NewzIntel.com

Category: Security

  • MIL-OSI Global: South Africa’s food poisoning crisis: the government’s response isn’t dealing with the real issues

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Mamokete Modiba, Researcher, Gauteng City-Region Observatory

    The South African government declared a national disaster towards the end of 2024 in response to an outbreak of food-borne illnesses. The outbreak had led to the tragic deaths of over 20 children and hospitalisation of hundreds.

    Investigations by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases attributed the outbreak to hazardous pesticides such as Terbufos and Aldicarb. The pesticides, used in agriculture, have infiltrated the informal market as unregulated “street pesticides” for rat control, resulting in food contamination.

    In response, the government announced several measures. One was that all food handling outlets, including informal retailers known as spaza shops, had to register with their respective municipalities. It also introduced widespread inspection of these outlets for compliance with regulations and health standards.

    The measures are a step in the right direction. However, based on our research work at the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) over the past decades, they fall short of what is required. In addition, certain aspects, such as mandatory registration and mass inspection of food outlets, may prove difficult to implement effectively.

    The Gauteng City Region is a cluster of cities, towns and urban nodes that make up the economic heartland of South Africa. The Gauteng City-Region Observatory is a partnership between the Gauteng provincial government, the University of the Witwatersrand, the University of Johannesburg and Gauteng South African Local Government Association. It has been researching the development dynamics of the region since 2008, providing data-driven insights and strategic guidance to support sustainable development.

    The government response to the outbreak of food-borne illnesses addresses the immediate crisis but does not address underlying factors affecting low-income settlements.

    Research by GCRO has identified the underlying factors as poor infrastructure and services. Rat infestations stem from poor waste management. This is caused by inadequate public services, failing infrastructure and irregular waste collection.

    Dumping, littering and burning waste worsen the public health and environmental risks, including disease transmission and pest infestations.

    Based on this evidence, we conclude that the government’s response does not adequately address some of the root causes of the outbreak, due to insufficient understanding of the context. Addressing these systemic failures is not just a public health matter. It also highlights the challenges faced by these communities and emphasises the importance of supporting local economies.

    Survey findings

    The GCRO’s flagship Quality of Life Survey, conducted every two years since 2009, is one of South Africa’s largest social surveys. It measures various aspects such as Gauteng residents’ socio-economic dynamics, service delivery experiences, and satisfaction with government. It provides longitudinally comparable data to inform decision-making.

    The survey covers various topics that have a bearing on the food-borne illnesses outbreak, like basic services, income sources and food security. According to the latest survey (2023/24), access to refuse removal and satisfaction with service delivery has declined in Gauteng.

    In the 2023/24 survey, 74% of respondents reported weekly refuse removal, down from 83% in the 2020/21 period. Satisfaction with services dropped from 75% to 64% over the same period – a worrying trend since 2017/18. The survey also shows that over half (57%) of businesses in Gauteng are informal.

    Household hunger has increased across ten years of the survey. More than one in ten households experience severe food insecurity: hunger, poor access to food and insufficient spending on nutritious food.

    Measures to address the crisis

    We now turn to the three government interventions:

    Registration of spaza shops

    All food handling outlets, including spaza shops, are required to register with their municipalities between November 2024 and February 2025. This is a step in the right direction, towards regulatory compliance and monitoring of the safety of goods being sold to the public. However, it might not be achievable, especially within the specified period.

    There are minimum requirements for the registration of spaza shops. These include (re)zoning certificates or consent use, certificates of acceptability (health standards), approved building plans, registration with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission, and tax clearance. However, many of these businesses operate informally and therefore lack the required documentation.

    Any spaza shop that fails to register in time will be closed. This will affect livelihoods and food security, especially in low-income communities where these shops play a vital role.

    Spaza shops are a way for many people to make an income, and they supply essential food items to local communities. Households buy from them for a variety of reasons: they are nearby and affordable, open for long hours and offer credit.

    Inspection of food outlets

    A campaign to inspect all food handling outlets, focusing on spaza shops and informal traders, is underway. Law enforcement is important to remove contaminated food from the market and prevent future outbreaks. But municipalities have limited capacity to conduct such widespread inspections and ensure compliance with health regulations and standards.

    The outbreak was partly a result of municipalities’ inability to enforce the rules. If inspections had been regular and thorough, food contamination issues would have been picked up before the current crisis.

    The focus on punitive measures, such as closing businesses and prosecuting owners, does not help them to register, reopen and comply. It might harm the informal economy, reflecting a broader trend of criminalising the poor.

    Joint fund to support township and rural businesses

    Government has set aside R500 million (US$26 million) to support township and rural enterprises, including spaza shops. The fund is intended to improve business infrastructure and build capacity.

    But in our view, its eligibility criteria require reconsideration. To qualify, a business owner must be a South African citizen, their business must be registered in the municipality and they must have have valid tax registration. The majority of businesses in these settlements are informal and would not meet the requirements, so the criteria exclude many that need support.

    Next steps

    The government’s response to the food-borne illness outbreak focuses on the immediate crisis and related symptoms. It overlooks underlying structural factors. The formalisation and compliance of informal businesses may contribute to the solution but will not tackle the root causes.

    These include essential infrastructure and services such as water, sanitation and waste management facilities.

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

    – ref. South Africa’s food poisoning crisis: the government’s response isn’t dealing with the real issues – https://theconversation.com/south-africas-food-poisoning-crisis-the-governments-response-isnt-dealing-with-the-real-issues-245951

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa’s food poisoning crisis: the government’s response isn’t dealing with the real issues

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Mamokete Modiba, Researcher, Gauteng City-Region Observatory

    The South African government declared a national disaster towards the end of 2024 in response to an outbreak of food-borne illnesses. The outbreak had led to the tragic deaths of over 20 children and hospitalisation of hundreds.

    Investigations by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases attributed the outbreak to hazardous pesticides such as Terbufos and Aldicarb. The pesticides, used in agriculture, have infiltrated the informal market as unregulated “street pesticides” for rat control, resulting in food contamination.

    In response, the government announced several measures. One was that all food handling outlets, including informal retailers known as spaza shops, had to register with their respective municipalities. It also introduced widespread inspection of these outlets for compliance with regulations and health standards.

    The measures are a step in the right direction. However, based on our research work at the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) over the past decades, they fall short of what is required. In addition, certain aspects, such as mandatory registration and mass inspection of food outlets, may prove difficult to implement effectively.

    The Gauteng City Region is a cluster of cities, towns and urban nodes that make up the economic heartland of South Africa. The Gauteng City-Region Observatory is a partnership between the Gauteng provincial government, the University of the Witwatersrand, the University of Johannesburg and Gauteng South African Local Government Association. It has been researching the development dynamics of the region since 2008, providing data-driven insights and strategic guidance to support sustainable development.

    The government response to the outbreak of food-borne illnesses addresses the immediate crisis but does not address underlying factors affecting low-income settlements.

