NewzIntel.com

Category: Natural Disasters

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Wildfire Update – June 24

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 24, 2025

    As of 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, there are 19 active wildfires in Saskatchewan. Of those active fires, one is categorized as contained, five are not contained, 11 are ongoing assessment and two are listed as protecting values.   

    This year, Saskatchewan has had 267 wildfires, which is well above the five-year average of 163 to date. 

    Four communities remain under an evacuation order: East Trout Lake, as well as priority individuals from Creighton, Denare Beach and Cumberland House.  

    The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency’s (SPSA) Recovery Task Team has begun meeting with community leaders to discuss recovery efforts.   

    Over $4 million has been transferred directly to residents as well as communities that are distributing the $500 Government of Saskatchewan Financial Assistance to their residents that have been impacted by the wildfires. The SPSA is continuing to coordinate with communities that have asked for its support in distributing this financial assistance. 

    Evacuees who have not yet registered are encouraged to do so through the Sask Evac Web Application or by calling 1-855-559-5502 between 8:00a.m. and 5:00p.m. A full list of evacuated and repatriated communities can be found on the Information for Evacuees webpage.  

    Evacuees supported by the Canadian Red Cross can call 1-800-863-6582. 

    The latest information, an interactive fire ban map, frequently asked questions, fire risk maps and fire prevention tips can be found at saskpublicsafety.ca. 

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    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Statement After USDA Rescinds Roadless Rule

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven
    06.24.25
    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee and a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it will rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule, which impacts the Little Missouri National Grassland. Hoeven has been working with USDA Secretary Rollins and other senior USDA officials to help ensure better access to lands managed by USDA in North Dakota, including for grazing and energy production.
    “Rolling back the restrictive roadlesss rule is an important step in helping to ensure access to the grasslands and putting decision-making back into the hands of locals who know best how to manage these lands. We appreciate Secretary Rollins and USDA for working to rescind this rule and to provide more local control over our federal lands,” said Hoeven. “This deregulation is an important step as we continue working with USDA to ensure section line rights-of-way are respected in the Little Missouri National Grasslands.”
    Hoeven continues working with USDA on grassland management issues, including:
    Working to resolve the dispute between North Dakota and the USFS regarding section lines in the Little Missouri National Grasslands.
    Hoeven has made clear to USDA officials that section line rights-of-way are critical for enabling ranchers to access cattle grazing on USFS lands.

    Coordinating with local ranchers and rural fire departments on wildfire management.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Outlines Efforts to Advance Comprehensive Missile, Drone Detection & Defense Network

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven
    06.24.25
    Senator Joins Sullivan, Cramer in Introducing GOLDEN DOME Act, Highlights Critical Role of Grand Forks, Cavalier in Integrated Defense System
    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, today outlined efforts to ensure the U.S. is secure against threats both present and future, including advanced missile technologies and emerging threats from unmanned aircraft. To this end, Hoeven is joining with Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) in introducing the GOLDEN DOME Act, legislation that supports the establishment of a network of sensors and intercept capabilities to protect against the range of threats facing the U.S. Hoeven joined his colleagues at a press conference today announcing the legislation and highlighted key missions and initiatives in North Dakota that would fit into the Golden Dome architecture:
    The Space Development Agency’s (SDA) low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite mission in Grand Forks.
    In addition to his efforts to stand up the SDA mission, which will serve as the backbone of all U.S. military communications, Hoeven has been working to ensure the LEO satellites can provide missile tracking and advanced fire control.

    The Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System (PARCS) radar at Cavalier Space Force Station, which provides early warning of incoming missiles.
    Hoeven is working as a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee to fund the modernization of PARCS.

    The counter-drone research and development taking place in the Grand Forks region.
    Hoeven is working to leverage Project ULTRA to develop counter-drone technologies, while bringing in new capabilities like securing access to the Federal Aviation Administration’s unfiltered radar data feed to support and accelerate these efforts.

    At the same time, Hoeven stressed the importance of maintaining an effective nuclear deterrent and keeping nuclear modernization on track, including for the dual-nuclear mission in Minot.
    “This is about integrating all of the systems we are developing throughout the various military branches to ensure we have a comprehensive defense network that works across all domains. Whether it’s ground-based radar in Cavalier, satellite detection out of Grand Forks, or the new missile and drone interception technologies we are advancing, we need all of these pieces to work seamlessly together,” said Hoeven. “At the same time, the best protection is a strong deterrent, so our adversaries don’t even consider striking the U.S. That’s why we need to keep our nuclear modernization programs moving forward, so we can match any of the capabilities being developed by hostile nations like Russia and China. This will be critical as we work to get the Golden Dome established and will remain essential even when these new defenses are in place.”
    Specifically, the GOLDEN DOME Act:
    Directs the Department of Defense (DoD) to establish a layered defense system that fully integrates all of the nation’s missile defense technologies.
    Enhances existing U.S. missile defense by authorizing procurement of additional sensors and interceptors.
    Enables SDA to develop, procure and deploy satellite-based sensors in support of Golden Dome.
    Requires the modernization of numerous early warning radar detection systems across the U.S., including PARCS at Cavalier Space Force Station.
    Supports development of advanced technologies to track and defeat enemy missile threats.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Outlines Efforts to Advance Comprehensive Missile, Drone Detection & Defense Network

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    06.24.25

    Senator Joins Sullivan, Cramer in Introducing GOLDEN DOME Act, Highlights Critical Role of Grand Forks, Cavalier in Integrated Defense System

    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, today outlined efforts to ensure the U.S. is secure against threats both present and future, including advanced missile technologies and emerging threats from unmanned aircraft. To this end, Hoeven is joining with Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) in introducing the GOLDEN DOME Act, legislation that supports the establishment of a network of sensors and intercept capabilities to protect against the range of threats facing the U.S. Hoeven joined his colleagues at a press conference today announcing the legislation and highlighted key missions and initiatives in North Dakota that would fit into the Golden Dome architecture:

    • The Space Development Agency’s (SDA) low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite mission in Grand Forks.
      • In addition to his efforts to stand up the SDA mission, which will serve as the backbone of all U.S. military communications, Hoeven has been working to ensure the LEO satellites can provide missile tracking and advanced fire control.
    • The Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System (PARCS) radar at Cavalier Space Force Station, which provides early warning of incoming missiles.
      • Hoeven is working as a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee to fund the modernization of PARCS.
    • The counter-drone research and development taking place in the Grand Forks region.
      • Hoeven is working to leverage Project ULTRA to develop counter-drone technologies, while bringing in new capabilities like securing access to the Federal Aviation Administration’s unfiltered radar data feed to support and accelerate these efforts.

    At the same time, Hoeven stressed the importance of maintaining an effective nuclear deterrent and keeping nuclear modernization on track, including for the dual-nuclear mission in Minot.

    “This is about integrating all of the systems we are developing throughout the various military branches to ensure we have a comprehensive defense network that works across all domains. Whether it’s ground-based radar in Cavalier, satellite detection out of Grand Forks, or the new missile and drone interception technologies we are advancing, we need all of these pieces to work seamlessly together,” said Hoeven. “At the same time, the best protection is a strong deterrent, so our adversaries don’t even consider striking the U.S. That’s why we need to keep our nuclear modernization programs moving forward, so we can match any of the capabilities being developed by hostile nations like Russia and China. This will be critical as we work to get the Golden Dome established and will remain essential even when these new defenses are in place.”

    Specifically, the GOLDEN DOME Act:

    • Directs the Department of Defense (DoD) to establish a layered defense system that fully integrates all of the nation’s missile defense technologies.
    • Enhances existing U.S. missile defense by authorizing procurement of additional sensors and interceptors.
    • Enables SDA to develop, procure and deploy satellite-based sensors in support of Golden Dome.
    • Requires the modernization of numerous early warning radar detection systems across the U.S., including PARCS at Cavalier Space Force Station.
    • Supports development of advanced technologies to track and defeat enemy missile threats.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Outlines Efforts to Advance Comprehensive Missile, Drone Detection & Defense Network

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    06.24.25

    Senator Joins Sullivan, Cramer in Introducing GOLDEN DOME Act, Highlights Critical Role of Grand Forks, Cavalier in Integrated Defense System

    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, today outlined efforts to ensure the U.S. is secure against threats both present and future, including advanced missile technologies and emerging threats from unmanned aircraft. To this end, Hoeven is joining with Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) in introducing the GOLDEN DOME Act, legislation that supports the establishment of a network of sensors and intercept capabilities to protect against the range of threats facing the U.S. Hoeven joined his colleagues at a press conference today announcing the legislation and highlighted key missions and initiatives in North Dakota that would fit into the Golden Dome architecture:

    • The Space Development Agency’s (SDA) low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite mission in Grand Forks.
      • In addition to his efforts to stand up the SDA mission, which will serve as the backbone of all U.S. military communications, Hoeven has been working to ensure the LEO satellites can provide missile tracking and advanced fire control.
    • The Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System (PARCS) radar at Cavalier Space Force Station, which provides early warning of incoming missiles.
      • Hoeven is working as a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee to fund the modernization of PARCS.
    • The counter-drone research and development taking place in the Grand Forks region.
      • Hoeven is working to leverage Project ULTRA to develop counter-drone technologies, while bringing in new capabilities like securing access to the Federal Aviation Administration’s unfiltered radar data feed to support and accelerate these efforts.

    At the same time, Hoeven stressed the importance of maintaining an effective nuclear deterrent and keeping nuclear modernization on track, including for the dual-nuclear mission in Minot.

    “This is about integrating all of the systems we are developing throughout the various military branches to ensure we have a comprehensive defense network that works across all domains. Whether it’s ground-based radar in Cavalier, satellite detection out of Grand Forks, or the new missile and drone interception technologies we are advancing, we need all of these pieces to work seamlessly together,” said Hoeven. “At the same time, the best protection is a strong deterrent, so our adversaries don’t even consider striking the U.S. That’s why we need to keep our nuclear modernization programs moving forward, so we can match any of the capabilities being developed by hostile nations like Russia and China. This will be critical as we work to get the Golden Dome established and will remain essential even when these new defenses are in place.”

    Specifically, the GOLDEN DOME Act:

    • Directs the Department of Defense (DoD) to establish a layered defense system that fully integrates all of the nation’s missile defense technologies.
    • Enhances existing U.S. missile defense by authorizing procurement of additional sensors and interceptors.
    • Enables SDA to develop, procure and deploy satellite-based sensors in support of Golden Dome.
    • Requires the modernization of numerous early warning radar detection systems across the U.S., including PARCS at Cavalier Space Force Station.
    • Supports development of advanced technologies to track and defeat enemy missile threats.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: In Floor Speech, Warren Slams Trump’s War in Iran, Exposes 10 Ways Big Beautiful Bill Increases Costs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    June 24, 2025
    “American families don’t need another war – they need good jobs and lower prices, and that is what we should be focused on.”
    Video of Floor Speech (YouTube)
    Washington, D.C. — In a speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) underscored the recklessness of President Trump’s decision to bomb Iran and highlighted ten ways Republicans’ ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ raise costs for American families.  
    “We all agree that Iran should not and cannot have a nuclear weapon…But the only successful strategy for preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon is diplomacy, something Trump had been pursuing right up until Netanyahu began bombing Iran,” said Senator Warren.
    “American families don’t need another war – they need good jobs and lower prices, and that is what we should be focused on,” she continued. 
    Senator Warren also called out the hypocrisy of President Trump’s promise to lower costs “on Day 1” while instead he has been working to rip health care away from over 16 million people to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy. She then highlighted ten ways the bill would raise costs for families, from rent to groceries to prescription drug prices. 
    “But what makes the bill worse is that the money you lose doesn’t pay down the national debt or help us rebuild our roads and bridges. The money you lose will be handed directly to a handful of giant corporations and billionaires in the form of new tax giveaways,” said Senator Warren. 
    Senator Warren called for her Republican colleagues to stand up for American families and say no to the dangerous bill. 
    “We still have time to stop it—and that’s exactly what we should do. Democrats will vote NO. We just need a few courageous Republicans, people who care more about working people instead of billionaires, to join us and stop the Big Beautiful Betrayal from passing,” she concluded. 
    Transcript: Floor Speech on Iran, ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’U.S. Senate FloorJune 24, 2025
    As Prepared for Delivery
    Senator Elizabeth Warren: Bombing another country is an act of war.
    And last week, Donald Trump launched an attack that could spin the United States into another endless war in the Middle East. 
    What followed from that decision can only be described as pure madness.
    Trump declared total victory. Iran threatened retaliation. Americans in the region were forced to shelter in place. Trump’s own team admitted no one knows where the nuclear materials are and what nuclear capacity Iran may still have. Trump called for regime change. And then last night, for a moment, we hoped and believed there was a ceasefire, only for us to wake up to frantic posts on social media by the president begging both sides to stop shooting missiles and rockets at each other.
    Today the Deputy commander of Central Command could describe nothing about what kind of contingency plans the Defense Department was making or even whether they did—or didn’t—have plans for U.S. boots on the ground. And the classified briefing scheduled for right now so that all the senators can ask questions about what has happened and what is currently happening in Iran has just been scrapped for another 48 hours. 
    There is no grand plan. There is no careful effort to develop a responsible U.S. foreign policy to keep us all safe. Once again, Trump serves up chaos—dangerous chaos that threatens the long-term security of the American people. 
    New reporting by CNN and the New York Times suggest Donald Trump’s bombing of Iran failed to destroy its nuclear program. The media reports highlight that the strikes only set back Iran’s nuclear program by a few months.
    A few months – while risking another war in the Middle East. 
    We all agree that Iran should not and cannot have a nuclear weapon. We are committed to that. But the only successful strategy for preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon is diplomacy, something Trump had been pursuing right up until Netanyahu began bombing Iran. 
    That is what we need right now: for all sides to come to the table to build an agreement that’s sturdy and that cements lasting peace. 
    But Trump’s reckless action, backed by many Republicans in Congress, makes it more likely this crisis escalates into a deadly cycle of violence.
    Trump’s reckless action puts American lives at risk.
    Trump’s reckless action risks initiating another endless war that could last months – or even decades – as it did in Iraq and Afghanistan.
    We have the power to put a stop to this madness now. Senator Kaine has introduced a War Powers Resolution to stop Donald Trump from turning these Iran bombings into another endless war in the Middle East.
    American families don’t need another war – they need good jobs and lower prices, and that is what we should be focused on.
    When Donald Trump ran for President, he promised over and over that he would lower costs “on Day 1.” His words—on Day 1. After he was elected, and he was told that his policies would drive up costs, Trump said he “couldn’t care less.” 
    Now we’re at Day 154, and costs are up. Families are paying more for gas. More for housing. More for electricity. Prices are even going up on baby strollers — or as Donald Trump calls it, “the thing you carry the babies around in.” Yes, Donald Trump, the man of the people. 
    So logically, right now, Republicans in Congress are ramming through Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.” A bill that’s not designed to bring down costs, but that will rip health care away from over 16 million people and hand that money over to every billionaire CEO who paid to be in the front row of Trump’s inauguration.
    For anyone who is watching, I’m here today to read into the record ten ways Trump and Republicans’ “Big Beautiful Bill” will make your life more expensive:
    One, your utility bills may go up. The Republicans’ bill will get rid of investments we’ve made in clean energy. We need that energy, and the Republican bill takes our country backwards. It also means that the price of electricity will go up for American families like yours.
    Two, your rent could go up. How? Republicans are trying to block state and local governments from fighting schemes that predatory housing companies use to artificially jack up the price of rent.
    Three, if you’re a kid from a working-class family and don’t have the money to write one check to pay for college, Republicans will make that even more expensive for you. That’s right – Republicans are cutting Pell Grants.
    Four, Republicans are making your student loan payments go up. Independent experts explain that by changing how student loan repayment plans work, Republicans could raise your student loan payments by an average of $400 a month.
    Five, Republicans are making it more expensive to go to medical school. I can’t believe I have to say this, but rich kids shouldn’t be the only people who can become doctors. But this bill would limit how much you can take out in loans to go to medical school.
    Six, Republicans are making the cost of groceries go up. They are cutting food assistance – or SNAP – by nearly $200 per person per year. More than seven million people will have less help, including more than four million people who will lose their food assistance altogether.
    Seven, Republicans are increasing the cost of prescription drugs for millions of Americans. By demanding that states require higher copays for prescription drugs – from $4 to $35 – the cost of a prescription will go up nearly 900% for low-income people on Medicaid.
    Eight, Republicans will send your Affordable Care Act premiums skyrocketing, pushing them up by thousands – and in some cases tens of thousands – of dollars every year. 
    Nine, Republicans’ will drive up the cost of private health insurance. More than half of all Americans get their insurance from their employer. When a portion of the uncompensated care is shifted to private insurers, experts estimate that the costs to your family will increase by hundreds of dollars a year. 
    Ten, Republicans are ripping health insurance away entirely from 16 million people. For those people who will be uninsured, the cost of essential services like X-rays and blood tests will go up. A trip to the emergency room, if God forbid there’s an accident, could mean they go bankrupt.
    That’s just ten ways this bill could raise your costs. That’s bad. But what makes the bill worse is that the money you lose doesn’t pay down the national debt or help us rebuild our roads and bridges. The money you lose will be handed directly to a handful of giant corporations and billionaires in the form of new tax giveaways. Yes, Republicans are stealing your health care to pay for Jeff Bezos’ third yacht.
    And at the same time working families are worried about war and are scraping together enough money to put food on the table, Jeff Bezos is already celebrating by renting out Venice for his ten-million-dollar wedding.
    With control of the White House, the Senate, and the House of Representatives, this is what the Republicans decided to do with their power: drive up your costs and rip health care coverage from millions of people. 
    Really, imagine that: the Republicans have virtually unlimited power, and they want to use it to kick newborn babies out of the hospital and take wheelchairs away from people with disabilities – all so they can give that money to their billionaire friends and corporate donors. 
    It’s sickening. And I am angry.
    I’m angry because I believe that it isn’t just rich kids who should be able to afford a trip to the hospital when they fall down and break an arm.
    Because I believe it isn’t just babies from wealthy families who should be able to see a pediatrician when they get an ear infection.
    Because I believe it isn’t just parents who are Wall Street bankers who should be able to pay for cancer treatment for their kids.
    Our nation is better than that.
    My Republican colleagues should feel ashamed. Experts have run the numbers. Fifty-one thousand more people will die a year – unnecessarily – if the Republican bill becomes law. 
    The Republican reaction? Senator Joni Ernst proclaimed, “well, we’re all going to die.”
    And as recently as today, Senator Mitch McConnell is telling Republicans behind closed doors that their party can take a sledgehammer to Medicaid and ignore people’s concerns because quote “they’ll get over it.”
    Really?
    Seniors in nursing homes who get kicked to the curb won’t “get over it.”
    Little kids who find their mom or dad on the kitchen floor after they couldn’t afford insulin won’t “get over it.”
    Parents who rely on Medicaid to take care of their kid with a disability won’t “get over it.”
    Because make no mistake: people won’t stop getting sick—they’ll just stop getting care. And it doesn’t matter if you’re in a red state or blue state, either. 
    And no, if Senate Republicans cut Medicaid, we will not get over it. We will hold you accountable at the ballot box. 
    But this bill isn’t law. We still have time to stop it—and that’s exactly what we should do. Democrats will vote NO. We just need a few courageous Republicans, people who care more about working people instead of billionaires, to join us and stop the Big Beautiful Betrayal from passing.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: After Pressure From Social Security War Room, SSA Confirms Has Not Recategorized Employees as “Schedule F”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    June 24, 2025

    Warren underscores concerns with potential reclassification of Social Security workers to on strip civil service protections, pave way for mass firings

    Text of SSA Response (PDF) | Text of Letter (PDF)

    Washington, D.C. – In a response to a recent letter from U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA) Frank Bisignano confirmed that SSA has not yet reclassified any frontline SSA workers as Schedule F policy-making employees. The confirmation follows pressure from the lawmakers, who sounded the alarm on SSA’s plans to recategorize critical employees, stripping them of their civil service protections and making it easier to fire them without cause.

    “Donald Trump’s plan to reclassify Social Security staff was always about laying the groundwork to fire frontline workers without reason and replace them with DOGE lackeys — ultimately making it harder for Americans to access their services and benefits,” said Senator Warren. “We’ve kept up the pressure to make sure Trump and Bisignano don’t move forward with this reckless plan, and we’ll keep sounding the alarm.”

    Shortly after Commissioner Bisignano was sworn in, the lawmakers pressed him on reported plans to recategorize thousands of Social Security workers as Schedule F policy-making employees. 

    The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) proposed “Schedule F” as a new category of government employees that have “important policy-determining, policy-making, policy-advocating, or confidential duties.” Schedule F workers are employed at-will, meaning they can be fired at any point and do not have the same rights that protect federal government employees from termination absent “misconduct, neglect of duty, (and) malfeasance.” Additionally, it is not clear that Schedule F employees are included in collective bargaining units or eligible for union representation.

    “SSA’s broad reclassification of employees under seemingly false pretenses appears to be a deliberate effort to allow DOGE to purge SSA of the employees who work dutifully to make sure Americans receive their earned benefits,” wrote the lawmakers.

    Senate Dems’ Social Security War Room is a coordinated effort to fight back against the Trump administration’s attack on Americans’ Social Security. The War Room coordinates messaging across the Senate Democratic Caucus and external stakeholders; encourages grassroots engagement by providing opportunities for Americans to share what Social Security means to them; and educates Senate staff, the American public, and stakeholders about Republicans’ agenda and their continued cuts to Americans’ Social Security services and benefits.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: After Pressure From Social Security War Room, SSA Confirms Has Not Recategorized Employees as “Schedule F”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    June 24, 2025

    Warren underscores concerns with potential reclassification of Social Security workers to on strip civil service protections, pave way for mass firings

    Text of SSA Response (PDF) | Text of Letter (PDF)

    Washington, D.C. – In a response to a recent letter from U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA) Frank Bisignano confirmed that SSA has not yet reclassified any frontline SSA workers as Schedule F policy-making employees. The confirmation follows pressure from the lawmakers, who sounded the alarm on SSA’s plans to recategorize critical employees, stripping them of their civil service protections and making it easier to fire them without cause.

    “Donald Trump’s plan to reclassify Social Security staff was always about laying the groundwork to fire frontline workers without reason and replace them with DOGE lackeys — ultimately making it harder for Americans to access their services and benefits,” said Senator Warren. “We’ve kept up the pressure to make sure Trump and Bisignano don’t move forward with this reckless plan, and we’ll keep sounding the alarm.”

    Shortly after Commissioner Bisignano was sworn in, the lawmakers pressed him on reported plans to recategorize thousands of Social Security workers as Schedule F policy-making employees. 

    The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) proposed “Schedule F” as a new category of government employees that have “important policy-determining, policy-making, policy-advocating, or confidential duties.” Schedule F workers are employed at-will, meaning they can be fired at any point and do not have the same rights that protect federal government employees from termination absent “misconduct, neglect of duty, (and) malfeasance.” Additionally, it is not clear that Schedule F employees are included in collective bargaining units or eligible for union representation.

    “SSA’s broad reclassification of employees under seemingly false pretenses appears to be a deliberate effort to allow DOGE to purge SSA of the employees who work dutifully to make sure Americans receive their earned benefits,” wrote the lawmakers.

    Senate Dems’ Social Security War Room is a coordinated effort to fight back against the Trump administration’s attack on Americans’ Social Security. The War Room coordinates messaging across the Senate Democratic Caucus and external stakeholders; encourages grassroots engagement by providing opportunities for Americans to share what Social Security means to them; and educates Senate staff, the American public, and stakeholders about Republicans’ agenda and their continued cuts to Americans’ Social Security services and benefits.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to study looking at global childhood vaccination coverage

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A study published in the Lancet looks at global trends in routine childhood vaccination coverage.

