Category: Natural Disasters

MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 532

Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Note: The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
SEL2

URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Tornado Watch Number 532
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
420 PM MDT Sun Jul 20 2025

The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

* Tornado Watch for portions of
North Central Nebraska
South Central South Dakota

* Effective this Sunday afternoon and evening from 420 PM until
1000 PM MDT.

* Primary threats include…
A couple tornadoes possible
Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2.5
inches in diameter likely
Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible

SUMMARY…Isolated supercell thunderstorms are forming in a very
unstable airmass. Very large hail, damaging winds, and a few
tornadoes are possible with these storms through the evening.

The tornado watch area is approximately along and 50 statute miles
east and west of a line from 85 miles north of Valentine NE to 55
miles south southwest of Valentine NE. For a complete depiction of
the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS
WOU2).

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
and possible warnings.

&&

OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 530…WW 531…

AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
surface and aloft to 2.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
storm motion vector 27025.

…Hart

SEL2

URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Tornado Watch Number 532
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
420 PM MDT Sun Jul 20 2025

The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

* Tornado Watch for portions of
North Central Nebraska
South Central South Dakota

* Effective this Sunday afternoon and evening from 420 PM until
1000 PM MDT.

* Primary threats include…
A couple tornadoes possible
Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2.5
inches in diameter likely
Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible

SUMMARY…Isolated supercell thunderstorms are forming in a very
unstable airmass. Very large hail, damaging winds, and a few
tornadoes are possible with these storms through the evening.

The tornado watch area is approximately along and 50 statute miles
east and west of a line from 85 miles north of Valentine NE to 55
miles south southwest of Valentine NE. For a complete depiction of
the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS
WOU2).

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
and possible warnings.

&&

OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 530…WW 531…

AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
surface and aloft to 2.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
storm motion vector 27025.

…Hart

Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
SAW2
WW 532 TORNADO NE SD 202220Z – 210400Z
AXIS..50 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
85N VTN/VALENTINE NE/ – 55SSW VTN/VALENTINE NE/
..AVIATION COORDS.. 45NM E/W /25SW PIR – 51WSW ANW/
HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..2.5 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 27025.

LAT…LON 44089954 42119999 42110194 44080156

THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
FOR WOU2.

Watch 532 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

Note: Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

Mod (40%)

Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

Low (20%)

Wind

Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

Mod (50%)

Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

Low (20%)

Hail

Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

Mod (60%)

Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

Mod (60%)

Combined Severe Hail/Wind

Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

High (90%)

For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Six youths have been arrested for arson and police pursuit

Source: New South Wales – News

Six teenagers have been arrested after a pursuit through metropolitan Adelaide and the arson of an Aldinga Beach house this morning.

About 12.50 am Monday 21 July Police and emergency services were called to a house at Pebble Court after reports of fire in the garage and house. Fortunately the occupants were not home at the time. MFS were quickly on scene and extinguished the blaze.

When police arrived, they saw a Subaru station wagon leaving the street. Police recognised the car as a stolen vehicle which had been stolen from a Mitchell Park home last week. Police attempted to stop the car, with the driver refusing to pull over.

The car was pursued by patrols along with the assistance from PolAir and Dog Operations Unit on South Road, along the Southern Expressway, through to the eastern suburbs before making its way to Two Wells where the tyres were successfully spiked by patrols at Port Wakefield Road and Mallala Road.

Six youths ran from the car and were arrested on Artisan Road with the assistance of PD Duke without incident.

The driver, a 17-year-old boy from Ottoway has been arrested for arson, illegal use, dangerous driving to escape pursuit

Four 15-year-old boys have been arrested for arson and illegal use.

One 16-year-old boy has been arrested for arson and illegal use.

All six will appear in the Youth Court later today.

MIL OSI News –

July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Fundamental lethality shift for British Army spearheaded by novel targeting tech ‘ASGARD’
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

Fundamental lethality shift for British Army spearheaded by novel targeting tech ‘ASGARD’

British Army showcase new technology that improves the accuracy of targeting enemies and reduces decision-making time for strikes.
A pioneering digital targeting web, called ASGARD, has been showcased this week, following successful trials by British soldiers deployed on NATO’s eastern flank. The project will enable soldiers to rapidly find and strike enemy targets at greater distances than ever before.

Following the Strategic Defence Review, the Army will deliver a tenfold increase in lethality over the next ten years by harnessing firepower, surveillance technology, autonomy, digital connectivity, and data – leading the way in NATO in its use of technology to change how it fights, improving speed and accuracy. ASGARD will exploit AI and novel communications networks, providing rapid targeting and decision-support to personnel.

The Ministry of Defence is committing funding for the next phase of ASGARD’s development. This will allow the Army to expedite its lethality and deepen its links with society through partnership with British industry, delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change by keeping the UK secure at home and strong abroad.

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP said:

We are learning the lessons from Ukraine so our frontline personnel can strike further and faster and maintain advantage over our adversaries.

ASGARD exemplifies the vision of the Strategic Defence Review, with speed and world-class capability achieved by bringing together military, Government and industry professionals with a focus on rapid frontline delivery.

ASGARD forms part of the work to create a wider digital targeting web across the UK’s Armed Forces by 2027, backed by more than £1 billion in funding. It will better connect military weapons systems and allow battlefield decisions for targeting enemy threats to be made and executed faster.

ASGARD was showcased this week to international allies and industry partners in London, with participants shown the capability in action, including its overwhelming effect on adversaries.

Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Roly Walker said:

Project ASGARD proves we can do things differently. It’s not just a pathfinder for transformation; it’s a transformation in how we find, fund, and fight with cutting-edge capabilities.

ASGARD helps double our lethality and exponentially reduces the time to see, decide, and strike. What took hours, now takes minutes. Today, the UK possesses a similar Recce-Strike system to the one used by Ukraine to maul Russian forces in the Donbas. That system now sits at the heart of our Forward Land Forces in Estonia.

We are particularly proud of the collaboration between tacticians and technicians, between Defence and Industry, and the support of and to small and medium enterprises and jobs across the UK.

Using a novel acquisition approach, ASGARD was first announced by the Defence Secretary in October 2024 and progressed at an unprecedented pace, with contracts awarded in January 2025 and a prototype capability deployed only four months later for NATO Exercise Hedgehog in Estonia. ASGARD’s capabilities were successfully tested, increasing the UK and NATO Armies’ lethality by improving targeting precision and significantly cutting decision-making time.

This quick turn-around was achieved through a collaboration between industry technicians and military tradecraft experts, bringing together a consortium of military, civil service and industry partners to deliver the best possible product in the shortest amount of time.

The Strategic Defence Review recommended a shift towards greater use of autonomy and Artificial Intelligence within the UK’s conventional forces, facilitated by a Digital Targeting Web. The next phase of ASGARD will deliver on this, focusing on enhancing the lethality at the Corps and Divisional levels as the Army’s contribution to the Defence Targeting Web. It will exploit the Digital Decision Accelerators from the Defence Commercial framework to harness the talents across a broader array of industry partners to improve core capability.

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Published 20 July 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
July 21, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Hold up, humans. Ants figured out medicine, farming and engineering long before we did

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tanya Latty, Associate Professor in Entomology, University of Sydney

Tambon Nong Chaeng/Pexels

Think back to a time you helped someone move a heavy object, such as a couch. While at first the task may have appeared simple, it actually required a suite of advanced behaviours.

The job needed verbal commands for social coordination (“pivot!”) and anticipation of near-future events (moving other furniture out of the way). It also required a clear, shared vision of the final goal (which room to take the couch to).

It’s a small but satisfying example of human cooperation. But before we all get too pleased with ourselves, consider that ants – creatures with tiny brains and no capacity for speech – routinely pull off feats that rival, and sometimes exceed, our own.

Ants routinely pull off feats that rival, and sometimes exceed, our own.
Andre Moura/Pexels

Understanding ant intelligence

Earth is literally crawling with ants. Scientists estimate there are at least 20 quadrillion ants on Earth. That’s 20 followed by 15 zeros – more ants than stars in our galaxy!

These incredible insects are amongst the most successful organisms on the planet. Part of the success comes from an ability to form complex societies, ranging from a few individuals to millions. And those societies, or colonies, are remarkably co-operative.

Take, for example, ants’ abilities to move large food items. To do it, they mobilise teams of dozens – or even hundreds – of fellow workers. Together, they efficiently work together to transport the load back to the nest.