    Research by GCRO has identified the underlying factors as poor infrastructure and services. Rat infestations stem from poor waste management. This is caused by inadequate public services, failing infrastructure and irregular waste collection.

    Dumping, littering and burning waste worsen the public health and environmental risks, including disease transmission and pest infestations.

    Based on this evidence, we conclude that the government’s response does not adequately address some of the root causes of the outbreak, due to insufficient understanding of the context. Addressing these systemic failures is not just a public health matter. It also highlights the challenges faced by these communities and emphasises the importance of supporting local economies.

    Survey findings

    The GCRO’s flagship Quality of Life Survey, conducted every two years since 2009, is one of South Africa’s largest social surveys. It measures various aspects such as Gauteng residents’ socio-economic dynamics, service delivery experiences, and satisfaction with government. It provides longitudinally comparable data to inform decision-making.

    The survey covers various topics that have a bearing on the food-borne illnesses outbreak, like basic services, income sources and food security. According to the latest survey (2023/24), access to refuse removal and satisfaction with service delivery has declined in Gauteng.

    In the 2023/24 survey, 74% of respondents reported weekly refuse removal, down from 83% in the 2020/21 period. Satisfaction with services dropped from 75% to 64% over the same period – a worrying trend since 2017/18. The survey also shows that over half (57%) of businesses in Gauteng are informal.

    Household hunger has increased across ten years of the survey. More than one in ten households experience severe food insecurity: hunger, poor access to food and insufficient spending on nutritious food.

    Measures to address the crisis

    We now turn to the three government interventions:

    Registration of spaza shops

    All food handling outlets, including spaza shops, are required to register with their municipalities between November 2024 and February 2025. This is a step in the right direction, towards regulatory compliance and monitoring of the safety of goods being sold to the public. However, it might not be achievable, especially within the specified period.

    There are minimum requirements for the registration of spaza shops. These include (re)zoning certificates or consent use, certificates of acceptability (health standards), approved building plans, registration with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission, and tax clearance. However, many of these businesses operate informally and therefore lack the required documentation.

    Any spaza shop that fails to register in time will be closed. This will affect livelihoods and food security, especially in low-income communities where these shops play a vital role.

    Spaza shops are a way for many people to make an income, and they supply essential food items to local communities. Households buy from them for a variety of reasons: they are nearby and affordable, open for long hours and offer credit.

    Inspection of food outlets

    A campaign to inspect all food handling outlets, focusing on spaza shops and informal traders, is underway. Law enforcement is important to remove contaminated food from the market and prevent future outbreaks. But municipalities have limited capacity to conduct such widespread inspections and ensure compliance with health regulations and standards.

    The outbreak was partly a result of municipalities’ inability to enforce the rules. If inspections had been regular and thorough, food contamination issues would have been picked up before the current crisis.

    The focus on punitive measures, such as closing businesses and prosecuting owners, does not help them to register, reopen and comply. It might harm the informal economy, reflecting a broader trend of criminalising the poor.

    Joint fund to support township and rural businesses

    Government has set aside R500 million (US$26 million) to support township and rural enterprises, including spaza shops. The fund is intended to improve business infrastructure and build capacity.

    But in our view, its eligibility criteria require reconsideration. To qualify, a business owner must be a South African citizen, their business must be registered in the municipality and they must have have valid tax registration. The majority of businesses in these settlements are informal and would not meet the requirements, so the criteria exclude many that need support.

    Next steps

    The government’s response to the food-borne illness outbreak focuses on the immediate crisis and related symptoms. It overlooks underlying structural factors. The formalisation and compliance of informal businesses may contribute to the solution but will not tackle the root causes.

    These include essential infrastructure and services such as water, sanitation and waste management facilities.

    – South Africa’s food poisoning crisis: the government’s response isn’t dealing with the real issues
    – https://theconversation.com/south-africas-food-poisoning-crisis-the-governments-response-isnt-dealing-with-the-real-issues-245951

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Gaza – PSNA says government must oppose Trump ethnic cleansing of Gaza

    Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

     

    The Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa says Palestinians in Gaza should be allowed to return to their original homes in Israel – instead of being permanently forced out of Gaza to Jordan and Egypt under US President Trump’s expulsion plan.

     

    PSNA Chair John Minto says the Trump plan, which has just been agreed with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in Washington, is rewarding Israel for its genocidal destruction of Gaza.

     

    “The whole Israel plan was to make Gaza unleavable by bombing it to smithereens over the past year. Israel has failed to drive the Palestinians out, and so now Israel has passed the depopulation job for two million people, onto the United States.”

     

    “But 80 percent of them are already refugees from Israeli ethnic cleansing in 1948. Under International Law they are entitled to head the other way – back to their real homes in Jerusalem, Haifa, Ashkelon and other towns and cities in what is now Israel.”

     

    “Every year the General Assembly of the United Nations votes to demand Israel allow the families of the Palestinians forced out of Palestine in 1948 to return to their homes and be paid compensation.”

    “New Zealand votes for this resolution.  Our nation’s official policy for years has been to affirm the right of Palestinians to return to their original homes in Palestine.”

     

    Minto says this view is a long-standing world consensus.

     

    “I’ve just seen a statement by former Saudi Arabian diplomat Prince Turki al Faisal.  He is saying exactly the same thing.  Most Palestinians are only in Gaza because of western complicity in allowing Israel to drive them there. They must be allowed to go back.”

     

    “Our Foreign Minister should immediately stand by government policy and clearly and publicly tell Donald Trump that his Palestinian expulsion plan is not a humanitarian gesture, but a cynical war crime designed to do more dirty work for Israel and more than likely set up a resort development opportunity for his son-in-law Jared Kushner.”

     

    John Minto

    National Chair 

    Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Trump wants the US to ‘take over’ Gaza and relocate the people. Is this legal?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tamer Morris, Senior lecturer, international law, University of Sydney

    In an astonishing news conference in Washington, US President Donald Trump proposed the United States “take over” the Gaza Strip and permanently relocate the nearly two million Palestinians living there to neighbouring countries.

    Trump has previously called on Egypt and Jordan to resettle Palestinians from Gaza, which both countries firmly rejected.

    His new comments – and the possibility of a US takeover of a sovereign territory – were immediately met with criticism and questions about the legality of such a move.

    When asked what authority would allow the US to do this, Trump did not have an answer. He only noted it would be a “long-term ownership position”. He also did not rule out using US troops.

    So, what does international law say about this idea?

    Can the US take over a sovereign territory?

    The quick answer is no – Trump can’t just take over someone else’s territory.

    Since the end of the second world war in 1945, the use of force has been prohibited in international law. This is one of the foundations of international law since the creation of the United Nations.

    The US could only take control of Gaza with the consent of the sovereign authority of the territory. Israel can’t cede Gaza to the US. The International Court of Justice has ruled that Gaza is an occupied territory – and that this occupation is illegal under international law.

