28 August 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

U.S. and partner forces implement security mechanism in northeast Syria CENTCOM 28 Aug 2019 -- The Syrian Democratic Forces, a Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve partner force in the fight against Daesh, completed the destruction of People's Protection Unit, also known as YPG, fighting positions in northeast Syria using bulldozers and backhoes, Aug. 24. Following the demolition, People's Protection Unit soldiers manning the positions left the zone designated by the security mechanism, a significant step in the agreement.

US Military: Too Soon to Discuss Afghanistan Troop Withdrawal VOA 28 Aug 2019 -- The top U.S. military officer says it's too soon to talk about an American troop withdrawal from Afghanistan or the future of U.S. counterterrorism forces there, as peace talks with the Taliban continue.
Afghan Taliban kill 14 pro-government militia members Press TV 28 Aug 2019 -- Taliban militants in Afghanistan have killed at least 14 pro-government militia members and wounded several other people in the country's western province of Herat, government officials say.
Taliban Says Agreement Near On U.S. Withdrawal As Afghan Violence Continues RFE/RL 28 Aug 2019 -- The Taliban has said an agreement is close with U.S. officials on a deal that would see American forces withdraw from Afghanistan in exchange for a Taliban promise the country would not become a haven for international militants.
Pro-Government Afghan Commander Killed By His Own Son's Taliban Unit RFE/RL 28 Aug 2019 -- An pro-government commander in Afghanistan has been killed in a battle against a group of Taliban fighters that included his own son.
Afghanistan's Human Rights Defenders Under 'Intensifying Attack' RFE/RL 28 Aug 2019 -- Amid "escalating violence" in Afghanistan, its human rights community is under "intensifying attacks" from both the authorities and armed groups, according to Amnesty International.
Russia Expresses Readiness to Act as Guarantor in US-Taliban Talks Sputnik 28 Aug 2019 -- Washington and the Taliban have been trying to conclude a peace agreement that will regulate the pullout of foreign troops from Afghanistan, and include assurances from the Taliban that the country will not be used as a safe haven for terrorists.
Afghanistan Reportedly Urges Pakistan Not to Shut Airspace and Land Routes to India Sputnik 28 Aug 2019 -- A Pakistani cabinet minister's announcement on 27 August about Islamabad mulling the closure of its air space and land routes to India has reportedly left Afghanistan concerned for economic and political reasons, sources said.
Russia Concerned About West's Double Standards in Relation to Daesh in Afghanistan - Lavrov Sputnik 28 Aug 2019 -- Russia's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations earlier stated that at least 4,000 Daesh militants are currently present in Afghanistan mainly operating in the provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar.
Esper 'not using the withdraw word' for Afghanistan Press TV 28 Aug 2019 -- US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper says it is "premature" to talk about US withdrawal from Afghanistan just yet.
Taliban say close to deal with US in Doha talks Press TV 28 Aug 2019 -- The United States and the Taliban are "close" to reaching an agreement that would allow Washington to end its longest war and shrink the number of its troops in Afghanistan, says a Taliban spokesman.

Puerto Rico National Guard activated by Governor pending Tropical Storm Dorian's path Army News 28 Aug 2019 -- The Puerto Rico National Guard is activated by order of the Governor, Honorable Wanda Vazquez, through Executive Order 2019-044, which establishes the legal statute for the deployment of military forces to support the emergency response for Tropical Storm Dorian.

