04 September 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Afghan govt. voices serious doubts about US-Taliban deal, seeks clarification Press TV 04 Sep 2019 -- The Afghan government says it has serious doubts about a draft peace agreement recently reached between United States and Taliban negotiators and wants further clarification.
Afghan Officials Express Concern Over Draft U.S.-Taliban Peace Deal RFE/RL 04 Sep 2019 -- Afghan officials say they support progress toward peace but are concerned about a draft agreement reached "in principle" between U.S. and Taliban negotiators on ending their 18-year conflict.
'Usually There's a Ceasefire': Few Signs Point to Success of Any US-Taliban Peace Deal Sputnik 04 Sep 2019 -- Recent reports on Afghanistan claim the US and Taliban officials have drafted a peace deal that now requires the approval of US President Donald Trump. However, between the Taliban's recent strike and claims the White House is bolstering the CIA presence in the region, hopes for peace may not quite be on the horizon.

National Guard positioned to respond to Hurricane Dorian US Air Force 04 Sep 2019 -- As Hurricane Dorian makes its way along the Florida coast, the National Guard is in place to respond, said Gen. Joseph Lengyel, National Guard Bureau chief, during a Pentagon press conference Sept. 3.

Defense Policy / Programs

DOD to Divert $3.6 Billion to Fund 11 Barrier Projects at Southern Border DoD News 04 Sep 2019 -- Defense Department officials say 127 military construction projects in both the United States and overseas will be deferred to free $3.6 billion for construction or augmentation of barriers along 175 miles of the southern U.S. border.
Pentagon approves 3.6 billion for wall construction on Mexican border Press TV 04 Sep 2019 -- The US Defense Department says it was freeing up $3.6 billion in funds budgeted for other projects to help build or enhance 175 miles (282 km) a wall on the US-Mexico border as ordered by President Donald Trump.
US Defence Chief Orders Implementation of $3.6Bln in Border Wall Construction Projects Sputnik 04 Sep 2019 -- The Pentagon has authorized the use of more than $3 billion to implement nearly a dozen projects on the US-Mexico border in the name of national security, Defence Secretary Mark Esper said in a letter to the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Hypersonics by 2023 DVIDS 04 Sep 2019 -- Laser weapons, high-powered microwave weapons and hypersonic weapons are on the horizon for the Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office. The office takes the products out of the lab, transitioning them into prototypes with combat utility.
Defense of Indo-Pacific Requires Joint Capabilities, Solutions DoD News 04 Sep 2019 -- The importance of joint operations in defending the Indo-Pacific region has increased by an order of magnitude, U.S. military leaders said.
MRF-D and ADF complete combined-arms live-fire exercise in NT USMC News 04 Sep 2019 -- U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin in collaboration with Australian Army Soldiers completed Exercise Koolendong 2019 in the Northern Territory of Australia in August.
2nd Fleet Ships, Aircraft Depart Dorian's Path; Installations Continue Preparations NNS 04 Sep 2019 -- Hampton Roads-based ships and aircraft are leaving the area today, as Hurricane Dorian is forecast to bring high winds and heavy rain to the Mid-Atlantic coast.
USS Porter arrives in Marseille, France NNS 04 Sep 2019 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) arrived in Marseille, France, Sept. 4, 2019. The visit serves to enhance U.S.-France relations as the two nations work together for a stable, secure and prosperous European region.
Fairchild AFB tankers refuel Marine aircraft US Air Force 04 Sep 2019 -- A KC-135 Stratotanker and Airmen from the 384th Air Refueling Squadron at Fairchild Air Force Base, performed aerial refueling with two F/A-18C Hornets from the Marine Aircraft Group 31 while flying over Georgia, Aug. 27.
116th Air Control Wing evacuates JSTARS aircraft ahead of Hurricane Dorian US Air Force 04 Sep 2019 -- The 116th Air Control Wing, Georgia Air National Guard, began relocating the fleet of E-8C Joint STARS aircraft stationed on the installation, Sept. 2, to prevent potential damage from Hurricane Dorian.
ACC maintains readiness through hurricane preparation US Air Force 04 Sep 2019 -- Air Combat Command Airmen are responding to the danger presented by Hurricane Dorian as it moves along the East Coast of the U.S.
Army looks to enhance mission command with robotic swarms Army News 04 Sep 2019 -- Army Futures Command, or AFC, is exploring the extent to which swarming formations of robotic systems could be used to enhance mission-command capabilities for Army small units.
Military Must Be Ready to Confront Hybrid Threats, Intel Official Says DoD News 04 Sep 2019 -- Hybrid warfare – also known as grey zone conflict or low-intensity conflict – is a reality, and the U.S. military must be ready to confront and deter it, a senior intelligence officer said.

