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5th December 2018

Issue 155Maritime Intelligence Report Series

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“Making the world a safer place to live and work”

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The Maritime Intelligence Report Series focuses on:

• Operational risks in areas of instability which could affect the safety of commercial and private vessels and personnel ashore and at sea.

• In country reporting on key countries where civil conflict are directly impacting on maritime opera-tions; and

• Reporting and analysis of incidents of terrorism, pi-racy and other related criminal activity. MAST has a global reach and presence, delivering first hand, accurate and exclusive intelligence. MAST is entrenched and committed in continuing to supportand promote the awareness of the very real risks thatseafarers and other stakeholders face. This Intelligence Report Series is a brief snapshot ofMAST’s Intelligence capabilities. MAST Intelligencespecialises in providing clients with a suite of prod-ucts and services, including; political and economic risk analysis, detailed port and vessel security briefs, vessel passage plans, threat and risk mitigation and travel risk management. Working closely in conjunction with a host of experts,MAST Intelligence offers a market leading service pertaining to all maritime affairs.

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Editor: David Riderwww.mast-security.com

Issue 155 of the series reviews, analyses and threat assesses the fragile and conflict affected coastal states Libya, Somalia and Yemen. The Mediterranean migrant crisis, incidents af-fecting maritime security and influencing maritime news are also reported and analysed, focusing on the keys theatres of maritime instability.

“Making the world a safer place to live and work”

Issue 155

Contents:

Mast Services

Indian Ocean region

Somalia

Yemen

Mediterranean

Libya

Gulf of Guinea

South East Asia

Central & South America

Severe Weather Warnings

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5th December 2018

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Indian Ocean Region HMS Dragon, a Royal Navy Type 45 Destroyer, has interdicted 3048kg of hashish from a dhow acting suspiciously in the Indian Ocean, along an area known as ‘The Hash Highway.’ The warship was op-erating as direct support to CTF150, the CMF’s counter terrorism and narcotics smuggling task force, commanded by Commodore Hassan Alsharani of the Royal Saudi Navy.

Incidents: Nothing significant to report.

Kenyan convicted over kidnap case is ‘innocent’, says British victimA British woman kidnapped by Somali pirates believes the man convicted in connection with the case is innocent. Jude Teb-butt and her husband David were attacked while on holiday in Kenya in 2011 - he was killed and she was held hostage in Somalia for six months. Kenyan Ali Babitu Kololo was convicted but Mrs Tebbutt has told the BBC she now believes he was made a scapegoat.

Pakistan Navy to ensure maritime security, peace in regionChief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi reiter-ated that Pakistan Navy is committed to enhance mutual col-laboration in all the realms of maritime commons including joint development of platforms, equipment and sensors and exchange of quality training on reciprocal basis to the officers and men of other countries.

Iran navy launches stealth warship in the GulfIran’s navy launched a domestically made ‘Sahand’ destroyer on Dec. 1st, which state media said has radar-evading stealth

properties, as tensions rise in the region following sanctions against the country.

US naval commander found dead in Bahrain homeChief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson said Vice Admiral Scott Stearney (Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Cen-tral Command and Commander of U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain), was found dead on Saturday 1st. The US Navy in co-operation with Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior are investigating the death, but have yet to reach a conclusion. However, no foul play is suspected, Adm Richardson said in a statement.

Iran, Pakistan military leadership discuss defense coopera-tionThe Deputy Coordinator of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Army, Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, has held important meetings with Pakistan’s top military leadership and discussed ways to enhance defense cooperation, IRNA reported on Nov. 29th.

To see MAST’s services in the Indian Ocean Region, please click here.

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1st December 2015 HRA limits

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SomaliaThe United States military said it killed nine fighters in an air attack targeting al-Shabab fighters in Leb-ede, Somalia, as part of its operations to support the government’s efforts to weaken the armed group. The military’s Africa Command (Africom) said the attack was carried out on Friday 30th. “We currently assess this air strike killed nine militants with no civilians involved,” Africom said in a statement late on Saturday.

Control of Somali territory (March 2017) Source: Wikimedia Commons

Businesses Face ‘Taxation’ by MilitantsAl Shabaab and pro-Islamic State militants in Somalia are en-gaged in an economic war, and it is the country’s business sector that is getting cut down in the crossfire. Somali busi-nessmen and analysts say the rival Islamist groups are target-ing companies to an unprecedented degree with demands for so-called taxes, VOA reported on Dec. 4th.

1 killed by car bomb in MogadishuAt least one person has been killed and two others injured in bomb explosion on Sunday 2nd in Somali capital Mogadishu. It is believed that a car carrying an IED was detonated, killing the driver and wounding several others.

Somalia eyes Egyptian knowledge in oil explorationSomalia unveiled its objective for 2019 to commence its first international bidding for oil exploration. Egypt’s Minister of Pe-troleum and Mineral Resources Tariq el-Molla confirmed that Somalia is seeking to learn from his country in the oil explora-

tion area, regional media stated on Dec. 2nd.

Al Shabaab seizes BaidoaAl Shabaab militants seized control of a small town near Baidoa town, Bay region, southern Somalia on Nov. 30th. Al Shabaab militants attacked a regional Somali National Army (SNA) mili-tary base with small arms fire and explosives in Gofgudud-Bu-rey town, Bay region, southern Somalia. SNA forces evacuated the base following the ambush. The government has sent 100 police officers to the region.

American drone kills 3 Al Shabaab militantsA U.S. military airstrike on Nov. 27th killed three Al Shabaab militants, according to the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM). The U.S. conducted numerous strikes in the same region of Qay Ad, near Dabad Shil, in Mudug region in mid-November, killing 50 Al Shabaab fighters.

AnalysisAl Shabaab continues to mount operations throughout the coun-try, despite efforts by US Central Command to degrade its ca-pabilities with ongoing airstrikes and the work done by AMISOM forces. Threat AssessmentThe political situation has seen increased tension between re-gional states and the Federal Government. Should this continue, there is an opportunity for criminal organisations to return to their previous maritime activities. Al Shabaab continues to challenege the government and efforts to disrupt its operations continue, although AMISOM forces will withdraw in 2019. The trade in il-legal charcoal by terror and crime groups continues, although the Combined Maritime Forces and UN are working on measures to prevent it. Youth unemployment in Somalia has not improved with 67% of Somali male youths aged between 14 to 29 unemployed. Pirate financiers offer lucrative and attractive opportunities, and were seen to be increasingly active in the last inter-monsoon period. Recent incidents off Somalia have highlighted the robust protections offered by both BMP5 and well trained, vigilant armed protection teams. Illegal fishing has returned to the region and there are wider political concerns that it could spark a resurgence in maritime crime unless checked. There is a risk that compla-cency in some quarters has seen a reduction in PMSC presence in these waters that could result in a piracy success. A lack of adherence to BMP5 protocol, particularly not maintaining a safe distance off the coast, has increased risks to shipping. Merchant vessels would be wise to maintain the same distance from the coast, particularly ensuring that the Socotra Gap isn’t taken. All vessels are advised to update risk assessments and register with UKMTO/MSCHOA prior to entering the Indian Ocean High Risk Area (HRA).

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Under control of Al Shabaab and allies Under control of neutral forces Under control of Government and allies Somaliland Government Territory disputed by Puntland and Somaliland

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Control of Yemen territory (July 17th 2018)

Source: Wikimedia Commons

YemenThe Saudi-led coalition said it approved evacuating wounded Al Houthi fighters for treatment on Monday, meeting a key condition for the group to attend UN-sponsored peace talks in Sweden this week aimed at ending Yemen’s nearly four-year-old war. The talks could start on Wednesday 5th, two sources familiar with the matter said, after UN special envoy Martin Griffiths shuttled between the parties to salvage a previous round that collapsed in September after Al Houthis failed to show up.

Yemen’s government to swap hundreds of prisoners with HouthisYemen’s government has said it has agreed to a large-scale prisoner swap with its adversaries, the Houthi rebels, as part of a “confidence-building measure”, suggesting the warring sides could come to a ceasefire agreement at peace talks in Sweden later this week. Media reports suggest as many as 2,000 pro-government troops and 1,500 Houthis could be exchanged.

Coalition to allow evacuation of Al Houthi woundedA UN plane will evacuate 50 wounded Al Houthi militants from Yemen’s rebel-held capital Sanaa on Monday as a “confidence building measure” ahead of planned peace talks in Sweden, a Saudi-led military coalition said on Dec. 3rd.

ISIS kills al Qaeda fighterISIS Wilayat al Bayda claimed to kill an al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) member with an explosive device in Wald Rabia district, northwestern al Bayda governorate, central Yemen on Dec. 2nd. The attack has not been confirmed.

Government uncompromising on key port handoverThe Yemeni government Saturday ruled out concessions on its demand that Iran-aligned Al Houthi militants hand over the crucial port of Hodeida. The insistence comes amid expec-tations that UN-sponsored talks on Yemen’s peace will start later this week.

Yemen alliance vows to smash Al Houthi arsenalAn Arab alliance, fighting Al Houthis in Yemen, has vowed to destroy the Iran-aligned militia’s arsenal. This came after the coalition, led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, on Saturday 1st

destroyed a missile launch pad in the Al Houthi stronghold of Saada.

Yemeni coastguard given control of ports in HadramoutThe Arab coalition handed over management of ports and coastal security in Hadramout on Wednesday 28th. It also sup-plied Yemeni forces with boats equipped with weapons, com-munication devices and advanced radar equipment.

Vote in US Senate delivers rebuke to TrumpThe US Senate has advanced a measure to withdraw Ameri-can support for a Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen, in a blow to President Donald Trump. Many senators are unhappy with Mr Trump’s response to the murder of Saudi journalist Ja-mal Khashoggi.

US Displays Arms that Iran Transferred to Middle East Mili-tantsThe US special representative for Iran, Brian Hook, has dis-played military equipment confirming that Iran is increasingly supplying weapons to militants across the Middle East and is continuing its missile program unabated. “Iran’s support of the Houthi militants has deepened. Its backing of terrorist activi-ties across the world has increased, and its efforts to under-mine regional stability have expanded,” he added.

To see the latest threat analysis and Yemen port information in MASTOPDEIA, please click here.

MAST recommends BMP measures be enforced and watches strengthened during transits in the region.

Houthi

Pro Hadi Government Forces

Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)

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Controlled by Southern Transitional Council

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Mediterranean IOM, the UN Migration Agency, reports that 107,216 migrants and refugees entered Europe by sea in 2018 through 28th November. This year is the fifth straight during which the arrival of irregular migrants and refugees has topped the 100,000 threshold – although 2018’s total is low compared to those re-corded at this time in 2017 (160,440) and 2016 (350,549).

Fifteen migrants die in boat off LibyaFifteen migrants have died in a boat off the Libyan coast after spending 12 days at sea without food or water, an Egyptian survivor said on Tuesday 4th.

No Swiss flag for Aquarius, says governmentThe Swiss government has rejected calls to allow humani-tarian ship ‘Aquarius’ to fly under the Swiss flag. The vessel, which rescues stricken migrants in the Mediterranean, is cur-rently docked and immobile in Marseille.

Hundreds of migrants rescued from boats near SpainSpanish rescue services said a dead woman was among 651 migrants taken from 16 boats crossing the Mediterranean from North Africa to Europe. Officials told the Spanish private news agency Europa Press on Friday 30th the woman was with about 50 other people encountered on one boat, whose owner was taken into custody.

Malta brings in 11 migrants saved by trawler, to be relocat-ed to SpainEleven migrants rescued by a trawler last week have been handed over to the Maltese armed forces and reached port in Malta, the Maltese government said. The migrants will be relocated to Spain after medical assessment, the govern-ment added in a statement.

Morocco rescues 112 illegal migrants in MediterraneanMorocco’s coast guards rescued 112 illegal migrants in the Mediterranean on Thursday 29h, the Moroccan army said, according to Xinhua.

The current migrant smuggling situationWhile crossing attemps continue and, with them, an increase in fatalities, the IOM has reported that the number of migrants crossing remains well below previous years. It’s encouraging news, but the continuing political stalemate and news that an anti-migration party could tip the balance of power in Spanish politics continues to focus minds in the EU. News that the Aquarius, a boat used by NGO rescue missions, has been denied the Swiss flag is a blow to rescuers and will no doubt place additional strain on others working in the Med and the efforts of Frontex. This is combined with an increase in militia activity in Libya, which continues to threaten the lives and well being of migrants who have travelled there hoping to cross the Mediterranean.

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Migrant crossings 2016-2018. Source: UNHRC

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Migrant statistics in the Mediterranean (Figures last updated on Dec. 4th 2018). Source: UNHCR

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LibyaThe US military said on Friday 30th it killed 11 suspected al Qaeda militants in an air strike in Libya’s southwestern desert. US Africa Command (Africom) said Thursday’s attack was its third since March on the militant group’s North African branch- al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). The strike near the town of Al Uwaynat, close to the Algerian border, destroyed three vehicles and “at this time, we assess no civilians were injured or killed,” Africom added.

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55 tons of Libyan gold smuggled to UAEOfficial records have revealed that 50 to 55 tons of Libyan gold - worth 3 billion dollars -have been smuggled to the UAE in recent years, according to the database of foreign commerce authority of the planning ministry of the Presidential Council’s government.

Libya’s UN-backed leader meets Jordan’s king in AmmanJordan’s King Abdullah II welcomed Fayez al-Sarraj, prime minister of Libya’s internationally-recognised Government of National Accord on Saturday 1st in Amman. King Abdullah re-iterated his country’s support for a political solution in Libya.

5000 HIV cases reported in Libya since JanuaryThe Libyan Health Ministry’s Center for Disease Control said on Monday 3rd that about 5000 HIV cases have been reported since the start of 2018. According to the director of the Center for Disease Control Badr Al-Deen Al-Najjar, some cases are new and others have been living with the virus for a while.

Protestors storm presidential council in LibyaProtestors stormed the headquarters of the Presidential Coun-cil of Libya’s internationally-recognised Government of Nation-al Accord in the country’s capital of Tripoli on Dec. 2nd, Anad-olu Agency has reported. The demonstrators were a group of employees who had worked for the foreign companies, which left the country during the revolution that toppled the regime of Libya’s former dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The pro-testors said they have not received their salaries for years.

Oil worker discontent threatens output surgeLibya’s oil output is at a five-year high and rare exploration

deals with foreign majors are being won but worker dissent and ever-present armed groups risk a repeat of disruptions that have choked off other production surges since the 2011 civil war, regional media reported on Dec 1st.

Libya oil terminals temporarily shut due to bad weatherOperations at four petroleum terminals in Libya were tempo-rarily halted due to bad weather conditions, Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) said on Friday 30th. “The Ras Lanuf, Zuei-tina, Zawiya and Es Sider terminals have all been temporarily shut due to persistent bad weather,” the NOC said in a state-ment.

Militia Leader: Only Fighting Would Resolve Libya’s ProblemsA Libyan militia leader has compared himself to George Wash-ington, America’s first President, describing him as a “militia guy” who led the free world. Salah Badi, who was sanctioned earlier this month by the US Treasury, said that only fighting will put pressure on parties in Libya to end their war.

To read MAST’s Libyan Country report on MASTOPEDIA, please click here.

Control of Northern Libyan territory (Mar. 26th 2018)

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Controlled by the Tobruk led government

Controlled by the Government of National Accord

Controlled by ISIS

Controlled by local forces

Controlled by Tuareg forces

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Gulf of GuineaThe Nigeria Navy (NN) at the weekend (Dec. 1st-2nd) stepped up the destruction of illegal refineries in the Niger Delta following the launching of “Operation Ex Toru-Gbown” (Waterways Protection). The Navy, in the four-day exercise, destroyed at least 100 established illegal refinery camps and new ones using a swamp buggy. The Commander, Naval Ship, NNS Soroh, Yenagoa, Commodore Felix Esekhile, who led one of the operations at Okarki, a border town between Bayelsa and Rivers, said the Navy had destroyed the area five times this year.

Incidents: 1. Late Report: Eight robbers armed with guns and knives boarded an anchored bulk carrier at 0300 UTC in position 09:19.8N – 013:44.1W, Conakry Anchorage, Guinea. They took hostage the duty AB and forced him, with a knife on his throat, to take them to the bridge. The armed robbers then took the 2nd Officer and the AB to the Master’s cabin, where they hit the Master and threatened to shoot the 2nd Officer before stealing cash from the ships safe and other personal belongings. The robbers kept the three-crew hostage until they disembarked in waiting boats. Port control informed. Reported (IMB) 21st Nov. (Not shown on map)

Nigeria: Navy Vows to Rid Niger Delta of Crude Oil TheftCommodore Felix Esekhile, Commander Nigerian Naval Ship, NNS Soroh warned all those still involved in the illegal refin-ery business to exit the area of responsibility of the command, vowing that the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Central Naval Command, Yenagoa, Rear Admiral Saidu Garba, had directed that all the illegal refineries should be flushed out.

Nigerian Navy deploys vessels, helicopters for sea exercise The Nigerian Navy in Lagos on Wednesday 28th said it would deploy eight vessels and helicopters for the 2018 fourth quar-ter sea exercise, codenamed ‘EXERCISE AMUM BUNENG

(Calm Waters). The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command (WNC), Rear Adm. Habila Ngalabak, told jour-nalists in Lagos that the exercise was aimed at addressing the nation’s current and impending maritime security challenges.

PFSO Forum gets new excos, laments port security chal-lengesThe Port Facility Security Officers Forum of Nigeria (PFSOFN) on Thursday swore in new executives that will pilot the affairs of the organization for the next three years. The swearing of the new executive was part of activities of the 2018 National Con-ference of the organization with the theme ”Integrated Mari-time Security Architecture: A panacea for Economic growth in Nigeria”.

