16 September 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Update: air strikes against Daesh UK MOD 16 Sep 2019 -- The RAF are continuing to take the fight to Daesh in Syria.

U.S. Soldier, Seven Afghans Killed As Blackouts Hit One-Third Of Afghanistan RFE/RL 16 Sep 2019 -- A U.S. service member and at least seven Afghans have been killed across Afghanistan, while one-third of the country was hit by a blackout.
Taliban delegation in Iran for talks on Afghanistan peace Press TV 16 Sep 2019 -- Members of Taliban's Qatar-based political bureau have visited Tehran and held talks with Iranian officials on the latest developments of the Afghan peace process, including the breakdown of US-Taliban negotiations.
Afghans spend hours in dark amid power pylon sabotage by militants Press TV 16 Sep 2019 -- Afghan households and businesses in about a third of the war-ravaged country have been hit by blackouts in the wake of explosions carried out by militants that have destroyed pylons in the northern province of Baghlan, the main power utility says.
Taliban Say Ready to Continue Dialogue With US - Russian Diplomat Sputnik 16 Sep 2019 -- The Taliban have said at a meeting in Moscow that they are ready to continue dialogue with the United States, but there is no date for a new meeting yet, Zamir Kabulov, the Russian president's special representative for Afghanistan, said.

Defense Policy / Programs

Air Force announces newest Red Tail: 'T-7A Red Hawk' US Air Force 16 Sep 2019 -- The Air Force's all-new advanced trainer aircraft, the T-X, has officially been named the T-7A Red Hawk.
Acting SecAF Donovan announces B-21 manufacturing, testing locations US Air Force 16 Sep 2019 -- Acting Secretary of the Air Force Matthew Donovan announced Sept. 16 that the B-21 Raider is being produced in Northrop Grumman's Palmdale, California, facility - the same location as the B-2 Spirit. In addition, the 420th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base, California, will be reactivated to support testing of the B-21 Raider, as it did for the B-2.
Acting SecAF Donovan highlights progress in achieving 'Air Force We Need' in speech at Air Space Cyber Conference US Air Force 16 Sep 2019 -- Highlighting a series of small but important achievements, Acting Air Force Secretary Matthew P. Donovan told an influential audience at the Air, Space & Cyber Conference Sep. 16 that the service is more ready and more capable than ever before and is adapting effectively to meet new threats and technical demands.
US military steps up efforts to counter China's rising power Press TV 16 Sep 2019 -- The US Defense Department has been sharply expanding its efforts to counter China's growing military power, including stepping up naval operations, missile tests and landing exercises in the Asia Pacific region.
Comfort Begins Medical Services in Grenada NNS 16 Sep 2019 -- Senior leadership from the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) alongside partner and host nation representatives attended an opening ceremony to mark the beginning of the ship's seventh medical mission stop in St. George's, Grenada, Sept. 15.
Naval Special Warfare Acquisition Corps Established NNS 16 Sep 2019 -- Navy announced the establishment of the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Unrestricted Line (URL) Officer Acquisition Corps (AC) and Major Program Manager (MPM) career path in NAVADMIN 214/19, Sept.16.
US Air Force Aims for Rotating Acquisition System to Produce New Jet 'Every Five Years' Sputnik 16 Sep 2019 -- The US Air Force is set to begin a new plane acquisition system that would shed its one-size-fits-all approach to planes that produced the F-35 family of jets. Instead, the service will seek a rotating system, contracting small numbers of jets from different makers, each with a new advance, getting a new plane model "every four or five years."
US Military Tests F-35 Integration With U-2 Spy Plane – Lockheed Martin Sputnik 16 Sep 2019 -- The US Missile Defense Agency and the Air Force successfully connected an F-35 fighter jet with a U-2 spy plane through the multi-domain ground station, Lockheed Martin announced in a press release on Monday.
Cyber Teams Safeguard National Security DoD News 16 Sep 2019 -- During the midterm elections last year, U.S. Cyber Command had three teams deployed in Europe working with partner nations to hunt and track adversaries attempting to disrupt U.S. democratic processes, Cybercom's commander said.

NATO Secretary General arrives in Iraq with Supreme Allied Commander Europe NATO 16 Sep 2019 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg arrived in Baghdad on Monday (16 September 2019) for talks with the Iraqi government and the leadership of the Alliance's new training mission in the country. Mr. Stoltenberg is being accompanied by the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Tod Wolters.

