NewzIntel.com

Category: Latin America

  • MIL-OSI Security: Father and Son Indicted for Providing Material Support to Mexican Cartel Engaged in Terrorism

    Source: US FBI

    Defendants are alleged to have illegally imported tens of millions of dollars in crude oil

    BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Two family members with ties to South Texas have been charged with allegedly conspiring to materially support a Mexican cartel previously designated as a foreign terrorist organization, conspiracy to commit money laundering and related smuggling charges, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. 

    The superseding indictment, returned May 22, alleges Maxwell Sterling Jensen, 25, Draper, Utah, and James Lael Jensen, 68, Sandy, Utah, conspired to provide material support to the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) in the form of U.S. currency. The Secretary of State designated CJNG as a foreign terrorist organization Feb. 20. 

    “This case underscores the more aggressive and innovative approach the Southern District of Texas is taking towards combatting the scourge of drug cartels,” said Ganjei. “This strategy focuses not just on the traffickers and trigger-pullers directly employed by the cartels, but also targeting their confederates and enablers. Whether you are handing the cartel a gun, providing a car or safehouse for smugglers, or putting money in the cartel’s pocket, you will be held to account.”

    The Jensens allegedly operated Arroyo Terminals, an enterprise based in Rio Hondo.

    Both are also charged with allegedly conspiring to conduct financial transactions to conceal and disguise the nature and source of the proceeds of illegally smuggled goods, crude oil. They also aided and abetted the fraudulent entry of approximately 2,881 shipments of the oil in violation of the Tariff Act, according to the charges.  

    “Cases like this highlight the often-dangerous relationships between alleged unscrupulous U.S. businesses and terrorist organizations,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) San Antonio. “Through strong collaborations and relentless investigative work, we and our partners exposed a possible large-scale operation that allegedly attempted to move millions in illicit crude oil and launder the proceeds. HSI remains committed to protecting our economy and holding offenders accountable.”

    “What began as a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) drug trafficking investigation evolved into a multifaceted case involving an alleged complex criminal operation generating millions of dollars from crude oil – the largest funding source for Mexican drug cartels,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge William Kimbell of DEA – Houston. “Given the charges have profound implications for both the United States and Mexico, we will continue to explore all leads and identify any believed to be involved. The collaboration with federal law enforcement, prosecutors, and state agencies proved critical to unraveling these alleged crimes and will continue until such operations are destroyed.”

    “It is a top priority of the FBI to eliminate foreign terrorist organizations by depriving them of the funding they need to operate and by seizing their most valued assets,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp of the San Antonio Field Office. “Together with our law enforcement partners, we will use every resource and capability at our disposal to ensure violent cartels and anyone who corruptly facilitates their operations are held accountable to the American people and unable to establish a foothold in our communities.”

    “Our commitment to taking down drug cartels and organized crime leverages IRS Criminal Investigation’s (CI) specialty in forensic accounting that identifies the alleged money trail and shuts down the flow of cash, just like we did in this case,” said acting Special Agent in Charge Lucy Tan, of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Houston Field Office. “Some of our best special agents are using their law enforcement expertise to build unshakeable cases to ensure criminals are taken off the streets and their ill-gotten gains are returned to the American people.”

    At the time of the initial arrests, authorities seized four tank barges containing crude oil, three commercial tanker trucks, an Arroyo Terminal pickup truck and one personal vehicle. The Arroyo Terminal property in Rio Hondo, crude oil contained Arroyo Terminal storage tanks and additional real properties are also sought for forfeiture. The superseding indictment also contains notice that the United States will seek a $300 million money judgment upon conviction. 

    The conspiracies to provide material support and to commit money laundering both carry a possible prison term of up to 20 years. If convicted of aiding and abetting the smuggling of goods into the United States and doing so by means of false statements, both men could also face up to 10 and five years, respectively. James Jensen also faces one count of money laundering spending which carries an additional 10 years in prison, upon conviction.  

    With the exception of the money laundering charge which has the possibility of up to a $500,000 fine or twice the value of the property involved, the remaining counts carry a maximum $250,000 potential fine. 

    The investigation was a joint effort among many law enforcement partners to include FBI, ICE-HSI and DEA with substantial assistance of IRS CI along with Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Marshals Service and Texas Department of Public Safety.

    Operation Liquid Death involved the combined efforts of DEA, FBI, ICE-HSI and IRS CI and others and is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSA) James Sturgis and Laura Garcia are prosecuting the case. AUSAs Mary Ellen Smyth and Tyler Foster are handling seizure and forfeiture matters.

    An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Grand Jury Returns Indictments for Illegal Re-Entry Via Texas National Defense Area, 138 New NDA Violators Arrested in the Western District, Convictions for the Month Exceed 340

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    EL PASO, Texas – A federal grand jury in El Paso returned indictments last week for defendants alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States through the Texas National Defense Area (NDA). The NDA was established April 30, 2025, along the U.S.-Mexico border from area bordering New Mexico, through El Paso County, to an area near Fort Hancock.

    Among those indicted is Mexican national Leonel Sotelo-Santillan, who was arrested after allegedly entering the NDA illegally on May 2. Sotelo-Santillan was first charged in a criminal complaint on May 8. He is a convicted felon with two 2015 convictions for domestic abuse battery and theft in Louisiana, as well as a felony conviction in June 2024 for illegal re-entry. He has two prior removals, the last one being Dec. 28, 2024.

    Another Mexican felon, Rafael Cabrera-Barron, is a thrice-deported felon and was convicted in 2007 for sexual assault of a child in Weld County, Colorado. His most recent removal from the U.S. to Mexico was April 25 through El Paso.

    Ramon Benigno Mancinas-Rodriguez, also a Mexican national, has been removed from the U.S. eight times—the last one being Nov. 5, 2024—and has been granted three voluntary returns. His criminal history includes three illegal entry misdemeanors, a conviction for assault on a federal officer, and one illegal re-entry felony conviction in November 2023.

    Some of the indicted defendants, like Cuban national Aldanay Caridad Carricarte-Grillo, Guatemalan national Carlos Tomas-Cristostimo, and Salvadoran national Juan Carlos Lopz-Uriasan, have one prior removal in their immigration history.

    The 16 defendants are each indicted for one Title 8 United States Code (USC) 1326 felony charge and one 50 USC 797 misdemeanor charge. If convicted, these individuals can face terms of imprisonment for up to 20 years if previously convicted of an aggravated felony, up to ten years if previously convicted of a felony and otherwise and up to two years in federal prison.

    Additionally, 138 new NDA-related immigration cases were added to the federal district’s docket and over 220 defendants pleaded guilty throughout the week, raising May’s total of NDA-related convictions in the Western District of Texas to more than 340.

    Title 50 USC 797 is among the federal statutes that establish criminal penalties for unlawful intrusions into areas designated as National Defense Areas. It refers to the willful violation of defense property security regulation, which, pursuant to lawful authority, was approved by the Secretary of Defense—or a military commander designated by the Secretary of Defense—for the protection or security of Department of Defense property.

    U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

    These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard terminates 10 vessel voyages, including 8 illegal passenger-for-hire operations in Fajardo, Puerto Rico

    Source: United States Coast Guard

     

    06/02/2025 03:35 PM EDT

    Coast Guard Sector San Juan, Customs and Border Protection and Puerto Rico Police units and personnel terminated the voyage of 10 vessels with marine safety deficiencies, eight of which were conducting illegal passenger-for-hire operations, Saturday and Sunday, in Fajardo. “Over the past year, Coast Guard enforcement efforts resulted in voyage terminations for 30 illegal passenger-for-hire operations,” said Cmdr. Matthew Romano, Sector San Juan chief of response. “We value the joint collaboration between Coast Guard Station San Juan, Sector San Juan Marine Investigators, Coast Guard Miami Marine Investigators, Coast Guard Investigative Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations and Puerto Rico Police Joint Forces of Rapid Action in this effort to ensure vessels are operating legally in a commercial capacity and in compliance with federal marine safety regulations.” Vessels El Lindo, Hibiki, The Ivy, Mama Juana, Ohana 2, Master Blaster, Avante and Serenity were found conducting illegal passenger-for-hire operations, two of which were found operating in violation of previous federal Captain of the Port (COTP) Orders. Vessels Tobias and Four Points were only cited for their respective marine safety deficiencies. 

    For more breaking news follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Nicaragua 101st WTO member to formally accept Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Nicaragua 101st WTO member to formally accept Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

    DG Okonjo-Iweala said: “WTO members’ adoption of this landmark Agreement in 2022 set us on a more sustainable path toward restoring the abundance and vitality of our oceans. The next step is the Agreement’s entry into force. With Nicaragua’s formal acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, we are closer than ever to getting there. We now need just 10 more acceptances to cross the finish line!
    This 101st acceptance opens the door for the WTO Fish Fund to open a call later this week for developing and least developed WTO members to submit proposals and funding requests for the technical assistance and capacity building they may need to implement the Agreement”, she added.
    Ambassador Bohorquez Palacios said: “Our acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies reaffirms Nicaragua’s support for the rules-based multilateral trading system and our commitment to international efforts to promote the sustainable use of marine resources. As a country bordered by two oceans, Nicaragua recognizes the importance of the blue economy and has always been committed to marine life. We look forward to continuing to work with all WTO members to ensure entry into force of this historic Agreement and its effective implementation.”
    Formal acceptances from two-thirds of WTO members are required for the Agreement to enter into force – representing 111 members. The list of the 101 current instruments deposited with the WTO is available here.
    At the WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) held in Geneva in June 2022, ministers adopted by consensus the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, setting new, binding, multilateral rules to curb harmful fisheries subsidies. The Agreement prohibits subsidies for illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, for fishing overfished stocks, and for fishing on the unregulated high seas. Ministers also recognized the needs of developing economies and least-developed countries by establishing a fund to provide technical assistance and capacity-building to help governments which have formally accepted the Agreement implement the new obligations.
    WTO members also agreed at MC12 to continue negotiating on remaining fisheries subsidies issues. The objective is to find consensus on additional provisions to further strengthen the disciplines on fisheries subsidies.
    Information for members on how to accept the Protocol of Amendment is available here.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: South Florida Jury Convicts Murder-For-Hire Conspirators, Face Life in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MIAMI – A federal jury convicted three South Florida men for their involvement in a murder-for-hire plot carried out in August 2019.

    On May 21, Rolando Ramirez, 52, of Doral, and Rasheed “Fresh” Ali, 39, of Miami, were found guilty of solicitation of a crime of violence (interstate stalking), interstate stalking, conspiracy to use and carry a firearm, discharging a firearm in furtherance of interstate stalking, conspiracy to commit murder for hire, and murder for hire. Tamrat “Shifta” Mason, 41, of Miami, together with Ramirez and Ali, was also found guilty of tampering with the investigation that resulted in their arrest in August 2024.

    According to court records and evidence introduced during trial, Ramirez and the victim, a local businessman, had a contentious federal lawsuit involving various issues related to their business arrangement, including a non-competition clause. The victim won the right to continue to compete. During settlement negotiations, Ramirez told the victim, “In due time, I will kill you.”

