28 July 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Afghan president's running mate injured in Kabul attack Press TV 28 Jul 2019 -- Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's running mate in upcoming elections has been wounded in an explosion that targeted his office in the Afghan capital, Kabul, and that killed at least two people.
Afghan presidential elections campaign kicks off Press TV 28 Jul 2019 -- Afghanistan is getting ready to hold the fourth presidential elections since the ouster of the Taliban back in 2001.
Taliban: No direct talks with government as long as foreign troops do not leave Afghanistan Press TV 28 Jul 2019 -- The Taliban have announced that they will not hold direct talks with the Afghan government and rejected a statement from a senior minister about plans to hold such a meeting in the next two weeks.
Taliban Says 'No Agreement' On Direct Talks With Afghan Government RFE/RL 28 Jul 2019 -- The Taliban has rejected a statement from a senior Afghan minister who said he hoped direct talks would begin within two weeks between the militant group and the government in Kabul.
Afghan President's Running Mate Wounded By Bomb Attack On His Office RFE/RL 28 Jul 2019 -- A bomb has targeted the Kabul office of President Ashraf Ghani's running mate, Amrullah Saleh -- wounding the vice presidential candidate on the first day of campaigning for Afghanistan's September 28 presidential election.
Four killed, 10 Injured by Taliban Bombing in Afghanistan's Ghazni Province - Reports Sputnik 28 Jul 2019 -- At least four policemen have been killed and ten more wounded in a Taliban bombing in the Ghazni province in central Afghanistan, Aref Noori, spokesman to Ghazni provincial governor said on Sunday.
Afghan Presidential Campaign Kicks Off Amid Doubts Whether Polls Will Go Ahead VOA 28 Jul 2019 -- The campaign to elect Afghanistan's new president started Sunday amid fear of foul play, insecurity and doubts whether the vote – set for September 28 – will actually take place.
Militants Attack Political Office of Ex-Afghan Spy Chief VOA 28 Jul 2019 -- Afghan authorities say a car-bomb-and-gun attack in Kabul has killed at least two people and injured 25 others.

Defense Policy / Programs

Eighth Army Soldiers, civilians get pumped full of knowledge on new logistics satellite tool Army News 28 Jul 2019 -- Training the trainers was the mission of Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jack Gordon of the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command's Sustainment Automation Support Management Office. The chief came up to U.S. Army Garrison-Humphreys from Daegu to train 32 Soldiers and civilians on how to set up and operate the Army's new Inflatable Satellite Antenna.
Operation Rapid Forge concludes US Air Force 28 Jul 2019 -- Operation Rapid Forge concluded July 25 at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.
US, Japanese, Aussie forces conduct naval war games aimed at China Press TV 28 Jul 2019 -- US, Australian and Japanese naval forces have carried out a mock coastline invasion in a war game designed to demonstrate how the three allied nations could collaborate in defending what they perceive as "contested islands in the Pacific."

Arrow Weapon System Successfully Engages Ballistic Missile Target MDA 28 Jul 2019 -- The Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) of the Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D) and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) completed a successful flight test campaign with the Arrow-3 Interceptor missile.
'Beyond Imagination': Netanyahu Posts Video of Israel-US Missile System Test in Alaska Sputnik 28 Jul 2019 -- The Hetz (Arrow)-3 is specifically designed to meet Israel's demand for a missile defence system that would be more effective against ballistic missiles than the Patriot system and that is even capable of intercepting missiles in space.
Israel 'Successfully' Tests New Anti-Missile System in Alaska Amid Tensions With Iran Sputnik 28 Jul 2019 -- The Arrow 3 next-generation missile defence system has been jointly developed by Israel and the United States. The weapon system is designed to intercept ballistic missiles outside the atmosphere.
Israel, US Test Missile Defense in Alaska VOA 28 Jul 2019 -- U.S. and Israeli officials say tests in Alaska of a jointly developed missile defense system have been successful.

J-20 fighter makes combat unit debut Global Times 28 Jul 2019 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force for the first time released a photo of a J-20 stealth fighter jet showing the serial number of a combat unit, indicating that the warplane has ended trials and become a potent warplane protecting the country.
Chinese Navy increases aircraft carrier pilot recruits Global Times 28 Jul 2019 -- China has recruited 41 percent more cadet pilots for aircraft carrier fighter jets this year than 2018, a significant move according to Chinese military analysts noting how it provided increased talent reserve for Chinese carriers.

India has doubts about buying US drones after Iran downing: Report Press TV 28 Jul 2019 -- India is reportedly having second thoughts about the purchase of Global Hawk drones from the United States after Iran easily shot down one such drone last month.

