NewzIntel.com

Category: Natural Disasters

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ18: Licence for billiard establishment

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ18: Licence for billiard establishment 
    Question:
     
    Under the Places of Amusement Regulation (Chapter 132BA), Places of Amusement Licence must be obtained for the operation of billiard establishment with four tables or more. However, it is learnt that some billiard establishments without the required licence are operating inside industrial buildings, evading the licensing requirement by adopting such operating practices as providing three or fewer tables in subdivided or sub-‍let units. There are views that such practices may contravene the deeds of mutual covenant of the buildings and create an unfair advantage over other billiard establishments that are licensed. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) whether it has compiled the following information on billiard establishments that currently provide three or fewer tables but have not obtained the licence: (i) the number of billiard establishments, (ii) ‍the number of units involved, (iii) the duration of operation, and (iv) whether the deeds of mutual covenant of the buildings occupied by such establishments have been contravened, together with a breakdown by the 18 districts across the territory; if not, whether it has plans to start compiling and maintaining such information from now on;
     
    (2) of the following information on complaints received by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) regarding illegal operation of billiard establishments each year over the past five years: (i) the number of complaints received, (ii) the number of complaints found to be substantiated, (iii) the number of prosecutions initiated, (iv) the number of successful prosecutions, (v) the number of persons prosecuted, (vi) the offences involved, and (vii) the number of billiard establishments involved;
     
    (3) whether it has plans to step up efforts in combatting billiard establishments operating illegally, and those adopting the aforesaid practices to evade the licensing requirement, such as stepping up law enforcement actions, amending relevant laws, and imposing harsher penalties; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
     
    (4) as some members of the industry have relayed that currently applications for the licence for billiard establishments need to be vetted and approved by different government departments such as the LCSD, the Fire Services Department, and the Buildings Department, and it has taken over nine months for some cases to be processed (meaning that the applicants have to pay nine months’ rent for premises not yet placed in service but intended for operating the billiard establishment, amounting to several million dollars), whether the Government has plans to expedite the vetting and approval process for the licence; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
    My reply to the Hon Yung Hoi-yan’s questions are set out below:
     
    (1) The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) is responsible for the licensing of billiard establishments with four or more billiard tables pursuant to the Places of Amusement Regulation (Cap. 132BA) under the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (the Ordinance). It maintains a register of licensed billiard establishments to ensure that the licensees comply with, among others, the requirements in respect of fire safety, building safety and health. It does not keep any information on venues with three or fewer billiard tables.
     
    (2) Over the past five years (from January 2021 to June 2025), the number of complaints and prosecutions related to suspected unlicensed operation of billiard establishments handled by the LCSD is tabulated below:
     

      
    The LCSD will take immediate follow-up actions upon receiving complaints about suspected unlicensed billiard establishments (including evasion of the need to obtain licences by any means) or case referrals from other departments. The LCSD may, depending on actual circumstances, launch joint operations with other law enforcement departments. If unlicensed operation is confirmed after investigation, the LCSD will prosecute the operator in accordance with the law. Any person operating a regulated billiard establishment without a licence issued under the Ordinance, upon conviction, may be sentenced to imprisonment for up to six months and a maximum fine of $25,000. In addition, if other irregularities (such as violation of lease conditions) are found at the premises, the LCSD will refer such cases to relevant departments for follow-up. The LCSD will continue to monitor the operation of billiard establishments and review the enforcement action and penalties under the existing legislation from time to time. The LCSD will step up efforts to combat the operation of unlicensed billiard establishments as and when necessary.
     
    (4) The dedicated page on Places of Amusement Licences on the LCSD’s website sets out the general licensing requirements, application guidelines and frequently asked questions to assist applicants interested in operating billiard establishments in preparing the necessary documents and layout plans for their licence applications.
     
    The time required to vet each application depends on whether the individual applicant meets the licensing conditions, as well as the time needed by relevant departments (including the Fire Services Department and the Buildings Department) to examine the information submitted by the applicant and approve the relevant works for the premises concerned. If the applicant responds to and follows up on the advice of relevant departments in a timely manner, the approval process can generally be completed in about four to seven months upon receipt of the application and all required information.
     
    The LCSD is committed to simplifying the application procedures for Places of Amusement Licences all along, and will continue to review and refine relevant procedures, including simplifying the application forms and providing online submission channel. Furthermore, the LCSD will continue to work closely with various departments concerned to process applications as quickly as practicable upon receipt of the required information from applicants with a view to expediting the vetting process.
    Issued at HKT 12:10

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • Fragile ceasefire holding, Trump envoy says peace talks with Iran ‘promising’

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The ceasefire brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump between Iran and Israel appeared to be holding on Wednesday a day after both countries signalled that their air war had ended, at least for now.

    Each side claimed victory on Tuesday after 12 days of war, which the U.S. joined with airstrikes in support of Israel to take out Iran’s uranium-enrichment facilities.

    Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, said late on Tuesday that talks between the United States and Iran were “promising” and that Washington was hopeful for a long-term peace deal.

    “We are already talking to each other, not just directly but also through interlocutors. I think that the conversations are promising. We are hopeful that we can have a long-term peace agreement that resurrects Iran,” Witkoff said in an interview on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle” show.

    “Now it’s for us to sit down with the Iranians and get to a comprehensive peace agreement, and I am very confident that we are going to achieve that,” he added.

    Trump said over the weekend that U.S. stealth bombers had “obliterated” Iran’s programme to develop nuclear weapons. Iran says its enrichment activities are for civilian purposes only.

    But Trump’s claim appeared to be contradicted by an initial report by one of his administration’s intelligence agencies, according to three people familiar with the matter.

    One of the sources said Iran’s enriched uranium stocks had not been eliminated, and the country’s nuclear programme, much of which is buried deep underground, may have been set back only a month or two.

    The White House said the intelligence assessment was “flat out wrong.”

    According to the report, which was produced by the Defense Intelligence Agency, the strikes sealed off the entrances to two of the facilities, but did not collapse underground buildings, said one of the people familiar with its findings.

    Some centrifuges remained intact, the Washington Post said, citing an unnamed person familiar with the report.

    Trump’s administration told the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday that its weekend strikes had “degraded” Iran’s nuclear programme, short of Trump’s assertion that the facilities had been “obliterated.”

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that the attack had removed the nuclear threat against Israel and he was determined to thwart any attempt by Tehran to revive its weapons program.

    “We have removed two immediate existential threats to us: the threat of nuclear annihilation and the threat of annihilation by 20,000 ballistic missiles,” he said.

    Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his country had successfully ended the war in what he called a “great victory,” according to Iranian media.

    Pezeshkian also told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that Tehran was ready to resolve differences with the U.S., according to official news agency IRNA.

    Israel launched the surprise air war on June 13, attacking Iranian nuclear facilities and killing top military commanders in the worst blow to the Islamic Republic since the 1980s war with Iraq.

    Iran, which denies trying to build nuclear weapons, retaliated with barrages of missiles on Israeli military sites and cities.

    RESTRICTIONS LIFTED

    Israel’s military lifted restrictions on activity across the country at 8 p.m. local time (1700 GMT) on Tuesday, and officials said Ben Gurion Airport, the country’s main airport near Tel Aviv, had reopened. Iran’s airspace likewise will be reopened, state-affiliated Nournews reported.

    Oil prices edged higher on Wednesday, finding some respite after plummeting in the last two sessions, as investors assessed the stability of the ceasefire and the diminished prospect of an Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

    The truce appeared fragile: Both Israel and Iran took hours to acknowledge they had accepted the ceasefire and accused each other of violating it.

    Trump scolded both sides but aimed especially stinging criticism at Israel, telling the close U.S. ally to “calm down now.” He later said Israel called off further attacks at his command.

    Israel’s defence minister, Israel Katz, said he told his U.S. counterpart, Pete Hegseth, that his country would respect the ceasefire unless Iran violated it. Pezeshkian likewise said Iran would honour the ceasefire as long as Israel did, according to Iranian media.

    Israeli armed forces chief of staff Eyal Zamir said a “significant chapter” of the conflict had concluded but the campaign against Iran was not over. He said the military would refocus on its war against Iran-backed Hamas militants in Gaza.

    Iranian authorities said 610 people were killed in their country by Israeli strikes and 4,746 injured. Iran’s retaliatory bombardment killed 28 people in Israel, the first time its air defences were penetrated by large numbers of Iranian missiles.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: For the 80th anniversary of the Victory, the Moscow City Heritage Department told about the fate of historical buildings during the war

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Department of Cultural Heritage of the City of Moscow presented an updated series of audio podcasts “Voices of Moscow Buildings”, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War. This year, the series is dedicated to heroic monuments – historical buildings of the capital, which not only survived the war, but also became its participants. A total of six audio stories will be released.

    “The audio podcast series “Voices of Moscow Buildings” that started last year was loved by listeners, and we decided to continue it this year, timed to coincide with the anniversary of the Great Victory. This time, we are telling about the most dramatic moments in the history of the capital’s iconic architectural landmarks in six audio stories. We are talking about heroic monuments – and this is by no means a metaphor. Many Moscow buildings – cultural heritage sites – were full-fledged participants in military events,” said the head of the Department of Cultural Heritage

    Alexey Emelyanov.

    The podcast “Miracles of Camouflage. How Theater Artists and Artists Deceived the Enemy During the War Years” is about the Central Academic Theater of the Russian Army on Suvorov Square. The theater was built in 1940 according to the design of architect Karo Alabyan. The building, designed in the shape of a five-pointed star, attracted attention and needed camouflage. To do this, theater artists developed special visual techniques that hid its outlines from enemy aircraft.

    The Novokuznetskaya metro station also became an important site during the war. Its design was developed by architects Nadezhda Bykova and Ivan Taranov before the start of hostilities. During air raids, the station served as a refuge for residents of Zamoskvorechye. After the start of the war, the station’s design was revised: elements dedicated to the frontline theme appeared in the decor – triumphal cartouches, a frieze with scenes of military life, mosaics. The station became one of the first memorial architectural complexes to immortalize the feat of the defenders of the Motherland.

    The podcast “Art in Shelter. How Guardian Angels Managed to Hide National Heritage from Bombs” tells the story of the State Tretyakov Gallery building during the Great Patriotic War. The building with a neo-Russian style façade designed by Viktor Vasnetsov became a symbol of the museum community’s resilience. The episode reveals details of how, under the constant threat of bombing, gallery employees ensured the safety of the collection and saved works of Russian painting.

    The history of the Krasny Oktyabr confectionery factory was also included in the podcast series. In 1941, its buildings were hit by enemy airstrikes. Since the beginning of the war, more than 500 employees have gone to the front. Those who remained — mostly women and teenagers — continued to produce products: briquetted cereals and Frontovye candies, which were sent to soldiers as a sign of support and a reminder of home.

    A special place in the cycle is occupied by the story of the Epiphany Cathedral in Yelokhovo (Yelokhov Cathedral), where Alexander Pushkin was baptized in 1799. Even in 1941, despite military actions, the cathedral was not closed. The temple became a spiritual refuge for the townspeople. It was here that Metropolitan Sergius of Moscow (later Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus’) addressed the believers with a blessing to defend the Fatherland. Donations collected by parishioners helped form the tank column “Dmitry Donskoy” and the air squadron “Alexander Nevsky”.

    Another episode is dedicated to the Vorontsovo estate, which at the beginning of the war was located on the outskirts of Moscow and fell into the city’s defense zone. Defensive structures were built on its territory, including anti-tank ditches and long-term fire points (pillboxes). One of these pillboxes has survived to this day and is located at the intersection of Obrucheva and Profsoyuznaya streets.

