Category: Military Intelligence

  • Nari Shakti: A decade of women’s empowerment under Modi government

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Over the past 11 years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has witnessed a transformative shift in women’s empowerment, redefining their role from passive beneficiaries to active nation-builders. With women and children comprising 67.7% of India’s population, the Modi government has made Nari Shakti(women’s power) a cornerstone of national progress, driving policies that empower women across health, education, housing, sanitation, financial inclusion, and leadership. As India strides into Amrit Kaal, women are leading the charge toward a stronger, more inclusive nation.

    A Lifecycle Approach to Empowerment

    “Women are not just homemakers; they are nation-builders,” Prime Minister Modi has repeatedly emphasized. Since 2014, the government has adopted a comprehensive, lifecycle-based approach to empower women at every stage of life. From landmark legislation like the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which reserves 33% of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies for women, to schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Mission Shakti, the focus has shifted from women’s development to women-led development. These initiatives have boosted women’s participation in education (especially STEM), entrepreneurship, public service, and even defense, fostering inclusive and sustainable growth.

    Health and Nutrition: Building a Strong Foundation

    The government’s fight against malnutrition has gained momentum through Mission POSHAN 2.0, a ₹1.81 lakh crore initiative (2021–26) targeting children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. By integrating nutrition, health, and community efforts, POSHAN Abhiyaan (launched in 2018) uses digital tools like the Poshan Tracker—winner of the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration 2024—to drive real-time monitoring and behavioral change. As of March 2025, 99.02% of beneficiaries are Aadhaar-verified, and a face authentication module ensures transparency in distributing Take-Home Rations.

    Under Mission Saksham Anganwadi, 24,533 Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) have been upgraded into Saksham Anganwadis, with a target of transforming 2 lakh AWCs by 2026. The Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi initiative has trained 36,463 State-Level Master Trainers and 4,65,719 Anganwadi workers to provide quality pre-school education alongside nutrition. The Suposhit Gram Panchayat Abhiyaan, launched in December 2024, rewards 1,000 Gram Panchayats for exemplary work in improving nutrition outcomes.

    Maternal and neonatal care has also seen significant advancements. The Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) has supported over 16.60 crore beneficiaries since 2014, reducing out-of-pocket expenses for antenatal and postnatal care. The Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) has aided 11.07 crore women by promoting institutional deliveries, while Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN) ensures zero-cost healthcare for pregnant women and newborns in 90,015 certified facilities. The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) provides ₹5,000 cash benefits to support maternal health, and the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) ensures early detection of high-risk pregnancies.

    Dignity Through Infrastructure

    The Modi government has prioritized dignity in daily life through transformative schemes. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) has provided homes to 2.75 crore beneficiaries, with 73% being women, granting them security and decision-making power. The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) has distributed 10.33 crore LPG connections, freeing women from hazardous cooking fumes. The Swachh Bharat Mission has built over 12 crore toilets, ensuring safety and hygiene for women, with 93% reporting reduced fear of harm or infection. The Jal Jeevan Mission has delivered 15.6 crore tap water connections, empowering women by saving time and involving them in water management.

    Education and Financial Security

    The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign has improved the sex ratio at birth from 918 (2014–15) to 930 (2023–24) and increased girls’ school enrollment to 78% by 2023–24. The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), celebrating a decade in 2025, has opened over 4.2 crore accounts, securing the financial future of girls.

    Women in Leadership

    Women are breaking barriers across sectors. The first batch of female cadets graduated from the National Defence Academy in May 2025, and women have played pivotal roles in missions like Chandrayaan-3. India leads globally in female STEM graduates and pilots. Legal reforms such as the abolition of Triple Talaq, the proposal to raise the minimum marriage age for women from 18 to 21 years, and the extension of maternity leave to 26 weeks have significantly advanced women’s empowerment in India. These measures have supported greater access to education and employment for women, while also promoting their health and well-being. Additionally, the abrogation of Article 35A has granted women in Jammu & Kashmir equal property rights, further strengthening gender equality in the region.

    Economic Empowerment

    The Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) has sanctioned ₹34.11 lakh crore across 52.5 crore loan accounts, with 68% benefiting women entrepreneurs. The Stand-Up India Scheme has provided over ₹47,704 crore to 2.04 lakh women borrowers. The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) has mobilized 10.05 crore women into 90.90 lakh Self-Help Groups, with the Lakhpati Didi Initiative enabling 1.48 crore women to earn ₹1 lakh annually.

    Safety and Security: Mission Shakti

    Mission Shakti, with its Sambal and Samarthya pillars, ensures women’s safety and self-reliance. Sambal includes 819 operational One Stop Centres (OSCs), assisting 10.98 lakh women, and the Women Helpline, handling 214.78 lakh calls. The SHe-Box Portal addresses workplace harassment, and Nari Adalat promotes women-led justice at the grassroots. Samarthya supports 2.92 lakh women through Shakti Sadan and 5.07 lakh through Sakhi Niwas. The AbKoiBahanaNahi campaign, launched in November 2024, combats gender-based violence.

    A New Era for Nari Shakti

    Over the past decade, the Modi government has transformed women’s welfare into a movement of leadership and agency. From space missions to grassroots governance, Indian women are shaping the nation’s destiny.

  • MIL-OSI Video: Coca Cola 600 Wrap Up

    Source: United States Department of Defense (video statements)

    —————
    The #CocaCola600 wasn’t just a race; it was about showcasing the strength, precision, and dedication of our U.S. military and honoring our fallen. From flyovers to enlistment ceremonies, the DOD was proud to be part of @NASCAR’s Memorial Day weekend tradition, honoring those who serve and made the ultimate sacrifice.

    For more on the Department of Defense, visit: http://www.defense.gov
    —————
    Keep up with the Department of Defense on social media!

    Like the DoD on Facebook: http://facebook.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on Twitter: http://twitter.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on Instagram: http://instagram.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/DeptofDefense

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o76GDbsuiUk

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Video: The future of special operations aviation is here.

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    About the U.S. Army: The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force. Interested in joining the U.S. Army? Visit:
    spr.ly/6001igl5L
    Connect with the U.S. Army online: Web:
    https://www.army.mil
    Facebook:
    https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
    X:

    Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
    LinkedIn:
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
    #USArmy #Soldiers #Military #Shorts #Army

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4PAyIywRGA

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI China: Colombian presidential candidate in critical condition after being shot

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

    Colombian senator Miguel Uribe Turbay, who is running for the presidency in 2026, was shot and seriously wounded at a campaign rally in Bogota on Saturday, local authorities said.

    Uribe Turbay was addressing a group of people when armed assailants shot him from behind, said Democratic Center, the senator’s party.

    Images circulating on social media shows Uribe Turbay covered in blood, apparently with a head wound, as several people held him. Local media said he is in serious condition in hospital.

    Colombia’s Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez has announced the arrest of a suspect in the shooting of the senator, adding that an investigation is underway to determine whether others were involved. 

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Department of Defense Security for the Protection of Department of Homeland Security Functions

    Source: US Whitehouse

    MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE

                   THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

                   THE SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY

    SUBJECT:       Department of Defense Security for the Protection of Department of Homeland Security Functions 

    Numerous incidents of violence and disorder have recently occurred and threaten to continue in response to the enforcement of Federal law by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other United States Government personnel who are performing Federal functions and supporting the faithful execution of Federal immigration laws.  In addition, violent protests threaten the security of and significant damage to Federal immigration detention facilities and other Federal property.  To the extent that protests or acts of violence directly inhibit the execution of the laws, they constitute a form of rebellion against the authority of the Government of the United States.

    In light of these incidents and credible threats of continued violence, by the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby call into Federal service members and units of the National Guard under 10 U.S.C. 12406 to temporarily protect ICE and other United States Government personnel who are performing Federal functions, including the enforcement of Federal law, and to protect Federal property, at locations where protests against these functions are occurring or are likely to occur based on current threat assessments and planned operations.  Further, I direct and delegate actions as necessary for the Secretary of Defense to coordinate with the Governors of the States and the National Guard Bureau in identifying and ordering into Federal service the appropriate members and units of the National Guard under this authority.  The members and units of the National Guard called into Federal service shall be at least 2,000 National Guard personnel and the duration of duty shall be for 60 days or at the discretion of the Secretary of Defense.  In addition, the Secretary of Defense may employ any other members of the regular Armed Forces as necessary to augment and support the protection of Federal functions and property in any number determined appropriate in his discretion.

    To carry out this mission, the deployed military personnel may perform those military protective activities that the Secretary of Defense determines are reasonably necessary to ensure the protection and safety of Federal personnel and property  The Secretary of Defense shall consult with the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security prior to withdrawing any personnel from any location to which they are sent.  The Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security may delegate to subordinate officials of their respective Departments any of the authorities conferred upon them by this memorandum.

