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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
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Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Taliban, German Envoys Meet In Qatar Amid Peace Push RFE/RL 19 May 2019 -- The Taliban has met in Qatar with Germany's special representative for Afghanistan amid international efforts to end the nearly 18-year war.
• US, Taliban Blame Each Other for Acting Against Afghan Peace VOA 19 May 2019 -- Taliban and American military officials have taken to social media to accuse each other of acting against peace building efforts in conflict-torn Afghanistan.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Abraham Lincoln CSG and Kearsarge ARG Conduct Joint Operations in U.S. 5th Fleet NNS 19 May 2019 -- The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (ABECSG) and the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (KSGARG), with the embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), conducted joint operations May 17-18.
• US announces start of GCC's 'enhanced security patrols' in Persian Gulf Press TV 19 May 2019 -- The United States says countries of the (Persian) Gulf Cooperation Council have started patrolling in the region amid the US escalation of tensions with Tehran.
• US Navy Flexes Muscles in Arabian Sea Amid Heightening Tensions With Iran Sputnik 19 May 2019 -- The US Navy's announcement about the drills came on the heels of reports that the UK had sent special forces to the Middle East and several Arab countries of the Gulf began "enhanced security patrols" in the area.
• Russia holds Baltic drills amid rising tensions with NATO Press TV 19 May 2019 -- Russian troops serving in the Baltic fleet in Kaliningrad have staged military drills as the strategic region is becoming an increasingly contested space between Russia and NATO.
• UK forces secretly join US troops in Persian Gulf on anti-Iran mission: Report Press TV 19 May 2019 -- An unconfirmed report shows Britain has secretly sent troops to the Persian Gulf to help US forces in the region to counter an alleged threat from Iran.
• Chilling Report Reveals UK Army Lacks Troops to Keep Country Safe Sputnik 19 May 2019 -- In 2012 a £495 mln campaign launched to bring in fresh recruits failed dismally; the company in charge of the effort, Capita, has botched hiring targets every year since then, according to UK's National Audit Office.
• PLA gets new lethal high-precision sniper rifle: report Global Times 19 May 2019 -- China unveiled on Sunday details of its first homemade high-precision sniper rifle, a weapon that could replace the old rifle that has served the People's Liberation Army (PLA) for more than 20 years.
• Seven French Navy Fighter Jets Make Emergency Landing Amid Drill in Indonesia Sputnik 19 May 2019 -- Bad weather has forced seven French Navy fighter planes that participated in military drills to make emergency landings in Indonesia on Sunday, according to AP.
• Pakistan Redeploys F-16 Warplanes After 'its Failure to Counter India' – Report Sputnik 19 May 2019 -- This comes amid ongoing tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad, which escalated after the 14 February Pulwama terrorist attack which killed at least 40 Indian security personnel. The attack, which a Pakistan-based terror outfit claimed responsibility for, was followed by a 26 February Indian airstrike on an alleged terrorist site in Pakistan.
• Han Kuang drills to feature F-16Vs, Perry-class frigates CNA 19 May 2019 -- A wide range of military equipment, weapons and vehicles, including F-16V fighter jets from the United States, Taiwan's indigenous Clouded Leopard armored vehicles and two U.S.-made Perry-class guided missile frigates will take part in this year's Han Kuang live-fire drills May 27-31.
• Turkey now eyes Russia's S-500 missile system Press TV 19 May 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says his country is seeking to acquire the Russian S-500 missile defense system, a more advanced version of the S-400, taking a dispute with the United States up a notch.
• Erdogan Insists Russian Missile Deal Will Go Through, Plans Additional Work With Moscow RFE/RL 19 May 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has again insisted he will go through with the purchase of S-400 defense systems from Russia and will also cooperate with Moscow on producing S-500 systems in the future, despite U.S. pressure against the deals.
• Erdogan Says Russia, Turkey May Discuss Joint Production of S-500 Defence System Sputnik 19 May 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that Ankara and Moscow might launch talks on joint production of Russian-made S-500 air defence systems after the S-400 deliveries.
• Greek Vessel Cuts Off Turkish Corvette During Ankara's Military Drills Sputnik 19 May 2019 -- Earlier this week, Turkey launched its largest naval exercise across the three seas it borders. The drills, dubbed Denizkurdu-2019 (Sea Wolf), feature 131 warships, 57 warplanes and 33 helicopters.