    The podcast series “Voices of Moscow Buildings” will be hosted on a special platform, from where episodes will be automatically distributed to all major streaming services.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155764073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Five buildings with cinemas have been renovated in Moscow

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Moscow’s infrastructure is diverse, each district has everything necessary for life and leisure. Residential buildings house various organizations – from shops and pharmacies to libraries.

    Residential buildings deserve special attention, during the construction of which architects and engineers provided special space for cinemas. In Soviet times, they were most often located on the ground floors of buildings. This approach made it possible to bring cinemas closer to city residents and create cultural centers in residential areas. They can be found especially often in buildings erected in the neoclassical style. During the implementation of the capital’s capital repair program, specialists from the Moscow City Services Complex put five buildings with cinemas in order.

    Over the past 10 years, 53 buildings with Soviet symbols on their facades have been overhauled in the capital

    Bas-reliefs, pilasters and keystones on Kostyakov Street

    The residential building on Kostyakov Street (building 10), which houses the operating Iskra cinema, was built in 1939 according to an individual project in the style of Soviet neoclassicism. The house, which has a complex plan, is a striking example of pre-war Soviet architecture. You can enter the courtyard from the side or through the central arch. The three lower floors are rusticated, the upper ones are decorated with pilasters and bas-reliefs, some of the window spaces are emphasized by architraves and keystones. On the main facade, at the level of the third to fifth floors, there are decorative porticoes. Between the fifth and sixth floors, there is a wide multi-profile cornice. The courtyard facades are made in a more laconic style with standard windows. The stained glass windows of the stairwells are decorated with multi-level portals. Along the perimeter of the house, there is a massive crowning cornice with dentils.

    In 2023, specialists renovated the facade of the house, carefully preserving the decorative elements. The main task that they faced was to update the structure, as well as restore the stucco decor and architectural elements of the building. First, the craftsmen cleaned and washed the surfaces. Then they sealed the cracks with a special construction compound and treated the wet areas with an antifungal and strengthening agent. At the next stage, they put in order the plaster layer, the rustication of the lower floors and restored the architectural elements using modern technologies. After that, the facade was painted, preserving the historical color scheme for the decorative elements in the colors “peanut cream” and “brown champignon”.

    Much attention was paid to the balconies: specialists restored the slabs and laid new flooring. In addition, they cleaned and painted not only the walls, but also the base, external window and door slopes, replaced the ebbs and drainpipes, and tidied up the entrance groups.

    Sandriks, capitals and columns on Kutuzovsky Prospect

    The residential building on Kutuzovsky Prospekt (building 30) was built in 1953 according to an individual project. In the 1950s, it housed a two-hall cinema famous throughout the Dorogomilovo district. Each hall had 100 seats. This house with a colonnade on the upper tier, a balustrade and pinnacles is a striking example of late Soviet neoclassicism. The building consists of several volumes of different numbers of storeys – from seven to 11 storeys. Due to the configuration of the house, an internal courtyard is formed in the plan. In the corner parts of the facade, through arched passages are located in pairs, highlighted by framing and niches. The street facades are faced with ceramic blocks and painted, have complex plasticity: decorated with cornices, pilasters with bas-reliefs, architraves, flower beds and portals of entrance groups.

    In 2024, the building underwent major repairs. The facade and roof of the building were completely repaired, and a number of engineering systems were replaced. In order to return the large neoclassical building to its original beauty, specialists from the Capital Repairs Fund developed a special project, selected the appropriate modern technologies and materials.

    Work on the facade began with clearing and washing the exposed surfaces, as well as pointing the seams. Antifungal protection was applied to the surfaces in wet areas. All architectural elements that required additional fragmentation and restoration of lost parts were carefully restored by the craftsmen. These included cornices, pilasters with bas-reliefs and pinnacles at the top of the building. Specialists paid special attention to the colonnades located on the upper tier at the corners of the house. The facade and other external surfaces from the inside of the house were painted according to the color scheme in the color “light yellow wheat”. Decorative elements such as sandriks, capitals, bases of columns and pilasters were updated – they acquired a gray-beige color.

    The specialists restored the balconies, including the balcony slabs with caissons, and installed new screens. In addition, they repaired the flower beds on the facade and put the entrance groups in order. They also updated the base of the building. The roof was repaired – the roofing was replaced, the rafter system was put in order. The attic spaces were insulated with mineral wool slabs, which have high thermal insulation, all wooden structures were treated with a fire-retardant composition. The drainage lines were also replaced.

    Columns, interfloor belts and architraves on Marshal Rybalko Street

    This year, work on transforming residential buildings continues. Currently, specialists from the capital repair fund are putting in order a residential building on Marshal Rybalko Street (building 1), which houses the operating chamber cinema “Yunost” with two halls.

    The five-story apartment building was built in 1955 according to a standard series project; its plan is L-shaped. The facades, made of brick, have simple plasticity with decorative elements. There is a crowning cornice along the perimeter of the building. The three lower floors are separated from the upper part by interfloor belts. The main facades are decorated with architraves and bas-reliefs. On the courtyard facades, the entrance groups are separated by vestibules.

    Specialists have already started work on renovating the facade, basement and roof of the building. They first cleared the open surfaces of the facade and renovated the brickwork. Wet areas were treated with antifungal compounds. Later, the facade will be hydrophobized – covered with an invisible film that will protect it from the effects of precipitation for many years.

    The craftsmen are treating the wooden structures with a fire-bioprotective compound. They are also laying a new electrical network, central heating and water drainage lines. Work is planned on the cold water supply risers, water drainage and central heating. The cold water supply lines have already been replaced.

    The specialists will also put in order the decorative elements on the building: fluted columns, interfloor belts, architraves and the crowning cornice. According to the color scheme, these elements will be in the shade of “brick red”. They will repair the entrance groups, the base and the blind area, and install doors. In addition, they will replace the ebbs and renew the slopes, hang a new external drainage system. They will also replace the sheathing and roof covering of the pitched roof and establish the temperature and humidity conditions in the attic spaces.

    The Moscow City Services Complex noted that the regional housing stock capital repairs program being implemented in the capital is in line with the goals and objectives of the national project “Infrastructure for life”.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155768073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Antoinette Lattouf’s unfair dismissal win shows ABC must be more courageous in defending its journalists

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Denis Muller, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Advancing Journalism, The University of Melbourne

    Broadcast journalist Antoinette Lattouf was sacked by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) for her political opinions concerning the war in Gaza, the Federal Court has found.

    Lattouf has been awarded $70,000 in damages for non-economic loss, based on findings that her sacking caused her what the judge called “great distress”.

    Justice Darryl Rangiah said this was obvious from her demeanour in the witness box. She had given evidence of feeling shock and humiliation at being sacked, and that this had affected her sleep and put strain on her personal relationships.

    However, the court found Lattouf’s race or ethnicity had played no part in the ABC’s decision to sack her, as she had claimed.

    The decision to sack her had been made by Chris Oliver-Taylor, who at the time was chief content officer of the ABC. His decision had been fortified by the views of the then managing director and editor-in-chief of the ABC, David Anderson, that Lattouf had expressed antisemitic opinions.

    The court found Oliver-Taylor was under pressure from many sources: the external complaints, Anderson’s view of the matter, and the wishes of the then chair Ita Buttrose to put an end to it.

    There was also a desire to appease the pro-Israel lobby, to defend the ABC’s reputation for impartiality, and to mitigate the impact of a story that he knew The Australian newspaper was about the publish on the issue.

    Oliver-Taylor has since resigned from the ABC.

    The case arose from events that occurred in December 2023.

    The ABC hired Lattouf, a journalist of Lebanese heritage, as a relief presenter on the mornings program of Sydney ABC Radio for one week leading up to Christmas. The mornings program consisted of light entertainment interspersed with hourly news bulletins. It did not otherwise offer news or current affairs content.

    Lattouf had worked for the ABC previously and was well-regarded inside the organisation. Her appointment was uncontroversial among those involved in making it, and she started work on Monday December 18.

    Before this stint began, Lattouf had made a series of personal social media posts accusing Israeli soldiers of using rape as a weapon of war. Then, early in the week she was on air, she posted on her personal social media profile a report by Human Rights Watch alleging Israel was using starvation as a weapon of war in Gaza. A few days earlier, the ABC had also posted this report on its own website.

    Like the ABC, Lattouf posted it without comment.

    However, an orchestrated campaign by the Jewish lobby to have her taken off air had already begun, on the basis of what she had previously published on her private social media account, and Justice Rangiah observed that this had caused consternation among senior ABC management.

    This consternation turned to panic after the posting of the Human Rights Watch report, and the campaign intensified. A coordinated email campaign by a pro-Israel lobbying group called “Lawyers for Israel”, and another group called “J.E.W.I.S.H creatives and academics”, demanded Lattouf be sacked, threatening legal action if she was not.

    Messages from a WhatsApp group leaked to The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age showed that in this way, the campaigners put intense pressure on the ABC’s most senior officers at the time, Anderson and Buttrose.

    On December 20, Lattouf was told when she came off air she would not be required for the final two days of her engagement. The Fair Work Commission subsequently found this amounted to sacking her. She then sued the ABC in the Federal Court for unlawful termination, alleging she had been dismissed because of her race and political views.

    When the matter came before the Federal Court in February 2025, the ABC argued she had been dismissed not because of her race or political views but because she had disobeyed a lawful instruction not to post anything “controversial” on social media while working for the ABC.

    The ABC alleged her act of disobedience was the posting of the Human Rights Watch report. In the course of the proceedings, emails between Anderson and Buttrose were admitted into evidence. They showed Buttrose telling Anderson she was “over” getting these complaints about Lattouf, and asking “can’t she come down with flu or COVID or a stomach upset? We owe her nothing.”

    Giving evidence during the court hearing, Buttrose said she had proposed this as a face-saving device for Lattouf’s benefit.

    In making a formal determination that Lattouf had been terminated, Justice Rangiah dismissed the ABC’s argument that she had simply been told there would be no work for her on the final two days of her contracted period of employment.

    He also found Lattouf had not been instructed not to post on her social media account but had merely been told she would be ill-advised to publish anything “controversial” while on air.

    In dismissing Lattouf for her political opinions, the ABC breached section 772 of the Fair Work Act, and by depriving her of an opportunity to defend herself before dismissing her it also breached the ABC’s enterprise bargaining agreement.

    The question of whether the ABC should suffer a financial penalty for these breaches will be decided at a later date.

    It was evident throughout the proceedings that the ABC had been concerned not just to put an end to the complaints about Lattouf but to protect the organisation’s reputation for impartiality.

    In the event, the way the case was handled has done substantial damage to the ABC’s reputation, not just for impartiality but for its capacity to stand up for its journalists and presenters when they come under external attack.



    Read more:
    Antoinette Lattouf sacking shows how the ABC has been damaged by successive Coalition governments

    Lattouf is one of several journalists whom the ABC has failed to defend from attacks by politicians, pressure groups and News Corporation. The latter’s flagship newspaper, The Australian, has conducted virulent campaigns against ABC journalists, most notably Stan Grant, as well as Lattouf and others.

    The managerial consternation and panic observed by Justice Rangiah in Lattouf’s case were discernible also in the Grant case and in the way the ABC handled the controversy over star journalist Laura Tingle’s observation at a writer’s festival that Australia was a racist country.

    This is a cultural weakness in the ABC. Its editorial leadership seems not to understand that the first duty of an editor is to create a safe space in which their staff can do good journalism.

    It is a malaise that goes back at least as far as the 2018 debacle in which a former chair, Justin Milne, and former managing director, Michelle Guthrie, showed themselves susceptible to pressure from the Turnbull government.

    Both resigned within a few days of each other after a stream of sensational allegations leaked to the press about Milne allegedly calling on Guthrie to fire the chief economics correspondent, Emma Alberici, and the political editor, Andrew Probyn.