                                   DONALD J. TRUMP

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: TV interview with Patricia Karvelas, ABC News Afternoon Briefing

    Source: Australian Attorney General’s Agencies

    Patricia Karvelas: Trade Minister Don Farrell is in Paris at the moment, meeting with his European counterparts on the sidelines of the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting. I spoke to him a short time ago. Minister, welcome to the program.

    Minister for Trade: Thank you, Patricia.

    Patricia Karvelas: You’ve said talks have been positive. What’s different this time round?

    Minister for Trade: The world has changed since the last time we had had negotiations with the Europeans. The fact that we’ve had the largest group of trade ministers meeting here in Paris this week, I think is a pretty good clue that most countries think that things have changed and that those countries that are committed to free and fair trade, as we are, need to do more to ensure that we make progress and show the rest of the world that we can in fact prosper by free and open trade. I think that’s the key thing that’s changed in the last 18 months, Patricia.

    Patricia Karvelas: And has there been an escalation in the interest, the enthusiasm, essentially because of the Trump agenda that’s upended global tariffs and the global tariff war?

    Minister for Trade: Look, I think certainly this week I’ve probably had more discussions with more countries in the space of two days than I’ve ever had in the past. Those countries that are interested in free and fair trade want to do more. You’ll recall one of our first interviews, Patricia, I was in Japan. We were renewing our trade relationship with Japan. We wanted to commit to diversifying our trading relationship and that’s exactly what we’ve done. We’ve got new trade agreements. We want to do more trade agreements. Every time we do one of those trade agreements, we improve the prosperity of our country. What we know is if you’re an outward facing company, then your profits are likely to be higher than one just selling internally. And secondly, and I think importantly, the wages of your staff likely to be higher. So, there’s lots of good reasons why we should trade, and other countries feel the same way.

    Patricia Karvelas: Can you name any countries that look like they might be interested in perhaps changing the arrangements between us and them where the actual dial has changed significantly?

    Minister for Trade: Well, you know, the European Union, that’s 27 countries just in one hit there. I had a very, very good meeting with the new Trade Commissioner, Maroš Šefčovič. Fortunately, he’s Slovakian and one of my staff speaks Slovakian, so that’s very good. He’s made it very clear that those 27 countries are interested in another crack at a free trade agreement. It was a very positive meeting. There was a lot of warmth in the room. We’ve sent our officials off today to Brussels to see if we can nut out the bones of an agreement. And if we can, we’re going to move very quickly on that one.

    Patricia Karvelas: What sort of time frame are you thinking?

    Minister for Trade: Look, I’m reluctant to set a timeframe because, of course, that creates expectations and, you know, if you don’t meet them, well, it looks like you’re not making progress. But both of us have agreed that we’ll move as quickly as we can. I had a very good meeting with my good friend, Trade Minister Goyal from India. He’s keen for a fresh trade agreement. We can do more with India. India, the largest country in the world now. A country where by 2030, they say that they’ll have 900 million people in what they describe as their middle class. And what we know is when people move into that middle class, their expectations of food and wine go up. And, of course, no country produces better food and wine than Australia.

    Patricia Karvelas: Well, I think we can agree on that. Let me take you to the EU sticking points. In the past, we’ve obviously had disputes over the naming rights of things like Prosecco or feta. Does it look like they might be moving on those issues?

    Minister for Trade: Look, it’s early, early days, Patricia. I’m hoping that with some goodwill and some tough bargaining, there’s still going to be plenty of tough bargaining to go on that, we can resolve all of the outstanding issues that were the impediments to getting an agreement last time. We have to be prepared to compromise. I think we have to make compromises if we’re going to get an agreement, but so do they. I think if we can, if we can reach a point where both of us feel that the agreement is in the best interest of both of our regions, then I think we can get there.

    Patricia Karvelas: Ok. And the opposition has already said that you need to be playing hardball. And clearly, they’re kind of putting out the markers of what they would consider, indeed, a fair deal for Australia. Are you playing hardball?

    Minister for Trade: I’m doing what I always do, Patricia, which is coolly and calmly negotiate these things through. I mean, you have to remember this opposition. When we came to government three years ago, we had $20 billion worth of trade impediments from China. That opposition didn’t get a single tariff removed, a single extra kilo of beef into China. Come last Christmas, we got the final impediments moved when we freed up crayfish sales back into China. And, you know, not only did we get that $20 billion worth of trade back, but when it did come back, we’re actually selling more than we were before the impediments were introduced. That’s certainly the case with a whole range of the products.

    Patricia Karvelas: There have been improvements. Let me put this to you. The EU wants greater access to our skilled migrant scheme. Is that something that you’re willing to look at?

    Minister for Trade: Look, these are all things that they can raise, and we’re raising issues too. As much as I’d like to do the negotiations on the ABC.

    Patricia Karvelas: Ok, but is that a hard no for you or are you open to that concept?

    Minister for Trade: Look, look, look, they are entitled to put issues on the table just as we are. And we’ll work through all of those issues. And I think my job is to come up with the best possible agreement that improves the prosperity of Australian businesses and Australian workers. And that’s exactly what I’m going to do in this process.

    Patricia Karvelas: Now, you’ve also met with Jamieson Greer, that’s the US Trade Representative, on the sidelines there of this OECD meeting. I’m guessing you pretty much pressed the case on tariffs. Did you ask, Minister, for the same deal as the UK has on metals’ tariffs? Because we’ve got that 50 per cent tariff now. Have you asked for the 25 per cent tariff?

    Minister for Trade: No, I’ve asked for a better deal, Patricia. I’ve asked for the removal of all tariffs on Australian products. And the reason for that is that, and I think we might have discussed this on a previous occasion, our trade relationship with the Americans roughly works this way. It’s worth $100 billion, $70 billion is what the Americans sell us, $30 billion is what we sell them. The trade relationship between Australia and the United States is overwhelmingly in the United States interest benefit. And so, I think that the best position that we can adopt is simply that we don’t accept that we should be subject to reciprocal tariffs when the trade relationship is so overwhelmingly in favour of the United states.

    Patricia Karvelas: Sure, but the UK currently, though Minister, with respect, does have a better. I mean, it’s still a tariff, but it has a better rate of tariff than we do. So, you might have asked for something better, but currently the UK has the better deal. Have you been trying to press for a deal? Are we likely to get a deal with the US?

    Minister for Trade: What we would like, Patricia, is for the United States to honour the free trade agreement that’s been in place now for 20 years which says that all of these products should be going into the United States tariff free. That’s our position, Patricia, and that’s what we want the Americans to do. And that’s what I’ll continue to press Mr Greer and Mr Lutnick for.

    Patricia Karvelas: What reception did you get when you asked?

    Minister for Trade: Look, he understood, and he acknowledged. In fairness to him, he acknowledged that the trade relationship between Australia and the US is very much in their favour. I mean, look, he’s a busy man let me tell you. What the Americans have done is tear up 80 post war years of trade agreements and said that they want to rewrite those trade agreements in the space of 90 days. Now, we’re already 60 days into that 90 days, and only one agreement has been released – reached – and that’s the one that you referred to with the United Kingdom. So, obviously –

    Patricia Karvelas: Just to be clear, are you hopeful that we will get a deal just like the UK has now?

    Minister for Trade: I want a better deal than the UK. I want America to honour its obligations under our free trade agreement and remove all of those tariffs: the 10 per cent tariffs on goods other than steel and aluminium and the 50 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium.

    Patricia Karvelas: But you have to accept that that’s unlikely given Trump’s agenda, right so that’s where the negotiation comes in. Right now we don’t have a deal at all.

    Minister for Trade: Patricia, no, well that’s true, that’s true. We don’t have a deal. But Patricia, anybody who thinks that they know how this is all going to play out is kidding you. There’s still a long way to go out, to go in this process. Already we’ve seen pushback in the American legal system to the introduction of these tariffs decisions, overturning the tariffs. Sure, there’s a long way to go in the legal processes there. But look, we’re, we’re going to be staying calm. We haven’t retaliated. Some countries have retaliated. I met with the Chinese Trade Minister, Wang Wentao, that was my tenth meeting with him. He indicated to me what their response to the Americans was. I indicated to him that Australia was not going to retaliate. We didn’t retaliate when we were subject to tariff increases by China. We’re not going to retaliate against the United States. We have a very strong defence relationship with the United States. But, Patricia, we are going to press our arguments strongly for the removal of these tariffs.

    Patricia Karvelas: You mentioned defence. I just need to check, are you linking the defence spending at all with this?

    Minister for Trade: No. We are not two separate issues. We have an excellent Defence Minister in Richard Marles, and he’ll continue to progress the the AUKUS discussions. We’re not going to link the two. You might recall that Mr. Dutton was proposing to link the two I think –

    Patricia Karvelas: I recall absolutely, which is why I’m checking. Minister, we’re out of time, but thank you so much for joining us all the way at a very different time from Paris. Appreciate your time.

