Sudanese forces might have different fighting methods but were adequately equipped to trade fire. The army’s superiority was its air force and heavy arsenal on the ground. The paramilitary force relied on nimble mobile units equipped primarily with small and light weapons.

    Read more: Sudan is awash with weapons: how the two forces compare and what that means for the war

    External interference

    This proliferation of weapons has been compounded by financial and military support from external states. Various foreign players – Chad, Egypt, Iran, Libya, Qatar and Russia – have picked a side to support. However, the influence of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates has been particularly problematic. Political scientist Federico Donelli explained that the two nations viewed Sudan as a key nation because of its location. Following President Omar al-Bashir’s ouster in 2019, the two monarchies bet on different factions within Sudan’s security apparatus. This external support exacerbated internal competition. Riyadh maintained close ties with army leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. Abu Dhabi aligned itself with the head of the Rapid Support Forces, Mohamed Dagalo, or Hemedti.

    Read more: Middle Eastern monarchies in Sudan’s war: what’s driving their interests

    Regional dynamics

    The support from international players in Sudan’s war has had a damaging effect on regional dynamics. The Sudanese army recently accused the United Arab Emirates of supplying the Rapid Support Forces with weapons through Chad. At a ceremony for an officer killed in a drone strike carried out by paramilitary forces, a senior army official said Chad’s airports would be “legitimate targets” should retaliatory action become necessary. This heightened the risk of a spillover of the Sudanese conflict. Sudan shares borders with seven countries in an unstable region, including Chad, South Sudan, Eritrea and Ethiopia. Economics professor and legal expert John Mukum Mbaku warned that a spillover of the fighting could devastate the region economically, socially and politically.

    Read more: Sudan’s conflict will have a ripple effect in an unstable region – and across the world

    Protecting civilians

    The conflict has put millions of civilians in Sudan in the crossfire. A UN report in September 2024 called for an independent force to protect civilians; Sudan’s officials rejected the proposal. However, peace talks have yet to achieve a lasting ceasefire. Sudan had a peacekeeping force between 2007 and 2020, followed by a UN-led political mission that exited in February 2024. Since then, there has been no security presence in Sudan responsible for protecting civilians. Peacekeeping researcher Jenna Russo noted the need for a regional or international peace force that could create “green zones”. This would help protect areas where displaced persons were sheltering and facilitate humanitarian aid.

    Read more: Sudan’s civilians urgently need protection: the options for international peacekeeping

    What’s been missing?

    High-level peace talks brokered by the African Union and the UN to negotiate a ceasefire have largely been unsuccessful, putting civilians at constant risk. Talks held in Switzerland and Jeddah have had little impact. Philipp Kastner, a peace scholar, highlighted that the countries hosting or supporting these talks were pursuing competing interests in Sudan, which affected their impartiality. Progress to negotiate an end to the war would be unlikely if external military support to the warring parties continued unabated. Civilians would continue to pay the price.

    Read more: Sudan at war: the art of peace talks and why they often fail

    – The battle for Khartoum: tracking Sudan’s war over two years
    – https://theconversation.com/the-battle-for-khartoum-tracking-sudans-war-over-two-years-253242

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Apparent Russian Foreign Interference and Manipulation of Information: UK Statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    Apparent Russian Foreign Interference and Manipulation of Information: UK Statement to the OSCE

    Politico-Military Counsellor, Ankur Narayan, says that Russia’s citing of a fake UK newspaper article would damage trust and credibility if, as seems likely, it was a deliberate attempt to manipulate the Forum.

    Thank you, Mr Chair. I am delivering this statement, on Russia’s Foreign Interference and Manipulation of Information in the FSC, on behalf of the United Kingdom. Norway has aligned with it.  

    This statement is about a falsified UK source, cited in the Russia FSC statement last week. It appears to be a brazen attempt to manipulate the members of this Forum. As Russia has made no attempt to correct the record, the UK and our Allies must now do so.  

    We have seen the Russian state using information warfare to attempt to undermine Ukraine and its supporters, sow divisions and bolster support for the Kremlin’s war aims. Each week we use this Forum to hold Russia to account for its information manipulation, the scale and nature of which has been demonstrated through its war on Ukraine. And this is not just confined to the FSC – we continue to see Russia’s attempts to push its information manipulation across international fora. The UK and our Allies stand firm in our commitment to the integrity of the multilateral system, and we will not allow Russia’s deception to be normalised.  

    Mr Chair, last week, Russia took this an unprecedented step further. In its weekly General Statement, it displayed and quoted from the purported front page of a March edition of a local UK newspaper, the Hull Daily Mail. The headline was evidently designed to stoke criticism amongst the British public of the UK’s continued support for Ukraine. However, it has been clearly established that the image displayed by Russia was a faked image, in which the actual headline of that edition had been replaced with a fake one about Kursk. The newspaper itself has made clear that the image had been faked. Two other newspaper headlines were also displayed which have also been proven to be faked.   

    The use by Russia of faked newspaper images and headlines was at best, a failure to ensure the authenticity of its sources. At worst, and far more likely given what we know about Russian behaviour, this was a deliberate attempt to manipulate the representatives in this Forum. Either way, this represented an egregious departure from the norms of conduct in international organisations.  

    The use of falsified documents by States in multilateral fora, and other efforts to sow disinformation, must be called out, and the record corrected. We cannot allow this Forum, or any other international organisation, to be influenced by these attempts to deceive us. Such attempts fundamentally undermine trust and credibility. Without trust, how can we deliver on our mandate of transparency, risk-reduction and Confidence and Security Building Measures? Without the credibility of our counterparts, how can we take seriously what Russia is saying?  

    Mr Chair, all of us have committed to executing the mandate of this crucial Forum. Trust and credibility are cornerstones of this. We urge Russia to return immediately to professional diplomatic conduct. Its efforts to deter us from supporting Ukraine will not succeed. We will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes. Thank you, Mr Chair.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Disrupts Hamas Terrorist Financing Scheme Through Seizure of Cryptocurrency

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    The Court-Authorized Seizure Interdicts Cryptocurrency Valued at Approximately $200,000 Intended to Support the Terrorist Activities of Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya (Hamas)

    The Justice Department announced the disruption of an ongoing terrorist financing scheme through the seizure of approximately $201,400 in cryptocurrency held in wallets and accounts intended to benefit Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya (Hamas). The seized funds were traced from fundraising addresses purportedly controlled by Hamas that were used to launder more than $1.5 million in virtual currency since October 2024.

    “At Attorney General Pam Bondi’s direction, the Department of Justice is committed to dismantling Hamas using every tool at our disposal,” said Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.   

    “These seizures show that this office will search high and low for every cent of money going to fund Hamas, wherever it is found, and in whatever form of currency,” said U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. for the District of Columbia. “Hamas is responsible for the death of many U.S. and Israeli nationals, and we will stop at nothing to stop their campaign of terror and murder.”

    “Hamas raised and laundered more than a million dollars to support its terrorist operation, but through our investigation, the FBI traced and seized these funds,” said Assistant Director David J. Scott of the FBI Counterterrorism Division. “Disrupting funding mechanisms and seizing cryptocurrency from Hamas is one of the FBI’s many tools that we use in the fight against terrorism. The FBI will work with our partners to dismantle this terrorist group and protect the American people from their violent and horrific acts.”

    “Countering terrorism remains the FBI’s number one priority. By successfully disrupting access to funds, we weaken their ability to function,” said Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office. “This success demonstrates that financial warfare is a critical component to fight terrorism. We will continue to do everything in our power to protect the American people and pursue justice by depriving terrorist organizations of the resources they need to continue their illicit activity.”

    As alleged in court documents, a group chat claiming association with Hamas on an encrypted communications platform provided Hamas supporters worldwide with a changing set of at least 17 cryptocurrency addresses. Supporters were encouraged to donate money to those addresses. Those funds were sent into an operational wallet and laundered through a series of virtual currency exchanges and transactions by leveraging suspected financiers and over-the-counter brokers. More than a million dollars was raised and laundered using the laundering system and the virtual currency accounts described in the affidavit.

    Included among the assets seized were cryptocurrency addresses valued at approximately $89,900 and three additional accounts containing cryptocurrency valued at approximately $111,500. These accounts were registered in the names of Palestinian individuals living in Turkey and elsewhere.

    The FBI Albuquerque Field Office is investigating the case, in coordination with the FBI Counterterrorism Division and Cyber Division.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Tejpal Chawla for the District of Columbia, Trial Attorney Jacques Singer-Emery for the National Security Division’s National Security Cyber Section, and Trial Attorney Jessica Joyce of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Oma Savings Bank Plc’s Chief Communications Officer Changes

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OMA SAVINGS BANK PLC, STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE, 27 MARCH 2025 AT 17.30 P.M EET, CHANGES BOARD/MANAGEMENT/AUDITORS

    Oma Savings Bank Plc’s Chief Communications Officer Changes

    Chief Communications Officer of Oma Savings Bank (OmaSp or the Company) Minna Sillanpää will leave the Company as of 27 March 2025. MMM, MBA Pirjetta Soikkeli has been appointed as new Chief Communications Officer, starting on 7 July 2025 at the latest.

    CEO Sarianna Liiri:
    “I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Minna for her long and dedicated service to Oma Savings Bank. Minna has made significant contributions to the development of the Company’s communications, branding, and sustainability efforts”, says interim CEO Sarianna Liiri.

    Pirjetta Soikkeli joins Oma Savings Bank from the position of Senior Vice President Communications, Marketing and Sustainability at Handelsbanken Finland. Previously, she has held leadership positions in communications, marketing and sustainability at Metsä Group, Fortum, and Stora Enso.

    In the interim, the duties of the Chief Communications Officer will be handled through internal arrangements.

    Oma Savings Bank Plc

    Additional information:
    Sarianna Liiri, interim CEO, tel. +358 40 835 6712, sarianna.liiri@omasp.fi

    DISTRIBUTION:
    Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd
    Major media
    www.omasp.fi

    OmaSp is a solvent and profitable Finnish bank. About 500 professionals provide nationwide services through OmaSp’s 48 branch offices and digital service channels to over 200,000 private and corporate customers. OmaSp focuses primarily on retail banking operations and provides its clients with a broad range of banking services both through its own balance sheet as well as by acting as an intermediary for its partners’ products. The intermediated products include credit, investment and loan insurance products. OmaSp is also engaged in mortgage banking operations.

    OmaSp core idea is to provide personal service and to be local and close to its customers, both in digital and traditional channels. OmaSp strives to offer premium level customer experience through personal service and easy accessibility. In addition, the development of the operations and services is customer-oriented. The personnel is committed and OmaSp seeks to support their career development with versatile tasks and continuous development. A substantial part of the personnel also own shares in OmaSp.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy welcomes debarment of doctor who facilitated gain-of-function research in Wuhan: “We now have justice”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    Watch Kennedy’s comments here.

    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) commended the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for debarring and defunding EcoHealth Alliance and its president, Dr. Peter Daszak, for their role in facilitating gain-of-function research in Wuhan, China, which likely caused the coronavirus pandemic.  

    Key excerpts of the speech are below: 

    “Many commentators and many news accounts say that what Dr. Daszak—with the money from American taxpayers that he had gotten from Dr. Fauci and Dr. Collins—what they were doing was conducting gain-of-function research. . . . Gain-of-function research just means taking, in this context, an animal virus, a bat virus, altering it genetically so it would jump into a human—pretty dangerous stuff.

    “Now Dr. Fauci has said that didn’t happen, Dr. Collins says that didn’t happen, and Dr. Daszak says that didn’t happen, but everybody else says it did. The FBI says it did. The CIA says it did. The top spy agency in Germany says it did. The Department of Energy says it did.