Second British Warship Enters the Gulf as Iran Warns Against Stoking Tensions Sputnik 28 Jul 2019 -- Britain currently operates one warship in the Gulf, but the UK government came under fire this month for failing to ensure the safety of a tanker impounded by Iranian authorities. The HMS Duncan will work in the area until late August when it will be replaced by another warship.
HMS DUNCAN arrives in the Gulf UK MOD 28 Jul 2019 -- Royal Navy vessel HMS DUNCAN has arrived in the Gulf, where she will support the safe passage of British-flagged ships through the Strait of Hormuz along with HMS MONTROSE.

Defense Industry

Other Conflicts

Official: Tourism Would Bolster Philippine Claim to Disputed South China Sea VOA 28 Jul 2019 -- A proposal to put tourist hotels on a Philippine islet in the South China Sea could boost Manila's broader maritime sovereignty claim as it tries to hold off its more powerful rival, China, experts say.

Yemen hits Saudi command center with ballistic missile Press TV 28 Jul 2019 -- Yemeni army forces have destroyed a military command center in Saudi Arabia's southern province of Najran after targeting it with a domestically-manufactured ballistic missile, a Yemeni military official says.
Yemeni drones target Saudi command & control center Press TV 28 Jul 2019 -- Yemeni forces have launched fresh drone attacks on an airport in Saudi Arabia's southern province of Najran, retaliating strikes by an invading Saudi-led coalition.
Key gains secured by Yemeni army in Taiz SPA 28 Jul 2019 -- Yemen's National Army forces have scored Saturday crucial gains in Mawiah district north east the province of Taiz.

Foreign Fighters Law Approved in Australia VOA 28 Jul 2019 -- New terror legislation to stop foreign fighters from returning to Australia has been approved by lawmakers. The government says the new laws will prevent carnage in Australia. But experts say the exclusion measures will apply mostly to women and children, and will increase the risk of radicalization.

Separate bomb attacks kill five, injure over dozen in Syria's Aleppo, Dara'a provinces Press TV 28 Jul 2019 -- At least five people, mostly army soldiers, have been killed in bomb attacks that hit the Syrian provinces of Aleppo and Dara'a.

Rohingya Muslims refuse to return to Myanmar without recognition Press TV 28 Jul 2019 -- Rohingya Muslim refugees in Bangladesh have refused to return to Myanmar unless they are recognized as an ethnic group with full rights and safety in their home country, where they have faced several decades of persecution.

Pakistani Military Says 10 Soldiers Killed In Attacks By Extremists RFE/RL 28 Jul 2019 -- Pakistan's military says at least 10 soldiers have been killed in separate attacks by militants in North Waziristan and Balochistan.

Islamic group in Nigeria slams court order on 'terror' labeling Press TV 28 Jul 2019 -- The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) has slammed a recent court order that allows the government to label it as a "terrorist" organization.
Takfiri terror rages despite Nigerian government claim of crippling it Press TV 28 Jul 2019 -- Daesh-linked Boko Haram terrorists have attacked mourners returning from a funeral in Nigeria's restive northeast and killed at least 23 people.
Nigeria: 65 Killed in Attack by Boko Haram Militants VOA 28 Jul 2019 -- Boko Haram militants killed at least 65 people at a funeral in northeastern Nigeria, local officials said Sunday, revising the earlier death toll of 23.

Abbas must take practical measures concerning suspension of all deals with Israel: Hamas Press TV 28 Jul 2019 -- A senior official from the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement says the recent decision made by President of the Palestinian Authority (PA) Mahmoud Abbas to suspend all agreements signed with the Israeli regime needs practical steps.

Armenian Military Official Says Soldier Shot Dead From 'Azerbaijani Side' RFE/RL 28 Jul 2019 -- An Armenian contract soldier was allegedly shot dead by an Azerbaijani bullet on July 28, Armenian Defense Ministry spokesman Artsrun Ovannisyan said in a Facebook post.

Modi Warns 'Sinister Plans' on Kashmir 'Will Never Succeed' as Delhi Beefs Up Security in Region Sputnik 28 Jul 2019 -- Tensions between India and Pakistan over Kashmir have remained high since February, when India launched airstrikes into Pakistani territory targeting the militants believed responsible for a terrorist attack on Indian security personnel. The strikes sparked a series of skirmishes, and regular exchanges of fire along the fragile Line of Control.

News Reports

DNI Daniel R. Coats Resignation Letter Director of National Intelligence 28 Jul 2019 -- Attached is the letter Director of National Intelligence Daniel R. Coats submitted to President Donald J. Trump today. His resignation will be effective August 15, 2019.
US Director of National Intelligence to Step Down on August 15, Trump Says Sputnik 28 Jul 2019 -- US director of national intelligence Dan Coats, who had several disagreements with US President Donald Trump over assessments involving Russia, Iran and North Korea, is expected to step down in the coming days.
US Spy Chief Dan Coats to Resign VOA 28 Jul 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has announced his national intelligence chief, Dan Coats, is resigning after two years on the job and frequent policy clashes with the White House.

