27 June 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

US-Led Coalition Admits Killing at Least 1,319 Civilians in Syria, Iraq - Casualty Report Sputnik 27 Jun 2019 -- US-led forces have killed at least 1,319 civilians while battling the Daesh* terror group in Syria and Iraq, the Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve (JTF-OIR) said in its monthly casualty assessment on Thursday.
'We're Continuing to Fly': US Maintains Drone Surveillance in Gulf Despite Downed UAV Sputnik 27 Jun 2019 -- The US military has no intention to stop its surveillance operations in the Middle East, despite the recent incident in which Iranian forces downed a US Navy RQ-4 Global Hawk drone when it flew through the region.

Pakistan, Afghanistan Vow to Improve Strained Ties VOA 27 Jun 2019 -- Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has begun a two-day official visit to Pakistan to pursue what aides say would be the normalization of the relationship between the two uneasy neighboring countries.
Afghan President Travels To Pakistan For Talks On Peace With Taliban RFE/RL 27 Jun 2019 -- Afghanistan's president has held talks with Pakistan's prime minister as momentum builds for peace talks with the Taliban that are aimed at ending Afghanistan's decades of war and conflict.
'Words must never be met with violence' urges UN, following Taliban threat to journalists UN News 27 Jun 2019 -- Following last week's public threats by Taliban militants to deliberately target media outlets in Afghanistan, the United Nations mission chief in the country reiterated his call on Thursday for journalists' rights to be protected, underlining the power of press freedom to advance peace, justice and human rights.
UN Denounces Taliban's Threat Against Afghan Media VOA 27 Jun 2019 -- The United Nations has denounced the Taliban for publicly threatening to turn media outlets in Afghanistan into military targets, stressing freedom of the press is critical and civilians should never be deliberately targeted with violence.

Defense Policy / Programs

Acting Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper's meeting with Afghan Acting Minister of Defense Asadullah Khalid DoD 27 Jun 2019
Acting Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper's meeting with French Minister of Defense Florence Parly DoD 27 Jun 2019
Acting Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper's meeting with German Minister of Defense Ursula Von der Leyen DoD 27 Jun 2019
Creating partner capabilities at Breakthrough 2019 Army News 27 Jun 2019 -- The U.S. Army and Hungarian Defense Forces (HDF) partnered up for a live fire training exercise as a part of Breakthrough 2019 June 12.
Devil Brigade brings muscle to Saber Guardian 19 Army News 27 Jun 2019 -- Some 175 Soldiers and over 50 military vehicles from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, spearheaded by 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, participated in a multinational operation to cross the Danube river, as the culminating event of Saber Guardian 2019, June 23, 2019.
Utah linguists enhance Exercise Steppe Eagle 19 Army News 27 Jun 2019 -- Role players manifesting as a crowd chanting, yelling, and screaming in anger rush Tajikistani troops during public order training at Exercise Steppe Eagle 19. Blended in the crowd, however, are individuals yelling in Russian, but that is not their native language.
Eight days in, Steppe Eagle 19 participants showing progress, interoperability Army News 27 Jun 2019 -- At the combined battalion headquarters for Exercise Steppe Eagle 19, a multinational staff of American, Kazakhstani, Tajikistani, Kyrgyzstani, and British soldiers sit side-by-side manning the intelligence, operations, logistics, and communication sections. Analog maps, updated tracking spreadsheets, and radios line the walls as hourly reports are received by each company command post.
JAIC and DSTA Forge Technology Collaboration DoD 27 Jun 2019 -- Singapore – Ahead of the Singapore Defence Technology Summit, the U.S. Department of Defense's (DOD) Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC) and Singapore's Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) held a multi-day technology exchange to promote collaboration around Artificial Intelligence (AI), focusing on humanitarian assistance / disaster relief (HA/DR).
Remarks by Acting Secretary Esper in a Press Conference at NATO HQ, Brussels, Belgium DoD 27 Jun 2019 -- Acting Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper
Navy to Christen Littoral Combat Ship Oakland NNS 27 Jun 2019 -- The U.S. Navy will christen its newest Independence-variant littoral combat ship (LCS), the future USS Oakland (LCS 24), during a 10 a.m. EDT ceremony Saturday, June 29, in Mobile, Alabama.
Comfort Arrives in Manta for First Medical Mission NNS 27 Jun 2019 -- The hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) arrived in Manta, Ecuador for the first mission stop of the 2019 deployment, June 26.
30NCR and ROK Navy Seabees Enhance Cooperation and Understanding NNS 27 Jun 2019 -- The 30th Naval Construction Regiment (30 NCR) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) Naval Mobile Construction Squadron (NMCRON) 59 signed June 26 a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for mutual exchange and cooperation, which will strengthen naval facilities and engineering capabilities between the two navies.

