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Category: Military Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Carrier Strike Group contributes to Exercise Talisman Sabre

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    News story

    UK Carrier Strike Group contributes to Exercise Talisman Sabre

    The UK Carrier Strike Group has led a major British contribution to the large multinational exercise in Australia.

    Crown copyright

    More than 3,000 British forces are taking part in the largest military exercise Australia has ever hosted, as the UK’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG25) demonstrates Britain’s unwavering commitment to Indo-Pacific security. 

    The Carrier Strike Group is in Australia as part of Operation Highmast, the major global deployment that demonstrates Britain’s strategic commitment to the Indo-Pacific. 

    From British Gurkhas to US Marines to Australian Defence Force amphibious specialists, Exercise Talisman Sabre 25 serves as one of the deployment’s key moments, bringing together multinational forces to strengthen and test how nations can work together to safeguard global trade routes and maintain regional stability. 

    Spanning across a vast area in Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland, and New South Wales, the Australian-US led biennial exercise is bigger than ever, involving over 35,000 military personnel from 19 nations – making Talisman Sabre the largest exercise of the CSG’s deployment and one of the largest military exercises in the world this year. For the first time, offshore activities will also be conducted in Papua New Guinea.    

    Defence Secretary John Healey said:  

    The historic bonds between Britain and Australia run deep, and through AUKUS and exercises like Talisman Sabre we are strengthening these ties for the challenges of tomorrow.  

    Our commitment to the Indo-Pacific is unwavering, as this huge military exercise demonstrates. The unprecedented scale showcases the growing importance of cooperation in addressing shared challenges. We will continue to work alongside our closest allies to maintain the security and stability that underpins global prosperity. 

    Commodore James Blackmore said:  

    This is a real demonstration of the UK and our partners’ warfighting capabilities.   

    As the first UK-led multinational Carrier Strike Group to Talisman Sabre this is a powerful demonstration of our commitment to the Indo-Pacific region.  

    Exercise Talisman Sabre is also an opportunity for the UK to develop new levels of integration between systems and capabilities with the US, Australia, and other partners, enhancing our interoperability even further and to unprecedented levels.

     All three branches of the UK Armed Forces are engaged, with the Royal Marines playing a central role throughout the exercise alongside a Ranger Battalion from the Army and RAF Voyager aircraft. 

    The exercise strengthens operational cooperation with international partners, ensuring our collective ability to maintain the rules-based international order that underpins global trade and security.  

    The Royal Navy, alongside its AUKUS partners, is testing cutting-edge sub-sea and seabed warfare capabilities, showcasing interoperability across our navies. Additionally, for the first time, AUKUS nations will demonstrate the ability to remotely control Extra Large Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles (XL-UUVs) from a remote operating centre. 

    Through DSTL via the Resilience Autonomy and AI Technology collaboration, nations tested autonomy-enabled systems able to find and strike an advancing adversary. This experimentation provided a realistic combat environment for AUKUS to operate as an AI-enabled, integrated force, exploiting cutting-edge technology to ensure strategic advantage against a range of simulated adversaries. 
     
    The CSG25 deployment reinforces the government’s Plan for Change by strengthening international partnerships that underpin economic growth and national security, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad. Operation Highmast occurs against the backdrop of the government’s landmark commitment to increasing defence spending to 2.6% of GDP. 

    This historic investment underpins the government’s mission-led approach to securing Britain’s future, providing the economic stability necessary for growth whilst ensuring the UK maintains cutting-edge capabilities such as the Carrier Strike Group to meet emerging global threats.

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: General Guetlein to Lead the Office of Golden Dome for America

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    Golden Dome is President Donald J. Trump’s vision to build a layered defense of the homeland to provide for the common defense of the American people against ballistic, hypersonic, advanced cruise missiles and other next-generation aerial attacks from near-peer and rogue nations.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: #StopRansomware: Interlock

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    Summary

    Note: This joint Cybersecurity Advisory is part of an ongoing #StopRansomware effort to publish advisories for network defenders that detail various ransomware variants and ransomware threat actors. These #StopRansomware advisories include recently and historically observed tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) and indicators of compromise (IOCs) to help organizations protect against ransomware. Visit stopransomware.gov to see all #StopRansomware advisories and to learn more about other ransomware threats and no-cost resources.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC)—hereafter referred to as “the authoring organizations”—are releasing this joint advisory to disseminate known Interlock ransomware IOCs and TTPs identified through FBI investigations (as recently as June 2025) and trusted third-party reporting.

    The Interlock ransomware variant was first observed in late September 2024, targeting various business, critical infrastructure, and other organizations in North America and Europe. FBI maintains these actors target their victims based on opportunity, and their activity is financially motivated. FBI is aware of Interlock ransomware encryptors designed for both Windows and Linux operating systems; these encryptors have been observed encrypting virtual machines (VMs) across both operating systems. FBI observed actors obtaining initial access via drive-by download from compromised legitimate websites, which is an uncommon method among ransomware groups. Actors were also observed using the ClickFix social engineering technique for initial access, in which victims are tricked into executing a malicious payload under the guise of fixing an issue on the victim’s system. Actors then use various methods for discovery, credential access, and lateral movement to spread to other systems on the network.

    Interlock actors employ a double extortion model in which actors encrypt systems after exfiltrating data, which increases pressure on victims to pay the ransom to both get their data decrypted and prevent it from being leaked. 

    FBI, CISA, HHS, and MS-ISAC encourage organizations to implement the recommendations in the Mitigations section of this advisory to reduce the likelihood and impact of Interlock ransomware incidents.

    Download the PDF version of this report:

    For a downloadable copy of IOCs, see:

    Note: This advisory uses the MITRE ATT&CK® Matrix for Enterprise framework, version 17. See the MITRE ATT&CK Tactics and Techniques section of this advisory for tables mapped to the threat actors’ activity.

    Overview

    Since September 2024, Interlock ransomware actors have impacted a wide range of businesses and critical infrastructure sectors in North America and Europe. These actors are opportunistic and financially motivated in nature and employ tactics to infiltrate and disrupt the victim’s ability to provide their essential services. 

    Interlock actors leverage a double extortion model, in which they both encrypt and exfiltrate victim data. Ransom notes do not include an initial ransom demand or payment instructions; instead, victims are provided with a unique code and are instructed to contact the ransomware group via a .onion URL through the Tor browser. To date, Interlock actors have been observed encrypting VMs, leaving hosts, workstations, and physical servers unaffected; however, this does not mean they will not expand to these systems in the future. To counter Interlock actors’ threat to VMs, enterprise defenders should implement robust endpoint detection and response (EDR) tooling and capabilities.

    The authoring agencies are aware of emerging open-source reporting detailing similarities between the Rhysida and Interlock ransomware variants.1 For additional information on Rhysida ransomware, see the joint advisory, #StopRansomware: Rhysida Ransomware.

    Initial Access

    FBI has observed Interlock actors obtaining initial access [TA0001] via drive-by download [T1189] from compromised legitimate websites, an atypical method for ransomware actors. Interlock ransomware methods for initial access have previously disguised malicious payloads as fake Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browser updates, though a cybersecurity company recently reported a shift to payload filenames masquerading as updates for common security software (see Table 5 for a list of filenames).2

    In some instances, FBI has observed Interlock actors using the ClickFix social engineering technique, in which unsuspecting users are prompted to execute a malicious payload by clicking a fake Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart (CAPTCHA) [T1189]. The CAPTCHA contains instructions for users to open the Windows Run window, paste the clipboard contents, and then execute a malicious Base64-encoded PowerShell process [T1204.004].3

    Note: This ClickFix technique has been used in several other malware campaigns, including Lumma Stealer and DarkGate.4

    Execution and Persistence

    Based on FBI investigations, the fake Google Chrome browser executable functions as a remote access trojan (RAT) [T1105] designed to execute a PowerShell script [T1059.001] that drops a file into the Windows Startup folder. From there, the file is designed to run the RAT every time the victim logs in [T1547.001], establishing persistence [TA0003]. 

    FBI also observed instances in which Interlock actors executed a PowerShell command designed to establish persistence via a Windows Registry key modification [T1547.001]. To do so, Interlock actors used a PowerShell command [T1059.001] designed to add a run key value named “Chrome Updater” [T1036.005] that uses a specific log file as an argument upon user login.

    Reconnaissance

    To facilitate reconnaissance, a PowerShell script executes a series of commands [T1059.001] designed to gather information on victim machines (see Table 1).

    Table 1. PowerShell Commands for Reconnaissance
    PowerShell Command Description
    WindowsIdentity.GetCurrent() Returns a WindowsIdentity object that represents the current Windows user [T1033].
    systeminfo Displays detailed configuration information [T1082] about a computer and its operating system, including operating system configuration, security information, product ID, and hardware properties.
    tasklist/svc Lists unabridged service information [T1007] for each process currently running on the local computer.
    Get-Service Gets objects that represent the services [T1007] on a computer, including running and stopped services.
    Get-PSDrive

    Gets the drives [T1082] in the current session, such as:

    • Windows logical drives on the computer, including drives mapped to network shares.
    • Drives exposed by PowerShell providers.
    • Session-specified temporary drives and persistent mapped network drives.
       
    arp -a Displays and modifies entries in the Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) cache table [T1016], which contains entries on the IPv4 and IPv6 addresses on host endpoints.

    Command and Control

    FBI observed Interlock actors using command and control (C2) [TA0011] applications like Cobalt Strike and SystemBC. Interlock actors also used Interlock RAT5 and NodeSnake RAT (as of March 2025)6 for C2 and executing commands.

    Credential Access, Lateral Movement, and Privilege Escalation

    FBI observed that once Interlock actors establish remote control of a compromised system, they use a series of PowerShell commands to download a credential stealer (cht.exe) [TA0006] and keylogger binary (klg.dll) [T1056.001],[T1105]. According to open source reporting, the credential stealer collects login information and associated URLs for victims’ online accounts [T1555.003], while the keylogger dynamic link library (DLL) logs users’ keystrokes in a file named conhost.txt [T1036.005].7 As of February 2025, private cybersecurity analysts also observed Interlock ransomware infections executing different versions of information stealers [TA0006], including Lumma Stealer8 and Berserk Stealer, to harvest credentials for lateral movement and privilege escalation [T1078].9

    Interlock actors leverage compromised credentials and Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)10 [T1021.001] to move between systems. They also use tools like AnyDesk to enable remote connectivity and PuTTY to assist with lateral movement [T1219].11 In addition to stealing users’ online credentials, Interlock actors have compromised domain administrator accounts (possibly by using a Kerberoasting attack [T1558.003])12 to gain additional privileges [T1078.002]. 

    Collection and Exfiltration

    Interlock actors leverage Azure Storage Explorer (StorageExplorer.exe) to navigate victims’ Microsoft Azure Storage accounts [T1530] prior to exfiltrating data. According to open source reporting, Interlock actors execute AzCopy to exfiltrate data by uploading it to the Azure storage blob [T1567.002].13 Interlock actors also exfiltrate data over file transfer tools, including WinSCP [T1048].

    Impact

    Following data exfiltration, Interlock actors deploy the encryption binary as a 64-bit executable named conhost.exe [T1486],[T1036.005]. FBI has observed Interlock ransomware encryptors for both Windows and Linux operating systems. Encryptors are designed to encrypt files using a combined Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA) algorithm. In addition, cybersecurity researchers have identified Interlock ransomware samples using a FreeBSD ELF encryptor [T1486], a departure from usual Linux encryptors designed for VMware ESXi servers and VMs.14

    A cybersecurity company identified a DLL binary named tmp41.wasd—executed after encryption using rundll32.exe [T1218.011]—which uses the remove() function to delete the encryption binary [T1070.004];15 on Linux machines, the encryptor uses a similar technique to execute the removeme function. 

    Encrypted files are appended with either a .interlock or .1nt3rlock file extension, alongside a ransom note titled !__README__!.txt delivered via group policy object (GPO). Interlock actors use a double-extortion model [T1657], encrypting systems after exfiltrating data. The ransom note provides each victim with a unique code and instructions to contact the ransomware actors via a .onion URL. 

    Interlock actors do not leave an initial ransom demand or payment instructions on compromised networks, and do not relay this information until contacted by the victim. The actors instruct victims to make ransom payments in Bitcoin to cryptocurrency wallet addresses provided by the actors. The actors threaten to publish the victim’s exfiltrated data to their leak site on the Tor network unless the victim pays the ransom demand; the actors have previously followed through on this threat.16

    See Table 2 for publicly available tools and applications used by Interlock ransomware actors. This includes legitimate tools repurposed for their operations.

    Disclaimer: Use of these tools and applications should not be attributed as malicious without analytical evidence to support threat actor use and/or control.

    Table 2. Tools Used by Interlock Ransomware Actors
    Tool Name Description
    AnyDesk A common legitimate remote monitoring and management (RMM) tool maliciously used by Interlock actors to obtain remote access and maintain persistence. AnyDesk also supports remote file transfer.
    Cobalt Strike A penetration testing tool used by security professionals to test the security of networks and systems.
    PowerShell A cross-platform task automation solution made up of a command-line shell, a scripting language, and a configuration management framework, which runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS.
    PSExec A tool designed to run programs and execute commands on remote systems.
    PuTTY.exe An open source file transfer application commonly used to remotely connect to systems via Secure Shell (SSH). PuTTY also supports file transfer protocols like Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) and Secure Copy Protocol (SCP).
    ScreenConnect A remote support, access, and meeting software that allows users to control devices remotely over the internet. CISA observed Interlock actors using a cracked version of this software in at least one incident. These versions may be standalone versions not connecting to ScreenConnect’s official cloud domains (domains available upon request from ConnectWise).
    SystemBC Enables Interlock actors to compromise systems, run commands, download malicious payloads, and act as a proxy tool to the actors’ C2 servers.
    Windows Console Host Windows Console Host (conhost.exe) manages the user interface for command-line applications in Windows, including Command Prompt and PowerShell. 
    WinSCP A free and open source SSH File Transfer Protocol (FTP), WebDAV, Amazon S3, and secure copy protocol client.

    See Table 3 and Table 4 for files used by Interlock ransomware actors. These were obtained from FBI investigations as recently as June 2025.

    Disclaimer: Some of the hashes are for legitimate tools and applications and should not be attributed as malicious without analytical evidence to support threat actor use and/or control. The authoring agencies recommend organizations investigate or vet these hashes prior to taking action, such as blocking.

    Table 3. Files Used by Interlock Ransomware Actors (SHA-256)
    File Name Hash
    1.ps1 fba4883bf4f73aa48a957d894051d78e0085ecc3170b1ff50e61ccec6aeee2cd 
    advanced_port_scanner.exe 4b036cc9930bb42454172f888b8fde1087797fc0c9d31ab546748bd2496bd3e5
    Aisa.exe 18a507bf1c533aad8e6f2a2b023fbbcac02a477e8f05b095ee29b52b90d47421
    AnyDesk.exe 1a70f4eef11fbecb721b9bab1c9ff43a8c4cd7b2cafef08c033c77070c6fe069
    autoservice.dll a4069aa29628e64ea63b4fb3e29d16dcc368c5add304358a47097eedafbbb565
    Autostart.exe d535bdc9970a3c6f7ebf0b229c695082a73eaeaf35a63cd8a0e7e6e3ceb22795
    cht FAFCD5404A992850FFCFFEE46221F9B2FF716006AECB637B80E5CD5AA112D79C
    cht.exe C20BABA26EBB596DE14B403B9F78DDC3C13CE9870EEA332476AC2C1DD582AA07
    cleanup.dll (SystemBC) 1845a910dcde8c6e45ad2e0c48439e5ab8bbbeb731f2af11a1b7bbab3bfe0127
    conhost 44887125aa2df864226421ee694d51e5535d8c6f70e327e9bcb366e43fd892c1
    conhost.dll a70af759e38219ca3a7f7645f3e103b13c9fb1db6d13b68f3d468b7987540ddf
    conhost.dll 96babe53d6569ee3b4d8fc09c2a6557e49ebc2ed1b965abda0f7f51378557eb1
    difxepi.dll (SystemBC) 1845a910dcde8c6e45ad2e0c48439e5ab8bbbeb731f2af11a1b7bbab3bfe0127
    iexplore.exe d0c1662ce239e4d288048c0e3324ec52962f6ddda77da0cb7af9c1d9c2f1e2eb
    klg.dll A4F0B68052E8DA9A80B70407A92400C6A5DEF19717E0240AC608612476E1137E
    !!!OPEN_ME!!!.txt 68A49D5A097E3850F3BB572BAF2B75A8E158DADB70BADDC205C2628A9B660E7A
    processhacker-2.39-bin.zip 88f26f3721076f74996f8518469d98bf9be0eaee5b9eccc72867ebfc25ea4e83
    PsExec.exe 078163d5c16f64caa5a14784323fd51451b8c831c73396b967b4e35e6879937b
    putty.exe 7a43789216ce242524e321d2222fa50820a532e29175e0a2e685459a19e09069
    puttyportable.exe 97931d2e2e449ac3691eb526f6f60e2f828de89074bdac07bd7dbdfd51af9fa0
    PuTTYPortable.zip ff7ad2376ae01e4b3f1e1d7ae630f87b8262b5c11bc5d953e1ac34ffe81401b5
    qrpce91.exe.asd 64a0ab00d90682b1807c5d7da1a4ae67cde4c5757fc7d995d8f126f0ec8ae983
    ScreenConnect.ClientService.exe 2814b33ce81d2d2e528bb1ed4290d665569f112c9be54e65abca50c41314d462
    SophosendpointAgent.exe f51b3d054995803d04a754ea3ff7d31823fab654393e8054b227092580be43db
    SophosScaner.exe dfb5ba578b81f05593c047f2c822eeb03785aecffb1504dcb7f8357e898b5024
    Starship.exe 94bf0aba5f9f32b9c35e8dfc70afd8a35621ed6ef084453dc1b10719ae72f8e2
    start 28c3c50d115d2b8ffc7ba0a8de9572fbe307907aaae3a486aabd8c0266e9426f
    start.exe 70bb799557da5ac4f18093decc60c96c13359e30f246683815a512d7f9824c8f
    StorageExplorer.exe 73a9a1e38ff40908bcc15df2954246883dadfb991f3c74f6c514b4cffdabde66
    Sysmon.sys 1d04e33009bcd017898b9e1387e40b5c04279c02ebc110f12e4a724ccdb9e4fb
    upd_2327991.exe 7b9e12e3561285181634ab32015eb653ab5e5cfa157dd16cdd327104b258c332
    webujgd.lnk 70EE22D394E107FBB807D86D187C216AD66B8537EDC67931559A8AEF18F6B5B3
    WinSCP-6.3.5-Setup.exe 8eb7e3e8f3ee31d382359a8a232c984bdaa130584cad11683749026e5df1fdc3
    Proxy Tool e4d6fe517cdf3790dfa51c62457f5acd8cb961ab1f083de37b15fd2fddeb9b8f
    Encryptor e86bb8361c436be94b0901e5b39db9b6666134f23cce1e5581421c2981405cb1
    Encryptor c733d85f445004c9d6918f7c09a1e0d38a8f3b37ad825cd544b865dba36a1ba6
    Encryptor 28c3c50d115d2b8ffc7ba0a8de9572fbe307907aaae3a486aabd8c0266e9426f
    Table 4. Files Used by Interlock Ransomware Actors (SHA-1)
    File Name Hash
    autorun.log 514946a8fc248de1ccf0dbeee2108a3b4d75b5f6
    jar.jar b625cc9e4024d09084e80a4a42ab7ccaa6afb61d
    pack.jar 3703374c9622f74edc9c8e3a47a5d53007f7721e

    See Table 5 through Table 16 for all referenced threat actor tactics and techniques in this advisory. For assistance with mapping malicious cyber activity to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, see CISA and MITRE ATT&CK’s Best Practices for MITRE ATT&CK Mapping and CISA’s Decider Tool.

    Table 5. Initial Access
    Technique Title ID Use
    Drive-By Compromise T1189

    Interlock actors obtain initial access by compromising a legitimate website that network users visit, or by disguising malicious payloads as fake browser updates or common security software, including the following:17

    • FortiClient.exe
    • Ivanti-Secure-Access-Client.exe
    • GlobalProtect.exe
    • Webex.exe
    • AnyConnectVPN.exe
    • Cisco-Secure-Client.exe
    • zyzoom_antimalware.exe

    Interlock actors also gain access via the ClickFix social engineering technique, in which users are tricked into executing a malicious payload by clicking on a fake CAPTCHA that prompts users to execute a malicious PowerShell script. 
     
    Table 6. Execution
    Technique Title ID Use
    Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell T1059.001 

    Interlock actors implement PowerShell scripts to drop a malicious file into the Windows Startup folder.

    Interlock actors execute a PowerShell command for registry key modification.

    Interlock actors use a PowerShell script to execute a series of commands to facilitate reconnaissance.
    User Execution: Malicious Copy and Paste T1204.004 Via the ClickFix social engineering technique, users are tricked into clicking a fake CAPTCHA and prompted into executing a malicious Base64-encoded PowerShell process by following instructions to open a Windows Run window (Windows Button + R), pasting clipboard contents (“CTRL + V”), and then executing the malicious script (“Enter”).
    Table 7. Persistence
    Technique Title ID Use
    Boot or Logon Autostart Execution: Registry Run Keys/Startup Folder T1547.001

    Interlock actors establish persistence by adding a file into a Windows StartUp folder that executes a RAT every time a user logs in.

    Interlock actors also implement registry key modification by using a PowerShell command to add a run key value (named “Chrome Updater”) that uses a log file as an argument every time a user logs in.
     
    Table 8. Privilege Escalation
    Technique Title ID Use
    Valid Accounts: Domain Accounts T1078.002 Interlock actors compromise domain administrator accounts to gain additional privileges. 
    Table 9. Defense Escalation
    Technique Title ID Use
    Defense Evasion TA0005 Interlock actors execute the removeme function on Linux systems to delete the encryption binary for defense evasion. 
    Masquerading: Match Legitimate Resource Name or Location T1036.005

    Interlock actors disguise a malicious run key value by naming it “Chrome Updater”; the run key value uses a specific log file as an argument upon user login.

    Interlock actors disguise files of keystrokes logged by one of their credential stealers with a legitimate Windows filename: conhost.txt.

    Interlock actors disguise an encryption binary, a 64-bit executable, by giving it the same name as the legitimate Console Windows Host executable: conhost.exe
    System Binary Proxy Execution: Rundll32 T1218.011 Interlock actors use rundll32.exe to proxy execution of a malicious DLL binary tmp41.wasd. 
    Indicator Removal: File Deletion T1070.004 Interlock actors execute a DLL binary tmp41.wasd that uses the remove() function to delete their encryption binary for defense evasion. 
    Table 10. Credential Access
    Technique Title ID Use
    Credential Access TA0006 Interlock actors download credential stealer cht.exe and execute other versions information stealers (including Lumma Stealer and Berserk Stealer) to harvest credentials.
    Credentials from Password Stores: Credentials from Web Browsers T1555.003 Interlock actors download a credential stealer that collects login information and associated URLs for victims’ online accounts.
    Input Capture T1056 Interlock actors execute Lumma Stealer and Berserk Stealer information stealers on victim systems.
    Input Capture: Keylogging T1056.001 Interlock actors download klg.dll, a keylogger binary, onto compromised systems, where it logs users’ keystrokes in a file named conhost.txt. 
    Steal or Forge Kerberos Tickets: Kerberoasting T1558.003 Interlock actors possibly use a Kerberoasting attack to compromise domain administrator accounts. 
    Table 11. Discovery
    Technique Title ID Use
    System Owner/User Discovery T1033 Interlock actors execute a PowerShell command WindowsIdentity.GetCurrent() on victim systems to retrieve a WindowsIdentity object that represents the current Windows user.
    System Information Discovery T1082

    Interlock actors execute a PowerShell command systeminfo on victim systems to access detailed configuration information about the system, including OS configuration, security information, product ID, and hardware properties.

