15 May 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

US-Led Coalition on 'High Alert' Over Possible Threats to US Forces in Iraq Sputnik 15 May 2019 -- The US-led coalition is on high alert as it monitors credible threats to American forces in Iraq, US Central Command spokesman Bill Urban said in a statement.

Final Results Of Last Year's General Elections In Kabul Announced RFE/RL 15 May 2019 -- The Afghan election authorities have announced the final results of the country's parliamentary polls in Kabul, seven months after the vote was held.
Taliban Overrun District Center in South Afghanistan VOA 15 May 2019 -- The Taliban captured a district center Wednesday in southern Afghanistan, killing at least 13 government soldiers. The fighting comes as Russia asserted the Taliban is getting stronger and called for increased efforts to reach a negotiated settlement to the 17-year-old war.
United Nations 1267 Sanctions Committee Designation of ISIS-Khorasan US Dept. of State 15 May 2019 -- The United States welcomes yesterday's action by the United Nations Security Council's 1267 ISIL and al-Qa'ida Sanctions Committee to designate ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K), an ISIS affiliate that has carried out terrorist attacks primarily in Afghanistan.

Defense Policy / Programs

Statement from the Press Secretary The White House 15 May 2019
Message to the Congress on Securing the Information and Communications Technology and Services Supply Chain The White House 15 May 2019

U.S. military says on high alert in Iraq, Syria over threats from Iran People's Daily 15 May 2019 -- The U.S. military said on Wednesday that the U.S. forces are on high alert in Iraq and Syria over fears of "imminent threats" from Iran-backed forces in the region.

Senators Press U.S. Arms Control Officials On Fate Of Treaties RFE/RL 15 May 2019 -- U.S. senators clashed with two top arms control officials over the fate of several major treaties with Russia, as President Donald Trump's administration has suspended compliance with one and is undecided about a second.
CRS 2 Conducts CASEVAC Training with HSC 25 NNS 15 May 2019 -- Sailors assigned to Coastal Riverine Squadron 2 (CRS) conducted a casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) and lift training with the "Island Knights" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 in Apra Harbor May 8.
SWRMC Supports Boxer Amphibious Ready Group Deployment NNS 15 May 2019 -- Sailors and civilians from Southwest Regional Maintenance Center (SWRMC) worked to support the USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) as they prepared to depart for a regularly scheduled deployment on May 1.
US Drone Conducts Reconnaissance Near Russia's Western Border – Reports Sputnik 15 May 2019 -- American and NATO surveillance aircraft have been repeatedly spotted flying close to either Russia's borders or Russian military bases in Syria, with one of the latest ones mapped off the Crimean coast over the Black Sea.
US Marines Eye Advanced Reconnaissance Drone That Can Launch From Osprey MV-22 Sputnik 15 May 2019 -- The US Marine Corps is reportedly keeping tabs on a new drone system that can be deployed from the back of an Osprey MV-22 so as to provide advanced reconnaissance of potential threats to the tiltrotor aircraft.
Maryland Guard forces join Estonian military in exercise US Air Force 15 May 2019 -- Approximately 50 Airmen and Soldiers from the Maryland National Guard deployed to Estonia to participate in exercise Spring Storm (Kevadtorm), an Estonian Defense Force annual exercise. Members from the 290th Military Police Company, Maryland Army National Guard, the 175th Wing Security Forces Squadron and the 175th Cyberspace Operations Group, Maryland Air National Guard, embedded with Estonian military forces to conduct training that mirrored real-life war fight situations.
Air Force transitions enlisted specialty, grows special tactics capabilities US Air Force 15 May 2019 -- Enlisted Airmen have been analyzing weather since the very beginning of American military flight in 1917. Decades of hard-earned experience led to Special Operations Weather Team Airmen being designated with their own Air Force specialty code in 2008.
Year of Defender revitalizes security forces squadrons US Air Force 15 May 2019 -- Security forces is the largest enlisted career field in the Air Force with approximately 38,000 defenders spanning 120 bases. In order to better care for these Airmen and ensure they have everything they need to complete their mission, 2019 was declared The Year of the Defender by top Air Force officials.

Defence Secretary keynote speech at the Sea Power Conference 2019 UK MOD 15 May 2019 -- Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt speaks about the Royal Navy and Global Britain.