NATO Secretary General: Lithuania is a committed Ally NATO 04 Sep 2019 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda to NATO Headquarters on Wednesday (4 September 2019) for discussions on NATO's continuing adaptation to the security situation in Europe.

Finishing touches put to £30 million project to prepare Portsmouth for second aircraft carrier UK MOD 04 Sep 2019 -- The finishing touches are being put to Portsmouth's Naval Base to prepare for the arrival of the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier.
RFA Mounts Bay delivers aid to The Bahamas UK MOD 04 Sep 2019 -- Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship RFA Mounts Bay has delivered essential aid to residents of Great Abaco in The Bahamas.

German Air Force Suffers Shortages Amid Failure to Meet NATO Spending Target – Reports Sputnik 04 Sep 2019 -- Washington has been very critical of Berlin in the past due to the latter's failure to meet NATO's defence spending target, with a shortage of planes also signaling Germany's inability to meet the required training practice for its pilots.

Fleet of seven J-20 jets unveiled in Chinese airforce video People's Daily 04 Sep 2019 -- The Chinese airforce released an inspirational video clip Tuesday, in which a fleet of seven J-20 stealth fighter jets was first seen.

'Nuclear Capability is for Deterrence, it's Use Depends on Political Leadership'- Pakistan's Army Sputnik 04 Sep 2019 -- Pakistan says, India's actions in Kashmir have endangered regional peace since New Delhi stripped Jammu and Kashmir of special status in August.
Pakistan to Buy 36 Mirage V Fighter Jets from Egypt Amid Build-Up With India Sputnik 04 Sep 2019 -- The Mirage V in question possesses a helmet-mounted display, mission pods, and night strike capability. Sources said Pakistan would upgrade these jets before putting a few of them into operation.

Israeli Satellite Firm Claims to Have Published First Photos of Russian-Made S-400 in Turkey Sputnik 04 Sep 2019 -- Turkey has stuck to a 2017 loan agreement with Russia to purchase its S-400 air defence systems despite pressure from the US, which decided to suspend Ankara's participation in the international F-35 programme and threatened to remove it from the project by late March 2020. Russia completed the first part of the supply of S-400 components this July.

Maduro puts military on high alert, accuses Colombia of plotting attack Press TV 04 Sep 2019 -- Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro, has put the military forces on high alert across the border with Colombia, in a move to counter a possible "threat of aggression" against his country.
Maduro Says Colombia Poses Level Orange Threat, Announces Military Exercises Along Border Sputnik 04 Sep 2019 -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced large-scale military exercises on the country's western border with Colombia to take place from September 10-28, saying its neighbour presented a level orange security threat.

Danish Navy Buys Advanced US Sonar to Keep Track of Russian Subs Sputnik 04 Sep 2019 -- According to the commander of the Danish Navy, this procurement will place Denmark "in another league".