    Ali and Mason had a marijuana distributor in New York, Jaime Serrano. Serrano had an outstanding debt to Ali and Mason, which Ali told Serrano he could clear by executing a hit for his friend. Serrano testified that Ali told him the target was a former business partner, who “snitched” on his friend in court. Ali added that Ramirez considered himself “Cuban Mafia.” On August 28, 2019, Serrano, together with Julian Jimenez, carried out the near-fatal shooting of the victim.

    During the investigation, it was revealed that Ramirez, Ali, and Mason tampered with the investigation to cover up their involvement or knowledge of the crime.

    As part of a separate case, Jimenez pled guilty to interstate stalking, conspiracy to use a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime. A federal jury found Serrano guilty of the same charges. Jimenez and Serrano were sentenced to 35 and 50 years in prison, respectively.

    A sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 5, before U.S. District Court Judge Roy K. Altman. Ramirez and Ali face a sentence of up to life in prison.

    U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and acting Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of FBI Miami made the announcement.

    FBI Miami investigated this case, with assistance from the Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Abbie D. Waxman and Michael Gilfarb of the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.

    The charges contained in an information are merely accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 24-cr-20341.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Mexico’s cartels use violence against women as a means of social control

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Adriana Marin, Lecturer in International Relations, Coventry University

    Mexico’s drug cartels are often described as powerful rivals to the state, with their influence measured in weapons, money and murdered officials. But this framing misses a fundamental truth. Organised crime in Mexico is also a system of gendered governance – one that disciplines, controls and sometimes eliminates women to consolidate power.

    The term “narco-femicide” captures this brutal dynamic. Narco-femicide refers not simply to the killing of women, but to the strategic use of gendered violence by criminal organisations to enforce social norms, maintain control and assert dominance in the absence – or even with the complicity – of the state.

    According to a study by Lantia Intelligence, a Mexico-based data intelligence firm, organised crime was responsible for 60% of femicides in Mexico in 2020. That year, 1,891 women were violently murdered by drug cartels – an increase of nearly 40% compared to 2018.

    These murders are not private tragedies, nor are they collateral damage. They are political acts, central to how criminal sovereignty in Mexico is exercised and reproduced.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Mexico has one of the highest rates of femicide in Latin America. According to Amnesty International, approximately ten women were murdered there every day throughout 2020. In cities such as the border town of Ciudad Juárez, which was once labelled the “femicide capital of the world”, these deaths are marked by sexual violence, mutilation and public display.

    The causes of femicide in Mexico do vary. But a significant proportion of these murders occur in regions such as Jalisco, Guerrero and Chihuahua, where there is a strong cartel presence. The correlation is no coincidence.

    As the Atlantic Council, an international affairs thinktank, observed in 2024: “in areas [of Mexico] controlled by drug cartels, violence against women intensifies”. It added that families often won’t report abuse or rape “out of fear of retribution”.

    The same article said that cartels turn attacks on women into “a tool of intimidation and a display of dominance”, warning the community not to defy them. The impunity of cartel violence, and examples of brutal public punishment, enforce an unwritten code that women must “know their place”.

    Femicide in cartel-run areas follows a distinct pattern. Women are punished for being too visible, independent or defiant of the patriarchal order imposed by criminal groups. The victims include journalists, business owners and others who pose no military threat but represent a challenge to social control by in some way defying the cartels.

    A member of Mexico’s national guard at the site of a cartel shooting in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, on February 16.
    Roberto Ricci Arballo / Shutterstock

    One prominent example is Marisol Macías, a journalist who was killed in 2011 in the border city of Nuevo Laredo after denouncing local gangs on the internet. She was decapitated and a handwritten sign was left beside her body saying she was killed in retaliation for her social media posts.

    More recently, in July 2024, Minerva Pérez Castro, the president of an advocacy group for Mexico’s fishing industry, was shot dead hours after making public comments about the presence of illegal fishing in the state of Baja California. Organised crime groups have long participated in illegal fishing in northern Mexico.

    Even when women are involved in organised crime, their roles remain precarious. They are valued only insofar as they serve the cartels’ interests, and are easily disposed of if they become liabilities.

    A 2016 report by Amnesty International found that gangs routinely recruit vulnerable young women to do “the lowest and most dangerous tasks”, such as smuggling drugs or acting as lookout, precisely because they are “considered expendable if arrested”.

    Where is the state?

    What makes narco-femicide in Mexico so devastating is not just the violence itself, but the vacuum when it comes to accountability – or worse – the actual collusion of the state. In many regions of Mexico, law enforcement is unwilling or unable to investigate femicides.

    Disappearances go unrecorded and families face indifference or hostility when demanding answers. In fact, according to Amnesty International, more than 90% of femicides in Mexico go unpunished. This impunity is a structural failure.

    The boundary between criminal and state power is blurred in regions where there is a strong cartel presence. Police, politicians and criminal groups often operate in overlapping networks, leaving little space for genuine accountability.

    Meanwhile, Mexico’s security strategy has been heavily shaped by the US-funded Mérida Initiative. Signed in 2007, the initiative deepened security assistance from the US to Mexico to fight organised crime.

    The Mérida Initiative officially ended in 2021, but Mexico’s strategy remains focused on military operations against crime groups and the arrest of cartel kingpins. This has diverted attention from much-needed reforms in local policing and justice, perpetuating impunity and weakening trust in institutions.

    By failing to protect women, the state effectively legitimises the cartels’ patriarchal rule. As a result, many Mexican women are living under a shadow legal system enforced by cartel violence, one where stepping outside the lines can carry deadly consequences.

    Women march in Mexico City in 2022 in protest against soaring levels of gender-based violence.
    artcgix / Shutterstock

    Narco-femicide demands a response that moves beyond militarised crackdowns and technocratic reforms. Mexico needs policies that prioritise community-based justice, survivor-led advocacy and gender-sensitive policing. The experiences of women and frontline defenders need to be central in both research and public the debate.

    The problem also needs to be named for what it is. Narco-femicide is not a private horror or a cultural anomaly. It is political violence that is perpetrated systematically and strategically.

    If organised crime governs through the control and erasure of women, then any meaningful resistance must begin by making that violence visible. Cartels and the state must both be held accountable, and these deaths must not be treated as inevitable.

    Adriana Marin 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. Mexico’s cartels use violence against women as a means of social control – https://theconversation.com/mexicos-cartels-use-violence-against-women-as-a-means-of-social-control-257915

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE, federal partners arrest nearly 1,500 illegal aliens in Massachusetts during immigration enforcement operation

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BOSTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and federal law enforcement partners apprehended almost 1,500 illegal aliens during a monthlong enforcement operation focusing on transnational organized crime, gangs and egregious illegal alien offenders throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. During the enhanced operation, named Operation Patriot, officers from ICE Boston partnered with the FBI, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the ATF, the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, the U.S. Marshals Service and the U.S. Coast Guard to arrest 1,461 illegal alien offenders throughout the month of May.

    “The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a safer place today thanks to the hard work and determination of the men and women of ICE and our federal partners. Working together, we were able to arrest almost 1,500 illegal aliens throughout the Commonwealth, most of whom had significant criminality in the United States or abroad,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “Make no mistake: Every person that we arrested was breaking our immigration laws, but most of these individuals had significant criminality. They are criminal offenders who victimized innocent people and traumatized entire communities — murderers, rapists, drug traffickers, child sex predators and members of violent transnational criminal gangs. Some were convicted of violent crimes in the United States, and others were wanted for criminality in their native countries. All made the mistake of attempting to subvert justice by hiding out in Massachusetts.”

    More than half the 1,461 arrested had significant criminal convictions or charges. Seven-hundred and ninety of the alien offenders were charged with or convicted of crimes in the United States or abroad.

    “We are working diligently alongside our fellow law enforcement partners to make our communities safer through the arrest and ultimate removal of nearly 1,500 individuals who flouted the laws of our nation when they chose to remain here without legal status. Among those arrested include truly alarming criminals: murderers wanted in their home countries, child predators, and drug traffickers,” said Homeland Security Investigations New England Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol. “Public safety and national security remain our number one priority, and we will continue to work every day with our partners toward this goal.”

    Throughout the duration of Operation Patriot, ICE and its federal law enforcement partners targeted egregious criminal alien offenders, including transnational criminal organizations known to operate in and around Boston and throughout Massachusetts. These organizations include the notorious MS-13, Tren de Aragua, Trinitarios and 18th Street gangs.

    “This was a massive, multiagency immigration enforcement operation aimed at keeping our region safe from habitual lawbreakers who have flouted our country’s immigration laws and, in many cases, committed violent crimes that have endangered our families, friends, and neighbors for far too long,” said FBI Boston acting Special Agent in Charge Kimberly Milka. “Together, with our partners, we have identified and removed hundreds of illegal alien offenders from the Commonwealth, including murderers, gang members, child predators and a possible associate of a suspected terrorist, and our work is not done.”

    ICE and its federal law enforcement partners prosecuted numerous targets who had foreign arrest warrants and Interpol Red Notices, apprehending criminal alien offenders wanted by authorities in several foreign countries.

    “Over the past month, CBP has worked diligently alongside our federal law enforcement partners to apprehended criminal aliens illegally present in our country,” said Jennifer De La O, director of field operations for U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Boston. “CBP is unwavering in our commitment to protect the American people and make our country safer. We will continue to ensure that all criminal aliens that violate our laws are taken into custody and removed.”

    ICE and its federal law enforcement partners made many of the apprehensions after local jurisdictions refused to honor immigration detainer requests to turn over the offenders and instead chose to release them from custody, forcing officers and agents to make at-large arrests in Massachusetts communities.

    “DEA is proud to be actively supporting our federal law enforcement partners in these concentrated enforcement operations to remove violent criminal aliens from our communities,” said DEA New England acting Special Agent in Charge Stephen Belleau. “We continue to prioritize our drug investigations on those involving violent illegal criminals, particularly those identified as members of designated foreign terrorist organizations. DEA’s mission remains the same: Seize deadly and dangerous drugs before they reach our communities, and bring to justice those criminals responsible for drug manufacturing and distribution.”

    Among the alien offenders apprehended during Operation Patriot, 277 had been previously ordered removed from the United States by a Justice Department immigration judge. However, they refused to comply with the removal order and remained in the country illegally.

    “ATF has worked alongside all of our federal law enforcement partners to assist ICE throughout New England during this enforcement initiative,” said ATF Boston Special Agent in Charge James Ferguson. “We will continue to do so in the coming weeks and months as a part of our mission to keep our communities safe.”  

    During the operation, ICE employed expanded immigration enforcement tactics, which included simultaneous operations on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, where they arrested around 40 illegal aliens, including at least one child sex predator and a member of a violent transnational gang. The U.S. Coast Guard assisted ICE with the safe transport of the aliens from the islands.

    “The Diplomatic Security Service is proud to work with our federal law enforcement partners in support of major enforcement operations like this which undoubtedly make our communities safer and strengthens our national security,” said DSS Boston Special Agent in Charge Matthew O’Brien. “DSS remains an integral law enforcement partner providing daily support to reduce illegal immigration and root out those who endeavor to exploit the U.S. travel system.”

    Among those arrested during Operation Patriot include:

    • An illegally present 55-year-old Salvadoran national with an active Interpol Red Notice for aggravated homicide, robbery, aggravated kidnap and theft in El Salvador. ICE officers arrested him in Lynn.