    Perhaps the Lattouf case will at last stiffen their sinews and make standing up for their journalists a primary qualification for editorial leadership.

    The Lattouf case also leaves unresolved the question of the extent to which a media organisation is entitled to place restrictions on a staff journalist’s private activities to protect its interests and reputation.

    Denis Muller does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Antoinette Lattouf’s unfair dismissal win shows ABC must be more courageous in defending its journalists – https://theconversation.com/antoinette-lattoufs-unfair-dismissal-win-shows-abc-must-be-more-courageous-in-defending-its-journalists-259445

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Investment in water resilience for Wairarapa

    Source: New Zealand Government

    A reservoir to be built near Carterton will be a game-changer for the town and wider Wairarapa region, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says.
    The 20ha reservoir, which will hold up to 1 million m3, will provide water for industry at Waingawa Industrial Park and irrigation for land.
    “Water resilience has been identified as a regional priority for Wairarapa. A lack of water security is holding back development limiting current land-use options.
    “The reservoir is game-changing for this region and will be key infrastructure for Wairarapa’s resilience to extreme weather, including drought,” Mr Jones says.
    Carterton District Council has been granted an initial loan of up to $3 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund for preparatory work. A further $17m loan will be available from the fund for construction once a final model is confirmed. The total project cost is budgeted at $25m, with the council contributing $5m of co-funding.
    “This investment in water infrastructure aligns with the Coalition Government’s Going for Growth strategy and its objective to double exports by 2034,” Mr Jones says.
    The reservoir is expected to bring jobs and more economic activity to existing and new industries at Waingawa Industrial Park. 
    The project will also increase agriculture production on nearby land, with a 50 per cent increase in crop yield predicted. It will allow pastoral land to be converted to higher-value horticultural land.
    “The Government’s investment in water is addressing barriers to development in regions like Wairarapa where a consistent water source is needed to unlock economic, environmental and recreational resources for its communities,” Mr Jones says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Will the fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel hold? One factor could be crucial to it sticking

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Ali Mamouri, Research Fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University

    Amir Levy/Getty Images

    After 12 days of war, US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran that would bring to an end the most dramatic, direct conflict between the two nations in decades.

    Israel and Iran both agreed to adhere to the ceasefire, though they said they would respond with force to any breach.

    If the ceasefire holds – a big if – the key question will be whether this signals the start of lasting peace, or merely a brief pause before renewed conflict.

    As contemporary war studies show, peace tends to endure under one of two conditions: either the total defeat of one side, or the establishment of mutual deterrence. This means both parties refrain from aggression because the expected costs of retaliation far outweigh any potential gains.

    What did each side gain?

    The war has marked a turning point for Israel in its decades-long confrontation with Iran. For the first time, Israel successfully brought a prolonged battle to Iranian soil, shifting the conflict from confrontations with Iranian-backed proxy militant groups to direct strikes on Iran itself.

    This was made possible largely due to Israel’s success over the past two years in weakening Iran’s regional proxy network, particularly Hezbollah in Lebanon and Shiite militias in Syria.

    Over the past two weeks, Israel has inflicted significant damage on Iran’s military and scientific elite, killing several high-ranking commanders and nuclear scientists. The civilian toll was also high.

    Additionally, Israel achieved a major strategic objective by pulling the United States directly into the conflict. In coordination with Israel, the US launched strikes on three of Iran’s primary nuclear facilities: Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.

    Despite these gains, Israel has not accomplished all of its stated goals. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had voiced support for regime change, urging Iranians to rise up against Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s government, but the senior leadership in Iran remains intact.

    Additionally, Israel has not fully eliminated Iran’s missile program. (Iran continued striking to the last minute before the ceasefire.) And Tehran did not acquiesce to Trump’s pre-war demand to end uranium enrichment.

    Although Iran was caught off-guard by Israel’s attacks — particularly as it was engaged in nuclear negotiations with the US — it responded by launching hundreds of missiles towards Israel.

    While many were intercepted, a significant number penetrated Israeli air defences, causing widespread destruction in major cities, dozens of fatalities and hundreds of injuries.

    Iran has demonstrated its capacity to strike back, though Israel has succeeded in destroying many of its air defence systems, some ballistic missile assets (including missile launchers) and multiple energy facilities.

    Since the beginning of the assault, Iranian officials have repeatedly called for a halt to resume negotiations. Under such intense pressure, Iran has realised it would not benefit from a prolonged war of attrition with Israel — especially as both nations face mounting costs and the risk of depleting their military stockpiles if the war continues.

    As theories of victory suggest, success in war is defined not only by the damage inflicted, but by achieving core strategic goals and weakening the enemy’s will and capacity to resist.

    While Israel claims to have achieved the bulk of its objectives, the extent of the damage to Iran’s nuclear program is not fully known, nor is its capacity to continue enriching uranium.

    Both sides could remain locked in a volatile standoff over Iran’s nuclear program, with the conflict potentially reigniting whenever either side perceives a strategic opportunity.

    Sticking point over Iran’s nuclear program

    Iran faces even greater challenges when it emerges from the war. With a heavy toll on its leadership and nuclear infrastructure, Tehran will likely prioritise rebuilding its deterrence capability.

    That includes acquiring new advanced air defence systems — potentially from China — and restoring key components of its missile and nuclear programs. (Some experts say Iran has not used some of its most powerful missiles to maintain this deterrence.)

    Iranian officials have claimed they safeguarded more than 400 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium before the attacks. This stockpile could theoretically be converted into nine to ten nuclear warheads if further enriched to 90%.

    Trump declared Iran’s nuclear capacity had been “totally obliterated”, whereas Rafael Grossi, the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog chief, said damage to Iran’s facilities was “very significant”.

    However, analysts have argued Iran will still have a depth of technical knowledge accumulated over decades. Depending on the extent of the damage to its underground facilities, Iran could be capable of restoring and even accelerating its program in a relatively short time frame.

    And the chances of reviving negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program appear slimmer than ever.

    What might future deterrence look like?

    The war has fundamentally reshaped how both Iran and Israel perceive deterrence — and how they plan to secure it going forward.

    For Iran, the conflict has reinforced the belief that its survival is at stake. With regime change openly discussed during the war, Iran’s leaders appear more convinced than ever that true deterrence requires two key pillars: nuclear weapons capability, and deeper strategic alignment with China and Russia.

    As a result, Iran is expected to move rapidly to restore and advance its nuclear program, potentially moving towards actual weaponisation — a step it had long avoided, officially.

    At the same time, Tehran is likely to accelerate military and economic cooperation with Beijing and Moscow to hedge against isolation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasised this close engagement with Russia during a visit to Moscow this week, particularly on nuclear matters.

    Israel, meanwhile, sees deterrence as requiring constant vigilance and a credible threat of overwhelming retaliation. In the absence of diplomatic breakthroughs, Israel may adopt a policy of immediate preemptive strikes on Iranian facilities or leadership figures if it detects any new escalation — particularly related to Iran’s nuclear program.

    In this context, the current ceasefire already appears fragile. Without comprehensive negotiations that address the core issues — namely, Iran’s nuclear capabilities — the pause in hostilities may prove temporary.

    Mutual deterrence may prevent a more protracted war for now, but the balance remains precarious and could collapse with little warning.

    Ali Mamouri does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Will the fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel hold? One factor could be crucial to it sticking – https://theconversation.com/will-the-fragile-ceasefire-between-iran-and-israel-hold-one-factor-could-be-crucial-to-it-sticking-259669

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Archetyp was one of the dark web’s biggest drug markets. A global sting has shut it down

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Elena Morgenthaler, PhD Candidate, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University

    Operation Deep Sentinel

    Last week, one of the dark web’s most prominent drug marketplaces – Archetyp – was shut down in an international, multi-agency law enforcement operation following years of investigations. It was touted as a major policing win and was accompanied by a slick cyberpunk-themed video.

    But those of us who have studied this space for years weren’t surprised. Archetyp may have been the most secure dark web market. But shutdowns like this have become a recurring feature of the dark web. And they are usually not a significant turning point.

    The durability of these markets tells us that if policing responses keep following the same playbook, they will keep getting the same results. And by focusing so heavily on these hidden platforms, authorities are neglecting the growing digital harms in the spaces we all use.

    One of the most popular dark web markets

    Dark web markets mirror mainstream e-commerce platforms – think Amazon meets cybercrime. These are encrypted marketplaces accessed via the Tor Browser, a privacy-focused browser that hides users’ IP addresses. Buyers use cryptocurrency and escrow systems (third-party payment systems which hold funds until the transaction is complete) to anonymously purchase illicit drugs.

    Usually these products are sent to the buyer by post and money transferred to the seller through the escrow system.

    Archetyp launched in May 2020 and quickly grew to become one of the most popular dark web markets with an estimated total transaction volume of €250 million (A$446 million). It had more than 600,000 users worldwide and 17,000 listings consisting mainly of illicit drugs including MDMA, cocaine and methamphetamine.

    Compared to its predecessors, Archetyp enforced enhanced security expectations from its users. These included an advanced encryption program known as “Pretty Good Privacy” and a cryptocurrency called Monero. Unlike Bitcoin, which records every payment on a public ledger, Monero conceals all transaction details by default which makes them nearly impossible to trace.

    Despite the fact Archetyp had clearly raised the bar on security on the dark web, Operation Deep Sentinel – a collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies in six countries supported by Europol and Eurojust – took down the market. The front page has now been replaced by a banner.

    While these publicised take-downs feel effective, evidence has shown such interventions only have short-term impacts and the dark web ecosystem will quickly adapt.

    A persistent trade

    These shutdowns aren’t new. Silk Road, AlphaBay, WallStreet and Monopoly Market are all familiar names in the digital graveyard of the dark web. Before these dark web marketplaces were shutdown, they sold a range of illegal products, from drugs to firearms.

    Yet still, the trade persists. New markets emerge and old users return. In some cases, established sellers on closed-down markets are welcomed onto new markets as digital “refugees” and have joining fees waived.

    What current policing strategies neglect is that dark web markets are not isolated to the storefronts that are the popular target of crackdowns. These are communities stretched across dark and surface web forums which develop shared tutorials and help one another adapt to any new changes. These closures bind users together and foster a shared resilience and collective experience in navigating these environments.

    Law enforcement shutdowns are also only one type of disruption that dark web communities face. Dark web market users routinely face voluntary closures (the gradual retirement of a market), exit scams (sudden closures of markets where any money in escrow is taken), or even scheduled maintenance of these markets.

    Ultimately, this disruption to accessibility is not a unique event. In fact, it is routine for individual’s participating in these dark web communities, par for the course of engaging in the markets.

    This ability of dark web communities to thrive in disruptions reflects how dark web market users have become experts at adapting to risks, managing disruptions and rebuilding quickly.

    Dark web markets are accessed via the highly private and secure Tor Browser.
    Daniel Constante/Shutterstock

    Missing the wider landscape of digital harms

    The other emerging issue is that current policing efforts treat dark web markets as the core threat, which might miss the wider landscape of digital harms. Illicit drug sales, for example, are promoted on social media, where platform features such as recommendation systems are affording new means of illicit drug supply.

    Beyond drugs, there are now ever-growing examples of generative AI being used for sexual deepfakes across schools and even of public figures, including the recent case of NRL presenter Tiffany Salmond.

    This is all alongside the countless cases of celebrities and social media influencers caught up in crypto pump-and-dump schemes, where hype is used to artificially inflate the price of a token before the creators sell off their holdings and leave investors with worthless tokens.

    This shows that while the dark web gets all the attention, it’s far from the internet’s biggest problem.