Russia Starts Annual Military Exercises With Six Countries RFE/RL 16 Sep 2019 -- The Russian military's yearly strategic and operational exercises are starting on September 16.
Developer Hints at Start Date for Mass Production of Russia's S-500 Missile System Sputnik 16 Sep 2019 -- Limited production of the sophisticated new air defence system, most of whose characteristics remain under wraps, was said to have begun earlier this year, but the system has not yet concluded military testing.
Russia Deploys S-400 Systems in the Arctic Sputnik 16 Sep 2019 -- Russia has been stepping up its military, trade and exploration activities in the Arctic by building transport and energy infrastructure and developing the Northern Sea Route as part of the Arctic's Northern Passage, which links Europe and Asia.

Putin Offers Saudi Arabia to Purchase Russian Advanced Air Defence Systems Sputnik 16 Sep 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested on Monday that Saudi Arabia should purchase advanced air defence systems from Russia in light of recent drone attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure.

Revealed: Why India is Keen to Build its Own Version of Russia's S-400 Triumf Sputnik 16 Sep 2019 -- India is contemplating a deal that would see it build a domestic version of Russia's S-400 Triumf air defence system, according to an IAF veteran and top military analyst.
India's Spy Planes Detect Seven Chinese Warships Near Indian Waters - Report Sputnik 16 Sep 2019 -- The Indian Navy has tracked down seven Chinese warships operating in and around Indian waters using its anti-submarine warfare spy planes and other surveillance assets.

Global Nuclear Threat 'Highest Since Cuban Missile Crisis' VOA 16 Sep 2019 -- World leaders meeting at the United Nations General Assembly, which begins Tuesday in New York, must make nuclear arms control a priority, according to a group of more than 100 political, military and diplomatic figures from Europe and Russia. They have issued a joint statement warning that the risks of nuclear accident, misjudgment or miscalculation have not been higher since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.

Armenian National Security Chief Fired RFE/RL 16 Sep 2019 -- YEREVAN -- Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian has dismissed the director of the National Security Service.

Remarks by President Trump Before Marine One Departure The White House 16 Sep 2019

Defense Industry

Contracts For Sept. 16, 2019
Raytheon unveils Peregrine advanced air-to-air missile Raytheon 16 Sep 2019 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) is developing a new medium-range, air-launched weapon called the Peregrine™ missile that is half the size and cost of today's air-to-air missiles, yet delivers greater range and effect.
Raytheon Unveils Advanced 'Peregrine' Air-to-Air Missile Project Sputnik 16 Sep 2019 -- US defense contractor Raytheon recently announced the development of its internally-funded Peregrine air-to-air missile project, which is expected to provide interested buyers with a powerful projectile at half the size of missiles being used by militaries presently.

Other Conflicts

16 September 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 16 Sep 2019

Is China Pressuring ExxonMobil to Cease Vietnam Operations? Radio Free Asia 16 Sep 2019 -- Earlier this month private emails from Vietnam and elsewhere reported that ExxonMobil was about to suspend or terminate its mammoth Blue Whale natural gas project in Block 118 off Vietnam's central coast because of pressure from China. At this stage these rumors have not been confirmed. Bill Hayden in a Tweet suggested that commercial differences over the price of gas could be the main factor. He suggested a wait and see approach.
Chinese military monitors, warns U.S. warship Meyer to leave People's Daily 16 Sep 2019 -- China sent military vessels and aircraft to identify the U.S. warship Wayne E. Meyer, made a warning and demanded it to leave the area after the latter trespassing into China's territorial waters off the Xisha Islands on Friday without permission of the Chinese government, Senior Colonel Li Huamin, the spokesperson of the Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) said on Friday in a statement.
China's New Transport Ship Will Help Fortify Islands in Disputed Sea VOA 16 Sep 2019 -- A new large supply transport ship will help the Beijing government ferry supplies to its holdings in the disputed South China Sea, a resource-rich waterway contested by other countries.