Remarks by Vice President Pence During Tour of Hofdi House | Reykjavík, Iceland The White House 04 Sep 2019
Remarks by Vice President Pence and Prime Minister Jakobsdóttir of Iceland Before Bilateral Meeting | Keflavík, Iceland The White House 04 Sep 2019
Remarks by Vice President Pence in a Press Gaggle | Reykjavik, Iceland The White House 04 Sep 2019
Remarks by Vice President Pence and President Jóhannesson of Iceland in a Meeting | Reykjavik, Iceland The White House 04 Sep 2019
Remarks by President Trump in Briefing on Hurricane Dorian The White House 04 Sep 2019

Defense Industry

Contracts For Sept. 4, 2019

Other Conflicts

4 September 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 04 Sep 2019

Houthi Militias Commit 636 Violations in a Week against Civilians in Yemen, Human Rights Reports SPA 04 Sep 2019 -- Yemeni Network for Human Rights and Freedoms has launched its weekly report on human rights violations in Yemen covering the period from 25 August 2019, revealing that the Iranian-backed Al-Houthi militias committed 636 violations against civilians in the Yemeni provinces they control.
Ksreleif and Yemeni Ministry of Health Discusses Technical Arrangements for the Implementation of the "Response" Initiative to Treat Yemenis Injured in Unfortunate Events in Aden and Abyan SPA 04 Sep 2019 -- The Director of the Department of Medical and Environmental Assistance at King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (Ksreleif) Dr. Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Moallem met at Ksreleif headquarters in Riyadh today with the Yemeni Minister of Public Health and Population Dr. Nasser Mohsen Baum.
Joint Coalition Forces Command: Houthi terrorist militia launched a ballistic missile today from governorate (Saada /Sahar Directorate) and it fell inside the governorate SPA 04 Sep 2019 -- The Official Spokesman of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Colonel Turki Al-Maliki stated that the Iranian-backed terrorist Houthi militia launched a ballistic missile from the governorate (Saada /Sahar Directorate) on Wednesday afternoon (September 4, 2019) using civilian facilities as a launching site and it fell after its launching inside Yemeni territories in the governorate (Saada /Al-Safra Directorate).
Yemeni Government Wants to Return to Militants-Held Aden by Any Means – Interior Minister Sputnik 04 Sep 2019 -- The internationally recognised Yemeni government is determined to return to the interim capital of Aden seized by the Southern militants either peacefully of by war, Interior Minister Ahmed Maissari stated.
Yemeni forces launch drone attack on military sites in Saudi airbase Press TV 04 Sep 2019 -- The spokesman for Yemeni Armed Forces says army troopers and allied fighters from Popular Committees have launched a string of airstrikes against military aircraft hangars in Saudi Arabia's southwestern region of Asir, using a squadron of domestically-manufactured Qasef-2K (Striker-2K) combat drones.

Syrian Opposition Suspects Turkey Helped US Strike Terrorist Facilities in Idlib Sputnik 04 Sep 2019 -- The recent US airstrike on Syria's Idlib province, the last stronghold of the terrorists and armed opposition in the country, was almost certainly performed with the help of Turkey, which provided coordinates for the strike, Mahmoud Afandi, the secretary of the Syrian opposition movement, Popular Diplomacy, stated.

India's move in Kashmir sowing seeds of war: Pakistan army Press TV 04 Sep 2019 -- Pakistan says India's behavior regarding Kashmir is a bad omen for the region that jeopardizes security.
Pakistan: India 'Sowing Seeds of New War' Over Kashmir VOA 04 Sep 2019 -- Pakistan warned Wednesday that India was "sowing the seeds" of another war in the region through its controversial actions in Kashmir, a disputed territory that has long been a flashpoint between the nuclear-armed rivals.

Central Africans 'need our help now': UN's deputy relief chief UN News 04 Sep 2019 -- "Spikes of violence" in previously unaffected areas of the Central African Republic (CAR) have prompted new displacement, the United Nations Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator said on Wednesday, calling for additional funding to meet the humanitarian needs of 2.9 million people.

Libyans continue 'spilling their blood on the battlefield' as fight for Tripoli rages on UN News 04 Sep 2019 -- It is five months to the day since the forces of the self-styled Libyan National Army launched an offensive to seize control of Tripoli, halting "an active and promising political process", the United Nations top envoy for the country told the Security Council on Wednesday.

