Category: terrorism

MIL-OSI USA: Congressmembers Langworthy and Stefanik Introduce SAFER at the Border Act to Block Dangerous Migrants Exploiting Biden-era Loopholes
Source: US Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressmembers Nick Langworthy (NY-23) and Elise Stefanik (NY-21) introduced the Safeguarding Americans from Extreme Risk (SAFER) at the Border Act, legislation aimed at closing dangerous loopholes left wide open by the Biden administration and restoring strict vetting protocols to ensure extremists and criminals are kept out of the United States.

“My constituents are fed up with the flood of murderers, terrorists, and dangerous individuals that poured into our communities across New York State—all because of the reckless, failed open-border policies of the Biden administration,” said Congressman Langworthy. “A nation without secure borders is a nation in decline, and it’s time we take bold, decisive action to reverse the chaos of the last four years.”

He continued, “The SAFER at the Border Act answers the urgent call from Border Czar Tom Homan, who has sounded the alarm on the unprecedented number of illegal aliens who entered our country under the Biden administration from high-risk countries like Iran. This legislation is about protecting American families from threats that never should have made it onto our soil in the first place.”

“The Worst Governor in America Kathy Hochul embraced and fully supported Joe Biden’s catastrophic open border policies. She has put all New Yorkers at risk by prioritizing illegals first and New Yorkers LAST with her sanctuary state policies,” Chairwoman Stefanik said. “Today, I am announcing I am co-leading the SAFER at the Border Act with Congressman Nick Langworthy to keep dangerous criminal illegals from terrorizing New York and our nation’s streets. The legislation closes loopholes that were exploited by Kathy Hochul’s failed policies and Joe Biden’s reckless abuse of immigration parole. Terrorists, transnational criminals, and dangerous foreign nationals invaded our sovereign nation under the corrupt and failed leadership of Kathy Hochul. We must put law-abiding New Yorkers first and secure our borders.”

Specifically, the SAFER at The Border Act would:
- Prohibit parole for high-risk aliens: The bill bars the Secretary of Homeland Security from granting immigration parole to individuals who pose national security or public safety risks—such as known terrorists, members of transnational criminal organizations, or those flagged in federal threat databases.
- Closes loopholes for refugee parole: It prohibits parole of refugees into the United States outside of the established refugee admission process, preventing the administration from using broad parole authority to bypass standard vetting and security protocols.
- Targets national security threats in immigration law: The bill ensures that individuals with ties to terrorism, espionage, or foreign criminal networks are flagged and blocked from entering the U.S., reinforcing existing inadmissibility standards with clear statutory guardrails.
The full text of the legislation can be found here.

Original cosponsors of this legislation include Reps. Michael Cloud (TX), Chuck Edwards (NC), Gabe Evans (CO), Chuck Fleischmann (TN), Michael Guest (MS), Nicole Malliotakis (NY), Andy Ogles (TN), Michael Rulli (OH), Mike Simpson (ID), Pete Stauber (NY), Elise Stefanik (NY), Scott DesJarlais (TN), and Claudia Tenney (NY).

The SAFER at The Border Act is supported by the Immigration Accountability Project, Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), and America First Policy Institute (AFPI).

“While the country is no longer facing the mass release of illegal aliens into the country under the guise of ‘humanitarian parole’, Congress must act to prevent this kind of abuse from happening again. In light of reports that the Biden Administration released suspected terrorists into the interior during the border crisis, Congress must change the law so that no known or suspected terrorists can ever be granted humanitarian parole. The SAFER at the Border Act prioritizes safeguarding American communities by prohibiting parole for individuals deemed dangerous, including those associated with espionage, sabotage, terrorism, or serious criminal activities. The Immigration Accountability Project applauds Senator Daines and Congressman Langworthy for this effort to help bring sanity and security back to the immigration system,”saidGrant Newman, Director of Government Relations, Immigration Accountability Project.

“For the last four years, suspected terrorists were encountered at our borders in record numbers and special interest aliens flooded into the country, putting the interests of illegal aliens over protecting our national security. As a result of the Biden Administration’s catch-and-release policies and abuse of parole, dangerous aliens were more likely than ever before to slip through the cracks. Limiting the DHS Secretary from paroling aliens designated as terrorists, suspected terrorists, or special interest aliens is a commonsense step. FAIR is proud to support this crucial bill to help ensure the safety of American citizens and protect against the abuse of our immigration laws,”said Joe Chatham, Director of Government Relations, FAIR.

“Border security is national security, and our open southern border has significantly increased our Nation’s vulnerability to terrorist attacks. An unprecedented number of terrorists, special interest aliens, and cartel members have exploited the Biden Administration’s failed border strategy and been released into American communities. We must reverse course from these disastrous policies, secure our border, and stop these national security and public safety threats from entering our Nation. The Safeguarding Americans from Extremist Risk (SAFER) at the Border Act empowers the Department of Homeland Security to protect American families,” said Chad Wolf, former acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and Executive Director of the America First Policy Institute.

Read the exclusive here.

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MIL OSI USA News –
July 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Chicago Man Convicted of Conspiring to Provide Material Support to Foreign Terrorist Organization

Source: US FBI

CHICAGO — A Chicago man was convicted in federal court today of conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) by using social media to encourage attacks on ISIS’s enemies and recruit new ISIS members.

ASHRAF AL SAFOO was a leader of Khattab Media Foundation, a sophisticated online organization that swore allegiance to ISIS and created and disseminated threats and ISIS propaganda on social media and other online platforms. Al Safoo and other members of Khattab created and posted pro-ISIS videos, articles, essays, and infographics at the direction of, and in coordination with, ISIS. Much of Khattab’s propaganda promoted violent jihad on behalf of ISIS, which has been designated by the United States government as a foreign terrorist organization. In one posting, Al Safoo encouraged Khattab members to post pro-ISIS information “to cause confusion and spread terror within the hearts of those who disbelieved.” In another posting, Al Safoo wrote, “Work hard, brothers, edit the issue into short clips, take the pictures out of it and publish the efforts of your brothers in the pages of the apostates. Participate in the war, and spread terror, the [Islamic] State does not want you to watch it only, rather, it incites you, and if you are unable to, use it to incite others.”

Many of Khattab’s postings included images of violence, celebrations of terrorist attacks and mass shootings in the United States, and encouragement for “lone wolf” attacks in western countries.

Al Safoo, 41, was arrested in Chicago in 2018. After a bench trial in U.S. District Court in Chicago in 2025, U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey today announced his verdicts, finding Al Safoo guilty of one count of conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, one count of conspiracy to transmit threats in interstate commerce, one count of conspiracy to intentionally access a protected computer without authorization, four counts of intentionally accessing a protected computer without authorization, and four counts of providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization.

The convictions carry a maximum sentence of 130 years in federal prison. Judge Blakey set sentencing for Oct. 9, 2025.

The convictions were announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General for National Security at the Department of Justice, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melody Wells, Barry Jonas, and Thomas P. Peabody of the Northern District of Illinois, and Trial Attorney Andrew J. Dixon of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

“Today’s conviction demonstrates that the safety and security of the American public is always a top priority for me and my entire Office,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “The prosecution of Ashraf Al Safoo is a testament to the vigilance and dedication of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners who stand watch to disrupt and prevent dangerous threats before they materialize. We will vigorously pursue and bring to justice those who provide material support–in whatever form–to terrorist organizations.”

“The conviction of Al Safoo affirms the FBI’s strong commitment to protecting and defending the United States from anyone who seeks to harm our citizens,” said FBI Chicago SAC DePodesta. “Those who willingly associate with terrorist organizations or support violent extremism will be investigated, disrupted, and held accountable. It is thanks to the FBI Chicago Joint Terrorism Task Force and its partner agencies that our community is safe from those who pose a fundamental threat to our nation.”

MIL Security OSI –

July 2, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Chicago Man Convicted of Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIS

Source: US State of California

A Chicago man was convicted today of conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) by using social media to encourage attacks on ISIS’s enemies and recruit new ISIS members.

According to court documents, Ashraf Al Safoo, 41, was a leader of Khattab Media Foundation, a sophisticated online organization that swore allegiance to ISIS and created and disseminated threats and ISIS propaganda on social media and other online platforms. Al Safoo and other members of Khattab created and posted pro-ISIS videos, articles, essays, and infographics at the direction of, and in coordination with, ISIS. Much of Khattab’s propaganda promoted violent jihad on behalf of the terrorist group.

In one posting, Al Safoo encouraged Khattab members to post pro-ISIS information “to cause confusion and spread terror within the hearts of those who disbelieved.” In another posting, Al Safoo wrote, “Work hard, brothers, edit the issue into short clips, take the pictures out of it and publish the efforts of your brothers in the pages of the apostates. Participate in the war, and spread terror, the [Islamic] State does not want you to watch it only, rather, it incites you, and if you are unable to, use it to incite others.”

Many of Khattab’s postings included images of violence, celebrations of terrorist attacks and mass shootings in the United States, and encouragement for “lone wolf” attacks in western countries.

Al Safoo was arrested in Chicago in 2018. After a bench trial in U.S. District Court in Chicago, U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey found Al Safoo guilty of one count of conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, one count of conspiracy to transmit threats in interstate commerce, one count of conspiracy to intentionally access a protected computer without authorization, four counts of intentionally accessing a protected computer without authorization, and four counts of providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization.

The convictions carry a maximum penalty of 130 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 9. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros for the Northern District of Illinois, and Assistant Director Donald M. Holstead of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division made the announcement.

The FBI Chicago Field Office is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melody Wells, Barry Jonas, and Thomas P. Peabody for the Northern District of Illinois, and Trial Attorney Andrew J. Dixon of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Chicago Man Convicted of Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIS

Source: United States Attorneys General 7

A Chicago man was convicted today of conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) by using social media to encourage attacks on ISIS’s enemies and recruit new ISIS members.

According to court documents, Ashraf Al Safoo, 41, was a leader of Khattab Media Foundation, a sophisticated online organization that swore allegiance to ISIS and created and disseminated threats and ISIS propaganda on social media and other online platforms. Al Safoo and other members of Khattab created and posted pro-ISIS videos, articles, essays, and infographics at the direction of, and in coordination with, ISIS. Much of Khattab’s propaganda promoted violent jihad on behalf of the terrorist group.

In one posting, Al Safoo encouraged Khattab members to post pro-ISIS information “to cause confusion and spread terror within the hearts of those who disbelieved.” In another posting, Al Safoo wrote, “Work hard, brothers, edit the issue into short clips, take the pictures out of it and publish the efforts of your brothers in the pages of the apostates. Participate in the war, and spread terror, the [Islamic] State does not want you to watch it only, rather, it incites you, and if you are unable to, use it to incite others.”

Many of Khattab’s postings included images of violence, celebrations of terrorist attacks and mass shootings in the United States, and encouragement for “lone wolf” attacks in western countries.

Al Safoo was arrested in Chicago in 2018. After a bench trial in U.S. District Court in Chicago, U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey found Al Safoo guilty of one count of conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, one count of conspiracy to transmit threats in interstate commerce, one count of conspiracy to intentionally access a protected computer without authorization, four counts of intentionally accessing a protected computer without authorization, and four counts of providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization.

The convictions carry a maximum penalty of 130 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 9. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros for the Northern District of Illinois, and Assistant Director Donald M. Holstead of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division made the announcement.

The FBI Chicago Field Office is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melody Wells, Barry Jonas, and Thomas P. Peabody for the Northern District of Illinois, and Trial Attorney Andrew J. Dixon of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

MIL Security OSI –

July 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: OLAF supports coordinated crackdown on cross-border counterfeit cigarette network in Italy and Romania

Source: European Anti-Fraud Offfice

Press release no 18/2025
PDF version

The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) played an important coordination role in a large-scale joint operation that dismantled a cross-border criminal network involved in the illicit production and smuggling of counterfeit cigarettes, with estimated evaded duties totalling approximately €9.8 million.

The network, coordinated by Romanian, Moldovan, and Italian nationals, operated illegal production facilities in both Romania and Italy, with significant quantities of counterfeit tobacco products destined for distribution across the European Union.

The operation, carried out on 3 June 2025, was the result of extensive intelligence sharing between OLAF, Romanian authorities—including the Economic Crime Investigation Directorate of the General Police Inspectorate (I.G.P.R.), Caraș-Severin County Police (I.P.J. Caraș-Severin), and the Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism (D.I.I.C.O.T.)—and the Italian Guardia di Finanza and Bologna Economic Police Unit.

In Romania, coordinated searches in Timiș and Arad counties led to the seizure of approximately 25 million cigarettes stored in 2,500 boxes. Four individuals were arrested in Timiș County while handling smuggled goods. Two other suspects were detained by D.I.I.C.O.T. on 4 June.These actions were supported by the Romanian Customs Authority.

Simultaneously, in Italy, a clandestine cigarette factory was discovered in an industrial area in the Emilia-Romagna region. The site was equipped with high-end machinery for replicating branded packaging. Investigators seized 14 tonnes of counterfeit cigarettes, more than 10 tonnes of unprocessed tobacco, and a large quantity of packaging materials.

The scale of the illicit operation underscores the financial threat posed to the EU’s budget and legitimate trade. OLAF’s role was instrumental in ensuring swift cross-border cooperation, highlighting its mandate to protect the EU’s financial interests and combat organised fraud.

OLAF mission, mandate and competences:
OLAF’s mission is to detect, investigate and stop fraud with EU funds.