Longhorn crazy ants (Paratrechina longicornis) are even known to clear debris from a path before a heavy object arrives – seemingly anticipating its trajectory and preparing the way.

One experiment pit longhorn crazy ants against humans, all tasked with moving T-shaped objects (scaled to body size) through tight spaces. In some trials, the human teams were not permitted to speak or use gestures.

And the result? Ants performed better in larger groups compared to smaller ones, showing the clear benefits of collective action. In contrast, human performance did not improve with group size. And when communication was restricted, human performance declined as group size increased.

All this highlights how ants rely on collective intelligence, without the need for central control or sophisticated cognition.

Expert farmers

Humanity’s invention of agriculture 12,000 years ago is understandably hailed as one of our greatest achievements.

But leaf cutter ants beat us to it. These ants (from the species Atta and Acromyrmex) evolved to undertake large-scale agriculture about 55 million years ago.

These ants cut and transport fresh leaves not to eat directly, but to feed a fungus that serves as their main food source.

This evolutionary partnership allows the ants to feed colonies with populations in the millions.

Remarkably, leaf cutter ants have also evolved a form of biological pest control to protect their crops from bacteria. Some worker ants patrol the gardens, detecting infected sections of the fungus. Then they apply antibiotics produced by bacteria that live on their bodies.

What’s more, many ant species farm aphids and other sap-sucking insects.

As these farmed insects feed on plant sap, they excrete a sugary liquid the ants eagerly collect. In return, ants serve as bodyguards, defending their tiny livestock from predators such as ladybirds and lacewings.

In some species, queen ants gently carry sap-sucking insects in their jaws as they fly off to start new colonies. Fossilised ants preserved in amber suggest this behaviour evolved up to 20 million years ago, long before humans domesticated animals.

Ant medicine

Medical care may seem like a distinctly human innovation. But several ant species have evolved sophisticated ways to treat injuries.

When a Florida carpenter ant (Camponotus floridanus) is injured during a battle between colonies, its nest-mates will amputate a damaged limb to prevent infection from spreading. Ants receiving this battlefield care are more likely to survive than ants left untreated.

Some ants can also detect infection and treat infected wounds by cleaning them and applying antimicrobial secretions from specialised glands.

Master builders

Some ant species are known to literally put their bodies on the line for the colony.

Army ants (Eciton burchellii) join their bodies together to form structures. These include bridges across gaps on the forest floor, and “scaffolds” across steep terrain to prevent other ants from slipping.

Even the nest is made of hundreds of thousands of ants joined together, complete with tunnels and chambers housing the larvae and the queen. The entire structure is packed up and rebuilt each day, after the colony emigrates a few hundred metres into the forest.

Army ants join their bodies together to form structures.
Smartse/Wikimedia, CC BY

Weaver ants (Oecophylla smaragdina), meanwhile, self-assemble into rope ladders to span vertical gaps.

They also form a line of workers that pull leaves together in treetops to form nests. Once the leaves are winched into place, other ants arrive with ant larvae in their jaws. Each larva produces a tiny blob of silk which the ants use to glue the leaves together.

Fire ants (Solenopsis invicta), a major pest species, owes its invasive success partly to a unique method of dispersal.

When their underground nests are flooded by rain, the ants join together into a huge raft which floats on a layer of buoyant larvae. These rafts can ride floodwaters in safety for hundreds of kilometres, until the ants reach dry land.

When their nests are flooded, fire ants join together into a huge raft.
TheCoz/Wikimedia, CC BY

Lessons for humanity?

Humans rightly take pride in our greatest achievements – agriculture, medicine, engineering and building civilisations. But remarkably, ants mastered these innovations millions of years before we did.

Ants may be tiny – but by working together they can build complex societies and solve many problems. They might even teach humans a thing or two.

Tanya Latty co-founded and volunteers for conservation organisation Invertebrates Australia, is former president of the Australasian Society for the Study of Animal Behaviour and is on the education committee for the Australian Entomological Society. She receives funding from the Australian Research Council, NSW Saving our Species, and Agrifutures Australia

Chris R. Reid receives funding from the Australian Research Council and Macquarie University. He is secretary of the Australasian Society for the Study of Animal Behaviour and is on the education committee for the Australasian Entomological Society.

– ref. Hold up, humans. Ants figured out medicine, farming and engineering long before we did – https://theconversation.com/hold-up-humans-ants-figured-out-medicine-farming-and-engineering-long-before-we-did-258922

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Vietnam tourist boat death toll adjusted to 35

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

HANOI, July 20 (Xinhua) — Thirty-five people have been confirmed dead and four are missing after a tourist boat sank in Halong Bay off the coast of Quang Ninh Province in northern Vietnam, local authorities said Sunday.

The Quang Ninh Provincial People’s Committee released the above figures at a press conference on Sunday afternoon, adding that 10 people had been rescued.

Previously, 37 people were reported dead, but after verification, the number was adjusted to 35 people.

The Vietnam News Agency clarified that there were 46 passengers and three crew members on board the plane, all Vietnamese citizens. Earlier it was announced that there were 53 people on board.

The ship capsized on Saturday during an excursion after being caught in a storm.

The search area has been expanded to locate the four missing persons. –0–

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

.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: President Trump Marks Six Months in Office with Historic Successes
Source: US Whitehouse
Today, President Donald J. Trump celebrates the most successful first six months in office for any President in modern American history.
- Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill, thereby delivering the largest tax cut in American history, increasing Americans’ take-home pay by as much as $13,300, and terminating benefits for at least 1.4 million illegal immigrants who were gaming the system.
- Congress passed President Trump’s historic rescissions package, which will save taxpayers $9 billion in wasteful, politically-motivated funding for leftwing foreign aid scams and biased NPR and PBS.
- The wholesale price of a dozen eggs is down 53%, or $3.09, since the inauguration and is down 62%, or $5.08, from its March peak.
- The U.S. economy has now added a net of 671,000 jobs since January 2025, with jobs numbers beating expectations four months in a row. Native-born workers have accounted for all job gains, with native-born employment increasing 2,079,000 while foreign-born employment has fallen 543,000.
- U.S. Customs and Border Patrol encountered just 6,070 illegal immigrants at the southern border in June — setting a new record low (15% lower than the previous record set in March). Additionally, zero illegal immigrants were released into the U.S. on parole in June, compared to 27,766 a year prior.
- The administration has ramped up deportations, breaking a record for the number of deportation flights in a month in June. President Trump’s self-deportation push has also been a massive success. Additionally, over 600 known and suspected terrorists have been removed from the United States.
- At President Trump’s direction, U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement has arrested over 100,000 illegal alien criminals, including over 2,700 members of the vicious Tren de Aragua gang.
- Following President Trump’s declaration of an energy emergency, the U.S. has reached its fastest rate of new oil and gas drilling permits in years, exceeding the Biden administration by 44%.
- Since President Trump took office, core inflation has tracked at just 2.1% — levels not seen since the first Trump Administration, when prices were low and stable — and has come in below or at economists’ expectations every single month. Meanwhile, wholesale inflation remained flat in June, while import prices came in far below expectations.
- Summer gas prices reached their lowest point since 2021, and, inflation-adjusted, are near a 20-year low.
- President Trump’s deregulatory efforts have already saved Americans over $180 billion, or $2,100 per family of four, with the rollback of automobile-related rules alone expected to save consumers more than $1.1 trillion.
- President Trump secured a historic agreement for NATO members to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP – a foreign policy feat long thought impossible.
- Under President Trump’s strong and decisive leadership, the U.S. obliterated Iran’s nuclear program.
- President Trump secured ceasefires between India and Pakistan and Israel and Iran, a peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and a pathway to stability for Syria.
- As a result of his historic peacemaking efforts, President Trump has already received three Nobel Peace Prize nominations since returning to office.
- In May, blue-collar wage growth saw its largest increase in nearly 60 years since President Trump’s return to office.
- Companies and foreign governments have pledged over $7.6 trillion in investments into the U.S.
- The U.S. Treasury has taken in nearly $90 billion in tariff duties since January 2025, with the agency posting a record $27.2 billion surplus in June – the first June surplus since 2005.
- President Trump has once again proved to be the Dealmaker-in-Chief, inking a minerals deal with Ukraine, a $14 billion “perpetual Golden Share” sale of U.S. Steel, and trade deals with the United Kingdom, China, and Indonesia.
- President Trump has signed over 170 executive orders, delivering on key campaign promises such as closing the border, protecting children from chemical and surgical mutilation, removing men from women’s sports, unleashing American energy, ending federal censorship, ending the radical indoctrination in K-12 schooling, and ending radical and wasteful government DEI programs and preferencing.
- The S&P 500 and Nasdaq market indices have reached multiple record highs.
- The Supreme Court consistently bolstered the Trump administration’s agenda, blocking activist judges from issuing nationwide injunctions, permitting “third-country deportations,” greenlighting the revocation of temporary protected status (TPS) from more than 500,000 migrants and approving efforts to shrink the federal bureaucracy.
- President Trump signed several pieces of landmark legislation, including the Genius Act, the Halt Fentanyl Act, the Laken Riley Act, and the Take It Down Act.
- The U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Space Force all reached their recruitment goals months in advance.
- The Trump administration has made incredible strides in its effort to Make America Healthy Again, with roughly 35% of the American food industry making a commitment to eliminate the use of artificial dyes, including Hershey, Consumer Brands and dozens of ice cream companies representing more than 90% of the ice cream volume sold in the U.S.
- President Trump has ensured U.S. benefit programs serve U.S. citizens, with the administration now having protected more than $40 billion in benefit programs from illegal aliens since POTUS signed an Executive Order in February “Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders.”
- President Trump inked an agreement to provide billions of dollars of military equipment to Ukraine, with NATO footing the bill.
- President Trump has cracked down on international cartels, designating eight Latin American cartels as terrorist groups, including Tren de Aragua, MS-13 and the Sinaloa Cartel.
- President Trump has solidified the U.S.’s position as the world leader in artificial intelligence, attracting north of $1 trillion in AI investment, including $90 billion in groundbreaking AI and energy investments in Pennsylvania.
- The U.S. is on track for its lowest murder rate on record following President Trump’s reinstatement of law and order.
- Following President Trump’s February executive order, universities and school systems have stopped allowing men in women’s sports, including the University of Pennsylvania, the Virginia High School League and the University of Maine System.
- Hospitals and hospital systems across the country have halted so-called “gender-affirming care” for minors following President Trump’s executive order “protecting children from chemical and surgical mutilation.”
- In his first six months, President Trump has met with 23 foreign leaders, including three visits from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as two visits from the NATO Secretary General — compared to thirteen foreign leaders and the UN Secretary General, the NATO Secretary General, and the Chinese Foreign Minister for Obama and just five in-person visits for Biden.
MIL OSI USA News –
July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Doha agreement brings DR Congo government and M23 rebels a step closer to peace