    Interlock actors execute a PowerShell command Get-PSDrive on victim systems to discover the drives in the current session, such as: 

    • Windows logical drives on the computer, including drives mapped to network shares.
    • Drives exposed by PowerShell providers.
    • Session-specified temporary drives and persistent mapped network drives.
    System Service Discovery T1007

    Interlock actors execute a PowerShell command tasklist /svc on victim systems that lists service information for each process currently running on the system. 

    Actors also execute a PowerShell command Get-Service on victim systems that retrieves objects that represent the services (including running and stopped services) on the system.
    System Network Configuration Discovery T1016 Interlock actors execute a PowerShell command arp -a on victim systems that displays and modifies entries in the Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) cache table (which contains entries on the IPv4 and IPv6 addresses on host endpoints).
    Table 12. Lateral Movement
    Technique Title ID Use
    Valid Accounts T1078 Interlock actors harvest and abuse valid credentials for lateral movement and privilege escalation.
    Remote Services: Remote Desktop Protocol T1021.001 Interlock actors use RDP and valid credentials to move laterally between systems.
    Table 13. Collection
    Technique Title ID Use
    Data from Cloud Storage T1530 Interlock actors use StorageExplorer.exe, the cloud storage solution Azure Storage Explorer, to explore Microsoft Azure Storage accounts. 
    Table 14. Command and Control
    Technique Title ID Use
    Command and Control TA0011 Interlock actors use applications Cobalt Strike and SystemBC for C2. 
    Ingress Tool Transfer T1105

    Interlock actors use a fake Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browser update to cause users to execute a RAT on the victimized system.

    Interlock actors download credential stealers (cht.exe) and keylogger binaries (klg.dll) once actors establish remote control of a compromised system. 
    Remote Access Tools T1219 Interlock actors use legitimate remote access tools such as AnyDesk to enable remote connectivity and PuTTY to assist with lateral movement.
    Table 15. Exfiltration
    Technique Title  ID Use
    Exfiltration Over Web Service: Exfiltration to Cloud Storage T1567.002 Interlock actors exfiltrate data to cloud storage by executing AzCopy to upload data to the Azure storage blob.
    Exfiltration Over Alternative Protocol T1048 Interlock actors use file transfer tools like WinSCP to exfiltrate data.
    Table 16. Impact
    Technique Title  ID Use
    Data Encrypted for Impact T1486

    Interlock actors encrypt victim data using a combined AES and RSA algorithm on compromised systems to interrupt availability to system and network resources. Actors code encryptors using C/C++. Interlock actors use encryptors for both Windows and Linux operating systems. 

    Interlock actors also use a FreeBSD ELF encryptor to encrypt victim data. 
    Financial Theft   T1657 Interlock actors deliver a ransom note titled !__README__!.txt via a GPO which provides victims with instructions to use a .onion URL to contact the actors over the Tor network. Actors use a double-extortion model, both encrypting victim data and threatening release of victim data on their Tor network leak site if the ransom is not paid.

    The authoring agencies recommend organizations implement the mitigations below to improve your organization’s cybersecurity posture on the basis of the Interlock ransomware actors’ activity. These mitigations align with the Cross-Sector Cybersecurity Performance Goals (CPGs) developed by CISA and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The CPGs provide a minimum set of practices and protections that CISA and NIST recommend all organizations implement. CISA and NIST based the CPGs on existing cybersecurity frameworks and guidance to protect against the most common and impactful threats and TTPs. Visit CISA’s CPGs webpage for more information on the CPGs, including additional recommended baseline protections.

    In addition to the below mitigations, Healthcare and Public Health (HPH) organizations should use HPH Sector CPGs to implement cybersecurity protections to address the most common threats and TTPs used against this sector.

    At-risk organizations should implement the following mitigations:

    • Prevent Interlock ransomware actors from obtaining initial access:
      • Implement domain name system (DNS) filtering to block users from accessing malicious sites and applications.
      • Implement web access firewalls to mitigate and prevent unknown commands or process injection from malicious domains or websites.
      • Train users [CPG 2.I] to identify, avoid, and report social engineering attempts.
    • Implement a recovery plan [CPG 5.A] to maintain and retain multiple copies of sensitive or proprietary data and servers in a physically separate, segmented, and secure location (e.g., hard drive, storage device, the cloud) [CPG 2.R].
    • Require all accounts with password logins (e.g., service accounts, admin accounts, and domain admin accounts) to comply with NIST password standards.
      • Require employees to use long passwords [CPG 2.B] and consider not requiring recurring password changes, as these can weaken security.
    • Require MFA [CPG 2.H] for all services to the extent possible, particularly for webmail, virtual private networks (VPNs), and accounts that access critical systems.
      • Implement ICAM policies across the organization as a precursor to MFA.
    • Keep all operating systems, software, and firmware up to date; prioritize patching known exploited vulnerabilities in internet-facing systems [CPG 1.E].
      • Timely patching is efficient and cost effective for minimizing an organization’s exposure to cybersecurity threats.
    • Implement robust EDR capabilities on VMs, systems, and networks.
    • Segment networks [CPG 2.F] to prevent the spread of ransomware.
      • Network segmentation can help prevent the spread of ransomware by controlling traffic flows between—and access to—various subnetworks and by restricting adversary lateral movement.
    • Identify, detect, and investigate abnormal activity and potential traversal of the indicated ransomware [CPG 3.A] with a networking monitoring tool [CPG 2.T].
      • To aid in detecting ransomware, implement a tool that logs and reports all network traffic, including lateral movement activity on a network.
      • Implement EDR tools; these are useful for detecting lateral connections as they provide insight into common and uncommon network connections for each host.
    • Filter network traffic by preventing unknown or untrusted origins from accessing remote services on internal systems.
      • This prevents threat actors from directly connecting to remote access services that they have established for persistence.
    • Install, regularly update, and enable real time detection for antivirus software on all hosts.
    • Review domain controllers, servers, workstations, and active directories for new and/or unrecognized accounts.
    • Audit user accounts with administrative privileges and configure access controls according to the principle of least privilege [CPG 2.E].
    • Disable unused ports.
    • Consider adding an email banner to emails received from outside of your organization [CPG 2.M].
    • Disable hyperlinks in received emails.
    • Implement time-based access for accounts set at the admin level and higher; for example, the just-in-time (JIT) access method provisions privileged access when needed and can support enforcement of the principle of least privilege (as well as the Zero Trust model):
      • This is a process where a network-wide policy is set in place to automatically disable admin accounts at the Active Directory level when the account is not in direct need.
      • Individual users may submit their requests through an automated process that grants them access to a specified system for a set timeframe when they need to support the completion of a certain task.
    • Disable command line and scripting activities and permissions [CPG 2.N].
      • Disabling software utilities that run from the command line makes it more difficult for threat actors to escalate privileges and move laterally.
    • Maintain offline backups of data and regularly maintain backups and restorations [CPG 2.R]; this avoids severe service interruption and irretrievable data in the event of a compromise.
    • Ensure all backup data is encrypted, immutable (i.e., cannot be altered or deleted), and covers the entire organization’s data infrastructure [CPG 2.R].

    In addition to applying mitigations, the authoring agencies recommend exercising, testing, and validating your organization’s security program against the threat behaviors mapped to the MITRE ATT&CK for Enterprise framework in this advisory. The authoring agencies recommend testing your existing security controls inventory to assess how they perform against the ATT&CK techniques described in this advisory.

    To get started:

    1. Select an ATT&CK technique described in this advisory (see Table 5 through Table 16).
    2. Align your security technologies against the technique.
    3. Test your technologies against the technique.
    4. Analyze your detection and prevention technologies’ performance.
    5. Repeat the process for all security technologies to obtain a set of comprehensive performance data.
    6. Tune your security program, including people, processes, and technologies, based on the data generated by this process.

    The authoring agencies recommend continually testing your security program, at scale, in a production environment to ensure optimal performance against the MITRE ATT&CK techniques identified in this advisory.

    Your organization has no obligation to respond or provide information back to FBI in response to this joint advisory. If, after reviewing the information provided, your organization decides to provide information to FBI, reporting must be consistent with applicable state and federal laws.

    FBI is interested in any information that can be shared, to include boundary logs showing communication to and from foreign IP addresses, a sample ransom note, communications with threat actors, Bitcoin wallet information, decryptor files, and/or a benign sample of an encrypted file.

    Additional details of interest include a targeted company point of contact, status and scope of infection, estimated loss, operational impact, transaction IDs, date of infection, date detected, initial attack vector, and host- and network-based indicators.

    The authoring agencies do not encourage paying ransom as payment does not guarantee victim files will be recovered. Furthermore, payment may also embolden adversaries to target additional organizations, encourage other criminal actors to engage in the distribution of ransomware, and/or fund illicit activities. Regardless of whether you or your organization have decided to pay the ransom, FBI and CISA urge you to promptly report ransomware incidents to FBI’s Internet Crime Complain Center (IC3), a local FBI Field Office, or CISA via the agency’s Incident Reporting System or its 24/7 Operations Center (contact@mail.cisa.dhs.gov) or by calling 1-844-Say-CISA (1-844-729-2472).

    State, local, tribal, and territorial governments should report incidents to the MS-ISAC (SOC@cisecurity.org or 866-787-4722).

    HPH Sector organizations should report incidents to FBI or CISA but also can reach out to HHS at HHScyber@hhs.gov for cyber incident support focused on mitigating adverse patient impacts.

    The information in this report is being provided “as is” for informational purposes only. The authoring agencies do not endorse any commercial entity, product, company, or service, including any entities, products, or services linked within this document. Any reference to specific commercial entities, products, processes, or services by service mark, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation, or favor by the authoring agencies. 

    Cisco Talos contributed to this advisory.

    July 22, 2025: Initial version.

    1 Elio Biasiotto, et. al., “Unwrapping the Emerging Interlock Ransomware Attack,” Talos Intelligence (blog), Cisco Talos, last modified November 7, 2024, https://blog.talosintelligence.com/emerging-interlock-ransomware/.

    2 Sekoia Threat Detection and Research team, “Interlock Ransomware Evolving Under the Radar,” Sekoia (blog), Sekoia, last modified April 16, 2025, https://blog.sekoia.io/interlock-ransomware-evolving-under-the-radar/.

    3 Yashvi Shah and Vignesh Dhatchanamoorthy, “ClickFix Deception: A Social Engineering Tactic to Deploy Malware,” McAfee Labs (blog), McAfee,last modified June 11, 2024, https://www.mcafee.com/blogs/other-blogs/mcafee-labs/clickfix-deception-a-social-engineering-tactic-to-deploy-malware/ and “HC3 Sector Alert: ClickFix Attacks,” Health Sector Cybersecurity Coordination Center, Department of Health and Human Services, last modified October 29, 2024, https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/clickfix-attacks-sector-alert-tlpclear.pdf.

    4 Shah, “ClickFix Deception: A Social Engineering Tactic to Deploy Malware.”

    5 Sekoia Threat Detection and Research team, “Interlock Ransomware Evolving Under the Radar.”

    6 Bill Toulas, “Interlock Ransomware Gang Deploys New NodeSnake RAT on Universities,“ Bleeping Computer, May 28, 2025, https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/interlock-ransomware-gang-deploys-new-nodesnake-rat-on-universities/.

    7 Biasiotto, “Unwrapping the Emerging Interlock Ransomware Attack.”

    8 International law-enforcement and Microsoft took down the Lumma Stealer malware in May 2025 by seizing internet domains the actors used to distribute the malware to actors and taking down domains that hosted the malware’s infrastructure. For more information, see Tara Seals, “Lumma Stealer Takedown Reveals Sprawling Operation,” Dark Reading, May 21, 2025, https://www.darkreading.com/cybersecurity-operations/lumma-stealer-takedown-sprawling-operation, and Steven Masada, “Disrupting Lumma Stealer: Microsoft Leads Global Action Against Favored Cybercrime Tool,” Microsoft On the Issues (blog), Microsoft, last modified May 21, 2025, https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/2025/05/21/microsoft-leads-global-action-against-favored-cybercrime-tool/.

    9 Sekoia Threat Detection and Research team, “Interlock Ransomware Evolving Under the Radar.”

    10 Biasiotto, “Unwrapping the Emerging Interlock Ransomware Attack.”

    11 Biasiotto, “Unwrapping the Emerging Interlock Ransomware Attack.”

    12 Biasiotto, “Unwrapping the Emerging Interlock Ransomware Attack.”

    13 Biasiotto, “Unwrapping the Emerging Interlock Ransomware Attack.”

    14 Lawrence Abrams, “Meet Interlock — The New Ransomware Targeting FreeBSD Servers,” Bleeping Computer, November 3, 2024, https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/meet-interlock-the-new-ransomware-targeting-freebsd-servers/.

    15 Biasiotto, “Unwrapping the Emerging Interlock Ransomware Attack.”

    16 Graham Cluley, “Interlock Ransomware: What You Need to Know,” Fortra (blog), Fortra, last modified May 30, 2025, https://www.tripwire.com/state-of-security/interlock-ransomware-what-you-need-know.

    17 Sekoia Threat Detection and Research team, “Interlock Ransomware Evolving Under the Radar.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: General Guetlein to Lead the Office of Golden Dome for America

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    Golden Dome is President Donald J. Trump’s vision to build a layered defense of the homeland to provide for the common defense of the American people against ballistic, hypersonic, advanced cruise missiles and other next-generation aerial attacks from near-peer and rogue nations.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: LPL Financial Welcomes Gallagher Wealth Management

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LPL Financial LLC announced today that Kevin Gallagher, AIF®, of Gallagher Wealth Management has joined LPL Financial’s broker-dealer, Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) and custodial platforms. He reported serving approximately $180 million in advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets* and joins LPL from Lincoln Investment.

    Located north of Washington D.C. in Brookeville, Md., Gallagher started in the wealth management industry as a floor trader in 1997 following a career in the U.S. Marines. Now, with nearly two decades of financial industry experience, Gallagher has established a reputation as an advisor who takes an individualized approach to wealth management, offering clients — who are mostly former or current federal employees or members of the military — a personalized and collaborative experience.

    “We believe that an advisor’s role is to provide sage advice to their clients,” Gallagher said. “At our practice, we take a collective approach to fostering a deep understanding of our clients’ unique circumstances, motivations and fiscal goals and then educating them on the most appropriate strategies to help them work towards their long- and short-term goals.”

    Looking for more autonomy, flexibility and a more robust technology platform, the Gallagher Wealth Management team, which includes fellow advisors U.S. Army veteran James Horris, AIF®, CEPA®, Brandon Hsia, Leslie Weigand and their support staff, turned to LPL.

    “LPL’s culture, industry reputation and integrated and streamlined technology were exactly what we were looking for in our pursuit to provide an elevated client experience and take our business to the next level,” Gallagher said. “Everything LPL offers — including the fact that they are self-clearing — will make it easier for us to run our business more efficiently and spend more time with our clients.”

    Scott Posner, LPL Executive Vice President, Business Development, said, “We welcome Kevin and the rest of the Gallagher Wealth Management team to LPL and congratulate them on this next phase of their business. As a leading wealth management firm, LPL is committed to delivering innovative technology and comprehensive business solutions that help advisors differentiate their practices and increase value for their clients. We look forward to supporting Gallagher Wealth Management for years to come.”

    Related

    Advisors, learn how LPL Financial can help take your business to the next level.

    About LPL Financial

    LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) is among the fastest growing wealth management firms in the U.S. As a leader in the financial advisor-mediated marketplace, LPL supports nearly 29,000 financial advisors and the wealth management practices of approximately 1,200 financial institutions, servicing and custodying approximately $1.8 trillion in brokerage and advisory assets on behalf of approximately 7 million Americans. The firm provides a wide range of advisor affiliation models, investment solutions, fintech tools and practice management services, ensuring that advisors and institutions have the flexibility to choose the business model, services, and technology resources they need to run thriving businesses. For further information about LPL, please visit www.lpl.com.Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial LLC (“LPL Financial”), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC.

    Throughout this communication, the terms “financial advisors” and “advisors” are used to refer to registered representatives and/or investment advisor representatives affiliated with LPL Financial. Gallagher Wealth Management and LPL Financial are separate entities.

    We routinely disclose information that may be important to shareholders in the “Investor Relations” or “Press Releases” section of our website.

    *Value approximated based on asset and holding details provided to LPL from end of year, 2024.

    Media Contact: 
    Media.relations@LPLFinancial.com 

    Tracking #771615

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Enjoy BTC and DOGE income every day! Siton Mining opens a new era of zero-threshold cloud mining

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, NY, July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With the passage of the GENIUS Act, crypto assets are accelerating their integration into the global financial system. Mainstream currencies such as BTC, ETH, DOGE, and XRP have become the core assets of decentralized finance. However, traditional mining still daunts many ordinary users due to high equipment investment, technical barriers, and energy consumption costs.

    Siton Mining is rewriting this landscape. As the world’s leading compliant cloud mining platform, Siton Mining has officially launched a new mobile app to bring a truly “zero threshold mining” experience to global users. Users can access Siton Mining’s global green mining network with just one click on their smartphones, and easily start the road to passive income from crypto assets.

    Start your mining journey easily:
    1Visit sitonmining.com, register an account, and immediately receive a $10-$100 random reward for new users
    2Choose a suitable cloud computing power contract and customize your investment strategy
    3After the contract is activated, the system automatically starts mining, and the income is credited daily
    4Supports more than 9 cryptocurrency settlements: including USDT (TRC20/ERC20), BTC, ETH, XRP, DOGE, LTC, BCH, BNB, SOL, USDC, etc.
    5Withdraw at any time when you reach $100, or choose to reinvest to continuously amplify your income
    Denominated in US dollars to avoid market volatility risks
    All contracts are priced in US dollars. The system automatically converts the BTC, ETH, DOGE and other currencies invested by users according to the real-time exchange rate to help users lock in value and significantly reduce potential losses caused by currency price fluctuations.

    Why choose Siton Mining?
    Siton Mining is the world’s leading green cloud computing platform, creating stable income for more than 9 million users. Its core advantages include:

    Global green mines, creating a sustainable mining model
    Siton Mining has deployed green energy mines in Northern Europe, Canada, Russia and other places, all of which are driven by renewable energy such as hydropower and wind power to ensure high energy consumption ratio and promote the standardized development of environmentally friendly mining.

    Military-grade security protection to ensure worry-free assets
    The platform’s EV SSL encryption technology protects user accounts and data assets around the clock. At the same time, it uses an AI intelligent risk control system to monitor potential risk behaviors in real time and comprehensively prevent hacker attacks and abnormal operations.

    The future of digital assets starts with Siton Mining
    In the current uncertain global economic environment, Siton Mining provides users with a stable, secure and sustainable channel for the appreciation of encrypted assets. Whether you are a digital currency novice or a senior investor, you can start the road to stable passive income with just a mobile phone.

    Join Siton Mining now and let your mobile phone become your digital wealth portal!
    Official website: https://sitonmining.com
    Email: info@sitonmining.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: GUU became the winner of the All-Russian competition of youth projects 2025

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Official website of the State –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The State University of Management was among the winners of the All-Russian competition of youth projects among universities, implemented with the support of Rosmolodezh and Rosmolodezh.Grants.

    A total of 2,803 projects from 293 educational institutions were submitted to the competition, and 89 universities won.

    The State University of Management received the maximum grant of 22.5 million rubles for the implementation of youth initiatives.

    The head of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs, associate professor of the Department of State and Municipal Management of the State University of Management Grigory Gurov noted that “the grant is no longer a one-time subsidy, but a two-year program for the development of youth policy. Comprehensive programs that receive funding go beyond individual events and become systemic work.”

    In 2025-2026, 14 project solutions aimed at forming value systems and guidelines among young people will be implemented at the State University of Management:

    School of Coordinators “KUL” All-Russian Forum of Student Commissions on Education Quality and Centers for Researching Students’ Opinions “Exploring Students” Creation of a System for Popularizing Volunteering “The Path of Good” School of Student Self-Government Activists “Successful Leader’s Course” Military-Patriotic Game “Defenders of the State University of Management” Student Interregional Historical Ball “Inspiration” Festival of Youth Brass Bands “St. George’s Trumpets” Youth Festival of Creativity “Raising the Flag” School of Administrators of the Service-Learning Program Interregional Accelerator “Entrepreneur for Russia” Student Coworking Zone on the -1 Floor of the Main Academic Building Entrepreneurial Coworking Zone Festival of Interethnic Friendship and Harmony Dedicated to the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland “Hero of His People” Patriotic Festival “Family History. Immortal Memory”

    We will report on the progress of the projects on our website and in the official social networks of the State University of Management, subscribe so as not to miss important information: VKontakte, Telegram, Zen, Rutube.

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese peacekeepers conduct joint attack response drills with friendly troops 2025-07-21 18:25:47 The Chinese Peacekeeping Military Utility Helicopter Unit and the Chinese Peacekeeping Rapid Response Unit to the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) conducted joint drills in the context of responding to the armed attacks in land operations together with peacekeeping troops from multiple countries.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

      BEIJING, July 21 — Focusing on the security situation in the mission area, the Chinese Peacekeeping Military Utility Helicopter Unit and the Chinese Peacekeeping Rapid Response Unit to the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) recently conducted joint drills in the context of responding to the armed attacks in land operations together with peacekeeping troops from multiple countries.

      The drills involved rapid response, armed support, medical rescue, and other subjects, aiming to strengthen the coordinated operational capabilities of multinational peacekeeping troops.

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Latest UAVs, Counter-UAVs Showcased in China 2025-07-22 18:33:55 On Monday, the theme day event on unmanned and counter-unmanned land combat systems in the military trade market held by the China North Industries Group (Norinco Group) kicked off in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

      BEIJING, July 22 — On Monday, the theme day event on unmanned and counter-unmanned land combat systems in the military trade market held by the China North Industries Group (Norinco Group) kicked off in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The latest equipment such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), loitering munitions, and counter-UAVs were all showcased.

      The theme day event was divided into dynamic performance and static display. The dynamic part displayed aerial “offensive and defensive” operations such as reconnaissance, informed planning, penetration and attack, etc.

      The exhibition area displayed unmanned and counter-unmanned equipment including UAVs, airborne munitions, loitering munitions. In addition, the wheeled gunnery with an unmanned turret that can automatically load and fire, the tank with an onboard UAV system and a radio jamming system, were also showcased.

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Draganfly Secures Strategic Military Order for Commander 3XL UAV Systems

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Tampa Bay, Florida, July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO; CSE: DPRO; FSE: 3U8A) (“Draganfly” or the “Company”), an award-winning developer of drone solutions and systems developer, today announced the sale of Commander 3XL Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) systems to a globally recognized defense contractor specializing in persistent surveillance technologies for military operations.

    A trusted partner to U.S. and allied defense forces for decades, the client is one of the world’s leading providers of persistent surveillance platforms. Its systems are deployed across key Department of Defense (DoD) and allied installations, delivering reliable, persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.

    The Commander 3XL’s modular payload architecture, extended endurance, and AI-enabled mission control make it an ideal asset for military-grade surveillance programs. The systems will support perimeter security, early warning, and real-time situational awareness, operating seamlessly alongside and integrated with persistent platforms and ground-based command centers.