    So, for this to happen legally, Trump would require the consent of Palestine and the Palestinian people to take control of Gaza.

    And what about removing a population?

    One of the biggest obligations of an occupying power comes under Article 49 of the Geneva Conventions. This prohibits an occupying power from forcibly transferring or removing people from a territory.

    All other states also have an obligation not to assist an occupying power in violating international humanitarian law. So that means if the US wanted to move the population of Gaza by force, Israel could not assist in this action. And likewise, the US cannot assist Israel in violating the rules.

    Occupying powers are allowed to remove a population for the reason of safety.

    Trump and his Middle East envoy who visited Gaza last week have repeatedly referenced how dangerous it is. Trump questioned how people could “want to stay” there, saying they have “no alternative” but to leave.

    However, removing people for this reason has to only be temporary. Once it’s fine for someone to return, they must be returned.

    What if people voluntarily leave?

    Transferring a population has to be consensual. But in this specific case, it would mean the consent of all Palestinians in Gaza. The US could not force anyone to move who does not want to.

    Further to this, a government, such as the Palestinian Authority, cannot give this consent on behalf of a people. People have a right to self-determination – the right to determine their own future.

    A perfect example is migration – if a person migrates from one state to another, that is their right. It’s not displacement. But forcefully displacing them is not permitted.

    And using what sounds like a threat would arguably not be consensual, either. This could be saying, for instance, “If you stay, you’ll die because there’s only going to be more war. But if you leave, there’s peace.” This is the threat of force.

    Would forcing people to leave be ethnic cleansing?

    Ethnic cleansing has not been defined in any treaty or convention.

    However, most international law experts rely on the definition in the Commission of Experts report on the former state of Yugoslavia to the UN Security Council in 1994. It defined ethnic cleansing as:

    rendering an area ethnically homogeneous by using force or intimidation to remove persons of given groups from the area.

    So, under that definition, what is being suggested by Trump could be classified as ethnic cleansing – removing the Palestinian people from a certain geographical area through force or intimidation.

    What can be done if Trump follows through?

    If Trump follows through with this plan, it would be a violation of what is known as jus cogens, or the paramount, foundational rules that underpin international law.

    And international law dictates that no country is allowed to cooperate with another in violating these rules and all countries must try to stop or prevent any potential violations. This could include placing sanctions on a country or not providing support to that country, for example, by selling it weapons.

    A perfect example of this is when Russia illegally annexed Crimea in 2014, very few countries recognised the move. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 was then followed by sanctions and the freezing of Russian assets, among other actions.

    If Trump pursued this course of action, he too could be personally liable under international criminal law if he’s the one instigating the forcible transfer of a population.

    The International Criminal Court has already issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the former Israeli defence minister and a Hamas commander in relation to the conflict.

    The risk of this kind of language

    One of the dangers of this kind of rhetoric is the potential to dehumanise the enemy, or the other side.

    Trump does this through statements such as, “You look over the decades, it’s all death in Gaza”, and resettling people in “nice homes where they can be happy” instead of being “knifed to death”. This language implies the situation in Gaza is due to the “uncivilised” nature of the population.

    The risk at the moment, even if Trump doesn’t do what he says, is that the mere vocalisation of his proposal is dehumanising to the Palestinian people. And this, in turn, could lead to more violations of the rules of war and international humanitarian law.

    The nonchalant way Trump is discussing things such as taking over a territory and moving a population gives the impression these rules can easily be broken, even if he doesn’t break them himself.

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

    – ref. Trump wants the US to ‘take over’ Gaza and relocate the people. Is this legal? – https://theconversation.com/trump-wants-the-us-to-take-over-gaza-and-relocate-the-people-is-this-legal-249143

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Capito Votes to Confirm Bondi as Attorney General

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) issued the following statement after voting to confirm Pam Bondi to serve as the next Attorney General of the United States:

    “Pam Bondi has an accomplished legal career as both a state prosecutor for nearly two decades and a two-term Florida Attorney General and has consistently demonstrated her respect for the law. She has experience with tackling our shared priorities of the drug crisis, violent crime and human trafficking, and recidivism rates. As Attorney General, Bondi will focus on the rule of law and restoring trust and respect back to the Department of Justice. I was proud to vote for her confirmation on the Senate floor,” Senator Capito said.

    Senator Capito previously met with Bondi in January 2025 to discuss her nomination and learn more about her vision to lead the department.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Sports park stress test smooth

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Police have reported that another large-scale stress test, held tonight with 50,000 spectators attending the Hong Kong Premier League U22 football match, ran smoothly at Kai Tak Sports Park’s Main Stadium.

    The exercise was conducted to assess the operational readiness of the Main Stadium and its surrounding facilities for sports events with maximum attendance.

    Similar to the previous large-scale stress tests, the drill was co-ordinated by the force’s Exercise Team, covering five major testing and evaluation areas: security screening and ticket checks; venue signage and designated seating arrangements; inter-agency co-ordination in response to emergencies; various crowd management measures; and passenger flow management by public transport operators.

    During the exercise, the Fire Services Department simulated two fire incidents of varying scales, aiming to test the communication and response capabilities of Fire Services personnel in co-ordination with Police, venue security and other emergency response teams. Police also simulated an emergency incident involving public safety and security to test the response of all stakeholders.

    The stress test was scheduled for a weekday evening, with a slight overlap between the entry time and rush hour after work. Meanwhile, the exercise concluded at a later time, with most participants choosing to leave the park immediately afterwards, thereby increasing the pressure on the transport system.

    Police implemented new crowd management measures, such as using large display panels along the exit routes to MTR stations to convey crowd management information, playing music and deploying police officers to provide real-time information on the spot to help participants leave safely.

    In the exercise, the public transport system and surrounding facilities were able to divert the large passenger flows within a short period of time, allowing participants to enter and leave the venue in an orderly manner.

    The Main Stadium’s retractable roof was opened for the first time during the stress test, aligning the testing time and mode more closely to the actual conditions of sports events, and the volume of noise during the test was found to be within the acceptable sound level.

    A total of 50,000 civil servants, government employees and members of community groups simulated crowd flows during the test.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Australia, Japan, Philippines, and United States Conduct Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    The combined armed and defense forces of Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States, demonstrating a collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific, will conduct a Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, Feb. 5, 2025.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: US and Philippines Commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Cabanatuan Raid

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    CABANATUAN CITY, Philippines  –  

    On Feb. 1, 2025, American and Filipino dignitaries, military leaders, and local officials gathered at the Cabanatuan American Memorial to honor the 80th anniversary of the Cabanatuan Raid. This daring World War II rescue mission saved 511 Allied prisoners of war. The event commemorated the courage, sacrifice, and partnership that defined this historic operation.

    The Cabanatuan Raid, also known as “The Great Raid,” demonstrated the unmatched coordination and bravery of the United States Army 6th Ranger Battalion, Filipino guerrillas and local resistance fighters. Conducted on Jan. 30, 1945, this was the first combat mission for the 6th Ranger Battalion after rigorous training under Lt. Col. Henry Mucci and led by Capt. Robert Prince.

