24 May 2018 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
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Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 24 May 2018 [PDF]

Department Of Defense Press Briefing by Pentagon Chief Spokesperson Dana W. White and Joint Staff Director Lt. Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr. in the Pentagon Briefing Room DoD 24 May 2018 -- Presenter: Pentagon Chief Spokesperson Dana W. White and Director of Joint Staff Lt. Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr.

US warplanes hit Syrian army bases in Dayr al-Zawr province Press TV 24 May 2018 -- US-led coalition warplanes have targeted several Syrian military positions in the country's eastern Dayr al-Zawr province.
US-Led Coalition Hits Syrian Army Base - Reports Sputnik 24 May 2018 -- According to the SANA News Agency, US-led Coalition Air Forces struck several positions of the Syrian army in the eastern Syrian desert.
US-led coalition attacks military positions in Deir Ezzor IRNA 24 May 2018 -- The US-led "international coalition" jet fighters carried out an aggression on some of the Syrian Arab Army's positions in the south-eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor on Thursday at dawn.

US wasted billions in failed Afghanistan stabilization program: Report Press TV 24 May 2018 -- A US government watchdog has found that the United States wasted billions of dollars, purportedly trying to stabilize fragile parts of Afghanistan over the past 17 years.

Defense Policy / Programs

DoD Official: U.S. Military Continues 'High State of Vigilance' in Korea AFPS 24 May 2018 -- The U.S. military continues its "maximum pressure campaign" in regard to North Korea, and U.S. forces on the Korean Peninsula are "ready to fight tonight," the Pentagon's chief spokesperson said today.
Senior leaders meet with industry to discuss utilizing artificial intelligence and quantum science throughout the Air Force AFNS 24 May 2018 -- Air Force leaders met with scientists and industry members May 17, 2018, at the Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Science Summit to chart how the service will utilize emerging technologies in the future.
Eucom Commander Hosts Conference on Regional Issues AFPS 24 May 2018 -- Challenges and threats across the European theater, Russian malign influence and taking a whole-of-government approach to operations were among the topics of a three-day conference of diplomatic and military leaders based in Europe here this week.
Funding Process for DoD Now Strategy Driven, in Healthy Place, Mattis Says AFPS 24 May 2018 -- The funding process for the U.S. military is back in a healthy place, Defense Secretary James N. Mattis said yesterday in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Maple Resolve exercise strengthens bond between US, Canadian forces Army News 24 May 2018 -- More than 3,500 Canadian, U.S., British, Australian, and French forces participated in this year's Maple Resolve exercise, providing an opportunity to enhance multi-national interoperability in a brigade-level field training exercise.
Navy to Commission Littoral Combat Ship Manchester DoD 24 May 2018 -- The Navy will commission its newest Independence-variant littoral combat ship (LCS, the future USS Manchester (LCS 14), during a 10 a.m. EDT ceremony Saturday, May 26, at the State Pier in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.e
Remarks by Secretary James N. Mattis at the NORAD Change-of-Command Ceremony DoD 24 May 2018 Presenter: Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis
Pacific Partnership 2018 Concludes in Thailand, Heads to Vietnam NNS 24 May 2018 -- Pacific Partnership 2018, the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) preparedness mission, concluded aboard expeditionary fast transport USNS Brunswick (T-EPF 6) in Pattaya, Thailand, May 24.
US Air Force Stations MQ-9 Reaper Drones in Greece for First Time Sputnik 24 May 2018 -- The US Air Force is stationing MQ-9 Reaper drones at Greece's Larisa Air Force Base, the first time the unmanned aerial vehicles will be making a home there, it was reported Thursday.
US Begins Deploying Troops, Equipment to Eastern Europe Sputnik 24 May 2018 -- Operation Atlantic Resolve aims to boost NATO's military presence in Eastern Europe and the Baltic States after the eruption of the Ukrainian crisis in 2014, with Western countries using alleged Russian interference in Ukraine's affairs as a pretext.
U.S. Military Seeks to Be More Lethal, Including in Space, Mattis Says AFPS 24 May 2018 -- The U.S. military is seeking to be more lethal in all domains, including space, Defense Secretary James N. Mattis said yesterday.
U.S. in 'Wait and See' Position After Iraq Election, Mattis Says AFPS 24 May 2018 -- The victory of Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr's party in Iraq's recent election has put the United States in a wait-and-see position, Defense Secretary James N. Mattis told reporters yesterday in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Allies agree Japan's Mission to NATO NATO 24 May 2018 -- The North Atlantic Council agreed on Thursday (24 May 2018) to accept Japan's request to designate its Embassy to Belgium as its Mission to NATO. The Ambassador of Japan to Belgium will be the Head of the Mission of Japan to NATO.

Taiwan scrambles jet to monitor Chinese military aircraft CNA 24 May 2018 -- A Chinese military airplane was spotted flying west of the median line of the Taiwan Strait Thursday as part of a training program and the Ministry of National Defense (MND) scrambled a fighter jet in response, a local military enthusiast announced that day.

Chinese FM criticizes disinvitation from U.S. military drill People's Daily 24 May 2018 -- The Chinese Foreign Minister on Wednesday blasted the U.S. for excluding China from a multinational military exercise to be held in June, noting that the decision was "imprudent and unconstructive."
China scolds US for withdrawing invite to naval drill Press TV 24 May 2018 -- China's Defense Ministry has voiced regret after the United States withdrew an invitation to China to attend a major US-hosted naval drill amid their dispute over the South China Sea.

Israel Axes Law Allowing Netanyahu to Declare War 'On His Own' – Reports Sputnik 24 May 2018 -- Israel's government has reportedly moved to alter a law that would allow the prime minister to declare war without the backing of the majority of the cabinet.

Brazilian F-5F Fighter Jet Crashes Near Air Force Base in Rio de Janeiro Sputnik 24 May 2018 -- The Brazilian Air Force said on Thursday that one of its F-5F fighter aircraft had crashed near the Santa Cruz air base, located in the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area.

UK's £850mn missile system enters service Press TV 24 May 2018 -- The UK says its new £850 million missile defense system has completed all trials and is ready to be deployed across the world onboard the Royal Navy warships.
Defence Minister welcomes first of new carrier-ready helicopter fleet UK MOD 24 May 2018 -- Defence Minister Guto Bebb has today announced the delivery of the first of a fleet of new helicopters designed for Royal Marine aircraft carrier operations.
£850m Sea Ceptor missile system enters service with Royal Navy UK MOD 24 May 2018 -- A world-class missile system that will protect the Royal Navy's new aircraft carriers has officially entered service, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has announced today.
Defence Secretary expands Army reserve numbers in Northern Ireland UK MOD 24 May 2018 -- The number of Army reserves in Northern Ireland will increase by nearly 200, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has announced.

UN chief launches new disarmament agenda 'to secure our world and our future' UN News 24 May 2018 -- The United Nations chief announced a bold new vision for global disarmament on Thursday, to help eliminate nuclear arsenals and other deadly weapons from a world that is just "one mechanical, electronic and human error away" from destruction.

Full Committee Hearing Review of the FY 2019 State Department Budget Request US Dept. of State 24 May 2018 -- Testimony by Mike Pompeo, Secretary of State - Opening Statement Before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for May 24, 2018

Other Conflicts

24 May 2018 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 24 May 2018

Beijing's Largest Island in Disputed South China Sea Island Has 400 Buildings Sputnik 24 May 2018 -- China's largest man-made island in the South China Sea is host to nearly 400 buildings, new satellite data shows.

Yemen: Human suffering at risk of further deterioration, warns UN aid chief UN News 24 May 2018 -- An escalation in fighting, increasing obstacles to aid delivery and lack of food and fuel, is compounding Yemen's dire humanitarian crisis, the United Nations top relief official warned on Thursday, calling on all parties to the conflict to end the violence.
Yemeni forces fire missile at Jizan port in southern Saudi Arabia Press TV 24 May 2018 -- Yemeni army forces, supported by allied fighters from Popular Committees, have fired a domestically-designed and -developed ballistic missile at a strategic economic target in Saudi Arabia's southwestern border region of Jizan in retaliation for the Riyadh regime's devastating military aggression against their impoverished country.
Saudi Air Defense Systems Intercept Houthi Missile Over Jizan Province Sputnik 24 May 2018 -- Saudi Arabia's air defenses on Thursday destroyed a ballistic missile launched by Yemeni Houthi rebels, who opened fire in the direction of the Saudi province of Jizan, the spokesman for the Arab coalition, Turki Maliki, said on Thursday.

Army inflicts heavy losses on terrorists in Hama countryside IRNA 24 May 2018 -- Army units inflicted heavy losses upon the terrorist organizations on the direction of al-Zalaqiyat village in Hama northwestern countryside.
Syrian air defenses intercept missiles near Homs Press TV 24 May 2018 -- Syrian air defense systems have repelled a missile attack on an airport near the western city of Homs, less than a day after US-led coalition jets targeted several Syrian military positions in the country's eastern Dayr al-Zawr province.
Damascus Rejects U.S. Demand That Iran Pull Forces Out Of Syria RFE/RL 24 May 2018 -- The U.S. demand that Iran withdraw all its advisers and allied forces from Syria is not on the agenda and not up for discussion, a top Syrian official has told Russian state news agencies.

Israel mulls over construction of 2,500 new settler units in West Bank Press TV 24 May 2018 -- Israel has announced plans to construct a total of 2,500 new settler units in the West Bank, once again defying international calls for the regime to stop its settlement activities on occupied Palestinian territories.

UN: Attacks on Healthcare Facilities in Libya Likely War Crimes VOA 24 May 2018 -- The United Nations – in a joint report by the UN Human Rights Office and the U.N. Support Mission in Libya – condemns widespread, indiscriminate attacks by all armed groups in Libya against healthcare facilities and personnel, saying they could constitute war crimes.

Moscow says no Russian missile involved in MH17 plane crash over Ukraine Press TV 24 May 2018 -- Russia's Defense Ministry has strongly rejected fresh claims by an international investigation team that the ill-fated Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was downed by a missile launched from a Russian unit, stressing Moscow has nothing to do with the tragic event in which some 300 people lost their lives after the plane was downed over eastern Ukraine.
Investigators: Buk Missile From Russian Antiaircraft Brigade Downed MH17 RFE/RL 24 May 2018 -- A Dutch-led international criminal investigation has concluded that the Buk missile that shot down Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over Ukraine in 2014 came from Russia's 53rd Antiaircraft Missile Brigade.
RIA News Agency, Tycoons Added To Ukraine Sanctions List RFE/RL 24 May 2018 -- Ukraine has banned Russia's state news agency RIA Novosti, according to a recently expanded list of prominent Russians and entities subjected to Ukrainian sanctions.
Investigation of MH17 Crash in Ukraine Biased - Russian Foreign Ministry Sputnik 24 May 2018 -- According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Russia is ready to contribute to the international investigation of the MH17 crash in Eastern Ukraine.
The Shoot Down of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 US Dept. of State 24 May 2018 -- "The United States has complete confidence in the findings of the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) as presented today by the Dutch Public Prosecutor: the missile launcher used to shoot down Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 originated from the 53rd Anti-aircraft Brigade of the Russian Federation, stationed in Kursk."

'Gravely concerned' over northern Somalia clashes, UN and partners call for ceasefire UN News 24 May 2018 -- The United Nations and its partners on Thursday expressed grave concern over armed clashes which have broken out in northern Somalia, urging all parties to immediately halt the violence.

More Refugees Flee Carnage in Central African Republic VOA 24 May 2018 -- Thousands of people continue to flee violence in the troubled Central African Republic and the United Nations says many lack access to humanitarian care. Its response plan requesting $515 million launched in January is barely 10 percent funded.

News Reports

US Lawmakers to Get Intel Briefing on FBI Informant Trump Labeled 'Spy' VOA 24 May 2018 -- Senior U.S. intelligence and law enforcement officials are set to give separate briefings to two sets of lawmakers Thursday in connection with the investigation into Russia's meddling in the 2016 election.

Ukraine president paid Trump lawyer $400K to land White House meeting Press TV 24 May 2018 -- US President Donald Trump's long-time lawyer, Michael Cohen, has allegedly been paid $400,000 dollars to secure a meeting between his boss and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, a new report states.

Gazprom Clinches Deal In Lengthy EU Antitrust Case, Avoids Fine RFE/RL 24 May 2018 -- Russian state-owned energy firm Gazprom has reached an agreement with EU regulators, avoiding fines in an antitrust case that has dragged on for seven years.
Rusal CEO, Top Managers Resign Over U.S. Sanctions RFE/RL 24 May 2018 -- Russian aluminum giant Rusal says its chief executive, Aleksandra Buriko, and half of its managerial board have resigned to make sure the firm avoids U.S. sanctions against its founder, Oleg Deripaska.

Trump Calls Off Upcoming North Korea Summit VOA 24 May 2018 -- President Donald Trump says he has canceled his planned June 12 summit in Singapore with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, blaming recent statements by Pyongyang.
Pompeo Blames North Korea for Scrapped Summit VOA 24 May 2018 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said North Korea stopped taking part in bilateral consultations that would have been necessary for a productive summit between President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un.
Letter to Chairman Kim Jong Un The White House 24 May 2018
Trump cancels summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un Press TV 24 May 2018 -- US President Donald Trump has called off his planned summit meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
Trump Cancels North Korea Summit Citing 'Tremendous Anger,' 'Open Hostility' RFE/RL 24 May 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has cancelled a planned June 12 summit with North Korea's Leader Kim Jong Un, citing "tremendous anger and open hostility" in a recent statement, while also warning North Korea against any "foolish or reckless" move.
UN chief 'deeply concerned' over cancellation of US-North Korea summit UN News 24 May 2018 -- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said on Thursday that he was "deeply concerned" by the cancellation of the planned meeting between the leaders of the United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), commonly-known as North Korea.
Press Statement by Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of DPRK KCNA 24 May 2018 -- Choe Son Hui, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs of the DPRK, issued the following press statement on Thursday:
US urged to respond positively to N.Korea's dismantlement People's Daily 24 May 2018 -- North Korea has demonstrated its resolve to denuclearize by inviting foreign journalists to witness the dismantling of its Punggye-ri nuclear test site this week, said Chinese experts, who urge the US to respond positively to the move.
North Korea dynamites nuclear test site, media invited to planned event Press TV 24 May 2018 -- North Korea has dismantled its sole known nuclear test site in an array of explosions, journalists invited to witness the promised destruction report.
North Korea hits back at US vice president Press TV 24 May 2018 -- North Korea has hit back at US Vice President Mike Pence for threatening Pyongyang ahead of a planned summit between the leaders of the two countries.
Dismantaling of N Korea's Punggye-Ri Nuclear Test Site Completed Sputnik 24 May 2018 -- The dismantling of North Korea's Punggye-Ri nuclear test site shows Pyongyang's peaceful intentions, the Nuclear Weapons Institute Deputy Chair Kang Kyung Ho told Sputnik.
North Korea Shuts Down Nuclear Site VOA 24 May 2018 -- North Korea shut down its Punggye-ri nuclear test site on Thursday to demonstrate its commitment to denuclearization in advance of the planned U.S.-North Korea summit. The development came hours before President Donald Trump called off the highly anticipated meeting.
Trump's North Korea Rhetoric: Bellicose and Benevolent VOA 24 May 2018 -- When it comes to rhetoric about North Korea, U.S. President Donald Trump has been the master of both the bellicose taunt and soothing benevolence, often in close proximity to each other.

Treasury Targets Procurement Networks and 31 Aircraft Associated with Mahan Air and Other Designated Iranian Airlines US Treasury 24 May 2018 -- "Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated nine individuals and entities procuring export-controlled, U.S.-origin goods for sanctioned Iranian airlines. They were designated as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, which targets terrorists and those providing support to terrorists or acts of terrorism. OFAC also identified 31 aircraft in which entities previously designated under E.O. 13224 have an interest."
Pompeo: US Not Pushing for Regime Change in Iran VOA 24 May 2018 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says the Trump administration is not pushing for a regime change in Iran, but to achieve global consensus on how to get Tehran to "behave like a normal nation."
UN Atomic Agency: Iran Complying With 2015 Nuclear Pact VOA 24 May 2018 -- The International Atomic Energy Agency said Thursday Iran is complying with restrictions on its nuclear program in accord with the 2015 international agreement. The inspectors' assessment is the first since U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the pact.
Macron, Putin discuss JCPOA IRNA 24 May 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, met on May 24 in St. Petersburg to discuss the Iran nuclear deal as well as the conflicts in Syria and Ukraine.
IAEA once again verifies Iran's compliance with JCPOA IRNA 24 May 2018 -- IAEA in its 11th periodical reports once again verified Iran's adherence to its nuclear deal with world powers known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
Army cmdr.: Army's defensive doctrine is deterrent IRNA 24 May 2018 -- Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ahmad Reza Pourdastan said on Thursday that the doctrine of the Iranian armed forces is deterrent based on defense strategy.
Leader: US will definitely fail, if official perform duties IRNA 24 May 2018 -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Aytollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday recalled US' in-depth and constant enmity with the principle of the Islamic Republic, saying that US will definitely suffer defeat if officials can fulfill their responsibilities.
IAEA report confirms Iran's commitment to nuclear agreement Press TV 24 May 2018 -- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed Iran's compliance with its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal, but has called on the country to go beyond its obligations.
US slaps new sanctions on entities working with Iran airlines Press TV 24 May 2018 -- The US has imposed new sanctions against nine Iranian and Turkish individuals and companies as well as a number of aircraft providing goods and services to four Iranian airlines.
U.S. Plays Cat, And Iran The Mouse In 'Tom And Jerry' Comparison RFE/RL 24 May 2018 -- When it comes to U.S.-Iranian relations, it is as simple as a game of cat and mouse; specifically, the iconic American cartoon characters Tom and Jerry, according to Iran's highest authority.
U.S. Sanctions Nine Iranian Individuals, Entities As 'Facilitators' RFE/RL 24 May 2018 -- The U.S. Treasury has imposed sanctions on nine Iranian individuals and entities for helping to supply export-controlled parts and services to sanctioned Iranian airlines.
After Talks With Macron, Putin Warns Of 'Lamentable Consequences' If Iran Nuclear Deal Collapses RFE/RL 24 May 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed Russia's appreciation for efforts by European countries to save the nuclear deal with Iran despite the withdrawal of the United States while warning of "lamentable consequences" if it was not preserved.
No U.S-European Compromise Seen On Iran As Khamenei Steps Up Demands RFE/RL 24 May 2018 -- The United States and European countries are "a long way from a compromise" on a new Iran nuclear deal, Germany's top diplomat said, as Iran's supreme leader called on European countries to reject U.S. demands for a tougher deal with Iran.
US Imposes New Sanctions Targeting Iranian Airlines, Four Turkish Companies Sputnik 24 May 2018 -- The United States imposed a new wave of sanctions on nine individuals and entities accused of skirting sanctions to secure equipment and parts for designated Iranian airlines, the Treasury Department said in a statement on Thursday.

Pakistan Paves Way to Mainstreaming Restive Tribal Areas VOA 24 May 2018 -- Pakistan's national assembly passed a historic constitutional amendment Thursday, paving the way to bringing the restive Federally Administered Tribal Areas, known as FATA, into the political mainstream, just a week before the end of its tenure. The bill will be taken up Friday in the Senate.

US disrupts Russian botnet of 500,000 hacked routers Press TV 24 May 2018 -- The US says it has seized an internet domain that directed a Russian botnet of half-million hacked users at American infrastructure.
U.S. Says Disrupted Major Russian Cyberattack, Possibly On Ukraine RFE/RL 24 May 2018 -- The U.S. Justice Department says that it has seized an Internet domain controlled by a hacking group tied to Russian military intelligence that was planning a major cyberattack, possibly in Ukraine.

Taiwan foreign minister resigns over ruptured Burkina Faso ties CNA 24 May 2018 -- Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) said Thursday that he has made a verbal request to quit over the latest blow to Taiwan's diplomatic efforts, after Burkina Faso announced earlier in the day that it was breaking ties with Taiwan.
Taiwan breaks diplomatic ties with Burkina Faso CNA 24 May 2018 -- Taiwan is cutting diplomatic ties with Burkina Faso after the African country announced an end to its ties with the Republic of China (ROC), Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) announced Thursday.
Taiwan retaliates over China's poaching of allies CNA 24 May 2018 -- The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), Taiwan's China policy planner, said Thursday night it will more rigorously screen applications by Chinese officials to visit Taiwan and will step up measures to counter Chinese moves to divide society and create social discord.
China anxious over Taiwan's ties with world: president CNA 24 May 2018 -- The recent actions by China to pressure Taiwan reflects Beijing's anxiety and lack of confidence caused by the significant progress Taiwan has made in building economic and security ties with like-minded countries, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Thursday.

Nearly 50 more suspects arrested across Turkey over affiliation to Gulen network Press TV 24 May 2018 -- Turkish police forces have arrested 49 people on suspicion of affiliation to a movement led by the US-based opposition cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom the Ankara government accuses of having masterminded the July 2016 coup attempt against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

U.S. Bans Import Of Cotton Products From Turkmenistan RFE/RL 24 May 2018 -- The U.S. government has banned all imports of cotton goods from Turkmenistan, which activists have accused of rampant use of child and forced labor in cotton harvesting.

UN envoy urges 'inclusive' talks to resolve crisis in Burundi UN News 24 May 2018 -- Inclusive talks remain the only way to find a lasting solution to the political, socio-economic and humanitarian crisis that has engulfed Burundi since 2015, the United Nations envoy for the African Great Lakes country said on Thursday.

VOA Interview: Mahathir says Malaysia Suffering from Financial 'Destruction' VOA 24 May 2018 -- Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, back in power after a 15-year hiatus, says his first 20 years in office were "fairly easy" compared to what is confronting him now – massive debt in a country with an international reputation for corruption.

UN Chief Calls On Iran Ally Hizballah To Disarm, Cease Military Activities RFE/RL 24 May 2018 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is calling on Iran's close ally Hizballah to cease its military activities in Lebanon, Syria, and elsewhere in the region, media are reporting.

Outgoing Lebanese PM Hariri Named to Form New Government VOA 24 May 2018 -- Lebanon's outgoing Prime Minister Saad Hariri has been named to form a new government following consultations by President Michel Aoun with top members of parliament at the presidential palace in Baabda.
Lebanese lawmakers designate Hariri as PM: Aoun's office Press TV 24 May 2018 -- The office of Lebanon's president says a majority of lawmakers in parliament have endorsed Sa'ad al-Hariri, designating the Western-backed politician as prime minister for a third time.

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