    “This sale marks a significant milestone for Draganfly as we expand our presence in the defense sector,” said Cameron Chell, CEO of Draganfly. “We are honored that the Commander 3XL has been chosen for integration into one of the world’s most advanced and enduring persistent surveillance platforms. This integration enhances capabilities for military and border surveillance systems, providing greater reach and effectiveness.”

    This purchase further underscores the Commander 3XL’s versatility in both static and dynamic ISR environments, enabling defense clients to adapt swiftly to evolving threat landscapes.

    About Draganfly

    Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO; CSE: DPRO; FSE: 3U8A) is a leader in cutting-edge drone solutions and software that are transforming industries and serving stakeholders globally. Recognized for innovation and excellence for over 25 years, Draganfly delivers award-winning technology to the public safety, agriculture, industrial inspection, security, mapping, and surveying markets. The Company is driven by passion, ingenuity, and a mission to provide efficient solutions and first-class services to customers worldwide, saving time, money, and lives.

    NASDAQ (DPRO)
    CSE (DPRO)
    FSE (3U8)

    Media Contact:
    Erika Racicot
    Email: media@draganfly.com

    Company Contact
    Cameron Chell
    Chief Executive Officer
    (306) 955-9907
    info@draganfly.com

    This release contains certain “forward looking statements” and certain “forward-looking ‎‎‎‎information” as ‎‎‎‎defined under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements ‎‎‎‎and information can ‎‎‎‎generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as ‎‎‎‎‎“may”, “will”, “expect”, “intend”, ‎‎‎‎‎“estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “plans” or similar ‎‎‎‎terminology. Forward-looking statements ‎‎‎‎and information are based on forecasts of future ‎‎‎‎results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and ‎‎‎‎assumptions that, while believed by ‎‎‎‎management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant ‎‎‎‎business, economic and ‎‎‎‎competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking statements ‎‎‎‎include, but are not ‎‎‎‎limited to, statements with respect to the Commander 3XL’s modular payload architecture, extended endurance, and AI-enabled mission control make it an ideal asset for military-grade surveillance programs as well as that the systems will support perimeter security, early warning, and real-time situational awareness, operating seamlessly alongside persistent platforms and ground-based command centers. Forward-‎‎‎‎looking statements and information are subject to various ‎known ‎‎and unknown risks and ‎‎‎‎‎uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to ‎control or ‎‎predict, that ‎‎‎‎may cause ‎the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to be ‎materially ‎‎different ‎‎‎‎from those ‎expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions ‎about ‎‎such ‎‎‎‎risks, uncertainties ‎and other factors set out here in, including but not limited to: the potential ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎impact of epidemics, ‎pandemics or other public health crises, including the ‎COVID-19 pandemic, on the Company’s business, operations and financial ‎‎‎‎condition; the ‎‎‎successful integration of ‎technology; the inherent risks involved in the general ‎‎‎‎securities markets; ‎‎‎uncertainties relating to the ‎availability and costs of financing needed in the ‎‎‎‎future; the inherent ‎‎‎uncertainty of cost estimates; the ‎potential for unexpected costs and ‎‎‎‎expenses, currency ‎‎‎fluctuations; regulatory restrictions; and liability, ‎competition, loss of key ‎‎‎‎employees and other related risks ‎‎‎and uncertainties disclosed under the ‎heading “Risk Factors“ ‎‎‎‎in the Company’s most recent filings filed ‎‎‎with securities regulators in Canada on ‎the SEDAR ‎‎‎‎website at www.sedar.com and with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on EDGAR through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes ‎‎‎no obligation to update forward-‎looking ‎‎‎‎information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-‎‎‎looking information represents ‎‎‎‎‎managements’ best judgment based on information currently available. ‎‎‎No forward-looking ‎‎‎‎statement ‎can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. ‎‎‎Accordingly, readers ‎‎‎‎are advised not to ‎place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or ‎‎‎information.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) Sailors perform daily operations [Image 1 of 3]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    PACIFIC OCEAN (July 17, 2025) Retail Specialist 3rd Class Hanan Lindow, from Lakeland, Florida, finalizes sales in the ships store aboard the Harpers Ferry-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) in the Indo-Pacific region on July 17, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance region and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Isabel Mendoza)

    Date Taken: 07.17.2025
    Date Posted: 07.22.2025 06:56
    Photo ID: 9194907
    VIRIN: 250717-N-DM179-1021
    Resolution: 2800×2000
    Size: 395.02 KB
    Location: US
    Web Views: 1
    Downloads: 0

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    This work, USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) Sailors perform daily operations [Image 3 of 3], by SN Isabel Mendoza, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) Sailors perform daily operations [Image 2 of 3]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    PACIFIC OCEAN (July 17, 2025) Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Kenneth Rettig, from Gastonia, North Carolina, left, and Senior Chief Boatswain’s Mate Jesus Hernandez, from Tulare, California, right, conduct a spot check for the M18 aboard the Harpers Ferry-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) in the Indo-Pacific region on July 17, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance region and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Isabel Mendoza)

    Date Taken: 07.17.2025
    Date Posted: 07.22.2025 06:56
    Photo ID: 9194908
    VIRIN: 250717-N-DM179-1024
    Resolution: 2631×2105
    Size: 647.04 KB
    Location: US
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    Downloads: 0

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  • MIL-OSI: Gilat Awarded Approximately $60 Million to Provide Digital Inclusion Solutions in Peru

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PETAH TIKVA, Israel, July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ: GILT, TASE: GILT), a worldwide leader in satellite networking technology, solutions and services, announced today that its Peruvian subsidiary, Gilat Perú, has been awarded approximately $60 million in orders from Pronatel (Programa Nacional de Telecomunicaciones), Peru’s national telecommunications program. The orders are for upgrading the Regional Broadband infrastructure across the regions of Apurímac, Huancavelica and Ayacucho. Migration is expected to take place over the next 12 months and the service will be delivered over 4 years.

    This major infrastructure modernization will bring high-speed internet of 200 Mbps directly to nearly 800 public institutions, including schools, health centers, and police stations across 280 localities. The award marks a significant step forward in closing the digital divide and empowering rural communities in Peru with the connectivity they need to access education, healthcare, and public services, laying a strong, scalable foundation for future bandwidth growth in rural areas that need it most.

    The project reflects Gilat’s continued partnership with the Peruvian State and long-standing commitment to digital access for all, strengthening public services in some of the most remote areas of Peru.

    “With extensive experience implementing complex connectivity projects throughout Peru, we are uniquely qualified to carry out this critical migration in record time,” said Arieh Rohrstock, Corporate Senior Vice President and President, Gilat Peru. “Together with Pronatel, we’re advancing our shared goal of increasing digital inclusion in the most remote regions of the country by delivering the high-speed infrastructure needed to support essential public services.”

    About Gilat

    Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ: GILT, TASE: GILT) is a leading global provider of satellite-based broadband communications. With over 35 years of experience, we develop and deliver deep technology solutions for satellite, ground, and new space connectivity, offering next-generation solutions and services for critical connectivity across commercial and defense applications. We believe in the right of all people to be connected and are united in our resolution to provide communication solutions to all reaches of the world.

    Together with our wholly owned subsidiaries—Gilat Wavestream, Gilat DataPath, and Gilat Stellar Blu—we offer integrated, high-value solutions supporting multi-orbit constellations, Very High Throughput Satellites (VHTS), and Software-Defined Satellites (SDS) via our Commercial and Defense Divisions. Our comprehensive portfolio is comprised of a cloud-based platform and modems; high-performance satellite terminals; advanced Satellite On-the-Move (SOTM) antennas and ESAs; highly efficient, high-power Solid State Power Amplifiers (SSPA) and Block Upconverters (BUC) and includes integrated ground systems for commercial and defense markets, field services, network management software, and cybersecurity services.

    Gilat’s products and tailored solutions support multiple applications including government and defense, IFC and mobility, broadband access, cellular backhaul, enterprise, aerospace, broadcast, and critical infrastructure clients all while meeting the most stringent service level requirements. For more information, please visit: http://www.gilat.com

    Certain statements made herein that are not historical are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “estimate”, “project”, “intend”, “expect”, “believe” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Gilat to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, among others, changes in general economic and business conditions, inability to maintain market acceptance to Gilat’s products, inability to timely develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications, rapid changes in the market for Gilat’s products, loss of market share and pressure on prices resulting from competition, introduction of competing products by other companies, inability to manage growth and expansion, loss of key OEM partners, inability to attract and retain qualified personnel, inability to protect the Company’s proprietary technology and risks associated with Gilat’s international operations and its location in Israel, including those related to Israel’s preemptive strike against Iran’s nuclear project and the continued hostilities between Israel and Iran, and the hostilities between Israel and Hamas. For additional information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties associated with Gilat’s business, reference is made to Gilat’s reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.

    Contact:

    Gilat Satellite Networks

    Hagay Katz, Chief Product and Marketing Officer

    hagayk@gilat.com

    Alliance Advisors:

    GilatIR@allianceadvisors.com
    Phone: +1 212 838 3777

    The MIL Network –

  • Trump’s Golden Dome looks for alternatives to Musk’s SpaceX

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Trump administration is expanding its search for partners to build the Golden Dome missile defense system, courting Amazon.com’s Project Kuiper and big defense contractors as tensions with Elon Musk threaten SpaceX’s dominance in the program, according to three sources familiar with the matter.

    The shift marks a strategic pivot away from reliance on Musk’s SpaceX, whose Starlink and Starshield satellite networks have become central to U.S. military communications.

    It comes amid a deteriorating relationship between Trump and Musk, which culminated in a public falling-out on June 5. Even before the spat, officials at the Pentagon and White House had begun exploring alternatives to SpaceX, wary of over-reliance on a single partner for huge portions of the ambitious, $175 billion space-based defense shield, two of the sources said.

    Musk and SpaceX did not respond to requests for comment. After Reuters reported initially that SpaceX was a frontrunner to build parts of Golden Dome, Musk said on X that the company had “not tried to bid for any contract in this regard. Our strong preference would be to stay focused on taking humanity to Mars.”

    Due to its size, track record of launching more than 9,000 of its own Starlink satellites, and experience in government procurement, SpaceX still has the inside track to assist with major portions of the Golden Dome, especially launch contracts, sources say.

    Project Kuiper, which has launched just 78 of a planned constellation of 3,000 low-earth orbit satellites, has been approached by the Pentagon to join the effort, signaling the administration’s openness to integrating commercial tech firms into national defense infrastructure and going beyond traditional defense players.

    Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s executive chairman, told Reuters in January that Kuiper would be “primarily commercial,” but acknowledged “there will be defense uses for these [low-earth orbit] constellations, no doubt.”

    A spokesperson for Project Kuiper declined to comment for this story. The Pentagon declined to comment. The White House did not respond to requests for comment.

    Golden Dome’s ambitions mirror those of Israel’s Iron Dome – a homeland missile defense shield – but a larger, more complex layered defense system requires a vast network of orbiting satellites covering more territory.

    In the search for more vendors for the satellite layers of Golden Dome, “Kuiper is a big one,” a U.S. official said.

    While SpaceX remains a frontrunner due to its unmatched launch capabilities, its share of the program could shrink, two of the people said. Officials have reached out to new entrants like rocket companies Stoke Space and Rocket Lab RKLB.O are gaining traction and will be able to bid on individual launches as the program matures, according to the U.S. official.

    Later in the development of Golden Dome “each individual launch is going to get bid, and we have to actually give bids to other people,” besides SpaceX, the official said.

    NEED FOR SATELLITES

    There is an urgent need for more satellite production. Last year Congress gave Space Force a $13 billion mandate – up from $900 million – to buy satellite-based communication services in what was widely seen as one of many efforts to stimulate private sector satellite production.

    Amazon’s Project Kuiper, a $10 billion initiative led by former Starlink managers dismissed by Musk for slow progress, Reuters has reported, has lagged behind SpaceX in deployment. But its potential defense applications – such as communications that could aid missile tracking – have drawn renewed interest as the administration prepares to allocate the first $25 billion tranche of funding authorized under Trump’s sweeping tax and spending bill.

    Traditional defense giants Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and L3Harris are also in talks to support Golden Dome. L3Harris CFO Kenneth Bedingfield told Reuters in an interview the company has seen a surge in interest in its missile warning and tracking technologies, which are expected to play a key role in the system.

    Northrop, meanwhile, is pursuing several efforts including a space-based interceptor, a component that would enable missile strikes from orbit, Robert Flemming, the head of the company’s space business, told Reuters in an interview.

    “Lockheed Martin is ready to support Golden Dome for America as a proven mission partner,” Robert Lightfoot, president of Lockheed Martin Space, said in a statement.

    Golden Dome’s initial outreach this spring invited smaller, newer Silicon Valley firms seen as nimbler, more sophisticated and potentially less expensive alternatives to the big defense firms to the table – but that was before the Musk-Trump feud upended that calculus.

    Several with close ties to Trump aside from SpaceX, including Palantir and Anduril – were considered early frontrunners to win big pieces of the $175 billion project.

    But the Musk-Trump feud has reshaped the competitive landscape. Musk recently launched the “America Party,” a tech-centric, centrist political movement aimed at defeating Republicans who backed Trump’s tax-and-spend agenda.

    RAPID TIMEFRAME

    Trump launched the Golden Dome initiative just a week into his second term, pushing for rapid deployment. Space Force General Michael Guetlein, confirmed by the Senate on July 17, is set to lead the program with sweeping authority.

    Under a previously unreported directive from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Guetlein has 30 days from confirmation to build a team, 60 days to deliver an initial system design, and 120 days to present a full implementation plan, including satellite and ground station details, two people briefed on the memo said.

    The inclusion of commercial platforms like Kuiper raises security concerns. Its satellites would need to be hardened against cyberattacks and electronic warfare, a challenge that has plagued even SpaceX’s Starlink network. In May 2024, Elon Musk said SpaceX was spending “significant resources combating Russian jamming efforts. This is a tough problem.”

    Beyond the technical and political challenges, Golden Dome could reshape global security dynamics. A fully operational space-based missile shield may prompt adversaries to develop new offensive capabilities or accelerate the militarization of space.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: AFMAO embodies ‘No Airman left behind’ – Operation Colony Glacier 2025

    Source: United States Airforce

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AFNS) —  

    Forty miles from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, and accessible only by helicopter, U.S. Air Force Capt. Travis Lockwood stands on Colony Glacier. Before him lies a wide, unforgiving landscape scattered with debris from a long-ago tragedy that has become a mission of recovery and reunion, 73 years later.

    Colony Glacier is a large glacier that is home to the debris of a C-124 Globemaster that crashed into the side of Mount Gannett. Originally taking off from McChord Air Force Base, Washington, Nov. 22, 1952, en route to Elmendorf AFB, the aircraft never made it to its destination. The accident took the lives of 52 passengers and crew members. As of June 2025, 49 of 52 passengers have been identified. The recovery mission has taken place annually since 2012, when the contents of the crash were discovered.

    Lockwood, who is the Operation Colony Glacier ground forces commander and recovery team lead, as well as an Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations mortuary affairs deputy chief, travels from Dover AFB, Delaware, twice a summer for both phases of the operation, spending multiple weeks upon the blue ice, searching for key pieces of human remains, personal effects and identifiable information from the fallen aircraft passengers.

    Working with a team of joint partners including Armed Forces Medical Examiner System personnel, the Alaska Army National Guard, and JB Elmendorf-Richardson volunteers, Lockwood is able to bring pieces of bones, soft tissue, clothing articles, fully intact ID cards and large parts of the now retired C-124 back to Dover AFB where they will be sent to AFMES. 

    Lockwood describes a day on the ice as rewarding, despite being physically challenging. Safety is one of Lockwood’s priorities as the team lead.

    “The glacier is hard-packed ice covered in loose rock. Everything from gravel to large boulders. It’s not flat; there are steep inclines, crevasses, and hidden obstacles everywhere,” Lockwood explains, eyes scanning his cold surroundings, hearing the constant sound of rushing water pouring from the melting surfaces.

    “Temperature-wise, it ranges from the low 40s to mid-30s, with a lot of wind. And the glacier is constantly changing, it is melting, shifting, moving, so every day we reassess the area we’re working in.”

    The team, usually consisting of about seven crew members, begins their day with a 20-minute flight on an Alaska Army National Guard UH-60L Black Hawk, where skilled Army pilots are able to land the aircraft on small, uneven surfaces upon the ice for a brief, hot unloading. The recovery team is highly trained and carries a days worth of gear, with them preparing for the mission by attending mountaineering school in order to be able to navigate the rough terrain and have the ability to reach deeply into the glacial crevasses.

    Every day is a new day on Colony, due to the landscape constantly melting and revealing more debris underneath. The team moves miles down the glacier every year. Lockwood explains that oftentimes the surfaces are unrecognizable, so it is important they discover as much as they can because nothing will be in the same place tomorrow. The operation is split into two phases each summer, in order to let new parts of the landscape melt down to expose more content to search through. Weather conditions on the glacier are monitored by the 3rd Wing, JB Elmendorf-Richardson, who provide an on-site weather team. 

    Despite the challenging daily challenges on the glacier, the team is able to stay focused on the mission due to strong team bonds that can only truly be felt by those who have touched the ice and mission, according to Lockwood.

    “There’s a unique bond out here, one that only those who’ve been on this mission understand,” he explains. “You can’t explain what it’s like until you’re standing on the ice, finding human remains and personal effects. That experience creates a deep, unspoken connection among the team. We’re united by the mission and by our commitment to each other.”

    Returning personal effects to family members is one of the largest goals of Operation Colony Glacier. AFMAO and AFMES members recently were able to meet with children, cousins, nieces and nephews and friends of the fallen service members at an event in Dover. Families sharing memories of the fallen members highlighted the impact of the mission, and how their hard work to bring home and identify every member does not go unnoticed.

    Finding personal effects such as wallets, clothing, and safety equipment can be emotionally painful.

    Lockwood highlights one of the more emotional recoveries he made, a wallet belonging to a passenger and a father’s belongings.

    “Last year, we found a couple of wallets, one of which had contents like business cards and money. One wallet had a printed paper that said ‘mom’s sizes’ — her dress and shoe sizes. It was November, so maybe he was planning to buy her a Christmas present,” explains Lockwood. “I also found a family photo, and behind it, folded up, was a birth certificate for a daughter who was two months old. This individual had a brand new baby and was carrying her birth certificate at the time of the crash … that really puts a personal touch on things and makes (the mission) emotional, knowing these people left families behind and lost their lives coming up here.”

    During phase one of 2025, the team was able to find another completely intact wallet that included a fully preserved ID card, photos, mess hall pass, taxi receipt and TDY orders.

    With the personal effects and human remains that are found by the on-ice team, AFMES is able to do DNA processing, fingerprint examination and other identification processes.

    A key team member in this process is an Operation Colony Glacier veteran, Carlos Colon. Colon is an AFMES medicolegal death investigator and the operations subject matter expert. Colon has returned to the glacier every year for eight years, consistently bringing back and selecting the best viable specimens, submitting them to the DNA lab for processing, with identification usually happening within a year. On the ice, Colon organizes and numbers the samples, helping the team identify what would be suitable specimen to send back. Every day, he visits the morgue on JB Elmendorf-Richardson and oversees the process of storing the remains before they are brought to Dover AFB.

    Colon, originally from Puerto Rico, served in the U.S. Army as a mortuary affairs specialist, where he would discover and process remains, helping to send them to Dover AFB. He became interested in AFMES and the medical side of the process after witnessing a pathologist, photographer and investigator in Iraq, leading him to pursue a career in forensic investigation. 

    Combining his army and civilian experience, Colon has made many impacts to families and to fallen service members, helping them with dignity, honor and respect. Carlos highlights the importance of the mission, emphasizing the promise to bring service members back to their families.

    “We won’t leave you behind. For me, it’s a cool reminder, especially for the guys in combat arms, infantry, or combat engineers, that the DoD really does this. Having them participate is special. A lot of them say, ‘Wow, I can’t believe we’re still doing this after all these years.’ That’s my favorite part. I’ve seen a lot of deaths in my career, so I also find it rewarding to create an environment where it’s easier for people to process what’s happening, so they’re not as affected.”

    Colon explains that what keeps him motivated on the ice is how determined everyone is to make all 52 identifications. He shares that one of his favorite memories was when a fellow team member brought a speaker to the glacier, playing music from the 1950s that would have been popular in the time of the crash while they searched.

    “I wish people knew many people are involved in this mission,” Colon says. “How many organizations, how many individuals and how invested everybody is to see it through.”

    At the end of the mission each year, AFMAO organizes a dignified departure for the remains before transporting the remains to Dover AFB. The long, demanding days, unwavering motivation and commitment to service from all team members and units make this accomplishment possible.

    Colony Glacier is a one-of-a-kind mission that is authentically able to represent the Air Force’s commitment to never leaving an Airman behind.

    “We will never leave somebody behind. We’ve made a commitment to the fallen and their families that we will bring them home,” Lockwood said. “The lengths we go to do that are very special … we will care for your Airmen, your Soldiers, your Marines. From the time they join until the time they leave, or until they are brought home. They are not forgotten.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: Living Namesake Rides First Set of Sea Trials for DDG 124

    Source: United States Navy

    In a rare moment of living history, ship namesake and Medal of Honor recipient, Col. Harvey “Barney” Barnum Jr. joined members of future USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr.’s (DDG 124) crew, the Navy programmatic team, and industry partners onboard the ship’s first set of sea trials, departing from General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, July 15.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Iran: Deliberate Israeli attack on Tehran’s Evin prison must be investigated as a war crime 

    Source: Amnesty International –

    The Israeli military’s deliberate air strikes on Evin prison in Tehran on 23 June 2025 constitute a serious violation of international humanitarian law and must be criminally investigated as war crimes, Amnesty International said today, following an in-depth investigation. 

    Verified video footage, satellite imagery and interviews with eyewitnesses, prisoners’ families and human rights defenders indicate that the Israeli military carried out multiple air strikes on Evin prison, killing and injuring scores of civilians and causing extensive damage and destruction in at least six locations across the prison complex. The attack took place during the working day, at a time when many parts of the prison were packed with civilians. Hours later, the Israeli military confirmed it had attacked the prison and senior Israeli officials boasted about it on social media. According to the Iranian authorities, at least 80 civilians – 79 men and women and a five-year-old boy – were killed.  

    Under international humanitarian law, a prison or place of detention is presumed a civilian object and there is no credible evidence in this case that Evin prison constituted a lawful military objective. 

    The evidence establishes reasonable grounds to believe that the Israeli military brazenly and deliberately attacked civilian buildings.

    Erika Guevara Rosas, Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns. 

    “The evidence establishes reasonable grounds to believe that the Israeli military brazenly and deliberately attacked civilian buildings. Directing attacks at civilian objects is strictly prohibited under international humanitarian law. Carrying out such attacks knowingly and deliberately constitutes a war crime,” said Erika Guevara Rosas, Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns. 

    It is believed that Evin prison held around 1,500-2,000 prisoners at the time of the attack, including arbitrarily detained human rights defenders, protesters, political dissidents, members of persecuted religious minorities, and dual and foreign nationals frequently held for diplomatic leverage. At any given time, there were also hundreds of other civilians in the prison complex. The attack took place during prison visitation hours. 

    “The Israeli forces should have known that any air strikes against Evin prison could result in significant civilian harm. Prosecution authorities around the world must ensure that all those responsible for this deadly attack are brought to justice, including through use of the principle of universal jurisdiction. The Iranian authorities must also grant the International Criminal Court jurisdiction over all Rome Statute crimes committed on or perpetrated from its territory, said Erika Guevara Rosas. 