    Archetyp’s takedown might make headlines, but it won’t stop the trade of illicit drugs on the dark web. It should force us to think about where harm is really happening online and whether current strategies are looking in the wrong direction.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Archetyp was one of the dark web’s biggest drug markets. A global sting has shut it down – https://theconversation.com/archetyp-was-one-of-the-dark-webs-biggest-drug-markets-a-global-sting-has-shut-it-down-259441

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘Sea of Death’ becomes land of wonder

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

    Hop aboard, grip the handrail, press the gas, and it’s time for an exhilarating adventure across the vast, rolling sand dunes on a four-wheeled quad bike.

    This thrilling experience is just one of many adventures visitors can enjoy at the N39 scenic area in Makit County of Xinjiang’s Kashgar Prefecture. Located on the southwestern edge of the Taklimakan, China’s largest and the world’s second-largest drifting desert — often referred to as the “Sea of Death” — this once-remote and seldom-visited wilderness has become a captivating destination.

    “The ride was so much fun and so intense, we enjoyed it a lot,” said Li Wei, who brought her 18-year-old son for a post-graduation trip from Wuhu in east China’s Anhui Province, a city some 4,000 km from Kashgar. “Playing in the desert should be a great way for the kid to relax after the college entrance exam,” she added.

    Launched in 2016, the tourist site is attracting a growing number of visitors. The annual tourist visits have reached 500,000, with a consistent year-on-year growth rate of 7 to 15 percent, according to Dong Mingjiang, general manager of the tourism development company of the scenic area.

    “Many of our visitors come from afar, such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong, and we have also received many foreign visitors from countries such as the United States, Britain, Singapore and Thailand,” he said.

    Besides the four-wheelers, the site offers a wide choice of desert-based activities such as off-roaders, sand surfing, camel riding and desert camping.

    At the camel trekking area, Chen Wenbai mounted a camel and, under the guidance of staff, set off to explore the rolling sand dunes. The rhythmic chime of camel bells and the ethereal whistling of the camel herders echoed across the wilderness, creating a scene reminiscent of the ancient Silk Road.

    “It is my first time to see the big desert, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Chen, who traveled all the way from Zhuhai in south China’s Guangdong Province to Xinjiang. Accompanying him were a dozen “travel buddies” he met online, who had discovered this scenic spot through Xiaohongshu, the Chinese lifestyle online platform known overseas as “rednote.”

    The name of the tourist site N39 means the 39 degrees north latitude, a line popular with adventurers and off-road enthusiasts to cross the Taklimakan Desert. The history of the N39 dates back to 1895 when Swedish explorer Sven Anders Hedin led his team along this line to cross the Taklimakan in vain.

    Today, witnessing an evolving landscape, the once-feared “Sea of Death” is transforming into a sea of life and hope.

    Over the years, against the background of China’s fight against desertification, people in Xinjiang have been cultivating drought-resistant plants such as populus euphratica, saxaul and red willow at the edge of the Taklimakan to fix the sand and improve the environment. In November 2024, a sand-blocking green belt stretching 3,046 km was completed to encircle the Taklimakan.

    In Makit, a total of 78,400 hectares of sand prevention and control projects, including 30,666 hectares of protective forests, have been completed. At the same time, the county has been tapping into the economic potential of the desert. Besides the N39 scenic area, it also established a tourist site featuring the Daolang (swordsman) culture and paintings created by local farmers.

    According to Pan Guoping, deputy director of the local culture, broadcasting and tourism bureau, in the first five months of 2025, the county received over 1.78 million tourist visits, a growth of 55.05 percent year-on-year. Tourism revenue during the period reached 732 million yuan (102 million U.S. dollars), up 61.58 percent.

    The tourist boom is evident around the Taklimakan.

    At the northern edge of the desert, Xayar County, Aksu Prefecture, boasts the world’s largest and best-preserved pristine populus euphratica forest stretching along the Tarim River.

    Thanks to the ecological restoration efforts such as ecological water conveyance and replanting, the county has created a wetland scenic area in the desert, integrating populus euphratica forests, lakes, wetlands and waterfowl habitats. In autumn, when the forests turn into a sea of golden yellow, this once-isolated area emerges as a popular destination, drawing visitors and photographers from near and far.

    At the southern margin of the desert, Yutian County in Hotan Prefecture has a long history of rose cultivation. As part of the sand control efforts, local communities have successfully cultivated drought-resistant and highly adaptable rose varieties suitable to their local desert conditions.

    The region now hosts a rose culture tourism festival annually, featuring an array of activities including song and dance performances, cultural exhibitions, rose-themed experiences, gourmet food tasting, agricultural product fairs, and sports events.

    The booming tourism industry is offering immense opportunities for locals.

    Four years ago, after graduating from Shanghai Normal University, Aynur Emer returned to her hometown of Makit and became a tour guide at the N39 scenic area. Now, at just 25 years old, she is the scenic spot’s deputy general manager.

    Growing up in a farming family, Aynur Emer often found herself reflecting on the desert that dominated her childhood memories — a place of hardship she hoped to leave.

    “The back door of our house opened directly onto the desert,” she recalled. “During sandstorms, the roads would disappear entirely. Coming back from the market, I frequently struggled to find my way home.”

    As a little girl, she never imagined that the desert could become a tourist destination. Yet today, thanks to environmental improvements and a burgeoning tourism industry, the desert has transformed in her eyes from a source of struggle to one of beauty and prosperity.

    “When I was young, I dreamed of traveling to see stunning landscapes far from home,” Aynur Emer said. “But now, the best view is right at my doorstep.” ■

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Cutting-edge technologies bring ancient inventions to life

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

    In the heartland of China, near a 4,500-year-old farmland, a team of agricultural scientists is modernizing an ancient practice. They are using big data analytics and AI modeling to study and improve the yield of a specific plot of land.

    At the experimental field near the Baodun Site, where evidence of ancient rice cultivation was found, researchers from Sichuan Agricultural University are using AI-powered models to simulate the result of different hybrid rice varieties.

    The modern research method has greatly saved time, unlike the conventional approach, which would require waiting until the harvesting season of a certain rice hybrid, researchers said.

    Chinese archaeologists have unearthed carbonized rice, millet, and foxtail millet at the Baodun site, a walled enclosure dating from 4,500 to 4,200 years back. This late Neolithic culture emerging on the Chengdu Plain in southwestern China, bears witness to the agricultural dawn of ancient Chinese civilization. Today, the site’s agricultural values, and also archaeological and economic values are being explored and expanded through technological means.

    In a nearby lab, researchers are constructing a 3D image of the site to study the impact of ancient floods and to understand how the walled structures may have contributed to the prosperity of the plain. Not far from the site, the Tianfu Agricultural Expo Park, sprawling 96 square km, accommodates eco-farming, expo and innovative farming practices.

    The park with integrated platforms blending culture, commerce, agriculture, and tourism has transformed muddy fields into vibrant cultural spaces, said Yuan Zhouping, director of agricultural industry department of the Sichuan Tianfu Agricultural Expo Park Investment Co., Ltd.

    In addition to rice cultivation, silk-weaving, another ancient invention that originated at the Chengdu Plain, has received a modern technological boost.

    At the Jinmen Creative Park showcasing the silk culture, the application of AI in Shu Brocade bridges tradition and innovation. Clients submit AI-generated photos for machines to weave into brocade bases before artisans embroider.

    “AI-assisted brocade slashes design time and ensures uniqueness,” said Zhong Ming, director of Sichuan Shujing Cultural Communication Co., Ltd., “It turns consumers into co-creators, revitalizing intangible heritage.”

    Juxtaposing the modern brocade is a six-meter-tall Tang Dynasty (618-907) loom, with its warp and weft threads labeled “1” and “0” revealing a binary code. The centuries-old brocade patterns are also being digitized and analyzed to foster innovation, Zhong said.

    China has more than 7,000 officially registered museums which attracted 1.49 billion visits last year. Across the country, the increasingly wide use of AI, VR and AR now facilitates the preservation, utilization and exhibition of cultural relics and heritage.

    In Chengdu, ancient paper money, or jiaozi from the 10th century, inspires creative works now exhibited at the city’s art museum. Digital docents offer immersive tours and answer questions instantly for interested museum-goers. Kiln museums market tea sets based on golden masks freshly unearthed from the Sanxingdui Site, a rich and mysterious city. These innovative pieces are being sold on livestreaming platforms and have gained popularity among young consumers. ■

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hawaii Guardsman Returns to the Philippines with Pacific Partnership

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    VIRAC, Philippines (June 12, 2025) — The tropical heat of Virac felt familiar to Hawaii Army National Guard Spc. Elvis Lorenz T. Salinas. This wasn’t a vacation, however. As a 12B Combat Engineer with the Hawaii Army National Guard’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and High-Yield Explosives Enhanced Response Force Package (CERFP) Search and Extraction team, Salinas was participating in Pacific Partnership, a multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission.

    Born in Manila, Salinas immigrated to Hawaii in 2015 and joined the Guard to serve his new home while staying connected to his roots. The mission to the Philippines was deeply personal.
    “It feels like coming full circle,” Salinas explained. “I left for better opportunities, and now I get to come back and support local communities. It’s very humbling.”

    Salinas’s Filipino heritage proved invaluable. Speaking the language and understanding the culture allowed him to easily communicate with local firefighters, Armed Forces of the Philippines service members, and volunteers.

    “My heritage allows me to connect with people on a deeper level,” said Salinas. “I speak the language, I understand the culture, and I know how important family and community are here. It has helped build trust quickly, and I think it reminds both sides that we’re all working together as partners.”

    The Hawaii National Guard team provided training in structural collapse, confined space rescue, and disaster preparedness, working side-by-side with local responders.

    Salinas was impressed by the professionalism of the Philippine military. “We talked stories with each other, shared meals … It reminded me that what we do affects real people and real lives.”

    “I never imagined I’d have the chance to return in this capacity,” Salinas reflected. He hopes the local community gains tools for future disaster response. “To my family and all Filipinos, I thank you for your strength, resilience, and warm hearts. I’m proud to represent our people here, and I promise to continue serving with honor and compassion. Mabuhay kayo!”

    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 regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific.

    For updates and multimedia from Pacific Partnership 2025, follow #PacificPartnership, #PP25, and #PacificPartnership25 on social media or visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/PacificPartnership

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Pacific Partnership 2025 Concludes Successful Mission in Virac, Philippines

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    VIRAC, CATANDUANES, Philippines (June 12, 2025) — Pacific Partnership 2025 successfully concluded its mission in Virac, Philippines, marking the end of a series of intensive training exercises and collaborative engagements aimed at strengthening disaster response capabilities and fostering lasting partnerships, June 12, 2025.

    Over the past two weeks, members of the Hawaii National Guard, the Center for Excellence-Disaster Management, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) worked alongside local emergency responders and civilian authorities, focusing on urban search and rescue (USAR), Incident Command System (ICS) training, and a disaster management workshop. These activities were designed to enhance technical skills, exercise coordination frameworks, and support community-based resilience initiatives, ultimately increasing natural disaster preparedness in Virac and the greater Catanduanes province.

    “Catanduanes is frequently hit by typhoons year-round and the people here have learned to adapt in their own ways; they can still smile and laugh right after their properties were damaged by storm,” said Armed Forces of the Philippines Air Force Lt. Col. Gil L Andal, the AFP Officer in Charge. “The AFP, as a regular partner, is committed to continually improving the synergy in disaster response mechanisms in vulnerable communities to foster resilience built with strong capabilities”

    The ICS and disaster management workshops, modelled after the U.S. National Incident Management System (NIMS), provided a standardized framework for incident management, improving disaster preparedness and response capabilities. The Hawaii National Guard and AFP’s USAR component focused on lifesaving operations in challenging environments, including hands-on training in simulated collapsed structure rescue, shoring and stabilization techniques, and rubble pile operations.

