04 May 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Afghan Officials: Airstrikes Kill up to 50 IS Militants VOA 04 May 2019 -- Authorities in Afghanistan said Saturday coalition airstrikes in an eastern province have killed up to 50 Islamic State militants, while Taliban insurgents have killed at least seven government forces in a western district.
Violence Continues In Afghanistan After Loya Jirga Urges Truce RFE/RL 04 May 2019 -- At least seven Afghan policemen were killed when suspected Taliban militants stormed checkpoints overnight in western Badghis Province, officials said.

Defense Policy / Programs

National Guard Soldiers support Multinational Force and Observers mission in Egypt Army News 04 May 2019 -- Men and women that have been to war stand watch here in the hope others won't have to.
Commercial Boeing 737 Slides Off Runway at NAS Jacksonville NNS 04 May 2019 -- At approximately 9:40 p.m. May 3rd, a Boeing 737 arriving from Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba into Naval Air Station Jacksonville slid off the runway into the St. Johns River.
F-35s Fully Mission Capable Only 27 Percent of the Time - GAO Report Sputnik 04 May 2019 -- The US military's F-35 Lightning II stealth aircraft have a problem with spare parts, and it's keeping the planes out of the sky, according to a new report by a government watchdog.

China-Russia joint naval exercise concludes Global Times 04 May 2019 -- A six-day joint naval exercise held by Chinese and Russian navies concluded Saturday in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province.

North Korea Confirms Test of 'Multiple Rocket Launchers' VOA 04 May 2019 -- North Korea tested "multiple rocket launchers and tactical guided weapons," state media confirmed Saturday, the first comments on a launch that has further raised military tensions.
DPRK files short-range missile off East Coast Global Times 04 May 2019 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) fired unidentified short-range projectiles off its east coast Saturday morning, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).
North Korea fires barrage of short-range missiles towards Sea of Japan: South Press TV 04 May 2019 -- North Korea has fired a barrage of short-range missiles towards the Sea of Japan, in first such action in over a year amid deadlocked nuclear talks with the United States.
North Korea Fires Short-Range Missiles - South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff Sputnik 04 May 2019 -- Earlier, a report from Yonhap News Agency said that North Korea fired one missile eastward from the coastal city of Wonsan early Saturday morning.

Iran's made progress in defense despite sanctions: Minister IRNA 04 May 2019 -- Iran has made many achievements in defense industry despite the US sanctions with the least facilities available, Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier-General Amir Hatami said on Saturday.

DoD Approves $5.2Bln in Potential Patriot Missile System Sales to UAE, Bahrain Sputnik 04 May 2019 -- The US State Department approved more than $5 billion worth of potential military sales of the Patriot Missile System and related equipment to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain, the Defence Security Cooperation Agency said in a press release.
US approves $6 billion in arms sales to Bahrain, UAE Press TV 04 May 2019 -- The US State Department has approved weapons sales to Bahrain and the UAE worth almost $6 billion amid growing concerns over Washington's arms flow to the Persian Gulf Arab countries.
U.S. Approves $6 Billion In Weapons Sales To U.A.E, Bahrain RFE/RL 04 May 2019 -- The U.S. State Department has approved the sale of some $6 billion in weapons sales to Persian Gulf allies Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.).

Turkey: Purchase Of Russian Missiles No Reason To Exclude It From F-35 Work RFE/RL 04 May 2019 -- Turkey says its purchase of Russian S-400 missile defense systems is no reason to exclude the country from the U.S.-led F-35 fighter jet project.
US Issues Ultimate Warning to Turkey Amid Fears S-400 to 'Compromise' NATO Jets Sputnik 04 May 2019 -- The US has repeatedly slammed Turkey for its planned acquisition of Russian-made S-400 missile systems, as Washington claims this could pose a threat to NATO military hardware. The White House also threatened to slap tough sanctions on Ankara, which in turn underscored its commitment to the S-400 deal with Russia.
US will move F-35 work out of Turkey if Ankara buys S-400: Pentagon Press TV 04 May 2019 -- The Pentagon says it will halt manufacturing support for the F-35 fighter jet in Turkey unless Ankara scraps its plan to buy a Russian missile defense system.

Military Helicopter Crashes in Venezuela Sputnik 04 May 2019 -- A military helicopter with 7 people on board has crashed in Venezuela, Elías Sayegh, the mayor of the El Hatillo municipality, reported via Twitter on Saturday.