    An overview of Evin prison, with the exterior walled perimeter marked in orange. The six yellow circles highlight areas with the most significant destruction, indicating these were the locations where the munitions landed. The blasts and resulting damage extended beyond the six areas. 
    A map of Evin prison indicating building names or functions based on Amnesty International’s interviews with former prisoners. 
    Scores of civilians killed and injured  

    Between 11am to 12pm Tehran time on 23 June 2025, Israeli air strikes hit multiple locations over 500 metres apart inside Evin prison, destroying or damaging numerous buildings and other structures within the prison complex, as well as nearby residential buildings outside the complex.  

    Evin prison is located in a populated area with residential buildings to its east and south. A nearby resident described the scene following the attack to Amnesty International: 

    “I suddenly heard a terrible sound. I looked out of the window and realised that smoke and dust were rising from Evin prison. Both the sound of the explosion and the appearance of the dust and smoke were horrific… I had thought our home would be safe [as] we are near a prison… I couldn’t believe it.” 

    The authorities have so far named 57 civilians who were killed in the attack including five female social workers, 13 young men performing mandatory national service as prison guards or administrators, and 36 other prison staff – 30 men and six women – and the child of one of the social workers. After drawing public criticism for failing to disclose the identities of prisoners, their relatives and nearby residents killed, the authorities published a report on 14 July 2025 revealing two names: a nearby resident – Mehrangiz Imanpour – and a woman volunteering to help raise funds for debt prisoners – Hasti Mohammadi. Amnesty International had already verified the name of Mehrangiz Imanpour, as well as the names of one prisoner, Masoud Behbahani, a prisoner’s relative, Leila Jafarzadeh, and a passerby Aliasghar Pazouki, who were also killed. 

    Israeli officials’ self-incriminating admissions  

    Within hours of the attack, senior Israeli officials boasted about it on social media, framing it as a “targeted strike” against a “symbol of oppression for the Iranian people.” 

    Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, said on X that Israeli forces were attacking with “unprecedented force regime targets and government repression bodies in the heart of Tehran including…Evin prison.” 

    Minutes later, Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa’ar posted on X: “We warned Iran time and again: stop targeting civilians! They continued, including this morning. Our response: [Long live freedom…].” Alongside this post was a video purporting to show CCTV footage of the prison gate being blown up. Analysis of the video by Amnesty International indicates the footage was digitally manipulated likely using an old photograph of the prison gate. The video was first posted on Persian-language Telegram channels, but Amnesty International could not trace its original source. 

    Later the same day, the Israeli military confirmed in a statement that they had carried out “a targeted strike” on “the notorious Evin Prison”. The statement appeared to justify the attack by saying that “enemies of the regime” were held and tortured there and alleging that “intelligence operations against the State of Israel, including counter espionage” were carried out in the prison. However, the interrogation of detainees accused of spying for Israel or the presence of intelligence officials within the prison compound would not render the penal facility itself a legitimate military objective under international humanitarian law. 

    Entrance gate and prosecution office in the south 

    Before and after false-colour, near infrared satellite imagery from 10 April 2025 and 30 June 2025 reveals the destruction in four distinct locations in the south and central parts of Evin prison where munitions likely landed (shown with yellow circles) and signs of burning (visible in near-infrared in dark black hues) in many areas, likely from vehicles that caught fire and spread to buildings in the area.  

    In the south of the prison, the main entrance gate, along with the adjoining wall and the visitor information building to the east of the gate were destroyed. The building to the west of the gate and the adjoining Shahid Moghaddas prosecution office were extensively damaged. Further inside the southern part of the prison, the car park and a building next to the Quarantine section were damaged. 

    An informed source told Amnesty International that a woman named Leila Jafarzadeh, 35, was killed while visiting the prosecution office to post bail to secure the release of her imprisoned husband. 

    The destruction of the entrance gate and its surroundings was captured in a verified video showing rescue workers carrying at least one injured person on a stretcher amid scenes of destruction and extensive rubble on the ground. 

    Footage published by state media and verified by Amnesty International also shows structural damage to the prosecution office’s walls and building framework, indicating that the force of the blast penetrated deep into the building. 

    Satellite imagery from 30 June 2025 reveals a location (shown with a yellow circle) where munitions likely landed. Ground images (right) geolocated to the north and south areas of the southern entrance gate show major destruction. 
    Administrative building and quarantine section housing prisoners  

    Deeper inside the southern area of the prison, the administrative building and a smaller adjoining building which, according to a former prisoner, contained an office of the prison’s security force called the Protection Cohort, were significantly impacted, while several nearby structures were destroyed. 

    Satellite imagery from 30 June 2025 shows significant damage to part of the roof on the west side of the Protection Cohort building. Satellite imagery further shows that to the east of the building, an internal gate, perimeter wall and two small structures – likely guard posts – were all destroyed in the strike. 

    The two identified locations are consistent with the analysis of video footage and information received from two former prisoners of conscience Atena Daemi and Hossein Razagh.  

    Verified videos also depict destroyed windows, collapsed walls and extensive rubble on both the western and eastern sides of the administrative building. The first floor appears to be largely obliterated, with missing structural walls visible in multiple sections. 

    An image published by state media and verified by Amnesty International shows what appears to be a crater inside the west side of the administrative building showing the first floor collapsed downward. 

    According to a state media report on 6 July 2025, at least nine women, one man and a child were killed in the administrative building. Shargh Daily and Hammihan, two prominent newspapers in Iran, named three of the victims in reports published on 25 June and 1 July 2025, respectively. They included social worker Zahra Ebadi, 52, who was killed along with her five-year-old son, Mehrad Kheiri; and an administrative staff member, Hamid Ranjbari, 40. 

    Satellite imagery (left) from 30 June 2025 reveals two locations (shown with yellow circles) where munitions likely landed. Ground images (right) show extensive damage to the administrative building. 

    Analysis of a verified video footage also shows that the quarantine section housing newly admitted prisoners, located near the administrative building, also sustained damage. 

    Medical clinic, kitchen and sections housing prisoners in the central part 

    In the central part of the prison, the medical clinic, central kitchen, section 4 housing male prisoners, section 209 which consists of solitary confinement cells where female and male prisoners are detained by the Minister of Intelligence, and the women’s section were extensively damaged. 

    Satellite imagery shows significant damage to structures adjacent to the medical clinic, while verified videos reveal damage to the clinic from the blast and burning cars.  

    A verified video shows the outside of the medical clinic covered in black soot and black smoke billowing from the windows. Another video shows significant destruction inside, with shattered windows, beds and medical equipment overturned and extensive rubble. 

    Satellite imagery (left) from 30 June 2025 reveals two locations (shown with yellow circles) where munitions likely landed. Geolocated photos and videos (right) show that the vehicle entrance gate collapsed. The clinic’s interior was significantly damaged, with walls and windows blown out, while the exterior shows severe fire damage and smoke.  

    The verified video evidence supports accounts from human rights defenders Narges Mohammadi and Sepideh Gholian, both based in Iran, who told Amnesty International that multiple eyewitnesses in Evin prison described to them extensive damage to the medical clinic. Narges Mohammadi shared that male prisoners in section 4, which is opposite the medical clinic, informed her the prison’s ambulance was destroyed, an account supported by video showing nearby vehicles reduced to wreckage. She also said the prisoners told her they witnessed an individual with extensive burns on their body walking out of the medical clinic and collapsing on the ground. 

    Two prisoners – Abolfazl Ghodiani and Mehdi Mahmoudian – who survived the Evin prison attack and were transferred to Greater Tehran Penitentiary wrote in a letter from inside prison published online on 1 July 2025: 

    “Evin prison shook with several consecutive explosions. Two or three blasts occurred near Section 4 and when prisoners exited the section’s door, they saw the medical clinic burning… Prisoners recovered the bodies of around 15-20 people, including medical clinic personnel, prisoners, warehouse staff, guards and agents from beneath the rubble.” 

    Saeedeh Makarem, a doctor volunteering in Evin prison who was injured, including with burns, described in a series of posts on Instagram in July 2025 how prisoners helped her:  

    “They dragged me to the corner of the wall. I was half-conscious. They brought me water and a blanket, put a splint in my leg, wiped the blood from my face… They could have left, but they didn’t… They saved me.” 

    Political dissident Hossein Razagh also told Amnesty International that section 4 prisoners described to him how prisoners were thrown against the walls due to the force of the blast and sustained head and face injuries. 

    These testimonies are corroborated by a verified video showing extensive damage to the front parts of sections 4 and 209. External doors and windows of sections 4 and 209 appear to have been shattered, with parts of the roof structure collapsed and large piles of rubble visible in the road.Multiple vehicles are destroyed and burned out, with black smoke damage on the surrounding building walls, indicating some of the fire may have originated from the cars. Satellite imagery from 30 June 2025 shows the burned buildings and black scorch marks from the cars The blast also appears to have affected the roof of the prison kitchen and damaged its windows. 

    According to Amnesty International’s research, the blast also affected section 209 staff offices, trapping some agents and guards under the rubble. Authorities have provided no information about the fate and whereabouts of prisoners held in solitary confinement in section 209, raising concerns about possible deaths or injuries. 

    Image showing the road with Section 209 on one side (left) and the vehicle entrance gate on the opposite side (right). 

    Amnesty International confirmed through an informed source the name of a prisoner in section 4, Masoud Behbahani, aged 71, who was killed. He suffered a heart attack when the blast threw him onto a chair and several prisoners fell on him. According to the source, instead of transferring him to a hospital, authorities transferred him to Greater Tehran Penitentiary where he died two days later after a second heart attack. 

    Amnesty International also analysed an image taken from inside the Women’s section showing visible damage to the ceiling and electrical infrastructure. 

    Entrance gate, judicial complex, visitation building and sections housing prisoners in the North 

    Before and after false-colour, near infrared imagery from 10 April 2025 and 27 June 2025 reveals the destruction in two distinct locations where munitions likely landed in the northern part of Evin prison (shown with yellow circles): the internal security walls and road in front of sections 240 and 241 and the north entrance gate in front of the visitation building and Shaheed Kachouyee judicial complex. 

    In the northern part of the prison, as visible in satellite imagery and verified videos, the entrance gate and adjacent wall were destroyed; the front part of the building containing the Shahid Kachouyee judicial complex and visitation building were extensively damaged; and two internal walls near sections 240 and 241 housing prisoners were destroyed. 

    Verified video and photographs also show blast-related damage to nearby high-rise residential buildings and vehicles outside the northern area of Evin prison. One video captures dozens of distressed people in Ahmadpour Street, at least one of whom appears to be injured. 

    An informed source described to Amnesty International how a nearby resident, Mehrangiz Imanpour, a 61-year-old painter who lived in Ahmadpour Street, was killed on her way home. 

    Shargh Daily reported that another passerby, Ali Asghar Pazouki, 69, was killed in front of the judicial complex and visitation building. 

    State media published videos and photographs which show blast damage in this area.  

    Satellite imagery (left) from 30 June 2025 reveals a location (shown with a yellow circle) where munitions likely landed. Geolocated images and videos (right) show extensive damage to the exterior and interior of the visitation building with windows shattered and parts of the roof and facade collapsed.  

    Satellite imagery analysed by Amnesty International indicates that a road and two security walls deeper within the northern part of the prison, near a building containing sections 240 and 241, were also destroyed. These sections are known to contain hundreds of solitary confinement cells, but no images showing the condition of the building have emerged and the authorities have not released any information about the fate of prisoners held there. 

    Amnesty International received accounts from prisoners’ families indicating that section 8, near sections 240 and 241, was damaged. Human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh told Amnesty International that her arbitrarily imprisoned husband, human rights defender, Reza Khandan, and other prisoners, were injured when rubble was propelled into the courtyard. 

    Political dissident Mohammad Nourizad, who was in section 8, called his family while the air strikes were ongoing. A recording of his call was published online on 24 June: 

    “They are dropping bombs on us. Some people are injured, the windows have broken, and everyone has scattered… They just hit again. I don’t know, it seems intentional… but bombing a prison is incompatible with any logic or code of conduct…They [prison authorities] closed the doors on us and we have no news.” 

    International law and standards 

    Under international humanitarian law, direct attacks on civilians and civilian objects are prohibited. Attacks may only be directed at combatants and military objectives. Military objectives are limited to those objects which by their nature, location, purpose or use make an effective contribution to military action and whose partial or total destruction, capture or neutralization, in the circumstances ruling at the time, offers a definite military advantage.  

    Attacking forces have an obligation to do everything feasible to protect civilians including by distinguishing between military targets and civilian objects; verifying whether their intended target is a military objective and canceling an attack if there is doubt; choosing means and methods of attack that will avoid, or in any event, minimize civilian harm; and providing effective advance warning to civilians unless circumstances do not permit. Even when targeting a legitimate military objective, an attack must not be carried out which may cause civilian harm that would be disproportionate in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated. If distinguishing between civilian objects and military targets is not feasible, the attack must not proceed. 

    States responsible for violations of international humanitarian law are required to make full reparations for the loss or injury caused. The UN Basic Principles and Guidelines on the Right to a Remedy and Reparation for Victims of Gross Violations of International Human Rights Law and Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law enshrine the duty of states to provide effective remedies, including reparation to victims, including restitution, compensation, rehabilitation, satisfaction and guarantees of non-repetition. 

    Methodology 

    Amnesty International’s Evidence Lab analyzed satellite images from before and after the strikes and verified 22 videos and 59 photographs, which show extensive damage and destruction to six areas in the south, central, and northern parts of Evin prison complex.  

    Additionally, Amnesty International reviewed statements by Israeli and Iranian authorities and interviewed 23 people inside and outside Iran, including seven prisoners’ relatives; a nearby resident who witnessed the attack; two sources with information about two victims killed; two journalists; and 11 former prisoners including dissidents and human rights defenders who received information from prisoners, prisoners’ families, prison staff and emergency services attending the site. The organization also obtained from a source the recordings of four telephone calls between four prisoners and their families hours after the attack. 

    Amnesty International sent questions regarding the attack to the Israeli Minister of Defence on 3 July. At the time of publication, no response had been received. 

    Background 

    During the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran, at least 1,100 people were killed in Iran, including 132 women and 45 children, according to Iran’s Foundation for Martyrs and Veterans Affairs. At least 29 people, including women and children, were killed in Israel, according to the Israeli Health Ministry. 

    As part of Amnesty International’s ongoing investigations into violations of international humanitarian law and other human rights violations in the context of the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran, the organization will also publish findings relating to attacks by the Iranian authorities against Israel. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Iran: Deliberate Israeli attack on Tehran’s Evin prison must be investigated as a war crime – new evidence

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Video footage, satellite imagery, and eyewitness accounts reveal extensive civilian casualties and destruction

    According to Iranian authorities, at least 80 civilians – 79 men and women and a five-year-old boy – were killed

    Israeli military quickly claimed responsibility for the attack – senior officials boasted about it online

    ‘The evidence establishes reasonable grounds to believe that the Israeli military brazenly and deliberately attacked civilian buildings’ – Erika Guevara Rosas

    The Israeli military’s deliberate air strikes on Evin prison in Tehran on 23 June constitute a serious violation of international humanitarian law and must be criminally investigated as war crimes, Amnesty International said today following a detailed investigation. 

    Verified video footage, satellite imagery, and interviews with eyewitnesses, prisoners’ families and human rights defenders indicate that the Israeli military carried out multiple air strikes on Evin prison, killing and injuring scores of civilians and causing extensive damage and destruction in at least six locations across the prison complex.

    The attack occurred during the working day and prison visiting hours, when many parts of Evin prison were packed with civilians. At the time, the prison reportedly held between 1,500 and 2,000 detainees, including arbitrarily detained human rights defenders, protesters, political dissidents, persecuted religious minorities, and dual or foreign nationals often used as diplomatic leverage. Hundreds of civilians were also present within the complex. Hours after the strike, the Israeli military confirmed the attack, with senior officials publicly boasting about it on social media. According to Iranian authorities, at least 80 civilians – 79 men and women and a five-year-old boy – were killed.

    Under international humanitarian law, a prison or place of detention is presumed a civilian object and there is no credible evidence in this case that Evin prison constituted a lawful military objective. 

    Erika Guevara Rosas, Amnesty International’s Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns, said:

    “The evidence establishes reasonable grounds to believe that the Israeli military brazenly and deliberately attacked civilian buildings. Directing attacks at civilian objects is strictly prohibited under international humanitarian law. Carrying out such attacks knowingly and deliberately constitutes a war crime.

    “The Israeli forces should have known that any air strikes against Evin prison could result in significant civilian harm. Prosecution authorities around the world must ensure that all those responsible for this deadly attack are brought to justice, including through use of the principle of universal jurisdiction. The Iranian authorities must also grant the International Criminal Court jurisdiction over all Rome Statute crimes committed on or perpetrated from its territory.”

    Scores of civilians killed and injured  

    Between 11am to 12pm Tehran time on 23 June, Israeli air strikes hit multiple locations over 500 metres apart inside Evin prison, destroying or damaging numerous buildings and other structures within the prison complex, as well as nearby residential buildings outside it.  

    An overview of Evin prison, with the exterior walled perimeter marked in orange. The six yellow circles highlight areas with the most significant destruction, indicating these were the locations where the munitions landed. The blasts and resulting damage extended beyond the six areas. 
    A map of Evin prison indicating building names or functions based on Amnesty’s interviews with former prisoners. 

    Evin prison is located in a populated area with residential buildings to its east and south. A nearby resident described the scene following the attack to Amnesty: 

    “I suddenly heard a terrible sound. I looked out of the window and realised that smoke and dust were rising from Evin prison. Both the sound of the explosion and the appearance of the dust and smoke were horrific… I had thought our home would be safe [as] we are near a prison… I couldn’t believe it.” 

    The authorities have so far named 57 civilians who were killed in the attack including five female social workers, 13 young men performing mandatory national service as prison guards or administrators, and 36 other prison staff – 30 men and six women – and the child of one of the social workers. After drawing public criticism for failing to disclose the identities of prisoners, their relatives and nearby residents who were killed, the authorities published a report on 14 July revealing two names: a nearby resident – Mehrangiz Imanpour – and a woman volunteering to help raise funds for debt prisoners – Hasti Mohammadi.

    Amnesty had already verified the name of Mehrangiz Imanpour, as well as the names of one prisoner, Masoud Behbahani, a prisoner’s relative, Leila Jafarzadeh, and a passerby Aliasghar Pazouki, who were also killed. 

    Israeli officials’ self-incriminating admissions  

    Within hours of the attack, senior Israeli officials boasted about it on social media, framing it as a “targeted strike” against a “symbol of oppression for the Iranian people.” 

    Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, said on X that Israeli forces were attacking with “unprecedented force regime targets and government repression bodies in the heart of Tehran including…Evin prison”. 

    Minutes later, Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa’ar posted on X: “We warned Iran time and again: stop targeting civilians! They continued, including this morning. Our response: [Long live freedom…].” Alongside this post was a video purporting to show CCTV footage of the prison gate being blown up. Analysis of the video by Amnesty indicates the footage was digitally manipulated likely using an old photograph of the prison gate. The video was first posted on Persian-language Telegram channels, but Amnesty could not trace its original source. 

    Later the same day, the Israeli military confirmed in a statement that they had carried out “a targeted strike” on “the notorious Evin prison”. The statement appeared to justify the attack by saying that “enemies of the regime” were held and tortured there and alleging that “intelligence operations against the State of Israel, including counter espionage” were carried out in the prison. However, the interrogation of detainees accused of spying for Israel or the presence of intelligence officials within the prison compound would not render the penal facility itself a legitimate military objective under international humanitarian law. 

    Entrance gate and prosecution office in the south

    In the south of the prison, the main entrance gate, along with the adjoining wall and the visitor information building to the east of the gate were destroyed. The building to the west of the gate and the adjoining Shahid Moghaddas prosecution office were extensively damaged. Further inside the southern part of the prison, the car park and a building next to the quarantine section were damaged.

    Before and after: false-colour, near infrared satellite imagery from 10 April and 30 June reveal the destruction in four distinct locations in the south and central parts of Evin prison where munitions likely landed (shown with yellow circles) and signs of burning (visible in near-infrared in dark black hues) in many areas, likely from vehicles that caught fire and spread to buildings in the area.  

    An informed source told Amnesty that a woman named Leila Jafarzadeh, 35, was killed while visiting the prosecution office to post bail in order to secure the release of her imprisoned husband.

    The destruction of the entrance gate and its surroundings was captured in a verified video showing rescue workers carrying at least one injured person on a stretcher amid scenes of destruction and extensive rubble on the ground. 

    Footage published by state media and verified by Amnesty also shows structural damage to the prosecution office’s walls and building framework, indicating that the force of the blast penetrated deep into the building. 

    Satellite imagery from 30 June reveals a location (shown with a yellow circle) where munitions likely landed. Ground images (right) geolocated to the north and south areas of the southern entrance gate show major destruction. 

    Administrative building and quarantine section housing prisoners  

    Deeper inside the southern area of the prison, the administrative building and a smaller adjoining building which, according to a former prisoner, contained an office of the prison’s security force called the Protection Cohort, were significantly impacted, while several nearby structures were destroyed. 

    Satellite imagery from 30 June shows significant damage to part of the roof on the west side of the Protection Cohort building. Satellite imagery further shows that to the east of the building, an internal gate, perimeter wall and two small structures – likely guard posts – were all destroyed in the strike. 

    The two identified locations are consistent with the analysis of video footage and information received from two former prisoners of conscience Atena Daemi and Hossein Razagh.  

    Verified videos also depict destroyed windows, collapsed walls and extensive rubble on both the western and eastern sides of the administrative building. The first floor appears to be largely obliterated, with missing structural walls visible in multiple sections. 

    An image published by state media and verified by Amnesty shows what appears to be a crater inside the west side of the administrative building showing the first floor collapsed downward. 

    According to a state media report on 6 July, at least nine women, one man and a child were killed in the administrative building. Shargh Daily and Hammihan, two prominent newspapers in Iran, named three of the victims in reports published on 25 June and 1 July, respectively. They included social worker Zahra Ebadi, 52, who was killed along with her five-year-old son, Mehrad Kheiri; and an administrative staff member, Hamid Ranjbari, 40. 

    Satellite imagery (left) from 30 June reveals two locations (shown with yellow circles) where munitions likely landed. Ground images (right) show extensive damage to the administrative building. 

    Analysis of a verified video footage also shows that the quarantine section housing newly admitted prisoners, located near the administrative building, also sustained damage. 

    Medical clinic, kitchen and sections housing prisoners in the central part 

    In the central part of the prison, the medical clinic, central kitchen, section 4 housing male prisoners, section 209 which consists of solitary confinement cells where female and male prisoners are detained by the Minister of Intelligence, and the women’s section were extensively damaged. 

    Satellite imagery shows significant damage to structures adjacent to the medical clinic, while verified videos reveal damage to the clinic from the blast and burning cars.  

    A verified video shows the outside of the medical clinic covered in black soot and black smoke billowing from the windows. Another video shows significant destruction inside, with shattered windows, beds and medical equipment overturned and extensive rubble. 

    Satellite imagery (left) from 30 June reveals two locations (shown with yellow circles) where munitions likely landed. Geolocated photos and videos (right) show that the vehicle entrance gate collapsed. The clinic’s interior was significantly damaged, with walls and windows blown out, while the exterior shows severe fire damage and smoke.  