    “The success of Pacific Partnership in Virac is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our Philippine partners,” said U.S. Navy Cmdr. Robert Reyes, the officer in charge for the Philippines mission stop. “Their commitment to enhancing disaster resilience is truly inspiring. We are deeply grateful for their warm hospitality, collaborative spirit, and unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of their community. The bonds forged here will undoubtedly strengthen our shared ability to respond effectively to future challenges.”

    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 regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific.

    For updates and multimedia from Pacific Partnership 2025, follow #PacificPartnership, #PP25, and #PacificPartnership25 on social media or visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/PacificPartnership

    Date Taken: 06.12.2025
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  • MIL-OSI USA: June 24th, 2025 Heinrich Slams Trump Administration’s Decision to Rescind Roadless Rule That Strips Protections of Millions of Acres of America’s National Forests

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins’ efforts to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, also known as the Roadless Rule, established during the Clinton Administration to protect over 58 million acres of public lands administered by the Forest Service.

    “Once again, the Trump Administration is putting special interests first by torching protections for our national forests. Rolling back the Roadless Rule will make millions of acres vulnerable to destructive wildfires, carve up wildlife habitat, degrade opportunities for recreation, and threaten the headwaters our communities rely on,” said Heinrich. “More than 80 percent of wildfires are started by humans within a half mile of a road – but now Trump is pretending that this rollback is necessary for fire prevention. This is nothing more than a reckless giveaway to private interests that puts lives and our lands at risk.” 

    See the map of New Mexico’s inventoried roadless areas on National Forest System lands here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz Questions Military Leadership On Middle East Readiness, GOP Budget Tactics

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz

    WASHINGTON — During a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense hearing today entitled, “A Review of the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request for the Navy,” U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) pressed top military officials on Middle East operations and partisan budget maneuvers. The witnesses included Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan, Commandant of the Marine Corps General Eric M. Smith, and Acting Chief of Naval Operations Admiral James W. Kilby.

    Addressing the current situation in the Middle East, Senator Schatz began, “President Trump’s decision to strike Iran was impetuous. He conducted strikes without seeking Congressional authorization, and it endangered service members stationed throughout the region. Iran’s barrage of missile attacks on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar demonstrated that. The announcement of a ceasefire is good news, but now we need an actual ceasefire, and it is on all parties to arrive at that conclusion this unnecessary 12-day conflict.”

    Schatz then raised concerns about the readiness of U.S. forces amid shifting global threats, citing examples of multiple carrier strike groups rerouting from the Indo-Pacific to the Middle East and stressing the importance of replacing munitions expended by the U.S. to defend Israel to ensure that the U.S. can continue to deter future threats and protect its partners.

    Turning to the Navy and Marine Corps budget request, Schatz noted that the FY26 request, which Republicans have tied to their budget reconciliation efforts, fell $8 billion short of the FY25 continuing resolution (CR), saying, “Failing to address the current shortfalls caused by the CR means that the Navy will not be able to successfully deter the threats posed by China. Reconciliation is not a responsible way to do spending, as Senator McConnell, the Chairman of the Defense Subcommittee said, using extraordinary parliamentary authorities does not sustain the Department of Defense. The Department’s ability to take care of our service members should not be contingent on whether Congress passes an unrelated package of tax cuts and health care cuts.”

    He urged Republicans to pursue bipartisan cooperation through the regular appropriations process, saying, “Historically, the things that go in a reconciliation package are the things that can’t pass on a bipartisan basis… The model in this modern Senate, which is, granted, different from the Senate of 10 years ago and 30 years ago and so on, but the model has been that you explore bipartisanship, you explore achieving cloture, and making this committee relevant and important and a sort of center of power in the Article One branch, and if you fail, then you have these extraordinary authorities to go elsewhere. But to go elsewhere before you even try to cut a deal with Democrats, who are saying, ‘We’d like to cut a deal’ may not be the wisest course of action.”

    Video of the exchange is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 25, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 25, 2025.

    Bats get fat to survive hard times. But climate change is threatening their survival strategy
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicholas Wu, Lecturer in Wildlife Ecology, Murdoch University Rudmer Zwerver/Shutterstock Bats are often cast as the unseen night-time stewards of nature, flitting through the dark to control pest insects, pollinate plants and disperse seeds. But behind their silent contributions lies a remarkable and underappreciated survival strategy: seasonal

    Japanese prime minister’s abrupt no-show at NATO summit reveals a strained alliance with the US
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Craig Mark, Adjunct Lecturer, Faculty of Economics, Hosei University Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has sent a clear signal to the Trump administration: the Japan–US relationship is in a dire state. After saying just days ago he would be attending this week’s NATO summit at The Hague,

    Why have athletes stopped ‘taking a knee’?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ciprian N. Radavoi, Associate Professor in Law, University of Southern Queensland Eli Harold, Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid of the San Francisco 49ers kneel ahead of a game in 2016. Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images It’s almost a decade since San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick started

    Nearly half of Kiwis oppose automatic citizenship for Cook Islands, says poll
    By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist A new poll by the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union shows that almost half of respondents oppose the Cook Islands having automatic New Zealand citizenship. Thirty percent of the 1000-person sample supported Cook Islanders retaining citizenship, 46 percent were opposed and 24 percent were unsure. The question asked: The Cook

    Melanesian Spearhead Group leaders discuss Middle East conflict before ceasefire
    RNZ Pacific Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape says the Middle East conflict was one of the discussions of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) in Suva this week — and Pacific leaders “took note of what is happening”. The Post-Courier reports Marape saying the “12 Day War” between Israel and Iran was based on

    The ancients also had to deal with a cost-of-living crisis. Here’s how they managed
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Konstantine Panegyres, Lecturer in Classics and Ancient History, The University of Western Australia Louis Le Brun, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY Talk to anyone today, and they will probably have something to say about how expensive life has become. While the rate of inflation has

    Video games can help trans players feel seen and safe. It all starts with design
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Phoebe Toups Dugas, Associate Professor of Human-Centred Computing, Monash University Shano Liang There is a comfort in finding and being yourself. Video games offer opportunities for this comfort. They allow people to exist in safe spaces, to develop community, and to explore the self – as well

    How old are you really? Are the latest ‘biological age’ tests all they’re cracked up to be?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hassan Vally, Associate Professor, Epidemiology, Deakin University We all like to imagine we’re ageing well. Now a simple blood or saliva test promises to tell us by measuring our “biological age”. And then, as many have done, we can share how “young” we really are on social

    Global rankings fuel hype, but students have more to consider when choosing a uni
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kylie Message, Professor of Public Humanities and Director of the ANU Humanities Research Centre, Australian National University At this time of year, many year 12 students are seriously turning their minds to the future. Should they go to university next year? If so, which one? June is

    Playful or harmful? David Seymour’s posts raise questions about what’s OK to say online
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kevin Veale, Senior Lecturer in Media Studies, part of the Digital Cultures Laboratory in the School of Humanities, Media, and Creative Communication, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images Deputy Prime Minister and ACT Party leader David Seymour says he is being “playful” and

    Shadow treasurer Ted O’Brien accepts invitation to government’s economic roundtable
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The federal opposition has accepted an invitation from Treasurer Jim Chalmers for shadow treasurer Ted O’Brien to attend the August economic roundtable. The acceptance contrasts with the position taken by former opposition leader Peter Dutton last term. He refused to

    Fiji advocacy group slams Indonesian role in MSG as a ‘disgrace’
    Asia Pacific Report A Fiji-based advocacy group has condemned the participation of Indonesia in the Melanesian Spearhead Group which is meeting in Suva this week, saying it is a “profound disgrace” that the Indonesian Embassy continues to “operate freely” within the the MSG Secretariat. “This presence blatantly undermines the core principles of justice and solidarity

    Will the fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel hold? One factor could be crucial to it sticking
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ali Mamouri, Research Fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University Amir Levy/Getty Images After 12 days of war, US President Donald Trump has announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran that would bring to an end the most dramatic, direct conflict between the two nations in decades. Israel

    Ramzy Baroud: The fallout – winners and losers from the Israeli war on Iran
    COMMENTARY: By Ramzy Baroud, editor of The Palestinian Chronicle The conflict between Israel and Iran over the past 12 days has redefined the regional chessboard. Here is a look at their key takeaways: Israel:Pulled in the US: Israel successfully drew the United States into a direct military confrontation with Iran, setting a significant precedent for

    Iran and Israel agree to a fragile ceasefire. One factor could be crucial to it sticking
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ali Mamouri, Research Fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University Amir Levy/Getty Images After 12 days of war, US President Donald Trump has announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran that would bring to an end the most dramatic, direct conflict between the two nations in decades. Israel

    eSafety boss wants YouTube included in the social media ban. But AI raises even more concerns for kids
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tama Leaver, Professor of Internet Studies, Curtin University Irina WS/Shutterstock Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, today addressed the National Press Club to outline how her office will be driving the Social Media Minimum Age Bill when it comes into effect in December this year. The bill,

    Trouble getting out of bed? Signs the ‘winter blues’ may be something more serious
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kelvin (Shiu Fung) Wong, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology, Swinburne University of Technology Justin Paget/Getty Winter is here. As the days grow shorter and the skies turn darker, you might start to feel a bit “off”. You may notice a dip in your mood or energy levels.

    A carbon levy on global shipping promises to slash emissions. We calculated what that means for Australia’s biggest export
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Brear, Director, Melbourne Energy Institute, The University of Melbourne Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images Moving people and things around the world by sea has a big climate impact. The shipping industry produces almost 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions – roughly the same as Germany – largely

    The war won’t end Iran’s nuclear program – it will drive it underground, following North Korea’s model
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anthony Burke, Professor of Environmental Politics & International Relations, UNSW Sydney The United States’ and Israel’s strikes on Iran are concerning, and not just for the questionable legal justifications provided by both governments. Even if their attacks cause severe damage to Iran’s nuclear facilities, this will only

    Iran’s internet blackout left people in the dark. How does a country shut down the internet?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mohiuddin Ahmed, Senior Lecturer of Computing and Security, Edith Cowan University Dylan Carr/Unsplash In recent days, Iranians experienced a near-complete internet blackout, with local service providers – including mobile services – repeatedly going offline. Iran’s government has cited cyber security concerns for ordering the shutdown. Shutting off

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Graham Floor Speech on the Israel-Iran Conflict

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) yesterday delivered a speech on the Senate floor regarding the recent Israel-Iran conflict, before President Trump announced a ceasefire. During his remarks, Senator Graham gave an overview of the conflict, highlighted the Iranian Regime’s radical religious beliefs, and underscored the importance of stopping the ayatollah from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Graham also reiterated his unwavering support for the State of Israel and praised President Trump for the strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

    On Operation Midnight Hammer:

    • GRAHAM: “God bless President Donald J. Trump! I am so glad he won. What has he tried to do? Make peace, not war. He gave the ayatollah sixty days to find a peaceful settlement regarding their nuclear enrichment program… Sixty-one days go by and the rest is history.” https://youtu.be/6mWtHKhRszs?si=9FnIyGcFppQ7DgyH&t=886
    • GRAHAM: “Operation Midnight Hammer [was conducted] after day sixty. All the negotiations went nowhere, because the Iranians didn’t want them to go anywhere. President Trump acted, and it was brilliant, it was bold, and it will live in history.” https://youtu.be/6mWtHKhRszs?si=0CfR0cMMbHX2Xluo&t=990

    On the motivations behind the Iranian Regime’s sponsorship of terrorism:

    • GRAHAM: “It’s all about religion. A fanatical strain of Shi’ism is now in charge of Iran, and they have three goals: …To purify Islam in the image of the ayatollah, to destroy the Jewish state, [and] to drive us out of the Middle East because we’re infidels. This is not a democracy, it’s a theocracy.” https://youtu.be/6mWtHKhRszs?si=F_BV1lb6ne5MDg_9&t=27
    • GRAHAM: “Why do they do what they do? Religious, fanatical beliefs. [They want] a master religion for the world. If you don’t believe that, you have missed a lot. The only way they’re not going to get there is for somebody to stop them.” https://youtu.be/6mWtHKhRszs?si=lUmASnj-In4s7xfm&t=1498
    • GRAHAM: “Let me tell you what [the Iranian regime is] up to. They’re up to enacting a religious agenda that has no place for anybody but them. If you’re a Christian, they want to destroy your faith. If you’re Jewish, they want to wipe you off the planet. And if you’re a Muslim, and you don’t agree with them, which most don’t, they want to take over the entire faith and make you bend the knee to their view. These people are religious fanatics. … Do you want any of these people [running the regime] to have a nuclear weapon? I don’t.” https://youtu.be/6mWtHKhRszs?si=agMwQomzy1yXhfup&t=416

    On Iran’s threats and acts of violence toward America:

    • GRAHAM: “During the swearing in of the [new] Iranian president, the crowd started chanting, ‘Death to America, Death to America.’ [This happened] not long ago, July 30, 2024.” https://youtu.be/6mWtHKhRszs?si=pu2a2sS1TSEw9dNa&t=398
    • GRAHAM: “If you think this is not our conflict, you’ve missed a lot. You’ve been asleep at the switch since 1979… [The Iranian regime has] attacked Americans. They have American blood on their hands. They’re trying to build a nuclear bomb, and one of the targets is us.” https://youtu.be/6mWtHKhRszs?si=kFU_-nj4ToShoYZ0&t=487

    On Graham’s hopes for the future of the Middle East: 

    • GRAHAM: “Here’s my goal: to have people in charge of Iran who don’t want a nuclear weapon [or] to destroy Israel, who will not be the largest state sponsor of terrorism, but live in peace with their neighbors, and have a good relationship with the United States.” https://youtu.be/6mWtHKhRszs?si=iiloDfp0waZMFofB&t=1119

    Click here to watch Graham’s full remarks

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Delivers Floor Speech on Lowering Flood Insurance Rates with Hurricane Season Underway

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    [embedded content]

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor highlighting the need to end the Biden-era Risk Rating 2.0 policy and for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to remain affordable.
    “We have a chance to bring down prices on flood insurance in the same way President Trump has brought down all these other prices—gas, eggs, milk, you name it,” said Dr. Cassidy.
    “As hurricane season ramps up, the clock is ticking. Let’s act now,” concluded Dr. Cassidy.Background
    In June, Cassidy led the charge in demanding the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) finally end the Biden-era policy, Risk Rating 2.0, which caused flood insurance premiums to skyrocket.
    In May, Cassidy delivered another speech discussing the danger that Risk Rating 2.0 poses to low- and middle-income families’ ability to be enrolled in the program.
    In April, Cassidy delivered a speech on the Senate floor calling for the continuation of FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program, which helps fund pre-disaster mitigation and flood prevention projects in Louisiana and nationwide.
    In March, Cassidy delivered a floor speech calling for a long-term extension of  NFIP and introduced legislation to extend the program through December 31, 2026. Cassidy also met with the Jefferson Business Council where he discussed his efforts to keep flood insurance affordable and extend NFIP long-term.
    In February, Cassidy introduced the Flood Insurance Affordability Tax Credit Act to give low- and middle-income households enrolled in NFIP a 33% refundable tax credit to combat rising flood insurance premiums. Cassidy also released a report last fall outlining the current state of NFIP and the issues that have led to skyrocketing premiums for millions of homeowners.
    Last year, the U.S. Senate Banking Committee held a hearing on NFIP at the request of Cassidy. The hearing highlighted the urgent need for Congress to act and featured a Louisiana witness. Cassidy also participated in a roundtable hosted by GNO, Inc. and the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance to hear from community leaders and advocates on the issue.
    Cassidy traveled St. Bernard Parish in 2023 to talk with residents about their flood insurance premiums, recording the second episode of his Bill on the Hill series.
    Cassidy’s remarks as prepared for delivery are below:
    Mr. President,
    In every single state, there are Americans who rely on the National Flood Insurance Program to protect their home.
    Congress has a responsibility to serve ALL Americans, regardless of age, income, or zip code.
    Since Biden’s implementation of Risk Rating 2.0, seniors and low- and middle-income homeowners have been left behind.
    Earlier this month, I led eight of my Republican colleagues in urging FEMA to end the Biden-era Risk Rating 2.0.
    I want to work with him to fix the mess the Biden administration left us in.
    Now, I want to share with my colleagues the same case we made in that letter for why we need to act now.
    Every year on June 1st, the phrase “Hoping for the best, preparing for the worst” comes to mind.
    For the people in my state, it becomes a way of life.
    Another hurricane season is upon us.
    With a higher Gulf temperature than usual, meteorologists predict 13 to 19 named storms, 6 to 10 hurricanes, and 3 to 5 major hurricanes hitting the U.S. before the year’s end.
    Before long, Louisianans will, yet again, be stocking up on non-perishable food items and prescriptions, boarding up the windows, and checking on their neighbors.
    They will also be bracing themselves financially.
    Louisianans are still trying to get back on their feet after four years of financial distress under the Biden administration.
    Now, add the costs for recovery from severe weather damage. Many families just can’t afford it.
    That’s why we have NFIP—a program which has provided a safety net for millions in Louisiana and across the country for the last 50 years.
    Because of NFIP, the retired couple in Livingston Parish who just paid off their mortgage sleeps better at night knowing they are covered the next time they flood.
    The single working mother in Cameron Parish can rest assured knowing there is help available when it comes time to replace the siding and roof tiles, which have been torn loose by torrential winds. 
    But this program—and the peace of mind of those who rely on it—is being threatened.
    Since FEMA, under the Biden Administration, implemented Risk Rating 2.0, premiums have skyrocketed—making desperately needed protection unaffordable for millions. Over 80% of NFIP policyholders in Louisiana saw a spike in their premiums after its implementation in 2021.
    The protection that millions so desperately need has become unaffordable.
    When I say unaffordable, I’m not talking about a one or two-hundred-dollar increase.
    Even that would be too much for a lot of families.
    I’m talking about a $1,916 increase for a homeowner in Waggaman, Louisiana.
    I’m talking about a $4,500 increase for a homeowner in Gibson, Louisiana.
    I’m talking about an $8,256 increase for a homeowner in Belle Chasse, Louisiana.
    And there is no end in sight for these 300, 400, 500…one THOUSAND percent increases.
    Has FEMA been transparent about these stunning spikes?
    No.
    In fact, never knowing why their premiums rose in the first place, Americans have no option but to drop their NFIP coverage altogether, leaving them totally vulnerable.
    Has Congress been given the opportunity to provide meaningful comment in response?
    No, we were stonewalled for years under President Biden. Now with President Trump in charge, I trust there will be more transparency into Risk Rating 2.0 than we’ve ever seen before. 
    The American people—and certainly Louisianans—made it clear when they elected President Trump that they are ready to end the confusion and high prices of the previous administration.
    They were talking about the grocery store, at the gas pump, and yes, about insurance.
    NFIP was at the heart of the cost-of-living crisis Americans struggled through under President Biden.
    We have a chance to bring down prices on flood insurance in the same way President Trump has brought down all these other prices—gas, eggs, milk, you name it.
    I want to work with President Trump and my colleagues to make life affordable again!
    As hurricane season ramps up, the clock is ticking. Let’s act now!
    With that, I yield. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China calls for genuine ceasefire, de-escalation in Middle East: FM

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

    BEIJING, June 24 — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday that China supports Iran’s efforts to safeguard national sovereignty and security, and on that basis, achieve a genuine ceasefire, restore normal life for the people, and help de-escalate the situation in the Middle East as soon as possible.

    During his phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said China is willing to promote the UN Security Council in fulfilling its due role and primary responsibility of safeguarding international peace and security.

    China also hopes that Iran will continue to ensure the safety of Chinese institutions, personnel, and diplomatic missions, he said.

    Araghchi, for his part, stressed that the dangerous actions by Israel and the United States in attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities are serious violations of international law, leaving Iran with no choice but to respond.

    Genuine negotiations can only begin once Israel halts its aggression, he said.

    Iran is willing to maintain close communication with China and looks forward to China’s greater role in easing tensions, he added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Israel says new missiles from Iran after ceasefire

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

    A missile trace is seen from the city of Hebron in the southern West Bank, on June 24, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Israel said on Tuesday it had identified missiles from Iran, shortly after the Israeli authorities said it had accepted a ceasefire proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

    According to local media reports, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed Israeli military to “respond forcefully” after Iranian missile fire.

    The latest escalation came shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that Israel had accepted a ceasefire proposed by Trump and had achieved its war goals against Iran.

    According to a statement by the office of Israeli prime minister, Netanyahu declared that Israel had achieved its goal of removing Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile threat.

    Iran’s Press TV said earlier Tuesday that ceasefire begins following waves of Iranian attacks on Israel.

    Trump had earlier announced that a ceasefire between the two sides would begin around 0400 GMT, with Iran expected to halt its operations first.

    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said earlier that there was no “agreement” on a ceasefire between Iran and Israel. However, he suggested Iran would be prepared to halt further retaliation if Israeli attacks stopped by 4 a.m. Tehran time (0030 GMT).

    “If Israel stops its illegal aggression against the Iranian people no later than 4 a.m., Iran has no intention of continuing its response afterwards,” Araqchi wrote in a post on X, adding that “the final decision on the cessation of our military operations will be made later.”

    Hours earlier, a senior Iranian official told CNN that Tehran had not received any formal ceasefire proposal from the United States and saw no reason to halt hostilities.

    “At this very moment, the enemy is committing aggression against Iran, and Iran is on the verge of intensifying its retaliatory strikes, with no ear to listen to the lies of its enemies,” the official was quoted as saying. He added that remarks from U.S. and Israeli leaders would be seen as a “deception” intended to justify further attacks on Iran.

    The conflicting narratives raised questions about the implementation and durability of any potential ceasefire. It remained unclear whether the reported deal had been communicated through diplomatic channels, or whether either side intended to follow the terms.

    Trump announced Monday evening that Israel and Iran have reached a formal agreement to implement a complete and total ceasefire, marking what he called the end of the “12-Day War.”

    In a post on his Truth Social platform Monday, Trump said the ceasefire will initially last 12 hours, during which the opposing sides will maintain a posture of “peace and respect.”

    “On the assumption that everything works as it should, which it will,” Trump wrote, “I would like to congratulate both countries … on having the stamina, courage, and intelligence to end what should be called ‘THE 12 DAY WAR.’”

    Calling the agreement a breakthrough that “could have saved the Middle East from years of destruction,” Trump ended his announcement with a sweeping message of unity: “God bless Israel, God bless Iran, God bless the Middle East, God bless the United States of America, and GOD BLESS THE WORLD!”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US stocks jump on news of Middle East ceasefire

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

    U.S. stocks surged Tuesday as investors welcomed the news of a ceasefire agreement that could bring an end to the Middle East conflict which has unsettled markets in recent weeks.

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 507.24 points, or 1.19 percent, to 43,089.02. The S&P 500 added 67.01 points, or 1.11 percent, to 6,092.18. The Nasdaq Composite Index increased by 281.56 points, or 1.43 percent, to 19,912.53.