Armed Men Burn Cars, Rob Drivers in Myanmar's Shan State Radio Free Asia 04 Sep 2019 -- Armed men stopped traffic on a highway in northern Myanmar's Shan state late Tuesday, robbing drivers and setting fire to their vehicles amid a new surge of fighting between the national military and soldiers of the Northern Alliance of ethnic armed groups, sources in the area said.

EU Ambassadors Extend Russia Sanctions Over Ukraine RFE/RL 04 Sep 2019 -- EU ambassadors on September 4 agreed to prolong the sanctions against 170 Russian officials and Russian-backed Ukrainian separatists as well as 44 entities by six months.
Dutch MH17 Prosecutors Want To Question Ukrainian Prisoner Who Fought In Donbas RFE/RL 04 Sep 2019 -- Dutch prosecutors want to question a "person of interest" who is in Ukrainian custody they believe is directly connected to the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 five years ago over territory held by Russian-backed separatists in the eastern part of the country.

UN Commission Warns of Likelihood of Genocide in Burundi VOA 04 Sep 2019 -- The U.N. Commission of Inquiry on Burundi said Wednesday that the country, following years of political turmoil, was primed for a genocide.

News Reports

STATEMENT: United States Announces Additional Humanitarian Assistance in Response to Venezuelan Regional Crisis US Dept. of State 04 Sep 2019 -- United States Announces Additional Humanitarian Assistance in Response to Venezuelan Regional Crisis

Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, September 4, 2019 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 04 Sep 2019

Experts: China Could Be 'New Road' Touted by North Korea VOA 04 Sep 2019 -- China may be a "new road" for North Korea if diplomacy with the United States fails, experts say.

US imposes sanctions on Iran's shipping network Press TV 04 Sep 2019 -- The United States has imposed sanctions on an Iranian shipping network – several tankers, companies and insurance firms -- accusing it of supplying millions of barrels of oil to Syria.
U.S. Blacklists Iran Oil Shipping Network Over Alleged Syria Sanctions Breach RFE/RL 04 Sep 2019 -- The United States has imposed sanctions on an Iranian network of companies, ships, and individuals it says has supplied Syria with millions of barrels of oil in a breach of U.S. sanctions.
US Offers $15Mln Reward for Info That Can Help Disrupt IRGC's 'Financial Tools' as New Iran Sanctions Announced Sputnik 04 Sep 2019 -- According to the US Treasury Department, the individuals include a former Iranian oil minister and his son, as well as subsidiaries of an Indian company with an interest in the Adrian Darya tanker, formerly the Grace 1.
Sanctioning of Vast IRGC-QF Petroleum Shipping Network US Dept. of State 04 Sep 2019 -- "Today, the United States designated 16 entities and 10 individuals and identified 11 vessels that are part of a large shipping network enabling the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force, a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, to sell illicit oil for the benefit of the brutal Assad regime, Hizballah, and other terrorist actors."
Rewards for Justice – Reward offer for information on the financial mechanisms of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its branches, including the IRGC-Qods Force US Dept. of State 04 Sep 2019 -- The U.S. Department of State's Rewards for Justice (RFJ) is offering a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to the disruption of the financial mechanisms of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its branches, including the IRGC-Qods Force (IRGC-QF). This includes seeking information on the IRGC's illicit oil sales, including via oil tankers like the Adrian Darya.
Treasury Designates Vast Iranian Petroleum Shipping Network That Supports IRGC-QF and Terror Proxies US Treasury 04 Sep 2019 -- The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took action against a large shipping network that is directed by and financially supports the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) and its terrorist proxy Hizballah. Over the past year, the IRGC-QF has moved oil worth hundreds of millions of dollars or more through this network for the benefit of the brutal Assad regime, Hizballah, and other illicit actors.
Tehran's stance based on saving JCPOA: Araghchi IRNA 04 Sep 2019 -- Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday that Iran agrees with the EU in saving JCPOA and the country is interested to join the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX).
Iran's 3rd nuclear step in response to EU's passivity IRNA 04 Sep 2019 -- Iran says it has finalized the details of the third step to reduce its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and that the details will be announced by tomorrow.
Iran to announce 3rd phase of nuclear scale-down in coming hours: President IRNA 04 Sep 2019 -- President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday Tehran is about to announce the third phase of reduction of its nuclear commitments either today or tomorrow as negotiations with France have not been successful so far although there has been some tangible progress.
Rouhani: Iran to declare 3rd step to reduce commitments to JCPOA IRNA 04 Sep 2019 -- President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that Iran will declare third step to reduce commitments to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, adding that the new step is of major impacts.
Iran to take 3rd step of reducing JCPOA commitments ISNA 04 Sep 2019 -- Iran will take the 3rd step of reducing its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal, Iranian president's deputy chief of staff for communications and information, Parviz Esmaeili said on Wednesday, citing President Rouhani.
Iran to further cut nuclear commitments as of Friday: Rouhani Press TV 04 Sep 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says the country will expand its nuclear research and development as of September 6, setting aside the restrictions imposed on the country's R&D in the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.
Exclusive: Iran has decided next responses to nuclear deal violations Press TV 04 Sep 2019 -- Iran has decided the next steps in the third stage of its response to the violation of the 2015 nuclear deal by the United States, officials say, as the deal's European signatories -- the UK, France and Germany -- fail to meet Tehran's demands to salvage the landmark agreement after Washington's withdrawal.
Agreement with Europe unlikely, Iran to announce 3rd step on JCPOA: Rouhani Press TV 04 Sep 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says the country and Europe are unlikely to reach an agreement on ways to save a 2015 multilateral nuclear accord by Thursday, and that Tehran will go ahead with its plan to announce the third step in scaling back its commitments under the accord.
Zarif says "too early" to talk about "demise" of JCPOA IRNA 04 Sep 2019 -- Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif said that Iran nuclear deal is not dead yet and it is too soon to talk about its end, but, the Europeans were not able to fulfill their commitments to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
Araghchi: Iran not to re-negotiate JCPOA IRNA 04 Sep 2019 -- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday that Iran will not re-negotiate the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, but good implementation of the deal can be the issue of negotiations.
Official says Iran is waiting for EU to deliver its promise before further nuclear cuts IRNA 04 Sep 2019 -- Iran is still waiting for Europe to deliver on its promise of buying Iranian oil and returning its revenues in cash as the clock is ticking before Tehran makes a cut in its voluntary commitments within the nuclear agreement.
Talks to preserve Iran nuclear deal with Washington "constructive": Le Maire ISNA 04 Sep 2019 -- French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire who has traveled to Washington as part of a plan to offer Iran a $15 billion economic lifeline and rescue the Iran nuclear accord said his talks with U.S. counterpart Steven Mnuchin was "constructive".
Zarif slams US as report reveals Washington's bid to blackmail captain of Iran-operated tanker Press TV 04 Sep 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says a US policy of enticing and threatening is becoming a pattern, as reports emerged that Washington had sought to blackmail the captain of an Iranian-operated tanker to receive bribe for the vessel or face sanctions.
Trump changed mind as US army told he could not attack Iran: Top cmdr. Press TV 04 Sep 2019 -- Iran's top military commander says US President Donald Trump called off a retaliatory strike against the Islamic Republic following the downing of an intruding American drone not for the stated purpose of preventing casualties but because the US army convinced him he could not actually attack Iran due to its serious repercussions.
Iran currency plan unaffected by Europe's proposed credit line: CBI chief Press TV 04 Sep 2019 -- Iran's chief banker says the country would stick to its current plans for currency regulation regardless of a European proposal for setting up a credit facility that could help revive a nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers.
China updates deal to invest $400 billion in Iran: Report Press TV 04 Sep 2019 -- Iran and China have updated a 25-year deal signed first in 2016 that foresees $400 billion of Chinese investment in the resource-rich Middle Eastern nation, well-regarded energy industry publication the Petroleum Economist reports.
Iran will return to nuclear deal commitments only under $15 credit line for oil sales: Deputy FM Press TV 04 Sep 2019 -- A senior Iranian official says Tehran will return into full compliance with a 2015 multinational nuclear deal only if it receives $15 billion in France-proposed credit lines for oil sales over four months otherwise the Islamic Republic will continue cutting its deal commitments.
US appetite for breaking intl. law won't stop at JCPOA: Iran FM Press TV 04 Sep 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says the US will be emboldened to keep violating international law and kill more international agreements if Europe fails to save a 2015 multinational nuclear deal, which Washington abandoned last year.
U.S. Official Rules Out Sanctions Waivers For Iran Credit Line Plan RFE/RL 04 Sep 2019 -- A senior U.S. diplomat has ruled out providing any sanctions waivers to accommodate a French proposal to extend a $15 billion credit line to Iran.
After receiving $15 billion, Iran ready to hold talks with 4+1 members: Araghchi ISNA 04 Sep 2019 -- Following phone talks between Iranian and French presidents, Tehran stated that either Europe has to buy oil from Iran, or provide it with a $15 billion credit line, which in some sense means a pre-sale of Iran's oil, deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Abbas Araghchi stressed.
Tehran Rejects $15-Billion Loan From France to Remain Fully Compliant With JCPOA Obligations - Reports Sputnik 04 Sep 2019 -- Iran has recently been holding negotiations with Paris about returning to full implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). France offered the Islamic Republic a line of credit that would be guaranteed by Iranian oil revenues but the plan depends on US approval of oil export waivers.
Zarif says Europe must take practical steps to guarantee Iran's oil revenues Press TV 04 Sep 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has hailed France's diplomatic efforts to save the 2015 multilateral nuclear deal, stressing, however, that Tehran is expecting practical steps by the Europeans aimed at guaranteeing Iran's oil revenues.
US Moves to Disrupt Iran's Oil Distribution Network VOA 04 Sep 2019 -- As the United States took action Wednesday to disrupt an Iranian oil shipping network it accuses of funding terrorism, President Donald Trump expressed optimism about engaging in diplomacy with Tehran.
'Russia ready to invest $10bn in Iran oil sector: Minister Press TV 04 Sep 2019 -- Iran's Minister of Energy Reza Ardakanian says Russia would be ready to invest up to $10 billion in Iran's oil industry despite American sanctions that have hampered Tehran's efforts to involve foreigners in energy projects.
Zarif: US sanctions on Iran's space program 'ineffective' Press TV 04 Sep 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has downplayed as "ineffective" the US's recent sanctions on the country's space program, saying Washington's extreme use of economic leverage will gradually threaten its economic might.
US hostile actions not to disrupt Iran's space programs IRNA 04 Sep 2019 -- Iranian Space Agency in a stance against the US sanctions on three organizations related to Iran space industry said in a statement that the US hostile actions will not disrupt Iran's space programs.
Iran's Zarif Dismisses U.S. Space-Agency Sanctions As 'Totally Ineffective' RFE/RL 04 Sep 2019 -- Iran's foreign minister has accused the United States of an overreliance on sanctions and said the latest punitive measures out of Washington targeting his country's space and research sectors are "totally ineffective."
Iran releases some of crew of UK-flagged ship Stena Impero ISNA 04 Sep 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Seyyed Abbas Mousavi announced on Wednesday that Iran has released some of the crew members of the UK-flagged oil tanker Stena Impero which was detained weeks ago due to violation of maritime regulations.
Iran frees 7 crew members of seized British oil tanker Press TV 04 Sep 2019 -- Iran has released seven crew members of a British oil tanker detained last month in the Persian Gulf for violating international maritime law.
Iran Releasing Seven Crew From British Ship For Humanitarian Reasons RFE/RL 04 Sep 2019 -- Iran says it is freeing seven crew members it detained after seizing the British tanker Stena Impero nearly two months ago.
Iran To Develop Centrifuges In Further Step Away From Nuclear Deal RFE/RL 04 Sep 2019 -- President Hassan Rohani has announced that Iran will this week begin developing centrifuges to speed up uranium enrichment, as the country's "third step" to scale back its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal.
U.S. Sanctions Iran Space Agency SPA 04 Sep 2019 -- The United States imposed sanctions Tuesday on Iran's space agency for the first time, accusing it of developing ballistic missiles under the cover of a civilian program to launch satellites into orbit.