    The verified video evidence supports accounts from human rights defenders Narges Mohammadi and Sepideh Gholian, both based in Iran, who told Amnesty that multiple eyewitnesses in Evin prison described to them extensive damage to the medical clinic.

    Narges Mohammadi said that male prisoners in section 4, which is opposite the medical clinic, informed her the prison’s ambulance was destroyed, an account supported by video showing nearby vehicles reduced to wreckage. She also said the prisoners told her they witnessed an individual with extensive burns on their body walking out of the medical clinic and collapsing on the ground. 

    Two prisoners – Abolfazl Ghodiani and Mehdi Mahmoudian – who survived the Evin prison attack and were transferred to Greater Tehran Penitentiary wrote in a letter from inside prison, which was published online on 1 July: 

    “Evin prison shook with several consecutive explosions. Two or three blasts occurred near Section 4 and when prisoners exited the section’s door, they saw the medical clinic burning… Prisoners recovered the bodies of around 15-20 people, including medical clinic personnel, prisoners, warehouse staff, guards and agents from beneath the rubble.” 

    Saeedeh Makarem, a doctor volunteering in Evin prison who was injured, including with burns, described in a series of posts on Instagram in July how prisoners helped her: 

    “They dragged me to the corner of the wall. I was half-conscious. They brought me water and a blanket, put a splint in my leg, wiped the blood from my face… They could have left, but they didn’t… They saved me.” 

    Political dissident Hossein Razagh also told Amnesty that section 4 prisoners described to him how prisoners were thrown against the walls due to the force of the blast and sustained head and face injuries. 

    These testimonies are corroborated by a verified video showing extensive damage to the front parts of sections 4 and 209. External doors and windows of sections 4 and 209 appear to have been shattered, with parts of the roof structure collapsed and large piles of rubble visible in the road. Multiple vehicles are destroyed and burned out, with black smoke damage on the surrounding building walls, indicating some of the fire may have originated from the cars. Satellite imagery from 30 June shows the burned buildings and black scorch marks from the cars. The blast also appears to have affected the roof of the prison kitchen and damaged its windows. 

    According to Amnesty’s research, the blast also affected section 209 staff offices, trapping some agents and guards under the rubble. Authorities have provided no information about the fate and whereabouts of prisoners held in solitary confinement in section 209, raising concerns about possible deaths or injuries. 

    Image showing the road with Section 209 on one side (left) and the vehicle entrance gate on the opposite side (right). 

    Amnesty confirmed through an informed source the name of a prisoner in section 4, Masoud Behbahani, aged 71, who was killed. He suffered a heart attack when the blast threw him onto a chair and several prisoners fell on him. According to the source, instead of transferring him to a hospital, authorities transferred him to Greater Tehran Penitentiary where he died two days later after a second heart attack.

    Amnesty also analysed an image taken from inside the women’s section showing visible damage to the ceiling and electrical infrastructure.

    Entrance gate, judicial complex, visitors’ building and sections housing prisoners in the north

    In the northern part of the prison, as visible in satellite imagery and verified videos, the entrance gate and adjacent wall were destroyed; the front part of the building containing the Shahid Kachouyee judicial complex and visitors’ building were extensively damaged; and two internal walls near sections 240 and 241 housing prisoners were destroyed.

    Verified video and photographs also show blast-related damage to nearby high-rise residential buildings and vehicles outside the northern area of Evin prison. One video shows dozens of distressed people in Ahmadpour Street, at least one of whom appears to be injured. 

    Before and after false-colour, near infrared imagery from 10 April and 27 June reveals the destruction in two distinct locations where munitions likely landed in the northern part of Evin prison (shown with yellow circles): the internal security walls and road in front of sections 240 and 241 and the north entrance gate in front of the visitation building and Shaheed Kachouyee judicial complex. 

    An informed source described to Amnesty how a nearby resident, Mehrangiz Imanpour, a 61-year-old painter who lived in Ahmadpour Street, was killed on her way home. 

    Shargh Daily reported that another passerby, Ali Asghar Pazouki, 69, was killed in front of the judicial complex and visitors’ building. State media published videos and photographs which show blast damage in this area.  

    Satellite imagery (left) from 30 June reveals a location (shown with a yellow circle) where munitions likely landed. Geolocated images and videos (right) show extensive damage to the exterior and interior of the visitors’ building with windows shattered and parts of the roof and facade collapsed.  

    Satellite imagery analysed by Amnesty indicates that a road and two security walls deeper within the northern part of the prison, near a building containing sections 240 and 241, were also destroyed. These sections are known to contain hundreds of solitary confinement cells, but no images showing the condition of the building have emerged and the authorities have not released any information about the fate of prisoners held there.

    Amnesty received accounts from prisoners’ families indicating that section 8, near sections 240 and 241, was damaged. Human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh told Amnesty that her arbitrarily imprisoned husband, human rights defender, Reza Khandan, and other prisoners, were injured when rubble was propelled into the courtyard. 

    Political dissident Mohammad Nourizad, who was in section 8, called his family while the air strikes were ongoing. A recording of his call was published online on 24 June: 

    “They are dropping bombs on us. Some people are injured, the windows have broken, and everyone has scattered… They just hit again. I don’t know, it seems intentional… but bombing a prison is incompatible with any logic or code of conduct…They [prison authorities] closed the doors on us and we have no news.” 

    International law and standards 

    Under international humanitarian law, direct attacks on civilians and civilian objects are prohibited. Attacks may only be directed at combatants and military objectives. Military objectives are limited to those objects which by their nature, location, purpose or use make an effective contribution to military action and whose partial or total destruction, capture or neutralisation, in the circumstances ruling at the time, offers a definite military advantage.  

    Attacking forces have an obligation to do everything feasible to protect civilians including by distinguishing between military targets and civilian objects; verifying whether their intended target is a military objective and cancelling an attack if there is doubt; choosing means and methods of attack that will avoid, or in any event, minimise civilian harm; and providing effective advance warning to civilians unless circumstances do not permit.

    Even when targeting a legitimate military objective, an attack must not be carried out which may cause civilian harm that would be disproportionate in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated. If distinguishing between civilian objects and military targets is not feasible, the attack must not proceed. 

    Governments responsible for violations of international humanitarian law are required to make full reparations for the loss or injury caused. The UN Basic Principles and Guidelines on the Right to a Remedy and Reparation for Victims of Gross Violations of International Human Rights Law and Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law enshrine the duty of states to provide effective remedies, including reparation to victims, including restitution, compensation, rehabilitation, satisfaction and guarantees of non-repetition.

    Evidence gathered

    Amnesty’s Evidence Lab analysed satellite images from before and after the strikes and verified 22 videos and 59 photographs, which show extensive damage and destruction to six areas in the south, central, and northern parts of Evin prison complex. 

    Additionally, Amnesty reviewed statements by Israeli and Iranian authorities and interviewed 23 people inside and outside Iran, including seven prisoners’ relatives; a nearby resident who witnessed the attack; two sources with information about two victims killed; two journalists; and 11 former prisoners including dissidents and human rights defenders who received information from prisoners, prisoners’ families, prison staff and emergency services attending the site. Amnesty also obtained from a source the recordings of four telephone calls between four prisoners and their families hours after the attack.

    Amnesty sent questions regarding the attack to the Israeli Minister of Defence on 3 July. At the time of publication, no response had been received.

    As part of Amnesty’s ongoing investigations into violations of international humanitarian law and other human rights violations in the context of the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran, Amnesty will also publish findings relating to attacks by the Iranian authorities against Israel.

    Urgent action

    Take action to support hundreds of displaced prisoners from Tehran’s Evin Prison, who are currently being held in cruel and inhuman conditions. See Amnesty’s Urgent Action for how to help.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Gondokoro equation of more people living on limited land creates tensions and calls for disarmament

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    In Gondokoro, some 25 kilometers east of the capital Juba, locals are concerned. An influx of livestock herders has increased competition for already scarce resources, particularly land, leading to tensions among residents, internally displaced persons and the pastoralists.

    “Farms and crops have been destroyed and some of our animals stolen. It is still not safe for us to return to our homes,” says Sarah Gelerino, who lives nearby, across the Nile, after having been displaced in 2022.

    Lina Keji, a Gondokoro resident, adds that insecurity is not the only consequence of a larger local population.

    “Our healthcare facilities have suffered from a shortage of medicines for months. Transporting a sick person to Juba, or to go there to buy medication, is very expensive, which means that walking is the only option for most of us,” she says.

    Government efforts to make cattle keepers from elsewhere go home mean that Gondokoro is currently a somewhat less violent place than it was a couple of years ago, but some problems do persist.

    Local cattle owner Achirin Mayar is blunt about it.

    “In the past, we ran from lions. Now we flee from humans with guns. This must stop,” he says, referring to the proliferation of small arms that worries most people living here.

    To prevent a breakdown of law and order, they believe the government should disarm all civilians, without exceptions. Community director John Gabriel Ladu would welcome that but thinks that more is needed.

    “Local authorities must engage with the feuding parties to resolve their differences, otherwise we won’t have peace in the area,” he says.

    According to Captain Zakariya, the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces have established checkpoints in strategic locations to better protect civilians.

    “We would like community leaders and traditional chiefs to encourage displaced people to return home and start farming, and we are trying to make that safe.”

    Despite existing tensions, Lauro Ohiyu, who serves with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and was part of the delegation that visited Gondokoro, is optimistic.

    “We were encouraged to see local authorities’ consistent calls for people to return home. UNMISS and the UN family are committed to working with the State Government and partners to make this a safe place for everyone, not least for those who want to go back to where they used to live.”

    – on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets cross-party Irish Oireachtas delegation

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Details
    2025-07-22
    President Lai meets official delegation from European Parliament’s Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield
    On the morning of July 22, President Lai Ching-te met with an official delegation from the European Parliament’s Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield (EUDS). In remarks, President Lai thanked the committee for choosing to visit Taiwan for its first trip to Asia, demonstrating the close ties between Taiwan and Europe. President Lai emphasized that Taiwan, standing at the very frontline of the democratic world, is determined to protect democracy, peace, and prosperity worldwide. He expressed hope that we can share our experiences with Europe to foster even more resilient societies. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Firstly, on behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend a warm welcome to your delegation, which marks another official visit from the European Parliament. The Special Committee on the EUDS aims to strengthen societal resilience and counter disinformation and hybrid threats. Having been constituted at the beginning of this year, the committee has chosen to visit Taiwan for its first trip to Asia, demonstrating the close ties between Taiwan and Europe and the unlimited possibilities for deepening cooperation on issues of concern. I am also delighted to see many old friends of Taiwan gathered here today. I deeply appreciate your longstanding support for Taiwan. Taiwan and the European Union enjoy close trade and economic relations and share the values of freedom and democracy. However, in recent years, we have both been subjected to information manipulation and infiltration by foreign forces that seek to interfere in democratic elections, foment division in our societies, and shake people’s faith in democracy. Taiwan not only faces an onslaught of disinformation, but also is the target of gray-zone aggression. That is why, after taking office, I established the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee at the Presidential Office, with myself as convener. The committee is a platform that integrates domestic affairs, national defense, foreign affairs, cybersecurity, and civil resources. It aims to strengthen the capability of Taiwan’s society to defend itself against new forms of threat, pinpoint external and internal vulnerabilities, and bolster overall resilience and security. The efforts that democracies make are not for opposing anyone else; they are for safeguarding the way of life that we cherish – just as Europe has endeavored to promote diversity and human rights. The Taiwanese people firmly believe that when our society is united and people trust one another, we will be able to withstand any form of authoritarian aggression. Taiwan stands at the very frontline of the democratic world. We are determined to protect democracy, peace, and prosperity worldwide. We also hope to share our experiences with Europe and deepen cooperation in such fields as cybersecurity, media literacy, and societal resilience. Thank you once again for visiting Taiwan. Your presence further strengthens the foundations of Taiwan-Europe relations. Let us continue to work together to uphold freedom and democracy and foster even more resilient societies. EUDS Special Committee Chair Nathalie Loiseau then delivered remarks, saying that the delegation has members from different countries, including France, Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Belgium, and different political parties, but that they have in common their desire for stronger relations between the EU and Taiwan. Committee Chair Loiseau stated that the EU and Taiwan, having many things in common, should work more together. She noted that we have strong trade relations, strong investments on both sides, and strong cultural relations, while we are also facing very similar challenges and threats. She said that we are democracies living in a world where autocracies want to weaken and divide democracies. She added that we also face external information manipulation, cyberattacks, sabotage, attempts to capture elites, and every single gray-zone activity that aims to divide and weaken us. Committee Chair Loiseau pointed out another commonality, that we have never threatened our neighbors. She said that we want to live in peace and we care about our people; we want to defend ourselves, not to attack others. We are not being threatened because of what we do, she emphasized, but because of what we are; and thus there is no reason for not working more together to face these threats and attacks. Committee Chair Loiseau said that Taiwan has valuable experience and good practices in the area of societal resilience, and that they are interested in learning more about Taiwan’s whole-of-society approach. They in Europe are facing interference, she said, mainly from Russia, and they know that Russia inspires others. She added that they in the EU also have experience regulating social media in a way which combines freedom of expression and responsibility. In closing, the chair said that they are happy to have the opportunity to exchange views with President Lai and that the European Parliament will continue to strongly support relations between the EU and Taiwan. The delegation also included Members of the European Parliament Engin Eroglu, Tomáš Zdechovský, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Kathleen Van Brempt, and Markéta Gregorová.

    Details
    2025-07-17
    President Lai meets President of Guatemalan Congress Nery Abilio Ramos y Ramos  
    On the morning of July 17, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Nery Abilio Ramos y Ramos, the president of the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala. In remarks, President Lai thanked Congress President Ramos and the Guatemalan Congress for their support for Taiwan, and noted that official diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Guatemala go back more than 90 years. As important partners in the global democratic community, the president said, the two nations will continue moving forward together in joint defense of the values of democracy and freedom, and will cooperate to promote regional and global prosperity and development. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:  I recall that when Congress President Ramos visited Taiwan in July last year, he put forward many ideas about how our countries could promote bilateral cooperation and exchanges. Now, a year later, he is leading another cross-party delegation from the Guatemalan Congress on a visit, demonstrating support for Taiwan and continuing to help deepen our diplomatic ties. In addition to extending a sincere welcome to the distinguished delegation members who have traveled so far to be here, I would also like to express our concern and condolences for everyone in Guatemala affected by the earthquake that struck earlier this month. We hope that the recovery effort is going smoothly. Official diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Guatemala go back more than 90 years. In such fields as healthcare, agriculture, education, and women’s empowerment, we have continually strengthened our cooperation to benefit our peoples. Just last month, Guatemala’s President Bernardo Arévalo and the First Lady led a delegation on a state visit to Taiwan. President Arévalo and I signed a letter of intent for semiconductor cooperation, and also witnessed the signing of cooperation documents to establish a political consultation mechanism and continue to promote bilateral investment. This has laid an even sounder foundation for bilateral exchanges and cooperation, and will help enhance both countries’ international competitiveness. Taiwan is currently running a semiconductor vocational training program, helping Guatemala cultivate semiconductor talent and develop its tech industry, and demonstrating our determination to share experience with democratic partners. At the same time, we continue to assist Taiwanese businesses in their efforts to develop overseas markets with Guatemala as an important base, spurring industrial development in both countries and increasing economic and trade benefits. I want to thank Congress President Ramos and the Guatemalan Congress for their continued support for Taiwan’s international participation. Representing the Guatemalan Congress, Congress President Ramos has signed resolutions in support of Taiwan, and has also issued statements addressing China’s misinterpretation of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758. Taiwan and Guatemala, as important partners in the global democratic community, will continue moving forward together in joint defense of the values of democracy and freedom, and will cooperate to promote regional and global prosperity and development. Congress President Ramos then delivered remarks, first noting that the members of the delegation are not only from different parties, but also represent different classes, cultures, professions, and departments, which shows that the diplomatic ties between Guatemala and the Republic of China (Taiwan) are based on firm friendships at all levels and in all fields. Noting that this was his second time to visit Taiwan and meet with President Lai, Congress President Ramos thanked the government of Taiwan for its warm hospitality. With the international situation growing more complex by the day, he said, Guatemala highly values its longstanding friendship and cooperative ties with Taiwan, and hopes that both sides can continue to deepen their cooperation in such areas as the economy, technology, education, agriculture, and culture, and work together to spur sustainable development in each of our countries. Congress President Ramos said that the way the Taiwan government looks after the well-being of its people is an excellent model for how other countries should promote national development and social well-being. Accordingly, he said, the Guatemalan Congress has stood for justice and, for a second time, adopted a resolution backing Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly. Regarding President Arévalo’s state visit to Taiwan the previous month, Congress President Ramos commented that this high-level interaction has undoubtedly strengthened the diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Guatemala and led to more opportunities for cooperation. Congress President Ramos emphasized that democracy, freedom, and human rights are universal values that bind Taiwan and Guatemala together, and that he is confident the two countries’ diplomatic ties will continue to grow deeper. In closing, on behalf of the Republic of Guatemala, Congress President Ramos presented President Lai with a Chinese translation of the resolution that the Guatemalan Congress proposed to the UN in support of Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, demonstrating the staunch bonds of friendship between the two countries. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Guatemala Ambassador Luis Raúl Estévez López.  

    Details
    2025-07-08
    President Lai meets delegation led by Foreign Minister Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste of Republic of Haiti
    On the morning of July 8, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste of the Republic of Haiti and his wife. In remarks, President Lai noted that our two countries will soon mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations and that our exchanges have been fruitful in important areas such as public security, educational cooperation, and infrastructure. The president stated that Taiwan will continue to work together with Haiti to promote the development of medical and health care, food security, and construction that benefits people’s livelihoods. The president thanked Haiti for supporting Taiwan’s international participation and expressed hope that both countries will continue to support each other, deepen cooperation, and face various challenges together. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I am delighted to meet and exchange ideas with Minister Jean-Baptiste, his wife, and our distinguished guests. Minister Jean-Baptiste is the highest-ranking official from Haiti to visit Taiwan since former President Jovenel Moïse visited in 2018, demonstrating the importance that the Haitian government attaches to our bilateral diplomatic ties. On behalf of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I extend a sincere welcome. Next year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between our two countries. Our bilateral exchanges have been fruitful in important areas such as public security, educational cooperation, and infrastructure. Over the past few years, Haiti has faced challenges in such areas as food supply and healthcare. Taiwan will continue to work together with Haiti through various cooperative programs to promote the development of medical and health care, food security, and construction that benefits people’s livelihoods. I want to thank the government of Haiti and Minister Jean-Baptiste for speaking out in support of Taiwan on the international stage for many years. Minister Jean-Baptiste’s personal letter to the World Health Organization Secretariat in May this year and Minister of Public Health and Population Bertrand Sinal’s public statement during the World Health Assembly both affirmed Taiwan’s efforts and contributions to global public health and supported Taiwan’s international participation, for which we are very grateful. I hope that Taiwan and Haiti will continue to support each other and deepen cooperation. I believe that Minister Jean-Baptiste’s visit will open up more opportunities for cooperation for both countries, helping Taiwan and Haiti face various challenges together. In closing, I once again offer a sincere welcome to the delegation led by Minister Jean-Baptiste, and ask him to convey greetings from Taiwan to Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and the members of the Transitional Presidential Council. Minister Jean-Baptiste then delivered remarks, saying that he is extremely honored to visit Taiwan and reaffirm the solid and friendly cooperative relationship based on mutual respect between the Republic of Haiti and the Republic of China (Taiwan), which will soon mark its 70th anniversary. He also brought greetings to President Lai from Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council and Prime Minister Fils-Aimé. Minister Jean-Baptiste emphasized that over the past few decades, despite the great geographical distance and developmental and cultural differences between our two countries, we have nevertheless established a firm friendship and demonstrated to the world the progress resulting from the mutual assistance and cooperation between our peoples. Minister Jean-Baptiste pointed out that our two countries cooperate closely in agriculture, health, education, and community development and have achieved concrete results. Taiwan’s voice, he said, is thus essential for the people of Haiti. He noted that Taiwan also plays an important role in peace and innovation and actively participates in global cooperative efforts. Pointing out that the world is currently facing significant challenges and that Haiti is experiencing its most difficult period in history, Minister Jean-Baptiste said that at this time, Taiwan and Haiti need to unite, help each other, and jointly think about how to move forward and deepen bilateral relations to benefit the peoples of both countries. Minister Jean-Baptiste said that he is pleased that throughout our solid and friendly diplomatic relationship, both countries have demonstrated mutual trust, mutual respect, and the values we jointly defend. He then stated his belief that Haiti and Taiwan will together create a cooperation model and future that are sincere, friendly, and sustainable. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Francilien Victorin of the Embassy of the Republic of Haiti in Taiwan.

    Details
    2025-07-01
    President Lai meets delegation from 2025 Taiwan International Ocean Forum
    On the afternoon of July 1, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the 2025 Taiwan International Ocean Forum (TIOF). In remarks, President Lai noted that the people of Taiwan will continue to work with democratic partners throughout the world in a maritime spirit of freedom and openness to contribute to ocean governance and jointly ensure maritime security. He expressed hope that their visit will help forge stronger friendships between Taiwan and international maritime partners, so that all can work together to spur shared maritime prosperity and sustainable development for the next generation. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I want to thank our guests for coming here to the Presidential Office. The 2025 TIOF will take place tomorrow and the day after, and I thank you all for making the long trip to Taiwan to attend the event and share your valuable insights and experiences. This year’s forum will focus on strategies for strengthening maritime security and pathways to achieving a sustainable blue economy. By attending this forum, our guests are highlighting their commitment to safeguarding the oceans, and beyond that, taking concrete action to demonstrate support for Taiwan. I once again offer deepest gratitude on behalf of the people of Taiwan. Taiwan holds a key position on the first island chain, is one of the world’s top 10 shipping nations, and accounts for close to 10 percent of global container shipping by volume. As such, Taiwan occupies a unique and important position in maritime strategy. For Taiwan, the ocean is more than just a basis for survival and development; it is also an important driver of national prosperity. In my inaugural address last year, I spoke of a threefold approach to further Taiwan’s development. One of these involves further developing our strengths as a maritime nation. Our government must actively help deepen our connections with the ocean, and must continue to promote green shipping, a sustainable fishing industry, marine renewable energy, and other forms of industrial transformation. It must also make use of marine technology and digital innovation to create a new paradigm that balances environmental, economic, and social inclusion concerns. This will help enhance Taiwan’s responsibilities and competitiveness as a maritime nation. Taiwan is surrounded by ocean, and our territorial waters are a natural protective barrier. However, continued gray-zone aggression from China creates serious threats and challenges to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Our government continues to invest resources to deal with increasingly complex maritime security issues. In addition to building coast guard patrol vessels, we must also step up efforts to build underwater, surface, and airborne unmanned vehicles and smart reconnaissance equipment, so as to demonstrate Taiwan’s determination to defend democracy and freedom and commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Oceans are Taiwan’s roots, and provide the channels by which we engage with the world. The people of Taiwan will continue to work with democratic partners throughout the world in a maritime spirit of freedom and openness to contribute to ocean governance and jointly ensure maritime security. The TIOF was first launched in 2020, and has now become an important platform for enhancement of cooperation between Taiwan and other countries. I hope that our distinguished guests will reap great benefits at this year’s forum, and further hope that this visit will help forge stronger friendships between Taiwan and international maritime partners, so that all can work together to spur shared maritime prosperity and sustainable development for the next generation. Chairman of The Washington Times Thomas McDevitt, a member of the delegation, then delivered remarks, noting first that July 4th, this Friday, is Independence Day in America. Independence is a sacred, powerful word which has great meaning in this part of the world, he said. Chairman McDevitt indicated that Taiwan has truly become a global beacon of democracy and a key partner for many nations. He then quoted President Lai’s 2024 inaugural address: “We will work together to combat disinformation, strengthen democratic resilience, address challenges, and allow Taiwan to become the MVP of the democratic world.” Chairman McDevitt went on to say that he appreciated the president’s speech with regard to his philosophical depth, sensitivity, and both moral and political clarity. He said that he was deeply moved by the speech, but within a few days of it, China responded with military activities and many threats. The chairman then emphasized that we are in a civilization crisis. Chairman McDevitt mentioned that President Lai has begun a series of 10 lectures, and remarked that they would help the world to understand the identity and the nature of Taiwan, as well as the situation we are in in the world. On behalf of all the delegation, Chairman McDevitt thanked the president for his leadership in dealing with these issues thoughtfully. Chairman McDevitt concluded with a line from the Old Testament which states that if the people have no vision, they will perish. He said that he believes Taiwan’s president has led the people of Taiwan, and the world, with a vision of how to navigate this great civilization crisis together. The delegation also included Members of the Japanese House of Representatives Kikawada Hitoshi, Aoyama Yamato, and Genma Kentaro, and Member of Parliament of the United Kingdom Gavin Williamson.