    Nine of the 11 primary S&P 500 sectors ended in green, with technology and financials leading the gainers by adding 1.61 percent and 1.50 percent, respectively. Meanwhile, energy and consumer staples led the laggards by losing 1.51 percent and 0.03 percent, respectively.

    U.S. President Donald Trump, who first announced the Iran-Israel ceasefire late Monday, said Tuesday morning that both countries had violated the deal overnight, but he emphasized that the agreement remained in effect. The fragile truce helped ease investor anxiety over a potential escalation, fueling a broad rally across sectors.

    “The key event for the market was how quick and limited the U.S. involvement was, as well as the ‘weak’ response from Iran which was essentially a choreographed fireworks display for domestic consumption,” said Jon Brager, portfolio manager at Palmer Square Capital Management. “So even if the ceasefire results in occasional flare-ups, the market has decided this risk is now in the rearview mirror and the focus probably returns to tariffs and fiscal policy.”

    Markets also drew support from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s testimony to Congress. Powell said the Fed could cut interest rates “sooner rather than later,” even as he stressed the need to monitor the effects of tariff-driven inflation. The dovish tone reinforced investor expectations that the central bank remains flexible in its response to evolving economic conditions.

    Meanwhile, the U.S. consumer confidence index dropped by 5.4 points in June to 93.0, down from 98.4 in May, according to The Conference Board. The decline reflects increased consumer unease about current business conditions and the short-term outlook, as optimism about future income, job prospects, and business activity all declined. Despite the weakening sentiment, markets shrugged off the data as geopolitical relief and the prospect of rate cuts took precedence.

    Mega-cap technology stocks extended gains from Monday. Broadcom rose 3.94 percent, while Nvidia added 2.59 percent. Amazon climbed 2.06 percent, and Alphabet and Meta Platforms each rose more than 1 percent. Microsoft gained 0.85 percent, and Apple edged lower. Still, Tesla slipped 2.35 percent, giving back part of Monday’s sharp rally after the company launched its driverless robotaxi service in Austin. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: EU-Israel Association Agreement: Delay and distraction is not neutral, it is a decision

    Source: Oxfam –

    Today, EU Foreign Policy Chief, Kaja Kallas, presented a review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement at the meeting of EU Foreign Affairs Ministers. In response, Agnes Bertrand Sanz, Oxfam Humanitarian Expert, said:   

    “There are moments in history where delay and distraction are not neutral, it is a decision. While EU ministers continue to debate and defer, entire families in Gaza are being buried under rubble and people are being killed while trying to get food.  

    “The EU and EU countries cannot keep on playing political ping pong or risk losing sight of the crisis in Gaza. Talking is easy. Acting is harder. And every second of delay costs lives.” 

    EU foreign affairs ministers met today for the Foreign Affairs Council. At the meeting, EU Foreign Affairs Chief, Kaja Kallas, presented a review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement to European Foreign Affairs Ministers.  

    The EU is Israel’s biggest trading partner.  

    Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement states “Relations between the Parties, as well as all the provisions of the Agreement itself, shall be based on respect for human rights and democratic principles, which guides their internal and international policy and constitutes an essential element of this Agreement.” Israel’s well-documented violations of international humanitarian law and human rights, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank, violate Article 2.    

    Beyond suspending this agreement, Oxfam is calling for a permanent ceasefire, safe and unhindered humanitarian aid, an end to illegal Israeli occupation and a halt in all arm sales and transfers to Israel while there is a risk they are used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian or human rights law.     

    Jade Tenwick | Brussels, Belgium | jade.tenwick@oxfam.org | mobile +32 473 56 22 60 | Personal (WhatsApp only) +32 484 81 22 94           

    For more information on our work and to see our latest press releases, please visit oxfam.org/eu.        
       
    For updates, follow us on Twitter, BlueSky and LinkedIn.    

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Wellington Regional Council must stand up to short-sighted Coalition Government and continue with its plan to restore water quality for its people – CCW

    Source: Choose Clean Water – Tom Kay


    Greater Wellington Regional Council must stand up to the short-sighted Coalition Government in its vote tomorrow on whether to continue with its regional plan change to protect and restore water quality in the region, say freshwater campaign group Choose Clean Water.

    Regional council papers show councillors will be considering three options for the region’s freshwater plan change at their meeting on Thursday 26 June: to pause the plan change until October, to pause the plan change until they can continue with ‘confidence’ about upcoming changes to national direction, or to withdraw the plan change entirely.

    “Regional councils are being bullied by this short-sighted Coalition Government into stopping their years-long, vital work to save our waterways from further degradation and protect our drinking water sources. This Government is compromised by its close ties to polluting commercial interests and Wellington regional councillors must stand up to them for the health of their region’s environment and people,” says Choose Clean Water spokesperson Tom Kay

    Kay says Wellington Regional Council’s uncertainty in moving ahead with their plan change is another sign of the Government trying to take power away from communities to make decisions about managing their rivers, streams, and harbours, and instead give it to polluting commercial interests.


    “There is no reason to throw out this plan change. Councillors are risking starting this process all over again on the basis of yet-to-be-seen national policy and speculation about what may or may not eventuate. They should keep calm and carry on.”

    The plan change forms part of a program to restore and protect fresh and coastal water health the Regional Council has been working on for the last 15 years, including with significant investment and support from communities and iwi. It would bring policies and rules for two major Wellington catchments into line with the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020, including the prioritisation of freshwater and community health in decision-making over commercial interests.

    But with changes to weaken freshwater policy announced by the Government, councillors are now considering whether to continue or not, risking undermining years of progress and future potential for healthy water in the region, say campaigners.

    “The council meeting papers say that if the plan change is withdrawn, water quality that is already degrading by some measures is likely to continue to degrade because the old plan provisions are less protective.”

    “Communities have been waiting decades for these plan changes, particularly in places like Te Awarua-o-Porirua / Porirua harbour, which continues to suffer from issues like sediment buildup and pollution from heavy metals, pathogens, and nutrients, with impacts on fishing and food gathering, swimming, boating, and human health.”

    “The plan also promotes planting of highly erosion-prone land, and adds provisions on stormwater and earthworks that would help reduce risks of flooding and erosion. We’ve seen what Cyclone Gabrielle did in regions that hadn’t prepared for the impacts of these natural hazards. Why would we delay these actions that will build resilience?”

    “This Government came into power saying they were going to allow local communities to make decisions at a community level. But they lied. We saw it with Otago Regional Council being stopped when they tried to progress a freshwater plan change that was years in the making. Now we risk seeing it with Wellington.”

    “Wellington Regional Council must push ahead as soon as possible.”

    Wellington Regional Council will vote on whether to proceed with the plan tomorrow, 26 June.

    The Government’s consultation document on freshwater policy is open for submissions until 27 July. The consultation document proposes to remove national bottom lines for pollution as well as to remove or rewrite Te Mana o te Wai, the decision making framework in current national policy that prioritises the public interest in healthy water bodies.


    Note: Tom Kay participated in the Environment Court hearings process for the operative Natural Resources Plan and participated in the current Plan Change 1 process (including providing evidence) while in previous roles at Forest & Bird.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Israel lifts nationwide restrictions after ceasefire with Iran takes effect

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

    Israel lifted nationwide emergency restrictions on Tuesday evening, signaling a cautious return to normalcy after a fragile ceasefire with Iran took hold, ending nearly two weeks of intense cross-border attacks.

    The decision came as Israeli officials assessed the aftermath of the 12-day war, which left dozens dead and over 1,000 wounded, while military leaders warned that despite a pause in fighting, the broader campaign against Iran and its allies was far from over.

    Israel’s Home Front Command announced in a statement that the cancellation of the restrictions, which took effect at 8 p.m. local time (1700 GMT), allows all regions of the country to resume full civilian activity, including the reopening of schools, workplaces, and public gatherings. Communities adjacent to the Gaza Strip will remain under guidelines allowing gatherings of up to 2,000 people.

    The easing of restrictions marks a tentative sign that the truce is holding after a shaky start, during which both countries accused each other of violating the terms by continuing to launch strikes. An Israeli surprise attack targeting military sites and nuclear scientists across Iran on June 12 sparked the war.

    Police said Tuesday that Iranian missile barrages had struck 52 locations across Israel during nearly two weeks of fighting. Eight of the attacks caused fatalities, killing one soldier and 27 civilians. Magen David Adom, Israel’s national rescue service, said 1,319 people were injured, including 17 seriously, 29 moderately, and 872 lightly. An additional 401 people were treated for anxiety.

    Israel’s Airports Authority said that Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv and a smaller airport in the northern city of Haifa had resumed full operations after periods of partial or total shutdown during the hostilities.

    Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir held a situational assessment with senior officers on Tuesday and warned that the conflict with Iran is far from over. “We have concluded a significant phase, but the campaign against Iran is not over,” he said. “We are entering a new phase based on the achievements of the previous one.”

    He said that Israeli strikes on nuclear-related facilities and missile stockpiles “set Iran’s nuclear project back by years,” but stopped short of claiming the program had been dismantled, a key goal stated by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

    “The focus now shifts back to Gaza — to bring the hostages home and to dismantle the Hamas regime,” Zamir added.

    According to Gaza’s health authorities, 56,077 Palestinians have been killed and 131,848 wounded in Gaza during the 20-month-long conflict. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: UN political chief calls for diplomacy to ensure peaceful nature of Iran’s nuke program

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

    The UN Security Council holds a meeting on non-proliferation at the UN headquarters in New York, on June 24, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    UN Undersecretary-General for Political Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo on Tuesday called for diplomacy and dialogue to ensure the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program.

    In a briefing to the Security Council on the implementation of its Resolution 2231, which endorses the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and the six world powers of Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States, DiCarlo regretted that with less than four months left until the termination of its provisions, the objectives of the resolution and those of the Iran nuclear deal have yet to be fully realized.

    Resolution 2231 expires on Oct. 18, 2025.

    The nuclear deal, adopted in the summer of 2015 to ensure that Iran’s nuclear program would be exclusively peaceful, has faced many challenges since its inception, including the withdrawal of the United States from the agreement in 2018 during Donald Trump’s first term of office as U.S. president, said DiCarlo.

    Over the last few months, participants of the deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), increased their efforts to identify a way forward for full implementation of the plan. In addition, Iran and the United States engaged in five rounds of bilateral talks, facilitated by Oman, said DiCarlo. “Regrettably, neither of these initiatives produced a way forward to ensuring the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program.”

    The military escalation between Israel and Iran since June 13 and U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities on Saturday (New York time) complicated prospects for achieving full implementation of Resolution 2231. Iran’s strikes on Monday on a U.S. military base in Qatar further exacerbated insecurity in an already tense region, she said.

    Monday’s announcement by the United States, in coordination with Qatar, of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran is a significant achievement that potentially pulls Iran, Israel and the region back from the brink, she said.

    At the heart of this conflict is the nature of Iran’s nuclear program. Following the deadly clashes of the past 12 days, the ceasefire agreement is an opportunity to avoid a catastrophic escalation and achieve a peaceful resolution of the Iran nuclear issue, she said. “Diplomacy, dialogue and verification remain the best option to ensure the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program and to bring about concrete economic benefits to the people of Iran.”

    The United Nations stands ready to support all efforts that advance peace, dialogue and stability in the region, she said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: UPDATE 3: Coast Guard responds to vessel fire offshore Adak, Alaska

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    News Release

    		  

    U.S. Coast Guard 17th District Alaska
    Contact: 17th District Public Affairs
    Office: (907) 463-2065
    After Hours: (907) 463-2065
    17th District online newsroom

     

    06/24/2025 08:00 PM EDT

    The Coast Guard has concluded its response to a fire onboard the cargo ship Morning Midas, which capsized and sank in international waters approximately 450 miles southwest of Adak on Monday. The Coast Guard received notification that the vessel capsized Monday at 5:35 p.m. and sank to a depth of approximately 16,400 feet in international waters.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Melanesian Spearhead Group leaders discuss Middle East conflict before ceasefire

    RNZ Pacific

    Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape says the Middle East conflict was one of the discussions of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) in Suva this week — and Pacific leaders “took note of what is happening”.