Hong Kong Leader Withdraws Extradition Bill VOA 04 Sep 2019 -- Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam says the government will formally withdraw an extradition bill that that sparked three months of growing and often violent pro-democracy protests.
Protests to continue until HK enjoys free elections: activist CNA 04 Sep 2019 -- The ongoing protests against the Chinese communist regime in Hong Kong will not end until Hong Kongers have democracy, freedom and the right to elect their leaders, Hong Kong student activist and secretary-general of pro-democracy party Demosistō Joshua Wong (黃之鋒) said Wednesday.
Lam announces four actions Global Times 04 Sep 2019 -- Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor on Wednesday afternoon announced a four-action plan, including the formal withdrawal of an extradition bill and the creation of a platform for dialogue, in a bid to move the city forward from over two months of unrest that has "shocked and saddened" the Hong Kong residents.
Hong Kong Chief Executive Announces Formal Withdrawal of Extradition Bill Sputnik 04 Sep 2019 -- Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced the formal withdrawal of an extradition bill that has triggered mass rallies in the administrative region, thus fulfilling a key demand by protesters.
Hong Kong has not acted enough to detach from colonial past, experts argue Global Times 04 Sep 2019 -- What kind of rights did Hong Kong people have during British colonial rule? Rioters who wave the UK or US flag cannot give a clear answer to this question. The answer is that Hong Kong people used to have no nationality.
All sectors in Hong Kong cheer on SAR government to stop riots with law enforcement People's Daily 04 Sep 2019 -- Hong Kong legislators signed a joint statement on Sept. 1, denouncing the "insane acts" of radical protesters during illegal demonstrations across the city.
Hong Kong Leader's Withdrawal Pledge is 'Too Little, Too Late': Protesters Radio Free Asia 04 Sep 2019 -- Hong Kong's chief executive Carrie Lam on Wednesday said her administration will formally withdraw planned legal amendments that could allow extradition to mainland China, in a move that was quickly slammed by protesters as "too little, too late" after months of police violence and government inaction.
'We Hope That These Days of Violence Will Become a Thing of The Past' Radio Free Asia 04 Sep 2019 -- Since the anti-extradition protests began in Hong Kong three months ago, the city's police force has fired more than 2,000 tear gas canister at protesters, who have geared up with respirators, water bottles, and containers to try to neutralize the gas. Despite their best efforts, protesters, passersby, children, elderly people, and pets have suffered ill-effects from the miasma of tear gas that lingers when police deploy the gas in narrow streets and subway stations in a city of seven million people.
Xinjiang Authorities Arrest Sibling Uyghur Real Estate Moguls, Jail One For Decades Radio Free Asia 04 Sep 2019 -- Two ethnic Uyghurs who run what is widely considered the most successful real estate firm of the past decade in northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) have been arrested, with at least one sentenced to a lengthy prison term, according to their brother.
Analysts: China's WTO Complaints Against US Tariffs Won't Help Ease Trade Frictions VOA 04 Sep 2019 -- China has filed a lawsuit with the World Trade Organization after the U.S. on Sunday began to impose 15% tariffs on the first batch of $300 billion (US dollars)-worth of Chinese imports.

