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Current Operations

• Taliban Reject US, Afghan Demands for Cease-Fire VOA 03 May 2019 -- An Afghan grand assembly, or loya jirga, ended Friday with the delegates in Kabul demanding peace with the Taliban, as President Ashraf Ghani promised to free 175 Taliban prisoners ahead of Ramadan, which begins in a few days.
• Afghan president expresses readiness to declare ceasefire with Taliban Press TV 03 May 2019 -- Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani says his government is ready to declare a ceasefire with the Taliban militant group as the grand peace assembly, known as Loya Jirga, demanded an immediate and permanent truce.
• Taliban: US should stop violence instead of asking militants to lay down arms Press TV 03 May 2019 -- The Taliban have called on the US to end the use of force in Afghanistan instead of putting pressure on the militant group to lay down its arms.
• Afghanistan's Loya Jirga Calls For Immediate Cease-Fire RFE/RL 03 May 2019 -- A Loya Jirga, or grand assembly, has wrapped up in Kabul, with leading Afghan politicians and tribal, ethnic, and religious leaders calling for an immediate cease-fire to help settle the nearly two-decade long conflict in the country.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Trump, Putin discuss possible new US-Russia nuclear accord: White House Press TV 03 May 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin for over an hour, discussing the possibility of a new nuclear accord, North Korean denuclearization, Ukraine and the political situation in Venezuela, according to the White House.
• Trump Says He Had 'Very Productive Talk' With Putin on Possible Nuclear Accord Sputnik 03 May 2019 -- Late last month, the US president indicated his intention to negotiate a major nuclear arms control deal with Russia and China, saying such a treaty should include 'all the weapons, all the warheads, all the missiles' in the countries' respective arsenals.
• Air Force releases proposal request for the Phase 2 Launch Service Procurement Contract US Air Force 03 May 2019 -- The Space and Missile Systems Center, in partnership with the National Reconnaissance Office, released a request for proposals May 3, for the purpose of competitively awarding firm fixed-price, indefinite-delivery requirements contracts to two domestic launch service providers. These "Launch Service Procurement" contracts are for National Security Space launch service procurements in fiscal year 2020 through 2024 for missions launching through 2027.
• Press Briefing by Under Secretary of Defense Lord and Defense Innovation Board Chairman Schmidt on Software Acquisition and Development Practices DoD 03 May 2019 -- Press Briefing by Under Secretary of Defense Lord and Defense Innovation Board Chairman Schmidt on Software Acquisition and Development Practices
• Media Availability by Acting Secretary Patrick M. Shanahan at the Pentagon DoD 03 May 2019 -- Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick M. Shanahan
• Innovation Board Report Looks to Foment Software Revolution DoD News 03 May 2019 -- Buying software is inherently different than buying hardware, but the DOD procurement system has not always recognized that.
• MSC To Welcome New Class of Tugboats To Fleet NNS 03 May 2019 -- A new class of towing and salvage vessels, will join the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command (MSC) in fiscal year 2021.
• USS Louisville Returns to Pearl Harbor NNS 03 May 2019 -- The Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Louisville (SSN 724) returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam from a deployment, May 2.
• Florida Air Defenders adopt new training to counter ballistic missiles Army News 03 May 2019 -- Today, the 164th Air Defense Artillery Brigade recognized the accomplishments of 12 Soldiers graduating from the 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command's Patriot Training Program during a ceremony at the Florida Army National Guard's Regional Training Institute at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center.
• Air Force Research Laboratory completes successful shoot down of air-launched missiles US Air Force 03 May 2019 -- The Air Force Research Laboratory Self-Protect High Energy Laser Demonstrator Advanced Technology Demonstration Program successfully completed a major program milestone with the successful surrogate laser weapon system shoot down of multiple air launched missiles in flight, April 23.
• Statement from the Press Secretary The White House 03 May 2019
• New Top NATO Military Officer Sworn In RFE/RL 03 May 2019 -- U.S. General Tod Wolters has been sworn in as the top military officer of the NATO military alliance.
• NATO Secretary General praises the Supreme Allied Commander Europe's long-standing contribution to Euro-Atlantic defence and security NATO 03 May 2019 -- "For seven decades, NATO has defended the way of life, and the values that underpin it: freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. This makes the job of SACEUR one of the most challenging – and most important – military positions in the world," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said today (3 May 2019), during the change of command ceremony for NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), in Mons (Belgium).