Slovak PM's White House Visit Spotlights US Defense Accords VOA 04 May 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump applauded Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini's announcement that his country plans to increase its military spending to 2% of its GDP in the next three years, as well as purchase U.S.-made F-16 war planes.

Egyptian Navy Receives 3rd of 4 Type 209 Submarines Ordered in Germany - Reports Sputnik 04 May 2019 -- The third diesel-electric submarine of the Type 209 project, built by Egypt's order in Germany, was transferred to the Egyptian Navy on Friday, the Al-Masry Al-Youm newspaper reported.

Defense Industry

Other Conflicts

Rocket Attacks on Israel US Dept. of State 04 May 2019
Gaza Militants Fire Rockets; Israel Reprisals Kill 3 VOA 04 May 2019 -- Militants fired more than 200 rockets Saturday from the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip into southern Israel, the Israeli military said.
Israel conducts fresh airstrikes on Gaza, kills two Palestinians Press TV 04 May 2019 -- Israeli warplanes have carried out fresh air raids on the blockaded Gaza Strip, killing two Palestinians and injuring several others.
IDF Strikes 70 Targets in Gaza, Destroys 'Terrorist Attack Tunnel' Sputnik 04 May 2019 -- Earlier, the Israeli Defence Forces said that its tanks and aircraft had targeted 30 areas inside the Gaza Strip in response to 200 rocket launches from the territory on settlements in southern Israel earlier in the day.
'Grave consequences' await if new deadly escalation of violence in Gaza continues - top UN official UN News 04 May 2019 -- The United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Nickolay Mladenov, is "deeply concerned by yet another dangerous escalation in Gaza and the tragic loss of life". According to news reports, approximately 200 rockets were fired on Saturday from the Occupied Palestinian Territory towards Israel, and various Israeli airstrikes and tank fire were carried out in retaliation.

Syria presses with attack on terrorists in southern Idlib Press TV 04 May 2019 -- Syrian military forces are continuing to target terrorist hideouts in northwestern Syria where the government has been restraining its offensives based on a de-escalation agreement signed and monitored by international powers.
Russia warns of US plan to set up a quasi-state in Syria Press TV 04 May 2019 -- Russia has denounced a recent meeting of tribes in Syria, organized by US-backed Kurdish militants, saying Washington is using the Kurds to split the Arab country and continue its illegal military presence there.
Militants Group in Syria's Idlib Presumably to Attack Hama – Russian Military Sputnik 04 May 2019 -- The militants are teaming up under the leadership of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in the south of the Syrian Idlib de-escalation zone presumably to launch an offensive on the city of Hama, the Russian Defence Ministry's Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides said on Saturday.

Syrian army and Iraqi PMU forces successfully finish joint border operation Press TV 04 May 2019 -- The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) have successfully finished a joint operation clearing the Iraq-Syria border area of remaining Daesh terrorists.

Iraqi forces thwart Daesh plan to regroup in northern Iraq: Report Press TV 04 May 2019 -- Iraqi government forces have thwarted an attempt by remnants of the terrorist group of Daesh to regroup in the country's northern province of Nineveh, killing a number of the extremists, including a high-profile commander, in the process.

Nearly 400 killed, 50,000 displaced in Libya conflict: UN Press TV 04 May 2019 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) says nearly 400 people have been killed and a lot more injured since Libya's renegade general Khalifa Haftar launched a major military offensive to seize the Libyan capital of Tripoli last month.
Libya's GNA Expands Control in Tripoli - Sarraj Sputnik 04 May 2019 -- The forces of the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) have regained control over many positions in Tripoli previously captured by the rival forces of the Libyan National Army (LNA), GNA head Fayez Sarraj told Sputnik.
Libyan National Army's Camp Subjected to Armed Attack - Source Sputnik 04 May 2019 -- According to Reuters news agency, Daesh has claimed responsibility for the attack on a military camp belonging to the Libyan National Army of Khalifa Haftar.

Boko Haram terrorists seizes military base in Nigeria's Borno state: Sources Press TV 04 May 2019 -- Boko Haram Takfiri terrorists have raided and briefly seized a military post in Nigeria's northeastern province of Borno, stealing weapons before they were forced out, a week after terrorists similarly raided another army outpost in the volatile province.

