27 September 2018 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
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Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 27 Sep2018 [PDF]

US-led coalition admits killing 1,100 people in Syria, Iraq IRNA 27 Sep 2018 -- The US-led international coalition admitted that it killed more than 1,100 civilians as a result of raids carried out in Syria and Iraq since 2014.

USMC F-35B Conducts First Combat Strike in CENTCOM AOR NNS 27 Sep 2018 -- The Marine Corps F-35B, Lightning II, conducted its first combat strike in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel in Afghanistan, Sept. 27.
CENTCOM Confirms First–Ever F-35 Combat Strike Against Taliban in Afghanistan Sputnik 27 Sep 2018 -- The Marine Corps F-35B, Lightning II, conducted its first combat strike in the US Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel in Afghanistan, CENTCOM stated.
Rockets hit Ghazni during President Ghani's visit Press TV 27 Sep 2018 -- Three rockets have hit the Afghan city of Ghazni during a visit by President Ashraf Ghani as Taliban militants ramp up attacks across various parts of the country.
Afghan City of Ghazni Shelled During President's Visit - Reports Sputnik 27 Sep 2018 -- Two rockets were launched at the Afghan city of Ghazni while the country's president was there for a visit, Ashraf Ghani, Pajhwok news agency reported on Thursday.

Army National Guard disaster communication toolkit supports Hurricane Florence response Army News 27 Sep 2018 -- The North Carolina Army National Guard used its new tactical network communication tool suite, known as the Disaster Incident Response Emergency Communications Terminal, or DIRECT, to provide lifesaving communications capabilities to first responders during the aftermath of Hurricane Florence.

Defense Policy / Programs

Air Force awards next-generation fighter and bomber trainer AFNS 27 Sep 2018 -- The Air Force awarded The Boeing Company a contract worth up to $9.2 billion for the Air Force's new training aircraft Sept. 27.
Chairman's European Trip Will Concentrate on NATO AFPS 27 Sep 2018 -- Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford arrived here today beginning a trip that will concentrate on the North Atlantic alliance.
Navy to Commission Submarine Indiana DoD 27 Sep 2018 -- The Navy will commission its newest fast attack submarine, the future USS Indiana (SSN 789), during an 10 a.m. (EDT) ceremony Saturday, Sept. 29, at the Navy Port at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Port Canaveral, Florida.
Under SECNAV Visits Fiji for Partnership Building NNS 27 Sep 2018 -- Under Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly completed a partnership-building visit to Fiji on Sep. 27, 2018.
Navy to Commission Submarine Indiana NNS 27 Sep 2018 -- The Navy will commission its newest fast attack submarine, the future USS Indiana (SSN 789), during a 10 a.m. (EDT) ceremony Saturday, Sept. 29, at the Navy Port at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Port Canaveral, Florida.
Bringing Home 20 Local Sailors, USS Ronald Reagan arrives Guam NNS 27 Sep 2018 -- With 5,000 Sailors aboard, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) arrived in Guam for a port call Sept. 24.
Allied Maritime Warfighters Strengthen Partnerships, Capabilities in San Diego NNS 27 Sep 2018 -- Maritime leaders from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand – the "Five Eyes" alliance – participated in the 2018 Maritime Warfare Working Group (MWWG) Sept. 17 – 21. The MWWG is an enduring event that improves maritime operability among partners and increases combat effectiveness.
New Brian D. Allgood Army Community Hospital continues to rise Army News 27 Sep 2018 -- Many troops and personnel have relocated or have recently reported directly to Camp Humphreys, South Korea from Seoul as a part of the Yongsan Relocation Program.
How Army logistics help Soldiers maintain strategic advantage Army News 27 Sep 2018 -- A year of monumental change to the Army's structure brought an opportunity for introspection and evolution. For the materiel enterprise, that meant taking an in-depth look at how the Army sustains the force.

'Handy Tool for Foes': Norway Rolls Out Map With Secret Army Facilities Sputnik 27 Sep 2018 -- A digital map published by Norwegian authorities shows 239 "no flight" zones where drones are prohibited. It is searchable and includes geographical maps and aerial photos. Experts believe this disclosure can assist foreign intelligence and terrorists.