Will Saudi Oil Attacks Worsen Sunni-Shi'ite Tensions? VOA 16 Sep 2019 -- Saturday's attacks on Saudi oil installations in the country's predominantly Shi'ite Eastern Province could heat up long-standing tensions with the Saudi Kingdom's Sunni majority. The complex political stew includes allegations that Yemen's Shi'ite rebels, who claimed they launched the attack, had help from inside Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia shuts down oil pipeline to Bahrain after Yemen's drone attacks: Sources Press TV 16 Sep 2019 -- Saudi Arabia has shut down its crude oil pipeline to Bahrain in the wake of crippling drone attacks by Yemeni forces against the Arab kingdom's oil facilities, trade sources say.
Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs SPA 16 Sep 2019 -- In an unprecedented act of aggression and sabotage, petroleum facilities in the kingdom that are vital for global energy supplies were subjected to an attack on Saturday, September 14, 2019, which resulted in the suspension of approximately 50% of Saudi Aramco's production, as noted by the Ministry of Energy's statement.
HRH Crown Prince Receives Telephone Call from US Secretary of Defense SPA 16 Sep 2019 -- His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, received today a telephone call from US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper.
Initial Operational Evidences and Indications of the Terrorist Targeting of Oil Facilities in Abqaiq and Khurais Confirm that the Weapons Used are Iranian, Reports Spokesman for Coalition Forces SPA 16 Sep 2019 -- Spokesman of Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Colonel Turki Al-Malki, confirmed that all operational evidences and indication as well as the weapons used in the large terrorist attacks that targeted the global energy supplies and global economic security at the oil facilities in Abqaiq and Khurais, confirm that the weapons used in the attacks are Iranian weapons, indicating that his department is working to complete these investigations, with all the results to be announced later.
Saudi Arabia Shuts Pipeline to Bahrain Amid Attack on Its Oil Facilities - Reports Sputnik 16 Sep 2019 -- Earlier in the day, media reports indicated that the US was looking to increase intelligence sharing with Saudi Arabia following the attacks on oil infrastructure belonging to state-owned oil company Saudi Aramco.