News Reports

Venezuela's Guaido Expected More Military Defections VOA 04 May 2019 -- Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido says he thought more troops would turn against President Nicolas Maduro during Tuesday's attempt to oust the embattled leader.
Russia's Lavrov To Meet Venezuelan Counterpart Over Unrest RFE/RL 04 May 2019 -- Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will meet with his counterpart from Venezuela, Jorge Arreaza, in Moscow on May 5 to discuss possible steps to help solve the power struggle that is crippling the South American nation.
Bolton, Pompeo, Shanahan discuss military action, other US options after failed coup in Venezuela Press TV 04 May 2019 -- In the wake of the failure of a coup attempt in Venezuela, US National Security Adviser John Bolton has met with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and acting Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan to discuss a military action among other available choices.
US Missed Chance to Blackmail Venezuelan Officers Into Deserting Maduro – Report Sputnik 04 May 2019 -- Earlier, National Security Adviser John Bolton publicly called on senior Venezuelan generals to make good on commitments they supposedly made to support the opposition in its push to overthrow the Maduro government.
Maduro Calls on Army to be Ready to Defend Venezuela From US Attack − Report Sputnik 04 May 2019 -- Maduro has repeatedly warned the United States against military involvement in the ongoing political crisis in Venezuela. His most recent address to the military comes on the heels of a botched coup attempt led by opposition leader Juan Guaido.
Venezuelan Prosecutor General Seeks 18 Arrest Warrants Over Latest Coup Attempt Sputnik 04 May 2019 -- Venezuelan Prosecutor General Tarek William Saab said that his office had requested for 18 arrest warrants to be issued in connection with the opposition's recent coup attempt.
Trump 'Asking Questions on Reliability' of US Intel on Venezuela – Report Sputnik 04 May 2019 -- Trump's new remarks come a few days after he told Fox News that the US is dealing with "lots of options", including "very tough" ones, on Venezuela, where he said "a lot of things" may take place next week. Earlier, the Venezuelan government announced that a coup attempt, initiated by opposition leader Juan Guaido, had failed.

South Sudan rivals agree on 6-month period to form unity government Press TV 04 May 2019 -- South Sudan's warring sides have agreed to delay the formation of a coalition government for six months, citing failure to resolve differences over the establishment of a power-sharing government that would end years of political deadlock in the African country.

Putin Demands a Role in Eurasian Part of Belt and Road VOA 04 May 2019 -- Russia appears to be shifting its stance on China's Belt and Road development initiative in Eurasia, envisioning a bigger role for itself in the process, in what could be a sign that Moscow is worried about waning influence among its neighbors.

Oman uncovers spy network run by United Arab Emirates: Report Press TV 04 May 2019 -- Authorities in Oman have reportedly uncovered a network of spies working for the United Arab Emirates, as the two Persian Gulf Arab states are involved in a Cold War-like conflict amid an ongoing Riyadh-led diplomatic and trade boycott against Doha.

S Korea, US Agree to Deal With Missile Launches by Pyongyang 'Prudently' - Seoul Sputnik 04 May 2019 -- South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo agreed on Saturday to react "prudently" to the recent missile launches by North Korea, the South Korean Foreign Ministry said.
After Test, South Korea Urges North to Stop Raising Tensions VOA 04 May 2019 -- South Korea called on North Korea to stop raising military tensions, after the North fired a barrage of projectiles into the sea off the east coast of Korea.

