Category: Middle East

MIL-OSI: Precision Drilling Announces 2024 Fourth Quarter and Year End Unaudited Financial Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CALGARY, Alberta, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — This news release contains “forward-looking information and statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. For a full disclosure of the forward-looking information and statements and the risks to which they are subject, see the “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements” later in this news release. This news release contains references to certain Financial Measures and Ratios, including Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before income taxes, gain on acquisition, loss on investments and other assets, gain on repurchase of unsecured senior notes, finance charges, foreign exchange, loss on asset decommissioning, gain on asset disposals and depreciation and amortization), Funds Provided by (Used in) Operations, Net Capital Spending, Working Capital and Total Long-term Financial Liabilities. These terms do not have standardized meanings prescribed under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. See “Financial Measures and Ratios” later in this news release.

Financial Highlights and 2025 Capital Allocation Plans

Revenue in the fourth quarter was $468 million, an 8% decrease from 2023 as activity increases in Canadian drilling, well servicing, and international were more than offset by lower activity and day rates in the U.S.
Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾ was $121 million in the quarter and included $15 million of share-based compensation charges, $4 million for rig reactivation costs and $4 million of non-recurring charges. In 2023, fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA was $151 million and included share-based compensation charges of $13 million.
Net earnings attributable to shareholders was $15 million or $1.06 per share in the fourth quarter compared to $147 million or $10.42 per share as net earnings in 2023 included an income tax recovery of $69 million and a gain on acquisition of $26 million.
In 2024, we invested $217 million into our fleet and infrastructure, including multiple contracted rig upgrades and the strategic purchase of drill pipe for use in 2025. We expect to invest $225 million into our fleet and infrastructure in 2025, which may fluctuate with activity levels and customer contract upgrade opportunities.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, we achieved our annual debt reduction and return of shareholder capital targets, reducing debt by $176 million and repurchasing $75 million of common shares while building cash by $20 million. Precision has consistently met or exceeded its capital allocation goals since implementation in 2016.
For 2025, we expect to reduce debt by at least $100 million in 2025 and have increased our long-term debt reduction target to $700 million and extended our debt reduction period to 2027. In 2025, we plan to increase direct shareholder returns to 35% to 45% of free cash flow, before debt repayments. To the extent excess cash is generated these allocations may be increased.

Operational Highlights

Demand for our services continues to be strong and in 2024 our Canadian and international drilling rig utilization days increased 12% and 37%, respectively, while our well servicing rig operating hours increased 26% over 2023.
In the fourth quarter, Canada’s activity averaged 65 active drilling rigs versus 64 in the same quarter last year. Our Super Triple and Super Single rigs remain in high demand and are nearly fully utilized. Canadian revenue per utilization day was $35,675, up from $34,616 in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Our U.S. activity has remained relatively consistent since mid-2024. We averaged 34 drilling rigs in the fourth quarter with revenue per utilization day of US$30,991 versus 45 drilling rigs at US$34,452 in 2023’s fourth quarter.
International activity increased 6% over the same period last year while revenue per utilization day was US$49,636 compared to US$49,872 in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Service rig operating hours in the fourth quarter totaled 59,834, representing a 6% increase over the same quarter last year partially driven by the CWC Energy Services Corp. (CWC) acquisition in November of 2023.

^{(1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS.”}

MANAGEMENT COMMENTARY

“Through 2024 Precision demonstrated remarkable market resilience despite weaker than expected U.S. customer demand and late year customer budget exhaustion in Canada. We continued our long-term record of meeting or exceeding our capital allocation targets every year since 2016 with $176 million of debt reduction, $75 million of share buybacks, while increasing our cash balance by $20 million. In the fourth quarter, approximately $8 million of reactivation costs and non-recurring items impacted our financial results, along with slightly lower than expected Canadian customer demand. Despite these fourth quarter headwinds we continued investing in our core business lines, including purchasing approximately $18 million of drill pipe in advance of potential tariffs, investing $3 million to begin reactivating two idle Canadian Super Single rigs to meet demand in 2025, and upgrading one rig for Canadian heavy oil pad drilling opportunities.

“The outlook for Canada remains very strong given robust heavy oil activity following the startup of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion in May 2024 and the imminent startup of LNG Canada in mid-2025. My enthusiasm is further underpinned by the pace of rig reactivations following the seasonal Christmas break and the stable winter activity we have experienced to date with 81 rigs working since mid-January. The uncertainty introduced by potential U.S. tariffs on Canadian oil and gas exports, has been tempered and we have not experienced any change in customer demand or their longer-term capital spending plans.

“In Canada, our drilling utilization days increased 12% over 2023 and our Super Triple and Super Single rigs, which represent approximately 80% of our Canadian fleet, are nearly fully utilized. Demand for our Super Triple fleet, which is the preferred rig for Montney drilling, is driven by robust condensate fundamentals and the startup of LNG Canada this year. Demand for our Super Single fleet is driven by increased activity in heavy oil targeted areas as customers are benefiting from improved commodity pricing, following the startup of Trans Mountain, and a softening Canadian dollar.

“Internationally, our drilling utilization days increased 37% in 2024 following the recertification and reactivation of four rigs in 2023. In 2024, we had eight rigs working on term contracts, five in Kuwait and three in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The majority of these rigs are under five-year term contracts that extend into 2027 and 2028, providing predictable cash flow for the next few years.

“In our Completion and Production Services business, our well servicing operating hours increased 26% over 2023 levels following the successful integration of CWC, where we achieved significant operating synergies. Our Completion and Production Services Adjusted EBITDA increased 30% year over year, which was slightly below our expectation due to late year customer budget exhaustion impacting our activity and rental business. I am very pleased with how we have transformed our Completion and Production Services business with two strategic tuck-in acquisitions. The High Arctic and CWC acquisitions more than doubled our Completion and Production revenue and Adjusted EBITDA since 2021 and solidified Precision as the premier well service provider in Canada.

“During the year, Precision generated $482 million of cash provided by operations, allowing us to meet our capital return targets and invest $217 million into our fleet and infrastructure, which included multiple drilling rig upgrades and the strategic purchase of drill pipe for use in 2025. We expect to invest approximately $225 million in 2025, which reflects a weaker Canadian dollar and includes expected customer funded upgrades across our North American operations, including approximately $30 million in US fleet upgrades for customers targeting extended reach laterals.

“With sustained free cash flow as a key differentiator of our business, we remain focused on reducing debt and increasing direct returns to shareholders. In 2025, we expect to reduce debt by at least $100 million, reinforcing our commitment to achieving a sustained Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio⁽¹⁾ of below 1.0 times. As we continue to realize the benefits of lower debt levels, we have increased our long-term debt reduction target by $100 million to $700 million and extended the debt reduction period by one year to 2027. In 2025, our goal is to increase our direct capital returns to shareholders by allocating 35% to 45% of free cash flow, before debt repayments, while continuing to move towards 50% of free cash flow thereafter, with excess cash potentially used to increase these allocations.

“I would like to thank our employees for their dedication and commitment to serving our customers, and our shareholders for their continued support. With positive long-term fundamentals associated with global oil and natural gas demand and particularly the unique fundamentals driving drilling activity in our core geographic markets, I am confident we will continue to drive shareholder value,” concluded Mr. Neveu.

^{(1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS.”}

SELECT FINANCIAL AND OPERATING INFORMATION
Financial Highlights

	For the three months ended December 31,								For the year ended December 31,
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)		2024		2023		% Change				2024		2023		% Change
Revenue		468,171		506,871			(7.6	)		1,902,328		1,937,854			(1.8	)
Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾		120,526		151,231			(20.3	)		521,221		611,118			(14.7	)
Net earnings		14,930		146,722			(89.8	)		111,330		289,244			(61.5	)
Net earnings attributable to shareholders		14,795		146,722			(89.9	)		111,195		289,244			(61.6	)
Cash provided by operations		162,791		170,255			(4.4	)		482,083		500,571			(3.7	)
Funds provided by operations⁽¹⁾		120,535		145,189			(17.0	)		463,372		533,409			(13.1	)

Cash used in investing activities		61,954		57,627			7.5			202,986		214,784			(5.5	)
Capital spending by spend category⁽¹⁾
Expansion and upgrade		21,565		24,459			(11.8	)		52,066		63,898			(18.5	)
Maintenance and infrastructure		37,335		54,388			(31.4	)		164,632		162,851			1.1
Proceeds on sale		(8,570	)	(3,117	)		174.9			(30,395	)	(23,841	)		27.5
Net capital spending⁽¹⁾		50,330		75,730			(33.5	)		186,303		202,908			(8.2	)

Net earnings attributable to shareholders per share:
Basic		1.06		10.42			(89.8	)		7.81		21.03			(62.8	)
Diluted		1.06		9.81			(89.2	)		7.81		19.53			(60.0	)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic		13,982		14,084			(0.7	)		14,229		13,754			3.5
Diluted		13,987		15,509			(9.8	)		14,234		15,287			(6.9	)

^{(1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS.”}Operating Highlights

	For the three months ended December 31,							For the year ended December 31,
	2024		2023		% Change			2024		2023		% Change
Contract drilling rig fleet		214		214		–			214		214		–
Drilling rig utilization days:
U.S.		3,084		4,138		(25.5	)		12,969		17,961		(27.8	)
Canada		6,018		5,909		1.8			23,685		21,156		12.0
International		736		693		6.2			2,928		2,132		37.3
Revenue per utilization day:
U.S. (US$)		30,991		34,452		(10.0	)		32,531		35,040		(7.2	)
Canada (Cdn$)		35,675		34,616		3.1			34,797		33,151		5.0
International (US$)		49,636		49,872		(0.5	)		51,227		50,840		0.8
Operating costs per utilization day:
U.S. (US$)		21,698		21,039		3.1			22,009		20,401		7.9
Canada (Cdn$)		21,116		19,191		10.0			20,424		19,225		6.2

Service rig fleet		170		183		(7.1	)		170		183		(7.1	)
Service rig operating hours		59,834		56,683		5.6			254,224		201,627		26.1

Drilling Activity

	Average for the quarter ended 2023								Average for the quarter ended 2024
	Mar. 31		June 30		Sept. 30		Dec. 31			Mar. 31		June 30		Sept. 30		Dec. 31
Average Precision active rig count⁽¹⁾:
U.S.		60		51		41		45			38		36		35		34
Canada		69		42		57		64			73		49		72		65
International		5		5		6		8			8		8		8		8
Total		134		98		104		117			119		93		115		107

^{(1) Average number of drilling rigs working or moving.}

Financial Position

(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except ratios)	December 31, 2024		December 31, 2023⁽²⁾
Working capital⁽¹⁾		162,592		136,872
Cash		73,771		54,182
Long-term debt		812,469		914,830
Total long-term financial liabilities⁽¹⁾		888,173		995,849
Total assets		2,956,315		3,019,035
Long-term debt to long-term debt plus equity ratio ⁽¹⁾		0.33		0.37

^{(1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS.”}^{(2) Comparative period figures were restated due to a change in accounting policy. See “CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING POLICY.”}

Summary for the three months ended December 31, 2024:

Revenue decreased to $468 million compared with $507 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 as a result of lower U.S. activity and day rates, partially offset by higher Canadian and international activity.
Adjusted EBITDA was $121 million in the quarter and included $15 million of share-based compensation charges, $4 million for rig reactivation costs and $4 million of non-recurring charges. In 2023, fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA was $151 million and included share-based compensation of $13 million. Please refer to “Other Items” later in this news release for additional information on share-based compensation charges.
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue was 26% as compared with 30% in 2023.
Net earnings attributable to shareholders was $15 million compared to $147 million in the same quarter last year as net earnings in 2023 included an income tax recovery of $69 million and a gain on acquisition of $26 million.
Generated cash provided by operations of $163 million, reduced debt by $25 million through the partial redemption of our 2026 unsecured senior notes and repayment of our U.S. Real Estate Credit Facility, repurchased $25 million of common shares under our Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB), and ended the quarter with $74 million of cash and more than $575 million of available liquidity.
U.S. revenue per utilization day, excluding the impact of idle but contracted rigs was US$30,813 compared with US$32,819 in 2023, a decrease of 6%. Sequentially, revenue per utilization day, excluding idle but contracted rigs, was down 6% compared with the third quarter of 2024. Fourth quarter U.S. revenue per utilization day was US$30,991 compared with US$34,452 in 2023. The decrease was primarily the result of lower fleet average day rates, idle but contracted rig revenue and recoverable costs. We recognized US$1 million of revenue from idle but contracted rigs in the quarter as compared with US$7 million in 2023.
U.S. operating costs per utilization day increased to US$21,698 compared with US$21,039 in 2023. The increase was mainly due to higher rig operating costs and fixed costs spread over lower activity, offset by lower recoverable costs and repairs and maintenance. Sequentially, operating costs per utilization day were down 2% due to lower recoverable costs.
Canadian revenue per utilization day was $35,675, an increase from the $34,616 realized in 2023 due to higher average day rates and recoverable costs. Sequentially, revenue per utilization day increased $3,350 due to higher boiler revenue and higher fleet-wide average day rates.
Canadian operating costs per utilization day increased to $21,116, compared with $19,191 in 2023, resulting from higher repairs and maintenance, rig reactivation costs and impact of labour rate increases. Sequentially, daily operating costs increased $1,668 and were the result of higher labour expenses due to rate increases, recoverable expenses and repairs and maintenance.
Internationally, fourth quarter revenue increased 6% from 2023 as we realized revenue of US$37 million versus US$35 million in the prior year. Our higher revenue was primarily the result of a 6% increase in activity, which was negatively impacted by a planned rig recertification accounting for 21 non-billable utilization days in October. International revenue per utilization day was US$49,636 compared with US$49,872 in 2023.
Completion and Production Services revenue was $69 million, an increase of $6 million from 2023, as our fourth quarter service rig operating hours increased 6%, reflecting the successful integration of the CWC acquisition in November 2023.
General and administrative expenses were $35 million as compared with $39 million in 2023 primarily due to lower non-recurring costs associated with our CWC acquisition in 2023, partially offset by higher share-based compensation charges.
Net finance charges were $16 million, a decrease of $3 million compared with 2023 as a result of lower interest expense on our outstanding debt balance.
Capital expenditures were $59 million compared with $79 million in 2023 and by spend category included $22 million for expansion and upgrades and $37 million for the maintenance of existing assets, infrastructure, and intangible assets.
Income tax expense for the quarter was $6 million as compared with a recovery of $69 million in 2023. During the fourth quarter, we continue to not recognize deferred tax assets on certain international operating losses.

Summary for the year ended December 31, 2024:

Revenue for the year was $1,902 million, comparable with 2023.
Adjusted EBITDA was $521 million as compared with $611 million in 2023. Our lower Adjusted EBITDA was primarily attributed to decreased U.S. drilling results and $13 million of higher share-based compensation, partially offset by the strengthening of Canadian and international results.
Net earnings attributable to shareholders was $111 million compared to $289 million in the prior year. Our lower current year net earnings was due to the impact of decreased U.S. drilling results, higher income tax expense of $67 million and the gain on acquisition of $26 million recognized in 2023.
Cash provided by operations was $482 million as compared with $501 million in 2023. Funds provided by operations were $463 million, a decrease of $70 million from the comparative period.
General and administrative costs were $132 million, an increase of $10 million from 2023 primarily due to higher share-based compensation charges.
Net finance charges were $70 million, $14 million lower than 2023 due to our lower interest expense on our outstanding debt balance.
Capital expenditures were $217 million in 2024, a decrease of $10 million from 2023. Capital spending by spend category included $52 million for expansion and upgrades and $165 million for the maintenance of existing assets, infrastructure, and intangible assets.
Reduced debt by $176 million from the partial redemption of our 2026 unsecured senior notes and repayment of our Canadian and U.S. Real Estate Credit Facilities.
Repurchased $75 million of common shares under our NCIB.

STRATEGY

Precision’s vision is to be globally recognized as the High Performance, High Value provider of land drilling services. We work toward this vision by defining and measuring our results against strategic priorities that we establish at the beginning of every year.

Below we summarize the results of our 2024 strategic priorities:

Concentrate organizational efforts on leveraging our scale and generating free cash flow.
- Generated cash provided from operations of $482 million, allowing us to meet our debt reduction and share repurchase goals and build our cash balance by $20 million.
- Increased utilization of our Super Single and tele double rigs, driving Canadian drilling activity up 12% over 2023.
- Successfully integrated our 2023 CWC acquisition, increasing Completion and Production Services operating hours and Adjusted EBITDA 26% and 30%, respectively, year over year. Achieved our $20 million annual synergies target from the acquisition.
- Internationally, increased our activity 37% year over year and realized US$150 million of contract drilling revenue compared to US$108 million in 2023.
Reduce debt by between $150 million and $200 million and allocate 25% to 35% of free cash flow before debt repayments for share repurchases.
- Reduced debt by $176 million and ended the year with a Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio of approximately 1.4 times. On track to achieve a sustained Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio of below 1.0 times.
- Returned $75 million to shareholders through share repurchases, achieving the midpoint of our target range.
- Renewed our NCIB in September, allowing repurchases of up to 10% of the public float.
Continue to deliver operational excellence in drilling and service rig operations to strengthen our competitive position and extend market penetration of our Alpha^TMand EverGreen^TMproducts.
- Increased our Canadian drilling rig utilization days and well service rig operating hours year over year, maintaining our position as the leading provider of high-quality and reliable services in Canada.
- Invested $52 million in expansion and upgrade capital to enhance our drilling rigs.
- Nearly doubled our EverGreen^TM revenue year over year.
- Continued to expand our EverGreen^TM product offering on our Super Single rigs with LED mast lighting and hydrogen injection systems.

2025 Strategic Priorities

Maximize free cash flow through disciplined capital deployment and strict cost management.

Enhance shareholder returns through debt reduction and share repurchases.

Reduce debt by at least $100 million in 2025 and debt by $700 million between 2022 and 2027, while remaining committed to achieving a sustained Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio of below 1.0 times.
Allocate 35% to 45% of free cash flow, before debt repayments, directly to shareholders and continue moving direct shareholder capital returns toward 50% of free cash flow thereafter.
Grow revenue in existing service lines through contracted upgrades, optimized pricing and utilization, and opportunistic consolidating tuck-in acquisitions.

