18 September 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Defeat-ISIS Task Force Director Chris Maier Provides an On-the-Record, Off-Camera Press Briefing in the Pentagon Briefing Room DoD 18 Sep 2019 -- Defeat-ISIS Task Force Director Chris Maier
U.S., Turkey Cooperate in Defeat-ISIS Effort DoD News 18 Sep 2019 -- In late August, the U.S. and Turkish militaries agreed to a framework that outlines a security mechanism along the Turkey-Syria border to prevent a resurgence of the ISIS terrorist group and maintain a continued fight against it.

Taliban: Doors are open to resuming talks with US Press TV 18 Sep 2019 -- The Taliban says its "doors are open" to resuming talks with the United States following the collapse of negotiations between Washington and the Afghan militant group earlier this month.
Taliban 'Open' To Fresh Talks With U.S. After Deadly Afghan Bombings RFE/RL 18 Sep 2019 -- The Taliban has said the "doors are open" to resuming talks with the United States despite continuing violence ahead of a presidential election in Afghanistan.
U.S. Afghan Special Envoy Khalilzad Agrees To Brief House Committee RFE/RL 18 Sep 2019 -- Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. special envoy to Afghanistan, will brief a House of Representatives committee on peace negotiations in a compromise after the panel subpoenaed him in frustration over his refusal to meet with its members.
On Afghanistan's Upcoming Presidential Election US Dept. of State 18 Sep 2019
Afghanistan: Attack Ongoing on Jalalabad Government ID Center VOA 18 Sep 2019 -- A multi-pronged attack is under way on the Afghanistan national electronic ID distribution centrt in Jalalabad, the capital of Nangarhar province.
Pakistan PM Will Urge Trump To Resume Talks With Taliban VOA 18 Sep 2019 -- Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan says he will urge U.S. President Donald Trump to resume talks with the Taliban to help bring peace to Afghanistan when he meets with him next week on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly.

Defense Policy / Programs

Trump: 'Many Options' to Respond to Iranian Attacks on Saudi Oil Fields VOA 18 Sep 2019 -- President Donald Trump said Wednesday the U.S. has "many options" in addition to military strikes to respond to Iran's missile and drone attacks that knocked out half of Saudi Arabia's oil production last weekend.
US military preparing response to Saudi oil attacks: Pentagon chief Press TV 18 Sep 2019 -- The US military is preparing a response to the recent Yemeni drone attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil facilities, Defense Secretary Mark Esper has said.
US Military Leaders Provided Trump With Plan to Attack Iran Oil Facilities Sputnik 18 Sep 2019 -- US military leaders have presented President Donald Trump with a plan to strike Iranian oil facilities in response to Tehran's alleged role in attacks on Saudi plants, media reported.