• Bahrain - Weapons to Support F-16 Block 70/F-16V Aircraft Fleet DSCA 03 May 2019 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Bahrain of various weapons to support its F-16 Block 70/F-16V aircraft fleet for an estimated cost of $750 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Bahrain - Patriot Missile System and Related Support and Equipment DSCA 03 May 2019 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Bahrain of various Patriot missile systems and related support and equipment for an estimated cost of $2.478 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• United Arab Emirates (UAE) - Patriot Missile System and Related Support Equipment DSCA 03 May 2019 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to United Arab Emirates of four hundred fifty-two (452) Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) Missiles Segment Enhanced (MSE) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $2.728 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Schriver Press Briefing on the 2019 Report on Military and Security Developments in China DoD 03 May 2019 -- Randall G. Schriver, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs
• Pentagon May Deploy Submarines in the Arctic to Deter Alleged Chinese Threat Sputnik 03 May 2019 -- Last year, China released its Arctic Policy, in which it vowed to actively participate in Arctic affairs as a "near-Arctic State" and a key stakeholder in the region.
• DOD Official Details Continuing Chinese Military Buildup DoD News 03 May 2019 -- China continues to build up its military to challenge and supplant the United States as the preeminent power in the Indo-Pacific region, the assistant defense secretary for Indo-Pacific security affairs said today.
• US alarmed as China flexes military muscle with bases Press TV 03 May 2019 -- The United States has expressed disquiet over Chinese increasing military activities, including the deployment of submarines to the Arctic Ocean as well as the construction of military bases around the world.
• China May Create Bases in Pakistan to Protect Silk Road, Pentagon Report Claims Sputnik 03 May 2019 -- The Belt and Road Initiative, which was announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, mainly focuses on the Maritime Silk Route, which connects China and Europe; the land-based Silk Road Economic Belt deals with Russia as well as countries in Central Asia and the Middle East.
• DoD Warns China to Develop Electromagnetic Railguns, Directed Energy Weapons Sputnik 03 May 2019 -- China has been developing a number of potentially disruptive technologies, including electromagnetic railguns and directed energy weapons, to grow its military capabilities, a new report by the US Department of Defence (DoD) revealed on Thursday.
• Pentagon Warns of Chinese Military Spying VOA 03 May 2019 -- China's two decades of military modernization has paid off big in missile development and domains like cyber and space, but the Pentagon says China is still relying on spying on others to steal the latest military technology.
• 'Mysterious' Chinese nuclear institute opened to visitors for the first time Global Times 03 May 2019 -- The mysterious 909 base, where China's first-generation nuclear-powered submarine was developed, was recently opened to visitors for the first time.
• China could use force against Taiwan in push for unification: Pentagon CNA 03 May 2019 -- China could use force to push Taiwan into unification or into unification dialogue, the United States Department of Defense said in its annual military report, which was issued Thursday.
• Expert praises Taiwan's plans to purchase F-16V jets CNA 03 May 2019 -- A Taiwanese military expert on Friday hailed the government's decision to purchase F-16V fighter jets from the United States for deployment in eastern Taiwan as a "correct strategic choice."
• Seoul Confirms North Korea Tests Short-Range Missile VOA 03 MAy 2019 -- North Korea has test-fired a short-range missile, South Korea said Saturday, in what appears to be Pyongyang’s latest small-scale provocation following the breakdown of nuclear talks.
• India Considers Purchasing Russian Ka-31 Helicopters in $500 Mln Deal - Reports Sputnik 03 May 2019 -- India recently also started formal negotiations with Russia to purchase 21 MiG-29 fighter jets, worth over $800 million, to bolster the ageing fleet of the world's fourth-largest air force. In January, India approached Russia for 18 additional Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft, worth $700 million.
• Iran's missile program 'national defense issue': Envoy to UN IRNA 03 May 2019 -- Iran's permanent envoy to the United Nations reaffirmed that the country's missile program is non-negotiable and Tehran will not retreat from its stance on the program as it is a matter of national defense.
• South Korea Approves $6.3 Billion Deal for New Warships Sputnik 03 May 2019 -- South Korea's Ministry of National Defense has approved the construction of three more KDX-III Sejong the Great-class destroyers, along with three more KSS-III diesel-electric attack submarines. The procurement is worth $6.3 billion.
• Russia 'ready to cooperate' to sell Turkey Su-57 fighter jets: Official Press TV 03 May 2019 -- The chief executive of Russia's state-owned hi-tech industrial development conglomerate, Rostec Corporation, says his country is "ready to cooperate" to sell Turkey Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jets in case Ankara is excluded from the F-35 fighter jet program with the United States.
• Turkey says not moving away from NATO with S-400 deal Press TV 03 May 2019 -- Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar says his country is not distancing itself from the US-led NATO military alliance by acquiring Russian S-400 missile defense systems.