    “So what happened? What happened? Well, we do know that the first two people that we know of in the world who got the coronavirus—the first two humans—were not people in the city of Wuhan; they were workers in the Wuhan lab. . . . We also know that when the virus became really contagious, other than these two people who were working in the Wuhan lab, it became contagious in Wuhan, China, a few miles away from the Wuhan lab—pretty curious. 

    “We also know that when word first broke of the coronavirus, Dr. Fauci learned about it. Do you know one of the first persons he called was Dr. Peter Daszak and said: What is going on?

    “We also know that Dr. Daszak was trying to convince the American people and the people of the world that the virus started naturally—that it didn’t start from his gain-of-function research. We know that he rounded up a bunch of epidemiologists to write a fake article and start publishing it and others in a lot of professional scientific magazines to try to convince the world that the bat virus jumped to human beings naturally. We know that. That has all come out.”

     . . .

    “It took a while, and some will call this only partial justice, but we now have justice—at least for 5 years. I hope forever Dr. Peter Daszak and any company with which he is affiliated will no longer receive taxpayer dollars from the National Institutes of Health because he was doing—according to many people smarter than me and many news reports—he was funding gain research in Wuhan. . . . Pretty scary stuff, and we know how it all turned out.

    Background:

    • On Jan. 17, 2025, HHS announced that it would be defunding and debarring EcoHealth Alliance Inc. and Dr. Daszak for at least five years due to their role in facilitating irresponsible gain-of-function research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China.
    • HHS determined that Dr. Daszak and EcoHealth Alliance violated the terms of their gain-of-function grant to conduct experiments that modified novel bat coronaviruses to make them 10,000 times more infectious in mice.
    • Dr. Daszak, former National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Francis Collins and former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Dr. Anthony Fauci coordinated with other public health officials to propel the theory that COVID-19 originated in nature.

    Watch Kennedy’s full speech here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Combined Drug Operation Seizes Six Tons of Cocaine in Gulf of Guinea

    Source: United States AFRICOM

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    In a significant joint operation, the French Navy seized over six tons of cocaine from a fishing vessel in the Gulf of Guinea on Saturday, March 15. The operation, which highlights the effective collaboration among the French Navy, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) underscores ongoing efforts to combat transnational organized crime in the region. Information was coordinated and deconflicted by the Maritime Analysis Operations Center Narcotics (MAOC-N) in Lisbon, Portugal.

    The French Navy, while conducting routine patrols as part of Operation Corymbe, intercepted a fishing vessel approximately twenty meters long, flagged in Guyana. The operation resulted in the confiscation of 6,386 kg of cocaine with an estimated market value of nearly €371 million. The seized narcotics were subsequently transferred to the French naval ship for destruction in accordance with directives from the Brest prosecutor’s office.

    “This remarkable seizure underscores the collaborative efforts among international partners to combat drug trafficking and enhance maritime security,” said U.S. Army Lt. Gen. John Brennan, U.S. Africa Command deputy commander. “The steadfast commitment of our allies, including the French Navy and other U.S. agencies, reflects our collective determination to safeguard our borders and disrupt the operations of organized crime syndicates.”

    The maritime prefecture noted that the operation demonstrates the effectiveness of French naval actions in safeguarding external borders and tackling organized crime. The six individuals found aboard the vessel comprised a Colombian, a Dominican, and four citizens of Guyana, all of whom were arrest-ed during the operation.

    In a statement released on Sunday, the Government of Guyana expressed its support for the French operation, affirming its commitment to international cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking and other forms of transnational crime. The statement also confirmed that authorization had been granted for the French forces to board the vessel.

    This successful mission not only signifies a significant blow to drug trafficking networks but also rein-forces the importance of international collaboration in enhancing regional security across the Gulf of Guinea. U.S. Africa Command remains dedicated to supporting such initiatives and fostering partner-ships aimed at stabilizing the region.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: With 23andMe filing for bankruptcy, what happens to consumers’ genetic data?

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Julia Creet, Professor of English, York University, Canada

    23andMe has filed for bankruptcy, raising questions about future ownership of the genetic data of its 15 million customers. (Shutterstock)

    The announcement that 23andMe is filing for bankruptcy and has put its genetic genealogy database up for sale has sent its customers into a bit of a privacy tizzy. On March 21, California Attorney General Bob Bonta issued a consumer alert with detailed instructions about how to delete one’s data.

    23andMe and its databases are located in California; regardless of where customers live, privacy is then governed by California law and some weak U.S. federal laws. Canadian privacy laws have no sway in this case.

    CBC’s The National provides information to customers looking to delete their genetic data from the 23andMe databases.

    Rise of consumer genetic testing

    It’s worth backing up a bit to see how 23andMe built its brand, what makes the database valuable and who might be in the market to buy the database if Anne Wojcicki, its founder, is unsuccessful in her bid to buy back the company herself.

    I have been studying the development of the industry of family history for the last 20 years. Genetic genealogy rose to prominence in the early 2000s, with the development of the science and early databases by committed genealogists and the market demand for locating ancestors.



    Read more:
    The mythical quest for our ancestors is big business

    23andMe’s innovation was to use this burgeoning lust for ancestors as a way to build a new kind of direct-to-consumer database, one that looked at inherited markers for diseases afforded by the potent combination of genetic and genealogical information.

    They weren’t the first to hit on this idea. deCODE Genetics in Iceland had already built a national database of braided genealogical and genetic information for the same purpose. Within 10 years, it too went bankrupt and sold its database.

    Ahead of government

    23andMe was the first to market the idea in North America when Wojcicki founded the company in 2006.

    Wojcicki claimed a high mission: to liberate health information from the hands of the medical industry and put it directly into the hands of consumers. Her business model made it clear that the direct-to-consumer genetics industry was always in the business of doing an end run around government and university databases that were governed by much stricter privacy laws.

    23andMe ran into trouble with the FDA in 2013 for providing medical information without any medical supervision, a wrinkle that took two years for the company to iron out. But the more lucrative end of the business was always the sale of the accumulated data to the pharmaceutical industry.

    23andMe pitched its research arm as the greater good, and 80 per cent of its consumers opted in to share their information for research purposes. The database has always been monetized for secondary uses. In its profile of 23andMe in 2017, Nature quoted cardiologist Euan Ashley at Stanford University, California: “They have quietly become the largest genetic study the world has ever known.”

    A rapid unravelling

    Five years ago, the company and the genetic genealogy industry as a whole started to unravel almost as quickly and precipitously as it had risen. Sales of direct-to-consumer genetic genealogy kits plummeted, given a combination of privacy concerns and market saturation.

    The advent of law enforcement incursions into genetic genealogy databases gave consumers a fright, and woke them up to the possible unanticipated third-party uses of commercial databases.

    Almost a decade later, governments are still trying to figure out how to set up guardrails on the use of genealogy databases for law enforcement, a practice that has become widespread across the U.S. and Canada.

    Currently, the Information and Privacy Office of Ontario is actively working to develop regulations that are acceptable to all stakeholders since, once again, the greater good argument of catching cold-case killers holds considerable sway over the right to privacy of consumers.

    Nonetheless, the issue of third-party uses has had a marked effect on the popularity of what seemed like a benign pastime, the search for ever-more-distant relations.

    Industry expansion

    Over the years, 23andMe expanded by buying health services and pharmaceutical holding companies. But in 2023, a massive data breach exposed the vulnerabilities of the company, particularly its genealogical information.



    Read more:
    23andMe’s struggles are a sign that direct-to-consumer DNA testing needs stronger oversight

    In addition to the 1.5 million users whose profiles were breached, hackers accessed the personal information of about 5.5 million people who opted in to 23andMe’s DNA Relatives feature.

    Stolen data included customers’ names, birth years, relationship labels, percentage of DNA shared with relatives, ancestry reports and self-reported locations.

    Fully a third of 23andMe’s users’ genealogical information had been scraped by the hackers. And here we see the real vulnerability in the entire industry: Anyone who has submitted a DNA sample and built family connections has exposed everyone in their family line.

    This seems to be a classic case of closing the barn door after the horses have already bolted.

    Like 23andMe, deCODE was a high flier in the genetics space having built a genealogical database that included almost all Icelanders, who invested heavily in the company. The company went bankrupt during the financial crisis of 2008, and it sold its database to American pharmaceutical company Amgen. Amgen in turn sold part of it to a Chinese company.

    Corporate dealings

    So who are the likely buyers for 23andMe?

    Wojcicki herself, if she can somehow raise the capital, which seems unlikely. Any big pharmaceutical company, including international buyers (in 2018, 23andMe signed a US$300 million deal with GlaxoSmithKline). Chinese biotechnology company BGI might well bid on the company, as China is seemingly on a mission to collect DNA from around the globe.

    Other potential buyers include: Google, who were early investors and thus already part owners; Ancestry.com, which, with its own genetic genealogy testing arm, would make it one of the of the largest privately held genetic genealogy databases in the world; and an outlier, Dutch life sciences firm Qiagen.

    Qiagen acquired California-based forensic genomics company Verogen in 2023. Verogen had previously acquired the geneaology database GEDmatch (one of the earliest grassroots ancestor DNA matching sites) for the purposes of creating a one-stop forensics genealogy shop for law enforcement.

    Changing privacy

    Each time a database is sold, privacy provisions are subject to change. Even though Wojcicki is promising to protect the privacy of costumers currently in the database, she might not have much control in the long run.

    So what should 23andMe’s customers do? Should they delete what data they can? Absolutely. Will it make much difference in the end? Probably not.

    What is now manifestly apparent is that the industry of direct-to-consumer genetics has far outpaced the ability of governments to regulate the information, so consumers are suddenly nervous.

    We should have paid attention at the very beginning of this dubious exercise in the privatization of personal data. Now we have to live with all that relatedness as a valuable commodity over which we have little say.

    Julia Creet receives funding from Social Sciences and Humanities Council of Canada and previously from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.

    – ref. With 23andMe filing for bankruptcy, what happens to consumers’ genetic data? – https://theconversation.com/with-23andme-filing-for-bankruptcy-what-happens-to-consumers-genetic-data-253071

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Russia has most to gain from Black Sea ceasefire – but it’s marginal, and Ukraine benefits too

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Basil Germond, Professor of International Security, Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion, Lancaster University

    A maritime ceasefire deal to allow the safe passage of ships and end the use of force in the Black Sea could soon come into effect. Brokered over the past two weeks by the United States and agreed to by both Russia and Ukraine, it has immediately raised concerns that it could mainly benefit Russia.

    Indeed, at first sight, since Ukraine has had the upper hand in the Black Sea for the past two years, the ceasefire seems to not only benefit Russia but also undermine Ukraine’s strategic advantage at sea.

    But a more careful assessment of the naval situation in the Black Sea, balanced against possible diplomatic gains, reveals a more nuanced picture.

    Benefits for Russia

    There are obvious benefits for Russia. First and foremost, the ceasefire deal will improve Moscow’s access to the global grain and fertiliser market and possibly soften western sanctions on payment systems and access to ports to enable that.

    In addition to the expected economic benefits, the deal would also enable the Kremlin’s propaganda machine to claim that Russia cares – as Russia’s foreign minister Sergei Lavrov insisted – “about the food security situation in Africa and other countries of the global south”.

    In military terms, Black Sea fleet commanders will be happy to know that the remainder of their naval assets might be safe at last. The deal is also likely to prevent Ukraine from any attempt to destroy the strategically and symbolically important Kerch bridge linking occupied Crimea with Russia.

    Concessions by Russia

    Russia has almost nothing to lose operationally, since its remaining surface warships could not operate safely in the northwestern Black Sea and were thus stuck most of the time in ports as far away from Ukraine as possible.

    One concession may be that Russia pauses any submarine-launched cruise missile attacks on Ukraine. But this activity has been limited of late. So, with the clear economic and diplomatic benefits this deal represents in return for very limited military concessions, Russia appears as the logical winner of this deal – at least at first sight.