    Dr Simon Clarke, Associate Professor in Cellular Microbiology, and Head of Division of Biomedical Sciences & Biomedical Engineering, University of Reading, said:

    “These figures indicate a worrying level of children in the UK who are completely unvaccinated against childhood diseases.  While the comparative data do not show the specific causes of this rising trend over recent decades, the WHO and others are right to highlight it as a worrying trend.

    “This is a very large assessment of multiple and large data sources, combined with models which are used to provide consistency between the data and provide forecasts into the future.  Such methodology provides both a clear overview of the past trajectories of immunisation rates along with an effective range of possible scenarios for the future, which appears to be robust and based on sound data.  The authors are clear about the limitations of their study but these do not detract from the overall message.

    “The current move away from funding global health schemes through international aid in order to spend more on defence puts the whole world at greater risk of future epidemics and pandemics.  Our security against this in the UK is improved by supporting efforts to not let dangerous diseases take hold in populations elsewhere in the world.  Our experience of Covid reminds us that lethal human diseases can be very hard to contain on the other side of international borders.”

    Dr David Elliman, Honorary Senior Associate Professor, UCL, said:

    “Vaccination is one of the most cost-effective ways that the health service can improve the lives of children around the world. It is a great success story with more vaccines being introduced all the time.  Not only does vaccination save lives, but it often saves money. However, in the last ten to twenty years, many countries, worldwide, have seen a reduction in the proportion of children receiving all the available vaccines. This article by a large group of researchers has documented the decline.  It may be difficult to measure uptake of vaccination accurately, but the researchers have allowed for this.  It is clear that the decline in uptake is happening around the world.  This has resulted in outbreaks of disease, for examples measles and whooping cough in USA and Europe (including UK) as well as in resource poor countries.  These diseases can and do kill children.  While part of the fall in vaccination is related to COVID, the trend was clear before then.

    “Declining vaccination rates are often blamed on misinformation, but there are many reasons, of which this is only one. Access to vaccines is often overlooked or underestimated as a factor, even in the UK.  Around the world, the increasing number of countries torn apart by civil unrest and wars, combined with the drastic cuts in foreign aid from rich nations, such as USA and UK, makes it difficult to get vaccines to many populations.  With the political changes in USA where it appears that policy is being made on the basis of ill-informed opinion, rather than science, we have a perfect storm. The researchers’ recommendations to strengthen primary health-care systems, address vaccine misinformation and hesitancy, and adapt to local contexts can, and should, be applied to all countries, including the UK.  In addition we should ensure that vaccines are available to all.

    “It is in everyone’s interest that this situation is rectified.  Not only is it a moral imperative to improve the health of ALL children, wherever possible, but as was said during the COVID pandemic, no-one is safe, until everyone is safe. While vaccine-preventable infectious diseases, occur anywhere in the world, we are all at risk. Universal vaccination is a perfect example of ‘enlightened self interest’.”

    Prof Sir Andrew Pollard FRCPCH FMedSci FRS, Director of the Oxford Vaccine Group, and Ashall Professor of Infection and Immunity, Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford, said:

    “The study uses an established approach to track the global burden of disease and immunisation coverage and the authors have tried hard to get the most accurate data by using multiple sources and account for regional variation and inequalities. These types of study will always be limited by the lack of high quality national data from most countries in the world which means there has to be extrapolation and assumption.  Nevertheless these are important data providing a concerning picture of recent declines in vaccine coverage and an increase in the number of zero dose children which risks the future health and lives of millions of children.

    “Incredible progress has been made in the past 50 years since the global expanded programme of immunisation was launched 50 years ago and over 150 million lives, mostly children, have been saved by the programme. The story is the same here in the UK with the launch of our own national programme by JCVI 62 years ago: deaths from infectious diseases of childhood have plummeted here too. The rarity of childhood severe disease and death from infection risks that we become complacent. But the danger remains out there: all of the diseases for which vaccines can protect children remain at large, only kept at bay by the shield which is provided by immunuisation. Unvaccinated children are vulnerable to a wide range of awful life-threatening bacteria and viruses, just as was the case for our population in the first half of the 20th century. There is a worrying trend of falling vaccine coverage worldwide which has been manifest in the last year as the outbreaks in Europe and North America of measles and whooping cough, with measles deaths in Texas in 2025. Falling global vaccine coverage, an increase in the numbers of children receiving no vaccines, and delays in vaccination mean that more children will be hospitalised, permanently damaged and die from fully preventable diseases if the trend is not reversed. Alas, the cuts in global health funding mean that this situation is set to deteriorate. This is a big concern for the future of our health and global health security.”

    Dr Ed Parker, Assistant Professor and Co-Director of the Vaccine Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), said:

    “This is a timely study that attempts to quantify global trends in childhood vaccine coverage since 1980.  The findings highlight the remarkable progress that has been made to deliver life-saving vaccines across the globe, while painting a clear picture of the challenges faced following disrupted vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic and the stagnation in vaccination rates that preceded it.

    “Underpinning the work is an immense data curation effort, drawing together data from household surveys, national coverage reports, and various other sources from across the globe. The study team estimated coverage trends with careful consideration of the biases, gaps, and inconsistencies that are inherent in these data, providing strong foundations for the study’s conclusions.

    “A key uncertainty – acknowledged by the authors – is that it is too early to know what effect proposed funding cuts might have on vaccination programmes globally. The recent resurgence of measles, polio, and diphtheria – all preventable by vaccination – serves as a reminder of what is at stake if high and equitable vaccine coverage is not sustained.”

    Prof Helen Bedford, Professor of Children’s Health, UCL, said:

    “It is often said that, after clean water, vaccination is the most effective intervention for protecting the health of our children. While it can be challenging in many settings to measure vaccine uptake accurately, the researchers publishing the latest data from the World Health Organization have made allowance for this and it provides powerful evidence. It is estimated that vaccination has prevented an estimated 154 million deaths, mostly in the under-fives, across the globe in the last 50 years. However, we cannot rest on our laurels; this progress is stalling in many countries including the UK. In UK, although vaccination is the norm, with the overwhelming majority of parents vaccinating their babies, infants and children without hesitation, there has been a small but gradual decline in the number of parents doing so each year over the past 12 years with increasing inequity in uptake between social groups. This has resulted in recent outbreaks of disease with the largest number of confirmed cases of measles since the 1990s and the tragic deaths of eleven babies from whooping cough in 2024.

    “The reasons for declining vaccine uptake are numerous and complex but require commitment and resource to meet the challenges of increasing social inequity, readily available mis-information about vaccine safety and necessity and improving public confidence in vaccination programmes. Vaccination remains one of our most powerful tools for protecting child health, but its continued success depends on sustained investment, equity, and public trust.”

    ‘Global, regional, and national trends in routine childhood vaccination coverage from 1980 to 2023 with forecasts to 2030: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023’ by GBD 2023 Vaccine Coverage Collaborators was published in the Lancet at 23:30 UK time on Tuesday 24 June 2025. 

    DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(25)01037-2

    Declared interests

    Dr Simon Clarke: “No conflicts of interest.”

    Dr David Elliman: “No conflicts of interest.”

    Prof Sir Andrew Pollard: “Professor Pollard is chair of JCVI which provides independent scientific advice on vaccines to DHSC.  The comment above is given in a personal capacity.”

    Dr Ed Parker: “No COIs to declare.”

    Prof Helen Bedford: “No conflicts.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Statement On The Third Anniversary Of The Dobbs Ruling

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    June 24, 2025

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement on the third anniversary of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court:

    “Today marks a sad anniversary. Three years ago, the Supreme Court’s conservative supermajority abandoned the long-standing constitutional protections recognized in Roe v. Wade—rejecting nearly 50 years of progress and dragging gender equality and women’s rights half a century backward.

    “What has happened in the wake of Dobbs was as predictable as it is devastating. Republican-led states opened the floodgates, enacting draconian abortion restrictions with deadly consequences for women unable to obtain critical health care. We’ve also seen a full-fledged attack on reproductive freedoms at the federal level, including the Trump Administration’s Health and Human Services Department re-reviewing mifepristone—which has been deemed safe and effective for more than two decades by the FDA—and Republicans’ continued efforts to defund Planned Parenthood clinics across the nation.

    “While I cannot sugarcoat the state of women’s rights following Dobbs, I want to make one thing crystal clear: this fight is far from over. I, along with my Democratic colleagues, will continue to fight against harmful partisan policies, unfounded in science or the Constitution, that put women’s health and autonomy at risk.”

    Today, Durbin joined Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Patty Murray (D-WA), along with the entire Senate Democratic Caucus, in introducing the Women’s Health Protection Act of 2025, legislation to guarantee access to abortion everywhere across the country and restore the right to comprehensive reproductive health care for millions of Americans.

    As Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee during the Biden Administration, Durbin held a hearing in March 2024 entitled “The Continued Assault on Reproductive Freedoms in a Post-Dobbs America.”  The hearing examined the continued and devastating fallout since Dobbs. The hearing followed two previous hearings the Committee held, under Durbin’s leadership, on reproductive freedoms since Roe was overruled—one in July 2022 and one in April 2023. 

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McConnell on American Leadership; Standing with Israel and Ukraine

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, delivered remarks on the Senate floor today regarding U.S. national security interests in standing with Israel, supporting Ukraine, and investing sufficiently in our own defense. Prepared text of his speech follows:

    “When Iran’s proxies launched a full-scale war on Israel on October 7th, 2023, President Biden pledged an ‘unwavering commitment to Israel’s security’. This was the right message in the moment. But as I warned publicly at the time, Israel needed more than rhetorical solidarity.

    “Like Ukraine, Israel needed precious time, space to maneuver, and material support to defeat a shared enemy. And yet, as in Ukraine, America’s commitment has indeed wavered. Our support has not been ironclad.

    “Instead, under the previous Administration, American support was delayed, restricted, and paired with attempts to micromanage Israeli operations and even interfere with Israeli politics. And at every turn, the progressive left and isolationist right hyperventilated about the specter of so-called forever war.

    “Fortunately, Israel held its ground. Israelis weren’t enthused about a ground war in Gaza. Their leaders knew that war would be difficult. But they knew it was unavoidable so long as Hamas terrorists still refused to release its hostages. They also knew lasting security meant changing Iran’s calculus…Not just responding to attacks from its proxies. So Israel decided to turn Iran’s terrorist assets into liabilities.

    “Despite the pearl-clutching here in Washington, our ally simultaneously decapitated Hizballah and crippled Hamas. Their bold operations created a new opportunity for Lebanon to claw back its sovereignty from a terrorist state within a state.

    “Meanwhile, the collapse of the brutal Assad regime in Syria brought down a Russian vassal and Iran’s favorite corridor of weapons and terrorist finance. These are the circumstances President Trump inherited. What to do with them has been the subject of some debate. Some of his advisors and supporters came with Obama-Biden-era talking points, ready to urge him to continue his predecessor’s policy of constraining Israel. Some had argued publicly that America had no vital or existential interests in the Middle East or claimed the region was a distraction from other priorities. They warned of forever war. Some seemed to push for nuclear negotiations with parameters eerily similar to the nuclear deal he withdrew from during his first term. They even proposed Iran could keep enriching uranium, until the President rightly quashed that idea.

    “These mixed messages emboldened Iran and its proxies. After all, why give up if Administration officials saw the Middle East as little more than a distraction?…or if they seem as fearful of restoring deterrence as the previous guys? So Hamas kept holding hostages. The Houthis kept targeting Israel and Red Sea commerce. And the Islamic Republic kept marching toward a nuclear weapon. And in response, Israel took the next logical step to restore deterrence.

    “Once again, innovative and decisive strikes destroyed Iran’s air defenses and imposed immediate costs on Tehran. And leaders from across Israel’s politics stood united behind the daring operations. But here in America, the same restrainers, anti-Israel progressives, and self-proclaimed realists warned again of regional conflagration if the President intervened alongside – or even supported – Israel’s strikes.

    “The President’s own Director of National Intelligence traveled to Hiroshima to record a bizarre video message – not as a warning against Tehran’s nuclear ambitions but, presumably, against American or Israeli operations to blunt them.

