30 July 2019 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
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UN: Afghan, NATO Forces Killed More Civilians this Year than Insurgent Groups VOA 30 Jul 2019 -- The United Nations says more Afghan civilians were killed by government and NATO-led troops than by the Taliban and other insurgent groups in the first half of 2019.
'Answer the call of Afghans' to reduce impact of conflict, UN urges all parties amid increase in civilian airstrike deaths UN News 30 Jul 2019 -- The conflict in Afghanistan continues to be devastating for civilians, with the latest United Nations update released on Tuesday showing that the number of civilians killed by aerial operations increased in the first half of 2019, even as overall civilian casualties declined.
Two American soldiers killed in apparent insider attack in Afghanistan Press TV 30 Jul 2019 -- Two American soldiers have been killed in an apparent insider attack in Afghanistan's southern province of Kandahar.
UN: Afghan Civilians Dying At 'Shocking' Level RFE/RL 30 Jul 2019 -- A total of 1,366 civilians have been killed and 2,446 more were injured in Afghanistan's conflict during the first six months of this year, according to the United Nations.
Afghan Presidential Candidates Face Election Uncertainty, Campaign Controversy, And Danger RFE/RL 30 Jul 2019 -- As a former intelligence chief and an outspoken opponent of the Taliban, Rahmatullah Nabil has long been a marked man.

Defense Policy / Programs

Army looks at cadets to bolster Army space force Army News 30 Jul 2019 -- As the Army steadily grows its space force with current Soldiers, a path is now being offered to help cadets quickly become Functional Area 40 space operations officers.
Nominee for Pentagon's No. 2 Post Counters Sexual Assault Allegations VOA 30 Jul 2019 -- Air Force Gen. John Hyten, the nominee for the position of second-highest military officer in the United States, Tuesday defended himself against sexual assault allegations made by an Army colonel who worked for him.
USNS Carson City Arrives in Nigeria NNS 30 Jul 2019 -- The Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Carson City (T-EPF 7) arrived in Lagos, Nigeria, July 27 for a scheduled port visit in support of its 2019 Africa Partnership Station deployment to the Gulf of Guinea.
US Plans to Build Additional Military Infrastructure in Australia - Minister Sputnik 30 Jul 2019 -- The US and Australia have been stepping up their military presence across the Western Pacific amid fears that China would gain more influence in the South China Sea which is a strategic passageway rich in natural resources.
Playing catch-up to Russia: US completes design of hypersonic weapon months after Russia tested one Press TV 30 Jul 2019 -- In a rush to match Russia's advancements in developing modern weapons, the United States military has finalized a key design of its first hypersonic weapon, months after Russian military forces successfully test-launched their own design upon a direct order by President Vladimir Putin.
Pentagon Working on 9 Separate Hypersonic Missile Projects to Take on Russia, China – Report Sputnik 30 Jul 2019 -- Earlier this year, the US Air Force announced that it was in a 'race' with Russia and China to develop new hypersonic missile systems, with the Pentagon saying it would use President Trump's new 'Space Force' to try to counter Russian and Chinese advances in this area. The US expects to test at least two hypersonic missiles by the end of 2019.

Sale of F-16 Aircraft to Bulgaria US Dept. of State 30 Jul 2019 -- "The United States welcomes the Bulgarian Government's decision to purchase eight F-16 multirole fighter aircraft, munitions and related equipment. "
Bulgaria's $1.26Bln Deal for 8 US F-16 Jets Comes Into Effect - Reports Sputnik 30 Jul 2019 -- The contract for Bulgaria's $1.26 billion deal to purchase eight new F-16 fighter jets and supporting equipment went into effect on Tuesday following its publication in the Bulgarian State Gazette.

Russia Launches Meridian Military Satellite From Plesetsk Cosmodrome - Defence Ministry Sputnik 30 Jul 2019 -- Russia launched successfully on Tuesday its Soyuz-2.1a carrier with Meridian military communications satellite from Plesetsk cosmodrome, located in Arkhangelsk region, the Russian Defence Ministry told reporters.