    Benefits for Ukraine

    Ukraine will certainly also benefit from cheaper and safer access to the global markets (insurance premiums are expected to fall considerably, for a start). And Kyiv will be able to use the time bought by the ceasefire to procure more drones and missiles that might be used later if naval operations against the Russian Black Sea fleet eventually resume.

    At the same time, the Russian navy cannot be reinforced as long as the Turkish Straits remain closed to warships under the Montreux Convention. Ukraine’s upper hand in the Black Sea is a result of its efficient use of asymmetrical weapons, such as drones and missiles, that can be stockpiled. But Russia’s Black Sea fleet remains depleted and vulnerable because it has been unable to repair or replace any of its warships, due mainly to the closure of the Turkish Straits passage mentioned above.



    Read more:
    What the Montreux Convention is, and what it means for the Ukraine war

    On the diplomatic front, this ceasefire enables Kyiv to show that they have made major concessions. This is a show of goodwill, and a clever way to appease the US president, Donald Trump, for whom the importance of being able to announce he has made progress towards an overall ceasefire is central. And all these benefits can be obtained at a limited cost.

    Concessions by Ukraine

    Ukraine will not lose key operational or strategic options as a result of the deal, since at the moment there is only a limited war going on at sea – given that Russia has largely been forced out and has moved its fleet east from Sevastopol to ports on the Russian mainland. In fact, Ukraine had already achieved almost everything realistically possible in the Black Sea. The ceasefire does not now cancel these achievements, since Russia is also prevented from attacking Ukraine from the sea.

    Peace in the Black Sea. But how long will it last?
    Peter Hermes Furian/Shutterstock

    Overall, the fact that this initial step toward a lasting peace agreement has been achieved at sea is testament to Ukraine’s upper hand in the maritime domain as well as the efficiency of western sanctions in cutting Russia off from the global maritime supply chain.

    Moscow is the winner but Kyiv is not a loser

    Based on the above assessment of the benefits and concessions in light of the naval situation in the Black Sea, both Russia and Ukraine benefit from the ceasefire – although this is indeed less obvious in the case of Ukraine.

    Kyiv can consider it a success because Ukraine has nothing substantial to pay or lose. In contrast it gets the ball rolling towards a bigger deal and – most importantly – it keeps the Trump administration onside. Putin can also assess himself to have won because of the direct economic and diplomatic gains Russia gets from the deal.

    It’s probably correct to say that Russia has gained more than Ukraine from this agreement – but the reality is more nuanced. The ball is now in Russia’s camp. If it violates any condition of the deal (and the level of trust in Moscow’s goodwill remains low), it will discredit the Kremlin’s diplomacy and anger Trump. And neither side wants to do that right now.

    Basil Germond 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. Russia has most to gain from Black Sea ceasefire – but it’s marginal, and Ukraine benefits too – https://theconversation.com/russia-has-most-to-gain-from-black-sea-ceasefire-but-its-marginal-and-ukraine-benefits-too-253165

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Uncorking the past: new analysis of Troy findings rewrites the story of wine in the early bronze age

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Stephan Blum, Research associate, Institute for Prehistory and Early History and Medieval Archaeology, University of Tübingen

    Depas amphikypellon from Schliemann’s excavations at Troy. Institute of Classical Archaeology at the University of Tübingen/Valentin Marquardt, CC BY-SA

    Wine drinking in ancient Troy was not restricted to the upper classes, as has long been supposed – something our new research has established for the first time. Colleagues at the University of Tübingen and I have discovered that wine was also enjoyed by the common folk, independent of upper-class celebrations and religious rituals.

    In the late 19th century, German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann (1822-1890) excavated the ancient city of Troy. He was hoping to discover the residence of Priam, the king of the city besieged by the Greek army under Agamemnon, as immortalised by Homer in the Iliad.

    Among Schliemann’s most outstanding achievements was – alongside the identification of the site of Troy itself – undoubtedly the discovery of the so-called “treasure of Priam”.

    The find included several hundred gold and silver objects. But during his excavations, Schliemann was captivated by a more humble item mentioned in the Iliad – the depas amphikypellon (two-handed drinking cup). He discovered numerous cylindrical, double-handled goblets thought to be the cup mentioned in the epic tale.

    Schliemann believed the vessels had been used either for ritual wine offerings to the Olympian gods or, more likely, by the royal elite for drinking. The characteristic double handles, he suggested, allowed the vessels to be passed easily between participants seated next to each other.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    Despite fierce opposition to many of his interpretations in contemporary archaeological research, Schliemann’s hypotheses on the drinking customs of the early bronze age elite have become an enduring narrative.

    Further archaeological excavations at Troy (in modern Turkey) were led by the University of Tübingen between 1987 and 2012. Since then, my colleagues and I have been analysing the results, focusing on architectural findings and the vast array of artefacts uncovered.

    Over time, scientific methods have played an increasingly important role, with a particular focus on the analysis of organic residues in vessels (ORA). This method has proven particularly valuable, as it provides insights into what the early bronze-age inhabitants of Troy prepared in their cooking pots and enjoyed from their drinking vessels.

    Drilling into Troy’s wine culture

    Excavations over the past 150 years have shown that use of the two-handed drinking cup spanned from Greece in the west to Mesopotamia in the east.

    The silver example from the British Museum, found near Troy.
    The Trustees of the British Museum, CC BY-SA

    They were produced in various forms between BC2500 and 2000. Likely inspired by now-lost metal prototypes, except for one silver example in the British Museum, these ceramic vessels were often made on the potter’s wheel, a technological innovation introduced from the near east during this period.

    Many of the double-handled goblets have been found not only in settlements but also in graves. This is an indicator of their special significance in cult and ritual. Written sources also suggest that wine was regarded as particularly precious during this time, though these are generally from distant geographical regions. It has therefore been inferred that only the social elite, through their control of long-distance trade, had access to it.

    For many inland and eastern Anatolian settlements, this may have been true. However, Troy, like many other sites in the Aegean and western Asia Minor, was located in a region particularly favourable for the cultivation of wine, which means it would have been more widely available.

    So it’s hardly surprising that two-handed vessels have been found not only in Troy’s fortified citadel with its monumental buildings, but also in areas of the outer settlement. It led us to wonder – does this mean that farmers, craftsmen and others could also consume it on special occasions, or even in their daily lives?

    To address this question, it was first necessary to prove scientifically that the goblets were actually used for drinking wine. Just because they might seem suitable for it doesn’t provide proof. To this end, two fragments from the collections of the Institute of Classical Archaeology in Tübingen were analysed for organic residues by Dr Maxime Rageot.

    Two grams of ceramic material was drilled from the inner walls of the vessel, and the collected ceramic powder was then treated with solvents to extract lipid and resin compounds. After further chemical processing, these were heated to a maximum of 380°C and then analysed. Several aldaric acids were identified in both specimens. Namely, succinic, fumaric, pyruvic, malic and – in significant quantities – tartaric acids.

    The latter can be interpreted as a grape marker, since such concentrations are not documented in other fruits available in the Mediterranean. The identification of succinic and pyruvic acids, commonly associated with fermentation markers, suggests the presence of wine (or vinegar) derived from ripe grapes.

    So Schliemann was right: the depas amphikypellon was certainly used for wine consumption. Whether this was tied to religious practices, rituals and public banqueting, or simply drinking wine as part of everyday life, remains uncertain.

    However, when it comes to who consumed it, our analysis results necessitate a correction of the conventional archaeological perspective. It seems that not only the elite enjoyed drinking wine – but also the common folk. For a counter-test, two simple cups, commonly found by the hundreds in early bronze-age Troy, were also sampled. The results were striking: the exact same organic residues were identified in both specimens.

    Wine for all?

    In archaeology, it is often the seemingly insignificant small finds that, when viewed in a broader context, have a profound impact. Based on organic residues –imperceptible to the naked eye and detectable only at a molecular level – the role of wine consumption in the second half of the 3rd millennium BC must be fundamentally reconsidered, at least in the case of Troy.

    Here, wine was far from being reserved solely for the rich and powerful. The two-handed depas amphikypellon wasn’t a status symbol for the elite – it was a widely appreciated drinking vessel. Furthermore, for everyday drinking, it seems any type of vessel would do, with no particular one set aside for the task.

    Whether and to what extent a shift in perspective can be expected at other sites of the Aegean and Anatolian early bronze age can, of course, only be definitively answered through comparable biomolecular analyses. After all, as in so many cases, it wouldn’t be surprising if Troy turned out to be the exception that challenges the norm.

    Stephan Blum 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. Uncorking the past: new analysis of Troy findings rewrites the story of wine in the early bronze age – https://theconversation.com/uncorking-the-past-new-analysis-of-troy-findings-rewrites-the-story-of-wine-in-the-early-bronze-age-252953

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Minister Feryal Clark speech at the Alan Turing Institute’s conference AI UK

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Minister Feryal Clark speech at the Alan Turing Institute’s conference AI UK

    Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for AI and Digital Government, Feryal Clark, gave a speech at the Alan Turing Institute’s conference AI UK on 17 March 2025.

    In 2001, I learnt to code. 

    I was studying for my Master’s in Bioinformatics at Exeter. 

    That meant analysing massive datasets, and picking up coding languages. 

    And using that analysis to help us sequence genomes, create medicines tailored to your DNA, or predict the effects of new drugs. 

    This was 24 years ago, and tech looked a bit different back then. 

    I was rocking the Nokia 6310.

    Apple introduced the iPod, promising “10,000 songs in your pocket”. (If you were anything like me, you were using it to listen to U2 or Faithless.)

    Steven Spielberg released “A.I., Artificial Intelligence”, a futuristic fantasy about a humanoid robot trying to be a real boy.  

    And in a computer lab in Devon, for this stressed-out Master’s student, the reality of coding was a nightmare. 

    Any time something went wrong, you’d have to scour line upon line of code to try to find your mistake. 

    The misplaced curly bracket in the binary haystack.  

    One error could set your research back by days.

    I don’t need to tell you how different a picture we have before us now:

    • When my phone is my personal assistant, my concierge, my navigator.

    • When 90% of the world’s data was created in the last two years.

    • When AI is no longer the stuff of film directors’ dreams, but a practical tool changing our lives day to day – scanning for diseases in hospitals, or helping teachers plan lessons.

    • And when governments are seizing the opportunity to change how we operate, too.

    Last month, I went to see the Government Digital Service in Whitechapel.

    They’re using AI and other emerging tech to make interacting with the state as easy as banking on the go, or online shopping.

    A lot of that work is powered by AI. 

    When I watched the team at work, I saw how every time there was a tiny mistake in the code, it would flash up in colour on their screens.

    Instant detection. Instant fix.  

    No more hours hunting for that curly bracket, or days of research lost. 

    Globally, change is inevitable. 

    But what’s not inevitable is the UK’s place in all of that. 

    Do we stand and watch change happen? 

    Or do we take a leading role? 

    I know that, for all of us in this room, there’s only one choice here. 

    The UK’s legacy is one of leadership: 

    • The 3rd biggest market for AI in the world.

    • Driven by research from 4 of the world’s 10 best universities.

    • And we’re home to some of the brightest luminaries in Artificial Intelligence – with two British Nobel prize winners for AI just last year.

    That talent stands on the shoulders of Ada Lovelace, Charles Babbage and the man whose extraordinary contribution brings us all here today.

    But we are not content to let this legacy remain just that – a legacy. 

    A history that we look back on fondly while, in the present day, other countries outpace us. And British people miss out on the benefits that AI can bring to their day to day lives. 

    To reap the rewards, academia, industry and the public sector must continue to work together in forums like this to solve our most pressing challenges. 

    And the government must give you the tools to make change possible.

    That’s why, in January, the Prime Minister launched the AI Opportunities Action Plan. 

    It sets out how we’ll unlock the economic growth that AI promises – up to 47 billion pounds every year for the next decade.

