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News Reports

Current Operations

• DOD Releases Report on Enhancing Security and Stability in Afghanistan DoD 12 Jul 2019 -- Today the Department of Defense provided to Congress the semiannual report "Enhancing Security and Stability in Afghanistan" covering events during the period from Dec. 1, 2018, to May 31, 2019. The report was submitted in accordance with requirements in Section 1225 of the fiscal 2015 National Defense Authorization Act as amended by Sections 1231 and 1531 of the fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2017 NDAA.
• Four-Party Joint Statement on Afghan Peace Process US Dept. of State 12 Jul 2019 -- The text of the following statement was jointly released by the Governments of the United States of America, Russia, Pakistan, and China on the occasion of the Four-Party Meeting on the Afghan Peace Process, held in Beijing on July 10 – 11, 2019.
• Envoy: U.S. Not 'Cutting And Running' From Afghanistan RFE/RL 12 Jul 2019 -- The U.S. peace envoy for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, says the United States is not "cutting and running" from the war-torn country as it negotiates a peace agreement with the Taliban.
• Suicide Bomber Kills At Least Nine At Afghan Wedding Party RFE/RL 12 Jul 2019 -- Afghan officials say at least nine people have been killed, including a pro-government militia commander, after a suicide bomber blew himself up at a wedding party in the country's east.
• Louisiana National Guard preps for Tropical Storm Barry Army News 12 Jul 2019 -- The Louisiana National Guard, as directed by Governor John Bel Edwards, has been authorized to activate up to 3,000 Soldiers and Airmen, not to include full-time Guardsmen, ahead of Tropical Storm Barry, July 11, 2019.

