On September 13, 2023, according to the English calendar, several significant global events have occurred
– China’s Defense Minister Li Shangfu Unreachable:
China’s Defense Minister Li Shangfu has been out of contact for two weeks. International media outlets report that Li Shangfu has not been seen in any public events for the past two weeks. Even Japan’s Ambassador Rahm Emanuel has tweeted on Twitter about the absence of China’s Defense Minister for the past two weeks. Reports suggest that Li has not been seen since August 29. There are speculations that he may be under investigation for corruption-related issues dating back to 2017. Before his disappearance, Li had addressed the China-Africa Peace and Security Forum and had previously participated in the Asia’s major defense summit in Sangri-La Forum, where he warned about the situation regarding Taiwan. Chinese President Xi Jinping has instructed the military to maintain unity and stability within the country and to be prepared for warfare.
– Morocco Earthquake: Over 2,000 Fatalities:
Morocco has experienced a devastating earthquake resulting in over 2,000 fatalities. According to officials from the Ministry of Interior, the death toll has exceeded 2,000 in the southern city of Marrakesh alone, which is more severely affected than the rest of the country. Search and rescue operations are being hampered due to the extensive damage caused by the earthquake. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 6.8, struck around 72 kilometers southwest of Marrakesh on Friday night at 11:11 PM. Many homes have been destroyed, leaving thousands homeless. The situation is particularly critical in remote mountainous villages where access is difficult.
-Russian President Meets North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un:
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has returned to his country after meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Siberian Amur region, which is over a thousand kilometers away from Vladivostok. During the summit, Kim Jong-un assured President Putin that North Korea would achieve a “great victory” over its enemies. He praised the Russian military’s support and expressed confidence in the strengthening of relations between the two countries. Specific details of their discussions, including arms supply, satellite launches, and cooperation in various fields, have not been disclosed.
-Libya Floods: Death Toll Exceeds 5,000, Tens of Thousands Displaced:
Libya has been hit by catastrophic floods, resulting in a death toll of over 5,000, and tens of thousands of people have been displaced. It is estimated that the number of fatalities could rise significantly due to the widespread devastation caused by the floods. The city of Derna has been the most severely affected, with over 10,000 casualties reported. Search and rescue teams are struggling to recover bodies due to the extensive damage. Prime Minister Osama Hamad has declared a state of emergency, with significant damage also reported in the cities of Susa, Marj, and Shahhat. Thousands of families have been displaced, and many schools and government buildings have been used as shelters. The situation in Derna, where the riverbank of Wadi Derna from the mountainous region has been breached, is particularly dire.
-Flooding in Libya: Over 30,000 Displaced in One City
In Libya, a devastating flood caused by Cyclone Daniel has displaced more than 10,000 people. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that the eastern city of Derna has been most severely affected by the flood, with over 30,000 Libyans left homeless. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the IOM revealed that in addition to the 30,000 displaced in Derna alone, thousands more are homeless in nearby cities.
Last Sunday, when the storm hit, heavy rainfall in the Musalladha region resulted in the collapse of two dams in two rivers, flooding the town and submerging all buildings and residents. Prior to this, Red Cross officials had reported over 2,300 deaths and more than 10,000 people missing due to the floods in eastern Libya. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies warned of the possibility that the number of casualties could reach thousands more.
-Meeting Between North Korean Leader Kim and Russian President Putin
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin met at the Russian Space Center in Siberia’s Amur region. This center is located approximately a thousand kilometers away from Vladivostok. Kim arrived in a black limousine and was welcomed by President Putin at the rocket launch facility. Despite a busy schedule, Kim expressed gratitude for the invitation.
During their meeting, both leaders discussed strategic relations and shared priorities between Russia and North Korea. Security analysts suggest that there is a strong possibility of discussions on arms and military technology agreements in today’s bilateral talks. Both leaders are expected to explore the possibility of a bilateral arms and military technology deal during Kim’s visit.
Kim mentioned North Korea’s interest in furthering its space program and emphasized the potential for cooperation in satellite technology. Additionally, in the context of Russia’s need for arms and military technology amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, both countries are likely to discuss arms supply and military-technical cooperation. Journalists raised questions about arms supply and military-technical cooperation, to which the leaders responded by saying that discussions were ongoing.
North Korea, possessing one of the world’s largest standing armies, presents the potential for supplying Russia with arms, ammunition, and rockets. Pyongyang has also expressed its willingness to provide older missile systems to Russia. In its arsenal, North Korea has the required equipment that Russia needs. While North Korea has not engaged in warfare since the Korean War ended in 1953, it is worth noting that North Korea’s neighbors, South Korea and Japan, have recently expressed concerns about the launch of two short-range missiles by Pyongyang from its eastern coast.
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