    We’ll give firms and researchers access to the power and information you need to get your ideas off the ground – with 20 times more computing power by 2030.

    Early access to the AI Research Resource for academics and SMEs is now live, as we open up our supercomputers Dawn and Isambard. 

    We’ll unlock the public datasets you need to make new discoveries. 

    And we’ll also plug the skills gap – by building up skills at school, and nurturing research talent both homegrown and attracted from overseas. 

    As part of this, we’re expanding the brilliant Turing AI Fellowships, to give leading academics from multiple disciplines the tools they need to use AI in their work. 

    And we’ll keep supporting collaboration between academia, public sector and industry – working with the Alan Turing Institute and UKRI to drive progress at the cutting edge.

    I started by looking back, to a time when texts had character limits, and coding mistakes caused me sleepless nights. 

    It feels right to end by looking forward. 

    If we get this right – if academia and public and private sectors all play the roles we do best – what could the future look like? 

    Here’s what we could say about this country:  

    • Like most new technologies before it, AI has created a raft of new, exciting jobs – adding more jobs than it replaces. Our children’s children are doing jobs we don’t have names for yet.

    • No longer weighed down by admin, businesses are infinitely more productive. People can focus on the parts of their jobs that impact the bottom line, but also genuinely bring them joy.

    • The strain on our health service has eased, as AI saves us months on each new drug discovery; and earlier diagnosis gives patients back years with their families.

    • And with access to the world’s knowledge at ordinary people’s fingertips, life in the UK becomes more equal.

    We know this future doesn’t just happen if we press ‘play’ and let time pass. 

    It needs a supply of power and talent. Careful handling on safety and ethics. And a deliberate effort to make AI work for all in this country, not just the lucky few.  

    Progress is only possible with partnership. 

    So thank you for having me today. 

    I hope the UK’s AI community continues to tell the government what you need, and to work with us to make our AI future as storied as our past. 

    This is a chapter we can only write together.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Celebrate VE Day in Westminster  | Westminster City Council

    Source: City of Westminster

    Westminster City Council is encouraging residents to host a street party to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. 

    VE Day commemorates the end of World War II in Europe on 8 May 1945, and celebrations will be taking place across the country from 8 to 11 May 2025. It’s a time to reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of those who secured our freedom.  

    Whether it’s a picnic, a tea party, or a celebration with your neighbours, street parties are a fantastic way to bring people together, reflect on our resilience, and enjoy the unity that defined VE Day. 

    Westminster has always played a vital role in our nation’s history, and this VE Day, we celebrate not only the past but also the strength and diversity that continue to make our community great.  

    Councillor Ellie Ormsby, Westminster City Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said:  

    It’s always wonderful to come together in Westminster, and as a country, for such an important national occasion. VE Day is a chance for communities to celebrate together and remember the heroes who sacrificed themselves for our tomorrow.”  

    To host a street party, an application for road closure needs to be submitted to the council by Friday, 4 April 2025. Submit your application or find out more information here. 

    Events and activities planned for the occasion will be revealed soon. More information can be found on the Gov website.  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Industry leaders discuss how new ports strategy can drive city’s growth plans

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Industry leaders and port operators at the Port Strategy event

    Industry leaders have been invited to play a part in Plymouth’s ambitious plans to drive growth in its four ports and further strengthen its position as a leader in marine innovation and transitioning to net zero.

    A special roundtable meeting for industry leaders heard how a new Ports Strategy sets out a clear vision for growing the economic contribution of Plymouth’s ports, creating green jobs and ensuring the city remains at the forefront of marine technology, sustainable development and maritime skills.

    Business leaders were asked to consider how to foster ongoing collaboration between the Council, harbour authorities, port operators, and other key stakeholders to drive forward new initiatives, and what their roles could be in making progress against the six recommendations in the strategy:

    • Investing in and developing maritime skills as a key enabler of future growth and to anchor the benefits of this growth in local communities
    • Preserving space for the ports with more detailed work to determine future requirements
    • Maintaining Plymouth’s expertise in innovation in marine autonomy, clean propulsion and digital ocean technology
    • Fostering communication and collaboration to promote Plymouth’s ports and to identify and drive forward new initiatives
    • Supporting investment in infrastructure to ensure the ports remain competitive
    • Recognising the significant role that the ports can play in preparing for net zero and the opportunity and benefits that this could deliver in productivity and job creation.
    Industry leaders discuss the new Ports Strategy

    Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “Plymouth’s ports are the beating heart of the city’s economy. They support a diverse range of industries and are driving innovation in marine autonomy, clean propulsion, and digital ocean technologies.

    “The new strategy is a blueprint for ensuring that Plymouth remains a global leader in the marine sector while also securing long-term prosperity for our communities. The event with business leaders and port operators gave us an important chance to discuss the opportunities and get their valuable input.”

    Plymouth’s ports currently underpin a marine and defence sector that employs over 20,100 full-time equivalents (FTEs), contributing 22 per cent of the city’s GVA. Plymouth also boasts the largest concentration of marine employment of any local authority in England, with sector wages exceeding both local and national averages.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press Release – Alderney’s Marine Resource Potential Thursday 27 March 2025

    Source: Channel Islands – States of Alderney

    Press Release

    Date:  26th March 2025

    Alderney’s Marine Resource Potential

    The States of Guernsey’s Policy & Resources Offshore Wind Sub-Committee has released its Policy Letter, indicating that there is significant value of the Guernsey seabed as an asset to be developed for the export of energy from a wind farm development.

    The initial Guernsey evaluation indicates a resource of some 1.27 GW with, potentially, significant value. Work by Alderney’s Marine Working Group, a sub-committee of the Policy & Finance Committee, indicates that Alderney has a similar sized resource with similar potential to the west of the Island.

    Further details can be found on the States of Guernsey website on the following link:

    Policy & Resources Committee seeks Assembly agreement to further examine offshore wind potential – States of Guernsey

    The Marine Working Group’s lead Bill Abel said that:

    Alderney’s Marine Working Group has had, positive, initial discussions with representatives of the Guernsey Offshore Wind Sub-Committee as to Alderney’s involvement in the next phases of Guernsey’s work on the development of offshore wind resources.

    Mr Abel added:

    “We thank the Guernsey Offshore Wind Sub-Committee for reaching out and considering Alderney’s inclusion in the next phases of their work as there is significant value for Alderney and the Bailiwick, with both Islands working together, and look forward to further discussions.

    The potential benefits to the Island are recognised. These will not only be realised from the revenues related to the use of its tidal and wind marine resources but will also bring development and jobs to the Island emphasising that commercial harbour and airport facilities are essential for our future.” 

    Ends

    States of Alderney media enquiries:Publications@alderney.gov.gg

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cocaine smuggler jailed27 March 2025 A 31-year-old man has been sentenced by the Royal Court to five years imprisonment for attempting to import cocaine into the Island with a street value of £14,000. Faustin Kapinga MUTOMBO, of London,… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    27 March 2025

    A 31-year-old man has been sentenced by the Royal Court to five years imprisonment for attempting to import cocaine into the Island with a street value of £14,000.

    Faustin Kapinga MUTOMBO, of London, arrived in the Island on the morning of Wednesday 17 January 2024 having travelled as a foot passenger on the overnight boat from Portsmouth. 

    He was stopped and questioned by Jersey Customs and Immigration Officers and stated that he was visiting the Island for one day and would be returning back to Portsmouth. 

    He advised officers that the purpose of his visit was to meet up with an acquaintance he named as “Joey” whom he had previously met on a night out in London in January 2023.

    Officers became suspicious as to the real purpose of his visit to the Island and he was subsequently arrested on suspicion of carrying drugs internally. 

    MUTOMBO was detained by Officers and declined to be x-rayed. He remained in detention for some 14 days when he finally produced two cling film wrapped packages, containing 56 grams of cocaine. 

    Paul Le Monnier, Senior Manager at Jersey Customs and Immigration Service, said: “This was a lengthy and testing investigation that ultimately led to the seizure of cocaine.”

    Anyone with information on drug smuggling can report it anonymously via 0800 735 5555.​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Emergency fund launches to support the city’s third sector ahead of longer-term review

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    Charities due to lose funding from the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB) will be able to apply for emergency support from the City of Edinburgh Council.

    A one-off Third Sector Resilience Fund will launch tomorrow (Friday 28 March) and will remain open for two weeks. It will only be open to organisations in Edinburgh directly impacted by the closure of the EIJB’s third sector grants programme and applications must be made by 12 noon on Friday 11 April.

    This package of support will include a funded programme worth £1m to allow third sector advice providers to continue to offer income maximisation, debt, and welfare advice services previously funded by the EIJB grants programme.

    Applications will be reviewed and reported to a special meeting of the Policy and Sustainability Committee on Monday 12 May, with the intention of releasing funds in June.

    Further work is progressing to review the relationship between the public sector and third sector in Edinburgh, to improve funding certainty in future years.

    Council Leader, Jane Meagher, said:

    Many of these local charities are at the forefront of helping those in our city with the greatest need. We’ve urgently been working to provide a lifeline to those affected by the closure of the previous grants programme, and I’m really pleased that we’ve found a way forward.

    This fund should provide enough money to potentially support all 64 affected organisations for up to nine months. It must be said that this is a one-off emergency fund – we need to act quickly, and I urge applications to be made as soon as possible.

    Alongside this we must develop a stronger way of supporting the third sector in our city. We recognise that the EIJB, like the Council, is under significant financial pressure and there needs to be longer-term change.

    Tackling poverty and inequality is one of the biggest challenges we’ve set ourselves as a city and this will be a really important piece of work – for us, for our partners and for the whole third sector.

    Benjamin Napier, CEO of Citizens Advice Edinburgh, is a member of the third sector reference group which the Council has set up as it reviews the funding relationship the city has with charities.

    He said:

    We welcome this investment in the third sector and hope it will go some way to providing resilience, while we continue our work with colleagues across the Council to find a longer-term solution.

    We recognise the pressures on public funding and thank the Council for their efforts in securing this funding. The third sector in Edinburgh plays a vital and very cost-effective role in supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

    We look forward to strengthening the relationship between the Council and the third sector. By working together in this way, we can create real and lasting change for our citizens.

    The City of Edinburgh Council Third Sector Resilience Fund is a short term, one off, draw down resource using reserves agreed for use during 2025/26.

    The fund aims to:

    • Provide financial support in 2025/26 for Edinburgh based third sector organisations significantly impacted by the closure of the EIJB Grants Programme
    • Ensure that the closure of the EIJB Grants Programme does not affect, disrupt, or delay the delivery of other grant funded or commissioned projects and services in the city during 2025/26.

    Towards these aims:

    • The funding is for the period 1 July 2025 to 31 March 2026, whilst the wider review of the Council’s approach to supporting the third sector in Edinburgh is undertaken during 2025/26
    • Is intended to ensure the viability and survival of the third sector organisations whilst a new sustainable long-term approach, aligned with the Council’s Business Plan priorities, is developed for implementation from 2026/27 onwards
    • Not intended to provide costs associated with closure of an organisation because of the loss of EIJB grant funding, and
    • Not intended to be used for delivery of any specific projects or services that would be the direct function of the EIJB(noting that this fund will provide resilience until such time as the EIJB’s Strategic Plan is published and any future procurement processes are confirmed and made available to the 3rd sector).

    Please email policyandinsight@edinburgh.gov.uk for the full criteria for the fund and to apply.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “The share of creative work invested is growing, enterprise and ingenuity are coming to the fore”

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    “We are currently experiencing a very dramatic moment, on the one hand, the task has been set to develop creativity. Since the share of invested creative labor is growing everywhere, enterprise and ingenuity come to the fore. But, on the other hand, it is not very clear how best to do this, because creative industries are very different: there are musicians, PR specialists, architects, and so on. The Ministry of Economic Development has identified 16 areas, 51 disciplines. Therefore, we see our task, first of all, in concentrating efforts to prepare universal highly professional personnel for all areas of the creative industries.