Conversation with MATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the at the Brussels Forum NATO 27 Jun 2019
NATO Defence Ministers approve new space policy, discuss readiness and mission in Afghanistan NATO 27 Jun 2019 -- NATO Defence Ministers wrapped up two days of discussions in Brussels on Thursday (27 June 2019). Ministers addressed Russia's violation of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, progress on burden sharing, NATO's defence and deterrence posture, new technologies and NATO's mission in Afghanistan.
Public opening remarks by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the meeting of the Global Coalition to defeat ISIS NATO 27 Jun 2019
NATO agrees on measures to deter alleged Russian missile threat Press TV 27 Jun 2019 -- The US-led NATO military alliance has agreed on a package of political and military measures to deter Russia from launching a cruise missile that NATO alleges to breach a Cold War-era deal between Washington and Moscow.
France Warned US Against Dragging NATO into Military Operation in Gulf - Reports Sputnik 27 Jun 2019 -- US and Iranian officials have stepped up their verbal tirades against one another in the wake of last week's downed drone incident, with President Trump accusing Iranian leaders of being "not smart" and Iran's president calling the US's 'hostile' behaviour signs of the White House's 'mental retardation.'
Norway Bolsters New NATO Initiative With Frigate, Submarine, Fighter Jet Squadron Sputnik 27 Jun 2019 -- At the same time, it remains highly questionable whether the Nordic nation will meet NATO's demand that it up its military spending to at least 2 percent of GDP.
NATO Defence Ministers Looked at Several Potential Responses to INF Rupture - Chief Sputnik 27 Jun 2019 -- NATO defence ministers have looked at exercise programs as well as surveillance and intelligence as potential measures in response to the rupture of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday.

Morocco - Sustainment for F-16 Fleet DSCA 27 Jun 2019 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Morocco of continuation of sustainment support to its current F-16 fleet for an estimated cost of $250.4 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

Trump criticizes Japan defense pact again Global Times 27 Jun 2019 -- US President Donald Trump renewed his criticism of the US-Japan security alliance, saying "if we're attacked, Japan doesn't have to help us at all," which analysts believe is Trump's way of trying to squeeze Japan to pay more for the cost of US military presence in Japan.

Submarine-launched missile meets national security needs: Defense Ministry Global Times 27 Jun 2019 -- The scheduled test was normal, China's Ministry of National Defense said on Thursday, when asked about the alleged test launch of a JL-3 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) on June 2.
Chinese-developed two-seat fighter trainer FC-1B showcased at Int'l Paris Air Show People's Daily 27 Jun 2019 -- A two-seat fighter trainer FC-1B developed by Aviation Industry Corporation of China, Ltd. (AVIC) was displayed for the first time at the 53rd International Paris Air Show, which ran from June 17 to 23, 2019, drawing the attention of many industry insiders.
Moscow Offers Beijing Another Batch of Advanced Su-35 Jet Fighters Sputnik 27 Jun 2019 -- Having just completed its first delivery of Su-35S multirole jet fighters to China earlier this year, Moscow has reportedly offered a second batch to the People's Liberation Army Air Force.

Kazakhs Block Road, Demand Answers From Authorities Following Deadly Ammo Blasts RFE/RL 27 Jun 2019 -- Hundreds of people have rallied in a southern Kazakh city and blocked a major road, demanding to be relocated following a series of explosions at an ammunition warehouse that killed three people.

U.S. to normalize arms sales partnership with Taiwan: official CNA 27 Jun 2019 -- The United States is committed to a normalized process that will make Taiwan a "normal" foreign military sales (FMS) partner, but there is no specific timing for any announcement, a U.S. official said Wednesday.

Erdogan Seeks Out Trump to End Dispute on Russian Missile System VOA 27 Jun 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is looking forward to a meeting with President Donald Trump to end the escalating crisis over Ankara's procurement of Russia's S-400 missile system. The expected meeting on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Osaka, Japan, is seen as the last chance to avoid a rupture in ties between the NATO allies.