    • An illegally present 32-year-old Guatemalan national and registered sex offender who is pending criminal charges in Boston for five counts of indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or over and trafficking a person for sexual servitude. He was also arrested in Roxbury for aggravated rape of child with a 10-year age gap and indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or over. ICE lodged two detainers that local jurisdictions refused to honor.

    • An illegally present 37-year-old Honduran national whose most recent arrest in Fall River was for rape, indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or over, witness intimidation, and kidnapping of a minor by relative. He has other arrests in Massachusetts for lewd and lascivious conduct and sexual conduct for fee. He also has several convictions in Massachusetts for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Additionally, he has been convicted for operating under the influence of alcohol and operating while intoxicated in Iowa, where he served a year prison.

    • An illegally present 22-year-old Colombian national charged with breaking and entering building during the daytime for a felony, kidnapping, aggravated rape, and indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or over. Local authorities released him back into the community despite an ICE immigration detainer being in place.

    • An illegally present 39-year-old Honduran national who has convictions in Lynn for obscene material to a minor, enticing a child under 16 and attempt to commit crime. Additionally, he has convictions in Stoughton for larceny and larceny from a person over 60 and disabled.

    • An illegally present 45-year-old Guatemalan national who has a 2020 conviction for murder in Boston, for which he received a life sentence.

    • An illegally present 29-year-old Brazilian national charged in Edgartown with aggravated rape of a child by force, possession of child pornography and dissemination of obscene material. He has and additional arrest in Edgartown for assault and battery (family) and kidnapping.

    • An illegally present 48-year-old Salvadoran national whose criminal history includes charges of aggravated rape of child by force, indecent assault and battery on a person under 14, and open and gross lewdness.

    • An illegally present Ecuadoran national who has a 2018 conviction for soliciting to commit murder. He was sentenced to a year in prison and released back into the community despite the presence of an ICE immigration detainer. ICE officers arrested him in Brockton.

    • An illegally present a Colombian national who was convicted in his native country for trafficking/manufacturing/carrying narcotics. Colombian authorities are currently seeking his custody to serve his sentence of 14 years in prison.

    • An illegally present 40-year-old Guatemalan national charged with assault and battery dangerous weapon (a hammer), threatening to commit crime, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (a vehicle), assault and battery on a family member, strangulation/suffocation and intimidation of witness. ICE officers arrested him in Lynn.

    • An illegally present 69-year-old registered sex offender and citizen of Uruguay convicted of indecent assault and battery on a 7-year-old girl.

    • An illegally present 32-year-old citizen of Brazil who has an active Interpol Red Notice from Brazil for drug trafficking and drug trafficking association. In an effort to avoid apprehension in his native country, he fled on a motorcycle from Brazilian military police and threw a brick of cocaine at them.

    • An illegally present 24-year-old citizen of Brazil who has an active Interpol Red Notice out of Brazil, where he is wanted for murder.

    All aliens detained during Operation Patriot will remain in ICE custody pending the outcome of their removal proceedings or their deportation from the United States.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X at @EROBoston and @HSINewEngland.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Roy Sends a Letter to Ambassador Johnson, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Urging Action Against the New World Screwworm (NWS)

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Chip Roy (R-TX)

    Washington, D.C.  – Congressman Chip Roy (TX-21) sent a letter to Ambassador Ronald D. Johnson, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, urging for action against the northward spread of the New World Screwworm (NWS).

    “While the U.S. has effectively eradicated NWS in the past, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that the NWS has recently been detected as far north as the Mexican state of Veracruz, roughly 700 miles from the U.S.’s southern border. If an outbreak were to occur in Texas, the USDA estimates it could cause $1.8 billion in damage to the state’s economy – devastating ranchers’ entire livelihoods. If left unaddressed, the NWS will have catastrophic impacts on the U.S. cattle industry and our country’s food supply.

    While Mexico has taken some action to try and contain the NWS spread, those efforts remain wholly insufficient. I respectfully request that you leverage all available diplomatic tools to urge the Mexican authorities to fully cooperate with U.S. officials and spur Mexican authorities to take aggressive action to contain the NWS spread. My constituents in the 21st congressional district, many of whom rely on ranching for their livelihoods, cannot afford delays.”

    Read the full letter below.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE, CBP seize 50,000 kilograms of meth precursor chemicals destined for Sinaloa Cartel

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    HOUSTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized 50,000 kilograms of di-cumyl peroxide, a chemical precursor used by drug traffickers to produce methamphetamines and other illicit narcotics, May 30 at the Port of Long Beach, California.

    The shipment, which originated in China and was destined for the Sinaloa Drug Cartel in Mexico, was identified as a result of an initiative launched by ICE in 2019 that leverages the agency’s extensive expertise in illicit cross-border trade and sophisticated analytical tools and techniques to identify suspicious shipments of chemical precursors from China, India and other source countries that are destined for the drug cartels in Mexico.

    “For far too long, the Mexican drug cartels have raked in billions of dollars at the expense of our local communities leaving nothing but addiction, death and despair in their wake,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Houston Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz. “This initiative provides HSI with a game-changing method to stay one step ahead of the cartels by disrupting the flow of chemicals that they depend on to produce illicit narcotics.”

    Since the initiative first launched, it has led to the interdiction of more than 1,700,000 kilograms of chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamines and fentanyl. Just this past March, it led to the seizure of nearly 44,000 kilograms of glacial acetic acid at the Port of Houston, which was also destined for the Sinaloa Cartel. In addition to preventing the chemicals from reaching the cartels, the initiative has also helped expose the location of clandestine drug labs in Mexico. In conjunction with Mexican authorities, 13 drug labs operated by the Chapitos faction of the Sinaloa Cartel have been located and eliminated since January 2025 as a result of the initiative.

    For more news and information on ICE’s efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking in Texas follow us on X at @HSIHouston.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fourteen Individuals, Including 10 Mexican Nationals, Charged with Fentanyl and Cocaine Trafficking and Immigration Offenses

    Source: US FBI

    Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced today that a criminal complaint charging fourteen individuals was unsealed, and thirteen of the fourteen charged individuals have been arrested.  Additionally, multiple search warrants were executed in the Eastern District of Wisconsin and the Central District of California in coordination with the arrests. All the defendants are charged with narcotics trafficking, including fentanyl and cocaine, and two of the individuals, Osmar Venejas-Mejia and Hector Rodriguez-Villalobos, are charged with illegal reentry after removal from the United States.

    The defendants charged in this law enforcement action are identified as follows: 

    Name                                                   Age            Citizenship
    FERNANDO PALMA-JIMENEZ            49              Mexico
    DANIEL MORALEZ                               37              USA 
    CARMELO HERNANDEZ-RAMIREZ    40              Mexico
    LUIS QUINONEZ-HERNANDEZ          36              USA 
    REYNALDO SANCHEZ-GONZALEZ   48              Mexico 
    CARLOS PEREZ-SANTANA                32              Mexico
    EQUIEL MARTINEZ                             39              Mexico 
    GERARDO OSORIO-JARAMILLO       47               Mexico
    JESUS MEDINA-RODRIGUEZ            47              Mexico
    ERIK RODRIGUEZ                               33              USA 
    ANDREA ROA                                     30              Mexico
    HECTOR RODRIGUEZ-VILLALOBOS 35              Mexico
    OSMAR VENEJAS-MEJIA                  34             Mexico
    JOSEPH MARINCIC                           40             USA

    According to the criminal complaint, between approximately March 2023 and the present, the fourteen defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl and cocaine, and that multiple defendants possessed with intent to distribute controlled substances, distributed controlled substances, and used communication facilities to facilitate the distribution of controlled substances.  If convicted, the penalties for the narcotics trafficking offenses carry maximum penalties of forty years to life in prison depending on the specific offense and weight of controlled substances charged. 

    The complaint also alleges that Osmar Venejas-Mejia and Hector Rodriguez-Villalobos, both Mexican nationals, were previously removed from the United States and unlawfully reentered the United States. If convicted, the penalties for the illegal reentry offense carry a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  

    The defendants were charged based on a long-running investigation by law enforcement officers from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), in partnership with the North Central High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA). This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Gail Hoffman and Elizabeth Monfils.  Multiple law enforcement agencies participated in the arrests and execution of search warrants related to the case, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), United States Marshal Service (USMS), the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), the West Allis Police Department, the Brookfield Police Department, the Waukesha Police Department, the South Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department, Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department, and Wisconsin State Patrol. 

    This case was charged as part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    The public is cautioned that an indictment or criminal complaint is merely a charge and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

     # #  #

    For Additional Information Contact:

    Public Information Officer

    Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov

    414-297-1700

    Follow us on Twitter

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Fisheries Subsidies: Nicaragua’s acceptance

    Source: World Trade Organization – WTO (video statements)

    On 2 June, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala received Nicaragua’s instrument of acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies from Nicaragua’s WTO Ambassador Rosalía Bohorquez Palacios. Just ten more acceptances are needed for the Agreement to enter into force.

    Download this video from the WTO website:
    https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/webcas_e/webcas_e.htm

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmDVmuN2yzs

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: $75M Alstom Manufacturing Facility Expansion Completed

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that rail transportation manufacturer Alstom marked the completion of a major expansion that featured the addition of a car body shell production facility in the City of Hornell. Thanks to New York State assistance, Alstom reshored this critical operation back to the United States from Brazil, investing $75 million in this state-of-the-art manufacturing and testing facility, assisting the storied company with fulfilling a major order with Chicago’s Metra commuter rail line. Alstom is producing 200 new multi-level commuter cars that will have modern features, greater capacity and a smoother ride. Alstom will also soon begin production on new light rail vehicles for Philadelphia on the Hornell campus. Alstom’s stock facility in Hornell is the largest passenger rail manufacturing facility in North America.

    “Alstom’s $75 million expansion is proof that manufacturing is back in the Southern Tier,” Governor Hochul said. “We are reshoring good, union jobs and rebuilding Upstate, making New York the place where things get made and made well. I am committed to rebuilding New York’s manufacturing base, creating opportunity in every part of the State and ensuring the future is made right here at home.”

    Because of New York State support, Alstom has pledged to create 258 union supported jobs on-site and retain 390 jobs. Up to $7 million is being made available through the performance-based Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit Program in exchange for the job creation commitments.

    An earlier expansion at the Hornell site, bolstered by up to $30 million in funding from the Southern Tier Soaring Upstate Revitalization Initiative, supported facility construction and renovation, and installation of crucial machinery and equipment. That support facilitated the retention of more than 1,000 existing positions in Hornell and at other Alstom operations in New York. The State’s support for the project was also a crucial factor in Alstom’s efforts to secure a contract with Amtrak in support of its high-speed train initiative.

    The Acela contract with Amtrak involved the design and production of 28 next-generation, high-speed trainsets. These trains, named Avelia Liberty, will replace Acela’s current fleet that is nearly a quarter century old. The new ‘tilting’ trainsets will operate along the Washington – New York – Boston Northeast Corridor, initially at speeds up to 160 mph, and will have one-third more passenger seats, as well as modern amenities such as improved Wi-Fi access, personal outlets, USB ports and adjustable reading lights at every seat, enhanced food service and a smoother, more reliable ride.