    Details
    2025-06-30
    President Lai meets Minister of State at UK Department for Business and Trade Douglas Alexander  
    On the morning of June 30, President Lai Ching-te met with Douglas Alexander, Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade of the United Kingdom. In remarks, President Lai thanked the UK government for its longstanding support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, demonstrating that Taiwan and the UK share similar goals. Noting that two years ago, Taiwan and the UK signed an enhanced trade partnership (ETP) arrangement, the president said that today Taiwan and the UK have signed three pillars under the ETP, which will help promote bilateral economic and trade cooperation. He expressed hope of the UK publicly supporting Taiwan’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) so that together we can create an economic and trade landscape in the Indo-Pacific characterized by shared prosperity and development. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: First, on behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend a warm welcome to Minister Alexander and wish a fruitful outcome for the 27th round of Taiwan-UK trade talks later today. Taiwan-UK relations have grown closer in recent years. We have not only continued to strengthen cooperation in such fields as offshore wind power, innovative technologies, and culture and education but also have established regular dialogue mechanisms in the critical areas of economics and trade, energy, and agriculture. The UK is currently Taiwan’s fourth-largest European trading partner, second-largest source of investment from Europe, and third-largest target for investment in Europe. Two years ago, Taiwan and the UK signed an ETP arrangement. This was particularly meaningful, as it was the first institutionalized economic and trade framework between Taiwan and a European country. Today, this arrangement is yielding further results. I am delighted that Taiwan and the UK have signed three pillars under the ETP covering investment, digital trade, and energy and net-zero. This will help promote bilateral economic and trade cooperation and advance industrial development on both sides. I also want to thank the UK government for its longstanding support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. This month, the UK published its Strategic Defence Review 2025 and National Security Strategy 2025, which oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. These not only demonstrate that Taiwan and the UK share similar goals but also show that security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region are inseparable from those of the transatlantic regions. In addition, last November, the House of Commons passed a motion which made clear that United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758 neither established the sovereignty of the People’s Republic of China over Taiwan nor determined Taiwan’s status in the United Nations. The UK government also responded to the motion by publicly expressing for the first time its position on UNGA Resolution 2758, opposing any attempt to broaden the interpretation of the resolution to rewrite history. For this, on behalf of the people of Taiwan, I once again want to extend my deepest gratitude. Taiwan and the UK have the advantage of being highly complementary in the technology sector. In facing the restructuring of global supply chains and other international economic and trade developments, I believe that Taiwan and the UK are indispensable key partners for one another. I look forward to the UK publicly supporting Taiwan’s accession to the CPTPP so that together, we can create an economic and trade landscape in the Indo-Pacific characterized by shared prosperity and development. In closing, I wish Minister Alexander a pleasant and successful visit. And I hope he has the opportunity to visit Taiwan for personal travel in the future. Minister Alexander then delivered remarks, saying that it is a great personal honor to meet with everyone today to discuss further deepening the UK-Taiwan trade relationship and explore the many opportunities our two sides can pursue together. He mentioned that he traveled to Taiwan in 2022 when he was a private citizen, a visit he thoroughly enjoyed, so he is delighted to be back to see the strength of the UK-Taiwan relationship and the strengthening of that relationship. He said that relationship is built on mutual respect, democratic values, and a shared vision for open, resilient, and rules-based economic cooperation. As like-minded partners, he pointed out, our collaboration continues to grow across multiple sectors, and he is here today to further that momentum. Minister Alexander stated that on trade and investment, he is proud that this morning we signed the ETP Pillars on Investment, Digital Trade, Energy and Net Zero, which will provide a clear framework for our future cooperation and lay the foundation for expanded access and market-shaping engagement between our two economies. The minister said he believes that together with our annual trade talks, this partnership will help UK’s firms secure new commercial opportunities, improve regulatory alignment, and promote long-term investment in key growth areas, which in turn will also support Taiwan’s efforts to expand high-quality trade relationships with trusted partners. Minister Alexander said that President Lai’s promotion of the Five Trusted Industry Sectors and the UK’s recently published industrial and trade strategies are very well-aligned, as both cover clean energy and semiconductors as well as advanced manufacturing. He then provided an example, saying that both sides plan to invest in AI infrastructure and compute power-creating opportunities for great joint research in the future. By combining our strengths in these areas, he said, we can open the door to innovative collaboration and commercial success for both sides. He mentioned that yesterday he visited the Taiwan Space Agency, commenting that in sectors such as satellite technology, green energy, and cyber security, British expertise and trusted standards can provide meaningful solutions. Noting that President Lai spoke in his remarks of the broader challenge of peace and security in the region, Minister Alexander stated that the United Kingdom has, of course, also continued to affirm its commitment to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, along with its G7 partners. The UK-Taiwan relationship is strategic, enduring, and growing, he stated, and they reaffirm and remain firm in their longstanding position and confident in their ability to work together to support both prosperity and resilience in both of our societies. Minister Alexander said that, as Taiwan looks to diversify capital and build global partnerships, they believe the UK represents a strong and ambitious investment destination, particularly for Taiwanese companies at the very forefront of robotics, clean tech, and advanced industry. He pointed out that the UK’s markets are stable, open, and aligned with Taiwan’s vision of a high-tech, sustainable future, adding that he looks forward to our discussion on how we can further deepen our cooperation across all of these areas and more. The delegation also included Martin Kent, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific at the UK Department for Business and Trade. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by British Office Taipei Representative Ruth Bradley-Jones.   

    Details
    2025-05-20
    President Lai interviewed by Nippon Television and Yomiuri TV
    In a recent interview on Nippon Television’s news zero program, President Lai Ching-te responded to questions from host Mr. Sakurai Sho and Yomiuri TV Shanghai Bureau Chief Watanabe Masayo on topics including reflections on his first year in office, cross-strait relations, China’s military threats, Taiwan-United States relations, and Taiwan-Japan relations. The interview was broadcast on the evening of May 19. During the interview, President Lai stated that China intends to change the world’s rules-based international order, and that if Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted. Therefore, he said, Taiwan will strengthen its national defense, prevent war by preparing for war, and achieve the goal of peace. The president also noted that Taiwan’s purpose for developing drones is based on national security and industrial needs, and that Taiwan hopes to collaborate with Japan. He then reiterated that China’s threats are an international problem, and expressed hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war. Following is the text of the questions and the president’s responses: Q: How do you feel as you are about to round out your first year in office? President Lai: When I was young, I was determined to practice medicine and save lives. When I left medicine to go into politics, I was determined to transform Taiwan. And when I was sworn in as president on May 20 last year, I was determined to strengthen the nation. Time flies, and it has already been a year. Although the process has been very challenging, I am deeply honored to be a part of it. I am also profoundly grateful to our citizens for allowing me the opportunity to give back to our country. The future will certainly be full of more challenges, but I will do everything I can to unite the people and continue strengthening the nation. That is how I am feeling now. Q: We are now coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and over this period, we have often heard that conflict between Taiwan and the mainland is imminent. Do you personally believe that a cross-strait conflict could happen? President Lai: The international community is very much aware that China intends to replace the US and change the world’s rules-based international order, and annexing Taiwan is just the first step. So, as China’s military power grows stronger, some members of the international community are naturally on edge about whether a cross-strait conflict will break out. The international community must certainly do everything in its power to avoid a conflict in the Taiwan Strait; there is too great a cost. Besides causing direct disasters to both Taiwan and China, the impact on the global economy would be even greater, with estimated losses of US$10 trillion from war alone – that is roughly 10 percent of the global GDP. Additionally, 20 percent of global shipping passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, so if a conflict breaks out in the strait, other countries including Japan and Korea would suffer a grave impact. For Japan and Korea, a quarter of external transit passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, and a third of the various energy resources and minerals shipped back from other countries pass through said areas. If Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted, and therefore conflict in the Taiwan Strait must be avoided. Such a conflict is indeed avoidable. I am very thankful to Prime Minister of Japan Ishiba Shigeru and former Prime Ministers Abe Shinzo, Suga Yoshihide, and Kishida Fumio, as well as US President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, and the other G7 leaders, for continuing to emphasize at international venues that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are essential components for global security and prosperity. When everyone in the global democratic community works together, stacking up enough strength to make China’s objectives unattainable or to make the cost of invading Taiwan too high for it to bear, a conflict in the strait can naturally be avoided. Q: As you said, President Lai, maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is also very important for other countries. How can war be avoided? What sort of countermeasures is Taiwan prepared to take to prevent war? President Lai: As Mr. Sakurai mentioned earlier, we are coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. There are many lessons we can take from that war. First is that peace is priceless, and war has no winners. From the tragedies of WWII, there are lessons that humanity should learn. We must pursue peace, and not start wars blindly, as that would be a major disaster for humanity. In other words, we must be determined to safeguard peace. The second lesson is that we cannot be complacent toward authoritarian powers. If you give them an inch, they will take a mile. They will keep growing, and eventually, not only will peace be unattainable, but war will be inevitable. The third lesson is why WWII ended: It ended because different groups joined together in solidarity. Taiwan, Japan, and the Indo-Pacific region are all directly subjected to China’s threats, so we hope to be able to join together in cooperation. This is why we proposed the Four Pillars of Peace action plan. First, we will strengthen our national defense. Second, we will strengthen economic resilience. Third is standing shoulder to shoulder with the democratic community to demonstrate the strength of deterrence. Fourth is that as long as China treats Taiwan with parity and dignity, Taiwan is willing to conduct exchanges and cooperate with China, and seek peace and mutual prosperity. These four pillars can help us avoid war and achieve peace. That is to say, Taiwan hopes to achieve peace through strength, prevent war by preparing for war, keeping war from happening and pursuing the goal of peace. Q: Regarding drones, everyone knows that recently, Taiwan has been actively researching, developing, and introducing drones. Why do you need to actively research, develop, and introduce new drones at this time? President Lai: This is for two purposes. The first is to meet national security needs. The second is to meet industrial development needs. Because Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines are all part of the first island chain, and we are all democratic nations, we cannot be like an authoritarian country like China, which has an unlimited national defense budget. In this kind of situation, island nations such as Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines should leverage their own technologies to develop national defense methods that are asymmetric and utilize unmanned vehicles. In particular, from the Russo-Ukrainian War, we see that Ukraine has successfully utilized unmanned vehicles to protect itself and prevent Russia from unlimited invasion. In other words, the Russo-Ukrainian War has already proven the importance of drones. Therefore, the first purpose of developing drones is based on national security needs. Second, the world has already entered the era of smart technology. Whether generative, agentic, or physical, AI will continue to develop. In the future, cars and ships will also evolve into unmanned vehicles and unmanned boats, and there will be unmanned factories. Drones will even be able to assist with postal deliveries, or services like Uber, Uber Eats, and foodpanda, or agricultural irrigation and pesticide spraying. Therefore, in the future era of comprehensive smart technology, developing unmanned vehicles is a necessity. Taiwan, based on industrial needs, is actively planning the development of drones and unmanned vehicles. I would like to take this opportunity to express Taiwan’s hope to collaborate with Japan in the unmanned vehicle industry. Just as we do in the semiconductor industry, where Japan has raw materials, equipment, and technology, and Taiwan has wafer manufacturing, our two countries can cooperate. Japan is a technological power, and Taiwan also has significant technological strengths. If Taiwan and Japan work together, we will not only be able to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and security in the Indo-Pacific region, but it will also be very helpful for the industrial development of both countries. Q: The drones you just described probably include examples from the Russo-Ukrainian War. Taiwan and China are separated by the Taiwan Strait. Do our drones need to have cross-sea flight capabilities? President Lai: Taiwan does not intend to counterattack the mainland, and does not intend to invade any country. Taiwan’s drones are meant to protect our own nation and territory. Q: Former President Biden previously stated that US forces would assist Taiwan’s defense in the event of an attack. President Trump, however, has yet to clearly state that the US would help defend Taiwan. Do you think that in such an event, the US would help defend Taiwan? Or is Taiwan now trying to persuade the US? President Lai: Former President Biden and President Trump have answered questions from reporters. Although their responses were different, strong cooperation with Taiwan under the Biden administration has continued under the Trump administration; there has been no change. During President Trump’s first term, cooperation with Taiwan was broader and deeper compared to former President Barack Obama’s terms. After former President Biden took office, cooperation with Taiwan increased compared to President Trump’s first term. Now, during President Trump’s second term, cooperation with Taiwan is even greater than under former President Biden. Taiwan-US cooperation continues to grow stronger, and has not changed just because President Trump and former President Biden gave different responses to reporters. Furthermore, the Trump administration publicly stated that in the future, the US will shift its strategic focus from Europe to the Indo-Pacific. The US secretary of defense even publicly stated that the primary mission of the US is to prevent China from invading Taiwan, maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific, and thus maintain world peace. There is a saying in Taiwan that goes, “Help comes most to those who help themselves.” Before asking friends and allies for assistance in facing threats from China, Taiwan must first be determined and prepared to defend itself. This is Taiwan’s principle, and we are working in this direction, making all the necessary preparations to safeguard the nation. Q: I would like to ask you a question about Taiwan-Japan relations. After the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, you made an appeal to give Japan a great deal of assistance and care. In particular, you visited Sendai to offer condolences. Later, you also expressed condolences and concern after the earthquakes in Aomori and Kumamoto. What are your expectations for future Taiwan-Japan exchanges and development? President Lai: I come from Tainan, and my constituency is in Tainan. Tainan has very deep ties with Japan, and of course, Taiwan also has deep ties with Japan. However, among Taiwan’s 22 counties and cities, Tainan has the deepest relationship with Japan. I sincerely hope that both of you and your teams will have an opportunity to visit Tainan. I will introduce Tainan’s scenery, including architecture from the era of Japanese rule, Tainan’s cuisine, and unique aspects of Tainan society, and you can also see lifestyles and culture from the Showa era.  The Wushantou Reservoir in Tainan was completed by engineer Mr. Hatta Yoichi from Kanazawa, Japan and the team he led to Tainan after he graduated from then-Tokyo Imperial University. It has nearly a century of history and is still in use today. This reservoir, along with the 16,000-km-long Chianan Canal, transformed the 150,000-hectare Chianan Plain into Taiwan’s premier rice-growing area. It was that foundation in agriculture that enabled Taiwan to develop industry and the technology sector of today. The reservoir continues to supply water to Tainan Science Park. It is used by residents of Tainan, the agricultural sector, and industry, and even the technology sector in Xinshi Industrial Park, as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Because of this, the people of Tainan are deeply grateful for Mr. Hatta and very friendly toward the people of Japan. A major earthquake, the largest in 50 years, struck Tainan on February 6, 2016, resulting in significant casualties. As mayor of Tainan at the time, I was extremely grateful to then-Prime Minister Abe, who sent five Japanese officials to the disaster site in Tainan the day after the earthquake. They were very thoughtful and asked what kind of assistance we needed from the Japanese government. They offered to provide help based on what we needed. I was deeply moved, as former Prime Minister Abe showed such care, going beyond the formality of just sending supplies that we may or may not have actually needed. Instead, the officials asked what we needed and then provided assistance based on those needs, which really moved me. Similarly, when the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 or the later Kumamoto earthquakes struck, the people of Tainan, under my leadership, naturally and dutifully expressed their support. Even earlier, when central Taiwan was hit by a major earthquake in 1999, Japan was the first country to deploy a rescue team to the disaster area. On February 6, 2018, after a major earthquake in Hualien, former Prime Minister Abe appeared in a video holding up a message of encouragement he had written in calligraphy saying “Remain strong, Taiwan.” All of Taiwan was deeply moved. Over the years, Taiwan and Japan have supported each other when earthquakes struck, and have forged bonds that are family-like, not just neighborly. This is truly valuable. In the future, I hope Taiwan and Japan can be like brothers, and that the peoples of Taiwan and Japan can treat one another like family. If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem; if Japan has a problem, then Taiwan has a problem. By caring for and helping each other, we can face various challenges and difficulties, and pursue a brighter future. Q: President Lai, you just used the phrase “If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem.” In the event that China attempts to invade Taiwan by force, what kind of response measures would you hope the US military and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces take? President Lai: As I just mentioned, annexing Taiwan is only China’s first step. Its ultimate objective is to change the rules-based international order. That being the case, China’s threats are an international problem. So, I would very much hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war – prevention, after all, is more important than cure.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Compliance of EDF funding of Intracom Defense with Regulation (EU) 2021/697 – E-002865/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002865/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Danilo Della Valle (The Left), Marc Botenga (The Left), Mounir Satouri (Verts/ALE), Cristina Guarda (Verts/ALE), Gaetano Pedulla’ (The Left), Maria Zacharia (NI), Cecilia Strada (S&D), Pasquale Tridico (The Left), Rudi Kennes (The Left), Branislav Ondruš (NI), Dario Tamburrano (The Left), Elisabeth Grossmann (S&D), Rima Hassan (The Left), Michael von der Schulenburg (NI), Irene Montero (The Left), Catarina Martins (The Left), Emma Fourreau (The Left)

    According to an international investigation by Investigate Europe, the Greek company Intracom Defense – the beneficiary of around EUR 14 million from the European Defence Fund (EDF) for the ACTUS drone project – is reportedly 95 % owned by the Israeli state-owned arms manufacturer Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), which is allegedly involved in the ongoing military operations in Gaza. Intracom’s financial reports indicate that IAI not only owns 95 % of its share capital but also holds 100 % of its voting rights. On 16 May 2024, Intracom announced its participation in three additional EDF-funded projects.

    Under Articles 10, 12 and 22 of Regulation (EU) 2021/697[1] establishing the EDF, entities controlled by non-EU countries may access funding only under strict safeguards, ensuring no unauthorised control, access, or transfer of project results to non-EU actors. The regulation also requires compliance with ethical standards, international law and fundamental rights.

    Given these concerns, can the Commission clarify:

    • 1.whether awarding EDF funding to a company under full control of a non-EU defence entity like IAI is compatible with Regulation (EU) 2021/697?
    • 2.whether it has conducted and documented a risk assessment excluding the possibility of direct or indirect transfer of EDF-funded results to the Israeli Government?
    • 3.whether it intends to open an investigation to verify compliance with regulatory and ethical obligations?

    Submitted: 14.7.2025

    • [1] Regulation (EU) 2021/697 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2021 establishing the European Defence Fund (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 149, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/697/oj).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: National security powers to be updated to reduce the burden on businesses

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    National security powers to be updated to reduce the burden on businesses

    Investment security rules under the National Security and Investment (NSI) Act 2021 will be simplified to ease the burden on businesses as part of the Plan for Change.

    • Plans to reduce unnecessary red tape for businesses by ensuring mandatory notifications are no longer needed for certain internal reorganisations and the appointment of liquidators 
    • New consultation will put businesses at the heart of potential changes to the sectors facing the greatest scrutiny by the government’s investment security powers
    • Semiconductors, Critical Minerals carved out into standalone sectors and Water to be considered for addition to list of sensitive sectors 
    • NSIA Annual Report shows just 4.5% of notifications were called in for review, with the vast majority cleared to proceed in 30 days  

    Investment security rules under the National Security and Investment (NSI) Act 2021 will be simplified to ease the burden on businesses as part of the Plan for Change. 

    The changes, currently being developed, will when they come into force reduce unnecessary bureaucracy for businesses, no longer requiring them to notify the Cabinet Office’s Investment Security Unit when undertaking certain types of internal reorganisations or appointing liquidators, special administrators and official receivers. 

    Analysis has shown these types of transactions rarely warrant investigation. Simplifying the rules will ease the regulatory burden and help the government focus its attention on the deals presenting greater risk to national security.

    Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden said: 

    The government has been clear about our ambition to cut red tape for businesses, while taking firm action to protect national security as we deliver the Plan for Change. 

    Data shows our investment security powers are working well, but there’s more we can do to ensure our tool kit keeps pace with the modern economy. We’re taking action to hone the type of transactions facing the greatest scrutiny, as well as consulting on updates to the sectors of the economy specified in the legislation. Businesses are at the heart of these plans and I look forward to engaging widely in the weeks ahead.

    The announcement comes as the government also publishes a new consultation—due to launch on 22 July and conclude on 14 October—-on separate plans to update the sectors of the economy subject to greater scrutiny under the National Security and Investment Act 2021. 

    Acquirers of businesses operating in seventeen sensitive sectors must currently notify the Investment Security Unit about relevant acquisitions before the deal can be completed. These sectors were first defined in 2021 and have not been updated since. 

    Building on business feedback, and to improve clarity and bring the sectors up to date with the latest economic and technological developments, the government is proposing creating new standalone categories for Semiconductors and Critical Minerals, which currently fall under the Advanced Materials sector. Computing Hardware, which is currently a standalone sector, would move under the Semiconductors sector. 

    Pat McFadden has also requested businesses’ views on bringing certain deals in the water sector into scope of the NSI Act’s mandatory notification requirements. This new requirement, while not expected to affect large numbers of deals, reflects increasing risks to the sector’s resilience in a growing threat landscape.

    Alongside the reforms and consultation, the Cabinet Office is also publishing the National Security and Investment Act Annual Report. This sets out the Investment Security Unit’s activity between 2024-2025. 

    It shows that the government saw an increase in the number of notifications received year on year, rising from 906 to 1,143.

    Similar to last year, only 4.5% of notified acquisitions reviewed were called in for further assessment, with the vast majority of businesses notified within 30 working days that no further action would be taken.

    The government issued 17 final orders: 16 allowing the acquisitions to proceed subject to conditions and one requiring divestment. 

    Like last year, the largest proportion of notifications involved acquisitions in the Defence, Critical Suppliers to Government and Military & Dual Use areas of the economy, and acquirers associated with the UK, followed by the US. 

    Of the 17 final orders issued, the largest number involved acquirers associated with the UK, followed by acquirers associated with China and acquirers associated with the USA. Defence and Military & Dual Use acquisitions also accounted for the largest number of final orders.