Remarks by President Trump and Prime Minister Abe of Japan Before Bilateral Meeting The White House 27 Jun 2019

Defense Industry

Contracts for June 27, 2019

Other Conflicts

27 June 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 27 Jun 2019

Yemeni forces, allies shoot down 4th Saudi-led surveillance drone in past week Press TV 27 Jun 2019 -- Yemeni army forces, supported by allied fighters from Popular Committees, have intercepted and targeted the fourth unmanned aerial vehicle belonging to the Saudi-led military coalition in past week, in retaliation for the alliance's military aggression against their conflict-stricken country.
Arab Coalition Downs Yemeni Houthi's Drone Launched Into Saudi Arabia – Reports Sputnik 27 Jun 2019 -- The Saudi-led coalition, supporting the Yemeni government, has downed a drone launched by the rebel Houthi movement into Saudi Arabia, media have reported, citing the coalition's spokesman, Col. Turki Maliki.
Unknown Militants Blow Up Gas Pipeline in Southern Yemen - Source Sputnik 27 Jun 2019 -- An explosion perpetrated by unknown militants hit a gas pipeline in Yemen's southern Shabwah governorate, a local government source said.

Russia repels militant drone attack on Hmeimim air base in Syria's Latakia Press TV 27 Jun 2019 -- The Russian Defense Ministry's Center for Syrian Reconciliation says its surface-to-air missile systems have managed to foil an attack by foreign-sponsored Takfiri militants against the country's strategic Hmeimim air base in Syria's western coastal province of Latakia.
Syria's Idlib 'on the brink' of a nightmare, humanitarian chiefs warn, launching global solidarity campaign UN News 27 Jun 2019 -- The heads of 11 global humanitarian organizations warned on Thursday that the embattled rebel-held province of Idlib in Syria, stands on the brink of disaster, with three million civilian lives at risk, including one million children.

Libya's National Accord Gov't Recaptures City of Garyan South of Tripoli – Haftar's Army Sputnik 27 Jun 2019 -- The forces loyal to the UN-backed Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) entered the city of Garyan to the south of Tripoli, Gen. Mounzer Khartoush, a spokesman of the 73rd infantry brigade of the main command of the Libyan National Army (LNA), led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, said on Thursday.

Myanmar must grant citizenship to Rohingya: UN official Press TV 27 Jun 2019 -- A top UN investigator says Myanmar must grant citizenship to Rohingya Muslims, who have fled genocide in the Buddhist-majority country and who are currently living squalidly in neighboring Bangladesh.

EU Extends Ukraine-Related Sanctions On Russia For Another Six Months RFE/RL 27 Jun 2019 -- European Union ambassadors have officially prolonged for another six months economic sanctions imposed on Russia for its actions in Ukraine.

Hamas slams Bahrain foreign minister over calling for open communication with Israel Press TV 27 Jun 2019 -- Palestinian Hamas resistance movement has censured Bahraini Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifah over calling for open communication with the Tel Aviv regime, and asserting that Israel is part of the Middle East region's heritage that should be recognized.

Bahrain says wants 'peace, better relations' with Israel Press TV 27 Jun 2019 -- Bahrain takes the lid off its longtime secret dealings with Israel, with its foreign minister openly saying that the Manama regime wants "peace" and "better" relations with the occupying entity.

Cameroon Separatists Attacking 'Poison' Aid Convoys VOA 27 Jun 2019 -- Humanitarian aid workers in Cameroon say they are scared after several consignments of aid meant for people in the country's troubled English-speaking regions were attacked and burned by suspected separatists.

News Reports

Trump-Putin Sit-Down Seen As Chance To Address, Not Fix, Big Issues RFE/RL 27 Jun 2019 -- A "good conversation" may be what U.S. President Donald Trump anticipates having when he meets Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Japan. Few others hold much hope for anything more than that, given the major issues roiling the Moscow-Washington relationship.