    Alstom Americas Region President and CEO Michael Keroullé said, “Americans deserve high-quality transportation options and good jobs. Alstom’s continued investments in our U.S. manufacturing sites deliver both. As the largest employer in Hornell, we have witnessed the positive impact of rail investment and innovation on this community and the opportunities it generates. We thank Governor Hochul and all our state and local partners for their continued support of our growth and expansion.”

    IAM Union International President Brian Bryant said, “The IAM Union could not be more proud to represent the dedicated and skilled workforce at Alstom. IAM Union members right here in Hornell, New York are building the future of rail transportation in the United States and beyond. These are generational, family-sustaining union careers that benefit the entire community. We look forward to continuing this important work with Governor Hochul, Alstom, and our state and local partners to grow this workforce and the entire U.S. rail industry.”

    The Hornell site has been a major employer for the community for over a century and plays a critical role in the Southern Tier regional economy. The Hornell plant has delivered more than 8,000 new or refurbished rail vehicles to customers across North America, including 1,000 subway cars to New York City Transit. Alstom helps 10 million commuters make their way to and around New York City.

    Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said,
    “Alstom’s ongoing commitment to expanding its operations and advancing rail technology will keep Hornell, and the entire region, on track for continued economic growth. Advanced manufacturing is a critical Upstate industry, and we are grateful to Alstom for its dedication in reshoring the company’s car body shell production to the United States and for creating solid job opportunities right here in the Southern Tier.”

    Senator Charles Schumer said, “It’s full steam ahead for Plant 4, Alstom’s new Hornell cutting-edge manufacturing facility! I was proud to secure $3.4 million in federal funding to put Alstom on the fast track to expand and house this new manufacturing facility. The opening of Plant 4 today is a win-win-win for American manufacturing leadership, the Southern Tier economy, and Alstom’s powerhouse union workforce, getting even stronger with 250 new good-paying jobs. Today, Alstom solidifies the Southern Tier and New York State as the beating heart for its North American operations. I’ve long fought to support Alstom’s growth in Steuben County and will continue to fight to ensure Hornell has the resources it needs to be one of the nation’s main hubs for rolling stock manufacturing.”

    Senator Kirstin Gillibrand said, “Alstom’s $75 million expansion will create hundreds of new union jobs, generate new economic opportunities in the Southern Tier, and strengthen New York’s manufacturing base. I’m proud to support this project, and I will continue fighting to bring jobs, opportunity, and long-term economic growth to working families across New York.”

    Hornell Mayor John Buckley said, “Hornell has long thrived as a hub for the railroad transportation industry, and our longstanding partnership with Alstom has played a vital role in that success. Alstom’s continued investment in our city has not only created high-quality jobs and driven economic growth here in Hornell but has also delivered substantial benefits to the surrounding communities and the entire region. This collaboration strengthens Hornell’s position as a leader in transportation innovation and manufacturing. We are deeply grateful to Governor Hochul and Alstom for their ongoing support and commitment to our community’s future.”

    Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Judy McKinney-Cherry and Dr. Mary Bonderoff said, “This project has indeed proven to be a win-win for the Southern Tier and all of New York State. Thanks to the Governor’s leadership, we are making transformative investments in leading industries and improving our transportation equipment manufacturing network for the 21st century, ensuring that the region will continue to soar for years to come.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Colombian National Charged with Voter Fraud, Federal Benefit Fraud and Identity Theft Offenses

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    Headline: Colombian National Charged with Voter Fraud, Federal Benefit Fraud and Identity Theft Offenses

    A Colombian woman unlawfully residing in Boston has been indicted by a federal grand jury for identity theft offenses—including receiving rental assistance, Social Security, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits—as well as voter fraud under the stolen identity.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 282 charged in new cases related to SDTX’s continuing efforts to secure southern border

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    HOUSTON – In support of Operation Take Back America, the Southern District of Texas has filed another 281 cases in immigration and border security-related matters from May 23-29, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. 

    Among those are 105 people who face charges of illegally reentering the country. The majority have prior felony convictions for narcotics, violent crime, sexual offenses, prior immigration crimes and more. A total of 163 people are charged with illegally entering the country, while seven cases allege various instances of human smuggling with the remainder involving other immigration crimes, child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and firearms.

    One such person charged this week is Carlos Enrique Gonzalez-Pena, an alien present in the United States with a work visa who was allegedly found in possession of CSAM. The charges allege he had visited the darknet where he viewed child pornography sites. A forensic examination of his computer allegedly resulted in the discovery of two video files involving a female child approximately four to six years of age, one of which showed her being sexually assaulted. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison. 

    Another one of the cases involves Humberto Vasquez – a Mexican male who allegedly attempted to exit the United States via the Donna Port of Entry. Upon inspection, law enforcement discovered four pistols belonging to him as well as 870 rounds of assorted ammunition, according to the charges. The complaint alleges he did not possess an export license that would authorize him to transport such items into Mexico and faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of illegal exportation of firearms. 

    Authorities also found three Mexican nationals near Mission this week with no legal permission to be in the United States, according to the complaints against them. Victor Manuel Ornelas-Ochoa, Alfredo Samuel Gallegos-Esquivel and Exequiel Solano had allegedly been previously removed from the country and have felonies to include possession with intent to deliver marijuana, human smuggling and aggravated sexual assault of a child, respectively. They are all charged with illegal reentry and could receive up to 20 years in prison. Another man who faces the same charges and penalty is Julio Sanchez-Lorenzo. He is a Mexican male who had just been removed from the United States via Brownsville May 21 with no permission to return, according to the charges. However, authorities allegedly found him just six days later near Roma. 

    In addition to the new cases, a federal jury in Houston convicted a Mexican citizen for illegally reentering the United States under an assumed identity. On June 11, 2024, authorities found Jose Martin Valdez-Galvan in Laredo. At that time, he provided a false name and claimed to be a U.S. citizen. Testimony revealed Valdez-Galvan originally stole the person’s identity to avoid previous charges for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Valdez-Galvan was an illegal alien who had been previously removed but returned to the United States without permission. He had assumed the other person’s identity in 2015 after his second removal. He faces up to a 20-year prison sentence. 

    “Both public safety and basic common sense require us to know who is entering and residing in our country. Those that adopt false or stolen personas to hide their identities pose an increased criminal risk to our community,” said Ganjei. “Theft of an American citizen’s identity by a foreign national will not be tolerated, and those that engage in such criminality will be charged, punished, and, if appropriate, deported.”

    In Corpus Christi, an intoxicated driver admitted he was an alien illegally in possession of firearm. Honduran national Josias Eliseo Ulloa-Pavon had been driving under the influence of alcohol before crashing Feb. 18. Upon arrival at the scene, authorities found him pinned inside the fully overturned vehicle. He had red bloodshot eyes, appeared unsteady on his feet and had a strong odor of alcohol. A search revealed a magazine containing six rounds of ammunition in his pocket and a Bersa Model Thunder .380 caliber pistol in his car.  

    Two men from Brownfield admitted to conspiring to transport illegal aliens in Laredo federal court this week. On March 22, authorities observed a Ford Expedition circumventing a Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint near Laredo. Mac Quese Howard was driving, and De Richardson Miller was in the front passenger seat providing directions. Authorities conducted a traffic stop and found three illegal aliens hidden in the back seat. Miller and Howard admitted they had travelled to Laredo for the sole purpose of picking up the aliens and transporting them to San Antonio for payment.

    Also announced was the sentencing of a Mexican national with a felony criminal history and multiple prior removals for illegally reentering the country again. Juan Humberto Lara Molina’s has a lengthy drug, weapons and immigration criminal history including two other illegal reentry convictions. He was also convicted of dealing cocaine in Indiana and unlawful sale of firearms in Illinois and was previously ordered removed from the United States on multiple occasions, most recently in November 2021. However, law enforcement discovered him at the Falfurrias BP checkpoint Dec. 12, 2024. He was one of seven individuals being transported farther north by human smugglers in a tractor-trailer. He was ordered to serve 24 months in federal prison. 

    These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – Homeland Security Investigations, ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations, BP, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.

    The cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

    Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for this district. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children.  

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than nine million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes. 

    An indictment or criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: IAEA Team Concludes Site and External Events Design Review for El Salvador’s First Nuclear Power Plant

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    An IAEA team of experts visited the candidate sites of El Salvador’s first nuclear power plant during a Site and External Events Design Review Service mission. (Photo: CEL)

    An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts has concluded a six-day safety review of El Salvador’s site selection process for its first nuclear power plant (NPP). The Central American country is embarking on a nuclear power programme to diversify its energy mix and to provide a clean and reliable source of energy to support economic development.

    The Site and External Events Design Review Service (SEED) mission, which took place between 26 to 31 May, reviewed El Salvador’s adherence to IAEA guidance on the site selection process. The SEED mission was carried out at the request of the Government of El Salvador and hosted by the Organization for the Implementation of the Nuclear Energy Program in El Salvador (OIPEN) and the Executive Hydroelectric Commission of the Lempa River (CEL). The SEED mission was the first of its kind in El Salvador.

    El Salvador is completing the site selection process based on a comprehensive methodology that integrates geospatial data analysis, national regulations and existing public infrastructure.

    The SEED review team comprised three experts from Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as two IAEA staff members. They reviewed the site selection report, together with the siting process, siting criteria and data collection process for siting activities.

    The team also visited and observed the candidate sites located in Chalatenango – about 40 kilometres northeast of the capital San Salvador – and San Vicente – about 70 kilometres east of San Salvador.

    In addition to the SEED review mission, the IAEA provided a SEED Capacity Building Workshop to support site evaluation, which includes the site characterization stage. During the workshop, external experts and participants engaged in discussions that will contribute to future progress in the site evaluation process.

    “We confirmed that CEL independently developed exclusion criteria for site screening and effectively narrowed down the areas of the country with the lowest external hazard risks. This can be considered a good practice for minimizing risks,” said mission team leader Kazuyuki Nagasawa, Senior Nuclear Safety Officer at the IAEA.

    The team provided recommendations to improve the quality and to optimize the site selection process, aiming to select the most favourable site. This optimization seeks to minimize the potential for the selected site to be found unsuitable during the site characterization stage. The factors to be considered include seismic, flooding and volcanic hazards. It’s also important to balance site characteristics with specific design features, site protection measures and administrative procedures from the early stages of the site selection process.

    “From the early stages of the site selection process, we have been guided by the technical guidance of the IAEA, rigorously applying its physical safety standards to ensure that this process follows a technical, transparent and responsible approach for all Salvadorans,” said Daniel Alvarez, President of CEL and Honorary Director of OIPEN.

    OIPEN and CEL will continue to receive technical support from the IAEA, as they advance from the site selection stage and move into the subsequent site characterization stage, in line with the IAEA Specific Safety Guide on Site Survey and Site Selection for Nuclear Installations, as well as other relevant Safety Guides for external hazards assessment.

    The final SEED mission report will be delivered to the Government of El Salvador within three months.

