07 May 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

CJTF-OIR Strike Summary April 21 - May 04, 2019 CENTCOM 07 May 2019 -- Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve and its partners continue to target and pursue the enduring defeat of Daesh.

Taliban Fighters Storm Afghan Security Checkpoints, Killing Eight RFE/RL 07 May 2019 -- Taliban fighters attacked security checkpoints in Afghanistan's northeastern Takhar Province, killing eight members of the security forces, a local official has said.
Afghan Women Activists Fear Return Of Taliban-Era Repressions RFE/RL 07 May 2019 -- Khalida Khorsand, a 35-year-old rights activist from the western Afghan city of Herat, is skeptical about Taliban claims that it has dispensed with its strict rules against girls' education and women working.

News Release: U.S. Navy Hospital Ship, Enduring Promise Mission Returns in Response to Venezuela Regional Crisis SOUTHCOM 07 May 2019 -- The U.S. Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) is scheduled to deploy in June from Naval Station Norfolk to the Caribbean, Central America, and South America to conduct humanitarian medical assistance missions in support of regional partners and in response to the regional impacts of the Venezuela political and economic crisis.
US to Send Military Hospital Ship to Venezuelan Region VOA 07 May 2019 -- The United States military says it will dispatch a military hospital ship to the Venezuelan region, the latest sign of greater U.S. involvement in the crisis gripping the South American country.

Defense Policy / Programs

Mixed Mideast Reaction Over US Carrier, Bomber Task Force Deployment VOA 07 May 2019 -- An announcement by U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton that Washington is sending an aircraft carrier group and bomber task force to the Middle East is drawing mixed reactions from countries in the region. Iran has condemned the move, while some U.S. allies nod in agreement.
US Boosting Presence in Middle East Triggered by Intel Discoveries - Reports Sputnik 07 May 2019 -- Washington's decision to increase its military presence in the Middle East has been triggered by the fact that US intelligence has acquired data indicating that Iran is planning attacks on US forces and allies in the region, The Wall Street Journal confirmed on Tuesday, citing unnamed US officials.

Air Force successfully launches satellites from New Zealand on Electron Rocket US Air Force 07 May 2019 -- The Air Force and its mission partners has successfully launched three Department of Defense research and development satellites on Huntington Beach, California-based Rocket Lab USA's Electron rocket from Mahia, New Zealand, May 4-5.
Romania, U.S. Conduct Close Air Support Exercise NNS 07 May 2019 -- The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG) and components of its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, along with the U.S. Air Force 603rd Air Control Squadron, completed a close air support (CAS) exercise with Romanian partners, May 3-5.
US Navy Plans to Push $5B More Per Year Toward Nuclear Sub Development Sputnik 07 May 2019 -- The US Navy is set to ramp up spending on its next generation of ballistic missile submarines, putting nearly $18 billion toward the program in the next four years. However, a government watchdog has also blasted the Navy's cost estimates, calling them "overly optimistic."
US Navy plans to boost nuclear submarine spending to $5 billion by 2024 Press TV 07 May 2019 -- The US Navy plans to increase its yearly spending its next-generation nuclear missile submarine program by $5 billion by 2024, the Pentagon has said in a report sent to Congress.
US to pull F-35 from Canada aircraft replacement program over policy dispute Press TV 07 May 2019 -- The United States has threatened to pull the F-35 fighter jet from a competition to replace Canada's ageing aircraft fleet as a widening trade policy dispute continues to cause tension between the two neighbors.
Hill AFB F-35A units assist in F-16 fighter training US Air Force 07 May 2019 -- Brand new F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots received a unique training experience at Hill Air Force Base, with the help of the active duty 388th and Reserve 419th Fighter Wings and the F-35A Lightning II.
Readiness, Sustainability at the Forefront of SAS Expo Day Two NNS 07 May 2019 -- The competition for maritime superiority, sustainability and force readiness was on the minds of sea service leadership during day two of the 54th annual Sea-Air-Space Exposition (SAS), May 7, 2019.
Joint Statement by Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick M. Shanahan and Vice President of Colombia Marta Lucía Ramírez Following Today's Meeting at the Pentagon DoD 07 May 2019
Readout of Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick M. Shanahan's Meeting with Colombian Vice President Marta Lucía Ramírez DoD 07 May 2019
Remarks by Acting Secretary Shanahan at a Bilateral Meeting with Colombian Vice President Ramírez DoD 07 May 2019 -- Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick M. Shanahan; Colombian Vice President Marta Lucía Ramírez