    “The raid on Cabanatuan was a resounding success. Over 500 Allied prisoners were liberated, brought back from the brink of death to the embrace of freedom. It was a victory not just for the soldiers rescued but for the ideals of liberty and human dignity that our nations hold dear,” said Ambassador MaryKay L. Carlson, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines. “This was not just a military operation; it was a testament to the strength of the partnership between U.S. and Philippine forces, a symbol of hope in the darkest days of war, and a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict.”

    The ceremony included a wreath-laying to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives, a historical account delivered by Dr. Mike Krivdo, U.S. Army Pacific historian, and remarks from representatives of the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, the modern-day successors of the 6th Ranger Battalion.

    Dr. Mike Krivdo provided historical context and noted, “In all the annals of military history, the Raid at Cabanatuan is on the short list to be studied by military leaders, exciting the imagination with its near flawless execution and impact. The Raid exemplified ingenuity, determination and collaboration.”

    “It is a shining example of how U.S. and Filipino forces came together in wartime to overcome insurmountable odds for the most noble of causes. This legacy will forever inspire generations of Soldiers and leaders.”
    The raid’s success was rooted in meticulous planning, precision, and an unbreakable commitment to never leave a fallen comrade. These ideals laid the foundation for the Ranger Creed, which was later written in 1974 by Command Sgt. Maj. Neal R. Gentry, the first command sergeant major of the reactivated 1st Ranger Battalion. Today, Rangers uphold these values in their missions worldwide.

    “As we reflect on their heroism, let us also remember the lessons they left behind,” said Capt. David Bryan, a Ranger with 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. “The Raid at Cabanatuan teaches us that even in the face of overwhelming odds, unity and determination can achieve the extraordinary. It reminds us that the fight for justice and liberty is a collective effort, requiring the collaboration of nations, the strength of communities, and the resolve of individuals.”

    The Cabanatuan Raid would not have been possible without the invaluable support of Filipino guerrillas, whose local knowledge and determination were crucial to the mission’s success. This partnership ensured the operation’s success and solidified a bond between the U.S. and the Philippines that remains strong today.

    As the U.S. Army commemorates 80 years since the end of World War II, it remains focused on meeting the challenges of the 21st century. The Army’s presence in the Indo-Pacific remains vital, fostering peace and stability through strong alliances and unwavering readiness to address emerging threats. By honoring its past and strengthening its partnerships, the U.S. Army continues to serve as a powerful deterrent in one of the world’s most strategically significant regions.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Army Japan Begins North Wind 25

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    CAMP MAKOMANAI, Japan  –  

    U.S. Army Japan begins North Wind 25, a bilateral cold-weather field training exercise designed to enhance combat readiness and promote interoperability with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force running through February 9, 2025, at Camp Makomanai and the Hokudai-en Hokkaido Large Training Area in Hokkaido, in northern Japan.

    The exercise is comprised of approximately 190 U.S. Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment and approximately 400 members of the 18th Infantry Regiment, 11th Brigade, Northern Army, Japan Ground Self Defense Force.

    “The U.S.-Japan alliance, an alliance spanning 60 years, is the foundation of a regional peace and stability,” said Col. Matthew Hall, U.S. Army Japan Chief of Operations and Deputy Chief of Staff. “North Wind is an important piece out of many exercises that build and maintain a stronger alliance and stability in the region.”

    North Wind 25 is a routine exercise that is conducted annually, to enhance bilateral tactical operations at the squad through company level and reaffirm the U.S. commitment to the defense of Japan against external aggression.

    “Our training objectives are improving bilateral operational capability, tactical skills and interoperability in the Arctic environment,” said Major General Yoshiki Adachi, commanding general, 11th Brigade, Northern Army, Japan Ground Self Defense Force.

    During the exercise, U.S. Soldiers and JGSDF members will exchange tactics, techniques, produces and fieldcraft for an extreme cold weather and develop cross country ski and snowshoe mobility and maneuver proficiency over uneven terrain and mountainous environment.

    Bilateral training exercises like North Wind strengthen our relationships and increase interoperability with allies and partners through shared experiences and tough, realistic activities.This enduring alliance highlights not only the strength of our partnership, but also our continued ability to meet new challenges together.

    JGSDF and the U.S Army are proud of their history of staying trained and ready.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 31st MEU Embarks with the America Amphibious Ready Group

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    WHITE BEACH NAVAL FACILITY, Okinawa   –  

    The Amphibious Ready Group-Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG/MEU) forms a cohesive Navy and Marine Corps combined-arms team, ready to respond across a range of military operations. The Navy and Marine Corps team delivers decisive, integrated American naval power.

    The America ARG is based out of Sasebo, Japan, and is comprised of the staff of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11 and its three ships: the amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6), the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22), and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47). The 31st MEU, headquartered out of Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, consists of a command element, an aviation combat element with F-35B Lightning II aircraft, a combat logistics battalion and a ground combat element.

    “We’re looking at a pretty large chunk of INDOPACOM’s ‘ready now’ combat power,” said U.S. Marine Corps Col. Chris Niedziocha, the commanding officer of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. “Here in the first island chain, the ARG/MEU team competes every day with our opponent. It’s exhilarating to be this far forward, embarked aboard warships – deterring the adversary, reassuring our partners, and signaling resolve.”

    The ARG/MEU, which consists of more than 5,000 Marines and Sailors, is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed number fleet and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McConnell Proud to Confirm Bondi as Attorney General

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement today regarding the confirmation of Pam Bondi as U.S. Attorney General:

    “Pam Bondi’s no-nonsense, pro-law enforcement approach is what our country needs at the Department of Justice. Throughout her career in government service, she’s demonstrated her devotion to the rule of law, fighting on the frontlines of the opioid epidemic and defending the rights of American citizens. I’m glad she’ll put her skills as a prosecutor to work on behalf of the American people as our next Attorney General.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update: Serious crash in Parnell

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police can advise the pedestrian critically injured in a serious crash in Parnell has died.

    The pedestrian was transported to Auckland City Hospital this afternoon, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

    Enquiries are ongoing into the crash.

    The Strand has since reopened to traffic following a scene examination.

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Truck driver charged after passing lane incident

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attribute to Commercial Vehicle Safety Team National Manager Inspector Scott Webb:

    A dangerous passing incident on the Kaimai Ranges last month has resulted in a truck driver being charged.

    The incident occurred on State Highway 29 on 7 January and was filmed on a dashcam. The footage shows a truck on the wrong side of the road at a passing lane.

    Following an investigation, Police have charged a 40-year-old Tauranga man with dangerous driving. He has been summonsed to appear in the Tauranga District Court on 27 February.