'Final piece of the jigsaw' in place as RFA Tideforce completes UK's new tanker fleet Royal Navy 30 Jul 2019 -- The Royal Fleet Auxiliary saw its numbers bolstered as RFA Tideforce – the last of four new-generation tankers – was welcomed into the Fleet.
RAF Typhoons scrambled from Ämari Air Base to intercept a Russian military transport aircraft UK MOD 30 Jul 2019 -- RAF Typhoons intercept a Russian IL-76 military transport aircraft

Germany turns down US proposal for Persian Gulf maritime coalition Press TV 30 Jul 2019 -- Germany says it has rejected a proposal by the United States to set up a military coalition in the Persian Gulf to counter what it calls the "Iran threat" as tensions mount between Washington and Tehran.
'Germany Made No Promises': Berlin Rejects US Anti-Iran Maritime Coalition Proposal Sputnik 30 Jul 2019 -- Earlier, both German and British officials said they did not support the US's "maximum pressure" strategy against Tehran, instead welcoming an operation proposed by London for a European-led security effort to "protect" commercial vessels operating in the Persian Gulf and near the Strait of Hormuz.
US Asks Germany to Help Secure Strait of Hormuz VOA 30 Jul 2019 -- The U.S. has officially asked Germany to help secure the strategic Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Iran in the midst of heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf region.

Iran, Russia to Hold Joint Military Exercises in Indian Ocean Before Year-End - Commander Sputnik 30 Jul 2019 -- Iran and Russia will hold joint military drills in the Indian Ocean region before the end of this year, Iranian Navy Commander Rear Adm. Hossein Khanzadi said in an interview released on Monday.
Iran's Navy gives explanation on Iran-Russia joint military drill IRNA 30 Jul 2019 -- Iran's Navy force is preparing to conduct a joint naval exercise with Russia in the north of Indian Ocean and Oman Sea, the Army's public relations department said on Tuesday.
Iran, Russia mull to carry out war games in Sea of Oman, North Indian Ocean IRNA 30 Jul 2019 -- Iran's Navy said on Tuesday that talks with Russian naval officials are underway to conduct war games in the Sea of Oman and North Indian Ocean.
Iran's Naval Group berthing in Baku IRNA 30 Jul 2019 -- The Islamic Republic of Iran's Naval Group of 4th District and the Northern Fleet arrived in Baku on Tuesday, the capital of the Republic of Azerbaijan, for the third consecutive year to participate in "2019- Sea Cup".
Iran, UAE agree to boost maritime security cooperation in joint meeting in Tehran Press TV 30 Jul 2019 -- Iranian and Emirati officials have agreed to bolster bilateral maritime security cooperation during a meeting in Tehran, the first such talks since 2003 which come amid heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf region.
Iranian, UAE Coast Guards to Discuss Bilateral Cooperation in Tehran - Reports Sputnik 30 Jul 2019 -- Coast guard officers from Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will meet in Tehran after a six-year hiatus to discuss bilateral cooperation, the ISNA news agency reported.

India signs deal to purchase Russian air-to-air missiles : Govt. sources Press TV 30 Jul 2019 -- India has reportedly signed a deal with Russia for purchase of advanced air-to-air missiles to be fitted on its Sukhoi fighter jets, as New Delhi defies warnings from the US and turns to Moscow to strengthen its air defenses.
Russia Signs Deals With India to Deliver 1,000 Air-to-Air Missiles - Gov't Agency Sputnik 30 Jul 2019 -- Russia has signed deals with India to deliver about 1,000 air-to-air missiles of different kinds, the press service of the Federal Service of Military-Technical Cooperation said on Tuesday.

Taiwan engaged in missile drill as China holds military exercises CNA 30 Jul 2019 -- Taiwan's military is in the final day of a two-day live-fire drill in southern Taiwan that is being held at a time when China is also holding military exercises along its east coast.
China, Taiwan Hold Rival Military Drills Amid US Navy Transit, Arms Deal Sputnik 30 Jul 2019 -- Taiwan staged its own military drills this week, following a set of exercises by the Chinese People's Liberation Army around the autonomous island.

Beijing Says Does Not Support Creation of New Multilateral Deal Replacing INF Treaty Sputnik 30 Jul 2019 -- China does not support Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono's suggestion to create a new multilateral structure capable of replacing the US-Russian Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF), Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said on Tuesday.

Korea - Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) for RQ-4 Block 30 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) DSCA 30 Jul 2019 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Korea of Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) for RQ-4 Block 30 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPS) for an estimated cost of $950 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on July 29, 2019.
South Korea, US Agree to Discuss Cost Sharing for US Troops in 'Fair' Way - Reports Sputnik 30 Jul 2019 -- Seoul and Washington have agreed to hold "reasonable and fair" discussions on sharing the cost for maintaining the 28,500-strong US force stationed in South Korea, Yonhap news agency reported on Tuesday, citing a foreign ministry official.