    Minister for Trade: Great to talk with you, Patricia.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Israel issues evacuation warning for residents of northern Gaza Strip

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    JERUSALEM, June 7 (Xinhua) — The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Saturday issued a warning to residents of two areas in the northern Gaza Strip to evacuate in anticipation of upcoming strikes.

    The warning applies to the Abd al-Rahman neighborhood in northwestern Gaza City and the Nahda neighborhood in the Jabaliya refugee camp, IDF spokesman Avichai Adraei said on social media site X.

    “This is an advance warning before the attack. The IDF will strike all areas used for launching rockets,” the warning states, calling on residents to “immediately evacuate to the south.”

    Israel continues to strike the Gaza Strip as the Palestinian enclave faces a worsening humanitarian situation marked by widespread destruction, limited access to aid, and severe shortages of food, water and medicine. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Lightbound visits Chantier Davie as part of the shipyard’s 200th anniversary celebration

    Source: Government of Canada News

    June 7, 2025 – Lévis, Quebec     

    Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), the Government of Canada is committed to strengthening its sovereign shipbuilding capabilities in an increasingly complex global environment. Building vessels domestically creates strong supply chains that help safeguard Canadian naval capabilities and ensure that the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) and Transport Canada (TC) are equipped to conduct operations at home and alongside allies.  

    Today, the Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement, visited Chantier Davie Canada Inc. (CDCI) to celebrate the shipyard’s 200th anniversary. He also took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of prioritizing Canadian supply chains and highlighted the role of the NSS in supporting domestic industry and innovation.

    As one of the 3 strategic partner shipyards under the NSS, CDCI plays a critical role in strengthening the country’s maritime capabilities. The shipyard was recently awarded a major contract to build a polar icebreaker for the CCG. In addition, design work is currently underway at CDCI for 6 program icebreakers, which are essential for maintaining year-round access to Canada’s Arctic and supporting northern communities.

    Beyond new ship construction, CDCI is a key contributor to the third pillar of the NSS: vessel repair, refit and maintenance. The shipyard is actively engaged in vessel life extension projects, refit and conversion work and sustainment operations across a wide range of fleet assets. These efforts ensure that Canada’s maritime fleet remains resilient, mission-ready and capable of operating both domestically and alongside international allies.

    This year marks the 15th anniversary of the NSS. Since its inception, the strategy has revitalized Canada’s marine industry, fostered innovation and created a skilled workforce. NSS contracts awarded between 2012 and the end of 2024 contributed close to $38.7 billion to Canada’s gross domestic product and created or maintained approximately 21,400 jobs annually from 2012 to 2025.

    Looking ahead, the Government of Canada remains committed to advancing shipbuilding projects that equip the RCN, the CCG and TC with modern, capable vessels. The NSS will continue to evolve by incorporating lessons learned and working closely with industry partners to deliver long-term value for Canadians.

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russia has dealt the largest blow to Kharkiv since the conflict began, city mayor says

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Kyiv, June 7 (Xinhua) — On Saturday night, Russia dealt the most powerful blow since the start of the Russian-Ukrainian armed conflict to Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv. As a result, at least three people were killed and 21 others, including two children, were injured. Kharkiv Mayor Igor Terekhov reported this on Telegram.

    During the first hour and a half of the attack, at least 40 explosions thundered in the city, he noted, adding that the Russian army simultaneously used missiles, guided aerial bombs and attack drones.

    According to him, as a result of the shelling in Kharkov, 18 apartment buildings and 13 private houses were damaged.

    According to the Ukrainian Air Force, on Saturday night the Russian Federation launched a total of 206 drones and nine missiles at Ukrainian territory. The air defense forces managed to neutralize 167 drones and seven missiles. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Ukraine postponed the acceptance of bodies of the dead and the exchange of prisoners – V. Medinsky

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Moscow, June 7 (Xinhua) — Russia on June 6 began the process of transferring more than 6,000 bodies of fallen Ukrainian servicemen to Ukraine and exchanging prisoners of war, but Kyiv unexpectedly postponed both the acceptance of the bodies and the prisoner exchange indefinitely, Vladimir Medinsky, head of the Russian negotiating team, said on Saturday.

    “On June 6, in strict accordance with the Istanbul agreements, the Russian side began implementing a humanitarian action to transfer more than 6,000 bodies of dead Ukrainian Armed Forces servicemen to Ukraine, as well as to exchange wounded and seriously ill prisoners of war and prisoners of war under 25 years of age. The first batch of frozen bodies of Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers, 1,212 in number, has already arrived in refrigerated trucks to the exchange area. The rest are on the way,” V. Medinsky wrote on his Telegram page.

    According to the head of the Russian negotiating group, the Russian Defense Ministry’s contact group is on the border with Ukraine. The negotiating group from the Ukrainian side “for some reason did not even arrive at the exchange site,” he says, adding that “the reasons given are various, and rather strange.”

    “We call on Kyiv to strictly adhere to the schedule and all agreements reached, and to immediately begin the exchange,” V. Medinsky emphasizes.

    So far, the Ukrainian side has not responded to Russia’s accusations. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI USA News: MEMO: The One Big Beautiful Bill Improves the Fiscal Trajectory

    Source: US Whitehouse

    TO: White House Communications Staff
    FROM: Office of Management and Budget Staff
    SUBJECT: The One Big Beautiful Bill Improves the Fiscal Trajectory

    Topline: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) significantly improves our nation’s fiscal trajectory by including $1.7 trillion in mandatory savings—the most in United States history—and unleashing economic growth with the implementation of President Trump’s tax policies. Upon enactment of the OBBB, the Trump Administration will have embarked on actions that reduce deficits by at least $6.6 trillion over 10 years.

    Highest Level of Mandatory Savings in History: The OBBB dwarfs the mandatory savings included in the high-profile deficit reduction bills of the past. Specifically, it achieves substantially more mandatory spending reductions than the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 ($140 billion), the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 ($800 billion), the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 ($370 billion), and the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 ($440 billion) on an inflation adjusted basis.

    The One Big Beautiful Bill Reduces the Deficit: There is no political universe in which Republicans in Congress would allow a 40% tax hike by not extending the 2017 Tax Cut and Jobs Act (TCJA). The Congressional Budget Office (CBO), using conventions that ignore political reality, estimated the effects of the TCJA continuation relative to a baseline that assumed the TCJA would expire, thereby raising taxes by almost $3.8 trillion. An honest portrayal of current future deficits adjusts for the continuation of the TCJA:

    Baseline Deficits Deficit Impact ($ billions)
    CBO Baseline Deficit (+) FYs 2025-2034 $21,092
    TCJA Extension $3,760
    Change in Debt Service $594
    Current Baseline Deficit $25,445

    On its own, the OBBB reduces the deficit by over $1.4 trillion. Net mandatory savings of $1.7 trillion are partly offset by increases in one-time spending to finally and fully secure the border to defend our Nation from invasion, and to lower taxes from policies such as no tax on tips or overtime that are partly offset with loophole closers in the tax code. The net deficit reduction totals $1.407 trillion, as shown below:

    Deficit Effect of Policies in OBBB Deficit Impact ($ billions)
    Border/Defense Spending $297
    Net Mandatory Savings ($1,675)
    Net New Trump Tax Cuts $130
    Other Non-Tax Revenues ($95)
    Change in Debt Service ($63)
    Total Deficit Reduction from OBBB ($1,407)

    It is important to note that the $1.7 trillion in mandatory savings are permanent changes in law, which will continue to yield savings long into the future.

    Trump Administration Policies Cut the Deficit Sharply: OBBB is just one aspect—albeit a significant one—of the Trump Administration’s deficit reduction strategy, which includes increased tariff revenues, significant discretionary spending cuts, and reversing Biden administration policies that expanded welfare benefits through regulations. Including those items, the Administration has in less than five months started deficit reduction that could exceed $6.7 trillion over 10 years:

    Total Deficit Effect of Trump Policies Deficit Impact ($ billions)
    Net Impact of OBBB ($1,407)
    Tariffs to Date ($2,800)
    Discretionary Spending (FYs ’25 and ’26) ($1,555)
    Change in Debt Service ($759)
    Regulatory Changes1 ($170 – $400)
    Deficit Reduction from Trump Policies ($6,691 – $6,921)

    The reduction in deficits will be even larger if—as the Administration expects—economic growth from low taxes, regulatory relief, reciprocal trade, unleashing American energy and cutting spending is significantly higher than projected by the CBO.

    Bottom Line: While there is more work to be done to deliver on President Trump’s commitment to balance the budget, doing so is not possible without enactment of the OBBB.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister Carney announces new parliamentary secretary team

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, announced a new parliamentary secretary team focused on building Canada strong.