OLAF fulfils its mission by:
•    carrying out independent investigations into fraud and corruption involving EU funds, so as to ensure that all EU taxpayers’ money reaches projects that can create jobs and growth in Europe;
•    contributing to strengthening citizens’ trust in the EU Institutions by investigating serious misconduct by EU staff and members of the EU Institutions;
•    developing a sound EU anti-fraud policy.

In its independent investigative function, OLAF can investigate matters relating to fraud, corruption and other offences affecting the EU financial interests concerning:
•    all EU expenditure: the main spending categories are Structural Funds, agricultural policy and rural development funds, direct expenditure and external aid;
•    some areas of EU revenue, mainly customs duties;
•    suspicions of serious misconduct by EU staff and members of the EU institutions.

Once OLAF has completed its investigation, it is for the competent EU and national authorities to examine and decide on the follow-up of OLAF’s recommendations. All persons concerned are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a competent national or EU court of law.

For further details:

Pierluigi CATERINO
Spokesperson
European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
Phone: +32(0)2 29-52335
Email: olaf-media ec [dot] europa [dot] eu (olaf-media[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)
https://anti-fraud.ec.europa.eu
LinkedIn: European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
X: x.com/EUAntiFraud
Bluesky: euantifraud.bsky.social

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MIL OSI Europe News –

July 2, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Three groups to be proscribed
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

News story

Three groups to be proscribed

Palestine Action, Maniacs Murder Cult and Russian Imperial Movement set to be banned following advice from cross-government experts.
Three dangerous, terrorist groups will be banned under plans announced by the Home Secretary today.

A draft proscription order has been laid in Parliament which will proscribe Palestine Action (PA), as well as two further groups: the Maniacs Murder Cult (MMC) and the Russian Imperial Movement (RIM). 

This will make it a criminal offence to be a member of one of these groups or to invite or recklessly express support for them.

Parliament will now consider and debate the draft Order and if passed, the Order will make it an offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison to belong to or support the groups.

Proscription is ideologically neutral. By deciding to proscribe these three organisations, the government is demonstrating its zero tolerance approach to terrorism, regardless of its form or underlying ideology. National security is the government’s first priority and it will not shy away from this responsibility. 

As previously put to Parliament by the Home Secretary on 23rd June, her intention to proscribe Palestine Action after following its orchestration and enaction of aggressive and intimidatory attacks against businesses, institutions and the public, which has crossed the thresholds established in the Terrorism Act 2000.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:   

National security is the first duty of any government, we will always take the action needed to protect our democracy and national security against different threats.

Maniacs Murder Cult, Palestine Action and the Russian Imperial Movement have each passed the threshold for proscription based on clear national security evidence and assessments.

The right to protest and the right to free speech are the cornerstone of our democracy and there are countless campaign groups that freely exercise those rights. Violence and serious criminal damage has no place in legitimate protests.

These include attacks at Thales in Glasgow in 2022; and last year at Instro Precision in Kent and Elbit Systems UK in Bristol. The attack on the Thales defence factory in Glasgow, caused over £1 million worth of damage to parts essential for submarines. Staff fled for safety as pyrotechnics and smoke bombs were thrown in evacuation areas. 

Such acts do not represent legitimate acts of protest and the level of seriousness of Palestine Action’s activity has met the test for proscription under the Terrorism Act 2000.  

MMC is a white supremacist, neo-Nazi organisation that is transnational and predominantly online. It aims to encourage individuals to engage in acts of violence against those it perceives as “anti-social”, to further its causes.  

MMC leaders and members have claimed a number of violent attacks globally. MMC supplies instructional material which provides information that can be used by an aspiring attacker to increase their capability or motivation to conduct a terrorist attack posing a threat to the UK.  

Proscription will help deter individuals from engaging with MMC’s violent and misanthropic content. Further supporting social media platforms to remove MMC content and the Police in their efforts to respond to individuals found in possession of such material.   

RIM is a white supremacist, ethno-nationalist organisation which seeks to create a new Russian Imperial State. Via its paramilitary unit, the Russian Imperial Legion, RIM has fought alongside Russian forces in Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, directly advancing its own ideological causes.  

RIM manages a paramilitary training programme called Partizan, which increases the capability of attendees to conduct terrorist attacks. In 2016, two Swedish nationals attended Partizan before committing a series of bombings in Gothemburg, Sweden.  

Proscribing RIM will continue the steadfast support of Ukraine in its resistance to Russian aggression and demonstrate the UK’s commitment to countering future threats from Extreme Right-Wing Terrorists.   

Should Parliament vote to proscribe, the right to peaceful protest will remain protected. As will the ability to defend the rights of the Palestinian people and to oppose actions of the Israeli government. The government has carefully considered the nature and scale of Palestine Action’s activities to ensure legitimate protest is not affected.  

The proscription orders will be debated in Parliament during this week. If approved, the orders will come into over the weekend.

This will mean that a total of 84 organisations are proscribed by the UK.

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Published 1 July 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
July 1, 2025
Thai court suspends PM from duty pending case seeking her dismissal

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Thailand’s Constitutional Court on Tuesday suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from duty pending a case seeking her dismissal, adding to mounting pressure on a government under fire on multiple fronts.

The court in a statement said it had accepted a petition from 36 senators that accuses Paetongtarn of dishonesty and breaching ethnical standards in violation of the constitution over the leak of a politically sensitive telephone conversation with Cambodia’s influential former leader Hun Sen.

The government is expected to be led by a deputy prime minister in a caretaker capacity while the court decides the case against Paetongtarn, who will remain in the cabinet as the new culture minister following a reshuffle. The government did not immediately respond to a request for comment on her suspension.

The leaked call with the veteran Cambodian politician triggered domestic outrage and has left Paetongtarn’s coalition with a razer-thin majority, with a key party abandoning the alliance and expected to soon seek a no confidence vote in parliament, as protest groups demand the premier resigns.

During a June 15 call intended to defuse escalating border tensions with Cambodia, Paetongtarn, 38, kowtowed before Hun Sen and criticised a Thai army commander, a red line in a country where the military has significant clout. She has apologised and said her remarks were a negotiating tactic.

FAMILY CRISIS

Paetongtarn’s battles after only 10 months in power underline the declining strength of the Pheu Thai Party, the populist juggernaut of the billionaire Shinawatra dynasty that has dominated Thai elections since 2001, enduring military coups and court rulings that have toppled multiple governments and prime ministers.

It has been a baptism of fire for political novice Paetongtarn, who thrust into power as Thailand’s youngest premier and replacement for Srettha Thavisin, who was dismissed by the Constitutional Court for violating ethics by appointing a minister who was once jailed.

Paetongtarn’s government has also been struggling to revive a stuttering economy and her popularity has declined sharply, with a June 19-25 opinion poll released at the weekend showing her approval rating sinking to 9.2% from 30.9% in March.

Paetongtarn is not alone in her troubles, with influential father Thaksin Shinawatra, the driving force behind her government, facing legal hurdles of his own in two different courts this month.

Divisive tycoon Thaksin, according to his lawyer, appeared at his first hearing at Bangkok’s Criminal Court on Tuesday on charges he insulted Thailand’s powerful monarchy, a serious offence punishable by up to 15 years in prison if found guilty. Thaksin denies the allegations and has repeatedly pledged allegiance to the crown.

The case stems from a 2015 media interview Thaksin gave while in self-imposed exile, from which he returned in 2023 after 15 years abroad to serve a prison sentence for conflicts of interest and abuse of power.

Thaksin, 75, dodged jail and spent six months in hospital detention on medical grounds before being released on parole in February last year. The Supreme Court will this month scrutinise that hospital stay and could potentially send him back to jail.

(Reuters)

July 1, 2025
EAM Jaishankar arrives in Washington to attend Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Washington, D.C., on Monday to participate in the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (QFMM) scheduled for July 1.

According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the ministers will build on discussions held during the previous QFMM, which took place in Washington on January 21, 2025.

“They will exchange views on regional and global developments, particularly those concerning the Indo-Pacific, and review the progress made on various Quad initiatives in the run-up to the Quad Leaders’ Summit, which India will host. The ministers are also expected to deliberate on new proposals to advance the shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the MEA said.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said during a press briefing that the meeting will reaffirm the shared commitment of the Quad countries – Australia, India, Japan, and the United States – towards a free and open Indo-Pacific.

“Tomorrow, Secretary Rubio will welcome his Quad counterparts from Australia, India, and Japan to Washington, to reaffirm our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Bruce said.

She added that the meeting will underscore the Quad’s collective resolve to uphold sovereignty, strengthen maritime security, and build resilient supply chains.

Prior to his arrival in Washington, Jaishankar was in New York, where he attended the inauguration of an exhibition titled The Human Cost of Terrorism at the United Nations headquarters.

Addressing the gathering, Jaishankar emphasized that terrorism remains a global threat to peace and security.

“A tribute to those who were taken from us and remembrance for lives shattered … we express solidarity with the families and loved ones of the victims of terrorism. The campaign is a stark reminder of the urgency of our shared responsibility to combat terrorism in all its forms,” he said.

Jaishankar described the exhibition as “a gallery of human courage,” where every image, artefact, and testimony tells the story of a life interrupted or lost.

He also referred to the recent condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack by the UN Security Council, stressing the need for a unified global stance against terrorism.

“The world must come to some basic concepts: no impunity to terrorists, no treating them as proxies, and no yielding to nuclear blackmail,” he said.

(With inputs from ANI)

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Trump signs order ending most sanctions on Syria

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

A shopkeeper communicates with customers at his stall in a bustling market ahead of the Eid al-Adha in Damascus, Syria, on June 5, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order terminating most sanctions on Syria, the White House said in a fact sheet.

“The Order removes sanctions on Syria while maintaining sanctions on (ousted former Syrian president) Bashar al-Assad… The Order permits the relaxation of export controls on certain goods and waives restrictions on certain foreign assistance to Syria,” said the White House.

Following the order, five executive orders that created the existing Syria sanctions program were immediately terminated, while the State Department issued a 180-day waiver of sanctions under the Caesar Act.

The U.S. Treasury Department already took the first step in lifting sanctions on Syria by issuing a general license, known as GL25, to authorize transactions involving the interim Syrian government, its central bank and state-owned enterprises.

Sanctions on Assad, his associates, human rights abusers, drug traffickers, persons linked to chemical weapons activities, ISIS and their affiliates and Iranian proxies will remain in place, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

Under the order, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is directed to “explore avenues for sanctions relief at the United Nations.”

Rubio is also directed to review the designations of Syria as a “State On the eighth of December 2024, of Terrorism,” Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as a foreign terrorist organization, and its leader, Syrian interim chief Ahmed al-Sharaa, as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist.”

The Trump administration will “continue to monitor progress on key priorities” including steps toward normalizing ties with Israel and helping the United States prevent a resurgence of ISIS, according to the White House.

Amid the upheaval in the Middle East, Trump told al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia in May that the United States would lift sanctions and explore normalizing relations as a major policy shift.

The 54-year Assad’s rule over Syria abruptly ended on Dec. 8, 2024, and days afterward, leaders of HTS, the primary force behind the offensive during Syria’s prolonged 13-year war, formed an interim government. Since then, the new government has scrambled to restore order, rebuild institutions, and reach out to regional and global partners.

MIL OSI China News –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: Providing for the Revocation of Syria Sanctions

Source: US Whitehouse

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) (NEA), the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-175) (Syria Accountability Act), the Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act of 1991 (Public Law 102-182, title III) (CBW Act), the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019, as amended (22 U.S.C. 8791 note) (Caesar Act), the Illicit Captagon Trafficking Suppression Act of 2023 (Public Law 118-50, div. P), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, it is hereby ordered:

Section 1. Background. The United States is committed to supporting a Syria that is stable, unified, and at peace with itself and its neighbors. A united Syria that does not offer a safe haven for terrorist organizations and ensures the security of its religious and ethnic minorities will support regional security and prosperity. The Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury have taken initial steps towards this goal through the issuance on May 23, 2025, of General License 25 and a waiver of sanctions under the Caesar Act.

Sec. 2. Policy. It is the policy of the United States to recognize that circumstances that gave rise to the actions taken in the Executive Orders described in section 3(a) of this order, related to the policies and actions of the former regime of Bashar al-Assad, have been transformed by developments over the past 6 months, including the positive actions taken by the new Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa. This order supports United States national security and foreign policy goals by directing additional actions, including the removal of sanctions on Syria, the issuance of waivers that permit the relaxation of export controls and other restrictions on Syria, and other actions to be taken by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Secretary of Commerce, as well as by other executive departments and agencies (agencies) of the United States, without providing relief to ISIS or other terrorist organizations, human rights abusers, those linked to chemical weapons or proliferation-related activities, or other persons that threaten the peace, security, or stability of the United States, Syria, and its neighbors.

Sec. 3. Revocation of Syria Sanctions. (a) Effective July 1, 2025, I hereby terminate the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13338 of May 11, 2004 (Blocking Property of Certain Persons and Prohibiting the Export of Certain Goods to Syria), and revoke that order, as well as Executive Order 13399 of April 25, 2006 (Blocking Property of Additional Persons in Connection With the National Emergency With Respect to Syria), Executive Order 13460 of February 13, 2008 (Blocking Property of Additional Persons in Connection With the National Emergency With Respect to Syria), Executive Order 13572 of April 29, 2011 (Blocking Property of Certain Persons with Respect to Human Rights Abuses in Syria), Executive Order 13573 of May 18, 2011 (Blocking Property of Senior Officials of the Government of Syria), and Executive Order 13582 of August 17, 2011 (Blocking Property of the Government of Syria and Prohibiting Certain Transactions with Respect to Syria).
(b) Pursuant to section 202(a) of the NEA (50 U.S.C. 1622(a)), termination of the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13338, as modified in scope and relied upon for additional steps taken in Executive Order 13399, Executive Order 13460, Executive Order 13572, Executive Order 13573, and Executive Order 13582 shall not affect any action taken or pending proceeding not finally concluded or determined as of July 1, 2025, any action or proceeding based on any act committed prior to July 1, 2025, or any rights or duties that matured or penalties that were incurred prior to July 1, 2025.