Trump: 'We'd Certainly Like to Avoid' War With Iran VOA 16 Sep 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump says any American military attack on Iran would be proportionate to the attacks carried out on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia.
Attack on Saudi facilities risks dragging Yemen into 'regional conflagration': UN Envoy UN News 16 Sep 2019 -- Attacks against oil facilities in Saudi Arabia over the weekend, claimed by rebel fighters in Yemen, are a sign that the war-torn country could be drawn into even greater conflict, the top United Nations official there told the Security Council on Monday.
Yemen's military warns foreigners to leave Saudi oil plants Press TV 16 Sep 2019 -- Yemen's military has warned foreigners in Saudi Arabia to leave Aramco's oil processing plants, saying they are still a target and can be attacked "at any moment."
US 'locked & loaded' for response after Saudi oil strike Press TV 16 Sep 2019 -- US President Donald Trump says that the United States is "locked and loaded" for a possible response to the recent Yemeni drone attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil facilities.
Yemeni missile hits gathering of mercenaries in Saudi Arabia's Asir province Press TV 16 Sep 2019 -- Yemeni forces have targeted gathering of mercenaries fighting for the Riyadh regime in Saudi Arabia's southwestern province of Asir with a domestically-manufactured missile.
Russia warns against 'hasty conclusions' over attacks on Saudi oil facilities Press TV 16 Sep 2019 -- Russia has warned against drawing "hasty conclusions" on who carried out recent drone attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil facilities in the eastern part of the kingdom amid allegations by US officials who point the incriminating finger at Iran.
China slams as 'irresponsible' US accusations of Iran involvement in Saudi oil attack Press TV 16 Sep 2019 -- China's Foreign Ministry has censured as "irresponsible" the US accusations that Iran was behind the recent attacks on Saudi Arabia's key oil installations.
Blaming Anyone for Saudi Oil Attacks Without Probe Irresponsible - Chinese Foreign Ministry Sputnik 16 Sep 2019 -- China considers blaming anyone over the Saudi oil facility attacks without an investigation irresponsible, the Foreign Ministry said Monday.
A timeline of Yemeni missile, drone attacks inside Saudi Arabia Press TV 16 Sep 2019 -- For more than four years, Yemen's army and allied popular forces – led by the Houthi Ansarullah movement – have been defending the country against a devastating Saudi-led military campaign meant to reinstate a former Riyadh-friendly government.
US claims about Iran role in Aramco raid 'maximum deceit' Press TV 16 Sep 2019 -- Tehran has once again dismissed Washington's claims of Iran role in Yemen's attack on Saudi Aramco's oil plants as "maximum deceit" to hide the utter failure of the "maximum pressure" campaign against the Islamic Republic.
U.S. Vows To 'Defend' International Order Being 'Undermined By Iran' RFE/RL 16 Sep 2019 -- Calling a recent attack on major Saudi oil facilities "unprecedented," U.S. Defense Secretary Mike Esper says the United States is working with its allies to defend the "international rules-based order that is being undermined by Iran."
Iranian President on Attacks on Saudi Aramco Facilities: Yemen's People Has Right to Self-Defence Sputnik 16 Sep 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, in response to a question about a drone attack on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, said that the people of Yemen has the right to self-defense.
Saudi-Led Coalition Claims Iranian Weapons Used in Attacks on Aramco Oil Plants Sputnik 16 Sep 2019 -- Earlier, President Trump said Washington had "reason to believe" that it knew "the culprit" of Saturday's drone attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil facilities, and warned that the US was "locked and loaded" pending verification from the Saudis on who they believe is responsible.
Russia Concerned Over Attacks on Saudi Aramco, Warns Against Rushing to Conclusions on Culprit Sputnik 16 Sep 2019 -- Yemen's Houthi militia movement claimed responsibility for the Saturday attacks on two major Saudi oil facilities, with the drone strikes thought to have crippled up to half of the country's entire output. The United States rushed to blame Iran for the attacks, with Tehran dismissing the claims as "incomprehensible and meaningless."
Iran Hits Back at 'Unacceptable' Accusations Over Saudi Oil Attacks as Trump Warns US 'Locked and Loaded' Sputnik 16 Sep 2019 -- While Yemeni Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for the recent drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was quick to lay the blame on Iran. Donald Trump said the US has "reason to believe that we know the culprit"; Iran denies any role in the incident.
Iran rules out US accusations over Yemeni attacks on Saudi refinery IRNA 16 Sep 2019 -- Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on his weekly press conference on Monday that Iran supports the Yemeni people suffering from the Saudi disproportionate bombardments, but, implicating Iran in the attacks on the Saudi oil structure is in context of the US "maximum lie".
US Officials Claim Yemen Not Behind Saudi Aramco Attack, Houthis Reveal 'Intel Operation' - Reports Sputnik 16 Sep 2019 -- Two Saudi Aramco plants - in Abqaiq and Khurais - were attacked by drones in the early hours of Saturday, leading to massive fires and a suspension of the production of 5.7 million barrels of crude oil per day. The armed Houthi political opposition faction in Yemen earlier claimed responsibility for the attacks.
Trump: US Knows 'Culprit' Behind Saudi Aramco Attacks, 'Locked And Loaded' to Respond Sputnik 16 Sep 2019 -- A Saturday drone attack caused massive fires at two of Saudi Aramco's largest oil facilities - in Abqaiq and Khurais - halting the daily production of an estimated 5.7 million barrels of crude.

Isolated Among Extremists: Conditions Deteriorate for Children of Islamic State VOA 16 Sep 2019 -- Small children usually flock to photographers as they snap pictures in refugee camps. They make silly faces, flash victory signs and jostle to be in the front of the shot.
Islamic State's Reclusive Leader Issues New Call for Action VOA 16 Sep 2019 -- Supporters of Islamic State are rejoicing at what appears to be a new message from the terror group's reclusive leader, in which he promises the war against the United States and its allies is far from over.