    The Post-Courier reports Marape saying the “12 Day War” between Israel and Iran was based on high technology and using missiles sent from great distances.

    “In the context of MSG, the leaders want peace always. And the Pacific remains friends to all, enemies to none,” he said.

    He said an effect on PNG would be the inflation in prices of oil and gas.

    Yesterday morning, US President Donald Trump declared a ceasefire had been agreed  between Israel and Iran, and so far it has been holding in spite of tensions.

    Australia had stepped in to help Papua New Guinea diplomats and citizens caught in the Middle East.

    Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko confirmed last week that a group was to be evacuated through Jordan.

    There had been six diplomats in lockdown at the PNG embassy in Jerusalem awaiting extraction.

    Meanwhile, a repatriation flight for Australians stuck in Israel had been cancelled.

    ABC News reported that it was the second day repatriation plans were scrapped at the last minute because of rocket fire. A bus meant to take people across the border into Jordan was cancelled the previous day.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Make polluters pay to bring down bills, Greens say 

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    / by Green Party

    Responding to the Climate Change Committee’s latest report, co-leader Carla Denyer MP said:

    “Last year fossil fuel giants Shell and BP made a total of £26 billion in profit – while ordinary people struggle every day to pay their energy bills, and the climate crisis takes its toll on communities across the UK. 

     “The Climate Change Committee’s latest report shows some movement in the right direction towards trying to keep us all safe, but the truth is we’re not moving nearly fast enough. Stalling progress means we all have higher bills in cold and leaky homes, while wildfires, extreme heat and flooding put lives and livelihoods at risk. The best time for action was years ago – the next best time is now. 

    “We need urgent action to bring down the cost of electricity more widely, to reduce household bills and keep us all safe from the growing threat from the climate crisis. Instead of handing fossil fuel giants a licence to keep profiting from climate destruction, or wasting money on slow and expensive nuclear projects, now is the time for a national push to roll out energy efficiency, heat pumps, solar panels and battery storage for our homes. 

    “Crucially, it’s time for the government to stop throwing money at the fossil fuel industry and instead make big polluters like Shell and BP pay up. Currently the government subsidises the fossil fuel industry to the tune of a staggering £17.5 billion per year – it’s time to pull the plug and put that money into lowering bills instead.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Newhouse Votes to Secure the Border in Homeland Security Appropriations Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

    Headline: Newhouse Votes to Secure the Border in Homeland Security Appropriations Bill

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon committee passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill. 

    “Border security is national security, and today my colleagues and I on the Appropriations committee passed strong government funding legislation that reflects that belief,” said Rep. Newhouse. 

    Newhouse continues, “I am proud of the work we have done in securing critical investments for a secure border, fighting fentanyl as smugglers attempt to poison our communities, and boosting our cybersecurity capabilities to combat growing threats. This legislation refocuses the Department of Homeland Security on its fundamental mission: ensuring the safety of Americans and secure national borders.” 

    “I was also able to secure funding for the Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management to help open a fully operational Emergency Operation Center in Yakima County. This center will deliver rapid, coordinated responses to natural disasters such as wildfires, landslides, and severe weather that impact Central Washington every year.” 

    The Homeland Security Appropriations Bill provides a total discretionary allocation of $66.36 billion. The defense portion of the allocation is $3.29 billion, which is $41 million (1.22%) below the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level. The non-defense portion of the allocation is $63.08 billion, which is $1.37 billion (2.05%) above the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level. 

    The bill includes $6.3 billion in discretionary appropriations that are offset by fee collections and $26.47 billion as an allocation adjustment for major disaster response and recovery activities. 

    Rep. Newhouse secured the following project funding in this legislation for Washington’s Fourth Congressional District. 

    Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management 

    Amount: $2,250,000 

    Description: Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management will transform an existing facility into a dedicated, fully operational 3,866 square-foot Emergency Operation Center (EOC) in Yakima County, Washington, the second-largest county in the State. Residents span 4,311 square miles and well-coordinated emergency response efforts are critical for the protection of life and property. Yakima County is vulnerable to wildfires, earthquakes, landslides, and severe weather events, all of which demand rapid and coordinated emergency response. Recent emergencies, including the Retreat fire and Rattlesnake Ridge Landslide, have demonstrated the challenges of operating with inadequate space. Emergency responders were delayed in their ability to coordinate and execute timely responses because a multipurpose training room that is shared by multiple agencies is temporarily repurposed as an ad hoc EOC, a process takes several hours to a day. These makeshift conditions will be eliminated with a dedicated EOC to serve as the central hub for coordinating emergency response efforts. The proposed EOC will provide a comprehensive range of services to support emergency management efforts, including real-time incident coordination, advanced communication systems, data analysis and situational awareness, public information dissemination, resource allocation and logistics support, training, and preparedness programs, and wildfire emergency response coordination. The establishment of a dedicated EOC in Yakima County is an urgent and necessary investment. The current reliance on repurposed spaces for emergency coordination is inefficient, costly, and unsustainable. A permanent EOC will allow emergency response coordination to begin immediately, minimize disaster impacts, and ultimately protect lives, property, and public well-being. Beyond strengthening the region’s emergency management capabilities, this investment will contribute to a safer and more resilient community for years to come.

    Bill text, before adoption of amendments, is available here. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China activates emergency response to flooding in Chongqing, Guizhou

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

    BEIJING, June 24 — China’s State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters on Tuesday launched a Level-IV emergency response to flooding in Chongqing Municipality and Guizhou Province as the two southwestern regions brace for a new round of rainfall.

    A team has been dispatched to Guizhou to assist with flood prevention and relief efforts in the province’s Rongjiang and Congjiang counties, according to the headquarters.

    China has a four-tier emergency response system for flood control, with Level I being the most severe.

    Due to recent rainfall, the upper reaches of the Liujiang River in Guizhou have experienced flooding, necessitating flood-prevention work in Rongjiang and Congjiang, the headquarters said.

    According to meteorological forecasts, further heavy rainfall will affect the eastern regions of southwest China. Some parts of Chongqing and Guizhou are expected to experience moderate-to-heavy rains or torrential downpours, leading to heightened risks of river floods, mountain torrents and other geological disasters.

    Local authorities have been urged to step up their inspections and implement risk-mitigation measures in key areas, strengthen rainfall and flood monitoring work, and ensure timely evacuation of residents from high-risk areas, according to the headquarters.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Speaks with Department of Defense Nominees

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) participated in a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing to consider the nominations of Vice Admiral Charles B. Cooper II, to be Commander for United States Central Command, and Lieutenant General Alexus G. Grynkewich to be Commander for United States European Command and Supreme Allied Commander of Europe. During the hearing, Senator Tuberville and Lt. General Grynkewich discussed the general’s relationship with NATO commanders as well as the conflict in Eastern Europe. Additionally, he spoke to Vice Admiral Cooper about preventing the Houthis from obstructing trade in the Middle East.

    Read Senator Tuberville’s remarks below or on YouTube or Rumble.

    ON NATO RELATIONSHIPS:

    TUBERVILLE: “Good morning. Thanks for both of your service and moving your families around. Kinda like a coach. You know, you don’t stay very long in one spot. Admiral, it’s good to see your family here. Auburn folks. Good Alabama folks. Living Montgomery, I think.
    Right? […]

    “General, let me ask you this. What’s your relationship with the NATO commanders in the bigger countries? That we have.”

    GRYNKEWICH: “Senator, I have worked with European partners around the world over the years in a variety of coalition environments, and I know many of the leaders across all of those countries. It’s a solid relationship, sir.”

    TUBERVILLE: “How about Turkey?”

    GRYNKEWICH: “Sir, I’ve had the privilege of visiting Türkiye several times over the course of my career and have great respect for the military capabilities that they can bring to bear.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Largest military in NATO. Is that right?”

    GRYNKEWICH: “Yes, sir.”

    ON LIKELIHOOD OF UKRAINE DEFEATING RUSSIA:

    TUBERVILLE: “Yeah. Let me ask this question. This Ukraine-Russia war has been going on for a long time. A lot of people killed. We’ve spent a lot of money. Can Ukraine win?”

    GRYNKEWICH: “Senator, I think Ukraine can win. I think anytime your own homeland is threatened, you fight with a tenacity that’s difficult for us to conceive of if we haven’t found ourselves in that same situation.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Yeah. They’ve they have absolutely fought hard. You gotta give it to them.”

    ON WHO SUPPORTS HOUTHIS:

    TUBERVILLE: “Admiral, we hadn’t talked about the Houthis. I think we’ve bombed them for 30 straight days. Is that correct?”

    COOPER: “Sir, we bombed them for 51 straight days in conjunction with Operation Rough Rider.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Yeah. Have we stopped?”

    COOPER: “Sir, the president gave the military a very precise mission, which was to restore the freedom of navigation, and that mission was successfully executed. We have freedom of navigation today. We agreed [to] a ceasefire several weeks ago. Now 40 days ago. If the Houthis didn’t shoot at us, we wouldn’t shoot at them. They have not shot at us. We have not shot at them. And we have multiple examples of destroyers going back and forth through the Bab al-Mandab.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Destroyers, but what about merchant ships?”

    COOPER: “There is merchant ships flowing through the Bab al-Mandab today. If we walk back to the fall of 2023 when the Houthis started their kinetic actions, it took several months for the flow of commerce to leave the Red Sea. I would expect it’s gonna take several months for it to fully come back.”

    TUBERVILLE: “My understanding is that the Houthis are one of the strongest groups that are backed by Iran. Is that correct?”

    COOPER: “Sir, they’ve been supported with arms, people, training, ISR for the better part of 10 years. They’re well supported.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Yeah. China support’s them too?”

    COOPER: “They do.”

    TUBERVILLE: “So, do you think this is going to be an on and off project with the Houthis over the years? Or are we going to be able to stabilize it?”

    COOPER: “I think we’re now 40 days into this; the ball is in the Houthis’ court. We’re prepared for a range of actions, but I think the policies associated with the ceasefire remain in place, and we’ll just be prepared, from a military perspective, for a wide range of contingencies as is our obligation to do so.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Do we actually know who the leadership is that controls the Houthis?”

    COOPER: “We do, sir.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Yeah. […] Do we talk to them? They talk back to us? How does that work?”

    COOPER: “Communications with the Houthis is done through diplomatic channels. And Houthis are a foreign terrorist organization. We don’t have a communication via the military.”

    TUBERVILLE: “So the president, when he works and tries to calm the situation down, who does he talk to?”

    COOPER: “Sir, he uses the Envoy for the Middle East, Ambassador Steve Witkoff, who helped enable the most recent ceasefire.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Yeah. They must be some tough rascals. I mean, we bombed them for 51 days and they’re still kicking. Right?”

    COOPER: “They’re extremely well supplied by the Iranians.”

    TUBERVILLE: “They’re supplied, but what? Are they dug in?”

    COOPER: “As we’ve seen throughout the region, groups are going underground, Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis. This is a serious issue that we will have to look at into the future.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Yeah. We do make a bomb in Huntsville called ‘MOAB.’ They do a lot of damage. I think we’ve seen that in Afghanistan. We got a few left. So, maybe in the future, [if] we can’t get them to reconcile…because we’re gonna have to have full passage in the Red Sea. If we’re going to get AI going, we’re going to get supply chains going, we can’t haphazardly wonder if they’re going to sink one of our ships but thank you. Good luck to both of you. Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.”

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –