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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Pentagon planning for possible reinforcements in Persian Gulf Press TV 15 Jun 2019 -- The United States might deploy more US forces to the Persian Gulf to counter what Washington says increased threats from Iran, according to the acting Pentagon chief.
• Taliban, US Set to Hold Crucial Round of Afghan Peace Talks VOA 15 Jun 2019 -- The United States and the Taliban are scheduled to hold crucial negotiations in Qatar early next week amid high expectations of a breakthrough in a nearly yearlong effort to end the war in Afghanistan.
• Afghan president calls for Iran's active role in peace talks IRNA 15 Jun 2019 -- Afghan President Ashraf Ghani stressed the need for promoting cooperation with Tehran, saying that his country calls for Iran's active role in Afghanistan peace talks.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Chinese-Owned Firm Makes Parts for Next-Gen F-35 Jets Amid Huawei Row, UK MoD Admits Sputnik 15 Jun 2019 -- Amid an ongoing row between Huawei and the US, evolving around Washington's allegations that the Chinese tech giant poses a security threat because of its ties with Beijing, it turns out that a UK-based subsidiary of a Chinese company is part of the supply chain for Lockheed Martin's fighters, flown by the Americans and its allies.
• US, NATO war game in Baltic mirrored by Russian maneuvers Press TV 15 Jun 2019 -- The United States and its NATO allies have kicked off naval exercises near Russia's western border to counter what they describe as "Russian threat".
• NATO Risks Paying GIGANTIC BILL if It Fails to Find Replacement for AWACS Spy Planes SOON Sputnik 15 Jun 2019 -- The Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS is among the few military assets directly owned by NATO and has widely been considered the alliance's "eyes in the sky" for the last four decades.
• Merkel Agrees to Boost German Military Spending Amid Trump's Pressure Sputnik 15 Jun 2019 -- Last year, US President Donald Trump pressured other NATO members to pump up their military spending to a voluntary goal of 2% GDP set in 2014, arguing that the US is bearing the brunt of the burden in the alliance, while others underperform.
• India May Replace An-32 in Critical Missions After Crash Near Chinese Border - Reports Sputnik 15 Jun 2019 -- The news comes after earlier this month an AN-32 military plane went missing in Arunachal Pradesh near the border with China. The wreckage of the aircraft was finally found this week, with the rescue team finding no survivors in the crash.

Defense Industry

Other Conflicts

• China dismisses Philippine claims vessel accident was 'hit-and-run' Press TV 15 Jun 2019 -- Beijing has confirmed that its vessel hit a Philippine fishing boat in a collision in the disputed South China Sea but dismissed claims the incident was intentional.
• Yemeni drones target airport installations south of Saudi Arabia Press TV 15 Jun 2019 -- Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement has launched fresh drone attacks on areas south of Saudi Arabia to compensate for kingdom's devastating bombardment of the impoverished country.
• Yemeni retaliation expected after Saudi jets bomb Sana'a Press TV 15 Jun 2019 -- Saudi Arabia has launched new airstrikes on Yemen's capital and the northwestern province of Hajjah after the Houthis called for "serious talks" to reach a peace agreement.
• Saudi Forces Intercept Ballistic Missile Targeting City of Abha - Reports Sputnik 15 Jun 2019 -- Earlier, Yemeni TV channel reported that the group launched drone attacks on Saudi city of Abha and Jizan airports.
• Wildfires cause explosion at Syrian military zone in Damascus suburbs Press TV 15 Jun 2019 -- Syria's official news agency SANA says an explosion at a Syrian army ammunition depot in a military zone northwest of the capital Damascus was caused by wildfires.
• Syrian refugees staying in Lebanon for economic reasons, not security fear: Bassil Press TV 15 Jun 2019 -- Lebanese Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil says Syrian refugees are staying in Lebanon for economic reasons, even though three quarters of them could return to their homeland as they face no fear of political persecution or threat to their security.
