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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• US to Send About 150 Troops to Northeastern Syria for Joint Patrols With Turkey – Reports Sputnik 13 Sep 2019 -- The US Department of Defence is going to send around 150 troops to northeastern Syria to carry out joint patrols with Turkey, US media has reported.
• US preparing to send 150 troops to join border patrol in northeast Syria: Report Press TV 13 Sep 2019 -- The Pentagon is preparing to send about 150 troops to northeastern Syria to conduct ground patrols with Turkish military forces in a so-called safe zone, the New York Times reports.
• Taliban Envoys Visit Moscow After US Talks Collapse VOA 13 Sep 2019 -- A Taliban delegation traveled to Moscow and held talks with Russian officials Friday, a week after the United States abruptly called off a yearlong peace dialogue with the insurgent group over U.S. troop presence in Afghanistan.
• Afghan President: More Than 2,000 Taliban Fighters Killed Last Week VOA 13 Sep 2019 -- Afghan President Ashraf Ghani told an election rally Friday that more than 2,000 Taliban fighters have been killed over the past week and insisted his elected office is where the insurgent group must come to seek a decisive political settlement to the conflict.
• Taliban Meets Russian Envoy In Moscow After U.S. Talks Collapse RFE/RL 13 Sep 2019 -- A team of Taliban negotiators from the militant group's Qatar office is in Moscow for talks with Russian officials, just days after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that peace talks with U.S. officials have collapsed.
• U.S. Congressional Panel To Question Trump's Afghan Envoy RFE/RL 13 Sep 2019 -- A U.S. Congressional committee has issued a subpoena to question President Donald Trump's special Afghanistan envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad, next week after peace talks with the Taliban abruptly ended.
• Russian Foreign Ministry Confirms Presidential Envoy Met Taliban Delegates in Moscow Sputnik 13 Sep 2019 -- Russian Foreign Ministry Second Asian Department Director Zamir Kabulov, who is the Russian president's special representative for Afghanistan, has received a delegation of the Taliban group in Moscow, the Russian side emphasized the need to resume the US-Taliban talks, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry.
• Afghan Special Forces Arrest Key Member of Laskar-e-Taiba Militant Group - Spokesman Sputnik 13 Sep 2019 -- The Afghan Special Forces arrested a militant affiliated with Laskar-e-Taiba* in Nangarhar province in the east of the country, the governor's spokesman said Friday.
• Pakistan Unfairly Blamed for Failure of the US in Afghanistan - Prime Minister Imran Khan Sputnik 13 Sep 2019 -- In an exclusive interview with RT, Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan said that his country had trained the Mujahideen or guerillas for suicide missions (jihad) in the 1980s against the Soviet Union when it occupied Afghanistan.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Navy to Create New Asst. Secretary in Push to Sustain Lethal Capacity NNS 13 Sep 2019 -- In the Navy's efforts to continue to deliver and sustain lethal capacity, James Geurts, assistant secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition, today announced the creation of a new leadership position, along with ongoing initiatives across the ship-repair enterprise to grow capacity and move faster to respond to a growing fleet.
• Readout: Under Secretary of Defense for Policy John Rood Hosts Nordic-Baltic-U.S. Forum DoD 13 Sep 2019
• DOD Media Roundtable on the PFAS Task Force DoD 13 Sep 2019 -- Robert H. McMahon, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Sustainment Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Environment Maureen Sullivan
• DOD Strengthens Ties With Nordic, Baltic Nations DoD News 13 Sep 2019 -- Maritime security, threat identification and resource gap identification were on the agenda as representatives of eight Nordic and Baltic nations and the United States met this week for the annual Nordic-Baltic-U.S. Forum.
• Dunford to Discuss NATO Capabilities With Fellow Defense Chiefs DoD News 13 Sep 2019 -- NATO chiefs of defense will discuss Afghanistan, the NATO mission in Iraq, alliance efforts in Kosovo and other topics during a two-day meeting in Ljubljana, Slovenia this week.
• Partnerships Vital to U.S. Arctic Strategy DoD News 13 Sep 2019 -- With the melting and thinning of Arctic sea ice, there has been an influx of tourist and commercial shipping, an increase in mining and petrochemical extraction and an expanded military presence by allies as well as by Russia and China, the U.S. Coast Guard's vice commandant said.
• 11th MEU Completes Tank Qualifications USMC News 13 Sep 2019 -- Marines assigned to the tank platoon of India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment Landing Team, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, completed their semiannual crew qualifications at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Aug. 21.
• 11th MEU Draws From MAP-K Program USMC News 13 Sep 2019 -- Marines assigned to India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment Landing Team, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, withdrew important equipment from the MEU Augmentation Program-Kuwait at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Aug. 10.
• Comfort Departs Trinidad and Tobago NNS 13 Sep 2019 -- The hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) departed Trinidad and Tobago Sept. 11, following a six-day medical mission.
• Barbara Barrett embraces modernization, ensuring Air Force 'competitive edge' in Senate hearing US Air Force 13 Sep 2019 -- Barbara Barrett, nominated to be the next Secretary of the Air Force, told a Senate committee, Sept. 12, that establishing a Space Force as a new and separate branch of the military "would be a key imperative," ensuring the nation's defense and maintaining the Air Force's "competitive edge."
• Pentagon asked for list of Chinese firms with military ties over 'economic espionage' Press TV 13 Sep 2019 -- A bipartisan group of US lawmakers calls on the Pentagon to compile and release an updated list of companies with ties to the Chinese military, operating in the United States.
• Russia, Belarus Launch 'Union Shield' Military Drills RFE/RL 13 Sep 2019 -- The Russian and Belarusian militaries have launched weeklong joint exercises in the Nizhny Novgorod region, west of Moscow.
• India Joins Elite Group After Naval Fighter Jet Passes Critical 'Arrested Landing' Test Sputnik 13 Sep 2019 -- India's home-grown naval modified light combat aircraft (LCA-Navy),once considered as a dead project after the Indian Navy rejected it in 2016, successfully cleared the critical hurdle of an arrested landing test at a shore-based facility, INS Hansa, in Goa, inching closer to the goal of operating from an aircraft carrier.
• Canada Sends Warships Through Sensitive Taiwan Strait VOA 13 Sep 2019 -- The Canadian navy has, in the last three months, passed two warships through the Taiwan Strait, a move analysts say is probably an expression of Canadian support for Washington and opposition to China.
• Erdogan Warns US Against 'Hurting' Ally Turkey, Vows to Discuss Patriots Purchase With Trump Sputnik 13 Sep 2019 -- The US Defence Department earlier warned Ankara that Turkey's military relationship with the United States would face serious consequences if the country acquires Russian S-400 air defence systems.
• Zelenskiy 'Grateful' To Trump For Releasing $250 Million In Military Aid For Ukraine RFE/RL 13 Sep 2019 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for releasing a $250 million military assistance package that the White House had previously held for review.
• Thai Navy Contracts Chinese Company to Build New Amphibious Warship Sputnik 13 Sep 2019 -- Adm. Luechai Ruddit, the commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Navy, signed an agreement in Beijing Monday to buy a Type 071E landing platform dock warship from China, according to multiple reports.
• Morocco Approved to Buy Nearly $1 Billion in US Missiles, Bombs Sputnik 13 Sep 2019 -- The US State Department on Thursday revealed that it had cleared the way for Morocco to purchase nearly $1 billion worth of American munitions, including thousands of anti-tank guided missiles and bombs used by F-16 Fighting Falcons.
• Trump says not to pick Pompeo as national security advisor Global Times 13 Sep 2019 -- US President Donald Trump said Thursday that he will not ask Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to assume a dual role of being his fourth national security advisor after the ouster of John Bolton.

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Sept. 13, 2019

Other Conflicts

• 13 September 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 13 Sep 2019
• US Navy: Warship sails near islands in South China Sea Press TV 13 Sep 2019 -- The US Navy has sailed a warship near the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea as part of an effort to challenge Chinese claims to the disputed waters.
• US Destroyer Parades Near Disputed South China Sea Islands Amid Trade Tensions With China Sputnik 13 Sep 2019 -- Relations between the two superpowers have been strained over several issues, including an ongoing trade row, US sanctions against the Chinese military and Washington's ties with Taiwan. A recent transit by a US Navy ship has again angered Beijing, after the nation claimed the Parcel islands, an archipelago long assumed to be owned by Vietnam.
• Saudi Arabia: Fires Out After Purported Houthi Drone Strikes on Oil Facilities VOA 13 Sep 2019 -- Saudi Arabia's interior ministry says that fires from an apparent early morning drone strike at Aramco oil facilities in the eastern town of Abqaiq have been extinguished and that no one was killed in the attacks.
• "Rasd Coalition" Documents over 16,000 Arbitrary Detention, Abduction in Yemen, Slams GEE Report SPA 13 Sep 2019 -- Yemeni Coalition for Monitoring Human Rights Violations (Rasd Coalition) today organized on the sidelines of the 42nd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, a symposium on arbitrary detention in Yemen, the report of the Group of Eminent Experts (GEE) and UN resolutions on Yemen, especially Resolution 2216.
• Erdogan says upcoming Ankara meeting to focus on Idlib IRNA 13 Sep 2019 -- The trilateral meeting with Iran and Russia that will be held in Ankara next week will focus on the developments in Syria's Idlib, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Friday.
• Iran president due in Ankara for trilateral summit on Syria Press TV 13 Sep 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani will attend a trilateral meeting in Ankara with Vladimir Putin of Russia and Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey in order to discuss a political resolution to the Syria crisis.
• War in Syria has come to end, long-lasting settlement of crisis needed: Russian FM Press TV 13 Sep 2019 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says he believes the foreign-sponsored terrorism in Syria has come to an end, and that the need to promote the long-lasting settlement of crisis both in the war-ravaged Arab country and the entire Middle East region is highly required.
• US Efforts on Safe Zone in Syria Fail to Meet Ankara's Expectations - Erdogan Sputnik 13 Sep 2019 -- US efforts on establishing the safe zone in northeastern Syria fall short of expectations of Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.
• The Fate of Syria's Idlib to Top Turkey, Russia, Iran Talks VOA 13 Sep 2019 -- The Turkish, Iranian and Russian presidents will meet in Ankara Monday to discuss Syria and the last rebel enclave in Idlib. Syrian regime forces are threatening to overrun Idlib, and Ankara is warning of a humanitarian disaster.
• Turkey's President Wants Europe to Share Refugee Burden From Syria VOA 13 Sep 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is warning Europe to share the refugee burden or face a new wave of migrants, as Turkey fears a new influx of Syrian refugees. Erdogan's threat coincides with a surge of migrants entering Greece from Turkey.
• Pakistan PM warns India of Muslim uprising against Kashmir crackdown Press TV 13 Sep 2019 -- Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has censured India's crackdown on Kashmir, warning the New Delhi government of a Muslim uprising in support of the people of the disputed Muslim-majority region.
• Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan Warns India of Dire Consequences for its Kashmir Move Sputnik 13 Sep 2019 -- Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has accused India's nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government of attempting ethnic cleansing in the restive state of Kashmir.
• Indian Troops Launch Massive Search for Militants in Kashmir Valley after Rifle Snatching Incident Sputnik 13 Sep 2019 -- Fresh restrictions were imposed as the lockdown in parts of the Kashmir Valley entered its 40th day following New Delhi's move to strip the state of its special status.
• Indian Actions in Kashmir Will Foster Extremism, Pakistan's PM Warns VOA 13 Sep 2019 -- Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has warned that India's recent actions concerning the disputed region of Kashmir will give rise to extremism among Muslims in India and around the world.
• UN: Starvation threatens 2 million in drought-hit Somalia Press TV 13 Sep 2019 -- The United Nations has warned that two million people in Somalia could experience starvation if they fail to receive necessary aid as the impoverished Horn of Africa country suffers from its worst drought since 2011.
• Israeli PM threatens to start another war on Gaza in coming days Press TV 13 Sep 2019 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he may start another military operation in the besieged Gaza Strip before September 17, when snap elections are to be held in the occupied territories.
• Myanmar Hopes Talks Can Shore Up Cease-fire With Northern Alliance Radio Free Asia 13 Sep 2019 -- The Myanmar government on Friday stressed the importance of an upcoming meeting between its peace negotiators and the Northern Alliance group of ethnic armies to try to end escalated hostilities in northern Shan state, and warned of possible negative consequences should the talks fail.
• Monsoon destroys Rohingya shelters, sparking record UN emergency food agency response in Bangladesh UN News 13 Sep 2019 -- Unusually heavy monsoon rains have inundated shelters in refugee camps in southern Bangladesh creating "havoc", the World Food Programme (WFP) said on Friday, as it launched its biggest emergency response of the year for displaced Rohingya families.
• Ukraine preparing roadmap for conflict in east: President Zelenskiy Press TV 13 Sep 2019 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says his government is preparing a roadmap with clear deadlines to be discussed with the leaders of Russia, Germany and France for implementing a peace deal in eastern Ukraine.