OUTLOOK

The long-term outlook for global energy demand remains positive with rising demand for all types of energy including oil and natural gas driven by economic growth, increasing demand from third-world regions, and emerging energy sources of power demand. Oil prices are constructive as OPEC+ continues to honour its production quotas, producers remain committed to returning capital to shareholders versus increasing production, and geopolitical issues continue to threaten supply. In Canada, the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, which became operational in May of 2024, combined with the imminent startup of LNG Canada are projected to provide significant tidewater access for Canadian crude oil and natural gas, supporting additional Canadian drilling activity. In the U.S., the next wave of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) export terminals is expected to add approximately 11 bcf/d of export capacity from 2025 to 2028, supporting additional U.S. natural gas drilling activity. Coal retirements and a build-out of artificial intelligence data centers could provide further support for natural gas drilling.

Our Canadian drilling activity continues to be robust in 2025 and we currently have 81 rigs operating and expect this activity level to continue until spring breakup. Our Super Single fleet is near full utilization as heavy oil customers are benefiting from improved commodity pricing and a weak Canadian dollar. Our Super Triple fleet, the preferred rig for Montney drilling, is also nearly fully utilized, and with the expected startup of LNG Canada in mid-2025, rig demand could exceed supply. Overall, we expect our Canadian drilling activity to be up year over year with near full utilization of our Super Series rigs, which should support day rates and increase demand for term contracts as customers secure rigs to ensure fulfillment of their development programs. The uncertainty introduced by potential U.S. tariffs on Canadian oil and gas exports, has been tempered and we have not experienced any change in customer demand or their longer-term plans.

In the U.S., we currently have 34 rigs earning revenue, which has been relatively consistent since mid-2024. Drilling activity growth remains constrained as producers continue to focus on shareholder returns rather than growth, while volatile commodity prices, customer consolidation, and drilling and completion efficiencies have restricted activity growth. If commodity prices remain stable and around today’s level, we expect drilling demand to begin to improve in the second half and gain momentum through the remainder of 2025 as new LNG export capacity is added and customers seek to maintain or possibly increase production levels.

Internationally, we have eight rigs working on term contracts, five in Kuwait and three in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The majority of these rigs are under five-year term contracts that extend into 2027 and 2028, providing predictable cash flow for the next few years. We continue to bid our remaining idle rigs within the region and remain optimistic in our ability to secure rig reactivations.

As the premier well service provider in Canada, the outlook for this business remains positive. We expect the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion and LNG Canada to drive more service-related activity, while increased regulatory spending requirements are expected to result in more abandonment work. Customer demand should remain strong, and with continued labour constraints, we expect firm pricing into the foreseeable future.

Contracts

The following chart outlines the average number of drilling rigs under term contract by quarter as at February 12, 2025. For those quarters ending after December 31, 2024, this chart represents the minimum number of term contracts from which we will earn revenue. We expect the actual number of contracted rigs to vary in future periods as we sign additional term contracts.

As at February 12, 2025	Average for the quarter ended 2024								Average		Average for the quarter ended 2025								Average
	Mar. 31		June 30		Sept. 30		Dec. 31		2024		Mar. 31		June 30		Sept. 30		Dec. 31		2025
Average rigs under term contract:
U.S.		20		17		17		16		18		15		13		8		6		11
Canada		24		22		23		23		23		20		19		18		14		18
International		8		8		8		8		8		8		8		7		7		8
Total		52		47		48		47		49		43		40		33		27		37

SEGMENTED FINANCIAL RESULTS

Precision’s operations are reported in two segments: Contract Drilling Services, which includes our drilling rig, oilfield supply and manufacturing divisions; and Completion and Production Services, which includes our service rig, rental and camp and catering divisions.

	For the three months ended December 31,									For the year ended December 31,
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars)		2024		2023			% Change				2024		2023			% Change
Revenue:
Contract Drilling Services		402,610			446,503			(9.8	)		1,617,735			1,704,265			(5.1	)
Completion and Production Services		68,830			62,459			10.2			294,817			240,716			22.5
Inter-segment eliminations		(3,269	)		(2,091	)		56.3			(10,224	)		(7,127	)		43.5
		468,171			506,871			(7.6	)		1,902,328			1,937,854			(1.8	)
Adjusted EBITDA:⁽¹⁾
Contract Drilling Services		125,683			162,459			(22.6	)		532,345			630,761			(15.6	)
Completion and Production Services		15,895			12,193			30.4			66,681			51,224			30.2
Corporate and Other		(21,052	)		(23,421	)		(10.1	)		(77,805	)		(70,867	)		9.8
		120,526			151,231			(20.3	)		521,221			611,118			(14.7	)

^{(1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS.”}

SEGMENT REVIEW OF CONTRACT DRILLING SERVICES

	For the three months ended December 31,								For the year ended December 31,
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted)		2024		2023		% Change				2024		2023		% Change
Revenue		402,610		446,503			(9.8	)		1,617,735		1,704,265			(5.1	)
Expenses:
Operating		264,858		270,303			(2.0	)		1,041,068		1,030,053			1.1
General and administrative		12,069		13,741			(12.2	)		44,322		43,451			2.0
Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾		125,683		162,459			(22.6	)		532,345		630,761			(15.6	)
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue⁽¹⁾		31.2	%	36.4	%					32.9	%	37.0	%

^{(1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS.”}

United States onshore drilling statistics:⁽¹⁾	2024				2023
	Precision		Industry⁽²⁾		Precision		Industry⁽²⁾
Average number of active land rigs for quarters ended:
March 31		38		602		60		744
June 30		36		583		51		700
September 30		35		565		41		631
December 31		34		569		45		603
Year to date average		36		580		49		670

^{(1) United States lower 48 operations only.}
^{(2) Baker Hughes rig counts.}

Canadian onshore drilling statistics:⁽¹⁾	2024				2023
	Precision		Industry⁽²⁾		Precision		Industry⁽²⁾
Average number of active land rigs for quarters ended:
March 31		73		208		69		221
June 30		49		134		42		117
September 30		72		207		57		188
December 31		65		194		64		181
Year to date average		65		186		58		177

^{(1) Canadian operations only.}
^{(2) Baker Hughes rig counts.}

SEGMENT REVIEW OF COMPLETION AND PRODUCTION SERVICES

	For the three months ended December 31,								For the year ended December 31,
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted)		2024		2023		% Change				2024		2023		% Change
Revenue		68,830		62,459			10.2			294,817		240,716			22.5
Expenses:
Operating		50,714		48,297			5.0			217,842		181,622			19.9
General and administrative		2,221		1,969			12.8			10,294		7,870			30.8
Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾		15,895		12,193			30.4			66,681		51,224			30.2
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue⁽¹⁾		23.1	%	19.5	%					22.6	%	21.3	%
Well servicing statistics:
Number of service rigs (end of period)		170		183			(7.1	)		170		183			(7.1	)
Service rig operating hours		59,834		56,683			5.6			254,224		201,627			26.1
Service rig operating hour utilization		38	%	38	%					42	%	42	%

^{(1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS.”}

OTHER ITEMS

Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans

We have several cash and equity-settled share-based incentive plans for non-management directors, officers, and other eligible employees. Our accounting policies for each share-based incentive plan can be found in our 2023 Annual Report.

A summary of expense amounts under these plans during the reporting periods are as follows:

For the three months ended
December 31,

For the year ended
December 31,

(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars)

2024

2023

2024

2023

Cash settled share-based incentive plans

14,018

11,972

42,828

32,063

Equity settled share-based incentive plans

1,071

697

4,588

2,531

Total share-based incentive compensation plan expense

15,089

12,669

47,416

34,594

Allocated:

Operating

3,709

2,765

11,868

9,497

General and Administrative

11,380

9,904

35,548

25,097

15,089

12,669

47,416

34,594

FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We reference certain Non-Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (Non-GAAP) measures that are not defined terms under IFRS to assess performance because we believe they provide useful supplemental information to investors.

Adjusted EBITDA

We believe Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before income taxes, gain on acquisition, loss on investments and other assets, gain on repurchase of unsecured senior notes, finance charges, foreign exchange, loss on asset decommissioning, gain on asset disposals and depreciation and amortization), as reported in our Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Net Earnings and our reportable operating segment disclosures, is a useful measure because it gives an indication of the results from our principal business activities prior to consideration of how our activities are financed and the impact of foreign exchange, taxation and depreciation and amortization charges.

The most directly comparable financial measure is net earnings.

	For the three months ended December 31,					For the year ended December 31,
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars)		2024		2023			2024		2023
Adjusted EBITDA by segment:
Contract Drilling Services		125,683		162,459			532,345		630,761
Completion and Production Services		15,895		12,193			66,681		51,224
Corporate and Other		(21,052	)	(23,421	)		(77,805	)	(70,867	)
Adjusted EBITDA		120,526		151,231			521,221		611,118
Depreciation and amortization		82,210		78,734			309,314		297,557
Gain on asset disposals		(1,913	)	(8,883	)		(16,148	)	(24,469	)
Loss on asset decommissioning		—		9,592			—		9,592
Foreign exchange		1,487		(773	)		2,259		(1,667	)
Finance charges		16,281		19,468			69,753		83,414
Gain on repurchase of unsecured notes		—		—			—		(137	)
Loss on investments and other assets		1,814		735			1,484		6,810
Gain on acquisition		—		(25,761	)		—		(25,761	)
Incomes taxes		5,717		(68,603	)		43,229		(23,465	)
Net earnings		14,930		146,722			111,330		289,244
Non-controlling interests		135		—			135		—
Net earnings attributable to shareholders		14,795		146,722			111,195		289,244


*Funds Provided by (Used in) Operations*	We believe funds provided by (used in) operations, as reported in our Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, is a useful measure because it provides an indication of the funds our principal business activities generate prior to consideration of working capital changes, which is primarily made up of highly liquid balances. The most directly comparable financial measure is cash provided by (used in) operations.

*Net Capital Spending*	We believe net capital spending is a useful measure as it provides an indication of our primary investment activities. The most directly comparable financial measure is cash provided by (used in) investing activities. Net capital spending is calculated as follows:
		For the three months ended December 31,					For the year ended December 31,
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars)			2024		2023			2024		2023
Capital spending by spend category
Expansion and upgrade			21,565		24,459			52,066		63,898
Maintenance, infrastructure and intangibles			37,335		54,388			164,632		162,851
			58,900		78,847			216,698		226,749
Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment			(8,570	)	(3,117	)		(30,395	)	(23,841	)
Net capital spending			50,330		75,730			186,303		202,908
Business acquisitions			—		646			—		28,646
Proceeds from sale of investments and other assets			—		—			(3,623	)	(10,013	)
Purchase of investments and other assets			718		61			725		5,343
Receipt of finance lease payments			(208	)	(191	)		(799	)	(255	)
Changes in non-cash working capital balances			11,114		(18,619	)		20,380		(11,845	)
Cash used in investing activities			61,954		57,627			202,986		214,784

Working Capital

We define working capital as current assets less current liabilities, as reported in our Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

Working capital is calculated as follows:

	December 31,		December 31,
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars)		2024		2023
Current assets		501,284		510,881
Current liabilities		338,692		374,009
Working capital		162,592		136,872

Total Long-term Financial Liabilities

We define total long-term financial liabilities as total non-current liabilities less deferred tax liabilities, as reported in our Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

Total long-term financial liabilities is calculated as follows:

	December 31,		December 31,
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars)		2024		2023
Total non-current liabilities		935,624		1,069,364
Deferred tax liabilities		47,451		73,515
Total long-term financial liabilities		888,173		995,849

Non-GAAP Ratios
We reference certain additional Non-GAAP ratios that are not defined terms under IFRS to assess performance because we believe they provide useful supplemental information to investors.

*Adjusted EBITDA % of Revenue*			We believe Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of consolidated revenue, as reported in our Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Net Earnings, provides an indication of our profitability from our principal business activities prior to consideration of how our activities are financed and the impact of foreign exchange, taxation and depreciation and amortization charges.

*Long-term debt to long-term debt plus equity*			We believe that long-term debt (as reported in our Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position) to long-term debt plus equity (total shareholders’ equity as reported in our Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position) provides an indication of our debt leverage.

*Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA*			We believe that the Net Debt (long-term debt less cash, as reported in our Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position) to Adjusted EBITDA ratio provides an indication of the number of years it would take for us to repay our debt obligations.

Supplementary Financial Measures
We reference certain supplementary financial measures that are not defined terms under IFRS to assess performance because we believe they provide useful supplemental information to investors.

*Capital Spending by Spend Category*			We provide additional disclosure to better depict the nature of our capital spending. Our capital spending is categorized as expansion and upgrade, maintenance and infrastructure, or intangibles.

CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING POLICY

Precision adopted Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current and Non-current Liabilities with Covenants – Amendments to IAS 1, as issued in 2020 and 2022. These amendments apply retrospectively for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2024 and clarify requirements for determining whether a liability should be classified as current or non-current. Due to this change in accounting policy, there was a retrospective impact on the comparative Statement of Financial Position pertaining to the Corporation’s Deferred Share Unit (DSU) plan for non-management directors which are redeemable in cash or for an equal number of common shares upon the director’s retirement. In the case of a director retiring, the director’s respective DSU liability would become payable and the Corporation would not have the right to defer settlement of the liability for at least twelve months. As such, the liability is impacted by the revised policy. The following changes were made to the Statement of Financial Position:

As at January 1, 2023, accounts payable and accrued liabilities increased by $12 million and non-current share-based compensation liability decreased by $12 million.
As at December 31, 2023, accounts payable and accrued liabilities increased by $8 million and non-current share-based compensation liability decreased by $8 million.

The Corporation’s other liabilities were not impacted by the amendments. The change in accounting policy will also be reflected in the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ending December 31, 2024.

PARTNERSHIP

On September 26, 2024, Precision formed a strategic Partnership with two Indigenous partners to provide well servicing operations in northeast British Columbia. Precision contributed $4 million in assets to the Partnership. Profit attributable to Non-Controlling Interests (NCI) was $0.1 million in 2024.

Precision holds a controlling interest in the Partnership and the portions of the net earnings and equity not attributable to Precision’s controlling interest are shown separately as NCI in the Consolidated Statements of Net Earnings and Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained in this release, including statements that contain words such as “could”, “should”, “can”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “intend”, “plan”, “expect”, “believe”, “will”, “may”, “continue”, “project”, “potential” and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, “forward-looking information and statements”).

In particular, forward-looking information and statements include, but are not limited to, the following:

our strategic priorities for 2025;
our capital expenditures, free cash flow allocation and debt reduction plans for 2025 through to 2027;
anticipated activity levels, demand for our drilling rigs, day rates and daily operating margins in 2025;
the average number of term contracts in place for 2025;
customer adoption of Alpha^TM technologies and EverGreen^TM suite of environmental solutions;
timing and amount of synergies realized from acquired drilling and well servicing assets; and
potential commercial opportunities and rig contract renewals.

These forward-looking information and statements are based on certain assumptions and analysis made by Precision in light of our experience and our perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe are appropriate under the circumstances. These include, among other things:

our ability to react to customer spending plans as a result of changes in oil and natural gas prices;
the status of current negotiations with our customers and vendors;
customer focus on safety performance;
existing term contracts are neither renewed nor terminated prematurely;
our ability to deliver rigs to customers on a timely basis;
the impact of an increase/decrease in capital spending; and
the general stability of the economic and political environments in the jurisdictions where we operate.

Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information and statements. Whether actual results, performance or achievements will conform to our expectations and predictions is subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:

volatility in the price and demand for oil and natural gas;
fluctuations in the level of oil and natural gas exploration and development activities;
fluctuations in the demand for contract drilling, well servicing and ancillary oilfield services;
our customers’ inability to obtain adequate credit or financing to support their drilling and production activity;
changes in drilling and well servicing technology, which could reduce demand for certain rigs or put us at a competitive advantage;
shortages, delays and interruptions in the delivery of equipment supplies and other key inputs;
liquidity of the capital markets to fund customer drilling programs;
availability of cash flow, debt and equity sources to fund our capital and operating requirements, as needed;
the impact of weather and seasonal conditions on operations and facilities;
competitive operating risks inherent in contract drilling, well servicing and ancillary oilfield services;
ability to improve our rig technology to improve drilling efficiency;
general economic, market or business conditions;
the availability of qualified personnel and management;
a decline in our safety performance which could result in lower demand for our services;
changes in laws or regulations, including changes in environmental laws and regulations such as increased regulation of hydraulic fracturing or restrictions on the burning of fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions, which could have an adverse impact on the demand for oil and natural gas;
terrorism, social, civil and political unrest in the foreign jurisdictions where we operate;
fluctuations in foreign exchange, interest rates and tax rates; and
other unforeseen conditions which could impact the use of services supplied by Precision and Precision’s ability to respond to such conditions.