Trump Says US Was 'Low on Ammunition' Before He Became President Sputnik 18 Sep 2019 -- US President Donald Trump recalled on Monday that in 2017, then-Defence Secretary Jim Mattis told him that the US was "low on ammunition," adding that "no president should ever, ever hear that statement."
Remarks by Secretary Esper at the Air Force Association's 2019 Air, Space & Cyber Conference, National Harbor, Maryland DoD 18 Sep 2019 -- Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper
RELEASE: New Documents Show Pentagon Spent At Least $184,000 in U.S. Taxpayer Funds at President Trump's Turnberry Resort House Committee on Oversight and Reform 18 Sep 2019 -- Today, Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, thhe Chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, and Rep. Jamie Raskin, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, sent their third letter demanding documents being withheld by the Department of Defense in response to the Committee's requests for information regarding U.S. taxpayer funds spent at President Donald Trump's Turnberry golf resort in Scotland in apparent violation of the Domestic Emoluments Clause of the Constitution.
Virginia-Based Sailors, Marines Return After Supporting Relief to Bahamas NNS 18 Sep 2019 -- Sailors and Marines returned to Norfolk, Virginia, this week after providing unique military capabilities supporting relief to the Bahamas following Hurricane Dorian.
Damage Controlmen Undergo Testing Aboard Ike NNS 18 Sep 2019 -- As the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) conducts Tailored Ship's Training Availability and Final Evaluation Problems (TSTA/FEP), the crew must undergo a variety of tests in order to qualify for full integration into a carrier strike group.
Spanish Navy Frigate Visits U.S. Naval Base Guam as Part of 500-Year-Old Voyage NNS 18 Sep 2019 -- The Spanish Navy Frigate Mendez Nunez is re-tracing the voyage of the Magellan-Elcano circumnavigation of the world 500 years ago as part of their current deployment that brought them to U.S. Naval Base Guam Sept. 15.
Roper: Air Force of the future is faster, smarter, bolder US Air Force 18 Sep 2019 -- The world has changed and, to become a competitive acquisition system, the Air Force needs to change with it, said Dr. Will Roper, assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, technology and logistics, at the Air Force Association's 2019 Air, Space and Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Sept. 16.
CMSAF discusses leading with purpose US Air Force 18 Sep 2019 -- Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright spoke on leading with purpose during the annual Air Force Association's Air, Space and Cyber Conference Sept. 18 at National Harbor.
Esper emphasizes need for military to 'adapt' to confront new threats, resurgent 'great power competition' US Air Force 18 Sep 2019 -- The emergence of Russia and China along with potential threats in space and from cyber attacks demands that the U.S. military adapt if it is to preserve "our long held advantages," Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper said Sept. 18 at the Air Force Association's Air, Space & Cyber conference.
ACC discusses 16th Air Force as new information warfare NAF US Air Force 18 Sep 2019 -- Gen. Mike Holmes, Air Combat Command commander, discussed the designation of the 16th Air Force as a new information warfare numbered air force Sept. 18 at the Air Force Association's Air, Space & Cyber Conference in National Harbor.
Mobility leaders discuss expanding competitive airlift edge at AFA panel US Air Force 18 Sep 2019 -- Gen. Maryanne Miller, Air Mobility Command commander, led a panel discussion on expanding the competitive airlift edge during the Air Force Association's Air, Space & Cyber Conference, Sept. 17 in National Harbor.
Services Must Adapt to Maintain Military Advantages, Esper Says DoD News 18 Sep 2019 -- The return of great power competition requires the U.S. military services to change and adapt quickly, Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper said at the Air Force Association's convention in Washington.
Pentagon Official Provides Update on Work of Firefighting Foam Task Force DoD News 18 Sep 2019 -- A senior Defense Department official met with Pentagon reporters to update them on the progress of PFAS Task Force, which Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper set up this summer to address compounds that have affected the ground water of military installations and surrounding communities.

U.S. General: NATO's Advantage Over Russia Has 'Eroded' RFE/RL 18 Sep 2019 -- Amid a resurgent Russia and violent extremism growing in parts of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, NATO must ensure that every decision it makes now and in the future is strategy-driven, U.S. General Joseph Dunford, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has said.

N Korea's Arsenal May Grow to 40 Nukes Next Year – Researcher Sputnik 18 Sep 2019 -- A pundit from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute has estimated that North Korea could double its arsenal of nuclear warheads by next year.

India Sets up Military Landing Ground for Fighter Jets near Chinese Threshold Sputnik 18 Sep 2019 -- Despite China's objection to the Indian stance on Arunachal Pradesh, which China refers to as "South Tibet", the Indian Air Force activated a crucial advanced landing ground in the State on Wednesday.
India Conducts High-Level Integrated War Games Near China Border Amid Tension Over Ladakh Sputnik 18 Sep 2019 -- India and China had a limited faceoff following New Delhi's decision to strip Jammu and Kashmir of its special status and split the state into two federally administered territories – Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Saudi Prince Asks Seoul to Help Boost Air Defence After Attack on Oil Facilities - Reports Sputnik 18 Sep 2019 -- Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman held phone talks with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Wednesday to discuss the fallout of the recent attack on Saudi Aramco oil facilities and ask Seoul for assistance in enhancing the kingdom's air defence, the Yonhap news agency reported, citing the presidential administration.
Saudi Arabia joins US naval mission in Middle East amid tensions with Iran Press TV 18 Sep 2019 -- Saudi Arabia has joined a US-led naval mission purportedly aimed at protecting shipping lanes in Middle Eastern waterways as Washington and Riyadh engage in another blame game against Iran following massive Yemeni drone attacks on key Saudi oil facilities.
Saudi Arabia Joins U.S.-Led Patrol As Pompeo Heads To Riyadh RFE/RL 18 Sep 2019 -- Saudi Arabia says it has joined a U.S.-led coalition to patrol the waters in the Persian Gulf amid rising tensions in the region after an attack targeting its crucial oil industry, while Iran's president said the attack was a warning to Riyadh to end its intervention in Yemen.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Joins the International Maritime Security Construct SPA 18 Sep 2019 -- An official at the Saudi Ministry of Defense announced that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has decided to join the International Maritime Security Construct.
Saudi Arabia to Join US-led Maritime Coalition in Middle East - Reports Sputnik 18 Sep 2019 -- Riyadh recently raised security concerns after two compounds belonging to Saudi Aramco caught fire following a drone attack. The incident has caused a considerable drop in the country's net oil output, subsequently affecting global oil prices.
Spokesman of the Saudi Defense Ministry: The Kingdom is Able to Take all Measures to Defend Capabilities of the Homeland SPA 18 Sep 2019 -- Colonel Turki Al-Malki, Official Spokesman of the Ministry of Defense, affirmed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's ability to defend its infrastructure and to take all measures to defend the capabilities of the homeland, adding that the Kingdom deals with partners and allies in stabilizing the security of the region.