Defense Industry

Other Conflicts

• Saudi Aramco attack beginning of larger operation: Yemen Press TV 19 May 2019 -- Yemen's Ansarullah movement has warned that its recent attack on a major Saudi oil facility was the start of operations against 300 vital targets in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Yemen.
• Syria Foreign Ministry dismisses use of chemical weapons in Latakia Press TV 19 May 2019 -- Syria has dismissed fabricated news issued by terrorist groups and some media outlets affiliated to them about Syrian armed forces' use of chemical weapons in the town of Kobani in the western coastal province of Latakia.
• Syrian Army Announces Unilateral Ceasefire in Idlib Despite Militants' Shelling Sputnik 19 May 2019 -- The Russian Centre for Reconciliation in Syria reported on Sunday that militants had violated the ceasefire regime in Idlib de-escalation zone 13 times in one day, injuring 3 Syrian servicemen.
• Katyusha rocket hits area near foreign embassies in Baghdad Press TV 19 May 2019 -- A Katyusha rocket has crashed inside Baghdad's Green Zone where many foreign embassies are located, causing a loud explosion in the center of the Iraqi capital, but no casualties, Iraqi security services said in a statement.
• Rocket Lands Near U.S. Embassy In Baghdad Amid Tensions With Iran RFE/RL 19 May 2019 -- A rocket has landed in Baghdad's Green Zone near the huge U.S. Embassy compound amid heightened tensions in the region and as Washington withdraws personnel from Iraq due to unnamed threats from Iran.
• Huge Explosion Reported Near US Embassy in Baghdad Sputnik 19 May 2019 -- An explosion has reportedly taken place near the Green Zone close to the embassy area on Sunday.
• Turkish arms in Libya before 'vast operation' to break siege Press TV 19 May 2019 -- Libyan forces loyal to the government based in Tripoli say they have received new weapons and armored vehicles to fight off an offensive backed by the UAE, Egypt and Saudi Arabia to seize the capital.
• Kenya, Cameroon Militaries Fighting Terrorism Through Development VOA 19 May 2019 -- A delegation from the Kenyan military is sharing experience on how the Cameroon military engineering corps has taken over road construction projects in Boko Haram terrorism prone areas to use the example and develop areas of its territory threatened by Al-Shabab which they say is still a threat. The Kenyan delegation has been in Cameroon for several days.
• US, Bahrain to Host Palestinian Economic Conference VOA 19 May 2019 -- Bahrain and the U.S. said Sunday they are hosting a "Peace to Prosperity" conference in late June to promote better economic fortunes for Palestinians if a peace agreement can be reached with Israel.

News Reports

• Venezuela army awaiting US 'with weapons in hands' Press TV 19 May 2019 -- Venezuelan military forces have expressed support for the government of President Nicolas Maduro against any US military intervention, saying they are waiting with weapons in their hands.
• Sudanese protesters want civilian as head of new ruling body Press TV 19 May 2019 -- Sudanese protesters have called on army rulers to allow a civilian as the head of the new governing council.
• US Sudan Envoy Criticized for Dining With Darfuri Warlord VOA 19 May 2019 -- Sudanese citizens are criticizing the American representative to their country for dining with one of Sudan's most notorious warlords.
• Convicted Russian Agent Butina Makes Video Appeal For Money RFE/RL 19 May 2019 -- Maria Butina, the Russian gun-rights activist convicted in the United States for acting as an unregistered foreign agent, has issued a video appeal for financial contributions to help pay her legal bills.
• Sanctions Threaten North Korea's Old and New Elites VOA 19 May 2019 -- By all accounts, North Korea's cash-strapped economy is flagging under crippling international sanctions and the slowdown means the traditional elite and a rising merchant class may be feeling pinched, experts say.
• Saudi Foreign Ministry on Iran Tensions: We Don't Want War But Ready to Respond Sputnik 19 May 2019 -- Earlier, Saudi King urged the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Arab League to gather for extraordinary summits in the city of Mecca on May 30 in the wake of an attack on the country's oil facilities and sabotage against tankers off the UAE coast, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday, citing a Foreign Ministry source.
• Al-Jubeir: The Kingdom does not want a war, but will respond firmly and decisively to any threat SPA 19 May 2019 -- Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir, Minister of the State for Foreign Affairs and Member of the Cabinet, has stressed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia does not want a war in the region and does not seek to do so and will do its utmost to prevent this war, while stressing that if the other side chooses war, the Kingdom will respond firmly and decisively and will defend itself and its interests.
• Attacks on Saudi Energy Assets Put Security of Oil Supply at Risk - Minister Sputnik 19 May 2019 -- On Tuesday, Minister of Energy, Industry, and Mineral Resources Khalid bin al-Falih said that two oil pumping stations have been attacked by drones in Saudi Arabia.
• Saudi king calls for urgent meetings of Arab leaders Press TV 19 May 2019 -- Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz has called for emergency meetings of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council ([P]GCC) and the Arab League, following mysterious "sabotage" attacks on Saudi and Emirati oil tankers as well as drone strikes targeting Saudi oil pumping stations.
• Trump: Fighting the US Will Be 'Official End of Iran' VOA 19 May 2019 -- President Donald Trump has given a strong warning to Iran, threatening its destruction if it attacks the United States or U.S. interests.
• As Tensions Rise, US Lawmakers Await Briefings on Iran VOA 19 May 2019 -- In word and deed, the administration of President Donald Trump has been sounding the alarm over Iran and its proxies.
• Smart PR can foil enemy's psychological warfare: Defense Min IRNA 19 May 2019 -- Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier-General Amir Hatami said Sunday that smart public relations skills can thwart the media hype and psychological warfare of the enemies aiming to stir up frustration in the society.
• Iran becomes permanent member of CIS ISNA 19 May 2019 -- Iran is now the permanent member of Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Iranian deputy Transport Minister, Saieed Rasouli announced.
• Iran, US locked in serious war of intelligence: IRGC Commander ISNA 19 May 2019 -- Chief Commander of Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Major General Hussein Salami has said that the United States and allies have been taken by surprise by Iran's recent decision to suspend parts of its commitments under an international nuclear deal, saying Washington expected Tehran to surrender in the face of mounting pressures.
• We'll never yield to enemies' bullying behavior: President Rouhani ISNA 19 May 2019 -- Stressing the important role of culture and art, especially during the current critical conditions of the country, Iran's President said, "The most important need of our current society is hope of future and vitality".
• IRGC chief: Iran not after war, but not afraid of one either Press TV 19 May 2019 -- The chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says Iran does not seek war but is not afraid of one either.
• Saudi King Calls For Urgent Arab Summit Amid Rising Tensions With Iran RFE/RL 19 May 2019 -- Saudi Arabia has called for two urgent meetings of its Arab allies later this month to discuss recent attacks on shipping and oil-production sites amid rising tensions with bitter regional rival Iran.
• Huawei to 'withstand US ban' Global Times 19 May 2019 -- China's top diplomat is urging the US "not to go too far" after Washington imposed further restrictions on Huawei, which the Shenzhen-based Chinese tech giant said it has been preparing for and will be able to continue its business as usual.
• Huawei will not give in to US pressure: founder Press TV 19 May 2019 -- Chinese telecoms giant Huawei has decided to resist pressure from the United States as Washington's trade war on Beijing intensifies.
• Chinese FM urges US to avoid further damage of ties in phone call with Pompeo Global Times 19 May 2019 -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged the United States not to go too far in its damaging moves against Chinese interests in a phone conversation Saturday with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
• Satellites to customize data for BRI People's Daily 19 May 2019 -- China will offer customized data services for disaster prevention through its Fengyun meteorological satellites for more countries along the Belt and Road, said a senior official of the China Meteorological Administration's National Satellite Meteorological Center.
• Exit polls predict win for incumbent Indian PM Modi Press TV 19 May 2019 -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling alliance led by the right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely to win a majority in the parliament, as voting ends in the South Asian country's marathon general elections.
• India Election: Exit Polls Indicate Modi Heading for 2nd Term VOA 19 May 2019 -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will secure a second term in office according to exit polls announced after the country's mammoth general election wrapped up on Sunday.
• Pakistan Fails to Find Oil or Gas Reserves, Stops Offshore Drilling - Reports Sputnik 19 May 2019 -- Earlier, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the country would no longer need to import oil if crude reserves were found in its territorial waters.
• Bomb targets tourists on bus near Giza pyramids in Egypt Press TV 19 May 2019 -- A tourist bus near the new Grand Egyptian Museum close to the famed Giza pyramids in Egypt has been the target of a bomb attack that has left multiple casualties.
• 16 Hurt in Egypt Tour Bus Attack Near Giza VOA 19 May 2019 -- At least 16 people were injured in a blast targeting a bus near Egypt's Giza pyramids Sunday, security sources said.
• President cites accomplishments on eve of 3rd anniversary CNA 19 May 2019 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) cited her accomplishments Sunday, on the eve of her third anniversary as the country's leader, while urging the voters to give her more time to transform Taiwan for the better.
• Austrian president approves snap election proposed by Kurz People's Daily 19 May 2019 -- Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen approved on Saturday the proposal of holding snap elections after the far-right vice chancellor resigned over an alleged corruption video and effectively led to the collapse of the coalition government.
• Austria Chancellor Calls For Snap Elections After 'Russian-Linked' Video Scandal RFE/RL 19 May 2019 -- Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has called an early election following the collapse of his coalition government over a corruption scandal.
• Austrian President Sets Date for Snap Elections Amid 'Shameful' Video Scandal Sputnik 19 May 2019 -- On Friday, German media outlets reported, citing a video, that in 2017, Austrian Vice-Chancellor Strache held talks regarding a possible acquisition of the Kronen Zeitung newspaper by an alleged Russian woman, whom Strache called a Latvian national seeking to relocate to Vienna and invest there.
• Georgians Go To The Polls For By-Elections RFE/RL 19 May 2019 -- Voters in Georgia are going to the polls to elect a new member of parliament, five mayors, and members of eight city councils across the South Caucasus country.
• Northern Kosovo Holds Mayoral Elections RFE/RL 19 May 2019 -- Voters are electing mayors in the four predominantly ethnic Serbian municipalities in northern Kosovo.
• Malawi Race for President Tight as Election Nears VOA 19 May 2019 -- Malawians go to the polls Tuesday in local, parliamentary and presidential elections. Seven candidates are running for president, but the real battle is among incumbent President Peter Mutharika, Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima and main opposition leader Lazarus Chakwera.