President Rouhani calls for respect for Syrian sovereignty, territorial integrity IRNA 16 Sep 2019 -- Iran urged respect for the Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity, saying Turkey and Russia stress the importance of this issue.
Ankara summit aiming at restoring peace, stability in Syria, gov't spox says IRNA 16 Sep 2019 -- Government Spokesman Ali Rabiei noted that President Rouhani's trip to Ankara was aimed at building peace and stability in Syria.
Iran-Turkey-Russia cooperation promotes Syria security: Rouhani Press TV 16 Sep 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says cooperation among Iran, Russia, and Turkey, as the three guarantor states of a ceasefire regime in Syria, has promoted security in the war-ravaged Arab country.
Presidents of Iran, Russia, Turkey meet in Ankara to discuss Syria Press TV 16 Sep 2019 -- The presidents of Iran, Russia and Turkey meet on Monday in the Turkish capital of Ankara to discuss a political resolution to Syria's eight-year conflict.
Turkey, Russia, Iran Vow To Ease Tensions In Syria's Idlib, Prevent Further Humanitarian Disaster RFE/RL 16 Sep 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted the leaders of Russia and Iran in Ankara on September 16 for talks aimed at finding a lasting truce in the ruinous eight-year Syrian civil war.
Russia, Turkey, Iran View Israeli Attacks on Syria as Destabilising Sputnik 16 Sep 2019 -- Russia, Turkey and Iran consider Israeli military attacks on Syria as destabilizing and leading to increased tensions in the region, according to a joint statement by the leaders of the three countries after the summit in Ankara on Monday.
Turkey's Erdogan Hosts Putin, Rohani To Discuss Syrian War RFE/RL 16 Sep 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is hosting his Russian and Iranian counterparts in Ankara on September 16 for their latest meeting on Syria.
Nusra terrorists continue preventing civilians from leaving Idlib Press TV 16 Sep 2019 -- The Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist group, formerly known as al-Nusra Front, has for the fourth consecutive day prevented citizens from leaving via the Abu al-Duhur corridor in the northwestern province of Idlib, Syria's state-run media outlet says.
Illegal US presence poses threat to Syria's territorial integrity, sovereignty: Rouhani Press TV 16 Sep 2019 -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani says illegal presence of the United States in Syria poses a major threat to territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Arab country, calling for rapid withdrawal of all US forces from Syria.
Militants Blocked Humanitarian Corridor From Idlib De-Escalation Zone - Russian Military Sputnik 16 Sep 2019 -- Militants blocked a humanitarian corridor from the Idlib de-escalation zone in Syria, Maj. Gen. Alexey Bakin, head of the Russian centre for Syrian reconciliation, said at a briefing on Sunday.

Iraq launches fifth phase of Will of Victory operation against Daesh remnants Press TV 16 Sep 2019 -- Iraq has launched a new operation against the sleeper cells of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group to secure areas in the central parts of the country as well as a sector of the vast western desert leading to the border with Saudi Arabia.

East Libyan forces carry out airstrikes on central Sirte city Press TV 16 Sep 2019 -- Eastern Libyan forces have conducted airstrikes against positions in the central city of Sirte held by the Government of National Accord (GNA), amid rising tensions in the North African country.

Beijing Offers to Help Arrange Myanmar Visit for Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh Radio Free Asia 16 Sep 2019 -- China has offered to facilitate a visit by a group of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar's Rakhine state to check the situation there, a senior Bangladeshi official said, while Rohingya leaders and authorities in Dhaka have signaled support for the proposal.
600,000 Rohingya remain under serious risk of genocide: UN Press TV 16 Sep 2019 -- A United Nations fact-finding mission says Myanmar continues to harbor genocidal intent against Rohingya Muslims, noting that the Rohingya who still remain in the country are facing serious risk of genocide.
Genocide threat for Myanmar's Rohingya greater than ever, investigators warn Human Rights Council UN News 16 Sep 2019 -- Hundreds of thousands of ethnic Rohingya who remain in Myanmar may face a greater threat of genocide than ever, amid Government attempts to "erase their identity and remove them from the country", UN-appointed independent investigators said on Monday.
UN: Myanmar is Not Safe for the Return of Rohingya Refugees VOA 16 Sep 2019 -- A U.N. investigator finds that two years after the violent expulsion of more than 700,000 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, the situation in their home country remains too dangerous for them to return from their refuge in Cox's Bazaar, Bangladesh.

In Ukraine, Foreign Minister And Others Fear Being 'Pushed' By West Into Bad Deal With Russia RFE/RL 16 Sep 2019 -- Ukraine's foreign minister has voiced concern about the prospect of being nudged into an unfavorable agreement with Russia, telling RFE/RL that he hopes the West is pressuring Moscow as hard as it is pushing Kyiv for progress toward peace in the Donbas.