U.S. arms sales to Taiwan justified, declassified Reagan memo reveals CNA 18 Sep 2019 -- A recently declassified White House document published by the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) provides evidence that American arms sales to Taiwan do not flout the terms of a joint communique issued by the United States and China in August 1982, despite Beijing's strong protest against such deals.

Two Feared Dead as Spanish Air Force Training Aircraft Crashes in Sea - Reports Sputnik 18 Sep 2019 -- An aircraft belonging to the Spanish Air Force has reportedly crashed in the sea in Mar Menor lagoon near the town of Murcia.

Trump Names Robert O'Brien as New National Security Adviser VOA 18 Sep 2019 -- President Donald Trump has named hawkish diplomat Robert O'Brien as his new national security adviser, replacing another foreign policy hawk, John Bolton, who was fired last week.
Remarks to the Traveling Press US Dept. of State 18 Sep 2019 -- Remarks by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State
Remarks by President Trump Before Air Force One Departure | Los Angeles, CA The White House 18 Sep 2019

Defense Industry

Contracts For Sept. 18, 2019

Other Conflicts

UN and Red Cross chiefs appeal for end to use of explosive weapons in cities UN News 18 Sep 2019 -- With some 50 million people in urban areas suffering from the impact of armed conflict, war in cities "cannot be back page news", the UN Secretary-General and the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross said on Wednesday.

China rejects Vietnam's accusations about infringing on its sovereignty Global Times 18 Sep 2019 -- China's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday reiterated that China has sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the Nansha Islands and adjacent waters nearing Vanguard Bank, rejecting Vietnam's repeated claims that China's research in the area has infringed on its sovereignty.

Saudi Arabia Says Drones, Missiles Used In Oil Attack 'Sponsored By Iran' RFE/RL 18 Sep 2019 -- Saudi Arabia has displayed drone and missile debris that it said showed a weekend attack targeting the kingdom's crucial oil industry was "unquestionably sponsored by Iran."
Joint Statement by Middle East Strategic Alliance (MESA) US Dept. of State 18 Sep 2019
Defense minister denies Iran's involvement in Saudi attack IRNA 18 Sep 2019 -- Iran's defense minister on Wednesday denied the US allegations on Tehran's involvement in recent attacks on Saudi oil facilities.
Saudi oil strikes perfect example of Yemeni forces' military capabilities: Army spox Press TV 18 Sep 2019 -- The spokesman for Yemeni Armed Forces has lauded the highly disruptive drone attacks on Saudi Aramco petroleum and gas processing plants at Abqaiq and Khurais in the kingdom's Eastern Province as an outstanding example of the military prowess of Yemeni army troops and allied fighters from Popular Committees.
Yemeni forces, allies shoot down Saudi-led surveillance drone in Ta'izz Press TV 18 Sep 2019 -- Yemeni army forces, supported by allied fighters from Popular Committees, have intercepted and targeted an unmanned aerial vehicle belonging to the Saudi-led military coalition in the skies over the country's southwestern province of Ta'izz, in retaliation for the alliance's military aggression against their conflict-stricken country.
Saudi Military: Attack on Saudi Aramco Facilities Were "Unquestionably Sponsored by Iran" Sputnik 18 Sep 2019 -- Earlier in the day, Saudi ambassador to London Prince Khalid bin Bander bin Sultan Al Saud said that the recent attack on the kingdom's oil facilities was "almost certainly" backed by Iran.
Yemen's Houthis Say Ready to Attack Targets in Dubai, Abu Dhabi Sputnik 18 Sep 2019 -- The rebels from the Ansal Allah movement (Houthis), who seized power in northern Yemen, threatened on Wednesday to attack the largest UAE cities, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, after a massive drone strike oil facilities in Saudi Arabia.
Yemeni Houthis' Attack on Saudi Oil Facilities is 'Warning' - Iranian President Rouhani Sputnik 18 Sep 2019 -- On 14 September, Saudi Arabia had to shut down two Saudi Aramco oil facilities at Abqaiq and Khurais, after a drone attack claimed by Yemen's Houthis caused massive fires.