Readers are cautioned that the forgoing list of risk factors is not exhaustive. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect our business, operations or financial results are included in reports on file with applicable securities regulatory authorities, including but not limited to Precision’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2023, which may be accessed on Precision’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca or under Precision’s EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov. The forward-looking information and statements contained in this release are made as of the date hereof and Precision undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (UNAUDITED)

(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars)	December 31, 2024			December 31, 2023⁽¹⁾			January 1, 2023⁽¹⁾
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash	$	73,771		$	54,182		$	21,587
Accounts receivable		378,712			421,427			413,925
Inventory		43,300			35,272			35,158
Assets held for sale		5,501			—			—
Total current assets		501,284			510,881			470,670
Non-current assets:
Income tax recoverable		—			682			1,602
Deferred tax assets		6,559			73,662			455
Property, plant and equipment		2,356,173			2,338,088			2,303,338
Intangibles		12,997			17,310			19,575
Right-of-use assets		66,032			63,438			60,032
Finance lease receivables		4,806			5,003			—
Investments and other assets		8,464			9,971			20,451
Total non-current assets		2,455,031			2,508,154			2,405,453
Total assets	$	2,956,315		$	3,019,035		$	2,876,123

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	314,355		$	350,749		$	404,350
Income taxes payable		3,778			3,026			2,991
Current portion of lease obligations		20,559			17,386			12,698
Current portion of long-term debt		—			2,848			2,287
Total current liabilities		338,692			374,009			422,326

Non-current liabilities:
Share-based compensation		13,666			16,755			47,836
Provisions and other		7,472			7,140			7,538
Lease obligations		54,566			57,124			52,978
Long-term debt		812,469			914,830			1,085,970
Deferred tax liabilities		47,451			73,515			28,946
Total non-current liabilities		935,624			1,069,364			1,223,268
Equity:
Shareholders’ capital		2,301,729			2,365,129			2,299,533
Contributed surplus		77,557			75,086			72,555
Deficit		(900,834	)		(1,012,029	)		(1,301,273	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income		199,020			147,476			159,714
Total equity attributable to shareholders		1,677,472			1,575,662			1,230,529
Non-controlling interest		4,527			—			—
Total equity		1,681,999			1,575,662			1,230,529
Total liabilities and equity	$	2,956,315		$	3,019,035		$	2,876,123

^{(1) Comparative period figures were restated due to a change in accounting policy. See “CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING POLICY.”}

CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET EARNINGS (UNAUDITED)

	Three Months Ended December 31,						Year Ended December 31,
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)	2024			2023			2024			2023


Revenue	$	468,171		$	506,871		$	1,902,328		$	1,937,854
Expenses:
Operating		312,303			316,509			1,248,686			1,204,548
General and administrative		35,342			39,131			132,421			122,188
Earnings before income taxes, loss on investments and other assets, gain on acquisition, gain on repurchase of unsecured senior notes, finance charges, foreign exchange, loss on asset decommissioning, gain on asset disposals, and depreciation and amortization		120,526			151,231			521,221			611,118
Depreciation and amortization		82,210			78,734			309,314			297,557
Gain on asset disposals		(1,913	)		(8,883	)		(16,148	)		(24,469	)
Loss on asset decommissioning		—			9,592			—			9,592
Foreign exchange		1,487			(773	)		2,259			(1,667	)
Finance charges		16,281			19,468			69,753			83,414
Gain on repurchase of unsecured senior notes		—			—			—			(137	)
Gain on acquisition		—			(25,761	)		—			(25,761	)
Loss on investments and other assets		1,814			735			1,484			6,810
Earnings before income taxes		20,647			78,119			154,559			265,779
Income taxes:
Current		2,811			486			7,470			4,494
Deferred		2,906			(69,089	)		35,759			(27,959	)
		5,717			(68,603	)		43,229			(23,465	)
Net earnings	$	14,930		$	146,722		$	111,330		$	289,244
Attributable to:
Shareholders of Precision Drilling Corporation	$	14,795		$	146,722		$	111,195		$	289,244
Non-controlling interests	$	135		$	—		$	135		$	—
Net earnings per share attributable to shareholders:
Basic	$	1.06		$	10.42		$	7.81		$	21.03
Diluted	$	1.06		$	9.81		$	7.81		$	19.53

CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

	Three Months Ended December 31,						Year Ended December 31,
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars)	2024			2023			2024			2023
Net earnings	$	14,930		$	146,722		$	111,330		$	289,244
Unrealized gain (loss) on translation of assets and liabilities of operations denominated in foreign currency		89,412			(36,755	)		119,821			(33,433	)
Foreign exchange gain (loss) on net investment hedge with U.S. denominated debt		(49,744	)		22,679			(69,027	)		21,195
Tax related to net investment hedge of long-term debt		750			—			750			—
Comprehensive income	$	55,348		$	132,646		$	162,874		$	277,006
Attributable to:
Shareholders of Precision Drilling Corporation	$	55,213		$	132,646		$	162,739		$	277,006
Non-controlling interests	$	135		$	—		$	135		$	—

CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

	Three Months Ended December 31,						Year Ended December 31,
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars)	2024			2023			2024			2023
Cash provided by (used in):
Operations:
Net earnings	$	14,930		$	146,722		$	111,330		$	289,244
Adjustments for:
Long-term compensation plans		4,398			(2,541	)		18,888			6,659
Depreciation and amortization		82,210			78,734			309,314			297,557
Gain on asset disposals		(1,913	)		(8,883	)		(16,148	)		(24,469	)
Loss on asset decommissioning		—			9,592			—			9,592
Foreign exchange		1,477			(853	)		2,442			(866	)
Finance charges		16,281			19,468			69,753			83,414
Income taxes		5,717			(68,603	)		43,229			(23,465	)
Other		(392	)		(9	)		(272	)		(229	)
Loss on investments and other assets		1,814			735			1,484			6,810
Gain on acquisition		—			(25,761	)		—			(25,761	)
Gain on repurchase of unsecured senior notes		—			—			—			(137	)
Income taxes paid		(1,617	)		(708	)		(6,459	)		(3,103	)
Income taxes recovered		27			17			85			24
Interest paid		(2,806	)		(3,335	)		(72,241	)		(83,037	)
Interest received		409			614			1,967			1,176
Funds provided by operations		120,535			145,189			463,372			533,409
Changes in non-cash working capital balances		42,256			25,066			18,711			(32,838	)
Cash provided by operations		162,791			170,255			482,083			500,571

Investments:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment		(58,900	)		(78,582	)		(216,647	)		(224,960	)
Purchase of intangibles		—			(265	)		(51	)		(1,789	)
Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment		8,570			3,117			30,395			23,841
Proceeds from sale of investments and other assets		—			—			3,623			10,013
Business acquisitions		—			(646	)		—			(28,646	)
Purchase of investments and other assets		(718	)		(61	)		(725	)		(5,343	)
Receipt of finance lease payments		208			191			799			255
Changes in non-cash working capital balances		(11,114	)		18,619			(20,380	)		11,845
Cash used in investing activities		(61,954	)		(57,627	)		(202,986	)		(214,784	)

Financing:
Issuance of long-term debt		17,078			—			27,978			162,649
Repayments of long-term debt		(41,813	)		(86,699	)		(204,319	)		(375,237	)
Repurchase of share capital		(25,023	)		(17,004	)		(75,488	)		(29,955	)
Issuance of common shares from the exercise of options		—			—			686			—
Debt amendment fees		(46	)		—			(1,363	)		—
Lease payments		(3,266	)		(3,010	)		(13,271	)		(9,423	)
Funding from non-controlling interest		—			—			4,392			—
Cash used in financing activities		(53,070	)		(106,713	)		(261,385	)		(251,966	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		1,700			(798	)		1,877			(1,226	)
Increase in cash		49,467			5,117			19,589			32,595
Cash, beginning of period		24,304			49,065			54,182			21,587
Cash, end of period	$	73,771		$	54,182		$	73,771		$	54,182

CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

	Attributable to shareholders of the Corporation
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars)	Shareholders’ Capital			Contributed Surplus			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income		Deficit			Total			Non- controlling interest		Total Equity
Balance at January 1, 2024	$	2,365,129		$	75,086		$	147,476	$	(1,012,029	)	$	1,575,662		$	—	$	1,575,662
Net earnings for the period		—			—			—		111,195			111,195			135		111,330
Other comprehensive income for the period		—			—			51,544		—			51,544			—		51,544
Share options exercised		978			(292	)		—		—			686			—		686
Settlement of Executive Performance and Restricted Share Units		21,846			(1,479	)		—		—			20,367			—		20,367
Share repurchases		(86,570	)		—			—		—			(86,570	)		—		(86,570	)
Redemption of non-management directors share units		346			(346	)		—		—			—			—		—
Share-based compensation expense		—			4,588			—		—			4,588			—		4,588
Funding from non-controlling interest		—			—			—		—			—			4,392		4,392
Balance at December 31, 2024	$	2,301,729		$	77,557		$	199,020	$	(900,834	)	$	1,677,472		$	4,527	$	1,681,999

	Attributable to shareholders of the Corporation
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars)	Shareholders’ Capital			Contributed Surplus		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income			Deficit			Total			Non- controlling interest		Total Equity
Balance at January 1, 2023	$	2,299,533		$	72,555	$	159,714		$	(1,301,273	)	$	1,230,529		$	—	$	1,230,529
Net earnings for the period		—			—		—			289,244			289,244			—		289,244
Other comprehensive income for the period		—			—		(12,238	)		—			(12,238	)		—		(12,238	)
Acquisition share consideration		75,588			—		—			—			75,588			—		75,588
Settlement of Executive Performance and Restricted Share Units		19,206			—		—			—			19,206			—		19,206
Share repurchases		(29,955	)		—		—			—			(29,955	)		—		(29,955	)
Redemption of non-management directors share units		757			—		—			—			757			—		757
Share-based compensation expense		—			2,531		—			—			2,531			—		2,531
Balance at December 31, 2023	$	2,365,129		$	75,086	$	147,476		$	(1,012,029	)	$	1,575,662		$	—	$	1,575,662

2024 FOURTH QUARTER AND YEAR-END RESULTS CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST

Precision Drilling Corporation has scheduled a conference call and webcast to begin promptly at 11:00 a.m. MT (1:00 p.m. ET) on Thursday, February 13, 2025.

To participate in the conference call please register at the URL link below. Once registered, you will receive a dial-in number and a unique PIN, which will allow you to ask questions.

https://register.vevent.com/register/BI9168b4c0516f4409ab4f297340994ebc

The call will also be webcast and can be accessed through the link below. A replay of the webcast call will be available on Precision’s website for 12 months.

https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/8hij84aa

About Precision

Precision is a leading provider of safe and environmentally responsible High Performance, High Value services to the energy industry, offering customers access to an extensive fleet of Super Series drilling rigs. Precision has commercialized an industry-leading digital technology portfolio known as Alpha™ that utilizes advanced automation software and analytics to generate efficient, predictable, and repeatable results for energy customers. Our drilling services are enhanced by our EverGreen™ suite of environmental solutions, which bolsters our commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our operations. Additionally, Precision offers well service rigs, camps and rental equipment all backed by a comprehensive mix of technical support services and skilled, experienced personnel.

Precision is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “PD” and on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “PDS”.

Additional Information

For further information, please contact:

Lavonne Zdunich, CPA, CA
Vice President, Investor Relations
403.716.4500

800, 525 – 8th Avenue S.W.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 1G1
Website: www.precisiondrilling.com

The MIL Network –

February 13, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Holds Senate Floor to Protest HHS Nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Underscores How RFK’s Extreme Views Would Endanger the Health of Millions of Middle-Class Americans
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

February 12, 2025

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined Senate Democrats’ protest opposing Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to serve as the Director of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under President Trump. In her remarks, Duckworth underscored just how unqualified Kennedy is for the job and how his long-held, well-established extreme views would put programs and services that millions of middle-class Americans rely on—like Medicaid—at risk. Video of Duckworth’s full speech can be found on the Senator’s YouTube, Twitter/X and Facebook.

Key quotes:
- “Next month will mark the five-year anniversary of when COVID shut down our nation. In this moment, it is dangerous, reckless and heartless to everyone who lost a loved one in the pandemic to even consider nominating a guy who has stated that, quote, ‘no vaccine is safe and effective.’ And if our HHS Secretary refuses to ensure children are protected against preventable-yet-deadly diseases—like measles, RSV, whooping cough or polio—it will be our kids, not Mr. Kennedy, who pay the price.”
- “The only reason Kennedy is even up for confirmation is because he, like Elon Musk, decided to throw his dignity to the wind and bow down at Trump’s altar. And because of that, he gets to be yet another rich guy with too few qualifications and too much power somehow now charged with leading our government… So why would any of us ever think that he’d have the courage to stand up to Trump if the President issues an order that actively harms everyday Americans? How could any of us actually believe that Kennedy would fight back against Trump’s worst instincts, when Kennedy has proven time and again that he believes more in sycophancy than science?”
- “Americans are going be the ones to suffer. Because now, with Kennedy’s confirmation, even programs as popular, effective and vital as Medicaid will be in even greater danger… Medicaid is a lifeline for kids, pregnant women, people in nursing homes and Americans with disabilities. But Republicans don’t seem to care about any of that. It’s obvious that Donald Trump has never stayed up late at night hunched over the kitchen table, with a calculator in one hand and a medical bill in the other, praying to figure out a way to afford his child’s insulin.”
- “To my colleagues on the other side of the aisle: I am sure many of you have faced health crises of your own. I’m sure many of you have had a parent who’s been sick or a nephew who’s been in a car crash, a spouse who’s needed an emergency C-section or a child who’s relied on an autoimmune injector. Imagine if your loved one hadn’t had care they could rely on in that moment. Then ask yourself how you can sleep soundly tonight if you vote to further the agenda of a couple rich guys who so clearly don’t care about making America healthy—they only care about tipping it even more in favor of the wealthy. They’re not bringing back the good ole days of Reagan. They’re just bringing back the days of dying from the measles. And they’re certainly not making America great again. They’re making America sick again. That’s the Trump-Kennedy promise.”
Duckworth’s opening remarks as prepared below:

You know, if you go back exactly 20 years ago today, I could tell you exactly where I was. I was in Walter Reed Medical Center. I was staring at the beige colored walls. And amidst the pain in every inch of my body, I was trying to muster the strength to sit up, or to take a step, or even just to take a breath.

I spent months and months and months in that room. Hooked up to machines, getting wheeled in and out of surgeries, learning how to live again in my new, post-shootdown world. But despite it all, looking back, I consider every one of those days in that hospital room lucky.

Because when the worst happened to me—when that RPG exploded in my lap in Iraq and I needed serious, sustained medical attention to survive the hour, the day, the year—I had health care I could rely on.

The same cannot be said for countless Americans.

Americans whose health care costs have already been too high, and whose access to care is in even greater danger if this Chamber is foolish enough to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as our next Secretary of HHS. Put simply, Mr. Kennedy cannot be trusted with the grave, grave responsibility that comes with this job.

He cannot be trusted with our lives. He is focused on pushing his agenda—regardless of the cost to middle-class Americans. And if this man is confirmed, more Americans will die preventable deaths because of his policies.

Next month will mark the five-year anniversary of when COVID shut down our nation. In this moment, it is dangerous, reckless and heartless to everyone who lost a loved one in the pandemic to even consider nominating a guy who has stated that, quote, “no vaccine is safe and effective.”

And if our HHS Secretary refuses to ensure children are protected against preventable-yet-deadly diseases—like measles, RSV, whooping cough or polio—it will be our kids, not Mr. Kennedy, who pay the price.

I’ve gotten letter after letter from my constituents, begging me to try to reason with my colleagues, to do whatever I can to prevent a man so ignorant of all things science and medicine from holding a position of such power over our child’s next breath.

One pediatrician from Illinois wrote to me: I will always remember the 9-month-old infant with whooping cough who could not be saved despite every high-tech ventilator and medication we had available.” Another said: “I recall a father screaming and punching a hole in the wall when his 4-year-old son died of chicken pox.” The stories, the letters, the avoidable tragedies go on and on. Imagine how much worse the heartbreak will become under a guy who acts like the term “vaccine” is a swear word.

Look, the only reason Kennedy is even up for confirmation is because he, like Elon Musk, decided to throw his dignity to the wind and bow down at Trump’s altar.

And because of that, he gets to be yet another rich guy with too few qualifications and too much power, somehow now charged with leading our government.

Trump is running this country like the mob: Kiss his ring, pledge your unyielding loyalty, get made—it’s just this time, you get made into a Cabinet Secretary. Well, Kennedy has given Trump his fealty. So why would any of us ever think that he’d have the courage to stand up to Trump if the President issues an order that actively harms everyday Americans? How could any of us actually believe that Kennedy would fight back against Trump’s worst instincts, when Kennedy has proven time and again that he believes more in sycophancy than science?

Now, Americans are going be the ones to suffer. Because now, with Kennedy’s confirmation, even programs as popular, effective and vital as Medicaid will be in even greater danger. Republicans told us in Project 2025 that they would come for Medicaid—and this is the rare case when the GOP has actually kept its word, putting at risk the roughly 80 million Americans who rely on it. Americans in red states and blue, in big cities and small towns—folks who may have never heard of RFK Jr., but who will certainly feel the effect when he rips away the care their family so desperately needs.

Medicaid is a lifeline for kids, for pregnant women, for people in nursing homes, for Americans with disabilities. But Republican’s don’t seem to care about any of that. It’s obvious that Donald Trump has never stayed up late at night hunched over the kitchen table, with a calculator in one hand and a medical bill in the other, praying to figure out a way to afford his child’s insulin.

No. Of course not.

With every passing day, it becomes clearer and clearer that Republicans care more about tax breaks for the billionaires they pal around with on the golf course than prescriptions for the middle-class folks who actually work at Mar-a-Lago.

And while that teacher in Peoria lays awake at night, trying to work out how she can afford her father’s home care now that he can no longer get those services through Medicaid… While that new mom in Chicago who’s just learned she has stage 3 cancer is trying to find a second job so she can afford both diapers for her newborn and her own chemotherapy… Donald Trump and Elon Musk will be too busy lining their already-full pockets to care.

To my colleagues on the other side of the aisle: I am sure many of you have faced health crises of your own. I’m sure many of you have had a parent who’s been sick or a nephew who’s been in a car crash… a spouse who’s needed an emergency C-section or a child who’s relied on an autoimmune injector. Imagine if your loved one hadn’t had care they could rely on in that moment.

Then ask yourself how you can sleep soundly tonight if you vote to further the agenda of a couple rich guys who so clearly don’t care about making America healthy—they only care about tipping it even more in favor of the wealthy. They’re not bringing back the good ole days of Reagan. They’re just bringing back the days of dying from the measles.

And they’re certainly not making America great again. They’re making America sick again. That’s the Trump-Kennedy promise.

I care about my constituents’ ability to afford their prescription meds. Their ability to get the vaccines that’ll keep them alive through the next pandemic. Their ability to survive those worst-case-scenario health moments without going broke in the process.

So for all those reasons and a thousand more, I will be voting no on Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s nomination. If my Republican colleagues care about any one of those things, too, then they will have no choice but to do the same. Thank you.

-30-
MIL OSI USA News –
February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Child Predator Sentenced to 84 Months’ Imprisonment

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Randall Walker Holland, 51, of West Jordan, Utah, was sentenced today to seven years’ imprisonment and a life term of supervised release after he admitted to distributing images of child sexual abuse.

According to court documents and statements made at Holland’s change of plea and sentencing hearing, from May 2, 2024 thru May 9, 2024, Holland used his cellphone to communicate via social media and text messaging with an individual he believed had access to, and was abusing, a 12-year-old victim. The individual Holland was communicating with was an undercover officer. During Holland’s communication he sent over 1,000 videos files of child sexual abuse materials to the undercover officer. Holland also discussed his interest in engaging in sexual acts with the 12- year-old victim. When Holland arrived at the meeting location, he was arrested by law enforcement.

United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah made the announcement.

The case was investigated by the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol A. Dain of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

MIL Security OSI –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: United nations Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai: 35 UN entities, 15 Secretariat Departments, Offices to Gather under Theme “United for a Better Future”
Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

Two months from today, the United Nations will welcome visitors to a dedicated pavilion in the Empowering Zone of Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan under the theme “United for a Better Future”. The United Nations Pavilion is proud to host exhibits and programming that represent the work of 35 UN entities and 15 UN Secretariat departments and offices.

The United Nations pavilion will feature highlights of eight decades of impact, current efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and to address global challenges and humanitarian crises, as well as a vision of a sustainable future that is possible only through collective action and multilateral collaboration. The UN Pavilion will also host special weekly exhibits and events aligned with the Expo’s theme weeks, United Nations international days and other priorities to promote sustainable development, human rights, climate action and peace and security. Visitors can also purchase UN and SDG-related merchandise at the giftshop located inside the pavilion.

