26 April 2019 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
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Current Operations

U.S., Russia, China Call For 'Inclusive Afghan-Led' Peace Process RFE/RL 26 Apr 2019 -- The United States, Russia, and China have agreed on the goal of withdrawing foreign forces from Afghanistan and to seek an "inclusive Afghan-led" peace process, the three countries declared in a joint statement.
Joint Statement on Trilateral Meeting on Afghan Peace Process US Dept. of State 26 Apr 2019 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Russia, and China on the occasion of the Trilateral Meeting on the Afghan Peace Process. e
President Ghani urges new MPs to participate in peace process with Taliban Press TV 26 Apr 2019 -- Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani has called on newly-elected lawmakers to take part in the peace process with the Taliban militant group aimed at finding a way to solve the country's 17-year conflict.
Ex-Afghan President Hamid Karzai: US Must Fight Terrorism Honestly (EXCLUSIVE) Sputnik 26 Apr 2019 -- On the sidelines of the 8th Moscow Conference on International Security, Sputnik spoke to Hamid Karzai, the ex-president of Afghanistan, to find out how to fight terrorism at the international level, why the Doha peace talks with the Taliban have been cancelled, as well as to learn about Moscow's role in the inter-Afghan dialogue.
Ghani Inaugurates New Afghan Parliament VOA 26 Apr 2019 -- Afghan President Ashraf Ghani inaugurated the term of the nation's new parliament, the Wolesi Jirga, Friday even as Kabul awaits results from an election held last October.

Defense Policy / Programs

Trump Vows to Trash UN Arms Trade Treaty VOA 26 Apr 2019 -- In front of thousands of people in an Indianapolis sports stadium, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a document rejecting the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty, calling it another threat to American sovereignty.
Trump heeds NRA, decides to pull US out of UN's Arms Trade Treaty Press TV 26 Apr 2019 -- President Donald Trump has said he would pull the United States out of the United Nations' Arms Trade Treaty which sets global standards for regulating transfers of conventional arms.
Trump Says U.S. Withdrawing From Treaty Regulating Conventional Weapons RFE/RL 26 Apr 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump said he would withdraw U.S. backing for a treaty that sought to regulate the global trade in small arms and other conventional weaponry.
US Will Be Withdrawing Signature From International Arms Trade Treaty - Trump Sputnik 26 Apr 2019 -- The multilateral treaty charged with regulating the trade of conventional arms entered into force in late 2014, but has not been ratified by several influential states, including the US, Russia, India, China, and Iran.

Abraham Lincoln and John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Groups Demonstrate Long Range Strike Capabilities in Romania NNS 26 Apr 2019 -- The Abraham Lincoln (ABE) and John C. Stennis (JCS) carrier strike groups (CSG), together with U.S. Air Force 603rd Air Operations Centers, demonstrated pre-planned, long range targeted strike capabilities in coordination with the Romanian Air Force in Romania, April 25.
PJs sharpen skills during exercise Razor's Edge US Air Force 26 Apr 2019 -- The 48th Rescue Squadron from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base participated in an exercise from April 8-18.
Navy: US Deploys Warships to Japanese Base to Support Marine Version of F-35 Jet Sputnik 26 Apr 2019 -- The United States is sending two warships to the 7th Fleet, both capable of transporting Marines throughout the Indo-Pacific while providing takeoff and landing platforms for the F-35B fighter jet, the US Navy announced in a press release on Friday.

Russia Insists on Total Ban of Nuclear Drills in Non-Nuclear States Sputnik 26 Apr 2019 -- Russia insists on introducing a complete ban on military exercises related to the use of nuclear weapons in non-nuclear states, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Friday.

One Venezuelan General Killed in Helicopter Crash, Another Injured - Sources Sputnik 26 Apr 2019 -- At least two generals were on board the helicopter that crashed in western Venezuela on Thursday, one of them was killed and another one injured, local police sources told Sputnik.