Concerns Mount Over Makeshift Prisons for Islamic State Fighters VOA 18 Sep 2019 -- Efforts to secure prisons holding thousands of captured Islamic State fighters appear to be on the verge of crumbling, a development that could help strengthen the terror group's efforts to re-emerge in Syria and Iraq.

Libya's UN-backed government launches airstrikes on east-based army People's Daily 18 Sep 2019 -- Libya's UN-backed government on Tuesday said that it has launched airstrikes on the rival eastern-based army in southern Tripoli.

India to Rewrite Chapters of Its Border History Amid Conflict With Pakistan and China Sputnik 18 Sep 2019 -- The Indian Defence Ministry has asked eminent historians to rewrite the country's border history amid a conflict along its northern and western frontiers.

UN's Myanmar Rights Envoy Urges Aung San Suu Kyi to 'Open Your Eyes' Radio Free Asia 18 Sep 2019 -- An appeal by a United Nations envoy on human rights to Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi to stop ignoring the situation of persecuted Rohingya Muslim refugees in Bangladesh and those still living in the Southeast Asian country drew swift rebukes from Myanmar officials on Wednesday.

U.S. Says Moscow Used 'Sham' NGOs At OSCE Forum To Promote Claim Crimea Belongs To Russia RFE/RL 18 Sep 2019 -- The United States has accused Moscow of using "sham organizations" to promote its "spurious claim" that Ukraine's Crimea region is part of Russia during an annual human rights conference of the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
Eastern Ukraine Braces for Bitter 6th Winter of Conflict VOA 18 Sep 2019 -- The United Nations is urgently appealing for $52 million to provide life-saving assistance to thousands of the most vulnerable people in eastern Ukraine to prepare for the harsh winter months ahead.

No talks with India until curfew lifted: Pakistan PM Press TV 18 Sep 2019 -- Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has ruled out the possibility of talks with India over Kashmir until the curfew imposed on the disputed region is lifted.
India's Statement on Kashmir 'Obvious Manifestation of Utter Frustration' - Pakistan Sputnik 18 Sep 2019 -- Indian Foreign Minister Dr Subrahmanyan Jaishankar's statement that the country would have "physical jurisdiction over" Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has evoked a strong response from Islamabad.
Pakistan Rules Out Talks With India Over Kashmir VOA 18 Sep 2019 -- Pakistan has ruled out talks with India until India reverses recent controversial actions in the disputed Kashmir territory. Pakistan also turned down India's overflight request for its prime minister's upcoming visit to the United States.

China Launches New Push Against Dalai Lama Photos in Ngaba Radio Free Asia 18 Sep 2019 -- Police in western China's Sichuan province have launched a new drive to find and destroy photos of the Dalai Lama, raiding Tibetan homes at random in a search for images of the exiled spiritual leader, who is widely reviled by Chinese authorities as a dangerous separatist.

South Sudan's peace process 'precarious, but progress in being made', Security Council hears UN News 18 Sep 2019 -- One year on from the signing of a Revitalized Agreement to ease conflict in South Sudan, the country's political leaders "have met some, but certainly not all", of the expectations laid out, the top UN official for the country told the Security Council on Wednesday.

Rwandan Militia Leader Wanted for War Crimes Killed in Congo VOA 18 Sep 2019 -- The commander of a Rwandan Hutu militia wanted for alleged war crimes has been killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

News Reports

Chairman Schiff Announces Upcoming Committee Events Related to Whistleblower Complaint HPSCI 18 Sep 2019 -- Today, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), the Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement:

Remarks by President Trump During Visit to the Border Wall | San Diego, CA The White House 18 Sep 2019
Trump Makes His Mark on Signature Border Wall Project VOA 18 Sep 2019 -- The border wall literally became President Donald Trump's signature project Wednesday.