    As the case is before the court, we are unable to comment further.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Red Flag 25-1 Celebrates 50 Years of Excellence

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev.  –  

    Red Flag 25-1 takes flight at Nellis Air Force Base uniting U.S. forces with allies from the Royal Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force in a combined exercise to enhance combat readiness and strengthen partnerships.

    This iteration of Red Flag marks 50 years of high-end training, highlighting Red Flag’s enduring legacy of preparing its participants to be combat-ready and mission-effective in the face of evolving threats. 

    For half a century, Red Flag has provided warfighters with realistic training to prepare for combat against evolving adversaries. What began in 1975 to address lessons learned in Vietnam has grown into an international training ground with participants from 29 nations honing their skills in joint and allied operations. This year, the RAF and RAAF bring critical expertise to the fight.

    “Integrating combat capability is what Red Flag is all about and being ready for integrated combat operations with our Allies is key to success in any potential future conflict,” said Col. Eric Winterbottom, commander of the 414th Combat Training Squadron. “The Royal Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force bring not only advanced capabilities but also a wealth of operational experience that enriches everyone’s experience in this exercise. Red Flag is where we come together as one team to sharpen our edge, build trust, and prepare for tomorrow’s challenges today.”

    Red Flag continues to focus on overcoming the complexities of Great Power Competition, with an emphasis on integrating air, space, and cyber capabilities to counter advanced threats. Training scenarios push participants to operate in contested and degraded environments, forcing rapid decision-making and teamwork under pressure. The RAF and RAAF play key roles in these scenarios, demonstrating their ability to seamlessly integrate with U.S. forces in highly dynamic combat situations.

    With over 500,000 military personnel trained and more than 420,000 sorties flown since its inception, Red Flag’s legacy continues to evolve. Allied participation is a cornerstone of that legacy ensuring that joint and partner forces are ready to respond to threats anywhere in the world.

    Red Flag 25-1 highlights the enduring importance of allied partnerships demonstrating that the U.S., RAF, and RAAF are stronger together in facing the challenges of the future.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: February 4th, 2025 Senator Martin Heinrich on CNN: “My Constituents Did Not Vote for This Chaos”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    Watch the full video here

    WASHINGTON — In an interview with Jim Sciutto on CNN’s The Situation Room, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) slammed Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s actions that are wreaking havoc on New Mexicans and throwing the government into chaos.

    During the interview, Heinrich vocalized the concerns of his constituents who continue to write-in and call his office, opposing Trump’s harmful actions and raising the impacts of those actions on their livelihoods and financial security. 

    “No one voted to have Elon Musk in charge of their personal data. No one voted to have him ransacking federal agencies that many of my constituents rely on for various things. That is where I think we need to really draw a contrast that, at least for my constituents, they voted for lower gas prices, they voted for cheaper eggs. They did not vote for this chaos,” Heinrich said.

    VIDEO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) on CNN’s The Situation Room, February 4, 2025.

    On Tulsi Gabbard’s Nomination:

    Sciutto asked, “You voted against her, calling her ‘a national security risk.’ Why?”

    Heinrich said, “One, there’s the issue of whether she’s qualified, but much more weighing on my mind than that is the issue of judgment. And if you look at some of her actions, especially her travel in the Middle East — with her background — when we travel to places like that, as members of Congress, we go with the State Department. Every meeting is carefully vetted. That is not what this was.”

    Heinrich continued, “She met with the Grand Mufti of Syria who had threatened suicide bombers against the United States. She met with Bashar al-Assad. My goodness, I can’t imagine a more off script foreign policy trip. And if that’s how you roll, and you’re going to be in charge of coordinating all of these intelligence agencies, and you don’t accept the information that comes from those agencies on a regular basis, it just makes no sense.”

    On Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Nomination:

    Heinrich stated, “I’m actually kind of a health food person and some of the things that RFK Jr. has said in the past, on the front of high-quality food, I can relate to. But the science of this vaccination denial is not only unscientific and irresponsible, it makes every mother who’s got an autistic kid question everything she ever did. It’s deeply irresponsible.”

    On the Israel-Gaza Conflict:

    Sciutto asked, “Earlier today, Trump said that he would like to see the Palestinian people leave Gaza and go to Jordan or Egypt. We should note, the leaders of Jordan and Egypt said they have no interest in doing so. What would that mean to you? Does that sound to you like the forced migration of people away from their home? Is that something that American presidents should be advocating for?”

    Heinrich said, “I don’t think it’s our role to take people from land that they’ve inhabited and tell them what their future should be. I think our role should be trying to encourage a future for the Israelis that creates security for them, for the Palestinians that create some sovereignty and reconstruction and a life that’s not under a terrorist organization. You know, this is a President who says outrageous things because he thinks it always will result in the deal. I’m not sure that works as well in the Middle East.”

    On President Trump Breaking Constitutional Norms and the Law:

    Heinrich said, “I think the thing that bothers me the most is that when you are willing to break the fundamentals of the Constitution, the fundamentals of law, like the Impoundment Act of 1974 and say that Congress doesn’t matter, and go into USAID or Treasury and start turning off the switches to individual programs, then you can do that to American citizens. If you can get away with that, if you can say, I’m going to turn off this USAID program. You can say this person is not going to get their Social Security.”

    On Republican Colleagues Failing to Stand Up to President Trump and Elon Musk:

    Heinrich said, “They’re not willing. They’re scared. The amount of pressure that this administration has been able to put on members of Congress, and up till now, we’re just not seeing a lot of profiles in courage.”

    Heinrich continued, “Our constitutional principles are being tested. There’s going to be a role for the courts in that battle. There’s going to be a role for Congress in that battle, and there’s going to be a role for the American people.”

    “No one voted to have Elon Musk in charge of their personal data. No one voted to have him ransacking federal agencies that many of my constituents rely on for various things. That is where I think we need to really draw a contrast that, at least for my constituents, they voted for lower gas prices, they voted for cheaper eggs. They did not vote for this chaos,” Heinrich concluded.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Promotes Access to High-Quality Job Training through Pell Grants

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined his colleagues in introducing the Jumpstarting Our Businesses by Supporting Students (JOBS) Act, legislation to help more Americans get good-paying jobs by allowing students to use federal Pell Grants—needs-based education grants for lower-income individuals—to pay for shorter-term job training programs for the first time. Currently, students can only use Pell Grants for two- and four-year colleges and universities. By expanding Pell Grant eligibility, the JOBS Act would help close the skill gap by allowing people to access job training they might otherwise be unable to afford but need for careers in high-demand fields.

    “A college degree isn’t the one-size-fits-all solution to achieving the American dream,” said Sen. Tuberville. “Since I got to Congress, I’ve been focused on expanding workforce training and skills-based learning programs. Students should not be discouraged from entering the labor industry because they cannot afford the mandatory training. Alabama relies on these skilled workers, and Congress should be making it easier for them to pursue necessary training, not harder. This bill will open up more career opportunities for students in an evolving job market. I’m proud to join my colleagues in cosponsoring the JOBS Act.”