Article Suggests Nuclear Sharing with Japan, S. Korea to Deter N. Korean Threat VOA 30 Jul 2019 -- The National Defense University, an institution funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, has published a journal article suggesting Washington should share its nuclear tactical missiles with Japan and South Korea to deter North Korea's growing nuclear threat to East Asia and the U.S.

North Korea Reportedly Fires Multiple Unidentified Projectiles Sputnik 30 Jul 2019 -- According to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) fired off "multiple unidentified projectiles" on Wednesday morning, Yonhap News Agency reported.
North Korea Launches Multiple Projectiles, Seoul Says VOA 30 Jul 2019 -- North Korea fired multiple projectiles from its east coast early Wednesday, according to South Korea's military.

Egypt - Follow on Technical Support (FOTS) for Ships DSCA 30 Jul 2019 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Egypt of Follow-On Technical Support (FOTS) for various ships for an estimated cost of $554 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on July 29, 2019.

Canada - Multifunctional Information Distribution System - Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS-JTRS) DSCA 30 Jul 2019 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Canada of one hundred fifty-two (152) MIDS-JTRS (5) with support for an estimated cost of $44 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on July 29, 2019.

18 killed after small military plane crashes in Pakistan IRNA 30 Jul 2019 -- 18 people, including five crew members and 13 civilians, lost their lives after a Pakistan Army aviation aircraft on a routine training flight crashed near Rawalpindi city of Pakistan, army says.
Pakistani Army Plane Crashes Into Residential Area, Killing At Least 18 RFE/RL 30 Jul 2019 -- At least 18 people were killed when a small Pakistani military plane crashed into a residential area near the garrison city of Rawalpindi, officials say.

Senate fails to override Trump veto of Saudi arms measure Press TV 30 Jul 2019 -- The US Senate has stopped short of forming a majority required to override President Donald Trump's veto earlier in the month of three congressional resolutions aimed at blocking the country's arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo Remarks to Traveling Press En Route to Bangkok, Thailand US Dept. of State 30 Jul 2019 -- Remarks by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State
Remarks by President Trump Before Marine One Departure The White House 30 Jul 2019

Defense Industry

Contracts for July 30, 2019

Other Conflicts

30 July 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 30 Jul 2019
More Than 12,000 Children Killed or Maimed in 2018 Conflicts VOA 30 Jul 2019 -- U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Tuesday he was "appalled" that more than 12,000 children were killed or maimed last year in some 20 countries at war or in a state of conflict.
New UN report shows record number of children killed and maimed in conflict UN News 30 Jul 2019 -- A new UN report has found that 2018 was the worst year on record for children caught up in armed conflict; the year saw the highest numbers killed or maimed since the United Nations began monitoring the violation.

Vietnam Briefs India About Chinese Ships' Movement in South China Sea - Reports Sputnik 30 Jul 2019 -- In a bid to counter China in the contested South China Sea, Vietnam has apprised India about movement of Chinese ships in the South China Sea. The development comes after China conducted seismic surveys in the presence of a number of Coast Guard and fishing vessels in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) claimed by Hanoi.

13 killed, 23 injured in Saudi-led airstrike on market in Yemen's Saada People's Daily 30 Jul 2019 -- At least 13 people were killed when a Saudi-led coalition airstrike hit a popular market in Yemen's northern province of Saada on Monday evening, residents and a medic said.
Several Saudi mercenaries killed as Yemeni missiles hit kingdom's Najran Press TV 30 Jul 2019 -- Several Saudi-sponsored militiamen loyal to Yemen's former president, Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, have been killed when Yemeni army forces and their allies launched a missile strike against their camps in Saudi Arabia's southern province of Najran.
Joint Forces Command of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen condemns the heinous crime committed by the terrorist Houthi militia in Al Thabit market SPA 30 Jul 2019 -- The Official Spokesman of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, Colonel Turki Al-Malki has issued the following statement:

Saving future generations from the scourge of war in Syria UK FCO 30 Jul 2019 -- Statement by Ambassador Karen Pierce, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the Security Council briefing on Syria
'Do something'; UN relief chief urges Security Council action to stop the Syrian carnage unfolding 'in front of your eyes' UN News 30 Jul 2019 -- Bombing and shelling in Syria for more than 90 days by the Government and Russia have led to "carnage in the so-called de-escalation zone" of Idlib, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator told the Security Council on Tuesday, in his seventh update since the "current onslaught" began.
Syria's Idlib at Risk of Humanitarian Disaster VOA 30 Jul 2019 -- The U.N. humanitarian chief warned Tuesday the Syrian province of Idlib is at risk of becoming "the worst humanitarian disaster the world has seen so far this century," as Russian-backed Syrian government forces continue a campaign against one of the last rebel hold outs.