Netanyahu vows to begin annexing "all West Bank settlements" after elections Press TV 16 Sep 2019 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he plans to annex "all" settlements in the occupied West Bank if he emerges victorious in the forthcoming general elections.
Netanyahu Aborted Large Offensive in Gaza After Intervention by Attorney General – Report Sputnik 16 Sep 2019 -- The Israeli military carried out airstrikes against purported terror targets in Gaza in response to a rocket attack that appeared to target a Netanyahu rally. The prime minister is said to have considered a larger military operation but backed down following legal advice that such a move would require the security cabinet's approval.
Netanyahu Promises More West Bank Annexations, If He Wins Re-election VOA 16 Sep 2019 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a last-day nationalist campaign pitch, said Monday he would annex all the Jewish settlements in the West Bank over the protests of Palestinian leaders, if he wins his close re-election bid Tuesday against main challenger Benny Gantz.

Hezbollah's new missile specialized in 'destroying all military battleships' Press TV 16 Sep 2019 -- A missile recently unveiled by Hezbollah is capable of destroying all kinds of military battleships, a twitter account affiliated to the Lebanese resistance movement says.
Alleged Photo of 'New Hezbollah Anti-Ship Missile' Surfaces Online as US Destroyer Docks in Beirut Sputnik 16 Sep 2019 -- The US Navy's guided missile destroyer USS Ramage became the first US warship to dock at a Lebanese port in decades on Saturday, with the US Embassy calling the port visit a "security reminder" of the US Navy's constant presence off the Mediterranean country's coast amid boiling tensions between Hezbollah and the Israeli military.

Deadly Clashes On Tajik-Kyrgyz Border Leave One Dead RFE/RL 16 Sep 2019 -- A shoot-out on a disputed section of the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in the Ferghana Valley has left at least one border guard dead and 19 other people wounded, officials from both countries say.

India's Top Court Asks Government to Return Normal Life to Kashmir VOA 16 Sep 2019 -- Six weeks after the Indian government imposed a partial clampdown in Kashmir, the Supreme Court directed authorities to "make the very best endeavor" to return normal life to the disputed Himalayan region. Judges also asked the Indian government to ensure smooth functioning of schools, hospitals and public transport.

Panel: Full-Scale War Looms in South Sudan One Year After Peace Accord Signed VOA 16 Sep 2019 -- A panel of U.N. experts warns the failure of South Sudan's warring factions to implement last year's peace accord risks plunging the country into full-scale war once again.
Misused Donations Hurt Global Trust in South Sudan, Officials Say VOA 16 Sep 2019 -- U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan Thomas Hushek said it will take time for the international community to regain their trust in the South Sudan government because the Kiir administration still lacks transparency in managing the country's resources, including oil.

Cameroonian Troops Killed in Boko Haram Fighting VOA 16 Sep 2019 -- At least six Cameroonian troops are reported dead following a wave of fighting with Boko Haram terrorists on the central African state's northern border with Nigeria. The attacks followed a visit in which Cameroon's chief of defense staff declared that his military had drastically reduced Boko Haram's ability to attack.

News Reports

Some US Lawmakers Consider Designating White Supremacists as Terrorists VOA 16 Sep 2019 -- In June, Canada labeled the white supremacist group Blood & Honour and its armed branch, Combat 18, as terrorist organizations.

Change The Russian Constitution? Might Be A Good Idea, Says Putin Confidant RFE/RL 16 Sep 2019 -- Last October, it was a senior Russian judge suggesting that the country's 26-year-old constitution should be tweaked - possibly with an eye toward prolonging President Vladimir Putin's stay in power.

Russian Court Upholds 14-Year Sentence For Polish Man Convicted Of Spying RFE/RL 16 Sep 2019 -- Russia's Supreme Court has upheld the 14-year prison term of a Polish citizen found guilty of espionage.

Pakistan Captures Two Alleged Indian Spies - Report Sputnik 16 Sep 2019 -- Pakistan on Monday claimed to have captured two Indian spies who were alleged involved in terror activities in the country's Balochistan province.

US Looks to Boost Intel Sharing With Saudi Arabia After Attacks on Aramco's Oil Facilities Sputnik 16 Sep 2019 -- Drones attacked two oil facilities in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, causing major fires and partially disrupting oil production. Washington blamed the attacks on Tehran but the latter rejected the accusations as 'unacceptable'.