Lawsuit by Relatives of 9/11 Victims Shakes Loose Name of Saudi 'Mystery Man' VOA 18 Sep 2019 -- Relatives of the victims of the 9/11 attacks who are suing Saudi Arabia for compensation obtained a coveted piece of information last week that they hope will strengthen their case.

Experts Discuss Ways to Counter Domestic Extremism in US VOA 18 Sep 2019 -- Recent attacks in the United States, including in a Walmart store on El Paso, Texas and a synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania have raised concerns over the growing threat from domestic extremist groups.

Venezuela releases Guaido's deputy after agreement with opposition Press TV 18 Sep 2019 -- Venezuela has released the deputy of opposition figure Juan Guaido, four months after he was arrested on treason charges for supporting a failed coup against the government of President Nicolas Maduro.
Military Invasion in Venezuela to Have Fatal Consequences for Entire Continent - Ministry Sputnik 18 Sep 2019 -- The military invasion in Venezuela will have fatal consequences for entire South America, the Venezuelan Defence Ministry said.
Venezuelan Gov Releases Held Lawmaker Zambrano in Interim Agreement with Opposition Sputnik 18 Sep 2019 -- Edgar Zambrano, the deputy speaker of the Venezuelan opposition-controlled National Assembly, has been released four months after being detained, according to Reuters, citing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and an opposition lawmaker.

Analysis: After 'Significant' Regional Elections, Russia's Opposition Looks To The Future RFE/RL 17 Sep 2019 -- More than a week after regional elections, Russia's anti-Putin opposition is struggling to understand exactly what was achieved and what comes next.

For North Korea, More Leverage and More Big Demands Ahead of Talks VOA 18 Sep 2019 -- If North Korea soon resumes nuclear talks with the United States as promised, it could be entering the negotiations with an improved bargaining position following a summer of missile tests and a perception that the U.S. alliance structure in Northeast Asia has begun to weaken.
North Korean Migrants Remaining in Russia Experience Discrimination, Human Rights Abuses Radio Free Asia 18 Sep 2019 -- As Russian authorities ramp up efforts to comply with U.N. sanctions on North Korea, North Korean migrants in Vladivostok are experiencing verbal abuse among the migrant worker community, discrimination from Russians, and human rights violations perpetrated by police, local residents told RFA's Korean Service.
Russia Detains At Least 160 North Korean Poachers, Summons Envoy RFE/RL 18 Sep 2019 -- Russian border guards have detained at least 160 North Korean nationals who they say were illegally fishing in Russian waters.

Iran condemns UAE, Israel's 'ridiculous' claims at IAEA Press TV 18 Sep 2019 -- Iran has denounced "ridiculous" allegations raised at the recent general conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) by the UAE "nuclear newcomers" and the Israeli regime.
Trump: I will 'substantially' increase sanctions on Iran Press TV 18 Sep 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has ordered Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to "substantially" increase economic sanctions on Iran as Washington further escalates tensions with Tehran.
Trump Says He Instructed Treasury to 'Substantially Increase' Sanctions on Iran Sputnik 18 Sep 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has stated that he has instructed his administration to ratchet up sanctions on Iran.
Trump Says He Would 'Prefer' Not to Meet with Iranian President Sputnik 18 Sep 2019 -- US President Trump on Tuesday said he would prefer not to meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly next week amid the recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East region.
President Rouhani says Iran remains committed to JCPOA IRNA 18 Sep 2019 -- President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that the Islamic Republic of Iran remains committed to the JCPOA nuclear deal as the IAEA monitors the country's peaceful nuclear activities.
President says "impossible" to negotiate under "maximum pressure" IRNA 18 Sep 2019 -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said in remarks to the cabinet session on Wednesday that negotiation under maximum pressure is impossible and that if the US wants to talk with Iran, they must put an end to "Economic Terrorism".
Enemies of region must learn from Yemenis' alarming response: President Rouhani ISNA 18 Sep 2019 -- Describing wise regional states' resistance an ever-burning flame, President Hassan Rouhani said, "Instead of accusation, believe in the power of peoples who have risen".
Rouhani: Stop blaming governments; recognize power of nations Press TV 18 Sep 2019 -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has advised the warmongering states to recognize the rising power of regional nations and stop the blame game against certain governments.
FM Zarif urges US to stop war, terror IRNA 18 Sep 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif referred to US escalation of economic war on Iranians and urged them to stop illegal and inhuman terror.
Iran FM says US maximum pressure has gone nowhere IRNA 18 Sep 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Wednesday that the US maximum pressure on Iran has failed and has gone nowhere.
Iran urges US to deliver on nuclear commitments to turn back to negotiating table IRNA 18 Sep 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif urged the US on Wednesday to live up to its commitments within the nuclear deal to return to the negotiating table.
US should return to its commitments if wants to have a seat on negotiation table: Zarif ISNA 18 Sep 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif said US should return to its commitments and prove it is trustworthy, if it wants to have a seat on the negotiation table.
Zarif: US once again shows sanctions aimed at Iranian people Press TV 18 Sep 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has condemned a decision by US President Donald Trump to tighten economic pressure against Tehran, saying Washington once again proved that it deliberately seeks to target ordinary people.
US pressure has failed, Trump should return to JCPOA: Zarif Press TV 18 Sep 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says America's campaign of pressure against Tehran has failed, advising US President Donald Trump to return to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal if it wants a seat at the negotiating table.
Belgium joins INSTEX IRNA 18 Sep 2019 -- Belgian ambassador to Tehran announced that Belgium would join INSTEX financial channel and encourage Belgian companies to work with Iran and that Belgium could become a shareholder of INSTEX under a bill approved by the parliament.
Iran sends message to US on Aramco attacks ISNA 18 Sep 2019 -- Iran sent a message to US through Switzerland Embassy in Tehran as the Protecting Power of the USA in Iran on attacks against Saudi Arabia's oil facilities and claims by US officials about Iran's role in the incident.
Attacks on Aramco to have short-term impacts: Iran Oil Minister ISNA 18 Sep 2019 -- Recent attacks on Saudi oil facility would have short-term impacts on oil market, Iran's Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said on Wednesday.
Minister says US sanctions on Iran hit Turkey worst Press TV 18 Sep 2019 -- Turkey's Minister for Trade Ruhsar Pekcan says her country has been the worst hit by a series of American sanctions imposed on Iran.
Iran issues sober warning to US: Action will be met with counteraction Press TV 18 Sep 2019 -- Iran has warned the United States via Switzerland that any action taken against the country over the false accusation that Tehran was behind the recent attacks on Saudi Arabian oil facilities will be met with an immediate response.
Iran seeks to reduce tensions but will surprise aggressors in case of attack: Senior official Press TV 18 Sep 2019 -- Iran's top security official says the Islamic Republic seeks to reduce tensions and avoid confrontation but will give a crushing response to any act of aggression or attempt to endanger the country's interests.
India pressing US for resumed oil imports from Iran: Report Press TV 18 Sep 2019 -- Indian authorities have renewed their efforts to persuade the United States to lift sanctions on imports of oil from Iran amid disruptions caused to supplies from Saudi Arabia following attacks last week that hit oil installations east of the kingdom.

Pelosi Remarks at Press Event on Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act Nancy Pelosi - Speaker of the House 18 Sep 2019 -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi and bipartisan Members of Congress held a press event on H.R. 3289, the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019, bipartisan legislation to send the unequivocal message that the protesters of Hong Kong have the full support and backing of the United States in their quest for justice and freedom.
US Lawmakers Pledge Support for Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Activists VOA 18 Sep 2019 -- U.S. lawmakers will move next week to begin passing legislation combating human rights abuses in Hong Kong, an action intended to send long-term support to democracy activists there.
Mainland is HK's future: HK finance chief Global Times 18 Sep 2019 -- Months-long social unrest has dampened Hong Kong's prospects, as the city has been struggling with cooling business, housing woes and limited opportunities for the youth. When foreign investors raised questions about the future of this international trade and financial hub, a top Hong Kong finance officer said the city could overcome the downturn only by deepening cooperation with the Chinese mainland.
SAR party calls for US Congress not to interfere People's Daily 18 Sep 2019 -- Hong Kong's largest political party in legislature said that the attempt by the US Congress to interfere in China's internal affairs with the proposed Human Rights and Democracy Act is not only "inappropriate" but also against accepted international practices.
Chinese experts outline results of counter-terrorism drive in Xinjiang Global Times 18 Sep 2019 -- China has adopted a series of measures to combat extremism and safeguard people's rights in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region over the past decades and achieved notable results in socioeconomic development, experts said at the 42nd session of the UN Human Rights Council held in Geneva from September 9 to 27.
Chinese Censorship Prompts Complaint From Ruling Party-Linked Newspaper Editor Radio Free Asia 18 Sep 2019 -- The ruling Chinese Communist Party has apparently launched a fresh censorship drive aimed at stopping people from circumventing content controls ahead of the 70th anniversary of its rise to power, according to an outspoken state media editor.