    Joining U.S. Senator Tuberville in cosponsoring the legislation are U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Boozman (R-AR), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Steve Daines (R-MT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

    The JOBS Actis supported by Advance CTE, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT), the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), Business Roundtable, the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), the Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance (ECA), Higher Learning Advocates (HLA), HP Inc., the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), Jobs for the Future (JFF), the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, NAF, the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB), the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP), the National Skills Coalition (NSC), the Progressive Policy Institute (PPI), Rebuilding America’s Middle Class (RAMC), and the Virginia Community College System.

    Read full text of the legislation here. 

    BACKGROUND:

    The JOBS Act would allow Pell Grants to be used for high-quality job training programs that are at least eight weeks in length and lead to industry-recognized credentials or certificates. Under current law, Pell Grants can only be applied toward programs that are over 600 clock hours or at least 15 weeks in length, rendering students in shorter-term high-quality job training programs ineligible for crucial assistance.

    Specifically, the JOBS Act would amend the Higher Education Act by:

    • Expanding Pell Grant eligibility to students enrolled in rigorous and high-quality, short-term skills and job training programs that lead to industry-recognized credentials and certificates and ultimately employment in high-wage, high-skill industry sectors or careers.
    • Ensuring students who receive Pell Grants are earning high-quality postsecondary credentials by requiring that the credentials:
      • Meet the standards under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), such as meaningful career counseling and aligning programs to in-demand career pathways or registered apprenticeship programs,
      • Are recognized by employers, industry, or sector partnerships,
      • Align with the skill needs of industries in the state or local economy,
      • Are approved by the state workforce board in addition to the U.S. Department of Education.
    • Defining eligible job training programs as those providing career and technical education instruction at an institution of higher education, such as a community or technical college that provides:
      • At least 150 clock hours of instruction time over a period of at least eight weeks,
      • Training that meets the needs of the local or regional workforce and industry partnerships,
      • Streamlined ability to transfer credits so students can continue to pursue further education in their careers,
      • Students with licenses, certifications, or credentials that meet the hiring requirements of multiple employers in the field for which the job training is offered.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police operation concludes in Waterview

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    The Police operation in Waterview has now concluded and a man is in custody.

    Earlier this afternoon, Police had information that this man had arrived on Tutuki Street, at a property of a person known to him.

    He had made a number of concerning comments, before the occupant was able to leave the address.

    Police were soon in the area and cordoned off Tutuki Street, with ongoing attempts to engage with this man this afternoon.

    Police had information the man was potentially in possession of a firearm and as such the Armed Offenders Squad was deployed to the area.

    This evening, Police made entry to the address and the 43-year-old man was taken into custody.

    Police enquiries remain ongoing at the location, with charges to be decided in due course.

    We acknowledge the public’s cooperation while this matter was resolved.

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Charges – Firearms Incident – Coconut Grove

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force have charged two men, 19 and 22-years-old, following a firearms incident in Coconut Grove yesterday.

    Each have been charged with Aggravated Robbery, Theft and Recklessly Endangering Life – Aggravated.

    They have been remanded to appear in Katherine Local Court on Thursday 6 February 2025.

    A 22-year-old female was released pending further investigation.

    Police continue to call for information in relation to the whereabouts of the alleged firearm that was used and anyone with information can call police on 131 444 and quote reference P25034096.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 3rd MLG CG Completes JGSDF, ROK Visits Ahead of Bilateral Exercises

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    CAMP KINSER, OKINAWA, Japan  –  

    Brigadier General Kevin Collins, the commanding general of 3rd Marine Logistics Group, completed today a multinational visit of U.S., Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and Republic of Korea self-defense and military commands ahead of scheduled bilateral exercises in Japan and Korea, Jan. 27 through Feb. 4, 2025.

    With multiple bilateral exercises on the horizon for 3rd MLG, Collins and his command staff visited multiple units to better understand their capabilities and to discuss better integration with the MLG for upcoming bilateral exercises and preparedness training for any humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. As the logistics arm of III Marine Expeditionary Force, 3rd MLG’s understanding of the housing and distribution of allied forces’ equipment and how to further train the blending of respective countries’ logistics systems is crucial for supporting the Marine Corps mission in the Pacific, in either contested environments or areas impacted by natural disasters.

    In Japan, Collins met with the director of logistics for the Western Army at Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, followed by a tour of the Kyushu District Depot and its Western Army Logistics Support Unit, visits timed concurrently with planning conferences about the upcoming exercise Resolute Dragon, a training evolution hosted by III MEF and the Western Army that rehearses operations over maritime terrain to strengthen bilateral command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities. Additionally, he visited 3rd MLG Marines stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni and Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, as the MLG has personnel dispersed across mainland Japan and Okinawa as logistical liaisons at sister units. Further, he toured U.S. ordnance and other supply facilities at MCAS Iwakuni, the Kure Ammunition Depot, and Yokohama North Dock on CFAY.

    In Korea, Collins met with both U.S. and ROK leadership at United States Forces Korea before visiting Marine Corps Forces, Korea, where they discussed the upcoming Korea Theater of Operations training package, which includes exercises Freedom Banner, Freedom Shield, and the Korean Marine Exchange Program. Freedom Banner is the maritime offload, dispersal, and retrograde of equipment in support of follow-on training events; Freedom Shield strengthens the combined defensive capabilities of both countries’ armed forces in a changing security environment; and KMEP focuses on bolstering ROK and U.S. Marine Corps interoperability as a unified, regional littoral force.

    With these shared exercises ahead of 3rd MLG, such command visits and planning iterations further codifies the alliances built upon by previous training events. 3rd MLG is focused on enhancing cooperation with partner nations, strengthening partnerships, and demonstrating its role as a critical element in maintaining a ready and capable force to deter adversary actions to support a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update on Police operation in Waterview

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    A Police operation in Waterview is continuing this afternoon.

    The area around Tutuki Street is currently cordoned off and contained.

    Police have been trying to engage with an occupant of an address on Tutuki Street.

    While the Police operation is still ongoing, there is currently no wider risk to the public.

    Further updates will be provided as available.

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo Statement on Pam Bondi Confirmation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) issued the following statement after the Senate confirmed, by a vote of 54-46, Pam Bondi to be the United States Attorney General at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ):

    “Under the previous Administration, the DOJ weaponized the justice system against the Left’s perceived political enemies.  Notably, it targeted pro-life individuals and President Donald Trump in frivolous, politically-motivated lawsuits.  Pam Bondi has promised to return our federal law enforcement to its rightful job of prosecuting crimes and carrying out justice without regard to political identity.  She will restore order to an agency facing significant bureaucratic backlogs and she will uphold the rule of law.  I congratulate Attorney General Bondi on her confirmation.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious crash, Hawke’s Bay Expressway, Napier

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Motorists are advised to expect delays at Greenmeadows, near Napier, after a serious crash on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway.