Nigerian gov neglect of Niger Delta encouraging piracyThe government has been accused of fuelling the problem of piracy through the neglect of Niger-Delta region, stakeholders have said. The Ship Owners Association of Nigeria noted that years of neglect of the region despite continuous exploitation of petroleum products and lack of social amenities have re-sulted in the youths resorting to ‘self help’.

To see MAST Services in the region, please click here. And and to read Nigeria’s country report, please click here.

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MAST UK: +44 (0)1279 216 726 operations@mast-security.com www.mast-security.com

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South East AsiaPhilippine Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana confirmed the creation of another division that would be stationed permanently in Sulu to eliminate the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) there “once and for all.” Lorenzana issued the statement in an interview late Thursday 29th at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City after President Rodrigo Duterte gave the order this week as the province and nearby Basilan and Tawi-Tawi were prone to attacks from the Muslim extremist group.

Incidents: Nothing significant to report.

New Navy chief to focus on maritime securityProtecting the safety, peace and sovereignty of the country’s waters will be the main focus of new Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) chief, Admiral Datuk Mohd Reza Mohd Sany. He said the RMN 15-5 Transformation Plan 15-5 initiated by former RMN chief Tan Sri Ahmad Kamarulzaman Ahmad Badaruddin would continue to enhance capabilities in relief operations and mov-ing of troops and equipment.

Philippine president likely to extend martial law in MindanaoPhilippine President Rodrigo Duterte is likely to extend mar-tial law in the entire Mindanao island in the southern Philip-pines, his chief legal counsel said on Monday 3rd. Philippine Chief Presidential Legal Counsel and Presidential Spokesper-son Salvador Panelo said Duterte “may be persuaded to go on to approve the recommendation” of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to place Mindanao under martial rule until Dec. 31, 2019.

Duterte mulls over formation of own hit squad vs NPA rebelsIn a speech at Camp Raja Sikatuna in Bohol, Philippine Presi-dent Rodrigo Duterte said he is considering forming his own ‘hit squad’ to combat the Special Partisan Unit (SPARU or spar-row) of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Govt will not compromise on security in Sabah, SarawakThe Malaysian government will not compromise on the ques-tion of security in Sabah and Sarawak although it is on a cost-saving exercise, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Mohd Azis Jam-man said. Mohd Azis said while the government emphasised on cost-saving measures, the security aspects of the two states which were at risk of being attacked by external parties, would be a priority.

President Duterte orders Zamboanga mayor to curb smug-glingPresident Rodrigo Duterte has ordered Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar to run after smuggling, which remains preva-lent in this city. The Mayor said the President also reminded the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and all concerned agencies that “we are under martial law and as local chief executive, we are clothed with authority to implement anti-smuggling cam-paign.”

To see MAST’s services in the region, please click here.

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Central and South America Robbers are targeting vessels anchored in ports in Venezuela, marine liability insurer North P&I Club and security consultant and analyst Gray Page have said. According to the organisations’ Maritime Threat Picture, attacks on ships in ports in the South American country have been growing as the na-tion struggles with a deteriorating economy and civil unrest. Vessels at anchor have been particularly targeted by robbers at Puerto José and Puerto La Cruz, and fears also exist for the safety of crew when ashore.

Incidents: 1. 01.12.2018: 0630 UTC: Puerto La Cruz Anchorage, Venezuela.Two robbers boarded an anchored product tanker and at-tempted to open the forward store. Duty watch keeper spotted the robbers and raised the alarm. Hearing the alerted crew, the robbers escaped without steeling anything. Incident reported to local authorities. Reported (IMB) Dec. 1st.

Standing advice: The repercussions of a vessel being caught acting as a mule with drugs stowed will depend on the type, amount and na-tional laws, but may be disruptive and costly. When and if operating in these areas, especially Columbia and Peru, it is advised that: • Potential stowage areas such as rudder shafts are denied as far as possible, and/or routinely searched. • Access points are closely monitored by a vigilant watch for the duration of the vessel’s call at port.

MAST UK: +44 (0)1279 216 726 operations@mast-security.com www.mast-security.com

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Severe Weather Warnings Warnings detailed on this page are from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and are issued by respective Regional Specialised Metrological Centres, Tropical Cyclone Centres or National Mete-orological Services. For further information on severe weather warnings please click here.

Note: The forecasts are correct as of the day before publication. For latest updates please follow the provided links.

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Nothing significant to report.