• Russia Ready to Sell Su-57 to Turkey if Ankara Quits F-35 Programme - Rostec CEO Sputnik 03 May 2019 -- US officials have repeatedly threatened to withhold deliveries of F-35 fighter jets and to impose sanctions on Turkey if Ankara moves forward with the delivery of Russian-made S-400 air-defence systems.
• Russia Hails Turkey's Push for S-500s Amid Ankara's Adherence to S-400 Deal Sputnik 03 May 2019 -- In March, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated Ankara's commitment to its deal with Russia on the purchase of S-400 missile systems, adding that Turkey may subsequently look into buying S-500 systems.
• US Exclusion of Turkey From F-35 Program Over S-400s Would Be Illegal – Minister Sputnik 03 May 2019 -- US officials have repeatedly threatened to withhold deliveries of F-35 fighter jets and to slap Ankara with sanctions if Turkey were to move forward with delivery of its Russian-made S-400 air-defence systems.
• Defence Secretary praises 50 years of nuclear service as new submarine is named UK MOD 03 May 2019 -- The Defence Secretary has announced the fourth Dreadnought submarine as HMS King George VI ahead of a special service at Westminster Abbey today to recognise the Royal Navy's Continuous at Sea Deterrent (CASD) over the past 50 years.
• Georgian Draft Dodgers Find Loophole In God To Avoid Army RFE/RL 03 May 2019

Defense Industry

• Contracts for May 3, 2019

Other Conflicts

• 3 May 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 03 May 2019
• US Senate fails to end military assistance to Saudi war in Yemen Press TV 03 May 2019 -- The US Senate has failed to override President Donald Trump's veto of a congressional resolution demanding an end to American military support for the Saudi-led coalition waging war in Yemen, a country plagued by more than four years of a devastating conflict.
• Damascus won't let Turkey control even one centimeter of Syrian territory: Deputy FM Press TV 03 May 2019 -- Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad says the Damascus government "will not allow Turkey to control even one centimeter of the Syrian territory," stressing that Ankara should know that "Damascus will not accept the survival of militant groups" in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib.
• Militant attempt to shell Russia's Hmeimim airbase in Syria foiled, no one injured Press TV 03 May 2019 -- A high-ranking Russia military official says foreign-sponsored Takfiri militants have attempted to shell the country's strategic Hmeimim airbase in Syria's western coastal province of Latakia, but it was successfully foiled.
• Military Escalation Continues in Northwest Syria VOA 03 May 2019 -- Russia has increased its airstrike campaign on the northwestern Syrian province of Idlib in the past few days, which rights group warn could lead to a new humanitarian crisis in the war-torn country.
• 3 militants killed in Indian-controlled Kashmir gunfight Global Times 03 May 2019 -- Three militants were killed and a trooper wounded on Friday in a fierce gunfight with government forces in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said.
• India-Pakistan Nuclear Exchange Would 'Immediately' Kill 20 Million – Official Sputnik 03 May 2019 -- Earlier this week, the Pakistani Army blasted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his remarks about New Delhi's willingness to use its "mother of nuclear bombs" to retaliate in case of a nuclear war between the two South Asian powers.
• Indian Forces Kill Three Militants in Kashmir, 20 Hurt Protesting the Move Sputnik 03 May 2019 -- The authorities have suspended Internet services across south Kashmir following clashes and a gunfight; a shutdown is being observed in the state's Shopian sector and other parts of neighbouring districts.
• Five terrorists killed in Pakistan near Iran border IRNA 03 May 2019 -- Pakistani security forces have killed five terrorists in two separate operations in Pakistani province of Balochistan near Iranian border, local media reported.
• Exclusive: Hamas official says Palestinians will resist Trump's 'deal of century' Press TV 03 May 2019 -- A senior Hamas official has told Press TV that Palestinians will resist the so-called deal of the century proposed by the administration of US President Donald Trump, stopping at nothing less than creating an "independent Palestinian state."
• South Sudan President Reportedly Lifts Two-Year State of Emergency Sputnik 03 May 2019 -- The state of emergency was imposed in July 2017, when the army and rebels led by South Sudan's ex-Vice President Riek Machar were engaged in fighting.

News Reports

• Trump, Putin Discuss Venezuela, Other Hotspots in Phone Call VOA 03 May 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump says he has had a very positive phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin about Venezuela and other issues that lasted more than one hour.