    About Site and External Events Design Review Service (SEED) missions

    SEED missions are expert review missions that assist countries going through different stages in the development of a nuclear power programme. The service offers a choice of modules in which to focus the review, such as site selection, site assessment and design of structures, systems and components, taking into consideration site specific external and internal hazards.

    In the case of site selection review, SEED missions assess the appropriate consideration of the safety issues in the site selection process.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Trust Wallet Launches Buy+, Powered by Binance Connect, to Simplify Crypto Access

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

     

    Users can buy tokens on BNB Chain, Base and Solana directly with cards, local currency and more – all without leaving the Trust Wallet app.

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Trust Wallet, the world’s leading self-custody Web3 wallet trusted by over 200 million users, has launched Buy+, a new feature powered by Binance Connect, to simplify crypto access for users worldwide and make onboarding easier for newcomers. The feature allows anyone to purchase tokens on BNB Chain, Base and Solana using fiat — without needing to own crypto assets, or to understand complex crypto workflows.

    Before this improvement, buying a new or trending token often meant a multi-step process, including manual swaps and switching between platforms. For many — especially beginners — this was confusing, time-consuming, and carried the risk of mistakes. Now, with Buy+, Trust Wallet simplifies everything into one seamless flow — making it possible to go from card, Apple/Google Pay and more, to a user’s desired token in just a few taps, all without leaving the app or giving up self-custody.

    “The first step to onboard a fiat asset into the desired crypto asset directly is often the hardest. And that’s what we’re improving as part of the effort to bring web2 user experience to web3 tech,” said Eowyn Chen, CEO of Trust Wallet. “When people discover a good crypto asset, they want to be able to buy it quickly, securely, and easily. Increasingly, these assets are not the major coins but rather smaller, trending tokens. So, we seamlessly integrate fiat onboarding with on-chain crypto swapping with the fewest steps. With this new capability, we’re giving users a simpler, safer, and smarter way to get their desired tokens —without compromising on self-custody or experience.”

    Buy+ works by intelligently routing transactions based on token availability. If a token is directly supported by Binance Connect, the purchase is completed in one seamless fiat-to-crypto flow. If not, the feature automatically facilitates a two-step process — first acquiring the required native token and then swapping it within the Trust Wallet app — all while maintaining full self-custody and minimizing complexity for the user.

    This feature pairs Binance Connect’s fiat-to-crypto infrastructure with Trust Wallet’s smart routing and swap capabilities to deliver a uniquely seamless experience that balances speed, flexibility, and full ownership.

    “At Binance, we’re focused on breaking down barriers to crypto adoption, and the launch of the Buy+ feature in Trust Wallet — powered by Binance Connect — is a major step in that direction,” said Thomas Gregory, Vice President of Fiat at Binance. “By removing the complexity of chains, swaps, and token transfers, we’re giving users — especially those new to crypto — a faster, simpler way to access the tokens and communities they care about. Binance Connect is proud to power this experience and enable our partners to deliver seamless fiat-to-crypto journeys.”

    Additional blockchain networks will be supported in future rollouts, as Binance Connect continues to expand access to Web3 tokens.

    This collaboration between Trust Wallet and Binance Connect reflects a shared commitment to lowering barriers to entry and making Web3 more intuitive for millions of users worldwide.

    Get Started Today

    To try Buy+ Token, download or open the latest version of Trust Wallet and tap “Buy” on any supported token. The feature is now live.

    Note: Until further notice, this feature will not be available in the UK, US, Canada, Nigeria, Netherlands, Russia, Belarus, Cape Verde, Cuba, Syria and Iran. This communication is not intended for audiences within the United Kingdom. If you are accessing this content from within the United Kingdom, please exit immediately.

    About Trust Wallet

    Trust Wallet is the secure, self-custody Web3 wallet and gateway for people who want to fully own, control, and leverage the power of their digital assets. From beginners to experienced users, Trust Wallet makes it easier, safer, and convenient for millions of people around the world to experience Web3, access dApps securely, store and manage their crypto and NFTs, as well as buy, sell, and stake crypto to earn rewards — all in one place and without limits.

    For media enquiries, contact:

    press@trustwallet.com

    About Binance Connect

    Binance Connect is a leading fiat-to-crypto infrastructure platform powered by Binance. It enables seamless on- and off-ramp solutions for Web3 applications, wallets, and marketplaces by leveraging Binance’s global liquidity, regulatory compliance, and diverse payment rails — including card payments, Apple Pay, Google Pay, local banking options, and P2P trading. Built to simplify access to digital assets, Binance Connect bridges traditional finance and decentralized ecosystems, empowering developers, businesses, and users to interact with crypto securely and efficiently.

    For media enquiries, contact:

    pr@binance.com

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Trust Wallet. 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. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. 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. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. 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. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    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 assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. 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/b8a673bf-72b8-4ac2-8e15-f79463a06b4b

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Diogo Guillen: Speech – Thematic Workshop on Securities Statistics and DGI-3 Recommendation 4 on Climate Finance

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Good morning, everyone.

    It is with great pleasure that I welcome all participants to the Thematic Workshop on Securities Statistics and DGI-3 Recommendation 4 on Climate Finance.

    For all of you who are visiting us, I wish you have an excellent stay in Brasília. I would like also to thank Johannes, from the ECB, and Bruno, from the BIS, for co-organizing this workshop with the support from the Irving Fisher Committee on Central Bank Statistics.

    For the Banco Central do Brasil it is a privilege to host this important event, and we welcome the opportunity to bring this subject closer to us, furthering the engagement of our teams.

    I am confident that, just as happened last year when we also had the privilege of hosting the Global DGI Conference, in the context of the Brazilian Presidency of the G20, this engagement will not only be important for the activities we are currently developing but it will also bear fruit for years to come.

    Another special reason to welcome the holding of this workshop in Brazil is that it coincides with the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), which will be held in Belém in November.

    In this workshop, we will focus on the production of climate finance statistics. We are all aware of the importance of undertaking efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change and to promote socially and environmentally sustainable investments.

    The development of instruments and markets designed to channel resources into investments capable of generating positive impacts on the environment and society is an initiative with very good potential for success. Attracting investors’ interest to this cause may be a task for marketing professionals around the world. But an inescapable responsibility lies with us, as data producers.

    We have the ability and the duty to produce the necessary information to generate knowledge and provide visibility to this market, as well as support for analysis and policy decision-making.

    The data produced will provide insight into the current state of climate finance markets, allowing us to assess their growth pace and its relative significance. They will help to determine whether this market has already reached a significant scale-or, if not, when it might become truly impactful based on its current pace of growth.

    In this context, although it is not the responsibility of this Working Group or the DGI in general, it is worth emphasizing the importance of certification processes to ensure that the resources raised in climate finance markets are indeed directed toward the environmental and social purposes for which they were intended. It is essential to reduce the risk of greenwashing; otherwise, the proposed objectives will not be achieved, and statistics will give wrong or biased information for its users.

    I would like to make a brief comment on climate finance in Brazil and the statistics we need to produce. Monica will bring to you more details shortly in a presentation on this topic, but I just want to mention that Brazil has a flourishing market for green and sustainable bonds, with a significant number of companies having successfully issued such instruments. We have also had two sovereign issuances by the National Treasury, which were very well received, amounting to USD 4 billion (with a demand of above USD10 billion)

    Regarding the production of statistics, we still face some challenges, such as the convergence of taxonomies used across different data sources. In some of these sources, the taxonomy is well-established and well-aligned with international standards. It is our job to make sure that the taxonomies for the other ones will not stray from these standards. However, we understand that the availability of data that can be progressively expanded or refined is an important step in this process.

    It is also important to highlight that we have benefited directly from the results achieved in DGI Phase 2, when we began to produce and disseminate comprehensive statistics on debt securities issued and held by companies, households, and the government in Brazil.

    I conclude by emphasizing the importance of the work all of us are doing in this group and, of course, of the data we are going to make available. When it comes to raising funds for investment, it is clearly not possible to attract interest in a market segment that lacks data.

    It is our responsibility to produce and disseminate data that will enable the monitoring of the development of the climate finance market. It is our expectation that, by producing these statistics, we will be making a significant and indispensable contribution to the development of these markets and, consequently, to the building of a better world.

    I wish we all have an excellent workshop.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • PM Modi appreciates Paraguay President Peña’s condemnation of Pahalgam terror attack

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging bilateral talks with Paraguayan President Santiago Peña Palacios at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Monday, marking a key moment in India–Paraguay relations. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation across sectors including trade, defence, infrastructure, healthcare, and critical technologies.
     
    Prime Minister Modi began by expressing deep appreciation to Paraguay for its strong condemnation of the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and the solidarity shown with India.
     
    “President Peña’s visit comes shortly after the heinous attack in Pahalgam. I thank him and the people of Paraguay for their heartfelt condolences and support,” PM Modi said during the talks.
     
    P. Kumaran, Secretary (East) at the Ministry of External Affairs, said in a press briefing that both leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms, reinforcing a shared commitment to global peace and security.
     
    President Peña, making his first visit to India, is on a State Visit from June 2 to 4. It marks only the second visit by a Paraguayan President to India—the previous one having taken place in 2012. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes ministers, parliamentarians, provincial governors, and senior officials.
     
    During the talks, the two sides explored avenues to strengthen ties in key areas such as digital technology, pharmaceuticals, energy, mining, agriculture, defence, railways, and space cooperation. They also discussed enhancing trade under the existing Preferential Trade Agreement between India and MERCOSUR, the South American trade bloc of which Paraguay is a member.
     
    “India and Paraguay are both important voices of the Global South. We share similar aspirations and challenges. There is immense potential for growth through collaboration in emerging sectors,” said PM Modi.
     
    He further highlighted opportunities to deepen cooperation in tackling cybercrime, organized crime, and drug trafficking.
     
    Upon arrival in New Delhi, President Peña was given a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Air Force Station in Palam. He later met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who said the visit would open new pathways for India’s engagement with Paraguay and the broader Latin American region.
     
    “Appreciate President Peña’s positive sentiments and guidance. Confident his discussions with PM Modi will deepen our cooperation across multiple domains,” Jaishankar posted on X.
     
    The Paraguayan leader also paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat and is scheduled to call on President Droupadi Murmu, who will host a state banquet in his honour.
     
    Paraguay has emerged as a strategic trade partner for India in Latin America. Indian pharmaceutical and automobile companies have established a presence in Paraguay, while Paraguayan firms are increasingly exploring joint ventures in India.
     
    As part of his itinerary, President Peña will travel to Mumbai on Tuesday, where he will meet political leaders, industry representatives, startups, and technology experts, signalling a growing focus on economic and innovation-driven cooperation.
     
    — IANS

  • MIL-OSI USA: Democratic Members call on Appropriators to protect ILAB funding, American workers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

    WASHINGTON – Education and Workforce Subcommittee on Workforce Protections Ranking Member Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.), Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.), co-chair of the Child Labor Prevention Task Force and Congressman Steven Horsford (D-Nev.), co-chair of the Labor Caucus, led 68 of their colleagues in calling on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies to protect Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) funding in fiscal year 2026 funding bill.

    ILAB promotes a fair global playing field for workers in the United States and around the world by enforcing trade commitments, strengthening labor standards and combating international child labor, forced labor and human trafficking.