Defense Policy / Programs

• House votes to curb Trump's authority to strike Iran Press TV 12 Jul 2019 -- The US House of Representatives has voted to limit President Donald Trump's power to attack Iran militarily, expressing concern that such hawkish policies are pushing toward an unnecessary war.
• U.S. House Approves Proposal To Limit Trump's Ability To Strike Iran RFE/RL 12 Jul 2019 -- The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a proposal that would limit President Donald Trump's ability to take military action against Iran.
• Pentagon Says Moving Closer To Persian Gulf Military-Escort Plan RFE/RL 12 Jul 2019 -- The Pentagon says it is moving closer to establishing military escorts for ships in the Persian Gulf, hours after Britain said armed Iranian boats "attempted to impede" a British oil tanker.
• US Builds Global Coalition to Protect Gulf Shipping VOA 12 Jul 2019 -- Washington has announced plans to create a multinational military coalition to safeguard waters around Iran and Yemen, particularly shipping lanes in the Gulf. The development follows last month's attacks on oil tankers and the downing of a U.S. drone, blamed on Iran. And this week Britain said Iran tried to intercept a British tanker to push it into its waters. Shipping and other experts are welcoming the U.S. plans for a coalition, as their concerns mount over rising military tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the impact on global energy. Iran has long threatened to close the strategic strait through which almost a fifth of the world's oil passes.
• Readout of Acting Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper's Meeting with Maj. Gen. Bahkodir Kurbanov, Minister of Defense for the Republic of Uzbekistan DoD 12 Jul 2019
• Ships Converge for Talisman Sabre '19 NNS 12 Jul 2019 -- Seventeen ships from the United States, Australia, Canada and Japan sailed together in formation for a massive photo exercise July 10, to signify the beginning of naval maneuvers as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2019.
• Comfort Kicks Off Medical Mission in Peru with Opening Ceremony NNS 12 Jul 2019 -- Rear Adm. Don Gabrielson, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet, along with U.S. military and diplomatic representatives and partner nation representatives attended an opening ceremony for USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) mission stop in Callao, Peru, July 10.
• Harpers Ferry Receives a Vertical Replenishment-at-Sea NNS 12 Jul 2019 -- The Harpers Ferry-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry's (LSD 49) successfully conducted a vertical replenishment-at-sea (VERTREP) from Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE 14) flight deck, July 6.
• F-35 Program Sees Changing of Guard NNS 12 Jul 2019 -- A veteran leader of multifaceted defense acquisition programs, Air Force Lt. Gen. Eric Fick, assumed the watch from Vice Adm. Mat Winter as the program executive officer for the F-35 program in a July 11 ceremony At the U.S. Navy Memorial.
• US Air Force to Begin First Tests on New AI Algorithms For Skyborg Program Sputnik 12 Jul 2019 -- The US Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) Skyborg program is getting its first flight test this summer, with officials focusing their attention on autonomy algorithms and artificial intelligence.
• Aging US B-52 Strategic Bomber Fleet to Receive New Raytheon AESA Radar Upgrades Sputnik 12 Jul 2019 -- The US Air Force's fleet of Boeing B-52 bombers, which first entered service in the 1950s, is to receive a new advanced radar modernization, the Raytheon Company said in a press release.
• Mountain Home AFB hosts largest off-station F-35A operation to date US Air Force 12 Jul 2019 -- Since May 30, the 388th Fighter Wing's 34th Fighter Squadron has been flying out of Mountain Home Air Force Base in what has been the largest off-station F-35A Lightning II operation to date.
• China delivers first self-built icebreaking research vessel People's Daily 12 Jul 2019 -- The first self-developed icebreaking research vessel of China – Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon 2, was completed and delivered to the Polar Research Institute of China on July 11, the Maritime Day of China.