    “Fortunately, the President rejected the pleas of appeasers and isolationists. The strikes he ordered dealt a massive blow to Iran’s nuclear program, bolstered American credibility, and strengthened U.S. and Israeli leverage to end Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons and its support for terrorism for good.

    “Thanks to Israel’s heroic efforts for more than a year and a half, Iran’s ability to threaten regional stability is massively degraded. Not since before the Islamic revolution has there been such an opportunity for America, Israel, and our Arab partners to reset regional dynamics on such favorable terms. Achieving it has required no large-scale deployment of U.S. ground forces. It required only supporting our friends. Israel is a close ally and a strategic asset. Not a liability. And the strategic return on our investment in assisting Israel is incalculable.

    “Standing with our Israeli friends offers a powerful lesson about American leadership, the value of alliances and partnerships, and the real nature of peace through strength. And this lesson extends far beyond the Middle East. If America refuses to apply it elsewhere – like Ukraine – we do so at grave risk to our own interests. But that’s exactly what some in Washington seem to be doing. Congress recently learned that a senior DoD official conducted a review of DoD security assistance efforts and concluded that the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), among other programs, was wasteful. This is a Republican Administration panning a program created by a Republican Congress in 2015 to counter President Obama’s toothless response to Russia’s initial invasion of Ukraine. I’d like to see the analysis behind the Administration’s decision to zero out USAI in its FY26 request. I’d like to hear them try to explain away the massive return on investment of America’s security assistance to Ukraine and the precious lessons we’ve learned from our Ukrainian partners.

    “The Secretary of the Army has rightly called Ukraine ‘the Silicon Valley of warfare’. Do his colleagues at the Pentagon think this assessment is wrong, or do they just not think access to the cutting edge of modern combat is valuable? Here’s the truth: USAI and other security assistance efforts have helped us measurably address shortcomings in strategy, capabilities, and production capacity that would have gone ignored until it was too late.

    “It’s an inconvenient reality for isolationists and restrainers, but – for a tiny percent of our defense budget – we helped a smaller military resist invasion by a vastly larger one and degrade a major U.S. adversary.

    “As with Israel, Ukraine is fighting an adversary of the United States. Our support does not entangle us in a far-off foreign conflict. For Russia, Iran, China, and North Korea, America is the main enemy – the great Satan. If these adversaries beat our friends, the threat to America become a thousand times greater. We should be grateful for friends so willing to defend our collective interests against common foes.

    “Partnership with Ukraine is teaching us what modern warfare could mean for U.S. forces when they do face direct conflict. It has tested our assumptions about munitions inventories, expenditure rates, electronic warfare, and the duration of conflict. Without Ukraine’s experience with U.S. weapons, we would have been surprised to find some advanced systems quickly rendered inoperable on future battlefields.

    “The money we invest in USAI on weapons for Ukraine expands our own production capacity in the process and will improve the quality of our own munitions. Supplemental appropriations on Ukraine and Israel, in turn, backfill our own stocks with brand-new capabilities – not just 155mm rounds, but air defenses and long-range fires, with specific investment in solid rocket motors. These investments help us prepare for conflict in the Indo-Pacific. And production would be slower in the absence of our partnership with Ukraine. Not doing more to address our growing defense needs isn’t a failure of foresight. It’s a failure of political will. Everyone wants to see an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine. But the price of peace matters. If we want enduring stability in Europe, we can’t fall for an illusory peace.

    “We should know enough history not to dismiss this as merely ‘a quarrel in a faraway country, between two people of whom we know nothing’. It’s a major war of conquest in Europe…The most significant since the days of Nazi Germany…And allies and adversaries half a world away are watching it closely for clues about America’s resolve. Certainly, Europe’s deepening commitments to collective defense will make real peace more enforceable. The President’s insistence has driven much of this progress; Putin’s brutality has reinforced it.

    “Since 2022, our European NATO allies have made historic investments in defense – often buying American. And many are preparing to make even larger commitments at this week’s NATO Summit. This is good news. But we can’t expect allies to continue signing up for 3.5% and 5% commitments if America insists on falling further behind. Likewise, we can’t expect Putin to end his aggression if he thinks America’s abandonment of Ukraine is only a matter of time. And we can’t expect anyone to take America’s threats and commitments seriously if we’re content to let our own strength atrophy.

    “A base budget request that cuts defense spending in real terms doesn’t show Moscow we’re serious – let alone Beijing. Leading from behind would be bad enough, but this is just plain falling behind. The strongest deterrence is denying an adversary’s objectives through military means. Israel is restoring this deterrence in the Middle East. Ukraine is achieving it by holding its own against Russia. But it needs help.

    “Recently, I’ve asked Administration officials simple questions, like: Who is the aggressor in this conflict? The answer is obvious. But a second, equally simple question seems to trip them up: Who do we want to win?

    “The President made the right call to stand with Israel. I hope he’ll also decide to stand with Ukraine, prevent Russian victory, and start reversing a dangerous, downward trend in our defense budgets. I hope he’ll recognize Russia’s attempt to ‘tap him along’ for what it is. Putin is getting mixed messages from Washington. He thinks he has time. He believes the West is weak and divided. But the President – at very little cost – can shatter this illusion. It’s time to impose sanctions, raise the price of Russia’s aggression, redouble security assistance to Ukraine, and drive the Kremlin to seek peace. It’s time for deterrence through denial.

    “There’s no surer path to just and enduring peace…No better way to demonstrate that peace through strength actually means something…No clearer sign to allies and adversaries watching closely from the Western Hemisphere to the Indo-Pacific that America still has the will to lead.”

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Ceasefires like the one between Iran and Israel often fail – but an agreement with specific conditions is more likely to hold

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Donald Heflin, Executive Director of the Edward R. Murrow Center and Senior Fellow of Diplomatic Practice, The Fletcher School, Tufts University

    President Donald Trump speaks to reporters outside the White House on June 24, 2025, in Washington, less than 12 hours after announcing a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

    Within hours of President Donald Trump unexpectedly announcing an upcoming ceasefire between Israel and Iran on June 23, 2025, both countries launched airstrikes against the other.

    “We basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don’t know what the f–k they’re doing,” an angry and frustrated Trump told reporters outside the White House on June 24.

    While Iran and Israel have tentatively agreed to the truce – and Trump reiterated on June 24 that the “ceasefire is in effect” – it is not clear whether this deal can hold. Some research shows that an estimated 80% of ceasefire deals worldwide fail.

    Amy Lieberman, a politics and society editor at The Conversation U.S., spoke with former Ambassador Donald Heflin, an American career diplomat who serves as the executive director of the Edward R. Murrow Center at the Fletcher School, Tufts University, to understand how ceasefires typically work – and how the Israel-Iran deal stacks up against other agreements to end wars.

    An excavator removes debris from a residential building that was destroyed in Israel’s June 13, 2025, airstrike on Tehran, Iran.
    Majid Saeedi/Getty Images

    How do ceasefire deals typically happen?

    There are classes taught on how to negotiate ceasefires, but it is ad hoc with each situation.

    For example, in one scenario, one of the warring parties wants a ceasefire and has decided that the conflict isn’t going well. The second party might not want a ceasefire, but could agree that it is getting tired or the risks are too high, and agrees to work something out.

    The next scenario, which leads to more success, is when both parties want a ceasefire. They decide that the loss of life and money has gone too far for both sides. One of the parties approaches the other through intermediaries to say it wants a ceasefire, and the other warring party agrees.

    In a third situation – which is what we are seeing with the Iran-Israel deal – the outside world imposes a ceasefire. Trump likely told both Israel and Iran: Look, it’s enough. This is too dangerous for the rest of the world. We don’t care what you think. Time for a ceasefire.“

    The U.S. has done this in the Middle East before, like after the Yom Kippur War in 1973 between Israel and a coalition of Arab countries led by Egypt and Syria. Israel was achieving big military victories, but the risk was pretty great for the world. The U.S. came in and said, “That’s enough, stop it now.” And it worked.

    Does the US bring the warring parties to a table in this kind of situation, or simply pressure the countries to stop fighting?

    It is more of the U.S. saying, “We are done.” When the U.S. does something like this, it is often going to have backup from the European Union and other countries like Qatar, saying, “The Americans are right. It is time for a ceasefire.”

    It appears that this Israel-Iran deal does not have specific conditions attached to it. Is that typical of a ceasefire deal?

    This deal doesn’t seem to have any specific details attached to it. Ceasefires work better when they have that. Lasting ceasefires need to address the concerns of the warring parties and give each side some of what it wants.

    For instance, in the Ukraine and Russia war, we have not seen either one of those countries push for a ceasefire. Part of the problem is Crimea and eastern Ukraine, sections of land in Ukraine that Russia has annexed and claims as its own. Russia would be happy with a deal that puts it in charge of Crimea and Ukraine, but Ukraine won’t agree to that. The question of who controls specific areas of land has to be addressed in this conflict; otherwise, the ceasefire isn’t going to last.

    Search and rescue efforts continue in a building in Beersheba, Israel, hit by a ballistic missile fired from Iran shortly before the ceasefire announced by U.S. President Donald Trump came into effect on June 24, 2025.
    Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu via Getty Images)

    Who is responsible for ensuring that both sides uphold a ceasefire?

    Security guarantees are an important part of negotiating and maintaining long-term ceasefires. Big countries like the U.S. could say that if a warring party violates a ceasefire agreement, they are going to punish them.

    In the 1990s, the U.S. and Europe assured Ukraine that if it gave up its nuclear arsenal, the U.S. would defend Ukraine if Russia ever invaded it. Russia has invaded Ukraine twice since then, in 2014 and 2022. The U.S. gave a more substantial response in the form of sending weapons and other war materials to Ukraine after the 2022 invasion, but there have been no real consequences for Russia.

    That has created a problem for ceasefires in the future, because the U.S. didn’t deliver on its past security guarantees.

    The further away you get from Europe, the less interested the West is in wars. But in those kinds of disputes, United Nations and other international peacekeeping troops can be sent in. Sometimes, that can work brilliantly in one place, like with the example of international peacekeeping troops called the multilateral Observer Mission stationed between Israel and Egypt helping maintain peace between those countries. But you can copy it to another place and it just doesn’t work as well.

    How does this ceasefire fit within the history of other ceasefires?

    It’s too early to tell. What matters is how the details get fleshed out.

    Ideally, you can get representatives of the Israeli and Iranian governments to sit around a conference table to reach a detailed agreement. The Israelis might say, “We have got to have some kind of assurances that Iran is not going to use a nuclear weapon.” And the Iranians could say, “Assassinations of our military generals and scientists has got to stop.” That kind of conversation and agreement is what is missing, thus far, in this process.

    Why is it so common for ceasefire deals to fail?

    Some ceasefire deals don’t get to the underlying conditions of what really caused the problem and what made people start shooting this time around. If you don’t get to the core issues of a conflict, you are putting a Band-Aid on the situation. Putting a Band-Aid on someone when they are bleeding is a good move, but you ultimately might need more than that to stop the bleeding.

    The outside world might be pretty happy with a ceasefire deal that seems to stop the fighting, but if the details are not ironed out, the experts would say, “This isn’t going to last.”

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

    – ref. Ceasefires like the one between Iran and Israel often fail – but an agreement with specific conditions is more likely to hold – https://theconversation.com/ceasefires-like-the-one-between-iran-and-israel-often-fail-but-an-agreement-with-specific-conditions-is-more-likely-to-hold-259739

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Ceasefires like the one between Iran and Israel often fail – but an agreement with specific conditions is more likely to hold

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Donald Heflin, Executive Director of the Edward R. Murrow Center and Senior Fellow of Diplomatic Practice, The Fletcher School, Tufts University

    President Donald Trump speaks to reporters outside the White House on June 24, 2025, in Washington, less than 12 hours after announcing a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

    Within hours of President Donald Trump unexpectedly announcing an upcoming ceasefire between Israel and Iran on June 23, 2025, both countries launched airstrikes against the other.

    “We basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don’t know what the f–k they’re doing,” an angry and frustrated Trump told reporters outside the White House on June 24.