Confirmed participating UN entities include:
- United Nations Secretariat
  - Department of Global Communications
  - Department of Economic and Social Affairs
  - Department of Peace Operations
  - Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs
  - Development Coordination Office
  - Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
  - Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
  - United Nations Global Compact Office
  - United Nations Mine Action Service
  - United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs
  - United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
  - United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
  - United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs
  - United Nations Road Safety Fund / Special Envoy for Road Safety
  - United Nations Youth Office
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
- International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
- International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
- International Labour Organization (ILO)
- International Maritime Organization (IMO)
- International Organization for Migration (IOM)
- International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
- International Trade Centre (ITC)
- Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
- Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
- Statistical Institute for Asia and the Pacific)
- United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF)
- United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
- United Nations Development Programme
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
- United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women)
- United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
- United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)
- United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
- United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
- United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
- United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
- United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
- United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD)
- United Nations University (UNU)
- United Nations Volunteers programme (UNV)
- United Nations Water*
- Universal Postal Union (UPU)
- World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism)
- World Food Programme (WFP)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
The UN Pavilion will also host prominent guest speakers, including senior UN officials, leading experts, celebrities and advocates, who will share their insights and experiences on global challenges and solutions.

“In the year that the United Nations will turn 80 years old, the UN Pavilion presents key milestones since 1945 that have reshaped values and the world as we know it. We will also showcase examples of the UN in our daily lives and a vision of a world in which everyone thrives in peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet,” said Maher Nasser, Commissioner-General of the United Nations at Expo 2025. “It is our hope that our pavilion will serve as a dynamic platform for learning, collaboration and inspiration for action.”

The video interview of Mr. Nasser is available at www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MBS_DOB_k8.

Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, will run from 13 April to 13 October and is expected to attract over 28 million visitors. The UN Pavilion will be open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For additional information about the United Nations presence at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan, please contact Naomi Ichikawa, UN Department of Global Communications (New York), at email: nichikawa@un.org.

__________

* UN Water is a coordination mechanism, comprising United Nations entities (members) and international organizations (partners) working on water and sanitation issues.

MIL OSI United Nations News –
February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Scott, Rosen Introduce Antisemitism Awareness Act
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) introduced the Antisemitism Awareness Act, which directs the Department of Education to use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism when investigating antisemitic acts on campus. This bill ensures that the Department of Education has a clear definition of antisemitism when determining whether an antisemitic incident on campus crosses the line from free speech into harassing, unlawful, or discriminatory conduct. Congressmen Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) and Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) are leading companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

“In the continued aftermath of the October 7th attacks on Israel by Hamas and Iran, we have seen college campuses across our nation become hotbeds of antisemitism where Jewish students’ rights are being threatened,” said Senator Scott. “It’s critical the Department of Education has the tools and resources it needs to investigate antisemitism and root out this vile hatred wherever it rears its ugly head. There can be no equivocating when it comes to the issue of anti-Jewish violence and harassment.”

“Antisemitism is on the rise across the nation, particularly on college campuses, and Congress has a responsibility to do everything in its power to fight back against this hate,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud to introduce bipartisan legislation today with Senator Tim Scott to help protect Jewish students from antisemitic bigotry. I’ll keep working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this bill passed and signed into law.”

“The House overwhelmingly passed my bipartisan Antisemitism Awareness Act last session, and today I am proud to reintroduce this critical legislation in the new Congress. Since the horrific terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7th, 83% of college students said they witnessed or experienced antisemitism on campus,” said Congressman Lawler upon introducing the House version of the bill. “This is unacceptable. No person should feel unsafe, targeted, or ostracized because of their faith – and the Antisemitism Awareness Act will stop it from happening. When I met with Jewish students at Columbia University last spring, their fear was palpable. Many wondered if they could ever feel safe on campus again. They deserve better—as does every student, and that’s what this bipartisan bill will accomplish.”

“Since the heinous October 7 attacks on Israel, we have seen an explosion of antisemitic violence and intimidation on college campuses and in communities across New Jersey and the nation. Far too many in our community no longer feel safe in their own homes or classrooms,” said Congressman Gottheimer. “That’s why I’m reintroducing the Antisemitism Awareness Act, which will give state officials and law enforcement a clear framework for identifying and addressing antisemitism to hold harassers accountable. Our bipartisan bill adopts the most widely recognized definition of antisemitism in the world, already used by more than 40 countries and 35 states. Hate and discrimination have no place in New Jersey or the country, and we must act now to protect our Jewish students and families from threats, intimidation, and violence.”

“The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations thanks Sens. Scott and Rosen for re-introducing the Antisemitism Awareness Act (AAA). It comes at an important time–Since Hamas’s October 7th attack on Israel, there has been a dramatic increase in antisemitism on college campuses. We continue to see university administrators show they have little understanding of how to identify antisemitism. The AAA will adopt the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism into U.S. law, enabling university leaders to support Jewish students and accurately determine – and discipline those who engage in—antisemitic discrimination on college campuses. The Conference of Presidents urges swift passage of AAA,” said Stephanie Hausner, COO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations (COP).

“Antisemitism isn’t just a Jewish problem. It’s everyone’s problem. Despite the hollow arguments of some, this legislation neither outlaws antisemitism nor is it anti-Christian. The Antisemitism Awareness Act, like President Trump’s 2019 executive order combatting antisemitism and his order last month doubling down on the same, provides students, parents, teachers and administrators alike with a clear definition of the world’s oldest and most prevalent hatred. Advancing this legislation is important in making American campuses safe and welcoming for all. We must defeat the vile cancer of antisemitism and defining it under US law is a critical step in that righteous effort,”said CUFI Action Fund Chairwoman Sandra Hagee Parker.

“As ADL data shows, antisemitism is at crisis levels in the United States, creating the urgent need for decisive action,” said ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt. “The Antisemitism Awareness Act makes clear that antisemitism, including anti-Zionist harassment, has no place in our schools or society and, importantly, reinforces the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism as a critical tool for the U.S. Department of Education. We urge Congress to act swiftly and send a powerful message that combating antisemitism remains a national priority and deeply appreciate the effort by Senators Tim Scott and Jacky Rosen to quickly reintroduce this bipartisan bill.”

“According to American Jewish Committee’s upcoming State of Antisemitism in America 2024 Report, three in ten American adults are either unsure of what antisemitism means or never heard the term. This number jumps for young Americans (ages 18-29): 41% of young Americans are unsure of what antisemitism means or never heard the term, while, at the same time, young American Jews (ages 18-29) are more likely to have experienced antisemitism in the past year than Jews ages 30 and older. These numbers show why it is critical to have a clear understanding of what antisemitism is and why it matters for American society because to even begin to solve the problem of antisemitism, there must be clarity about what it is and what it isn’t. The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism is a clear and concise description of antisemitism in its various forms. AJC has supported efforts by both Republican and Democratic Administrations to use this definition at the Department of Education when investigating Title VI complaints. We applaud Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) for introducing the Antisemitism Awareness Act, for prioritizing the continued use of this important educational tool and ensuring the safety of Jewish students across the country,” said Ted Deutch, CEO of American Jewish Committee.

“As antisemitic incidents continue to rise, Jewish Federations of North America are grateful to Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) for introducing the Antisemitism Awareness Act today. This bill provides a clear framework for identifying antisemitism, offering concrete examples to help distinguish between constitutionally protected speech and targeted attacks against Jewish individuals. Congress must act now to send a strong message that antisemitism has no place in our society,” said Karen Paikin Barall, Vice President, Government Relations, Jewish Federations of North America.

Joining Senators Scott and Rosen in cosponsoring the legislation are Senators James Lankford (R-Okla.), Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), and Gary Peters (D-Mich.).

In addition to introducing the Antisemitism Awareness Act during the 118th Congress, Senator Scott has worked relentlessly to push back on the alarming rise of blatant and vile antisemitism on college campuses by:
- Leading a resolution to condemn the explosion of antisemitism on U.S. college campuses, call out university presidents who have enabled and refused to take action against this antisemitism, and urge the Biden Department of Education to take necessary actions to ensure that colleges and universities are complying with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act to protect Jewish students;
- Calling on the president of Columbia University to resign over rampant antisemitism on campus;
- Introducing the Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act to defund colleges and universities that enable violent antisemitism on their campuses; and
- Forcefully condemning antisemitism and supporting Israel’s right to self-defense in a speech at the Orthodox Union’s Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill.
MIL OSI USA News –
February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: The Paris summit marks a tipping point on AI’s safety and sustainability

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Robert Diab, Professor, Faculty of Law, Thompson Rivers University

United States Vice President JD Vance made headlines this week by refusing to sign a declaration at a global summit in Paris on artificial intelligence.

In his first appearance on the world stage, Vance made clear that the U.S. wouldn’t be playing ball. The Donald Trump administration believes that “excessive regulation of the AI sector could kill a transformative industry just as it’s taking off,” he said. “We’ll make every effort to encourage pro-growth AI policies.”

His remarks confirmed a widespread fear that Trump’s return to the White House will signal a sharp turn in tech policy. American tech companies and their billionaire owners will now be shielded from effective oversight.

But upon a closer look, events this week point to signs that just the opposite may be unfolding. A host of nations took notable steps towards address growing safety and environmental concerns about AI, indicating that a regulatory tipping point has been reached.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivered the keynote address at the AI Action Summit in Paris, France.

Wide consensus

The two-day global summit in Paris, chaired by France and India, led to broad consensus. Some 60 countries signed on to a Statement on Inclusive and Sustainable AI. This included Canada, the European Commission, India and China.

Both the U.S. and the United Kingdom declined to sign on. But the prevailing winds are against them.

The meeting in Paris was the third global summit on AI, following meet-ups at Bletchley Park in the U.K. in 2023 and in Seoul, South Korea, in 2024. Each of them ended with similar declarations widely endorsed.

The Paris communiqué calls for an “inclusive approach” to AI, seeking to “narrow inequalities” in AI capabilities among countries. It encourages “avoiding market concentration” and affirms the need for openness and transparency in building and sharing technology and expertise.

The document is not binding. It does little more than tout principles, or affirm a collective sentiment among the parties. One of these — perhaps the most important — is to keep talking, meeting and working together on the common concerns that AI raises.

Environmental challenges

Meanwhile, a smaller group of countries at the Paris summit, along with 37 tech companies, agreed to form a Coalition for Sustainable AI — setting out a series of goals and deliverables.

While nothing is binding on the parties, the goals are notably specific. They include coming up with standards for measuring AI’s environmental impact and more effective ways for companies to report on the impact. Parties also aim to “optimize algorithms to reduce computational complexity and minimize data usage.”

Even if most of this turns out to be merely aspirational, it’s important that the coalition offers a platform for collaboration on these initiatives. At the very least, it signals a likelihood that sustainability will be at the forefront of debate about AI moving forward.

Read more:
AI is bad for the environment, and the problem is bigger than energy consumption

Signing the first international treaty on AI

A further notable event at the summit was that Canada signed the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law. In recent months, 12 other countries had signed, including the U.S. (under former president Joe Biden), the U.K., Israel and the European Union.

The convention commits parties to pass domestic laws on AI that deal with privacy, bias and discrimination, safety, transparency and environmental sustainability.

The treaty has been criticized for containing no more than “broad affirmations” and imposing few clear obligations. But it does show that countries are committed to passing law to ensure that AI development unfolds within boundaries — and they’re eager to see more countries do the same.

If Canada were to ratify the treaty, Parliament would likely revive Bill C-27, which contained the AI and Data Act.

Read more:
The federal government’s proposed AI legislation misses the mark on protecting Canadians

The act aimed to do much of what Canada agrees to do under the convention: impose greater oversight of the development and use of AI. This includes transparency and disclosure requirements on AI companies, and stiff penalties for failure to comply.

What does this really mean?

While the U.S. signed the convention on AI and human rights, democracy and rule of law in the fall of 2024, it likely won’t be implemented by a Republican Congress. The same might happen in Canada under a Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre. He could also decide not to fulfil commitments made under other agreements about AI.

And if Poilievre comes to power by the time Canada hosts the next G7 meeting in June, he might decline to honour the Trudeau government’s commitment to make AI regulation a central focus of the meeting.

The Trump administration may have ushered in a period of more lax tech regulation in the U.S., and Silicon Valley is indeed a key player in tech — especially AI. But it’s a wide world, with many other important players in this space, including China, Europe and Canada.

The events in Paris have revealed a strong interest among nations around the globe to regulate AI, and specifically to foster ideas about inclusion and sustainability. If the Paris summit was any indication, the hope of sheltering AI from effective regulation won’t last long.

Robert Diab 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. The Paris summit marks a tipping point on AI’s safety and sustainability – https://theconversation.com/the-paris-summit-marks-a-tipping-point-on-ais-safety-and-sustainability-249706

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Policies to Bolster Social Resilience in Context of More Frequent, Complex Crises among Topics Discussed, as Commission for Social Development Continues Session

Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

During one of two round-table discussions held today by the Commission for Social Development, panelists emphasized the importance of governance, preparedness and investment in human capital to strengthen “social resilience” — the ability of individuals and societies to prevent, absorb, adapt and recover positively from crises.

The Commission — established in 1946 by the Economic and Social Council as one of its functional commissions — advises the United Nations on social development issues, and its sixty-third session will run through 14 February.

The first panel discussion, titled “Policies to bolster social resilience in the context of more frequent and complex crises”, featured presentations that together offered a comprehensive understanding of the multidimensional nature of resilience and the policy actions needed to reinforce it.

“The sixty-third session of the Commission for Social Development comes at a pivotal time as we reflect on the legacies of the World Summit for Social Development held three decades ago in Copenhagen,” said Moderator Angela Kawandami, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services of Zambia. While the principles of social inclusion, poverty eradication and equity remain as vital as possible, the global landscape has transformed significantly, presenting new and compounding challenges that demand urgent and innovative solutions today, she said, adding that crises — more frequent, interconnected and complex, spanning geopolitical, economic, health and environmental spheres — are testing the resilience of societies and institutions.

Meir Bing, Chief Executive Officer at the Open University of Israel, presented a case study of building resilience in minority populations in his country, where the number of minority students in higher education more than doubled in the last decade. He said that a year ago, he was General Director of the Ministry of Social Equality in charge of minorities. Of the 10 million people in his country, 2 million are religious and ethnical minority groups, including Muslim, Christian and Druze, he said, adding that many of them are young and face socioeconomic challenges.

He highlighted the three keys to building resilience in vulnerable populations: fostering trust between Government and social and business sectors; enhancing infrastructure and public services; and creating communities. Sharing how educational and other infrastructure and socioeconomic projects are expanded in the country’s local communities, he said that the percentage of students from minority groups in bachelor’s degree programmes increased from 10 per cent in 2010 to nearly 20 per cent in 2023.

Marek Kamiński, explorer and founder of the Kaminski Foundation, said that during his expeditions, he learned that physical strength isn’t enough, stating: “The real fight happens in the mind, with fear and doubt. We all need to ask, are we strong enough inside to face the challenges ahead?” Today’s world needs practical solutions to help people handle crises. That’s why he created LifePlan Academy, a programme that teaches mental resilience, stress management and how to adapt to challenges. It’s a practical tool that works in any country with any culture, he said, stressing: “With the right tools and support, anyone can overcome challenges and achieve their goals.”

Michael Woolcock, Lead Social Scientist in the Development Research Group at the World Bank, said that development policies are as effective as the shared legitimacy they enjoy. Development policies will struggle, where societal groups despise one another, where elite factions use lies and violence to secure power, where there is little coherence or trust between local and national authority, and where Governments reject international law and covenants to which they are a signatory. “So all these nice policies that we come up with — unless they can engage with these local contexts and imbue them with the legitimacy they need to do their difficult work — are probably going to struggle,” he said.

Obiageli Ezekwesili, President of Human Capital Africa, founder of the School of Politics Policy and Governance, and Senior Economic Adviser at the Africa Economic Development Policy Initiative, said that “democracy is in crisis more than it had ever been”. The power of society to be resilient depends on how everyone feels cared for within society. Today’s democratic processes are exclusionary in many ways. That’s because the tiny fraction of people who exercise political leadership in many countries have become monopoly democrats. “We must fix politics,” she said, noting a strong correlation between the quality of politics and economic performance. “Let’s keep an eye on the United States of America,” she added.

Michael Woolcock, Lead Social Scientist, World Bank, served as moderator for the second panel, which focused on “Universal rights-based social protection systems that adapt to evolving risks and support social resilience”. “For our present purposes, we are going to recognize that social resilience refers to the capacity of individuals and societies to prevent, resist, absorb, adapt, respond and recover positively, efficiently and effectively when faced with a wide range of long-term prospects for sustainable development, peace and security, human rights and well-being for all,” he said before commencing the panel discussion.

Danilo Türk, President of Club de Madrid and former President of Slovenia, stressed the need to make sure that social development is guided in a way that promotes the full realization of human rights. “This means adopting an approach which anticipates and addresses the vulnerabilities of people,” he went on to stress. That must include the consequences of climate change and its effect on populations, especially those vulnerable to displacement. Innovations like digital cash transfers, mobile health services and data driven risk assessment can significantly improve service delivery, particularly for marginalized and remote populations. Social protection systems must consider the interests of vulnerable segments of societies, particularly women, youth, older people and persons with disabilities.

Angela Chomba Kawandami, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, Zambia, said that social protection systems are central to addressing vulnerabilities, reducing poverty and mitigating the impacts of various risks such as climate change, pandemics and economic crises. “Social protection systems in Zambia are designed to address both short-term needs and long-term vulnerabilities,” she added. These systems include cash transfers, food assistance and social insurance schemes. “The goal is to ensure that individuals, especially those in our rural areas, older persons, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, have access to basic services and support mechanisms,” she emphasized. Zambia’s social protection programmes aim to reduce vulnerability by providing financial support to households living below the poverty line. Climate change is also included into Zambia’s protection system as the phenomenon poses an increasing threat with more frequent droughts and floods.

Héctor Ramón Cárdenas Molinas, Executive Director of the Technical Unit of the Social Cabinet of the President of Paraguay, said that extreme weather events cause major damage and loss. “Most of them are linked to climate events,” he said, noting their high economic and social impact. Exposure depends not only on geographic location but also on the development policies and adaptation measures taken to mitigate the risks of climate change. “It is absolutely essential that we integrate policies and strategies that promote sustainable and resilient development,” he said. Underscoring other initiatives in health, education and poverty eradication, he said Paraguay aims to ensure that services meet very high standards in terms of efficiency and effectiveness. “The main challenge remains financing,” he added.