• US General: China to Remain Main Challenger For Next 100 Years Sputnik 12 Jul 2019 -- Gen. Mark A. Milley, US President Donald Trump's pick for most senior military adviser, told a Senate panel Thursday that the "central theme" of the next century "will be the relationship between the United States and China."
• Pentagon Acknowledges North Korea's ICBMs Can Hit 'Anywhere in US' Amid Trump-Kim Thaw Sputnik 12 Jul 2019 -- The personal rapport between the US and North Korean leaders was taken to a new level late last month after President Trump stepped into North Korea at the demilitarized zone to meet briefly with Chairman Kim Jong-un for talks.
• Germany - Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) Missiles Segment Enhanced DSCA 12 Jul 2019 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Germany of Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) Missiles Segment Enhanced (MSE) with support for an estimated cost of $401 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on July 12, 2019.
• Iran vows 'crushing response' to Netanyahu's F-35 attack threat Press TV 12 Jul 2019 -- Iran has vowed a "crushing response" to any violation of the country's sovereignty after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened to attack the Islamic Republic with F-35 stealth fighter jets.
• Russian S-400 defense system delivered in Ankara Global Times 12 Jul 2019 -- The first batch of Russian S-400 air defense systems was delivered in Turkish capital city of Ankara on Friday, the Turkish Defense Ministry said.
• Turkey receives first shipment of S-400 despite US threats Press TV 12 Jul 2019 -- Turkey's defense ministry says it has received the first delivery of Russia's S-400 missile defense system despite US pressure and threat of sanctions.
• Turkey Says First Parts Of Russian S-400 Missile System Delivered RFE/RL 12 Jul 2019 -- Turkey's Defense Ministry says the first parts of the S-400 Russian missile defense systems have delivered to Ankara and deliveries will continue in the coming days.
• Turkish Defence Chief Told Acting US Defence Secretary that S-400 Purchase Was Necessary Sputnik 12 Jul 2019 -- Earlier on Friday, Turkey's Defence Ministry said in a statement that Ankara received the first batch of components for the S-400 air defence systems.
• US Senate Armed Services Chiefs Urge Trump to Sanction Turkey Over Purchase of S-400 Sputnik 12 Jul 2019 -- President Donald Trump should impose sanctions on Turkey after the NATO country received the first shipment of the Russian S-400 missile defence system, the leadership of the US Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees said in a joint press release on Friday.
• First Shipment of Russian S-400 Missile Systems Delivered to Turkey - Turkish Defence Ministry Sputnik 12 Jul 2019 -- Moscow and Ankara signed a loan agreement for the delivery of S-400 systems in December 2017. Turkish cooperation with Russia on this matter has been strongly criticised by NATO and the United States, which has cited security concerns and the S-400's incompatibility with NATO's air defence systems.
• Turkey Challenges US as Russian Missiles Arrive VOA 12 Jul 2019 -- Russia is delivering its S-400 missile system to Turkey, a move that threatens to rupture Turkish-U.S. relations and puts Russian military technology inside a key NATO alliance member.
• UK Reportedly Sending Second Warship to Gulf as Iranian Tensions Simmer Sputnik 12 Jul 2019 -- The news comes just a day after Iran had allegedly attempted to seize another British tanker in the Persian Gulf on Wednesday, reports on Thursday said, citing two officials familiar with the incident.
• Greece - MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters DSCA 12 Jul 2019 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Greece of MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters with support for an estimated cost of $600 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on July 12, 2019.
• Remarks by President Trump Before Marine One Departure The White House 12 Jul 2019