    While Iran and Israel have tentatively agreed to the truce – and Trump reiterated on June 24 that the “ceasefire is in effect” – it is not clear whether this deal can hold. Some research shows that an estimated 80% of ceasefire deals worldwide fail.

    Amy Lieberman, a politics and society editor at The Conversation U.S., spoke with former Ambassador Donald Heflin, an American career diplomat who serves as the executive director of the Edward R. Murrow Center at the Fletcher School, Tufts University, to understand how ceasefires typically work – and how the Israel-Iran deal stacks up against other agreements to end wars.

    An excavator removes debris from a residential building that was destroyed in Israel’s June 13, 2025, airstrike on Tehran, Iran.
    Majid Saeedi/Getty Images

    How do ceasefire deals typically happen?

    There are classes taught on how to negotiate ceasefires, but it is ad hoc with each situation.

    For example, in one scenario, one of the warring parties wants a ceasefire and has decided that the conflict isn’t going well. The second party might not want a ceasefire, but could agree that it is getting tired or the risks are too high, and agrees to work something out.

    The next scenario, which leads to more success, is when both parties want a ceasefire. They decide that the loss of life and money has gone too far for both sides. One of the parties approaches the other through intermediaries to say it wants a ceasefire, and the other warring party agrees.

    In a third situation – which is what we are seeing with the Iran-Israel deal – the outside world imposes a ceasefire. Trump likely told both Israel and Iran: Look, it’s enough. This is too dangerous for the rest of the world. We don’t care what you think. Time for a ceasefire.“

    The U.S. has done this in the Middle East before, like after the Yom Kippur War in 1973 between Israel and a coalition of Arab countries led by Egypt and Syria. Israel was achieving big military victories, but the risk was pretty great for the world. The U.S. came in and said, “That’s enough, stop it now.” And it worked.

    Does the US bring the warring parties to a table in this kind of situation, or simply pressure the countries to stop fighting?

    It is more of the U.S. saying, “We are done.” When the U.S. does something like this, it is often going to have backup from the European Union and other countries like Qatar, saying, “The Americans are right. It is time for a ceasefire.”

    It appears that this Israel-Iran deal does not have specific conditions attached to it. Is that typical of a ceasefire deal?

    This deal doesn’t seem to have any specific details attached to it. Ceasefires work better when they have that. Lasting ceasefires need to address the concerns of the warring parties and give each side some of what it wants.

    For instance, in the Ukraine and Russia war, we have not seen either one of those countries push for a ceasefire. Part of the problem is Crimea and eastern Ukraine, sections of land in Ukraine that Russia has annexed and claims as its own. Russia would be happy with a deal that puts it in charge of Crimea and Ukraine, but Ukraine won’t agree to that. The question of who controls specific areas of land has to be addressed in this conflict; otherwise, the ceasefire isn’t going to last.

    Search and rescue efforts continue in a building in Beersheba, Israel, hit by a ballistic missile fired from Iran shortly before the ceasefire announced by U.S. President Donald Trump came into effect on June 24, 2025.
    Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu via Getty Images)

    Who is responsible for ensuring that both sides uphold a ceasefire?

    Security guarantees are an important part of negotiating and maintaining long-term ceasefires. Big countries like the U.S. could say that if a warring party violates a ceasefire agreement, they are going to punish them.

    In the 1990s, the U.S. and Europe assured Ukraine that if it gave up its nuclear arsenal, the U.S. would defend Ukraine if Russia ever invaded it. Russia has invaded Ukraine twice since then, in 2014 and 2022. The U.S. gave a more substantial response in the form of sending weapons and other war materials to Ukraine after the 2022 invasion, but there have been no real consequences for Russia.

    That has created a problem for ceasefires in the future, because the U.S. didn’t deliver on its past security guarantees.

    The further away you get from Europe, the less interested the West is in wars. But in those kinds of disputes, United Nations and other international peacekeeping troops can be sent in. Sometimes, that can work brilliantly in one place, like with the example of international peacekeeping troops called the multilateral Observer Mission stationed between Israel and Egypt helping maintain peace between those countries. But you can copy it to another place and it just doesn’t work as well.

    How does this ceasefire fit within the history of other ceasefires?

    It’s too early to tell. What matters is how the details get fleshed out.

    Ideally, you can get representatives of the Israeli and Iranian governments to sit around a conference table to reach a detailed agreement. The Israelis might say, “We have got to have some kind of assurances that Iran is not going to use a nuclear weapon.” And the Iranians could say, “Assassinations of our military generals and scientists has got to stop.” That kind of conversation and agreement is what is missing, thus far, in this process.

    Why is it so common for ceasefire deals to fail?

    Some ceasefire deals don’t get to the underlying conditions of what really caused the problem and what made people start shooting this time around. If you don’t get to the core issues of a conflict, you are putting a Band-Aid on the situation. Putting a Band-Aid on someone when they are bleeding is a good move, but you ultimately might need more than that to stop the bleeding.

    The outside world might be pretty happy with a ceasefire deal that seems to stop the fighting, but if the details are not ironed out, the experts would say, “This isn’t going to last.”

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

    – ref. Ceasefires like the one between Iran and Israel often fail – but an agreement with specific conditions is more likely to hold – https://theconversation.com/ceasefires-like-the-one-between-iran-and-israel-often-fail-but-an-agreement-with-specific-conditions-is-more-likely-to-hold-259739

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Update 7: Alberta wildfire update (June 24, 3:30 p.m.)

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Death toll in Iran from Israeli strikes exceeds 600 – Health Ministry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    TEHRAN, June 24 (Xinhua) — The death toll from Israeli strikes on Iranian territory over the past 12 days has reached 606, with 5,332 injured, Iranian Health Minister Mohammad Reza Zafarghandi said on Tuesday.

    He said the past 24 hours had seen “the most horrific attacks and acts of aggression” by Israel since the airstrikes began on June 13, killing 104 people and wounding 1,342.

    The Israeli Health Ministry has reported 28 deaths and 3,238 wounded on the Israeli side since the start of the conflict.

    On Monday evening, US President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire between the two sides would go into effect on June 24 at around 04:00 GMT.

    Although Iran and Israel agreed to a ceasefire, within hours of it beginning both sides reported truce violations, vowing to strike back at each other. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Iran ready to resolve issues at negotiating table — president

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    TEHRAN, June 24 (Xinhua) — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Tuesday that his country is ready to resolve issues within the international framework and at the negotiating table.

    According to a statement published on the website of the presidential office, M. Pezeshkian reported this during a telephone conversation with the President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

    According to M. Pezeshkian, Iran expects the UAE to convey to the US that the Islamic Republic is only seeking its legitimate rights and is in no way seeking to develop nuclear weapons.

    The President stressed that the Iranian side is capable of responding to Israeli attacks, while expressing hope that the ceasefire between Iran and Israel will be maintained.

    He also expressed his country’s readiness to deepen relations with the UAE and stressed the importance of regional stability.

    “We consider the people of the UAE and other countries in the region to be our brothers and respect the territorial integrity of all states. We believe that we will be able to develop the region exclusively through stability and peace, and, of course, in the absence of foreign interference,” M. Pezeshkian said.

    The UAE President, in turn, stated that self-defense is a natural right of all states, emphasizing that Iran, the UAE and other countries in the region will always remain neighbors to each other. “We must understand how we can guarantee a better future for our peoples through bilateral relations,” Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan noted.

    He expressed the UAE’s support for Iran in the face of current challenges. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Carlisle Man Indicted for Arson

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

    HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that John Petonyak, age 46, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, was charged on June 18, 2025, by a federal grand jury with two counts of arson.  

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on August 11, 2021, Petonyak maliciously set fire to materials associated with two buildings in Carlisle:  The Gingerbread Man, located on S. Court House Avenue; and the Faye’s Kitchen, located on S. Hanover Street.   

    The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Carlisle Police Department; and the Pennsylvania State Police.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Ford is prosecuting the case.

    Petonyak faces a maximum penalty of 40 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.  A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

    Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Only diplomacy can achieve a lasting solution to the Iranian nuclear threat: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Only diplomacy can achieve a lasting solution to the Iranian nuclear threat: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on UN Security Council resolution 2231.

    Let me start by welcoming the announcement by President Trump of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran.

    But the situation remains extremely fragile. We call on all sides to respect the ceasefire in full. 

    Our priority remains stability in the Middle East, and we are clear that restarting this conflict is in no one’s interest.

    Now is the time for a return to diplomacy. 

    We, along with our partners, are clear that only diplomacy can achieve a durable solution to the Iranian nuclear threat.  

    We urge Iran to take this opportunity to engage in negotiations now. It is critical that Iran does not miss this window for diplomacy. 

    President, as we know, Iran’s nuclear programme has been far beyond any credible civilian justification, including an enriched uranium stockpile 40 times the limit set by the JCPoA.

    It is urgent that the IAEA have full access, especially on Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile.

    We have been clear that Iran cannot develop or acquire a nuclear weapon.

    The UK, alongside our E3 partners, stands ready to support efforts towards a negotiated solution. 

    We will use all diplomatic levers at our disposal to support a negotiated outcome and ensure Iran does not develop a nuclear weapon.

    President, finally, we commend the IAEA and the Director-General for their vital work, including under the mandate of UN Security Council resolution 2231.

    They have displayed professionalism and impartiality, and they have our full support.

    We urge Iran to cooperate with the IAEA in the interests of both safety and diplomacy.

    Colleagues, we urge all parties to urgently pursue a deal that establishes international confidence long term that Iran’s nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful.

    This ceasefire is the first step towards that.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM meeting with President Macron of France and Chancellor Merz of Germany: 24 June 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    PM meeting with President Macron of France and Chancellor Merz of Germany: 24 June 2025

    The Prime Minister spoke to the French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the NATO Summit in The Hague this evening.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the NATO Summit in The Hague this evening.

    The leaders reflected on the volatile situation in the Middle East. Now was the time for diplomacy and for Iran to come to the negotiating table, they agreed.

    Turning to Ukraine, the leaders discussed the need to apply more pressure on the Kremlin, including through further sanctions.

    Discussing Gaza, the Prime Minister reiterated that the situation was intolerable and all sides needed to work towards an urgent ceasefire.

    The leaders looked forward to speaking again this evening.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Salinas, Ansari Statement on the Trump Administration’s Decision to Rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule

    Source: US Representative Andrea Salinas (OR-06)

    Washington, DC – Today, Reps. Andrea Salinas (OR-06) and Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) issued a joint statement on the Trump Administration’s decision to rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule:

    “We are deeply disappointed by the Trump Administration’s damaging decision to roll back critical environmental protections for nearly 60 million acres of our nation’s most pristine forests.

    For more than two decades, the Roadless Rule has provided commonsense guidelines to protect critical untouched ecosystems within our national forests without jeopardizing wildfire prevention and response. The Administration’s decision is a bad deal for our climate, threatened species, and for all of us who cherish America’s natural wonders.

    Together, we introduced the Roadless Area Conservation Act to codify the Roadless Rule and ensure consistent, dependable protections for these critical landscapes. We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to reverse this disastrous decision.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pennsylvania gas plant to bring hundreds of jobs for Boilermakers

    Source: US International Brotherhood of Boilermakers

    When the hiring process starts, we’ll be ready to go. We want to give them qualified men and women.

    Shawn Steffee, L-154 Business Agent

    On April 2, Homer City Redevelopment and Kiewit Power Constructors Co. announced plans to redevelop the former Homer City Generating Station site. Once the largest coal-fired power plant in Pennsylvania, the 3,200-acre property will be transformed into a natural-gas-powered data center campus. 

    The new facility will meet the growing demand for artificial intelligence and high-performance computing. Top technology companies are hungry for more computing power and this project aims to deliver. 

    Construction will generate hundreds of new jobs for the Boilermakers, according to L-154 (Pittsburgh) Business Agent and Homer City native Shawn Steffee. In addition to Boilermakers, the project will employ thousands of unionized skilled trade workers during the build.

    The closure of the coal plant in 2022 was a major blow to Homer City and the local workforce.