For Separated Koreans, Memories Fading and Time Running Out VOA 16 Sep 2019 -- Jin Gyeong-sun was in his early 20s when he fled Pyongyang during the Korean War, heading to South Korea and leaving behind two sisters and a brother in the North.
North Korea: 'Denuclearization' Talks Possible if 'Threats' Removed VOA 16 Sep 2019 -- North Korea says it may be willing to discuss "denuclearization" with the United States if unspecified "threats and hurdles" to its security and development are addressed.
North Korea calls for security guarantees to resume talks with Washington Press TV 16 Sep 2019 -- North Korea has called on the United States to provide security guarantees as a precondition to the resumption of stalled nuclear negotiations between the two sides.
Director General of Department of U.S. Affairs of Foreign Ministry of DPRK Releases Statement KCNA 16 Sep 2019 -- The director general of the Department of U.S. Affairs of the Foreign Ministry of the DPRK Monday made public the following statement:
Review of Rodong Sinmun KCNA 16 Sep 2019 -- Following are major news items and articles in Rodong Sinmun on Monday:
Rodong Sinmun Calls for Rounding Off Fall Harvest and Threshing in Time KCNA 16 Sep 2019 -- Today the agricultural front is the outpost for defending socialism, says Rodong Sinmun Monday in an editorial.

Iran Threatens War, as Oil Prices Spike VOA 16 Sep 2019 -- Analysts warn that Saturday's drone attack on two Saudi oil facilities, which appear to have shattered the prospect of a rapprochement between Tehran and Washington, could push the price of a barrel of oil as high as $100.
Trump says 'incorrect' he's willing to meet Iran with 'no conditions' Press TV 16 Sep 2019 -- US President Donald Trump is denying reports that he is willing to meet with Iranian authorities with "no conditions" despite multiple top administration officials saying otherwise.
There will be no meeting between Rouhani, Trump in NY ISNA 16 Sep 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Abbas Mousavi stressed that there would be no meeting between Iranian president, Hassan Rouhani and his American counterpart, Donald Trump on the sidelines of the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York.
IAEA to continue verifying Iran deal IRNA 16 Sep 2019 -- Acting Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Cornel Feruta referred to the importance of cooperation between Iran and the IAEA, saying the agency is to continue verifying and monitoring Iran nuclear deal.
AEOI Chief : US illegal sanctions endanger peace, security IRNA 16 Sep 2019 -- Head of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Ali-Akbar Salehi criticized the remaining JCPOA signatories for not implementing their commitments, and warned against US unilateralism and its destructive acts which have blown multilateralism and important achievements of diplomacy over the past decades.
Iran will not negotiate under sanctions: Gov't spox IRNA 16 Sep 2019 -- Iran will not negotiate under sanctions, said the spokesman of Iran's Government Ali Rabiei on Monday.
Iran to outperform Qatar in gas production from joint field: Minister Press TV 16 Sep 2019 -- Iran's oil minister says gas production from the South Pars gas field is nearing record levels so that Iran could for a first time take the lead in daily production from the field which is shared with Qatar.
Intl. community must slam US' 'destructive' behavior, economic terrorism: Iran Press TV 16 Sep 2019 -- Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) says the international community must unanimously condemn the United States' destructive behavior and economic terrorism against other countries.
Iranian Revolutionary Guards Seize Vessel in Gulf Over Alleged Smuggling of Fuel to UAE - Reports Sputnik 16 Sep 2019 -- It's not the first time that Iran has detained a vessel reportedly smuggling diesel fuel. Two weeks ago, Iranian coast guards reportedly seized a ship allegedly carrying nearly 284,000 litres of smuggled diesel in the Persian Gulf and detained its 12 Filipino crew members.
Iran Reiterates Readiness to Go Back to Full JCPOA Compliance - Nuclear Chief Sputnik 16 Sep 2019 -- Iran is ready to go back to fully complying with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) if other parties to the deal fully adhere to it, it does not intend to use weapons of mass destruction, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), Ali Akbar Salehi, said on Monday.
Trump Slams Reports Alleging 'No Conditions' US-Iran Meeting Are 'Fake News' Sputnik 16 Sep 2019 -- US President Donald Trump said earlier that he has not ruled out the possibility of meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani during the 74th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