Multi-million-pound competition to destroy battlefield chemical weapons launched by UK and US UK MOD 27 Sep 2018 -- The UK has launched a two-million-pound competition alongside the US in a joint-mission to safely eliminate chemical and biological devices on the battlefield.

Cold Front: Dutch Soldiers Left Without Warm Clothes for Drills in Norway Sputnik 27 Sep 2018 -- Dutch soldiers have received 1,000 euros each to buy warm clothes ahead of the upcoming NATO exercise in Norway, where two-digit subzero spells are not uncommon at this time of the year.

US Has No Right to Meddle in Russian-Chinese Defense Cooperation - Beijing Sputnik 27 Sep 2018 -- Russian-Chinese defense cooperation is a bilateral issue of two sovereign countries in which the United States is not allowed to meddle, Chinese Defense Ministry Spokesman said on Thursday.

Sanctions Trumped: Indian Cabinet Gives Final Nod for S-400 Deal with Russia Sputnik 27 Sep 2018 -- On September 20, the US imposed CAATSA sanctions on the Equipment Development Department (EDD) of China's Central Military Commission (CMC) and on its director in response to China's purchase of Su-35 aircraft and the S-400 system. This had fueled speculations that India may postpone the signing of the contract with Russia.

Frontex Starts Testing Drones to Monitor EU External Borders Sputnik 27 Sep 2018 -- The European Border and Coast Guard Agency said on Thursday that it has started testing Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in Italy, Greece and Portugal as part of a border monitoring mission.

US Keeps Training Cameroon Troops but Urges Accountability in Criminal Probe VOA 27 Sep 2018 -- As Cameroonian authorities investigate horrific crimes that appear to be have been committed by government soldiers in the Far North Region, the U.S. military is calling for accountability while it continues to provide training to its Cameroonian counterparts.

Press Conference by President Trump The White House 27 Sep 2018

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for September 27, 2018
It's Official: Boeing Wins T-X! Boeing 27 Sep 2018 -- U.S. Air Force selects Boeing T-X as its new advanced pilot training aircraft.
United Launch Alliance Building Rocket of the Future with Industry-Leading Strategic Partnerships United Launch Alliance 27 Sep 2018 -- United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) next-generation rocket - the Vulcan Centaur - is making strong progress in development and is on track for its initial flight in mid-2020.

Other Conflicts

27 September 2018 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 27 Sep 2018

China slams US for flying B-52s over South, East China Seas Press TV 27 Sep 2018 -- China has lambasted the United States for flying its B-52 bombers over the contentious South and East China Seas, disputed territory which Beijing claims historical sovereignty over.
US Flies More B-52 Bombers Near Disputed Territories in South China Sea Sputnik 27 Sep 2018 -- Poking China in its side, the US Air Force conducted several B-52 bomber flights over the South China Sea this week, a move likely to draw Beijing's ire.

'Yemeni ballistic missiles hit targets in Saudi Arabia' Press TV 27 Sep 2018 -- Yemeni armed forces have reportedly fired domestically-designed and -developed ballistic missiles at military targets in Saudi Arabia's southwestern border regions of Jizan and Asir, in retaliation for strikes by a Saudi-led military coalition waging war on Yemen.
South of S. Arabia targeted by Yemeni missile IRNA 27 Sep 2018 -- Yemeni Army's missile unit targeted Saudi Arabian forces' positions with a Zelzal I missile in Assir province, south of Saudi Arabia.

Briefing on Syria Meeting and U.S. Strategy US Dept. of State 27 Sep 2018 -- Special Briefing by James F. Jeffrey, Special Representative for Syria Engagement
Joint Statement on Syria US Dept. of State 27 Sep 2018 -- The text of the following statement on Syria was released by the Governments of Egypt, France, Germany, Jordan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
The United States, the United Kingdom and France Co-Sponsor an UNGA High Level Event With Syrian Human Rights Defenders To Condemn Assad Regime Detentions in Syria US Dept. of State 27 Sep 2018
Army achieves new advancement in al-Safa hills, Sweida IRNA 27 Sep 2018 -- Syrian army units killed scores of Daesh (ISIS) terrorists including a number of snipers while advancing in the area of al-Safa hills, the last bastion of the Takfiri organization in the depth of Sweida eastern Badyia (desert).
At UN, Iran, Russia, Turkey FMs exchange views on Syria crisis, Idlib situation Press TV 27 Sep 2018 -- Top diplomats of Iran, Russia and Turkey – which serve as guarantors of the Syria peace process – have sat down for talks in New York on the latest developments in the country's Idlib Province, amid efforts to peacefully rid the area of terrorists.
Jordan Ready to Reopen Border With Syria - Foreign Minister Sputnik 27 Sep 2018 -- Jordan is prepared to reopen its border with Syria once the technical details of such a move are worked out, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi told Sputnik on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday.
Israel's 'Unprofessional' Actions Reason for Russia's Il-20 Plane Crash - Moscow Sputnik 27 Sep 2018 -- Israel's "erroneous, unprofessional and cowardly" actions led to the crash of a Russian Il-20 plane near Syria, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.

Palestine's Islamic Jihad movement selects new leader after 20 years: Official Press TV 27 Sep 2018 -- The Palestinian Islamic Jihad resistance movement, which is based in the besieged Gaza Strip, has selected a new leader for the first time in over 20 years.
Palestine president addresses UN, slams Trump's Quds policy, racist Israeli law Press TV 27 Sep 2018 -- Palestine's president has taken the podium at the UN to harshly condemn the US administration's policy shift on Jerusalem al-Quds, saying there will be no peace with Israel without the eastern part of the occupied city as the capital of the future Palestinian state.
Abbas Bashes Trump, US Policies in UN Speech VOA 27 Sep 2018 -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said "Jerusalem is not for sale" and "Palestinians' rights are not up for bargaining" Thursday at the United Nations.
'Jerusalem is not for sale' Palestinian President Abbas tells world leaders at UN Assembly UN News 27 Sep 2018 -- Taking the podium of the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, President Mahmoud Abbas declared that "Jerusalem is not for sale and the Palestinian people's rights are not up for bargain."

Myanmar Denies Delaying Rohingya Return VOA 27 Sep 2018 -- Myanmar is "doing everything on schedule" to repatriate more than 700,000 Rohingya, said a top official less than a day after the prime minister of neighboring Bangladesh, which is sheltering the refugees, accused the Buddhist nation of delaying the Muslims' return.
UN panel to prepare indictments over atrocities against Rohingya Muslims Press TV 27 Sep 2018 -- The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has voted in favor of establishing a body to prepare criminal indictments over atrocities and possible genocide committed against the Rohingya Muslim community in Myanmar.
UN Rights Council Sets Up Team to Document Myanmar Crimes VOA 27 Sep 2018 -- The U.N. Human Rights Council agreed Thursday to set up a team that will document alleged crimes committed by the Myanmar government against the country's Rohingya minority.

Nearly 400,000 killed in South Sudan's civil war: Study Press TV 27 Sep 2018 -- South Sudan's civil war has claimed the lives of nearly 400,000 people since fighting erupted in late 2013, a new study says, offering a tally far higher than previous estimates.

UN Report: Peace Impossible in CAR Without Justice for Victims VOA 27 Sep 2018 -- A United Nations human rights expert warns true peace in Central African Republic will not be possible without justice for the hundreds of thousands of victims who have suffered violence and human rights abuse during more than five years of civil war.
Security, human rights, political upheaval in war-torn Central African Republic, focus of key Friday meeting at UN UN News 27 Sep 2018 -- What are the key events that have led the Central African Republic (CAR) to go from being a land-rich nation full of optimism at independence, in 1960, to an impoverished country facing multiple challenges, and the subject of a high-level meeting at UN Headquarters on Friday?

Seven soldiers and one civilian killed in Mali bomb attack Press TV 27 Sep 2018 -- Seven soldiers and one civilian driver have been killed after two Malian military vehicles were hit by improvised explosive devices while on an escort mission.

News Reports

Haitian President at General Assembly calls for essential development aid as UN mission shifts away from peacekeeping UN News 27 Sep 2018 -- Haitian President Jovenel Moïse on Thursday called on the international community to provide the necessary development aid as the Caribbean island nation prepares for the transition nest year of the United Nations mission to a non-peacekeeping presence in the country.
Reject passivity and embrace 'responsibility for our future,' Lithuania's President tells UN Assembly UN News 27 Sep 2018 -- Multilateralism and cooperation must be the focus of dialogue between United Nations Member States as Lithuania's President warned against 'nationalism and division' at the General Assembly on Thursday.
Cyprus President urges collective leadership to address 'root causes' of world's crises UN News 27 Sep 2018 -- "Blatant violations of international law" were foremost on the mind of Nicos Anastasiades, President of Cyprus, as he brought the issue to the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, urging States to readjust their policies in "hope for a better future."
Sierra Leone's President 'optimistic' about country's new direction as key reforms enacted UN News 27 Sep 2018 -- On Thursday, the newly-elected President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, told the United Nations, that "with a strong belief in a shared vision and a common destiny, Sierra Leoneans stand with the [international community] in meeting the world's challenges."

Beijing Refutes Trump's Accusations of Mid-Term Election Meddling Sputnik 27 Sep 2018 -- The statement came in response to Donald Trump's accusations that China was seeking to meddle in the upcoming Nov. 4 congressional election in the United States. According to him, Beijing was aiming to confront his administration's pugnacious stance on trade.

Macedonian President Urges Boycott Of Name Referendum RFE/RL 27 Sep 2018 -- President Gjorge Ivanov has called for voters to boycott an upcoming referendum on Macedonia's name change, saying the country was being asked to commit "historical suicide."
President of former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia denounces move to change country's name UN News 27 Sep 2018 -- Reminding the General Assembly on Thursday that Macedonia had been a co-founder of the United Nations, Gjorge Ivanov, President of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, strongly rejected a referendum on changing the name of his country, calling it "a flagrant violation" of sovereignty.
Macedonia's President Calls Name Change 'Historical Suicide' VOA 27 Sep 2018 -- President Gjorge Ivanov on Thursday urged Macedonians to boycott a referendum on changing the country's name, saying making such a change would amount to "historical suicide."
Group Says Detected Campaign To Suppress Voter Turnout In Macedonia RFE/RL 27 Sep 2018 -- A pro-democracy group says it has uncovered an extensive online effort to suppress voter turnout for a critical referendum in Macedonia on changing its name to accelerate its bid to join NATO and the European Union.

Russia's Brief Taste Of Political Liberalization Drowns In Pig's Blood RFE/RL 27 Sep 2018 -- On the morning of September 25, 34-year-old Nadezhda Zagordan, a member of the municipal council of Moscow's Izmailovo district, opened her apartment door to find a bloody, severed pig's head on her doorstep with a knife sticking out of its skull.
Russian Duma Approves Unpopular Bill On Retirement-Age Increase In Final Reading RFE/RL 27 Sep 2018 -- The lower chamber of Russia's parliament has approved in its third and final reading an unpopular bill to raise the retirement age.
Activist Verzilov 'Convinced' He Was Poisoned By Russian Secret Services RFE/RL 27 Sep 2018 -- Russian dissident activist Pyotr Verzilov, who was discharged from a German hospital this week after making significant progress in his recovery, says he is "convinced" he was poisoned by Russia's intelligence services.

Russia to look into new claims on UK poisoning suspects Press TV 27 Sep 2018 -- Russian authorities say they will investigate claims in the British media that one of the two men accused of a poisoning attack on a double spy in southern England in March was a Russian colonel.
'Complete Nonsense': How Russia Is Countering A New Report On The Salisbury Poisoning Suspect RFE/RL 27 Sep 2018 -- The Russian government and media are casting doubt on a new report claiming to reveal the true identity of a Russian man Britain accuses of the nerve-agent attack on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal in southern England.
Russia Derides New Claims in Skripal Poisoning VOA 27 Sep 2018 -- Moscow has responded derisively to a report by a Britiain-based investigative group claiming one of the two men suspected of poisoning ex-spy Sergei Skripal is a highly decorated colonel in Russian military intelligence.

Challenges Seen for Trump's Two-Part Approach to N. Korea VOA 27 Sep 2018 -- President Donald Trump's dual policy of exerting pressure while engaging in dialogues to denuclearize North Korea faces challenges, as momentum builds toward a second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Japan 'ready to break shell of distrust with North Korea' Press TV 26 Sep 2018 -- Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has declared his readiness "to break the shell of mutual distrust with North Korea" and meet with its leader, Kim Jong-un.
'Path to peace' on Korean Peninsula only possible through diplomacy and full denuclearization: US tells Security Council UN News 27 Sep 2018 -- If the leadership of North Korea follows a diplomatic path to end its nuclear weapons programme, then a "much brighter future lies ahead" for its people, the US Secretary of State told the Security Council on Thursday.
Russia, China Urge Easing of North Korea Sanctions VOA 27 Sep 2018 -- Russia and China called Thursday for international sanctions to be eased on North Korea as an incentive for it to denuclearize. The call is seen by the West as jeopardizing the international consensus on pressuring Pyongyang.
UN Security Council Should Consider Easing N Korea Sanctions - Beijing Sputnik 27 Sep 2018 -- China believes the UN Security Council should ease some of the sanctions on North Korea in order to encourage the continued progress toward denuclearization, Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi said on Thursday.
Peace in Korea Can Be Reached Only Via Diplomacy, Denuclearization - Pompeo Sputnik 27 Sep 2018 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Thursday that he will meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his visit to Pyongyang in October.
Remarks at a Meeting on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea US Dept. of State 27 Sep 2018 -- Remarks by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State
Trump not fond of setting deadline for DPRK's denuclearization People's Daily 27 Sep 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump said here on Wednesday that he does not want to put a timeframe for the denuclearization of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
North Korea Supports Seoul's Idea to Hold First Inter-Parliamentary Meeting Sputnik 27 Sep 2018 -- North Korea supported on Thursday South Korea's initiative to organize the first bilateral inter-parliamentary meeting before the end of the year.
Pyongyang Ready to Ensure Peace, Security in Northeast Asia With Beijing Sputnik 27 Sep 2018 -- North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho has told his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi that Pyongyang is ready to work with Beijing toward the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and make efforts to ensure security and stability in Northeast Asia.

Netanyahu: Iran Maintaining Secret Nuclear Weapons Storage Facility VOA 27 Sep 2018 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Iran on Thursday of maintaining a secret nuclear weapons storage facility in Tehran.
Rouhani: 'Iran's righteousness, US bullying' crystal clear to World IRNA 27 Sep 2018 -- All media and leaders of the world were focusing on Iran's righteousness and the US' bullying, which were the most important points of my trip to New York, said the Iranian president upon arriving in Tehran on Thursday.
China spox: Iran Deal must be kept IRNA 27 Sep 2018 -- Iran nuclear deal is an important international agreement and must be kept, said the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman on Thursday.
Turkey not to follow US in sanctioning Iran: Turkish FM IRNA 27 Sep 2018 -- Turkey will not stand alongside the US to impose sanctions on Iran, said the foreign minister of Turkey.
Rouhani urges int'l community efforts to safeguard JCPOA IRNA 27 Sep 2018 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani underscored the need for the global community to work hard in protecting the JCPOA as an important international agreement and complying with Resolution 2231 of UNSC.
Iran's expectations more than contents of 4+1 statement IRNA 27 Sep 2018 -- President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday hailed Tuesday statement of 4+1 ministers, saying that it is a good progress in preserving the JCPOA but Iran expects more than that.
FM spox: US administration getting more isolated day by day IRNA 27 Sep 2018 -- Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi said on Wednesday that US administration is getting more isolated day in day out due to its excessive demands and bullying approach toward other countries.
Netanyahu puts on new anti-Iran show at UN, repeats baseless nuclear claims Press TV 27 Sep 2018 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again taken the stage at the United Nations to bring out fresh theatrics against Iran, repeating his threadbare allegation that the country is working to develop nuclear weapons at "secret" sites.
Rouhani: US attempts to isolate Iran at UN only backfired Press TV 27 Sep 2018 -- Back home from New York, President Hassan Rouhani says Washington's attempts to advance an anti-Iran agenda at the UN only backfired, stressing that this year's General Assembly session and related events further exposed the US's isolation on the world stage.
UN must act against deal breaking, lawlessness: Rouhani to Guterres Press TV 27 Sep 2018 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani slams the US's withdrawal from the 2015 multilateral nuclear deal, saying the United Nations should not allow any country to make a habit of breaching international commitments, especially those under Security Council resolutions.
Turkey Will Not Join US Sanctions Against Iran - Foreign Minister Sputnik 27 Sep 2018 -- Ankara will not uphold Washington's sanctions against Tehran and will continue its trade with the Middle Eastern country, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told Sputnik.
Trump: New Sanctions Will Force Iran Back to Nuclear Talks VOA 27 Sep 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump said "Iran has to come back and they have to talk" if it wants to avoid a new round of economic sanctions.

