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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Taliban Attacks U.S. Aid Group's Kabul Offices, Killing Nine RFE/RL 09 May 2019 -- The death toll from a Taliban attack on the offices of an international aid group in Kabul has been raised to at least nine people, Afghan officials say.
• Week-Long US-Taliban Talks End Without Breakthrough VOA 09 May 2019 -- The Taliban and the United States on Thursday concluded weeklong negotiations in Qatar but reported no significant progress on peace efforts in Afghanistan.

Defense Policy / Programs

• President Nominates Shanahan for Defense Secretary VOA 09 May 2019 -- The White House says President Donald Trump will nominate Pat Shanahan as the next secretary of defense.
• DOD Joins National Global Health Security Effort DoD 09 May 2019 -- Today the United States released the 2019 Global Health Security Strategy, outlining the Nation's approach to strengthen global health security to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks.
• Press Gaggle by Acting Secretary Shanahan DoD 09 May 2019 -- Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick M. Shanahan
• U.S., Partner Navies Sail Together in South China Sea NNS 09 May 2019 -- A U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer joined ships from the Indian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and Republic of Philippine Navy to sail through the South China Sea, May 2-8.
• Abraham Lincoln Transits Suez Canal NNS 09 May 2019 -- The Abraham Lincoln Strike Group (ABECSG) transited the Suez Canal, May 9.
• USS Rhode Island Successfully Tests Trident II D5 Missile NNS 09 May 2019 -- The Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740) along with the U.S. Navy's Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) conducted a successful test flight of one unarmed Trident II D5 missile, May 9.
• AERONet prototype could provide combat insight to allies US Air Force 09 May 2019 -- A tiny team at Hanscom Air Force Base is developing a prototype combat system capable of providing video, voice, chat and command and control to partner nations for under a half-million dollars.
• Air Force to reactivate aggressor squadron for F-35 training US Air Force 09 May 2019 -- The Air Force is reactivating the 65th Aggressor Squadron and moving 11 F-35A Lightning IIs to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, as part of a larger initiative to improve training for fifth generation fighter aircraft.
• Next F-35 training squadron to be located at Eglin AFB US Air Force 09 May 2019 -- The Air Force announced May 9 Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is the preferred alternative to receive an additional F-35A Lighting II training squadron.
• NATO AWACS helps protect European Union Summit in Romania NATO 09 May 2019 -- NATO AWACS surveillance aircraft will help guard the airspace over the European Union Summit in Sibiu on Thursday, 9 May 2019. NATO AWACS routinely patrol the skies during major events, including meetings of world leaders and other high-profile public events, such as international football tournaments.
• Chinese helicopter drones capable of intelligent swarm attacks Global Times 09 May 2019 -- China's domestically developed helicopter drones carrying proximity explosive mortar shells, grenade launchers and machine guns can now form swarms and engage in coordinated strikes.
• Air-Launched Ballistic Missile Will Give China Complete Nuclear Triad - Pentagon Sputnik 09 May 2019 -- The Pentagon is worried Beijing could be closing in on a complete nuclear triad, meaning it would join an elite cohort of nations capable of delivering a nuclear weapon by land, air and sea - something only three countries in the world can boast: the US, Russia and India.
• DPRK fires unidentified projectile eastward from northwestern region: Seoul Global Times 09 May 2019 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) fired an unidentified projectile eastward from its northwestern region Thursday afternoon, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).
• North Korea fires several projectiles eastward: South Press TV 09 May 2019 -- North Korea has fired a number of "unidentified projectiles" eastward from an area where one of its missile bases is reportedly located, South Korea's military says, less than a week after the North launch a barrage of projectiles into the Sea of Japan.
• Recent rocket drill 'regular, self-defensive': North Korea Press TV 09 May 2019 -- North Korea says its recent rocket drills were part of the country's "regular" and "self-defensive" military training and did not target anyone.
• North Korea Fires Two Short-Range Missiles VOA 09 May 2019 -- North Korea has fired what appears to be two short-range ballistic missiles, South Korea's military said Thursday. It was the second time Pyongyang fired missiles in less than a week.
• US training ground for Taiwanese F-16 pilots to be relocated by 2021 CNA 09 May 2019 -- The current training ground for Taiwanese F-16 pilots at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona is scheduled to be relocated to nearby Tucson International Airport by 2021, the nation's air force said Thursday, without explaining why the date is two years later than that previously announced by the U.S..
• Model of Taiwan's first indigenous submarine unveiled CNA 09 May 2019 -- A miniature model of Taiwan's prototype indigenous submarine was unveiled Thursday in Kaohsiung during a groundbreaking ceremony presided over by President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) for the factory that will build the nation's first indigenous submarine.
• Beijing blasts US Congress for Taiwan defense bill People's Daily 09 May 2019 -- Beijing resolutely opposes the United States House of Representatives for passing a bill on Tuesday to bolster Taiwan's defense capability, calling it "boorish interference" in China's domestic affairs.
• UK boosting space defense to prevent Russia, China attack: Leaked memo Press TV 09 May 2019 -- The UK has been designing a space defense mechanism to protect its satellites from possible attacks by Russia and China, leaked documents show.
• Qatar - AH-64E Apache Helicopters with Spare Parts and Related Equipment DSCA 09 May 2019 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Qatar of twenty-four (24) AH-64E Apache Attack helicopters and related equipment for an estimated cost of $3.0 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

