13 May 2019 Military News

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AFCENT confirms first B-52 bombers' mission in anti-Iran deployment Press TV 13 May 2019 -- The B-52H Stratofortress bombers, sent to the Middle East amid the United States' anti-Iran deployment, have carried out their first mission, says the US Air Forces Central Command.

Afghan Taliban Chief Negotiator: 'US on Verge of Defeat' VOA 13 May 2019 -- The Taliban's chief negotiator says in newly released remarks that the United States is on the verge of defeat and will quit Afghanistan soon "either of their own accord, or they will be forced out."
Afghan Candidates Demand Ghani Step Down or Withdraw From Election VOA 13 May 2019 -- A majority of presidential candidates in Afghanistan have demanded that President Ashraf Ghani either step down at the end of his tenure or withdraw his candidacy for the next election.
Triple blasts hit eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad, kill 3 Press TV 13 May 2019 -- Three bomb explosions have struck Afghanistan's eastern city of Jalalabad, killing at least three people and injuring 20 others, local officials say.
UN probing Afghan civilian casualties from US strikes Press TV 13 May 2019 -- The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) is investigating allegations of civilian casualties following US airstrikes in Farah and Nimroz provinces.
UN's Afghan Mission Concerned About 'Increased Violence' During Ramadan RFE/RL 13 May 2019 -- The United Nations' Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has expressed "grave concern" about the impact on civilians from an "increase in violence around the country" during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

Defense Policy / Programs

The Department of Commerce Identifies Entities of National Security Concern US Dept. of Commerce 13 May 2019 -- Today, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the U.S. Department of Commerce announced that it will add 12 foreign entities and individuals to the Bureau's Entity List. This list contains the names of foreign parties that are subject to specific license requirements for the export, reexport, and/or in-country transfer of controlled items, ensuring that sensitive technologies do not fall into the hands of those who would threaten U.S. national security or American citizens. Organizations or persons who violate these rules – as defined under the Export Administration Regulations – are subject to criminal penalties and administrative sanctions.

Secretary of the Air Force announces Grand Forks AFB re-designation US Air Force 13 May 2019 -- Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson announced the re-designation of the 319th Air Base Wing at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, as the 319th Reconnaissance Wing, May 11.
Pentagon pulling funds from nuclear missile, spy planes projects to fund Trump's promised border wall Press TV 13 May 2019 -- The Pentagon has relocated funds from nuclear missile and spy plane-related projects, among other defense cuts, in a bid to fund United States President Donald Trump's promised border wall in the south of the country.
Pentagon to Redirect Money From Ballistic Missiles to Border Wall - Reports Sputnik 13 May 2019 -- The US Defence Department's funding for the construction of a wall on the border with Mexico will partially come from programmes related to the modernisation of a ballistic missile and an airborne warning and control system, The Washington Post reported, citing a document prepared by the department.
Exercise Northern Edge 2019 kicks off in Alaska NNS 13 May 2019 -- Approximately 10,000 U.S. military personnel are participating in exercise Northern Edge 2019 (NE19), a joint training exercise hosted by U.S. Pacific Air Forces, on and above central Alaska ranges and the Gulf of Alaska, May 13-24.
Puget Sound Naval Shipyard Climb and NUWC Division, Keyport into the Future NNS 13 May 2019 -- The sleek, powerful form of the attack submarine USS Connecticut (SSN 22) seemingly floated upon its concrete keel blocks in the vast dry dock, silent as if it were deep under the waves, while a crew of engineers underneath it prepared a tiny robot to perform a hull inspection Apr. 1.
ADMM-Plus Exercise Strengthens Maritime Security NNS 13 May 2019 -- The ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus Maritime Security Field Training Exercise 2019, finished in Singapore May 13, following multilateral training in the South China Sea.
USS Pioneer and USS Patriot arrive in Puerto Princesa NNS 13 May 2019 -- Avenger-class mine countermeasures ships USS Pioneer (MCM 9) and USS Patriot (MCM 7) arrived in Puerto Princesa, Philippines, May 9, for a port visit for resupply and routine maintenance purposes.
ADMM-Plus Exercise Strengthens Maritime Security NNS 13 May 2019 -- Lt. Cmdr. Austin Maxwell transferred responsibility as the officer in charge of the Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT) Det. Goodfellow to Lt. Cmdr. John Allen during a change of charge ceremony, May 9.
Destroyer USS Gravely Equipped With Tomahawk Missiles Enters Gulf of Finland Sputnik 13 May 2019 -- A group of NATO warships entered the Baltic Sea in April, approaching Russia's borders multiple times. In particular, the USS Gravely was previously spotted about 50-60 kilometres from a Russian naval base in Baltiysk.