No Final Declaration After Arctic Council Meeting As U.S. Refuses Mention Of Climate Change RFE/RL 07 May 2019 -- The participants at the Arctic Council meeting in Finland's far northern town of Rovaniemi have failed to issue a final declaration reportedly due to a U.S. refusal to mention climate change.
Pompeo Warns Arctic Nations About Russian, Chinese 'Aggressive' Behavior RFE/RL 07 May 2019 -- The United States is beefing up its presence in the Arctic to keep Russia's and China's "aggressive" behavior in check in the resource-rich region, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said.
China: Pompeo misrepresented facts about Arctic affairs Press TV 07 May 2019 -- China says what US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo claims about its role in the Arctic rests on "ulterior motives" that lead Washington to contradict the facts.
Remarks at the Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting US Dept. of State 07 May 2019 -- Remarks by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State

UK Royal Navy Reconnaissance Ship Arrives at Port in Black Sea Region Sputnik 07 May 2019 -- The HMS Echo entered the Black Sea last month in order to participate in a freedom of navigation manoeuvre, according to the UK's authorities. In April, NATO conducted training in the region despite Russian warnings that the alliance's activities in the area heighten security risks there.

Iraqi Air Force to receive four more KAI T-50 Golden Eagle warplanes Press TV 07 May 2019 -- The Iraqi military is going to receive a new batch of South Korean KAI T-50 Golden Eagle supersonic advanced trainers and light combat aircraft under a deal struck between Baghdad and Seoul several years ago.

PLA conducts live-fire exercise north of Taiwan Straits Global Times 07 May 2019 -- The ongoing live-fire exercise of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) north of the Taiwan Straits is an annual arrangement to show China's ability to uphold its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, experts said.
Pompeo's accusation completely at odds with facts: FM Global Times 07 May 2019 -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry slammed the accusation made by US Secretary of State on China's engagement in Arctic affairs on Tuesday, calling his remarks "completely at odds with the facts," and an expert on Chinese Arctic affairs said that no matter what the US does to make trouble, China should not and will not be absent.
China Hits Back at Pompeo Warning It Against 'Aggressive Behaviour' in Arctic Sputnik 07 May 2019 -- Speaking ahead of the Arctic Council meeting the other day, Mike Pompeo argued that China's "pattern of aggressive behaviour elsewhere will inform" about the way it treats the Arctic, which abounds in a variety of natural resources. His remarks prompted a harsh backlash from high-ranking Chinese officials.

Indian Army Defers War Fighting Exercise Amid Ongoing Tensions With Pakistan Sputnik 07 May 2019 -- Earlier, the Pakistan Navy also cancelled all its overseas deployments, as the Indian Navy increased its naval assets in the northern Arabian Sea soon after the Pulwama terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir on 14 February.
India to Deploy Russian-Origin T-90 Tanks Along Pakistan Border Sputnik 07 May 2019 -- Described as one of the most lethal MBTs in the world, the T-90S is vaunted for its mobility, lethal firepower, and first hit ability during engagements.