Turkish Security Council Mulls Syrian Operation, Despite Washington's Warnings VOA 30 Jul 2019 -- Turkey's National Security Council met Tuesday to decide whether to launch a military offensive into Syria against the YPG Kurdish militia.
Turkey wants US to end support for Kurdish militants in Syria: Minister Press TV 30 Jul 2019 -- Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar has called on the United States to end its support for the Kurdish militants, a main source of tension between the two NATO allies.
Turkey, US Defence Ministers Discuss Syria Safe Zone - Ankara Sputnik 30 Jul 2019 -- Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar and US Defence Secretary Mark Esper held phone talks on Monday and discussed the establishment of the safe zone in northern Syria, the Turkish Defence ministry said in a statement.

Exclusive: Libyan GNA Sarajj Says Will Not Stop Military Op Until LNA Withdraws to Pre-War Positions Sputnik 30 Jul 2019 -- The forces of the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) will not stop military operations until troops of their rival Libyan National Army (LNA), led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, are withdrawn to their pre-war positions, GNA head Fayez Sarraj said.

Rights Advocates Question Myanmar's Conditions to Repatriate Rohingya Refugees VOA 30 Jul 2019 -- Myanmar is beginning to yield to international pressure to repatriate the more than 700,000 Rohingya refugees living in Bangladesh, but rights advocates worry its commitment is only surface level.
Myanmar forces kill international aid worker in Rakhine Press TV 30 Jul 2019 -- Security forces in Myanmar have killed an international aid worker in the country's western Rakhine State, a troubled region where state-sponsored violence has targeted minority Muslims and the military has been cracking down on rebellious Buddhists.

Ukrainian Court Approves Seizure Of Detained Russian Tanker RFE/RL 30 Jul 2019 -- A Ukrainian court has formally approved the seizure of a Russian tanker that was detained by Ukrainian authorities at the Danube River port of Izmail last week, Ukraine's Chief Military Prosecutor Anatoliy Matios said on July 30.
Ukrainian Court Authorizes Arrest Of Seized Russian Tanker Nika Spirit Sputnik 30 Jul 2019 -- A Ukrainian court on Tuesday arrested Russian tanker Nika Spirit, along with the documents seized during the search on board the vessel, Ukrainian Chief Military Prosecutor Anatoliy Matios said.

Top Jaish Terrorist Wanted for Killing 6 Indian Troops Killed in Kashmir Sputnik 30 Jul 2019 -- Indian security agencies killed a top commander of Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and his aide following a four-hour gunfight in Jammu and Kashmir state on Tuesday. The Government says that 745 terrorists have been killed in the state over the past three years..
Three Soldiers Killed in Heavy Firing Between India and Pakistan Along Line of Control Sputnik 30 Jul 2019 -- The armies of India and Pakistan exchanged artillery fire at the border on Tuesday, in which at least three soldiers lost their lives – one from Indian and two from Pakistan.

Wasted Effort? Islamist-Related Violence Rises in Africa Despite US Military Arrival Sputnik 30 Jul 2019 -- The number of violent incidents involving Islamist militants has reportedly jumped ten-fold between 2009 and 2018, and Somali jihadists from al-Shabaab appear to be the most active group.

News Reports

Russia Declines Invitation to Attend Venezuela Talks in Lima Sputnik 30 Jul 2019 -- Moscow has decided to decline the invitation by Peru to take part in an international conference on "support of democracy in Venezuela," the Russian Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.

Talks in Sudan Stop After 6 People Were Killed in Protests VOA 30 Jul 2019 -- Talks on power sharing between Sudan's Transitional Military Council and the opposition have been postponed after six people were killed in protests. The deaths occurred in the city of Obbayed.

Researchers Say Source Of 2017 Radioactive Cloud Over Europe Was Likely Russian Nuke Site RFE/RL 30 Jul 2019 -- European researchers have concluded that a radioactive cloud that drifted over Europe in 2017 likely originated in Russia, possibly from a plant that was the site of an infamous nuclear disaster.
Russia Launches Criminal Case Into 'Mass Unrest' At Moscow Election Protest RFE/RL 30 Jul 2019 -- Russia has opened a criminal investigation into the July 27 protest in Moscow where police detained almost 1,400 people, the Investigative Committee said on July 30.

