Conflict
Sunday, December 22, 2013 - 08:33
This morning, the United States -- in coordination with the United Nations and in consultation with the South Sudanese government -- safely evacuated American citizens from Bor, South Sudan. U.S. citizens and citizens from our partner nations were flown from Bor to Juba on UN and U.S. civilian helicopters.
Friday, December 20, 2013 - 15:44
The following is a round-up of some of the top security-related articles and news highlights from around the region over the past week.
Note: This will be the last blog post until January 8th. Happy Holidays!
U.S. Policy
Aerial fumigation of coca crops in Colombia halted
Friday, December 20, 2013 - 14:01
The United States welcomes the official transition from the Peace and Consolidation Mission in the Central African Republic (MICOPAX) to the African Union-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic (MISCA). MISCA, with the support of French troops, offers the most immediate and effective mechanism to prevent atrocities and restore security in the Central African Republic (CAR). We commend the troop contributing countries of the Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, Gabon, Chad, and Equatorial Guinea, for their efforts under MICOPAX and, with the addition of Burundi, for their renewed commitment under MISCA to provide security and hope to the people of CAR.
Friday, December 20, 2013 - 13:31
Ukrainian captain and Greek first engineer kidnapped late on Monday night when their boat was besieged by pirates.
Friday, December 20, 2013 - 11:05
The United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has sent attack helicopters and manned foot patrols into the country's strife-torn North Kivu province after discovering the bodies of 21 civilians brutally slaughtered, including babies, children and women, some mutilated, others raped.
Friday, December 20, 2013 - 11:03
More than 20 people, including children, are reported to have been killed in a series of brutal attacks in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The UN mission in the country has launched an investigation.
Friday, December 20, 2013 - 10:38
The Defense Department sent another Air Force C-17 Globemaster III transport jet from Burundi to the Central African Republic today in support of the African Union-led International Support Mission in that beleaguered nation, Army Col. Steve Warren, a Defense Department spokesman, told reporters here.
Friday, December 20, 2013 - 10:35
Not a coup plotted by his opponents, but a presidential order to disarm Nuer soldiers within the presidential guard triggered the mutiny against Salva Kiir that led to the growing chaos in South Sudan, says the former Minister of Higher Education Peter Adwok.
Friday, December 20, 2013 - 10:31
U.S. President Barack Obama said Thursday that South Sudan "stands at the precipice," as deadly clashes spread in Africa's newest nation.
Friday, December 20, 2013 - 10:29
President Barack Obama has deployed a small military contingent to South Sudan to help bolster security at the U.S. Embassy amid escalating violence in the fledgling African nation.