Russian, Indian Leaders Meet Ahead Of Far East Economic Forum RFE/RL 04 Sep 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss investment and trade in the Russian Far Eastern city of Vladivostok, where both men are attending a three-day economic forum.

Khan Wants To 'Root Out' Corruption Along Pakistani Highways RFE/RL 04 Sep 2019 -- Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has ordered the authorities to take measures to "root out" corruption at checkpoints along two key highways linking the port city of Karachi with the border with Afghanistan.

American Citizen, an Alleged ISIS Sniper and Weapons Instructor, Indicted for Providing Material Support to ISIS US Dept. of Justice 04 Sep 2019 -- A five-count indictment was filed yesterday in federal court in Brooklyn charging Ruslan Maratovich Asainov, 43, also known as "Suleiman Al-Amriki" and "Suleiman Al-Kazakhi," with conspiracy to provide material support to ISIS; providing material support to ISIS in the form of personnel, training, expert advice and assistance and weapons; receipt of military-type training from ISIS; and obstruction of justice.
Alleged American IS Emir Faces Life Behind Bars VOA 04 Sep 2019 -- A U.S. citizen who allegedly joined the Islamic State terror group as a sniper and eventually rose to the rank of emir is facing new charges and the possibility of life behind bars.

British Lawmakers Deal Another Blow to PM Johnson's Brexit Plan VOA 04 Sep 2019 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson suffered another blow Wednesday when the House of Commons voted in favor of a measure forcing the government to ask the EU to delay Brexit another three months if there is no exit deal by Johnson's October 31 deadline. The measure now goes to Parliament's upper chamber, the House of Lords.
Report Warns No-Deal Brexit Means Political Uncertainty VOA 04 Sep 2019 -- The British government announced Wednesday that it would spend an additional $2.4 billion on preparing to leave the European Union, bringing the total spent so far on Brexit readiness to more than $10 billion.
Amid British Brexit Turmoil, EU Braces for Worst VOA 04 Sep 2019 -- Britain's political turmoil is again making headlines across the English Channel, with a number of European commentators criticizing Prime Minister Boris Johnson's handling of Brexit.
British PM loses key Brexit vote in parliament People's Daily 04 Sep 2019 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday lost a key Brexit vote in the House of Commons as anti-no deal MPs take control of the parliamentary business.
UK Lawmakers Approve Brexit Delay Law at Final House of Commons Stage Sputnik 04 Sep 2019 -- Since assuming office, Johnson has been pushing for withdrawal by the 31 October deadline even without a deal. Because he lost the parliamentary majority, the prime minister can no longer guarantee that UK lawmakers will ratify any potential deal, should Brussels agree to renegotiate.

New technologies, artificial intelligence aid fight against global terrorism UN News 04 Sep 2019 -- Although terrorists have become skilled at manipulating the Internet and other new technologies, artificial intelligence or AI, is a powerful tool in the fight against them, a top UN counter-terrorism official said this week at a high-level conference on strengthening international cooperation against the scourge.

Ukraine's New Cabinet Strips Kyiv Mayor Klitschko Of Some Powers RFE/RL 04 Sep 2019 -- Ukraine's new cabinet has decided to strip Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko of his powers at the head of the capital city's state administration, ratcheting up a power struggle between the former world boxing champion and recently elected President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
After Nixing Immunity For Ukraine's Lawmakers, Zelenskiy Pushes For More Constitutional Changes RFE/RL 04 Sep 2019 -- Allies of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy have added three draft laws to the parliament's agenda that would amend the constitution, drastically change the legislature's composition, and set stricter rules for lawmakers.

New U.S. Balkan Envoy Makes Mending Serbia-Kosovo Relations A Priority RFE/RL 04 Sep 2019 -- The new U.S. special envoy to the Western Balkans, Matthew Palmer, has said during a visit to the region that his priority is to restart dialogue between Serbia and its former province of Kosovo.

Armenia's Constitutional Court Rules Ex-President Kocharian's Arrest 'Unconstitutional' RFE/RL 04 Sep 2019 -- Armenia's Constitutional Court has ruled that the arrest of former President Robert Kocharian was "unconstitutional."

Human rights are everyone's business, amid relentless crises around world: UN's Bachelet UN News 04 Sep 2019 -- The relentless outbreak of crises around the world – from the fires in the Amazon to "carnage" in Syria and demonstrations in Hong Kong, Russia, Indonesian Papua and elsewhere - risk pushing the world "further and further away from global solutions to global problems", the UN's top rights official said on Wednesday.

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list