US Moving New Troops to Middle East is Act of 'Psychological Warfare' - Tehran Sputnik 07 May 2019 -- The statement from the Islamic Republic comes after US National Security Adviser John Bolton said on Sunday that Washington was deploying the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and a bomber task force near Iran's borders, describing them as "unrelenting force" that would respond to any attack on US interests.
US Military Confirms 'Recent and Clear' Iranian Threat VOA 07 May 2019 -- The U.S. military has "recent and clear indications" of an Iranian threat against American forces in the Middle East, defense officials said Tuesday.
Iran will overcome psychological warfare of enemies: Defense min IRNA 07 May 2019 -- Iran will overcome psychological warfare of the enemies, Iran's Defense Minister Amir Hatami said Tuesday.

Data From Japanese F-35A's Last Flight Still Missing as Parts of Black Box Found Sputnik 07 May 2019 -- Japanese authorities launched an underwater search and recovery operation last month in an attempt to retrieve the wreckage of an F-35A fighter jet that crashed in the Pacific Ocean on 9 April.

US firms won't strengthen Taiwan military: expert Global Times 07 May 2019 -- Taiwan regional leader Tsai Ing-wen asked US defense industry companies to help the island produce aircraft and vessels at a recent meeting, and Chinese mainland military observers said on Tuesday that this will damage regional peace but will not narrow the gap in military strength between the mainland and the island.

Stoltenberg 'Concerned' About Turkish Plans To Buy Russian Missile System RFE/RL 07 May 2019 -- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has expressed concern about the potential consequences of Turkey's plans to purchase Russian air-defense missile systems.
Turkey To Send Troops to Russia for S-400 Training - Turkish Military Source Sputnik 07 May 2019 -- About 100 Turkish servicemen will be sent to Russia in late May to learn how to operate the S-400 air defense systems that Ankara is buying from Moscow, a senior military source in Ankara told Sputnik Tuesday.

Remarks With Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 07 May 2019 -- Remarks by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State
Pompeo Cancels Germany Visit; Russia Says New Lavrov Meeting Expected Next Week RFE/RL 07 May 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has abruptly canceled a visit to Germany, hours before he was to arrive in Berlin on May 7, due to what a spokeswoman said were "pressing issues."

Defense Industry

Contracts for May 7, 2019

Other Conflicts

7 May 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 07 May 2019
Better training 'a necessary and strategic investment' in peacekeeping that saves lives: Guterres UN News 07 May 2019 -- Better training for peacekeepers being deployed to increasingly hostile environments is a "necessary and strategic" investment which can also save lives, the UN Secretary-General told Security Council members on Tuesday.

Strong Chinese navy guarantee of South China Sea peace Global Times 07 May 2019 -- On May 6, two US warships trespassed in the adjacent waters of Nanxun Jiao and Chigua Jiao of China's Nansha Islands without the Chinese government's permission. This was the third provocation this year by US warships in the South China Sea. Every time it was carried out under the banner of the so-called freedom of navigation.
China warns US ships to leave sea People's Daily 07 May 2019 -- A military spokesperson said that the People's Liberation Army will stay on high alert and take all necessary measures to protect national sovereignty and security and safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea, after two US ships illegally entered the area.

Militant rocket attack on Russian airbase in Syria's Latakia thwarted Press TV 07 May 2019 -- The Russian Defense Ministry's Center for Syrian Reconciliation says its surface-to-air missile systems have managed to foil an attack by foreign-sponsored Takfiri militants against the country's strategic Hmeimim airbase in Syria's western coastal province of Latakia.
Russian Military Shoots Down 27 Rockets During Attack on Hmeymim - MoD Sputnik 07 May 2019 -- On Monday, militants attacked the Hmeymim airbase in Syria twice using multiple launch rocket systems, chief of the Russian Reconciliation Centre Viktor Kupchishin stated.
Escalation in Syria fighting cause for 'great concern' says UN chief, dozens more civilians dead or injured UN News 07 May 2019 -- UN chief António Guterres has said that he's following "with great concern" intensifying clashes in north-western Syria that have claimed yet more civilian lives and displaced thousands in recent days.
Russia-Backed Assad Forces Pummel Syria's Idlib VOA 07 May 2019 -- Syrian and Russian warplanes have been escalating airstrikes on the last remaining rebel redoubt in northern Syria. The air raids are as much a message to Turkey as to die-hard rebels and jihadists in the province of Idlib, say analysts.