• EU Formally Extends Russia Sanctions Linked To Aggression Toward Ukraine RFE/RL 13 Sep 2019 -- The European Union has formally approved an extension of sanctions against 170 Russian officials and Russian-backed Ukrainian separatists as well as 44 entities for another six months until March 15, the EU headquarters in Brussels said in a statement on September 11 as reported by AP.
• Kremlin Says It Does Not Rule Out New Prisoner Swap With Ukraine RFE/RL 13 Sep 2019 -- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov says Moscow is not ruling out a new prisoner swap with Ukraine following the recent one when 70 people held in both countries were released.
• Volunteer Battalions Hand In Their Weapons In Eastern Ukraine RFE/RL 13 Sep 2019 -- Three volunteer battalions that for years fought for Kyiv against Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine have handed over their weapons to law enforcement.
• Moscow: Russia and Ukraine Need Lot of Work and Time to Start New Stage of Detainee Release Sputnik 13 Sep 2019 -- New lists are being prepared for the next stage of the release of detainees, following a simultaneous release last week agreed by Kiev and Moscow, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday.
• Sudan, South Sudan Leaders Agree to Reopen Borders VOA 13 Sep 2019 -- The leaders of South Sudan and Sudan have agreed to reopen border areas between their countries in a bid to boost trade and the free movement of people.
• Surge in Inter-Communal Violence Worsens Humanitarian Situation in Mali VOA 13 Sep 2019 -- The U.N. organization for the coordination of humanitarian affairs, OCHA, reports a surge in conflict in central Mali is worsening humanitarian conditions for millions of people.

News Reports

• US Supreme Court Ruling Erodes Protections for Asylum Seekers, UN Says VOA 13 Sep 2019 -- The U.N. refugee agency is expressing concern about the negative impact of Wednesday's ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court on people seeking asylum in the United States. The ruling affirms the Trump Administration's policy that denies asylum to anyone who does not seek protection in countries through which they pass before reaching the U.S. border.
• Maduro says to skip UN General Assembly, aides will attend to condemn US sanctions Press TV 13 Sep 2019 -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro says he will skip this year's United Nations General Assembly in New York but two of his aides will be present at the event to condemn Washington's economic pressure against the South American country.
• Marchers Want New Judiciary in Sudan to Try Bashir VOA 13 Sep 2019 -- Sudanese protesters marched on the presidential palace Thursday, demanding the country's new leaders establish an independent judiciary to prosecute ousted president Omar al-Bashir and supporters of his regime.
• Chairman Schiff Issues Subpoena for Whistleblower Complaint Being Unlawfully Withheld by Acting DNI from Intelligence Committees HPSCI 13 Sep 2019 -- Today, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), the Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, issued a subpoena to the Acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Joseph Maguire to compel the production of a whistleblower complaint that the Intelligence Community Inspector General's (IC IG) determined to be credible and a matter of "urgent concern," as well as the IC IG's determination and all records pertaining to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence's (ODNI) involvement in this matter, including any and all correspondence with other Executive Branch actors such as the White House.
• Field Of Nightmares? Russian World Cup Stadium Plagued By Problems RFE/RL 13 Sep 2019 -- Only a year after Russia hosted soccer's World Cup, one of the stadiums completed and opened just months before the event already appears to be in serious trouble, possibly sinking into a swamp.
• Russia seeks Interpol help to locate alleged CIA informant Press TV 13 Sep 2019 -- Russia has called on Washington through Interpol to provide information regarding the whereabouts of a former Kremlin official that US media have alleged to be a CIA mole who was whisked to safety in 2017 by covert US operatives.
• No Response Yet on Request About Sentenced Russian Citizen in Estonia - Russian Embassy Sputnik 13 Sep 2019 -- Russia's embassy in Estonia has not received any response from the Estonian Foreign Ministry to a request concerning an imprisoned Russian citizen over a case of alleged espionage, the embassy's press service stated.
• 'Hard to Believe': Trump Rejects Claims Israel Spying on White House Sputnik 13 Sep 2019 -- US President Donald Trump told reporters outside the White House Thursday evening that he does not believe the Israelis are spying on him or the United States.
• Trump Says Fourth Kim Meeting Possible VOA 13 Sep 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have met three times since June 2018. Trump says round four could soon happen. But Korea watchers are more focused on long-delayed working-level talks.