    Canadians elected this new government with a mandate to define a new economic and security relationship with the United States, to build a stronger economy, to bring down costs, and to keep our communities safe. Parliamentary secretaries will support their respective cabinet ministers and secretaries of state to deliver on this mandate.

    The new parliamentary secretary team is appointed as follows:

    • Karim Bardeesy becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry
    • Jaime Battiste becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
    • Rachel Bendayan becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister
    • Kody Blois becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister
    • Sean Casey becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
    • Sophie Chatel becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
    • Madeleine Chenette becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages and Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State (Sport)
    • Maggie Chi becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health
    • Leslie Church becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretaries of State for Labour, for Seniors, and for Children and Youth, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Jobs and Families (Persons with Disabilities)
    • Caroline Desrochers becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure
    • Ali Ehsassi becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy (Canada-U.S. Trade)
    • Mona Fortier becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs
    • Peter Fragiskatos becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
    • Vince Gasparro becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State (Combatting Crime)
    • Wade Grant becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
    • Claude Guay becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
    • Brendan Hanley becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs
    • Corey Hogan becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
    • Anthony Housefather becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience
    • Mike Kelloway becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport and Internal Trade
    • Ernie Klassen becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries
    • Annie Koutrakis becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Jobs and Families
    • Kevin Lamoureux becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
    • Patricia Lattanzio becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
    • Ginette Lavack becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services
    • Carlos Leitao becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry
    • Tim Louis becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy (Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy)
    • Jennifer McKelvie becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure
    • Marie-Gabrielle Ménard becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism)
    • David Myles becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages and Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State (Nature)
    • Yasir Naqvi becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade and Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State (International Development)
    • Taleeb Noormohamed becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation
    • Rob Oliphant becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs
    • Tom Osborne becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board
    • Jacques Ramsay becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety
    • Pauline Rochefort becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State (Rural Development)
    • Sherry Romanado becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence
    • Jenna Sudds becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State (Defence Procurement)
    • Ryan Turnbull becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance and National Revenue and Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions)

    Prime Minister Carney also announced that Élisabeth Brière will serve as Deputy Chief Government Whip, and Arielle Kayabaga will serve as Deputy Leader of the Government in the House of Commons.

    Quote

    “Canada’s new parliamentary secretary team will deliver on the government’s mandate for change, working collaboratively with all parties in Parliament to build the strongest economy in the G7, advance a new security and economic partnership with the United States, and help Canadians get ahead.”

    Quick Fact

    • Parliamentary secretaries are chosen by the Prime Minister to assist ministers and secretaries of state.

    Associated Link

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump signals imminent decision on new Fed chair

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

    U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday confirmed that a decision on the next Federal Reserve chair would be revealed soon.

    Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump added that former Fed governor Kevin Warsh is “very highly thought of” regarding the post.

    Trump lashed out at Fed Chair Jerome Powell again on Friday morning shortly after the release of the U.S. nonfarm payroll report for May.

    Trump labelled Power as “Mr. Too Late” and saw him as a “disaster” at the Fed. He urged Powell to cut interest rates by 1 percent.

    Interest rates for both long and short-term debt would be greatly reduced if Powell cuts, said Trump in a post on social media.

    Trump asserted that there is virtually no inflation anymore and that Powell is costing the country a fortune. If inflation were to return, the Fed could raise rates to counter, said Trump.

    Political interference could make it more difficult for the Fed to lower interest rates, according to St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem.

    Independence is important as it allows for “more anchored inflation expectations,” said Musalem in an interview with the Financial Times published on Friday.

    After taking office in 2018, Powell began his second term in 2022, which is set to run through May 2026.

    The U.S. president can nominate a candidate for a new Fed chair, but Senate confirmation is required, as stipulated in the Federal Reserve Act of 1913.

    Trump repeatedly threatened to fire Powell earlier this year but later stated that he didn’t intend to do so.

    Powell has previously stated that the president does not have the legal authority to dismiss a sitting Federal Reserve chair without “cause,” a standard long understood to refer to misconduct rather than policy disagreements. 

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister of National Defence Remarks at the Responsible AI in the Military domain (REAIM) Summit 2024

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    September 10, 2024

    Thank you, very much and good afternoon colleagues.

    I’d like to begin my remarks by offering my sincere thanks to our hosts for all the work that they have done in organizing the summit and bringing this very important discussion together.

    At the first REAIM Summit, in the Netherlands in February 2023, Canada supported the “Call to Action” on the responsible development, deployment, and use of AI in the military.

    And following the inaugural REAIM Summit, I would like to take the opportunity to reflect on the productive work that has emerged since that time.

    As you’re all well aware, we are in an era of heightened global competition.

    Changing physical, technological and geopolitical landscapes have created new threats, vulnerabilities as well as new opportunities not only for our country but for our Allies and partners around the world.

    These new threats are driving AI innovation within our Department of National Defence and our Armed Forces, and Canada remains fully committed to the responsible use of AI, through our endorsement of the Blueprint for Action.

    As this new technology continues to become more visible in our operations and day-to-day work, it is critical that we harness this technology both effectively and ethically.

    And to ensure Canada is ready to do this, I have announced the launch of our Department of National Defence and our Armed Forces’ AI Strategy in March of this year.

    Our strategy aims to position the Canadian Armed Forces and our Department of National Defence as an AI-enabled organization by 2030.

    And it envisions the ethical, inclusive, and trusted use of AI to achieve interoperability and strategic advantage in the battlefield while enhancing stewardship of our resources.

    Our strategy also emphasizes the importance of cultivating an AI-ready workforce through training and partnership with allies.

    This will ensure that AI technologies are not only developed efficiently but also effectively integrated and managed.

    As part of our work to implement our AI Strategy, we have established the Department of National Defence and our Canadian Armed Forces AI Centre.

    Our intent is that this Centre will become the hub of AI expertise, including for policy development.

    It will also accelerate experimentation, testing, evaluation, and support to our Armed Forces members in fielding AI.

    And as part of these efforts, Canada remains committed to developing a framework for the responsible use of AI in military contexts while making sure that we address unique ethical challenges ingrained in this technology. This includes mitigating unintended bias, including those related to gender and race.

    Canada will ensure that any new AI or AI-enabled technology is developed and implemented in accordance with applicable laws, policies and guidelines, including applicable International Humanitarian Law, international human rights law, and the laws of armed conflict.

    We will also ensure that this technology is only used to improve the work of our military personnel but not replace it.

    That is why we have committed to ensuring that humans will always remain at the forefront of significant decisions with appropriate accountability mechanisms remaining in place.

    Together, these efforts will ensure that our Department and our Military’s use of AI remains safe, ethical and responsible, and lives up to what all of our citizens expect of us.

    We know that we must continue to innovate and remain agile to leverage AI’s full potential, but we know that we cannot do this alone.

    And going forward, our Department of National Defence will always engage in extensive collaboration with our internal and external partners, with industry, academia, as well as our allies and partners to ensure that our use of AI remains responsible and interoperable.

    And only by working together and fielding trusted systems, can we have the greatest opportunity to develop AI-ready forces who can contribute to defending our citizens at home, and our friends around the world.

    International engagements such as REAIM reflect Canada’s dedication to fostering a global standard for ethical AI in military operations, and directly supports that collaboration and collective endeavor.

    And to that end, I want to express my gratitude and welcome the opportunity to be here, to share lessons learned and best practices, and to ensure that AI technologies are used responsibly within the military domain.

    I look very much forward to the outcome of our discussions.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister of National Defence Remarks at the Seoul Defence Dialogue

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    September 11, 2024

    Minister Kim,
    Admiral Bauer,
    Excellencies,
    Colleagues and friends.

    Good morning to all.

    It’s a very great privilege for me to be here today for the Seoul Defence Dialogue as part of my first official visit to Korea.

    First of all, to Minister Kim, thank you for your very kind and warm hospitality, and your leadership both today at this very important Seoul Defence Dialogue, but also during yesterday’s United Nations Command Ministerial Meeting.

    And to Admiral Bauer, I want to take the opportunity to thank you for your exemplary leadership of the NATO Military Committee and your invaluable contributions to our alliance.

    As you have heard and understand, my co-panellists and I come from three very different parts of the world.

    But notwithstanding our separation by distance and culture, we share a common goal of maintaining the rules-based international order which has delivered peace, stability and prosperity to all of our peoples.

    And I believe that Canada has a unique role to play in achieving that goal because we are an Arctic nation, an Atlantic nation, and a Pacific nation.

    For example, our Pacific coastline is roughly 25,000 kilometres long and our trade and security links with this region are vital, and strong, and growing.