    “The shutting of coal-fired plants and refineries caused a noticeable drop in our membership and the loss of many skilled Boilermakers to other trades,” said L-154 Business Manager Michael Stanton. “However, we are encouraged by the natural gas industry and excited about signs of a coal resurgence in America.”

    Steffee remembers how damaging it was for friends when Homer City closed the coal plant.

    “I knew the people who worked here, and the closure was devastating,” said Steffee, who’s thrilled at the prospect of work for Boilermakers in his local. “The Homer City Energy Campus will be a series of natural-gas plants that will power a massive data center campus. What’s really interesting is that this is going to be 4.5 gigawatt, the largest in North America, when it’s done.”

    The power block build itself is a $10 billion investment. Another $10 to $15 billion is planned for investment in data centers.

    The build can’t be done with renewables. According to Steffee, it would take 75 million solar panels across 230 sq. miles to generate the kind of output the new power block will provide. For wind, the numbers are 5,000 wind turbines across 1,875 sq. miles of land. He said the American people need to understand where reliable power comes from when they switch on a light. And renewables aren’t reliable.

    The Homer City project brings security to the grid and eliminates reliability issues.

    “Natural gas, coal and nuclear, these are reliable power,” he said. “What’s really great for the state of Pennsylvania is using the Marcellus and Utica formation. The plant will take 530 million cubic feet of gas per day.”

    The local is up for the task of recruiting and training the needed number of Boilermakers for this job. Stanton said they indentured a new apprentice class in May and are actively recruiting through job fairs, school visits and community outreach.

    “To strengthen our recruitment efforts, we utilized the M.O.R.E. Work Investment Fund to partner with a media team to enhance our social media presence and outreach, showcasing the benefits of a Boilermaker career.”

    The local will need more Boilermakers because Steffee sees even more work coming. So, he’s keen on being the best craft on the project and fully manning it.

    “When the hiring process starts, we’ll be ready to go. We want to give them qualified men and women. We want to build more. We want to build our numbers back up. This project is just the beginning,” he said. “This is just the beginning for us. I couldn’t be happier for our local. We needed the good news.”

    To strengthen our recruitment efforts, we utilized the M.O.R.E. Work Investment Fund to partner with a media team to enhance our social media presence and outreach, showcasing the benefits of a Boilermaker career. 

    Michael Stanton, L-154 Business Manager

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Iran, Israel, Qatar & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (24 June 2025) | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (video statements)

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

    ———————————

    Highlights:

    Iran/Israel
    Iran/Qatar
    UN Charter
    Security Council
    Security Council/Non-Proliferation
    Occupied Palestinian Territory
    UNIFIL
    Ukraine
    Sudan
    Democratic Republic Of The Congo
    Chad
    Refugees
    Panel On Chemicals
    Internet Governance Forum
    Women In Diplomacy
    Guests Tomorrow

    __________________________________________

    IRAN/ISRAEL
    The Secretary-General welcomes US President Trump’s announcement of a cease-fire between Israel and Iran. He urges the two countries to respect it fully. The fighting must stop, the people of the two countries have already suffered too much, he said.
    The Secretary-General hopes that this ceasefire can be replicated in the other conflicts in the region.

    IRAN/QATAR
    In a statement yesterday, the Secretary-General expressed his deep alarm at the further escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.
    On social media, he strongly condemned the attack yesterday by Iran on Qatar, a country that has been active for peace in the region and further afield. 
    The Secretary-General urges all Member States to uphold their obligations under the UN Charter and other rules of international law.

    UN CHARTER
    Yesterday evening, the Secretary-General delivered remarks at a ceremony that took place here at the UN headquarters to welcome home the original UN Charter, 80 years after it was written. Eighty years is a blink of an eye in history, and yet, the Secretary-General said, until the United Nations, humanity never had a single place where every government and all peoples could unite to fix the world and build something better.

    SECURITY COUNCIL
    Hannah Tetteh, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Libya, briefed the Security Council this morning by VTC and said that the UN Mission in Libya, UNSMIL, has helped to support the preservation of the fragile truce that had been reached on 14 May, develop mechanisms to facilitate a de-escalation of tensions in order to prevent further clashes, and ensure the protection of civilians.
    She warned that there are reports of continued build-up and fears among many Libyans that armed clashes will resume. UNSMIL urges all political and security actors to refrain from provocative rhetoric and actions that would only serve to deepen the lack of trust and undermine all the de-escalation efforts being made to sustain the fragile truce.
    Ms. Tetteh noted the calls from many Libyans for UNSMIL to act swiftly to facilitate a Libyan led and owned political process that leads to credible elections and unified institutions. She said that UNSMIL will intensify its engagement in the coming weeks, building on the momentum generated by the Berlin meeting earlier this month.

    SECURITY COUNCIL/NON-PROLIFERATION
    At 3 p.m., Security Council members will meet for an open briefing on the Secretary-General’s report as requested by resolution 2231 that refers to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action otherwise known as JCPOA.
    Rosemary DiCarlo, the Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, is expected to brief.

    Full Highlights:
    https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/ossg/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=24%20June%202025&_gl=1%2A10sej4q%2A_ga%2AMTc3MDMwNDcyOS4xNzMzMDUxOTcy%2A_ga_TK9BQL5X7Z%2AczE3NTA3ODk2MzEkbzgwJGcxJHQxNzUwNzkyOTI0JGo2MCRsMCRoMA..

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRouSrj3JE4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs: Attack on Al-Udeid Base Unacceptable, Qatar Adheres to Policy of Good Neighborliness

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Doha, June 24

    HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani reiterated the State of Qatar’s strongest condemnation of the attack on Al-Udeid Air Base by the Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Monday, stressing that it is an unacceptable act that violates Qatar’s policy of good neighborliness.

    In a joint press conference with HE Prime Minister of the sisterly Republic of Lebanon Dr. Nawaf Salam, His Excellency said that Qatar condemns in the strongest terms the attack that occurred Monday on the Al-Udeid Air Base by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, and Qatar denounces such behavior by a neighboring country with which Qatar has relied on a policy of good neighborliness and transparency, and with which it continues to adhere and maintain a policy of good neighborliness.

    His Excellency pointed out that the State of Qatar condemned the Israeli attacks on the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran from the first day. The Iranian people are a neighboring people, and Qatar does not wish them harm. Qatar wants them to rise and develop. However, the act of attacking the State of Qatar is unacceptable.

    His Excellency added that Qatar has been making significant diplomatic efforts with its regional and international partners to calm the situation, but unfortunately, Qatar was surprised by such an attack on a base in a fraternal country to Iran.

    In his remarks, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs praised the role played by Qatar’s Armed Forces, under the leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, in confronting the attack. He said that HH the Amir was constantly informed and closely monitoring the situation from the time intelligence information was received about the anticipated attack on bases hosting US forces in the region, until the attack was repelled.

    His Excellency added that he would like to point out in particular that Qatar’s Armed Forces performed a heroic act in repelling these attacks, as was explained Monday at the press conference, as Qatari air defenses intercepted all missiles except for one that fell in an open area.

    HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs also expressed the State of Qatar’s deep gratitude to its sisterly and friendly countries for their solidarity with Qatar and their rejection of the attack, especially the brothers in the GCC countries, who were quick to express their support for Qatar and stand with it.

    His Excellency said that Doha will host, at the request of the fraternal State of Kuwait, the current chair of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the 49th extraordinary meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council to discuss this dangerous development in the region.

    HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed the need to view the events taking place in the region with the utmost responsibility and wisdom, adding that the blatant Israeli attacks witnessed against several countries in the region, including the Islamic Republic of Iran (despite the attacks against Qatar), are clear evidence that random and irresponsible actions only generate instability in the region and may lead the region to an even more difficult situation.

    His Excellency noted that after the attack on Al-Udeid Air Base, the armed forces, under the directives of the Supreme Commander, HH the Amir, studied the scenarios through which such an attack could be responded to. However, Qatar prefers diplomacy and wisdom and prioritizes the public interest of the region above all else.

    He added that the message Qatar is trying to deliver first is that the State of Qatar, with the capabilities available to its armed forces, has been able to prove to everyone that it can defend itself, its citizens, and its residents. Everyone here is one people and has stood together.

    HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani emphasized that the precautionary measures taken by Qatar on Monday were sound and helped spare the country any losses or casualties. He urged everyone not to be swayed by rumors and false news and to obtain their information from official sources.

    HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs noted that HH the Amir received numerous calls following the attack on Al-Udeid Air Base, including one from US President Donald Trump. He noted that the conversation between the two leaders was extensive and focused on the events, their repercussions, and how to deal with them.

    His Excellency also referred to the US President’s announcement of a complete ceasefire on all fronts, saying that the United States asked the State of Qatar to communicate with the Iranian side to determine their readiness for a ceasefire, and that Qatar made the necessary contacts that resulted in the announcement made by the US President.

    HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed the State of Qatar’s welcome of this announcement, “despite the violations seen today of the ceasefire.” Qatar hopes the ceasefire will continue and that the matter will return to its diplomatic track, and Qatar urges the parties to adhere to what was agreed upon.

    His Excellency also urged the American and Iranian sides to return immediately to the negotiating table to resume nuclear talks and reach a diplomatic solution, which Qatar has long called for and sought to achieve.

    His Excellency added that Qatar wants a safe zone free of nuclear weapons, and wants this to be based on an agreement that guarantees the security and interests of all, as well as the interests of Iran, which is, after all, Qatar’s neighbor.

    His Excellency also noted that HH the Amir received a phone call on Tuesday from the Iranian President, who expressed his regret that the target that was attacked on Monday was in Qatar.

    His Excellency said that Qatar made it clear to the Iranian President that the State of Qatar is, after all, a neighboring country and has always relied on good neighborliness in its relations with Iran and did not expect such an action.

    His Excellency stressed that despite all attempts to inflame this situation, the State of Qatar will always handle matters wisely, while affirming that the violation of its sovereignty is unacceptable, and that all diplomatic and legal measures will be taken in this regard.

    His Excellency also expressed hope that the issue will be contained as quickly as possible and that this chapter will be in the past. He added that it must not be forgotten at this point that everything happening in the region is an expansion of the conflict and aggression against Gaza.

    HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani said that the State of Qatar has sought from day one to prevent the escalation of this conflict and to stop the bombing of the people of Gaza. He stressed that these efforts are continuing, in partnership with the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States, to achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible.

    His Excellency added that Qatar is engaged in ongoing negotiations that have not ceased, even under the difficult circumstances the region has been experiencing. Qatar’s goal is to reach a ceasefire and lift the injustice suffered by the people of the Gaza Strip. Qatar believes it is time for the world to stand together and put an end to Israel’s irresponsible actions in the region, to halt this aggression against the Strip, and to stop the use of humanitarian aid as a tool for political blackmail.

    His Excellency also said that Monday’s attack on Al-Udeid Air Base was a shock not only to the government but to the people of Qatar, and Qatar considers it a violation of the good-neighbor policy that Qatar has adopted from the beginning.

    HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed Qatar’s ability to defend itself and deter anyone who attempts to undermine its security, while maintaining peaceful relations with neighboring countries based on friendship, mutual interest, and benefit, and striving to avoid disputes.

    His Excellency stressed that the State of Qatar does not adopt an escalatory policy and always calls for and resorts to diplomacy. He added that what happened Monday will have an impact on the relationship with Iran, but with time, Qatar hopes everyone will learn the lesson, and that relations between neighboring countries must not be violated.

    HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani also affirmed that the attack on Al-Udeid Air Base will have no impact on relations with the United States, noting that the two countries have enjoyed a close alliance and partnership for decades, and that events have proven that this partnership is beneficial to both countries, as well as to security and stability in the region.

    HE added that Qatar’s Armed Forces demonstrated Monday their ability to defend and ensure the protection of everyone, including Americans and others. He said that he does not believe that the attack will affect relations between Qatar and the United States, except that the partnership between the two countries will grow.

    His Excellency voiced his hope that good-neighborly relations with Iran would return to normal as soon as possible, and that no hostile operations will be witnessed in the future.

