SINGAPORE, Feb. 23 (UPI) — Defense officials in Singapore concluded a validation exercise Monday for a new task force established to counter evolving maritime security threats.

DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, Feb. 23 (UPI) — Top leaders of Tajikistan recently met with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to discuss strengthening border security.

EL FASHER, Sudan, Feb. 23 (UPI) — The U.N.-African Union mission in the Darfur region of Sudan has increased the number of police patrols to protect civilians from the recent surge in violence.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, Feb. 23 (UPI) — The United Nations is calling for an increased regional effort to help Haiti counter the transnational criminal groups basing operations in the country.

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas, Feb. 23 (UPI) — The U.S. Air Force chief of staff has called for an expansion of unmanned aerial vehicle capabilities to support future ground operations.