Fears Grow Islamic State's Foreign Fighters Ready to Carry On VOA 07 May 2019 -- Even as the Islamic State's caliphate was clinging to life with its last defenders cornered in a small town in northeastern Syria, the terror group managed to shock those who would eventually see it die.

Death toll of Libya's Tripoli fighting rises to 432: WHO People's Daily 07 May 2019 -- A total of 432 people have been killed and 2,069 others injured in the fighting between the UN-backed Libyan government and the east-based army in and around the capital Tripoli, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Monday.
UN panel links airstrikes on Libya's government to UAE Press TV 07 May 2019 -- United Nations inspectors are reportedly probing missile attacks on Libya's capital of Tripoli with the apparent use of drones used by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Libya's LNA Forces Capture 'Portuguese Pilot' After Downing Jet Near Tripoli Sputnik 07 May 2019 -- The Libyan National Army (LNA), of Khalifa Haftar, has shot down a military plane loyal to the Tripoli Government of National Accord (GNA) led by Fayez al-Sarraj, Sky News Arabia reported, referencing its own source.
UN Chief Calls for Ceasefire in Libya, End of Offensive on Tripoli Sputnik 07 May 2019 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday called on all parties to the Libyan conflict to commit to a ceasefire and halt the ongoing offensive on Tripoli.
UN Chief Calls for Ceasefire in Libya, End of Offensive on Tripoli Sputnik 07 May 2019 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday called on all parties to the Libyan conflict to commit to a ceasefire and halt the ongoing offensive on Tripoli.

Qatar to transfer $480 million to Palestinians in Gaza Strip, West Bank Press TV 07 May 2019 -- Qatar says the gas-rich Persian Gulf Arab state has allocated nearly half a billion US dollars in aid to the Palestinian Authority as well as the Islamic resistance movement, Hamas, in order to support education and health services and provide urgent humanitarian relief.
Hamas says newly-developed tactic behind 'Iron Dome' failure Press TV 07 May 2019 -- The military wing of the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement says it successfully "overcame" Israel's so-called Iron Dome missile system during its recent confrontation with the Tel Aviv regime thanks to its new rocket-launching tactic.

News Reports

U.S. Lawmakers Clash Over Whether Russia Investigation Into Trump Is 'Case Closed' RFE/RL 07 May 2019 -- U.S congressional leaders have clashed over whether the investigation into Russia interference in the 2016 presidential election is, in fact, over, despite Special Counsel Robert Mueller having formally concluded his work.