    In particular, Canada’s ties with the Republic of Korea run deep. Roughly 26,000 Canadians served here in Korea during the Korean War which was Canada’s third bloodiest conflict.

    And since the very beginning, we’ve been part of the United Nations Command, upholding and helping to uphold the Korean Armistice Agreement, and working towards a lasting peace.

    Canadian Armed Forces members also regularly deploy alongside members of Korea’s Armed Forces during regional exercises, including Exercise Rim of the Pacific which wrapped up only last month.

    And Korea has become one of Canada’s largest trading partners in the Indo-Pacific, as well as our third-largest regional partner when it comes to defence materiel.

    I believe very sincerely that there is much more that we can do together and that’s why we continue to make progress on our Action Plan to implement the Canada-Korea Strategic Partnership, which includes exploring more opportunities for our defence industries to work together.

    I am very pleased that in 2022, our countries re-signed a Defence Materiel Cooperation MOU and that we are seeing daily evidence of growing ties between our defence industrial bases.

    Relationships such as these, and those relationships fostered through this dialogue, are critical during increasingly difficult times.

    As we are all aware, our world has become a far more dangerous place over the past few years.

    A number of crises including Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and the Israeli-Hamas conflict in the Middle East are all evidence of the challenges that the rules-based order is facing in today’s world.

    Here in the Indo-Pacific, we are seeing China undertaking the most rapid military build-up of any nation since the Second World War and it appears to intend to reshape the international system to suit its own goals.

    And as we’ve seen in the last few months, China is challenging the freedom of navigation of the South China Sea, a waterway that is critical to regional and global prosperity.

    And on occasion, it has repeatedly and dangerously obstructed the movement of Philippine vessels.

    They clearly openly aspire to unite with Taiwan, and we believe very strongly that any instability in the Taiwan Strait would have a devastating effect to the global economy.

    And closer to my country, China has deployed an increasing number of dual-purpose research vessels and surveillance platforms, collecting data about our Arctic and North.

    And in the Arctic, we are seeing China working hard to increase its economic and military presence in cooperation with Russia.

    It is clear that on matters of security, China’s interests may increasingly diverge from our own.

    But I think it’s also essential to prevent misunderstanding. Clear communication with China is vital and I took the opportunity just this past June to hold our first meeting between a Chinese and Canadian defence minister in over 11 years.

    And during that dialogue, I had the opportunity to make clear that foreign interference cannot be tolerated and expressed some concern about China’s military activity around Taiwan.

    But we were able to agree together that there is a need for dialogue and cooperation in order to avoid conflict.

    Likewise, we recognize the continued threat posed by North Korea. This includes the DPRK’s buildup in testing of ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction. Canada unequivocally condemns these actions in no uncertain terms.

    And we’ve taken action by imposing sanctions on North Korea, along with the UN Security Council sanctions, which the Canadian Armed Forces uphold through Operation NEON.

    Despite Russia’s attempts to undermine our work by vetoing the renewal of the UN Panel of Experts who track and report on evasion efforts, Canada will continue to monitor violations by the DPRK in cooperation with all of our international partners.

    We call on North Korea to stop these programs and other aggressive activities, to resume its adherence to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and to pursue dialogue with the international community.

    We are also concerned with China and North Korea’s deepening ties to Russia in support of its illegal invasion of Ukraine.

    We will continue to call them out for their work to spread disinformation and conduct malicious cyber activities which threaten our critical infrastructure and can sow distrust and a lack of trust in our most important institutions.

    In the face of these threats, the ties between Canada and our Indo-Pacific partners matter more now than ever, and that’s why in 2022, Canada released its Indo-Pacific Strategy.

    This strategy serves as a critical roadmap for how we will engage in the region. It makes very clear that our partners and allies can expect to see more of us present in this region of the world.

    We need to be a reliable and dependable partner and thanks to this strategy, our military presence in the Indo-Pacific is growing.

    Last year, as well as this year, we have deployed and are deploying, three Canadian naval warships into the region for the first time in decades.

    This increased presence is going to allow us to work more closely with partners including right here in the North Pacific.

    Most recently, HMCS Vancouver has been sailing on Exercise PACIFIC VANGUARD.

    As part of this mission, they’ve been training with members of the Korean, Japanese and American navies, strengthening their skills in maritime operations, anti-submarine warfare, air warfare operations and advanced maneuvering.

    And through Operation NEON, we have been deploying our ships and aircraft to monitor UN sanction operations against North Korea and working with the military members of all like-minded Pacific countries.

    As our people work and train together, they are learning valuable new skills and forging deeper bonds.

    Likewise, as one of the 18 countries that participates in the United Nations Command, Canada will continue to do our part to maintain stability and security on the Korean Peninsula.

    We have supported this mission from the very beginning, since 1953, and in the 71 years since this command was established, Canadian Armed Forces members have helped to enforce the Armistice Agreement and to reinforce deterrence.

    We have taken on a variety of critical roles including serving right on the front lines of the De-Militarized Zone as part of the Military Assistance Commission.

    And for the second time, a Canadian officer – currently Lieutenant General Macaulay, is currently serving as the Deputy Commander of the UNC.

    Our increased presence here in the Indo-Pacific must be sustained and that is going to require significant new investments in our capabilities.

    Earlier this year, I released an updated defence policy for my country.

    It’s called Our North, Strong and Free, and through this policy we have identified the Indo-Pacific, Europe and the Arctic as key strategic regions of focus for our military.

    We are investing almost $10 billion dollars to extend the life of our Halifax-class warships so that we can continue to deploy them right here and we’ve begun construction on a new fleet of River-Class Destroyers, launching the process to acquire up to 12 new conventionally-powered submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy.

    These are new and improved capabilities that are necessary, allowing Canada to continue to bolster its presence here in the Indo-Pacific, to do our part, and to live up to our obligations to our international partners.

    They will make us more interoperable with our closest partners and they will continue to contribute to deterrence.

    Our intent is to ensure that Canada remains a reliable and valuable partner in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

    We recognize that the world has changed and continues to change rapidly. We also acknowledge we’ve got to do more, and we will do more.

    That’s why Canada has committed to investing 2% of its GDP in defence as rapidly as possible, and by 2032. As the security threats facing the Indo-Pacific and the world grow, we are stronger with like-minded partners who share our values.

    And as a proud Pacific nation and a dedicated NATO ally, Canada truly values our close relationships with nations that share our aspirations.

    Nations like the Republic of Korea, with whom we share a long and treasured friendship.

    These are indeed uncertain times, but I believe that they are also times of opportunity and possibility.

    Because we are stronger when we work together.

    When partners stand united.

    And for Canada’s part, I want to assure you all that we are committed to this region, we are here to stay, and we will do our part.

    And I believe that together we can maintain a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, and defend the international rules that have kept us safe for nearly 80 years.

    Thank you. Merci.

    And again, thank you for the kind invitation to be here. 

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: House Standing Committee on National Defence (NDDN) appearance on mandate and priorities  

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    September 26, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario

    Merci, Mr. Chair. Good morning everyone. 

    This is my first appearance here as Chief of the Defence Staff, so I want to begin by saying how much I value the work this committee does.

    I appreciate the opportunity to discuss my mandate and priorities for the Canadian Armed Forces.

    I’m joined today by Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant-General Stephen Kelsey.

    We face a volatile and unpredictable global security environment.

    From ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East to rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific.

    From climate change to disruptive technology to disinformation.

    These threats require us to be vigilant and forward-thinking in the way we approach defence.

    I’ve had the privilege of serving alongside the members of the Canadian Armed Forces for 34 years. Now I have the privilege of leading them.

    They are skilled, courageous, and dedicated beyond measure.

    Supporting and caring for our people must continue to be our top priority.

    I’m committed to building on the work of my predecessors.

    That means focusing on three R’s: recruitment, retention, and readiness.

    These are issues many of our Allies face as well.

    We need to get our Forces back to full strength within 5 years. This is vital.

    To do it, we need to continue modernizing how we recruit and who we recruit. 

    That means improving our processes without lowering our standards.

    And it means making a big push to recruit Canadians from all backgrounds, including opening the door to more permanent residents.

    Diversity makes us more operationally effective.

    What worked in the last 20 years will not work in the next 20 years. We can’t continue relying on the same thinking, the same mindset, and the same people around the table.

    We need to bring in new and broader perspectives, approaches, and ideas if we’re going to solve the complex challenges of today and tomorrow.

    On retention: we have stopped the downward trend and stabilized our numbers.

    We’re making progress, but there’s more to do.

    When we uphold the highest standards of conduct and performance…

    When our people can grow and thrive both professionally and personally…

    Not only will we attract the best and brightest—we will keep them.

    We also need to be ready. Always. And for anything.

    Readiness is a constant and it is a must.

    The world is in a state of transition.