Source: United Nations 2

In a statement released on 19 July, MONUSCO said that the Declaration of Principles, signed in Doha under the mediation of Qatar, “reflects the parties’ resolve to prioritise peaceful means, establish a ceasefire, and set up a joint mechanism to define its practical implementation.”

“This important declaration marks a shift towards easing tensions and protecting civilians seriously affected by the conflict,” declared Mr. Bruno Lemarquis, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in the DRC and Acting Head of MONUSCO. “We commend the commitments made and call for their timely and good-faith implementation.”

These commitments include measures to facilitate the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of internally displaced persons and refugees to their places or countries of origin, and the encouragement of inclusive dialogue, seen as vital to addressing the root causes of the conflict and achieving lasting peace.

Earlier this year, the M23 launched an offensive in North and South Kivu provinces, capturing cities and villages, including provincial capitals Goma and Bukavu. Thousands of civilians were killed, hundreds of thousands more were displaced, and serious human rights violations were committed.

The Declaration of Principles comes less than a month after a peace agreement signed by Congo and Rwanda, long accused by the Congolese Government of supporting the M23.

The Mission’s statement highlighted the Declaration’s emphasis on civilian protection and support for the ceasefire, with assistance from MONUSCO and other partners, and reaffirmed its readiness to support the cessation of hostilities, particularly through the establishment of a credible and jointly agreed verification mechanism.

MONUSCO’s statement concluded by urging all parties to honour their commitments, act in good faith throughout the process, and prioritise human rights, security, and the aspirations of the Congolese people in all decisions.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Six Months of Keeping America Safe Under President Trump and Secretary Noem
Source: US Department of Homeland Security

DHS has accomplished more in six months than most Administrations achieve in an entire term

WASHINGTON – In just six months, President Trump and Secretary Noem have delivered the American people a long list of victories in their mission to secure the homeland and Make America Safe Again.

Under their leadership, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has closed the southern border, removed violent criminal illegal aliens, restored law and order to our immigration system, supported Americans in times of crisis, revolutionized our Coast Guard to meet the challenges of the 21st Century, and kept Americans safe.