Remarks by Vice President Pence at the Washington Conference on the Americas The White House 07 May 2019
Carrots and Sticks Fill Pence Venezuela Speech VOA 07 May 2019 -- In a speech intended to offer carrots and display sticks, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence announced the lifting of sanctions on Venezuela's former intelligence service, warned the 25 magistrates of the country's supreme court of possible punishment and reiterated "all options are the table" to remove President Nicolas Maduro.
Treasury Removes Sanctions Imposed on Former High-Ranking Venezuelan Intelligence Official After Public Break with Maduro and Dismissal US Treasury 07 May 2019 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) removed sanctions imposed on Manuel Ricardo Cristopher Figuera (Cristopher), who last week broke ranks with the Maduro regime and rallied to the support of the Venezuelan constitution and the National Assembly. Cristopher is the former Director General of Venezuela's National Intelligence Service, more commonly known as SEBIN.
US-Backed Guaido Claims 'Military Intervention' is Still on Table for Venezuela Sputnik 07 May 2019 -- Earlier, in an interview with BBC, Venezuelan opposition leader and self-proclaimed President Juan Guaido admitted that he is considering the possibility of foreign intervention in his country in order to achieve his goal of ousting democratically elected President Nicolas Maduro.
Venezuela Launches Criminal Action Against 7 Opp. Politicians After Failed Coup Sputnik 07 May 2019 -- Venezuela's Supreme Court has opened a criminal action against seven opposition politicians for alleged treason and rebellion, the court said in a statement.
Pence to offer Venezuela's military new incentives to turn against elected president: Report Press TV 07 May 2019 -- US Vice President Mike Pence plans to offer new incentives to Venezuela's military to turn against President Nicolas Maduro, part of a plan by President Donald Trump's administration to topple the South American country's legitimate government.
Venezuela accuses UK of denying Venezuelans food, healthcare by blocking gold deposits Press TV 07 May 2019 -- Britain is denying millions of Venezuelans food and healthcare by blocking access to the South American country's gold deposits at the Bank of England, says Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza.
5 killed, 233 arrested during coup-related protests in Venezuela last week Press TV 07 May 2019 -- At least five people were killed and more than 230 arrested in protests sparked by a failed coup attempt against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro last week, the government has announced.
'Carrots', Warnings: US to Offer New Incentives to Venezuela Military - Report Sputnik 07 May 2019 -- US Vice President Mike Pence is set to offer on Tuesday new incentives to Venezuela's military to turn against President Nicolas Maduro, Reuters reported Monday, citing a senior administration official.

US sanctions against Iran, Cuba, Venezuela breach human rights: UN expert Press TV 07 May 2019 -- A UN rights expert has slammed unilateral US sanctions against Iran, Cuba and Venezuela, saying the use of economic measures for political purposes violates human rights and international law.

Russian Energy Minister: European Oil Shipments To Resume By Mid-May RFE/RL 07 May 2019 -- Russia's energy minister said that oil is expected to resume flowing through a key pipeline to Europe by the middle of May, after contaminated supplies disrupted exports.

Iraq rebuffs US demand to stop Iran energy imports Press TV 07 May 2019 -- Iraq's Electricity Minister Luay al-Khateeb says his country brushed aside US demands that Baghdad stop gas and power imports from neighboring Iran.
Mike Pompeo Arrives in Baghdad for Unannounced Visit - Report Sputnik 07 May 2019 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has arrived in Baghdad unannounced, AFP reported citing a source in the Iraqi government.
Pompeo Visits Iraq Amid Reports of Iranian Missile Threat VOA 07 May 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has made an unscheduled visit to Iraq, amid growing tensions with Iran after intelligence reports indicated that Iran moved short-range ballistic missiles by boat in waters off its shores.

Iran to implement its policies within JCPOA, NPT ISNA 07 May 2019 -- Chairman of the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh stressed that Iran will pursue its policies within the framework of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), but won't observe additional commitments of NPT.
Iran to Announce 'Diminishing Commitments' to Nuke Deal Amid Tensions With US Sputnik 07 May 2019 -- EU countries previously introduced the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX) in order to bypass US sanctions against Tehran and protect the European companies against the secondary sanctions.
Iran to Give Up Some 'Voluntary Commitments' to Nuclear Agreement VOA 07 May 2019 -- Iran is giving up some "voluntary commitments" to the six-nation nuclear deal, but is not pulling out of the deal, Foreign Minister Mohammad Zarif says.
Iran to lessen commitments to JCPOA IRNA 07 May 2019 -- A year after disloyalties and the US unilateral exit from Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA), Iran is scheduled to announce its decision on reducing commitment to this international accord on Wednesday.
Iranian, Russian FMs to discuss JCPOA in Moscow ISNA 07 May 2019 -- Heading a high-ranking delegation, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif will depart for Moscow Tuesday night to hold a meeting with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov.
Pakistan keen to complete Iran gas pipeline: PM Khan Press TV 07 May 2019 -- Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan says his country is keen to complete the construction of a much-delayed pipeline designed for receiving Iran's natural gas, weeks after he paid a visit to the neighboring state.
Can US shale oil replace Iranian crude? Press TV 07 May 2019 -- The US hopes to become the biggest gainer of its sanctions on Iran, looking to push its shale oil on Asian customers. However, energy experts believe it is unthinkable that the US-produced crude can replace Iranian grades.
Zarif: Blaming Iran won't undo hatred in region towards US, clients Press TV 07 May 2019 -- Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says attempts by the US and its clients to portray Iran as a "threat" will not help them get rid of their unpopularity among people in the region, which he described as the real cause of their safety concerns.
'Ghost' Tankers, Bartering, and Middlemen: Iran's Playbook For Selling Oil In The Face Of U.S. Sanctions RFE/RL 07 May 2019 -- The United States has pledged to cut Iran's oil exports to "zero," denying Tehran a key source of revenue through tough sanctions and the threat of stiff penalties to potential buyers.