• China welcomes DPRK-US dialogue resumption Global Times 13 Sep 2019 -- China on Thursday said it welcomed the positive signals from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on resuming talks with the United States, calling on the US side to take practical measures to ease tensions and promote talks.
• US sanctions three North Korea-linked hacking groups blamed for cyber attacks Press TV 13 Sep 2019 -- The administration of US President Donald Trump has imposed sanctions on three hacking groups allegedly sponsored by the North Korean government.
• US Targets Three Hacking Groups for North Korean 'Malicious Cyber Activity' Sputnik 13 Sep 2019 -- North Korea's government announced on 8 September that it was ready to resume talks with the United States in the second half of September. DPRK leader Kim Jong-un has been calling for more flexibility on the part of Washington, particularly with regard to sanctions, amid stalled talks between Pyongyang and the United States.
• Treasury Sanctions North Korean State-Sponsored Malicious Cyber Groups US Treasury 13 Sep 2019 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced sanctions targeting three North Korean state-sponsored malicious cyber groups responsible for North Korea's malicious cyber activity on critical infrastructure.
• North Korea Forces Workers Returning from Russia to Snitch on Each Other Radio Free Asia 13 Sep 2019 -- North Korean authorities are conducting ideological examinations on workers who have returned from Russia, attempting to discover if any have seen South Korean movies or TV shows when they were abroad, sources say.
• Remarks by Assistant Secretary Marshall Billingslea on Hizballah and Iran's Illicit Financial Networks US Treasury 13 Sep 2019
• 'US pursuing maximum pressure against Iran despite Bolton removal: Mnuchin Press TV 13 Sep 2019 -- US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin says Washington will press ahead with its campaign of "maximum pressure" against Iran, even after President Donald Trump announced that he had fired National Security Adviser John Bolton, seen as the architect of the White House's hard-line policy toward the Islamic Republic.
• U.S. Says Iran Broke Promise Not To Sell Oil To Syria RFE/RL 13 Sep 2019 -- Iran has been breaking "promises" after the Iranian tanker Adrian Darya 1 allegedly delivered oil to Syria despite assurances to the contrary, the U.S. State Department said on September 12.
• No Meeting Envisaged Between Trump, Rouhani During UNGA – Iran's Mission to UN Sputnik 13 Sep 2019 -- The 74th session of the UN General Assembly General Debate will kick off on 24 September. During the high-level week, world leaders will have a chance to discuss global issues. According to the provisional list of speakers, Trump will deliver his statement on September 24, while Rouhani will take the floor the next day.
• Joint Statement of the Spokespersons of the High Representative, France, Germany and the United Kingdom on the JCPoA UK FCO 13 Sep 2019 -- The spokespersons of the High Representative, France, Germany and the United Kingdom have made a statement on the JCPoA.
• E3 concerned about JCPOA fate IRNA 13 Sep 2019 -- The EU High Representative together with UK, France and Germany in a statement announced implementation of the third step of Iran's reduction of nuclear-related commitments and re-imposition of the US sanctions have put at risk Iran nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
• France trying to save and implement JCPOA: Envoy IRNA 13 Sep 2019 -- French Ambassador to the United Nations Nicolas de Rivière said France is trying to preserve and implement Iran nuclear deal known as the Joint comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
• Secretary General Guterres says de-escalation in Persian Gulf 'absolutely essential' Press TV 13 Sep 2019 -- Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres has warned of escalating unease in the Persian Gulf, saying it is "absolutely essential" to take necessary measures to dial down tensions.
• Iran condemns Canada's sale of its assets, warns of consequences Press TV 13 Sep 2019 -- Iran says the sale of its properties in Canada as per a court ruling to compensate a group of so-called 'terror victims' is an unlawful move that will have consequences for the Ottawa government if not revoked.
• Canada sells Iran's properties, gives money away to 'terror victims' Press TV 13 Sep 2019 -- Canada has gifted some $30 million worth of Iranian assets to the victims of terrorist attacks in which Iran says has not been involved, Canadian media reported.
• HK riots exacerbate life of drifters Global Times 13 Sep 2019 -- It's a city full of vitality and opportunities where people have high hopes of living a successful life. And throughout the years they have been studying and working here. It could be said that the global financial hub and Fragrant Harbor lived up to their expectations before the months-long unrests sowed the seeds of distress among them.