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets official delegation from European Parliament’s Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Details
    2025-07-17
    President Lai meets President of Guatemalan Congress Nery Abilio Ramos y Ramos  
    On the morning of July 17, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Nery Abilio Ramos y Ramos, the president of the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala. In remarks, President Lai thanked Congress President Ramos and the Guatemalan Congress for their support for Taiwan, and noted that official diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Guatemala go back more than 90 years. As important partners in the global democratic community, the president said, the two nations will continue moving forward together in joint defense of the values of democracy and freedom, and will cooperate to promote regional and global prosperity and development. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:  I recall that when Congress President Ramos visited Taiwan in July last year, he put forward many ideas about how our countries could promote bilateral cooperation and exchanges. Now, a year later, he is leading another cross-party delegation from the Guatemalan Congress on a visit, demonstrating support for Taiwan and continuing to help deepen our diplomatic ties. In addition to extending a sincere welcome to the distinguished delegation members who have traveled so far to be here, I would also like to express our concern and condolences for everyone in Guatemala affected by the earthquake that struck earlier this month. We hope that the recovery effort is going smoothly. Official diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Guatemala go back more than 90 years. In such fields as healthcare, agriculture, education, and women’s empowerment, we have continually strengthened our cooperation to benefit our peoples. Just last month, Guatemala’s President Bernardo Arévalo and the First Lady led a delegation on a state visit to Taiwan. President Arévalo and I signed a letter of intent for semiconductor cooperation, and also witnessed the signing of cooperation documents to establish a political consultation mechanism and continue to promote bilateral investment. This has laid an even sounder foundation for bilateral exchanges and cooperation, and will help enhance both countries’ international competitiveness. Taiwan is currently running a semiconductor vocational training program, helping Guatemala cultivate semiconductor talent and develop its tech industry, and demonstrating our determination to share experience with democratic partners. At the same time, we continue to assist Taiwanese businesses in their efforts to develop overseas markets with Guatemala as an important base, spurring industrial development in both countries and increasing economic and trade benefits. I want to thank Congress President Ramos and the Guatemalan Congress for their continued support for Taiwan’s international participation. Representing the Guatemalan Congress, Congress President Ramos has signed resolutions in support of Taiwan, and has also issued statements addressing China’s misinterpretation of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758. Taiwan and Guatemala, as important partners in the global democratic community, will continue moving forward together in joint defense of the values of democracy and freedom, and will cooperate to promote regional and global prosperity and development. Congress President Ramos then delivered remarks, first noting that the members of the delegation are not only from different parties, but also represent different classes, cultures, professions, and departments, which shows that the diplomatic ties between Guatemala and the Republic of China (Taiwan) are based on firm friendships at all levels and in all fields. Noting that this was his second time to visit Taiwan and meet with President Lai, Congress President Ramos thanked the government of Taiwan for its warm hospitality. With the international situation growing more complex by the day, he said, Guatemala highly values its longstanding friendship and cooperative ties with Taiwan, and hopes that both sides can continue to deepen their cooperation in such areas as the economy, technology, education, agriculture, and culture, and work together to spur sustainable development in each of our countries. Congress President Ramos said that the way the Taiwan government looks after the well-being of its people is an excellent model for how other countries should promote national development and social well-being. Accordingly, he said, the Guatemalan Congress has stood for justice and, for a second time, adopted a resolution backing Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly. Regarding President Arévalo’s state visit to Taiwan the previous month, Congress President Ramos commented that this high-level interaction has undoubtedly strengthened the diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Guatemala and led to more opportunities for cooperation. Congress President Ramos emphasized that democracy, freedom, and human rights are universal values that bind Taiwan and Guatemala together, and that he is confident the two countries’ diplomatic ties will continue to grow deeper. In closing, on behalf of the Republic of Guatemala, Congress President Ramos presented President Lai with a Chinese translation of the resolution that the Guatemalan Congress proposed to the UN in support of Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, demonstrating the staunch bonds of friendship between the two countries. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Guatemala Ambassador Luis Raúl Estévez López.  

    Details
    2025-07-08
    President Lai meets delegation led by Foreign Minister Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste of Republic of Haiti
    On the morning of July 8, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste of the Republic of Haiti and his wife. In remarks, President Lai noted that our two countries will soon mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations and that our exchanges have been fruitful in important areas such as public security, educational cooperation, and infrastructure. The president stated that Taiwan will continue to work together with Haiti to promote the development of medical and health care, food security, and construction that benefits people’s livelihoods. The president thanked Haiti for supporting Taiwan’s international participation and expressed hope that both countries will continue to support each other, deepen cooperation, and face various challenges together. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I am delighted to meet and exchange ideas with Minister Jean-Baptiste, his wife, and our distinguished guests. Minister Jean-Baptiste is the highest-ranking official from Haiti to visit Taiwan since former President Jovenel Moïse visited in 2018, demonstrating the importance that the Haitian government attaches to our bilateral diplomatic ties. On behalf of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I extend a sincere welcome. Next year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between our two countries. Our bilateral exchanges have been fruitful in important areas such as public security, educational cooperation, and infrastructure. Over the past few years, Haiti has faced challenges in such areas as food supply and healthcare. Taiwan will continue to work together with Haiti through various cooperative programs to promote the development of medical and health care, food security, and construction that benefits people’s livelihoods. I want to thank the government of Haiti and Minister Jean-Baptiste for speaking out in support of Taiwan on the international stage for many years. Minister Jean-Baptiste’s personal letter to the World Health Organization Secretariat in May this year and Minister of Public Health and Population Bertrand Sinal’s public statement during the World Health Assembly both affirmed Taiwan’s efforts and contributions to global public health and supported Taiwan’s international participation, for which we are very grateful. I hope that Taiwan and Haiti will continue to support each other and deepen cooperation. I believe that Minister Jean-Baptiste’s visit will open up more opportunities for cooperation for both countries, helping Taiwan and Haiti face various challenges together. In closing, I once again offer a sincere welcome to the delegation led by Minister Jean-Baptiste, and ask him to convey greetings from Taiwan to Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and the members of the Transitional Presidential Council. Minister Jean-Baptiste then delivered remarks, saying that he is extremely honored to visit Taiwan and reaffirm the solid and friendly cooperative relationship based on mutual respect between the Republic of Haiti and the Republic of China (Taiwan), which will soon mark its 70th anniversary. He also brought greetings to President Lai from Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council and Prime Minister Fils-Aimé. Minister Jean-Baptiste emphasized that over the past few decades, despite the great geographical distance and developmental and cultural differences between our two countries, we have nevertheless established a firm friendship and demonstrated to the world the progress resulting from the mutual assistance and cooperation between our peoples. Minister Jean-Baptiste pointed out that our two countries cooperate closely in agriculture, health, education, and community development and have achieved concrete results. Taiwan’s voice, he said, is thus essential for the people of Haiti. He noted that Taiwan also plays an important role in peace and innovation and actively participates in global cooperative efforts. Pointing out that the world is currently facing significant challenges and that Haiti is experiencing its most difficult period in history, Minister Jean-Baptiste said that at this time, Taiwan and Haiti need to unite, help each other, and jointly think about how to move forward and deepen bilateral relations to benefit the peoples of both countries. Minister Jean-Baptiste said that he is pleased that throughout our solid and friendly diplomatic relationship, both countries have demonstrated mutual trust, mutual respect, and the values we jointly defend. He then stated his belief that Haiti and Taiwan will together create a cooperation model and future that are sincere, friendly, and sustainable. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Francilien Victorin of the Embassy of the Republic of Haiti in Taiwan.

    Details
    2025-07-01
    President Lai meets delegation from 2025 Taiwan International Ocean Forum
    On the afternoon of July 1, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the 2025 Taiwan International Ocean Forum (TIOF). In remarks, President Lai noted that the people of Taiwan will continue to work with democratic partners throughout the world in a maritime spirit of freedom and openness to contribute to ocean governance and jointly ensure maritime security. He expressed hope that their visit will help forge stronger friendships between Taiwan and international maritime partners, so that all can work together to spur shared maritime prosperity and sustainable development for the next generation. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I want to thank our guests for coming here to the Presidential Office. The 2025 TIOF will take place tomorrow and the day after, and I thank you all for making the long trip to Taiwan to attend the event and share your valuable insights and experiences. This year’s forum will focus on strategies for strengthening maritime security and pathways to achieving a sustainable blue economy. By attending this forum, our guests are highlighting their commitment to safeguarding the oceans, and beyond that, taking concrete action to demonstrate support for Taiwan. I once again offer deepest gratitude on behalf of the people of Taiwan. Taiwan holds a key position on the first island chain, is one of the world’s top 10 shipping nations, and accounts for close to 10 percent of global container shipping by volume. As such, Taiwan occupies a unique and important position in maritime strategy. For Taiwan, the ocean is more than just a basis for survival and development; it is also an important driver of national prosperity. In my inaugural address last year, I spoke of a threefold approach to further Taiwan’s development. One of these involves further developing our strengths as a maritime nation. Our government must actively help deepen our connections with the ocean, and must continue to promote green shipping, a sustainable fishing industry, marine renewable energy, and other forms of industrial transformation. It must also make use of marine technology and digital innovation to create a new paradigm that balances environmental, economic, and social inclusion concerns. This will help enhance Taiwan’s responsibilities and competitiveness as a maritime nation. Taiwan is surrounded by ocean, and our territorial waters are a natural protective barrier. However, continued gray-zone aggression from China creates serious threats and challenges to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Our government continues to invest resources to deal with increasingly complex maritime security issues. In addition to building coast guard patrol vessels, we must also step up efforts to build underwater, surface, and airborne unmanned vehicles and smart reconnaissance equipment, so as to demonstrate Taiwan’s determination to defend democracy and freedom and commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Oceans are Taiwan’s roots, and provide the channels by which we engage with the world. The people of Taiwan will continue to work with democratic partners throughout the world in a maritime spirit of freedom and openness to contribute to ocean governance and jointly ensure maritime security. The TIOF was first launched in 2020, and has now become an important platform for enhancement of cooperation between Taiwan and other countries. I hope that our distinguished guests will reap great benefits at this year’s forum, and further hope that this visit will help forge stronger friendships between Taiwan and international maritime partners, so that all can work together to spur shared maritime prosperity and sustainable development for the next generation. Chairman of The Washington Times Thomas McDevitt, a member of the delegation, then delivered remarks, noting first that July 4th, this Friday, is Independence Day in America. Independence is a sacred, powerful word which has great meaning in this part of the world, he said. Chairman McDevitt indicated that Taiwan has truly become a global beacon of democracy and a key partner for many nations. He then quoted President Lai’s 2024 inaugural address: “We will work together to combat disinformation, strengthen democratic resilience, address challenges, and allow Taiwan to become the MVP of the democratic world.” Chairman McDevitt went on to say that he appreciated the president’s speech with regard to his philosophical depth, sensitivity, and both moral and political clarity. He said that he was deeply moved by the speech, but within a few days of it, China responded with military activities and many threats. The chairman then emphasized that we are in a civilization crisis. Chairman McDevitt mentioned that President Lai has begun a series of 10 lectures, and remarked that they would help the world to understand the identity and the nature of Taiwan, as well as the situation we are in in the world. On behalf of all the delegation, Chairman McDevitt thanked the president for his leadership in dealing with these issues thoughtfully. Chairman McDevitt concluded with a line from the Old Testament which states that if the people have no vision, they will perish. He said that he believes Taiwan’s president has led the people of Taiwan, and the world, with a vision of how to navigate this great civilization crisis together. The delegation also included Members of the Japanese House of Representatives Kikawada Hitoshi, Aoyama Yamato, and Genma Kentaro, and Member of Parliament of the United Kingdom Gavin Williamson.

    Details
    2025-06-30
    President Lai meets Minister of State at UK Department for Business and Trade Douglas Alexander  
    On the morning of June 30, President Lai Ching-te met with Douglas Alexander, Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade of the United Kingdom. In remarks, President Lai thanked the UK government for its longstanding support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, demonstrating that Taiwan and the UK share similar goals. Noting that two years ago, Taiwan and the UK signed an enhanced trade partnership (ETP) arrangement, the president said that today Taiwan and the UK have signed three pillars under the ETP, which will help promote bilateral economic and trade cooperation. He expressed hope of the UK publicly supporting Taiwan’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) so that together we can create an economic and trade landscape in the Indo-Pacific characterized by shared prosperity and development. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: First, on behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend a warm welcome to Minister Alexander and wish a fruitful outcome for the 27th round of Taiwan-UK trade talks later today. Taiwan-UK relations have grown closer in recent years. We have not only continued to strengthen cooperation in such fields as offshore wind power, innovative technologies, and culture and education but also have established regular dialogue mechanisms in the critical areas of economics and trade, energy, and agriculture. The UK is currently Taiwan’s fourth-largest European trading partner, second-largest source of investment from Europe, and third-largest target for investment in Europe. Two years ago, Taiwan and the UK signed an ETP arrangement. This was particularly meaningful, as it was the first institutionalized economic and trade framework between Taiwan and a European country. Today, this arrangement is yielding further results. I am delighted that Taiwan and the UK have signed three pillars under the ETP covering investment, digital trade, and energy and net-zero. This will help promote bilateral economic and trade cooperation and advance industrial development on both sides. I also want to thank the UK government for its longstanding support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. This month, the UK published its Strategic Defence Review 2025 and National Security Strategy 2025, which oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. These not only demonstrate that Taiwan and the UK share similar goals but also show that security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region are inseparable from those of the transatlantic regions. In addition, last November, the House of Commons passed a motion which made clear that United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758 neither established the sovereignty of the People’s Republic of China over Taiwan nor determined Taiwan’s status in the United Nations. The UK government also responded to the motion by publicly expressing for the first time its position on UNGA Resolution 2758, opposing any attempt to broaden the interpretation of the resolution to rewrite history. For this, on behalf of the people of Taiwan, I once again want to extend my deepest gratitude. Taiwan and the UK have the advantage of being highly complementary in the technology sector. In facing the restructuring of global supply chains and other international economic and trade developments, I believe that Taiwan and the UK are indispensable key partners for one another. I look forward to the UK publicly supporting Taiwan’s accession to the CPTPP so that together, we can create an economic and trade landscape in the Indo-Pacific characterized by shared prosperity and development. In closing, I wish Minister Alexander a pleasant and successful visit. And I hope he has the opportunity to visit Taiwan for personal travel in the future. Minister Alexander then delivered remarks, saying that it is a great personal honor to meet with everyone today to discuss further deepening the UK-Taiwan trade relationship and explore the many opportunities our two sides can pursue together. He mentioned that he traveled to Taiwan in 2022 when he was a private citizen, a visit he thoroughly enjoyed, so he is delighted to be back to see the strength of the UK-Taiwan relationship and the strengthening of that relationship. He said that relationship is built on mutual respect, democratic values, and a shared vision for open, resilient, and rules-based economic cooperation. As like-minded partners, he pointed out, our collaboration continues to grow across multiple sectors, and he is here today to further that momentum. Minister Alexander stated that on trade and investment, he is proud that this morning we signed the ETP Pillars on Investment, Digital Trade, Energy and Net Zero, which will provide a clear framework for our future cooperation and lay the foundation for expanded access and market-shaping engagement between our two economies. The minister said he believes that together with our annual trade talks, this partnership will help UK’s firms secure new commercial opportunities, improve regulatory alignment, and promote long-term investment in key growth areas, which in turn will also support Taiwan’s efforts to expand high-quality trade relationships with trusted partners. Minister Alexander said that President Lai’s promotion of the Five Trusted Industry Sectors and the UK’s recently published industrial and trade strategies are very well-aligned, as both cover clean energy and semiconductors as well as advanced manufacturing. He then provided an example, saying that both sides plan to invest in AI infrastructure and compute power-creating opportunities for great joint research in the future. By combining our strengths in these areas, he said, we can open the door to innovative collaboration and commercial success for both sides. He mentioned that yesterday he visited the Taiwan Space Agency, commenting that in sectors such as satellite technology, green energy, and cyber security, British expertise and trusted standards can provide meaningful solutions. Noting that President Lai spoke in his remarks of the broader challenge of peace and security in the region, Minister Alexander stated that the United Kingdom has, of course, also continued to affirm its commitment to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, along with its G7 partners. The UK-Taiwan relationship is strategic, enduring, and growing, he stated, and they reaffirm and remain firm in their longstanding position and confident in their ability to work together to support both prosperity and resilience in both of our societies. Minister Alexander said that, as Taiwan looks to diversify capital and build global partnerships, they believe the UK represents a strong and ambitious investment destination, particularly for Taiwanese companies at the very forefront of robotics, clean tech, and advanced industry. He pointed out that the UK’s markets are stable, open, and aligned with Taiwan’s vision of a high-tech, sustainable future, adding that he looks forward to our discussion on how we can further deepen our cooperation across all of these areas and more. The delegation also included Martin Kent, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific at the UK Department for Business and Trade. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by British Office Taipei Representative Ruth Bradley-Jones.   

    Details
    2025-06-27
    President Lai confers decoration on former Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Chairman Ohashi Mitsuo
    On the morning of June 27, President Lai Ching-te conferred the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon upon former Chairman of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Ohashi Mitsuo in recognition of his firm convictions and tireless efforts in promoting Taiwan-Japan exchanges. In remarks, President Lai stated that Chairman Ohashi cares for Taiwan like a family member, and expressed hope that Taiwan and Japan continue to deepen their partnership, bring about the early signing of an economic partnership agreement (EPA), and jointly build secure and stable non-red supply chains as we boost the resilience and competitiveness of our economies and jointly safeguard the values of freedom and democracy. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Every meeting I have with Chairman Ohashi, with whom I have worked side by side for many years, is warm and friendly. I recall that when we met last year, Chairman Ohashi said that he often thinks about what Japan can do for Taiwan and what Taiwan can do for Japan, and that it is that mutual concern that makes us so close. This was a truly moving statement illustrating the relationship between Taiwan and Japan. Chairman Ohashi has also said numerous times that our bilateral relations may very well be the best in the entire world, and that in fact they may serve as a model to other countries. Indeed, Chairman Ohashi is himself an exemplary model for friendly relations between Taiwan and Japan. His spirit of always working tirelessly to promote Taiwan-Japan exchanges is truly admirable. Assuming the position of chairman of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association in 2011, he served during the terms of former Presidents Ma Ying-jeou and Tsai Ing-wen, continuously making positive contributions to Taiwan-Japan relations. Over these past 14 years, Taiwan and Japan have signed over 50 major agreements, spanning the economy and trade, fisheries, and taxes, among other areas. In 2017, the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association and the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association underwent name changes, strengthening the essence and significance of Taiwan-Japan relations. These great achievements were all made possible thanks to the firm convictions and tireless efforts of Chairman Ohashi. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I am delighted to confer upon Chairman Ohashi the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon to express our deepest thanks for his outstanding contributions. Chairman Ohashi is not just a good friend of Taiwan, but someone who cares for Taiwan like a family member. When a major earthquake struck in 2016, he personally went to Tainan to assess the situation and meet with the city government. This outpouring of friendship and support across borders was deeply moving. As we look to the future, I hope that Taiwan and Japan can continue to deepen our partnership. In addition to bringing about the early signing of an EPA, I also hope that we can expand collaboration in key areas such as semiconductors, energy, and AI, continue building secure and stable non-red supply chains, and boost the resilience and competitiveness of our economies as well as peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. As Chairman Ohashi has said, the close bilateral relationship between Taiwan and Japan is one the world can be proud of. I would like to thank him once again for his contributions to deepening Taiwan-Japan ties. Taiwan will continue to forge ahead side by side with Japan, jointly safeguarding the values of freedom and democracy and mutually advancing prosperous development. I wish Chairman Ohashi good health, happiness, peace, and success in his future endeavors, and invite him to return to Taiwan often to visit old friends. Chairman Ohashi then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for his kind words. He stated that the Taiwan-Japan relationship is not only worthy of praise; it can also serve as a superb model in the world for bilateral relations that is worthy of study by other countries. He added that this is the result of the collective efforts of President Lai as well as many other individuals. Chairman Ohashi said that the current international situation is rather severe, with wars and conflicts occurring between many neighboring countries. He said that there is a growing trend of nuclear weapon proliferation, emphasizing that use of such weapons would cause significant harm between nations. He also pointed out that some countries even use nuclear weapons as a threat, leading to instability and impacting the global situation. Chairman Ohashi said that neither Taiwan nor Japan possesses nuclear weapons, which is something to be proud of. That is why, he said, we can declare that a world without nuclear weapons is a peaceful world. He also mentioned that during his tenure as chairman of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, he consistently upheld this principle in his work. Chairman Ohashi said that the mission of the World Federalist Movement (WFM) is to promote world peace. He said that the WFM has branches in countries worldwide, with the WFM of Japan being one of the most prominent, and that it also aspires to achieve the goal of world peace. Having served as chairman of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association for 14 years, he said, he is now stepping down from this role and will serve as the chairman of the WFM of Japan, aiming to promote peace in countries around the world. Chairman Ohashi said that both Taiwan and Japan can take pride in our friendly bilateral relationship, emphasizing that if the good relationship between Japan and Taiwan could be offered as an example to countries around the world, there would be no more wars. He expressed his sincere hope that under President Lai’s leadership, Taiwan and Japan can work together to jointly promote world peace. Also in attendance at the ceremony was Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office Chief Representative Katayama Kazuyuki.