    “ILAB plays a critical role in helping U.S. workers compete in a global economy,” the members wrote. “No other U.S. government agency has the expertise and mandate to effectively carry out this mission. We urge you to provide no less than the FY25 enacted level for ILAB so the Bureau can continue its mission to improve the working conditions and rights of workers around the world.”

     In addition to Sánchez, Omar, Scholten and Horsford, the letter was signed by Ways and Means Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-Mass.) and Representatives Yassamin Ansari (D-Nev.), Gabe Amo (D-R.I.), Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.), Donald Beyer (D-Va.), Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.), Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.), André Carson (D-Ill.), Greg Casar (D-Texas), Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Danny Davis (D-Ill.), Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.), Suzi LeVine DelBene (D-Wash.), Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), Dwight Evans (D-Pa.), Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.), Laura Friedman (D-Calif.), Chuy García (D-Ill), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.), Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Jonathan Jackson (D-Ill.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.), Robin Kelly (D-Ill.), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), John Larson (D-Conn.), Summer Lee (D-Pa.), Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.), John Mannion (D-N.Y.), Sarah McBride (D-Del.), Morgan McGarvey (D-Ky.), James McGovern (D-Mass.), LaMonica McIver (D-N.C.), Gwen Moore (D-Wisc.), Donald Norcross (D-N.J.), Eleanor Norton (D-D.C.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Johnny Olszewski (D-Md.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.), Janice Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Bradley Schneider (D-Ill.), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.), Terri Sewell (D-Ala.), Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), Haley Stevens (D-Mich.), Thomas Suozzi (D-N.Y.), Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.), Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), Nikema Williams (D-Ga.) and Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.).

     Full text of the letter is available is available HERE and follows:

     

    May 22, 2025

     

    The Honorable Robert Aderholt

    Chair

    Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,

    Education, and Related Agencies

    House Committee on Appropriations

    H-310, The Capitol

    Washington, DC 20515

     

    The Honorable Rosa DeLauro

    Ranking Member

    Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,

    Education, and Related Agencies

    House Committee on Appropriations

    1036 Longworth House Office Building

    Washington, DC 20515

     

    Dear Chairman Aderholt and Ranking Member DeLauro,

    As the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies develops its Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations bill, we write to ask for your support in funding the Department of Labor (DOL)’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB). We request no less than the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level for ILAB to ensure that it can continue to carry out its congressionally mandated mission. We also urge you to encourage ILAB to continue allocating balanced funding for programs that address labor rights and promote freedom of association, as well as exploitative child labor and forced labor internationally.

    As you know, ILAB’s mission is to promote a fair global playing field for workers in the United States and around the world by enforcing trade commitments, strengthening labor standards, and combating international child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking. ILAB works to ensure that fully enforceable labor standards are at the core of our trade agreements and programs, and that trade partners’ laws and practices align with those commitments. The need to continue increasing these capacities across international supply chains and in workplaces around the world remains evident.

    The Government Accountability Office (GAO) in 2014 found that limited resources have prevented DOL from more proactively monitoring trade partner compliance under 14 U.S. free trade agreements with 20 countries and monitoring of trade preference programs with about 120 countries (GAO 15-160). As a result, GAO found that DOL “systematically monitor[s] and enforce[s] compliance with FTA labor provisions for only a few priority countries.” Moreover, GAO also found that ILAB lacks sufficient capacity to carry out the timely investigation of formal submissions regarding violations of trade agreements. The requested funding aims to continue to remedy the weaknesses identified by GAO and to address the historical imbalance in the allocation of ILAB programming activity.

    We also want to stress our support for ILAB’s work enforcing the USMCA. Through the novel Rapid Response Labor Mechanism (RRM), ILAB has taken labor enforcement actions and worked to ensure compliance of our USMCA partners, especially Mexico, with the commitments of the agreement. Further, ILAB’s labor attaché program is crucial in monitoring working conditions on the ground and ensuring trading partners uphold internationally recognized labor rights and comply with labor-related trade obligations. We hope ILAB will continue to spend at least $30 million annually of USMCA appropriated funds on worker organizing and union capacity building in Mexico. 

    USMCA’s implementing legislation included $180 million for ILAB over four years to support unprecedented reform of the labor justice system in Mexico, worker-focused capacity building, and other implementation efforts in addition to $30 million over eight years for ILAB to monitor compliance with USMCA labor obligations. Given this four-year annual appropriation expired in December 2023 and the increased workload for ILAB expected with the upcoming 2026 USMCA review, we stress the importance of robust funding for ILAB.

    We also reject attempts to cut ILAB’s program funding and reaffirm the critical role that ILAB plays in ensuring our trade relationships strengthen and uphold worker rights around the world. Gutting ILAB does not put America first. It undermines American workers, distorts markets in favor of unscrupulous businesses and regimes, strips our trade and customs officials of critical enforcement tools, and accelerates a global race to the bottom on workers’ rights. ILAB is one of the only U.S. government entities with the infrastructure, expertise, and on-the-ground partnerships necessary to effectively counter forced labor

    ILAB must continue to fulfill the various aspects of mission—enforcing our trade commitments, strengthening labor standards, and combating international child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking. Accordingly, we request inclusion of the following language in the committee report that will accompany the FY 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill:

    Of amounts appropriated to the International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB), the Secretary is directed that the amount allocated in grants to promote labor rights and freedom of association, and to build the capacity of independent trade unions and countries to enforce labor rights and to promote a more level playing field for U.S. workers shall be at least equal to the amount allocated in grant funding for combatting child labor. ILAB is directed to continue its work on three key reports including DOL’s Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor; the List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor; and the List of Products Produced by Forced or Indentured Child Labor.

    ILAB plays a critical role in helping U.S. workers compete in a global economy. No other U.S. government agency has the expertise and mandate to effectively carry out this mission. We urge you to provide no less than the FY25 enacted level for ILAB so the Bureau can continue its mission to improve the working conditions and rights of workers around the world.

    Thank you for your consideration.

    Sincerely,

     ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: A Destructive Glacial Outburst Flood in Peru

    Source: NASA

    As the glaciers on Vallunaraju, a mountain in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca, have thinned and receded in recent decades, new glacial lakes perched high on its icy slopes have emerged and existing lakes have grown larger. On April 28, 2025, rockfalls sent debris crashing into one new lake, unleashing a destructive flood and debris flow that reached the city of Huaraz. According to Peruvian officials, the torrent damaged or destroyed dozens of homes in the city’s outskirts and led to multiple deaths.
    The OLI (Operational Land Imager) on Landsat 8 captured this image (right) of the debris flow’s aftermath on May 7, 2025. The other image (left) shows the same area on May 12, 2024, as observed by the OLI-2 on Landsat 9. Southeast of the glacier, rocky debris and brown sediment blanket the Casca River valley, and one of the lakes near the glacier’s terminus appears to have drained. Signs of damage line the river valley for several kilometers and extend into the outskirts of Huaraz.

    Christopher Cluett, a senior engineer at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, was preparing to climb Vallunaraju when the debris flow occurred. Cluett reported hearing “consistent rockfall” all morning as his group approached the glacier. Then, at 3:30 a.m. local time, a slide as loud as a “freight train” reverberated through the valley. These photographs, taken by Cluett, show the cliff where the rockfall likely started (above) and flood debris along the Casca River (below).
    This type of disaster, known as a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF), has long posed a risk in this area. In 1941, a similar flood arose from nearby Lake Palcacocha and killed an estimated 4,000 people in Huaraz, a third of the city’s population at the time.

    Satellites are helping researchers understand the risks GLOFs pose in this region. One team of researchers used data from Landsat and other sources to confirm that 32 GLOFs occurred in the Cordillera Blanca between 1948 and 2017. Another team’s analysis of Landsat observations identified a marked expansion in the size of the range’s glacial lakes, with the total lake area increasing by 3.7 square kilometers (1.4 square miles) between 1980 and 2020.
    NASA Earth Observatory images by Michala Garrison, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey. Photos courtesy of Christopher Cluett (WHOI). Story by Adam Voiland.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Manchester Day ’25 is set to hit all the right notes!

    Source: City of Manchester

    Manchester’s favourite day of the year is back for 2025 and looks set to hit all the right notes with a mammoth day of music-themed free fun promised for all the family on Saturday 26 July to help celebrate the city’s homegrown musical talent and this year’s big summer of live music in the city.

    With 1.3 million music tourists expected in Manchester this summer and a massive line-up of live music legends set to take over venues and parks across the city, this year’s Manchester Day aims to get everyone in the groove.

    The city council is working with outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank on a programme for the day that promises something for music fans of all ages, and all musical abilities or none – from the virtuoso violinist to the can’t-sing-a-note novice.

    From English National Opera teaming up with Manchester’s football fans and community choirs, West End show tunes, juggling drummers, hip-hop wrestling, plus two musical cats and a larger-than-life canary all in a giant birdcage – this year’s Manchester Day has got all musical tastes covered.

    With activities taking place in St Ann’s Square, Cathedral Gardens, and everywhere in-between, there will be plenty of chances throughout the day for visitors young and old to get stuck in, or to try their hand at music-making and uncover that hidden musical talent they didn’t know they had.

    And with a setlist that includes strum-along ukulele sessions, spontaneous sing-a-longs, dancing to a steel pan band or some surprising Ska, visitors will want to make sure they get down early and not miss a beat.

    The day will also see a music takeover of the route from St Peter’s Square to the Cathedral, with families invited to take a musical meander through the city streets as a music-filled mini parade makes its way from the square, along Deansgate, to the Cathedral.  

    Sure to be one of the highlights of the day, expect toe-tapping sounds and surprises all the way as two huge Griffins lead the parade with fantastical birds and other winged creatures in tow, all swooping their way along the parade route.

    Accompanied by the sounds of Brazilian-inspired brass from Jubacana, drumming from Manchester Dhol Players and a giant Dhol drum, along with the percussive rhythms of Manchester Batala, and performers from community groups across the city including the Anglo Filipino Club, the Hong Kong Cultural Community, Greater Manchester’s Youth network, Manchester’s Lithuanian Society and more – the mini parade looks set to get everyone moving and in the music groove.

    Councillor Pat Karney, Chair of Manchester Day, said: “We’ve got a mammoth summer of live music coming up in the city this year which means it’s only right that we max out on the music for Manchester Day. 

    “Everyone in Manchester loves music. Mancs have music in their bones, there’s so much talent here – we’re either making it or playing it. And that’s why everyone’s on the guestlist for this year’s Manchester Day to help us celebrate the music that Mancunians make best.

    “We’ve got a fantastic day lined up so loosen up those vocal chords, grab a guitar, grab your granny, all the family, and don’t miss it!”

    Proceedings on the day get underway at 12 noon with final encores at 5 pm.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: 🎥Watch ICE San Antonio arrest Cuban criminal alien Luis Alba-Navarro.

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Watch ICE San Antonio arrest Cuban criminal alien Luis Alba-Navarro.