    People have created artificial intelligence, and we must, on the contrary, make the student that same artificial intelligence in the best sense of the word. They must be universally applicable in different types of creativity with maximum efficiency,” noted Andrey Bystritsky, Dean of the Faculty of Creative Industries at the National Research University Higher School of Economics.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Law Student Sentenced for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MACON, Ga. – A former law school student who possessed more than 10,000 images of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on his cell phone and uploaded on cloud-based storage was sentenced to serve more than six years in prison for his crime.

    Gregory Gallagher, 37, of Marietta, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 78 months in prison to be followed by 15 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $169,649.12 in restitution to the victims by U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal on March 26. Gallagher will also be required to register as a sex offender upon release from prison. The defendant previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography on April 22, 2024. There is no parole in the federal system.

    “Children who experience the horror of being sexually abused are continually traumatized each and every time the image or video of the heinous act is viewed. These images are permanent and cause harm well beyond the moment they were originally captured,” said Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker. “Our office, working alongside our law enforcement and community partners, will pursue federal prosecution against child predators caught viewing, uploading or sharing child sexual abuse material on the internet.”

    “This conviction is a victory for justice and a warning to those who prey on children—we will find you and you will face the full force of the law,” said Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Atlanta, which covers Georgia and Alabama. “Together, HSI and our law enforcement partners will remain steadfast in our mission to safeguard communities and ensure that those who exploit children are held accountable.”

    “Today’s conviction reflects the relentless efforts of law enforcement to protect children from exploitation and hold offenders accountable,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “The GBI remains steadfast in its commitment to using all available resources to prevent child abuse and bring justice to the victims of these horrific crimes.”

    According to court documents and statements referenced in Court, the Georgia Bureau of Investigations (GBI) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force received five Cybertip reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) between May and August 2021 from a cloud infrastructure company of suspected child sexual exploitation associated with a cell phone number. The subsequent investigation led to Gallagher, who was a Mercer Law School student at the time; agents executed a search warrant of the account in January 2022 and found subfolders belonging to Gallagher that contained 38 videos and 1,970 images of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), also known as child pornography. Another folder containing files uploaded from Gallagher’s cell phone had two videos and 3,389 images of more CSAM. Agents executed search warrants at Gallagher’s residences in Macon and Marietta on March 29, 2022. Agents discovered that Gallagher’s cell phone had 97 videos and 5,749 images of children being sexually assaulted and abused, including very young children and toddlers.

    These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

    The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s (GBI) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force with assistance from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom is prosecuting the case for the Government.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Gate Technology Ltd Rebrands to Gate.io in Europe

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PANAMA CITY, Panama, March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gate Technology Ltd ( the “Company”), previously operating as Gate.MT has officially announced the rebranding from Gate.MT name to Gate.io. This change reflects the Company’s commitment to strengthening its presence across Europe and aligning its operations with the globally recognized Gate.io brand.

    Since 2022, Gate Technology Ltd has been serving its clients in Europe through its VFA Class 4 license obtained from the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). In Italy, the Company operates through its subsidiary, which registered as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) with the Organismo Agenti e Mediatori (OAM) in 2024. Both entities will continue providing services to their clients under the new Gate.io branding.

    The rebranding aims to leverage the strength of the Gate.io name, widely recognized as one of the largest crypto exchanges globally, used by over 22 million clients worldwide. This shift is part of a broader strategy to enhance the Company’s brand presence in Europe and continue its commitment to delivering top-tier cryptocurrency exchange and custody services.

    ​​The Company emphasized that the rebranding is not just a name changing. It is part of a broader effort to improve service offerings for European clients and ensure a secure, user-friendly experience while remaining compliant with local crypto regulations.

    Looking ahead, The Company plans to expand its regulated operations across Europe, with ambitions to reach the full coverage of all its nations in a regulated manner. The Company will make further announcements in the coming months regarding the scope and timeline of its expansion.

    Giovanni Cunti, CEO of Gate Technology Ltd, expressed his gratitude to clients for their continued trust and support, reassuring them that the Company is committed to maintaining its leadership position in the European cryptocurrency space and continuing to serve its growing client base.

    Disclaimer
    This document is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. The rebranding referred to herein relates to Gate Technology Ltd and its operations in Europe.
    Gate Technology Italia SRL, limited liability company incorporated in Italy with company registration number 13347630967. Gate Technology Italia SRL is licensed by the OAM to operate as virtual currency operators, registry number PSV150.
    Any services mentioned in this communication are provided only in accordance with applicable regulatory permissions in the respective jurisdictions.

    Media Contact:
    Elaine Wang
    elaine.w@gate.io

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by Gate.io. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/38b93ebc-5308-47cd-ab21-f02887735e03

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Shelter of Exiles Achieves Incredible Milestone, Securing Its Spot Among the Top Play-to-Earn Games on TON

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WOLSZTYN, Poland, March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Just a few weeks after its Token Generation Event (TGE) on March 11, 2025, Shelter of Exiles (SOEX) has already cemented its position among the top Play-to-Earn (P2E) games on the TON blockchain. This remarkable feat highlights not only the strength of the game’s AI-driven gameplay and dynamic NFTs (dNFTs), but also its ability to rapidly capture the attention and support of a global gaming community.

    Despite being in its early stages, Shelter of Exiles has successfully carved out a space for itself in the rapidly growing Web3 gaming ecosystem. The TGE, which marked the official launch of $SOEX, the game’s native token, was a significant milestone that set the stage for a promising future, with early players and investors already reaping the rewards of the game’s innovative economy.

    Shelter of Exiles stands out for its fusion of blockchain and AI. Built on the TON blockchain, the game offers players an expansive, evolving world where creatures evolve into dynamic NFTs that grow stronger over time, learn new skills, and provide passive income. This innovative approach to gameplay is further enhanced by AI agents, which automate many aspects of the game, from resource management to battle strategies—allowing players to earn rewards even while they’re offline.

    What truly sets Shelter of Exiles apart from other P2E games is its ability to merge AI agents with blockchain technology. This combination provides a deeply personalized experience, as dNFTs evolve based on player activity. Creatures in Shelter of Exiles do not simply stay static; they grow stronger, gain new abilities, and can be traded, sold, or upgraded as they progress.

    By incorporating AI-powered automation, players don’t need to be constantly active to continue making progress or earning rewards. Whether it’s battling enemies, managing resources, or staking assets for additional benefits, the AI agents in Shelter of Exiles allow for passive gameplay, generating consistent rewards and encouraging long-term investment in the game’s evolving world.

    Shelter of Exiles is a game-changer in the Play-to-Earn (P2E) ecosystem thanks to its innovative AI-driven passive income and seamless blockchain integration. Players can earn rewards even while not actively playing, as AI-powered automation and dynamic NFTs allow creatures to grow, learn new skills, and generate income without requiring constant player input. This unique system provides an engaging and sustainable income model for players, setting SoE apart from traditional P2E games. Built on the TON blockchain, SoE’s decentralized economy ensures transparency, security, and true ownership of digital assets, allowing players to trade, stake, and upgrade with confidence.

    With its community showing incredible engagement through Telegram Mini-App integration, which allows for seamless cross-platform access, social events, and global connectivity. The dynamic NFTs in the game offer evolving gameplay, incentivizing players to invest in long-term strategies as their creatures grow stronger over time. This constantly evolving gameplay ensures that players remain immersed and motivated to continue exploring the world of SoE, fostering a fresh and rewarding experience that keeps players coming back.

    Though Shelter of Exiles is still young, the game’s rapid success and growing momentum show it’s on track to become a dominant force in the Web3 gaming landscape. With a strong community and AI-powered mechanics that set it apart from traditional games, SOEX is well-positioned to expand its ecosystem, attracting both players and investors alike.

    As more players discover the passive income opportunities and dynamic gameplay that SOEX provides, the game is set to continue growing and evolving. The future of Shelter of Exiles is bright, and its success on the TON blockchain is only the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey in the world of Web3 gaming.

    About Shelter of Exiles:
    Shelter of Exiles is an innovative Web3-powered RPG that combines AI-driven gameplay, dynamic NFTs, and a decentralized economy. Players explore a mystical world, collect and upgrade creatures, and engage in battles while earning passive income through blockchain-based assets and AI automation. Built on the TON blockchain, SoEX is revolutionizing the Play-to-Earn space.

    For more information, please contact:

    Dariusz Kowalski
    hello@shelterofexiles.com 
    rl@pixeltrapps.games
    Website: https://shelterofexiles.com/

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by Shelter of Exiles. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9af5a3ac-335b-4914-89bd-29b6f9e3a17e

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The battle for Khartoum: tracking Sudan’s war over two years

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Kagure Gacheche, Commissioning Editor, East Africa

    Sudan has been engulfed in brutal conflict since 15 April 2023, when tensions between the country’s two most powerful military factions erupted into civil war.

    The conflict stems from a long-standing power struggle over military control and integration. Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces began in the capital, Khartoum, and quickly spread across the country. International efforts to broker peace since have largely failed.

    The conflict, which has been going on for two years now, has created one of the world’s worst humanitarian emergencies.

    An estimated 30 million Sudanese civilians are in need of aid. Brutal attacks, looting and destruction of infrastructure have become commonplace. Millions of people lack access to essential medical care. Food shortages and economic collapse have worsened the suffering.

    The war has also triggered a massive displacement crisis, with more than 14 million people forced to flee their homes. Many have sought refuge in neighbouring countries, while others remain trapped in dangerous conditions within Sudan.

    As the conflict drags on, the toll on Sudan’s people continues to grow. Estimates of those killed vary widely, from 20,000 to 62,000, but the actual figure could be much larger.

    With no clear resolution in sight, Sudan’s crisis is one of the most urgent and devastating conflicts in the world. At The Conversation Africa, we have worked with academics who have tracked the conflict since 2023.

    Weapons flow

    Early on, it was clear that both the Sudanese army and the paramilitary force had a sufficient supply of weapons to sustain a protracted conflict. The country was already awash with firearms. It is ranked second – after Egypt – among its regional neighbours in total firearms estimates. Khristopher Carlson, part of a research project tracking small arms and armed violence in Sudan, noted that the two Sudanese forces might have different fighting methods but were adequately equipped to trade fire. The army’s superiority was its air force and heavy arsenal on the ground. The paramilitary force relied on nimble mobile units equipped primarily with small and light weapons.



    Read more:
    Sudan is awash with weapons: how the two forces compare and what that means for the war

    External interference

    This proliferation of weapons has been compounded by financial and military support from external states. Various foreign players – Chad, Egypt, Iran, Libya, Qatar and Russia – have picked a side to support. However, the influence of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates has been particularly problematic. Political scientist Federico Donelli explained that the two nations viewed Sudan as a key nation because of its location. Following President Omar al-Bashir’s ouster in 2019, the two monarchies bet on different factions within Sudan’s security apparatus. This external support exacerbated internal competition. Riyadh maintained close ties with army leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. Abu Dhabi aligned itself with the head of the Rapid Support Forces, Mohamed Dagalo, or Hemedti.



    Read more:
    Middle Eastern monarchies in Sudan’s war: what’s driving their interests

    Regional dynamics

    The support from international players in Sudan’s war has had a damaging effect on regional dynamics. The Sudanese army recently accused the United Arab Emirates of supplying the Rapid Support Forces with weapons through Chad. At a ceremony for an officer killed in a drone strike carried out by paramilitary forces, a senior army official said Chad’s airports would be “legitimate targets” should retaliatory action become necessary. This heightened the risk of a spillover of the Sudanese conflict. Sudan shares borders with seven countries in an unstable region, including Chad, South Sudan, Eritrea and Ethiopia. Economics professor and legal expert John Mukum Mbaku warned that a spillover of the fighting could devastate the region economically, socially and politically.