    Outcomes are not guaranteed. We must be comfortable being uncomfortable.

    But that doesn’t mean we can’t be more organized and prepared.

    Readiness means having a stronger and more diverse foundation of personnel.

    With advanced capabilities that meet the future of warfare.

    With a willingness to innovate, adapt, and take risks.

    And it means collaborating with our Allies and partners around the world.

    This is particularly true when it comes to defending North America alongside the US—both through NORAD and more generally through the collaboration of our Canadian Joint Operations Command and the United States Northern Command.

    As you know, global interest in the Arctic is growing, including from our competitors and adversaries, and so we must be diligent in protecting and asserting Canadian sovereignty in the North.

    I visited NORAD Headquarters this week and saw firsthand how Canadian military members work seamlessly with their US colleagues 24/7 to defend our shared continent.

    We need to continue working closely through NORAD to detect, deter, and defend against aerospace threats.

    And beyond NORAD, through CJOC and US NORTHCOM to monitor our combined maritime approaches.

    This past July, for example, NORAD fighter jets from Canada and the United States intercepted Russian and Chinese aircraft in international airspace near Alaska.

    That same month, HMCS Regina shadowed a Chinese polar research vessel in the Bering Strait.

    As always, we must ensure our intercepts are carried out safely and professionally.

    Mr. Chair, I know none of this is easy.

    We’re transforming the Canadian Armed Forces while also fulfilling our growing duties.

    That’s like building and flying an airplane at the same time.

    But we know what our internal challenges are, and we know what we need to do.

    I believe deeply in this institution and what it stands for.

    We will continue tackling this work with determination and resolve.

    And we will get it done.

    Thank you. Merci. I’m happy to take your questions.

    General Jennie Carignan
    Chief of the Defence Staff 

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Honors Iowa’s Servicemembers, Witnesses Disaster Recovery, Touts Small Business Innovation, and More

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) recently traveled from Pottawattamie County to Scott County to meet with servicemembers, small business owners, farmers, and law enforcement officers on her River to River Tour – part of her ongoing commitment to hear from Iowans in every corner of the state.
    Click HERE to download photos from Ernst’s visits.
    As the first female combat veteran elected to the Senate who served in the Iowa National Guard, it was especially meaningful for Ernst to honor Iowa National Guard soldiers as they deploy to serve our country in the Middle East. She gave remarks at the send-off ceremonies for both the 1st Battalion, 168th Infantry Regiment in her hometown of Red Oak and 224th Brigade Engineer Battalion in Davenport. Learn more about the ceremony in Red Oak from KSOM, KMALand, The Red Oak Express, and KMTV. WQAD, KLJB,and the Quad-City Times detailed the event in Davenport.

    To mark one year since devastating storms and tornados swept through southwest Iowa, Ernst visited Adair County where she toured an active Habitat for Humanity home construction site in Greenfield.Raccoon Valley Radio, KCCI, and WHO 13 joined the tour as she talked with the future homeowner about rebuilding and community recovery efforts.

    In Scott County, KWQC covered Ernst’s visit to Davenport Guns & Shooting Club where she met with the store’s owner to discuss the importance of protecting lawful gun dealers from Biden’s ATF with herFIREARM Act. Ernst closed out the visit with some target practice on the shop’s range.

    As Chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Ernst elevates the voices of Iowa small businesses and presented five outstanding entrepreneurs across the state with her Small Business of the Week award. The Wilton-Durant Advocate News and the Muscatine Journal both joined as she honored Lynn and Brenda Ochiltree, owners of The Candy Kitchen, a historic soda fountain in downtown Wilton.

    As reported by Journal-Eureka, Ernst stopped by Boomerang Corporation in Jones County to learn more about how their team plans, designs, and oversees construction projects across eastern Iowa.

    In Jackson County, Ernst was thrilled to present Air Force veteran Dr. Don Schwenker and his family with a Small Business of the Week award for all their hard work providing care for veterans and the Maquoketa community at Timber City Chiropractic. The Maquoketa Sentinel-Press featured the visit. Daily Nonpareiland KMTV highlighted Ernst’s work to cut red tape and help rural entrepreneurs thrive during her visit to PowerTech in Council Bluffs.

    Iowa’s leadership in innovation for businesses both large and small was top of mind as Ernst gave remarks at an event hosted by Google in Cedar Rapids.

    Ernst also spotlighted entrepreneurship and the needs of small business owners at her roundtable in Iowa City. As featured on KGAN, she gathered folks with growing small businesses and University of Iowa leadership to discuss her INNOVATE Act followed by a tour of a University of Iowa research laboratory.

    Carroll Broadcasting and the Carroll Times Herald both featured Ernst’s roundtable with Iowa pork producers and cattlemen about her work to support Iowa farmers and producers, which includes fighting for a Farm Bill, pushing back against California’s Prop 12 overreach, and combatting foreign animal disease. Ernst also held a second roundtable in Dallas County to hear about the experiences and concerns of central Iowa law enforcement officers.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Libyan PM orders probe into coastal city clashes

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    TRIPOLI, June 7 (Xinhua) — Libyan Prime Minister Abdel Hamid Dbeibah on Friday ordered an investigation into the clashes that broke out in the northwestern coastal city of Sabratha on Thursday.

    The prime minister’s press service said in a statement that the Libyan government leader had instructed the commander of the Western Military District to “launch an immediate and thorough investigation” into the clashes.

    “The instructions are part of yesterday’s order given to the commander of the Western Military District to urgently intervene in the situation and stop the fighting,” the statement added.

    According to local media, clashes between rival armed groups broke out on Thursday in Sabratha, about 70 km west of the capital Tripoli, and continued into Friday morning. There were no reports of casualties.

    Libya has suffered from insecurity and political instability since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime in 2011. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Four Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza blast

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    JERUSALEM, June 7 (Xinhua) — Four Israeli soldiers were killed in the southern Gaza Strip on Friday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said.

    The dead soldiers included 33-year-old Staff Sergeant Hen Gross and 19-year-old Staff Sergeant Yoav Raver, according to the statement.

    Israeli state television Kan TV News reported that the soldiers were killed when an explosive device went off at a Hamas-linked building in Khan Yunis, causing the building to collapse.

    Rescuers worked for several hours to extract bodies from the rubble, the channel reported. IDF troops entered the building after receiving intelligence that a Hamas tunnel was located underneath.

    According to the channel and the IDF, five more soldiers were injured in the incident. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Video: Do YOU have what it takes?

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    About the U.S. Army: The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force. Interested in joining the U.S. Army? Visit:
    spr.ly/6001igl5L
    Connect with the U.S. Army online: Web:
    https://www.army.mil
    Facebook:
    https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
    X:

    Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
    LinkedIn:
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
    #USArmy #Soldiers #Military #Shorts #Army

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVwD11WNGVI

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI China: 6.4-magnitude earthquake strikes northern Chile, causes power outages

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

    An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.4 struck northern Chile on Friday, causing power outages in several areas but no immediate reports of casualties, local authorities said.

    According to the National Seismological Center of the University of Chile, the quake occurred at 1:15 p.m. local time (1715 GMT), 54 kilometers south of Diego de Almagro in the northern region of Atacama, about 950 kilometers north of Santiago.

    The earthquake struck at a depth of 65 kilometers and was felt in nearby towns.

    Local media reported electricity outages in affected areas, and officials said a more detailed assessment would be released later in the day.

    Chile’s Navy Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service ruled out any tsunami risk.

    The National Disaster Prevention and Response System is continuing to assess potential damage to people, infrastructure, and essential services.

    Located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Chile is one of the most seismically active countries in the world. 

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Lauds Texas Space Provisions Included in Senate’s One Big Beautiful Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today released the following statement praising the inclusion of a Cornyn-led space provision, the Mission to Modernize Astronautic Resources (MARS) for Space Act, as well as funding for National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Artemis program and resources to support the International Space Station (ISS) in the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation’s legislative text to be included in the Senate version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act:

    “Texas has long been a leader in space exploration and innovation, and I am glad my provision to bolster Johnson Space Center’s infrastructure has been included in the Senate’s One Big Beautiful Bill,” said Sen Cornyn. “My initiative will help ensure NASA has the research, equipment, and modernized facilities needed to send Americans to Mars and beyond, and I urge my Senate colleagues to advance this part of our One Big Beautiful Bill.”

    Background:

    Yesterday, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation released its legislative text to be included in the Senate’s version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The legislation includes the Mission to Modernize Astronautic Resources (MARS) for Space Act, which was introduced by Sen. Cornyn.