Edgilson Tavares de Araújo, Ministry of Development and Social Assistance, Brazil, said that Brazil’s social protection system is based on the principles of universality, equity and democracy. “Since 2023, we have seen a drop of 84 per cent in severe food insecurity, according to a 2024 UN survey,” he added. With the creation of a global alliance to fight hunger and poverty, Brazil hopes to continue to make progress. A strong State working with a healthy civil society must be resilient to truly transform society. “We are increasing our budgetary commitments and broadening our global alliance to combat hunger and poverty,” he went on to say. Brazil is committed to providing decent employment and “an economy of solidarity” which can help build social resilience. “Being protected means having someone to rely on,” he added.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto Votes Against Tulsi Gabbard to be Director of National Intelligence

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto voted against the confirmation of Tulsi Gabbard to be the Director of National Intelligence. She also spoke on the Senate floor before the vote to discuss her opposition to Ms. Gabbard, highlighting her repeated justifications of Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine and her statements casting doubt on the U.S. intelligence community’s assessments of the brutal Assad regime in Syria.
“There should be absolutely no question about the trustworthiness or the judgement of our Director of National Intelligence,” said Senator Cortez Masto on the Senate floor. “The Director of National Intelligence should not sympathize with autocrats, blame our allies for wars of aggression, or parrot Kremlin talking points…I pledge to help keep Nevadans safe by opposing Ms. Gabbard’s confirmation.”

MIL OSI USA News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Citing National Security Concerns on Senate Floor, Shaheen Announces Opposition to Tulsi Gabbard’s Confirmation

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a top member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, took to the Senate floor to underscore her dire national security concerns ahead of the confirmation of Tulsi Gabbard to be the next Director of National Intelligence (DNI). Specifically, Shaheen highlighted Gabbard’s troubling history of siding with America’s adversaries over our own allies and national security interests, detailing the threat her confirmation would pose to U.S. national security and defense. At the conclusion of her remarks, Shaheen announced that she would oppose Gabbard’s nomination. Click here to watch Senator Shaheen’s full floor speech.
Key quotes from Senator Shaheen:
“Our adversaries will be thrilled if we confirm Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence—no one more so than Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ms. Gabbard has not hidden her positive views of Russia and President Putin. While Ukrainians fight valiantly to protect their homeland and defend freedom and democracy, Tulsi Gabbard cozies up to Putin and publicly defends Russia’s brutal invasion.”
“I don’t relish the idea of America’s Director of National Intelligence—a role that includes such sensitive responsibilities such as producing the President’s Daily Brief and setting U.S. Policy for intelligence-sharing with foreign entities—I don’t appreciate the fact that she’s called ‘superwoman’ by a mouthpiece for the Kremlin.”
“To talk amiably about a brutal dictator who is openly opposed to American interests and human rights, a dictator like Assad, and like Putin for that matter, shows at best a lack of judgement and at worst allegiance to our adversaries.”
“I think this chamber faces a choice. We can choose to defend America’s national security and keep our promise to our constituents to protect their lives and safety and their interests or we can choose to give a gift to Vladimir Putin and our adversaries, to usher them into the inner halls of the American intelligence system. I know which choice I intend to make.”
Remarks as delivered can be found below:
Mr. President, I come up to the floor this afternoon to join a number of my colleagues because of my concern for the national security of the United States.

Whether it’s a terror attack, a cyberattack from a non-state actor, whether it is a threat in Russia or China or Iran, we in the United States are the targets of foreign adversaries every single day.
But thanks to our intelligence community and the thousands of Americans who dedicate their lives to our security, we’re safe.
These brave men and women are counting on us to have their backs.
Which is why the nomination of Tulsi Gabbard is so concerning.
Our adversaries will be thrilled if we confirm Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence—no one more so than Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Ms. Gabbard has not hidden her positive views of Russia and President Putin.
While Ukrainians fight valiantly to protect their homeland and defend freedom and democracy, Tulsi Gabbard cozies up to Putin and publicly defends Russia’s brutal invasion.
The former Congresswoman has parroted Russian propaganda saying that the war could have been avoided if NATO and the Biden Administration had simply, and I’m quoting, “simply acknowledged Russia’s legitimate security concerns.”
And we know that a nominee is problematic when the Kremlin has such nice things to say about her.
On November 17, 2024, a major Russian state-controlled news agency called Tulsi Gabbard “superwoman” and noted her past appearances on Russian TV.
Well, I don’t relish the idea of America’s Director of National Intelligence—a role that includes such sensitive responsibilities such as producing the President’s Daily Brief and setting U.S. Policy for intelligence-sharing with foreign entities—I don’t appreciate the fact that she’s called “superwoman” by a mouthpiece for the Kremlin.
Not only does Putin have kind words for Ms. Gabbard, but they also share mutual friends—namely, ousted Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad.
Since her clandestine meeting with Mr. Assad in 2017, a visit that took place while she was serving in Congress, former Congresswoman Gabbard has faced numerous questions about why she went to Syria and arranged this meeting in the first place.
She’s answered none of those questions nor has she provided any substantive details on her conversation with Assad.
And in fact, Ms. Gabbard has repeatedly refused to call Assad what he is, and that is an enemy of the United States, a brutal dictator who is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Syrians.
Assad, who’s Putin’s best buddy in the Middle East; Assad, who is backed by Iran, whose regime openly seeks to undermine and destroy American interests and values worldwide.
This is the person who co-Presidents Musk and Trump want to lead our intelligence agencies, to spearhead our national security operations.
Well, that doesn’t make me comfortable sleeping at night.
To talk amiably about a brutal dictator who is openly opposed to American interests and human rights, a dictator like Assad, and like Putin for that matter, shows at best a lack of judgement and at worst allegiance to our adversaries.
And even in cases of proven espionage against the American intelligence community—the very organization that she seeks to lead—Tulsi Gabbard instead has sided with criminals.
Of course, I’m speaking about her support for Edward Snowden.
In 2020, while she was a member of the United States House of Representatives, she introduced a resolution suggesting that the federal government should drop all charges against Edward Snowden.
There’s only one other member who cosponsored this resolution, and that was former Congressman Matt Gaetz.
Now in 2025, Ms. Gabbard still refuses to call Snowden what he is—a traitor to the United States.
When she was asked about that at her hearing, she was given several opportunities to indicate that she understood that Edward Snowden is a traitor who put at risk the lives of thousands of Americans in the intelligence community.
She refused to acknowledge that he’s a traitor.
With such a track record, how are we supposed to expect that she will properly classify our enemies?
How are we to expect that she would label Xi Jinping or Kim Jong Un? As enemies of the United States or simply as foreign leaders, or as friends? Who knows what Ms. Gabbard will do.
I think there’s a stark difference between our adversaries who want to undermine the United States and those who are our allies, and it doesn’t appear that Tulsi Gabbard understands the difference.
So how can the men and women of the intelligence community trust that Ms. Gabbard will protect their secrets? That she’ll protect our secrets, the secrets of the United States?
How many Russians are going to risk their lives to pass along information to our intelligence officers if they’re worried that Ms. Gabbard will sell them out?
How much will our allies in NATO, in the Indo-Pacific share with Ms. Gabbard in charge?
The work of American covert operations and intelligence-gathering is based on one central principle, and that is trust.
I wouldn’t trust Tulsi Gabbard any further than I can throw her.
I think this chamber faces a choice.
We can choose to defend America’s national security and keep our promise to our constituents to protect their lives and safety and their interests or we can choose to give a gift to Vladimir Putin and our adversaries, to usher them into the inner halls of the American intelligence system.
I know which choice I intend to make.
I intend to vote no on Tulsi Gabbard, and I hope that my colleagues, particularly those across the aisle, at least some of them, will have the courage to do the same.
Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the floor.
Senator Shaheen is the top Democrat on the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and also serves on the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs and Defense. In 2018, Shaheen re-established the bipartisan U.S. Senate NATO Observer Group with U.S. Senator Tillis (R-NC). Senator Shaheen believes that a strong and active United States is fundamental to securing our national interests at home and abroad. She also believes that U.S. global leadership is directly tied to the strength of our ideals, our alliances and our diplomacy, and she is constantly working to ensure our national security policies reflect our broader democratic values.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Northfield Man Sentenced to 72 Months in Federal Prison for Attempting to Receive Two Pounds of Methamphetamine Through the United States Postal Service

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

CONCORD – A Northfield man was sentenced today in federal court for his attempt to receive two packages of methamphetamine in New Hampshire through the United States Postal Service (USPS), Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Joseph Crawford, of Northfield, age 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Landya McCafferty to 72 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release. On October 30, 2024, Crawford pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

“Joseph Crawford used the United States Postal Service in an attempt to smuggle dangerous drugs across state lines into the Granite State,” said Acting United States Attorney Jay McCormack. “Individuals using the mail as an avenue to traffic illegal narcotics to New Hampshire will be prosecuted and significantly punished.”

“Joseph Crawford has repeatedly demonstrated a blatant disregard for the law and yesterday’s sentence puts him out of business and behind bars for receiving significant quantities of meth through the mail while on parole for two prior state drug convictions,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prevent illegal drugs from hitting the streets in order to make our cities safer.”

“As methamphetamine seizures are on the rise, DEA stands committed to keeping this highly addictive drug out of New Hampshire,” said Acting DEA Special Agent in Charge Stephen Belleau, New England Field Division. “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Crawford accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those who attempt to bring this poison to the Granite State.”

“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and our law enforcement partners will continue to dedicate the resources necessary to keep methamphetamine producers and traffickers out of our communities,” said Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward, U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “Today’s sentencing is a result of a coordinated effort of our local and state law enforcement partners to keep methamphetamine and other drugs out of our communities.”

On July 5 and July 19, 2023, the United States Postal Inspection Service (“USPIS”) flagged suspicious packages addressed to Joseph Crawford at an address in Northfield, New Hampshire, sent from California. USPIS obtained search warrants for both packages, which contained over two pounds of methamphetamine in total.

The United States Postal Inspection Service Boston Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. The New Hampshire State Police, Claremont Police Department, and the Lebanon Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant United States Attorney Heather A. Cherniske prosecuted the case.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

###

MIL Security OSI –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI: ARKO to Report Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results on February 26, 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

RICHMOND, Va., Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ARKO Corp. (Nasdaq: ARKO) (the “Company”) a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest convenience store operators in the United States, today announced that the Company will host a conference call on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time to discuss its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.

ARKO Corp.’s management team will host the conference call, followed by a question-and-answer period. The Company will provide its financial results in a press release prior to the call.

Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Time: 5:00 p.m. Eastern time
Toll-free dial-in number: (877) 605-1792
International dial-in number: (201) 689-8728
Webcast: ARKO’s Q4 and Full Year 2024 Earnings Call

A telephonic replay will be available approximately three hours after the call concludes through Friday, March 28, 2025.

Toll-free replay number: (877) 660-6853
International replay number: (201) 612-7415
Replay ID: 13751014

A link to the live webcast and replay will also be available at https://www.arkocorp.com/news-events/ir-calendar. We encourage all participants to register at least 15 minutes prior to the 5:00 p.m. ET start time. If you have any difficulty registering or connecting with the conference call, please contact Elevate IR at (720) 330-2829.

About ARKO Corp.

ARKO Corp. (Nasdaq: ARKO) is a Fortune 500 company that owns 100% of GPM Investments, LLC and is one of the largest operators of convenience stores and wholesalers of fuel in the United States. Based in Richmond, VA, our highly recognizable family of community brands offers delicious, prepared foods, beer, snacks, candy, hot and cold beverages, and multiple popular quick serve restaurant brands. Our high value fas REWARDS^® loyalty program offers exclusive savings on merchandise and gas. We operate in four reportable segments: retail, which includes convenience stores selling merchandise and fuel products to retail customers; wholesale, which supplies fuel to independent dealers and consignment agents; fleet fueling, which includes the operation of proprietary and third-party cardlock locations and issuance of proprietary fuel cards that provide customers access to a nationwide network of fueling sites; and GPM Petroleum, which sells and supplies fuel to our retail and wholesale sites and charges a fixed fee, primarily to our fleet fueling sites. To learn more about GPM stores, visit: www.gpminvestments.com. To learn more about ARKO, visit: www.arkocorp.com.

Company Contact
Jordan Mann
ARKO Corp.
investors@gpminvestments.com

Investor Contact
Sean Mansouri, CFA
Elevate IR
(720) 330-2829
ARKO@elevate-ir.com

The MIL Network –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Commitment to Inclusive Political Transition Vital for Syria’s Success, Special Envoy Says, Warning Further Conflict Could Hinder Fight against Da’esh

Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

Concerns Raised over Discrimination against Women, Minorities

Acknowledging the Syrian caretaker authorities pledges to achieve an inclusive Syrian-owned and -led political transition in line with the key principles of Council resolution 2254 (2015), the United Nations senior mediator in the country warned the Security Council today that further conflict could have a drastic impact on the fight against Da’esh and international peace and security.

The current transition in Syria is unfolding amid territorial division in the north-east and a complex security environment in the rest of the country, said Geir O. Pedersen, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria.

“The leadership of the caretaker authorities have repeatedly committed publicly and to me that the new Syria will be for all Syrians and built on inclusive and credible foundations,” he said.

On 29 January, a broad range of military factions assembled in Damascus and issued a declaration dissolving the 2012 Constitution, exceptional laws, the former Parliament, the former army, former regime-allied militias and the Ba’ath Party, he said. Ahmad al-Sharaa — declared “interim President and head of State for a transitional period” — pledged to “work to form a comprehensive transitional Government that expresses the diversity of Syria” towards “free and fair elections”.

The Special Envoy said that, while in Syria, he was “deeply struck” by the shared conviction among Syrians that the success of the country’s political transition is essential, and that “it cannot afford to fail”.

However, many are concerned that there has been no rule of law, no constitutional or legal framework for appointments and policy decisions and no systematic communication or transparency. Some expressed concerns that the caretaker authorities — staffed mostly with affiliates of the Idlib Salvation Government — are taking decisions that go “beyond a caretaker mode”, including in terms of restructuring State institutions, with potential impact on specific communities.

Additionally, many Syrians expressed concern at reports of discriminatory practices targeting women, and of increasing social pressure towards certain norms, he said, stressing that Syrian women want “more than protection”; they want meaningful participation in decision-making and transitional institutions.

He further observed that the situation in north-east Syria complicates the political transition, pointing to daily front-line hostilities impacting civilians and civilian infrastructure. Many Syrians expressed fears about security fragmentation and that external actors could exploit it — particularly “if the transition goes awry”. And many expressed parallel concerns that ongoing efforts for public sector restructuring may push hundreds of thousands into need – including former security elements — potentially jeopardizing future stability. Equally concerning is the inclusion of foreign fighters in the senior ranks of the new armed forces, as well as individuals associated with violations.

Relatedly, he spotlighted concerning reports of incidents still taking place against the backdrop of the authorities’ security operations, including men killed in the exchange of fire and reported serious ill-treatment in detention. In addition, residents are reportedly facing incidents of kidnapping, looting, expropriation of property and forced evictions of families from public housing.

Against this backdrop, he called on the caretaker authorities to ensure all armed actors cease these actions, amplify their assurances into concrete procedures and work on a comprehensive transitional justice framework. He also underscored that Israel must withdraw from Syria, noting the UN’s engagement with that country and the caretaker authorities to that end. Further, he urged sanctioning States to ease sanctions in the critical sectors of energy, investments and finance — including the Central Bank.

Syria ‘at Top of Priority List’ for UN, Humanitarian Aid Partners

Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, highlighted the impact of continued hostilities, especially in the north of Syria, on the country’s immense humanitarian crisis. Fighting in and around Mennbij in eastern Aleppo has displaced over 25,000 people, while hostilities have continued in Ar-Raqqa and Al-Hasakeh Governorates, affecting civilian infrastructure. “Since late November [2024], the United Nations and humanitarian partners have provided more than 3.3 million people with bread assistance, as well as other food aid,” she said, highlighting the work of mobile health and nutrition teams. The cross-border operation from Turkiye remains essential, she noted, adding that, in January, 94 trucks carrying essential supplies crossed through the Bab al-Hawa and Bab al-Salam crossings.

“Syria remains at the top of our priority list,” she said, adding that senior representatives of humanitarian agencies have visited the country to engage with partners and caretaker authorities. Outlining efforts to move towards a streamlined coordination architecture, which should be in place by June, she said it will be led by the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Damascus. Turning to engagement with the caretaker authorities, she highlighted their assurances “to facilitate access, ease bureaucratic procedures and engage in practical dialogue with the humanitarian community”. Last week, cash-withdrawal limits for aid organizations were lifted, and transactions were authorized in Syrian pounds or United States dollars.

“Now is the time to invest in Syria’s future,” she emphasized, adding that many of the 6 million Syrian refugees in neighbouring countries are “weighing the momentous decision of whether to return”. Alongside life-saving support, it is essential to restore critical health water and other services, she added, expressing concern about funding shortfalls and calling for “generous financial pledges”. “The UN and partners are appealing for $1.2 billion to reach 6.7 million people through March of this year,” she said. Further clarity is needed on the implications of the freeze on US-funded activities and associated humanitarian waivers, she said, noting that, in 2024, funding from that country accounted for more than a quarter of support for the humanitarian response plan in Syria. She underscored that delays or suspension of funding will affect whether vulnerable people can access essential services.

…

MIL OSI United Nations News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Votes Against Confirming Tulsi Gabbard to Serve as Director of National Intelligence

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
February 12, 2025
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) and Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC)—released the following statement after the Senate confirmed Tulsi Gabbard by a vote of 52-48 to serve as Director of National Intelligence:
“Tulsi Gabbard is not only wholly unqualified for this position, but she has an extremely concerning history of cozying up to our adversaries that makes her unfit for the job—whether it’s her close relationship with a Syrian dictator who gassed his own people, her pattern of spreading Putin’s propaganda or supporting and spreading conspiracy theories. She is not the kind of person who should be protecting our nation’s secrets—but unfortunately, my Republican colleagues would rather appease Donald Trump’s worst instincts than ensure our most sensitive intelligence is in safe, trustworthy hands. With this vote today, they’re once again proving they’re willing to put our national security and the safety of all Americans at risk out of concern for their political future.”
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MIL OSI USA News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Complex disaster risks call for urgent action in the Arab region
Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

Leaders call to collectively strengthen resilience at the 6th Arab Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction

Kuwait City, Kuwait, 12 February 2025 – UNDRR’s Arab States region – covering 22 countries mostly in the Middle East and northern Africa – faces a range of hazards, exacerbated by climate change.

Over the past 50 years, the region has suffered economic losses nearing $60 billion, with droughts, earthquakes, and floods taking the most severe human and economic toll.