US Congress approves $4.6bn in emergency border funding Press TV 27 Jun 2019 -- US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has bowed to pressure from Republicans as Congress approved $4.6 billion in emergency aid to address the migrant crisis along the US-Mexico border, sending the bill to President Donald Trump for his signature.
After Rio Grande tragedy, UNICEF chief highlights 'dire' detention centres on US-Mexico border UN News 27 Jun 2019 -- The shocking image of a drowned Central American migrant and his infant daughter on the banks of the river dividing Mexico and the United States, continues to evoke strong reactions, the latest from the head of the UN Children's Fund.
Israeli Company Wins Hefty Contract to Add to US Border Security – Report Sputnik 27 Jun 2019 -- This comes after the so-called "migrant caravan" from Central America began making its way to the US through Mexico last year; this prompted President Trump to declare a national emergency over the migrant situation in a bid to raise up to $8 billion in federal funds for the construction of his much-debated border wall.
US Senate Passes $4.6Bln Border Humanitarian Aid Bill Sputnik 27 Jun 2019 -- The US Senate passed on Wednesday its own version of the $4.6-billion southern border humanitarian aid bill that will now head to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Treasury Sanctions Officials of the Illegitimate Maduro Regime Involved in Rampant Corruption US Treasury 27 Jun 2019 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated two Maduro regime officials who continue to engage in significant corruption and fraud to the detriment of the people of Venezuela.
New coup attempt thwarted in Venezuela: Maduro Press TV 27 Jun 2019 -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro says security forces have foiled an opposition coup attempt that included plans to assassinate him and other top political figures.
Russia Says It's Rotating Military Technicians From Venezuela RFE/RL 27 Jun 2019 -- Russia said it was rotating military technicians out of Venezuela, as President Nicholas Maduro's government declared that it thwarted an alleged coup plot.
Venezuelan Authorities Capture Participants of Latest Coup Attempt, Maduro Says Sputnik 27 Jun 2019 -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said that the authorities had detained those involved in the latest failed government overthrow.

Sudanese police use tear gas to disperse student rally in Khartoum Press TV 27 Jun 2019 -- Riot police in crisis-hit Sudan have fired tear gas canisters to disperse a student protest rally held in capital Khartoum against military rulers.

Briefing by Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesperson Artyom Kozhin, Moscow, June 27, 2019 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 27 Jun 2019
Russia Seeks Information From Network Providers Ahead Of Sovereign Internet Launch RFE/RL 27 Jun 2019 -- Russia's communications watchdog has instructed Internet service providers in several regions to provide operational information as it prepares for the November launch of a law allowing Russia to isolate the country's Internet from the rest of the world.
Russian Investigators Open Probe Of Former Lawmaker, Car Dealer Businessman RFE/RL 27 Jun 2019 -- Russian investigators have opened a criminal probe into a former lawmaker who clashed with the Kremlin about its policies in Ukraine and other places.

German Intelligence Agency Claims Russia Uses Sputnik, RT as Tools for 'Subtle' Influence Sputnik 27 Jun 2019 -- Russia has been seeking to "exert subtle influence" on Germans to sway their opinion through its main state-run media outlets, including RT Deutsch and the Sputnik news agency, Germany's domestic intelligence service, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), said in its 2018 report on Thursday.

U.S. Embassy Formally Protests Alleged Mistreatment Of Jailed American Accused Of Spying RFE/RL 27 Jun 2019 -- The U.S. Embassy in Moscow said it had formally protested what it called the mistreatment of Paul Whelan, a U.S. citizen and former U.S. Marine who has been jailed on espionage charges.

US Senate Approves New North Korea Sanctions VOA 27 Jun 2019 -- The U.S. Senate on Thursday approved a massive yearly authorization for America's armed forces that includes a new round of sanctions against North Korea and comes amid fulsome debate on President Donald Trump's latitude to take military action against Iran. The vote was 86-8.
Trump: North Korea Talks are 'Doing Great;' Pyongyang Disagrees VOA 27 Jun 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump insists his North Korea policy is "doing great." South Korean President Moon Jae-in says talks with Pyongyang are "making steady progress."
Time running out for US to restart talks: North Korea Press TV 27 Jun 2019 -- A senior North Korean diplomat says the United States does not have much time left to develop a new strategy to revive talks with Pyongyang about the demilitarization of the Korean Peninsula.
Tick Tock: Pyongyang Warns Time is Running Out For Denuclearization Deal with US Sputnik 27 Jun 2019 -- North Korea's senior diplomat for negotiations with the US warned on Thursday that "dialogue would not open by itself" and that time to reach a deal on denuclearization and the removal of economic sanctions was running out.