Spring Storm drill in Estonia enters second week NATO 13 May 2019 -- Forces from across NATO are currently taking part in exercise Spring Storm in Estonia.

China conducts maritime exercise with advanced amphibious assault vehicles Global Times 13 May 2019 -- China recently conducted a maritime exercise featuring what is being hailed as the world's most advanced medium-sized amphibious assault vehicle, the ZTD-05s, a weapon that can join amphibious landing ships in land assault missions.
China Not Interested in Joining Russia-US Strategic Arms Reduction Talks - FM Sputnik 13 May 2019 -- China has no need to join Russia-US bilateral talks on nuclear disarmament, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in a statement.

US Military Presence in Persian Gulf Has 'Reached Its End' - Iranian Navy Sputnik 13 May 2019 -- Iranian Navy Commander Rear Adm. Hossein Khanzadi said on Sunday, commenting on Washington's decision to increase its military presence in the Middle East, that the United States must leave the region.

Turkey Begins Largest Naval Exercises in Three Neighboring Seas Sputnik 13 May 2019 -- Turkey launched its largest naval exercise, dubbed Denizkurdu-2019 (Sea Wolf), on Monday across the three seas it borders, the Turkish Ministry of Defence said.

Remarks by President Trump and Prime Minister Orbán of Hungary Before Bilateral Meeting The White House 13 May 2019
Trump Praises Hard-Line Hungarian PM In Closely Watched White House Meeting RFE/RL 13 May 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has praised Hungary's hard-line prime minister for his immigration policies, as he hosted Viktor Orban in an Oval Office meeting that has worried some European allies and U.S. lawmakers who say Budapest is sliding into authoritarianism.
Trump Hosts Hungary's Orban at White House VOA 13 May 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Monday – the first visit of the controversial leader to the White House since he returned to power in 2010.

Remarks to Traveling Press US Dept. of State 13 May 2019 -- Special Briefing by Brian Hook, Senior Policy Advisor to the Secretary of State and Special Representative for Iran

Defense Industry

Contracts for May 13, 2019

Other Conflicts

13 May 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 13 May 2019

Text of a Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Yemen The White House 13 May 2019
Message to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Yemen The White House 13 May 2019
Yemen's Houthis, ex-govt. hold fresh talks in Jordan Press TV 13 May 2019 -- Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement and the Saudi-backed former government have commenced fresh talks in Jordan, two days after Houthi forces unilaterally began withdrawing from three key ports in the western province of Hudaydah in line with a UN-brokered agreement the warring sides reached last year.
Houthis' withdrawal from key Yemeni ports prelude to final solution: Iran Press TV 13 May 2019 -- Iran has hailed the unilateral withdrawal of Houthi forces from key ports of Yemen's western province of Hudaydah, once again reaffirming the Islamic Republic's support for the Stockholm agreement.

Syria calls on UNSC to stop US-backed SDF attacks Press TV 13 May 2019 -- Syria has called on the United Nations Security Council to shoulder its responsibilities and adopt immediate and effective measures to stop the attacks and treasonous actions of Kurdish-led militants from the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) actively operating in the Arab country's eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr.
Militants Shell 4 Settlements in Syria's Latakia in Past 24 Hours - Russian MoD Sputnik 13 May 2019 -- Militants have attacked four settlements in the Syrian province of Latakia over the past 24 hours, the head of the Russian Defence Ministry's Centre for Syrian Reconciliation, Maj. Gen. Viktor Kupchishin said on Sunday.

NATO Secretary General calls for end to Libya fighting NATO 13 May 2019 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Representative for Libya Ghassan Salamé at NATO headquarters on Monday (13 May 2019) for talks on the security situation in Libya.

Blast Kills 4 Policemen in SW Pakistan VOA 13 May 2019 -- A bomb explosion in southwestern Pakistan has killed at least four policemen and injured around 10 other people, including civilians.

Over one million Palestinians in Gaza not having enough food by June: UNRWA Press TV 13 May 2019 -- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has warned that it will not be able to provide food to more than one million Palestinian refugees in the besieged Gaza Strip if it cannot raise at least an additional $60 million by next month.
Gaza matches Hezbollah, can fire 1,000 missiles a day: Israel Press TV 13 May 2019 -- Israeli officials have concluded that resistance groups in the besieged Gaza Strip now match their Lebanese counterpart Hezbollah in terms of missile prowess.
Gaza blockade causes 'near ten-fold increase' in food dependency, says UN agency UN News 13 May 2019 -- At a time when Muslims globally are observing the holy month of Ramadan, more than half the population in Gaza depends on the international community for food aid, the director of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) said on Monday, citing a "near ten-fold increase" in need.