Secured the Southern Border
- On day one, President Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border. 
- President Trump immediately reinstated “Remain in Mexico” and ended catch-and-release.  
- Daily border encounters have plunged by 93% since President Trump took office.
- Under President Trump’s leadership, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has located over 10,000 unaccompanied children.
- Migrants are turning BACK before they even reach our border— migration through Panama’s Darien Gap is down 99%.
- President Trump—with $46.5 billion from the Big Beautiful Bill—is finishing the border wall. DHS already has more than 85 miles either planned or under construction with funding from the prior year, in addition to hundreds of miles that are now planned to be funded by the bill. President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill also includes over $5 billion for new technology and border surveillance.
- With the Big Beautiful Bill, CBP will get the resources they need to keep America safe, including $4.1 billion to hire additional personnel, including 5,000 more customs officers and 3,000 new Border Patrol agents.
- In June, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had the lowest number of nationwide encounters in CBP history at 25,228.
- The number of nationwide apprehensions in June was also a historic low of just 8,024.
- Notably, on June 28, Border Patrol recorded only 136 apprehensions across the entire Southwest Border—the lowest single-day total in agency history.
- And in both May and June, U.S. Border Patrol reported zero parole releases—reinforcing the Administration’s commitment to ending catch-and-release policies.
Removed the Worst of the Worst Illegal Aliens
- The Trump Administration empowered our brave men and women in law enforcement to use common sense to do their jobs effectively.
- DHS returned to using the term “illegal alien” which is the statutory language. President Trump will not allow political correctness to hinder law enforcement.
- The Trump administration has arrested more than 300,000 illegal aliens in 2025 alone.
- 70% of ICE arrests are criminal illegal aliens with criminal charges or convictions.
- The Big Beautiful Bill will allow ICE to arrest and remove even more criminal aliens by providing $14.4 billion for removals, 10,000 new ICE agents, 80,000 new ICE beds, and a $10,000 signing bonus for new ICE agents. This will help ICE achieve as many as 1 million deportations per year.
- As part of 287(g), DHS partnered with the State of Florida and opened Alligator Alcatraz, giving the Trump administration the capability to lock up some of the worst scumbags who entered the country illegally under the previous administration. The new facility expands facility and bed space by the thousands.
- Operation Tidal Wave, the first 287(g) enforcement operation coordinated with state and federal law enforcement partners, resulted in over 800 arrests.
- President Trump and Secretary Noem are empowering state and local law enforcement to get these criminal illegal aliens off our streets. DHS has secured more than 800 signed agreements with state and local partnerships under 287(g).
- At the direction of President Trump, CBP and ICE began widescale immigration enforcement operations in sanctuary city Los Angeles and southern California. The month-long operation resulted in arresting some of the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens.
- In July, federal law enforcement officers executed criminal warrant operations at marijuana grow sites in Carpinteria and Camarillo. At least 14 migrant children have been rescued from potential exploitation, forced labor and human trafficking. Federal officers also arrested at least 361 illegal aliens from both sites in Carpinteria and Camarillo.
- After weeks of delays by activist judges, the Department of Homeland Security finally deported eight barbaric, violent criminal illegal aliens to South Sudan.
Delivering Justice for Victims of Illegal Immigration
- President Trump and Secretary Noem reopened the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) office, which was shuttered by the Biden Administration. President Trump and Secretary Noem are standing up for the victims of illegal alien crime and ensuring they have access to much needed resources and support they deserve.  
Incentivizing Historic Self-Deportations
- President Trump ended the CBP One app that allowed more than one million aliens to illegally enter the U.S. The Trump Administration replaced this disastrous program with the CBP Home app, which has a new self-deportation reporting feature for aliens illegally in the country.
- President Trump launched Project Homecoming through a presidential EO. The United States is also offering any illegal alien who uses the CBP Home App a stipend of $1,000 dollars, paid after their return to their home country has been confirmed through the app. So far, tens of thousands of illegal aliens have used the app to self-deport.  
- In addition to offering CBP Home, DHS announced illegal aliens who self-deport through the app will receive forgiveness of any civil fines or penalties for failing to depart the United States. DHS also made CBP Home more user friendly by eliminating certain steps and making it easier than ever for illegal aliens to self-deport.
- DHS and DOJ are enforcing our immigration laws and fining illegal aliens who do not depart when they are supposed to. So far, nearly 10,000 fine notices have been issued by ICE.
Restoring Common Sense to America’s Legal Immigration System
- President Trump ended the broad abuse of humanitarian parole and returned the program to a case-by-case basis. As part of this effort, Secretary Noem terminated the Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela parole programs.
- Following victory at the U.S. Supreme Court, DHS began sending termination notices in June, informing the illegal aliens both their parole is terminated, and their parole-based employment authorization is revoked – effective immediately.
- DHS has returned the Temporary Protected Status immigration program to its original status: temporary. No longer will this program be abused and exploited by illegal aliens. Secretary Noem rescinded the previous administration’s extension of Venezuelan, Haitian, Nicaraguan, Honduran, and Afghan TPS.
- Secretary Noem terminated Harvard University’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification—meaning Harvard can no longer enroll foreign students and existing foreign students must transfer or lose their legal status—for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party.
- It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll foreign students and benefit from higher tuition to help pad their multibillion-dollar endowments. Harvard University repeatedly abused this privilege and even stonewalled DHS’s request for information.
Initiating a Golden Age in American Air Travel
- Secretary Noem terminated the politically motivated Quiet Skies Program, which since its existence has failed to stop a single terrorist attack while costing US taxpayers $200 million a year. The program, under the guise of “national security,” was used to target political opponents and benefit political allies.
- TSA ended the “shoes-off” travel policy, allowing passengers traveling through domestic airports to keep their shoes on while passing through security screening at TSA checkpoints. This change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints, leading to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience.
- The Trump administration fully implemented REAL ID enforcement measures nationwide—a law signed 20 years ago. REAL ID helps ensure that travelers are who they say they are and prevents fraud by criminals, terrorists, and illegal aliens. Most travelers have not even noticed a difference because nearly 94% of travelers are already REAL ID compliant.
- Secretary Noem ended collective bargaining for the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Transportation Security Officers, which constrained TSA’s chief mission to safeguard our transportation systems.
Fixing Disaster Relief for the 21st Century
- The Federal Emergency Management Agency is now shifting from bloated, DC-centric dead weight to a lean, deployable disaster force that empowers state actors to provide relief for their citizens. The old processes are being replaced because they failed Americans in real emergencies for decades.
- President Trump has established the FEMA Review Council to provide recommendations on how to best conduct disaster relief at the federal level.
- Under Secretary Noem’s leadership, the FEMA Review Council is developing a comprehensive plan for necessary change.
- DHS has empowered state and local governments to lead disaster relief efforts without interference from the federal government.
Provided Rapid and Effective Support to Flood Victims in Texas
- Within moments of the flooding in Texas, DHS assets, including the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), CBP Border Search, CBP BORSTAR, and FEMA personnel surged into unprecedented action alongside Texas first responders for search and rescue operations.
- FEMA deployed 311 staffers delivering critical intelligence, aerial imagery, and shelter for 171 survivors.
- Combined state and federal rescue efforts evacuated and rescued over 1,500 people.
Getting CISA Back on Mission
- Under the Biden Administration, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) censored free speech and targeted Americans.
- Under President Trump’s direction, DHS closed CISA’s politically weaponized offices and fired those responsible for abusing their power.
- CISA is now back on-mission: Protecting Americans and critical infrastructure from cyberthreats.
- CISA is shifting away from an all-hazards approach to a risk-informed approach, prioritizing resilience and action over mere information sharing.
- CISA personnel are deployed across 10 regions in support of all 56 states/territories.
- CISA is also on the front lines of defending America from cyberattacks.
- CISA partnered with the FBI and NSA to ensure state and local governments have information and resources necessary for protection.
- CISA is also providing security support for next year’s FIFA World Cup.
- Secretary Noem discontinued the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council (CIPAC) as a part of the implementation of President Trump’s Executive Order 14217, Commencing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy, and removed members of the Cyber Safety Review Board (CSRB), which CISA oversees.
Revolutionizing the Coast Guard
- When President Trump came back into office, the Coast Guard faced its greatest readiness crisis since World War II because the Biden Administration left it underfunded and neglected.
- President Trump’s order to surge Coast Guard assets to our maritime border changed the game.
- In the first few months of the Trump Administration, the Coast Guard seized more cocaine and other illegal drugs than during the entirety of 2024.
- For the first time in years, the Coast Guard expects to exceed its recruiting goals.
- In Fiscal Year 2025, the Coast Guard has brought in more than 4,250 recruits – 1,200 more than the same time last year.
- That’s 108% over the goal.
- Under Biden, the Coast Guard fell short of its recruiting goals four years straight.
- Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, the Coast Guard is unleashing “Force Design 2028,” a revolutionary new blueprint that will make the Coast Guard more agile, more capable, and more responsive than ever before.
Standing up for the American taxpayer
- The United States Coast Guard (USCG) eliminated an ineffective information technology (IT) program, saving nearly $33 million, and is now focusing resources where they’re most needed to protect our homeland. 
- USCG partially terminated a wasteful Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) contract with Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG), which has been slow to deliver four OPCs, harming U.S. defense capabilities.
- The Trump Administration stopped aliens on the Terror Watchlist from receiving Medicaid benefits.  
- Secretary Noem cancelled CISA’s expensive headquarters project, saving taxpayers over half a billion dollars.
To stop policies that were magnets for illegal immigration, DHS froze all funding to non-governmental organizations that facilitate illegal immigration and announced a partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to ensure taxpayer dollars do not go to housing illegal aliens. 

###

MIL Security OSI –
July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Doha agreement brings Democratic Republic (DR) Congo government and M23 rebels a step closer to peace

Source: APO – Report:

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An agreement signed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) government and the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23) has been hailed by the UN peacekeeping mission in the country (MONUSCO) as “an important step toward sustainable peace.

In a statement released on 19 July, MONUSCO said that the Declaration of Principles, signed in Doha under the mediation of Qatar, “reflects the parties’ resolve to prioritize peaceful means, establish a ceasefire, and set up a joint mechanism to define its practical implementation.”

“This important declaration marks a shift toward easing tensions and protecting civilians seriously affected by the conflict,” declared Mr. Bruno Lemarquis, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in the DRC and Acting Head of MONUSCO. “We commend the commitments made and call for their timely and good faith implementation.”

Those commitments include measures to facilitate the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of internally displaced persons and refugees to their places or countries of origin, and the encouragement of inclusive dialogue, seen as vital to addressing the root causes of the conflict and achieving lasting peace.

Earlier this year, the M23 launched an offensive in North and South Kivu provinces, capturing cities and villages, including provincial capitals Goma and Bukavu. Thousands of civilians were killed, hundreds of thousands more were displaced, and serious human rights violations were committed.

The Declaration of Principles comes less than a month after a peace agreement signed by Congo and Rwanda, long accused by the Congolese government of supporting the M23.

The Mission’s statement highlighted the Declaration’s emphasis on civilian protection and support for the ceasefire, with assistance from MONUSCO and other partners, and reaffirmed its readiness to support the cessation of hostilities, particularly through the establishment of a credible and jointly agreed verification mechanism.

MONUSCO’s statement concluded by urging all parties to honour their commitments, act in good faith throughout the process, and prioritise human rights, security, and the aspirations of the Congolese people in all decisions.

– on behalf of UN News.

MIL OSI Africa –

July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: President El-Sisi Meets Secretary-General of the League of Arab States

Source: APO

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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the meeting addressed the latest developments pertinent to Arab crises and issues, mainly the situation in Gaza Strip and the West Bank, as well as the massive efforts being made by Egypt and Qatar to achieve a ceasefire and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. This is in addition to the pursuit of a just and comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian cause through the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, in accordance with international legitimacy, the protection of the rights of the Palestinian people and the prevention of their displacement and the compromise of their just cause.