People's Liberation Army-Navy Declares Chinese Carrier Liaoning a 'Combat Ship' Sputnik 26 Apr 2019 -- Following a six-month retrofit, China's sole active aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, has been declared a "combat ship" by the People's Liberation Army-Navy.

IAF Report Calls for Boosting Jets' 'Tech Assymetry' After Dogfight With Pak Sputnik 26 Apr 2019 -- This comes amid ongoing bilateral tensions over alleged terrorist camps on Pakistani territory, which New Delhi claims house militants responsible for February's deadly terror attack against a military convoy in Pulwama, India.

S-400 Purchase Done Deal, But Turkey Still Talking to US About Patriots - Ankara Sputnik 26 Apr 2019 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu earlier warned that Turkey would buy more S-400s if the US refused to sell its Patriot PAC-3 air defence systems to Ankara.

One Team, One Mission: Introducing Our Ethos US Dept. of State 26 Apr 2019 -- Remarks by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State
Remarks by President Trump Before Marine One Departure The White House 26 Apr 2019

Defense Industry

Contracts for April 26, 2019

Other Conflicts

26 April 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 26 Apr 2019

Yemen Detains More Than 2,000 African Migrants VOA 26 Apr 2019 -- Authorities in Yemen have rounded up and detained more than 2,000 migrants, predominantly Ethiopians, according to the U.N. migration agency.
Yemen's Houthis begin radical reforms plan Press TV 26 Apr 2019 -- The Houthi Ansarullah movement's new "National Vision" lays out Sana'a's road map towards building a "modern, stable and democratic state," which seeks peace and equal cooperation with the international community.

Kids of IS Fighters, Syrian Mothers Face Uncertainty VOA 26 Apr 2019 -- With the Islamic State's physical caliphate destroyed, the next challenge for many countries is what to do with hundreds of children of IS militants stranded in Kurdish-held refugee camps of northeastern Syria. Those born to IS foreign fighters and Syrian mothers face the most uncertain future of all, according to local rights activists and experts.
Iran, Russia, Turkey 'determined' to fight terror in Syria Press TV 26 Apr 2019 -- Iran, Russia, and Turkey - the three guarantor states of a ceasefire regime in Syria - are "clearly determined" to continue their fight against terrorism in the Arab country, says the Russian negotiator.
Militants Violate Ceasefire in 2 Syrian Provinces Over 24 Hours – Russian MoD Sputnik 26 Apr 2019 -- The Russian Centre for Reconciliation in Syria said Friday that over the past 24 hours, it registered ceasefire breaches in two provinces within Syria's Idlib de-escalation zone.

Putin says sees no problem in granting passport to east Ukraine citizens Press TV 26 Apr 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says he sees no problem in easing rules to grant citizenship to residents of Ukraine's volatile eastern region, amid criticism form the West.
OSCE, Western Powers At UN Assail Moscow's Plan To Ease Russian Citizenship For Ukrainians RFE/RL 26 Apr 2019 -- The OSCE and Western powers at the United Nations have criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to ease the process of granting Russian citizenship to Ukrainians in territory of eastern Ukraine held by Russia-backed separatists.

Future of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh 'hangs in the balance' – UNHCR chief UN News 26 Apr 2019 -- The critical needs of 1.2 million mostly Rohingya refugees in south-eastern Bangladesh were top of the agenda for a fact-finding mission to the region by three senior United Nations officials, who called for continuing support on Friday for them from the international community.

Assault on Tripoli 'Flagging,' Say Government Supporters VOA 26 Apr 2019 -- The assault on Tripoli launched April 4 by Libya's would-be strongman Khalifa Haftar, a Gadhafi-era general, and his self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) appeared Friday to be flagging, with his forces withdrawing from some of the capital's southern suburbs amid heavy clashes.

News Reports

Sri Lankans on Edge as Security Forces Track Down Suspects in Easter Attacks VOA 26 Apr 2019 -- With thousands of guards deployed across the country to provide security for places of worship, Muslims in Sri Lanka answered the call to prayer Friday, less than a week after the deadly Easter Sunday suicide bombings in churches and hotels in the island nation's capital blamed on Muslim extremists.
Key Islamic Leader Suspected in Sri Lanka Blasts Died in Bombings VOA 26 Apr 2019 -- A radical Islamic leader suspected of playing a key role in the suicide bombings of churches and hotels in Sri Lanka died in the attacks, according to President Maithripala Sirisena.