    He lived in our country illegally despite his drug convictions & 2018 removal order. This shows he has no respect for our boundaries or our laws.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcxG0wG7hoA

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Africa Dialogue, Occupied Palestinian Territory & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (30 May 2025)

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    Secretary-General/Africa Dialogue
    Occupied Palestinian Territory
    Sudan
    South Sudan
    Cyprus
    Security Council
    Haiti – Hurricane Season
    International Days
    Programming Note – Monday
    Deputy Secretary-General/Travels

    SECRETARY-GENERAL/AFRICA DIALOGUE
    The Secretary-General will speak at the Africa Dialogue at 3 pm today and will focus on reparations, which is also the African Union’s theme for 2025.
    He will say that for too long, the colossal injustices inflicted by enslavement, the transatlantic slave trade, and colonialism have been left unacknowledged and unaddressed.
    And he will argue that reparatory justice frameworks are critical – to redress historic wrongs, address today’s challenges, and ensure the rights and dignity of all.

    DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL/TRAVELS
    Today, in Tajikistan, the Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed participated in the High-Level International Conference on Glacier Preservation, taking place in Dushanbe. She underscored the urgent need to preserve glaciers and keep the 1.5°C climate target within reach — not only to protect ecosystems and water sources, but to ensure the livelihoods of people and prospering communities.
    The Deputy Secretary-General called for bold, coordinated action ahead of COP30 rooted in cooperation, solidarity, and science. She later held a series of bilateral meetings with senior government officials, delegations, and youth constituents. She also met with the UN Country Team to acknowledge the UN’s continued support in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals in Tajikistan.
    Tomorrow, the Deputy Secretary-General will travel to Marrakech, Morocco, to attend the 2025 Ibrahim Governance Weekend.

    OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
    Turning to the situation in Gaza, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs tell says that the catastrophic situation in Gaza is the worst it has been since the war began.
    Strikes have continued across Gaza, particularly in North Gaza, where the last remaining partially functioning hospital, Al Awda, was forced to evacuate last night after repeated strikes on and around the facility in recent days. Attacks also continued farther south in Deir al Balah, in areas of Al Bureij and An Nuseirat camps.
    IHH, an international aid organization that runs community kitchens and nutrition points, reported on Wednesday that five of its workers had been killed and two injured in the previous two days.
    OCHA underscores once again that civilians, including aid workers, must always be protected.
    Displacement continued across Gaza, with nearly 200,000 people displaced in the last two weeks alone. Yesterday, Israeli authorities issued a renewed displacement order covering about 30 per cent of Gaza’s total territory in North Gaza, eastern parts of Gaza City and Deir al Balah.
    To date, displacement orders have covered the entirety of the northernmost and southernmost governorates, as well as the eastern parts of each of the three governorates in between. Partners note that the limited movement of people observed in recent days appears to be driven by the search for food and necessities, rather than displacement orders.
    The UN and its humanitarian partners continue to provide support to people in need, despite the immense challenges on the ground and the crippling restrictions on the amount and type of assistance being allowed into Gaza. Yesterday, the UN and the humanitarian partners only managed to collect five truckloads of cargo from the Palestinian side of Kerem Shalom. The other 60 trucks had to return to the crossing due to intense hostilities in the area.
    Meanwhile in Gaza City, our partners working to address shelter needs managed to distribute 45 emergency shelter kits to families as part of a pilot initiative aimed at pooling resources to respond to some of the most critical needs.
    Humanitarian needs have exploded in Gaza following nearly 80 days of a total blockade of all supplies.
    The limited amounts of aid now entering the Strip are nowhere near sufficient to support 2.1 million people in desperate need of assistance.
    As conditions on the ground further deteriorate and public order and safety break down, looting incidents continue to be reported. Today, a group ‎of armed individuals stormed the warehouses of a field hospital in Deir al Balah, looting large quantities of ‎medical equipment, supplies, medicines and nutritional supplements intended for ‎malnourished children.

    Full highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=30%20May%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE59Bf_GH5M

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: 🎥Watch our at-large arrest of Guatemalan criminal alien Miguel Tamup-Tamup May 15.

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Watch our at-large arrest of Guatemalan criminal alien Miguel Tamup-Tamup May 15.

    You may remember him from the early-release photos — he’s responsible for breaking an ICE agent’s leg during an earlier apprehension attempt.

    ICE officers risk their lives to protect the American public and enforce our laws. If an ICE agent tries to apprehend you, don’t resist, fight or flee.

    Ultimately, you’ll still be arrested — but you’ll also face criminal charges.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2cB1Ho7P70

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Golden statement on courts’ rulings over Trump tariffs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

    WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) released the following statement in response to court rulings today regarding emergency tariffs imposed by President Trump under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act: 

    “While the executive and judicial branches debate the limits of executive authority, one thing is clear: The decades-old free-trade consensus is a failure. It has been great for Wall Street and multinational corporations, but a disaster for American workers, American industry and manufacturing communities across our country. We traded good jobs and an ability to make things ourselves for foreign investment and cheap goods produced overseas.

    “There is no question that Congress has the authority to step in and start to reverse the damage. First, we should pass the BUILT USA Act, my bill to rebalance trade and reinvigorate American manufacturing with a 10 percent global tariff — the foundation of the president’s tariff agenda. Then, we can turn our attention to rewriting the deeply flawed U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA) and renegotiating our trade relationship with China, which has consistently undermined our workers and our nation’s economic strength with unfair trade practices.

    “It’s time for Congress to do its job.” 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Today, NSU opened an internship program for foreign specialists in the field of engineering InteRussia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    Today, June 2, NSU hosted the grand opening of the InteRussia 2025 internship program for foreign specialists. This is the second internship of this kind that is taking place at Novosibirsk State University. This time, 17 students from 14 countries, such as Chile, Jordan, India, Pakistan, Brazil, Albania, Serbia, Bangladesh, Turkmenistan, Belarus, Indonesia, Ecuador, Uzbekistan and Tanzania, came to NSU.

    The internship is conducted by the Gorchakov Fund, the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and the ANO “Mezhdunarodniki” with the support of the Directorate of the World Youth Festival and the Presidential Grants Fund.

    For a month — from June 2 to June 29 — young researchers will be trained at the university in the promising areas of “Artificial Intelligence and Medicine” and “Modern Quantum and Information Technologies in Electronics and Photonics”. The school participants will work in one of two groups in accordance with the chosen area. The event will result in the preparation and presentation of their own scientific project.

    — We are organizing the internship for the second time, but we already see that our program is in great demand — this year, more than 160 applications were submitted, so the competition was almost 10 people per place. As a result, the best students who passed a tough and competitive selection came here. This year, we decided to make only two directions, and not three, as it was a year ago. We left the direction “Artificial Intelligence and Medicine”, since the 2024 internship showed that this topic is very interesting and in demand. We also added a new promising direction related to quantum mechanics. Among other innovations, we increased the duration of the internship from three to four weeks, — said Evgeny Sagaydak, Head of the Education Export Department at NSU.

    Artur Pogosov, Professor of the Department of Semiconductor Physics, Faculty of Physics, NSU, Head of the Department of General Physics Physics Department of NSU, in his welcoming speech to the participants, he spoke a little about the specifics of Akademgorodok and the special atmosphere that characterizes this unique place. He also spoke in more detail about the program of the direction that he supervises – “Modern quantum and information technologies in electronics and photonics”. It will include both lectures from scientists of the SB RAS Research Institute and NSU teachers, and practical computer sessions, during which, using special computational and modeling methods, listeners will be able to delve deeper into quantum mechanics, explore new crystals and new compounds, and model the processes occurring in them.

    Evgeny Pavlovsky, Head of the Laboratory of Streaming Data Analytics and Machine Learning Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics of NSU and head of the Artificial Intelligence and Medicine department, noted that the students will have the opportunity not only to expand their knowledge, but also to present their projects, since one of the school’s goals is to ensure that the participants continue their research after completing their internship.

    The audience of the program was greeted by the leading specialist of the A.M. Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Support Fund Ilya Demkin. He thanked the partners for their cooperation, spoke about the activities of the Fund and about the internship program for foreign specialists in various fields of InteRussia. In addition, he noted that for the audience, participation in this event is an excellent opportunity to gain new knowledge in one of the best Russian universities, take thematic courses from leading experts, take part in innovative professional master classes in one of two areas, and exchange experience with colleagues from different countries.

    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 –

  • PM Modi, Paraguayan President Pena hold talks to strengthen bilateral relations

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of Paraguay Santiago Peña held wide-ranging bilateral discussions at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Monday. The talks were aimed at infusing new momentum into diplomatic and economic relations between India and the South American nation.

    President Peña, who is on a three-day official visit to India at the invitation of the Prime Minister, was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour upon his arrival at Air Force Station Palam earlier in the day. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers, senior officials, and business leaders.

    Welcoming the visiting leader, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) posted on social media, “Towards a new momentum in bilateral relationship. PM Narendra Modi welcomed President Santiago Peña of Paraguay at the Hyderabad House ahead of their deliberations.”

    Prior to his meeting with the Prime Minister, President Peña called on External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. The two leaders discussed opportunities for enhancing bilateral cooperation.

    “Pleased to call on President Santiago Peña of Paraguay at the start of his State Visit to India. Appreciate his positive sentiments and guidance for enhancing India–Paraguay cooperation in many domains. Confident that his talks with PM Narendra Modi today will open new avenues for India’s engagement with Paraguay and the South America region,” said Dr. Jaishankar in a post on X.

    President Peña also paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat during his engagements in the capital. Prime Minister Modi is hosting a luncheon in his honour, while President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to host a banquet. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar will also call on the visiting dignitary.

    This visit marks President Peña’s first official trip to India and is only the second time a head of state from Paraguay has visited the country.

    In a statement, the MEA noted that India and Paraguay established diplomatic relations on September 13, 1961, and have since cultivated warm and friendly ties. Bilateral cooperation spans across key sectors including trade, agriculture, health, pharmaceuticals, and information technology.

    Highlighting Paraguay’s strategic importance in Latin America, the MEA said that Indian companies in the automobile and pharmaceutical sectors are already active in Paraguay, while several Paraguayan firms operate in India through joint ventures.

    The Ministry further noted that both countries share similar views on major global issues such as UN reforms, climate change, renewable energy, and counter-terrorism.

    As part of his itinerary, President Peña will also visit Mumbai, where he is expected to meet state-level political leaders, as well as representatives from industry, startups, and technology sectors. The visit underscores the growing emphasis on economic and technological partnerships between the two countries.

    The MEA said that the State Visit provides a timely opportunity to undertake a comprehensive review of bilateral ties and to discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest.

    President Peña will conclude his visit and depart for Paraguay on June 4, 2025.

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Krishnamoorthi Visits Rockford to Highlight How Trump’s Tariffs are Hurting Illinois Small Businesses and Workers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

    Latest stop on Krishnamoorthi’s “Trump Tariff Tour” underscores toll on manufacturing jobs and local economies

    ROCKFORD, IL – Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) continued his “Trump Tariff Tour” with a visit to a warehouse operated by Milescraft, a family-owned power tool manufacturer. During the visit, Congressman Krishnamoorthi toured the facility with Milescraft CEO Simon Karkosch and spoke to members of the press about how President Trump’s blanket tariffs are driving up costs, stifling growth, and forcing Illinois businesses to make painful decisions, including layoffs.

