Latest news with #UnitedStatesDepartmentofState
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
US State Department draws criticism for shutting office that brings home deceased diplomats
The seal of the United States Department of State is shown in Washington, U.S., January 26, 2017. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts WASHINGTON - Among the scores of offices the U.S. State Department eliminated last week in its dramatic revamp, the shuttering of one little-known office has raised particular alarm among U.S. diplomats. The small team at the Department's Office of Casualty Assistance, which supports U.S. diplomats and their families abroad in the event of death or serious injury, received termination notices last Friday along with more than 1,350 Department employees. The firings came as a surprise, sources familiar with their situation said. When the notices arrived by email on Friday, the team was working on repatriating the remains of a senior U.S. official who died in a car crash in Mexico last week. The U.S. Consulate in Monterrey said in a Facebook statement that Brian Matthew Faughnan, a member of its mission, died in a car accident in the northern Mexican state of Coahuila on July 9. Kirk Leash, the team leader at OCA, informed other U.S. officials at the U.S. mission in Mexico and his counterparts in different government agencies who were working on Faughnan's case that Leash was just removed from his job, and that he was no longer able to help, according to two sources familiar with the exchange. The elimination of the office was part of a major overhaul of the State Department by President Donald Trump, who aims to reshape the U.S. diplomatic corps to ensure it faithfully implements his "America First" policies. It is also part of an unprecedented push by the Republican president to shrink the federal government, which he says was misspending American taxpayers' money. The State Department said the agency continues to be "fully equipped" with casualty evacuations if there are employee deaths overseas. "There has been no interruption in our capabilities to carry out this mission," said a senior State Department official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. TAKING CARE OF DIPLOMATS The State Department revamp drew intense criticism from Democratic senators, former diplomats and secretaries of state for what they said was the arbitrary way it was carried out. Critics said it involved the firing of experienced, specialized employees in far-flung parts of the world, and that such skilled staffers are difficult to replace quickly. A State Department memo to employees last week, seen by Reuters, said the moves were made in a "carefully tailored" way. But the shuttering of the bureau made some question that statement. "I don't think any sitting president or any secretary of state would not want their people, their personnel - the most valuable asset of their agency - to be taken care of," said Edith Bartley, who is a spokesperson for the families of the Americans killed in the 1998 al-Qaeda attacks on U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. "You want to know that your country does all that it can to take care of you, your remains and your family in the aftermath. That's critical. That is America First," Bartley said. Bartley lost her father, who was a career diplomat, and brother in the 1998 attacks, which killed 224 people, including 12 Americans. OCA was established a year later, thanks in large part to her advocacy. The office is typically supported by volunteers from the Department's Human Resources bureau who can be mobilized on short notice following a mass casualty event. The teams were called upon after the 2012 attack on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, which resulted in the death of four Americans including U.S. Ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens. "OCA is in touch with the deceased employee's family within hours after the death, and provides support services as long as they are needed - for weeks, months, and in some cases, years," an undated article in the Department's magazine said, referring to the work of the office. A senior State Department official said on Wednesday that the agency transferred the functions of the OCA to the Office of Employee Relations. But that office has a much wider remit, supporting the agency's workforce, and lacks the specific knowledge and expertise in navigating the complicated procedures of repatriating a deceased diplomat, sources familiar with the matter said. "That function is being folded into another office," Michael Rigas, deputy secretary of state for Management and Resources, said on Wednesday, in response to a question about the closure of the office by Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen at a hearing. Shaheen also asked Rigas to get back to her on how the department was handling the repatriation of the body of Faughnan, the U.S. official who died in Mexico. "I don't think the family thinks that that's a good firing," Shaheen said. Reuters was unable to reach Faughnan's family. REUTERS
Libya Review
6 days ago
- Libya Review
US Warns Citizens Against Travelling to Libya
The United States Department of State has reissued its highest-level travel advisory for Libya, warning American citizens to avoid all travel to the North African country due to ongoing threats, including terrorism, armed conflict, and civil unrest. In the updated Level 4 advisory, released on Wednesday, the State Department cited a host of grave concerns: 'crime, terrorism, unexploded landmines, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict.' The notice underscores the unpredictable and dangerous environment, urging all Americans currently in Libya to leave immediately using commercial transport options. The advisory highlights the growing threat of terrorist attacks in public spaces such as markets, government facilities, transportation hubs, and hotels. According to the State Department, such attacks could occur 'with little or no warning.' Kidnapping is also rampant, with U.S. citizens potentially targeted for ransom or political leverage. Adding to the dangers are widespread remnants of war. 'Unexploded landmines, cluster munitions, and ammunition' continue to pose risks across the country. Sporadic clashes between rival armed groups have also heightened the instability, often erupting without warning—even in major cities. With limited diplomatic operations in Libya, the United States government warns it cannot provide regular consular support to citizens in the country. It strongly advises all U.S. nationals to reconsider any plans to travel to Libya and to leave immediately if already present. This reissued advisory reaffirms Libya's status as one of the most dangerous travel destinations for Americans, reflecting the ongoing collapse of law and order and the absence of a unified security apparatus. Tags: libyaterrorismtravelus
See - Sada Elbalad
12-07-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
US State Department to Lay off Over 1,350 Employees
Israa Farhan The United States Department of State is set to begin laying off more than 1,350 employees starting Friday, as part of a sweeping reform plan under President Donald Trump's administration aimed at reshaping the American diplomatic corps. The unprecedented move has drawn strong criticism from former diplomats and analysts who warn it could significantly weaken US foreign policy efforts. According to an internal memo distributed to staff, the layoffs will affect 1,107 civil service employees and 246 members of the domestic diplomatic staff. This marks one of the most significant workforce reductions in the department's recent history. The restructuring comes amid ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to reduce federal spending and streamline government operations. The State Department has faced mounting pressure in recent years to modernize its systems and cut operational costs. Still, many fear the changes could undermine the country's ability to project influence abroad and maintain effective diplomatic engagement. Since taking office, President Trump has pushed for institutional reforms across the federal government, including the Department of State. His approach focuses on reducing workforce numbers and overhauling legacy structures. However, the strategy has provoked concern among foreign policy experts, who argue that such deep staffing cuts risk diminishing America's global diplomatic reach at a time of increasing international complexity. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream
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Business Standard
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
US govt warns staff, diplomats of attempted Rubio impersonation using AI
The United States Department of State has warned diplomats to beware of attempts to impersonate Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other officials using artificial intelligence, The Associated Press reported on Tuesday. The warning follows a Washington Post report that an individual posing as Rubio contacted several senior officials — including three foreign ministers, a US governor and a member of Congress — using AI to mimic Rubio's voice and writing style. The newspaper cited a senior US official and a State Department cable dated July 3. 'The actor left voicemails on Signal for at least two targeted individuals and, in one instance, sent a text message inviting the individual to communicate on Signal,' the cable said. 'Access to information and accounts' Authorities have not yet identified the person behind the impersonation attempts. However, officials suspect the aim was to deceive senior figures in order to obtain access to sensitive information or online accounts. A message from Rubio's office to State Department staff stated the purpose was likely 'with the goal of gaining access to information or accounts,' The Washington Post reported. It added that in mid-June, the impersonator created a Signal account under the display name ' to contact diplomats and officials both within the US and internationally. The cable clarified this was a display name and not an actual government email address, the report added. The State Department declined to reveal the content of the messages or the identities of those targeted. Not a first The Rubio incident is not isolated. In May, a separate impersonation attempt targeted Susie Wiles, White House Chief of Staff. Someone allegedly accessed her phone and began calling and messaging senators, governors and business leaders while posing as Wiles, The Wall Street Journal reported. That same month, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) warned that 'malicious actors' had been impersonating top US officials in 'an ongoing malicious text and voice messaging campaign'. These attempts, which included AI-generated voices, were intended to 'elicit information or funds,' the report added. 'If you receive a message claiming to be from a senior US official,' the FBI warned, 'do not assume it is authentic.'
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Bob Vylan take a victory lap after their album re-enters UK charts despite their 'Death to IDF' controversy at Glastonbury
Bob Vylan took a victory lap this weekend after their 2024 album 'Humble as the Sun' re-entered the UK charts. The musical punk duo, headed up by Bobby Vylan and Bobbie Vylan, made global headlines during the 2025 Glastonbury Festival for their inflammatory speech concerning the ongoing war in Gaza. Bob Vylan weren't the only artists at the festival who spoke out in favor of Palestinian human rights and condemned Israel for what the nation's critics claim is a genocidal pogrom against the residents of the Gaza strip. However, Bobby Vylan did take their rhetoric further than most by saying:"Alright, but have you heard this one, though? Death, death to the IDF!" Bob Vylan received backlash for their Glastonbury comments Silence is not an option. The duo were harshly condemned for their "Death to the IDF" chants by many of the United Kingdom's politicians, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Glastonbury organizer Emily Eavis, along with the BBC, promptly distanced themselves from the duo. Bob Vylan refused to apologize for their comments and denied that they were antisemitic, saying:"We are not for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race or group of people. We are for the dismantling of a violent military machine. A machine whose own soldiers were told to use 'unnecessary lethal force' against innocent civilians waiting for aid. A machine that has destroyed much of Gaza." Bob Vylan celebrate after their music re-enters the charts Ban Bob Vylan? The people said 'Nah'. We need artists that speak up. Our album 'Humble As The Sun' is back in the charts and, as an independent band releasing music on our own label, it shows the power of the people. You can't get dropped if you own the label. Thank you all! Although there were calls for Bob Vylan to be investigated for hate crimes following their Glastonbury comments, the duo didn't face any legal repercussions for their speech. However, their invitations to the Radar Festival and Kave Fest were revoked, and the United States Department of State barred their entry by revoking their visas. Bob Vylan have claimed victory, however, with their album, 'Humble Like the Sun', re-entering the UK charts this past weekend. The duo revealed that the album had now reached the top spot in the UK's hip-hop and R&B chart, and No. 8 on the album downloads Vylan credited their own independence as a major reason why their music had returned to the charts so quickly, saying 'You can't get dropped if you own the label.'
