13 April 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Afghan Fighting Kills Dozens; Bomb Injures 4 Romanian Troops VOA 13 Apr 2019 -- A roadside bomb wounded four Romanian soldiers Saturday in southern Afghanistan as fierce fighting between pro-government forces and Taliban insurgents elsewhere in the country killed dozens of people, officials said.
Taliban announce spring offensive in Afghanistan amid peace talks with US Press TV 13 Apr 2019 -- The Taliban militant group has announced the beginning of its spring offensive in Afghanistan despite involvement in peace talks with the United States.
Taliban Fighters Attack Kunduz Outskirts, Violence in Kabul, Day After Spring Offensive Announced RFE/RL 13 Apr 2019 -- Taliban fighters attacked the outskirts of a northern Afghan city and bomb blasts were reported in the capital, Kabul, a day after the Ta
Afghan President Slams Taliban's Announcement of Spring Offensive Sputnik 13 Apr 2019 -- The Afghan Presidential Palace has lambasted the announcement by the Taliban of a new spring offensive, calling it "illegitimate". The authorities urged the movement to engage in peace talks.

Defense Policy / Programs

Camp Darby supports humanitarian response effort to Mozambique Army News 13 Apr 2019 -- Employees at Camp Darby were on hand to provide humanitarian assistance once again after disaster struck Mozambique.
US Amphibious Ship Tests New 'Carrier' Mode in Drills With Philippines – Report Sputnik 13 Apr 2019 -- The American military vessel was earlier spotted passing through the disputed waters of the South China Sea despite numerous demands from China, who has a significant military presence in the region, calling for the US to stop such "provocations".
Joint Base Charleston delivers humanitarian aid to the Caribbean US Air Force 13 Apr 2019 -- A C-17 Globemaster III joint aircrew from the 315th and 437th Airlift wing's from Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, delivered about 10,000 pounds of humanitarian aid April 6, to St. Kitts-Nevis.

Russian Frigate Admiral Gorshkov Enters South China Sea Sputnik 13 Apr 2019 -- Ships from the Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet and the Philippine Navy are holding naval drills in the South China Sea, Russian Pacific Fleet spokesman Nikolai Voskresensky has said in a statement.
Moscow: INF Collapse Casts Shadow Over New START Treaty Extension Sputnik 13 Apr 2019 -- Since February, when the US announced it was suspending the INF with a possible eventual withdrawal, Moscow has repeatedly been expressing concern over the future of the New Start Treaty with Washington, saying the latter could be dragging out time in order not to extend it.
Russian Navy Conducted Black Sea Training Amid NATO Naval Exercise in Same Area Sputnik 13 Apr 2019 -- Russian warships entered the Black Sea for carrying out warfare and training tasks during NATO's Sea Shield naval drills, the press service of the Russian Black Sea Fleet said in a statement on Saturday.e
Russian S-500 Air Defence System Almost Ready – Deputy Air Force Commander Sputnik 13 Apr 2019 -- The Russian Armed Forces will soon begin receiving a number of the newest air defence systems, a top Aerospace Forces officer said.

North Korea Vows to Continue Military Buildup to Repel Possible Invasion Sputnik 13 Apr 2019 -- North Korea will continue increasing its military capabilities in the face of persisting risks to its sovereignty, the nation's leader, Kim Jong-un, said in a statement published by state media.

Joint Statement: Ministerial of the U.S.-Caribbean Resilience Partnership US Dept. of State 13 Apr 2019 -- The text of the following joint statement was issued by the governments of the United States, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago following the Ministerial of the U.S.-Caribbean Resilience Partnership in Miami, FL on April 12, 2019.
Ministerial for the "U.S.-Caribbean Resilience Partnership" US Dept. of State 13 Apr 2019 -- On April 12, Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan led an interagency team of United States senior officials and experts to U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) headquarters in Miami, Florida, where he hosted ministers and disaster management officials from 18 Caribbean countries, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, and the Regional Security System to launch the new "U.S.-Caribbean Resilience Partnership."
Remarks With Paraguayan Foreign Minister Luis Castiglioni at a Press Availability US Dept. of State 13 Apr 2019 -- Remarks by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State

Pompeo Talks to VOA About Venezuela, Iran, Nicaragua VOA 13 Apr 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says of Venezuela's leadership that "the people have spoken" and they have forcefully rejected President Nicolas Maduro and his regime.

Defense Industry

Boeing Awarded $14 Billion US Defence Contract Amid 737 MAX Controversy Sputnik 13 Apr 2019 -- This is the second multi-billion US military contract that the company has received following the global grounding of its civilian 737 MAX model in wake of two deadly aviation accidents involving the airliners over the course of five months.

Other Conflicts

Convening of Parliament in Yemen US Dept. of State 13 Apr 2019 -- "The United States congratulates Yemeni parliamentarians who convened today for the first time since 2014."
Yemeni Parliament Meets for First Time Since Beginning of War - Reports Sputnik 13 Apr 2019 -- Yemen's parliament met on Saturday in Hadhramaut Governorate's city of Seiyun for the first time since the war erupted in the country in 2015, Al Arabiya reported.

Syria's air defenses intercept Israeli missiles fired at Hama military base Press TV 13 Apr 2019 -- Damascus says its air defenses have intercepted some of the Israeli missiles fired at a Syrian military base near the city of Hama, while the remaining missiles hitting the target have destroyed several buildings and injured three Syrian soldiers.
Suspected Israeli Air Strike Targets Syrian Military Site RFE/RL 13 Apr 2019 -- A suspected Israeli air strike on a military site in central Syria early on April 13 wounded six soldiers and destroyed several buildings, Syria's state news agency SANA reported.

Saudi Arabia funded Libya rebels push toward capital: Report Press TV 13 Apr 2019 -- Libyan rebel commander General Khalifa Haftar has been directly supported by Saudi Arabia in his new campaign to seize control of the capital Tripoli, a new report has shown.
Haftar uses jets to bomb Tripoli as troops bogged down Press TV 13 Apr 2019 -- Forces loyal to renegade field marshal Khalifa Haftar have deployed warplanes to hit Western-backed government positions in Tripoli, forcing more civilians to flee the Libyan capital.
Libyan Parliament Calls on World Community to Lift Ban on Arms Deliveries to LNA Sputnik 13 Apr 2019 -- The Libyan parliament, controlling the eastern part of the country, on 13 April demanded the world community to lift a ban on arms supply to the Libyan National Army (LNA), which is conducting an offensive on Tripoli, a representative of the parliament told Sputnik.

Interview: U.S. Ambassador Reaffirms Support For Ukraine's Integrity, Calls On Russia To Talk RFE/RL 13 Apr 2019 -- The U.S. ambassador to Russia said Washington was committed to defending Ukraine's territorial integrity, saying the issue of Moscow's annexation of Crimea and the conflict in eastern Ukraine was "a core part of our estrangement with Russia."

WHO demands protection of health workers, facilities amid Gaza protests Press TV 13 Apr 2019 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for the protection of Palestinian paramedics and medical facilities in the Gaza Strip in the wake of mass protests along the fence separating the besieged coastal enclave and the Israeli-occupied territories.
Pompeo Says Netanyahu's Vow to Annex West Bank Will Not Harm Mideast Peace Plan Sputnik 13 Apr 2019 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he does not believe Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's vows to annex the West Bank will hurt the US-led Mideast peace process.
Trump warns ICC against prosecuting Americans, Israelis for war crimes Press TV 13 Apr 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has warned the International Criminal Court (ICC) of "swift and vigorous response" if the Hague-based tribunal investigates Americans and Israelis for war crimes.

News Reports

Kingdom affirms its support for the brotherly Sudanese people's views on their future; declares support for steps announced by Transitional Military Council and standing by the Sudanese people; Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques orders package of humanitarian aid SPA 13 Apr 2019 -- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia followed the developments in the brotherly Republic of Sudan and the statement issued by the President of the Transitional Military Council and based on the historical ties between the two countries and the two brotherly peoples, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expresses its support for the brotherly Sudanese people's views on their future and the measures taken by the Transitional Military Council in the interest of the brotherly Sudanese people. The Kingdom declares its support for the steps announced by the Council in preserving the lives and property, and stands by the Sudanese people, and hopes that this will achieve security and stability for brotherly Sudan. It calls on the Sudanese people of all categories and directions to give priority to the national interest to achieve their aspirations and hopes for development and prosperity.
Sudan's New Military Council Leader Promises Civilian Rule Within 2 Years VOA 13 Apr 2019 -- The new leader of Sudan's transitional military council said Saturday he is committed to transferring power to a civilian government within two years and that a night curfew had been canceled.
Sudan's Ibn Auf steps down after deadly protests against military rule Press TV 13 Apr 2019 -- Sudanese Defense Minister General Awad Ibn Auf has resigned as the head of the country's ruling military council after tens of thousands of people took part in deadly rallies to demand a civilian-led transition of power.
Sudan's transitional leader vows to 'uproot' old regime, promises to form civilian govt. Press TV 13 Apr 2019 -- Sudan's new head of the transitional military council has affirmed that a civilian government would be established in the African country, stressing that all traces of ousted President Omar al-Bashir's government will be "uprooted."
Sudanese keep up pressure for civilian rule after coup leader resigns Press TV 13 Apr 2019 -- Sudanese people have remained in the streets in the capital Khartoum to push for a civilian rule after Defense Minister Awad Ibn Auf resigned as the head of the ruling military council.
Saudi Arabia Backs Sudanese Military Council, Vows Aid Package - Reports Sputnik 13 Apr 2019 -- Riyadh has expressed its support to the Sudanese transitional military council and the latter's measures to stabilize the revolution-torn country, according to the Saudi state-run news agency, cited by Reuters.
Sudan's Former Ruling Party Demands Freedom for Leaders Sputnik 13 Apr 2019 -- Sudan's former ruling National Congress Party demanded on Saturday that the military council, which took over after this week's coup, release toppled president Omar Bashir and other senior members.
Sudan's Military Council Cancels State of Emergency Sputnik 13 Apr 2019 -- The statement comes after earlier this week the armed forces dismissed the government and detained over 100 officials, including Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, who had been governing the country for almost 30 years.

Pompeo defends US sanctions against Venezuela, says Washington won't quit fight Press TV 13 Apr 2019 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has defended sanctions against Venezuela and said the United States would not "quit the fight" in the South American nation as it struggles with an economic and political crisis.
Brazil's Bolsonaro admits working with US to oust Maduro Press TV 13 Apr 2019 -- President Nicolas Maduro has compared Brazilian counterpart Jair Bolsonaro to Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler for working with the US on a military coup in Venezuela.
Pompeo Confirms Military Intervention in Venezuela Is Possible Option Sputnik 13 Apr 2019 -- The Latin American country has been mired in a political crisis since January 2019 when parliamentarian Juan Guaido proclaimed himself Venezuela's interim president. The US has been his vocal and financial supporter, trying to force elected president Nicolas Maduro to step down and criticising China and Russia for backing him.

Plan B: Moscow Can Counter Possible Banking Sanctions - Russian Finance Minister Sputnik 13 Apr 2019 -- Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said Moscow had a strategy for countering the possible sanctions against its state-owned banks and public debt.

US Charges Chinese Intruder Arrested at Mar-a-Lago With Lying, Illegal Entry Sputnik 13 Apr 2019 -- US authorities have formally charged Yujing Zhang – the Chinese woman arrested trying to enter Mar-a-Lago last month – with lying to a federal agent and entering restricted property without permission, according to published reports on Friday.