Sudanese protest findings of junta probe into deaths Press TV 28 Jul 2019 -- Sudanese demonstrators have flocked to the streets in the capital Khartoum to protest the findings of an official investigation that put the death toll from a June raid on a sit-in protest at no more than 87.

Moscow's 'Disproportionate' Use Of Force Condemned After 1,300 Detained During Opposition Protests RFE/RL 28 Jul 2019 -- Police in Moscow detained more than 1,300 people in a day of protests against alleged irregularities in the run-up to local elections, according to an independent group that monitors crackdowns on demonstrations.
Crowd Dispersed, Journalist Detained Where Navalny Hospitalized RFE/RL 28 Jul 2019 -- Police in Moscow dispersed a crowd of about two dozen people and detained a Russian journalist at a prison hospital where opposition activist Aleksei Navalny is being treated for what his personal doctor says are possible effects of "undefined chemical substances."

Russian vessel detained in North Korea released: Embassy Press TV 28 Jul 2019 -- The Russian embassy in Pyongyang says North Korea has released a Russian fishing vessel along with its crew after it was seized over alleged violation of entry rules.
North Korea Releases Detained Russian Fishing Boat, Crew RFE/RL 28 Jul 2019 -- North Korea has released a Russian fishing boat with a crew of 15 Russians and two South Koreans after it was detained for allegedly violating entry regulations, officials say.

Remaining Iran Deal Signatories Recommit to 2015 Accord VOA 28 Jul 2019 -- Iran and the remaining world powers in the 2015 agreement to restrain Tehran's nuclear weapons development signaled new commitment Sunday to staying in the accord, even as Iran said it would diminish its compliance if European countries do not help alleviate the effects of U.S. economic sanctions.
Iran's envoy for JCPOA meets with Russian, Chinese, EU counterparts IRNA 28 Jul 2019 -- Iran's deputy foreign minister and representative at the Joint Commission of the nuclear deal met with his Russian and Chinese counterpart, as well as the EU foreign policy service's secretary general.
Russia urges Iran to practice restraint on JCPOA IRNA 28 Jul 2019 -- Deputy Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Russia requests Iran to practice restraint in the process of implementing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Iran to reduce JCPOA commitments until interests secured: Deputy FM Press TV 28 Jul 2019 -- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi says Tehran will continue to scale back its commitments under a multilateral 2015 nuclear deal until its legal demands are met by the European co-signatories.
INSTEX Still Operating in Pilot Mode But First Transactions Already Made - Moscow Sputnik 28 Jul 2019 -- The INSTEX trade mechanism is still operating in pilot mode, but the first transactions have already been made, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said Sunday following the JCPOA Joint Commission's meeting.
Iran: European Proposal to Escort Tankers 'Hostile,' 'Provocative' VOA 28 Jul 2019 -- "Hostile" and "provocative" is how Iran labeled a proposal to form a European coalition to escort tankers through the Persian Gulf.
Foreign forces' presence key cause of regional tensions: President Rouhani ISNA 28 Jul 2019 -- Iranian President, Hassan Rouhani described Iran-Oman relations very friendly and developing, adding, "We should attempt to further deepen Tehran-Muscat cooperation in different fields, especially energy and trade".
Boosting regional security, Iran's main strategy: Iranian Majlis Speaker Press TV 28 Jul 2019 -- Iran's Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani says maintaining regional security is one of the main strategies of the Islamic Republic, warning that any form of foreign meddling only endangers the region.
Foreign forces cannot bring security, cause more tension in region: Rouhani Press TV 28 Jul 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says any presence of foreign forces in the Persian Gulf will only cause even more tension in the region, amid reports that the UK and the US are pushing for a joint force to escort oil tankers as they pass through the Strait of Hormuz off Iran.
Iran: Deployment of European force to Persian Gulf would be hostile Press TV 28 Jul 2019 -- Iran says the deployment of a European naval mission to the Persian Gulf would convey a "hostile message" and would fuel regional tensions.
Foreign Forces in Persian Gulf Would Stoke Regional Tension - Iranian President Sputnik 28 Jul 2019 -- Earlier, the US had invited its allies to take part in a mission in the Persian Gulf to protect freedom of navigation there together.
After JCPOA Iran enriched 24 tons of uranium: AEOI Chief IRNA 28 Jul 2019 -- Vice President and Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi in a meeting with independent parliamentarians on Sunday said that Iran after the JCPOA did not enriche 300 kilograms of uranium, but has enriched 24 tons of uranium.
Ryabkov: JCPOA must be safeguarded in face of US destructive measures IRNA 28 Jul 2019 -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov noted that the Joint Comprehensive Plan Of Action ( JCPOA) should be maintained in the face of Washington's destructive steps, and its members should remain committed to the plans at the Fordow and Arak nuclear sites.
Iran's Arak Nuclear Reactor to Resume Operation - Reports Sputnik 28 Jul 2019 -- Iran's Vice President and head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi said Sunday that the Arak heavy water nuclear reactor will resume its operation, ISNA news agency reported.
Iran Announces Plans To Restart Activities At Arak Nuclear Reactor RFE/RL 28 Jul 2019 -- Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, says Iran is planning to restart activities at the Arak heavy water nuclear reactor -- a move that is not permitted under Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.
Tehran says seizing Iranian oil tanker violates JCPOA IRNA 28 Jul 2019 -- Deputy foreign minister of Iran said on Sunday that United Kingdom's seizure of the oil tanker carrying Iranian oil in the Strait of Gibraltar is a violation of Iran nuclear deal since the participant of the deal should not impede Iran's oil export.
UK tanker seizure violation of nuclear deal: Iran deputy FM Press TV 28 Jul 2019 -- Iran's deputy foreign minister for political affairs says recent seizure of a supertanker carrying Iranian oil off Gibraltar was a violation of the nuclear deal signed between Iran and the world powers in 2015, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
UK Seizure of Iranian Tanker Near Gibraltar a Violation of 2015 Nuke Deal - Tehran Sputnik 28 Jul 2019 -- Earlier this month, Gibraltar authorities aided by the UK Royal Marines detained an Iranian tanker suspected of carrying oil to Syria in violation of sanctions.
Over two thirds of Iran's thermal power capacity privatized: Ministry Press TV 28 Jul 2019 -- Iran's Ministry of Energy has released new data showing that the private sector owns over two thirds of the capacity of thermal power plants across the country.
China still importing Iran's oil despite US bans: Customs data Press TV 28 Jul 2019 -- Data provided by China's customs authorities shows the country has largely defied US sanctions on Iran by continuing to import oil from the country even after Washington ended exemptions given to Beijing for buying Iran's crude in May.
Iran's Zarif Meetsh Omani Counterpart In Possible Sign Of Mediation Effort RFE/RL 28 Jul 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has met with Yusuf bin Alawi, his counterpart from Oman - a neutral country that in the past has acted as a facilitator of talks between Tehran and Washington.
Iranian Grain Vessels Stranded In Brazil Over U.S. Sanctions Free To Leave RFE/RL 28 Jul 2019 -- Two Iranian grain vessels that have been stranded for weeks off the Brazilian coast are being allowed to sail away, officials said on July 27 following a court order.
Rouhani Hopes Johnson Will Remove Obstacles in UK-Iran Relations Sputnik 28 Jul 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani expressed hope that UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's familiarity with the relations between Tehran and London would help remove obstacles in the development of bilateral ties.