• Trump, Putin Discuss Nuclear Accord, Venezuela, Mueller Report, Says White House RFE/RL 03 May 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have addressed a wide range of topics in a telephone conversation on May 3 -- their first contact since the G20 summit in Argentina last year.
• Updated FinCEN Advisory Warns Against Continued Corrupt Venezuelan Attempts to Steal, Hide, or Launder Money US Treasury 03 May 2019 -- The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) today issued an updated advisory to alert financial institutions of continued widespread public corruption in Venezuela and the methods Venezuelan senior political figures and their associates may use to move and hide proceeds of their corruption.
• Russia Confirms Lavrov-Pompeo Meeting Next Week Amid Venezuela Tensions RFE/RL 03 May 2019 -- A senior Russian diplomat has confirmed that Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will meet U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo next week in Finland amid simmering tensions between Moscow and Washington over the crisis in Venezuela.
• Bolton, Pompeo, Shanahan Discuss Military Options for Venezuela at the Pentagon Sputnik 03 May 2019 -- Earlier, unnamed officials told US media that President Trump has expressed a lack of interest in conducting a military operation in Venezuela, with National Security Advisor John Bolton sparring with Pentagon generals over a supposed lack of military options for intervention in the Latin American country.
• More 'Military Movements' Coming in Venezuela - Opposition Leader Sputnik 03 May 2019 -- Venezuelan opposition figure Leopoldo Lopez said Thursday from his refuge in the Spanish embassy in Caracas that it was clear more "military movements" were on the way.
• US Defends Intelligence Gathering in Venezuela VOA 03 May 2019 -- Acting U.S. Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan defended U.S. intelligence gathering on Venezuela after U.S.-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido failed to inspire mass military defections earlier in the week.
• Ex-Sudanese President to Be Interrogated in Money Laundering Case – Source Sputnik 03 May 2019 -- The Sudanese acting prosecutor general ordered to interrogate the former President Omar Bashir over the investigation of cases of money laundering and foreign currency fraud, an informed source told Sputnik on Thursday.
• The Week In Russia: Not So Quiet On The Western Front RFE/RL 03 May 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin steps up pressure on Ukraine and Belarus, and Moscow's man in Caracas holds on to power amid a standoff pitting the United States against Russia in the Western Hemisphere.
• Jordanian king sacks senior intelligence chief, security officials, fearing plot: Report Press TV 03 May 2019 -- Jordanian King Abdullah II has sacked his intelligence chief along with other senior security officials, fearing a plot to destabilize the kingdom, according to a report.
• Jordan's King Sacks Intel Chief, Senior Officials Amid Plot Suspicions – Reports Sputnik 03 May 2019 -- Jordanian King Abdullah II fired several senior officials, including the general intelligence chief over the past week following reports of a plot to destabilise the kingdom.
• North Korean families facing deep 'hunger crisis' after worst harvest in 10 years, UN food assessment shows UN News 03 May 2019 -- More than 10 million North Koreans are suffering "severe food shortages" after the worst harvest in a decade, according to a United Nations food security assessment released on Friday.
• UN: 10 Million-plus N. Koreans Face Hunger This Year VOA 03 May 2019 -- Two U.N. agencies warned Friday that more than 10 million people in North Korea are facing severe food shortages because the recent harvest was the worst in a decade.
• Advancing the Maximum Pressure Campaign by Restricting Iran's Nuclear Activities US Dept. of State 03 May 2019 -- Fact Sheet
• US renews Iran sanctions waivers for nuclear work Press TV 03 May 2019 -- The administration of US President Donald Trump has imposed sanctions on Iran's export of enriched uranium but at the same time renewed three key waivers that will allow European allies, Russia and China to cooperate with the Islamic Republic on civil nuclear program.
• Secretary Pompeo Tightens Nuclear Restrictions on Iran US Dept. of State 03 May 2019 -- "The Trump administration continues to hold the Iranian regime accountable for activities that threaten the region's stability and harm the Iranian people. This includes denying Iran any pathway to a nuclear weapon. As part of the administration's unprecedented maximum pressure campaign to address the full range of Iran's destructive activities, Secretary Pompeo has today tightened restrictions on the regime's nuclear program."
• State Dept Threatens Sanctions for Helping Expand Iran's Nuclear Power Plant Sputnik 03 May 2019 -- The United States may impose sanctions against actors providing assistance to expand Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant starting on May 4, US Department of State spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in a press release on Friday.
• US Grants Shortened Waivers to Iranian Nuclear Power Sites - Report Sputnik 03 May 2019 -- The Trump administration has decided to renew waivers for Iran's limited nuclear power program, albeit on terms half as long as before. However, it has also revoked other waivers allowing disposal of excess nuclear material, putting pressure on Tehran to end all uranium enrichment to stay within the international deal signed in 2015.