Defense Industry

• Contracts for July 12, 2019

Other Conflicts

• 12 July 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 12 Jul 2019
• Saudi forces move to be deployed in Yemen ports after UAE drawdown: Sources Press TV 12 Jul 2019 -- Saudi military forces have reportedly moved in to be deployed in two strategic Red Sea ports and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait after the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a key part of the Saudi-led military coalition, said it was going ahead with plans to reduce the number of troops in Yemen.
• UAE pulls most forces from Yemen in blow to Saudis: Report Press TV 12 Jul 2019 -- The United Arab Emirates has pulled most of its forces from the Yemen "quagmire" in a "face-saving" decision that has deeply upset its Saudi allies, The New York Times has said.
• Thirty People Condemned to Death for Espionage by Houthi Court Sputnik 12 Jul 2019 -- Thirty accused spies have been sentenced to death in a Houthi-run court in Yemen, a source in the judicial system told AFP Tuesday. They are accused of espionage on behalf of the Saudi-led coalition that invaded the country in 2015.
• UN's Guterres condemns ongoing airstrikes on Syria's hospitals, medical workers UN News 12 Jul 2019 -- Reports that airstrikes have hit several health facilities in north-west Syria have been strongly condemned by the UN Secretary-General.
• Russian Air Defences at Hmeymim Airbase Destroy 3 UAVs Launched by Idlib Militants Sputnik 12 Jul 2019 -- Russian air defences at the Hmeymim airbase in Syria shot down three aerial drones launched by militants operating in the Idlib de-escalation zone, Maj. Gen. Alexey Bakin, head of the Russian Center for Syrian Reconciliation, said Friday.
• In aftermath of Libya airstrike deaths, UN officials call for refugees and migrants to be freed from detention UN News 12 Jul 2019 -- "As a priority, we ask that 5,600 refugees and migrants currently held in centres across Libya be freed in an orderly manner and their protection guaranteed" the UN refugee and migrants chiefs said in a joint statement, released on Friday.
• Iran's IRGC unleashes fire on terrorist positions along border with Iraqi Kurdistan Press TV 12 Jul 2019 -- Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has staged a multi-pronged offensive on terrorist positions along the Iranian border with Iraq's northern semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, inflicting heavy losses on them.
• Iran's IRGC Attacks Iranian Opposition Targets in Iraq's Kurdistan - Reports Sputnik 12 Jul 2019 -- The autonomous Kurdish region in northern Iraq has seen several rounds of clashes between Iranian forces and militants who are allegedly being trained to undermine security in the Islamic Republic.
• As monsoon rains pound Rohingya refugee camps, UN food relief agency steps up aid UN News 12 Jul 2019 -- Since 4 July, heavy monsoon rains and wind have pounded the refugee camps in Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar, with deaths, displacement and major damage following in their wake, the World Food Programme (WFP) said on Friday.
• Russia's Putin discusses ending conflict in eastern Ukraine with president Zelenskiy Press TV 12 Jul 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has discussed settling the long-running conflict in eastern Ukraine with the country's new president Volodymyr Zelenskiy, in their first telephone conversation initiated by Kiev.
• Russian, Ukrainian Leaders Talk at Last VOA 12 Jul 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, on Friday held their first talks since the election of the Ukraine president last April – a 20-minute phone call noteworthy for its implications regarding efforts to end the simmering war between Kyiv and pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine's east.
• Serbian Lawmaker Calls Srebrenica Massacre 'Liberation,' Thanks Mladic For 'Brilliant Military Operation' RFE/RL 12 Jul 2019 -- A Serbian lawmaker from the ruling Progressive Party has called the 1995 Srebrenica massacre "liberation" and thanked Bosnian Serb military chief General Ratko Mladic for what he called a "brilliantly conducted military operation."
• Pakistan to Keep Airspace Closed Until India Removes Jets From Border - Official Sputnik 12 Jul 2019 -- Pakistan has declined the request to open its airspace for Indian commercial flights and demanded that New Delhi first removes its military jets from the Pakistani-Indian border, Aviation Secretary Shahrukh Nusrat, who is also the director general of the Pakistani Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA), said on Friday.
• Heavy Fighting Erupts Between Armies of India and Pakistan in Kashmir Sputnik 12 Jul 2019 -- Heavy firing and shelling erupted between Indian and Pakistani forces along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir, a disputed region administered by India. The Indian Army has claimed that Pakistan violated the ceasefire agreement on Friday morning and started firing at Indian posts and civilian areas in the Mendhar sector.
• South Sudan President Agrees to Meet Former Rebel Leader VOA 12 Jul 2019 -- South Sudanese opposition leader Riek Machar has agreed to a face-to-face meeting with President Salva Kiir, a step that could energize the lagging talks on a government for the civil war-wracked country.
• Former Congolese Child Fighters Applaud Ntaganda Verdict VOA 12 Jul 2019 -- The International Criminal Court's conviction of Bosco Ntaganda on war crimes charges is drawing applause from former child soldiers who say they were forced to commit horrendous acts while part of his rebel group.
• Explosions Rock Hotel in Somali Coastal City VOA 12 Jul 2019 -- Militants stormed a hotel Friday evening in the coastal Somali city of Kismayo, sparking gunbattles and fears of heavy casualties.