    Emergency services were called to the collision, involving a car and motorbike, about 3.50pm. It happened in the southbound lane, between Kennedy Road on-ramp and Meeanee Road off-ramp.

    One person is understood to have critical injuries.

    Motorists are advised to expect delays.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Road blocked, SH1, Tamahere

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    State Highway One/Waikato Expressway is blocked following a single vehicle crash this afternoon.

    Police were alerted to the crash before the Tamahere Road off-ramp at around 4pm.

    There are no reports of injuries at this stage.

    The southbound lane is blocked and motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Welcomes Pam Bondi’s Confirmation as U.S. Attorney General

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) released the following statement regarding the Senate’s confirmation of Pam Bondi to be Attorney General of the United States. Bondi was confirmed by a vote of 54-46.

    “Pam Bondi’s confirmation is a victory for the rule of law and a promise that safer days are ahead. Ms. Bondi is a career prosecutor who’s dedicated her professional career to pursuing justice. As Florida’s Attorney General, she didn’t shy away from hard work or complicated problems. I expect her to take the same tough, unbiased approach as U.S. Attorney General.

    “Bondi is committed to upholding the constitutionality of the False Claims Act – which has rescued over $78 billion from the hands of government fraudsters – and vowed to enthusiastically support government transparency. You can be sure my congressional oversight of the Department of Justice will continue. Under Ms. Bondi’s leadership, I look forward to seeing enhanced accountability at the DOJ and improved responsiveness to Congress and the American people.”

    Grassley spoke on the Senate floor earlier today in support of Bondi’s nomination. See his full remarks HERE.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Withdrawing the United States from and Ending Funding to Certain United Nations Organizations and Reviewing United States Support to All International Organizations

    Source: The White House

    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:

    Section 1.  Purpose.  The United States helped found the United Nations (UN) after World War II to prevent future global conflicts and promote international peace and security.  But some of the UN’s agencies and bodies have drifted from this mission and instead act contrary to the interests of the United States while attacking our allies and propagating anti-Semitism.  As in 2018, when the United States withdrew from the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the United States will reevaluate our commitment to these institutions.

    Three UN organizations that deserve renewed scrutiny are the UNHRC; the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); and the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

    UNRWA has reportedly been infiltrated by members of groups long designated by the Secretary of State (Secretary) as foreign terrorist organizations, and UNRWA employees were involved in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.  UNHRC has protected human rights abusers by allowing them to use the organization to shield themselves from scrutiny, while UNESCO has demonstrated failure to reform itself, has continually demonstrated anti-Israel sentiment over the past decade, and has failed to address concerns over mounting arrears.

    Sec. 2.  UNHRC and UNESCO Participation.  (a)  The United States will not participate in the UNHRC and will not seek election to that body.  The Secretary shall terminate the office of United States Representative to the UNHRC and any positions primarily dedicated to supporting the United States Representative to the UNHRC. 

    (b)  The United States will also conduct a review of its membership in UNESCO.  This review shall be led by the Secretary, in coordination with the United States Representative to the United Nations (UN Ambassador), and must be completed within 90 days of the date of this order.  The review will include an evaluation of how and if UNESCO supports United States interests.  In particular, the review will include an analysis of any anti-Semitism or anti-Israel sentiment within the organization.  

    Sec. 3.  Funding.  (a)  Executive departments and agencies shall not use any funds for a contribution, grant, or other payment to UNRWA, consistent with section 301 of title III, division G, of Public Law 118-47 (March 23, 2024).  The Secretary shall withdraw the determination previously made under section 7048(c)(1) of title VII, division F, of Public Law 118-47.  Accordingly, of the funds appropriated for a contribution to the UN Regular Budget under the heading “Contributions to International Organizations” of Public Law 118-47, as most recently continued by Public Law 118-158 (December 21, 2024), the Secretary shall withhold the United States proportionate share of the total annual amount of UN Regular Budget funding for the UNHRC, consistent with section 7048(c) of title VII, division F, of Public Law 118-47.

    (b)  Within 180 days of the date of this order, the Secretary, in consultation with the UN Ambassador, shall conduct a review of all international intergovernmental organizations of which the United States is a member and provides any type of funding or other support, and all conventions and treaties to which the United States is a party, to determine which organizations, conventions, and treaties are contrary to the interests of the United States and whether such organizations, conventions, or treaties can be reformed.  Upon the conclusion of that review, the Secretary shall report the findings to the President, through the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, and provide recommendations as to whether the United States should withdraw from any such organizations, conventions, or treaties. 

    Sec. 4.  Notification.  The Secretary shall inform the UN Secretary General and the leadership of UNRWA and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights that the United States will not fund UNRWA or the UNHRC and that the United States will not satisfy any claims to pay 2025 assessments or prior arrears by these organizations.

    Sec. 5.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

    (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

    (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

    (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

    (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

    THE WHITE HOUSE,

        February 3, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis Joins Hoeven, Pfluger in Efforts to Block Biden’s Natural Gas Tax, Alleviate Burden on U.S. Domestic Energy Production

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) joined Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) and Congressman August Pfluger (R-TX) today in reintroducing a bicameral Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval to block implementation of the Biden administration’s Natural Gas Tax, which was passed as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, Democrats’ reckless tax-and-spend legislation in 2022.

    “This onerous natural gas tax was a key component of President Biden’s crusade to cripple western energy production,” said Senator Lummis. “I’m proud to work with Senator Hoeven and Congressman Pfluger to block this shortsighted, anti-energy legislation and start the process of undoing these failed Biden-era attacks on American and Wyoming energy.”

    “When it comes to bringing down prices and making America energy secure again, we have our work cut out for us. The Biden-Harris administration imposed countless policies like the Natural Gas Tax that drive up the cost of production and limit the ability to fully utilize our nation’s abundant energy resources, and it will take real time and effort to undo the effects of their Green New Deal agenda,” said Senator Hoeven, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “Through efforts like this CRA resolution, we are working to get our nation back on the right track, providing needed regulatory and tax relief to deliver real cost savings to American energy producers and consumers.”

    “As part of his war on energy, former President Biden took radical steps to end fossil fuels during his administration which hurt the hardworking energy producers in my district who have worked diligently to increase production while fueling our allies abroad,” said Rep. Pfluger, a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. “Biden’s burdensome natural gas tax has handicapped technological innovation, reduced supplies of affordable energy, and increased both costs and emissions. With President Trump back in office, it is time to restore American energy dominance – which is why I am proud to lead this CRA to rescind this ill-conceived natural gas tax.”