Official: China, Iran can join hands to fight US pressures Press TV 30 Jul 2019 -- A senior Chinese official has called for Tehran and Beijing to join forces in confronting US pressures as he stressed that China's resolve to develop relations with Iran was unwavering.
China blames escalation of Mideast tensions on US pressure policy Press TV 30 Jul 2019 -- China's Foreign Ministry again urges the US to abandon its policy of "maximum pressure" targeting Iran, and stop obstructing implementation of a 2015 nuclear accord between the Islamic Republic and other countries.
Russia presents UN with Persian Gulf collective security plan amid tensions Press TV 30 Jul 2019 -- Russia has submitted to the United Nations a proposal that calls for collective security in the Persian Gulf at a time of rising tensions in the strategic region.
Stranded Iranian vessel heading back home from Brazil, 2nd ship to follow Press TV 30 Jul 2019 -- One of the Iranian vessels stranded in the Brazilian port of Paranagua is heading back home after receiving fuel from state-led oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA.
Formerly Listed Iranian Terrorist Group Finds Allies Inside White House RFE/RL 30 Jul 2019 -- An exiled Iranian dissident group that the United States once deemed a terrorist group is gaining favor with some hawks in the White House.

Foreign Ministry slams Mike Pompeo on HK Global Times 30 Jul 2019 -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry slammed US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's comments on Hong Kong Tuesday and listed examples of the US interfering in China's internal affairs in Hong Kong over the past months.
No one is in position to dictate to Chinese people People's Daily 30 Jul 2019 -- There are always some arrogant and conceited people in the world who have little self-knowledge but enjoy pointing fingers at others.
HK urged to oppose violence, focus on growth People's Daily 30 Jul 2019 -- People from all walks of life in Hong Kong should oppose and resist violence, stand firm in defense of the rule of law and concentrate on developing the city's economy and improving livelihoods, Yang Guang, a spokesman for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, said on Monday.
China raps 'evil acts' by demonstrators as new protest disrupts train system in Hong Kong Press TV 30 Jul 2019 -- Beijing slams protesters in Hong Kong for committing "evil and criminal acts" that have undermined the semi-autonomous Chinese territory's stability as a fresh wave of protests disrupt the train system and cause commuter chaos there.
Hong Kong Protests Again Turn Violent VOA 30 Jul 2019 -- Pro-democracy protesters and police in Hong Kong clashed again Tuesday night after 44 fellow protesters were arrested and charged with rioting, the first time the charge has been used since the protests began last month.
Chinese Officials Defend Treatment of Muslim Minority Amid International Scrutiny VOA 30 Jul 2019 -- Government officials in China's Xinjiang region Tuesday defended the country's self-described "re-education camps" for Muslim minorities, saying the centers serve as a deterrent against religious extremism and terrorism.
Trump Warns China to Negotiate Trade Deal Now Rather Than Later VOA 30 Jul 2019 -- As U.S.-China trade talks are set to begin, U.S. President Donald Trump is warning China against negotiating a deal after the 2020 U.S. presidential election – declaring a delayed agreement would be less attractive than a deal reached in the near term.

Taiwan Raises Suspicion Rival China Is Influencing Elections VOA 30 Jul 2019 -- China is using media, money and more to influence the January 2020 presidential election in Taiwan, a self-ruled democracy that Beijing calls its own, officials and experts on the island assert.

Second Ebola Case Detected in Congo's Goma City - Report Sputnik 30 Jul 2019 -- A second case of Ebola was detected on Tuesday in the eastern Congolese city of Goma, Reuters reported, citing a Congolese health official.

Conflict, climate change among factors that increase 'desperation that enables human trafficking to flourish', says UN chief UN News 30 Jul 2019 -- To mark the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has stressed that "human trafficking is a heinous crime that affects every region of the world" – especially women and children.

UK Must Prepare for No-Deal Brexit if EU Doesn't Compromise - Boris Johnson Sputnik 30 Jul 2019 -- It was up to the UK's "friends across the channel", he said while reiterating Britain's preparations for a hard Brexit should London and Brussels fail to negotiate a deal before the 31 October deadline, stating that the "people want use to get on with Brexit".

Text of a Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Lebanon The White House 30 Jul 2019
Text of a Letter from the President to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate The White House 30 Jul 2019

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