Defense Policy / Programs

US Space Command Launches Thursday VOA 28 Aug 2019 -- The United States Space Command officially launches on Thursday with a White House ceremony hosted by President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence.
Department of Defense Press Briefing by Secretary Esper And General Dunford in the Pentagon Briefing Room DoD 28 Aug 2019 -- Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper; Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joseph F. Dunford Jr.
Disputes Between U.S. Allies Hinder Indo-Pacific Security Cooperation DoD News 28 Aug 2019 -- South Korea's announcement that it will not renew an information-sharing agreement with Japan when it expires in November complicates the ability of the United States to continue its trilateral security cooperation with both countries, a senior Defense Department official said.
S. Korea-Japan Feud Opens Region to Security Challenges From China, Russia - Pentagon Sputnik 28 Aug 2019 -- A unilateral decision by South Korea to terminate a military intelligence-sharing pact with Japan leaves northeast Asia vulnerable to security challenges from China, Russia and North Korea, Assistant US Defence Secretary for Indo-Pacific Security Randall Schriver said.
Ohio Guard Airmen, Hungarian partners train on airfield work Army News 28 Aug 2019 -- Eight Airmen assigned to an Ohio National Guard mobile training team conducted an intermediate airfield management course for members of the Hungarian Defence Forces July 29-Aug. 2 at Pápa Air Base.
American, Jordanian soldiers conduct medevac training Army News 28 Aug 2019 -- Jordanian and American soldiers partnered together to conduct medical evacuation drills for the first time with a U.S. Army Reserve aviation asset during several days in August.
30th Armored Brigade Combat Team uses step approach to training Army News 28 Aug 2019 -- A "crawl, walk, run" approach is used by organizations who know to accomplish large-scale tasks, it is best to advance in stages. This methodology includes the U.S. Army and National Guard, who assess readiness from Soldier to the unit level, through individual, crew and collective training.
Esper, Dunford Emphasize Key Role of Strategy in American Defense DoD News 28 Aug 2019 -- The Defense Department will continue to make all decisions based on the National Defense Strategy and will follow the lines of effort – increasing lethality, encouraging alliances and partnerships, and reforming the department – that provide the strategy's foundations, Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper said.
USS Boxer ARG, 11th MEU Conduct Amphibious Landing Exercise in Djibouti USMC News 28 Aug 2019 -- Marines and Sailors from the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit completed an amphibious landing exercise in Djibouti, Aug. 15.
Symposium Focuses on Combat Ready Ships and Battle-Minded Crews NNS 28 Aug 2019 -- The Surface Force needs to build Combat Ready Ships and Battle-Minded Crews. That was the theme of the Surface Warfare Flag Officer Training Symposium (SWFOTS) 2019, Aug. 15-16.
Standing NATO Maritime Group One Visits Norfolk NNS 28 Aug 2019 -- Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) forces arrived at Naval Station Norfolk Aug. 17 as part of a scheduled visit prior to commencing a series of training events at sea in the local area.
USS Gravely Returns from Deployment NNS 28 Aug 2019 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) returns to Norfolk, Va. following a seven-month deployment as flagship for Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1), August 27.
USS Porter Arrives in Koper, Slovenia NNS 28 Aug 2019 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) arrived in Koper, Slovenia Aug. 27. The visit serves to enhance U.S.-Slovenia relations as the two nations work together for a stable, secure and prosperous European region.
Exercise New Horizons 2019 concludes in Guyana US Air Force 28 Aug 2019 -- Exercise New Horizons 2019 came to an end with a closing ceremony at the Blueberry Hill community center, Aug. 22.
US Air Forces Africa builds partnerships through APF Kenya US Air Force 28 Aug 2019 -- Approximately 120 Air Force delegates from the U.S., Kenya, Burundi, Tanzania and Uganda came together for a week to share personnel recovery topics for this iteration of African Partnership Flight Kenya 2019 held at Laikipia Air Base, Aug. 20-24.
32nd CNO Begins First Fleet Visit Aboard Kearsarge NNS 28 Aug 2019 -- The new Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday visited the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) Aug. 27 to engage with the fleet and receive feedback from the deckplates.

China denies US warship entry to port for visit: US Press TV 28 Aug 2019 -- China has reportedly denied a US navy warship entry to its port city of Qingdao, in the second such move this month, which comes amid mounting tensions between Beijing and Washington.
China Denies US Navy Request For Port Visit - Report Sputnik 28 Aug 2019 -- China has rejected a request from the US Navy, seeking permission for a warship to make port in Qingdao, according to Reuters, citing a US official.

New US-ASEAN Naval Drills a 'Balancing Act' with Beijing VOA 28 Aug 2019 -- The United States and all 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will for the first time conduct joint maritime drills near the disputed South China Sea.

Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach speaks to Russian Chief of the General Staff, General Gerasimov NATO 28 Aug 2019 -- NATO's most senior military officer, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee and General Valeriy Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and First Deputy Minister of Defence, spoke on the phone today, 28 August 2019.