• FM Zarif rules out US-Iran war, but says 'accidents' possible Press TV 03 May 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif dismisses the likelihood of a war between Iran and the United States but says certain "accidents" might ignite a military confrontation.
• No looming war between US, Iran: Zarif IRNA 03 May 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said he believed no military confrontation between Iran and the US is imminent and stressed that accidents like lack of communication with Iranian forces controlling the Strait of Hormuz could lead to conflict.
• Iran won't let US threaten Persian Gulf Security: FM Zarif Press TV 03 May 2019 -- Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says Iran does not seek to escalate tensions with the United States, but it will not let Washington disrupt the security of Persian Gulf, the "lifeline of Iran".
• Iran to respond to threats made by other OPEC members if interests are threatened: Iranian Minister of Petroleum Press TV 03 May 2019 -- Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zangeneh has warned that Iran will reply in kind if its interests in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) are threatened.
• Zarif Warns Iran-US War Possible If 'Accident' Spirals Into Military Conflict Sputnik 03 May 2019 -- Tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to mount amid US threats to bring Iranian oil exports down "to zero" and Iranian officials' warnings that the country may close the strategic Strait of Hormuz if its security was threatened.
• Iran Vows Response to OPEC's 'Threats', Warns Organisation of 'Collapse' Sputnik 03 May 2019 -- The warning comes after Washington claimed that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, both OPEC member states, promised late last month to increase oil production to substitute Iranian crude, in line with the US policy of bringing Tehran's oil exports "to zero".
• China, Turkey, India Silent on Buying Iran's Oil as US Ban Begins VOA 03 May 2019 -- Iran's biggest likely remaining oil customers, China, Turkey and India, were silent about purchases of Iranian crude Thursday as a total U.S. ban on such trade took effect, leaving their next moves a mystery.
• Turkey Says Unable To Quickly Diversify Away From Iranian Oil RFE/RL 03 May 2019 -- Turkey says it will not be able to diversify oil imports quickly after the United States ended sanction waivers on purchases from Iran, and Ankara continues to urge Washington to reconsider its decision.
• Press Freedom Continues to Face Setbacks in China VOA 03 May 2019 -- The hope for press freedom has long been an elusive aspiration in China, and the outlook has become increasingly dire under the tight rule of Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
• European Security Chiefs Alarmed at Threat From Far-Right Terrorism VOA 03 May 2019 -- When British police first visited 41-year-old Steven Bishop at his home in the ethnically-diverse London suburb of Thornton Heath he told them he was planning a fireworks display.
• Judicial Probes into Opposition Victories Add Pressure for Istanbul Revote VOA 03 May 2019 -- Turkish prosecutors are carrying out 32 investigations into the narrow opposition victory last month in Istanbul's mayoral election. The investigations come as the ruling AKP intensifies calls for another vote, amid fears of political and economic chaos.
• Zelenskiy: Relations Between Moscow, Kyiv Far From 'Brotherly' RFE/RL 03 May 2019 -- Ukrainian President-elect Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said that current ties between Kyiv and Moscow cannot be called "brotherly," and the two countries now have little in common outside a shared border.
• Algerians keep up pressure on ruling elite, reject army rule Press TV 03 May 2019 -- Algerians have once again taken to the streets of the capital Algiers, demanding the removal of the leftovers of the old regime and an end to the military rule.
• Cyclone Fani hits India, UN moves to protect vulnerable refugees in Bangladesh UN News 03 May 2019 -- One of the strongest storms to batter India in decades made landfall near the northeastern coastal city of Puri on Friday morning. UN agencies are monitoring Cyclone Fani's movements closely and taking measures to protect families living in refugee camps in Bangladesh, which is on alert.
• Polls: South Africa's ANC Heading for Another Victory VOA 03 May 2019 -- South Africans go to the polls next Wednesday in general elections, with most opinion surveys showing the ruling African National Congress heading toward another victory.
• Malawi Tests Election Results System Amid Network Challenges VOA 03 May 2019 -- An election governing body in Malawi has done its first test of a system that tallies election results, as a May 21 poll draws near. Testing of the Results Management System is meant to find weaknesses and glitches, as officials hope Tuesday's exercise will help calm fears of election rigging.
• Britain, France, Germany Vie for Influence in Africa VOA 03 May 2019 -- Britain's Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt and Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel are conducting separate visits to Africa this week, the latest in a flurry of visits by European leaders and officials as Western states look to expand their engagement on issues like trade, migration and security.