Report for Tuesday, February 20, 2024

THE TOP STORIES

Netanyahu sets Ramadan deadline for hostage release

EU launches naval mission to protect Red Sea shipping

Sweden to unveil its largest military aid package for Ukraine

Biden administration considers sending longer-range ATACMS to Ukraine

Haitian judge charges widow, ex-PM over president's assassination

ISRAEL AND HAMAS WAR

Security Council schedules vote today on Gaza ceasefire resolution backed by Arab nations. The United Nations Security Council has scheduled a vote at 10 a.m. EST Tuesday on an  Algeria-backed resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.  The U.S. has indicated it will veto that resolution, on grounds it would upset the delicate peace talks now being negotiated among the U.S., Israel, Egypt and Qatar.  The Arab nations want the vote despite the certain veto, in hopes of showing broad global support for a ceasefire.  According to Reuters, the U.S. may offer an alternate resolution calling for a temporary ceasefire and opposing a major Israeli  ground offensive into Rafah. The U.S. resolution would  assert that Israel’s plan to storm Rafah "would have serious implications for regional peace and security, and therefore underscores that such a major ground offensive should not proceed under current circumstances."  Reuters quoted a “senior U.S. administration official” as saying, “We do not plan to rush our text to a vote. We don't believe a rush to a vote is necessary or constructive and intend on allowing time for negotiations."   Reuters Al Jazeera Bloomberg Associated Press

Netanyahu sets Ramadan deadline for hostage release. Israel has told Hamas it must return the hostages by Ramadan, around March 10, or Israel will move ground troops into Rafah.  This is the first time Israel has set a specific deadline for the return of the 100 hostages still thought to be alive and held captive somewhere in Gaza. The Biden administration has warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against conducting an operation without a credible plan to ensure the safety of civilians in Rafah,  where about half Gaza’s population is now taking shelter. Over the weekend, Netanyahu rebuffed President Biden, insisting, “Israel will fight until complete victory is achieved.  And yes, that also includes operating in Rafah, of course after we allow civilians in the fighting areas to evacuate to safe areas.” Where can civilians flee to?  Rafah is Gaza’s southernmost city. “There is a lot of space north of Rafah,” Netanyahu said.  On Sunday, he said that he hoped to reach a deal to free hostages soon. “But deal or no deal, we have to finish the job to get total victory,” he said.  Wall Street Journal 

EU countries warn Israel against 'catastrophic' Rafah attack.  Foreign ministers from the 27 EU member states met in Brussels Monday and, with one exception, signed onto a joint statement pleading with Israel not to launch its ground offensive into Rafah.  "We ask the Israeli Government not to take military action in Rafah that would worsen an already catastrophic humanitarian situation and prevent the urgently needed provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance," the ministers said. They called for "an immediate humanitarian pause that would lead to a lasting ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and the provision of humanitarian assistance." The holdout was Hungary, which did not sign the statement.  Reuters

Israeli strikes hit southern Lebanon. At least two Israeli air strikes hit near the coastal Lebanese town of Ghaziyeh on Monday, witnesses said, about 37 miles north of the border with Israel. Lebanese state media said a car had been hit.  Other strikes reportedly  hit near the coastal town of Sidon.  Avichay Adraea, an Israeli army spokesman, said Monday: “We targeted Hezbollah weapons depots near Sidon in response to the explosion of an enemy craft whose wreckage we found near the Tiberias area this afternoon.”  Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) said the strikes targeted a warehouse where tires and electricity generators were manufactured, and the vicinity of a factory, left “14 wounded, most of them Syrian and Palestinian workers.”  Al Jazeera  Times of Israel  Reuters

World Court hears case against Israeli occupation. The International Court of Justice began hearing arguments Monday on the legality of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories.  The proceeding was scheduled in 2022, when the UN General Assembly tasked the court for a non-binding advisory opinion on the issue. Riyad al-Maliki, the Palestinian Authority’s foreign minister, opened the session, asserting that Israel had subjected Palestinians to decades of discrimination. He said that “2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza, half of them children, are besieged and bombed, killed and maimed, starved and displaced…More than 3.5 million Palestinians in the West Bank, including in Jerusalem, are subjected to colonization of their territory and racist violence that enables it.”  Representatives from 51 countries and three international organizations are expected to speak on the issue over the next six days. A final opinion could take months.   New York Times   Politico  Al Jazeera 

Brazil recalls ambassador to Israel. ​​Brazil recalled its ambassador to Israel for “consultations” Monday as diplomatic tensions between the two nations escalated.  The Israeli government reprimanded Ambassador Frederico Meyer for statements by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, comparing Israel’s military campaign in Gaza to the Holocaust. Israel said the Brazilian president was not welcome in the country until he took back his remarks.  Bloomberg  Al Jazeera Reuters

Palestinians denied access to Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque during Ramadan.  Israel will impose some restrictions on access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Old City of occupied East Jerusalem during Ramadan, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Monday.   Israel says that Ramadan prayers will be allowed, but limits will be set according to security needs. Hamas denounced the restrictions  and called on Palestinians in Israel, Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank to “reject this criminal decision, resist the occupation’s arrogance and insolence, and mobilize to stand firm and steadfast in Al-Aqsa Mosque.”  Al Jazeera  Reuters

Qatar criticizes Israel’s Netanyahu over Hamas comments. Qatari Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari rejected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s comments Sunday in which he said Qatar should do more to help secure the release of hostages held by Hamas and that Hamas is financially dependent on Qatar. In a post to the social media platform X, Al-Ansari called Netanyahu’s comments “empty accusations.” Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. have spent weeks trying to broker a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza, but Qatar said over the weekend that the talks have not progressed as expected. Hamas says it will not release the remaining hostages unless Israel ends the war, withdraws its forces from Gaza, and releases hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned in Israel, demands which Netanyahu has rejected. Al Jazeera

Israel claims it has recovered footage of hostage mother and children.  The Israeli military released video footage yesterday which it said shows an Israeli woman and her two children being moved by Palestinian militants in Gaza shortly after they were kidnapped in southern Israel on October 7. Israeli chief military spokesman Adm. Daniel Hagari said the footage shows the kidnappers wrapping the woman and her babies in a sheet, trying to hide them. He said the mother, her husband and the children were being held by a group called the Mujahideen Brigades. Reuters 

Gaza Health Ministry claims death toll has reached more than 29,000. According to the Health Ministry in Gaza, Israel's military offensive since October 7 has resulted in the deaths of over 29,000 Palestinians. Approximately two-thirds of the deaths reported by the Health Ministry in Gaza were women and children. Additionally, over 69,000 Palestinians have sustained injuries, straining the capacity of the territory's hospitals, half of which are operating at partial capacity.  Associated Press 

UK’s Starmer calls for a ‘ceasefire that lasts’ in Israel’s war on Gaza.  British Labor Party leader Keir Starmer said Sunday that a lasting ceasefire in Gaza “must happen now.” He said he had just returned from the Munich security conference in which every conversation he had focused on the war in Gaza. The issue has divided the Labor Party, and Starmer previously has stopped short of calling for an immediate truce, saying instead he wants to see a “sustainable” end to the conflict. His comments come before a vote Wednesday in Parliament on calling for an immediate ceasefire.  Al Jazeera

THE RED SEA

E.U. launches naval mission to protect Red Sea shipping.  European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced Monday that Europe will deploy Naval Force Operation ‘Aspides’ (Greek for Shield) to protect cargo ships in the Red Sea from attacks from Yemen’s Houthi rebels. “Beyond crisis response, it’s a step towards a stronger European presence at sea to protect our European interests,” Von der Leyen said.  The naval mission will send European warships and airborne early warning systems to the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters.  During a meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels, Italian Foreign Affairs Minister Antonio Tajani called it “an important step towards common European defense.”  Reuters Associated Press Al Jazeera

Houthis say they downed a U.S. drone off Yemen.  U.S. officials say an MQ-9 Reaper military surveillance drone crashed off the coast of Yemen on Monday. The Pentagon is investigating the incident. Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis claimed that their air defenses downed the drone near the port city of Al Hudaydah. If the Houthi claims are confirmed, it will mark the second time the group has downed a U.S. drone since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel.  New York Times Stars and Stripes 

Vessel damaged in drone attack north of Djibouti.  A vessel sustained "superficial damage" after being hit by a drone in the Red Sea, 60 nautical miles north of Djibouti, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said on Monday.  British Maritime Security Firm Ambrey also said early on Tuesday that a Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier was physically damaged by an unmanned aerial vehicle in an incident approximately 60 nautical miles north of Djibouti.  It’s not clear whether the two reports involve the same vessel. "The crew are reported to be safe and the vessel is proceeding to its next port of call," UKMTO  said.  Reuters  

Merchant tailed by drones west of Jizan. Two drones followed a merchant vessel in the Red Sea, west of Saudi Arabia's Jizan port.  The ship continued its journey safely, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said on Monday.   Reuters 

THE UKRAINE UPDATE

CIPHER BRIEF REPORTING — At War’s Two-Year Mark, Ukraine Needs a ‘Plot Twist.’  Two years after Russia’s invasion, Ukraine is in dire need of a “plot twist” – the positive kind. The Cipher Brief reached out to several experts and asked a basic question: How can Ukraine reverse its fortunes, in year three of the war? The Cipher Brief

Zelensky says Russia exploiting aid delays to advance.  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, visiting the frontline in the Kupiansk sector in the northeast, recaptured by Ukraine in 2022, said Russia is exploiting delays in aid to Ukraine. "There is now an extremely difficult situation in several parts of the frontline, precisely where Russian troops have concentrated maximum reserves," Zelensky said. "They are taking advantage of delays in aid to Ukraine and this is a very sensitive matter. Artillery shortages, the need for frontline air defense and for longer-range weapons." Reuters Bloomberg Kyiv Independent Associated Press

Ukraine prepares for new Russian attacks on eastern front.  Ukraine's military said  Monday its troops were digging into new defensive positions in the east after retreating from Avdiivka.  Avdiivka's loss is viewed as a sign the war has turned in Russia’s favor. "The Ukrainian military has established itself on new lines of defense and is successfully repelling attempts by the Russian invaders to develop an offensive," Brigadier-General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi wrote on Telegram messenger.  Reuters

Russian troops killed wounded Ukrainian soldiers in Avdiivka after promising to evacuate them, military says.  The Ukrainian 110th Brigade reported that despite the Russian military's pledge to evacuate wounded Ukrainian soldiers from the Zenit strongpoint in Avdiivka and provide assistance, they instead killed five soldiers. Media reports confirmed the deaths, with relatives identifying the bodies of three soldiers who were left behind heavily wounded as the rest of the forces retreated from the strongpoint. The brigade stated that continuous bombardment and complete encirclement prevented the evacuation of seriously injured and killed servicemen. Ukrainian forces had contacted organizations negotiating prisoner exchanges with Russia for assistance, but Russian troops violated their promise and executed the soldiers. The deceased soldiers were identified as Andrii Dubnytskyi, Ivan Zhyntnyk, Heorhii Pavlov, Oleksandr Zinchuk, and Mykola Savosik, while the fate of a sixth soldier remains unconfirmed. Kyiv Independent Al Jazeera 

ISW says Russian forces in Avdiivka likely to need 'operational pause'. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported on Feb. 19 that Russian offensive operations in Avdiivka, Ukraine, are likely to pause following Ukrainian troops' withdrawal from the city due to ammunition shortages and intensified Russian efforts to capture it. ISW analysts observed a slowdown in Russian operations after the withdrawal, suggesting a need for an operational pause or the transfer of reinforcements before resuming significant offensive actions. While Russia has reserves to reinforce its troops, there is no current indication of such transfers. The seizure of Avdiivka, though costly for Russia, may hold more strategic value for propaganda purposes than for military objectives. The ISW warned that Russia could replicate its tactics in Avdiivka on a larger scale if Western military assistance is delayed further.  ISW Kyiv Independent 

Biden administration considers sending longer-range ATACMS to Ukraine. The Biden administration is considering supplying Ukraine with the longer-range version of the Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS). The U.S. started sending older medium-range ATACMS to Ukraine last year, but Kyiv wants longer-range ones to hit Russian targets far behind the frontline. The administration’s previous concerns about potential Russian escalation over Ukraine’s use of the weapon have apparently now been set aside. Uncertainties surround delivery since new Ukraine aid is stalled in Congress. Defense officials say they need funds to replenish limited stockpiles before it can send the missiles to Ukraine. They also say the U.S. may seek allied support to provide the missiles to Ukraine in exchange for replenishing their stockpiles.  NBC News 

Rheinmetall, Ukraine launch joint venture to produce 155mm artillery ammo in Ukraine. German arms maker Rheinmetall AG plans to open a new factory in Ukraine to produce artillery ammunition with a Ukrainian partner.  Rheinmetall will hold a 51% stake in the new company, with the remaining 49% share held by a Ukrainian partner, according to an emailed statement.  German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced more arms aid for Ukraine Friday when he met with President Volodymyr Zelensky ahead of the Munich Security Conference. Scholz urged other European allies to increase their military aid to Ukraine.   Last October, Rheinmetall established a joint venture with Ukraine to maintain and repair tanks and build armored vehicles. Bloomberg Rheinmetall Defense Express 

Canada to send Ukraine 800+ drones.  Canada is giving Ukraine more than 800 SkyRanger R70 multi-mission Unmanned Aerial Systems, Canada's Defense Minister Bill Blair said on Monday.  The drones, manufactured by Teledyne in Waterloo, Ontario and valued at $70 million, are part of Canada’s commitment of $370 million in military aid announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during a Kyiv visit last year. Reuters  Associated Press 

Dutch defense minister says Netherlands already shipping drones to Ukraine. Dutch Defense Minister Kasja Ollongren confirmed on February 19 that the Netherlands has already been delivering drones to Ukraine. This confirmation follows the Netherlands' participation in a coalition led by Latvia aimed at providing advanced military drone technology to Ukraine. Ollongren, in an interview with Baltic news outlet Delfi, says that drones are already en route to Ukraine, emphasizing the significance of the coalition in bolstering Kyiv's drone capabilities through collaborative efforts among approximately 20 countries, including Latvia, the United Kingdom, and Sweden.  Kyiv Independent 

Sweden to unveil its largest military aid package for Ukraine. The Swedish government, as reported on Monday, will unveil its largest Ukraine military aid package yet, valued at 7.1 billion Swedish kronor ($682 million). This announcement comes amidst Sweden's ongoing support for Kyiv, which has totaled 22.2 billion Swedish kronor ($2.13 billion) since Russia's invasion in February 2022. During a press conference Tuesday, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Defense Minister Pal Jonson will disclose the details of the 15th aid package, which is expected to include materiel from the Swedish Armed Forces' reserves. Funds will be allocated to replace previously supplied arms to Ukraine and expedite equipment procurement as needed. Specifics of the package contents remain undisclosed prior to the press conference.  Kyiv Independent 

Ukraine downs 23 out of 23 Russian drones launched overnight. The Ukrainian Air Force reported on Tuesday that 23 Shahed attack drones launched by Russia were intercepted by Ukrainian air defense units overnight. Additionally, Russian forces fired two S-300/S-400 guided anti-aircraft missiles and a Kh-31 missile from positions in Russia's Belgorod Oblast and occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast, respectively. The targeted areas included Kharkiv, Poltava, Kirovohrad, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Mykolaiv oblasts, resulting in damage to an industrial facility in Poltava Oblast. Kyiv Independent 

Russian drone strike in Poltava Oblast causes fire at industrial facility. Ukrainian Governor Filip Pronin reported that Russian forces launched a drone attack on Poltava Oblast overnight on Tuesday, resulting in a fire at an industrial facility in the Kremenchuk district. The attack caused significant damage, necessitating the deployment of 85 firefighters to contain the fire. No casualties were reported. Kyiv Independent 

Ukraine seeking SpaceX action to prevent Russian use of Starlink terminals.  Ukraine has reportedly requested SpaceX's assistance in preventing Russia from using Starlink terminals in areas occupied by Russian troops. Despite SpaceX’s assertion that it does not do business with Russia's government or military, Ukrainian military intelligence claims Russian troops are utilizing thousands of Starlink terminals. Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated that Ukraine has proposed an algorithm for SpaceX to curb Russia’s use of Starlink terminals.  Reuters

Russia says Ukraine poisoned governors in occupied territories.  Russia's Defense Ministry has accused Ukraine of poisoning the Moscow-installed governors of Kherson and Luhansk regions, Leonid Pasechnik and Vladimir Saldo, respectively. The ministry claimed that Pasechnik suffered severe poisoning with phenolic compounds on December 5, 2023, while Saldo was hospitalized on August 9, 2022, with symptoms of poisoning. Both officials are said to be alive. Moscow has accused Ukraine of orchestrating attacks against Russian-installed officials in occupied areas. Russia declared the annexation of Kherson and Luhansk regions, along with two others, despite not having full control over them.  Reuters 

Ukrainian businesses fear economy could suffer from new mobilization law.  ​​Top business associations in Ukraine are concerned that draft legislation on troop mobilization could negatively impact the country’s already struggling economy. The bill aims to tighten draft rules to mobilize additional men for Ukraine’s military. Businesses fear potential disruptions, such as loss of staff, disorderly civilian vehicle commandeering, and online call-ups. Business associations seek a comprehensive revision to address concerns, emphasizing a need for clarity on draft deferrals for critical staff and dialogue with the business community for sustainable economic growth. The business community’s concerns underscore the challenge Kyiv faces to balance bolstering military manpower and safeguarding the recovering economy.  Reuters

ANALYSIS — Ukraine’s Bloody Decade: A Visual History of 10 Years at War. New analysis by the Wall Street Journal reflects on the 10th anniversary of the deadly crackdown on protesters in Kyiv, Ukraine, marking the beginning of Russia's efforts to assert control over the country. The incident occurred amidst widespread demonstrations against then-President Viktor Yanukovych's corrupt regime, leading to his ousting and a pro-Western government takeover. Subsequent Russian actions, including the annexation of Crimea and covert military operations in eastern Ukraine, culminated in a full-scale invasion in 2022. Despite significant losses, Ukraine managed to repel Russian forces from Kyiv and reclaim some territory, yet Russia still controls a significant portion of Ukrainian land. The decade since the crackdown has been characterized by ongoing resistance against Russian aggression, marked by both tragedy and resilience.  Wall Street Journal

ANALYSIS — Two Years On, What’s Next in Ukraine?  Several experts spoke with Foreign Policy about their perspectives on the state of Russia’s war in Ukraine as it enters its third year. Former NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Cipher Brief Expert and former CIA Director Gen. David Petraeus (Ret.), and others discussed Ukraine’s concerns about Western support and how and when they think the war will end.  Foreign Policy

Ukraine PM calls for fresh sanctions on Russia after Navalny's death. Ukraine's Prime Minister, Denys Shmyhal, called on the E.U. and Japan on Tuesday to impose new economic sanctions on Russia following the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Shmyhal made this call during a press event in Tokyo with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to discuss Ukraine's reconstruction. Japan's government has pledged financial assistance exceeding $10 billion to Ukraine, but it refrains from providing military aid due to its prohibition on exporting lethal weapons.  Reuters

U.K. reports that Russian public figures face immense pressure to support war.  The U.K. Defense Ministry said in a post on the social media platform X that public figures in Russia are under intense pressure to express support for their country in the war in Ukraine. The Latvian news website Meduza reported that early this month, the Russian government circulated to concert promoters a renewed “blacklist” of 50 artists, which included artists who have expressed opposition to the war. The blacklist effectively bans them from performing in Russia.  One artist, pop star Filipp Kirkorov, reportedly had been blacklisted over a “naked party” scandal in December, but this week, in an example of how pervasive the war has become in public life, it was reported that Kirkorov performed and visited wounded Russian troops in Ukraine.  U.K. Defense Ministry Update 

Russian helicopter pilot who defected to Ukraine shot and killed in southern Spain. Ukrainian and Spanish media reported on Monday that a Russian pilot who defected to Ukraine with his helicopter last year was found dead in a Spanish underground garage with multiple bullet wounds. Sergey Naryshkin, head of Russia’s SVR foreign intelligence service, condemned the pilot as a traitor and criminal, though he neither confirmed nor denied Russian involvement in his death. Maksim Kuzminov, who landed in Ukraine last August, had been residing in Spain under a different name with a Ukrainian passport. While Ukraine’s GUR military intelligence confirmed Kuzminov’s death in Spain, they did not disclose the cause. Reuters Al Jazeera The Guardian Kyiv Post 

ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD

The Americas

Biden willing to meet Johnson on Ukraine, Israel aid. President Joe Biden expressed willingness to meet with House Speaker Mike Johnson to discuss a bill to fund aid for Ukraine and Israel. “I’d be happy to meet with him (Johnson) if he has anything to say," Biden told reporters at the White House. The Senate passed the bill on Feb. 13, but it faces challenges in the Republican-led House. Biden has said he hopes the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny will help boost support for the legislation. Biden’s willingness for one-on-one negotiations contrasts with previous dismissals from White House officials about the utility of such talks. Johnson has reportedly sought an in-person meeting with Biden on the bill. Republican lawmakers allege Biden refused past requests for talks. It is unclear when Biden and Johnson could meet since Biden is headed to California for fundraising activities and lawmakers are on recess.  Bloomberg Kyiv Independent Associated Press

OPINION — Where Are Bipartisan Congressional Leaders on National Security When You Need Them?  Cipher Brief Senior National Security Columnist Walter Pincus writes that the backup of key appropriation bills in Congress have led to a legislative breakdown at home and caused serious impacts on problems abroad, including casting doubt on the approval of new aid for Ukraine and the reauthorization of Section 702.  The Cipher Brief

Biden says U.S. considering new sanctions on Russia over Navalny’s death. President Joe Biden said that he is “weighing” new sanctions against Russia in response to the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, reiterating his earlier assertion that Russian President Vladimir Putin was responsible for Navalny's death. Biden stated that while existing sanctions are in place, he and his administration are “contemplating what else can be done” without further elaborating In 2021, Biden said that there would be “devastating” consequences if Navalny died in prison.  Kyiv Independent

Trump breaks silence on Navalny’s death, does not mention Putin.  Former President Donald Trump acknowledged the death of Alexei Navalny in a social media post on Monday. In the post, he compared the death of the Russian opposition leader to his own legal problems — referring to the 91 felony charges across four different criminal investigations that he is facing — and said that Navalny’s death has made him “more aware” of the declining state of the U.S. Trump did not mention Putin in the post. Until Monday, Trump had not explicitly commented on Navalny’s death, instead releasing posts that cast the world as more dangerous during the Biden administration.  New York Times Reuters The Hill The Guardian

China’s public security minister raises ‘harassment’ of Chinese students at U.S. border with Mayorkas. China's public security minister, Wang Xiaohong, has urged the United States to cease the "unwarranted harassment" of Chinese students following reports of interrogation and deportation at a key U.S. airport. The call came during a meeting with U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in Vienna, focusing on drug control and law enforcement cooperation, described as "candid" and "constructive." Wang emphasized the need for fair treatment and dignity for Chinese citizens at U.S. borders, urging Washington to lift visa restrictions on relevant Chinese institutions and personnel. The meeting follows a formal protest from China against alleged border obstruction by the U.S. for Chinese students. Despite no mention of Wang's remarks in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's readout, which focused on cooperation in combating the fentanyl crisis, discussions also touched on counternarcotics efforts and combating transnational criminal organizations involved in illicit synthetic drugs. South China Morning Post

Mexican army kill 12 gunmen in notorious cartel haven.  Mexican soldiers killed 12 gunmen Sunday in a shootout in Miguel Aleman, a Mexican border town that straddles a major smuggling route from Mexico into Texas’ Rio Grande Valley.  Miguel Aleman is the plaza, meaning turf, controlled by the old Zetas cartel, now rebranded the Cartel Del Noreste, Northeast Cartel.  Officials said on social media that the soldiers were ambushed by gunmen lurking in the bushes, called in a helicopter and a drone, killed a dozen of their attackers and seized a quantity of weapons.   AP  Reuters CBS News 

Haitian judge charges widow, ex-PM over president's assassination. Former Haitian first lady Martine Moïse, along with the former prime minister and police chief, were indicted in connection with the 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse. While the judge accuses Martine Moïse of complicity in her husband's assassination based on contradictions in her statements and testimony from other defendants, no direct evidence implicating her in the plot has been presented. Parallel investigations in the U.S. have resulted in federal charges against individuals allegedly conspiring to kill Moïse, but Martine Moïse and former Prime Minister Joseph have not been implicated.  Reuters AP News Wall Street Journal(Read A Thousand Kenyan Policemen are Headed to Haiti where ‘Gangs Rule’ at The Cipher Brief.)

Colombia's ELN would respond with force to any break in ceasefire, says leader. Colombia's National Liberation Army (ELN) Leader Antonio Garcia said that any ceasefire violation between the Colombian government and the ELN would prompt a military response. Six rounds of peace negotiations thus far yielded a bilateral ceasefire, which was extended for an additional six months in early February. Funding allocated in the ELN talks aims to support peace initiatives and meet the basic needs of ELN fighters during the ceasefire, with Garcia highlighting that the group's suspension of ransom kidnapping may only sustain it financially for three months.  Reuters 

Guatemalan accused of importing fentanyl precursors for Mexican cartel arrested. Mexican authorities have apprehended a Guatemalan man, Jason Antonio Yang López, at Tapachula airport, who is wanted by the U.S. for his alleged involvement in importing precursor chemicals used by the Sinaloa cartel to produce fentanyl. Yang López, stopped by immigration authorities, was handed over to Chiapas state prosecutor's office. The U.S. Treasury Department previously sanctioned Yang López for his role in importing fentanyl precursors from China into Mexico. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, has been responsible for tens of thousands of deaths annually, with Mexico and China identified as primary source countries for trafficking into the U.S.  Associated Press

El Salvador confirms Bukele's supermajority after opposition calls to void election results. El Salvador's election authority has confirmed that President Nayib Bukele's New Ideas party will have a supermajority in the next legislature with 54 out of 60 seats, following a hand count of votes. Opposition parties had requested to void the election results due to irregularities, but it is unlikely the authority will agree. Bukele's party claimed victory shortly after the polls closed, and despite concerns raised about irregularities, the electoral body confirmed the win with almost 85% of the vote. The super majority in Congress grants Bukele unprecedented power, drawing criticism from opposition parties and international observers. The Organization of American States expressed concern over the voting process, citing lack of control and intimidation tactics by Bukele's party members. Despite the concerns and opposition, Bukele's dominance in Congress remains, facilitated by electoral reforms that favored his party's candidates. Reuters Associated Press

Asia and Oceania

Chinese coast guard officers board Taiwan tourist boat.  Chinese coast guard officers on Monday boarded a Taiwanese tourist boat near the Kinmen Islands, checking its documents and leaving after half an hour. Taiwan expressed concern about the incident, saying that the incident caused panic and harmed Taiwanese people’s feelings. Taiwan's Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said the Taiwanese military will not “actively intervene” in the incident, urging a peaceful resolution to the matter. China has not commented on the recent incident. The boarding follows China's announcement of regular patrols and law enforcement around Kinmen after two Chinese nationals died fleeing Taiwan's coast guard in restricted waters near the Taiwan-controlled islands.  Reuters Al Jazeera Bloomberg Associated Press  

Taiwan signs deal with France to upgrade Lafayette-class frigates.  Taiwan has signed a NT$2.49 billion (US$79.2 million) deal with France to upgrade its Lafayette-class frigates. The deal with France’s DCI Group includes the supply of parts to improve combat systems, with delivery expected by January 18, 2026. The upgrade is part of Taiwan’s broader plan to modernize all Lafayette frigates by 2030. Despite these efforts, some analysts suggest that the upgraded frigates may still be insufficient to counter China’s People’s Liberation Army. The initial purchase of the frigates in 1991 from Thales did not include key weapon systems, such as the Aster-15 anti-air missile and the Excocet anti-ship missiles, due to protests from Beijing. Consequently, Taiwan equipped the frigates with its own Hsiung Feng-II anti-ship missiles and U.S.-made Chaparral surface-to-air missiles, which have shorter ranges, reducing the frigates’ combat power.  South China Post

China ready to work with E.U. to uphold free trade, multilateralism, foreign minister says. During a visit to Spain, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed China's readiness to collaborate with the European Union (E.U.) to uphold free trade, multilateralism, and promote a multi-polar world and inclusive economic globalization. Wang emphasized China's support for European integration and the E.U.'s growth and strategic autonomy. He underscored the importance of solidarity and cooperation between China and the E.U. to prevent bloc confrontation. The remarks were made during meetings with Spanish leaders, where Wang also discussed deepening cooperation and maintaining high-level exchanges between China and Spain. Despite the EU's efforts to reduce economic reliance on China, Wang's statements highlight China's commitment to fostering positive relations with the EU amid growing geopolitical tensions and global challenges. Reuters

ANALYSIS — Why China’s foreign minister begins the year with a trip to Africa.  Chinese foreign ministers have maintained a tradition of making Africa their first overseas visit every year since 1991. The tradition, which began with Qian Qichen, is seen as a diplomatic tool emphasizing the consistent priority of China-Africa relations. Over the years, China's engagement with Africa has evolved from trade-focused interactions to a broader strategy aimed at expanding global influence, underscored by the expansion of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, military involvement, and economic projects in Africa. The recent visits by Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Egypt, Tunisia, Togo, and Ivory Coast continue this trend, demonstrating China's ongoing commitment to strengthening ties with the African continent.  South China Morning Post 

U.S., Philippines conduct joint air patrol. The Philippine Air Force announced in a Facebook post on Monday that it conducted a joint air patrol with the U.S. over the western part of the Philippines’ main island of Luzon facing the disputed South China Sea. The announcement drew condemnation from China’s Southern Theater Command, which said in a Weibo statement that the air patrol was a publicity stunt and that the Philippines is disrupting order in the South China Sea by enlisting countries outside the region. The statement also said China’s military will remain vigilant in defending national sovereignty. Bloomberg

North Korea’s Kim receives car from Putin.  North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reportedly received a car from Russian President Vladimir Putin as a personal gift. North Korean state media reports that Kim’s sister conveyed his thanks to Putin for the gift, emphasizing the special relations between the leaders. It is unclear how the car was shipped to North Korea. The gesture may violate U.N. sanctions on luxury goods exports to North Korea and underscores the strengthening ties between Moscow and Pyongyang.  Reuters AP News Bloomberg

Australia boosting defense spending to double warships.  Australia has announced plans to increase defense spending by an additional A$11.1 billion ($7.25 billion) over the next decade. The funds will be used to procure six Large Optionally-Crewed Surface Vessels (LSOVs) and 11 new frigates as part of efforts to double the size of the country's fleet of combat-ready ships. The move is part of Australia's efforts to enhance defense capabilities amid rising global tensions and concerns about China's influence in the Pacific region.  Reuters Bloomberg

Taliban refuse to join UN-sponsored meeting on Afghanistan.  The Taliban refused to attend a U.N.-sponsored conference on Afghanistan aimed at facilitating dialogue with other Afghan civil society groups. The Taliban did not attend over the U.N.’s rejection of their demand to be Afghanistan’s sole official representative. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres deemed the conditions unacceptable, akin to recognizing the Taliban as the legitimate Afghan government. Despite the Taliban’s absence, Guterres said he would start the process to appoint a U.N. envoy to coordinate engagement between the Taliban administration and the international community.  Reuters Al Jazeera New York Times Associated Press 

WSJ Analysis - Aboard a U.S. Aircraft Carrier, a Front-Row Seat to China Tensions.  Recent exercises in the Philippine Sea have showcased the heightened military tensions between the U.S. and China. The strategic importance of the area, particularly in potential conflicts over Taiwan or the South China Sea, has led to increased naval activity. The U.S. and Japan conducted joint exercises involving aircraft carriers, warships, and fighter jets, reminiscent of historical battles in the region during World War II. China's presence, including the deployment of its aircraft carrier Shandong, underscores its intent to challenge American dominance in the area, potentially impacting crucial supply routes and military bases. The Philippine Sea has once again become a focal point for military posturing and strategic maneuvers by major powers in the Indo-Pacific region.  Wall Street Journal 

Europe

Navalny’s body to be held for two weeks. The family of Alexei Navalny, the Russian opposition figure who died in prison, has been informed that his body will not be released for two weeks, allegedly for "chemical analysis." Navalny's widow, Yulia Navalnaya, has demanded the return of his body and directly accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of killing her husband. She alleged that his body was being withheld until traces of poisoning by the nerve agent Novichok had disappeared, echoing an attempt on Navalny's life in 2020. Putin's spokesperson called the accusations "unfounded and vulgar." Navalny's death, announced Friday, sparked an investigation, but attempts to locate his body have been repeatedly thwarted. Navalny's spokeswoman revealed that investigators told his mother they would not release the body for two weeks.  BBC

Navalnaya steps up to lead fight against Putin.  Yulia Navalnaya, widow of Alexei Navalny, pledges to continue her husband's fight against the Russian regime despite his sudden death, accusing Vladimir Putin of murdering him to extinguish hope and freedom. In a poignant YouTube video, she denounces Russian authorities for refusing to hand over Navalny's body to his mother, alleging a cover-up of his cause of death. Despite facing obstacles in recovering his remains, Navalnaya persists in seeking justice and accountability, addressing European Union foreign ministers to advocate for sanctions against Putin's inner circle and efforts to trace financial flows supporting his regime.  Washington Post New York Times Bloomberg Reuters

ANALYSIS – In Navalny’s death, Putin cements a new era of Russian dictatorship. Alexei Navalny, often compared to Russia's Nelson Mandela, was a beacon of hope for freedom and reform in Russia. Despite facing state captivity in 2021 rather than exile, Navalny remained charismatic and tireless in his advocacy against President Vladimir Putin's corrupt regime. His popularity extended beyond the liberal elites, offering Russians a vision of a civic future beyond authoritarianism. Navalny's recent death, allegedly due to ill health in a remote prison, sparked mourning and reflection on his impactful legacy. While his demise echoes the fate of past Kremlin opponents, his message of courage and truth endures as a powerful force against Putin's brutality. New York Times 

Russian court upholds Gershkovich’s detention. Russian authorities have upheld the detention of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, despite recent statements by President Vladimir Putin suggesting openness to a prisoner exchange for his release. Gershkovich, a U.S. citizen, has been held since March 29 last year on espionage allegations, which both the Journal and the U.S. government refute. The rejection of Gershkovich's latest appeal means he will remain in custody until at least March 30. Russian investigators have not provided evidence to support the espionage charge. Putin's remarks on a potential exchange were met with U.S. officials reiterating that Gershkovich should be released immediately. Wall Street Journal 

WikiLeaks founder Assange starts final UK legal appeal to avoid extradition to US on espionage charges. Julian Assange's legal team launches a final bid in London's High Court to avoid extradition to the US for leaking military secrets, arguing for a full appeal. Lawyer Edward Fitzgerald KC claims Assange faces prosecution for ordinary journalistic practices. If denied, extradition could occur within weeks. Supporters claim Assange exposed wrongdoing, while the US argues he endangered lives. Assange, unwell and absent from court, faces potential extradition following the two-day hearing. Outside court, supporters rally, labeling the trial as pivotal for free speech. Assange's legal battle began in 2010 with Wikileaks disclosures, and extradition proceedings started in 2019. Associated Press BBC 

Hungary says it won’t block new E.U. sanctions against Russia.  Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on Monday that Budapest will not block the 13th round of E.U. sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. The Financial Times reported that Hungary allegedly blocked approval of the latest sanctions package since it included measures against Chinese companies. Sinatra said that Budapest will not block the package since all elements that “harmed Hungarian interests have been removed” and the updated package does not "affect the basic economic interests” of Hungary. The sanctions package reportedly includes restrictions against almost 200 people and companies from Russia, China, and other countries helping Moscow's war effort. Kyiv Independent 

Turkish-Russian trade impacted by U.S. sanctions threat. A U.S. threat to sanction financial firms doing business with Russia has disrupted Turkish-Russian trade, causing payment delays for imported oil and Turkish exports, according to seven sources. Although the executive order from December did not explicitly target energy, it complicated payments for Russian crude and various Turkish exports. Payment issues have also affected Russian oil supplies to India and complicated those to the UAE and China. Turkish banks have tightened compliance with Russian clients, causing delays in payments but not disrupting Turkey's crude supplies significantly. The aim of the U.S. sanctions is to reduce Kremlin revenue and disrupt the war in Ukraine without affecting Russian oil flows globally.  Reuters

U.K. nears agreement on cooperation with EU border force.  British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s spokesman said on Monday that the British government will soon announce an agreement to cooperate with the European Union’s border protection agency, Frontex. The spokesman said the agreement calls for sharing information on gangs involved in illegal immigration and collaboration on technologies to prevent human trafficking. The spokesman also said Frontex has “unparalleled insight” into illegal migration and cross-border crime. Reuters

Von Der Leyen focuses on defense in bid for new E.U. term.  Ursula von der Leyen, head of the European Commission, has prioritized boosting the E.U.’s defense capabilities as part of her bid for a second mandate. Facing challenges like Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the impact a potential return of Donald Trump could have on transatlantic ties, von der Leyen aims to strengthen Europe's defense, focusing on the bloc’s industrial base. As part of this, Von der Leyen proposes appointing a commissioner for defense to better control exports with military and civil purposes.  Bloomberg  Associated Press NY Times 

Leonardo eyes an Italian gun for Rome’s new Leopard 2 tanks. Italy is set to enhance the German Leopard tanks it is acquiring by adding domestically manufactured components, potentially including the gun barrel, according to a senior official at Italian firm Leonardo. The agreement, part of a deal with KNDS, involves the “Italianization” of the tanks to meet Italy's requirements, which could cover electro-optical sensors, software-defined radios, and command-and-control systems. The collaboration also extends to Italy's participation in the European Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) and a program to build infantry fighting vehicles. Leonardo expects to receive a request for a feasibility study soon, with involvement from its land vehicles consortium with Iveco and other producers. A second letter of intent with KNDS outlines plans for a "structural alliance."  Defense News

A Greek militant group claims an attempted parcel bomb attack last week against a judge. An anarchist group, named Armed Response, has claimed responsibility for the attempted bomb attack against a senior judge in Thessaloniki, Greece, sparking concerns of a resurgence in radical militant violence. The parcel bomb, defused by explosives experts, was addressed to the judge at a courthouse. The group vowed to escalate attacks against the judiciary in solidarity with jailed militants and warned of potential future violence. Greece has a history of anarchist and far-left militant activities, with recent incidents including a bomb explosion outside the labor ministry in Athens and a failed bombing attempt at a police facility in December.  Associated Press

Middle East

IAEA chief warns Iran’s uranium enrichment remains high.  IAEA chief Rafael Grossi warned that Iran continues to enrich uranium beyond the necessary levels for commercial use, despite U.N. pressure. Grossi noted that despite an ebb and flow in enrichment, Iran has been constantly increasing in its highly enriched uranium inventory. He aims to visit Tehran next month to end the “drifting apart” of Iran and the West and express concerns about nuclear rhetoric from Iranian officials. The IAEA warned at the end of 2023 that if Iran enriches its current stock of uranium enriched at 60% to beyond 60%, it will have enough material to make three nuclear bombs.  Reuters 

Africa

Guinea junta temporarily dissolves government, presidency says.  Guinea's military leaders, in power since a September 2021 coup, have dissolved the government and will establish a new one, according to the presidency's secretary general. The unexpected announcement comes amid pressure from regional bloc ECOWAS to restore civilian rule and hold elections within a specified timeline. While the reason for the dissolution was not provided, directors of cabinet and other officials will oversee governance until a new government is appointed.  Reuters Barrons

Rwanda rejects U.S. calls for military withdrawal. Rwanda is rejecting U.S. calls for troop withdrawal from eastern Congo, citing a perceived threat to its national security from the presence of the FDLR rebel group, integrated into the Congolese army. The U.S. shift in policy labeling M23 as "Rwanda-backed" has reportedly prompted Rwanda to question U.S. credibility in mediating regional conflicts. Violence in eastern Congo has displaced civilians. There is particular concern about the city of Goma, which is threatened by the advancing M23 rebel group. Associated Press

Eastern Congo’s security struggles could lead to new humanitarian crisis. A new humanitarian crisis looms in eastern Congo as the M23 rebel group advances, threatening to cut off aid to millions. Eastern Congo, plagued by conflict for years, has seen a surge in fighting between M23 and government forces amid the U.N.'s plan to withdraw peacekeepers. Tensions between Congo and Rwanda escalate, with both sides accusing the other of supporting various armed groups. The conflict exacerbates an already dire humanitarian situation, displacing thousands and risking regional escalation. Associated Press

CODECO rebel attack kills 15 people in eastern DR Congo. Armed rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo's Ituri province killed 15 individuals in an attack on Sunday, marking the second assault of its kind within days. The militia responsible, CODECO (Cooperative for the Development of the Congo), allegedly targeted members of the Hema tribe, perpetuating long standing ethnic tensions in the region. Despite being one of several armed groups to sign a peace agreement last year, CODECO's actions underscore the persistent instability in eastern DRC, where the U.N. says up to 120 armed factions are operating.  Al Jazeera

THE CYBER AND TECH RUNDOWN

Several Ukrainian media outlets attacked by Russian hackers. Russian hackers targeted multiple prominent Ukrainian media outlets, disseminating false information pertaining to the war over the weekend. Among the affected platforms were Ukrainska Pravda, Liga.net, Apostrophe, and Telegraf, all of which were compromised to spread fabricated news about Russia's purported destruction of a Ukrainian special forces unit in Avdiivka. Ukrainska Pravda, Ukraine's most visited news website, reported losing access to its X account late Sunday, which was exploited by hackers to propagate the false narrative about Avdiivka. While Ukraine's state cybersecurity agency attributed the attack to a Russian threat actor, it refrained from identifying the specific group responsible, labeling the incident as part of Russia's broader “information warfare” campaign. Ukraine’s State Cybersecurity Agency (SSSCIP) launched an investigation into the attack.  The Record 

U.S., E.U., Britain disrupt Lockbit cybercrime gang. The Lockbit cybercrime gang has been disrupted in a rare international law enforcement operation involving the UK’s National Crime Agency, the FBI, Europol, and several international police agencies. As part of the operation, the gang's extortion website is now under the control of the UK's National Crime Agency. The operation is reportedly ongoing. The gang claims to have backup servers unaffected by law enforcement.  Lockbit affiliates have targeted major organizations globally with ransomware attacks, stealing sensitive data and demanding ransom payments.  Reuters Bloomberg The Record  

Alleged Chinese cyberespionage operations revealed in leaked documentation.  A leak of Chinese government documents from unidentified sources has appeared on the GitHub developer platform.  The documents reportedly detail Chinese offensive cyber operations using spyware developed by I-Soon, a Chinese information security firm.  According to a Taiwan-based threat intelligence analyst, China’s spyware use allows hackers to obtain user information such as X and email addresses and enables “real-time monitoring and publishing tweets on their behalf.”  Android and iOS devices can be targeted, yielding information such as GPS data, media files, and contact lists.  Several different devices, including one that can infect Android phones via Wi-Fi, are reportedly used by state-linked hackers.  Other products are employed to spy on users of Chinese social media platforms such as Weibo, Baidu, and WeChat.  The documentation yielded a target list that includes the Paris Institute of Political Studies, a large private hospital network in India, and multiple government entities of countries neighboring China.  Several researchers have analyzed the leaked documents but there has been no official confirmation of their authenticity.  I-Soon has not responded to requests for comment.  Cybernews

Chinese Communist Party plans tighter control over S&T strategy development.  Chinese state television reports that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) plans to tighten its direction of S&T sectors by centralizing decision-making power.  The party will reportedly revise a mechanism to ensure “technological works are led by the Central Committee” in an effort to counter U.S. trade restrictions on advanced technology.  Details of the plan were not provided in the television account.  The new measures are seen as a way of elevating the CCP’s role as it formulates strategies to compete with the U.S. in strategic technologies, including semiconductors and AI.  Chinese leader Xi Jinping earlier appointed a leading deputy, former Vice Premier Liu He, to oversee development of China’s own chip technologies, which resulted in a Huawei chip breakthrough that surprised observers by developing a chip without U.S. technology.  Bloomberg

Dutch trade minister notes careful reviews of ASML equipment exports to China.  Dutch Trade Minister Geoffrey van Leeuwen said that the Netherlands’ lithography sector is a focal point for Chinese acquisition of foreign expertise to help Beijing achieve “self-sufficiency in its military-technical development.” Van Leeuwen told the Dutch parliament that tools produced by the ASML tech firm to fabricate advanced semiconductors are closely examined when considering export license approvals because of their potential use in “high-value weapons systems and weapons of mass destruction.”  Van Leeuwen did not respond to a question concerning the retraction of permission to export ASML equipment to unidentified clients in China, but noted that several licenses for advanced semiconductor equipment exports to China have been granted in recent months.  Reuters

Chinese biotech company says U.S. review of operations will reveal no security risks.  A Chinese biotech company that U.S. legislators recently said should face sanctions for its alleged links to Chinese military projects has denied the charges, repeating that it poses no national security risk to the U.S.  WuXi AppTec issued a statement Sunday saying that "even if the U.S. government reviews the company again, it will come to the same conclusion” as earlier examinations have reached.  A new bipartisan bill has been introduced in Congress to restrict biotech firms like Wuxi AppTec from obtaining genetic information about American citizens.  WuXi AppTec said in a statement that it is not involved in the human genomics sector and does not collect human genome data.  Reuters

N.Y. chip fabrication firm receives $1.5 billion grant from Chips Act.  The third grant to be issued from the U.S. Chips and Science Act will provide $1.5 billion to construct a new computer-chip complex in New York State.  Chip Act funding for the GlobalFoundries semiconductor firm will help construct a “fab,” or fabrication facility, to produce chips that are not currently manufactured in the U.S.  The funding will also support the expansion of another plant in New York and upgrades to a third in Vermont.  GlobalFoundries chief executive Thomas Caulfield said the grant will “play an important role in making the U.S. semiconductor ecosystem more globally competitive and resilient.”  In addition to the $1.5 billion grant, the Biden administration will give GlobalFoundaries access to $1.6 billion in loans for construction and upgrades.  GlobalFoundries has a “trusted foundry” designation that allows it to develop high-end hardware for the military.  The company has supplied chips used in internet routers and satellites as well as in the James Webb Space Telescope and the International Space Station.   Washington Post

Italian defense ministry taps aerospace firm to study Europe’s first space cloud project.  Leonardo, an Italian aerospace and defense firm, has been tapped by the country’s defense ministry to examine MILSCA, its military space cloud architecture project, the first in Europe.  The MILSCA project plans to provide the Italian government and military organizations with high-performance computing, cloud, AI, and storage capacity in space.  The project is aligned with Leonardo’s goals to focus on the space sector and on the creation of interconnected, multi-domain digital platforms.  MILSCA intends to deliver any-time, anywhere access to communications, earth observation, and navigation data.  The first phase of the project will define the architecture while the second will develop a digital twin.  Leonardo’s study of the project will be conducted in collaboration with Telespazio and Thales Alenia Space.  Reuters

China developing plasma stealth device for military aircraft.  Chinese scientists and engineers claim to have developed a new-generation plasma stealth device, named the "closed electron beam plasma stealth device," designed to make military aircraft nearly invisible to radar. Unlike previous models that generated a plasma cloud over the entire plane, scientists say the new device can be customized to protect specific sensitive areas of an aircraft, such as the radar dome or cockpit. The device can be activated instantly to deceive radar operators and has advantages like a simple structure, wide power adjustment range, and high plasma density. The technology could enhance China's military capabilities, providing stealth features without compromising aerodynamic performance. Two types of plasma stealth devices have reportedly undergone successful flight tests. Chinese researchers are now working on a closed plasma stealth technology, confining plasma within a sealed cavity for better control and protection of vital areas. The scientists anticipate the technology's real-life implementation in China soon, though there are still some remaining technical challenges.  South China Morning Post 

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The data cutoff for this product was 7:00 a.m. E.T.

Brad Christian, Ethan Masucol, Ken Hughes, Elaine Shannon, Allison Brown, Bruce Wilmot, Katharine Campbell, Leighton Durham, and Tiffany Krueger contributed to this report.

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