The United States Sanctions Maduro-Aligned Individuals US Dept. of State 26 Apr 2019 -- Today, the United States sanctioned two officials aligned with the former Maduro regime pursuant to Executive Order 13962, which allows for the designation of any person determined to be a current or former official of the Government of Venezuela.
Treasury Sanctions Venezuelan Minister of Foreign Affairs US Treasury 26 Apr 2019 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated, pursuant to E.O. 13692, as amended, Jorge Alberto Arreaza Montserrat, the Venezuelan Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Carol Bealexis Padilla de Arretureta, both of whom were determined to be current or former officials of the Government of Venezuela.
US Treasury imposes sanctions on Venezuelan foreign minister Press TV 26 Apr 2019 -- The US Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza, the latest in a list of officials blacklisted by Washington as part of attempts to ramp up pressure on President Nicolas Maduro and his legitimate government.
Moscow Says Outraged by US Sanctions Against Venezuelan Foreign Minister Sputnik 26 Apr 2019 -- Moscow is outraged by Washington's sanctions against Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement Friday.

Sudan Protesters Rally Against Arab Interference VOA 26 Apr 2019 -- For the past two weeks, protesters in Sudan have demanded the military hand over power to civilians, and talks appear to be making some progress. Meanwhile, demonstrators are directing their anger at a new target - Arab governments, for what they say is interference in Sudan's internal affairs.

The Week In Russia: Passport Politics In The Donbas, A Power Play In Vladivostok RFE/RL 26 Apr 2019 -- While withholding congratulations on an electoral landslide that sent powerful signals to the Kremlin, President Vladimir Putin greets his soon-to-be Ukrainian counterpart with a provocative decree that could put Russian passports in the hands of hundreds of thousands of people in the Donbas. In Asia, meanwhile, Putin seeks to raise Russia's profile by hosting North Korea's Kim Jong Un.
Moscow Officials Meeting In Minsk With Oil Firms To Discuss Druzhba Pipeline Cuts RFE/RL 26 Apr 2019 -- Officials from Russia's Energy Ministry are meeting in Minsk on April 26 with oil transport firms from Russia, Belarus, Poland, and Ukraine to discuss the contamination of Russian oil shipments through the Soviet-era Druzhba pipeline that has caused deliveries to be cut.

Russian National Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Conspiring to Act As an Agent of the Russian Federation within the United States US Dept. of Justice 26 Apr 2019 -- Mariia Butina, a Russian national, was sentenced today to 18 months in prison after earlier pleading guilty to a federal charge of conspiracy to act as an agent of a foreign government.
U.S. Judge Sentences Russian National Maria Butina To 18 Months In Prison RFE/RL 26 Apr 2019 -- Maria Butina, who pleaded guilty to not registering as an agent for the Russian government, was sentenced to 18 months in U.S. prison, in a case that prosecutors said highlighted Russian efforts to infiltrate American political circles.
US Court Sentences Russian National Butina to 18 Months in Prison Sputnik 26 Apr 2019 -- Maria Butina, a 30-year-old Russian national and gun rights activist, was arrested by the FBI last July and charged with conspiring to act as a "foreign agent".
US Court Sentences Russian Operative Butina to 18 Months VOA 26 Apr 2019 -- Maria Butina, the Russian gun rights enthusiast accused of seeking to infiltrate conservative political circles in the United States, was sentenced Friday to 18 months in prison.

