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16 Sep 22. Vladimir Putin’s Ukraine woes strengthen Xi Jinping in ‘no limits’ partnership. Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin’s touted “no limits” partnership has been limited in at least one respect over recent days — public messaging. At the opening of the Russian and Chinese presidents’ first face-to-face meeting since the Beijing Winter Olympics in February, Putin told Xi on Thursday that he understood Beijing had “questions and concerns” about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, without specifying what these were. Chinese state media did not carry Putin’s cryptic comment at the meeting in Uzbekistan, where the leaders are attending a regional security forum, and quoted Xi as saying only that the two countries would continue to co-operate closely and support each other’s defence of their “core interests”, without mentioning Ukraine specifically. Officially, the Chinese government has echoed Russia’s insistence that US-led Nato “encroachment” in Europe was the real trigger for the Ukraine war.
Washington, Beijing adds, is therefore responsible for all of the conflict’s consequences, from humanitarian tragedies to food and energy shortages and global inflation. During a recent visit to Russia, Li Zhanshu, the Chinese Communist party’s third-highest ranking official and head of the National People’s Congress, blamed the US in blunt terms in a video that was released by his Russian counterparts but not carried by Chinese state media. The divergent messaging does not, however, reflect a significant new fracture in Xi and Putin’s decade-long partnership, analysts said. Russia was the first foreign country Xi visited after assuming power in late 2012, and on Wednesday he addressed Putin as his “dear old friend”. Zhao Long, a Russia and central Asia expert at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, said that many people outside China “have misunderstandings about the so-called no limits Sino-Russian partnership”. “This is based on consensus on specific issues — it is not binding, or unlimited, in all fields,” Zhao said. “When any country handles its foreign relations, its first consideration is its own interests, which may lead to areas where bilateral relations need to be fine-tuned.” Putin also hinted at this realpolitik when he recently noted that “our Chinese friends are tough bargainers”. “Naturally, they proceed from their national interests in any deal, which is the only way to go,” he added. Alexander Gabuev, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said that even if Xi was unsettled by some of the consequences of the Ukraine war, his options were limited. (Source: FT.com)
15 Sep 22. Pakistan: Increasing TTP activity.
EVENT
On 15 September, Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for killing a member of a local peace committee in the Swat valley region (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, KP province), a day after an IED explosion killed another local peace committee member and seven others (see Sibylline Daily Analytical Update – 14 September 2022). Late at night on 14 September, a police post was also attacked in the Sokhara area of Matta Tehsil by the TTP, reflecting a spike in attacks this week.
SIGNIFICANCE
- There has been a marked increase in activity from the TTP in Swat and other districts of the Malakand division in KP, particularly since August. This not only includes attacks targeting anti-TTP individuals, but also incidents of kidnapping and extortion. For example, the TTP kidnapped seven personnel of an international cellular company from the Matta Tehsil area and demanded a ransom of approximately USD 42,000. The group has also kidnapped several members of political parties and local residents.
- Locals have been protesting the growing presence of the TTP in Swat, with this trend also monitored on social media channels. The TTP has reportedly established a checkpoint on top of the Balsoor mountain and has also been moving freely within Matta Tehsil. Residents are concerned about Swat once again coming under the TTP rule as was the case in 2007-2009, which involved strict adherence to Sharia law, and the banning of polio vaccination programmes, prompting 90,000 people to flee their homes.
- While the local police and the Pakistani army have stated that they were cognisant of citizens’ complaints and would take any measures, including the use of force if necessary to ensure safety, they also seemingly underestimate the TTP’s presence. In an official release by the press wing of the Pakistani army – the Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR) – last month, the army said that reports on the TTP’s presence were ‘grossly exaggerated and misleading’. It added only ‘a small number of armed men on a few mountain tops between Swat and Dir were observed’.
- The attack comes at a time when peace negotiations between the army and the TTP have nearly broken down, while there remains growing animosity between Islamabad and the Afghan Taliban government that has refused to surrender TTP leaders to Pakistan in the past. There have also been increasing incidents of skirmishes between both sides along the disputed Afghanistan-Pakistan border over the construction and manning of checkpoints. The Pakistani army also remains heavily preoccupied with flood relief activities which have involved a significant commitment of available resources (see Sibylline Situation Update Brief – 31 August 2022.
FORECAST
The deteriorating law and order in KP province heightens the kidnapping threat of staff of foreign businesses and NGOs, whom the TTP likely determine as having significant funds to pay ransoms. The mixed messages given by local police and the army of downplaying such a threat while promising a firm response also raises concerns about the authorities having the sufficient will or resources to address this issue. However, the increase in TTP activity in the past two days, particularly the IED attack, has gained significant attention and will likely exert pressure on the authorities to undertake some form of counter-insurgency measures, though the scale of which will depend on how big of a threat the army perceives the TTP to be in the region as well as available resources. However, this could lead to a complete breakdown in the already fragile ceasefire negotiations and instigate the group to increase operations by smuggling more personnel and arms from across the border, with the Afghan Taliban unlikely to prevent such a scenario.
The lack of political will and capacity to respond to growing security concerns expressed by local population has become an issue not just in KP, but also Balochistan and Sindh provinces, with 56,000 cases of street crime reported in the city of Karachi this year. Indeed, the growing militancy in Swat valley only further exacerbates the worsening security environment in Pakistan, coupled with an unravelling health crisis due to a spike in waterborne diseases. As a result, the security and socio-economic conditions for personnel based in Pakistan are likely to worsen in the coming months. (Source: Sibylline)
14 Sep 22. U.S.-Japan Defense Leaders Look to Strengthen Rules-Based Order. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III told Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada that the U.S.-Japan alliance is the cornerstone of security in the Indo-Pacific and pledged to make the already close alliance even closer. The two men met and held meetings in the Pentagon today. While the two have spoken before, this is Hamada’s first meeting with Austin. Hamada previously served as defense minister in 2008-2009.
Austin said the United States and Japan are bound together by ties of friendship and trust. The two nations also share common interests and a belief in democracy.
“We also share a vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific, and a rules-based international order,” the secretary said. “But China’s recent aggressive behavior and Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, are serious challenges to that vision.”
Austin minced no words in discussing the threats in the globe today. “Let’s be clear, China’s coercive actions in the Taiwan Strait, and the waters surrounding Japan are provocative, destabilizing and aggressive,” he said. “Our response, together with Japan and our other allies and partners, had been responsible, steady and resolute.”
Austin emphasized America’s commitment to the defense of Japan saying it includes “our commitment to credible and resilient extended deterrence, using the full range of our conventional and nuclear capabilities.”
Hamada agreed, saying through a translator that no country has the right to change the rules-based order unilaterally.
Hamada also wants to work closely with the United States to modernize the overall alliance and, specifically, Japanese military capabilities.
Austin said the two leaders would discuss ways to bolster the free and open Indo-Pacific and said the United States would like to deepen cooperation with other like-minded nations, “including building upon recent trilateral engagements with South Korea and Australia.” (Source: US DoD)
15 Sep 22. Iran-Iraq: Arbaeen will boost tourism industry, though heightened threat of civil unrest persists. Preparations for the celebration of the Shia Muslim festival of Arbaeen will begin on 16 September. The Arbaeen pilgrimage from Najaf to Karbala in central Iraq is reportedly the largest annual gathering of people in the world. Around 20m people will visit this year after three years of Covid-19-related restrictions. The six Iran-Iraq border crossings have already witnessed a surge in travellers, with Iran’s minister of interior, Ahmad Vahidi, noting that around 3m Iranians have already crossed into Iraq. The increase in visitors will stimulate Iraq’s tourism industry, with hotel owners recording full occupancies for the first time since 2019. However, the influx of pilgrims has exposed significant infrastructural weaknesses and exacerbated food and water shortages in several Iraqi cities. Moreover, the threat of clashes persists amid heightened sectarian tensions in Iraq. Indeed, Shia Muslims celebrating the high-profile festival will provide potential targets for Sunni militants. (Source: Sibylline)
15 Sep 22. Israel-Palestinian Territories: Militant group threats before holidays will drive checkpoint disruption. The head of Israel’s National Security Council, Eyal Hulata, reported on 15 September that Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups are aiming to bolster a narrative of threats against the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem’s Old City. This comes ahead of the Jewish High Holidays, Rosh Hashana (25-27 September) and Yom Kippur (3-5 October). In addition, Hulata’s announcement comes amid elevated tensions in the West Bank, with Israeli counter-terrorism operations driving armed clashes in the Jenin area. As during previous years, the Israeli police and security forces will maintain a strengthened presence at holy sites and other crowded venues ahead of and during the High Holidays. This will mitigate the threat of terror attacks, though clashes are particularly likely at al-Aqsa Mosque if right-wing Israeli settlers enter the compound. Further credible reports of imminent threats by Hamas and other groups are likely to prompt the temporary closure of (or restricted entry to) Israeli border checkpoints for Palestinians, generating overland travel disruption. (Source: Sibylline)
14 Sep 22. Pakistan: Growing TTP presence will increase insecurity, risk of clashes with security forces. Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) killed five people in Swat district (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province) on 13 September, including an influential anti-Taliban local leader. The remote control bomb attack came after a decade of peace in Swat. However, it also follows an uptick in confrontations between the TTP and Pakistan’s armed forces, including in Peshawar (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa). There has also been a rise in kidnapping and extortion in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by the TTP, which has led to protests by locals. With the ceasefire between the TTP and the government in a fragile state, the former will look to expand its presence in Pakistan. A militant linked to the TTP was arrested on 11 September in Karachi (Sindh province). There remains an elevated risk of clashes between TTP fighters and the military in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, raising bystander risks. (Source: Sibylline)
12 Sep 22. Israeli minister says Iran using Syria facilities for weapons production. Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz said on Monday that Iran has used more than 10 military facilities in Syria to produce advanced missiles and weapons for its proxies.
For several years, Israel has been mounting attacks on what it has described as Iranian-linked targets in Syria.
There were no immediate comments from Iran and Syria on Monday, but Damascus has declined to comment on such accusations in the past and Tehran has denied it builds production capabilities across the Middle East.
Speaking at a conference in New York, Gantz presented a map of what he said were military sites of the Centre D’Etudes et de Recherches Scientifiques (CERS), a Syrian government agency, involved in manufacturing missiles and weapons for Iran.
“Iran transformed CERS into production facilities for mid and long-range, precise missiles and weapons, provided to Hezbollah and Iranian proxies. In other words, it became yet another Iranian front – a factory for advanced, strategic weapons,” Gantz said.
Strikes attributed to Israel have recently intensified on Syrian airports to disrupt Tehran’s increasing use of aerial supply lines to deliver arms to allies in Syria and Lebanon, including Hezbollah, regional diplomatic and intelligence sources have told Reuters.
Israeli strikes have repeatedly targeted the Masyaf area, a zone in the western Hama district where Gantz said an underground weapons production facility threatens Israel and the region.
“Masyaf, specifically, is used to produce advanced missiles,” he said.
Gantz added that Iran was also working on building missile and weapons industries in Lebanon and Yemen.
“If this trend will not be stopped, within a decade, there will be advanced Iranian industries across the region, producing weapons and spreading terror,” he said. (Source: Reuters)
13 Sep 22. Nigeria: Attack underlines mounting incidental threats in approach to election. On 12 September, spokespersons for Senator Ifeanyi Ubah confirmed that unidentified gunmen killed five aides in an attack on his convoy the night before in the Njikoka local government area of southeastern Anambra State. Senator Ubah is reportedly unharmed. The gunmen are likely associated with Biafran secessionists. The Nigerian government has previously blamed attacks on politicians, government facilities and police stations in the area on the outlawed separatist group the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The attack comes as IPOB launches one of their semi-regular sit-at-home protests in the South-East region today, 13 September, calling for the release of their detained leader Nnamdi Kanu. As February 2023 general election approaches, IBOP and aligned militias will likely increase the tempo of protest action and seek to disrupt electoral activity. Subsequently, the government will likely boost security in the region, with additional checkpoints increasing disruption to movement, while attacks on government and security assets will elevate incidental threats to bystanders. (Source: Sibylline)
13 Sep 22. Senegal: Disagreements within National Assembly underline likely disruption to future legislation. On 12 September, fighting broke out between members of parliament over disagreements regarding the election of a National Assembly president. MPs eventually elected Amadou Mame Diop, a member of the ruling Benno Bokk Yakaar (BBY) coalition, however, opposition parties Yewwi Askan Wii and Wallu Senegal boycotted the vote. Following the 31 July legislative elections, the ruling BBY coalition won 82 out of 165 seats, only securing a one-seat majority after an independent joined the coalition following the vote. Disagreements over the electoral process underline the elevated resistance the government will face from Senegal’s emboldened opposition, likely disrupting the passage of legislation. Such disruptions will possibly impact the development of major projects, particularly as western companies seek to alleviate energy insecurity in Europe by capitalising on liquefied natural gas production in Senegal, with projects including the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim. (Source: Sibylline)
13 Sep 22. Mexico: Armed clashes underscore political fallout of security forces’ operations, potentially reducing clampdowns on criminal organisations. On 12 September, a security forces operation against the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) prompted retaliatory attacks across Orizaba, Veracruz, destroying private vehicles and firing at the security forces. The Navy, the Army, and the National Guard participated in the operation which led to the detention of at least three individuals and the killing of one, although no high-level criminal was apprehended. The armed clashes forced schools to evacuate and suspend classes, and civilians in their vehicles to take refuge in private businesses. Ultimately, the incident underscores the weakening security situation across Mexico as criminal organisations use public fear to push back against security forces’ operations. This dynamic is particularly concerning as it could potentially force President Andrés López Obrador to limit security forces operations to reduce the negative political fallout of their responses. (Source: Sibylline)
13 Sep 22. Iraq-Turkey: Operation Claw-Lock will compound existing cross-border threats and Iraqi government formation efforts. Late on 11 September, the Turkish Defence Ministry confirmed that four Turkish soldiers were killed amid fighting in northern Iraq as part of Ankara’s military ground operation, Claw-Lock (see Sibylline Situation Update Brief – 27 April 2022). Turkey launched the operation in April, in a bid to renew its offensive against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). The uptick elevates existing cross-border threats, though remains on trend with flare-ups observed over recent months. Continued military operations in the region will sustain overland disruptions and physical threats to business personnel and assets, particularly due to the realistic possibility of miscalculation and broader spill-over effects into wider Iraq. Such incidents will continue to strain the Kurdistan Regional Government’s fragile alliance, elevating leadership tensions over Iraq’s presidential nominee and sustaining elevated political instability in the coming weeks. (Source: Sibylline)
13 Sep 22. Combat Team Alpha builds own base in Mozambique’s Macomia. South Africa’s replacement deployment – Combat Team Alpha (CTA) – for its first SAMIM (SADC Mission in Mozambique) positioning is in place now with an own base, termed “a home away from home” by team commander Lieutenant Colonel Suraia Cambinda.
Since moving into Cabo Delgado in Northern Mozambique and specifically Macomia in late June, all CTA personnel were all hands on deck to make the 500 x 500 m area habitable and hygienic. It took 12 weeks with personnel of all musterings putting specialities aside to build the base.
“Accommodation, ablution, bath/shower facilities through to kitchen and mess, all the basic requirements for troops in camp so they can effectively execute their tasks: this is what CTA will call home from home for the next couple of months,” Cambinda said, adding the camp would be known as Mihluri Base.
“The time and effort expended in ensuring the base is well prepared will be rewarded as our footprints will forever be cemented in Macomia. Other troops will in future use the South African built facilities,” she told an SANDF (SA National Defence Force) Joint Operations Division social media communicator.
Ahead of actual base building the CTA had another major task – setting up a water purification plant to supply over 30 000 litres of potable water daily for cooking, washing, human consumption as well as in erecting the base itself.
This saw and still sees a three strong team collecting water from a nearby running source some distance from the base. Once back at Mihluri another team of three starts work to make the water potable using a sedimentation process. Next up for the CTA is the principal undertaking – to be visible and conduct patrols in villages in the designated area of responsibility in search of insurgents. Ahead of this tasking a stable parade checked, confirmed and ensured CTA – and its equipment – is ready to conduct operations. The ultimate aim of the deployment, part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) initiative, is to rid Macomia and surrounds of insurgents return peace and stability to the area. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
12 Sep 22. Armscor continues with efforts to exploit defence IP. Armscor is slowly moving forward with efforts to commercialise South African defence industry intellectual property (IP), with the industry able to submit expressions of interest at the end of the financial year.
This emerged from an Armscor briefing to Parliament at the end of August. The state defence materiel organisation explained that the Department of Defence (DoD), through the National Defence Industry Council (NDIC) is committed to supporting the revival of the local defence industry by granting access to non-sensitive DoD IP for exploitation.
“Armscor is currently developing a model to be followed for providing access to DOD IP,” it stated. “As part of the development of the DoD IP exploitation model for Industry, Armscor has commenced with the process of identifying and classifying DoD IP into a number of categories i.e. sovereign, strategic and non-sensitive IP. Due consideration is given to national security imperatives, therefore sovereign and secret technologies will be excluded from this exercise.”
Armscor said it is envisaged that upon approval, the industry will be invited to participate by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI). “The approval process will also be developed with the DoD being the final approving authority. Once approved industry will be invited to express interest at the end of the financial year.”
Armscor is mandated to hold and manage all Department of Defence IP rights on its behalf. “The Armscor Act empowers Armscor to exploit such commercial opportunities as may arise out of Armscor’s duty to acquire defence materiel or manage technology projects, subject to the approval of the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans…Armscor has in the execution of its legislated mandate developed an IP Policy and IP Exploitation Strategy which were approved by the Armscor Board of Directors,” the entity stated.
Armscor’s IP Policy and IP Exploitation Strategy target both local and international entities in exploiting DoD IP. Local collaborators include the local defence industry, defence evaluation and research institutes, Exempted Micro Enterprise (EMEs) and Qualifying Small Enterprise (QSEs).
The South African defence industry made a presentation to the National Defence Industry Council in October 2021 on the need for DoD IP commercialisation. Armscor was then tasked with developing a commercial exploitation process for the industry.
More than five years ago Armscor announced plans to increase the income earned from the commercialisation of intellectual property as part of its revenue generation strategy. A study done by Armscor in 2016 showed that the then portfolio of IP was worth more than R400 bn if industrialised. This could create at least 10 000 direct jobs and 40 000 indirect jobs. Armscor is also working with Denel on commercialising IP, namely its data packs, and Denel has been auditing this with Armscor. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
12 Sep 22. Ethiopia: Protracted peace negotiations will sustain the threat of conflict and domestic unrest. On 11 September, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), the rebel government of the northern Tigray region, stated that they are ready for a ceasefire and would accept an African Union (AU) led peace process. This follows talks over the past week between TPLF and Ethiopian government officials in Djibouti after a resumption of large-scale conflict in late August (see Sibylline Situation Update Brief – 2 September 2022). Previously the TPLF had rejected an AU led process and insisted upon a number of preconditions before talks began. The shift is likely due to the TPLF’s inability to secure military objectives and mounting pressure from Ethiopia and its regional and Eritrean allies. Negotiations, seemingly taking place on government terms, will be highly protracted. Disagreements will elevate the threat of a resumption of conflict, though this will likely remain limited to northern Amhara. Concerns about concessions to the TPLF will be a flashpoint for protests in Amhara and Addis Ababa. (Source: Sibylline)
12 Sep 22. Iran: Maritime disruptions will maintain existing threats to foreign-flagged vessels in Gulf shipping lanes. On 10 September, an Iranian media outlet reported that the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corp Navy (IRGCN) seized a foreign vessel in Gulf waters for allegedly smuggling 757,000 litres of diesel out of the country. The source did not specify the nationality of the ship or its seven foreign crew members. The development follows Tehran’s announcement of operations to combat fuel smuggling in the Gulf in recent months. However, Iran’s maritime activities, including attempts to seize US sea drones in recent weeks, come amid elevated tensions in nuclear talks with Western ambassadors, with Israel also intensifying its rhetoric against the deal (see Sibylline Daily Analytical Update – 31 August 2022). Iran is almost certain to continue to engage in disruptive activities along Gulf shipping routes in the coming weeks, sustaining threats to supply chains and particularly for foreign-flagged civilian or military vessels belonging to the US or its partners. (Source: Sibylline)
12 Sep 22. Russia: Ruling party consolidates position following regional elections released, while the risk of unrest remains low. On 12 September, results of Russia’s regional elections that took place between 9-11 September began to be released. Preliminary results indicate that more than 1,100 of the 1,400 seats in Moscow’s municipal elections were won by candidates from the ruling United Russia party. United Russia also received 34 of 38 available mandates in St Petersburg’s municipal elections. Results will continue to be released in the coming days, although early data clearly indicates United Russia has consolidated its power, as expected. Widespread apathy and repression will mitigate the threat of unrest in the aftermath of the vote, as the Kremlin seeks to consolidate its position ahead of the 2024 Presidential elections. However, deteriorating socio-economic conditions could increase the threat of unrest throughout the coming winter months. For further analysis, see Sibylline’s Situation Update Brief – 9 September. (Source: Sibylline)
12 Sep 22. Mali: Conflict in the northeastern town underlines government’s inability to contain violence in rural areas. On 9 September, a coalition of pro-government militia, Platform, stated that hundreds of Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) militants captured Talataye town in the northeastern Gao region on 6 September, killing at least 30 people and loting supplies. The Tuareg-dominated Movement for the Salvation of Azawad (MSA) resecured Talataye on 8 September. Talataye is primarily inhabited by Tuareg Dahoussahak people, one of a number of nomadic communities that ISGS and other jihadist groups such as al-Qaeda-aligned JNIM, have been targeting for recruitment, across Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. While the Malian government carried out air offensives on Talataye last week, the fact the town was resecured by the MSA underlines the limited on-the-ground footprint of the Malian armed forces in northern Mali. This will enable groups like ISGS and JNIM to repeatedly attack rural communities throughout northern Mali, elevating threats to NGOs, supply chains and overland movement. (Source: Sibylline)
09 Sep 22. Massive military funding boost for SAMIM. Financial support to the tune of 15m Euros (R260m plus) will see the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) boost equipment and infrastructure levels.
The support from the European Peace Facility (EPF) will provide the military component of SAMIM with camp fortifications and storage containers, medical equipment, vehicles and boats, as well as technological devices. All is for use at company level.
A European Council (EC) statement states “this strand of PF support is complementary to ongoing assistance of 89 m Euros to the Mozambican Armed Forces agreed so far, which provides equipment and supplies – not designed to deliver lethal force – to Mozambican military units trained by the EU Training Mission in Mozambique”.
“The decision complements EU support for SAMIM peacebuilding activities, totalling 1.9 m Euros for March-September 2022. This support is provided under the African Peace Facility and focuses on capacity building of police and correctional service officers, women and youth empowerment as well as dialogue with civic leaders tailored toward good governance and the rule of law.
“In providing this support, the EU joins Mozambican and international efforts to restore peace, safety and security in the north of Mozambique, protect the civilian population and allow for the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs), accountable law enforcement, state structures and services.”
Funding for the military component of SAMIM is, according to the statement, “in line with the EU integrated approach to the crisis in Cabo Delgado, EPF funding for SAMIM’s military component is part of a comprehensive package of EU support, which includes peacebuilding, development and humanitarian actions”.
“Financing for the SAMIM military component is the third action under the new assistance measure in support of African-led peace support operations (PSOs) worth 600 m Euros under the EPF for 2022 to 2024.
“Using this measure, the African Union (AU) can request support for individual PSOs as needs arise, allowing for quick response to security developments on the continent.”
The announcement of extra funding comes as violence spikes again in northern Mozambique. On Tiuesday at least six people were beheaded and an Italian nun killed by insurgents in Mozambique’s Nampula province.
President Filipe Nyusi said insurgents unleashed a killing spree as they fled from soldiers from Mozambique, Rwanda and the SADC sent to tackle the violence.
“On 6 September, as a result of terrorist attacks, six citizens were beheaded, three kidnapped, six terrorists were captured and dozens of houses torched in Erati and Memba districts of Nampula province,” Nyusi said.
According to media reports, confirmed by Nampula province Secretary of State Mety Gondola, an 83-year-old Italian nun, who lived in Nacala, was shot in an attack on Tuesday night, while two other missionaries managed to escape.
Islamic State claimed responsibility for the killing of four Christians including an Italian nun during a raid on a village in the Nampula province on 6 September, the militant group said. The group claimed its members burnt a church, several buildings and two vehicles alongside properties linked to a Christian mission. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
09 Sep 22. North Korea says it will never give up nukes to counter US. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un says his country will never abandon the nuclear weapons and missiles it needs to counter the United States, which he accused of pushing a pressure campaign to weaken the North’s defenses and eventually collapse his government.
State media said Friday that Kim made the comments during a speech at North Korea’s rubber-stamp parliament on Thursday where members also passed a law that authorized North Korea’s military to “automatically” execute nuclear strikes against enemy forces if its leadership comes under attack.
He also criticized rival South Korea over its plans to expand its conventional strike capabilities and revive large-scale military exercises with the United States to counter the North’s growing threats, describing them as a “dangerous” military action that raises tensions.
Kim has made increasingly provocative threats of nuclear conflict toward the United States and its allies in Asia in recent months, also warning that the North would proactively use its nuclear weapons when threatened. His latest comments underscored the growing animosity in the region as he accelerates the expansion of his nuclear weapons and missiles program.
Kim also addressed domestic issues in his speech, saying North Korea would begin its long-delayed rollout of COVID-19 vaccines in November. He didn’t specify how many doses it would have, where they would come from, or how they would be administered across his population of 26 m people.
GAVI, the nonprofit that runs the U.N.-backed COVAX distribution program, said in June it understood North Korea had accepted an offer of vaccines from China. GAVI said at the time the specifics of the offer were unclear.
Kim’s speech came a day after South Korea extended its latest olive branch, proposing a meeting with North Korea to resume temporary reunions of aging relatives separated by the 1950-53 Korean War, which were last held in 2018.
Experts say it’s highly unlikely North Korea would accept the South’s offer considering the stark deterioration in inter-Korean ties amid the stalemate in larger nuclear talks between Washington and Pyongyang. The U.S.-North Korean diplomacy derailed in 2019 over disagreements in exchanging the release of crippling sanctions against the North and the North’s denuclearization steps.
The U.S.-led diplomatic push to defuse the nuclear standoff has been further complicated by an intensifying U.S.-China rivalry and Russia’s war on Ukraine, which deepened the divide in the U.N. Security Council, where Beijing and Moscow have blocked U.S. efforts to tighten sanctions on Pyongyang over its revived long-range missile tests this year.
Kim has dialed up weapons tests to a record pace in 2020, launching more than 30 ballistic weapons, including the first demonstrations of his intercontinental ballistic missiles since 2017.
U.S. and South Korean officials say Kim may up the ante soon by ordering the North’s first nuclear test in five years as he pushes a brinkmanship aimed at forcing Washington to accept the idea of the North as a nuclear power and negotiating concessions from a position of strength.
Experts say Kim is also trying to strengthen his leverage by strengthening his cooperation with China and Russia in an emerging partnership aimed at undercutting U.S. influence.
U.S. officials said this week the Russians are in the process of purchasing North Korean ammunition, including artillery shells and rockets, to ease their supply shortages in the war against Ukraine.
North Korea also has joined Russia and Syria as the only nations to recognize the independence of two pro-Russia breakaway territories in eastern Ukraine and has discussed send its construction workers to those regions to work on rebuilding. (Source: Defense News)
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Founded in 1987, Exensor Technology is a world leading supplier of Networked Unattended Ground Sensor (UGS) Systems providing tailored sensor solutions to customers all over the world. From our Headquarters in Lund Sweden, our centre of expertise in Network Communications at Communications Research Lab in Kalmar Sweden and our Production site outside of Basingstoke UK, we design, develop and produce latest state of the art rugged UGS solutions at the highest quality to meet the most stringent demands of our customers. Our systems are in operation and used in a wide number of Military as well as Homeland Security applications worldwide. The modular nature of the system ensures any external sensor can be integrated, providing the user with a fully meshed “silent” network capable of self-healing. Exensor Technology will continue to lead the field in UGS technology, provide our customers with excellent customer service and a bespoke package able to meet every need. A CNIM Group Company
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