    The Mission to MARS Act, introduced by Sen. Cornyn in May, would improve and modernize JSC’s infrastructure to prepare NASA for human missions to the moon and Mars by preparing the Neutral Buoyancy Lab for commercial space station training, lunar-suited operations, and collaborations with the Department of Defense; upgrading and repairing the Astromaterials Curation and Research facility for samples from the moon and Mars; modernizing the Mission Control Center to prepare for crewed missions beyond low-Earth orbit; improving Ellington Field astronaut flight training facilities; constructing the space food systems laboratory; and refurbishing astronaut training aircraft.

    Sen. Cornyn continues to support resources for the Artemis program and the ISS to keep the United States and Texas as a world leader in human space exploration.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Video: MAGA Minute, June 6, 2025

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

    THE TRUMP EFFECT IS REAL

    139K Jobs
    $2.8T Deficit Cut via Tariffs
    Trade Deficit Halved
    FOP Backs Trump’s Bill
    Egg Prices Down 61%
    ICE’s Largest Operation
    Army Hits Goal
    13M Acres for Drilling
    Calls with Putin & Xi
    $9.4B DOGE Cuts Proposed

    Watch Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s MAGA Minute!

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

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister McGuinty concludes productive first visit to Europe for Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting and NATO Defence Ministers’ Meeting

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    June 6, 2025 – Brussels, Belgium – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

    The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, concluded a productive visit to Brussels, Belgium, where he participated in the 28th Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting and a meeting of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Defence Ministers. This visit marks Minister McGuinty’s first trip to Europe since he was appointed Minister of National Defence.

    During the UDCG meeting, the Minister announced that Canada is providing over $35 million in military assistance to Ukraine, including:

    • $30 million for Coyote and Bison armoured vehicles, accompanied by new equipment and ammunition supplied by Canadian companies.  This donation complements Canada’s previous donation of 64 Coyote armoured vehicles that arrived in Ukraine in December 2024.
    • $5 million for electronic warfare anti-jammer kits from Canada’s defence industry.

    This military assistance is from existing funds identified in Budget 2024 funding in support of the Canada-Ukraine Strategic Security Partnership

    Minister McGuinty also shared with partners updates on advanced pilot training for Ukrainian pilots underway in Canada. Canada has taken over leadership of the fighter-lead-in-training (FLIT) element of the UDCG Air Force Capability Coalition (AFCC). This $389 million investment over five years includes F-16 pilot training for Ukrainian personnel, critical airfield equipment, and other support to Ukrainian air bases and fleets—all provided by Canadian industry.

    On June 5, Minister McGuinty participated in a meeting of NATO Defence Ministers ahead of the NATO Leaders’ Summit in the Netherlands. This meeting reaffirmed Allies’ commitment to NATO and discussed common defence priorities, including strengthening the Alliance’s deterrence and defence efforts and supporting Ukraine. During the meeting, the Minister reinforced Canada’s commitment to accelerating defence spending and working with NATO Allies and international partners to meet shared security commitments.

    While in Brussels, Minister McGuinty met with the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte. He also held a number of productive bilateral engagements with Ministers from France, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Latvia, and Ukraine, as well as representatives from the European Union. Minister McGuinty participated in a 3+3 dialogue with Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, and Finland. The Minister discussed with his counterparts how Canada can deepen its defence relations and work more closely on the Alliance’s deterrence and defence posture, and support Ukraine.

    During the NATO meeting, Canada signed an agreement to join the NATO Flight Training Europe initiative (NFTE) which is a network of campuses that offer pilot and aircrew training. Participation will allow the RCAF to leverage allied training capacity, providing opportunity to augment RCAF aircrew training when needed. Participation will also offer the opportunity for the RCAF to provide any excess training to allies. Canada’s participation will enhance allied training efforts increasing NATO’s deterrence.

    During this important moment for Euro-Atlantic security, Canada continues to work closely with NATO Allies and international partners. The coordination between Allies ensures the Alliance remains innovative, flexible, and adaptable in the face of current and future security threats.

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI USA: MYTHBUSTER: There’s No “Pork” in the One Big Beautiful Bill — Only Wins

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    class=”wp-block-heading”>“I’ve heard there’s ‘pork’ in the One Big Beautiful Bill.”
    You heard wrong — and nobody puts it better than White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, who confronted that lie head-on during an interview with Charlie Kirk.
    “There’s no pork in the bill. The bill has been public for weeks. Every single provision is just one campaign pledge, one promise, one campaign vow after another. The ONLY new spending in the bill is to secure the homeland of the United States and save American sovereignty — fully paid for, by the way, by increased visa fees on foreigners. […]
    The 2017 Trump Tax Cuts were rightly hailed as one of the conservative movement’s great victories. How much greater would we say that victory was if it also included full funding for the border wall? What if it also included full funding for deportation? What if it also defunded transgender surgeries nationwide? What if it also had the first-ever endowment tax on America’s corrupt institutions of higher learning? What if that bill also had No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, No Tax on Social Security? What if that bill also created the strongest framework for energy deregulation in American history? What if that bill also created the first-ever system for the Department of Defense to be involved in the defense of our southern border? In other words, one policy went after another — plus the tax cuts. Nothing like this has ever been done before in the history of the conservative movement. This bill is electric. […]
    A rational person should be able to say, ‘Wow, it is amazing this bill accomplishes the full tax agenda, the full border agenda, the full immigration agenda, the full energy agenda, large portions of the trans and de-woke-ifying agenda, large portions of the higher ed agenda, also cancels the Green New Deal, also cancels the student loan bailout, also has the largest welfare reform in history. You can acknowledge all that — and then if you want to be an even greater fiscal hawk, say, ‘But I’d like to cut more!’ But to pretend this bill includes pork — there’s no pork in the bill. It’s been public for weeks, and the only provisions you will find in the bill are campaign promises.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
    Section 1.  Purpose. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), otherwise known as drones, offer the potential to enhance public safety as well as cement America’s leadership in global innovation.  But criminals, terrorists, and hostile foreign actors have intensified their weaponization of these technologies, creating new and serious threats to our homeland.  Drug cartels use UAS to smuggle fentanyl across our borders, deliver contraband into prisons, surveil law enforcement, and otherwise endanger the public.  Mass gatherings are vulnerable to disruptions and threats by unauthorized UAS flights.  Critical infrastructure, including military bases, is subject to frequent — and often unidentified — UAS incursions.  Immediate action is needed to ensure American sovereignty over its skies and that its airspace remains safe and secure.
    Sec. 2.  Definitions.  For the purposes of this order:
    (a)  the term “unmanned aircraft systems” or “UAS” has the meaning given in 49 U.S.C. 44801;
    (b)  the term “critical infrastructure” has the meaning given in 42 U.S.C. 5195c(e), and includes systems and assets in all of the designated critical infrastructure sectors identified in National Security Memorandum 22 of April 30, 2024 (Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience) (NSM-22); and
    (c)  the term Sector Risk Management Agency or “SRMA” has the same meaning given in 6 U.S.C. 650 and as further described in NSM-22.
    Sec. 3.  Policy.  It is the policy of the United States to ensure control over our national airspace and to protect the public, critical infrastructure, mass gathering events, and military and sensitive government installations and operations from threats posed by the careless or unlawful use of UAS.
    Sec. 4.  Task Force to Restore American Airspace Sovereignty.  To assist in ensuring control over our national airspace, there is hereby established the Federal Task Force to Restore American Airspace Sovereignty (Task Force).  The Task Force shall be chaired by the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (APNSA) or a designee, and include principals, or their designees, from appropriate executive departments and agencies as identified by the APNSA.  The Task Force shall review relevant operational, technical, and regulatory frameworks and develop and propose solutions to UAS threats, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, and shall make recommendations on the implementation of all actions identified in this order.
    Sec. 5.  Airspace Regulations to Protect the Public.  The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) shall:
    (a)  with respect to the rulemaking required by section 2209(f) of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016, as amended:
    (i)   promptly submit a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Task Force establishing the statutorily required process for restricting drone flights over fixed site facilities, and interpreting, to the extent appropriate, critical infrastructure consistent with the definition of that term in this order; and
    (ii)  promulgate a final rule as soon as practicable after publication of the NPRM;
    (b)  make national security and homeland security assessments under section 2209 in coordination with Sector Risk Management Agencies (SRMAs), the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or the Attorney General, as appropriate, and whenever military installations or operations are implicated, with the Secretary of Defense; and
    (c)  within 180 days of the date of this order, make freely available online Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) and Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) in an open format easily accepted for drone geofencing and Aircraft Navigation and Guidance system purposes.  This online availability should supplement, but not replace, existing NOTAMs and TFR promulgation methods.
    Sec. 6.  Enhancing Airspace Sovereignty.  (a)  the Attorney General, in coordination with the Administrator of the FAA, shall take appropriate steps to ensure full enforcement of applicable civil and criminal laws when drone operators endanger the public, violate established airspace restrictions, or operate a drone in furtherance of an element of another crime;
    (b)  on a recurring basis, the Attorney General shall submit to the President, through the APNSA, legislative proposals that would revise criminal penalties for violations of restricted airspace; and
    (c)  within 30 days of the date of this order, and to the extent allowed by law, the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall ensure that their respective departments’ grant programs permit otherwise eligible State, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) agencies to receive grants to purchase UAS or equipment or services for the detection, tracking, or identification of drones and drone signals, consistent with the legal authorities of those SLTTs.
    Sec. 7.  Detection, Tracking, and Identification of Drones and Drone Signals.  (a)  To the extent permitted by law and consistent with the Fourth Amendment, executive departments and agencies shall use all available existing authorities to employ equipment to detect, track, and identify drones and drone signals.
    (b)  Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission shall revise the August 2020 “Advisory on the Application of Federal Laws to the Acquisition and Use of Technology to Detect and Mitigate Unmanned Aircraft Systems” to reflect relevant developments in Federal law and regulations addressing drones.
    (c)  Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Administrator of the FAA shall provide, to the extent permitted by law, including the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), automated real-time access to personal identifying information associated with UAS remote identification signals to appropriate executive departments and agencies and SLTT agencies for the purposes of enforcing applicable Federal or State law, with appropriate national security and privacy safeguards.
    (d)  Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Administrator of the FAA, in coordination with the heads of other SRMAs as appropriate, shall publish guidance to aid private critical infrastructure owners or operators in employing technologies to detect, track, and identify drones and drone signals.
    Sec. 8.  Enhancing General Protections.  Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Transportation, shall submit a recommendation to the President, through the APNSA, using risk-based assessment as defined in 6 U.S.C. 124n(k)(8), on whether the northern and southern land borders; large airports; Federal facilities; critical infrastructure; and military installations, facilities, and assets should be designated as covered facilities or assets under 6 U.S.C. 124n and 10 U.S.C. 130i and whether any changes to law would be necessary relating to such designation.  
    Sec. 9.  Building Counter-UAS Capacity.  (a)  Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall explore integrating counter-UAS operational responses as part of Joint Terrorism Task Forces for the purpose of protecting mass gathering events.
    (b)  The Attorney General, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense; the Secretary of Transportation, acting through the Administrator of the FAA; the Secretary of Homeland Security; the Director of OMB; and the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, shall promptly take all appropriate steps to implement the recommendations of the March 2022 Feasibility Report to Congress with regard to the creation of the National Training Center for Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Center), and, upon establishment of the Center, focus initial training provided by the Center on development of Federal and SLTT capabilities to secure major upcoming national and international sporting events held in the United States, such as the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the 2028 Summer Olympics.
    Sec. 10.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
    (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
    (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
    (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
    (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
    (d)  The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the Department of Transportation.
    DONALD J. TRUMP
    THE WHITE HOUSE,
        June 6, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Magnitude 6.4 earthquake hits northern Chile, causing power outages