UN Warns Crisis in Anglophone Cameroon Worsening VOA 13 May 2019 -- The U.N. warned Monday that Cameroon has become one of the fastest-growing displacement crises in Africa, and that the security and humanitarian situations are deteriorating and risk spiraling out of control.
UN Security Council to Discuss Cameroon's Escalating Crisis VOA 13 May 2019 -- The United Nations Security Council this Monday is set to informally discuss the separatist crisis in Cameroon for the first time. The discussion comes at a time when the conflict is escalating with many internally displaced persons from the English speaking regions escaping to the French speaking zones where some live in desperate conditions.

News Reports

Venezuela's Guaido Officially Requests US Military Support - Letter Sputnik 13 May 2019 -- Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido has formally requested the support of US military forces in the ongoing political and humanitarian crisis in the South American country, a letter published by his representative Carlos Vecchio said on Monday.

Court Finds RM Broadcasting Must Register as a Foreign Agent US Dept. of Justice 13 May 2019 -- U.S. District Court Judge Robin L. Rosenberg has ruled that a Florida-based company, RM Broadcasting LLC (RM Broadcasting), was acting as an agent of a foreign principal and must register as such under the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 (FARA).

UK's spy convicted to 10 years in prison ISNA 13 May 2019 -- A spy accused of cooperation with UK Secret Intelligence Service is convicted to 10 years in prison, the spokesman of Judicial system of Iran announced.
Tehran Sentences Iranian British Council Worker To 10 Years For 'Spying' RFE/RL 13 May 2019 -- Iran said on May 13 that it has sentenced an Iranian citizen who works for the British Council to 10 years in prison on charges of "spying."

Britain to Decide on Extradition Fate of WikiLeaks' Assange VOA 13 May 2019 -- Swedish prosecutors are reopening the rape case against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange following a request from the lawyer of one of the alleged victims.

Japan Seeks Summit With N Korea Despite Missile Launches - Reports Sputnik 13 May 2019 -- Tokyo still seeks a summit with North Korea over the abduction of its citizens despite Pyongyang's missile firings, the Japanese NHK broadcaster reported on Monday citing Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga.

French FM: Europe asks Iran to stay in JCPOA IRNA 13 May 2019 -- French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on Monday that Europe insists that the Islamic Republic of Iran stay in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Mogherini urges Iran, US to de-escalate tension IRNA 13 May 2019 -- The European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini on Monday voiced the EU full support for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), calling on Iran and the US to de-escalate tension.
JCPOA key pillar of security in our region: Mogherini ISNA 13 May 2019 -- EU foreign policy chief stressed that Europe will continue to support Iran nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
Bolton, B-Team plan JCPOA exit before US quit deal only phone numbers not included: Zarif ISNA 13 May 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif addressed US President, saying US National Security Advisor John Bolton, along with anti-Iran figures in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Israel were planning to push Washington out of Iran nuclear deal even before Bolton was appointed to his current post, only phone numbers were not included.
EU warns against 'military escalation' over Iran Press TV 13 May 2019 -- The European Union strongly advises avoidance of any "military escalation" against Iran as the United States keeps piling pressure on the Islamic Republic and trying to force other countries to follow suit.
Iran right to suspend some nuclear deal commitments: Russia FM Press TV 13 May 2019 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Iran had every right to scale back some of its commitments under a multilateral nuclear agreement Tehran clinched with major world powers in 2015.
Iran may quit JCPOA if nuclear case sent to Security Council: AEOI spokesman Press TV 13 May 2019 -- A senior official of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) says the country has a host of different measures to take if its nuclear case is sent back to the UN Security Council, including quitting the nuclear deal it clinched with major world powers back in 2015.
British FM warns about 'risk of conflict' between US, Iran Press TV 13 May 2019 -- Britain's Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt warns about the risk of a conflict between the United States and Iran as a result of "unintended escalation."
Israeli minister warns of Iran escalation fallout for Tel Aviv Press TV 13 May 2019 -- Israel's energy minister has warned of serious risks to Israel's security in case tensions between Iran and the United States increase.
EU Powers Voice Concern Over Iran Tensions Amid Talks With Pompeo In Brussels RFE/RL 13 May 2019 -- The ministers from the EU signatories to the nuclear deal with Iran have expressed concern about a military escalation between the United States and Iran as U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo paid a surprise visit to Brussels.
If Iran Does Anything, It Will be Very Bad Mistake - Trump Amid Soaring Tensions Sputnik 13 May 2019 -- The statement appeared amid escalating tensions between the two countries after Tehran last week announced its decision to suspend some of its obligations under the nuclear deal. Using the pretext of a possible threat from Iran, Washington deployed an aircraft carrier strike group to the Persian Gulf.
Russian FM: Iran Had the Right to Partially Suspend Nuclear Deal Commitments Sputnik 13 May 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani announced last week that Tehran would scale back on some of its commitments and start increasing uranium enrichment levels after a 60-day period if the five remaining signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal don't help the country "reach its benefits in the field of oil and banking" amid US sanctions
European Allies Warn US Over Tensions With Iran VOA 13 May 2019 -- Top officials from the European Union are calling on the United States to use "maximum restraint" and avoid military escalation with Iran.

China hits back at US tariffs Global Times 13 May 2019 -- Duties show Beijing unfazed by Washington's pressure China on Monday struck back at US tariffs on Chinese goods, announcing duties of between 5 percent to 25 percent on more than 5,100 products from the US worth tens of billions of dollars.
China retaliates against US tariffs while leaving room for trade talks Global Times 13 May 2019 -- China hit back at US President Donald Trump's latest tariffs on Chinese goods on Monday, announcing tariffs of between 5 percent to 25 percent on 5,140 US-originated products effective June 1, showing a rational stance of Beijing and leaving room for the two to reach a final trade deal, experts said.
Tall tales won't help US win trade war Global Times 13 May 2019 -- White House Chief Economic Adviser Larry Kudlow said Sunday that both the US and China will suffer when questioned about who would pay the tariffs imposed by the US on Chinese imports in an interview on Fox News.
China's need for balanced deal 'rational' People's Daily 13 May 2019 -- Analysts underline cooperation during trade talks between Beijing, Washington
Op-ed: China will never bow to any extreme pressure People's Daily 13 May 2019 -- The erratic weather in Washington seems to tell what happens between the world's two largest economies. In a highly hard and sensitive atmosphere, China and the US kicked off their 11th round of high-level trade talks on May 9.
Trump to Xi: 'China will be hurt very badly if you don't make a deal' Press TV 13 May 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has warned Chinese President Xi Jinping that his country would be "hurt very badly" if a deal to end the escalating trade war is not reached between the two countries.
China vows not to 'give in to pressure' amid trade dispute with US Press TV 13 May 2019 -- China says it will never surrender to external pressure after the United renewed its threat to impose fresh tariffs on Chinese goods amid an escalating trade war between the world's two largest economies.
China Refuses to 'Surrender to External Pressure' as US Renews Tariff Threat Sputnik 13 May 2019 -- Last week's round of US-China trade negotiations failed to produce any results, with Washington subsequently introducing a new set of tariffs on Chinese goods. Beijing has already vowed to retaliate against Washington's Friday decision to impose 25 percent tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods.
China Imposes Tariffs on $60 Billion in US Exports VOA 13 May 2019 -- China says it is imposing tariffs on $60 billion worth of imports from the United States, retaliating after President Donald Trump boosted taxes on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods sent to the United States and moved to impose duties on another $300 billion of Chinese exports.

Pakistan's Parliament Passes Bill On More Representation For Former Tribal Regions RFE/RL 13 May 2019 -- Pakistan's lower chamber of parliament has approved a bill that would grant more representation in a provincial legislature to seven former tribal districts near the border with Afghanistan.

US Official: Explosives Blew Holes in Ships off UAE VOA 13 May 2019 -- A U.S. official says military experts believe explosives blew holes in four ships off the coast of the United Arab Emirates Sunday, and suspects Iran may be involved but they have no proof.
Ships 'Sabotaged' off UAE Coast VOA 13 May 2019 -- Saudi Arabia says two of its oil tankers suffered "significant damage" in a "sabotage attack" early Sunday off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. No details, however, about the specifics of the damage were released.
Saudi Arabia Says Tankers Targeted By 'Sabotage Attack' RFE/RL 13 May 2019 -- Saudi Arabia says two of its oil tankers were targeted in what it described as a "sabotage attack" off the coast of the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.).
Minister of Energy denounces the attack against the two Saudi tankers which threatens the freedom of maritime navigation and the security of oil supplies to consumers all over the world SPA 13 May 2019 -- The Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources, HE Khalid Al-Falih, confirmed that at six o'clock in the morning of Sunday, 7th of Ramadan 1440 Hijri; corresponding to 12th May 2019, two Saudi oil tankers were subjected to a sabotage attack in the exclusive economic zone of the United Arab Emirates, off the coast of the Emirate of Fujairah, while on their way to cross into the Arabian Gulf. One of the two vessels was on its way to be loaded with Saudi crude oil from the port of Ras Tanura, to be delivered to Saudi Aramco's customers in the United States. Fortunately, the attack didn't lead to any casualties or oil spill; however, it caused significant damage to the structures of the two vessels.
Ships Sabotaged in UAE Waters Belonged to Norway, UAE, Saudi Arabia - Reports Sputnik 13 May 2019 -- The vessels sabotaged on Sunday in the Gulf of Oman were navigating under the flags of Saudi Arabia, Norway and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Al Arabiya news channel reported on Monday.
Saudi Arabia Says Two Vessels Targeted in 'Sabotage Attack' Near UAE Sputnik 13 May 2019 -- The Saudi energy minister has reportedly said that two country's vessels were targeted in a "sabotage attack" on Sunday morning near UAE, noting that no casualties or leaks occurred, according to Reuters citing Saudi state TV.

100 Indians Among 600 Terror Suspects Deported From Sri Lanka - Report Sputnik 13 May 2019 -- The deportations come as part of the island nation's endeavour to restructure its security apparatus as promised by President Maithripala Sirisena following serial terror attacks that rocked Sri Lanka on 21 April, leaving 253 killed and over 500 injured.

Erdogan Fights to Keep Control of Istanbul VOA 13 May 2019 -- Ekrem Imamoglu caused a political earthquake in recent local elections in Turkey when he won the Istanbul mayorship, ending 25 years of domination by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. However, in a controversial move, Turkey's election board annulled the March vote and ordered a re-run. Now the ousted mayor is at the center of a political storm.
Turkey detains 46 ex-policemen over affiliation to Gulen movement Press TV 13 May 2019 -- Turkish security forces have arrested dozens of former police officers on suspicion of affiliation to a movement led by US-based opposition cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom the Ankara government accuses of having masterminded the July 2016 coup attempt against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Brexit Delay Plunges Britain Into EU's May 23 Elections VOA 13 May 2019 -- It is an election Britain was never meant to be holding – the country was scheduled to have left the European Union by now.
UK PM opposes Labour proposal for second Brexit referendum Press TV 13 May 2019 -- Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May has rejected a proposal by the opposition Labour Party for accepting a second referendum on leaving the European Union as a prerequisite for reaching a deal that could guarantee a smooth withdrawal from the bloc.

Sudan's Bashir Charged Over Killings of Protesters VOA 13 May 2019 -- Prosecutors in Sudan have charged former president Omar al-Bashir with involvement in the killing of anti-government protesters.
Sudan police tear-gas anti-army protesters Press TV 13 May 2019 -- Sudanese police have used tear gas to disperse crowds of protesters in the capital Khartoum who had gathered to pile pressure on the ruling Transitional Military Council (TMC) to hand power to civilians.

Filipinos voting to elect new lawmakers, executives in mid-term elections Press TV 13 May 2019 -- People in the Philippines are heading to the polls to cast their ballots in mid-term elections, which are expected to promote the allies of President Rodrigo Duterte and pave the way for him to gather legislative support for his controversial plans to restore the death penalty and rewrite the constitution.

Incumbent PM concedes defeat in Lithuania presidential elections Press TV 13 May 2019 -- Lithuanian Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis has vowed to quit in July after being eliminated from a presidential runoff that will see an independent economist square off against a conservative on May 26.
Lithuania Appears Headed For Presidential Runoff RFE/RL 13 May 2019 -- Voters in Lithuania will head to the polls again in two weeks after the first round of presidential elections failed to produce a clear winner.
Lithuania PM to Resign After Presidential Election Defeat - Report Sputnik 13 May 2019 -- Lithuania held its presidential election on Sunday, with nine candidates running for the country's highest office.

EU Warns Romania Of Legal Steps Over Moves To Weaken Rule Of Law RFE/RL 13 May 2019 -- The European Commission has threatened it will take legal action against Romania unless it reverses moves to cripple the independence of its courts and hinder the fight against corruption.

Armenian Ex-President Kocharian Goes On Trial In Yerevan RFE/RL 13 May 2019 -- Former Armenian President Robert Kocharian, has gone on trial on charges of overthrowing the constitutional order during the final weeks of his decade-long rule that ended in April 2008.

Albanian Protesters Throw Firebombs, Seek Early Elections VOA 13 May 2019 -- Albanian protesters threw firebombs at the police Monday evening, and the supporters of opposition parties gathered in the capital, Tirana, to ask for the resignation of Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama and early elections.

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