Putin To Brief China On Kim Talks, Says Willing To Share Details With U.S. As Well RFE/RL 26 Apr 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin is in Beijing to brief Chinese leaders on his just-concluded summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and said he is also willing to share details of the talks with the United States.
Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un Meets President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin KCNA 26 Apr 2019 -- Kim Jong Un, chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, met with Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, president of the Russian Federation, on April 25.
Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un Hold Talks with President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin KCNA 26 Apr 2019 -- Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un had talks with Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, president of the Russian Federation, on April 25.
DPRK's Kim sets off for home after meeting Putin People's Daily 26 Apr 2019 -- Top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un wrapped up his first three-day trip to Russia and left here for home on Friday.
Putin, Kim hold "fruitful" talks on Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, bilateral cooperation People's Daily 26 Apr 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un on Thursday said that they had substantial discussions on bilateral ties and the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue during their first-ever meeting.
North Korea's Kim slams US for 'bad faith' in Hanoi talks Press TV 26 Apr 2019 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un says the US acted in "bad faith" in Vietnam when President Donald Trump and his team held talks with him in Hanoi.
Kim: US Acted in 'Bad Faith' in Hanoi Sputnik 26 Apr 2019 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un told Russian President Vladimir Putin Friday that the US "took a unilateral attitude in bad faith" during the February 27 to 28 summit between the two countries in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Iranian, Russian DMs discuss further cooperation in anti-terror fight Press TV 26 Apr 2019 -- Iranian and Russian defense ministers have held talks on enhancement of mutual cooperation between the two countries' armed forces in a bid to strengthen regional and global stability and security and in the fight against terrorism.
Saudi Arabia, UAE overstating oil production capacity amid Washington's anti-Iran sanctions: Zangeneh Press TV 26 Apr 2019 -- Iranian Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zangeneh has accused Saudi Arabia and the UAE of exaggerating their ability to replace the country's oil in the wake of a renewed push by Washington to zero Tehran's exports by implementing "brutal" economic sanctions.
Iran Will Not Let Other Nations Take Its Place in Oil Market – Foreign Ministry Sputnik 26 Apr 2019 -- An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman blasted the United States for not extending waivers it had given to some countries to get around its sanctions regime against Iran ‒ and Arabic oil exporters who welcomed the decision. The Foreign Ministry said the US and these countries will be "held responsible for any consequences."

At China's Belt and Road Forum, Guterres calls for 'inclusive, sustainable and durable' development UN News 26 Apr 2019 -- China's international trade and economic development plan – known as the Belt and Road Initiative – could contribute to a more equitable, prosperous world, and to reversing the negative impact of climate change, Secretary-General António Guterres said on Friday, speaking in Beijing, China.
Xi Signals Change in Belt and Road Initiative Amid Criticism VOA 26 Apr 2019 -- China has signaled it is modifying its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to deal with criticism about a lack of transparency, environmental risks, and debt in financing infrastructure projects.
Xi vows open, inclusive and transparent BRI Global Times 26 Apr 2019 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday pledged transparency and zero-tolerance of corruption for the implementation of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a commitment hailed by the international society as further boosting confidence in cooperation.
Initiative key to China's diplomatic strategy Global Times 26 Apr 2019 -- The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is injecting great impetus to China's transition of the overall diplomatic strategy and helping expand its friendship network as the initiative has not only brought common prosperity but also enhanced policy coordination and closer people-to-people ties.
World leaders laud BRI's substantial progress, envision promising future Global Times 26 Apr 2019 -- A constellation of leaders of countries and international organizations said here Friday that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has made substantial progress and contributed to expanding connectivity and raising living standards across the world.
Xi delivers keynote speech at opening of second Belt and Road Forum Global Times 26 Apr 2019 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said Friday that joint building of the Belt and Road has opened up new space for the world's economic growth.
High-level naval symposium concludes in Qingdao Global Times 26 Apr 2019 -- A high-level symposium has concluded in east China's port city of Qingdao, as part of the multinational naval events marking the 70th founding anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy.
Chinese, Russian presidents hold talks Global Times 26 Apr 2019 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping Friday held talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing.
World leaders welcome second Belt and Road forum in Beijing People's Daily 26 Apr 2019 -- With the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) taking place here, leaders around the globe are speaking highly of the initiative and voicing their expectations for the gathering.
Xi stresses high-quality development of Belt and Road People's Daily 26 Apr 2019 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday called on participants of the Belt and Road Initiative to continuously advance the initiative along the path of high-quality development.
Highlights of Xi's speech at the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation People's Daily 26 Apr 2019 -- On April 26, Chinese President Xi Jinping gave a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing.
China releases report on BRI progress People's Daily 26 Apr 2019 -- China published a report elaborating on the progress, contributions and prospects of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on April 22.
US isolated as world leaders open Silk Road summit in China Press TV 26 Apr 2019 -- Nearly 40 world leaders and scores of finance officials are gathered in Beijing to build a new platform for international trade and counter US unilateralism and protectionist policies.
Xi Seeks To Reassure Critics Over $1 Trillion Belt And Road Project RFE/RL 26 Apr 2019 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping says his plan to recreate the old Silk Road is designed to increase and enhance international trade cooperation, as he bid to reassure critics of the $1 trillion infrastructure project.