    Read more:
    Sudan’s conflict will have a ripple effect in an unstable region – and across the world

    Protecting civilians

    The conflict has put millions of civilians in Sudan in the crossfire. A UN report in September 2024 called for an independent force to protect civilians; Sudan’s officials rejected the proposal. However, peace talks have yet to achieve a lasting ceasefire. Sudan had a peacekeeping force between 2007 and 2020, followed by a UN-led political mission that exited in February 2024. Since then, there has been no security presence in Sudan responsible for protecting civilians. Peacekeeping researcher Jenna Russo noted the need for a regional or international peace force that could create “green zones”. This would help protect areas where displaced persons were sheltering and facilitate humanitarian aid.



    Read more:
    Sudan’s civilians urgently need protection: the options for international peacekeeping

    What’s been missing?

    High-level peace talks brokered by the African Union and the UN to negotiate a ceasefire have largely been unsuccessful, putting civilians at constant risk. Talks held in Switzerland and Jeddah have had little impact. Philipp Kastner, a peace scholar, highlighted that the countries hosting or supporting these talks were pursuing competing interests in Sudan, which affected their impartiality. Progress to negotiate an end to the war would be unlikely if external military support to the warring parties continued unabated. Civilians would continue to pay the price.



    Read more:
    Sudan at war: the art of peace talks and why they often fail

    – ref. The battle for Khartoum: tracking Sudan’s war over two years – https://theconversation.com/the-battle-for-khartoum-tracking-sudans-war-over-two-years-253242

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Sudan army takes back Khartoum: tracking the war over two years

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Kagure Gacheche, Commissioning Editor, East Africa

    Sudan has been engulfed in brutal conflict since 15 April 2023, when tensions between the country’s two most powerful military factions erupted into civil war.

    The conflict stems from a long-standing power struggle over military control and integration. Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces began in the capital, Khartoum, and quickly spread across the country. International efforts to broker peace since have largely failed.

    The conflict, which has been going on for two years now, has created one of the world’s worst humanitarian emergencies.

    An estimated 30 million Sudanese civilians are in need of aid. Brutal attacks, looting and destruction of infrastructure have become commonplace. Millions of people lack access to essential medical care. Food shortages and economic collapse have worsened the suffering.

    The war has also triggered a massive displacement crisis, with more than 14 million people forced to flee their homes. Many have sought refuge in neighbouring countries, while others remain trapped in dangerous conditions within Sudan.

    As the conflict drags on, the toll on Sudan’s people continues to grow. Estimates of those killed vary widely, from 20,000 to 62,000, but the actual figure could be much larger.

    With no clear resolution in sight, Sudan’s crisis is one of the most urgent and devastating conflicts in the world. At The Conversation Africa, we have worked with academics who have tracked the conflict since 2023.

    Weapons flow

    Early on, it was clear that both the Sudanese army and the paramilitary force had a sufficient supply of weapons to sustain a protracted conflict. The country was already awash with firearms. It is ranked second – after Egypt – among its regional neighbours in total firearms estimates. Khristopher Carlson, part of a research project tracking small arms and armed violence in Sudan, noted that the two Sudanese forces might have different fighting methods but were adequately equipped to trade fire. The army’s superiority was its air force and heavy arsenal on the ground. The paramilitary force relied on nimble mobile units equipped primarily with small and light weapons.

    Read more: Sudan is awash with weapons: how the two forces compare and what that means for the war

    External interference

    This proliferation of weapons has been compounded by financial and military support from external states. Various foreign players – Chad, Egypt, Iran, Libya, Qatar and Russia – have picked a side to support. However, the influence of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates has been particularly problematic. Political scientist Federico Donelli explained that the two nations viewed Sudan as a key nation because of its location. Following President Omar al-Bashir’s ouster in 2019, the two monarchies bet on different factions within Sudan’s security apparatus. This external support exacerbated internal competition. Riyadh maintained close ties with army leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. Abu Dhabi aligned itself with the head of the Rapid Support Forces, Mohamed Dagalo, or Hemedti.

    Read more: Middle Eastern monarchies in Sudan’s war: what’s driving their interests

    Regional dynamics

    The support from international players in Sudan’s war has had a damaging effect on regional dynamics. The Sudanese army recently accused the United Arab Emirates of supplying the Rapid Support Forces with weapons through Chad. At a ceremony for an officer killed in a drone strike carried out by paramilitary forces, a senior army official said Chad’s airports would be “legitimate targets” should retaliatory action become necessary. This heightened the risk of a spillover of the Sudanese conflict. Sudan shares borders with seven countries in an unstable region, including Chad, South Sudan, Eritrea and Ethiopia. Economics professor and legal expert John Mukum Mbaku warned that a spillover of the fighting could devastate the region economically, socially and politically.

    Read more: Sudan’s conflict will have a ripple effect in an unstable region – and across the world

    Protecting civilians

    The conflict has put millions of civilians in Sudan in the crossfire. A UN report in September 2024 called for an independent force to protect civilians; Sudan’s officials rejected the proposal. However, peace talks have yet to achieve a lasting ceasefire. Sudan had a peacekeeping force between 2007 and 2020, followed by a UN-led political mission that exited in February 2024. Since then, there has been no security presence in Sudan responsible for protecting civilians. Peacekeeping researcher Jenna Russo noted the need for a regional or international peace force that could create “green zones”. This would help protect areas where displaced persons were sheltering and facilitate humanitarian aid.

    Read more: Sudan’s civilians urgently need protection: the options for international peacekeeping

    What’s been missing?

    High-level peace talks brokered by the African Union and the UN to negotiate a ceasefire have largely been unsuccessful, putting civilians at constant risk. Talks held in Switzerland and Jeddah have had little impact. Philipp Kastner, a peace scholar, highlighted that the countries hosting or supporting these talks were pursuing competing interests in Sudan, which affected their impartiality. Progress to negotiate an end to the war would be unlikely if external military support to the warring parties continued unabated. Civilians would continue to pay the price.

    Read more: Sudan at war: the art of peace talks and why they often fail

    – Sudan army takes back Khartoum: tracking the war over two years
    – https://theconversation.com/sudan-army-takes-back-khartoum-tracking-the-war-over-two-years-253242

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM remarks following the Coalition of the Willing meeting in Paris: 27 March 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    PM remarks following the Coalition of the Willing meeting in Paris: 27 March 2025

    The Prime Minister gave remarks following a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing meeting in Paris this afternoon.

    It is now over two weeks since Ukraine agreed to an immediate 30-day ceasefire. 

    That offer is still unanswered. It is over a week since Putin agreed to an energy and infrastructure ceasefire. 

    Since then, Russia has hit energy infrastructure in cities across Ukraine. 

    They’ve increased their bombardment. 

    Firing over 1,000 long range drones at the country. 

    Hitting homes, schools and hospitals, with widespread civilian casualties.

    One drone killed a mother, father and their daughter – an innocent family. 

    Then, this week we saw the agreement on a ceasefire in the Black Sea. 

    I welcomed this as a vital first step forward. 

    But within a few minutes of the announcement, 

    Russia set out new conditions and delays. 

    Now President Trump has rightly called them out for dragging their feet. 

    And we agreed here in Paris today that it’s clear the Russians are filibustering. 

    They are playing games and playing for time.

    It is a classic from the Putin playbook.

    But we can’t let them drag this out while they continue prosecuting their illegal invasion. 

    Instead, we should be setting a deadline of delivering real progress.

    And we should hold them to that deadline.   

    So here in Paris we agreed that we must go further now to support the peace process. Support Ukraine and increase the pressure on Russia to get serious.

    That means – first – stepping up the military pressure.

    So the Defence Secretary will chair the next Ukraine Defence Contact Group on 11 April, to marshal more military aid and keep Ukraine in the fight.  

    Because peace comes through strength. 

    That was one of the main messages reasserted today and emphasised today all-round the table. 

    Second, it means increasing the economic pressure on Russia – accelerating new, tougher sanctions, bearing down on Russia’s energy revenues – and working together to make this pressure count. 

    We also discussed how we can support the implementation of a full or partial ceasefire, when it is in place, and how we can build efforts towards negotiations on a just and lasting peace. 

    That remains our shared goal. And that is what the Coalition of the Willing is designed to support. 

    The political will from partners here today was clear. 

    And this week in London we hosted over 200 military planners from 30 countries. Coming forward with contributions on everything from logistics and command and control, to deployments on land, air and sea. 

    That work continues at pace. 

    We will be ready to operationalise a peace deal whatever its precise shape turns out to be. 

    And we will work together to ensure Ukraine’s security so it can defend and deter against future attacks.  

    This is Europe mobilising together behind the peace process on a scale we haven’t seen for decades. 

    Backed by partners from around the world, we are determined to deliver a just and lasting peace. 

    Because we know it is vital for Ukraine and Europe as a whole and I am clear that it is vital for Britain.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: CMA’s Annual Plan to drive growth by promoting competition, protecting consumers and enhancing business and investor confidence

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    CMA’s Annual Plan to drive growth by promoting competition, protecting consumers and enhancing business and investor confidence

    Ambitious 2025 to 2026 CMA programme will prioritise action to drive growth and investment whilst fulfilling its core purpose to promote competition and protect consumers.

    • CMA commits to improving key aspects of how it works, driving greater pace, predictability, proportionality and improved process. 

    • CMA will support the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy, using its powers to drive growth and unlock investment. 

    • CMA to use new powers under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act to unlock opportunities for growth across the UK digital economy and the wider economy; and enhance consumer confidence by supporting business compliance and tackling poor corporate practices.

    Following extensive engagement with business, investment and consumer groups, and reflecting the Government’s draft strategic steer, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published its Annual Plan 2025 to 2026.  

    The plan sets out the CMA’s firm commitment to use its competition and consumer protection powers to drive positive outcomes for UK consumers and businesses across the economy. It also lays out how the CMA will reflect the new draft strategic steer from government in its activities over the coming year. The draft steer reinforces the importance of a strong, independent competition and consumer protection regime, situating this squarely in the context of the UK Government’s growth mission.    

    Focus areas   

    The CMA plans to target its markets work toward unlocking investment in critical infrastructure and identifying opportunities for key horizontal enablers (like access to data or technology adoption) which could have a multiplier effect on growth. It will also give particular focus – across its powers – to priority sectors in the Industrial Strategy where effective competition could spur growth, or remove barriers to the flow of capital, innovation, and the scaling of UK businesses.  

    Notably, the CMA plans to deploy its deep anti-bid rigging expertise and AI capabilities to help the Government identify and tackle bid rigging in public procurement – potentially opening up opportunities for new entrants as well as billions of pounds in savings for UK taxpayers.  

    The plan also frames the CMA’s carefully considered approach to its new powers under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCCA), with detail around early activity in both the new digital markets and new consumer protection regimes. The CMA particularly emphasises the value of effective consumer protection to both business and consumer confidence, signalling that it will use its enforcement powers proportionately to put money back into people’s pockets and protect the level-playing field for fair-dealing businesses.  

    Improving how the CMA works  

    The plan reasserts the CMA’s commitment to its ongoing programme of rapid, meaningful changes based around four key principles – pace, predictability, proportionality and process (business engagement). Following direct feedback from businesses and investors, the CMA committed to implementing these ‘4Ps’ across its functions late last year, starting with merger control.  

    The plan outlines the considerable progress made thus far and signals more to come in the near future, notably across the new digital and consumer functions. The CMA also emphasises the importance of continued, constructive engagement with a diverse range of stakeholders – particularly through the CMA Growth and Investment Council and through deeper relationships with startups and investors.  

    Sarah Cardell, CEO of the Competition and Markets Authority, said:  

    The Government has been clear that its number one priority is economic growth, and the CMA has a key role to play in supporting that. The fundamentals of our role – to promote dynamic markets, support productivity and innovation, and to protect consumer interests – remain as vital and relevant for the UK as they have ever been.  