Recent disasters – such as the 2023 earthquakes in Syria and Morocco, catastrophic floods in Libya, and numerous severe droughts – are grim reminders of the urgent need for stronger risk governance and climate resilience strategies.

Transboundary risks need transboundary solutions

The hazards that the region faces move freely across borders, and so efforts to manage and reduce risks likewise need to be transboundary. This means working together as a region.

This spirit of cooperation was evident in Kuwait this week, where disaster risk reduction experts, government officials, and resilience-building stakeholders from across the region came together for the 6th Arab Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction. The four-day event aimed to strengthen policies and partnerships, in order to reduce disaster risk and enhance resilience collectively. The Platform culminated in the adoption of the Kuwait Declaration for Disaster Risk Reduction, reaffirming the urgency of resilience building across the region.

Hosted by the Government of Kuwait and co-organized by UNDRR’s Regional Office for Arab States and the League of Arab States, the Platform is a forum to assess progress, exchange best practices, and drive regional commitments to disaster risk reduction (DRR).

Innovative financing and early warnings

A preparatory day ahead of the Platform proper tackled two important topics, in parallel: the need for new and innovative financing solutions for disaster risk reduction; and implementing the Early Warnings For All initiative in the region.

The Resilient Infrastructure and DRR Financing Conference explored ways to address the challenges of DRR financing, including innovative financial instruments like catastrophe bonds, resilience bonds, and parametric insurance; public-private partnerships; and a comprehensive approach integrating DRR strategies into climate finance.

Alongside this, the Early Warnings for All Multistakeholder Forum for the Arab States, led by UNDRR and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), discussed progress in implementing Early Warnings for All in the region, with a focus on early warning technologies and risk communication strategies.

Speaking to the Forum, WMO President Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous affirmed that the Early Warning for All initiative is a top priority for WMO.

“We firmly believe that strengthening early warning systems, improving climate services, and enhancing regional and international partnerships are essential pillars for effective disaster risk reduction,” he said.

An appeal for collective action

Opening the Platform on 10 February, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG) Kamal Kishore stressed the need for urgent action:

“The Arab region should be proud of the progress it has made in advancing disaster risk reduction, especially around strengthening risk governance frameworks, which is a prerequisite for achieving sustainable development. That said, there are still many areas for improvement.”

He outlined three key objectives for the regional platform:
1. Strengthening risk understanding – Improved knowledge exchange across the region will improve risk assessments, especially in the face of climate change.
2. Enhancing partnerships and collaboration – More multi-sectoral engagement and regional cooperation is essential for addressing transboundary risks.
3. Committing to action – Accelerated implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction requires taking concrete steps, in order to meet its targets before 2030.
Better governance and more investment in risk reduction

Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Al-Sabah, Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Minister of Interior, welcomed delegates, reaffirming Kuwait’s commitment to DRR, and noted the special challenges that the region faces:

“We are in a world that is witnessing an unprecedented acceleration in the pace of natural and human risks, and the challenges facing our societies are increasing in terms of size and complexity,” he said

“Disasters have become more frequent and diverse, as a result of climate change, rapid and unregulated urban growth, and environmental degradation, which makes it necessary for us to adopt a comprehensive and integrated approach to dealing with these risks.”

During the Platform’s busy schedule, participants engaged in sessions giving updates and discussion on a variety of topics especially pertinent to the region, including: innovative DRR financing; urban resilience; risk knowledge; extreme heat; disaster preparedness, recovery and “building back better”; and the Santiago network for loss and damage.

Scroll through the photo gallery of the Regional Platform

Innovative, actionable strategies

To inform the dialogue at the Platform, the UNDRR presented the findings of 2024 Regional Assessment Report (RAR) on Disaster Risk Reduction in the Arab Region, updating analysis of the region’s evolving risk landscape. These findings warn of a “perfect storm” of interconnected risks, driven by climate change, water scarcity, governance challenges, and institutional fragility.

The authors noted:
- Temperatures in the region are rising at an alarming rate of +0.5°C per decade, intensifying droughts, extreme heat, and food insecurity.
- Governance and institutional challenges remain major obstacles to effective disaster risk management.
- The increasing frequency of climate-related disasters threatens human security, economic stability, and public health.
- Many cities in the Middle East may become uninhabitable before the end of the century if urgent measures are not taken.
The report aims to guide governments, policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders in disaster risk reduction and sustainable development, and calls for collaborative efforts to transform an understanding of risk into actionable strategies that prioritize community wellbeing and environmental sustainability.

Regional cooperation to implement the Sendai Framework

The Platform culminated with Member States and stakeholders issuing the Kuwait Declaration for Disaster Risk Reduction, which notes the need for accelerated implementation of the Sendai Framework; enhanced DRR governance; more investment in resilient infrastructure; extended early warning system coverage; better data for evidence-based policymaking; and improved integration of science, technology and artificial intelligence.

The Kuwait Declaration stresses the need for greater regional cooperation to support crisis-affected countries; call for an inclusive approach that engages governments, civil society and the private sector in reducing disaster risks and protecting communities.

Announcing the adoption of the Kuwait Declaration, Ambassador Khalil Ebrahim Al-Thawadi, Assistant Secretary-General for Arab Affairs and National Security for the League of Arab States, said the Platform, and its Declaration, signalled a “big leap forward” for resilience in the region.

“I urge you to take all of the lessons from this Platform, and to transform them into real actions on the ground,” he told the assembled delegates.

Time is of the essence

In his closing remarks, SRSG Kamal Kishore thanked the State of Kuwait for hosting the event, and praised the region for its innovation in disaster risk reduction:

“Take the good practices from this region and share them with the world. With just five years left to achieve the goals of the Sendai Framework – if this region can make it happen, then the world can make it happen,” he said

With more than 450 participants from governments, UN agencies, civil society, academia, and the private sector, the 6th Arab Regional Platform for DRR will help strengthen the region’s capacity to prevent and mitigate disasters, for a safer and more resilient future for all.

“You have to change this region, but you also have to change the world,” Mr Kishore said.

The Platform will feed the region’s challenges, solutions, and commitments into the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, taking place in Geneva from 2–6 June 2025.

MIL OSI United Nations News –
February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Sixth Arab Regional Platform for DRR concludes with the adoption of Kuwait Declaration

Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

Kuwait City, Kuwait, 12 February 2025 – The Sixth Arab Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction concluded today in Kuwait City, marking a pivotal step forward in the region’s efforts to enhance resilience and mitigate disaster risks. Hosted by the Government of Kuwait in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the League of Arab States, the platform brought together over 600 participants from governments, civil society, academia, the private sector, and international organizations. Convened under the theme, “Building Resilient Arab Communities: From Understanding to Action,” the platform offered an inclusive space to discuss solutions to the complex risk landscape facing the Arab region.

The highlight of the event was the adoption of the Kuwait Declaration for Disaster Risk Reduction, which reaffirms the urgent need to strengthen resilience across the Arab region in the face of increasing disaster risks. The declaration underscores the importance of accelerating the implementation of the Sendai Framework, enhancing governance for risk reduction, increasing investments in disaster-resilient infrastructure, and leveraging science, technology, artificial intelligence, and early warning systems. It also emphasizes the need to develop and update comprehensive disaster loss databases and risk assessments to support evidence-based policymaking. Additionally, the declaration calls for greater regional cooperation, particularly in supporting countries affected by crises, and highlights the need for inclusive and sustainable approaches that engage governments, civil society, and the private sector in reducing disaster risks and protecting communities.

The platform saw the adoption of the Voluntary Action Statements of Stakeholder Groups engaged in DRR. Alongside the Kuwait Declaration, these commitments align with the Prioritized Action Plan for DRR (2025-2027) in the Arab region, which outlines concrete priorities and strategies to strengthen disaster risk management at both regional and national levels.

Key highlights

Over four days, the platform featured 2 side conferences, 3 plenary sessions, 4 thematic sessions, and 6 special sessions, providing a space for high-level dialogue on strengthening disaster resilience in the Arab region. With 18 side events, a press conference, and a dedicated marketplace, participants explored innovative solutions, shared best practices, and reinforced commitments to advancing disaster risk reduction efforts.

Two critical pre-conference events took place ahead of the official launch of the platform. Resilient Infrastructure and Disaster Risk Reduction Financing conference addressed one of the most pressing challenges facing the Arab region that is mobilizing sufficient financial resources for disaster resilience. While the Early Warnings for All Multistakeholder Forum for the Arab States underscored the importance of inclusive, people-centered early warning systems across the region. In a world where climate-related disasters are increasing in frequency and intensity, effective early warning systems can mean the difference between life and death.

Throughout the four days of the platform, participants engaged in dynamic discussions during plenary, thematic, special sessions, and side events. These sessions addressed critical issues such as urban resilience, risk-informed financing, disaster preparedness, and strengthening governance to achieve sustainable development.

The platform marked the introduction of the Santiago Network in the Arab region through a dedicated session focused on enhancing efforts to avert, minimize, and address loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change. Bringing together high-level stakeholders and experts from the Arab region and beyond, this session provided a platform to discuss the operationalization of the Santiago Network and its role in delivering technical assistance to countries facing climate-induced challenges, insights on capacity gaps, opportunities for regional collaboration, and ways to strengthen the synergy between disaster risk reduction and climate action.

A special high-level session for mayors highlighted innovative approaches to urban resilience, drawing on best practices and lessons learned across the Arab region. In the Arab Leaders Dialogue for DRR session, which brought together donors, governments, the private sector, and humanitarian organizations to address funding gaps and advance sustainable financing for disaster risk reduction in the Arab region, participants explored innovative financing models, key funding challenges, and solutions, particularly for conflict-affected and fragile states.

Another key moment of the platform was the launch of the key findings of the Regional Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction in the Arab States, which presents a comprehensive analysis of disaster risk in the Arab region and actionable recommendations to policymakers, highlighting systemic risks driven by climate change, urbanization, water scarcity, and socio-economic vulnerabilities. It underscores the interconnected nature of these risks and calls for urgent action to strengthen governance, enhance early warning systems, and invest in resilience-building measures.

The platform underscored the integration of disaster risk reduction with broader development frameworks, including climate change adaptation and the Sustainable Development Goals. Discussions reflected on the progress made in implementing the Sendai Framework, while also addressing persistent challenges such as urbanization, socio-economic disparities, and the effects of climate change.

Closing session

The platform closed with a high-level session, featuring Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Al-Sabah, Acting Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Minister of Interior, Kuwait; Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction; Ambassador Khalil Ebrahim Al-Thawadi, League of Arab States Assistant Secretary-General for Arab Affairs and National Security; and Major General Talal Mohammed Al-Roumi, Chief of the General Fire Force, Kuwait.

Reflecting on the Arab region’s progress and its role in advancing global disaster risk reduction efforts, Kamal Kishore emphasized the importance of sharing lessons learned and scaling up action. “Take the good practices from this region and share them with the world. With just five years left to achieve the goals of the Sendai Framework, if this region can make it happen, then the world can make it happen,” he said in his closing remarks.

The outcomes of the Sixth Arab Regional Platform, including the Kuwait Declaration and the Arab Action Plan, will inform discussions at the Eighth Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, scheduled to take place in Geneva in June 2025. These achievements serve as a foundation for the region’s ongoing efforts to reduce risks, protect lives, and foster sustainable development.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: Munich Security Conference: Amnesty’s Secretary General calls on states to resist attacks on human rights protections

Source: Amnesty International –

Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard will be attending the Munich Security Conference from 14 to 16 February, where she will be available for interview and will call on world leaders and senior officials to resolutely come together to resist attacks on human rights and the global multilateral architecture and avoid further harm to human rights protections and the rules-based order.

“The past 12 months have laid bare precisely how hellish the world can be when states don’t apply universal standards and insist that international law and multilateral decisions do not apply to their actions. Consider Israel’s genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, the conflict still raging in Sudan, the worsening catastrophe in Myanmar, and the recent uptick in fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” Agnès Callamard said.

“Following the long overdue ceasefire in Gaza and the transition of power in Syria, the question turns to how lasting peace and justice can be achieved in such contexts. States must commit their full support to bodies like the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court in their efforts to uphold the law, as failure to hold perpetrators accountable will only embolden other aggressors and fuel further cycles of violence and destruction.

The past 12 months have laid bare precisely how hellish the world can be when states don’t apply universal standards and insist that international law and multilateral decisions do not apply to their actions.

Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General

“In these precarious times, humanity can ill afford further breakdowns in the international order. We do not need more instability, division or turmoil; we do not need more attacks on human rights values and further undermining of our already fragile commitments to address climate change. We need sustainable, future-focused solutions. The multilateral system may be failing us, but the answer is not to abandon it to the abyss. The answer is to strengthen and reform it, grounding it in a common vision so it can make good on its promise of global stability and universal human rights protections. The Munich Security Conference presents a timely opportunity for world leaders to begin to address these challenges and pave the way for a future free of the harrowing conflicts that blight today’s world.”

MIL OSI NGO –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: Yemen: Investigate death in custody of arbitrarily detained UN aid worker

Source: Amnesty International –

Yemeni authorities must urgently investigate the death in custody of a UN humanitarian worker with the World Food Programme (WFP), who had been arbitrarily detained since 23 January 2025 and was held at a Huthi-run detention centre in northern Yemen, said Amnesty International today. The name of the staff member has not been officially released.

“The news that a UN humanitarian worker has died in custody at a Huthi-run detention facility is truly appalling. There must be an urgent independent, effective and impartial investigation into the circumstances that led to his death,” said Amnesty International’s Yemen Researcher, Diala Haidar.

“The Huthi de facto authorities have a track record of using torture and other ill-treatment in their detention centres, raising fears that this humanitarian worker may have died as a result of torture or other ill-treatment.

This death in custody also heightens fears for the safety and well-being of all others who remain arbitrarily detained in Huthi-run detention centres, including more than 65 staff from UN agencies and Yemeni and international civil society organizations.

Diala Haidar, Amnesty International

“This death in custody also heightens fears for the safety and well-being of all others who remain arbitrarily detained in Huthi-run detention centres, including more than 65 staff from UN agencies and Yemeni and international civil society organizations. The de facto Huthi authorities must immediately release all individuals they arbitrarily detain, including those who are being held solely in connection with their human rights or humanitarian work.”

Starting on 31 May 2024 over two weeks, the Huthis conducted a series of raids in areas under their control arbitrarily detaining 13 UN staff and at least 50 staff from Yemeni and international civil society organizations. To date, only three people have been released – one UN staff member and two NGO staff members. Between 23 and 25 January 2025, the Huthis conducted another wave of arrests arbitrarily detaining eight UN staff, including the UN staff member whose death in detention was reported on 11 February. All the detainees are held without charge and without access to a lawyer or their families.

“The waves of arrests targeting local and international humanitarian and civil society workers exacerbate an already desperate humanitarian situation in Yemen, where at least 80% of the population relies on aid to survive, according to the UN. And it is Yemeni civilians in critical need of aid who will pay the price of this brutal crackdown,” said Diala Haidar.

“Instead of threatening and obstructing human rights and humanitarian workers who increasingly feel at risk of arrest and reprisal for doing their work, Huthis must facilitate their work and the movement of aid so they can reach the millions of people in Yemen who are currently in need of lifesaving humanitarian assistance.”

Background

In response to the latest arrests, in January 2025 the UN announced suspension of all official movements into and within areas under the Huthis’ control. On 10 February, the UN suspended all its activities in Sa’ada, where six of its humanitarian workers were arbitrarily detained in January. These decisions will severely impact the delivery of critical humanitarian aid to millions.

Huthi authorities have targeted human rights and humanitarian workers before. Four Yemeni UN staff members from OHCHR and UNESCO arrested in 2021 and 2023 remain arbitrarily detained and have been held incommunicado since their arrest. In September 2023, Huthis arrested Hisham Al-Hakimi, the Safety and Security Director at Save the Children, and held him incommunicado. He died on 25 October 2023 while he was still arbitrarily detained.

MIL OSI NGO –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: President Trump Delivers a Message to the People of Jordan

Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

President Trump’s Message to the People of Jordan:

“You are very, very fantastic people with tremendous brilliance and energy… you have a King who is a tremendous man… King Abdullah II is one of the true great leaders of the world.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdmP230Tctw

MIL OSI Video –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – Meeting on current political situation in Gaza and West Bank- 12/02/2025 – Delegation for relations with Palestine

Source: European Parliament

The meeting of the Delegation for relations with Palestine took place on Wednesday, 12 February from 15.00 to 16.30, in Strasbourg, room CHURCHILL 200.

The main subject of discussion will be an exchange of views on the current political situation in Gaza and the West Bank with Mr Michael Mann, Head of Division, Middle East – Israel, Occupied Palestinian Territories and Middle East Peace Process – EEAS.

The meeting was web-streamed and can be accessed via the European Parliament’s Multimedia Centre.

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India’s Cultural Influence Across the Indian Ocean Region Stems from its rich Cultural, Intellectual and Knowledge Traditions: Union Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

Source: Government of India

India’s Cultural Influence Across the Indian Ocean Region Stems from its rich Cultural, Intellectual and Knowledge Traditions: Union Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

From Ancient Trade Winds to Modern Maritime Security: ‘Monsoon’ Conference Explores India’s Expanding Indian Ocean Role

Posted On: 12 FEB 2025 9:42PM by PIB Delhi

In the backdrop of India’s growing maritime partnerships and security initiatives, the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) is organizing a two-day international conference in collaboration with the Advanced Study Institute of Asia ( ASIA) at SGT University titled ‘Monsoon: The Sphere of Cultural and Trade Influence’. ‘Project Mausam’, is an Indian transnational initiative under the Ministry of Culture. This conference, exploring historical and cultural connections among Indian Ocean nations through maritime interactions, will highlight India’s central role in shaping trade, traditions, and connectivity across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The inaugural session of the conference began today at IGNCA, New Delhi, and will continue until 13^th February 2025. Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister Minister of Culture and Tourism, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, with a keynote address by Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe and a welcome address by Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA. Prof. Amogh Rai, Research Director, ASIA, SGT University, and Dr. Ajith Kumar, Director of Project Mausam, were also present during the inaugural session.

Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, while speaking at the inaugural session, highlighted the deep interlinkages between India and the region, emphasising that India’s cultural influence across the Indian Ocean Region stems from its rich cultural, intellectual, and knowledge traditions. He noted that this influence stemmed not only from commerce and trade but also from India’s intellectual prowess and golden prosperity. He remarked that the footprints of India’s cultural impact are visible among those who came as students, monks, or even as aggressors, carrying with them the essence of India’s cultural progress, fostering diversity and unity over thousands of years. He also spoke about the unique vision of ‘Project Mausam’ to showcase a Transnational Mixed Route of Natural and Cultural Heritage, stating, “The world realises that culture is the factor that unites us all.”