Germany, Netherlands halt Iraq military training amid Iran-US tensions Press TV 15 May 2019 -- Germany and the Netherlands say they are halting their US-led military training operations in Iraq amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Iraq Yet to Make Decision on Purchase of S-400 From Russia - Ambassador Sputnik 15 May 2019 -- The Iraqi government has not made a decision on the purchase of Russian S-400 air defence systems yet, Iraq's Ambassador to Russia Haidar Hadi said on Wednesday.

India Prunes Purchase of 22 American Sea Guardian Drones - Source Sputnik 15 May 2019 -- India had plans to purchase 22 Sea Guardian drones for the navy, valued at around $2 billion. Instead, it will be around 12 such drones according to the new proposal, as the ministry wants to maximise the utilisation of the limited financial resources available to it, the source added.
Lockheed Martin Offers Exclusive F-21 Fighter Jets to India Sputnik 15 May 2019 -- American aerospace giant Lockheed Martin has also proposed to set up a manufacturing facility in India adding that if New Delhi decides to go ahead with the purchase, it will not sell the new F-21 jets to any other country.

Turkey-Cyprus Tensions Escalate With Naval Exercise VOA 15 May 2019 -- In a move expected to ratchet up tensions, Turkey is holding a major naval exercise amidst an escalating row over energy exploration rights in Cyprus. The dispute is adding to existing tensions between Turkey and its Western allies.
U.S. Lawmakers Call On Turkey To Cancel Purchase Of Russian Missile System RFE/RL 15 May 2019 -- A bipartisan group of senior U.S. lawmakers has called on Turkey to cancel its planned purchase of Russia's S-400 missile-defense system, which Western powers say is incompatible with NATO systems and poses a threat to U.S.-made warplanes.
Russia's S-400 deal with Turkey being fully implemented, presidential aide says Press TV 15 May 2019 -- A high-ranking Russian official says the implementation of his country's deal to deliver advanced S-400 air defense missile systems to Turkey is in full swing despite US pressure and threats of imposing sanctions on Ankara over the purchase of the military hardware.
US Introduces Resolution Urging Turkey to Cancel S-400 Purchase or Lose F-35 Sputnik 15 May 2019 -- A newly introduced piece of legislation in the US House of Representatives urges the Turkish government to abandon its plans to purchase the Russian S-400 air and missile defence system or lose the F-35, a bipartisan group of US lawmakers said in a joint news release.

Defense Industry

Contracts for May 15, 2019

Other Conflicts

15 May 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 15 May 2019

Oil Prices Rise as Saudi Energy Minister Reports Drone Attack on Pipeline Sputnik 15 May 2019 -- Oil prices jumped Tuesday morning on reports of a drone attack on oil pumping stations in Saudi Arabia, with the kingdom regarding the incident as a terrorist act.

Yemeni Minister calls on the world community to protect civilians against Houthi crimes in Al-Dhalea Province in Yemen SPA 15 May 2019 -- Dr. Mohammed Askar, Yemen's Minister of Human Rights, today called on the world community in general and the United Nations in particular to shoulder their responsibility in protecting civilians in Al-Dhalea Province and a number of villages in Yemen against capital and grave crimes being committed by the Iran-backed Houthi militias using different kinds of weapons, ballistic missiles and explosives.
UN Confirms Yemen's Houthi Rebels Redeploy Away From Critical Port VOA 15 May 2019 -- The U.N. envoy for Yemen confirmed Wednesday that Houthi rebels have moved their military forces away from the critical Red Sea port of Hodeida, in a positive first step toward easing hostilities in the country's four-year-long civil war.
Yemen war 'a test of our humanity', and we're 'badly failing' warns UN Children's Fund chief UN News 15 May 2019 -- "Fifteen million children in Yemen are asking you to save their lives" the head of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) told the 15 members of the Security Council on Wednesday, in an impassioned plea for action to end four years of fighting which has left at least 7,300 children killed or seriously injured.
Yemeni forces shoot down Saudi-led combat drone in Sana'a Press TV 15 May 2019 -- Yemeni army forces, supported by allied fighters from Popular Committees, have intercepted and targeted an unmanned aerial vehicle belonging to the Saudi-led military coalition, as it was flying in the skies over a region in the country's western-central province of Sana'a.
Coalition airstrikes destroy Houthis' combat vehicles in Hajjah, Yemen SPA 15 May 2019 -- Aircraft of the Arab Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen destroyed today Houthi militia's combat vehicles in the northwestern province Hajjah.
Yemeni Army launches rocket at militia gatherings in Al-Baidha, Yemen SPA 15 May 2019 -- The Yemeni national army forces, backed by popular resistance, targeted today rallies and gatherings of Houthi militia in central Al-Baidha province.
Yemeni Cabinet Condemns Terrorist Attack on Two Oil Pumping Stations in Saudi Arabia SPA 15 May 2019 -- The Council of Ministers of the Republic of Yemen strongly denounced the sabotage terrorist attack which used explosive-laden drones to target two pump stations along the East-West oil pipeline in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Islamic State Announces 'Pakistan Province' VOA 15 May 2019 -- The Islamic State group says it has established a "province" in Pakistan, days after the terrorist organization used the name "Hind Province" for an attack it claimed in the India-ruled portion of the disputed Kashmir region.

UN calls for 'sustained' aid access to people in need in Rakhine Press TV 15 May 2019 -- "We need access, predictable, sustained access, to reach the people in need," a UN official has said regarding those displaced by conflict in Myanmar's western state of Rakhine.
Relative Stability Brings Progress to Myanmar Region VOA 15 May 2019 -- Loud explosions and billowing smoke filled the air above the national stadium in the highly militarized capital of Panghsang in Myanmar's Shan state – but it wasn't what one might expect in a region known for its heavily armed troops.

Deal of Century never to yield result: Hamas official IRNA 15 May 2019 -- The representative of the Islamic Resistance Movement of Palestine (Hamas) in Iran emphasized that the Deal of the Century will never yield any result, provided that the division in the region is put aside and 'all of us are united and we will confront the Zionist regime, which is the enemy of us all."
Israeli forces injures over 60 Palestinians during Nakba Day protests Press TV 15 May 2019 -- More than 60 Palestinians have been injured in the besieged Gaza Strip as Israeli forces attacked protesters marking the 71st anniversary of the Nakba Day (the Day of Catastrophe).
Resistance fighters never give up weapons, never normalize with Israel: Hamas Press TV 15 May 2019 -- The Palestinian Hamas movement has described its resistance fighters' weapons as a red line, strongly denouncing attempts by a number of Arab states and Persian Gulf kingdoms to normalize diplomatic relations with the Israeli regime after years of clandestine contacts.

Militants ambush soldiers in Niger, 17 killed Press TV 15 May 2019 -- Gunmen have ambushed Nigerien soldiers near the Malian border, killing at least 17 soldiers, a government spokesman says.
Niger Loses 17 Soldiers in Ambush Near Mali Border VOA 15 May 2019 -- A government spokesman in Niger says at least 17 Nigerien soldiers were killed and another 11 are missing after an ambush by unknown attackers Tuesday.

News Reports

Florida Governor Says Russian Hackers Accessed Voter Databases RFE/RL 15 May 2019 -- The governor of Florida has said Russian hackers gained access to voter databases in two of the southern state's counties ahead of the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

Venezuela accuses 4 more lawmakers of treason Press TV 15 May 2019 -- Venezuela's top court has accused four opposition lawmakers of treason for supporting a coup attempt against the elected government of President Nicolas Maduro earlier this month.
Washington Orders Suspension of Air Travel Between US and Venezuela Sputnik 15 May 2019 -- The South American state has recently been suffering from a severe political crisis, which has been gravely worsened by the imposition of American sanctions and Washington's support for the self-proclaimed interim president and opposition leader, Juan Guaido, who is accused of attempting a coup in the country.

Russian Embassy Protests Arrest Of Russian Charged With Ilegally Obtaining U.S. Fighter Jet Manuals RFE/RL 15 May 2019 -- Russia's embassy has protested the arrest of a Russian software developer who was extradited from Georgia and charged by U.S. authorities with trying to obtain user manuals and instructional materials for F-15 fighters jets.

Russian Butina Appeals 18-Month Sentence From Oklahoma Cell RFE/RL 15 May 2019 -- Maria Butina, who pleaded guilty to not registering as an agent for the Russian government while in the United States and was sentenced to 18 months in U.S. prison, has filed an appeal against her sentence.
Russian National Butina Appeals 18-Month Sentence in US Court Sputnik 15 May 2019 -- Russian citizen Maria Butina is being kept in general population in Grady County jail, Oklahoma, before being transferred to a federal prison to serve the remainder of her sentence, her lawyer Robert Driscoll told Sputnik earlier in the day.

Severe Drought Witnessed in DPRK KCNA 15 May 2019 -- Severe drought has been lingering in all parts of the DPRK.
President Kim Il Sung and Chairman Kim Jong Il Lauded for Developing DPRK into Powerful Socialist State KCNA 15 May 2019 -- The DPRK which has developed into a dignified and powerful state, invincible socialist fortress, is the most valuable patriotic legacy President Kim Il Sung and Chairman Kim Jong Il left by dedicating their whole lives, says Rodong Sinmun Wednesday in an article.

State Department Orders Non-Emergency US Gov't Employees to Leave Iraq Sputnik 15 May 2019 -- The order comes just a day after the US Central Command stated that the coalition forces in Iraq had been put on "a high level of alert" due to possible imminent threats to them.
US orders departure of non-emergency employees from Iraq Press TV 15 May 2019 -- The US State Department has ordered the departure of non-emergency government employees from Iraq, following Washington's repeated expressions of concern about so-called threats from Iran's allies in the Arab country.
U.S. Orders 'Nonemergency' Government Employees To Leave Iraq RFE/RL 15 May 2019 -- The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad says the State Department has ordered all "nonemergency" government employees to leave Iraq amid growing tensions with neighboring Iran.
Amid Tension With Iran, US Pulls Non-Essential Staff From Iraq VOA 15 May 2019 -- The United States on Wednesday ordered its non-emergency employees to leave Iraq, as American lawmakers worried openly about a potential march to war with Iran.

Supreme Leader says US will retreat without conflict IRNA 15 May 2019 -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said that US will retreat from the current escalation without conflict, adding that there is no need to negotiate with Washington.
Saving JCPOA depending on Europe's moves: Kharrazi ISNA 15 May 2019 -- Saving Iran's nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) depends on the measures taken by Europe to compensate for their previous hesitations, the head of Iran's Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, Kamal Kharrazi said on Wednesday.
Sending US troops to region is "psychological warfare": Takht-Ravanchi ISNA 15 May 2019 -- Iran's ambassador to the United Nations stressed that US' plan to send troops to the Middle East is a "psychological warfare," citing President Donald Trump's public threats and his administration's military maneuvers.
Iran begins rolling back some of its commitments under JCPOA ISNA 15 May 2019 -- By order of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), Tehran has begun rolling back some of its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Iran's top leader rules out talks with U.S People's Daily 15 May 2019 -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Tuesday ruled out any talks with the U.S. government over the disputed issues, Tasnim news agency reported.
Rouhani says US bans on Iranian nation 'crime against humanity' Press TV 15 May 2019 -- President Hassan Rouhani says the US' sanctions against the Iranian nation are "crime against humanity" as they have effectively targeted ordinary people, hampering their access to food and medicine.
Putin: Russia regrets seeing Iran nuclear deal unravel, done enough to save it Press TV 15 May 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says Iran's nuclear program is most transparent and Moscow "regrets" to see the 2015 nuclear agreement unravel since America's decision to leave it in May 2018.
Global oil supplies take major hit amid US-Iran tensions Press TV 15 May 2019 -- The global oil market has experienced a major drop in supplies as a direct result of America's maximum pressure campaign against Iran, the International Energy Agency (IEA) says.
Iran at peak of defense preparedness to counter threats: Defense minister Press TV 15 May 2019 -- Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami says the Islamic Republic has currently the highest level of defense preparedness to counter any threat against the country.
Iran suspends some commitments under 2015 nuclear deal: Official Press TV 15 May 2019 -- Iran has suspended some of its commitments under a nuclear agreement it signed with six world powers in 2015, upon an order from the country's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), an informed official in the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) says.
India leaves Iran guessing on oil imports: Report Press TV 15 May 2019 -- India has told Iran that it will decide on continuing oil purchases from Tehran after its elections, Indian newspapers reported on Wednesday.
US looms large as South Korea buys more Iran oil Press TV 15 May 2019 -- South Korea's imports of Iranian crude oil rose 17% to 353,223 barrels per day (bpd) in April, government data showed on Wednesday, highlighting the importance of Iran's shipments for the country.
US lawmakers complain 'are in the dark' over Iran Press TV 15 May 2019 -- US lawmakers are complaining that the administration of President Donald Trump has kept them "in the dark" about its decisions regarding Iran amid increasing tensions between the two countries.
'No increased threat from Iran,' says British general in remarks he refuses to restate Press TV 15 May 2019 -- The British general overseeing the so-called US-led coalition forces in Syria and Iraq has asserted that there has been "no increased threat from Iran" amid the US military buildup in the Persian Gulf, a posture at odds with the United States.
'We fundamentally do not seek a war with Iran,' says US state secy Press TV 15 May 2019 -- US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo says the country is not after military confrontation with Iran, a statement running counter to Washington's military buildup in the Persian Gulf.
Alarm And Grief: Mindful Of 1980s, Iranians Warn Of War's Devastation RFE/RL 15 May 2019 -- As verbal sparring, economic pressure, and military jockeying intensify between Tehran and Washington, Iranians are closely following the standoff and appear increasingly alarmed at the prospect of a conflict with the United States.
Trump Says Confident Iran 'Will Want to Talk Soon' Sputnik 15 May 2019 -- US President Donald Trump in a statement on Wednesday said he is confident Iran will soon come to the negotiating table to discuss its nuclear program.
Iran 'on Cusp of Full-Scale Confrontation With Enemy' – IRGC Commander Sputnik 15 May 2019 -- US-Iran tensions have been running high in recent weeks, with reports emerging in the media that Washington had plans to send 120,000 American troops to Tehran's neighbour Iraq, as well as a US move to remove its non-emergency from the embassy in Baghdad, citing security threats.
Sanders Warns Iran War 'Wanted by Bolton' Would Be 'Many Times Worse Than Iraq' Sputnik 15 May 2019 -- During his appearance on MSNBC, Bernie Sanders made a reference to the administration's earlier reported plan for Iran that allegedly envisions sending about 120,000 troops to the Middle East, if Iran were to go ahead with an attack against American forces or start to develop nuclear weapons, although POTUS Trump promptly dismissed the reports.

Xi rejects zero-sum theory Global Times 15 May 2019 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping refuted the clash of civilizations theory and warned that it was "foolish to believe that one's race and civilization are superior to others, and it is disastrous to willfully reshape or even replace other civilizations."
China stands firm on spat; US softens Global Times 15 May 2019 -- China on Wednesday maintained its firm position in the escalating trade war with the US despite seemingly softening tones from Washington, and took a cautionary approach to the olive branch extended by US officials to resume talks.
Highlights of Xi's speech at opening of CDAC Global Times 15 May 2019 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping Wednesday delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations (CDAC) in Beijing. Following are some highlights of his speech.
China advocates dialogue, rebuts "clash of civilizations" as conference opens People's Daily 15 May 2019 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday urged various countries to treat each other as equals for the peaceful coexistence of civilizations.

Private space firms rapidly growing in China: report Global Times 15 May 2019 -- China had 141 registered commercial space companies in 2018, 90 percent of which are private, according to a report, and experts said that private commercial space companies have experienced stable development in recent years but lack more talent.

Senior Space Official Said To Have Fled Russia Amid Audits RFE/RL 15 May 2019 -- The governor of Florida has said Russian hackers gained access to voter databases in two of the southern state's counties ahead of the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

Sudan's junta, protest reps agree on transition period Press TV 15 May 2019 -- Military rulers and protest leaders in Sudan have reportedly reached an agreement on a three-year transition period for the transfer of power to an entirely civilian government, as talks continues on a new sovereign ruling body.
Hope, Skepticism as Sudan's Military, Opposition Reach Deal VOA 15 May 2019 -- Sudan's protest leaders and the Transitional Military Council have agreed on the main structure of a transitional government, a significant step forward in the weeks-long stand-off between the two sides. But they are yet to agree on the side that will have a majority in a new, transitional ruling council until the 2022 elections.
Sudan Military Council, Opposition Reach Accord on Transitional Period - Reports Sputnik 15 May 2019 -- The Sudanese Transitional Military Council (TMC) said that it had reached an agreement on a three-year transitional period in the country with the opposition, media reported.

European Commission Adopts New Strategy On Central Asia RFE/RL 15 May 2019 -- The European Commission has adopted a new Central Asia strategy with the aim of creating what it calls "a stronger, modern, and nonexclusive partnership" with former Soviet republics in Central Asia that are "willing and able" to improve relations.

Kyrgyz Security Chief Resigns Under Pressure Amid Corruption Allegations RFE/RL 15 May 2019 -- The chairman of Kyrgyzstan's State Committee for National Security (UKMK), Idris Kadyrkulov, has resigned under pressure amid widespread allegations of corruption.

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