    This Annual Plan lays out an ambitious programme of work to support economic growth and long-term prosperity for the UK, rooted in our commitment to promote competition and protect consumers, and clearly reflecting the clear draft strategic steer provided to us by government.  

    Based on valuable stakeholder feedback, we have made a firm commitment to continued, rapid evolution around key aspects of how we work, which we know are critical to business and investor confidence and UK global competitiveness.

    Doug Gurr, Interim Chair of the Competition and Markets Authority, said:  

    We have really challenged ourselves as an organisation on how we can contribute to the growth mission set out by government, which we know is vital for the UK. Because the foundations of what the CMA does – strong competition and consumer protection – can make a big difference to achieving it.  

    We have a real chance now, as we deliver this rich plan of work and continued improvements in how we operate, to build that all-important confidence amongst companies and investors that the UK is a great place to do business.

    Justin Madders, Minister for Employment Rights, Competition and Markets, said:  

    We have been clear that we expect regulators to focus on driving economic growth, as well as lending their expertise to support the Government in improving the public sector.   

    We welcome this plan set out by the CMA which will help it focus on delivering growth and supporting consumers across the country. I’d encourage other regulators to look to the CMA Plan as they prepare their own strategies.

    Notes to editors: 

    1. In a speech at the techUK Tech Policy Conference 2025, CEO Sarah Cardell set out how the CMA will apply the ‘4Ps’ framework to its digital markets and consumer work in support of economic growth. 

    2. All enquiries from journalists should be directed to the CMA press office by email on press@cma.gov.uk or by phone on 020 3738 6460.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese premier meets French FM

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

    BEIJING, March 27 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Thursday in Beijing.

    In the current international situation, China and France — as independent, mature and responsible major countries — should strengthen communication and coordination to inject more stability and certainty into the common development of the two countries and the world, Li said.

    He said China is willing to work with France to follow the strategic guidance of their two heads of state, maintain close high-level exchanges, expand mutually-beneficial cooperation, and strengthen multilateral coordination on issues including climate change response to bring more benefits to the two peoples and the world.

    Li noted that as staunch defenders of free trade and multilateralism, China and France, with closely intertwined economic interests, should work together to resist protectionism and unilateralism, continue strengthening cooperation with an open attitude, and give full play to their complementary advantages to add impetus to the economic development of the two countries continuously.

    China has always regarded France as an important cooperation partner and stands ready to work with the country. While strengthening long-standing cooperation on aviation, aerospace and nuclear energy, they should continuously tap into cooperation potential in emerging and future industries such as the digital economy, artificial intelligence and biotechnology to foster and strengthen new economic drivers, Li said.

    China hopes that France will create a fair, equitable and predictable development environment for Chinese enterprises investing in the country, he added.

    This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the EU. China is ready to use this as an opportunity to deepen bilateral relations, and address concerns through dialogue and consultation on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefits, Li said, expressing the hope that France will play a positive role in this regard.

    Barrot said that in the face of increasing uncertainties in today’s world, France and China — as permanent members of the UN Security Council — should shoulder their important, joint responsibility of safeguarding multilateralism.

    France attaches great importance to its relations with China and is willing to work with China to actively implement the important consensus reached by their two heads of state, expand mutually beneficial cooperation in such fields as trade, investment, science and technology, and to tackle climate change and other global challenges, Barrot said.

    France always adheres to strategic independence, and opposes trade protectionism and trade wars. France supports the EU and China strengthening dialogue and cooperation in the economic and trade fields, addressing the concerns of both sides in a proper manner, and exploring more positive agendas, he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: UPDATE – CalAmp Announces Headquarters Relocation to Carlsbad, CA to Streamline Operations and Strengthen Technical Hub

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CARLSBAD, Calif., March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CalAmp, a global technology solutions innovator, today announced the relocation of its corporate headquarters from Irvine, CA, to Carlsbad, CA. This strategic move is designed to streamline operations and further align the company’s focus on its core technical hub, where much of its engineering, product development, and hardware expertise reside.

    “Our move to Carlsbad is a natural evolution in our journey to optimize efficiency and reinforce our commitment to innovation,” said Chris Adams, President and CEO of CalAmp. “Carlsbad has long been home to our talented engineering and product teams, making it the ideal location to centralize our operations and drive technological advancements that improve our customers’ lives.”

    CalAmp’s new headquarters will be housed in its existing Carlsbad office, a well-established center for the company’s research and development initiatives. The relocation underscores CalAmp’s commitment to fostering innovation and enhancing collaboration among its technical teams.

    While the headquarters moves to Carlsbad, CalAmp will maintain its additional offices worldwide, including locations in Eden Prairie, MN; Brooklyn, NY; London, UK; Milan, Italy; Paris, France; Madrid, Spain; and Mexico City, Mexico. These offices will continue to support CalAmp’s global customers and partners with the high-quality service and solutions they expect.

    “This transition allows us to better leverage our strengths and position ourselves for future growth,” Adams added. “By consolidating our leadership and technical expertise in Carlsbad, we are creating an environment where innovation thrives and where we can better serve our customers.”

    For more information about CalAmp and its technology-driven solutions, visit www.calamp.com.

    About CalAmp

    CalAmp provides flexible solutions to help organizations worldwide monitor, track, and protect their vital assets. Our unique device-enabled software and cloud platform enables commercial and government organizations worldwide to improve efficiency, safety, visibility, and compliance while accommodating the unique ways they do business. With over 10 million active edge devices and 220+ approved or pending patents, CalAmp is the telematics leader organizations turn to for innovation and dependability. For more information, visit calamp.com, or LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube or CalAmp Blog.

    CalAmp, LoJack, TRACKER, Here Comes The Bus, Bus Guardian, CalAmp Vision, CrashBoxx and associated logos are among the trademarks of CalAmp and/or its affiliates in the United States, certain other countries and/or the EU. Spireon acquired the LoJack® U.S. Stolen Vehicle Recovery (SVR) business from CalAmp and holds an exclusive license to the LoJack mark in the United States and Canada. Any other trademarks or trade names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

    CalAmp Investor  Contact: CalAmp Media Contact:
    Jikun Kim Mark Gaydos
    SVP & CFO Chief Marketing Officer
    ir@calamp.com Mgaydos@calamp.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Baltic Horizon Fund general meeting of investors and a notice to convene a new general meeting of investors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Extraordinary General Meeting (hereinafter the “General Meeting”) of Baltic Horizon Fund unit-holders and Swedish Depositary Receipt (hereinafter the “SDR”) holders (hereinafter together the “Investors”) took place on 27 March 2025 in Tallinn, Estonia.  

    Proposed agenda of the meeting, as proposed by a unitholder, was the following:

    1. Decision to elect Andrius Smaliukas as a new member of the supervisory board of Baltic Horizon Fund as of 1 May 2025 for a period of two years.
    2. Decision to elect Milda Dargužaitė as a new member of the supervisory board of Baltic Horizon Fund as of 1 May 2025 for a period of two years.
    3. Decision to elect Antanas Anskaitis as a new member of the supervisory board of Baltic Horizon Fund as of 1 May 2025 for a period of two years.
    4. Decision to pay remuneration to the chairman of the supervisory board for fulfilling obligations of the member of the supervisory board in the amount of EUR 36,000 per calendar year.
    5. Decision to pay remuneration to supervisory board members, other than  the chairman, for fulfilling obligations of the member of the supervisory board in the amount of EUR 11,000 per calendar year.
    6. Decision to recall Reimo Hammerberg, Monica Hammer and David Bergendahl from the position of the supervisory board member of Baltic Horizon Fund with the last date of the office being 30 April 2025.

    3 investors were registered as attending the meeting, holding less than 1% of the fund units which is below the required quorum. Investors were not able to adopt the proposed resolutions.

    Notice to convene a new general meeting

    According to section 10.11 of the rules of the fund, the management company Northern Horizon Capital AS convenes a new general meeting, with the same agenda.

    The new general meeting of Baltic Horizon Fund is to be held on 7 April 2025 at 13:00 (local Estonian time) at the office of Northern Horizon Capital AS at Roseni 7 (A tower), 6th floor, 10111 Tallinn, Estonia. Registration for the meeting will begin at 12:00. The General Meeting will be held in English.

    The meeting is convened in accordance with sections 10.3.3, 10.5, 10.11, 11.2 of the Rules of Baltic Horizon Fund and section 47-1 of the Investment Funds Act of Estonia.

    Investors are invited to join the webinar to view the General Meeting online on 7 April 2025 at 13:00. Investors are invited to issue a power of attorney with instructions for voting to exercise their rights as an Investor. We propose the Investors to consider designating fund manager Tarmo Karotam as their authorised representative (please see instructions below and templates at Annex 1).

    To join the webinar, please register via the following link:

    https://nasdaq.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vSmhsW1uQhqwRaTQ3EBXBA

    You will be provided with the webinar link and instructions how to join successfully. The webinar will be recorded and available online for everyone at the company’s website on www.baltichorizon.com.

    The total number of units and votes in Baltic Horizon Fund amounts to 143,562,514.

    Agenda, as proposed by the unitholder:

    1. Decision to elect Andrius Smaliukas as a new member of the supervisory board of Baltic Horizon Fund as of 1 May 2025 for a period of two years.
    2. Decision to elect Milda Dargužaitė as a new member of the supervisory board of Baltic Horizon Fund as of 1 May 2025 for a period of two years.
    3. Decision to elect Antanas Anskaitis as a new member of the supervisory board of Baltic Horizon Fund as of 1 May 2025 for a period of two years.
    4. Decision to pay remuneration to the chairman of the supervisory board for fulfilling obligations of the member of the supervisory board in the amount of EUR 36,000 per calendar year.
    5. Decision to pay remuneration to supervisory board members, other than  the chairman, for fulfilling obligations of the member of the supervisory board in the amount of EUR 11,000 per calendar year.
    6. Decision to recall Reimo Hammerberg, Monica Hammer and David Bergendahl from the position of the supervisory board member of Baltic Horizon Fund with the last date of the office being 30 April 2025.

    Investors are invited to send questions and comments on the agenda to the Baltic Horizon fund manager at Tarmo.Karotam@nh-cap.com by 31 March 2025. Northern Horizon Capital AS will respond to the questions and comments at the meeting itself.

    Participation – requirements and notice

    Investors who are entered in the Baltic Horizon Fund registry of unit-holders maintained by Nasdaq CSD SE and holders of SDRs registered in the Euroclear Sweden AB system ten days before the date of the General Meeting, i.e. at the end of business of Nasdaq CSD SE on 28 March 2025, are entitled to participate in the meeting.

    In order to facilitate the registration process, investors whose units are registered in their own name are invited to provide notice of their attendance by 4 April 2025 to bhfmeeting@nh-cap.com. Notice should include name, personal identification number (or the registration number of the legal person), address, number of units represented and, if applicable attendance of any representatives, along with the name and personal identification number of the representatives. The attendance of a representative does not deprive the unit-holder of the right to participate at the meeting.

    Instructions to holders of Baltic Horizon Fund SDRs registered with Euroclear Sweden AB in Sweden

    IMPORTANT REQUIREMENT: SDR holders whose SDR-s are registered with Euroclear Sweden AB via a bank or other nominee are required to notify their bank or nominee account provider by end of business of 28 March 2025 to temporarily add their name on the Euroclear Sweden AB owner register.

    Representation under a power of attorney

    Investors whose representatives are acting under a power of attorney are requested to prepare a written power of attorney for the representative in Estonian or English (templates can be found at Annex 1).

    A copy of the executed power of attorney should be sent to bhfmeeting@nh-cap.com together with the notice of participation. In case the power of attorney is issued by a legal person, a certified copy of the registration certificate (or equivalent certificate of authority) shall also be submitted together with, as applicable, the documents certifying the authority of the representative in case the power of attorney is signed by a person under a power of attorney.