    The Hoeven-Pfluger bill is cosponsored by Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), John Ricketts (R-Neb.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.). The full text of the legislation can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: As FBI Purges Reportedly Continue, Booker Urges Chairman Grassley to Schedule New Judiciary Hearing to Hear Further Testimony from Kash Patel

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement:

    “On Thursday of last week, FBI director nominee Kash Patel appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Throughout the hearing, Mr. Patel downplayed and minimized his well-documented record of calling for retribution against members of the media and government officials and glorifying insurrectionists who attacked the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, including those who violently assaulted law enforcement officers. Although there is no legal prohibition barring Mr. Patel from doing so, he refused to answer questions posed by Committee members relating to his grand jury testimony and the circumstances that led him to assert his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination in connection with the federal investigation of President Trump’s mishandling of classified national security documents.

    “Based on reports of imminent mass firings, I directly asked Mr. Patel whether he was aware of plans to punish FBI agents or personnel who worked on investigations of President Trump. Despite claiming, under oath, not to know anything about planned retribution against FBI employees, and only minutes after Mr. Patel’s hearing concluded, political appointees at the Department of Justice ousted several members of FBI leadership and demanded a list of thousands of employees who worked on investigations relating to the January 6th insurrection. These employees worked to keep us safe from counterterrorism, cybercrimes, transnational organized crime, and countless other threats that pose a danger to our nation. Their abrupt terminations and the threat of more firings create chaos within the FBI and jeopardize our domestic and national security. Mr. Patel claimed during his hearing that all FBI employees would be protected against political retribution, but these actions are plainly retributive against law enforcement officials who have dedicated their lives to protecting this country. 

    “The Committee must call Mr. Patel back to answer for these acts. Chairman Grassley must schedule an additional hearing for Mr. Patel to truthfully answer questions about the ongoing purge at the FBI and retaliation against FBI employees and about his involvement in the retention of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. Anyone who misleads Congress is unfit to serve as the director of the nation’s preeminent law enforcement agency with control over and access to our county’s most sensitive classified information.

    “The Senate Judiciary Committee simply cannot discharge its constitutional duty to advise and consent on nominees unless we have a full and accurate understanding of Mr. Patel’s record and participation in gutting the FBI. The Committee must fulfill its responsibility to the American people and the 38,000 employees of the FBI nationwide to ensure that a director confirmed by the Senate can be trusted to run the Bureau.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto Reintroduces Legislation to Protect Water Supply for More than One Million Nevadans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) reintroduced the Sloan Canyon Conservation and Horizon Lateral Water Pipeline Act. This bill would allow the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) to construct a new water pipeline to provide water for over one million Nevadans, dramatically improving the reliability of Las Vegas’s water system and protecting residents from outages, while safeguarding ecosystems in Sloan Canyon. The bill also expands the Sloan Canyon National Conservation (NCA) area by nearly 9,300 acres – increasing its size by nearly 20 percent.

    “Completing the Horizon Lateral pipeline is a critical step in ensuring that Southern Nevada’s water infrastructure is reliable, sustainable, and resilient for decades to come,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “My bill allows SNWA to build this pipeline in a way that saves taxpayer dollars, minimizes disruptions to the City of Henderson and to our public lands, and protects the water supply for residents across the Las Vegas Valley.”

    Currently, SNWA operates one large water pipeline, the South Valley Lateral, that serves approximately 40% of the residents and businesses in the Las Vegas valley, including the entire City of Henderson. The Las Vegas valley needs another water pipeline to increase the reliability and capacity of the existing water delivery system and protect Las Vegas residents from water outages in the event of an emergency.

    After years of study and engagement with valley stakeholders, SNWA determined the safest, most effective, and least disruptive route for the Horizon Lateral would be via an underground pipeline below the Sloan Canyon NCA, as opposed to constructing it through the City of Henderson. This route saves ratepayers $200 million, minimizes disturbances to both Henderson residents and the land in Sloan Canyon. Cortez Masto’s legislation to support the pipeline’s construction on this route would also expand Sloan Canyon’s conservation area by 9,290 acres to bring the total NCA acreage to 57,728 acres. Last Congress, this legislation passed out of the Senate with bipartisan support.

    Senator Cortez Masto has been a leader working to support conservation efforts and combat drought. As part of the Great American Outdoors Act, she secured permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Cortez Masto fought to deliver $4 billion to combat drought in the states bordering the Colorado River in the Inflation Reduction Act and helped pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which will continue to make a historic amount of funding available for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements across the country over five years.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Media are invited to the 381 Glenn Dunbier ONZM Police recruit wing graduation

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    New Zealand Police is pleased to announce that recruit wing 381 will graduate from their initial training course on Friday morning 7 February. 

    Attending the ceremony will be Commissioner Richard Chambers and members of the Police executive, Hon Mark Mitchell, Minister for Police, Hon Casey Costello, Associate Minister for Police along with Wing Patron, Glenn Dunbier ONZM.

    Wing 381’s prize-winners are spread across four police districts, namely Auckland City, Bay of Plenty, Wellington and Tasman.

    More details about statistics, prize winners and other recruits will be shared after graduation on Friday.

    The 381 Wing Patron former police officer Glenn Dunbier was Bay of Plenty District Commander from 2010 to 2014. He was then appointed Deputy Commissioner: Resource Management in 2014, a role he held until he took a three-year secondment in 2017 to work with the Australian Defence Department. On returning to New Zealand Police in 2020 he took up the role of Deputy Commissioner: Districts and then Deputy Commissioner: Operations.  While in Police, Glenn was awarded two Silver Merit Awards for his work in covert policing. He was recognised in the 2022 New Year Royal Honours, appointed as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to policing and the community. He retired from Police in April 2023.

    Media are welcome to attend the graduation parade which takes place at 10am on Friday 7 February at The Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua. 

    Media will need to be in place by 9.45am, however will need to RSVP to Police Media Centre as soon as possible:  media@police.govt.nz

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Firearms seized during targeted search at Perth

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Firearms seized during targeted search at Perth

    Wednesday, 5 February 2025 – 1:56 pm.

    Two people have been charged after police seized three illegal firearms, a quantity of methylamphetamine, and stolen property during a targeted search at Perth yesterday.
    Members of Northern Drugs and Firearms Unit and Taskforce Raven executed a search warrant at the residence on Tuesday 4 February.
    Police located and seized a .22 firearm – commonly referred to as a pen gun – which had been concealed.
    An Adler Turkey 12-gauge lever action shotgun, and a Winchester .22 rifle were also located and seized, along with 30 grams of methylamphetamine, a large quantity of ammunition, and about $10,000 worth of stolen property.
    A 34 year old Perth man was arrested and charged with multiple firearms offences, minor drug offences and unlawful possession of property.
    A 31 year old Perth man was also arrested and charged with multiple firearms offences.
    They will both appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court in April.
    Detective Acting Inspector Jason Jones said any illicit firearm was a concern to Tasmania Police.
    “Firearms in the wrong hands are dangerous, and police will continue to prioritise locating and seizing firearms that have been stolen or unlawfully obtained,” he said.
    “We know that there are people out there in the community who know people in possession of illegal firearms. Please come forward and provide information so we can take these illegal firearms off the streets.”
    If you have information about illegal firearms, contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au

    MIL OSI News –