• Pro-China 'Activists' at Hamburg Rally Spark Fears Over Spies in Germany Radio Free Asia 13 Sep 2019 -- Germany's government has identified attempts by the Chinese government to intimidate demonstrators in Germany following a rally in support of the anti-extradition movement in Hong Kong in the Hanseatic port of Hamburg, a German newspaper reported.
• Student Leader Flees Hong Kong, Citing Fears For His Life Radio Free Asia 13 Sep 2019 -- The leader of a student union at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) has fled the city following attacks by masked men earlier this month, saying he fear for his life.
• Hong Kong Protest Leaders Bring Human Rights Diplomacy to US VOA 13 Sep 2019 -- Joshua Wong, one of the most visible leaders of the Hong Kong protest movement, has arrived in the United States to rally support following a whirlwind visit to Berlin.
• Xi stresses striving for national rejuvenation ahead of PRC's 70th founding anniversary People's Daily 13 Sep 2019 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called on the whole Party and nation to strive for realizing the two centenary goals and the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation.
• China Tells Citizens What They Should Post Online: Xi Jinping Thought Radio Free Asia 13 Sep 2019 -- China's internet regulator this week issued a set of guidelines detailing what more than 700 million internet users and content creators should post online, including "spreading the thought of President Xi Jinping."
• Xinhua: China to Lift Tariffs on US Soybeans, Other Farm Goods VOA 13 Sep 2019 -- China says it will lift tariffs on U.S. soybeans, pork and some other farm goods in yet another sign of easing tensions between the two countries ahead of trade talks scheduled for next month.
• Roscosmos to Build Inexpensive Soyuz-2M Rocket for Commercial Satellites Launch Service Sputnik 13 Sep 2019 -- Russian state space corporation Roscosmos is working on a cheaper version of the Soyuz rocket to cut launch costs for commercial satellites, Russian space travel operator Glavkosmos (GK) Launch Services CEO Alexander Serkin said.
• Russia Welcomes Serbian Commitment to Neutral Status – Lavrov Sputnik 13 Sep 2019 -- Russia welcomes Serbia's political course, which aims at preserving the neutral status of the Balkan nation, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
• Former Alabama Resident Pleads Guilty to Concealing Terrorism Financing US Dept. of Justice 13 Sep 2019 -- A criminal information was filed on Sept. 11, 2019, against Alaa Mohd Abusaad, charging her with concealment of terrorism financing, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2339C and 2. Abusaad pleaded guilty to the charge today. Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, United States Attorney Jay E. Town of the Northern District of Alabama, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp Jr. of the Birmingham Division made the announcement today.
• British PM faces pressure to recall Parliament People's Daily 13 Sep 2019 -- Britain's Labour Party warned it is "more important than ever" that Parliament be recalled after the government published its no-deal Brexit assessment that confirmed there are "severe risks" for crashing out of the European Union.
• Political figures react to release of Operation Yellowhammer Press TV 13 Sep 2019 -- The UK Government's release of Operation Yellowhammer has led many political figures and experts to question PM Boris Johnson's motives and competence.
• Media express shock at the UK Government's Operation Yellowhammer report Press TV 13 Sep 2019 -- The media have come out to express outrage at the UK Government's proposals in the Yellowhammer contingency plan – a worst-case Brexit scenario consisting of dire economic circumstances for many people and businesses.
• Cambodian Court Charges Acting Opposition Chief Sam Rainsy With 'Insulting The King' Radio Free Asia 13 Sep 2019 -- A court in Cambodia on Friday charged acting president of the banned opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) Sam Rainsy with "insulting the King," a day after he gave an interview in which he called King Norodom Sihamoni a "puppet" of Prime Minister Hun Sen.
• Treasury Sanctions Former Ugandan Inspector General of Police for Role in Serious Human Rights Abuse and Corruption US Treasury 13 Sep 2019 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned the former Inspector General of Police (IGP) of the Ugandan Police Force (UPF), Kale Kayihura (Kayihura), pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13818, for having been a leader or official of an entity that has engaged in or whose members have engaged in serious human rights abuse against Ugandan citizens, as well as for his involvement in corruption.
• Haiti Senator Admits Accepting Bribe for Parliament Vote VOA 13 Sep 2019 -- Haitian Senator Willot Joseph, a member of the ruling PHTK party (Pati Ayisyen Tet Kale), admitted Friday that he accepted a $100,000 bribe from Prime Minister-Designate Fritz William Michel in exchange for a yes vote on his nomination.