• Iraqi base home to US troops comes under mortar attack north of Baghdad Press TV 15 Jun 2019 -- The Iraqi military says unknown militants have launched three mortar shells into an air base just north of the capital Baghdad, where American trainers are present.
• Military Base Hosting US Troops Comes Under Mortar Attack in Iraq Sputnik 15 Jun 2019 -- News about the assault comes amid rising tensions in the region, as Washington accused Iran of attacking several tankers in the Gulf of Oman earlier this month.
• Zelenskiy Visits Mariupol As City Celebrates Fifth Anniversary Of 'Liberation' RFE/RL 15 Jun 2019 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy visited the Ukrainian port of Mariupol to take part in activities to mark the fifth year of the city being liberated from Russia-backed separatists.
• Tibet urged to exercise opportunity for growth People's Daily 15 Jun 2019 -- President Xi Jinping said he hopes that the Tibet autonomous region will seize opportunities for development in a congratulatory letter sent to the 2019 Forum on the Development of Tibet held on Friday in Lhasa.
• China voices support for withdrawal of Darfur mission, calls for internal dialogue Global Times 15 Jun 2019 -- A Chinese envoy said Friday that his country supports the planned withdrawal of the UN-African Union Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), and calls for the promotion of the political process in the Sudanese region through dialogue.
• Ten killed as roadside bomb hits Kenyan police vehicle near Somali border Press TV 15 Jun 2019 -- At least 10 Kenyan police officers have been killed after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by militants struck their vehicle near the Somali border.
• At Least 10 Killed in Mogadishu Blast VOA 15 Jun 2019 -- At least 10 people were killed and 23 others were injured when a car bomb exploded Saturday on a busy Mogadishu street, according to witnesses and medical services.

News Reports

• Crashed tankers leave Iranian waters IRNA 15 Jun 2019 -- Director General of Ports and Maritime Affairs of Hormozgan province (south of Iran) Allah-Morad Afifi-pour said on Saturday that the crashed oil tankers in Sea of Oman have left Iran's territorial waters.
• US fails to frame-up against Iran IRNA 15 Jun 2019 -- After having failed to make consensus against the Islamic Republic of Iran, by departing the 2015 nuclear deal known as JCPOA, the Trump government is now struggling to frame-up against Iran in the matter of suspected incident for the two ships in Oman Sea.
• Japan calls for international inquiry into tankers explosion IRNA 15 Jun 2019 -- Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono on Saturday called for UN inquiry about the attacks on two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman, one of which was operated by a Japanese company.
• U.S. points accusing finger at Iran over tankers attack amid tensions People's Daily 15 Jun 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday accused Iran of being behind the attacks on two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman one day before, citing a video released by the U.S. military.
• Evidence not sufficient to blame any country for Fujairah tanker attacks: UAE Press TV 15 Jun 2019 -- United Arab Emirates (UAE)'s minister of foreign affairs says his country does not have enough evidence to blame any country for last month's attacks on four oil tankers off the Emirati port city of Fujairah.
• UN chief urges independent inquiry into oil tanker attacks Press TV 15 Jun 2019 -- UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called for an independent probe into Thursday's attacks on two oil tankers in the Sea of Oman in the face of US efforts to frame Iran.
• Saudi Crown Prince Blames Iran For Tanker Attacks, Says Ready 'To Deal With Any Threat' RFE/RL 15 Jun 2019 -- Saudi Arabia's crown prince has directly blamed archrival Iran for attacks on two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman and said his country "won't hesitate to deal with any threat" against its people or interests.
• UAE Calls to Protect Energy Supply From Gulf Amid Oil Tanker Attacks Sputnik 15 Jun 2019 -- The US has recently accused Iran of being behind the explosions that damaged two tankers sailing through the Gulf of Oman. Tehran has vehemently denied Washington's claims condemning the attempts to blame the Islamic Republic for false flag attacks.