China, Russia sign heavy helicopter deal Global Times 28 Aug 2019 -- China and Russia have fully agreed upon and signed a commercial contract on a joint heavy helicopter development project, said Miao Wei, China's Minister of Industry and Information Technology, on Wednesday.
Bolton Claims New Chinese Fighter Jet Looks Like F-35 Because They 'Stole' Design Sputnik 28 Aug 2019 -- US National Security Adviser John Bolton on Wednesday accused China of stealing the plans for the American-made F-35, claiming that Beijing's fifth-generation fighter jet looks suspiciously similar.

China Threatens Retaliation if US Sells F-16 Fighter Jets to Taiwan VOA 28 Aug 2019 -- China is threatening to retaliate if the United States sells some of its top military aircraft to Taiwan, narrowing the power gap between its People's Liberation Army and the forces of its rival Taiwan.

Moscow to Deliver the S-400 Triumf Missiles on Schedule: Russian Diplomat Sputnik 28 Aug 2019 -- India has contracted five S-400 Triumf surface to air missile systems from Russia that will serve as the backbone of the air defence system of the Indian Air Force. India signed the $5.4 billion deal in 2018 for the acquisition of the S-400 systems.

Iran Will Continue Missile Development 'At a Faster Pace' – Official Sputnik 28 Aug 2019 -- Iran's missile development is a point of conflict in diplomatic relations between Tehran and Washington, with the former asserting its right for developing missiles and the latter demanding that Iran end the program.
Dy minister says Iran not afraid of neighbors' weapons arsenals IRNA 28 Aug 2019 -- Iran's Deputy Defense Minister Abdolkarim Banitorofi underlined that Iran is not worried today about how much its neighbors are spending their budget on purchasing weapons and stockpiling weapons.
Army commander says armed forces ready to give crushing response to any threats IRNA 28 Aug 2019 -- Iranian armed forces are well-prepared to deal with any threats in the battlefields, Deputy Commander-in-Chief Brigadier General Mohammad Hossein Dadras said on Wednesday.
Cmdr says US will bow to Iran's power, resistance IRNA 28 Aug 2019 -- Chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces rejected the US claims that it canceled an airstrike on Iran two months fearing heavy casualties and said the main reason behind the decision was that it dare not face Iran's resistance and power.

US OKs $3.3b missile sale to Japan amid North Korea's alleged threat Press TV 28 Aug 2019 -- The United State has approved an estimated $3.3 billion sale of anti-ballistic missiles to Japan, a Pentagon agency says, as North Korea expands its defensive missile capabilities viewed as a threat to the US ally.

US House panel urges Trump to sanction Turkey over S-400 purchase Press TV 28 Aug 2019 -- The Foreign Affairs Committee of the US House of Representatives has called on President Donald Trump to impose sanctions on Turkey over its purchase of Russian S-400 missile defense systems.
Russia, Turkey Discuss Sale Of Stealth Fighter, Su-35 Jet RFE/RL 28 Aug 2019 -- Russia and Turkey are exploring the possibility of deliveries of the Russian-made Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter jet and Su-35 aircraft to Ankara, according to a Russian official.
Erdogan Interested in Russia's MiG-35 Fighter Apart From Su-35, Su-57 - Russian Defence Cooperation Service Sputnik 28 Aug 2019 -- Russia and Turkey are discussing possible deliveries of Russia's Su-35 or Su-57 fighters, Vladimir Putin stated earlier. Ankara has expressed significant interest in this purchase, the head of the Russian Federal Service of Military-Technical Cooperation, Dmitry Shugayev noted.
Russia Ready to Help Turkey Create TF-X Fifth-Generation Fighter Sputnik 28 Aug 2019 -- Russia may help Turkey to create its own TF-X fifth-generation fighter, the head of the Federal Service of Military-Technical Cooperation, Dmitry Shugayev, said on Wednesday at the MAKS-2019 international air show in Moscow region's Zhukovsky. The Rossiya Segodnya International Information Agency is an official media partner of the event.

Defense Industry

Contracts For Aug. 28, 2019
Russia in talks to produce AK assault rifles in Saudi Arabia Press TV 28 Aug 2019 -- Russia is planning to sign an agreement with Saudi Arabia to mass produce AK-103 automatic rifles in the kingdom, a top Russian military official has confirmed.
Brand New Helicopter Being Developed in Russia - Manufacturer Sputnik 28 Aug 2019 -- According to the director for innovation at the company Russian Helicopters, the new project will combine all the significant developments of Russia's famous design bureaus - Moscow Helicopter Plant Mil, rotorcraft manufacturing company Kamov and Kazan Helicopters.

Other Conflicts

28 August 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 28 Aug 2019

China should hasten defense system deployment in South China Sea: analysts Global Times 28 Aug 2019 -- A US Navy destroyer sailed near Chinese islands and reefs in the South China Sea under the pretense of "freedom of navigation" on Wednesday. Chinese analysts believe the US is once again trying to provoke China and are calling for the speeding up of defense system deployment.
China urges U.S. to stop malicious hyping on South China Sea People's Daily 28 Aug 2019 -- China urges the United States to stop malicious hyping and play a positive and constructive role in international and regional affairs, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday.
Beijing Slams Washington for 'Malicious Hyping-up Behavior' Over South China Sea Issue Sputnik 28 Aug 2019 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a press briefing on Tuesday that the United States had repeatedly "made thoughtless remarks, made warrantless criticisms against China, completely distorting the facts and confusing right from wrong", the Press TV broadcaster reported.

Chinese Shipowner Apologizes Over Ramming, Sinking of Philippine Vessel Radio Free Asia 28 Aug 2019 -- The owner of a Chinese vessel that rammed and sank a Philippine boat in the disputed South China Sea in June has apologized, Manila's foreign office announced Wednesday, just before President Rodrigo Duterte departed for brief visit to Beijing.
Malaysia, Vietnam Voice 'Serious Concern' About South China Sea Radio Free Asia 28 Aug 2019 -- Malaysia and Vietnam on Wednesday expressed "serious concern over recent developments in the South China Sea" after Chinese vessels challenged their energy assets and sea boundaries in the disputed region.

Yemeni Government Forces Push into Port City of Aden VOA 28 Aug 2019 -- Yemeni government forces entered the port city of Aden Wednesday and recaptured the city's international airport during clashes with separatists, officials said.
Yemeni missiles target Saudi Arabia's Abha airport Press TV 28 Aug 2019 -- The spokesman for the Yemeni Armed Forces says the country's Houthi Ansarullah movement has once again targeted Saudi Arabia's Abha airport in retaliation for the kingdom's deadly airstrikes.
Yemeni forces launch separate drone attacks on army bases in southern Saudi Arabia Press TV 28 Aug 2019 -- The spokesman for Yemeni Armed Forces says army troopers and allied fighters from Popular Committees have launched separate airstrikes against military sites in Saudi Arabia's southern regions of Jizan and Najran, using domestically-manufactured Qasef-2K (Striker-2K) combat drones.
Command of Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen: Launched by Houthi militia from Sanaa towards the kingdom, drone intercepted and shot down in airspace of Yemen SPA 28 Aug 2019 -- The Official Spokesman of Coalition Forces ''Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen'' Colonel Turki Al-Maliki stated that on Wednesday evening, the coalition forces managed to intercept and shoot down in Yemen's airspace a drone Launched by Iranian-backed terrorist Houthi militia from Sanaa towards the kingdom.
Yemen's Houthis Announce Fresh Drone Strikes on Saudi Arabia Sputnik 28 Aug 2019 -- Yemeni Houthis announced on Wednesday they had attacked military positions in southwestern Saudi Arabia with armed drones.
Yemeni Governmental Forces Regain Control Over Insurgent-Held Aden - Reports Sputnik 28 Aug 2019 -- Earlier today, government forces reportedly retook the Aden International Airport, forcing insurgents from the Southern Transitional Council to leave the military bases in the city and its suburbs.

Some 3,000 Daesh Fighters Remain in Syria - Russian Envoy to UN Press TV 28 Aug 2019 -- Russia estimates that some 3,000 individuals with links to the Daesh terror group and its affiliates still remain in Syria, but there are other terrorist groups operating in the country, Russia's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Gennady Kuzmin said on Tuesday.

Iraqi MP calls for international coalition against Israel over attacks on Hashad al-Sha'abi Press TV 28 Aug 2019 -- An Iraqi lawmaker has called on the Baghdad government to forge an alliance with countries that have protracted disputes with the United States in order to strike Israel in the wake of recent airstrikes in the country against the positions of pro-government Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), better known as Hashd al-Sha'abi.
Israel's Iraq strikes launched from Kurdish-held parts of Syria, backed by Saudi: Official Press TV 28 Aug 2019 -- A senior Iraqi official says the recent Israeli drone attacks targeting a pro-government military force in the Arab country had the backing of the Saudi regime and were launched from the areas controlled by US-backed Kurdish militants in neighboring Syria.
'Perseverance is key' to Iraq's future, UN envoy tells Security Council UN News 28 Aug 2019 -- Although Iraq is "hard at work building on progress made to date", a top United Nations official told the Security Council on Wednesday that decades of trouble continue to impact the present, but cautioned "we have not seen the end of it yet".
US Mulls Steps to Degrade Influence of Iran-Backed Shia Militias in Iraq - Pence Sputnik 28 Aug 2019 -- The US is considering steps to weaken Iranian-backed Iraqi Shia militias in addition to sanctions it had imposed earlier on the militia leaders, Vice President Mike Pence told Iraqi Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani in a phone conversation, according to a press release on Tuesday.

US Won't Reveal Mideast Peace Plan Until After Israeli Election VOA 28 Aug 2019 -- President Donald Trump's Mideast envoy says details of the U.S. peace plan will not be revealed until after next month's Israeli election.
Israel Defense Forces Strike Hamas Targets in Gaza Sputnik 28 Aug 2019 -- The Israel Defense Forces announced through its Twitter account late Wednesday that the service's aircrafts had attacked a Hamas outpost in northern Gaza as a response to a previous projectile launched toward Israeli territory.

Lebanese army fires shots at Israeli drones in south of the country Press TV 28 Aug 2019 -- Lebanese security sources say the country's air defense units have fired shots at two of three Israeli unmanned aerial vehicles as they were flying in the skies over the country's southern region near the border with the occupied territories.
Hezbollah warns Israel of 'surprise' retaliatory blow after drone incursion Press TV 28 Aug 2019 -- The Hezbollah resistance movement has warned Israel of a "surprise blow" in retaliation for the regime's recent drone incursion into Lebanon.
Lebanon says it has right to self-defense after Israeli drone attack Press TV 28 Aug 2019 -- Lebanon's Higher Defense Council has stated that the Lebanese nation reserves the right to defend the country "by any means necessary" in the wake of an Israeli drone attack on the southern part of the capital Beirut at the weekend.
Lebanese Army Opens Fire at Israeli Drone in South of the Country - Reports Sputnik 28 Aug 2019 -- Lebanon has accused Israel of being behind a drone strike on the office of Hezbollah near Beirut on 25 August, followed by another on Palestinian militant positions in eastern Lebanon.

500 incidents of protests, hundreds injured in Kashmir lockdown: Sources Press TV 28 Aug 2019 -- Hundreds of incidents of protest have erupted in Indian-administered Kashmir since the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi stripped the Muslim-majority Himalayan region of its autonomy and imposed a security clampdown more than three weeks ago.

News Reports

Creation of the Venezuela Affairs Unit US Dept. of State 28 Aug 2019 -- The Department of State announces the opening of the Venezuela Affairs Unit (VAU), under the leadership of Charge d'Affaires James Story.

Russia: U.S. Senators Claiming They Were Denied Visas Are On Blacklist RFE/RL 28 Aug 2019 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry says U.S. Senators Ron Johnson and Chris Murphy, who claim that Russia has denied them visas, "knew well" they were on a list of officials barred from the country.

Great Upsurge Made in Production and Construction KCNA 28 Aug 2019 -- Encouraged by the news that test-fire of newly developed super-large multiple rocket launcher was successfully conducted under the guidance of Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un, all the people in the DPRK bring about great improvement in production and construction, following the working spirit and traits of the national defence scientists. -0-
KCNA Commentary Ridicules LKP's Wild Ambition for Power KCNA 28 Aug 2019 -- Of late, the "Liberal Korea Party" of south Korea on the verge of ruin is busy rallying like-minded forces under the signboard of "great unification of the conservatives."
S. Korean Military Warmongers Get Reckless in Arms Build-up KCNA 28 Aug 2019 -- The south Korean military war maniacs are now becoming more and more reckless in arms build-up against the DPRK.
South Korea Analyzes Seawater for Nuclear Waste Contamination from North Korean Uranium Mine Radio Free Asia 28 Aug 2019 -- The government of South Korea is conducting analyses on seawater samples taken from the Yellow sea, situated west of the Korean peninsula, after a report by RFA's Korean Service raised the possibility of radioactive waste from a uranium mine in North Korea flowing into the sea.

US sanctions 10 entities for alleged links with Iran's missile program IRNA 28 Aug 2019 -- In continuation of economic terrorism policies against the Iranian nation, the US placed 10 real and legal entities in its sanctions list for their alleged links with the Iranian missile program.
Designation of Individuals and Entities Linked to Iranian Procurement Networks under E.O. 13382 ("Blocking Property of Weapons of Mass Destruction and Their Supporters") US Dept. of State 28 Aug 2019 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury designated nine entities and individuals based in Iran and one entity based in Hong Kong for supporting Iranian proliferation-sensitive procurement efforts.
Treasury Targets Procurement Networks Supporting Iran's Missile Proliferation Programs US Treasury 28 Aug 2019 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) targeted two Iranian regime-linked networks pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13382 for engaging in covert procurement activities benefitting multiple Iranian military organizations. One network, led by Hamed Dehghan, has used a Hong Kong-based front company to evade U.S. and international sanctions and facilitate tens of millions of dollars' worth of proliferation activities targeting U.S. technology and electronic components, for persons related to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Iranian regime's missile program. The second network, led by Seyed Hossein Shariat, has procured various aluminum alloy products on behalf of components entities owned or controlled by Iran's Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL).
Iran's deterrence power prevented US action after drone downing: Top cmdr. Press TV 28 Aug 2019 -- Iran's top military commander says the Islamic Republic's deterrence power prevented the US from taking an action against the country following Tehran's downing of an intruding American drone.
U.S. Sanctions Networks 'Supporting Iran's WMD Program' RFE/RL 28 Aug 2019 -- The United States has imposed sanctions on two networks it says are engaged in "covert procurement activities" benefiting Iranian military organizations and supporting Iran's "missile proliferation programs," the Treasury Department has said.
US imposes sanctions on business networks over Iran Press TV 28 Aug 2019 -- The United States has expanded its anti-Iran sanctions by targeting several companies and individuals over alleged links to the Iranian government and military organizations.
Trump Talks Up Credit Line for Iran, But No Sign of Imminent Policy Change VOA 28 Aug 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump's newly-stated openness to other nations offering Iran short-term loans to help it cope with punishing U.S. sanctions appears unlikely to become official U.S. policy anytime soon, analysts say.
US Sanctions Iranians It Says Are Linked to Tehran's 'WMD' Program VOA 28 Aug 2019 -- The United States has placed sanctions on the leaders of two procurement networks it says are linked to the Iranian government for allegedly engaging in undercover acquisition activities it maintains benefited the Iranian military.
US, Iran Deny They Want to Heighten Tensions VOA 28 Aug 2019 -- Both the United States and Iran denied Wednesday that they were looking to ratchet up tensions with each other.
China's crude imports from Iran rise 5% ISNA 28 Aug 2019 -- China's crude oil imports from Iran rose 4.7% month on month to 926,119 bpd in July, data made available by China's General Administration of Customs showed.
Iran strongly moving to advance nuclear goals: AEOI chief ISNA 28 Aug 2019 -- The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), Ali Akbar Salehi said, "We clearly announce people that we are strongly moving to advance nuclear goals".
Iran vigorously moving towards fulfilling its nuclear objectives: AEOI chief Press TV 28 Aug 2019 -- The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi says the Islamic Republic is dynamically advancing its civilian nuclear program, stating that it has recently launched a plant that can manufacture dozens of advanced centrifuges on a daily basis.
Iran rejects talks with US unless it returns to nuclear deal Press TV 28 Aug 2019 -- The Iranian deputy foreign minister has rejected the possibility of any negotiations between Tehran and Washington, saying it would only happen when the US returns to the 2015 multilateral nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Lavrov: Putin backs Macron's initiative to save Iran nuclear deal Press TV 28 Aug 2019 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says Moscow is aware of French President Emmanuel Macron's initiative to save the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, noting that his boss, President Vladimir Putin, has already met the French head of state and given him his full support.
Iran will overcome economic, psychological war: Rouhani Press TV 28 Aug 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says the Islamic Republic has become the target of an all-out economic and political war by the enemies but it can and will come out on top in the end.
Senior Iranian official rules out possibility of Rouhani-Trump meeting Press TV 28 Aug 2019 -- A senior Iranian official has ruled out the possibility of talks between President Hassan Rouhani and his US counterpart Donald Trump, saying a meeting without any given objectives will fail to solve problems.
Iran says renewable power output hits over 3.5 TWh Press TV 28 Aug 2019 -- Iran's Ministry of Energy says production of renewable electricity has hit a record of more than 3.5 terawatt hours (TWh), updating previous reports on the output and detailing the share of various renewable resources.
Lavrov says Russia aware of Macron's initiative about JCPOA IRNA 28 Aug 2019 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that the interests of all parties in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) must be taken into account, and underscored the initiative of the French side to resolve the crisis pertaining to the agreement had already been discussed at a meeting of the Russian and French leaders.
JCPOA and countdown to take "third" step IRNA 28 Aug 2019 -- The third step in reducing Iran's JCPOA-related obligations is to be taken in ten days, and the ball is now in the court of the remaining parties to prevent the third step with the implementation of INSTEX and similar mechanisms or continue to witness Tehran's gradual withdrawal from the JCPOA.
Gov't spox says Iran never walks out of diplomacy IRNA 28 Aug 2019 -- Iran says it will never quit diplomacy but is to continue its overtures in level-playing field as the possibility of detente between Washington and Tehran gets stronger.
Government gives priority to national security IRNA 28 Aug 2019 -- First Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri said on Tuesday that the Government gives priority to national security.
China supports all efforts to uphold JCPOA IRNA 28 Aug 2019 -- China Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said that China supports all efforts made to save the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and that the issues concerning the JCPOA were reviewed in G-7 Summit in Biarritz, France.

Trump Administration Secretly Mulls Ways to 'Punish' Chinese Leaders Over Hong Kong – Report Sputnik 28 Aug 2019 -- Lawmakers and administration officials are reportedly seeking to impose sanctions on China. They are, however, apparently having difficulty deciding which sanctions would work best, as discussions have allegedly dragged on for weeks.
Shenzhen mobilizes 240,000 residents as volunteer police force to prevent terrorism and violence Global Times 28 Aug 2019 -- A total of 240,000 Shenzhen residents have been mobilized to work as volunteer police to prevent terrorism and violent crimes as neighboring Hong Kong has been vandalized by violent protests for more than two months.
Hong Kong education at fault Global Times 28 Aug 2019 -- Anti-government groups in Hong Kong have called for school strikes as the new semester begins on Monday, and a 12-year-old boy was found to be the youngest protester arrested at recent violent street clashes.
HK industries call for declaration of state emergency to quell riots Global Times 28 Aug 2019 -- While some Hongkongers, devastated by the ongoing social unrest, have urged the central government and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government to declare that Hong Kong is in a state of emergency and to apply relevant national laws in the city, the chief executive of HKSAR reiterated the government is still in control of the situation.
Tens of Thousands Protest Sexual Assault, Firing of Airline Staff in Hong Kong Radio Free Asia 28 Aug 2019 -- Tens of thousands of people converged on downtown Hong Kong's Central district on Wednesday in protest over alleged sexual violence towards anti-extradition protesters, mostly women, the politicized sacking of airline employees sympathetic to the anti-extradition movement.
Uyghur Exile Group Slams 'Groundless' Claims by China of Ties to Terrorism Ahead of UN Rights Council Radio Free Asia 28 Aug 2019 -- Claims made by China to U.N. member states that the head of a Uyghur exile group is a "terrorist" wanted for criminal activities are "groundless," his organization said in a statement, suggesting Beijing is seeking to silence criticism of its repressive policies in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR).
Photo Shows Dramatic Demolition of Yachen Gar Buddhist Complex Radio Free Asia 28 Aug 2019 -- Rapid demolition at the Yachen Gar Tibetan Buddhist center in western China's Sichuan province has raised nearly half of the sprawling complex, leaving a vast patch of grass where thousands on nuns and monks once lived and studied, sources in the region told RFA's Tibetan Service.
China Warns Australia Not to Interfere in Case of Writer Suspected of Spying VOA 28 Aug 2019 -- Chinese authorities have warned Australia not to interfere in the case of a Chinese-Australian writer who has been formally arrested in China on suspicion of spying. Yang Hengjun, who was born in China but is an Australian citizen, has been held in Beijing since January. Australia has become increasingly critical of China's treatment of him in recent months.

