US State Department

The US State Department has expressed significant concerns about the recent military exercises conducted by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding regions. In an official statement, the department described the PLA's actions as unnecessary and a potential catalyst for heightened tensions in the area.

At least 16 Palestinian civilians, including women and children, were killed and many others injured in an Israeli airstrike on a hospital courtyard in Jabalia, northern Gaza, on Wednesday. The Yemen Al-Saeed hospital, where displaced families had taken refuge, was the target of the strike. Casualties were rushed to the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia for treatment following the attack.

A Russian missile attack on Kharkiv injured at least ten people last night. The second-largest city in Ukraine was struck by a "glide bomb," with a multi-story residential building being hit, according to local authorities. The bomb landed between the third and fourth floors, sparking a fire.

A recent survey has ranked the best metro systems in Europe, revealing surprising results about the leaders in public transportation. Conducted by Bounce, the study evaluates major European capitals, indicating that some of the traditionally dominant systems have fallen behind. Notably, the London Underground, despite its fame, does not even make the top five.

The US State Department has approved a potential sale of Javelin anti-tank missile systems to Bulgaria, according to a Pentagon statement. The deal, valued at 114 million dollars, includes the FGM-148F Javelin missiles and associated equipment. This move is seen as part of US efforts to bolster the security of NATO allies and promote stability in Europe.

The United States has clarified that it was neither involved in nor aware of the series of pager explosions that occurred in Lebanon. Speaking during a press briefing, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized that the US was still collecting information about the incident.

Turkey is seeking a solution to re-enter the American F-35 fighter jet program after being kicked out over its acquisition of the Russian-made S-400 missile system. To this end, Ankara is pushing for the inclusion of an amendment in the 2025 US defense budget (NDAA) that would allow it to avoid sanctions over the S-400.

BELGRADE - Serbian FM Marko Djuric met on Thursday in Washington with John Bass, acting under secretary for political affairs at the US State Department, highlighting the significance of a good dynamics of meetings between Serbian and US officials and open dialogue at high and the highest level.

The US government's letter of offer and acceptance (LOA) for the Greek request for the procurement of an F-35 fighter squadron is expected to be submitted for approval to a special committee of Greek Parliament in the coming week.

The US State Department on Thursday reacted to threats against Cyprus from the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah which warned the Mediterranean island that it could become a target if it allows Israel to use its territory in any conflict between the two sides.