    Details
    2025-05-20
    President Lai interviewed by Nippon Television and Yomiuri TV
    In a recent interview on Nippon Television’s news zero program, President Lai Ching-te responded to questions from host Mr. Sakurai Sho and Yomiuri TV Shanghai Bureau Chief Watanabe Masayo on topics including reflections on his first year in office, cross-strait relations, China’s military threats, Taiwan-United States relations, and Taiwan-Japan relations. The interview was broadcast on the evening of May 19. During the interview, President Lai stated that China intends to change the world’s rules-based international order, and that if Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted. Therefore, he said, Taiwan will strengthen its national defense, prevent war by preparing for war, and achieve the goal of peace. The president also noted that Taiwan’s purpose for developing drones is based on national security and industrial needs, and that Taiwan hopes to collaborate with Japan. He then reiterated that China’s threats are an international problem, and expressed hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war. Following is the text of the questions and the president’s responses: Q: How do you feel as you are about to round out your first year in office? President Lai: When I was young, I was determined to practice medicine and save lives. When I left medicine to go into politics, I was determined to transform Taiwan. And when I was sworn in as president on May 20 last year, I was determined to strengthen the nation. Time flies, and it has already been a year. Although the process has been very challenging, I am deeply honored to be a part of it. I am also profoundly grateful to our citizens for allowing me the opportunity to give back to our country. The future will certainly be full of more challenges, but I will do everything I can to unite the people and continue strengthening the nation. That is how I am feeling now. Q: We are now coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and over this period, we have often heard that conflict between Taiwan and the mainland is imminent. Do you personally believe that a cross-strait conflict could happen? President Lai: The international community is very much aware that China intends to replace the US and change the world’s rules-based international order, and annexing Taiwan is just the first step. So, as China’s military power grows stronger, some members of the international community are naturally on edge about whether a cross-strait conflict will break out. The international community must certainly do everything in its power to avoid a conflict in the Taiwan Strait; there is too great a cost. Besides causing direct disasters to both Taiwan and China, the impact on the global economy would be even greater, with estimated losses of US$10 trillion from war alone – that is roughly 10 percent of the global GDP. Additionally, 20 percent of global shipping passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, so if a conflict breaks out in the strait, other countries including Japan and Korea would suffer a grave impact. For Japan and Korea, a quarter of external transit passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, and a third of the various energy resources and minerals shipped back from other countries pass through said areas. If Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted, and therefore conflict in the Taiwan Strait must be avoided. Such a conflict is indeed avoidable. I am very thankful to Prime Minister of Japan Ishiba Shigeru and former Prime Ministers Abe Shinzo, Suga Yoshihide, and Kishida Fumio, as well as US President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, and the other G7 leaders, for continuing to emphasize at international venues that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are essential components for global security and prosperity. When everyone in the global democratic community works together, stacking up enough strength to make China’s objectives unattainable or to make the cost of invading Taiwan too high for it to bear, a conflict in the strait can naturally be avoided. Q: As you said, President Lai, maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is also very important for other countries. How can war be avoided? What sort of countermeasures is Taiwan prepared to take to prevent war? President Lai: As Mr. Sakurai mentioned earlier, we are coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. There are many lessons we can take from that war. First is that peace is priceless, and war has no winners. From the tragedies of WWII, there are lessons that humanity should learn. We must pursue peace, and not start wars blindly, as that would be a major disaster for humanity. In other words, we must be determined to safeguard peace. The second lesson is that we cannot be complacent toward authoritarian powers. If you give them an inch, they will take a mile. They will keep growing, and eventually, not only will peace be unattainable, but war will be inevitable. The third lesson is why WWII ended: It ended because different groups joined together in solidarity. Taiwan, Japan, and the Indo-Pacific region are all directly subjected to China’s threats, so we hope to be able to join together in cooperation. This is why we proposed the Four Pillars of Peace action plan. First, we will strengthen our national defense. Second, we will strengthen economic resilience. Third is standing shoulder to shoulder with the democratic community to demonstrate the strength of deterrence. Fourth is that as long as China treats Taiwan with parity and dignity, Taiwan is willing to conduct exchanges and cooperate with China, and seek peace and mutual prosperity. These four pillars can help us avoid war and achieve peace. That is to say, Taiwan hopes to achieve peace through strength, prevent war by preparing for war, keeping war from happening and pursuing the goal of peace. Q: Regarding drones, everyone knows that recently, Taiwan has been actively researching, developing, and introducing drones. Why do you need to actively research, develop, and introduce new drones at this time? President Lai: This is for two purposes. The first is to meet national security needs. The second is to meet industrial development needs. Because Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines are all part of the first island chain, and we are all democratic nations, we cannot be like an authoritarian country like China, which has an unlimited national defense budget. In this kind of situation, island nations such as Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines should leverage their own technologies to develop national defense methods that are asymmetric and utilize unmanned vehicles. In particular, from the Russo-Ukrainian War, we see that Ukraine has successfully utilized unmanned vehicles to protect itself and prevent Russia from unlimited invasion. In other words, the Russo-Ukrainian War has already proven the importance of drones. Therefore, the first purpose of developing drones is based on national security needs. Second, the world has already entered the era of smart technology. Whether generative, agentic, or physical, AI will continue to develop. In the future, cars and ships will also evolve into unmanned vehicles and unmanned boats, and there will be unmanned factories. Drones will even be able to assist with postal deliveries, or services like Uber, Uber Eats, and foodpanda, or agricultural irrigation and pesticide spraying. Therefore, in the future era of comprehensive smart technology, developing unmanned vehicles is a necessity. Taiwan, based on industrial needs, is actively planning the development of drones and unmanned vehicles. I would like to take this opportunity to express Taiwan’s hope to collaborate with Japan in the unmanned vehicle industry. Just as we do in the semiconductor industry, where Japan has raw materials, equipment, and technology, and Taiwan has wafer manufacturing, our two countries can cooperate. Japan is a technological power, and Taiwan also has significant technological strengths. If Taiwan and Japan work together, we will not only be able to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and security in the Indo-Pacific region, but it will also be very helpful for the industrial development of both countries. Q: The drones you just described probably include examples from the Russo-Ukrainian War. Taiwan and China are separated by the Taiwan Strait. Do our drones need to have cross-sea flight capabilities? President Lai: Taiwan does not intend to counterattack the mainland, and does not intend to invade any country. Taiwan’s drones are meant to protect our own nation and territory. Q: Former President Biden previously stated that US forces would assist Taiwan’s defense in the event of an attack. President Trump, however, has yet to clearly state that the US would help defend Taiwan. Do you think that in such an event, the US would help defend Taiwan? Or is Taiwan now trying to persuade the US? President Lai: Former President Biden and President Trump have answered questions from reporters. Although their responses were different, strong cooperation with Taiwan under the Biden administration has continued under the Trump administration; there has been no change. During President Trump’s first term, cooperation with Taiwan was broader and deeper compared to former President Barack Obama’s terms. After former President Biden took office, cooperation with Taiwan increased compared to President Trump’s first term. Now, during President Trump’s second term, cooperation with Taiwan is even greater than under former President Biden. Taiwan-US cooperation continues to grow stronger, and has not changed just because President Trump and former President Biden gave different responses to reporters. Furthermore, the Trump administration publicly stated that in the future, the US will shift its strategic focus from Europe to the Indo-Pacific. The US secretary of defense even publicly stated that the primary mission of the US is to prevent China from invading Taiwan, maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific, and thus maintain world peace. There is a saying in Taiwan that goes, “Help comes most to those who help themselves.” Before asking friends and allies for assistance in facing threats from China, Taiwan must first be determined and prepared to defend itself. This is Taiwan’s principle, and we are working in this direction, making all the necessary preparations to safeguard the nation. Q: I would like to ask you a question about Taiwan-Japan relations. After the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, you made an appeal to give Japan a great deal of assistance and care. In particular, you visited Sendai to offer condolences. Later, you also expressed condolences and concern after the earthquakes in Aomori and Kumamoto. What are your expectations for future Taiwan-Japan exchanges and development? President Lai: I come from Tainan, and my constituency is in Tainan. Tainan has very deep ties with Japan, and of course, Taiwan also has deep ties with Japan. However, among Taiwan’s 22 counties and cities, Tainan has the deepest relationship with Japan. I sincerely hope that both of you and your teams will have an opportunity to visit Tainan. I will introduce Tainan’s scenery, including architecture from the era of Japanese rule, Tainan’s cuisine, and unique aspects of Tainan society, and you can also see lifestyles and culture from the Showa era.  The Wushantou Reservoir in Tainan was completed by engineer Mr. Hatta Yoichi from Kanazawa, Japan and the team he led to Tainan after he graduated from then-Tokyo Imperial University. It has nearly a century of history and is still in use today. This reservoir, along with the 16,000-km-long Chianan Canal, transformed the 150,000-hectare Chianan Plain into Taiwan’s premier rice-growing area. It was that foundation in agriculture that enabled Taiwan to develop industry and the technology sector of today. The reservoir continues to supply water to Tainan Science Park. It is used by residents of Tainan, the agricultural sector, and industry, and even the technology sector in Xinshi Industrial Park, as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Because of this, the people of Tainan are deeply grateful for Mr. Hatta and very friendly toward the people of Japan. A major earthquake, the largest in 50 years, struck Tainan on February 6, 2016, resulting in significant casualties. As mayor of Tainan at the time, I was extremely grateful to then-Prime Minister Abe, who sent five Japanese officials to the disaster site in Tainan the day after the earthquake. They were very thoughtful and asked what kind of assistance we needed from the Japanese government. They offered to provide help based on what we needed. I was deeply moved, as former Prime Minister Abe showed such care, going beyond the formality of just sending supplies that we may or may not have actually needed. Instead, the officials asked what we needed and then provided assistance based on those needs, which really moved me. Similarly, when the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 or the later Kumamoto earthquakes struck, the people of Tainan, under my leadership, naturally and dutifully expressed their support. Even earlier, when central Taiwan was hit by a major earthquake in 1999, Japan was the first country to deploy a rescue team to the disaster area. On February 6, 2018, after a major earthquake in Hualien, former Prime Minister Abe appeared in a video holding up a message of encouragement he had written in calligraphy saying “Remain strong, Taiwan.” All of Taiwan was deeply moved. Over the years, Taiwan and Japan have supported each other when earthquakes struck, and have forged bonds that are family-like, not just neighborly. This is truly valuable. In the future, I hope Taiwan and Japan can be like brothers, and that the peoples of Taiwan and Japan can treat one another like family. If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem; if Japan has a problem, then Taiwan has a problem. By caring for and helping each other, we can face various challenges and difficulties, and pursue a brighter future. Q: President Lai, you just used the phrase “If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem.” In the event that China attempts to invade Taiwan by force, what kind of response measures would you hope the US military and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces take? President Lai: As I just mentioned, annexing Taiwan is only China’s first step. Its ultimate objective is to change the rules-based international order. That being the case, China’s threats are an international problem. So, I would very much hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war – prevention, after all, is more important than cure.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Summer of good initiatives

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    In the summer, the corridors of the Polytechnic University are empty, but the Dobro.Center “Harmony” continues to unite students, teachers, partners and all those who are not indifferent for good deeds.

    The Polytechnic regularly collects humanitarian aid at the university headquarters

    On June 15, Medical Worker’s Day, curators of military hospitals of St. Petersburg met. The event was organized by the “For Friends” community. Polytechnic was represented by the responsible curator of the military hospital 122 MSC Tatyana Nam and a volunteer of the university headquarters

    On June 21, children from Mariupol arrived for summer vacation in Zelenogorsk. Volunteers of “Harmony”, who are part of the regional headquarters

    On June 25, at the Family and Children Assistance Center of the Kalininsky District of St. Petersburg, SPbPU volunteers together with students of the Higher School of Linguistics and Pedagogy of the Humanitarian Institute held a training program with elements of art therapy for children aged 7-12. The event became part of the positive leisure camp “LetoVmeste”.

    In addition, in June, a concert was held at Clinical Hospital No. 122 for military personnel dedicated to Russian Language Day. Kirill Grishin read poems by classic Russian poets. Maria Guner shared her original poems and fascinating stories about the classics of Russian culture and literature. Vera Ugai performed heartfelt songs about the Motherland, love, hope and dream. Tatyana Nam told stories about great polytechnicians. Konstantin Zakharov concluded the concert with songs to the guitar. According to tradition, volunteers visited the wards, presented gifts and treats to patients.

    On June 26, the Polytechnicians performed vocal compositions at the General Surgery Clinic of the Kirov Military Medical Academy. The concert was supplemented by numbers by the soloist of the chapel Ilya Zavatsky and the string quartet of the Troitsky Cultural Center.

    On June 27, a concert was held at the hospital of the North-West District Scientific and Clinical Center named after L. G. Sokolov featuring a female vocal quartet and theater and film actor Oleg Kharitonov. In conclusion, all those gathered sang the song “I love you, life!” Volunteers talked to patients and presented gifts. The servicemen asked to bring books if possible, and to organize “home tournaments” in backgammon and board games at the hospital.

    Harmony has new challenges, big projects and inspiring stories ahead.

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Eviden sets the stage for AtLaS, the European Defence Fund challenge on Human Language Technology processing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release

    Eviden sets the stage for AtLaS, the European Defence Fund challenge on Human Language Technology processing

    Selected by the European Commission, Eviden will provide a platform to integrate the applications and its own innovative human language processing application

    Paris, France – July 22, 2025 – Eviden, the Atos Group product brand leading in advanced computing, cybersecurity products, mission-critical systems and vision AI, today announces that it has been selected by the European Commission to provide the technical platform to host and integrate the applications developed by the nine selected organizations constituting the AtLaS consortium for the HLTP Challenge. This project, one of the four selected projects, is launched and financed by the European Defence Fund. Eviden will also supply BARTENDER, its own innovative software which enables natural language processing in hundreds of languages.

    The AtLaS project focuses on advancing Human Language Technology (HLT) in defense, by combining artificial intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) to handle low-quality and multilingual data. AtLaS’ objectives include developing resilient systems for noise and multiple language handling, leveraging advanced training and technologies like denoising. During the challenge, the participating consortium members will have the opportunity to improve defense communication and intelligence gathering as well as create adaptable systems for a European library of language technologies.

    Bernard Payer, Global Head of Mission-Critical Systems, Eviden, Atos Group, said: “We are proud to have been selected by the European Commission on the HLTP challenge and to leverage our expertise in Systems Integration and Human Language Processing within a consortium of industrial companies. This is all the more important as HLTP is an essential tool for identifying threats and gathering information that can be exploited for defense purposes.”

    AtLaS aims to evaluate the automatic language processing (ALP) solutions provided by various European partners in the defense sector. It addresses the specific constraints of these solutions’ operational frameworks, such as processing different dialects and languages in degraded and varied contexts including noisy environments, theaters of operation, and communications.

    ***

    The AtLaS project is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed in this press release are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Defence Fund. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

    ***

    About the European Defence Fund

    The European Defence Fund supports companies across Member States develop competitive and collaborative defence projects that will deliver innovative and interoperable defence technologies and equipment. It offers support and advice to participants throughout the entire cycle of research and development.

    About Eviden

    Eviden is the Atos Group brand for hardware and software products with c. € 1 billion in revenue, operating in 36 countries and comprising four business units: advanced computing, cybersecurity products, mission-critical systems and vision AI. As a next-generation technology leader, Eviden offers a unique combination of hardware and software technologies for businesses, public sector and defense organizations and research institutions, helping them to create value out of their data. Bringing together 4,200 world-class talents and holding more than 2,100 patents, Eviden provides a strong portfolio of innovative and eco-efficient solutions in AI, computing, security, data and applications.

    About Atos Group

    Atos Group is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 72,000 employees and annual revenue of c. € 10 billion, operating in 68 countries under two brands — Atos for services and Eviden for products. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, Atos Group is committed to a secure and decarbonized future and provides tailored AI-powered, end-to-end solutions for all industries. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris.

    The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

    Press contact

    Isabelle Grangé | isabelle.grange@atos.net | +33 (0) 6 64 56 74 88

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Eviden sets the stage for AtLaS, the European Defence Fund challenge on Human Language Technology processing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release

    Eviden sets the stage for AtLaS, the European Defence Fund challenge on Human Language Technology processing

    Selected by the European Commission, Eviden will provide a platform to integrate the applications and its own innovative human language processing application

    Paris, France – July 22, 2025 – Eviden, the Atos Group product brand leading in advanced computing, cybersecurity products, mission-critical systems and vision AI, today announces that it has been selected by the European Commission to provide the technical platform to host and integrate the applications developed by the nine selected organizations constituting the AtLaS consortium for the HLTP Challenge. This project, one of the four selected projects, is launched and financed by the European Defence Fund. Eviden will also supply BARTENDER, its own innovative software which enables natural language processing in hundreds of languages.

    The AtLaS project focuses on advancing Human Language Technology (HLT) in defense, by combining artificial intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) to handle low-quality and multilingual data. AtLaS’ objectives include developing resilient systems for noise and multiple language handling, leveraging advanced training and technologies like denoising. During the challenge, the participating consortium members will have the opportunity to improve defense communication and intelligence gathering as well as create adaptable systems for a European library of language technologies.

    Bernard Payer, Global Head of Mission-Critical Systems, Eviden, Atos Group, said: “We are proud to have been selected by the European Commission on the HLTP challenge and to leverage our expertise in Systems Integration and Human Language Processing within a consortium of industrial companies. This is all the more important as HLTP is an essential tool for identifying threats and gathering information that can be exploited for defense purposes.”

    AtLaS aims to evaluate the automatic language processing (ALP) solutions provided by various European partners in the defense sector. It addresses the specific constraints of these solutions’ operational frameworks, such as processing different dialects and languages in degraded and varied contexts including noisy environments, theaters of operation, and communications.

    ***

    The AtLaS project is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed in this press release are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Defence Fund. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

    ***

    About the European Defence Fund

    The European Defence Fund supports companies across Member States develop competitive and collaborative defence projects that will deliver innovative and interoperable defence technologies and equipment. It offers support and advice to participants throughout the entire cycle of research and development.

    About Eviden

    Eviden is the Atos Group brand for hardware and software products with c. € 1 billion in revenue, operating in 36 countries and comprising four business units: advanced computing, cybersecurity products, mission-critical systems and vision AI. As a next-generation technology leader, Eviden offers a unique combination of hardware and software technologies for businesses, public sector and defense organizations and research institutions, helping them to create value out of their data. Bringing together 4,200 world-class talents and holding more than 2,100 patents, Eviden provides a strong portfolio of innovative and eco-efficient solutions in AI, computing, security, data and applications.

    About Atos Group

    Atos Group is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 72,000 employees and annual revenue of c. € 10 billion, operating in 68 countries under two brands — Atos for services and Eviden for products. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, Atos Group is committed to a secure and decarbonized future and provides tailored AI-powered, end-to-end solutions for all industries. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris.

    The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

    Press contact

    Isabelle Grangé | isabelle.grange@atos.net | +33 (0) 6 64 56 74 88

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Israeli settlers beat to death 2 Palestinians in latest lynchings

    BEARING WITNESS: By Cole Martin in occupied West Bank

    Two young Palestinians were beaten to death on their land by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank on Friday.

    A funeral was held on Sunday for Sayfollah “Saif” Mussalet, 20, and Muhammad Shalabi, 23, who were brutally killed by a large group of settlers in an attack that left more than 30 other Palestinians injured.

    Mussalet died from his wounds as settlers attacked medical responders, and Shalabi’s body was recovered later that evening, having reportedly bled to death from a gunshot wound while ambulances and rescuers were blocked by Israeli military.

    Settlers continued to roam the Palestinian farmland freely for hours.

    Both young men were from the neighbouring Mazra’a Sharqiya village, and Saif was an American citizen visiting loved ones and friends over summer. His family released a statement calling his death an “unimaginable nightmare and an injustice that no family should ever have to face”.

    They said he was a “beloved member of his community . . . a brother and a son [and] a kind, hard-working, and deeply-respected young man.”

    Saif built a widely-loved business in Tampa, Florida, and was known for his generosity, ambition, and connection to his Palestinian heritage.

    Following news of his death an overwhelming number of locals gathered at his store to share their grief and anger.

    Frequent atrocities
    Such lynchings have become a frequent atrocity across the West Bank, as settler gangs are repeatedly emboldened by the Israeli government, police, and military who protect and often facilitate violence against Palestinian communities.

    Two settlers were reportedly detained following the attacks, but released again within hours.

    Between 2005-2020, 91 percent of Palestinian cases filed with police were closed without indictment, according to the Israeli human rights organisation B’tselem, and settlers undergo trial with full legal rights and higher lenience in Israeli civil courts.

    By contrast, Palestinians are tried in Israeli military courts, established in violation of the fourth Geneva Convention and largely considered corrupt for maintaining a 95 percent conviction rate (Military Court Watch).

    Additionally, more than 3600 Palestinians are currently held in Israeli captivity without charge or trial, with all detainees facing an increase in documented physical, psychological, and sexual abuse — including children.

    A funeral was held for the young men on Sunday in Mazra’a Sharqiya village, with thousands in attendance. The killings continue a systemic pattern which alongside military incursions, has seen 153 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank since the beginning of 2025 (OCHA).

    UN resolution
    A UN resolution last September reaffirmed the illegality of Israel’s presence in the occupied Palestinian territories, demanding a total and unconditional withdrawal within a year.

    Ten months on, settler attacks have escalated in frequency and severity, settlement expansion has rapidly increased, and numerous Palestinian villages have been forcibly displaced after months of sustained violence.

    Communities across the West Bank are facing erasure, and as the death toll climbs pressure continues to grow for the New Zealand government to enforce stronger political sanctions, including the entire opposition uniting behind the Green Party’s Unlawful Occupation of Palestine Sanctions Bill.

    Cole Martin is an independent New Zealand photojournalist based in the Middle East and a contributor to Asia Pacific Report.

    Mourners pay their respects to the two young Palestinians killed by illegal settlers. Image: Cole Martin

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • How did a Bangladesh air force fighter jet crash into a school campus?

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    At least 25 children were among the 27 people killed when a Bangladesh Air Force plane crashed into a college and school campus in the capital city of Dhaka on Monday.

    Here is a look at what happened.

    HOW DID THE CRASH OCCUR?

    The fighter aircraft took off at 1:06 p.m. (0706 GMT) from the air force base in Dhaka’s Kurmitola for a routine training mission, but experienced a mechanical failure soon after.

    The pilot attempted to divert the aircraft away from densely populated areas to minimize civilian casualties and damage, but his efforts were unsuccessful and the jet crashed into a building.

    WHERE DID THE PLANE GO DOWN?

    The two-storey building that the plane rammed into belonged to the Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Diabari area, located about 10 kilometres (six miles) from the air force base.

    Visuals from the scene showed the mangled remains of the aircraft dented into the side of the building, dismantling its iron grills and creating a gaping hole in the structure.

    HOW MANY PEOPLE WERE KILLED?

    The bodies of at least 27 people, including 25 children, a teacher, and the jet’s pilot, were pulled out from the debris.

    More than 100 children and 15 other people were also injured, of whom 78 are still admitted in hospitals with burn injuries.

    WHICH AIRCRAFT WAS INVOLVED IN THE INCIDENT?

    The jet was an F-7 fighter aircraft – the final and most advanced variant in China’s Chengdu J-7/F-7 aircraft family, according to Jane’s Information Group.

    Bangladesh had signed a contract in 2011 for 16 such planes, and deliveries were completed by 2013.

    HOW HAVE AUTHORITIES REACTED?

    The Bangladesh Air Force has formed a high-level investigation committee to probe the cause of the accident.

    Muhammad Yunus, the head of the country’s interim government, has also vowed to “take all necessary measures” to investigate its cause.

    In the meantime, the government says it is providing “all kinds of assistance” to those affected.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Passenger jet forced to take aggressive evasive action to avoid collision with US bomber in North Dakota

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    LOS ANGELES, July 22 (Xinhua) — A passenger jet was forced to make an aggressive maneuver to avoid a collision with a B-52 bomber over the U.S. state of North Dakota last week, multiple media reported on Monday.

    The Delta Connection-branded flight, operated by SkyWest Airlines, was en route from Minneapolis to Minot International Airport on Friday. According to the Washington Post, air traffic controllers cleared the plane to land, but a B-52 bomber suddenly appeared on the route, forcing the civilian plane to make a quick go-around.

    In a video posted to Instagram and verified by Storyful, the pilot explains to passengers that a B-52 was approaching their plane, the article says. He apologized for the sudden and “aggressive maneuver” that was necessary to avoid a collision. “Nobody told us” about the bomber’s presence, the pilot said.

    A U.S. Air Force spokesman told the Minot Daily News that the military is aware of the media reports and is investigating the incident. He confirmed that a B-52 bomber based at Minot Air Force Base, about 20 kilometers north of the airport, was flying over the North Dakota State Fairgrounds Friday night. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: UK Foreign Secretary Condemns Killing of Civilians in Gaza

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    LONDON, July 22 (Xinhua) — British Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Monday condemned the killing of civilians in Gaza and criticized Israel’s aid distribution model as “inhumane” after Britain endorsed a joint international statement calling for an end to the conflict.

    “I categorically condemn the killing of civilians trying to meet their basic needs,” Mr Lammy told MPs in the House of Commons.

    “The Israeli government must answer what military justification there can be for strikes that have killed desperate, starving children,” he said.

    While reaffirming support for Israel’s right to security and existence, the minister warned that the country’s current actions “cause incalculable damage to Israel’s reputation in the world and undermine its long-term security.”

    Lammy described Israel’s recently implemented system of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza as “inhumane, dangerous and dehumanising to the people of Gaza”. He added that it “contradicts long-standing humanitarian principles” by forcing civilians, including children, “to struggle in unsafe conditions for basic necessities”.

    He also mentioned proposals by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, which reportedly included moving the entire Gaza population to Rafah and detaining Palestinians unless they emigrated. “This is a cruel idea that should never happen,” Lammy said. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –