22 April 2019 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
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Current Operations

Pompeo Tells Afghan President Qatar Talks With Taliban Best Chance For Peace RFE/RL 22 Apr 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to express disappointment over the postponement of talks with the Taliban and to condemn the insurgent group's recent announcement of a "spring offensive."
US, Taliban See 'No Reason' to Slow Down Afghan Peace Talks VOA 22 Apr 2019 -- The U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, has set off on another regional trip that will also take him to Qatar for a new round of negotiations with the Taliban, aimed at finding a political end to the Afghan war.

Defense Policy / Programs

U.S. Coast Guard releases new Arctic Strategic Outlook USCG 22 Apr 2019 -- The U.S. Coast Guard, today released its newest strategy to address its expanding role in the Polar Regions.
7th Fleet Flagship USS Blue Ridge Arrives in Hong Kong NNS 22 Apr 2019 -- 7th Fleet Flagship, USS Blue Ridge arrived in Hong Kong April 20 for its first visit to the port in more than three years.
Preble Completes Cooperative Deployment with HMAS Melbourne NNS 22 Apr 2019 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88) completed a cooperative deployment with the Royal Australian Navy Adelaide-class guided-missile frigate HMAS Melbourne (FFG 05) in the Philippine Sea April 19.
Navy's Newest Littoral Combat Ship USS Charleston Arrives in San Diego NNS 22 Apr 2019 -- The newest littoral combat ship, the Independence-variant USS Charleston (LCS 18), arrived at its San Diego homeport April 19 after completing its maiden voyage from the Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, Alabama.
IKE Completes Flight Deck Certification NNS 22 Apr 2019 -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) returned to its Norfolk homeport April 19 after successfully completing its flight deck certifications while underway in the Atlantic Ocean.
John C. Stennis, Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Groups Operate in the Mediterranean NNS 22 Apr 2019 -- The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (CSG) joined the Abraham Lincoln CSG in the Mediterranean, providing a unique opportunity for two strike groups to work together alongside key allies and partners in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.
US Navy Halts Drills With Sri Lanka Amid Sunday's Deadly Blasts - Reports Sputnik 22 Apr 2019 -- The death toll in Sri Lankan blasts that ripped through the nation on Sunday has risen to 290 people, including foreigners. Some 24 suspects have been detained by the police in relation to the attacks.

Han Kuang drill kicks off with computer-aided war games (update) CNA 22 Apr 2019 -- The computer-aided war games section of this year's Han Kuang military exercises, Taiwan's biggest annual military drill, kicked off Monday with a simulated invasion by Chinese forces.
Peace can only be guaranteed through defense: president CNA 22 Apr 2019 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) reiterated Monday that it is only defense capacity that can guarantee peace, which is the main goal of Taiwan's armed forces.

Joint navy celebrations kick off Global Times 22 Apr 2019 -- Multinational naval activities to celebrate the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's 70th anniversary kicked off as Chinese and foreign navies held a two-hour joint military musical performance on Monday afternoon in Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province.
Chinese State Media Offers New Peek at Homegrown Carrier Type 001A Sputnik 22 Apr 2019 -- China's state broadcaster CCTV recently aired footage offering more insight into the inner workings of the country's first homegrown aircraft carrier, Type 001A.
China to mark 70th navy anniversary with multinational naval events People's Daily 22 Apr 2019 -- China will host a four-day celebration in the port city of Qingdao, Shandong Province, for the 70th founding anniversary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, including a grand naval parade on April 23.

Delegation of Ministry of People's Armed Forces of DPRK Leaves for Russia KCNA 22 Apr 2019 -- A delegation of the Ministry of the People's Armed Forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea led by Army General No Kwang Chol, minister of the People's Armed Forces, left here on Monday to take part in the 8th Moscow seminar on international security. -0-

India to Flight Test First Subsonic Engines For Military Drones Sputnik 22 Apr 2019 -- They will be used as propulsion units for drones and have been bench-tested for maximum power and extremely cold weather conditions for 90 minutes of continuous operation. These engines are 95% indigenous.

Who is new IRGC commander General Salami? Press TV 22 Apr 2019 -- Hossein Salami, appointed as the new commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), was one of the key military commanders during the Iraqi war on Iran in the 1980s.
Iran may close Hormuz Strait if not able to use it: IRGC navy commander Press TV 22 Apr 2019 -- The top commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC)'s Navy says the Strait of Hormuz is an international maritime passage, warning that Iran may close the strategic waterway if prevented from using it.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard Navy Threatens to Close Hormuz Strait - Reports Sputnik 22 Apr 2019 -- The Strait of Hormuz is a key strategic waterway situated between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, with about 20 percent of the world's oil and about a third of all petroleum shipped by sea passing through it.
Iranian Navy Chief Mulls Closer Military Cooperation With China Sputnik 22 Apr 2019 -- The two countries signed an agreement boosting bilateral cooperation back in November 2016, specifically in the military sphere, as part of a wider effort to develop closer ties between the two nations.

Pakistan, Iran to Set Up Joint Security Force VOA 22 Apr 2019 -- Leaders of Pakistan and Iran agreed Monday to expand border security cooperation to fight terrorist groups waging deadly attacks in both countries, and vowed to continue joint efforts to help bring peace to their conflict-ravaged neighbor Afghanistan.
Iran, Pakistan to form joint anti-terror force: Rouhani Press TV 22 Apr 2019 -- Iran and Pakistan have agreed to form a joint force to eliminate terrorist groups as Prime Minister Imran Khan began his first visit to Tehran with a pledge not to join any coalition against the Islamic Republic.
Iran, Pakistan to form joint rapid reaction force: President Rouhani ISNA 22 Apr 2019 -- Speaking in a joint press conference with the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani stressed that a new step has been taken for deepening relations between the two countries.
Iran, Pakistan stress implementation of JCPOA IRNA 22 Apr 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and the Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in a joint statement on Monday underlined full implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Iran, Pakistan Agree To Set Up Joint Border 'Reaction Force' RFE/RL 22 Apr 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rohani and visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan have agreed to set up a joint border "reaction force" to counter terrorism, Iranian state media reported.
Iranian President Declares Joint Border Force With Pakistan Sputnik 22 Apr 2019 -- Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan arrived in Iran on 21 April on a state visit to discuss security and regional issues, according to Iranian state TV.

Pakistan to sign $ 9 billion arms deal with Russia IRNA 22 Apr 2019 -- Pakistan has decided to a sign $9 billion deal with Russia to purchase military hardware, local media reported on Monday.

Remarks to the Press US Dept. of State 22 Apr 2019 -- Remarks by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State

Defense Industry

Contracts for April 22, 2019

Other Conflicts

22 April 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 22 Apr 2019

Houthis warn Saudi Arabia, UAE: Strategic spots within reach Press TV 22 Apr 2019 -- Yemen's popular Houthi Ansarullah movement, which defends the country against a Saudi-led invasion, says it can hit "strategic targets" in the kingdom and its closest regional ally, unless the invaders observe a UN-brokered ceasefire.
Yemeni forces, allies shoot down three Saudi-led reconnaissance drones Press TV 22 Apr 2019 -- Yemeni army forces, supported by allied fighters from Popular Committees, have intercepted and targeted three unmanned aerial vehicles belonging to the Saudi-led military coalition, as they were flying in the skies over the country's western coastal province of Hudaydah and the kingdom's southwestern border region of Najran.

Fatah says Saudi, Egypt, UAE pressuring Palestine to accept Trump's deal Press TV 22 Apr 2019 -- Some Arab states are exerting "immense pressure" on Palestinians to accept US President Donald Trump's controversial Middle East plan, dubbed "the deal of the century," a senior Fatah official says.

Libya's unity government accuses France of backing 'criminal' Haftar Press TV 22 Apr 2019 -- Libya's internationally-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) has accused France of backing renegade General Khalifa Haftar as his forces press ahead with an offensive on the capital Tripoli.
Over 32,000 People Flee Tripoli as Libya Conflict Rages - UN Refugees Agency Sputnik 22 Apr 2019 -- More than 32,000 people have left Tripoli and areas surrounding the city since the recent escalation of fighting in Libya, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said in a statement.

Observers Warn the Future Prospects of Two Dalai Lamas VOA 22 Apr 2019 -- Beijing has reacted strongly to recent remarks from Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, who in late March suggested that his successor may come from India.

News Reports

What Is Known About Group Blamed in Sri Lanka Attacks VOA 22 Apr 2019 -- Sri Lankan authorities Monday blamed a little-known Islamist group called National Thowfeek Jamaath (NTJ) for a series of coordinated attacks targeting churches and luxury hotels across the country that killed 290 and injured about 500 others.
Sri Lanka to Investigate Foreign Links of Group Blamed for Easter Bombings VOA 22 Apr 2019 -- Sri Lanka is imposing a state of emergency after blaming a little-known radical Islamist group for the series of devastating blasts that killed 290 people and injured hundreds of others on Easter Sunday.
Sri Lanka Shuts Down Social Media After Terror Attack VOA 22 Apr 2019 -- People in Sri Lanka are experiencing a second day without access to some of the most popular social media sites within the country, after the government shut down the services in the wake of a terror attack that killed nearly 300 people and injured hundreds on Easter Sunday.
290 Dead in Sri Lanka Easter Blasts VOA 22 Apr 2019 -- In the deadliest violence in Sri Lanka in a decade, multiple explosions ripped through churches and luxury hotels on Easter Sunday, leaving 290 dead. Five hundred people were wounded in the blasts.
Death toll from Sri Lanka's multiple blasts rises to 290: police People's Daily 22 Apr 2019 -- The death toll from the multiple explosions which shook Sri Lanka on Sunday has risen to 290, while over 500 have been injured, the police said Monday.
Sri Lankan police make two dozen arrests as death toll from blasts hits 290 Press TV 22 Apr 2019 -- Sri Lankan police have arrested two dozen people in connection with a string of bomb attacks on several churches and hotels that have claimed the lives of at least 290 people.
Sri Lanka Police Find 87 Bomb Detonators at Colombo's Main Bus Station Sputnik 22 Apr 2019 -- In the wake of Sunday's deadly bombings, a national emergency was declared, starting on Monday at midnight, the office of Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena announced.
Sri Lanka Accuses Thowheed Jamath Militant Group of Being Behind Deadly Blasts Sputnik 22 Apr 2019 -- According to police, the bomb attacks that hit Sri Lanka on Sunday claimed the lives of 290 people, wounding almost 500 others. The explosions targeted churches, where people were gathering for Easter Mass and popular hotels in Colombo.

As Ukraine Elects A Comedian, Russians Declare Its Election A Joke RFE/RL 22 Apr 2019 -- Ever since he clinched Ukraine's presidency at the outset of its war with Russia-backed militants, Petro Poroshenko has been relentlessly attacked and trolled by Russia's state-dominated media machine.
A Partial To-Do List For Ukraine's President-Elect RFE/RL 22 Apr 2019 -- Ukraine's presidential election -- and all the drama, mudslinging, and accusations between Petro Poroshenko and Volodymyr Zelenskiy that went with it -- is over.
Ukrainian Presidential Elections US Dept. of State 22 Apr 2019 -- "The United States congratulates President-elect Volodymyr Zelenskyy on his victory in the Ukrainian presidential elections."
Ukraine: A Fresh Start? VOA 22 Apr 2019 -- Sunday's landslide runoff election win in Ukraine by TV comic Volodymyr Zelenskiy over incumbent President Petro Poroshenko is being hailed by the entertainer's supporters as a fresh start for Europe's poorest country.
Zelensky wins Ukraine's presidential election People's Daily 22 Apr 2019 -- The national exit poll showed on Sunday that Ukrainian actor Volodymyr Zelensky won the country's presidential election by gaining 73.2 percent of the votes in the second round as of 6 p.m. local time (1500 GMT), the Ukrainian government-run Ukrinform news agency said.

Sudanese Protesters Vow to Remain on Streets Despite Military Warning VOA 22 Apr 2019 -- Protest leaders in Sudan say they will continue demonstrating in Khartoum, ignoring demands by the country's military rulers for protesters to remove themselves and their blockades from roads.
Sudan's Military Warns Protesters to Clear Barricades as Talks Break Down VOA 22 Apr 2019 -- Tensions are rising between Sudan's military and protesters who have held a weeks-long sit-in around army headquarters in Khartoum. The protesters have vowed to stay until the country returns to civilian rule.
Sudan's ruling junta warns protesters against blocking roads Press TV 22 Apr 2019 -- Sudan's ruling Transitional Military Council (TMC) has warned protesters against blocking the roads leading to the Defense Ministry's headquarters in Khartoum, where thousands of people have been holding sit-ins for days demanding civilian rule in the African country.
Saudi, UAE pledge $3 billion aid to Sudan's new junta amid protests Press TV 22 Apr 2019 -- Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have announced a joint package of aid worth $3 billion for Sudan, where military leaders seized power from President Omar al-Bashir last week.
'Protesters will no longer support Sudan military council' Press TV 22 Apr 2019 -- Sudanese protest leaders say they will no longer recognize the country's military council, and will escalate demonstrations to confront the junta rulers, as part of a widening campaign to push for the transfer of power to civilians.
Sudanese Opposition Suspends Dialogue With Military Council Sputnik 22 Apr 2019 -- The Sudanese Professionals Association, one of the key groups behind ongoing protests in the country, said on Sunday that it had suspended dialogue with Sudan's Transitional Military Council and would continue its action's in the capital.
'Protesters will no longer support Sudan military council' Press TV 22 Apr 2019 -- Sudanese protest leaders say they will no longer recognize the country's military council, and will escalate demonstrations to confront the junta rulers, as part of a widening campaign to push for the transfer of power to civilians.

Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook And Assistant Secretary for Energy Resources Francis R. Fannon US Dept. of State 22 Apr 2019 -- Special Briefing by Brian Hook, Senior Policy Advisor to the Secretary of State and Special Representative for Iran, and Francis R. Fannon, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Energy Resources
Decision on Imports of Iranian Oil US Dept. of State 22 Apr 2019 -- Press Statement
Advancing the U.S. Maximum Pressure Campaign On Iran US Dept. of State 22 Apr 2019 -- Fact Sheet
US Closing Off Spigots to Iranian Oil VOA 22 Apr 2019 -- The United States is ending its sanctions waivers for five countries importing Iranian oil, hoping to put new pressure on Tehran to curb its military aggression in the Mideast by cutting off its main source of national revenue.
President Donald J. Trump Is Working to Bring Iran's Oil Exports to Zero The White House 22 Apr 2019
US Iran sanctions amount to aggression against entire world: Nasrallah Press TV 22 Apr 2019 -- The secretary general of the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement has denounced US economic sanctions against Iran, describing the punitive measures as "an act of aggression" against all world nations.
Iran says US waivers for 'illegal' sanctions have no credit: Spokesman Press TV 22 Apr 2019 -- Iran says it considers no value and credit for US sanctions waivers, which allow importers to continue buying Iranian oil, but is in touch with European partners and neighbors to counter any adverse consequences of sanctions.
US ends sanctions waivers for Iran oil imports: White House Press TV 22 Apr 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has decided not to renew waivers that allow eight countries to buy Iranian oil without facing Washington's sanctions, the White House says.
China slams US plan to stop waivers for Iran oil imports Press TV 22 Apr 2019 -- China has slammed US plans to tell it and other countries to stop buying Iranian oil or face sanctions, saying Beijing's cooperation with Tehran is in accordance with law.
U.S. carves out exceptions for foreigners dealing with IRGC ISNA 22 Apr 2019 -- The United States has largely carved out exceptions so that foreign governments, firms and NGOs do not automatically face U.S. sanctions for dealing with Iran's Revolutionary Guards after the group's designation by Washington as a foreign terrorist group, according to three current and three former U.S. officials.
US to announce 'zero' tolerance for Iran oil imports Press TV 22 Apr 2019 -- The United States is to announce that all importers of Iranian oil will have to end their imports shortly or face US sanctions, a report says.
US backtracks on threat to penalize doing business with IRGC: Report Press TV 22 Apr 2019 -- The US has backtracked on its earlier threat to penalize anyone engaged in business with Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps after blacklisting the IRGC as a terrorist organization, sources have told Reuters.
White House Says U.S. Will End Waivers For Iran Oil imports RFE/RL 22 Apr 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has decided not to reissue waivers in May allowing importers to buy Iranian oil without facing U.S. sanctions, the White House said in a statement on April 21.
Iran Uses Oil Revenues to Finance Terrorism, US Secretary of State Confirms SPA 22 Apr 2019 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo confirmed here today that Iran is using oil revenues to support terrorism and that as much as 40 percent of the Iranian regime's income comes from oil exports.
India Studying Implications of End of US Waivers on Iranian Crude - Source Sputnik 22 Apr 2019 -- Earlier, in November, the Trump administration granted sanctions exemptions to China, India, Italy, Greece, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Turkey "to ensure a well-supplied oil market" for 180 days. Greece, Italy, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan have already heavily reduced their oil imports from Iran.
Turkey Rejects Unilateral US Decision on Oil Sanctions Against Iran Sputnik 22 Apr 2019 -- In Monday's statement, the White House announced that US President Donald Trump had decided not to reissue waivers to any country currently importing Iranian oil after they expire on May 2.
Saudi Arabia Pledges to Stabilise Market as US Ends Iran Oil Waivers - Minister Sputnik 22 Apr 2019 -- The development follows the Trump White House's announcement of the decision not to reissue waivers on Iranian oil once they expire in May in order to bring the Mideast country's oil exports to zero.

Saudi Arabia Arrests 13 People Suspected of Plotting Terrorist Attacks - Reports Sputnik 22 Apr 2019 -- The suspects were apprehended during a preemptive security operation, a spokesperson for the Saudi state security agency said, as cited by the Gulf News newspaper.

China may try to influence Taiwan public opinion in 2020: NSB CNA 22 Apr 2019 -- China may intensify its psychological and legal warfare to influence public opinion leading up to Taiwan's presidential election in 2020, according to a National Security Bureau (NSB) report.

Iraq says over $60 million in public funds embezzled in Mosul Press TV 22 Apr 2019 -- Iraq's anti-corruption body has accused officials in the northern province of Nineveh of embezzling more than $60 million in public funds, saying the crime was committed after the governor was sacked last month.

Rewards for Justice - Reward Offer for Information on Hizballah's Financial Networks US Dept. of State 22 Apr 2019 -- The U.S. Department of State's Rewards for Justice Program is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the disruption of the financial mechanisms of the global terrorist organization Lebanese Hizballah. This announcement marks the first time that the Department has offered a reward for information on Hizballah's global financial networks.
US Offers $10 Million Reward for Information on Hezbollah Finances VOA 22 Apr 2019 -- The United States is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information that disrupts the finances of Lebanon's Hezbollah militant organization.

Wisconsin Resident Waheba Dais Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS US Dept. of Justice 22 Apr 2019 -- A Wisconsin woman pleaded guilty today to attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization.

Davutoglu blames Erdogan party for Turkey elections loss Press TV 22 Apr 2019 -- Ahmet Davutoglu, a former prime minister and close ally of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has censured the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) for its poor performance in the March local elections.

Egyptians vote on final day of 'unfree' referendum to extend Sisi's rule Press TV 22 Apr 2019 -- Egyptians have taken to the polls for a third and final day of voting on constitutional changes that would extend President Abdul Fattah el-Sisi's rule until 2030.

North Macedonia to Hold Presidential Runoff on May 5 Sputnik 22 Apr 2019 -- North Macedonia will hold the second round of its presidential election on May 5, since none of the three candidates have secured a majority needed to win the race, the chairman of the State Election Commission, Oliver Derkoski, said on Monday.

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