Defense Industry

• Contracts for May 9, 2019

Other Conflicts

• 9 May 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 09 May 2019
• Japan, Vietnam Teaming up to Resist China Expansion VOA 09 May 2019 -- Japan is helping Vietnam build a defense against the larger, more militarily powerful China as Vietnam says Beijing's forces are occupying more than their legal share of the South China Sea.
• Deputy Defense Minister Meets UN Secretary General's Special Envoy for Yemen SPA 09 May 2019 -- Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Minister of Defense, has met here with Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary General for Yemen Martin Griffiths, to discuss latest developments in Yemen.
• UAE sends 100 separatists to strategic Socotra Island: Ex-Yemeni govt. sources Press TV 09 May 2019 -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reportedly deployed dozens of southern separatists on the Yemeni island of Socotra in the Arabian Sea as divisions grow in the Saudi-led coalition waging war on Yemen over Abu Dhabi's military build-up on the strategic island.
• US-backed SDF militants kill six civilians during raid in Syria's Dayr al-Zawr Press TV 09 May 2019 -- Kurdish-led militants from the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), backed by helicopters from the US-led coalition, have reportedly stormed a town in Syria's eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr, killing and injuring a number of locals.
• Syrian troops liberate key town, nearby villages in Idlib Press TV 09 May 2019 -- The Syrian army has regained control of a strategic town from Takfiri terrorists in the country's northwest, media reports and local residents say.
• Syrian Government Forces Advance in NW Region Between Idlib, Hama VOA 09 May 2019 -- Syrian government forces reportedly have captured at least three towns from Islamic militias, which control portions of the country's northwest between Idlib and Hama. Arab media also are reporting the government was battling its adversaries in an effort to capture parts of the country's main highway that runs from Damascus to Aleppo.
• Militants Shell Settlements in 2 Syrian Provinces in Past 24 Hours – Russian MoD Sputnik 09 May 2019 -- Militants bombarded the western Syrian provinces of Latakia and Hama over the past 24 hours, the head of the Russian Defence Ministry's Centre for Syrian Reconciliation, Maj. Gen. Viktor Kupchishin, said on Wednesday.
• Three killed as Daesh storms town in southern Libya Press TV 09 May 2019 -- At least three people have been killed in a suspected hit-and-run attack by the Daesh terrorist group on a town in southern Libya, residents and a military official say.
• France calls for 'unconditional' ceasefire in Libya Press TV 09 May 2019 -- The French government, which is accused of tacitly supporting Libya's renegade general Khalifa Haftar, has called for an "unconditional" ceasefire between his militia and government forces near the capital, Tripoli.
• 'Abhorrent' ambulance attack in Libyan capital imperils life-saving work, warns UN UN News 09 May 2019 -- An attack on an ambulance in Tripoli on Wednesday that has critically injured the head of emergency services in Libya's war-torn capital, along with two paramedics, has been strongly condemned by UN humanitarians.
• Deal of century, US recognition of Israeli apartheid: Palestine Press TV 09 May 2019 -- The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates has strongly condemned US President Donald Trump's controversial proposal for peace between the Israelis and Palestinians, dubbed "the deal of the century," saying it translates into Washington's recognition of the Israeli regime's apartheid in the occupied Palestinian territories.