The initiative is particularly timely, as India and France recently concluded their Maritime Cooperation Dialogue in New Delhi, agreeing on joint measures to assess and counter threats to maritime security in the IOR. These threats include piracy, maritime terrorism, smuggling, illegal fishing, hybrid and cyber threats, and marine pollution. Oman will also be hosting the 8^th edition of the Indian Ocean Conference from February 16-17, focusing on ‘Voyages to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership’. Simultaneously, the Indian Navy’s 2025 capstone Theatre Level Operational Exercise (TROPEX) is underway, showcasing India’s preparedness in the Indian Ocean.

‘Project Mausam’ not only emphasizes India’s historical maritime influence but also resonates with the nation’s evolving geopolitical strategy in the region. The conference will focus on key themes such as ancient navigational routes, port city networks, and coastal settlements. By integrating tangible and intangible cultural heritage, the project highlights India’s continued leadership in fostering connectivity and maritime partnerships, contributing to UNESCO’s maritime heritage studies.

Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe in his address emphasised the cultural foundations of India-Southeast Asia relations, calling for intellectual and emotional investment to integrate Southeast Asia into India’s popular consciousness. Noting that cultural bonds need revitalisation, he highlighted the monsoon as a symbol of enduring connections and urged moving beyond Eurocentric perspectives. He advocated deepening cultural engagement through the Act East policy to ‘Attract East’ by strengthening cultural, strategic, and economic ties. He also called for reinforcing Dharma-Dhamma relations, reviving shared epics, promoting collaborative art and craft, advancing educational and technological exchanges, addressing climate change, and building linguistic bridges.

Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi said that IGNCA’s area studies in South and Central Asia led to the development of Vrihattar Bharat to explore cultural routes and linkages, expanding beyond the initially identified 39 countries. He noted that over 70 countries share cultural heritage with India. Emphasising international cooperation, as reflected in the G20 summit’s motto, ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, he highlighted that IGNCA’s efforts were ongoing, with the conference serving as a catalyst to expand these studies.

Prof. Amogh Rai expressed his views on the monsoon as both a physical and cultural force, highlighting its role as a cultural multiplier and the conference’s potential for further research. Dr. Ajith Kumar concluded the inaugural session by extending a formal vote of thanks and emphasising the cultural unity between India and Southeast Asian countries.

IGNCA’s international conference aims to foster deeper cultural diplomacy, with academic collaborations and heritage conservation paving the way for future policy dialogues. This dialogue aligns seamlessly with India’s evolving maritime strategies and international partnerships.

***

Sunil Kumar Tiwari

pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

(Release ID: 2102534) Visitor Counter : 16

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WAVES offers a golden opportunity for Reel Makers and Professional Ad Filmmakers to shine as celebrites
Source: Government of India

WAVES offers a golden opportunity for Reel Makers and Professional Ad Filmmakers to shine as celebrites

Hurry up! Only two days left, don’t miss this chance to have your work recognized on a global stage, Submit your entry by February 15th

WAVES Awards of Excellence as part of the Create in India Challenge, attracts global submissions, uniting creators from over dozen countries & more than 52 Indian institutes like NIDs, IITs & SRFTI

Posted On: 12 FEB 2025 6:46PM by PIB Delhi

Do you have a vision that speaks through the lens and a story that unfolds in every frame? If creativity runs through your veins the WAVES Awards of Excellence presents a golden opportunity

The much-anticipated Student Showreels & Professional Ad Film Competition is officially open for submissions! Submit your entry by February 15th.

Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in collaboration with ASIFA India, a UNESCO-recognized global NGO promoting animation, is hosting WAVES Awards of Excellence as part of the Create in India Challenge. These awards celebrate exceptional achievements in Animation, Visual Effects, and Extended Reality (XR), reinforcing India’s creative leadership on the global stage.

About the awards

There are two competition categories: Student Showreels (No time restriction) and Professional Ad Films (limit 60 seconds). The submissions reflect themes of India’s socio-cultural landscape, and modern technology like:
- Wellness & Yoga
- Gaming for Social Impact
ASIFA India has witnessed an exceptional response with enthusiastic participation

ASIFA India has received an overwhelming response with 1238 submissions of finished works from various demographics: Students (75%), Professionals (25%), Women (35%) and Emerging Creators (50%). The participation of women and young creators underscores the challenge’s role in promoting diversity, inclusivity, and fresh perspectives in India’s AVGC sector.

Submissions have been promoted across various continents, resulting in over 60 global entries from 13 countries, such as Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States, Greece, Cyprus, Iran, Finland, the Philippines, Germany, Sri Lanka, Puerto Rico, China, and Mexico. Global Animated Film association Asifa (Association Internationale du Film d’Animation) is promoting the competition globally via its 40 Chapters in various counties.

ASIFA also received submissions from more than 52 institutions in India and abroad. Leading global educational institutions like BAU Centro Universitario de Artes y Diseño de Barcelona, Bass School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology at UTD, Tehran University of Art, Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg, Academy Of Art University, Academy of Design, Colombo, Kennesaw State University student have submitted their top entries to this prestigious festival.
Students from Prestigious Indian Institutions including all NID, IITs (IDC School of Design and DOD at various IIT’s), SRFTI, Symbiosis, Sir JJ Institute of Applied Art, Banasthali Vidyapith, Ajeenkya D Y Patil University, BIT Mesra, UID, Srishti Manipal have also submitted their best work.

Glimpses of Submissions of Waves Awards of Excellence

WAVES Winners Gain Global Opportunities

Winners will receive in-person support for portfolio review by experts, opportunity to interact with global jury from US, Greece & India. They will also receive networking opportunities by direct engagement with key stakeholders, including international studios, producers, and government officials for potential career opportunities. Animation studios and independent developers will receive guidance on funding, IP development, and business scalability.

ASIFA India organized series Meet ups across 15 Indian sub-chapters to inspire creators from various cities for their participation in the upcoming WAVES Awards of Excellence. In the session ‘Deep Dive into Excellence from Mentors’ eminent global Jury like Briana Yarhouse from USA & Dr. Anastasia Dimitra from Athens, Greece gave tips to participants.

Global Jury Members Briana Yarhouse, Dr.Anastasia Dimitra sharing their expertise during a Virtual Meet recently, joined by Deanna Morse(Member of Oscars), Celebrity Artist Dhimant Vyas, BN Vichar& Others..Session Moderated by Sanjay Khimesara, President, Asifa India & Vinita Bachani, Core Committee Member

For more information and to submit your work, visit the submission portal here:

https://www.asifaindia.com/waoe/

About ASIFA INDIA

ASIFA India is a non-profit organization established in 2000 with the goal of promoting the art, craft, and profession of VFX, Animation & Gaming in India. ASIFA India has been working tirelessly to create a platform for creators including- Animators, Vfx & Gaming artists, students, and professionals to network, learn, and showcase their work.

******

Dharmendra Tewari/Kshitij Singha/Shatrunjay kumar

(Release ID: 2102429) Visitor Counter : 28

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –
February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Situation in Syria and protection of minorities in the country following the fall of Assad to HTS – E-002863/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament

The High Representative/Vice-President (HR/VP) confirms the EU’s commitment to a Syrian-led, Syrian-owned peaceful and inclusive transition with the participation of all Syrian citizens, including the Syrian Kurdish population.

The EU urges all Syrian and regional actors to exercise maximum restraint and avoid any further violence, to ensure the protection of civilians, and to uphold international law, including international humanitarian law.

Türkiye has a legitimate right and responsibility to fight against terrorism, ensuring that this is done in accordance with the rule of law, respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, and in full respect of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of neighbouring states.

The HR/VP evokes the European Council conclusions of 19 December 2024[1], calling for full respect for Syria’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within secure borders, in accordance with international law.

The HR/VP already expressed this position in her statement of 9 December 2024[2], and clearly reiterated it in multiple international meetings, including in Aqaba on 14 December 2024[3], where the international community agreed on common principles for engaging in support of a Syrian-led, Syrian owned transition.

The HR/VP also took the opportunity to underline the EU’s position in her bilateral meetings with the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, and will continue to do so.

The EU stands ready to support the new phase in Syria in coordination with regional partners and others. For this, the HR/VP is in close contact with her counterparts in the region.
- [1] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/jhlenhaj/euco-conclusions-19122024-en.pdf
- [2] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2024/12/09/syria-statement-by-the-high-representative-on-behalf-of-the-european-union-on-the-fall-of-the-assad-regime/
- [3] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/press-statement-eu-high-representative-foreign-affairs-and-security-policy-following-international_en
MIL OSI Europe News –
February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Paragon spyware scandal and the surveillance of European journalists and civil society organisations – P-000589/2025
Source: European Parliament
Priority question for written answer P-000589/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Sandro Gozi (Renew)

Last week, Euractiv published an article entitled ‘EXCLUSIVE: Spyware firm behind new surveillance of journalists, civil society operates from the EU’[1] on the Paragon scandal involving the systematic surveillance of over a hundred European citizens’ mobile phones and WhatsApp accounts. The article reveals that individuals in various EU Member States, such as Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden, including journalists and civil society organisations critical of national governments, are being spied on by unidentified actors.

1.Is the Commission aware of this breach of fundamental rights and digital privacy of European citizens and has it started to conduct an analysis of who was targeted, why and by whom?

2.What measures will the Commission take in order to respond to and address this breach of European citizens’ rights?

3.Will the Commission follow up on the recommendations of the former European Parliament PEGA Committee[2], take immediate action to ensure full transparency and accountability, and address these spyware threats?

Submitted: 10.2.2025

[1] https://www.euractiv.com/section/tech/news/exclusive-spyware-firm-behind-new-surveillance-of-journalists-civil-society-operates-from-the-eu/.

[2] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-9-2023-0189_EN.html.
Last updated: 12 February 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Mast Delivers Opening Remarks at HFAC Roundtable with Families of Hostages Held by Hamas

Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

Media Contact 202-226-8467

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast delivered opening remarks at a bipartisan roundtable with family members of hostages being held by Hamas following the horrific October 7th terrorist attacks on Israel.

WATCH HERE

-Remarks as delivered –

Good morning. Thank you for taking the time to be with us today.

I have some formal remarks to give, but I think – given what occurred yesterday with the return of Marc Fogel and what will occur today – I think it puts us all in a little bit more hopeful light. We know that we are in a different time, a different place, and a different commitment on behalf of the United States of America than what we’ve experienced in the past. I think that’s something that gives every single one of us hope. It should give us all hope. It gives me more hope because I do know the commitment of President Trump, and his commitment is that we don’t leave our men behind.

I want to thank you all for being here today. And, formally, I do want to congratulate President Trump for securing the release of Marc Fogel from Russian captivity. As I just stated, President Trump has a commitment of leaving no man behind. It’s important to reflect on that. President Trump is showing that when an Americans are being wrongfully detained abroad, the U.S. government will move Heaven and Earth to get them back. That is a stark difference from what Marc had experienced before that.

We know that we have Americans and our allies being detained abroad by Hamas in Gaza. I welcome you families who have come here to D.C. to share your stories with us.

I think we all know that there was a bit of a blizzard that took place last night here in Washington and there were questions by a number of individuals – shouldn’t we cancel this roundtable? How can we expect people to come in for this with the snow on the ground? And the response to everybody that had a question was simple: How could we say to any one of you that have individuals being detained in unfathomable conditions that we can’t do something simply because of a little white powder on the ground? And I thought it was just a interesting place to really put in to perspective how we take things for granted in our First World situation that we live in each and every day, that are nothing, nothing compared to what your families have had to go through.

I can only imagine the pain that you and your loved ones, who are held hostage, are experiencing. I can’t put myself into that situation and I pray to God I never have to.

Sixteen months after the brutal October 7 massacre, Hamas still holds dozens of innocent people hostage in Gaza, including six Americans.

We remember each one of them, and we will not rest until they are all safely brought home and Hamas is eradicated.

Today, we will have the opportunity to hear from the family members of six hostages being held by Hamas.

We have Ronen Neutra with us – Orna Neutra, Ilana Gritzewsky, Moshe Lavi, Daniel Lifshitz, Gal Dalal, and Ilay David. Thank you all for being with us today. And you will all have the opportunity to introduce yourselves more thoroughly.

Congress and the world must hear from each of you because there are individuals in Washington and across the globe who will deny, and they will whitewash, and they will simply ignore what has taken place. It’s up to us to make sure that does not take place.

They will make excuses for the terrorists who raped and slaughtered 1,200 innocent Israelis and Americans on October 7th. They will make excuses for the animals who continue to hold Americans hostages in Gaza right now as we speak.

There is no path to ending this conflict without the release of hostages. The purpose of our meeting today is to keep their freedom at the top of the agenda. We need to bring them home now.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Launch of European humanitarian corridors from Lebanon to the EU – E-002127/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament

The EU is committed to providing resettlement and humanitarian admission to the most vulnerable refugees displaced in non-EU countries, in accordance with EU and national law.

As part of the current ad hoc EU-funded scheme (2024-2025), Member States voluntarily provided resettlement and humanitarian admission pledges, including for refugees displaced in Lebanon.

The EU provides financial support to Member States undertaking resettlement and humanitarian admission efforts via the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund[1]. However, a decision to grant a visa, including a humanitarian visa, lies with the competent national authorities of the Member States.

The Commission has acted swiftly in response to the increasing immediate needs amidst the conflict escalation in Lebanon since September 2024 and allocated an additional EUR 45 million in humanitarian and non-humanitarian assistance.

In addition, the Commission has adjusted ongoing programs with implementing partners in areas such as social protection, education, and primary healthcare.

In 2024, the Commission provided EUR 92 million in humanitarian aid to help vulnerable populations in Lebanon, including Syrian and Palestinian refugees as well as vulnerable host communities and displaced Lebanese[2].

The (over) EUR 92 million include EUR 10 million from the EUR 30 million emergency support announced by the President of the Commission on 3 October 2024. Furthermore, in October 2024, the EU provided EUR 5.5 million in humanitarian aid to respond to the influx of displaced people from Lebanon to Syria[3].

The agreed ceasefire, effective as of 27 November 2024 for an initial period of two months, will facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid in the region.
- [1] https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/funding/asylum-migration-and-integration-funds/asylum-migration-and-integration-fund-2021-2027_en
- [2] https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/where/middle-east-and-northern-africa/lebanon_en#facts–figures
- [3] https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/where/middle-east-and-northern-africa/syria_en#how-are-we-helping
MIL OSI Europe News –
February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – The Syrian civil war and plans in the EU to return Syrian refugees – E-002732/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
In line with the EU strategy for Syria (2017)[1] the EU has maintained a principled and pragmatic approach, refraining from normalising relations with the Assad regime.

As part of its continued implementation of the EU strategy for Syria, and with a view to continue to best use the range of EU tools, the European External Action Service and the Commission took note of the proposals by Member States, both in writing and in the context of relevant Council working groups, but also widely consulted implementation partners, the United Nations (UN) family, civil society and other stakeholders.

In the current context, it is essential for the EU to support an inclusive Syrian-owned, Syrian-led transition and to continue to monitor the situation on the ground as well as, in coordination with UN agencies, to continue to evaluate the conditions for safe, dignified, voluntary returns to Syria following the UN High Commissioner for Refugees’ guidance, knowing that the situation remains very volatile.

[1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/EN/legal-content/summary/eu-strategy-for-syria.html?fromSummary=28
Last updated: 12 February 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: 13 children killed in the West Bank since year began: UNICEF

Source: United Nations 2

12 February 2025 Humanitarian Aid

The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has voiced deep alarm at the growing number of children killed, injured and displaced in the occupied West Bank, as violence continues to escalate.

In a statement issued by Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF’s Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, the agency called for “the immediate cessation of armed activity across the occupied West Bank”.

A 10-year-old Palestinian boy died from gunshot wounds last Friday and two days later, a woman who was eight months pregnant was reportedly shot and killed in Nur Shams camp, resulting in the loss of her unborn baby.

The violence, which has intensified in recent weeks, has left families in mourning and communities in distress.

Sharp increase in child fatalities

According to UNICEF, 13 Palestinian children have been killed in the West Bank since the beginning of 2025.

Seven of these deaths occurred after 19 January, following a large-scale military operation in the north of the territory. Among the casualties was a two-year-old whose pregnant mother was also injured in the shooting.

The numbers reflect a worrying trend. Since 7 October 2023, 195 Palestinian children and three Israeli children have been killed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

“There has been a 200 per cent increase in the number of Palestinian children killed in the territory over the past 16 months as compared to the 16 months prior,” Mr. Beigbeder explained.

Devastation in refugee camps

The humanitarian situation has worsened in areas such as Jenin, Tulkarem and Tubas Governorates, where airstrikes, demolitions and the use of explosive weapons have severely damaged essential infrastructure.

Many communities, particularly in refugee camps, have been cut off from basic services, with water and electricity supplies disrupted.

Thousands of families have been displaced due to military operations, including in Jenin, Nur Shams, Tulkarem and al-Faraa Camps.

The deteriorating security situation has made daily life increasingly difficult, particularly for children.

Education under threat

The education of children has been severely disrupted, with nearly 100 schools affected.

Teachers and students in conflict-hit areas face significant risks in attending classes, heightening concerns over long-term psychological and social impacts.

Many children require urgent mental health and psychosocial support due to their exposure to violence, displacement and the loss of loved ones.

UNICEF has called for greater resources to address these growing needs.

Call for protection

“UNICEF condemns all acts of violence against children,” said Mr. Beigbeder. “All civilians, including every child without exception, must be protected.”

“Humanitarian organizations must have safe and unfettered access to deliver life-saving assistance and protection services to children and their families,” he continued.

UNICEF emphasised the urgent need for a lasting political solution, backed by the international community, to secure a peaceful and stable future for all children in the region.

The agency “stands ready to work with partners to address both the immediate and long-term needs of affected children and families in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem,” Mr. Beigbeder concluded.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Security Council: Syrian leaders urged to prioritise inclusive transition

Source: United Nations 4

By Vibhu Mishra

12 February 2025 Peace and Security

The UN Special Envoy for Syria on Wednesday called on the country’s caretaker authorities to make the transition to democratic rule inclusive, warning that transparency, rule of law and fair elections – particularly for women taking part – remain key concerns.

Briefing ambassadors in the Security Council, Geir Pedersen acknowledged commitments made by interim president Ahmad Al-Sharaa but stressed that Syrians across the country expect tangible actions.

“All Syrians I met…stressed to me how much they want institutional appointments, the transitional government, the provisional legislative body, the national dialogue process and any preparatory committees, and these need to be credible and inclusive,” he said.