    His Excellency stressed that the State of Qatar always seeks peaceful good neighborliness, and that the Gulf states are a center of stability in the region, and that challenges and threats are shared. He noted that the opportunity is ripe for a better future for everyone in the Gulf region. He said that Qatar would like to see Iran share this vision and enter into partnerships with Qatar and the Gulf states based on the principle of good neighborliness and partnership for the prosperity of all.

    In response to a question about the legal and diplomatic measures Qatar will take regarding Monday’s attack, His Excellency indicated that Qatar is still studying them. Qatar submitted a briefing to the Security Council Monday night about what happened, and today, the emergency meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council will be held. He reiterated that the State of Qatar does not seek to escalate its stance, but rather seeks sustainable diplomatic solutions and always seeks to end any crisis through dialogue, and will not be a spearhead in escalating any stance.

    He added that as he said, geography imposes this on Qatar. Iran is a neighboring country, and the Iranian people are fraternal. Ultimately, Qatar wants good neighborly relations with them. Qatar would like there to be a very clear understanding that any attack on Qatar or infringement on the sovereignty of any Gulf state is completely rejected and condemned, and that everyone will stand together.

    HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs also called for a clear mechanism for dealing with neighboring countries in the future, and for a unified regional security system to prevent any party from attacking another.

    Regarding Gaza, His Excellency indicated that Qatar, following the calls between HH the Amir and both the US President on Monday and the Iranian President today, sought to ensure a continuation of the ceasefire, but ultimately, the matter depends on the parties involved.

    His Excellency said that today, the situation remains murky, and no party wants to be the one to receive or end the final blow. However, what Qatar hopes for is a serious stance, for all parties to deal responsibly with the security of the region, just as the State of Qatar dealt responsibly with the attack launched against it on Monday, and for there to be a complete ceasefire between Iran and Israel.

    His Excellency also called for full pressure on Israel to immediately cease fire in Gaza, noting that discussions on this issue are ongoing in cooperation with the Arab Republic of Egypt, and that communication is ongoing with the Israeli side and Hamas to try to find a compromise formula and common ground based on the American paper.

    His Excellency stressed that various achievements had been made in recent weeks, adding that unfortunately, the Israeli escalation and aggression against Iran disrupted and hindered these efforts for a period.

    His Excellency added that Qatar is continuing its efforts and is looking for an opportunity within the next two days to hold indirect negotiations between the two parties (Israel and Hamas) to reach an agreement.

    His Excellency urged the Israeli side not to exploit the ceasefire with Iran to continue bombing Gaza. He also called on the international community to pressure Israel to implement a ceasefire and for Hamas to accept a deal that ends the war and releases all hostages and prisoners.

    Regarding the discussions with HE Prime Minister of the sisterly Republic of Lebanon Dr. Nawaf Salam, His Excellency indicated that the discussions focused on bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries.

    His Excellency also said that the two sides discussed ways to support Lebanon and enhance its stability, noting that the energy issue and how to work together to develop and restore the energy infrastructure was one of the most important issues discussed. In this context, he referred to the discussions held between the energy ministers of the two countries, saying that these discussions will be followed by an action plan, as Qatar promised HE the Prime Minister, in the coming months.

    In a related context, His Excellency noted that the discussions addressed the urgent need to provide energy to the brothers in Lebanon during the summer, indicating that this issue will be discussed with the Qatar Fund for Development and QatarEnergy to ensure that whatever is available is provided.

    HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs also noted that the discussions with HE Dr. Nawaf Salam addressed support and cooperation in the transportation and air navigation sectors, as well as possible efforts for reconstruction, particularly in areas destroyed by the Israeli occupation forces.

    His Excellency said that the meeting was an opportunity to discuss regional developments, expressing in this context the State of Qatar’s full condemnation of Israel’s violations of the ceasefire agreement and its continued violation of the sovereignty of Lebanon.

    His Excellency added that this is clearly and explicitly unacceptable and condemned, and Qatar looks forward to the Security Council fulfilling its role and working to halt these irresponsible Israeli actions in the region.

    His Excellency indicated that the discussions also covered developments in Lebanese-Syrian relations, wishing them a better future. He said that Qatar understands HE Dr. Nawaf Salam’s utmost keenness to develop relations with Arab countries, especially neighboring countries, including Syria, and the State of Qatar fully supports these paths.

    HE Prime Minister of the Republic of Lebanon, Dr. Nawaf Salam renewed his country’s gratitude to the State of Qatar and to HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, for the continued support and assistance extended to Lebanon – particularly through the Quintet Committee for political support, which remained active for over two years.

    Speaking during the press conference following his official talks in Doha on Tuesday, HE Dr. Salam expressed appreciation for Qatar’s backing across several fields, most notably its support for the Lebanese army and various development projects. He noted that both sides agreed to continue discussions aimed at reaching an executive framework for Qatari support in key sectors, including energy and the supply of gas to Lebanon.

    HE Prime Minister shared that during his visit, he briefed HH the Amir and HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs on the Lebanese government’s recent reform achievements. These include a legislative focus on transparency, competitiveness, and the restructuring of public administration, in addition to efforts to ensure judicial independence – all aimed at creating a more attractive climate for investment.

    HE Dr. Salam also reiterated Lebanon’s strong condemnation of the attack that targeted Qatar on Monday, calling it a violation of Qatari sovereignty and international law. He expressed hope for regional de-escalation and praised Qatar’s efforts in halting military operations, voicing his wish for a renewed path of diplomatic engagement.

    Furthermore, he condemned the Israeli aggression against Iran, describing it as a breach of Iran’s sovereignty and international law – a stance that Lebanon has upheld from the outset.

    The Lebanese Prime Minister stressed that the government is committed to asserting full state authority across all Lebanese territory, using its own national resources and in line with Taif Agreement. He emphasized the need for Israel to withdraw from five remaining occupied points along the southern border and to cease its near-daily violations of Lebanese sovereignty.

    He affirmed that Lebanon is actively working to rally political and diplomatic support – from Arab states to permanent members of the UN Security Council, including the United States – to compel Israel to end its aggression and occupation. He stated that there can be no real security in Lebanon, as long as Israel continues to occupy Lebanese territory, urging the international community to exert pressure on Israel to achieve this goal. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray Calls for Kennedy to Reinstate Fired ACIP Members or Delay Meeting Until New Members Appropriately Vetted

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ICYMI: Senator Murray, Former ACIP Member from WA State Raise Alarm Over Purge of Entire CDC Vaccine Advisory Committee

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Senator Patty Murray, a senior member and former chair of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee released the following statement regarding the upcoming meeting of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which is scheduled to begin tomorrow. The meeting would be the first since Secretary Kennedy fired every single member of the 17-member board, and announced his own slate of eight members just two weeks ago, many of whom have aligned themselves with dangerous anti-vaccine ideologies or outright conspiracy theorists and the majority of whom are not vaccine experts.

    “We need qualified vaccine experts evaluating the RSV and influenza shots families are counting on to protect them this fall—not the unvetted slate of eight members handpicked by RFK Jr. that includes people with long records of promoting anti-science conspiracies. The only way the upcoming ACIP meeting should proceed tomorrow is with the original board of vetted, qualified individuals that Secretary Kennedy chose to abruptly fire without any semblance of a legitimate reason or appropriate process. Short of that, ACIP must postpone this meeting until the board once again has a full slate of qualified members who have been fully and appropriately vetted.

    “It is perilous to move ahead with this meeting with a bench of largely unqualified members with anti-vaccine backgrounds who seem all but certain to set back public health and confidence in ACIP’s important work to protect Americans from deadly illnesses.”

    Earlier this month, Senator Murray held a press call with Washington state-based Dr. Helen Chu, one of the 17 ACIP members abruptly fired by Secretary Kennedy, to raise the alarm about how this move threatened public health and vaccine confidence.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM call with the Amir of Qatar: 24 June 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    PM call with the Amir of Qatar: 24 June 2025

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Amir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani this evening.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Amir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani this evening.

    The Prime Minister began by reiterating the UK’s steadfast support for Qatar and underscored his deep concern at the volatile situation in the region.

    He paid tribute to Qatar’s Armed Forces for their response to Iran’s attack yesterday.

    The leaders agreed it was now vital all sides seized the opportunity presented by the ceasefire to secure a diplomatic way forward.

    Turning to Gaza, the Prime Minister and His Highness discussed the horrific situation on the ground and the need for all sides to agree an urgent ceasefire.

    The Prime Minister then updated on his discussions at The NATO Summit in The Hague.

    The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DeGette Statement Following RFK Jr. Testimony Before Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (First District of Colorado)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Health Subcommittee Ranking Member Diana DeGette (CO-01) released the following statement after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before the Health Subcommittee hearing on the Fiscal Year 2026 HHS budget request.

    “Today’s testimony from Secretary Kennedy showed either an effort to obfuscate his agenda for the department or a complete lack of knowledge of the cuts that are happening under his leadership. He didn’t know what vaccine guidance is on his own website and didn’t know the impact of the HIV and Alzheimer’s studies he is cutting.

    “Since Secretary Kennedy entered office, he has caused nothing but chaos and destruction. The Department of Health and Human Services is vital to our country, helping to keep Americans healthy while pioneering new cures and treatments for diseases like cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. The United States has long been the gold standard for medical research — RFK Jr. has tarnished that reputation.

    “He failed to aggressively respond to the measles outbreak while hawking unproven treatments like cod liver oil, he released an error-ridden report with fabricated sources, he replaced experts on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices with anti-vaxxers, he fired some of the leading medical researchers in the world, he failed to respond to outreach from Democrats on the Energy & Commerce Committee, and he is setting American biomedical research back a generation.

    “Now, his proposed budget would only further hamper our ability to pursue lifesaving cures and groundbreaking treatments. The FY26 budget request cuts the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by nearly 54 percent, National Institutes of Health by nearly 40 percent, Food and Drug Administration by 11 percent, among other cuts to mental and behavioral health and primary care. This is an unacceptable reduction in funding for agencies that are carrying out lifesaving work.

    “His budget request is a blueprint to make American sicker and poorer, and his stewardship of HHS is having devastating consequences to our public health. Today’s hearing showcased his ineptitude, inexperience, and inability to string together coherent and cogent responses on the issues that fall under his department’s jurisdiction.” 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) — China supports Iran’s efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty and security and achieve a genuine ceasefire on this basis that will restore people’s normal lives and contribute to an early de-escalation of the situation in the Middle East, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Tuesday.

    During the conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, said that China intends to promote the UN Security Council in fulfilling its due role and most important responsibility in maintaining world peace and security.

    Wang Yi said China hopes Iran will continue to ensure the safety of Chinese institutions, personnel and diplomatic missions in the country.

    A. Araghchi, for his part, emphasized that the dangerous actions of Israel and the United States, which attacked Iran’s nuclear facilities, are a serious violation of international law, and therefore Iran has no choice but to fight back.

    The Iranian diplomat noted that genuine negotiations can only begin after Israel stops its aggression.

    Iran wants to maintain close contacts with China and expects China to play a stronger role in easing tensions, A. Araghchi added. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: S. 320, National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2025

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    S. 320 would amend the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 to make changes to the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program, an interagency program focused on reducing earthquake-related risks to life and property. S. 320 also would authorize appropriations of $161 million annually for fiscal years 2025 through 2028 for the U.S. Geological Survey, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the National Science Foundation, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology to implement the program.

    Additionally, the bill would require the agencies to develop best practices to assist state, local, and tribal governments with creating inventories of critical buildings and structures, and with developing evacuation plans and expanding early warning systems. The agencies also would be required to report to the Congress every two years about activities related to the program.

    CBO assumes that the bill will be enacted near the end of fiscal year 2025 and that the authorized amounts will be provided for each year beginning in 2025. In 2024, the agencies allocated $164 million for the program from funds provided in the appropriation acts for that year. Based on historical spending patterns, CBO estimates that reauthorizing the program would cost $596 million over the 2025-2030 period and $29 million after 2030, assuming appropriation of the authorized amounts.