• US Officials Say Iranian Boats Prevented Salvaging of Damaged Oil Tanker in Gulf of Oman – Reports Sputnik 15 Jun 2019 -- After the incident in the Gulf of Oman, Iranian military fast-boats reportedly prevented privately owned tug boats from salvaging one of the damaged vessels.
• Saudi Energy Minister Says Quick, Decisive Response Needed to Energy Supply Threat Sputnik 15 Jun 2019 -- Saudi Energy Minister Khalid Falih said on Saturday that it was imperative to respond "quickly and decisively" to the threat to energy supplies, following the recent attacks on two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman.
• US targeting Russia power grid in increased online attacks: Report Press TV 15 Jun 2019 -- The United States is increasing its cyber attacks against Russia's power grid in response to alleged Russian meddling in American elections.
• Ousted Sudan president Bashir charged with corruption Press TV 15 Jun 2019 -- Ousted Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has been formally charged with corruption.
• Iran slams France's inaction to save JCPOA, says INSTEX still 'on paper' Press TV 15 Jun 2019 -- Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani has criticized France for its inaction in preserving the 2015 nuclear deal, saying a European-proposed financial mechanism meant to protect trade ties with Iran against the US sanctions is still "on paper".
• US extends waivers for Iraq to import gas, electricity from Iran Press TV 15 Jun 2019 -- Washington has granted Iraq another 90-day waiver to allow it to keep importing gas and electricity from neighboring Iran, which is under tough US sanctions, two Iraqi government sources say.
• Iran to 'take further measures' if JCPOA sides fail it: Rouhani Press TV 15 Jun 2019 -- President Hassan Rouhani has renewed Iran's ultimatum to scale back its commitments under a 2015 multilateral nuclear deal in the absence of "a proper response" from the remaining signatories.
• U.S. Looks To Build International Support Amid Soaring Tensions With Iran RFE/RL 15 Jun 2019 -- Acting U.S. Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan says Washington is focused on building international support "and making contingency plans should the situation deteriorate" following attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman that the United States blames on Iran.
• Iran's President Says Tehran To Scale Back Compliance With 2015 Nuclear Deal RFE/RL 15 Jun 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rohani says his country will continue scaling back on compliance of its nuclear deal with world powers unless other signatories to the agreement show "positive signals."
• Pompeo Speaks With Iraqi PM, Shares U.S. Assessment Of Iranian Blame For Attacks RFE/RL 15 Jun 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke by phone with Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi, emphasizing "our shared desire for a strong, free, and sovereign Iraq," the State Department said.
• Iran to Roll Back Nuclear Deal Commitments Further Unless Situation Changes Sputnik 15 Jun 2019 -- Following the US unilateral withdrawal from the deal, other signatories to it have vowed to continue adhering to the agreement. However, Tehran has voiced displeasure at how these countries are living up to their promises and has therefore reportedly suspended some of its commitments under the nuclear deal.
• Iran Summons Britain's Ambassador to Tehran About Tankers VOA 15 Jun 2019 -- Iran summoned the British ambassador to Tehran on Saturday after Britain placed the blame on the country for the attacks on two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman, according to Iran's ISNA news agency.
• Iran to Curtail Compliance With Nuclear Deal as Mideast Tensions Heighten VOA 15 Jun 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says his country will continue to curtail its compliance with a nuclear deal unless other global powers that entered the agreement show "positive signals."
• Hong Kong Suspends Extradition Law Amendments After Large-Scale Protests - Reports Sputnik 15 Jun 2019 -- Chief Executive of Hong Kong Carrie Lam indefinitely suspended amendments to the extradition law on Saturday in the wake of mass protests against it in the Chinese autonomous territory.
• Hong Kong Suspends Extradition Bill as Protesters Plan New March VOA 15 Jun 2019 -- Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam applied the brakes Saturday on an unpopular piece of legislation that would allow extradition to mainland China after a week of protests roiled the autonomous Chinese territory.
• Central government supports, respects and understands decision to suspend Hong Kong's extradition bill Global Times 15 Jun 2019 -- Three government departments including the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council and Chinese foreign ministry all expressed support, respect and understanding of Hong Kong government's decision to suspend the extradition bill on Saturday.
• HKSAR Chief Executive announces suspension of amendments to Fugitive Offenders Ordinance Global Times 15 Jun 2019 -- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced Saturday that the HKSAR government will suspend the exercise to amend the HKSAR's Fugitive Offenders Ordinance and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Ordinance.
• Hong Kong indefinitely suspends extradition bill to 'restore peace' Press TV 15 Jun 2019 -- Hong Kong has indefinitely suspended a proposed legislation that would allow extradition to mainland China, after days of protests across the city.
• China Backs Hong Kong Leader on Extradition Bill Delay Sputnik 15 Jun 2019 -- China's Hong Kong Office on Saturday sided with the city's chief executive, Carrie Lam, who suspended a controversial extradition bill after violent mass protests.
• Meetings held at top legislature, State Council, top political advisory body to advance CPC education campaign Global Times 15 Jun 2019 -- The leading Party members groups of China's top legislature, the State Council and the top political advisory body have recently held separate meetings to make arrangements on advancing a Communist Party of China (CPC) education campaign themed "staying true to our founding mission."
• Insidious US entraps HK with new Act Global Times 15 Jun 2019 -- The US Senate introduced the bipartisan Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act on Thursday, while the House of Representatives' bill is expected to be approved on Friday. The act requires the US government to reaffirm Hong Kong's autonomy, human rights and democracy every year, and re-evaluate whether Hong Kong warrants a special status as a separate customs territory by Washington.
• 'One country, two systems' in Taiwan 'over my dead body': Han Kuo-yu CNA 15 Jun 2019 -- Kaohsiung mayor and presidential hopeful Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) vowed Saturday that China's "one country, two systems" formula for unification with Taiwan will never be put in place in Taiwan if he is president.
• Taiwan blasts HK for using murder case to justify extradition bill CNA 15 Jun 2019 -- Taiwan's Presidential Office has blasted the Hong Kong government for using a murder case involving Taiwan as an excuse to legislate a bill that raises human rights concerns, calling such a tactic "irresponsible and immoral."
• Hectic Times In Kazakhstan Recently, And For The Foreseeable Future RFE/RL 15 Jun 2019 -- Wake up, Kazakhstan. That's the name of a new movement that appeared in Kazakhstan just prior to the June 9 presidential election. But it could just as well have been advice to anyone following the campaign.
• Ebola Epidemic in DR Congo Not a Global Threat VOA 15 Jun 2019 -- An emergency meeting convened by the World Health Organization has decided the Ebola epidemic in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo does not constitute a public health emergency of international concern. However, the expert committee warns lack of funding threatens to hamper the ability to contain the deadly virus.
• SCO members pledge to further efforts to expand pragmatic cooperation Global Times 15 Jun 2019 -- Member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) pledged to further efforts to expand pragmatic cooperation, according to a press communique issued after the 19th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Member States of the SCO held here on Friday.
• SCO Bishkek declaration calls for enhanced cooperation to promote peace, development Global Times 15 Jun 2019 -- Leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states issued a declaration here on Friday at an annual summit, calling for enhanced cooperation to promote peace and development.
• Xi urges SCO shared future Global Times 15 Jun 2019 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday called on Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states to build a closer community of shared future and to encourage multilateralism, free trade and a more reasonable and fair international order.
• Chinese president calls for closer SCO community with shared future People's Daily 15 Jun 2019 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday called on members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to build a closer community with a shared future for the group.
• New Moldovan Government Vows Stronger Ties With EU RFE/RL 15 Jun 2019 -- Stronger ties with the European Union and bringing to justice those who abused power, including a controversial tycoon, are top priorities of Moldova's new government.