    Baltic Horizon Fund is registered in Estonia, which means that any power of attorney (or any certified copy of the registration certificate of a legal person) issued in a foreign country should be notarised and accompanied by an apostille. The apostille requirement applies, for example, to powers of attorney issued and notarised in Sweden or Finland. 

    Instructions for the day of the General Meeting

    We kindly ask Investors to bring a personal identification document, and for their representatives also to present the original written power of attorney in English or Estonian. In case the Investor is a legal person, documentation in Estonian or English certifying the authority of the Investor’s representative or the signatory of the power of attorney will also be requested.

    Data collected by Northern Horizon Capital AS from powers of attorney, the unitholders registry maintained by Nasdaq CSD SE, and the list of holders of SDRs registered in the Euroclear Sweden AB system will be used for the purpose of registration and preparing the voting list for the meeting.

    Northern Horizon Capital AS proposals on the agenda items

    1. Decision to elect Andrius Smaliukas as a new member of the supervisory board of the Baltic Horizon Fund

    According to section 11.2 of the Rules of Baltic Horizon Fund the members of the supervisory board shall be appointed at the general meeting for a period of at least two years. The  proposal is to elect Andrius Smaliukas as a new member of the supervisory board.

    Dr. Smaliukas is the Managing Partner at MMSP, a Lithuanian law firm focused on strategic corporate advisory and dispute resolution. He previously partnered at one of the leading Pan-Baltic firm, Valiunas Ellex, and holds nearly 20 years of experience as an arbitrator and international arbitration lead counsel. Dr. Smaliukas earned his Ph.D. and Master of Laws from Vilnius University, conducted postgraduate research at Oxford, and completed executive programs at Cambridge Judge Business School and Harvard Law School. Dr.Smaliukas serves on the boards of Staticus Group, Kesko Senukai, has extensive advisory experience in commercial real estate M&A and investment management across the Baltic countries.

    Andrius Smaliukas does not hold any units of the Baltic Horizon Fund.

    1. Decision to elect Milda Dargužaitė as a new member of the supervisory board of the Baltic Horizon Fund

    According to section 11.2 of the Rules of Baltic Horizon Fund the members of the supervisory board shall be appointed at the general meeting for a period of at least two years. The proposal is to elect Milda Dargužaitė as a new member of the supervisory board.

    Milda Dargužaitė is the former CEO of Northern Horizon Capital A/S, the shareholder of Northern Horizon Capital AS. She was responsible for managing the company’s operations and strategic direction, including the development of new funds and investment vehicles. Milda has significant experience in both the public and private sectors, locally and internationally. She joined the company in 2018 after roles as the Chancellor at the Lithuanian Prime Minister’s Office, Managing Director of Invest Lithuania, and advisor to the Lithuanian Minister of Economy. Milda has a wealth of experience in finance and portfolio management from her time at Goldman Sachs in New York and Barclays in London. Milda Dargužaitė was the supervisory board member of Northern Horizon Capital AS from July 2018 until September 2023.

    Milda holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Economics from Middlebury College and a master’s degree in Operations Research and Financial Engineering from Princeton University. She has served on the boards of several Northern Horizon Group entities.

    Milda Dargužaitė does not hold any units of the Baltic Horizon Fund.

    1. Decision to elect Antanas Anskaitis as a new member of the supervisory board of the Baltic Horizon Fund

    According to section 11.2 of the Rules of Baltic Horizon Fund the members of the supervisory board shall be appointed at the general meeting for a period of at least two years. The proposal is to elect Antanas Anskaitis as a new member of the supervisory board.

    Antanas Anskaitis is a partner at Grinvest which is a private investment company with interests in real estate and transportation. Antanas has over 20 years of real estate investment management experience (out of which 16 within Northern Horizon Capital group). Since 2015 until 2020 Antanas managed a successful Baltic-Polish investment portfolio on behalf of Partners Group and lead over 30 commercial property transactions in the Baltics and Poland having experience both on sell and buy side. Antanas has MSc in Management and Economics.

    Grinvest through its subsidiary in Estonia Gene Investments OÜ is the largest unitholder in Baltic Horizon Fund (>25%) at the time of this notice.

    1. Decision to pay remuneration to the chairman of the supervisory board

    According to section 11.11 of the Rules of Baltic Horizon Fund, supervisory board members are entitled to remuneration for their service. The amount of remuneration payable to the chairman and members of the supervisory board shall be decided at the general meeting. According to section 11.4 of the Rules of Baltic Horizon Fund, supervisory board members elect a chairman from among themselves in the first meeting after election of any new member(s).

    The supervisory board in this composition intends working in close liaison with Northern Horizon Capital AS in the subcommittees and meet at least once a month while Baltic Horizon Fund is in the turnaround phase. The proposal is therefore to pay remuneration to the chairman of the supervisory board in the amount of EUR 36,000 per calendar year.

    1. Decision to pay remuneration to supervisory board members

    According to section 11.11 of the Rules of Baltic Horizon Fund, supervisory board members are entitled to remuneration for their service. The amount of remuneration payable to the chairman and members of the supervisory board shall be decided at the general meeting. 

    The proposed remuneration is the same as for the current members of the supervisory board. The unitholder proposes to remunerate each supervisory board member (except the chairman, who shall be remunerated in accordance with point 4 above) in the amount of EUR 11,000 per calendar year.

    1. Decision to recall Reimo Hammerberg, Monica Hammer and David Bergendahl from the position of the supervisory board member of Baltic Horizon Fund

    According to section 10.3.3 of the Rules of Baltic Horizon Fund the members of the supervisory board shall be recalled at the general meeting.

    Annex 1:

    1. Form of power of attorney to appoint a representative for the general meeting (in Estonian)
    2. Form of power of attorney to appoint a representative for the general meeting (in English)

    For additional information, please contact:

    Tarmo Karotam
    Baltic Horizon Fund manager
    E-mail tarmo.karotam@nh-cap.com
    www.baltichorizon.com

    The Fund is a registered contractual public closed-end real estate fund that is managed by Alternative Investment Fund Manager license holder Northern Horizon Capital AS. 

    Distribution: GlobeNewswire, Nasdaq Tallinn, Nasdaq Stockholm, www.baltichorizon.com

    To receive Nasdaq announcements and news from Baltic Horizon Fund about its projects, plans and more, register on www.baltichorizon.com. You can also follow Baltic Horizon Fund on www.baltichorizon.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and YouTube.

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sir Chris Bryant speech at Connected Futures Festival

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Sir Chris Bryant speech at Connected Futures Festival

    Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms, Sir Chris Bryant, gave a speech at the Connected Futures Festival on 26 March 2025.

    Hello. My name is Chris Bryant and I’m the telecoms minister. I’m really sorry I can’t be with you. Well, I’m here with you virtually, which I suppose is particularly important for the kind of connectivity that we’re talking about. But I’m afraid that, as you’re meeting, I will be in Parliament for the spring statement, when the Chancellor of the Exchequer will be talking about economic growth and how we get the economy to really springboard into the future.

    I suppose that’s the key part of what I want to say today, which is that connectivity is a vital part of making sure that the UK economy grows, that everybody gets a chance to participate in our economic future, and that we embrace the technological changes that can make so many differences to people’s lives, whether in the delivery of public services or in the delivery of all the services that we rely on, whether it’s ordering a pizza, parking your car, or engaging with our local GP and seeing our latest test results.

    I know that the geopolitical picture looks uncertain at the moment, and many parts of our lives, of course, are uncertain. Sometimes, trying to predict the future is difficult. That’s one of the reasons that, whereas we’ve always talked about “future telecoms” in the past, we’re changing the terminology to something which I think suits much better the situation that we face today. And that’s why instead of referring to “future telecoms”, we’re now going to be referring to “advanced connectivity technologies”, because advanced optics and satellite communications aren’t the ghosts of telecoms futures anymore, but actually telecoms present – let’s face it! Last year, Aston University transmitted data 4.5 million times faster than the average home broadband connection. We have started to send data through visible light. And Vodafone made the first video call via space last year. I’m an MP for a constituency in South Wales in The Valleys, and so I was very happy to see that that call took place from a remote Welsh mountain. The death of “notspots” may just about be in sight for us all!

    The breakthroughs we are seeing mean that the UK could once again be a leader in connectivity over the next ten years, and I’m absolutely determined that we take forward those opportunities.

    But before I take you into the future, let’s just pause briefly in the present. As we shape the next generation of connectivity, we must remember that some people in this country haven’t yet got this generation of technological connectivity. There’s 1.6 million people in the UK who live largely offline. We have to factor them into our future, and our ambition is to have gigabit-capable broadband in every home and in every business, and higher quality 5G to all populated areas by 2030. Through the Digital Inclusion Action Plan, which we’ve recently launched, we’ll make sure people also have the devices and skills to be part of a digital future. We want to tackle digital exclusion so that we can take the whole of our country with us. So, deploying the best technology we have today and taking a leading role in shaping the technologies of tomorrow is vital to our economic success.

    We will shape them, obviously, with global allies – but we will be guided by three central ideas. First of all, do they bring connectivity to everyone, everywhere, whatever your circumstances? Secondly, do they have security and resilience built in from the start? And thirdly, are they built sustainably, so that better connectivity gets us closer to net zero and not further away? These are all equally important, fundamental principles and ideas behind what we’re trying to achieve in this area.

    The UK has the potential to be at the forefront as we develop these technologies. For a start, we build on research from some of the best universities in the world, and the JOINER research and innovation platform gives them a unique test network to prepare for 6G. British firms are getting connectivity to places it hasn’t gone before, like trains, offshore wind farms and space. BT, who nearly two centuries ago set up the world’s first nationwide communications network, are now leading the way with Toshiba in trials of quantum secure comms. And global companies like Ericsson, Nokia and Samsung have all chosen to do R&D work here in this country, in the United Kingdom.

    We will shape them, obviously, with global allies – but we will be guided by three central ideas. First of all, do they bring connectivity to everyone, everywhere, whatever your circumstances? Secondly, do they have security and resilience built in from the start? And thirdly, are they built sustainably, so better connectivity gets us closer to net zero and not further away? These are all equally important, fundamental principles and ideas behind what we’re trying to achieve in this area.

    The UK has the potential to be at the forefront as we develop these technologies. For a start, we build on research from some of the best universities in the world, and the JOINER research and innovation platform gives them a unique test network to prepare for 6G. British firms are getting connectivity to places it hasn’t gone before, like trains, offshore wind farms and space. BT, who nearly two centuries ago set up the world’s first nationwide communications network, are now leading the way with Toshiba in trials of quantum secure comms. And global companies like Ericsson, Nokia and Samsung have all chosen to do R&D work here in this country, in the United Kingdom.

    We can and should go further, though, making the UK a global leader in advanced connectivity. And that’s where the government and industry really must work hand-in-hand. We will strengthen our supply chains – that’s really important. Today we will publish the government’s response to the report from the Telecoms Supply Chain Diversification Advisory Council, outlining how we will support a thriving ecosystem of suppliers for our networks. I’m immensely grateful to all those who took part in the Council’s work.

    We will back your growth in this sector. Advanced connectivity will be one of the growth markets in our Industrial Strategy within the digital and technology sector. That means the backing across Whitehall to help you succeed. As a sign of that commitment, today I can announce that we will invest nearly £60 million over the next year, 2025 to 2026, to support UK leadership in R&D so that more of the technology providing the world’s critical connectivity is developed here in the UK.

    If we get this right, then ten years down the line we will be able to say that this technology has made people’s daily lives better, put more money in people’s pockets and helps to keep the UK and our allies safe in a turbulent world. That’s a connected future we can only build together.

    Thank you and I hope you have a good conference today.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –