international-relations-security3.245 min read
"Marine Deployment: Securing U.S. Embassy Amid Haiti Violence"
1 year ago•Source: The Washington Post
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2.395 min•1 year ago
US Military Evacuates Embassy Staff and Bolsters Security in Haiti Amid Gang Violence
The US military has conducted an operation to airlift non-essential embassy personnel from Haiti and bolster security at the embassy in Port-au-Prince amid escalating gang violence that threatens the government. The violence, which has led to thousands fleeing their homes, erupted after Haiti's Prime Minister Ariel Henry agreed to hold general elections in mid-2025. The US State Department remains committed to supporting the Haitian people, including mobilizing support for the Haitian National Police and expediting the deployment of a multinational security mission to restore order.
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"Europe's Response to Putin's Threats: Despair and Hedging"
Yahoo! Voices•1 year ago
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"Europe's Elite Braces for Trump: Fears for NATO's Future"
European security elite at the Munich Security Conference are bracing for the possibility of a second Trump presidency and are searching for backup plans in case U.S. commitments to NATO and Ukraine falter. Concerns about Russia's threat and transatlantic solidarity were heightened as Republican lawmakers held up aid for Ukraine. European officials are struggling to engage with Trump and his allies on security, with some considering a two-pronged approach to "Trump-proofing" by trying to sell the existing world order to MAGA America while also preparing for its potential collapse. Discussions about building a continentwide complement to NATO and locking in U.S. commitments ahead of the November elections are ongoing, as European leaders fear a return to the years when Trump threatened the transatlantic relationship.
"Russian Official Threatens Nuclear Retaliation if Ukraine Conflict Ends Unfavorably"
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, threatened to use nuclear weapons against the U.S., the U.K., Germany, and Ukraine if Russia loses occupied Ukrainian territories, citing the potential for a global war with Western countries. Critics view his statements as bluff and intended to scare the West into making concessions. Medvedev's threats have so far failed to materialize, and he has been ridiculed for his numerous nuclear threats without any actions.
"NATO Chief Emphasizes Defense Measures Amid Rising Tensions"
Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg warned that peace cannot be taken for granted amid rising threats from Russia, including the Kremlin's plans to deploy an anti-satellite weapon with nuclear capabilities. US officials have expressed concerns over Moscow's development of capabilities to disrupt global communications. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps announced the UK's plan to supply thousands of drones to Ukraine, while US House of Representatives' Mike Turner urged the Biden administration to declassify information on Russia's anti-satellite weapons. Nato has said Ukraine can become a member but has not confirmed when, and has not directly sent weapons to Ukraine, although several member countries, including the UK, US, and Turkey, have done so.
"US Raises Alarm Over Russian Nuclear Threat in Space"
The United States has informed Congress and European allies about new intelligence regarding Russian nuclear capabilities in space, which is not an urgent threat but could pose an international concern. The warning, issued by Representative Mike Turner, relates to Russian attempts to develop a space-based weapon, specifically a space-based anti-satellite nuclear weapon. The Biden administration has been criticized for possibly blocking a $95 billion bill aimed at providing aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, with some lawmakers advocating for a more isolationist approach to global threats from Russia and other rivals. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the warning as a "trick" by the White House, while US national security adviser Jake Sullivan arranged a briefing with congressional leaders to discuss the matter.
"EU Set to Launch Red Sea Naval Mission to Protect Ships from Houthi Attacks"
The European Union is set to launch a naval mission, Aspides, on February 19 to protect commercial shipping in the Red Sea from missile attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen. The mission aims to act in a purely defensive mode to safeguard merchant vessels in response to the deteriorating maritime security in the region. The attacks have disrupted global trade and raised concerns about inflation, prompting five EU member states to commit to the mission. Details such as military personnel, leadership, and headquarters are yet to be finalized, with France, Greece, and Italy vying for the leadership role. The mission will strictly focus on protecting ships and intercepting incoming missiles, without conducting any operations on land, and will coordinate with other missions in the region.
"EU Red Sea Naval Mission to Protect Ships from Houthi Attacks Set to Launch"
The European Union plans to launch a naval mission in the Red Sea within three weeks to protect cargo ships from attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen, with seven EU countries ready to provide ships or planes. The mission, named Aspides, aims to intercept attacks against ships without participating in military strikes against the Houthis. The EU's foreign ministers are expected to sign off on the mission on Feb. 19, and the headquarters for the operation is yet to be decided. The move comes in response to persistent Houthi attacks that have disrupted trade and driven up prices, prompting demands from European businesses for EU action.
"Baltic States Collaborate to Strengthen Border Defenses Against Russia and Belarus"
Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia have agreed to establish a common Baltic defense zone on their borders with Russia and Belarus, including the construction of defensive installations and missile-artillery cooperation. Estonia plans to build 600 bunkers along its border with Russia, while Lithuania is collaborating with the U.S. on rocket capabilities and Latvia is finalizing its military anti-mobility plan. European leaders have issued warnings about the potential for a Russian attack on NATO, with NATO's military committee chair describing the current global situation as the most dangerous in decades.
"Leaked Documents: Russia's Potential Threat to NATO Security by 2024"
Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas warned that NATO has three to five years to prepare for a potential military threat from Russia, which could target eastern Europe, particularly the Baltic states. Kallas emphasized the importance of unity among NATO members and the danger of any ceasefire or pause in the conflict in Ukraine, as it could allow Russia to gather strength. Ukrainian President Zelensky also urged Western leaders to tighten sanctions against Russia to prevent Moscow from achieving victory in the war.
China and Myanmar Collaborate on Border Security and Crackdown on Multibillion-Dollar Scams
China and Myanmar have pledged to jointly maintain border security and combat cross-border crimes, including telecommunications fraud, amidst ongoing conflicts with rebel groups. The Three Brotherhood Alliance, a coalition of ethnic armed groups, claimed to have captured the entire Kokang region in northern Shan state, including the regional capital Laukkai. The capture led to the surrender of over 2,100 junta soldiers. This development comes as China expresses increasing concern for the safety of its citizens and assets due to nearby fighting and recent peace talks it has brokered have yet to yield a lasting agreement. China continues to advocate for a ceasefire and plays a supportive role in the peace process, while also cracking down on online scam operations in the region.
"US and Allies Warn Houthis of Consequences for Escalating Red Sea Ship Attacks Amid Security Concerns"
The UN Security Council convened to address the escalating Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea, which have intensified amid the ongoing Gaza war, raising fears of regional spillover. UN officials and representatives from various countries emphasized the need for de-escalation, freedom of navigation, and the continuation of the peace process in Yemen. The meeting highlighted the collective responsibility to maintain international peace and security, with calls for the Houthis to cease their attacks and for Iran to stop supporting them. The Security Council also discussed the potential global economic impact due to disruptions in one of the world's key maritime trade routes.