The meeting also touched on the latest developments in Syria and Libya, in addition to the situation in Sudan and the ongoing efforts to restore security and stability there. The meeting also covered the political and security situations in the Horn of Africa and the security of the Red Sea.

President El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s steadfast commitment to supporting the Arab League, based on its deep belief in the League’s pivotal role in strengthening joint Arab action and unifying Arab ranks in the face of the region’s complex and unprecedented challenges. For his part, the Secretary-General of the Arab League valued Egypt’s wise positions, which contribute to restoring security and stability in the Middle East, especially through its support for a just and final solution to the Palestinian issue, as the only path to achieving lasting and comprehensive peace in the region.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

MIL OSI Africa –

July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: President El-Sisi Meets United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) Commander

Source: APO

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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received the Commander of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), General Michael E. Kurilla, in the presence of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Minister of Defense and Military Production General Abdel Mageed Saqr, as well as U.S. Ambassador in Cairo, Herro Mustafa Garg.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said General Kurilla conveyed the greetings of U.S. President Donald Trump to President El-Sisi, which the President appreciated, emphasizing the deep strategic relations between Egypt and the United States. The meeting addressed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation and joint coordination in all fields, particularly military and security, and stressed the importance of reinforcing this cooperation in light of both sides’ keenness to supporting regional and international security and stability.

The meeting reviewed developments in the Middle East. President El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s continued intensive efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, facilitate the exchange of hostages and captives, and resume the urgent entry of humanitarian aid. The President also commended President Trump’s efforts toward achieving a ceasefire, underscoring the importance of reviving the peace process and striving for lasting peace and stability in the region.

Views were aligned on the need to de-escalate tensions in the region and to pursue political and sustainable solutions to the current crises, so as to contribute to enhancing regional peace and stability. In this regard, the meeting reviewed the latest developments in Syria, Libya, Sudan, and the Horn of Africa, in addition to the water issue. President El-Sisi underscored the utmost importance of the Nile River issue as a matter of national security for Egypt.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

MIL OSI Africa –

July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Typhoon Wipha leaves HK

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Observatory downgraded the storm signal from No. 8 to No. 3, as Typhoon Wipha moved away from the city this evening.

The No. 8 Southeast Gale or Storm Signal, issued at 4.10 this afternoon was replaced by the Strong Wind Signal No. 3 at 7.40pm.

The Hospital Authority said that 33 people received medical treatment at public hospitals due to typhoon-related injuries.

During the storm, the Government’s 1823 Call Centre received 286 reports of fallen trees and the Fire Services Department received 425 reports, while the Drainage Services Department received seven flooding cases.

Meanwhile, the Home Affairs Department opened 34 temporary shelters at which 277 people sought refuge.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Typhoon Wipha makes landfall in China’s Guangdong Province

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

GUANGZHOU, July 20 (Xinhua) — Typhoon Wipha, the sixth typhoon this year, made landfall in the coastal city of Jiangmen in south China’s Guangdong Province at around 5:50 p.m. Sunday, according to the Guangdong Provincial Meteorological Service.

At the time of the typhoon’s arrival on the coastline, the maximum wind speed near its epicenter reached 33 m/s. It is expected to move in a southwesterly direction at a speed of 20-25 km/h. -0-

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

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: A series of earthquakes recorded in Kamchatka

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

Vladivostok, July 20 (Xinhua) — An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 was registered 115 km east of the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky (the administrative center of Russia’s Kamchatka Krai) on Sunday at 18:49 local time, the Kamchatka branch of the Unified Geophysical Service of the Russian Academy of Sciences reported on its Telegram channel.

Earlier, two earthquakes occurred in approximately the same area – with magnitudes of 5.3 and 6.5, respectively. After a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6, two more earthquakes were recorded with magnitudes of 6.8 and 6.4, respectively.

According to TASS, the tremors were felt for about a minute. People ran out of buildings. The press service of the regional Emergencies Ministry said that specialists would begin inspecting the buildings in the near future. A tsunami threat was declared in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky due to a series of tremors in the Pacific Ocean. –0–

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

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 20, 2025
MIL-OSI China: 7.2-magnitude quake hits waters off Kamchatka Peninsula: CENC

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

A 7.2-magnitude earthquake jolted the far offshore area east of the Kamchatka Peninsula at 2:49 p.m. Sunday (Beijing Time), according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC).

The epicenter was monitored at 52.90 degrees north latitude and 160.45 degrees east longitude. The quake struck at a depth of 10 km, said the CENC.

MIL OSI China News –

July 20, 2025
MIL-OSI China: American ginseng farmers grappling with uncertainty amid trade tensions

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

While scorching heat grips most of America in early July, Wisconsin’s Marathon County offers a striking exception: cool breezes whisper through shaded areas with almost autumnal crispness, while nighttime temperatures regularly dip below 20 degrees Celsius — a refreshing anomaly in the sweltering national landscape.

“This place is the only place that is producing quality ginseng in the United States,” said Dave Schumacher, vice president of the Ginseng Board of Wisconsin, a state-mandated marketing board established in 1991 and overseen by the state of Wisconsin. The ideal climate and the soil here in Wisconsin give ginseng “that real strong bitter flavor, then that little sweetness that comes after that.”

“You don’t see that in any other region that grows ginseng,” Schumacher said, highlighting the area’s distinctive qualities.

At its peak in the 1980s and 1990s, over 1,200 ginseng farmers here in Wisconsin were producing over 2 million pounds of ginseng a year. “It really was an economic boom for this area, and also for the state of Wisconsin,” recalled Schumacher, his voice tinged with pride for the region’s boom years.

The industry has since been in decline. “We went from over 1,200 growers to 79 growers now. And that will decrease another 12 growers in the next two years,” Schumacher lamented.

Ginseng production, he said, had declined by 60 percent from its peak to about 1 million pounds. The number could drop even further in the future, unless there is a change in the overall market price.

Ginseng production in Wisconsin has encountered multiple challenges in recent decades. Market pressures mounted as more countries entered the ginseng trade, compounded by climatic threats like Wisconsin’s freak May 2010 snowstorm that buried crops under six inches of snow, wiping out tons of mature plants.

Tariffs are the latest challenge facing ginseng farmers in Wisconsin.

“I have tasted the ups and downs in the past 13 years,” said Jiang Mingtao, who started to grow ginseng in Marathon County in 2012. “We harvested our first crop in 2015, and back then, the price was three times what it is today.”

Jiang said the greatest damage to his ginseng business — from the first round of the trade war to the current tensions — has been the uncertainty.

He explained that American ginseng takes three to five years to grow from seed to maturity, and frequent policy shifts have disrupted long-term planning. “We’re an industry that hopes for orderly development,” he said.

Despite its global reputation, Wisconsin ginseng production accounts for only about 8 percent of the global total. “The trade war is like adding insult to injury,” Jiang said.

Asia has long been the traditional market for American ginseng, with about 80 percent of Wisconsin’s production ultimately making its way to China, according to Schumacher. “It’ll either go directly in large shipments or else it may be carried in as gifts.”

“China is very important to us,” he added. “We enjoy talking to them (the Chinese people), and overall, they’re important to us, and we hope in the future that everything turns out well.”

Paul Hsu, chairman and founder of Hsu’s Ginseng Enterprises, Inc., has been growing ginseng in Wisconsin for 50 years. Trade tensions triggered layoffs for one-third of Hsu’s employees and closure of five out of his 40 farms.

“I have two companies in China, each with 10 branches scattered in nine provinces. Now the ten branches have merged into seven and all of them were shrinking,” said the 83-year-old.

Hsu revealed a harsh economic reality: while production costs — from labor to fertilizers — have skyrocketed almost sixfold over the past four decades, Wisconsin ginseng prices remain frozen at 1980s levels. “People are less and less interested in planting because it is not profitable,” he said.

Facing unprecedented pressures, these growers still cherish their bond with Wisconsin’s century-old ginseng tradition — all three firmly rejecting any thought of giving up ginseng growing.

As a second-generation ginseng farmer, Schumacher said that his nephew is planning on taking over the business after he retires. “So thankfully, I think our family tradition will continue in the ginseng industry.”