US to review reasons for Solomon Islands' diplomatic switch CNA 18 Sep 2019 -- The United States opposes China's destabilization of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and will look into the the reasons the Solomon Islands' decided Monday to change allegiance from Taipei to Beijing, a senior U.S. official told CNA Tuesday.

2 US Senators Warn Trump Against Nuclear Deal With Saudis VOA 18 Sep 2019 -- Two U.S. senators are warning the Trump administration against a nuclear cooperation deal with Saudi Arabia, fearing it could set off a nuclear arms race in the volatile Middle East.
Pompeo Visits Saudi Arabia, Meets With Crown Prince in Wake of Oil Facility Attacks VOA 18 Sep 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met Wednesday with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, insisting that Iran was responsible for the attacks Saturday on Saudi oil installations.
Minister of Energy confirms return of oil supplies following blatant sabotage act against oil facilities in Abqaiq and Khurais SPA 18 Sep 2019 -- Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Minister of Energy, conveyed the Saudi leadership's announcement to the citizens and people who love this country about the return of oil supplies to what they were before 3:43 am on Saturday as a result the blatant sabotage act against the two oil facilities in Abqaiq and Khurais of Saudi Aramco.

Netanyahu cancels trip to UN over poor election results Press TV 18 Sep 2019 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has canceled his planned visit to the United Nations General Assembly in New York amid a political deadlock following Tuesday's general elections.
Israel in deadlock: Netanyahu, Gantz remain tied in vote, exit polls show Press TV 18 Sep 2019 -- Israel is reportedly stuck in a political deadlock following general elections as neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor his main challenger Benny Gantz have managed to secure a parliamentary majority, raising the possibility of fresh coalition talks or the end of the premier's rule.
Election Deadlock Leaves Israel Headed for Lengthy Coalition Talks VOA 18 Sep 2019 -- There is no clear winner from Tuesday's national election in Israel, the second time voters have gone to the polls in the past five months. With almost all the votes counted, the centrist Blue and White Party of former Israeli army chief of staff Benny Gantz has edged out Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud Party.

Student Vs. Student: Turkmen Government Recruits 'Snitches' To Spy On Classmates RFE/RL 18 Sep 2019 -- Turkmenistan's security service is expanding its network of so-called informants among university students to spy on those who criticize the government or use proxies to access banned websites.

Activists Being Jailed Across Kazakhstan Ahead Of Planned Protest Rallies RFE/RL 18 Sep 2019 -- Several Kazakh activists have been handed jail terms for taking part in unsanctioned rallies against Chinese investment just days ahead of a planned anti-government demonstration.

Pakistani Plan For Media Courts Marks 'Black Day' For Press Freedom RFE/RL 18 Sep 2019 -- Pakistani media advocates, human rights activists, and opposition politicians have strongly denounced the government's plan to set up special tribunals to deal with media-related cases, calling the move yet another attack on press freedom in the country.

Armenia's Police Chief Dismissed, Appointed Adviser To Pashinian RFE/RL 18 Sep 2019 -- Armenia's police chief Valeri Osipian was sacked on September 18, two days after the resignation of the National Security Service's (NSS) head.

Activists Want Details on Kenya Oil Contract with Chinese Firm VOA 18 Sep 2019 -- Kenya has exported its first shipment of oil, worth about $12 million, under a deal with the Chinese petrochemical company, ChemChina. Members of a civil society group are demanding transparency, calling on the Kenyan government to show how the Chinese firm won the bid to buy the oil and how much revenue the country is getting from the sale.

Will Philippines New Plan to Fight Some of Asia's Worst Corruption Work? VOA 18 Sep 2019 -- Two measures proposed by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte this week will make another dent in some of Asia's most entrenched corruption but not solve the problem, experts say.

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