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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• Russia Set to Host Taliban, Afghan Politicians VOA 27 May 2019 -- Prominent opposition politicians from Afghanistan and representatives of the Taliban insurgency will meet in Russia on Wednesday for discussions on promoting a negotiated settlement to the Afghan war that continues to cause dozens of casualties every day.
• Taliban delegation, Afghan politicians to hold talks in Moscow Press TV 27 May 2019 -- Afghan politicians will attend a two-day meeting with the Taliban in the Russian capital this week in an effort to end about two decades of the US occupation of Afghanistan.
• Afghan Politicians, Taliban Negotiators Expected To Meet In Moscow RFE/RL 27 May 2019 -- Senior Afghan politicians and Taliban peace negotiators are expected to attend a two-day meeting in Moscow this week.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Russia Warns Potential US Military Surge in Mideast to Create New Risks Sputnik 27 May 2019 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, commenting on US President Donald Trump's intention to additionally send 1,500 troops to the Middle East, said Monday any increase in military potential would result in new risks.
• Pentagon Announces Tender to Buy Russian-Made Ammunition - Report Sputnik 27 May 2019 -- This comes as the US Army Contracting Command is reportedly conducting a market survey to find suppliers of special ammunition and weapon systems for their delivery to unspecified locations outside the continental US.
• US Military Fears Being Outplayed By China in Africa as Power Struggle Heats Up Sputnik 27 May 2019 -- Beijing maintains a commercial and military presence in Djibouti, located south of the Bab-el-Mandeb strait that connects the Red Sea with the Indian Ocean; the tiny country is also home to the sole enduring US military outpost on the continent.
• Remarks by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the joint press point with the Prime Minister of Estonia, Jüri Ratas NATO 27 May 2019
• NATO Intercepts Alleged Russian Aircraft Over Its 'Eastern Flank' – Report Sputnik 27 May 2019 -- The incident comes after the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) said last week that NORAD fighters had intercepted two Russian bombers as they carried out sorties in international airspace off the coast of Alaska at the time.
• Russian Soldier Backtracks On Claims Troops Were Tested On Willingness To Shoot Protesters RFE/RL 27 May 2019 -- A Russian serviceman who was filmed saying his military base had surveyed troops on their readiness to fire at protesters has backtracked on the claims in a video released by the Defense Ministry, alleging that his words had been "distorted in the worst way."
• China's mobile anti-aircraft gun capable of eliminating drones, cruise missiles: experts Global Times 27 May 2019 -- China revealed a new self-propelled anti-aircraft gun on Sunday, as military experts said on Monday that the artillery is highly mobile and could eliminate threats from precision weapons such as drones and cruise missiles.
• Hundreds of German Soldiers 'Unfit for Service' After Foreign Missions – Report Sputnik 27 May 2019 -- The state of the German military has repeatedly been a subject of controversy amid regular reports of equipment and supply problems, as well as complaints of underfunding.
• Japan Agrees to Buy 105 US F-35 Fighter Jets - Trump Sputnik 27 May 2019 -- US President Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, are currently paying a four-day state visit to Japan.
• S. Korean Authorities Launch Provocative Military Drill KCNA 27 May 2019 -- According to media reports, south Korean authorities launched Ulji Thaeguk drill throughout south Korea on May 27.
• Freeway to be partially closed for annual military drill CNA 27 May 2019 -- The section of road between Changhua City and Yuanlin City in Changhua County on the No. 1 National Freeway will be closed from 10:00 p.m. Monday to 12 p.m. Tuesday as part of the Han Kuang series of military exercises, Taiwan's largest annual military drill, according to the Ministry of National Defense (MND).
• US, Taiwanese security officials hold rare meeting amid China tensions Press TV 27 May 2019 -- High-ranking national security officials of Taiwan and the United States have held a rare meeting amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Beijing.
• China 'Strongly' Opposes Bolton's Meeting With Taiwanese Security Chief Sputnik 27 May 2019 -- China strongly opposes any official meetings between the United States and Taiwan, including the recent talks between US National Security Adviser John Bolton and Taiwan's national security chief David Lee, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

Defense Industry

Other Conflicts

• Yemen update: UNICEF chief condemns attack in Taiz that claims lives of seven children UN News 27 May 2019 -- Nowhere is safe in Yemen, the head of the UN Children's Fund UNICEF said, after an attack in the city of Taiz claimed the lives of 12 civilians, including seven youngsters – the latest victims of the country's more than four-year war.
• Houthi: Saudi-led siege of Yemen's al-Durayhimi 'obvious crime' Press TV 27 May 2019 -- Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement has lambasted as an "obvious crime" the tight siege that has been placed on the Yemeni city of al-Durayhimi by the Saudi-led military coalition and its ally, the militia loyal to former president, Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi.