Kim Jong-un says 3rd summit with Trump possible on certain conditions Global Times 13 Apr 2019 -- Kim Jong-un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), said he is willing to meet the US president again on certain conditions, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Saturday.
Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un Makes Policy Speech at First Session of 14th SPA KCNA 13 Apr 2019 -- Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un made a policy speech "On Socialist Construction and the Internal and External Policies of the Government of the Republic at the Present Stage" at the First Session of the 14th Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on Friday.
First Session of 14th SPA of DPRK Finishes KCNA 13 Apr 2019 -- The First Session of the 14th Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea continued at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on Friday.
Congratulations to Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un from President Xi Jinping KCNA 13 Apr 2019 -- Kim Jong Un, chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, received a congratulatory message from Xi Jinping, president of the People's Republic of China, on Friday.
North's Kim says US must stop 'way of calculation', gives deadline Press TV 13 Apr 2019 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un says the United States has raised the risk of returning to past tensions after the collapse of his second summit with President Donald Trump, stressing that yet another meeting between the two leaders is only possible if Washington comes with the right attitude.
Kim Jong Un Calls on US to Stop Its 'Way of Calculation' - Report Sputnik 13 Apr 2019 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said the breakdown in talks with the United States has raised the risk of returning to past tensions, highlighting that he is interested in another meeting with US President Donald Trump only if the US stops "its current way of calculation", according to Reuters, which cited the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
Kim Re-Elected As State Affairs Commission Chair, N Korea Constitution Reviewed Sputnik 13 Apr 2019 -- The North Korean lawmakers have also named Choe Ryong Hae as the new nominal head of state, the Yonhap news agency and Reuters reported Friday, citing the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Commander calls US blacklisting of IRGC as foolish decision Press TV 13 Apr 2019 -- A senior commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has blasted the United States for blacklisting the elite Iranian military force as a foolish decision.

China has no right to represent Taiwan at Interpol: MOFA CNA 13 Apr 2019 -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) called Saturday for the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to invite Taiwan to participate in its general assembly this year, stressing that China has no right to represent Taiwan.

UK starts implementing controversial legislation on terror zone presence Press TV 13 Apr 2019 -- A controversial legislation enabling the UK government to jail people travelling to war-torn countries like Iraq and Syria have become effective as campaigners express deep concerns that the new laws could lead to the imprisonment of journalists and press freedom activists.

Russia Says Two Suspected IS Militants Killed In Raid RFE/RL 13 Apr 2019 -- Russia's Investigative Committee says two suspected members of the extremist Islamic State group have been "liquidated" in a security operation in central Russia.

Poroshenko Says He Will Head For Stadium Debate Tomorrow RFE/RL 13 Apr 2019 -- His challenger Volodymyr Zelenskiy may not be there, but Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has announced he will be at the Olimpiyskiy Stadium in Kyiv on April 14 for a presidential election debate.

Experts: DRC Ebola Outbreak Does Not Pose Global Threat VOA 13 Apr 2019 -- Experts meeting in emergency session at the World Health Organization agree the Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo does not constitute a public health emergency of international concern.

Beresheet 2: Israeli SpaceIL Announces New Mission to Land Spacecraft on Moon Sputnik 13 Apr 2019 -- Morris Kahn, a billionaire who founded Israeli firm SpaceIL, announced on Saturday a new mission to land the world's first privately-funded spacecraft on the Moon.

Thousands Rally In Belgrade In Latest Protest Targeting Vucic RFE/RL 13 Apr 2019 -- Thousands of Serbian protesters have jammed a central Belgrade square in what organizers hoped would be the biggest outpouring of opposition to President Aleksandar Vucic in months.

Politics Aside, Algeria Faces Huge Economic Challenge VOA 13 Apr 2019 -- The tens of thousands of protesters who have taken to the streets for an eighth straight week aren't the only crisis roiling Algeria. Helping to drive the unrest in Africa's largest nation–and posing a serious challenge to any future government– is the economy.

Indonesia's Jokowi Favored for Re-election VOA 13 Apr 2019 -- President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, facing Gen. Prabowo Subianto in a rematch, is widely expected to win a second term when Indonesians go to the polls Wednesday.

Cholera surges, children in urgent need one month after Cyclone Idai slammed southern Africa – UNICEF UN News 13 Apr 2019 -- One month after Cyclone Idai devastated parts of Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) appealed to the international community to help some 1.6 million children still reeling from its impact.

Impact of high debt levels on least developed countries 'cannot be overstated', says UN UN News 13 Apr 2019 -- The impact of high levels of debt on development efforts "cannot be overstated", the head of the United Nations Development Fund (UNDP) told a Ministerial Breakfast Meeting on least development countries (LDCs) on Saturday.

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