Taiwan will not intentionally provoke China: Tsai CNA 28 Aug 2019 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Wednesday told the largest wartime veterans service organization in the United States that Taiwan will not intentionally provoke China, but neither will it be naïve to Beijing's true intentions.

Britain's Johnson Accused of Mounting a Brexit Coup VOA 28 Aug 2019 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was accused Wednesday of committing a "constitutional outrage" by asking the country's monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, to suspend Parliament for a month, complicating attempts by opposition parties and rebel Conservative lawmakers to thwart his Brexit plans to break away from the European Union.
British PM Suspends Parliament Until Oct. 14 VOA 28 Aug 2019 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Wednesday that parliament would be suspended until mid-October, a move that angered lawmakers opposed to his planned withdrawal from the European Union on October 31 without a deal and cuts the time they will have to try to block him.

Maryland Man Facing Federal Indictment for Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS and for Interstate Transportation of a Stolen Vehicle US Dept. of Justice 28 Aug 2019 -- A federal grand jury today returned a superseding indictment charging Rondell Henry, 28, of Germantown, Maryland, with federal charges of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, specifically, the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), and interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle.

Bolton Warns Of 'Unfair Chinese Trade Practices' During Kyiv Visit RFE/RL 28 Aug 2019 -- U.S. national-security adviser John Bolton says he has discussed Washington's concerns about the threat of "unfair Chinese trade practices" with Ukrainian officials during his trip to Kyiv.
In Ukraine, Top Zelenskiy Aide Is Favorite To Become Next Prime Minister RFE/RL 28 Aug 2019 -- The political party of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will likely offer the post of prime minister to Oleksiy Honcharuk, one of the presidential office's deputy heads, Reuters reports, citing one of the party's lawmakers on August 27.
Ukraine Parliament Speaker Signs New Electoral Code Long Pushed For By The West RFE/RL 28 Aug 2019 -- Outgoing Ukrainian parliament speaker Andriy Parubiy on August 27 signed a bill that amends the Electoral Code to make political party lists open and eliminates single-mandate constituencies in future elections.

Romanian Lawmakers Reject Amnesty Law Seen Favoring Former Majority Party RFE/RL 28 Aug 2019 -- Romanian lawmakers overwhelmingly voted against a bill that would have given politicians a way to avoid jail for corruption, in a move seen as a major victory for the opposition and in line with European Union demands.

Former Kyrgyz Minister Who Detained Atambaev Placed Under House Arrest RFE/RL 28 Aug 2019 -- Former Kyrgyz Deputy Interior Minister Kursan Asanov, who personally negotiated former President Almazbek Atambaev's surrender after a deadly two-day standoff earlier in August, has been placed under house arrest.

New DRC Cabinet Prompts Accusations that Kabila's Regime Still Holds Power VOA 28 Aug 2019 -- As the Democratic Republic of the Congo's new president unveils his coalition government, opposition members are complaining about being left out.

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