    The costs of the legislation, detailed in Table 1, fall within budget functions 250 (general science, space, and technology), 300 (natural resources and environment), 370 (commerce and housing credit), and 450 (community and regional development).

    Table 1.

    Estimated Increases in Spending Subject to Appropriation Under S. 320
     

    By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars

    		  
     

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    2025-2030

    U.S. Geological Survey

    		              

    Authorization

    92

    92

    92

    92

    0

    0

    368

    Estimated Outlays

    17

    137

    90

    89

    23

    3

    359

    National Science Foundation

    		              

    Authorization

    54

    54

    54

    54

    0

    0

    216

    Estimated Outlays

    2

    30

    39

    46

    43

    26

    186

    Federal Emergency Management Agency

    		              

    Authorization

    9

    9

    9

    9

    0

    0

    36

    Estimated Outlays

    *

    4

    5

    7

    7

    5

    28

    National Institute of Standards and Technology

    		              

    Authorization

    6

    6

    6

    6

    0

    0

    24

    Estimated Outlays

    1

    9

    6

    6

    1

    0

    23

    Total Changes

    		              

    Authorization

    161

    161

    161

    161

    0

    0

    644

    Estimated Outlays

    20

    180

    140

    148

    74

    34

    596

    The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Kelly Durand. The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Shelton Man Admits Defrauding Pandemic Relief Program

    Source: United States Department of Justice (National Center for Disaster Fraud)

    David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, and Harry Chavis, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that TONY STERLIN CANTAVE, 45, of Shelton, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven for defrauding a COVID-19 pandemic relief program.

    In March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act provided emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the distribution of Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDLs”), through the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”), which provided working capital to eligible small businesses to meet operating expenses.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2020, Cantave applied for EIDL funding through the SBA.  The application contained a number of materially false statements, including that the business for which Cantave sought the loan, Arbitrage 1 Media, was an ongoing, legitimate business involved in the limousine and transportation business, and that he was not more than 60 days delinquent in his child support obligations.  After the SBA reviewed and approved the fraudulent EIDL application, Cantave received $96,200.  He then used the proceeds from the loan to pay for personal and non-business expenses, including $16,607.26 to pay off an automobile loan.

    Cantave pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government money and one count of making an illegal monetary transaction.  Each charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

    Cantave has agreed to pay $104,176.21 in restitution.

    Cantave is released pending sentencing, which is not scheduled.

    Cantave has two prior federal convictions.  In December 1999, he was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 18 months of imprisonment for a firearm offense, and in February 2015, he was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 13 months of imprisonment for his participation in a U.S. Postal Service money order fraud scheme.

    This investigation has been conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.

    Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Unprecedented fires fueled by climate change threaten iconic World Heritage forests

    Source: United Nations

    In an update to the joint UNESCO-WRI-IUCN report “World Heritage forests: carbon sinks under pressure”, new data reveals that fires have accounted for approximately 75% of tree cover loss in World Heritage sites. Steadily increasing tree cover loss due to fires, fueled by climate change, has led to record high emissions, and threatens the robust carbon sinks of forests in World Heritage sites.

    Fires are the primary cause of forest loss in World Heritage sites

    Since 2001, approximately 4.5 million hectares of forest—more than the area of Switzerland—have been lost across World Heritage sites, with fires responsible for around 75% of that loss. The vast majority — approximately 80% — of all fire-related tree cover loss occurred in high-latitude forests, primarily across North America and Siberia. Forests in Australia account for an additional 15% of the loss, while all other regions contributed approximately 5%.

    Solid lines show annual tree cover loss in World Heritage sites by cause, while dotted lines indicate long-term trends.
    Source: WRI Land & Carbon Lab

    While the number of World Heritage sites affected by fires annually has slightly declined in recent years — averaging around half of all forested sites per year — the severity of these events is escalating. Since 2020, fire-related tree cover loss has averaged approximately 240,000 hectares per year — more than twice the annual average recorded in the early 2000s.

    In contrast, non-fire-related tree cover loss has remained relatively stable, averaging around 45,000 hectares per year. This loss is primarily attributed to anthropogenic land-use pressures, such as illegal logging, wood harvesting, and agricultural encroachment related to livestock grazing and crop production, mainly in sites included in the List of World Heritage in Danger. Increases in non-fire-related forest loss were observed in 2016-2017 and 2020, linked to the impacts of hurricanes and storms in the Caribbean and Asia, and intensified agricultural expansion resulting from limited ability to monitor illegal activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively. However, forest loss from non-fire causes has since gradually returned to pre-pandemic levels.

    “The data is clear: climate change is no longer a distant threat—it is here, now, and it is threatening the irreplaceable natural heritage of our world.”

    Climate change is intensifying fires in World Heritage sites

    The steady increase in fire-related tree cover loss highlights the growing influence of climate change on fire regimes in World Heritage sites. While fire plays a natural role in many ecosystems —particularly in temperate and boreal forests in higher latitudes— rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and changing weather patterns are creating conditions that fuel more intense fires. When forests burn, they release vast amounts of carbon stored in trees and soils into the atmosphere, primarily as carbon dioxide (CO₂). These emissions further exacerbate climate change and increase the likelihood of further fires in a self-reinforcing “fire-climate feedback loop.”

    Source: WRI Global Forest Watch

    Forest fires in World Heritage sites have resulted in an average of nearly 60 million tonnes CO2-equivalent (Mt CO2e) emissions per year, equivalent to Austria’s annual fossil fuel emissions[1]. Largely due to extreme fires, fire-related emissions in World Heritage forests have surged in recent years. In 2023, a record-breaking fire swept through over 300,000 hectares of forest in Canada’s Wood Buffalo National Park, releasing an estimated 190 Mt CO₂e—roughly equivalent to Argentina’s annual fossil fuel emissions. This more than doubled the previous record set in 2021 in Canada’s Pimachiowin Aki (86 Mt CO2e). Australia’s devastating 2019–2020 fires torched around 300,000 hectares in the Greater Blue Mountains Area, emitting over 45 Mt CO2e.

    Tree cover loss due to fires (brown) in Canada’s Wood Buffalo National Park after the 2023 fires (left), Pimachiowin Aki after the 2021-2022 fires (middle) and Australia’s Greater Blue Mountains Area after the 2019-2020 fires (right) 
    Source: WRI Global Forest Watch

    In the tropics—where fires have historically been rare—fire activity has surged, driven by intense outbreaks in sites such as Bolivia’s Noel Kempff Mercado National Park in the Amazon Basin, and Brazil’s Pantanal Conservation Area. Since 2020, fire has been responsible for approximately 35% of tree cover loss and associated emissions in World Heritage tropical forests—more than four times the annual average recorded in the early 2000s.

    Source: WRI Land & Carbon Lab

    “These intensifying fires are not just destroying tree cover and understory—they are unraveling ecological systems and pristine primary forests which underpin people’s livelihoods and provide several ecosystem services, such as climate regulation and human health maintenance.”

    Carbon sinks and biodiversity in World Heritage sites are under increasing risk

    Fires can have profound negative impacts on ecosystems, particularly by contributing to climate change and biodiversity loss. Covering more than 70 million hectares of forests—more than the area of Germany— World Heritage sites have traditionally played a crucial role in sequestering carbon. However, as fire intensity and frequency increases, this role is under threat. Fire-related emissions in World Heritage forests now account for about 40% of the carbon these forests absorb each year (80 vs. 200 Mt CO2/year), resulting in a net carbon sink of 120 Mt CO2e/year. High-latitude World Heritage forests have now collectively shifted from being carbon sinks to becoming net carbon sources, emitting around 5 Mt CO₂e/year. In contrast, lower latitude forests—mainly in the tropics—remain strong carbon sinks, absorbing roughly 130 Mt CO₂e/year. However, fires in tropical regions are especially damaging because their dense vegetation and high biomass cause them to release more carbon per unit of forest lost than fires in cooler regions. This makes tropical fires a growing threat to climate stability, accelerating the fire–climate feedback loop and pushing ecosystems closer to irreversible tipping points.

    Beyond carbon, fires are also placing fragile ecosystems at serious risk. In ecosystems not adapted to fire—such as tropical rainforests and wetlands—fires can permanently alter habitats, disrupt species interactions, and erase biodiversity that has taken millennia to evolve. Australia’s 2019–2020 fires, for example, are estimated to have affected the habitats of at least 293 threatened animal species and 680 threatened plant species. In the Greater Blue Mountains Area alone, over 140 million animals were impacted, including approximately 15 million mammals, 17.7 million birds, and 110.4 million reptiles. Similarly, in the Pantanal Biosphere Reserve—which includes the Pantanal Conservation Area World Heritage site—an estimated 17 million vertebrates may have perished during the 2020 fires. These fires also drastically worsened air quality, exposing surrounding communities to hazardous levels of smoke and particulate pollution, which can lead to serious respiratory and cardiovascular health problems and straining healthcare systems.

    © M & G Therin-Weise / Jaguar coming out of the forest, Pantanal Conservation Area, Brazil

    “The transformation of carbon sinks into carbon sources signals not just an ecological crisis, but a critical tipping point in our climate system — one that threatens both the natural world and the communities that rely on it. Investing in robust fire prevention and response systems is essential to combat wildfires, especially in carbon-rich forests.”

    Helping communities prepare and respond to fires

    As fire continues to threaten both ecological integrity and human livelihoods, proactive fire response and preparedness are more critical than ever. Communities living in and around World Heritage sites are often the first affected by these events—facing loss of land, water resources, cultural heritage, and biodiversity that their lives and traditions depend on.

    To support rapid and informed action, UNESCO has been leveraging real-time fire alert data through platforms like Global Forest Watch, developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI). These tools enable early detection of fire outbreaks and offer actionable insights that help local authorities and conservation managers respond quickly and effectively.

    Complementing this, Land & Carbon Lab – an applied geospatial research lab convened by WRI and the Bezos Earth Fund – provides critical data on carbon storage, emissions and sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems—enhancing global understanding of how fires and other human activities are imperiling carbon sinks and converting some forests to carbon sources. This data helps inform not only emergency response, but also long-term restoration and climate resilience strategies.

    A notable example of these data in action is their integration into the World Heritage Online Map Platform (WHOMP), which has supported the deployment of the Rapid Response Facility (RRF)— a joint initiative from UNESCO and Fauna and Flora. These tools have helped guide emergency response efforts at critical sites, including Brazil’s Pantanal Conservation Area and Bolivia’s Noel Kempff Mercado National Park. In these areas, satellite monitoring and fire alerts have enabled early fire detection, faster mobilization of resources, and timely support for both ecosystems and local communities.

    © Fundación para la Conservación del Bosque Chiquitano 

    “The grant from the Rapid Response Facility (RRF) was crucial in quickly mobilizing resources to keep the ranger corps, community brigade firefighters, and firefighting authorities active in Noel Kempff Mercado National Park. Without this swift support, the damage to the park’s forests and the species that depend on them could have been far more severe.”

    © Panthera

    “The Rapid Response Facility (RRF) made it possible to train brigades, improve communication, support government institutions and, above all, strengthen integrated firefighting actions between the various stakeholders involved.”

    Beyond immediate response, these efforts also strengthen local capacity, foster community engagement, and promote sustainable land management practices. By combining cutting-edge technology, operational monitoring systems based on Earth observation data, and on-the-ground collaboration, UNESCO and its partners are helping vulnerable communities become more prepared and resilient in the face of escalating fire risks. Ultimately, these initiatives play a vital role in safeguarding the world’s natural heritage for future generations—preserving the ecological, cultural, and climate value of these irreplaceable landscapes.

    UNESCO thanks the support of the Government of Norway to the Rapid Response Facility (RRF) and the Government of Flanders (Belgium) to the World Heritage Online Map Platform (WHOMP). WRI thanks the Bezos Earth Fund and Norway’s International Climate and Forest Initiative (NICFI).

    [1] All country emissions equivalencies are for CO2 emissions from fossil fuels in 2023, according to the Global Carbon Atlas produced by the Global Carbon Budget: https://globalcarbonatlas.org/emissions/carbon-emissions/

    MIL OSI United Nations News –