MIL OSI China News –

July 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Typhoon Wipha situation report (7)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Typhoon Wipha situation report (7)
The Home Affairs Department has so far opened 34 temporary shelters in various districts and 253 people have sought refuge at the shelters.

As at 4pm today, the Government’s 1823 Call Centre and the Fire Services Department received 171 reports and 300 reports of fallen trees respectively, while the Drainage Services Department has received three confirmed flooding cases. In addition, no report of landslide has been received so far.

According to the Hospital Authority, as at 4pm today, 16 males and 10 females have sought medical treatment at the Accident and Emergency Departments at public hospitals so far during the typhoon period.
Issued at HKT 16:52

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CategoriesMIL-OSI

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Crypto – UK’s crypto fire sale risks repeating a billion-pound blunder – deVere Group

Source: deVere Group

July 20 2025 – The UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves is reportedly contemplating a sale of the country’s confiscated Bitcoin stash—some 61,000 BTC seized in a 2018 fraud bust—to alleviate an estimated £20 billion fiscal shortfall.

But while offloading crypto could offer short-term relief, Nigel Green, the CEO of global financial advisory giant deVere Group warns it may echo past errors and undermine long-term strategy.

“Turning these assets into instant cash is tempting, but it risks repeating historical errors,” he says, highlighting the lessons of previous government asset sales that have gone sour.

Bitcoin on Sunday surged past the $118,000 mark—its highest point since the $123,000 peak.

The proposal arrives amidst a wider pro-crypto pivot. The UK recently lifted restrictions on retail ETNs in June, aiming to become a fintech powerhouse. The surge in regulatory clarity, combined with rising institutional interest, has bolstered Bitcoin’s legitimacy, with sovereign holdings under serious consideration globally.

Despite this backdrop, Nigel Green voices strong concern. “If we advocate crypto as strategic, then hastily disposing of seized Bitcoin is hypocritical—and harmful.”

“Fiscal pressure shouldn’t drive poor asset decisions.”

He continues: “That’s all the more pressing given restoration obligations—victims must be compensated, law enforcement gets its cut, and legal overheads pile up. Net receipts may shrink to 20–30% of gross proceeds—far less than headlines suggest.

“This isn’t free money. Court battles and administrative fees will eat into what the Treasury actually sees.”

Economists often cite gold sales in the late 1990s as a cautionary tale. Sold at depressed prices, the assets were later criticized for heavy losses when bullion rose.

The deVere CEO draws a parallel: “They sold gold in a dip, only to regret it years later. We risk replaying that error with Bitcoin.”

Indeed, proper timing matters—”emergency fiscal relief is not always best served by fire-sale tactics.”

He has previously urged the UK to build a “strategic Bitcoin reserve,” akin to moves under consideration in the US.

His track record of bullish forecasts—Bitcoin nearing $125k—is rooted in believing digital assets will anchor future economic frameworks.

He reiterates: “If countries like the US, the world’s largest economy, are seriously weighing Bitcoin as a reserve, why would the UK liquidate instead?”

Far from being a gamble, it’s a bet on diversification and monetary education. As Nigel Green notes: “Bitcoin can act like digital gold—it’s scarce, decentralized, and a hedge against inflation.”

The consequences extend beyond Pounds and pence—they speak to perception: “How the Chancellor handles this will shape market and public confidence. It’s about whether we lead intelligently—or just chase headlines.”

Indeed, rushed asset sales project instability—it broadcasts that policy swings on crypto are driven by urgency, not strategy. This risks turning the UK from crypto innovator to cautionary tale.

The deVere chief executive concludes: “Is the UK a digital finance pioneer—or panic merchants liquidating seized assets? The choice will help define Rachel Reeves’ and the government’s economic legacy.

“They should act less on timing, more on trajectory.”

deVere Group is one of the world’s largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients. It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.

MIL OSI – Submitted News –

July 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: 14 people killed, 12 missing as a result of days of heavy rains in Kazakhstan

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

SEOUL, July 20 (Xinhua) — Fourteen people have been killed and 12 others are missing after five days of heavy rains hit the Republic of Korea (ROK), the country’s Ministry of the Interior and Safety said Sunday.

According to him, as of 11:00 local time /02:00 GMT/, 14 people have been confirmed dead, and another 12 are still missing.

Rainfall that began on Wednesday has forced 13,209 people to flee their homes across the country. As of Sunday morning, 3,836 remained in temporary shelters.

A total of 1,920 cases of damage to public property and 2,234 cases of damage to private property were reported, including flooded roads, landslides, collapsed river structures, flooded buildings and agricultural land. –0–

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

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Ukraine has proposed that Russia hold another round of peace talks next week

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

KYIV, July 20 (Xinhua) — Newly appointed Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Rustem Umerov has proposed that Russia hold another round of peace talks next week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram on Saturday evening.

The Ukrainian leader stressed the need to increase the dynamics of negotiations and do everything possible to cease fire.

Among the most pressing issues that Kyiv would like to discuss at the next stage of peace negotiations, V. Zelensky named the exchange of prisoners and the prevention of deaths.

He also stressed that to ensure truly lasting peace, Ukraine and Russia should organize a meeting at the level of leaders.

The previous round of peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow took place on June 2 in Istanbul. –0–

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

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 20, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Advocacy – Gaza is Starving: A Last-Minute Call for Action – PSNA
Statement issued by the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

The Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA) issues this urgent and desperate call: Gaza is starving, and we must act now.

Hospitals and emergency clinics in Gaza are overwhelmed. Unprecedented numbers of Palestinians — children, women, and the elderly — are collapsing from hunger and exhaustion. Medical professionals warn that hundreds face imminent death, their bodies unable to survive the severe famine conditions created by Israel’s ongoing siege and deliberate starvation tactics.

This is not a natural disaster. This is the result of a man-made blockade, a deliberate policy of collective punishment — and it constitutes a grave violation of international law.

This is a last-minute call.

PSNA calls on:

The New Zealand Government to immediately condemn Israel’s weaponisation of starvation and demand an end to the siege, a permanent ceasefire, and unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza.

All political parties and elected officials to break their silence and act with urgency to prevent further loss of life.

The people of Aotearoa to stand up and speak out. Protest. Write. Donate. Mobilise.

The media to stop turning away, to report on the famine and the mass suffering of civilians in Gaza with the urgency and humanity it demands.

As New Zealanders, we have a proud tradition of standing against injustice and apartheid. Now is the time to uphold that legacy, not with words, but with action.

Gaza is starving. We cannot delay. We must not look away.

Maher Nazzal
Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa
MIL OSI New Zealand News –
July 20, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Messi brace powers Miami past Red Bulls

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

Lionel Messi scored two goals and set up another as Inter Miami recovered from a goal down to crush New York Red Bulls 5-1 in the MLS on Saturday.

German defender Alexander Hack gave the hosts the lead by volleying home from Emil Forsberg’s corner at the near post.

Messi then sent a sublime through ball into the path of his former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba, who took a touch before rifling a shot into the far corner.

Alba turned provider three minutes later as his cut-back allowed Telasco Segovia to fire in a first-time effort from eight yards.

Inter Miami was suddenly in overdrive and Venezuelan midfielder Segovia made it 3-1 just before halftime as he pounced on a loose ball to slot home from distance.

Messi extended his side’s lead by running onto Sergio Busquets’ defense-splitting pass from deep inside his own half and rounding goalkeeper Carlos Coronel before rolling the ball into an unguarded net.

The Florida outfit completed the rout in the 75th minute when Messi chested down Luis Suarez’s cross and smashed his shot into the top-left corner.

Messi has now scored at least twice in six of his past seven matches. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner now has 18 goals and seven assists in 18 MLS outings this year.

Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano heaped praise on Messi after the match, saying the Argentine proved yet again why he is one of the greatest players in history.

“Ultimately, I think any sports fan, not just football fans, admires these types of athletes, whether it’s Lionel Messi, Michael Jordan in his time, Rafa Nadal,” Mascherano told a post-match news conference.

“These are people who have transcended sports, and the reality is that those of us who have the opportunity to experience this up close are very privileged.”

The result leaves Inter Miami fifth in the Eastern Conference with 41 points, seven points behind leaders Cincinnati but with three games in hand. New York Red Bulls are ninth, eight points further back.