China replies with good faith Global Times 07 May 2019 -- China on Tuesday took a conciliatory approach to what has been widely viewed as Washington's brinkmanship in a trade tussle with Beijing by sending a high-level trade negotiation team to the US even after repeated threats and tough rhetoric from US officials.

Istanbul Mayoral Vote Results Annulled Over Violations – Turkish Ruling Party Sputnik 07 May 2019 -- The Turkish Supreme Electoral Council's decision to void results of the Istanbul mayoral election was made because 22 protocols were not signed and some members of local election commissions were not public servants, Recep Ozel, representative of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) to the council, said on Monday.
Erdogan Spokesman: Annulled Istanbul Mayoral Vote a 'Victory for Democracy' Sputnik 07 May 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's spokesman said the voiding of the mayoral election in Istanbul amounts to "a victory for Turkish democracy" by ensuring the results reflect the voters' choice, according to AP.

Pashteen: PTM Hurt Pakistan Military's Terror-Sponsoring Industry VOA 07 May 2019 -- In response to last week's accusation by the military that Pakistan's Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) has been receiving funds from Afghanistan's and India's intelligence agencies, its leader, Manzoor Pashteen, blamed the country's most powerful institution of turning the war on terror into a lucrative business in their region.

All Sri Lanka bombing attackers killed or arrested: Police Press TV 07 May 2019 -- Sri Lanka's police have announced that all the assailants involved in the deadly bomb attacks in the country last month have either been killed or arrested.
Sri Lankan President: '99 Percent' of Easter Bombing Suspects Arrested VOA 07 May 2019 -- Sri Lanka's president said Tuesday that almost all of the suspects who carried out the deadly Easter bombings on churches and hotels have been arrested.

UN launches innovative programme to detect and disrupt terrorist travel UN News 07 May 2019 -- A new programme aimed at improving the tracking of suspected terrorists, using state-of-the-art software, was launched by the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) on Tuesday.

Turkey's election board orders rerun of Istanbul mayoral vote, angers opposition Press TV 07 May 2019 -- Turkey's top election body has scrapped the result of Istanbul's mayoral vote and called for a rerun in response to an appeal filed by the ruling party, sparking outrage from the opposition that narrowly won the post.

UK has to fight EU parliament elections despite Brexit talks: Government Press TV 07 May 2019 -- A senior minister of the British government has said that the country has no option but to hold the European Parliament elections as talks with the opposition on reaching a deal to withdraw from the European Union would not reach a conclusion before end of this month.

Malawi's Election Preparations Impacted by Cyclone Idai Flooding VOA 07 May 2019 -- As Malawi gears-up for elections this month, candidates and voters say flooding from March's Cyclone Idai has already negatively impacted the vote. Some registered voters living in evacuation camps lost voting registration certificates in the floodwaters while candidates say they can't get their message to would-be supporters living in evacuation camps.

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