    “At Milescraft and across our state, the real cost of Donald Trump’s tariff war is being paid by small businesses and working families,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “These blanket tariffs aren’t targeting bad actors or protecting American jobs; they’re raising prices, slashing margins, and threatening the very businesses and workers that keep our local economies going. This isn’t smart economic policy. It’s time to put Illinois jobs and families first by ending this destructive tariff policy.”

    Founded in 2002, Milescraft has grown from a small Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) into a leading designer of woodworking tools and power tool accessories. The company now produces and distributes hundreds of products each year. However, under the burden of President Trump’s tariffs, they’ve been forced to cut jobs and grapple with rising input costs. According to recent projections, if all of President Trump’s proposed tariffs are implemented, they could cost the average American household more than $4,400 annually. Already, the Budget Lab at Yale estimates that the 2025 tariffs have increased consumer prices by 2.3 percent, reducing household purchasing power by $3,800 per year on average. Illinois in particular faces significant exposure, with over $82 billion in imports from Canada and Mexico — the state’s two largest trading partners — at risk from these tariffs.

    Congressman Krishnamoorthi launched his Trump Tariff Tour last month at Testa Produce in Chicago, followed by stops at Kindred Farms in Atlanta and Cloud Mountain Kombucha Brewery in Urbana. At each stop, he has heard directly from those on the front lines of Illinois’ economy — and pledged to keep fighting for fair trade policies that protect working families and small businesses, not punish them.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: BW Offshore: First quarter results 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    First quarter results 2025

    HIGHLIGHTS

    • Q1 EBITDA USD of 91 million and operating cashflow of USD 57 million
    • Sale of BW Pioneer for USD 125 million
    • Received USD 36 million arbitration settlement in April, USD 21 million recognised in EBITDA
    • Robust balance sheet with an equity ratio of 30.9% and USD 542 million in available liquidity
    • Q1 cash dividend of USD 0.063 per share
    • BW Opal departed the shipyard in Singapore 28 May
    • Full-year 2025 EBITDA guidance maintained in the range of USD 220-250 million

    BW Offshore is nearing completion of the Barossa project well within the updated budget. On 28 May, the FPSO BW Opal departed the shipyard in Singapore and is currently enroute to the field where hook-up and connection will be undertaken. The FPSO is on track for first gas within the third quarter.

    The Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of USD 0.063 per share. The shares will trade ex-dividend from 4 June 2025. Shareholders recorded in VPS following the close of trading on Oslo Børs on 3 June 2025, will be entitled to the distribution payable on or around 12 June 2025.

    “The BW Opal is on its way to the Barossa field to start producing gas under the 15-year contract, providing material earnings and cash flow to BW Offshore from later this year,” said Marco Beenen, CEO of BW Offshore. “At the same time, we continue to mature selected potential FPSO projects that meet our criteria, with solid counterparties and long-term investment horizons. Our growth strategy is supported by a strong balance sheet, high commercial uptime and robust cash generation from the existing fleet.”

    In late March, the Company completed the sale of FPSO BW Pioneer to Murphy Oil for USD 125 million and received an initial USD 100 million of the proceeds. The remaining USD 25 million was received in the second quarter upon meeting all conditions precedent. The two parties signed a five-year O&M contract, under which BW Offshore will continue to provide operations and maintenance services.

    In early April, BW Offshore received approximately USD 36 million including interest, after settling the arbitration with PRIO (formerly Petrorio) related to the FPSO Polvo lease dispute. This led to the recognition of USD 21 million of additional revenue and EBITDA in the first quarter accounts.

    FINANCIALS
    EBITDA for the first quarter of 2025 was USD 91.3 million (USD 71.9 million in Q4 2024), reflecting good operational performance and the arbitration settlement with PRIO.

    EBIT for the first quarter was USD 73.7 million (USD 30.8 million).

    Gain from sale of fixed assets was USD 14.8 million and relates to the sale of BW Pioneer.

    Net financial items were positive at USD 10.4 million (USD 19.4 million in Q4 2024). This included a net interest income of USD 1.1 million, which reflects USD 4.1 million of interest earned on the arbitration settlement with PRIO (net interest expense of USD 3.0 million). Both first quarter 2025 and fourth quarter 2024 were positively impacted by a valuation gain on the financial liability related to the Barossa project. This was driven by changes in the timing of expected future cash flows due to a later planned start-up of the facility, as well as a favourable mark-to-market adjustment on interest rate hedges.

    The share of loss from equity-accounted investments was USD 4.6 million, including a valuation adjustment on the Barossa finance receivable related to changes in timing of future expected cash flows (loss of USD 9.5 million).

    Tax expense was USD 17.3 million (tax income USD 0.1 million). The increase in tax expenses is mainly due to tax on the sale of BW Pioneer.

    Net profit for the first quarter increased to USD 62.2 million (USD 40.8 million).

    Total equity at 31 March 2025 was USD 1 271.7 million (USD 1 246.6 million) and the equity ratio was 30.9% at (30.8%).

    As a result of strong cash generation from the fleet and asset sales, the Company was net cash positive by USD 184.3 million at 31 March 2025 (USD 74.4 million net cash positive at the end of 2024).

    Available liquidity was USD 542 million, excluding consolidated cash from BW Ideol and including USD 100 million available under the corporate loan facility.

    FPSO OPERATIONS
    The FPSO fleet continued to deliver stable operations in the quarter with a weighted average fleet uptime of 100.0% (99.2% in the fourth quarter), including BW Pioneer.

    BW Adolo contributed positively through the volume-based tariff as production increased to approximately 39,000 barrels per day in the quarter and BW Catcher continued to maintain high commercial uptime.

    On 20 May 2025, BW Energy Gabon took over operations of the FPSO BW Adolo. BW Offshore continues to lease the unit under the same terms, excluding O&M services. A USD 100 million put-and-call option remains in place for 2028. The transition is ongoing and will be supported by both parties through 30 June 2025.

    FPSO PROJECT OPPORTUNITIES
    In January, BW Offshore was selected to perform the pre-FEED study for the Bay du Nord FPSO project by Equinor.

    The Company also progressed the FEED for Repsol’s Block 29 development in Mexico.

    Due to the current high activity related to FPSO-based development projects, BW Offshore recently acquired the FPSO Nganhurra. The vessel has a high-quality hull, well suited for installation of a new topside. Reusing existing energy production infrastructure reduces environmental impact, is cost efficient and enables shorter lead time from project sanction to first oil. The acquisition involves a limited upfront payment, with additional consideration linked to redeployment by June 2027. The unit enhances BW Offshore’s ability to respond to emerging project opportunities and strengthens its position in a supply-constrained market.

    FLOATING ENERGY TRANSITION SOLUTIONS
    BW Offshore is committed to contribute to the energy transition by leveraging FPSO expertise to deliver low-carbon energy and expand into new sectors, focusing on low-emission oil and gas, CO2 transport, gas-to-power and floating ammonia to meet evolving energy demands. The Company maintains a disciplined approach with selective and diligent allocation of capital and a commitment to creating shareholder value.

    BW Offshore owns 64% of BW Ideol, a leader in offshore floating wind technology and co-development with over 14 years of experience in the development of floating wind projects. A shareholder loan of EUR 6.7 million has been provided to support the company’s operations over the next 12 months.

    The 1 GW Buchan offshore wind project in Scotland recently held its third and final public consulting round as part of the preparation for the final consent application later this year. In France, work continued on the three floating substructures for the Eolmed floating wind pilot with installation of the transition pieces which will hold the wind turbines. Commissioning of the three floating turbines is expected by end of 2025.

    OUTLOOK
    Growing energy demand continues to drive interest in developing new infrastructure-type FPSO projects with long production profiles, low break-even costs, and a focus on lower emissions. Increased project complexity, combined with higher construction costs, necessitates financial structures with significant day rate prepayments during the construction period for new lease and operate projects. Alternatively, oil and gas majors may finance and own FPSOs, relying on FPSO specialists for the design, construction and installation scope, combined with operation and maintenance services. BW Offshore is well positioned to offer both solutions.

    In recent years, the number of sanctioned FPSO projects have lagged market expectations. Consequently, there is a growing number of projects at various stages of maturity, reflecting a pent-up demand for FPSOs. Increased FEED and tendering activity are a function of this, and BW Offshore expects that a number of the FPSO projects the Company is engaging with will reach a final investment decision over the next 36 months. These market dynamics, combined with the high level of expertise required for project execution, are expected to enable better risk-reward and improved margins for FPSO companies going forward.

    BW Offshore continues to selectively evaluate new projects that meet required return targets, offer contracts with no residual value risk after firm period, and provide a financeable structure with strong national or investment-grade counterparties.

    BW Offshore expects that the fleet will continue to generate significant cash flows in the time ahead, supported by the USD 5.4 billion firm contract backlog at the end of March 2025.

    Please see attached the Q1 Presentation. The earnings tables are available at:

    https://www.bwoffshore.com/ir/

    BW Offshore will host a webcast of the financial results 09:00 (CEST) today. The presentation will be given by CEO Marco Beenen and CFO Ståle Andreassen.

    Webcast information:
    You can follow the presentation via webcast with supporting slides and a Q&A module, available on:

    BW Offshore Limited – Q1 Presentation Webcast

    Please note, that if you follow the webcast via the above URL, you will experience a 30 second delay compared to the main conference call. The web page works best in an updated browser – Chrome is recommended.

    For further information, please contact:
    Ståle Andreassen, CFO, +47 91 71 86 55
    IR@bwoffshore.com or www.bwoffshore.com

    About BW Offshore:
    BW Offshore engineers innovative floating production solutions. The Company has a fleet of FPSOs with potential and ambition to grow. By leveraging four decades of offshore operations and project execution, the Company creates tailored offshore energy solutions for evolving markets world-wide. BW Offshore has around 1,100 employees and is publicly listed on the Oslo stock exchange.

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • President of Paraguay Santiago Peña begins state visit to India

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    he President of Paraguay, Santiago Peña Palacios, arrived in India on Monday for a State Visit from June 2 to 4 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This marks his first official visit to India and only the second-ever visit by a Paraguayan head of state to the country.

    President Peña is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers, senior officials, and business representatives. As part of the visit, he will also travel to Mumbai before concluding his trip on June 4.

    During his stay in New Delhi, President Peña is scheduled to hold discussions with Prime Minister Modi on Monday, where the two leaders will review the full spectrum of bilateral relations. Prime Minister Modi is also set to host a luncheon in honour of the visiting dignitary. President Droupadi Murmu is expected to meet President Peña and will host a banquet in his honour. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar are also expected to call on the Paraguayan President.

    India and Paraguay established diplomatic relations on September 13, 1961, and have since shared warm and cooperative ties. Over the years, both nations have expanded their collaboration in key sectors such as trade, agriculture, health, pharmaceuticals, and information technology. Paraguay holds significance as a trading partner for India within Latin America, with several Indian companies in the automobile and pharmaceutical sectors operating in the country. Conversely, Paraguayan firms, primarily through joint ventures, have established a presence in India, adding strength to bilateral economic engagement.

    The two nations also share similar perspectives on various global issues, including the need for reforms in the United Nations, action on climate change, promotion of renewable energy, and the fight against terrorism.

    As part of his Mumbai visit, President Peña is expected to meet with state leaders as well as representatives from India’s business community, startups, innovators, and the technology sector.