He added that Syrian women, in particular, seek more than protection.

“They want meaningful participation in decision-making or appointments in key positions, based on their qualifications, [and] to participate in transitional institutions, so that their perspectives are considered, including on issues related to the status and rights of Syrian women.”

Security and economic risks

The fragile security situation continues to threaten political progress, Mr. Pedersen warned, citing ongoing hostilities in the northeast, including daily clashes, artillery exchanges, and airstrikes that are impacting civilians and infrastructure.

A recent wave of car bombings in residential areas has caused significant casualties.

While welcoming initial dialogue between caretaker authorities and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the northeast, he urged the United States, Türkiye, and regional and national actors to work together on “genuine compromises” that enable peace and stability.

“It is crucial that all doors remain open to ensuring the inclusion of all parts of Syria and all key constituencies within the political transition,” he added.

Concerns are also growing over economic stability against a backdrop of sanctions, widespread poverty and sudden donor cuts to humanitarian aid.

Mr. Pedersen urged sanctioning states to consider easing restrictions in critical sectors such as energy and finance, noting that many Syrians will measure progress not only by political reforms but by the price of food, access to electricity and employment opportunities.

Worsening humanitarian crisis

As political talks continue, the humanitarian situation in Syria remains dire, with more than 70 per cent of the population in need assistance.

Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for UN aid coordination, emphasised that humanitarians are scaling up efforts to deliver aid despite challenges.

Fresh fighting, particularly in the north, has displaced over 25,000 people from Manbij near the restive Turkish border area and attacks continue to hinder efforts to repair Tishreen Dam, a vital source of water and electricity for hundreds of thousands. In addition, explosive ordinance continues to pose a threat to civilians and hamper humanitarian efforts.

“All parties must take constant care to spare civilians and civilian infrastructure in the course of military actions,” Ms. Msuya stressed.

Assistant Secretary-General Msuya briefing the Security Council.

Aid delivery

The UN has been scaling up aid deliveries despite immense logistical challenges, having reached over 3.3 million people with food assistance since late November, following rapid gains made by opposition forces in against Assad regime-controlled areas.

Cross-border operations from Türkiye remain a lifeline, with 94 trucks carrying food, medical supplies, and other essential aid arriving in Syria last month – more than triple the amount delivered during the same period last year.

However, funding shortfalls remain a major constraint.

Ms. Msuya noted that dozens of health facilities are at risk of closure, while water and sanitation services have already been suspended in displacement camps, affecting more than 635,000 people.

Furthermore, the recent suspension of US funding for aid programmes – which accounted for over a quarter of the humanitarian response budget in 2024 – have added to the uncertainty.

“Delays or suspension of funding will affect whether vulnerable people can access essential services,” Ms. Msuya warned.

Refugees weigh return

Increasing numbers of Syrian refugees are considering returning home, the deputy relief chief said.

Since December, approximately 270,000 Syrians have returned from neighbouring countries. A recent UN survey found that more than a quarter of refugees intend to return within the next year – a notable increase from previous years.

Ms. Msuya stressed that sustainable, safe, and dignified returns require major investments in livelihoods, health services, education and infrastructure.

“Now is the time to invest in Syria’s future,” she said, underscoring the need to ensure protection of civilians, facilitate flow of aid and a peaceful transition.

“Alongside the most critical lifesaving support, we must sustain and restore critical health, water, and other services that can enable people to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.”

MIL OSI United Nations News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy: President Trump is prosecuting wasteful spending

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

Watch Kennedy’s comments here.

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) celebrated the Trump administration’s effort to expose wasteful spending within the federal government in a speech on the Senate floor.

Key excerpts of the speech are below:

“I want to make a brief comment about the continuing saga that our new president is doing, in my judgment, a good job of prosecuting here in Washington. I am talking about his audits of federal government spending and all of the wasteful spending—I call it spending porn—that he is finding.”

. . .

“The battle lines are drawn. Some of my colleagues have decided to support the bureaucracy and the spending porn over the American taxpayer. . . . That is their right.

“It is not against the law or unconstitutional to be foolish in America, but these are the same people . . . who chose to support illegal immigration over the rule of law. These are the same people who have chosen to support teachers’ unions over parents and kids. These are the same people who have chosen to support criminals over cops and victims. These are the same people who have chosen to support transgender athletes over women’s sports. These are the same people who have chosen to support Hamas over Israel.

“They think they are winning. Maybe in this town they are—if you listen to a lot of the pundits up here, if you listen to a lot of the members of the ‘wokerati’ in Washington—but they are not winning in America. The justice stick is coming, and I am very proud to be a part of that effort.”

Watch Kennedy’s full speech here.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Holds Media Availability in Stuttgart, Germany

Source: United States Department of Defense

DEFENSE SECRETARY HEGSETH: How’s it going everybody? Sir. Good to see you. It’s been a great day, really. Any day we can spend with the troops from the very early morning of PT with some high speed guys and gals to two COCOMs that are right in the front lines of advancing American interests. Proud to be here today.

Just an impressive display of what Americans are doing in far flung places for the American people, so proud to be here for sure. I think we have a local — where’s our local reporter? I’d like to go first to our local.

Q: Thank you so much. So —

DEFENSE SECRETARY HEGSETH: Where are you from?

Q: I’m from Suddeutsche Zeitung. That’s the second biggest newspaper in Germany.

DEFENSE SECRETARY HEGSETH: Well, it’s my favorite now.

Q: And you are visiting Africom as one of your first points in your duty. Does that mean that the American strategic aims in Africa are going to change?

DEFENSE SECRETARY HEGSETH: Well, I think it’s a reflection of the importance of that command as well as EUCOM. We spent this morning at EUCOM, as well; made sense to come to both if we’re here in Germany.

But it’s also a reflection that, you know, the PRC’s intentions are pernicious, not just in their part of the world, but also in South America and on the African continent. And America’s posture there along with allies and partners is going to matter about contesting that space. So, it certainly remains a priority.

You saw the strike in Somalia on February 1st. That — as we talked to the command, that’s a reflection also of pushing decision authority down, untying the hands of war fighters who in the previous administration made multiple requests and were often denied for that kind of kinetic action, or the decision had to be made at the White House when it should be made at the four star level or at the Secretary of Defense level more quickly based on the ability to degrade the enemy.

So, this is a very important part of the world for us. The President feels that way, as well, and we’re honored to be here. Thank you.

Q: Mr. Secretary, are you planning to cut the number of American forces in Europe, shift to the Pacific and focus on China?

DEFENSE SECRETARY HEGSETH: There are no plans right now in the making to cut anything.

There is an understanding that we’re going to review force posture across the world, right. President Trump’s planning assumptions are different in many ways, or at least strategic assumptions than Joe Biden’s were. We certainly don’t want to plan on the back of the withdrawal from Afghanistan and what happened on October 7th and the war that was unleashed in Ukraine.

You have to manage and mitigate those things by coming alongside your friends in Israel, ensuring their defense and peacefully resolving the conflict in Ukraine. But those shouldn’t define how we orient and with hopefully a rapid peace deal in Ukraine, which the President is committed to delivering, we can then review force posture and encourage as we’re going to — you’re going to see tomorrow in Ukraine and — or at the Ukraine Contact Group and the NATO ministerial, we’re going to have straight talk with our friends.

This kind of urgency of this moment requires friends talking to friends about capabilities, about leadership, about stepping up, about burden sharing and the incentives to say the European continent deserves to be free from any aggression.

But it ought be those in the neighborhood, investing the most in that collective — individual and collective defense. That’s common sense. As the President talks a lot about, common sense is you defend your neighborhood and the Americans will come alongside you in helping in that defense. If and when that happens, and I believe it will because of President Trump, most NATO countries are already close to 2 percent.

We believe that needs to be higher. The president has said 5 percent. I think he’s right. That’s a reflection of a need to invest on the continent. If and when that happens through investments in the defense industrial base, as well, then yes, America as the leader of the free world defending American interests is going to need to make sure we’re focused properly on the Communist Chinese and their ambitions in the Indo-Pacific, and as I mentioned before, around the world.

So, we would be remiss in not reviewing force posture everywhere, but it would be the wrong planning assumption to say, oh, America is abandoning something or America is leaving. No, America is smart to observe, plan, prioritize and project power where we need to deter conflict. We don’t want conflict with China.

We don’t want — the President has ran on being a peace president, and he’s delivered that. But being strong, peace through strength is how you deter that, and we want to posture for that just like we believe the Europeans alongside our support need to on the continent, as well.

Q: Is China the biggest threat to the United States?

DEFENSE SECRETARY HEGSETH: Well, right now, the biggest threat was securing our own border, which we are addressing rapidly. And I’m proud of what NORTHCOM has done and the Defense Department has done is shifting there. You don’t have a country if you don’t have borders, as the President has pointed out. And we’ve been defending other people’s borders for a long time; time to defend ours. So we’re sealing that border. We continue to do that. But as far as external threats, there’s just no doubt the communist Chinese ambitions are robust. Their view of the world is quite different than ours. And whoever carries that mantle is going to set the tone for the 21st century.

UNKNOWN: Christine —

Q: You made the point to do PT with tenth group this morning on very little sleep. Why was it so important for you to do this? And tell us about the workout?

DEFENSE SECRETARY HEGSETH: I did do PT with the troops this morning. Listen, it’s not that long ago that I was right there with them. I probably — no offense, General — I probably connect more with those guys than I do with four-star Generals. But now I get the chance of working with four stars and others who are committed to the troops.

But when I can get down, do push ups and deadlifts with the troops, and just hear from them, what’s working, what isn’t, how do you see your mission set, I love that. So there was never a doubt. even though we got in at 2:00 in the morning, that we were getting up a couple hours later to go do PT. It’s a reminder that — you guys — the press in Washington might think I’m young, but in military terms, I’m old.

And that showed this morning with these young guys who ran circles around me in that parking lot.

UNKNOWN: We’ll [Inaudible] then Zach.

DEFENSE SECRETARY HEGSETH: Go ahead.

Q: Thanks for doing this. Uh, you mentioned earlier that President Trump wants, uh, NATO countries to spend 5 percent of their GDP on defense. Do you think the US should also spend 5 percent of its GDP on defense?

DEFENSE SECRETARY HEGSETH: Well, I think the US needs to spend more than the Biden administration was willing to, who historically underinvested in the capabilities of our military. So the president is committed, as he was in the first term, to rebuilding America’s military by investing. And you’re going to see that in the conversations on Capitol Hill.

We’ve already been intimately involved with the folks on HASC and SASC and appropriations, talking about the capabilities we’re going to need, not just next year and the year after that or for the next four years, but for power projection going forward and then the reforms needed to make sure that every dollar goes further.

Now at a minimum, we should not go below 3 percent. That’s a view I know the President shares. But as far as going forward in that, those are decisions he will make based on my consultations with him. Listen, any defense secretary would be lying if they said they didn’t want more. You always want more.

But we live in fiscally constrained times where we need to be responsible with taxpayer dollars. We’re $37 trillion in debt. That’s a national security liability, as well. So, we’re going to work with Capitol Hill. The President is going to lead the way on making sure the troops have the resources they need and that we truly rebuild our military just like President Trump did in the first term.

Q: And President Biden — President Biden vowed against sending US troops into Ukraine. Would you be open to sending US troops into Ukraine to track weapons shipments?

DEFENSE SECRETARY HEGSETH: We are not sending US troops to Ukraine.

Q: You talked about wanting to welcome Elon Musk and DOGE into the Pentagon potentially in the next few weeks. Do you expect him to start unilaterally cutting programs and contracts the way he’s done at USAID and other agencies? And are there any limits or supervision you’d want to place on his team, given his conflicts of interest [Inaudible]?

DEFENSE SECRETARY HEGSETH: Well, we’ve been in touch with — I’ve been in touch with Elon Musk, who’s a great patriot, interested in advancing the America First agenda, knows that President Trump got 77 million votes and a mandate from the American people. And part of that is bringing actual businesslike efficiency to government; hence, what DOGE is doing.

Uh, we’ve been talking to them, in partnership with them. And as I said on social media, we welcome DOGE to the Pentagon, and I hope to welcome Elon to the Pentagon very soon and his team, working in collaboration with us. There are waste, redundancies and headcounts in headquarters that need to be addressed.

There’s just no doubt. Look at a lot of the climate programs that have been pursued at the Defense Department. The Defense Department is not in the business of climate change, solving the global thermostat. We’re in the business of deterring and winning wars. So, things like that we want to look for to find efficiencies and many others – the way we acquire weapons, system procurement.

There’s plenty of places where we want the keen eye of DOGE, but we’ll do it in coordination. We’re not going to do things that are to the detriment of American operational or tactical capabilities. There’s just — President Trump is committed to delivering the best possible military. The Defense Department is not USAID. USAID has got a lot of problems that I talked about with the troops, pursuing globalist agendas that don’t have a connection to America First.

That’s not the Defense Department, but we’re also not perfect, either. So where we can find billions of dollars — and he’s right to say billions — inside the Defense Department, every dollar we save there is a dollar that goes to warfighters, and that’s good for the American people.

Q: [Inaudible] Mr. Secretary, Since we’re here at AFRICOM, I have a question about Africa. Now when you served, you fought jihadists in the Middle East, and there’s a lot of jihadists in Africa, whether it’s ISIS, al-Qaida, al-Shabab, go on and on. How do you plan to handle that threat?

I’m not saying put troops on the ground in Africa to fight them, but are you concerned that there could be some sort of cell that might be plotting attacks against other parts of the world, trying to recruit soldiers because it’s Africa with a growing population? How concerned are you about the jihadist threat in Africa today?

DEFENSE SECRETARY HEGSETH: Definitely concerned. I mean, anybody of our — anybody of my generation that served in Iraq and Afghanistan or have been a part of post-9-11 understands the threat of global jihad, especially the desire to export that against our allies in Europe or Israel or certainly the United States of America. So the counterterrorism threat focused on those who would seek to do us harm is of the highest priority, which is why you saw what AFRICOM did so well in that strike in Somalia.

Where we see those growing, plotting or planning with increased capabilities we will strike. And that pertains to Islamist organizations all across the continent. But it also — we have to work with partners and allies. I mean, foreign internal defense and security force assistance — I was with Green Berets this morning.

You know, we think of Green Berets in the context of post-9-11, right – kicking down doors, and they’re really good at that. But what they’re best at is doing security force assistance and foreign internal defense where they work with local security forces to build up their capabilities so that it’s indigenous forces fighting Islamists because they want to secure their country, as well.

And AFRICOM is very directly committed to doing that. That’s a mission very much worth resourcing. I mean Africa is very much the front lines of a fight from Islamists. You’ve got Christian populations that are under siege in Africa and have been ignored for far too long and American interests there. It matters a great deal. And Islamists — we’re not going to allow them to maintain a foothold, especially to try to strike at America.

UNKNOWN: We’re going to finish up with two questions from these two [Inaudible].

DEFENSE SECRETARY HEGSETH: Ok. One more here and then here.

Q: John Barrowman, Stars and Stripes. Also related to AFRICOM and Somalia, during the end of President Trump’s first term, he elected to pull forces out of Somalia and switched to more of a rotational concept.

President Biden sent troops back in there on a full time basis. What’s your vision going forward for Somalia? Do you want to maintain troops there continuously, or are you looking more towards pulling them back?

DEFENSE SECRETARY HEGSETH: Well, I mean, I’m going to listen to the commanders on the ground, first and foremost, as is the President.

And he’s charged me with, hey, give me your best advice, but also keep your ear to the ground of what’s most effective. But he’s also been very clear that we’re not trying to have American boots all over the globe. Where we can do counterterrorism effectively over the horizon, that’s the preference. But we’ll review the force posture there and with the generals doing the heavy lifting and take it into consideration, no doubt.

But thankfully, we have the intelligence capabilities to do the kind of strike that we saw, and we believe we can do more of that.

UNKNOWN: Last question.

Q: So — so you renamed the name of Fort Liberty into Fort Bragg, and you honored the private first class who lost his life while liberating Germany. What does that mean for the US forces?

DEFENSE SECRETARY HEGSETH: Well, first, it means Bragg is back. It means the legacy of an institution that generations of Americans have mobilized through and served at is back.

I mean, it’s a shame what was done to vets, service members, their families who were born there, deployed out of there, lived there, gave there — I was with airborne troops here, some of which spent 25 years at Fort Bragg and never called it Fort Liberty because it wasn’t Fort Liberty, it’s Fort Bragg.

And so I was honored to be able to put my signature on that. By the way, with the support of the President of the United States who set the tone on this and said, I want Fort Bragg back.

And we’re honored to support a private first class who received a Purple Heart and the Silver Star at the battle of the bulge. We’re honoring a private first class and I’m proud that we have a Marine corporal as the vice president of the United States too. Junior enlisted have never seen better days. But it’s about that legacy.

It’s about the connection to the community, to those who served. And we’re not, as the President has said and I’ve said as well, we’re not done there. There are other bases that have been renamed that erodes that very same legacy. There’s a reason I said Bragg and Benning when I walked into the Pentagon on day one.

But it’s not just Bragg and Benning. There are a lot of other service members that have connections and we’re going to do our best to restore it. It’s an honor to do so. Thank you all for your time. Appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 13, 2025

Category: Middle East

Wide consensus

Environmental challenges

Signing the first international treaty on AI

What does this really mean?

Concerns Raised over Discrimination against Women, Minorities

Transboundary risks need transboundary solutions

Innovative financing and early warnings

An appeal for collective action

Better governance and more investment in risk reduction

Innovative, actionable strategies

Regional cooperation to implement the Sendai Framework

Time is of the essence

Key highlights

Closing session

India’s Cultural Influence Across the Indian Ocean Region Stems from its rich Cultural, Intellectual and Knowledge Traditions: Union Minister Shri Gajendra Singh ShekhawatFrom Ancient Trade Winds to Modern Maritime Security: ‘Monsoon’ Conference Explores India’s Expanding Indian Ocean Role

WAVES offers a golden opportunity for Reel Makers and Professional Ad Filmmakers to shine as celebritesHurry up! Only two days left, don’t miss this chance to have your work recognized on a global stage, Submit your entry by February 15th

Sharp increase in child fatalities

Devastation in refugee camps

Education under threat

Call for protection

Security and economic risks

Worsening humanitarian crisis

Aid delivery

Refugees weigh return

Watch Kennedy’s comments here.

WAVES offers a golden opportunity for Reel Makers and Professional Ad Filmmakers to shine as celebrites

Hurry up! Only two days left, don’t miss this chance to have your work recognized on a global stage, Submit your entry by February 15th