Sec. 4. Accountability for the Former Regime of Bashar al‑Assad. I find that additional steps must be taken to ensure meaningful accountability for perpetrators of war crimes, human rights violations and abuses, and the proliferation of narcotics trafficking networks in and in relation to Syria during the former regime of Bashar al-Assad and by those associated with it. Perpetrators of such actions threaten to undermine peace, security, and stability in the region, and thereby constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.
(a) I hereby expand the scope of the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13894 of October 14, 2019 (Blocking Property and Suspending Entry of Certain Persons Contributing to the Situation in Syria), as amended in and relied on for additional steps taken in Executive Order 14142 of January 15, 2025 (Taking Additional Steps With Respect to the Situation in Syria), to deal with that threat, and accordingly further amend Executive Order 13894 by:
(i) striking section 1(a) and inserting, in lieu thereof, the following:
“Section 1. (a) All property and interests in property that are in the United States, that hereafter come within the United States, or that are or hereafter come within the possession or control of any United States person of the following persons are blocked and may not be transferred, paid, exported, withdrawn, or otherwise dealt in:
(i) any person determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State:
(A) to be responsible for or complicit in, or to have directly or indirectly engaged in, or attempted to engage in, any of the following in or in relation to Syria:
(1) actions or policies that further threaten the peace, security, stability, or territorial integrity of Syria; or
(2) the commission of serious human rights abuse;
(B) to be a former government official of the former regime of Bashar al-Assad or a person who acted for or on behalf of such an official;
(C) to have engaged in, or attempted to engage in, activities or transactions that have materially contributed to, or pose a significant risk of materially contributing to, the illicit production and international illicit proliferation of captagon;
(D) to be responsible for or complicit in, to have directly or indirectly engaged in, or to be responsible for ordering, controlling, or otherwise directing, instances in which a United States national ((i) as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(22) or 8 U.S.C. 1408, or (ii) a lawful permanent resident with significant ties to the United States) went missing in Syria during the former regime of Bashar al-Assad;
(E) to have materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of:
(1) the former regime of Bashar al-Assad;
(2) any activity described in subsections (a)(i)(A)–(a)(i)(D) of this section; or
(3) any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order;
(F) to be owned or controlled by, or to have acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order; or
(G) to be an adult family member of a person designated under subsections (a)(i)(A)–(a)(i)(D) of this section.”; and
(ii) striking section 2(a) and inserting, in lieu thereof, the following:
“Sec. 2. (a) The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and other officials of the United States Government as appropriate, is hereby authorized to impose on a foreign person any of the sanctions described in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, upon determining that the person, on or after the date of this order:
(i) is responsible for or complicit in, has directly or indirectly engaged in, or attempted to engage in, or financed the obstruction, disruption, or prevention of efforts to promote a Syria that is stable, unified, and at peace with itself and its neighbors, including:
(A) the convening and conduct of a credible and inclusive Syrian-led constitutional process;
(B) the preparation for and conduct of supervised elections, pursuant to the new constitution, that are free and fair and to the highest international standards of transparency and accountability; or
(C) the development of a Syrian government that is representative and reflects the will of the Syrian people;
(ii) is an adult family member of a person designated under subsection (a)(i) of this section; or
(iii) is responsible for or complicit in, or has directly or indirectly engaged in, or attempted to engage in, the expropriation of property, including real property, for personal gain or political purposes in Syria.”
(b) I additionally amend Executive Order 13606 of April 22, 2012 (Blocking the Property and Suspending Entry into the United States of Certain Persons With Respect to Grave Human Rights Abuses by the Governments of Iran and Syria Via Information Technology), by removing the following text from the preamble: “Executive Order 13338 of May 11, 2004, as modified in scope and relied upon for additional steps in subsequent Executive Orders” and replacing it with: “Executive Order 13894 of October 14, 2019, and relied upon for additional steps and further amended in subsequent Executive Orders.”

Sec. 5. Caesar Act. The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall examine whether the criteria set forth in section 7431(a) of the Caesar Act have been met, and on the basis of that examination may, pursuant to the Presidential Memorandum of March 31, 2020 (Delegation of Certain Functions and Authorities Under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020), suspend in whole or in part the imposition of sanctions otherwise required under the Caesar Act. If the Secretary of State determines to suspend in whole or in part the imposition of such sanctions, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall provide the briefing to the appropriate congressional committees required by section 7431(b) of the Caesar Act within 30 days of such determination. Further, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall continue to review the situation in Syria, and if the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, determines that the criteria set forth in section 7431(a) are no longer met, the Secretary of State shall reimpose sanctions.

Sec. 6. Syria Accountability Act. I hereby determine pursuant to section 5(b) of the Syria Accountability Act that it is in the national security interest of the United States to waive the application of subsection (a)(1), with respect to items on the Commerce Control List (supp. No. 1 to 15 C.F.R. part 774) only, and subsection (a)(2)(A) of the Syria Accountability Act only. The Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees the report required under section 5(b) of that Act.

Sec. 7. CBW Act. (a) Pursuant to section 307(d)(1)(B) of the CBW Act, I hereby determine and certify that there has been a fundamental change in the leadership and policies of the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic. Accordingly, I hereby waive the following sanctions imposed on Syria for the prior use of chemical weapons under the former regime of Bashar al-Assad:
(i) the restriction on foreign assistance under section 307(a)(1) of the CBW Act;
(ii) the restriction on United States Government credit, credit guarantees, or other financial assistance under section 307(a)(4) of the CBW Act;
(iii) the restrictions on the export of national security-sensitive goods and technology under section 307(a)(5) of the CBW Act and on all other goods and technology under section 307(b)(2)(C) of the CBW Act; and
(iv) the restriction on United States banks from making any loan or providing any credit to the Government of Syria under section 307(b)(2)(B) of the CBW Act.
(b) The Secretary of State shall transmit this waiver determination and report as required by sections 307(d)(1)(B) and (d)(2) of the CBW Act to the appropriate congressional committees. This waiver shall be effective 20 days after it has been so transmitted.

Sec. 8. Counterterrorism Designations. (a) The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and the Attorney General, shall take all appropriate action with respect to the designation of al-Nusrah Front, also known as Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham and other aliases, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization under 8 U.S.C. 1189 and as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist under 50 U.S.C. 1702 and Executive Order 13224, as well as the designation of Abu Muhammad al Jawlani, commonly known as Ahmed al-Sharaa, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.
(b) The Secretary of State shall take all appropriate action to review the designation of Syria as a State Sponsor of Terrorism consistent with section 1754(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115-232; 50 U.S.C. 4813(c)), section 40 of the Arms Export Control Act (Public Law 90-629, as amended; 22 U.S.C. 2780), and section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (Public Law 87-195, as amended; 22 U.S.C. 2371).

Sec. 9. United Nations. The Secretary of State shall take appropriate steps to advance United States policy objectives at the United Nations to support a Syria that is stable and at peace and to support Syrian efforts to counter terrorism and comply with its responsibilities and obligations concerning weapons of mass destruction, including chemical and biological weapons. The Secretary of State is further directed to explore avenues at the United Nations to provide sanctions relief in support of these objectives.

Sec. 10. Implementation. The Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Secretary of Commerce, as appropriate, are hereby authorized to take such actions, including adopting rules and regulations, as may be necessary to implement this order. The Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Secretary of Commerce may, consistent with applicable law, redelegate any of these functions within their respective agencies. The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary of Transportation, as appropriate, is authorized to exercise the functions and authorities conferred upon the President in section 5 of the Syria Accountability Act and to redelegate these functions and authorities consistent with applicable law. All agencies of the United States shall take all appropriate measures within their authority to implement this order, consistent with applicable law.

Sec. 11. 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.
(d) The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the Department of State.

DONALD J. TRUMP

THE WHITE HOUSE,
June 30, 2025.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Provides for the Revocation of Syria Sanctions
Source: US Whitehouse
TERMINATING SANCTIONS ON SYRIA: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed a historic Executive Order terminating the Syria sanctions program to support the country’s path to stability and peace.
- The Order removes sanctions on Syria while maintaining sanctions on Bashar al-Assad, his associates, human rights abusers, drug traffickers, persons linked to chemical weapons activities, ISIS or its affiliates, and Iranian proxies.
- The Order directs the Secretary of State to evaluate suspending sanctions, either in whole or in part if specific criteria are met, under the Caesar Act, a law that sanctions the Assad regime for atrocities.
- The Order permits the relaxation of export controls on certain goods and waives restrictions on certain foreign assistance to Syria.
- The Order directs the Secretary of State to review Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham’s (HTS) designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
- The Order directs the Secretary of State to review HTS and Ahmed al-Sharaa’s designations as Specially Designated Global Terrorists.
- The Order directs the Secretary of State to review Syria’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism.
- The Order directs the Secretary of State to explore avenues for sanctions relief at the United Nations to support stability in Syria.
GIVING SYRIA A CHANCE TO SUCCEED: President Trump is committed to supporting a Syria that is stable, unified, and at peace with itself and its neighbors.
- President Trump wants Syria to succeed—but not at the expense of U.S. interests. While seeking to reengage constructively, this Administration will continue to guard against all threats and monitor progress on key priorities: taking concrete steps toward normalizing ties with Israel, addressing foreign terrorists, deporting Palestinian terrorists and banning Palestinian terrorist groups, helping the United States prevent a resurgence of ISIS, and assuming responsibility for ISIS detention centers in northeast Syria.
- U.S. sanctions were imposed in response to the Assad regime’s brutal actions against the Syrian people and their direct support for terrorism in the region.
- Recent positive changes and actions taken by the Government of Syria, after the fall of the brutal Assad Regime, demonstrate promise for a stable and peaceful future.
- Removing sanctions will support Syria’s efforts to rebuild and counter terrorism without empowering harmful actors.
- A unified Syria that protects its people and rejects extremism strengthens security and prosperity in the Middle East.
- This policy aligns with U.S. goals to promote peace and stability in the region while holding accountable those responsible for past atrocities or terrorism.
PROMISE MADE, PROMISE KEPT: President Trump is delivering on his commitment to give Syria a chance to rebuild and thrive by lifting sanctions and ensuring accountability for harmful actors.
- On May 13, President Trump announced he would be lifting sanctions on Syria to “give them a chance at greatness.”
  
  President Trump: “The sanctions were brutal and crippling and served as an important — really an important function — nevertheless, at the time. But now it’s their time to shine … So, I say, ‘Good luck, Syria.’ Show us something very special.”
- The Treasury Department quickly took the first step in lifting sanctions on Syria by issuing a general license, known as GL25, to authorize transactions involving the interim Syrian government, its central bank, and state-owned enterprises. Simultaneously, the State Department issued a 180-day waiver of sanctions under the Caesar Act.
- President Trump is now fully delivering on that promise by taking bold action to implement the termination of the Syria sanctions program.
- The world should take notice—if you want to take meaningful steps towards peace and stability, then the United States is willing to move rapidly to support you.
- President Trump hopes that Syria’s new government “will hopefully succeed in stabilizing the country in keeping peace.”
- President Trump believes “there is great potential in working with Syria to stop Radicalism, improve Relations, and secure Peace in the Middle East.”
MIL OSI USA News –
July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Answers to typical requests from credit institutions on banking regulation and supervision

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Central Bank of Russia (2) –

Question

from 15.10.2024

The Bank requests that the data sources used to reflect information about the address of residence (registration) of an individual be unified:

1. When filling out the register of obligations in accordance with Bank of Russia Instruction No. 4990-U.

2. When forming the credit history of an individual subject in accordance with Bank of Russia Regulation No. 758-P1.

3. When identifying an individual client and generating formalized electronic messages in accordance with Bank of Russia Instruction No. 5861-U2.

1 Bank of Russia Regulation dated 11.05.2021 No. 758-P “On the procedure for forming a credit history” (hereinafter referred to as Bank of Russia Regulation No. 758-P).

2 Bank of Russia Instruction dated 15.07.2021 No. 5861-U “On the procedure for submitting data and information by credit institutions to the authorized body in accordance with Articles 7 and 7.5 of the Federal Law “On Combating the Legalization (Laundering) of Criminally Obtained Incomes and the Financing of Terrorism” (hereinafter referred to as Bank of Russia Instruction No. 5861-U).

Answer

dated 11/15/2024 No. 4990-U-2024/8

Regarding question 1.

The source of data for reflecting information about the address of residence (registration) of the depositor1 are entries in the passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation or, for persons under the age of fourteen, in the certificate of registration at the place of residence2.

If the identity document (hereinafter referred to as the I.D.) of an individual depositor does not contain certain address-forming elements (for example, the name of the region, city) of the depositor’s place of residence (registration), this information may be supplemented by the bank based on information from the registration authority that registered such depositor at the place of residence (stay), or based on additional information provided by the depositor when concluding the agreement or during the depositor’s next visit to the bank.

In the event of a discrepancy between the data on the depositor’s residential address (registration), filled in on the basis of the DUL, and the information reflected in the GAR FIAS3, the bank may, when sending the register of obligations to the Bank of Russia, provide additional explanations (comments) on the sources of relevant information it used.

At the same time, we note that in order to unify approaches to recording the address of an individual used to fill out the register of obligations and to identify the client4, it is planned to make editorial clarifications to Bank of Russia Instruction No. 4990-U, providing for the possibility of reflecting information about the address of the place of residence of an individual depositor when filling out lines of the register of obligations related to the address of residence (registration) and the address for postal notifications5.

Regarding question 2.

In accordance with Part 1 of Article 5 of Federal Law No. 218-FZ6, sources of credit history formation submit to the credit history bureau all available information specified in Article 4 of Federal Law No. 218-FZ, in the manner established by Bank of Russia Regulation No. 758-P.

The specified procedure establishes unified requirements for the formation of credit information indicators, including technical ones, which allows for the automation of information interaction between financial market participants and the bureau, reduces the costs of interaction participants, minimizes the risks of incorrect formation of credit information and, as a result, increases its accuracy and quality, in connection with which, in particular, information about the registration address (residence) of the subject of the credit history is formed in the form of a unique address number of the addressing object in the State Register of Financial Accounting Information (according to the indicator “Address number in the State Register”, the code of the settlement, street code, house (property) code, building code and apartment number code are indicated)7.

The unification of requirements for the formation of credit information indicators is also of particular importance to ensure the ability of financial market participants – users of credit histories – to automate the process of processing credit information for its use for analytical purposes.

At the same time, we note that, along with the formation of the credit information indicator “Address Number in the State Register” (the unique address number of the addressing object in the State Register of Financial Accounting Systems), Bank of Russia Regulation No. 758-P provides for the formation by the source of other credit information indicators containing information about the subject’s address, which can be formed both on the basis of information from the subject’s DUL and on the basis of information about the address contained in the State Register of Financial Accounting Systems (in addition to the unique address number of the addressing object in the State Register of Financial Accounting Systems).

In this regard, the addition of credit information indicators, provided for by Bank of Russia Regulation No. 758-P, with indicators that provide for filling in address information from the DUL has already been implemented in Bank of Russia Regulation No. 758-P.

Regarding question 3.

In accordance with paragraph two of subparagraph 1 of paragraph 1 of Article 7 of Federal Law No. 115-FZ8, when identifying individuals, credit institutions are obliged to establish data, including the address of residence (registration) or place of stay.

According to paragraph fourteen of Article 3 of Federal Law No. 115-FZ, confirmation of the accuracy of information obtained during the identification process is carried out using original documents and (or) duly certified copies and (or) state and other information systems.

Taking into account the provisions of Part One of Article 2 of Federal Law No. 115-FZ, the norm of the second paragraph of subparagraph 1 of paragraph 1 of Article 7 of Federal Law No. 115-FZ is of a universal nature and applies to all subjects subject to identification – individuals, both citizens of the Russian Federation and foreign citizens, and stateless persons.

The above-mentioned provision in terms of establishing the address of an individual provides for the possibility, in order for credit institutions to comply with the requirement of Federal Law No. 115-FZ on the identification of individuals, to establish information either on the address of their place of residence (registration) or place of stay. In this case, the concepts of “registration of a citizen of the Russian Federation at the place of stay”, “registration of a citizen of the Russian Federation at the place of residence”, “place of stay”, “place of residence” are defined by Article 2 of the Law of the Russian Federation of 25.06.1993 No. 5242-1 “On the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Freedom of Movement, Choice of Place of Stay and Residence within the Russian Federation” and can be used by credit institutions to comply with the requirements of paragraph two of subparagraph 1 of paragraph 1 of Article 7 of Federal Law No. 115-FZ.

The provision of the second paragraph of subparagraph 1 of paragraph 1 of Article 7 of Federal Law No. 115-FZ in terms of establishing by credit institutions, when identifying an individual client, information about the address of his/her place of residence (registration) or place of stay, does not in itself contain a requirement for the registration of such a client in the territory of the Russian Federation (a specific subject of the Russian Federation) or outside it, and does not define the sources of information on the basis of which this information should be established. In this regard, credit institutions, in order to implement the specified requirement, independently determine the relevant sources of information in the internal control rules.

Bank of Russia Instruction No. 5861-U defines the procedure for sending by credit institutions the information provided for by Federal Law No. 115-FZ to the authorized body, and not the identification requirements. When sending the relevant information to the authorized body, containing information, including the address of an individual, such information is reflected in accordance with the data from the client’s questionnaire (dossier), obtained during his identification (updating identification information).

1 Line 6 “Address of place of residence (registration)” of Table 3.1 of Section I of the Appendix to Bank of Russia Instruction No. 4990-U.

2 In accordance with paragraph 18 of the RF Government Resolution of 17.07.1995 No. 713 “On approval of the Rules for registration and deregistration of citizens of the Russian Federation at the place of stay and place of residence within the Russian Federation and the list of persons responsible for receiving and transferring to the registration authorities documents for registration and deregistration of citizens of the Russian Federation at the place of stay and place of residence within the Russian Federation.”

3 State Address Register of the Federal Information Address System (hereinafter referred to as the State Address Register of the Federal Information Address System). As a general rule, address elements in the Russian Federation must comply with the State Address Register of the Federal Information Address System, which is related to ensuring compliance with the requirement of Article 12 of the Federal Law of 23.12.2003 No. 177-FZ “On Insurance of Deposits in Banks of the Russian Federation”, which provides for sending messages to depositors of a bank in respect of which an insured event has occurred.

4 As part of the client identification procedure carried out for the purpose of combating the legalization (laundering) of proceeds from crime and the financing of terrorism, it is possible to obtain data on the client’s location (subparagraph 1.7 of paragraph 1 of Appendix 1 to Bank of Russia Regulation No. 499-P of 15.10.2015 “On the identification by credit institutions of clients, client representatives, beneficiaries and beneficial owners for the purpose of combating the legalization (laundering) of proceeds from crime and the financing of terrorism”).

5 Changes are planned to be made to the names of the corresponding lines of the register of obligations: “Address of place of residence (registration) or place of stay”, as well as to the explanations for filling in information about the address for postal notifications.

6 Federal Law of 30.12.2004 No. 218-FZ “On Credit Histories”.

7 Clause 4.3 of Chapter 4 of Section 1 of Appendix 3 to Bank of Russia Regulation No. 758-P.

8 Federal Law of 07.08.2001 No. 115-FZ “On Combating the Legalization (Laundering) of Criminally Obtained Incomes and the Financing of Terrorism.”

Seal

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Palestine Action: what it means to proscribe a group, and what the effects could be

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Brian J. Phillips, Reader (Associate Professor) in International Relations, University of Essex

The UK’s home secretary, Yvette Cooper, plans to proscribe the protest group Palestine Action under anti-terror law. This move, if approved by parliament, would criminalise the group’s existence, making it a crime to be a member of the group or to support it in any way.

Palestine Action emerged in 2020, first drawing attention when its members broke into and spray painted red the UK headquarters of Elbit Systems, an Israeli defence contractor. In the years since, the group has sprayed paint, blockaded or otherwise vandalised a number of institutions it sees as complicit in Israeli military actions, such as a Lockheed Martin facility and two Barclays branches.

The group’s website describes it as a “direct action movement committed to ending global participation in Israel’s genocidal and apartheid regime”.

The term “direct action” has historically been used for tactics ranging from legal protest to traffic obstruction and property damage, such as animal rights activists smashing laboratory equipment used for experiments on animals. Or, more recently, the roadblocks carried out by Extinction Rebellion.

Palestine Action’s campaign has caused substantial property damage. Five activists were jailed after a 2022 protest at a Glasgow weapons equipment factory that caused more than an estimated £1 million in damage due to pyrotechnics thrown inside the building.

Activists are also accused of causing £1 million in damages to Elbit property near Bristol in 2024. Eighteen face charges of aggravated burglary and criminal damage, 16 of whom also face a charge of violent disorder. Nine have pleaded not guilty, while others have not yet entered a plea. During the Bristol attack, one person was accused of assaulting police officers with a sledgehammer, and has pleaded not guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

The group’s recent spray-painting of two military jets at RAF Brize Norton – reportedly causing millions of pounds in damage, combined with the military nature of the target – seems to have been the breaking point for the home secretary.

The question is whether all this makes the group a terrorist organisation.

The terrorist list criteria

The UK’s list of proscribed groups currently contains 81 organisations, from radical Islamists such as al-Qaida to neo-Nazis such as the Base.

The legislation behind the list, the Terrorism Act 2000, imposes serious punishments for proscribed organisations’ members or supporters, from a fine to a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison. Even wearing clothing or publishing an image supporting a proscribed group can be punished by up to six months in prison or a fine of up to £5,000.

For a group to be proscribed, it needs to be determined by the secretary of state to be “concerned in terrorism”, basically meaning committing or planning terrorist acts. The definition of terrorism is long and legalistic, but is, essentially, the politically-motivated use or threat of actions to intimidate the government or public through violence or destruction, including “serious damage to property”.

This latter justification, serious property damage, has been invoked by the home secretary in discussing Palestine Action’s planned proscription. So, technically, Palestine Action appears to meet the criteria.

But there are a variety of groups carrying out serious property damage that have not (yet) been proscribed under anti-terrorism law. Following the same logic, the government could theoretically proscribe Extinction Rebellion and other groups that might not be widely thought of as terrorist organisations.

Whether it makes sense to proscribe the group, however, is a matter of debate. Proscribing Palestine Action on the basis of its alleged property damage would set a precedent in legally declaring that this type of direct action – vandalism – is considered significant enough to invoke the Terrorism Act in this way.

Palestine Action is different in an important way from currently proscribed terrorist organisations.

In Palestine Action’s five years of attacks, it has never killed anyone, or apparently attempted to do so. There have, though, been several injuries allegedly associated with the group. Two people were charged with assaulting an emergency worker at a protest – after the intention to proscribe the group was announced. At some of the group’s actions, members have been charged with assaulting security guards.

In her statement to parliament, Cooper cited the group’s “impact on innocent members of the public fleeing for safety and subjected to violence”. But the primary focus of the government’s intention to proscribe the group seems to be around serious damage to property, particularly related to national security.

Many currently proscribed groups have killed thousands of people, from al-Qaida on September 11 or 7/7 to groups like Hamas or Hezbollah attacking Israelis or Boko Haram’s killing sprees in Nigeria.

There are some less violent proscribed groups. For example, UK-based Islamist group al-Ghurabaa (and the related Saved Sect, also known as al-Muhajiroun) have not been clearly linked to actual violence, although the group is accused of glorifying violence, for example celebrating the 9/11 attacks. It has also apparently inspired terrorist attacks.

The government’s choice to start using serious property damage as sufficient criteria for terrorist designation would be a substantial change in how anti-terrorism law is applied.

What happens next?

If Palestine Action were to be proscribed, the consequences could be substantial.

Since any support of the group would be a crime, a protest in support of the group – like the one that happened June 23 – could lead to thousands of arrests. If supporters failed to turn out, and the members stopped participating out of fear, it could lead to the end of the group.

Or the group might shift to strictly legal or less damaging direct actions, like permitted marches or blockades. This would be a clear victory for the government.

An ultimate goal of proscription is to keep dissident groups protesting legally. It sometimes works. Al-Muhajiroun and other local groups seemingly often tried to walk the fine line of being as extreme as possible, while staying “just within the law”.

It is also possible that current Palestine Action members form renamed groups and carry on with criminal direct actions. Fragmenting and renaming groups is a common response to proscription, as we have seen with al-Ghurabaa, and with armed groups abroad like Lashkar-e-Taiba, as my own research with my colleague Muhammad Feyyaz has shown.

This results in counter-terrorism officials playing Whac-A-Mole, frequently updating legislation with aliases and chasing many smaller groups or a broader movement instead of one organisation.

Overall, the government might be legally justified to proscribe Palestine Action. What parliament must decide, however, is if the group poses enough of a threat to warrant this change to precedent. And officials should think about whether the action is likely to bring about the desired consequences, or if it could radicalise supporters into more violent action.

Brian J. Phillips works on a research project that receives funding from the Economic and Social Research Council.

– ref. Palestine Action: what it means to proscribe a group, and what the effects could be – https://theconversation.com/palestine-action-what-it-means-to-proscribe-a-group-and-what-the-effects-could-be-259619

MIL OSI –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Romanian criminals stealing fertilisers and pesticides in western France stopped in tracks
Source: Eurojust

Following close cooperation between the French and Romanian authorities, criminals stealing agrochemical products across western France have been stopped in their tracks. The network was also involved in transporting and concealing the stolen goods. During a coordinated action this week, 12 suspects were arrested or identified in both countries.

Eurojust supported the judiciary in both countries by facilitating the execution of European Arrest Warrants (EAWs) and European Investigation Orders and provided further cross-border judicial support.
The criminal network was well organised and structured, specialising in the theft of fertilisers and pesticides, for instance. The action day in France and Romania targeted three teams of thieves, two carriers and two fences. Three suspects were arrested in France, and nine more were identified in Romania, based on EAWs issued by the French authorities.

Over the past two years, at least sixty farms, agricultural storage facilities and enterprises have been burgled. The value of the stolen goods and the damage caused by the thefts is estimated at EUR 3 million. The thefts were not without risk, as certain products were highly flammable and posed a health hazard if not handled properly. The stolen goods were transported and stored by the network for onward sale via illegal channels in Romania.

Investigations coordinated by the investigative judge of the Interregional Jurisdiction (JIRS) of Rennes in France indicated that a Romanian-led organised crime group was behind the large-scale thefts. In November of last year, the JIRS contacted the French National Desk at Eurojust to arrange for cooperation with the Romanian authorities. Following a coordination meeting at the Agency, joint actions in both countries were organised this week.

In Romania, 17 places were searched, where cash in different currencies was seized, estimated to be worth EUR 200 000. Four vehicles and various quantities of liquid and solid agrochemical products were also seized.

The coordinated action this week was carried out by and at the request of the following authorities:
- France: Investigative Judge JIRS Rennes; Gendarmerie Nationale – Section de Recherches Caen
- Romania: Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT); National Police – Criminal Investigations Directorate
MIL Security OSI –
June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Romanian criminals stealing fertilisers and pesticides in western France stopped in tracks
Source: Eurojust

Following close cooperation between the French and Romanian authorities, criminals stealing agrochemical products across western France have been stopped in their tracks. The network was also involved in transporting and concealing the stolen goods. During a coordinated action this week, 12 suspects were arrested or identified in both countries.

Eurojust supported the judiciary in both countries by facilitating the execution of European Arrest Warrants (EAWs) and European Investigation Orders and provided further cross-border judicial support.
The criminal network was well organised and structured, specialising in the theft of fertilisers and pesticides, for instance. The action day in France and Romania targeted three teams of thieves, two carriers and two fences. Three suspects were arrested in France, and nine more were identified in Romania, based on EAWs issued by the French authorities.

Over the past two years, at least sixty farms, agricultural storage facilities and enterprises have been burgled. The value of the stolen goods and the damage caused by the thefts is estimated at EUR 3 million. The thefts were not without risk, as certain products were highly flammable and posed a health hazard if not handled properly. The stolen goods were transported and stored by the network for onward sale via illegal channels in Romania.

Investigations coordinated by the investigative judge of the Interregional Jurisdiction (JIRS) of Rennes in France indicated that a Romanian-led organised crime group was behind the large-scale thefts. In November of last year, the JIRS contacted the French National Desk at Eurojust to arrange for cooperation with the Romanian authorities. Following a coordination meeting at the Agency, joint actions in both countries were organised this week.

In Romania, 17 places were searched, where cash in different currencies was seized, estimated to be worth EUR 200 000. Four vehicles and various quantities of liquid and solid agrochemical products were also seized.

The coordinated action this week was carried out by and at the request of the following authorities:
- France: Investigative Judge JIRS Rennes; Gendarmerie Nationale – Section de Recherches Caen
- Romania: Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT); National Police – Criminal Investigations Directorate
MIL Security OSI –
June 30, 2025
EAM Jaishankar on US visit from June 30; to attend Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on July 1

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar will pay an official visit to the United States from 30 June to 2 July at the invitation of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to participate in the next Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (QFMM), scheduled for 1 July, an official said on Sunday.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the Quad Foreign Ministers will build upon the discussions held during the last QFMM, which took place in Washington on January 21 this year.

“They will exchange views on regional and global developments, particularly those concerning the Indo-Pacific, and review the progress made on various Quad initiatives in the run-up to the Quad Leaders’ Summit, which will be hosted by India. The Ministers are also expected to deliberate on new proposals aimed at advancing the shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the MEA statement read.

EAM Jaishankar will also inaugurate an exhibition titled, “The Human Cost of Terrorism” at the United Nations Headquarters, New York on June 30.

“The exhibition will highlight the devastating toll of heinous terrorist acts around the world, and the steps taken by the international community to combat terrorism,” the statement noted.

India’s UN Mission said it will “highlight the devastating toll of heinous terrorist acts around the world”.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will host the upcoming QFMM, which will also be attended by Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japan’s Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi, next Tuesday in Washington.

Rubio’s first diplomatic engagement after he took office on January 21 was the Quad foreign ministers meeting, which took place a day after President Donald Trump was inaugurated.

Next week’s meeting “builds on that momentum to advance a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific”, Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the Department of State, Thomas Pigott, said.

“This is what American leadership looks like: strength, peace, and prosperity,” he said.

Earlier, S. Jaishankar posted on X that he had a phone conversation with Penny Wong on Thursday in preparation for the Quad meeting.

The Quad meeting will be the first time the ministers get together after the Pahalgam attack.

It will come a day before Pakistan takes over the rotating presidency of the Security Council.

The Quad meeting is expected to lay the groundwork for the Summit to be hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi which will bring US President Donald Trump, and Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese of Australia and Shigeru Ishiba of Japan to India.

At their meeting in February, PM Modi said he looked forward to hosting Trump at the summit.

The first foreign affairs meeting after Trump’s inauguration showed his administration’s regional priority as China’s threat loomed. However, the world’s attention turned to the Middle East and Ukraine.

The conflict between Israel and Iran appears to have ebbed for now, freeing some bandwidth to turn attention to the Indo-Pacific, where China poses a challenge to the nations of the region.

(IANS)

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Qatar Affirms Support for UN Counter-terrorism Coordination Compact

Source: Government of Qatar

New York, June 27, 2025

The State of Qatar reaffirmed its support for the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact and its unwavering commitment to actively participating in relevant regional and international initiatives aimed at enhancing regional and global security and stability.

This came in the State of Qatar’s statement delivered by HE the State of Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani during her participation in the opening of a meeting organized by the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism. The event, held at UN headquarters in New York, was on enhancing partnerships between regional organizations and the UN Counter-terrorism Coordination Compact to support the coordination of political interventions and capacity-building efforts.

Her Excellency emphasized the importance of the meeting as a constructive platform for strengthening dialogue and coordination among the members of the UN Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact, contributing to more integrated and effective international efforts to combat terrorism.

Her Excellency also highlighted the ongoing partnership between the State of Qatar and the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism, commending the continuous efforts to enhance international cooperation and implement a shared vision for countering terrorism through coordinated and integrated action.

For his part, Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism Vladimir Voronkov praised Qatar’s leading role in supporting UN counter-terrorism initiatives, especially those focused on preventing violent extremism by addressing its root causes, primarily through promoting education and supporting sustainable development.

MIL OSI Africa –

June 28, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: DHS Awards $94 Million in Grants to Help Protect 512 Jewish Faith-Based Organizations from Targeted Violence and Terrorism

Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

Headline: DHS Awards $94 Million in Grants to Help Protect 512 Jewish Faith-Based Organizations from Targeted Violence and Terrorism

lass=”text-align-center”>Following the terror attack in Boulder, CO and the murder of two Israeli Embassy staffers, DHS is working to counter the concern rise in antisemitic violence and terrorism
WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security announced it is awarding $94,416,838 to over 512 Jewish faith-based organizations across the United States through its National Security Supplemental (NSGP-NSS)

This money, part of the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, will be used to help these organizations harden their defenses against attacks

This allocation comes after a terrorist attacked demonstrators with a flamethrower and Molotov cocktails at an event in support of hostages in Gaza, and after two Israeli Embassy staffers were murdered in Washington, DC, by a terrorist who shouted, “Free Palestine

” In 2024, the ADL said it recorded a record high of 9,354 antisemitic incidents in the U

S

, marking a 344% increase over the past five years

“DHS is working to put a stop to the deeply disturbing rise in antisemitic attacks across the United States,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin

“That this money is necessary at all is tragic

Antisemitic violence has no place in this country

However, under President Trump and Secretary Noem’s leadership, we are going to do everything in our power to make sure that Jewish people in the United States can live free of the threat of violence and terrorism

”
The program, operated through FEMA, will help protect Jewish faith-based institutions from further attacks, and was advocated for by over 40 plus Jewish organizations

The funding was appropriated by Congress in response to a surge in antisemitic threats linked to the Israel Hamas war

All faith-based institutions were eligible to apply for grant funding to help defend themselves from threats including houses of worship, educational facilities, medical facilities, community centers and other faith-based institutions

More grant disbursements will follow from the NSGP

###

MIL OSI USA News –

June 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Stockton Man Charged with Attempting to Provide Material Support to the Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham

Source: US FBI

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Ammaad Akhtar, 33, of Stockton, was arrested today and charged by complaint with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

According to court documents, since February 2025, Akhtar has been communicating online with a law enforcement-controlled individual, whom Akhtar believed was a member of ISIS. In these conversations, Akhtar voiced his support for ISIS and jihad, expressed a desire to travel overseas to join and fight with ISIS, and stated a desire to send guns and money to ISIS.

In April 2025, during this investigation, Akhtar demonstrated a desire to provide support of ISIS and did so by providing financial funding on multiple occasions. After a few payments, the law enforcement-controlled individual indicated that ISIS had procured several guns with the money Akhtar had sent. In his response, Akhtar said, “may Allah destroy our enemies” and affirmed that he will send more money that same day.

Akhtar also talked about planning acts of violence, including conducting an attack against a specific individual and an attack utilizing homemade explosives. He said he “want[s] to die in the cause of Allah fighting the kuffar [infidels]” and asked for instructions on how to make a homemade explosive device in order “to make a boom” at a populated event.

Then, on June 23, 2025, Akhtar met with an individual he believed was an ISIS associate, but who was actually an undercover employee. Akhtar provided clothing, binoculars, $400 cash, two loaded guns, and six additional magazines. Akhtar then swore bayat (a pledge of loyalty) to ISIS.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Field Offices in New York and Sacramento and the New York City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Wong and Trial Attorney Ryan D. White of the National Security Division are prosecuting the case.

If convicted, Akhtar faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

MIL Security OSI –

June 28, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Dingell Announces $20.5 Million in NSF Grants for the University of Michigan
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) today announced that the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor will receive $20,539,108 in grant funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support a wide range of research initiatives. The funding will advance work in critical areas including artificial intelligence, quantum photonics, neuroscience, wildfire and flood response, social science, advanced manufacturing, cyber-physical systems, and more.

“The University of Michigan continues to lead in innovation that addresses real-world challenges and drives economic growth,” said Dingell. “These investments will support breakthrough research across diverse fields, from improving public safety and infrastructure to exploring new materials and technologies to strengthening Michigan’s role as a national leader in science and innovation while building a smarter, healthier, and more sustainable future.”

Projects receiving funding include:
- $31,443.00 for Doctoral Dissertation Research: The fitness impact of female social resource competition
- $20,000.00 for Broadening Student Participation to the 7th Annual Learning for Dynamics and Control Conference (L4DC25); Ann Arbor, Michigan; 4-6 June 2025
- $20,000.00 for A Conference on the Geometry, Topology, and Dynamics of Infinite-Type Surfaces
- $66,962.00 for Bootcamp for the 2025 Algebraic Geometry Summer Research Institute
- $70,007.00 for RAPID: 2025 Southern California Fires Embers Project: Crowdsourcing Data on the Distribution and Transport of Firebrands
- $302,965.00 for SBIR Phase I: Turmeric Assisted Pressure Sterilization
- $499,742.00 for ACED: GRAM-CAROLINE: Grammar-Reinforced AI Modeling with Conditional Autoencoder and Relevance-Oriented Learning for Interpretable knowledge Extraction
- $20,000.00 for IUCRC Planning Grant University of Michigan: Cyber and Terrorism Insurance Studies (CATIS) Center
- $500,000.00 for CPS: Small: Lifted Hybridization: A New Representation for Efficient Control and Verification of Cyber-Physical Systems
- $31,500.00 for Doctoral Dissertation Research: Craft Specialization and Economic Organization
- $35,000.00 for Conference: CBMS Conference: Strong Matrix Properties and the Inverse Eigenvalue Problem
- $1,000,000.00 for IUCRC Phase I University of Michigan: Center for Digital Twins in Manufacturing (CDTM)
- $750,000.00 for Collaborative Research: CS2: A Comprehensive Pipeline for Formal Verification of Floating-Point Errors and Compilation for Scientific Computing
- $500,000.00 for ACED: A Unified Framework of Physics-informed and Domain-Adapted Generative Diffusion Model for Efficient and Reliable Nanophotonics Inverse Design
- $599,998.00 for CAREER: Topography-mediated Immunomodulation for Implant-associated Infections
- $640,000.00 for High-Intensity Tunable Light by Frequency Upshifting in Plasma Waves
- $690,000.00 for CAREER: Empowering People Who are Blind to Create Personal Assistive Technology
- $600,000.00 for CAREER: Bringing Structure to the Unstructured: Robust Causal and Statistical Modeling of High-dimensional Unstructured Data
- $599,491.00 for CAREER: Data-Driven Extrusion-Based Robotic Three-Dimensional Printing of Reinforced Concrete
- $1,753,908.00 for Research Infrastructure: Leveraging the Research Data Ecosystem for ICPSR’s Comprehensive Data Archive
- $25,000.00 for Conference: Modern Perspectives in Representation Theory
- $9,250.00 for Conference: Travel support for trainees to attend Dynein 2025; Ann Arbor, Michigan; 22-24 July 2025
- $1,244,153.00 for SBIR Phase II: Ubiquitous Flood Forecasting using Sensors and Analytics
- $10,024,230.00 for Expanding the Industries of Ideas: Understanding the link between research investments, jobs, and skills
- $205,596.00 for Collaborative Research: NERC-NSFGEO–Constraining Longwave Energy Flows in Cold Climates (CLEFCC)
The National Science Foundation(NSF) supports research, innovation, and discovery that provides the foundation for economic growth in this country. By advancing the frontiers of science and engineering, our nation can develop the knowledge and cutting-edge technologies needed to address the challenges we face today and will face in the future.

MIL OSI USA News –
June 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Man who posted support on social media for terrorist groups jailed

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man who posted supportive messages on social media about proscribed terrorist groups as well as antisemitic posts has been jailed.

Zakir Hussain, 30 (09.01.95) of Harlow, was arrested in March last year after officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command linked him to an X account posting statements in support of Hamas and Hizballah.

Writing on account ‘@lewiswarren911”, Hussain posted a series of messages on X between November 2023 and January 2024 that celebrated the October 7 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel. He also wrote numerous antisemitic comments, including praise for the actions of Adolf Hitler.

Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “This investigation started as the result of an anonymous report by a member of the public appalled by the content of Hussain’s X account.

“Our Counter-Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU) assessed the content of the posts as being in breach of terrorism legislation and a proactive investigation was launched.

“This case demonstrates, yet again, that we will act when we receive information about social media content that is unlawful. When this happens those responsible can expect to be investigated and prosecuted where the evidence allows.”

At the time of his arrest, Hussain was already serving a suspended sentence for a conviction of malicious communications offences committed in 2021 and 2022. This involved him sending threatening and abusive posts on X to the sister of a man who died in the 1989 Hillsborough disaster.

Hussain was charged on 27 March last year with four counts of supporting a proscribed organization, contrary to section 12 (1A) of the Terrorism Act 2000 and seven counts of publishing threatening, abusive or insulting material, contrary to section 19 of the Public Order Act.

Hussain pleaded guilty to all the charges on the first day of his trial at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 20 March. He was sentenced at the same court on 26 June to five years and eight months’ imprisonment, plus another three years on extended licence.

He has been remanded in custody for the past year.

Anyone wanting to report something to Counter Terrorism Policing can visit www.act.campaign.gov.uk

MIL Security OSI –

June 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Man who posted support on social media for terrorist groups jailed

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man who posted supportive messages on social media about proscribed terrorist groups as well as antisemitic posts has been jailed.

Zakir Hussain, 30 (09.01.95) of Harlow, was arrested in March last year after officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command linked him to an X account posting statements in support of Hamas and Hizballah.

Writing on account ‘@lewiswarren911”, Hussain posted a series of messages on X between November 2023 and January 2024 that celebrated the October 7 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel. He also wrote numerous antisemitic comments, including praise for the actions of Adolf Hitler.

Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “This investigation started as the result of an anonymous report by a member of the public appalled by the content of Hussain’s X account.

“Our Counter-Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU) assessed the content of the posts as being in breach of terrorism legislation and a proactive investigation was launched.

“This case demonstrates, yet again, that we will act when we receive information about social media content that is unlawful. When this happens those responsible can expect to be investigated and prosecuted where the evidence allows.”

At the time of his arrest, Hussain was already serving a suspended sentence for a conviction of malicious communications offences committed in 2021 and 2022. This involved him sending threatening and abusive posts on X to the sister of a man who died in the 1989 Hillsborough disaster.

Hussain was charged on 27 March last year with four counts of supporting a proscribed organization, contrary to section 12 (1A) of the Terrorism Act 2000 and seven counts of publishing threatening, abusive or insulting material, contrary to section 19 of the Public Order Act.

Hussain pleaded guilty to all the charges on the first day of his trial at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 20 March. He was sentenced at the same court on 26 June to five years and eight months’ imprisonment, plus another three years on extended licence.

He has been remanded in custody for the past year.

Anyone wanting to report something to Counter Terrorism Policing can visit www.act.campaign.gov.uk

MIL Security OSI –

June 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Analysis: Palestine Action: what it means to proscribe a group, and what the effects could be

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Brian J. Phillips, Reader (Associate Professor) in International Relations, University of Essex

The UK’s home secretary, Yvette Cooper, plans to proscribe the protest group Palestine Action under anti-terror law. This move, if approved by parliament, would criminalise the group’s existence, making it a crime to be a member of the group or to support it in any way.

Palestine Action emerged in 2020, first drawing attention when its members broke into and spray painted red the UK headquarters of Elbit Systems, an Israeli defence contractor. In the years since, the group has sprayed paint, blockaded or otherwise vandalised a number of institutions it sees as complicit in Israeli military actions, such as a Lockheed Martin facility and two Barclays branches.

The group’s website describes it as a “direct action movement committed to ending global participation in Israel’s genocidal and apartheid regime”.

The term “direct action” has historically been used for tactics ranging from legal protest to traffic obstruction and property damage, such as animal rights activists smashing laboratory equipment used for experiments on animals. Or, more recently, the roadblocks carried out by Extinction Rebellion.

Palestine Action’s campaign has caused substantial property damage. Five activists were jailed after a 2022 protest at a Glasgow weapons equipment factory that caused more than an estimated £1 million in damage due to pyrotechnics thrown inside the building.

Activists are also accused of causing £1 million in damages to Elbit property near Bristol in 2024. Eighteen face charges of aggravated burglary and criminal damage, 16 of whom also face a charge of violent disorder. Nine have pleaded not guilty, while others have not yet entered a plea. During the Bristol attack, one person was accused of assaulting police officers with a sledgehammer, and has pleaded not guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

The group’s recent spray-painting of two military jets at RAF Brize Norton – reportedly causing millions of pounds in damage, combined with the military nature of the target – seems to have been the breaking point for the home secretary.

The question is whether all this makes the group a terrorist organisation.

The terrorist list criteria

The UK’s list of proscribed groups currently contains 81 organisations, from radical Islamists such as al-Qaida to neo-Nazis such as the Base.

The legislation behind the list, the Terrorism Act 2000, imposes serious punishments for proscribed organisations’ members or supporters, from a fine to a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison. Even wearing clothing or publishing an image supporting a proscribed group can be punished by up to six months in prison or a fine of up to £5,000.

For a group to be proscribed, it needs to be determined by the secretary of state to be “concerned in terrorism”, basically meaning committing or planning terrorist acts. The definition of terrorism is long and legalistic, but is, essentially, the politically-motivated use or threat of actions to intimidate the government or public through violence or destruction, including “serious damage to property”.

This latter justification, serious property damage, has been invoked by the home secretary in discussing Palestine Action’s planned proscription. So, technically, Palestine Action appears to meet the criteria.

But there are a variety of groups carrying out serious property damage that have not (yet) been proscribed under anti-terrorism law. Following the same logic, the government could theoretically proscribe Extinction Rebellion and other groups that might not be widely thought of as terrorist organisations.

Whether it makes sense to proscribe the group, however, is a matter of debate. Proscribing Palestine Action on the basis of its alleged property damage would set a precedent in legally declaring that this type of direct action – vandalism – is considered significant enough to invoke the Terrorism Act in this way.

Palestine Action is different in an important way from currently proscribed terrorist organisations.

In Palestine Action’s five years of attacks, it has never killed anyone, or apparently attempted to do so. There have, though, been several injuries allegedly associated with the group. Two people were charged with assaulting an emergency worker at a protest – after the intention to proscribe the group was announced. At some of the group’s actions, members have been charged with assaulting security guards.

In her statement to parliament, Cooper cited the group’s “impact on innocent members of the public fleeing for safety and subjected to violence”. But the primary focus of the government’s intention to proscribe the group seems to be around serious damage to property, particularly related to national security.

Many currently proscribed groups have killed thousands of people, from al-Qaida on September 11 or 7/7 to groups like Hamas or Hezbollah attacking Israelis or Boko Haram’s killing sprees in Nigeria.

There are some less violent proscribed groups. For example, UK-based Islamist group al-Ghurabaa (and the related Saved Sect, also known as al-Muhajiroun) have not been clearly linked to actual violence, although the group is accused of glorifying violence, for example celebrating the 9/11 attacks. It has also apparently inspired terrorist attacks.

The government’s choice to start using serious property damage as sufficient criteria for terrorist designation would be a substantial change in how anti-terrorism law is applied.

What happens next?

If Palestine Action were to be proscribed, the consequences could be substantial.

Since any support of the group would be a crime, a protest in support of the group – like the one that happened June 23 – could lead to thousands of arrests. If supporters failed to turn out, and the members stopped participating out of fear, it could lead to the end of the group.

Or the group might shift to strictly legal or less damaging direct actions, like permitted marches or blockades. This would be a clear victory for the government.

An ultimate goal of proscription is to keep dissident groups protesting legally. It sometimes works. Al-Muhajiroun and other local groups seemingly often tried to walk the fine line of being as extreme as possible, while staying “just within the law”.

It is also possible that current Palestine Action members form renamed groups and carry on with criminal direct actions. Fragmenting and renaming groups is a common response to proscription, as we have seen with al-Ghurabaa, and with armed groups abroad like Lashkar-e-Taiba, as my own research with my colleague Muhammad Feyyaz has shown.

This results in counter-terrorism officials playing Whac-A-Mole, frequently updating legislation with aliases and chasing many smaller groups or a broader movement instead of one organisation.

Overall, the government might be legally justified to proscribe Palestine Action. What parliament must decide, however, is if the group poses enough of a threat to warrant this change to precedent. And officials should think about whether the action is likely to bring about the desired consequences, or if it could radicalise supporters into more violent action.

Brian J. Phillips works on a research project that receives funding from the Economic and Social Research Council.

– ref. Palestine Action: what it means to proscribe a group, and what the effects could be – https://theconversation.com/palestine-action-what-it-means-to-proscribe-a-group-and-what-the-effects-could-be-259619

MIL OSI Analysis –

June 28, 2025
EAM Jaishankar to attend Quad foreign ministers’ meeting in Washington

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will attend a meeting of the Quad foreign ministers in Washington on July 1, ahead of the upcoming Quad Summit that India is set to host later this year, according to the U.S. State Department.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will host the meeting, which will be attended by Foreign Minister Penny Wong of Australia and Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi of Japan, Principal Deputy Spokesperson Thomas Pigott said on Thursday.

Pigott noted that Secretary Rubio’s first diplomatic engagement after assuming office on January 21 was a Quad foreign ministers’ meeting, held just one day after President Donald Trump’s inauguration, underscoring the new administration’s focus on the Indo-Pacific.

Next week’s meeting, he added, “builds on that momentum to advance a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.”

“This is what American leadership looks like: strength, peace, and prosperity,” Pigott remarked.

Jaishankar also confirmed the upcoming meeting on X, saying he had a preparatory telephonic conversation with Penny Wong on Thursday.

This will be the first Quad foreign ministers’ meeting since the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians in Jammu & Kashmir in April.

Before heading to Washington, Jaishankar is scheduled to inaugurate an exhibition at the United Nations on “The Human Cost of Terrorism” on Monday. India’s Permanent Mission to the UN said the exhibition will “highlight the devastating toll of heinous terrorist acts around the world.” The event will take place just a day before Pakistan assumes the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council.

The July 1 Quad meeting is expected to lay the groundwork for the upcoming Quad Summit in India, which will bring together President Donald Trump, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

At their last interaction in February, PM Modi had expressed his eagerness to host President Trump for the Summit, reaffirming India’s commitment to Quad cooperation.

The upcoming meeting, the first significant foreign affairs dialogue following Trump’s return to office, signals a renewed U.S. focus on the Indo-Pacific at a time when tensions in the Middle East and Ukraine appear to have somewhat stabilised. With the Israel-Iran conflict easing, strategic attention is expected to shift back toward the Indo-Pacific, where China continues to pose challenges to regional security and sovereignty.

(With inputs from IANS)

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Commander’s Visit to East Africa Reiterates Security Partnerships, Cooperation

Source: United States AFRICOM

STUTTGART, Germany – General Michael Langley, Commander of United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) and USMC Sgt. Maj. Michael Woods, command senior enlisted leader, visited Djibouti, Somalia and Ethiopia June 16-20 to meet with African partner leaders and attend the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa change of command.

During the official trip to Djibouti City, Langley and U.S. Ambassador to Djibouti Cynthia Kierscht met with Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdoulkader Houssein Omar; Minister of Defense Hassan Omar Mohamed Bourhan; and Chief of Defense General Zakaria Chiek Ibrahim on Tuesday, reiterating the United States’ commitment to security cooperation and counterterrorism in the region.

“Despite the growing threats of terrorist groups like ISIS and al Shabaab, our continued partnership with Djibouti furthers our ability to counter terrorism and promote peace and security,” Langley said.

On Wednesday, the general flew to Hargeisa and Berbera Airfields in Somalia, and, alongside U.S. Ambassador Richard Riley IV, met with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), Minister of Defense Muhammad Yusuf Ali, Chief of Staff of the Army, Brig Gen Nimcaan Yusuf Osman, and Coast Guard Commander, Adm. Ahmed Hurre Huriye.

“We greatly value the security partnership we have with the Federal Government of Somalia as we work together to counter the threats of al Shabaab and ISIS-Somalia.”

Langley and Woods attended the CJTF-HOA change of command on Wednesday, and then traveled with U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin Massinga to Addis Ababa to meet with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Chief of the General Staff Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, and Head of Military Cooperation Major General Teshome Gemechu to reaffirm AFRICOM’s commitment to Ethiopia’s critical role in counterterrorism operations and regional security in the Horn of Africa. He noted that AFRICOM’s partnership with Ethiopia is part of a wider strategy to help African nations build resilient and self-reliant security sectors.

Throughout the trip, Langley emphasized that U.S. military engagement in Africa is based on enabling African-led solutions, strengthening capable institutions, and addressing the root causes of instability. AFRICOM works closely with African partners to counter terrorist organizations like al Shabaab and ISIS, which threaten U.S., regional, and international security. Langley also met with Selma Malika Haddadi, deputy chairperson of the African Union Commission and reiterated U.S. support for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia.

General Langley also addressed the growing security threats across the continent, including the rise of terrorist activity in the Sahel and along West Africa’s coastal regions. At the African Union, Gen Langley paid respects at the African Union Memorial Wall, honoring heroes and heroines of the AU who paid the ultimate sacrifice in support of AU missions. The visit reaffirmed AFRICOM’s long-term commitment to its partnership with the continent and to collective efforts for lasting security in the region.

AFRICOM is one of seven U.S. geographic combatant commands, responsible for military engagement across 53 African nations. Working with partners and allies, the command counters malign actors and transnational threats, responds to crises, strengthens African security forces, and supports U.S. government efforts in Africa to advance U.S. national interests and promote regional security, stability, and prosperity.

MIL Security OSI –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Crapo, Senate GOP Colleagues Introduce Resolution Supporting Operation Midnight Hammer

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) joined Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas), Roger Wicker (R-Missouri), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Dave McCormick (R-Pennsylvania), Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina) and Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska) in introducing a Senate resolution in support of U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, including Operation Midnight Hammer, and praising President Trump’s efforts to reestablish deterrence and achieve lasting peace in the region as deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize. Text is below, and you can view the full resolution here.
“Whereas, in August 2002, the Islamic Republic of Iran’s secret nuclear program was revealed, including the existence of a fuel enrichment plant in Natanz, Iran, and the heavy-water plant in Arak, Iran;
Whereas, on April 11, 2006, the Islamic Republic of Iran announced that it had enriched uranium for the first time to a level close to 3.5 percent at the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant in Natanz, Iran;
Whereas, in 2018, during a raid on a warehouse in Tehran’s Turquzabad district, Israel’s Mossad seized a vast nuclear archive of approximately 100,000 documents (commonly known as ‘‘Iran’s Atomic Archive’’), which revealed Iran’s AMAD Plan, a structured nuclear weapons program aimed at producing 5 nuclear warheads, including detailed designs, high explosive tests, detonator development and integration of a warhead into the Shahab 3 ballistic missile;
Whereas, on May 31, 2021, it was reported that the Islamic Republic of Iran failed to provide any explanation for the uranium remnants found at undeclared sites in Iran, and such an explanation had not been provided as of the date of the enactment of this resolution;
Whereas, on May 30, 2022, the International Atomic Energy Agency (referred to in this preamble as the ‘‘IAEA’’) reported that the Islamic Republic of Iran had achieved a stockpile of 43.3 kilograms (95.5 pounds) of 60 percent highly enriched uranium, which is roughly enough material to construct a nuclear weapon;
Whereas, on February 27, 2023, the IAEA reported that the Islamic Republic of Iran had enriched uranium to 83.7 percent, which is just short of the 90 percent threshold for weapons-grade fissile material;
Whereas, on September 16, 2023, the IAEA reported that the Islamic Republic of Iran banned the activities of nearly one-third of the IAEA’s most experienced nuclear inspectors in Iran, a decision that, according to IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi, harmed the IAEA’s ability to monitor Iran’s nuclear program;
Whereas, on December 28, 2023, the Governments of the United States, of France, of Germany and of the United Kingdom jointly declared, ‘‘The production of high-enriched uranium by Iran has no credible civilian justification;”
Whereas, on July 23, 2024, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence published an assessment, in accordance with the Iran Nuclear Weapons Capability and Terrorism Monitoring Act of 2022 (22 U.S.C. 8701 note; section 5593 of Public Law 117–263), stating that the Islamic Republic of Iran has ‘‘undertaken activities that better position it to produce a nuclear device, if it chooses to do so;”
Whereas, on November 15, 2024, the IAEA reported that the Islamic Republic of Iran has continued to expand its enrichment facilities and install additional advanced centrifuges, including at the Natanz Nuclear Facility, where there are 15 cascades of advanced centrifuges, and the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, where there are advanced preparations for the expansion of the facility;
Whereas, on February 26, 2025, the IAEA reported that the Islamic Republic of Iran has between 5 and 7 metric tons of enriched uranium and had increased its total stockpile of 60 percent highly enriched uranium to 274.8 kilograms (605.83 pounds), which, if further enriched, could be sufficient to produce 6 nuclear weapons;
Whereas, on May 31, 2025, the IAEA released a comprehensive report detailing Iran’s noncompliance with its Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons safeguards obligations, noting that Iran—
(1) increased its stockpile of 60 percent highly enriched uranium to 408.6 kilograms as of May 17, 2025, which constitutes a 50 percent increase compared to its February 2025 report, a stockpile sufficient for approximately 9 nuclear weapons (if further enriched);
(2) conducted undeclared nuclear activities at four sites—Lavisan-Shian, Varamin, Marivan, and Turquzabad—involving nuclear material and equipment; and
(3) provided inaccurate or contradictory explanations, which severely obstructed IAEA verification efforts and raises serious concerns about the peaceful nature of its nuclear program;
Whereas, on April 7, 2025, President Donald Trump stated, “You know, it’s not a complicated formula. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. That’s all there is;”
Whereas, on April 8, 2025, a senior official of the Islamic Republic of Iran rejected the dismantlement of its nuclear program by stating, “Trump wants a new deal: end Iran’s regional influence, dismantle its nuclear program and halt its missile work. These are unacceptable to Tehran. Our nuclear program cannot be dismantled;”
Whereas, on April 15, 2025, in an ultimatum issued to the Islamic Republic of Iran, President Trump—
(1) demanded that a new nuclear deal be signed within 60 days to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program; and
(2) warned that failure to comply with this demand would result in military action to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons;
Whereas, on April 16, 2025, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran rejected United States demands and asserted its right to maintain its nuclear program and missile capabilities, escalating tensions and setting the stage for subsequent military operations by Israel and the United States;
Whereas, on June 13, 2025, Israel began Operation Rising Lion with strikes against the Iranian nuclear program, key Iranian military leaders and other strategic targets; and
Whereas, on June 21, 2025, the United States launched Operation Midnight Hammer, conducting targeted strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, which significantly degraded Iran’s nuclear program;
Whereas Iran has developed advanced ballistic missile systems, including the Shahab-3, Ghadr and Khorramshahr missiles, with ranges of up to 2,000 kilometers and payloads capable of carrying nuclear warheads, which poses a significant threat as delivery systems for nuclear weapons to targets in the Middle East and parts of Europe;
Whereas Iran, currently the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of United States citizens, including more than 600 United States servicemembers in Iraq through Iranian-backed militias, and other terrorist activities: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate—
supports the United States’ decisive military strikes under Operation Midnight Hammer to degrade Iran’s nuclear program;
affirms that the Islamic Republic of Iran must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapons capability, which would threaten the security of the United States and its allies and partners;
commends the Trump administration for taking resolute military action and praises the bravery of United States servicemembers who participated in Operation Midnight Hammer;
concurs that President Trump’s efforts to reestablish deterrence are aimed at achieving lasting peace in the Middle East and worthy of consideration for the Nobel Peace Prize;
reaffirms the right of the United States Government to take any necessary measures to prevent the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons;
commends Israel for its targeted strikes under Operation Rising Lion against Iran’s nuclear facilities, ballistic missile infrastructure and regime targets, including the Natanz enrichment facility and missile launchers, and recognizes these actions are critical to neutralizing existential threats to Israel and its allies; and
condemns the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran for launching missiles at United States forces in Qatar and Iraq, and for launching 21 missile attacks that indiscriminately target Israeli civilians.”

MIL OSI USA News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Senate GOP Colleagues Introduce Resolution Supporting Operation Midnight Hammer
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) led Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Katie Britt (R-AL), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Rick Scott (R-FL), Jim Justice (R-WV), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ted Budd (R-NC), and Deb Fischer (R-NE) in introducing a Senate resolution in support of U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, including Operation Midnight Hammer, and praising President Trump’s efforts to reestablish deterrence and achieve lasting peace in the region as deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize. Text is below, and you can view the full resolution here.

“Whereas, in August 2002, the Islamic Republic of Iran’s secret nuclear program was revealed, including the existence of a fuel enrichment plant in Natanz, Iran, and the heavy-water plant in Arak, Iran;

Whereas, on April 11, 2006, the Islamic Republic of Iran announced that it had enriched uranium for the first time to a level close to 3.5 percent at the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant in Natanz, Iran;

Whereas, in 2018, during a raid on a warehouse in Tehran’s Turquzabad district, Israel’s Mossad seized a vast nuclear archive of approximately 100,000 documents (commonly known as ‘‘Iran’s Atomic Archive’’), which revealed Iran’s AMAD Plan, a structured nuclear weapons program aimed at producing 5 nuclear warheads, including detailed designs, high explosive tests, detonator development, and integration of a warhead into the Shahab 3 ballistic missile;

Whereas, on May 31, 2021, it was reported that the Islamic Republic of Iran failed to provide any explanation for the uranium remnants found at undeclared sites in Iran, and such an explanation had not been provided as of the date of the enactment of this resolution;

Whereas, on May 30, 2022, the International Atomic Energy Agency (referred to in this preamble as the ‘‘IAEA’’) reported that the Islamic Republic of Iran had achieved a stockpile of 43.3 kilograms (95.5 pounds) of 60 percent highly enriched uranium, which is roughly enough material to construct a nuclear weapon;

Whereas, on February 27, 2023, the IAEA reported that the Islamic Republic of Iran had enriched uranium to 83.7 percent, which is just short of the 90 percent threshold for weapons-grade fissile material;

Whereas, on September 16, 2023, the IAEA reported that the Islamic Republic of Iran banned the activities of nearly one-third of the IAEA’s most experienced nuclear inspectors in Iran, a decision that, according to IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi, harmed the IAEA’s ability to monitor Iran’s nuclear program;

Whereas, on December 28, 2023, the Governments of the United States, of France, of Germany, and of the United Kingdom jointly declared, ‘‘The production of high-enriched uranium by Iran has no credible civilian justification;”

Whereas, on July 23, 2024, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence published an assessment, in accordance with the Iran Nuclear Weapons Capability and Terrorism Monitoring Act of 2022 (22 U.S.C. 8701 note; section 5593 of Public Law 117–263), stating that the Islamic Republic of Iran has ‘‘undertaken activities that better position it to produce a nuclear device, if it chooses to do so;”

Whereas, on November 15, 2024, the IAEA reported that the Islamic Republic of Iran has continued to expand its enrichment facilities and install additional advanced centrifuges, including at the Natanz Nuclear Facility, where there are 15 cascades of advanced centrifuges, and the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, where there are advanced preparations for the expansion of the facility;

Whereas, on February 26, 2025, the IAEA reported that the Islamic Republic of Iran has between 5 and 7 metric tons of enriched uranium and had increased its total stockpile of 60 percent highly enriched uranium to 274.8 kilograms (605.83 pounds), which, if further enriched, could be sufficient to produce 6 nuclear weapons;

Whereas, on May 31, 2025, the IAEA released a comprehensive report detailing Iran’s noncompliance with its Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons safeguards obligations, noting that Iran—

(1) increased its stockpile of 60 percent highly enriched uranium to 408.6 kilograms as of May 17, 2025, which constitutes a 50 percent increase compared to its February 2025 report, a stockpile sufficient for approximately 9 nuclear weapons (if further enriched);

(2) conducted undeclared nuclear activities at 4 sites—Lavisan-Shian, Varamin, Marivan, and Turquzabad—involving nuclear material and equipment; and

(3) provided inaccurate or contradictory explanations, which severely obstructed IAEA verification efforts and raises serious concerns about the peaceful nature of its nuclear program;

Whereas, on April 7, 2025, President Donald Trump stated, “You know, it’s not a complicated formula. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. That’s all there is;”

Whereas, on April 8, 2025, a senior official of the Islamic Republic of Iran rejected the dismantlement of its nuclear program by stating, “Trump wants a new deal: end Iran’s regional influence, dismantle its nuclear program, and halt its missile work. These are unacceptable to Tehran. Our nuclear program cannot be dismantled;”

Whereas, on April 15, 2025, in an ultimatum issued to the Islamic Republic of Iran, President Trump—

(1) demanded that a new nuclear deal be signed within 60 days to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program; and

(2) warned that failure to comply with this demand would result in military action to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons;

Whereas, on April 16, 2025, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran rejected United States demands and asserted its right to maintain its nuclear program and missile capabilities, escalating tensions and setting the stage for subsequent military operations by Israel and the United States;

Whereas, on June 13, 2025, Israel began Operation Rising Lion with strikes against the Iranian nuclear program, key Iranian military leaders, and other strategic targets; and

Whereas, on June 21, 2025, the United States launched Operation Midnight Hammer, conducting targeted strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, which significantly degraded Iran’s nuclear program;

Whereas Iran has developed advanced ballistic missile systems, including the Shahab-3, Ghadr, and Khorramshahr missiles, with ranges of up to 2,000 kilometers and payloads capable of carrying nuclear warheads, which poses a significant threat as delivery systems for nuclear weapons to targets in the Middle East and parts of Europe;

Whereas Iran, currently the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of United States citizens, including more than 600 United States servicemembers in Iraq through Iranian-backed militias, and other terrorist activities: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—
1. supports the United States’ decisive military strikes under Operation Midnight Hammer to degrade Iran’s nuclear program;
2. affirms that the Islamic Republic of Iran must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapons capability, which would threaten the security of the United States and its allies and partners;
3. commends the Trump administration for taking resolute military action and praises the bravery of United States servicemembers who participated in Operation Midnight Hammer;
4. concurs that President Trump’s efforts to reestablish deterrence are aimed at achieving lasting peace in the Middle East and worthy of consideration for the Nobel Peace Prize;
5. reaffirms the right of the United States Government to take any necessary measures to prevent the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons;
6. commends Israel for its targeted strikes under Operation Rising Lion against Iran’s nuclear facilities, ballistic missile infrastructure, and regime targets, including the Natanz enrichment facility and missile launchers, and recognizes these actions are critical to neutralizing existential threats to Israel and its allies; and
7. condemns the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran for launching missiles at United States forces in Qatar and Iraq, and for launching 21 missile attacks that indiscriminately target Israeli civilians.”
MIL OSI USA News –
June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – Australia’s set to accept its one millionth refugee – AMES

Source: AMES

Sometime, probably around October this year, a person will step off aircraft somewhere in Australia in the last stage of their journey way from conflict or persecution.

This person will be the one millionth refugee settled in Australia since the end of World War II.

The Department of Home Affairs says Australia has successfully settled more than 985,000 refugees and humanitarian entrants since the country’s first humanitarian intake occurred in 1947.

With 20,000 refugee places currently allocated for each financial year, the million milestone is due to be reached in the early months of the 2025-26 financial year.

Based on these figures, it is expected the one-millionth arrival to occur sometime between September and November 2025.

The milestone represents a million individual journeys toward refuge and a million stories of people rebuilding their lives in safety with hope for the future.

Since the 1930s, Australia has welcomed refugees fleeing global conflicts — from Jewish refugees before and after World War Two, to Southeast Asians after the Vietnam War.

Following World War Two, Australia entered formal agreements with international bodies to accept displaced people from Europe.

In November 1947, more than 800 people from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania arrived in Fremantle. They were the first of 170,000 displaced persons resettled in Australia after World War Two.

Later decades saw more structured resettlement, particularly in response to major global conflicts.

Over the past 40 years, Australia has continued to resettle people from conflict-riven regions, including the Southeast Asia the Middle East, Africa and Myanmar.

Today, refugees from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Venezuela, Iraq, Syria, Myanmar and countries in the Horn of Africa continue to arrive under the humanitarian program.

In two recent emergency situations, Australia evacuated 4100 refugees from Afghanistan following the return of the Taliban to power in 2021 and around 4,000 Ukrainians, mostly women and children, who initially arrived on tourist visas after the Russian invasion are new transitioning to permanent protection visas.

CEO of AMES Australia Cath Scarth said the million-refugee mark was a reflection of Australia’s proud history of affording refugee to people fleeing war, conflict or persecution.

“Australia has a generous and sophisticated refugee settlement program that not only offers refuge to people fleeing war or persecution but also equips them to build successful lives and become contributors,” Ms Scarth said.

“We are an example to the world at a time when more than 122 million people are displaced due to war, conflict or persecution,” she said.

Australia is a leading refugee resettlement country, ranking among the top few resettlement countries on a per capita basis.

The United States has historically accepted the greatest number of refugees, but its program has recently been effectively shuttered by the Trump administration, meaning the loss of 100,000 annual resettlement places.

Among refugees who have come to Australia in recent years are:

Iraqi doctor Asseel Yako who, in his homeland, tended to battlefield wounds suffered by soldiers or militia members fighting ISIS or patching up women children horrifically injured in explosions of gunfire.

Ten years later he is still saving lives working a consultant physician, specialising in internal medicine at Warragul Hospital, in Gippsland, Victoria.

The job is the culmination of years of hard work, striving to get his qualifications recognised in Australia.

He had studied and worked as a doctor for almost twenty years before arriving in Australia, but he was forced to jump through extraordinary hoops to be able practice medicine again.

Cambodian refugee Chan Uoy has helped breathe new life into the struggling regional town of Dimboola, in Victoria’s west.

Chan has opened the Dimboola Imaginarium, an eclectic and exotic gift shop and Air BnB recently featured in the high-end magazine Conde Nast Traveller. Chan has also recently become the deputy mayor of the local Hindmarsh Shire.

The Dimboola Imaginarium is a stimulating space with a cornucopia of exotic wares, including an almost life-size giraffe, oversize world globes, and colourfully painted rocking horses. The five Air BB bedrooms have differing but exotic and indulgent décor.

He has also launched the Wimmera Steampunk Festival, which this year is expected to attract 5000 visitors to the town.

Young soccer star Yaya Dukuly is the embodiment of refugee aspiration and success.

The 22-year-old Adelaide United soccer star was born into a refugee family in Guinea. His father is a Liberian and his mother is from Guinea.

Yaya arrived in Australia with his family as a child and grew up in Adelaide. Now a professional footballer and Australian under-23 representative, he is also an emerging community leader and role model.

Yaya brought is powerful and authentic new voice in the multicultural sector, supporting newly arrived refugees and advocating for their communities.

MIL OSI – Submitted News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: South and Central Asia Subcommittee Chairman Huizenga Delivers Opening Statement at Hearing on Terror Threat Landscape

Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

Media Contact 202-321-9747

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs South and Central Asia Subcommittee Chairman Bill Huizenga delivered opening remarks at a subcommittee hearing titled, “Assessing the Terror Threat Landscape in South and Central Asia and Examining Opportunities for Cooperation.”

Watch Here

-Remarks-

Today we will discuss the current terror threats and the landscape throughout South and Central Asia and potential opportunities for the Trump administration to enhance our regional counterterrorism strategy.

Since the Biden administration’s ill-conceived and executed and withdraw from Afghanistan, the subsequent Taliban takeover, the terror threat landscape in South and Central Asia has changed dramatically. Despite the Taliban’s Doha Agreement commitments, Afghanistan has once again become a hotbed for terrorists looking for safe harbor as they grow their ranks and abilities to project attacks across the region and frankly, the world.

Threats from groups such as ISISK and the TTP, also known as the Pakistan Taliban, are higher than any time in recorded history, and internally, Pakistan has seen the highest rates of terror attacks in many years. And of course, the recent attack in Pahalgam reminded us all that the threat, the militant threat in Kashmir has not subsided.

For decades, the United States has remained the global leader in the fight against terrorism. We’ve engaged our internal international partners through bilateral agreements and multilateral mechanisms that have supplied our allies with training and equipment to ensure that they are able to stop the spread of terrorism from further poisoning our world.

However, the threat has persisted since the 2021 ISIS K bombing at Abbey Gate, which killed 13 American servicemen and 170 Afghan civilians and wounded many others, including one of my constituents from Southwest Michigan.

The Taliban claims to be doing their best to eliminate the ISIS-K threat. However, while the Taliban claimed victory, ISIS-K continues to wreak havoc, conducting attacks that target everyone from innocent civilians to Taliban officials, all while continuing its effort to radicalize and recruit from diaspora communities across and even outside of Central Asia. Last year we saw the growing ISISK threat manifest as hundreds were killed in attacks in both Moscow and Tehran and through the foiled plot to attack the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Nevertheless, the United States continues to display strong leadership, working closely with our partners such as the Pakistanis who recently arrested a key planner in the Abbey Gate attacks. That individual has since been brought to the United States to stand trial for his crimes. The Pakistanis themselves are no strangers to the terrorist threat that festers within their own borders. 2024 was one of the most violent years in over a decade for Pakistan. Groups such as Tehrik-i-Taliban, Pakistan and the Balochistan Liberation Army threatened civilians and Pakistani security forces alike. Rising violence from such militant groups and others pose a significant threat to Pakistan’s internal security and has been the source of much friction between Pakistan and its neighbors in the region.

Most recently, we saw the devastating attack on the Indian controlled Jammu and Kashmir where the 2026 individuals, primarily tourists, were brutally and deliberately killed in cold blood by militants. The attack led to a military conflict between two major nuclear powers, the first of its kind in years.

I want to be clear; I respect India’s sovereign right to defend itself against rogue actors seeking to sow instability in the volatile region. But I support and encourage both sides to work earnestly to resolve the areas of conflict.

As we discussed the challenges emanating from the region, it’s essential to assess the tools that we have at our disposal to continue the fight against terrorism. The Trump administration is uniquely, has a unique opportunity to find new ways to engage our regional partners and find a new path to stability and security.

So I want to say thank you to our witnesses, Ms. Curtis and Ms. Todd, for being here today and I look forward to a robust conversation.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: EU prosecutors crack down on illegal Chinese imports scheme
Source: European Union 2

Tons of goods illegally imported through port of Piraeus, €700 million in losses

(Luxembourg, 26 June 2025) – A coordinated raid by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Athens (Greece), Madrid (Spain), Paris (France) and Sofia (Bulgaria) has dealt a significant blow to criminal networks flooding the EU market with goods fraudulently imported from China, while evading custom duties and VAT. The criminal scheme, which involved the massive importation of textile, shoes, e-scoters, e-bikes and other goods, is believed to have caused an estimated damage of approximately €700 million.

The investigation carried out by the EPPO, code-named ‘Calypso’, spans 14 countries: Bulgaria, China, Czechia, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. A total of 101 searches were conducted yesterday at the offices of customs brokers, companies controlled by the organised criminal groups under investigation, the premises of the suspects, and at the offices of tax advisers and representatives, lawyers, accountants and transport companies, in Bulgaria, Greece, France and Spain. Ten suspects were arrested, including two customs officers. In addition, firearms and cold weapons were found and seized in the houses of three of the suspects.

Law enforcement agents seized €5.8 million (of which €4.75 million in Greece and the remaining in France and Spain), in different currencies, including Hong Kong dollars, euros in digital wallets and cryptocurrencies. In addition, 7 133 e-bikes and 3 696 e-scooters were secured, as well as 480 containers for further checks and verification in the Port of Piraeus. Eleven properties located in Spain were also seized, as well as 27 vehicles and luxury items (bags, watches and jewellery). Freezing orders were also issued in Greece to seize real estate, boats and bank accounts.

At issue are several criminal networks, mainly controlled by Chinese nationals, that handle the full circuit of the goods imported from China into the EU market, including distribution to different Member States and sales to end customers, as well as money laundering and sending the profits back to China, while defrauding the payment of customs duties and committing large-scale VAT fraud.

How it works

The fraudulent scheme starts with the introduction of the goods from China into the EU, mainly through the port of Piraeus (Greece), with a substantial undervaluation or misclassification of the goods, in order to evade custom duties – using false documents to conceal the true value and nature of the merchandise. A network of professional enablers operating at the customs entry point, such as customs brokers, service providers and accounting firms, facilitate the initial clearance, and the apparent purchase and transport of the merchandise by companies mainly registered in Bulgaria, but operating in Greece with a Greek VAT registration number.

The goods are subsequently sold to companies established in other Member States, thus allowing the first apparent purchaser to benefit from a VAT import exemption based on Customs Procedure 42 (CP42). This procedure, created to simplify cross-border trade, exempts importers from paying VAT in the country of importation, if the imported goods are subsequently transported to another EU Member State.

Through a chain of buffer and shell companies, the goods are apparently sold to companies in specific Member States, where they are supposed to be sold on the market. These fraudulently declared destinations include Bulgaria, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. However, these fake ultimate acquirers of the goods never receive the merchandise, and operate as a missing trader, thus not paying VAT. In some cases, the criminal organisations used identity documents from legitimate companies, fraudulently hijacking their VAT numbers to conceal the true destination of the goods.

In reality, after the goods enter the EU, they are stored in warehouses and places controlled by the criminal organisations, and from there they are transported, using false documents, to France, Italy, Poland, Portugal and Spain (the real countries of destination). These Chinese logistics centres, where all goods are stored, operate as highly controlled warehouse districts, functioning almost like exclusive communities, accessible only to members of the criminal groups managing them.

The transport documents are destroyed as soon as the goods are delivered, and the merchandise is sold to end customers mostly on the black market, in cash, as part of a highly concealed parallel economy.

One-stop criminal enterprise

The criminal organisations under investigation are in charge of producing the false invoices and transport documents to conceal the real destination of the goods, and to recruit a large network of sham companies used for the fake sales and deliveries, in order to hide the whole fraudulent chain. This allows the companies controlled by the criminal organisations to sell the products at a very competitive price, since VAT remains unpaid and customs duties and anti-dumping fees are largely evaded.

Finally, the proceeds of the crime are transferred to China using different money laundering techniques, including providing money laundering services to other criminal organisations via trade-based underground banking systems. In this way, the organised criminal groups control and conceal the whole criminal chain, from the initial fraudulent import to the VAT fraud, and from the sale of the goods to the laundering of the profits.

The total damage of the criminal activities under investigation is currently estimated at approximately €700 million: over €250 million come from evaded customs duties (which revert entirely to the EU budget), and close to €450 million from unpaid VAT (which damages both the EU budget and the national budgets of Member States). The damage caused by the fraudulent scheme under investigation is likely much higher. Greece’s Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) is also actively supporting the EPPO to further evaluate the extent of the damage in evaded customs duties.

This EPPO-led investigation was supported by Europol through analytical assistance, coordination via a Virtual Command Post, and the deployment of an expert to the command centre in Luxembourg, with additional backing from national law enforcement agencies – highlighting the value of cross-border cooperation against organised crime. The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) contributed to the detection.

All persons concerned are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in the competent courts of law.

The EPPO is the independent public prosecution office of the European Union. It is responsible for investigating, prosecuting and bringing to judgment crimes against the financial interests of the EU.

List of most important partners and national authorities involved:
- Europol
- European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
- Hellenic Internal Affairs Agency of Law Enforcement Bodies (Υπηρεσία Εσωτερικών Υποθέσεων Σωμάτων Ασφαλείας)
- Hellenic Police’s Digital Forensics Investigations and Analysis Subdivision (Υποδιεύθυνση Ψηφιακής Εγκληματολογικής Έρευνας και Ανάλυσης της ΔΕΕ)
- France’s National Anti-Fraud Office (Office National Antifraude – ONAF)
- Bulgaria’s State Agency for National Security (ДАНС); National Investigation Service (Национална следствена служба); General Directorate National Police) Главна дирекция “Национална полиция”) and General Directoratе Gendarmerie and Specialised Counter-Terrorism Department (Главна дирекция “Жандармерия и специализан отряд за борба с тероризма”)
- Spain’s National Police and Tax Agency (Policía Nacional and Agencia Estatal de Administración Tributaria)
MIL OSI Europe News –
June 27, 2025