Chinese FM refutes U.S. allegations, stresses adherence to non-interference policy People's Daily 27 Sep 2018 -- China has always adhered to the principle of non-interference, and expects other countries to do the same, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Wednesday in response to U.S. allegations of China "attempting to interfere in" the 2018 midterm elections.
China demands US 'dispel obstacles' to military relations, stop slander Press TV 27 Sep 2018 -- China has urged the United States to "dispel obstacles" in the way of improving military relations and to stop slandering the country amid souring tensions in bilateral ties over a range of issues, including trade tariffs and US President Donald Trump's claims of Beijing's interference in the upcoming US mid-term elections.
Chinese Media: Trump Election Allegations 'Crazy Talk,' 'Creative Strategy' VOA 27 Sep 2018 -- China has rejected accusations from President Donald Trump that Beijing is meddling in the upcoming U.S. elections, with some Chinese media calling the suggestion "crazy talk" and others noting the remarks were just "campaign strategy."

Launch Event of the GCTF Terrorist Travel Initiative US Dept. of State 27 Sep 2018 -- The United States and Morocco, under the auspices of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF), today launched the GCTF Terrorist Travel Initiative in New York on the margins of the UN General Assembly.
US Launches Program to Detect Terrorists Traveling Between Countries Sputnik 27 Sep 2018 -- The United States has launched a global program to catch terrorists who are transiting between countries by coordinating exchanges of data such as biometric markers, the Department of State said.

Two arrested in Denmark on suspicion of attempting to ship drones to Daesh Press TV 27 Sep 2018 -- Danish police say two people have been detained in the capital, Copenhagen, on suspicion of purchasing drones bound for the Daesh terror group mainly active in the Middle East.

Dutch Police Arrest Seven Men Suspected Of Plotting Major Attack RFE/RL 27 Sep 2018 -- Dutch authorities say seven men were arrested on September 27 in the Netherlands on suspicion of plotting a large-scale extremist attack.

Norway Launches 1st Domestically Produced Rocket Into Space – Reports Sputnik 27 Sep 2018 -- Norway successfully launched its first rocket that was fully developed and produced in the country into space on Thursday, the NRK broadcaster reported.

Four more allies speak at U.N. for Taiwan's participation CNA 27 Sep 2018 -- Four of Taiwan's diplomatic allies spoke in favor of Taiwan taking part in United Nations activities during the international body's weeklong general debate Wednesday, bringing the total number of allies who have spoken for Taiwan to six, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

Turkey's Erdogan Visits Berlin to Reset Relations VOA 27 Sep 2018 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan began a three-day state visit to Germany on Thursday, the latest step in rapprochement efforts after more than a year of acrimony that pushed bilateral ties to the breaking point.

Venezuela's Maduro rejects US interventionism in UN speech Press TV 27 Sep 2018 -- Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro has rejected US interventionism in the Latin American country, saying Washington opposes Venezuelan independence and determined to stop it at all costs.

U.S. Rejects 'Appalling' Bosnian Election-Meddling Claims RFE/RL 27 Sep 2018 -- The U.S. Embassy in Bosnia-Herzegovina has rejected "appalling accusations" that Washington has sought to interfere in the country's elections next month, and blasted "irresponsible actors" who are dragging the United States into "conspiracy theories, unfounded accusations, and lies."

Somalia to Get First Direct World Bank Grants in Decades VOA 27 Sep 2018 -- Somalia's finance minister says World Bank grants to the government are a sign the country has "trustable leadership" again after decades of chaos and corruption.

Angolan President, One Year In, Praised for Anti-Corruption Push VOA 27 Sep 2018 -- Even the toughest critics of Angola's government say that in just more than a year, President Joao Lourenco has accomplished more to stop corruption than any previous Angolan administration.

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