Blocked from WHO, Taiwan Gets Global Medical Info from Friends VOA 26 Apr 2019 -- Taiwan's anticipated rejection from observing a third consecutive World Health Assembly will slow its access to world health information including disease outbreaks. But the government used to those rejections has found a series of backdoors to get the health alerts and other updates that it needs.

India's Modi faces increasing pressure over compliance with US sanctions against Iran amid elections run Press TV 26 Apr 2019 -- India's opposition parties have slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for complying with US sanctions against Iranian oil exports, denouncing it as an "attack" on the country's sovereignty as India's weeks-long general elections continue.

Kazakhstan's Only Registered Opposition Party Boycotts Snap Presidential Election RFE/RL 26 Apr 2019 -- Kazakhstan's Nationwide Social Democratic Party (ZhSDP), the only registered party in the country that positions itself as opposition to the government, has decided to boycott an early presidential election scheduled for June 9.

Russia says al-Qaeda, Daesh, similar groups emerging in Latin America Press TV 26 Apr 2019 -- Russia's military intelligence chief says such terrorist groups as al-Qaeda and Daesh are establishing a foothold in Latin America to recruit members for their activities in the Middle East and North Africa, where they have been mainly based.

Turkey arrests 115 military personnel over ties to Gulen Press TV 26 Apr 2019 -- Turkish police have arrested 115 soldiers over their suspected links to the movement of US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom Ankara blames for an attempted coup in 2016.
Divisions Deepen in Erdogan's Party Over Istanbul Loss VOA 26 Apr 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's party is continuing to suffer from the financial and political fallout of this month's loss of influence in Istanbul during local elections. A once-close ally and former prime minister has launched a scathing attack on the ruling AKP amid growing currency woes.

Lawyer For Ukrainian Oligarch Claims He Planted Seed Of Zelenskiy Presidency RFE/RL 26 Apr 2019 -- Ukrainian President-elect Volodymyr Zelenskiy has worked hard to publicly distance himself from one of the country's wealthiest and most controversial oligarchs, Ihor Kolomoyskiy, and show a public eager for change that he is the antiestablishment insurgent chosen by 73 percent of voters in last weekend's election.
US, Russia Wait to See Which Direction Ukrainian President Will Go VOA 26 Apr 2019 -- Following Ukrainian President-elect Volodymyr Zelenskiy's landslide victory this week, top U.S. and European Union officials were quick to offer kudos and vows of continued diplomatic support.

Algerians keep calling for ouster of officials linked to Bouteflika Press TV 26 Apr 2019 -- Algerians have rallied in the capital, Algiers, to demand the ouster of deposed president Abdelaziz Bouteflika's regime hangovers.

New Mozambique storm rips off roofs, brings lashing rain as aid response kicks in UN News 26 Apr 2019 -- Tropical Cyclone Kenneth swept into northern Mozambique on Thursday evening bringing heavy rain and winds in excess of 225 kilometres per hour (140 miles per hour) after lashing the Comoros islands, where it claimed at least three lives, UN agencies said on Friday.

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