21 August 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Death Toll From Afghan Wedding Attack Rises To 80 RFE/RL 21 Aug 2019 -- The death toll from a suicide bomb attack on a wedding party in Kabul last week has risen to 80, two senior Afghan officials said on August 21.
Trump again says US can 'win' Afghan war 'in a week' w/o nukes, killing 10 million Press TV 21 Aug 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has once again boasted that he could "win" the Afghanistan war "in a week" without using nuclear weapons, further insisting that the effort "would have to" involve killing 10 million Afghans.
2 US Service Members Killed in Afghanistan VOA 21 Aug 2019 -- Two U.S. service members were "killed in action" Wednesday in Afghanistan, the U.S. military said, as talks between the U.S. and the Taliban were set to resume in Qatar.

US Drone Shot Down Over Yemen VOA 21 Aug 2019 -- A U.S. MQ-9 drone was shot down over Yemen by Houthi rebels late Tuesday, a U.S. official told VOA.
Pentagon Confirms Downing of American Drone, Denounces Iranian Provocation SPA 21 Aug 2019 -- The US Defense Department (Pentagon) announced in a statement today that a security team is investigating the Iranian-backed Houthi attack against a US drone over Yemen, while flying at high altitude in international airspace.
Pentagon Confirms US Military Drone Shot Down in Yemen Sputnik 21 Aug 2019 -- Earlier today, Yemeni Houthis reported that their air defence had downed a US multipurpose MQ-9 drone over the province of Dhamar in the central part of the country.

Defense Policy / Programs

Termination MDAA 21 Aug 2019 -- "Tomorrow, the Redesigned Kill Vehicle (RKV) that was solely selected and scheduled to be on each tip of the next 20 new Ground-Based Interceptors (GBIs) for the enhanced defense of the United States Homeland from North Korea and Iran, will be terminated by Dr. Michael Griffin, the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering."
US Space Command Launching Next Week VOA 21 Aug 2019 -- The United States military is launching next week its first new combatant command in more than a decade.
Russia, China Request UNSC Meeting Over US Medium-Range Missile Test – Deputy Envoy Sputnik 21 Aug 2019 -- Russia and China had requested a UN Security Council meeting over Washington's plans to test and deploy medium-range ground missiles, Russia's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Dmitry Polyanskiy said on Tuesday.
After INF Treaty Withdraw, US Looking to Develop Hypersonic Missiles - Army Secretary Sputnik 20 Aug 2019 -- US Army Secretary Ryan D. McCarthy stated Tuesday that as a result of the US withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, Washington is now looking into developing hypersonic missiles with ballistic warheads.
Readout of Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper's Phone Call With Turkish Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar DoD 21 Aug 2019
Army develops cold spray technology to repair Bradley gun mounts Army News 21 Aug 2019 -- Repairing a 40-ton armored vehicle is a lot harder than having your car fixed at a neighborhood auto repair shop. Tactical armored vehicles require specialized repair procedures, which is very costly. What if repairing routine wear and tear on an Army vehicle was inexpensive and as easy as fixing your car?
Though Stressed, Air Combat Command Provides Capabilities DoD News 21 Aug 2019 -- The Air Force's Air Combat Command is stressed, but is still able to provide military capabilities combatant commanders need, ACC's commander said.
Army to Take Industry Approach to Upgrade Capabilities DoD News 21 Aug 2019 -- While automakers and other industries are good at streamlining their processes to incorporate the latest technologies and roll out new models in a relatively short time to stay ahead of the competition, the Army traditionally has been slow to identify and field new capabilities, Acting Army Secretary Ryan D. McCarthy said.
Global Markets, Shipping Shape Military Ops DoD News 21 Aug 2019 -- About 85% of the joint force resides inside the continental United States. When they need to move to an operation overseas, and their equipment needs to go with them, U.S. Transportation Command will be doing the heavy lifting.
Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II completes simulated defensive combat air patrol with live AIM-9X missile USMC News 21 Aug 2019 -- Marine fighter pilots with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, launched from the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp to rehearse Combat Air Patrol missions with the F-35B Lightning II, carrying and employing a live AIM-9X Sidewinder, Pacific Ocean, August 7, 2019.
USS Mount Whitney Visits Palermo, Italy NNS 21 Aug 2019 -- The U.S. 6th Fleet (C6F) command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) made a scheduled port visit in Palermo, Italy, Aug. 19 during a designated staff embarkation.
USNS Carson City Concludes 2019 APS Deployment NNS 21 Aug 2019 -- USNS Carson City (T-EPF 7), a Military Sealift Command Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship, concluded its 2019 Africa Partnership Station (APS) deployment following the ship's return to Rota, Spain, Aug. 17.
Oops! Landing Accident on US Aircraft Carrier Damages Four Super Hornet Jets Sputnik 21 Aug 2019 -- A landing mishap on the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea last week has left five of the ship's aircraft needing repairs, four of which are F/A-18 E/F Super Hornets.

Romanian President Tells Trump Bucharest Ready to Accept More US Troops Sputnik 21 Aug 2019 -- Bucharest is ready to accept more US troops who are expected to then be deployed to various policing and military units in the country, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said following his meeting with US President Donald Trump.

Putin Says Arkhangelsk Blast Occurred During Weapons Test, But Holds Back On Details RFE/RL 21 Aug 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the August 8 accident at a northern military base occurred during the test of a weapons system, but he added that he could not reveal everything about the incident for security reasons.
Putin Slams U.S. Missile Test, Downplays Moscow Protests, Bids To Reassure On Radiation RFE/RL 21 Aug 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin used a visit to neighboring Finland to criticize the U.S. testing of a ground-based cruise missile, play down an ongoing protest movement in Moscow, and reassure Russia's neighbors about radiation threats following a deadly explosion at a military testing site.
Russia Disappointed by US Missile Testing, Which Aggravates Global Security Situation - Putin Sputnik 21 Aug 2019 -- Earlier, after Sunday's test of a treaty-violating missile at a US test range in California, Russia and China formally requested a UN Security Council meeting to discuss Washington's plans to test and deploy new medium-range ground-based missiles.

New F-16s mark new beginning of Air Force: president CNA 21 Aug 2019 -- The possible U.S. sale of advanced F-16 C/D aircraft to Taiwan marks a new beginning of the nation's Air Force, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Wednesday, after the U.S. officially notified Congress of the deal, which is expected to take effect in one month.
Taiwan thanks U.S. after formal notification of F-16V deal CNA 21 Aug 2019 -- Taiwan has expressed its appreciation to the Trump administration for formally notifying the United States Congress of the possible sale of advanced F-16C/D aircraft to Taiwan and said it expected the deal to take effect in one month.
Arms purchase puts Taiwan at risk Global Times 21 Aug 2019 -- The US State Department formally announced on Tuesday that the US government had decided to sell $8 billion in military equipment, including 66 new F-16V fighter jets, to the island of Taiwan. The plan still needs congressional approval but it is unlikely to be turned down.
US State Department approves $8 billion fighter jet sale to Taiwan Press TV 21 Aug 2019 -- The US State Department has approved a possible $8 billion sale of F-16 fighter jets to Taiwan, one of the biggest arms deals between Washington and Taipei which is expected to increase tensions with China.
US Defence Department Approves $8Bln Sale of 66 F-16 Fighter Jets to Taiwan Sputnik 21 Aug 2019 -- The United States has approved an $8 billion military sale of 66 F-16 fighter jets to Taiwan, the Defence Security Cooperation Agency said in a press release.

China threatens sanctions over US sale of F-16 fighter jets to Taiwan Press TV 21 Aug 2019 -- China has threatened to impose sanctions on US firms involved with the sale of F-16 fighter planes to Taiwan, in retaliation against what it describes as Washington's attempt to undermine Chinese national security.
China Threatens US Companies with Sanctions For Selling Arms to Taiwan Sputnik 21 Aug 2019 -- On Tuesday, The United States greenlighted an $8 billion sale of 66 F-16 fighter jets and related equipment to Taiwan which seeks to modernise its military and maintain credible defence capabilities.
China vows to impose sanctions on US firms Global Times 21 Aug 2019 -- China has vowed to impose sanctions on US firms participating in arms sales to Taiwan after the US State Department announced that the Trump administration had given formal approval for the sale of fighter jets and other military aircraft to the island worth $8 billion.
Pentagon Worried About Chinese Lobbying of US Allies Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Israel - Report Sputnik 21 Aug 2019 -- Earlier, senior Pentagon officials mentioned concerns about China's growing diplomatic, economic and military clout around the world, including over Sub-Saharan Africa, where prospective Chinese military bases could "threaten US freedom of manoeuvre" on the continent in the near future.

DPRK's Measures for Bolstering up Defence Capabilities Are Just: Rodong Sinmun KCNA 21 Aug 2019 -- The situation on the Korean peninsula where an atmosphere of peace and reconciliation had prevailed is getting tense again owing to the frantic U.S.-south Korea joint military exercises, Rodong Sinmun Wednesday says in a commentary.
'Imminent Threat': Tokyo Report Highlights North Korea's Miniaturized Nuclear Weapons Sputnik 21 Aug 2019 -- Tokyo's 2019 defense white paper calls attention to North Korea successfully miniaturizing a nuclear warhead. While the inclusion reflects increasing Japanese anxieties, it's likely an attempt to pressure the US into resuming talks with Pyongyang, since Tokyo's own bilateral summit attempts have so far failed.

India's Defence Minister Okays Revamp of Army Headquarters Sputnik 21 Aug 2019 -- India has started revamping its Army, and as a first step, the Defence Minister has okayed the reorganisation of Army headquarters with greater stress on combating corruption and an empowered body to address human rights issues.

Iran says armed forces, influential in military, political equations of region IRNA 21 Aug 2019 -- The Iranian armed forces have been able to to reach an influential point both in the military and political equations of the region over the past 40 years, said the Iranian Army in a statement on the eve of the National Defense Industry Day.
Iran Navy cmdr says achievements "strategic, deterrent" IRNA 21 Aug 2019 -- The achievements of Iran's Navy are "strategic and deterrent" and have made the force self-sufficient in providing needed equipment, said the commander of Iran's Army Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi on Wednesday.
Iranian armed forces mark National Defense Industry Day Press TV 21 Aug 2019 -- Iranian armed forces have marked the National Defense Industry Day (August 22) when the country is expected to unveil a wide range of advanced achievements in various fields, including a much-touted air defense system.

Seoul Undecided on Extension of Military Information Pact With Tokyo Amid Bilateral Row Sputnik 21 Aug 2019 -- Ties between Japan and South Korea took a turn for the worse after the latter's top court ruled that a number of Japanese companies could be sued for their use of forced labour during WW II. Japan has protested the decision, claiming that the 1965 agreement had resolved the issue of damages once and for all.

Department Press Briefing – August 21, 2019 US Dept. of State 21 Aug 2019
Remarks by President Trump Before Marine One Departure The White House 21 Aug 2019
Remarks by Vice President Pence in Press Gaggle | Artesia, NM The White House 21 Aug 2019

Defense Industry

Contracts For Aug. 21, 2019

Other Conflicts

21 August 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 21 Aug 2019

Philippine Trust in China Has Hit 1-Year Low over Maritime Incidents VOA 21 Aug 2019 -- Sino-Philippine ties are showing signs of cooling since the two countries made friends in 2016, according to a recent survey on how much Filipinos trust their powerful Asian neighbor.
China Brings Coast Guards near Indian Oil Block in South China Sea: Hanoi to India, Russia Sputnik 21 Aug 2019 -- India's state-funded Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has been carrying out oil exploration in the contested waters of the South China Sea. Sources said it is the third significant intrusion in 2019 into Vietnam's exclusive economic zone by China, noting that the last incident involved 20 Chinese ships.

Yemeni National army retakes new areas in Saada SPA 21 Aug 2019 -- The Yemeni national army, backed by the coalition supporting legitimacy in Yemen, on Tuesday, took over new areas in Saada province.
Houthis Say Downed US Drone in Yemen's Dhamar Province Sputnik 21 Aug 2019 -- Yemen's Ansar Allah rebels (Houthi movement) said on Tuesday their air defence had shot down a US multipurpose drone MQ-9 over the province of Dhamar in the central part of the country.
South Yemen Separatists Say Plan to 'Ensure Security' in Entire South of Country Sputnik 21 Aug 2019 -- Yemen's separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC), which seized power in Aden, plans to establish control over the entire south of the country, Nasser Khabaji, a member of the council's presidium, said on Wednesday.
Lack of funds forces UN to close down life-saving aid programmes in Yemen UN News 21 Aug 2019 -- The United Nations announced on Wednesday that it is being forced to close down several humanitarian programmes in Yemen because money pledged by Member States to pay for them has "failed to materialize".
Money Pledged for Yemen But Not Paid Could Cost Lives VOA 21 Aug 2019 -- The U.N. humanitarian operation in Yemen is rapidly running out of money and will soon have to reduce food rations to 12 million people and shutter life-saving programs, if donors do not make good on pledges.

Syrian Army Encircles Terrorists in Villages Outside Khan Sheikhoun - Military Source Sputnik 21 Aug 2019 -- The Syrian army has surrounded terrorists in settlements in the north of the Hama province south of the city of Khan Sheikhoun, a local military source said on Wednesday.
No Serious Clashes Reported Near Khan Sheikhoun as Syrian Army Bolsters Positions - Source Sputnik 21 Aug 2019 -- No serious clashes between the Syrian army and militants have been reported in the vicinity of Khan Sheikhoun city in Syria's last terrorist-held province of Idlib so far, a Syrian military source said on Wednesday.

US, Turkey must end illegal military presence on Syria soil: Damascus envoy to UN Press TV 21 Aug 2019 -- Syria's UN Ambassador Bashar al-Ja'afari has called on the United States and Turkey to end their "illegal military presence" in the Arab country and crimes against civilians.

Iraqi Paramilitary Force Accuses US and Israel of Military Base Attacks Sputnik 21 Aug 2019 -- An ammunition depot at Iraq's al-Saqr military base was hit by an explosion on 12 August, killing one person and leaving 13 injured. Weeks earlier, a similar blast took place at Amerli base.
Drone Attack Suspected at Iraqi Shi'ite Ammunition Depot VOA 21 Aug 2019 -- An ammunition dump belonging to Iraqi Shi'ite militia forces – known popularly as al Hushd al-Shaabi – exploded Tuesday evening, following Arab media reports of a drone strike on the area near Balad Air Base, 60 kilometers (37 miles) north of Baghdad.

At Least Two Killed In Kashmir Gunbattle Amid Rising Tensions RFE/RL 21 Aug 2019 -- Indian security forces killed a suspected militant in a gunbattle in Kashmir on August 21, police said, the first clash since New Delhi removed the special status of the territory this month.
President Trump Reportedly Offers to Mediate 'Complicated' Kashmir Dispute between India, Pakistan Sputnik 21 Aug 2019 -- US President Donald Trump on Tuesday offered to mediate between India and Pakistan to resolve their differences over the Kashmir region, according to media reports.
Lashkar Terrorist Killed in Kashmir After 12-Hour Gun-Battle with Security Forces Sputnik 21 Aug 2019 -- The protracted clash marked the first encounter between security forces and terrorists since the abrogation of the seven-decade-old special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution by parliament on 5 August.

Rights Groups Urge Bangladesh, Myanmar to Suspend Rohingya Returns Radio Free Asia 21 Aug 2019 -- International rights groups on Wednesday called on Myanmar and Bangladesh to suspend their second attempt to repatriate some of the hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims who fled a brutal military campaign in 2017, until the members of the minority group are guaranteed a safe and voluntary return and are granted citizenship and other basic rights.

Somalia security remains a concern, head of UN Mission warns Security Council UN News 21 Aug 2019 -- Despite "encouraging" developments, insecurity across Somalia remains a serious concern, James Swan, head of the UN Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), warned the Security Council, in his first briefing to the world body since taking office.

Cameroon Separatists Attack Over Leader's Life Sentence VOA 21 Aug 2019 -- Cameroon's Anglophone separatists have attacked towns and villages in protest after a military tribunal gave their leader and 9 supporters life sentences. Cameroon's military says at least two people were killed in Bamenda and six wounded in a shoot-out with separatists.

News Reports

Secretary Pompeo's Call with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark Jeppe Kofod US Dept. of State 21 Aug 2019
Trump Confirms Denmark Snub to Greenland Purchase Offer Led Him to Cancel Trip VOA 21 Aug 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump is acknowledging he canceled a trip to Denmark because the country's prime minister made a "nasty" remark in reaction to his suggestion the Danes sell Greenland to the United States.
Danish PM Regrets Trump's Canceled Visit After She Rejected Greenland Sale VOA 21 Aug 2019 -- Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Wednesday she regretted and was surprised that U.S. President Donald Trump abruptly canceled his scheduled visit to Denmark when she rebuffed his overture to buy Greenland, the Arctic country that is part of the Danish kingdom.
Trump Blasts Danish Prime Minister Statement's That Greenland Sale 'Absurd' As 'Not Nice' Sputnik 21 Aug 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has postponed a planned visit to Copenhagen after the Danish prime minister said that she was not interested in his offer to buy Greenland, the world's largest island, which is a self-governing part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Trump Postpones Meeting With Danish PM Over Greenland Purchase Refusal Sputnik 21 Aug 2019 -- On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump said he is postponing his meeting with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen because she is not interested in the US president's offer to buy Greenland.

Top commander unveils US focus on post-Maduro Venezuela Press TV 21 Aug 2019 -- The chief of US military's Southern Command has unveiled that Washington's military establishment is focusing on preparations for what he referred to as "the day after" the downfall of Venezuela's "isolated" President Nicolas Maduro amid Trump administration's persisting regime-change policy towards the Central American nation.

Troika Statement on the Appointment of Dr. Abdalla Hamdok as Prime Minister of Sudan US Dept. of State 21 Aug 2019
Sudanese military leaders, civilian opposition form new ruling council Press TV 21 Aug 2019 -- Sudan's military leaders and opposition have formed an 11-member sovereign council to rule the country over a three-year transition period.
New Sudanese prime minister sworn in SPA 21 Aug 2019 -- A new Sudanese prime minister, the economist Abdullah Hamduk, was sworn during a ceremony late Wednesday evening. He will lead a cabinet of ministers that will begin their work on September 1.
Head of Sudan's Transitional Military Council Sworn In as Chief of New Sovereign Council Sputnik 21 Aug 2019 -- The outgoing head of the Sudanese Transitional Military Council (TMC), Abdel Fattah Burhan, was sworn in on Wednesday as the chief of the freshly formed Sovereign Council (SC).
Sudan's Top General Sworn In as Leader of Civilian-Military Body VOA 21 Aug 2019 -- Sudan's top general was sworn in Wednesday as head of a military-civilian council that will run the country for slightly more than three years until elections are held. Concerns, however, have been raised about the makeup of the council.

Macron: Russia Can't Return To G8 Format Before Ukraine Crisis Solved RFE/RL 21 Aug 2019 -- French President Emmanuel Macron has said that readmitting Russia into the Group of Seven (G7) leading industrialized nations without resolving the Ukraine crisis would be a "strategic error" and underscore the "weakness" of the grouping.
Putin Says Moscow Protests Part Of 'Preelection Tensions,' Defends Detentions RFE/RL 21 Aug 2019 -- Russia President Vladimir Putin played down the significance of a series of large street protests in Moscow, calling them a part of "preelection tensions."
German Foreign Minister Says 'Direct And Open Dialogue' Needed With Moscow RFE/RL 21 Aug 2019 -- German Foreign Minister Heiko Mass acknowledged having "principally different positions with Russia on many issues" on August 21 before departing for Moscow to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Trump Says He Wants Russia Back at G-7 Summits VOA 21 Aug 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday he wants Russia back at the Group of Seven summits of the world's leading economies, even though it still controls Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula.

Experts: Trump's Approach Could Push Pyongyang Toward Beijing VOA 21 Aug 2019 -- As a top North Korean military official concluded a visit to China this week in an effort to boost military ties with Beijing, experts said Washington's big-deal approach could push Pyongyang to deepen its military relations with Beijing, a consequence that could create a rift between Seoul and Washington.
Everyone's Ready to Resume Talks, Except North Korea VOA 21 Aug 2019 -- The latest round of U.S.-South Korean military exercises have finished. The top U.S. envoy for North Korea is in Seoul. Everything seems to be in place for the resumption of long-delayed working-level talks with North Korea. Everything, that is, except for North Korea.
Envoy Says US Ready to Restart North Korea Nuclear Talks VOA 21 Aug 2019 -- U.S. envoy for North Korea Stephen Biegun says the Trump administration is ready to resume stalled negotiations over North Korea's nuclear program.
U.S. envoy for DPRK says U.S. ready to engage in working-level talks with DPRK People's Daily 21 Aug 2019 -- Stephen Biegun, U.S. special representative for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) affairs, said Wednesday that his country was ready to engage in working-level talks with Pyongyang for the Korean Peninsula's denuclearization.
US Ready to Restart Negotiations With North Korea, But Analysts Expect Little Progress From Talks Radio Free Asia 21 Aug 2019 -- Washington is ready to return to the negotiating table with Pyongyang to discuss denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, the top U.S. envoy on North Korea, Stephen Biegun, said Wednesday, following the conclusion of annual U.S.-South Korean joint military drills.
US prepared to resume talks with North Korea: Envoy Press TV 21 Aug 2019 -- The United States is prepared to resume nuclear negotiations with North Korea as soon as Pyongyang is ready, a senior US diplomat says.
North Korean Miners' Families Suffer Cancers, Birth Defects From Uranium Exposure Radio Free Asia 21 Aug 2019 -- Miners and their families living near a uranium mine in North Korea are suffering from a range of illnesses and birth defects blamed on exposure to radiation, with government authorities rotating workers every few years and locking up whistleblowers in mental wards, sources in the country say.

FM Zarif says there is nothing left untold in JCPOA IRNA 21 Aug 2019 -- Iran acted on what it had accepted, but it seems that the other side is trying to dictate to Tehran the issues that are clearly stated in the context of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and there is nothing left untold in the deal, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif stated in Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
General says Iran set to turn into an invincible power IRNA 21 Aug 2019 -- Iran will turn into an invincible power in the second phase of the Revolution, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Major-General Mohammad Baqeri said on Wednesday.
Supreme Leader says next phase of Islamic revolution will be more promising IRNA 21 Aug 2019 -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on Wednesday highlighted the significant achievements of the Islamic revolution in various political, defense and economy fields, and said the enemy can do no wrong as the second phase of the revolution will be more promising while the enemy will suffer a much worse status.
UK highlights unique nature of JCPOA IRNA 21 Aug 2019 -- UK Ambassador to UN Karen Pierce said that the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is of unique nature and that it is in none of our interests to see the deal unravel.
Either security for everybody or insecurity for everybody, Zarif warns Press TV 21 Aug 2019 -- The top Iranian diplomat says "security is a common global commodity," that either exists for everybody or no one.
US sanctions failed to force Iran to buckle: Report Press TV 21 Aug 2019 -- A report in Bloomberg, a leading global economic and business website, says Iran is successfully weathering an economic crisis caused by massive US sanctions thanks to reforms in the currency market and other measures.
Iran FM warns US against 'serious miscalculation' in Persian Gulf Press TV 21 Aug 2019 -- Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif cautions the United States against attempting to form a naval coalition against Iran under the guise of ensuring maritime security in the Persian Gulf.
US to punish anyone who 'touches or supports' Iran-run tanker: Pompeo Press TV 21 Aug 2019 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warns that anyone who "touches or supports" an Iran-operated supertanker, previously called the Grace 1, will be punished with US sanctions.
Foreign forces causing insecurity in Strait of Hormuz with their military presence: Iran UN envoy Press TV 21 Aug 2019 -- Iran's ambassador to the United Nations says foreign forces are causing insecurity and instability in the Strait of Hormuz with their military presence in the strategic sea passage, stressing the responsibility rests with Persian Gulf littoral states to ensure the water body's security.
Dock And Cover: Hiding A Supertanker -- Like Iran's Adrian Darya -- Is Easier Than You Think RFE/RL 21 Aug 2019 -- The supertanker formerly known as Grace 1 is steaming eastward in the Mediterranean Sea after six weeks in Gibraltar detention, reportedly still carrying more than 2 million barrels of potentially embargo-busting Iranian crude oil.
Greece Says It Won't Aid Iranian Tanker Amid Pressure From Washington RFE/RL 21 Aug 2019 -- In the face of U.S. pressure, Greece has said it will not assist an Iranian supertanker sought by Washington after it was released by Gibraltar and is now believed to be heading to a Greek port.
Iran Warns 'Unpredictable' Trump Policies May Prompt Similar Responses RFE/RL 21 Aug 2019 -- Iran says it remains committed to the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) but that the "unpredictable" policies of U.S. President Donald Trump may prompt similar responses from Tehran.
Pompeo: U.S. Will Act If Iran Tanker Delivers Oil RFE/RL 21 Aug 2019 -- The United States reissued a stern warning for countries who provide assistance to an Iranian tanker that Washington suspects of transporting oil to Syria and having ties to a sanctioned organization.
Iran Will Revert to Nuke Deal 'Within Hours' if Europe Fulfils its Commitments to Agreement - Zarif Sputnik 21 Aug 2019 -- Last week, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Tehran would give the remaining signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal 60 more days to fulfil their obligations before proceeding to the third stage of reducing Iran's commitments under the landmark treaty.

China confirms British consulate employee in HK detained for violating China's rules Global Times 21 Aug 2019 -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed Wednesday that an employee of the British Consulate General in Hong Kong was detained and is being held by Shenzhen police.
China Says Holding UK Consular Staff Member in 'Administrative Detention' Radio Free Asia 21 Aug 2019 -- China confirmed on Wednesday it is holding a British consulate staff member from Hong Kong under administrative detention after his family reported him missing for 11 days.
China Confirms Detention of Staffer from Britain's Hong Kong Consulate VOA 21 Aug 2019 -- China confirmed on Wednesday that a local employee at Britain's Hong Kong consulate has been held under a 15-day administrative detention because of allegations of violating local laws.
Hong Kong Protesters Occupy Rail Station Where Bloody Attacks Took Place Radio Free Asia 21 Aug 2019 -- Hundreds of anti-extradition protesters staged a sit-in on Wednesday at a suburban rail station in Yuen Long district, where triad gangs attacked passengers one month ago, facing down riot police after showing footage of the violence to passers-by.
Radical protesters 'very small part': Hong Kong senior counsel Global Times 21 Aug 2019 -- A senior Hong Kong lawyer called for peaceful and rational protesters to understand the importance of the "one country, two systems" principle and separate from radicals as soon as possible to protect the interests of the city and most of its residents.
Concerns Growing that China's Influence Operations Getting Bolder VOA 21 Aug 2019 -- Revelations that China has been using social media accounts to influence public opinion on continuing protests in Hong Kong are reinforcing warnings from U.S. intelligence that the battle for information dominance has been joined.
Beijing to Washington: 'Meet China Halfway' to End Tariff War VOA 21 Aug 2019 -- Beijing appealed to Washington on Wednesday to "meet China halfway" on a new trade deal to end the tit-for-tat tariff war between the world's two biggest economies.

President vows to safeguard Taiwan's sovereignty CNA 21 Aug 2019 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Wednesday that facing the challenges from China, Taiwan will not provoke Beijing but will firmly safeguard its national sovereignty and continue serving as a bastion of democracy in the Indo-Pacific region.

Rewards for Justice: Reward Offer for Information Leading to Identification or Location of ISIS Deputies US Dept. of State 21 Aug 2019 -- The U.S. Department of State's Rewards for Justice Program is offering a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the identification or location of key ISIS leaders Amir Muhammad Sa'id Abdal-Rahman al-Mawla, Sami Jasim Muhammad al-Jaburi, and Mu'taz Numan 'Abd Nayif Najm al-Jaburi.

Paraguay's Designation of Hizballah as a Terrorist Organization US Dept. of State 21 Aug 2019

White House Announces Actions to Crack Down on Trafficking of Fentanyl and Synthetic Opioids and Better Position Private Sector to Protect the Homeland The White House 21 Aug 2019
Treasury Targets Chinese Drug Kingpins Fueling America's Deadly Opioid Crisis US Treasury 21 Aug 2019 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) announced coordinated actions to bring additional financial pressure upon those who manufacture, sell, or distribute synthetic opioids or their precursor chemicals.

UN Chief to Travel to Epicenter of DRC Ebola Outbreak VOA 21 Aug 2019 -- U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will travel to the epicenter of an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo next week.

Turkish police welcome pro-Kurdish protesters with water cannon Press TV 21 Aug 2019 -- Turkish police have dispersed scores of people who tried to stage a protest against the sacking of three Kurdish mayors after they won large majorities in March local elections.

Britain to boycott most EU meetings from Sept 1, gov't says Global Times 21 Aug 2019 -- British ministers and officials will boycott most European Union (EU) meetings from Sept 1, the British government announced Tuesday.

Kyiv Court Rules To Launch Probe Against Poroshenko, Klimkin On Corruption Charges RFE/RL 21 Aug 2019 -- A court in Kyiv has ordered Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau to launch a probe against former President Petro Poroshenko and former Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin on charges of abuse of power.

Cambodia's Military to Arrest Acting CNRP Chief Sam Rainsy Upon Return: Defense Ministry Radio Free Asia 21 Aug 2019 -- Acting president of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) Sam Rainsy will be arrested by the military upon setting foot inside Cambodia, Minister of Defense Tea Banh said Tuesday, prompting the exiled opposition chief to appeal to security forces to "turn their rifles" on their superiors in revolt.

North Macedonia Prosecutor Detained In Extortion Case RFE/RL 21 Aug 2019 -- Police in North Macedonia have detained the outgoing special prosecutor in charge of investigating organized-crime cases after she was named as a suspect in a high-profile graft scandal.

Kyrgyz Top Court Quashes Verdict, Orders Retrial Of Opposition Politician Tekebaev RFE/RL 21 Aug 2019 -- Kyrgyzstan's Supreme Court has canceled the guilty verdicts against jailed opposition politicians Omurbek Tekebaev and Duishonkul Chotonov.

Liberian President Wants to Shorten Terms for Legislature, Executive VOA 21 Aug 2019 -- Liberian President George Weah has proposed reducing term lengths for members of the executive and legislative branches of government.

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