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    SANTIAGO, June 6 (Xinhua) — A 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck northern Chile on Friday, causing power outages in several areas but no casualties were reported, local authorities said.

    The earthquake struck at 13:15 local time /17:15 GMT/, 54 km south of the town of Diego de Almagro in the Atacama region of northern Chile, about 950 km north of Santiago, according to the National Seismology Center of the University of Chile.

    The earthquake’s hypocenter was located at a depth of 65 km, and tremors were felt in nearby cities.

    Local media reported power outages in affected areas, and officials said more details would be released later in the day.

    The Chilean Navy’s Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service has ruled out the risk of a tsunami.

    Chile’s National Disaster Prevention and Response System continues to assess potential damage to populations, infrastructure and essential services.

    Situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, Chile is one of the most seismically active countries in the world. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Western District of Texas Adds 410 New Immigration Cases Going into June

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

    SAN ANTONIO –United States Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas announced today, that federal prosecutors in the district filed 410 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from May 30 through June 5.

    Among the new cases, Mexican national Albert Sanchez-Jaimes was charged with one count of illegal re-entry in Austin. Sanchez-Jaimes was encountered at the Burnet County Jail, where he was booked for alleged charges of boating while intoxicated and marijuana possession. Sanchez-Jaimes has lengthy immigration and criminal records that include four prior removals, a deadly conduct conviction in 2020, multiple convictions for assault on a family member, and two prior convictions for illegal re-entry.

    In Waco, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Fugitive Operations Team arrested Mexican national Daniel Edgar Perez-Cortez on June 5as the result of an investigation stemming from a Waco Crime Stoppers referral. Perez-Cortez has a prior conviction for illegal re-entry in 2024, as well as convictions for Driving While Intoxicated and possession of prohibited weapons, and a conviction for deadly conduct discharging a firearm. He’s now federally charged with illegal re-entry and, if convicted, faces up to 20 years in prison.

    Two Honduran nationals were arrested for illegal re-entry charges in Eagle Pass. U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested Ariel Antonio Lopez-Serrano on June 2. Lopez-Serrano was convicted in 2023 for human smuggling and was removed to Honduras through Houston on Feb. 28. On June 3, Jose Aparicio Diaz-Amaya was arrested by USBP agents, having been deported three times—the most recent removal being to Honduras on May 2 through Alexandria, Louisiana.

    Multiple individuals were arrested and charged with human smuggling offenses in El Paso. On May 31, U.S. citizens Cynthia Guerrero and Berenice Stevens attempted to enter the U.S. through the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry, allegedly telling the Customs and Border Protection Officer that they were returning to El Paso from a baby shower in Juarez. A criminal complaint alleges that there were seven additional people inside the vehicle, including six children. After discussion about a stack of birth certificates Guerrero provided the CBP Officer, along with a handwritten note supposedly giving Guerrero permission to transport her alleged cousin’s children into the U.S., the officer referred the vehicle to a secondary inspection. At the secondary inspection, Guerrero allegedly told CBP Officers that she was smuggling three undocumented minors into the U.S. after she had been offered $1,900 to do so. The complaint also alleges that the minors had been given seven gummies of an unknown substance to make them sleep. Three of the six minors in Guerrero’s vehicle were found to be Mexican nationals. Both Guerrero and Stevens are charged with human smuggling charges and have been previously convicted. Guerrero Two Mexican nationals were charged in a human smuggling bust after Ysleta Border Patrol Station agents responded to a location where they apprehended five illegal aliens who had just crossed into the U.S. According to a criminal complaint, several of the individuals were continuously receiving calls on their cell phones, and one individual provided consent for the agents to view, search and utilize his phone. The communications led the agents to Jose Adan Meza-Marquez, who allegedly drove a vehicle to the area where the aliens had been apprehended and confirmed he was there to pick them up. Posing as the illegal aliens, USBP agents got in Meza-Marquez’s vehicle, which allegedly transported them to a stash house being used to harbor illegal aliens. A second individual, Jose Ramiro Chavez-Leal, allegedly opened the door. The criminal complaint alleges that agents found five additional illegal aliens present at the residence and both Meza-Marquez and Chavez-Leal admitted to smuggling illegal aliens on prior occasions.

    Another human smuggling bust by Ysleta Border Patrol agents led to federal charges four Mexican nationals: Erasmo Ortiz-Arzola, Cesar Arturo Beltran-Rocha, Jesus Alberto Fernandez-Vazquez, and Kevin Alexis Morin-Lopez. During a knock and talk operation, agents allegedly observed 15 individuals in the living room area of an apartment, and an additional 14 elsewhere in the apartment. A criminal complaint indicates that subjects were questioned and determined to be illegal aliens from Guatemala, Mexico and El Salvador. During the arrests and subsequent investigation, the four defendants were identified as alleged pick-up drivers and caretakers.

    A Mexican national and convicted felon, Rosendo Dominguez-Morales, was charged with illegal re-entry and two additional counts for entering the U.S. through the National Defense Area (NDA), west of the El Paso Port of Entry. Dominguez-Morales was previously removed from the U.S. to Mexico on Aug. 20, 2024 through Brownsville, two days after he was convicted in Lyon County for assault while displaying a dangerous weapon.

    These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico.

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

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Army Corps of Engineers Announces Nearly $24 Million for Garrison Dam Spillway Approach

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

    BISMARCK, N.D. – The U.S. Army of Engineers (USACE) announced a contract of $23,816,251 for dredging and the placement of riprap protection in support of the spillway at Garrison Dam near Riverdale. This work advances the Garrison Dam Spillway Approach Rehabilitation Project and is expected to be completed by April 28, 2028.

    Built in 1953, the Garrison Dam is the second-most upstream project of six which were built on the mainstem of the upper Missouri River and has the largest reservoir storage capacity of all USACE projects in the nation. When combined with dams on the river’s tributaries, the projects reduce the risk of downstream flooding along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. This mainstem system of dams is managed to balance hydropower generation, water supply, water quality, irrigation, fish and wildlife conservation, navigation, and recreation benefits. 

    MIL OSI USA News