News Reports

• US-Guatemala Asylum Deal Advances Without UN Refugee Agency VOA 12 Jul 2019 -- A "cooperative" asylum agreement between the United States and Guatemala may be near, despite no such cooperation between the U.S. State Department and the U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR).
• Opening Remarks by Vice President Pence at Roundtable Discussion with U.S. Border Patrol and Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee | McAllen, TX The White House 12 Jul 2019
• Remarks by Vice President Pence in a Press Conference | McAllen, TX The White House 12 Jul 2019
• Sudan on High Alert After Military Says it Foiled Coup Attempt VOA 12 Jul 2019 -- Sudanese troops were deployed in the streets of Khartoum following the Transitional Military Council's announcement Thursday that it had stopped a coup attempt by military officers.
• Sudanese Security Forces Detain 12 Officers in Wake of Failed Coup - Military Council Sputnik 12 Jul 2019 -- The Sudanese security forces have detained 12 officers suspected of having a role in the recent failed military coup, Jamal Omar Ibrahim, the head of the Transitional Military Council's (TMC) security committee, said in a statement on Friday.
• Update on the Condition of the CITGO 6 US Dept. of State 12 Jul 2019
• The Week In Russia: Fire, Floods, Foul Language, And A Frightening Proposal RFE/RL 12 Jul 2019 -- Here's how the Kremlin handled devastating flooding, the second-deadliest submarine disaster since the Kursk, and an expletive-laden tirade targeting President Vladimir Putin. Also, does an over-the-top marriage-proposal video mirror Moscow's foreign policy tactics?
• Emigre Laser Company Chief Fights U.S. Treasury's 'Russian Oligarch' Designation RFE/RL 12 Jul 2019 -- Valentin Gapontsev is the kind of immigrant U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has said it prefers: one who can contribute to economic growth.
• Trump Seeking to Remove Coats as Director of National Intelligence - Reports Sputnik 12 Jul 2019 -- US President Donald Trump is seeking to remove Daniel Coats from his post as Director of National Intelligence, media reported on Friday.
• China's Huawei Reaffirms Willingness to Sign 'No-Spy' Agreements With Any Country Sputnik 12 Jul 2019 -- The chairman of the Board of Chinese telecommunication giant Huawei, Liang Hua, reaffirmed on Friday the company's readiness to conclude "no-spy, no-backdoor" agreement with countries to guarantee that the company's equipment will not be used for any espionage activities as some fear.
• US won't sanction Iran's foreign minister: Sources Press TV 12 Jul 2019 -- The United States has reportedly decided not to sanction Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, signaling that Washington is leaving a door open for diplomacy.
• U.S. 'Holding Off' On Sanctions Against Iran's Foreign Minister For Now RFE/RL 12 Jul 2019 -- The United States has decided not to slap sanctions on Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif for now, an indication that Washington may not be closing the door to diplomacy in the countries' tense dispute, Reuters reports.
• Iran Calls On Britain To Immediately Release Seized Oil Tanker RFE/RL 12 Jul 2019 -- Iran has again called on Britain to immediately release an oil tanker that the British Royal Navy seized last week, as London called for calm amid rising tensions.
• UK urged to immediately release Iranian supertanker, avoid 'dangerous' game Press TV 12 Jul 2019 -- Iran has urged the UK to immediately release the Iranian supertanker it has illegally seized in Gibraltar, warning London against entering a "dangerous game with no end in sight".
• Iran Calls on Britain to Release Seized Iranian Oil Tanker VOA 12 Jul 2019 -- Iran is demanding that Britain release an Iranian oil tanker seized last week off the coast of Gibraltar and accused Britain of playing a "dangerous game" in the Persian Gulf region.
• IAEA Has Found Proof of Iran's Violation of Nuclear Deal Thanks to Mossad Intel, Israeli TV Claims Sputnik 12 Jul 2019 -- Last week, Tehran announced that its uranium enrichment levels would soon surpass limits set by the 2015 nuclear deal, and that it would continue to reduce its commitments under the treaty every 60 days unless other signatories meet their commitments.
• Hong Kong Protesters United Despite Differences VOA 12 Jul 2019 -- On July 1, a crowd in Hong Kong protesting a controversial bill allowing extradition to mainland China broke through tempered glass and charged into the city's legislative chamber. They defaced officials' portraits and spray-painted anti-government graffiti. Police gave the protesters until midnight to leave, or be expelled by force.
• Any attempt to destabilize Hong Kong doomed to failure: spokesperson Global Times 12 Jul 2019 -- China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposed to US interference in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs, and has lodged representations with the US side, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Friday.
• Human rights, counter-terrorism experts tell true Xinjiang stories in global arena Global Times 12 Jul 2019 -- Some Western media and experts criticized China's policies in Xinjiang, which have been refuted by China. To better elaborate on its policies on religion and ethnic groups in Xinjiang, and show the development on human rights in the region, China has sent delegations to meetings of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
• China refutes joint letter criticizing Xinjiang policies People's Daily 12 Jul 2019 -- China on Thursday refuted a letter, jointly signed by 22 nations, criticizing China's policy in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
• China to impose sanctions on US companies involved in arms sales to Taiwan Global Times 12 Jul 2019 -- China will impose sanctions on US companies involved in arms sales to Taiwan, foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said on Friday.
• U.S. attempts to play off Taiwan against China will be in vain People's Daily 12 Jul 2019 -- Facing the U.S. State Department's approval of the sales of a package of weapons worth $2.22 billion to Taiwan on July 8, China expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition.
• China Aims to Impose Sanctions on US Firms Selling Arms to Taiwan, Says Washington 'Plays With Fire' Sputnik 12 Jul 2019 -- Beijing earlier expressed its anger over Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen's visit to the United States on Thursday. The president's arrival triggered protests in New York with Tsai's opponent chanting slogans.
• China warns US 'not to play with fire' on Taiwan Press TV 12 Jul 2019 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has warned the United States "not to play with fire" regarding Taiwan, as a possible US arms sale to the self-ruled island looms.
• Brazilian President Says Looking at Appointing His Son Ambassador to US Sputnik 12 Jul 2019 -- Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said he was considering appointing his son, lawmaker Eduardo Bolsonaro, as the ambassador to the United States.
• White Nationalism Moves Into South African Mainstream Politics VOA 12 Jul 2019 -- White nationalism has long lurked on the fringes of South African life, stoked by far-right groups that feel their culture is under threat in the multiracial country.
• Argentina mulls blacklisting Lebanon's Hezbollah: Report Press TV 12 Jul 2019 -- Argentinean President Mauricio Macri considers designating Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement as a terrorist group, a report says.
• Islamic State Terror Group Ramping Up Video Messaging VOA 12 Jul 2019 -- Islamic State media operatives appear to have regrouped, at least in part, intent on showing the world that the terror organization is living up to its motto of "remaining and expanding" despite its lack of a physical caliphate.