U.S. Defense Chief To NATO: Washington Doesn't Want War With Iran RFE/RL 27 Jun 2019 -- The U.S. defense chief has said that Washington is not seeking war with Iran, but is ready to defend U.S. interests against any attacks by Tehran.
US Sanctions on Iran's Zarif May Target his Assets, New York Visits VOA 27 Jun 2019 -- Iran's wealthy top diplomat, who has spent a third of his life in the United States, could see Washington sanction his assets and further limit his ability to visit the U.S. in the coming days.
Zarif says short war with Iran an "illusion" IRNA 27 Jun 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif referred to the US sanctions as war, saying short war against Iran is just an illusion.
Speaker: Iran armed forces to confront aggressors seriously IRNA 27 Jun 2019 -- Iran's Majlis (Parliament) Speaker Ali Larijani referred to Iran's armed forces' capacities, saying they will undoubtedly confront enemies seriously.
Zarif: US sanctions vs Leader's office, insult to entire Iranian nation IRNA 27 Jun 2019 -- Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif described the US anti-Iran measures as "confrontational and provocative," saying Washington's new sanctions on office of the Leader was insult to the "entire Iranian nation."
Iran not to talk under US maximum pressure: spokesman IRNA 27 Jun 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said that Iran does not negotiate when it is suffering from the US maximum pressure, stressing that Iran always advocates the principle of international interaction.
EU: No alternative for JCPOA IRNA 27 Jun 2019 -- EU Ambassador to the United Nations Vale de Almeida on Wednesday expressed regret over US exit from nuclear deal in contravention of the UN Security Council Resolution 2231, saying that there is no alternative for JCPOA and EU tries to save it.
Macron to urge Trump to lift some anti-Iran sanctions IRNA 27 Jun 2019 -- French President Emmanuel Macron said that he will try to convince US President Donald Trump to stop some of the sanctions he has imposed against Iran to de-escalate tensions in the region.
MKO threatens to assassinate Iran's top general, new judiciary chief Press TV 27 Jun 2019 -- A US and Saudi Arabia-backed anti-Iran terrorist group, which is responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent Iranian civilians and officials, has announced a plan to assassinate a senior Iranian military commander and the country's new Judiciary chief.
'Short war' with Iran an illusion, beginner of war will not end it: Zarif Press TV 27 Jun 2019 -- Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says the US mistakenly thinks a potential war with Iran will be a short one, rejecting the speculation as an "illusion" and a "misconception," and adding that the beginner of such war would not be necessarily the party that ends it.
Iran watchdog approves trade deal with Eurasian Economic Union Press TV 27 Jun 2019 -- The Iranian government has cleared a last hurdle to its bid to launch a free trade zone with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), a major regional organization which could help Tehran increase its revenues from non-oil export at the time of increased US sanctions.
Iran nuclear deal must be upheld, not jeopardized: France, Germany tell US Press TV 27 Jun 2019 -- France and Germany have asserted to the United States that a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, which Washington has quit, must be upheld and not jeopardized.
Europe to announce first credit line for Instex: WSJ Press TV 27 Jun 2019 -- A new report in the Wall Street Journal has suggested that the three European parties to a landmark nuclear deal with Iran are to announce their first practical effort to save a special mechanism for trade with the country amid growing economic sanctions imposed by the United States on Tehran.
Ayatollah Khamenei mocks Trump over 'Death to America' claims Press TV 27 Jun 2019 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has derided US President Donald Trump for claiming that the Iranian people have not been chanting 'Death to America' since he came into office.
Trump incapable of obliterating Iran unless he plans to use 'prohibited weapons': Zarif Press TV 27 Jun 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says unless it resorts to using "prohibited weapons," the United States is not in any position to "obliterate" Iran as President Donald Trump has recently threatened.
US to get stronger response if it violates Iran border again: Parliament speaker Press TV 27 Jun 2019 -- Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani has warned the US of a "stronger" response if it violates the Islamic Republic's borders one again.
US not really pursuing dialogue with Iran, French defense source says Press TV 27 Jun 2019 -- The United States is not actually interested in pursuing dialogue with Iran despite President Donald Trump's repeated claims that his administration seeks diplomacy not war, says a French defense source.
Zarif: No security in Middle East without Iran Press TV 27 Jun 2019 -- Iran's foreign minister has condemned US efforts for the "elimination" of Iran, saying the Middle East will not be secure without Iran as a major regional player.
The Bitcoin Bite: Iran Says Power Grid Hit By Cryptocurrency-Mining Surge RFE/RL 27 Jun 2019 -- Iran has blamed an "unusual" spike in electricity consumption in the country on cryptocurrency miners, while warning that such illicit operations will be cut off from the grid.
U.S. Officials Seek European Support Amid Escalating Confrontation With Iran RFE/RL 27 Jun 2019 -- A top U. S. official said that even though "maximum economic pressure" on Iran through sanctions is working, Tehran does not have the right to violate its nuclear commitments.
'Short War' With Iran is an Illusion - Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif Sputnik 27 Jun 2019 -- Earlier on 27 June, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif stressed that threatening a nation with war was illegal under the United Nations Charter. He also reasserted that Iran does not seek war.
Tehran Warns US Will Get Even 'Stronger Reaction' If It Violates Iran's Airspace Again Sputnik 27 Jun 2019 -- Tensions between the two countries rose dramatically last week after an Iranian air defence missile shot down a US drone in what Iran said was its airspace. Washington claimed the drone was downed over international waters, with President Trump later saying that he nearly ordered a 'retaliatory' strike which would have killed 150 Iranians.
Macron Says He Warned Iran's Rouhani Against Exit from Nuclear Deal Sputnik 27 Jun 2019 -- Iran said in May, exactly a year after the US unilateral withdrawal from the JCPOA, that it would partially suspend its obligations under the nuclear deal.
Iran's Zarif Says Trump's Threats of War Against Tehran Illegal Under UN Charter Sputnik 27 Jun 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif called on Wednesday US President Donald Trump's threats to destroy Iran, in case Tehran attempted to attack anything under US sovereignty, illegal under international law.
Trump ponders on possible war with Iran amid tensions People's Daily 27 Jun 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that it won't last long if his country enters into war with Iran, while still voicing desire to avoid conflict.

Huawei has no military ties: spokespersons Global Times 27 Jun 2019 -- Huawei is a private company with no military ties, China's Ministry of National Defense reiterated on Thursday in response to US media reports that claim the company worked with the Chinese military.
Beijing opposes US abuse of export controls Global Times 27 Jun 2019 -- The Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on Thursday expressed strong opposition to the US abusing export control measures via an entity list against Chinese technology companies, urging Washington to stop its crackdown on Huawei.
China slams US 'Plan B' ahead of bilateral summit Global Times 27 Jun 2019 -- China on Thursday blasted US President Donald Trump's threat of additional tariffs on Chinese goods just days before a widely anticipated meeting between the leaders of the two countries at the G20 in Japan, striking a defiant tone over US bullying tactics and asserting that it is not afraid of any pressure.
China not intimidated by Trump's threat of more tariffs Press TV 27 Jun 2019 -- China has played down US President Donald Trump's latest threat to impose additional tariffs on Chinese goods should ongoing talks between the two countries fail to result in a trade agreement.

Police Officer Dead, Several Injured as Suicide Bombers Attack Tunisian Capital Sputnik 27 Jun 2019 -- Earlier, two police officers and three civilians were injured in a blast that rocked the Tunisian capital of Tunis on Thursday in the proximity of the French embassy, according to the nation's Interior Ministry. The attack targeted a police car in Charles-de-Gaule street in downtown Tunis.
Two bomb attacks in Tunisian capital kill one person, wound several Press TV 27 Jun 2019 -- At least one person has been killed and several others wounded in two separate bomb attacks in the Tunisian capital Tunis, the government says.
Two Bombings Rock Tunisian Capital Amid Political Turmoil VOA 27 Jun 2019 -- One person died and four others were wounded in separate explosions in the center of the Tunisian capital, Tunis, Thursday. The bombings coincided with news that the country's ailing president, Beji Caid Essebsi, was hospitalized in critical condition for unspecified reasons.

WHO Appeals to Ugandans With Ebola Contact to Trust Vaccine VOA 27 Jun 2019 -- The World Health Organization is asking Ugandans to have faith in the trial vaccine being used to contain the Ebola outbreak near the border with Congo. This follows reports that 13 people who came in contact with the virus declined to be vaccinated.

Georgian Court Grants Bail For Opposition Lawmaker As Anti-Russian Protests Continue RFE/RL 27 Jun 2019 -- A Georgian court has turned down a request by prosecutors to jail an opposition lawmaker who is charged with inciting a riot during last week's protests in the Georgian capital.

Kyrgyz Lawmakers Vote To Lift Atambaev Immunity RFE/RL 27 Jun 2019 -- Lawmakers in Kyrgyzstan have voted overwhelmingly to lift the immunity of former President Almazbek Atambaev, clearing a path for his prosecution on charges of corruption that could rattle the Central Asian nation.

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