US extends sanction waivers on Iran's civil nuclear projects Global Times 04 May 2019 -- The US State Department said on Friday that it has decided to extend sanction waivers on Iran's civil nuclear projects for 90 days.
China unlikely to follow US oil sanctions on Iran Global Times 04 May 2019 -- To maintain its relations with Iran, a key partner on energy and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China is unlikely to submit to unilateral sanctions by the US on Iranian oil exports, Chinese analysts said on Saturday, though some Chinese companies doing business with Iran feel the pressure.
Iran's oil sanctions to pressure global market: Speaker IRNA 04 May 2019 -- Iran's parliament speaker Ali Larijani said on Saturday there was information that Saudi Arabia and UAE lack the capacity to sell more oil, adding that prevention of Iran's oil sale would pressure the world market.
War with U.S. not imminent: Iran FM ISNA 04 May 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif says although he does not believe there will be a war between Iran and the United States in the near future, certain events might ignite a confrontation, the Independent quoted him as saying.
Iran to respond if OPEC members threaten its interests: Zanganeh ISNA 04 May 2019 -- Iranian Oil Minister, Bijan Namdar Zanganeh stressed the Islamic Republic would respond to members of OPEC who undermine its crude exports, an apparent reference to nations such as Saudi Arabia that have discussed filling the supply gap left by falling Iranian shipments.
US extends nuclear waivers for Iran, but with limits ISNA 04 May 2019 -- The Trump administration is extending waivers that allow countries signed up to the Iran nuclear deal to participate in civil nuclear projects with Tehran, the State Department announced.
Iran to sell its oil despite US sanctions ISNA 04 May 2019 -- Iran's President described teachers as the mentors of the society and stressed that teachers defend the country's cultural and ethical borders.
Iran to continue enrichment under nuclear deal: Parliament speaker Press TV 04 May 2019 -- Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani says the Islamic Republic will continue uranium enrichment in line with a multilateral nuclear deal it reached with world powers in 2015, despite a US move to impose sanctions on Iran's export of enriched uranium.
EU, Britain censure fresh US restrictions on Iran's oil, nuclear sectors Press TV 04 May 2019 -- The European signatories to the 2015 Iran deal have censured recent decisions by the United to stop sanctions waivers for Iran oil imports and to impose restrictions on the country's exports of enriched uranium.
US sanctions on Iran's oil sale doomed to fail: Defense minister Press TV 04 May 2019 -- Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami says the US re-imposition of sanctions on Iran's oil sale and its plot to create economic woes for the Iranian nation will fail just like many other same efforts that were defeated in the past.
Rouhani calls for unity and resistance in face of 'US war on hope' and sanctions Press TV 04 May 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has called for "unity and resistance" in the country in the face of US sanctions targeting Iran in what he described as a "war on hope".
EU, European Deal Signatories Criticize U.S. Move On Iran Nuclear, Oil Sanctions RFE/RL 04 May 2019 -- The European Union and the foreign ministers of Britain, France, and Germany expressed concern about the U.S. decision not to extend two waivers related to the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and others regarding Tehran's oil industry.
Iran Says It Will Continue To Enrich Uranium Despite U.S. Pressure RFE/RL 04 May 2019 -- Parliamentary speaker Ali Larijani says Iran will continue to enrich uranium in accordance with its nuclear accord with several world powers regardless of moves by the United States to put a stop to it.
U.S. Extends Waivers On Iranian Civilian Nuclear Plants, But Hits Uranium Exports RFE/RL 04 May 2019 -- The United States says it has extended five sanction waivers that will allow Russian, China, and European countries to continue to work with Iran's civilian nuclear program.
Iranian President's Brother Sentenced To Prison By Court For Corruption RFE/RL 04 May 2019 -- The brother of Iranian President Hassan Rohani has been sentenced to prison by a court following his trial on charges of corruption.
United States Imposes Additional Sanctions on Iran's Nuclear Program SPA 04 May 2019 -- The United States has tightened sanctions on Iran by increasing restrictions on Iran's nuclear program.

DRC Ebola Outbreak 'Worsening;' Over 1,000 Dead VOA 04 May 2019 -- The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) says the outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo is "worsening" and has killed more than 1,000 people.

All Eyes On Turnout In North Macedonian Presidential Runoff RFE/RL 04 May 2019 -- Voters in North Macedonia will choose a new president on May 5 in a runoff vote that will be watched as closely for turnout as it will be for either candidate.

Thai King Rama X Officially Crowned After Ruling Country Since 2016 Sputnik 04 May 2019 -- Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X), who has been heading the country since 2016, was officially crowned on Saturday.

48 Parties Aiming for Parliament in South Africa Poll VOA 04 May 2019 -- It's going to be a colorful election in the Rainbow Nation.

Pause in Torrential Rains Helps Cyclone Aid Effort in Mozambique VOA 04 May 2019 -- A break in the torrential rains that followed Cyclone Kenneth has allowed aid workers to make progress in reaching remote parts of northern Mozambique.
Cyclone Fani Hits Bangladesh After Battering India VOA 04 May 2019 -- A weakened Cyclone Fani struck Bangladesh Saturday after leaving a trail of destruction Friday in India's eastern Odisha state.

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