MIL OSI China News –

July 20, 2025
MIL-OSI China: South China provinces brace for Typhoon Wipha

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

GUANGZHOU, July 20 — South China’s Hainan and Guangdong provinces have been placed on high alert as Typhoon Wipha, the sixth typhoon of the year, is expected to make landfall along the coast Sunday afternoon or evening.

As of 7 a.m. Sunday, Typhoon Wipha was observed at 21.7 degrees north latitude and 114.9 degrees east longitude, with the maximum wind speed near its center reaching 33 meters per second. It is expected to move westward at around 25 km per hour, with its intensity continuing to strengthen, according to meteorological forecasts.

In Guangdong’s Zhuhai City, where strong winds and heavy rainfall are forecast, authorities raised the typhoon alert to red and upgraded the emergency response for typhoon control to Level I at 3 a.m. Sunday, according to the local meteorological bureau.

The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge was temporarily closed in response to the typhoon. Outbound customs clearance at Zhuhai Port of the bridge was suspended at 2:30 a.m., followed by the closure of the main bridge at 3:30 a.m., according to the bridge’s management bureau.

School classes, transportation and business activities have been suspended across Zhuhai, and residents have been urged to stay indoors.

At 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Hainan raised its emergency response for flood and typhoon control from Level IV to Level III, as strong winds and rainstorms are expected to impact the island province between Sunday and Tuesday, according to the provincial emergency management bureau.

In the provincial capital of Haikou, various departments are taking precautions ahead of the typhoon.

The maritime authority is carrying out electronic inspections in affected waters, maintaining real-time vessel monitoring and deploying personnel for on-site checks.

Water affairs departments have organized drainage teams to inspect and maintain facilities, opened manhole covers in advance to facilitate drainage, and set up warning signs.

The power department has stationed repair vehicles in key areas, while emergency plans have been activated for vegetable reserves to ensure market supply.

China’s national observatory issued a yellow alert for Typhoon Wipha on Saturday.

China has a four-tier emergency response system, with Level I being the most severe response, and a four-tier color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe, followed by orange, yellow and blue.

MIL OSI China News –

July 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SPC Jul 20, 2025 0100 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

For best viewing experience, please enable browser JavaScript support.

Jul 20, 2025 0100 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

Updated: Sun Jul 20 01:00:59 UTC 2025 (Print Version | | )

Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table

Forecast Discussion

SPC AC 200100

Day 1 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0800 PM CDT Sat Jul 19 2025

Valid 200100Z – 201200Z

…THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FOR PARTS OF THE
NORTHERN AND CENTRAL HIGH PLAINS INTO THE MIDWEST…

…SUMMARY…
Strong to severe storms remain possible this evening into late
tonight from parts of the central and northern High Plains into
parts of the Corn Belt.

…Central Plains into parts of IA/IL…
Strong to extreme buoyancy and favorable deep-layer shear (as noted
on the 00Z OAX sounding) remain in place across much of NE into
western/central IA. Ongoing supercells will continue to pose a
threat for large hail, localized severe gusts, and possibly a
tornado or two through much of the evening.

A nocturnally strengthening low-level jet may support an increase in
storm coverage later tonight from eastern NE into parts of IA.
Potential for organized MCS development remains uncertain, but any
substantial storm clustering could result in a damaging wind and
isolated hail threat spreading eastward overnight, potentially
reaching parts of northern IL before the end of the period.

…Northern High Plains…
Widely scattered supercells may persist through much of the evening
across the northern High Plains, within an environment characterized
by moderate to strong instability and favorable deep-layer shear (as
depicted in the 00Z GGW and UNR soundings). Large hail and localized
severe gusts may accompany the strongest storms. Some modest upscale
growth is possible late tonight from eastern MT into ND, in
association with a mid/upper-level shortwave trough moving across
southern SK. While an isolated severe threat could continue across
this region into the overnight hours, decreasing instability and
increasing CINH should eventually result in a gradual weakening
trend.

…Mid Atlantic…
A few strong storms are ongoing this evening from eastern VA into
NC. Localized wind damage remains possible with the strongest
remaining storms, though the threat should eventually diminish as
storms weaken with time and/or move offshore.

…WI/Lower MI vicinity…
Some increase in storm coverage remains possible this evening across
parts of WI and lower MI, in the vicinity of a cold front. Modest
buoyancy and moderate deep-layer shear could support a strong storm
or two capable of locally damaging wind.

..Dean.. 07/20/2025

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MIL OSI USA News –

July 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SPC MD 1733

Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Mesoscale Discussion 1733

Mesoscale Discussion 1733
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
1139 PM CDT Sat Jul 19 2025

Areas affected…Southern Iowa…extreme northeast
Missouri…west-central Illinois

Concerning…Severe potential…Watch possible

Valid 200439Z – 200645Z

Probability of Watch Issuance…40 percent

SUMMARY…A small cluster of thunderstorms will pose a risk for
isolated large hail and strong wind gusts. Should these storms show
signs of becoming better organized, then watch issuance would be
possible.

DISCUSSION…A small cluster of thunderstorms has recently
intensified over south-central Iowa in the vicinity of an east-west
frontal boundary. Latest objective analysis shows this area within a
zone of low-level warm advection, and also within the right entrance
region of an upper-level jet maximum. Strong instability (MUCAPE in
excess of 2500 J/kg) and around 40 kts of westerly shear will
provide a favorable environment for some continued severe hail and
wind threat, with some non-zero tornado potential in the vicinity of
the boundary. The primary uncertainty is the degree of organization
that would result in more than an isolated severe threat. Latest
hi-res guidance remains varied regarding near-term forecasts for
these storms, although the potential does exist for increased
organization over the next few hours. Were this to occur, then watch
issuance would be possible.

Convective trends will be monitored closely.

..Bunting/Hart.. 07/20/2025

…Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product…

ATTN…WFO…LSX…DVN…DMX…EAX…

LAT…LON 40989426 41229306 41189216 40949158 40719122 40539107
40309107 40259185 40319296 40449388 40789428 40989426

MOST PROBABLE PEAK TORNADO INTENSITY…UP TO 95 MPH
MOST PROBABLE PEAK WIND GUST…UP TO 60 MPH
MOST PROBABLE PEAK HAIL SIZE…UP TO 1.25 IN

Top/All Mesoscale Discussions/Forecast Products/Home

MIL OSI USA News –

July 20, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Key takeaways from US stablecoin law: What it means for global finance

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

Photo taken on March 28, 2022 shows the Capitol building in Washington, D.C., the United States. [Photo/Xinhua]

U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday signed the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act, or GENIUS Act, into law, marking the country’s first major federal law governing cryptocurrencies.

Passed by a bipartisan majority in Congress, the legislation gave an immediate boost to market sentiment: the total value of cryptoassets surged past $4 trillion, according to CoinGecko, a cryptocurrency data aggregator website.

“This could be perhaps the greatest revolution in financial technology since the birth of the Internet itself,” said Trump.

What are stablecoins?

Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, stablecoins are designed to hold a steady value by being pegged one-to-one to a stable asset, usually to the U.S. dollar. For every stablecoin in circulation, the issuing company is expected to hold equivalent reserves, such as cash or short-term Treasury bonds.

In a Brookings Institution report, stablecoins currently in circulation have a collective market capitalization of over $250 billion with approximately 99% pegged to the U.S. dollar.

Among major stablecoin issuers are Tether (USDT) with a market cap of nearly $161 billion, and Circle (USDC) with about $65 billion, according to data from CoinMarketCap.

“At the end of the day, it’s about being able to send dollars outside of banking hours and to send dollars the way you and I might interact with WhatsApp or messaging platforms,” Circle’s chief strategy officer Dante Disparte told CBS in a recent interview.

With the GENIUS Act passed, banks, nonbanks and credit unions could dive into the market by issuing their own stablecoins, local media reported.

Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser said on the company’s earnings call Tuesday that the bank is considering issuing its own form of the cryptocurrency.

Pros and cons

Stablecoins emerged in 2014 and have since ballooned in popularity particularly for their potential use in digital payments, said Darrell Duffie, a professor of finance at Stanford University.

The total market value of stablecoins soared from $20 billion in 2020 to $246 billion in May 2025, according to analysts at Deutsche Bank.

U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty said stablecoins could allow businesses and consumers to settle payments “nearly instantaneously,” as opposed to the current system, which can take weeks.