China ready to defend against drone attacks after Saudi Arabia oil hit Global Times 16 Sep 2019 -- Chinese military observers turned their attention to the threats from drones after two major oil installations of Saudi Arabia were attacked by drones on Saturday, saying on Monday China has a full range of countermeasures, including detection and interception systems.
China's supply of oil stable after attack on Saudi Aramco Global Times 16 Sep 2019 -- China's oil supply remains stable despite the Saturday attack on Saudi production facilities that sent oil prices soaring and would further interrupt global supplies, as the country has made increased efforts to diversify imported sources and boost the development of new energy, analysts said on Monday.
HK roiled by another weekend of violence People's Daily 16 Sep 2019 -- Radical protesters refused to stop the violence on Sunday, pushing Hong Kong through its 15th consecutive weekend of disturbances that began over an extradition bill in June, even though the bill was officially withdrawn by the government two weeks ago.
Police Union Calls For Use of Live Ammunition Amid Growing Violence in Hong Kong Radio Free Asia 16 Sep 2019 -- A Hong Kong police association called on Monday for the use of live ammunition against anti-extradition demonstrators after some protesters threw Molotov cocktails at police headquarters at the weekend.
Analysts: China Adopting Strategy in Response to Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Supporters VOA 16 Sep 2019 -- Businesses and metro stations reopened as usual on Monday in Hong Kong, one day after the city again descended into chaos as violent clashes involving police, young pro-democracy protesters and older pro-Beijing supporters erupted.
China Uses High-Tech to Monitor Uyghurs in Xinjiang, Religious Freedoms Group Says Radio Free Asia 16 Sep 2019 -- High-tech surveillance systems set up in China in the name of preventing extremism and crime are also targeting religious groups and houses of worship, especially in northwestern China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), a U.S. bipartisan commission said in a report released on Monday.

Taiwan will never succumb to threat: President Tsai CNA 16 Sep 2019 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) expressed regret at the Solomon Islands' decision on Monday to switch its diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing, and said Taiwan will never succumb to threats despite facing China's interference and suppression.
Taiwan breaks diplomatic ties with Solomon Islands (update) CNA 16 Sep 2019 -- Taiwan has cut diplomatic ties with the Solomon Islands as the South Pacific island-nation has decided to switch diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing, Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) announced Monday.
Solomon ties switch shows China extending its influence in region CNA 16 Sep 2019 -- The Solomon Islands' decision to switch its recognition to Beijing from Taipei showed China was making efforts to impose its influence on the regional power balance, scholars said Monday.
Taiwan's deputy FM visits Solomon Islands in bid to save ties CNA 16 Sep 2019 -- Taiwan's Deputy Foreign Minister Hsu Szu-chien (徐斯儉) arrived in the Solomon Islands Monday to discuss Taiwan's relations with the country to save diplomatic ties amid speculation that the Pacific state will switch recognition from Taipei to Beijing.
China 'highly appreciates' Solomon Islands' cutting Taiwan ties Global Times 16 Sep 2019 -- China on Monday said it highly appreciates the Solomon Islands' decision to cut the "diplomatic ties" with the island of Taiwan and acknowledge the one-China principle.
Solomon Islands Votes to Cut Official Ties With Taiwan Sputnik 16 Sep 2019 -- Earlier this month, media reports said that the Pacific Ocean country of the Solomon Islands was planning to diplomatically recognise Beijing as the legitimate government of China rather than the Taipei government.

Cambodia Opposition to Pay Would-Be Armed Forces Defectors Ahead of Sam Rainsy Return Radio Free Asia 16 Sep 2019 -- Cambodia's banned opposition party has earmarked a budget to support members of the armed forces who defect from Prime Minister Hun Sen's regime and offer protection to its acting president Sam Rainsy when he returns to the country from self-imposed exile in November, a party official said Monday.

Turkmen Trade Minister Jailed On Corruption Charges After Firing RFE/RL 16 Sep 2019 -- Turkmenistan's minister of trade and foreign economic ties, Amandurdy Ishanov, has been sentenced to an unspecified prison term on corruption charges just days after being dismissed from his post.

South Africa Deploys Envoys in Wake of Xenophobic Attacks VOA 16 Sep 2019 -- South Africa has sent out special envoys to explain the government's position on the recent wave of attacks on foreign nationals and their businesses.

US Health Secretary Applauds Uganda's Ebola Control Efforts VOA 16 Sep 2019 -- U.S. Secretary for Health and Human Services Alex Azar has applauded Uganda's efforts to control the spread of Ebola in east and central Africa; however, while the U.S. remains the primary funder of Uganda's health care sector, the secretary did not shy away from asking the East African country to find funds to independently sustain its health care budget.

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