China rejects US lawmaker's 'erroneous' comments about Hong Kong Press TV 28 Jul 2019 -- China has strongly dismissed the "erroneous" comments by a US Congressman who recently criticized China's position on the protests in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Police Say Protesters Set Fires in City During Sunday Rally Sputnik 28 Jul 2019 -- Participants of the Sunday's unauthorized mass rally in Hong Kong have set fires in various locations in the city, the local police said.
Hong Kong Protests Escalate as Police Use Tear Gas, Rubber Bullets VOA 28 Jul 2019 -- It was a tense night in Hong Kong Sunday as protesters surged onto city streets and defied riot police who pelted them for hours with tear gas and rubber bullets.

UN to Double Food Rations for Ebola-Affected People in DR Congo VOA 28 Jul 2019 -- The U.N. World Food Program says it plans to double food rations to assist 440,000 people affected by the Ebola virus and their contacts over the next six months to respond to escalating needs in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Iran Creates Homegrown Satellite, Two More in 'Final Preparation' Despite US Sanctions – Report Sputnik 28 Jul 2019 -- Iranian engineers have developed a large array of advanced, domestically created technologies despite over four decades of US sanctions. These include a variety of homegrown rocket and missile technologies, which Washington claims violate the provisions of the Iran nuclear deal. Tehran has denied the claims.
Iranian satellite ready for launch, two more being readied: Official Press TV 28 Jul 2019 -- An official from the Iranian Space Research Center (ISRC) says the institute has completed the development of one satellite and is making final preparations on two others for launch into orbit.
Official: Iran prepared to launch satellite IRNA 28 Jul 2019 -- Head of Iranian Space Research Center Hadi Rezaei said on Sunday that in defiance of the restrictions created by the US Economic Terrorism, Iranian researchers have prepared a satellite for launching in addition to a sentinel satellite and a telecommunications satellite.

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