In some developing countries, where dollars aren’t easily accessible, firms with international partners are turning to stablecoins to speed up transfers that would otherwise take days or weeks through traditional banks.

However, stablecoins come with mounting concerns. Among the biggest are the depegging risks. If reserve assets lose value or liquidity, stablecoins may break their peg. This can trigger trading losses or systemic market risks to insolvency and liquidity, as seen during the 2023 banking crisis, said a report from S&P Global Ratings.

Another risk is lack of transparency. John Reed Stark, a former top financial regulator who served as chief of the SEC Office of Internet Enforcement, said, “In most instances, we have no visibility to any stablecoins, no public audits, no examinations, no inspections — who knows what is really going on?”

A further concern revolves around the potential use of stablecoins by illicit actors, such as drug dealers and scammers. Zhao Yao, a researcher at Renmin University of China, said that the anonymity and decentralized nature of stablecoins could facilitate money laundering and other illegal transactions.

Implications for U.S. and global finance

The GENIUS Act aligns with Trump’s pledge to make the United States “the crypto capital of the world.”

Christian Catalini, founder of the MIT Cryptoeconomics Lab, said this move could usher in mainstream adoption of stablecoins for digital payments and spur growth in the stablecoin industry.

Lawmakers also passed two other crypto bills, rounding out what Republicans called “Crypto Week.” The Clarity Act will regulate digital commodities beyond stablecoins, and the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act prevents the Federal Reserve from issuing any retail central bank digital currency directly to Americans. The Trump administration and crypto advocates see the moves as a step toward mainstream adoption, local media reported.

Eneko Knorr, CEO of Stabolut, said that stablecoins “strengthen dollar dominance” by boosting demand for dollars and U.S. Treasuries in global trade — though others like Dean Baker, co-director at the Center for Economic and Policy Research, argued that the benefits are “trivial” compared to central bank digital currencies, which offer similar advantages without the risks of private issuers.

However, one point of controversy in this legislation is whether and how to restrict the ability of the president and other federal politicians from issuing stablecoins of their own, wrote a Brookings Institution commentary.

The Trump family has direct ties to crypto ventures, including a meme coin called $TRUMP, and a business called World Liberty Financial, which has launched a stablecoin called USD1 — though the White House has said that there are no conflicts of interest present for Trump and that his assets are in a trust managed by his children.

Hillary Allen, a law professor at American University, said in an interview with CNN that the crypto industry poured money into Trump’s reelection campaign and congressional races. “This is the return on investment for the campaign spending by the crypto industry,” Allen said.

Critics also worry about unintended macroeconomic consequences. The Economist warned if consumers move funds from bank deposits into stablecoins, banks could lose key funding sources, limiting their ability to lend.

It also pointed out an irony in U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s ambition to popularize stablecoins globally: Efforts to expand stablecoin use abroad could backfire economically at home — strengthening the dollar but undermining U.S. exports and trade goals.

MIL OSI China News –

July 20, 2025
World Championship of Legends: India-Pakistan clash called off amid player and sponsor boycott

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

The much-anticipated India vs Pakistan clash at the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL) has officially been called off, following strong objections from Indian players and a principal tournament sponsor.

The decision was announced by the tournament organisers, who issued a formal apology for “hurting sentiments” and “causing discomfort” to the Indian legends.

In a statement, WCL organisers said the India-Pakistan fixture was scheduled in the spirit of fostering goodwill, taking inspiration from a recent friendly volleyball match between the two nations. However, they acknowledged that the move had backfired, creating discomfort among Indian players and sparking widespread backlash.

“The fixture was planned to create happy memories for fans,” the statement read. “But we understand that it may have caused unease to the Indian legends and fans. We sincerely apologise for hurting sentiments and have decided to cancel the match.”

The cancellation follows public declarations from former India cricketers, including Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan, who stated they would not participate in the match.

In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Dhawan shared an email he had sent to WCL organisers on May 11, clearly stating his unwillingness to play against Pakistan.
“Jo kadam 11 May ko liya, uspe aaj bhi waise hi khada hoon. Mera desh mere liye sab kuch hai, aur desh se badhkar kuch nahi hota”
(I stand by the decision I made on May 11. My country is everything for me, and nothing is greater than the nation), Dhawan wrote.

Sources suggest that other Indian players have also privately communicated their decision to skip the Pakistan fixture.

The controversy deepened after one of WCL’s main sponsors, travel-tech company EaseMyTrip, reaffirmed its longstanding policy of non-participation in any match involving Pakistan. The company, which signed a five-year sponsorship deal with the tournament two years ago, reiterated its stance in a statement shared on social media.

“Despite entering into a five-year sponsorship agreement with WCL, our stance has always been clear—EaseMyTrip will not be associated with or participate in any WCL match involving Pakistan,” the company posted. “We proudly continue to support the India Champions but will not support or promote any match that includes Pakistan. This position was unambiguously communicated to the WCL team from the start. Bharat First. Always.”

India and Pakistan were scheduled to face off in Birmingham on Sunday in what would have been their first cricket encounter since the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s subsequent Operation Sindoor. Rising tensions had already cast a shadow over the fixture, prompting fan backlash and political debate.

India Legends are the defending champions of the WCL, having defeated Pakistan in last year’s final, with both Shahid Afridi and the Indian stalwarts participating.

—IANS

July 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Continued Israeli intervention worsens Syria crisis: Turkish FM

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

ANKARA, July 20 (Xinhua) — “Israel’s continued attacks on Syrian territory” are worsening the crisis in Syria, Anadolu Agency reported, citing Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

“Any attack on the territorial integrity, unity and sovereignty of Syria undermines regional peace efforts,” Fidan told US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a telephone conversation on Saturday about the situation in southern Syria.

According to H. Fidan, it is important to implement the mutual understanding reached by the parties, which should concern an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire throughout the country, announced earlier that day by the Syrian authorities.

In a statement released on Saturday morning, Syrian authorities said the truce was aimed at preserving national unity and ensuring the safety of civilians in “critical circumstances,” calling the move a national and humanitarian commitment.

The statement came hours after US Special Representative for Syria Tom Barak announced the ceasefire on social media site X, saying Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa had agreed to end the fighting with the mediation of M. Rubio. –0–

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

.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 20, 2025
Death toll rises to 37 after cruise ship capsizes in Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Tragedy struck northern Vietnam as a cruise ship carrying dozens of tourists capsized in Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh province, following a sudden and severe storm. According to the Vietnam News Agency, the death toll has now risen to 37, with rescue operations still underway.

The incident occurred on Saturday around 1:30 p.m. local time, when the vessel encountered a powerful storm that swept across the region. By 2:05 p.m., the ship had lost all contact with authorities and subsequently sank beneath the waters of the bay, officials confirmed.

The cruise boat was carrying 48 passengers at the time — 24 men and 24 women — many of them reportedly young people and children.

Local media outlet Tien Phong reported that most of the passengers were Vietnamese families visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site from the capital, Hanoi.

Despite challenging weather conditions and heavy rainfall, rescue teams have managed to pull 11 people from the water alive. However, dozens remain missing, prompting a large-scale rescue effort that is expected to continue through the night.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and has called for a thorough investigation into the accident.

In a statement, the government emphasised that any violations contributing to the incident would be “strictly handled.”

Ha Long Bay, famed for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands, is one of Vietnam’s top tourist attractions. In 2019 alone, it welcomed over 4 million visitors, both domestic and international.

As the search for survivors continues, the nation mourns the lives lost in one of its most iconic natural landmarks.

—IANS

July 20, 2025
Hong Kong issues highest storm warning as typhoon Wipha approaches

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Hong Kong issued its highest storm warning on Sunday as Typhoon Wipha, packing winds of more than 167 kilometres (103 miles) per hour, brought heavy rain and strong winds across the territory, forcing the cancellation of more than 200 flights.

The city’s weather observatory raised its storm signal to No. 10 at 9:20 a.m. (0120 GMT) and said it expected the signal to remain at that level “for some time.”

According to the warning, Wipha will pass approximately 50 km south of the observatory. Hurricane-force winds are affecting the southern part of Hong Kong, the observatory said.

Cathay Pacific Airways (0293.HK) cancelled all flights arriving at or departing from Hong Kong International Airport between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday. The airline waived ticket change fees and made arrangements for customers to rebook.

Most public transport services were suspended on Sunday, including ferries, due to high sea swells.

-Reuters

July 20, 2025