DANGER ZONE — Two global powers are expanding their influence in Africa, not just with diplomats or soldiers — but with private military and security companies (PMSCs).

A new report by the Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique breaks down how Russia and China are using very different models to secure their interests across the continent — and it’s creating a silent turf war in the shadows of warzones, mines, and megaprojects.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, who made his name as a profane and brutal mercenary boss before mounting an armed rebellion that was the most severe and shocking challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s rule, has died at age 62.

Russian authorities have confirmed his death, putting to rest any doubts about whether the wily mercenary leader turned mutineer was on a plane that crashed killing everyone on board.

(POC) - AECOM will provide program management advisory and technical advisory support to help Ukraine rebuild its infrastructure, the company announced last month. The Dallas-based firm signed a memorandum of understanding with Ukraine’s Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development to serve as its reconstruction delivery partner.

“My plea is aimed at everyone and anyone who might potentially have the means to help us. To those that want to help but do not have the means, please share Gerco’s story far and wide so that we can have everyone make a noise to bring him home."

(POC) — Gerco was kidnapped on November 3, 2017 while on his way to the Awbari power plant where he was employed as an on-site emergency medical practitioner.

(POC) — New wars have become an arena for private military companies. They could perform greatly as an extra business body to provide external security measures, with new warfare objectives, media potential to depict the conflict, its chronicity, efforts to save military personnel in fight, societal control, occupation campaigns, and their specificity, information acquisition and any tasks related to new civilian institutions. In the context of new warfare, the use of private military force allows shifting the economy from civilian to military purposes, albeit without any harm to the former –– thus somewhat raising the production capacity curve

(POC) — A group of former military officers and private donors is raising money to send Western mechanics close to the Ukrainian frontlines, where they will repair battle-damaged donated weapons and vehicles that have been flooding into the country.

The retired Army officer played a central role in then-President Donald Trump’s first impeachment hearings by testifying about the president’s 2019 phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy. During the call, Trump pushed Zelenskyy to

(POC) — Bahrain used to be a local and national military base run and operated by the Royal Navy. The Royal Navy is the equivalent of the United States Navy, but in the United Kingdom. Since Bahrain has just recently achieved its independence, it was previously run by the United Kingdom. Therefore, the United States of America gain control through a peaceful contract in 1971. A similar military formation has been created in Bahrain too, more than a decade ago. However, the United States of America have managed to retain control over this military base.

(POC) — Private military contractors refer to corporations whose mandate is to offer military services, including maintenance, strategic planning, procurement, intelligence collection, training, logistical support, and combat operations. Besides, they provide many essential services such as support services, security services, and protection of multinational economic interests in hostile regions. There is a rapid growth of private military companies globally due to increased demand for services that relate to war or conflict.

“This is a stark reminder of the perils rescue and aid workers face in conflict zones as they serve citizens caught in the crossfire. Pete was just 33 years old, but lived a life in service of others, first as a decorated US Marine and then in humanitarian aid. GRM will strive to honor his legacy and the selfless service he practiced,”

(POC) — Guantanamo Bay the naval base, nicknamed "GTMO" or "Gitmo", covers 116 square kilometers (45 sq mi) on the western and eastern banks of the bay located in Guantanamo Province at the southeastern end of Cuba. It is the largest harbor on the south side of the island and it is surrounded by steep hills which create an enclave that is cut off from its immediate hinterland.

(POC) — Obtaining a security clearance depends on their mission and role in national security, many federal agencies require security clearances. Only federal agencies can grant security clearances. Examples of agencies that may require higher levels of clearance include:

(POC) — The Philippines has disclosed that the United States has agreed to spend $66.5 million to start building training and warehouse facilities at three of its military bases, under a 2014 joint security deal.

Construction of the projects in three of five Philippine sites outlined under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) will start next year, the Department of Defense said in a statement.

(POC) — By Anne Lauder: In the 20 years since the adoption of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, various armed forces have worked to integrate women into their ranks and mainstream gender into their activities. While WPS is state-focused, the rise of non-state actors has created alternative avenues of enactment. Private military and security companies (PMSCs) provide a salient example of gendered guidance in the private sector.