News Reports

• EU Leaders Pledge To Keep Defending Democracy, Rule Of Law RFE/RL 09 May 2019 -- EU leaders attending an informal summit in Romania on May 9 adopted a statement outlining commitments to reform in various areas and pledging to defend democracy and the rule of law.
• Maduro lashes out at US's Pence for encouraging defections Press TV 09 May 2019 -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has harshly rebuked US Vice President Mike Pence for attempting to entice members of the Venezuelan military to turn against the legitimately-elected government in Caracas.
• Guaido Claims 'Vice President' of Opposition-Controlled Congress Detained Sputnik 09 May 2019 -- The Venezuelan Constituent National Assembly has removed parliamentary immunity from seven opposition lawmakers who supposedly took part in the recent failed coup in the country. Among those who lost their immunity was Edgar Jose Zambrano, who serves as a National Assembly deputy.
• Maduro Expels Dozens of Officers From Venezuela Army After Failed Coup - Reports Sputnik 09 May 2019 -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro signed a decree either reducing in rank or expelling dozens of officers, including high-ranking ones, from the country's armed forces due to their involvement in a recent coup attempt, local media reported.
• Montenegrin Court Convicts All 14 Defendants Of Plotting Pro-Russia Coup RFE/RL 09 May 2019 -- Montenegro's High Court has convicted a group of 14 Russians, Serbs, and Montenegrins on terrorism charges and creating a criminal organization as part of an October 2016 attempted coup aimed at derailing the country's NATO membership bid.
• Two Russian Agents Sentenced for Montenegrin Coup Plot VOA 09 May 2019 -- A judge in Montenegro on Thursday sentenced 13 people, including two Russian intelligence officers, for a failed 2016 plot to assassinate the prime minister and put in a pro-Russian government.
• Former Intelligence Analyst Charged with Disclosing Classified Information US Dept. of Justice 09 May 2019 -- An indictment was unsealed today charging a former intelligence analyst with illegally obtaining classified national defense information and disclosing it to a reporter. Daniel Everette Hale, 31, of Nashville, Tennessee, was arrested this morning and will make his initial appearance today at the federal courthouse in Nashville.
• North Korean Cargo Vessel Connected to Sanctions Violations Seized by U.S. Government US Dept. of Justice 09 May 2019 -- Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman for the Southern District of New York, Assistant Director John Brown of the FBI's Counterintelligence Division and Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. of the FBI's New York Field Office announced today the filing of a civil forfeiture complaint against M/V Wise Honest (the "Wise Honest"), a 17,061-ton, single-hull bulk carrier ship registered in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea ("DPRK" or "North Korea").
• US seizes North Korea cargo ship for violating sanctions Press TV 09 May 2019 -- The United States has for the first time seized a cargo ship over what it claims is violating economic sanctions by Washington and the United Nations, another sign that relations between the two countries are once again heading south after a brief thaw.
• US Takes Possession of N. Korean Vessel for Violating Sanctions VOA 09 May 2019 -- The U.S. has taken possession of a North Korean cargo ship for violating international sanctions, a first-of-its-kind seizure that came amid escalating tensions between the two countries over North Korea's nuclear weapons program.
• Spox condemns US sanctions against Iran's metal industry IRNA 09 May 2019 -- Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Mousavi condemned recent decision of the US regime to impose sanctions against Iranian metal industry.
• Iran: Nuclear weapons, biggest threat to int'l security IRNA 09 May 2019 -- Nuclear weapons are the biggest threat to humanity and international security, said an Iranian diplomat in the United Nations, adding the only way to get rid of the danger is to fully annihilate the nuclear arms.
• Araqchi: Iranian' interests prior to preserving JCPOA IRNA 09 May 2019 -- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Abbas Araqchi said naturally Iran does not intend to create tension but Tehran is not biased towards nuclear deal and meeting Iranians' interests is important.
• Zarif: US bullies Europe, EU only expresses regret Press TV 09 May 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says the European Union should stop submitting to Washington's dictates concerning Tehran instead of just expressing "regret" over the US's anti-Iran policy.
• China defends trade ties with Tehran after US sanctioned Iran's metal industry Press TV 09 May 2019 -- China has once again defended its trade ties with Iran, expressing opposition to the new set of unilateral US sanctions targeting the Islamic Republic's metal, mining and oil sectors.
• EU rejects Iran's 60-day deadline on nuclear deal, says will remain committed for now Press TV 09 May 2019 -- The European Union rejects a 60-day deadline set by Tehran for the remaining signatories to a 2015 nuclear deal to address Iran's legal rights and protect its interests against US sanctions, saying, however, that the bloc will stay committed to the agreement for now.
• JCPOA major achievement in diplomacy: Guterres Press TV 09 May 2019 -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has described the 2015 Iran nuclear deal as a major diplomatic achievement, expressing hope that the international document could be saved following the US's withdrawal.
• EU Leaders Say Escalation Must Be Avoided In Iran Crisis; Trump 'Open To Talk' To Iran RFE/RL 09 May 2019 -- French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have cautioned against an escalation in the dispute over Iran's nuclear deal after Tehran said it would stop abiding by parts of the deal and U.S. President Donald Trump said he was open to talks with Iranian leaders.
• U.S. Slaps New Sanctions On Iran As Tehran Threatens More Uranium Enrichment RFE/RL 09 May 2019 -- The United States tightened the screws further on Iran with sanctions on its metal industry on the day Tehran said it was suspending some of its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.
• On Iran's Escalating Series of Threatening Actions and Statements US Dept. of State 09 May 2019 -- The Islamic Republic of Iran has engaged in an escalating series of threatening actions and statements in recent weeks.
• China deeply disappointed by US tariff plan People's Daily 09 May 2019 -- China voiced deep disappointment late on Wednesday about Washington's plan to raise tariffs on Chinese imports on Friday, saying that it will take necessary counter-measures if the US tariffs increase takes effect.
• China hits back at US threats, vowing 'necessary' countermeasures Global Times 09 May 2019 -- China on Wednesday night hit back at repeated threats by US officials to slap higher tariffs on billions of dollars' worth of Chinese goods, vowing that it will take "necessary" countermeasures if forced.
• U.S. Congress members express support for Taiwan CNA 09 May 2019 -- Members of the United States Congress across party lines expressed support for Taiwan at celebrations hosted by Taiwan's representative office in Washington on Wednesday to mark the 40th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA).
• Int'l community voices concerns over U.S. playing 'Taiwan card' People's Daily 09 May 2019 -- The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday passed the "Taiwan Assurance Act of 2019" that reaffirms "the United States commitment to Taiwan and to the implementation of the Taiwan Relations Act," which raised concern in the international community.
• Climate change: 'A moral, ethical and economic imperative' to slow global warming say UN leaders, calling for more action UN News 09 May 2019 -- It is nothing less than a "moral, ethical and economic imperative" to take more action to mitigate the existential threat posed by climate change, said top executives from across the United Nations system on Thursday.
• South Africa Vote Count Marked by Concerns, Surprises VOA 09 May 2019 -- South Africa's electoral commission counted votes Thursday, the day after a parliamentary poll that was expected to be the toughest test yet for the long-ruling African National Congress.
• Thai Vote Results Put Military Proxy on Verge of Victory VOA 09 May 2019 -- Official results for Thailand's first election since a 2014 putsch put a pro-military party within striking distance of forming the next government and returning coup leader Prayuth Chan-ocha as prime minister.