• Houthi: Drone strikes response to Saudi spurning of peace Press TV 27 May 2019 -- A senior Houthi official says Yemen has resumed its retaliatory drone attacks deep inside Saudi Arabia in response to the kingdom's spurning of "peace initiatives" sponsored by the United Nations.
• Yemeni Houthis Release 66 Prisoners Under Exchange Agreements - Reports Sputnik 27 May 2019 -- The Houthi movement announced the release of 66 prisoners under the exchange agreements, Head of the National Committee for Prisoners Affairs Abdulqader Mortada said, as cited by local media.
• Israel attacks Syria's defenses in SW, killing soldier Press TV 27 May 2019 -- Israel targets Syria's defenses in a southwestern province, killing one soldier, wounding another, and destroying a military vehicle.
• Israel Says Attacked Anti-Aircraft Position in Syria, Casualties Reported Sputnik 27 May 2019 -- An Israeli missile struck a target in the Syrian province of Quneitra on Monday; the attack caused a number of casualties, the SANA news agency reported.
• Israel Fires Missile on Syrian Military Site VOA 27 May 2019 -- An Israeli airstrike on a Syrian anti-aircraft position near the Golan Heights Monday killed one soldier and wounded three, Syria said.
• Tensions Grow Between Russia, Iran in Syria VOA 27 May 2019 -- Russian military police last week reportedly carried out a raid against Iranian-backed militiamen stationed at Syria's Aleppo international airport, local media reported.
• Lebanese MP warns of West's 'deep plan' for Syrian refugees Press TV 27 May 2019 -- The West's opposition to the return of Syrian refugees to their home country now that Daesh and other terrorist groups have been defeated shows that "a deep plan" is in the works about Syria's upcoming presidential election, says deputy speaker of Lebanon's parliament.
• Iraqi court sentences 4th French citizen to death over Daesh membership Press TV 27 May 2019 -- An Iraqi court has sentenced to death a fourth French citizen for his suspected membership in the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group and committing crimes, a day after three others were also condemned to capital punishment over the same charge.
• Killing Of Ethnic Pashtun Activists Triggers Protests In Pakistan RFE/RL 27 May 2019 -- Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of Pakistani cities following the deaths of at least three ethnic Pashtun activists in the northwestern tribal region.
• Pakistan Security Forces Foil Terror Attack Near Quetta Airbase - Reports Sputnik 27 May 2019 -- At least one Pakistani soldier was killed in a skirmish with terrorists, who attempted to raid Makki Garh Post in Shawal Valley of North Waziristan, local media reported Monday.
• India, Pakistan Continue to Test Weapons Systems Amid Tensions Sputnik 27 May 2019 -- Since the Indian parliamentary elections, India has test-fired an air launched version of the BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile, followed by Pakistan launching its surface-to-surface Shaheen-II ballistic missile. Two days later, India test fired a 500 kg guided bomb near the border with Pakistan.
• Two Indian Army Commanders Escaped Pakistan's Kashmir Air Strike - Report Sputnik 27 May 2019 -- Indian Northern Army Commander Lt Gen. Ranbir Singh and 16 Corps Commander Lt Gen. Paramjit Singh had left for another post, 700 metres from the military compound where the Pakistan Air Force dropped precision-guided glide bombs in an air strike on 27 February in retaliation to the IAF's strike a day earlier.
• Moscow Court Upholds Extending Pretrial Detention Of Ukrainian Sailors RFE/RL 27 May 2019 -- A Moscow court has upheld a decision to extend the pretrial detainment period for the 24 Ukrainian seamen captured by Russia in November 2018, defying a UN maritime-tribunal ruling that the sailors be immediately released.
• Zelenskiy Makes First Visit To Ukraine's Front Line RFE/RL 27 May 2019 -- Donning a bulletproof helmet and vest over business attire, Volodymyr Zelenskiy made his first visit as president and supreme commander in chief to the front line of the war in eastern Ukraine with Russia-backed separatists that has killed 13,000 people and shows no sign of ending.
• Israel Agrees to US Mediation in Sea Border Dispute With Lebanon - Reports Sputnik 27 May 2019 -- Israel has expressed readiness for the United States to provide mediation in the country's dispute with Lebanon over a maritime border, the KAN broadcaster reported on Monday.

News Reports

• US policy toward Venezuela meant to sow discord in LatAm region: Russia Press TV 27 May 2019 -- Russia has rejected the US administration's hostile policies against the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his legitimately-elected government, saying such measures as economic sanctions and military intervention are meant to sow discord among Latin American nations.
• Russia voices readiness to play role in Venezuela talks with opposition in Oslo Press TV 27 May 2019 -- Russia has expressed readiness to play a role in a new round of peace talks between the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and the US-backed opposition slated for next week in Norway's capital, Oslo.
• 'Mediation, Not Dialogue': Guaido Denies Talking to Maduro Reps in Oslo Sputnik 27 May 2019 -- According to Guaido, Norway does "mediation" between the two sides. Earlier this week, representatives of the two conflicting sides met in Oslo to attempt for a diplomatic solution to the Venezuelan crisis.
• EU Populists Gain Modestly; Brussels Sighs With Relief VOA 27 May 2019 -- Euroskeptic parties topped the polls Sunday in the European Parliament elections in Britain, France and Italy. Across the 28 member European Union, they enjoyed their best ever results in the five-yearly elections, boosting their share of seats in the 751-strong parliament from 155 to 169.
• Core Pro-EU Parties Lose Ground As European Elections Shift Landscape RFE/RL 27 May 2019 -- Elections to the European Parliament reflect an altered political landscape in the European Union, with the main center-right and center-left parties losing their dominance and environmentalists, the far right, and pro-business groups gaining strength.
• UK Labour vows to prevent no-deal Brexit, urges fresh votes Press TV 27 May 2019 -- Leader of Britain's main opposition Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn has warned he will not allow the ruling Conservatives to bring Britain out of the European Union in a disorderly manner and without an agreement.
• UK Labour leader calls for general election or second referendum Press TV 27 May 2019 -- The leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party proposes again that the country's people be given a new say on Brexit, whether through a general election or a second referendum.
• Austrian chancellor ousted in no-confidence vote Press TV 27 May 2019 -- The Austrian parliament has removed Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and his caretaker government from office in a no-confidence vote over a corruption scandal.
• Austrian President Dismisses Kurz Cabinet Amid Political Scandal Sputnik 27 May 2019 -- Austrian President Alexander van der Bellen announced on Monday that he will release the government led by Chancellor Sebastian Kurz from duties on Tuesday.
• Austrian Chancellor Kurz Ousted by Parliament VOA 27 May 2019 -- The Austrian parliament ousted Chancellor Sebastian Kurz in a no-confidence vote Monday, pushing him out of office in the aftermath of a corruption scandal that had ended his coalition government.
• UK spies smuggled out secrets of Russia's strategic supersonic bomber: Reports Press TV 27 May 2019 -- British media claim that the UK's MI6 spy agency has managed to smuggle out secrets about upgrades to Russia's strategic supersonic bombers with the help of the United States' CIA and Israel's Mossad.
• Trump Not Bothered by North Korea Missile Tests VOA 27 May 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed differing views Monday on whether recent North Korean missile tests violated a U.N. Security Council resolution, but remained united on the ultimate goal of achieving a denuclearized Korean Peninsula.
• Kim Jae Ryong Inspects Various Units KCNA 27 May 2019 -- Kim Jae Ryong, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, member of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK and premier of the Cabinet, inspected the Pukchang Thermal Power Complex, East Pyongyang Thermal Power Plant, Sungri Motor Complex, etc.
• North Korea calls America's Bolton 'inordinately ignorant' over missile test remarks Press TV 27 May 2019 -- North Korea has criticized US National Security Adviser John Bolton, calling him a "war fanatic" and a "human defect" that should be banished after the hawkish US official said Pyongyang's latest missile tests violated UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.
• DPRK Says Giving Up Missile Launches Means Giving Up Self-Defence - Report Sputnik 27 May 2019 -- North Korea held several launches in early May, including tests of short-range missiles. US National Security Advisor John Bolton has said that Pyongyang had violated the UNSC resolutions.
• Trump Says There is 'Great Respect' Between US and DPRK Sputnik 27 May 2019 -- The statement came during US president Donald Trump's official visit to Japan, prior to bilateral talks between him and Japan's prime minister Shinzo Abe. Earlier in the day, Trump met with the new Japanese Emperor Naruhito.
• Trump: Japan-Mediated Iran Talks 'Would Be Fine' VOA 27 May 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump says he would be fine with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe serving as a mediator between the United States and Iran.
• Russia supports Iran's proposal for non-aggression pact IRNA 27 May 2019 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday that Russia supports Iran's proposal to leaders of the Persian Gulf states to sign a non-aggression pact.
• Zarif describes his meetings in Iraq as substantive, productive ISNA 27 May 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif described his meetings in Iraq as substantive and productive.
• Actions, not words, will show Trump's real intent: FM Zarif Press TV 27 May 2019 -- Iran's foreign minister says US President Donald Trump has to prove in action whether he seeks to fall into line with the league of anti-Iran domestic and regional officials.
• Surge in US military presence in Mideast creates new risks: Russia FM Press TV 27 May 2019 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has warned that any increase in the US military presence in the Middle East would result in new risks.
• US sanctions policy poses threat to entire region: Iran deputy FM Press TV 27 May 2019 -- A senior Iranian diplomat has warned that the US policy of imposing sanctions against other countries poses a threat to the security of the entire Middle East region.
• Trump says US not after regime change in Iran as war threats lose momentum Press TV 27 May 2019 -- US President Donald Trump says his administration is not looking for regime change in Iran and would rather sit down for talks, signaling a change of tone after a period of saber-rattling that saw him and other US officials threaten the Islamic Republic with war in hope of getting concessions.
• Trump: U.S. Wants Iran Without Nuclear Weapons, Not Seeking Regime Change RFE/RL 27 May 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump, who is on a state visit to Japan, has said that the United States is not seeking regime change in Iran, amid heightened tensions between the two countries.
• Tehran Says Ready for Creating Mechanism for Dialogue With Gulf States Sputnik 27 May 2019 -- Iran is ready to create a mechanism for dialogue with the Persian Gulf states to reduce existing tensions, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araqchi said on Monday.
• Iran Won't Negotiate With 'Great Satan' - IRGC Commander on US Talks Sputnik 27 May 2019 -- Donald Trump said on Sunday that the United States will "make a deal" with Tehran, but Iranian officials appear unwilling to sit down at the negotiating table, given that the US is amassing its forces in the vicinity of the embattled Islamic Republic.
• Trump on Iran: 'Nobody Wants to See Terrible Things Happen' Sputnik 27 May 2019 -- Earlier, the US announced the deployment of 1,500 additional troops to the Middle East to counter "credible threats" from Iran in a move denounced by Tehran on Saturday as "a threat to international peace".
• China-US personnel exchange should not be politicized, restricted: spokesman Global Times 27 May 2019 -- A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman on Monday said people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and the United States should not be politicized and unreasonably restricted.
• Does Congress Party Have a Future in Face of Modi Onslaught? VOA 27 May 2019 -- It was India's "Grand Old Party." The Congress Party ruled the country for 55 out of 71 years since independence. But following the party's crushing electoral debacle for a second time, there are questions about its future as the Nehru-Gandhi political dynasty at its helm is unable to counter the most powerful leader India has produced in decades: Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Israel Could Face New Elections Amid Coalition Crisis VOA 27 May 2019 -- Israel moved closer to new parliamentary elections Monday, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unable to form a government after appearing on track last month to win a fifth term as leader of the Jewish state.
• Amid 'unprecedented combination' of epidemics, UN and partners begin cholera vaccination campaign in DR Congo UN News 27 May 2019 -- Amid what global Vaccine Alliance Gavi is calling an "unprecedented combination" of epidemics, the UN and partners are supporting the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's major new immunization campaign against cholera which began on Monday, targeting more than 800,000.
• French Police Arrest 4 Suspects in Last Week's Lyon Explosion VOA 27 May 2019 -- French authorities say four suspects have been arrested in connection with a bombing that injured 13 people last week in the city of Lyon.
• Ukrainian President's Party Names New Head, Will 'Interview' Candidates For July Elections RFE/RL 27 May 2019 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's newly formed political party has appointed campaign adviser Dmytro Razumkov as its head and will interview prospective candidates to fill its party list ahead of snap parliamentary elections in July, party representatives have said.
• Ukrainian President's Party to 'Interview' Candidates for July Elections VOA 27 May 2019 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's newly formed political party has appointed campaign adviser Dmytro Razumkov as its head and will interview prospective candidates to fill its party list ahead of snap parliamentary elections in July, party representatives have said.
• Atambaev At Risk As Kyrgyz Law Allowing Prosecution Of Ex-Presidents Comes Into Force RFE/RL 27 May 2019 -- Kyrgyz legislation under which former heads of state can be prosecuted came into force two days after ex-President Almazbek Atambaev stepped down from the leadership of opposition Social Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan (SDPK).
• Romanian Ruling Party's Leader Begins Prison Sentence For Corruption RFE/RL 27 May 2019 -- The leader of Romania's ruling Social Democrat Party (PSD) has turned himself in to begin a 3 1/2-year prison sentence after the country's top court rejected his appeal against a 2018 conviction on corruption charges.
• German President Urged To Push Uzbekistan For Further Reforms During Visit RFE/RL 27 May 2019 -- German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is set to arrive in Uzbekistan on May 27 on a three-day visit aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
• Lebanon's government endorses austerity budget Press TV 27 May 2019 -- The Lebanese government has approved a long-awaited austerity budget aimed at revitalizing the country's ailing economy.