23 September 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

3 US Troops Wounded in Afghanistan Insider Attack VOA 23 Sep 2019 -- Three U.S. service members were wounded in an insider attack Monday in Afghanistan's Kandahar province.
40 Civilians Killed in Military Operation in Afghanistan VOA 23 Sep 2019 -- At least 40 members of a wedding party, including women and children, were killed and another 13 wounded in an airstrike in southern Afghanistan Sunday night, according to a provincial council member from Helmand province.
Pakistan's PM Urges Trump to Restart Peace Talks With Afghan Taliban VOA 23 Sep 2019 -- Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said Monday he wants the United States to restart peace talks with the Afghan Taliban.
Pakistan's Khan Asks Trump To Restart Talks With Afghan Taliban RFE/RL 23 Sep 2019 -- Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has called on U.S. President Donald Trump to restart peace talks with the Afghan Taliban, and said Washington has a "duty" to calm the Kashmir standoff with India.
Afghan anti-Taliban raid kills some 40 civilians at wedding party Press TV 23 Sep 2019 -- Dozens of civilians have lost their lives as Afghan government forces accidentally opened fire on a wedding ceremony during a raid against a nearby Taliban hideout in the southern province of Helmand.
Taliban team in China for talks on defunct peace negotiations with US Press TV 23 Sep 2019 -- A delegation of Afghanistan's Taliban has traveled to China for talks on the militant group's peace negotiations with the United States, which hit a dead end earlier this month.
At Least 35 Civilians Killed By Afghan Forces In Helmand: Officials RFE/RL 23 Sep 2019 -- Provincial officials say at least 35 civilians were killed and 13 were wounded in an attack conducted by the Afghan military in southern Helmand Province.
Fear, Fatigue Could Undermine Afghan Presidential Vote RFE/RL 23 Sep 2019 -- This weekend's presidential election will only be Afghanistan's second potential democratic transfer of power.

Puerto Rico Guard activated due to Tropical Storm Karen Army News 23 Sep 2019 -- The Puerto Rico National Guard has been activated statewide due to the impending passage of Tropical Storm Karen and is prepared to support the government of Puerto Rico, the PR Emergency Management and Disasters Administration and other security and relief agencies before the passage of the atmospheric system.

Defense Policy / Programs

China Poses Largest Long-Term Threat to U.S., DOD Policy Chief Says DoD News 23 Sep 2019 -- It is not an exaggeration to say China is the greatest long-term threat to the U.S. way of life, but China also poses the greatest challenge to the Defense Department, DOD's policy chief said.
Army National Guard team conducts Combined Arms Live-Fire Exercise Army News 23 Sep 2019 -- "It demonstrates the firepower, precision, and lethality of an Armored Brigade Combat Team," said U.S. Army Col. Robert Bumgardner, commander, 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team, North Carolina Army National Guard, when describing the Combined Arms Live-Fire Exercise (CALFX).
Readout of Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper's Meeting with German Minister of Defense Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer DoD 23 Sep 2019
Remarks by Secretary Esper at an Enhanced Honor Cordon and Meeting Welcoming German Defense Minister Kramp-Karrenbauer to the Pentagon DoD 23 Sep 2019 -- Secretary Of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper; German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer
Esper Calls on Germany to Invest More in Defense DoD News 23 Sep 2019 -- Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper called on Germany to invest more money in defense during a meeting with that country's new defense minister at the Pentagon.
Carrier Strike Group 10 Completes SWATT NNS 23 Sep 2019 -- Carrier Strike Group 10 (CSG-10) completed its first Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT) exercise Sep. 21.
Barksdale AFB bomb wings support Cobra Warrior US Air Force 23 Sep 2019 -- Reserve Airmen from the 307th Bomb Wing and their active-duty counterparts from the 2nd BW supported Exercise Cobra Warrior, Sept. 5-17.

Trump, Duda Ink Deal To Send More U.S. Troops To Poland RFE/RL 23 Sep 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a cooperation agreement with his Polish counterpart that foresees an expansion of the United States' military presence in Poland.
Trump Says Poland Will Build Facilities to House US Troops Sputnik 23 Sep 2019 -- Last month, the US and Poland agreed upon six locations for the stationing of new US troops in the country.

US Presses Norway Into Boosting Defence Expenditure as Russia's Neighbour Sputnik 23 Sep 2019 -- Despite failing to meet NATO's 2 percent spending target, Norway's per capita defence expenditure is already among the world's highest.

Niger, Russia Have Military Cooperation Deals to Be Extended Biennially – Foreign Minister Sputnik 23 Sep 2019 -- Niger and Russia will extend defence cooperation deals into large-scale contracts every two years to strengthen bilateral ties under the 2017 intergovernmental military agreement, Nigerien Foreign Minister Kallo Ankourao said.

Russia well capable of resisting US with far less military spending: Defense minister Press TV 23 Sep 2019 -- Russia's defense chief says Moscow – unlike the United States – sees no need to pump large amounts of taxpayer money into its military budget since the Russian military has no intention of attacking others and is already well capable of defending the country against enemies.
Chinese Media Claims S-500's Capabilities Will 'Exceed Those of Any Air Defence System in World' Sputnik 23 Sep 2019 -- Russia began trial production of the next-generation mobile air defence system earlier this year, and plans to start mass production of the system in the second half of next year.
Work on Sixth-Generation Fighters Underway in Russia - Aviation Systems Research Institute Sputnik 23 Sep 2019 -- Work on sixth-generation fighters is underway in Russia, with the possibility of pilot control expected to be optional, State Research Institute of Aviation Systems (GosNIIAS) Director General Sergey Khokhlov said.
Russian Military to Conduct Inspection of Region in Latvia Amid NATO Drills - Reports Sputnik 23 Sep 2019 -- The Russian military from September 23-26 to conduct an inspection of one of the Latvian areas amid the Silver Arrow 2019 NATO drills, the Russian Armed Forces' official newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda (Red Star) reported on Monday.

F-16V jetfighter can outclass China's J-20: defense minister CNA 23 Sep 2019 -- Taiwan's defense minister said Monday that the U.S.-made F-16V fighter jet can outclass China's Chengdu J-20 in a dogfight.
Taiwan plans to buy Paladin howitzers from U.S.: defense minister CNA 23 Sep 2019 -- Defense Minister Yen De-fa (嚴德發) confirmed Monday that Taiwan has requested the purchase of M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzers from the United States, in a bid to beef up its defense capabilities.
Bill covering purchase of F-16s passes initial committee review CNA 23 Sep 2019 -- A draft bill that would pave the way for NT$250 billion in funding for Taiwan to buy 66 F-16V fighter jets from the United States passed a preliminary review by a legislative committee on Monday.

US Satellite Detected Likely Israeli Nuclear Test in 1979, Hid It From Public for 40 Years - Report Sputnik 23 Sep 2019 -- According to a Foreign Policy magazine report, the Carter administration was concerned that outing Tel Aviv's nuclear test might jeopardise the Camp David Accords to broker a peace deal between Egypt and Israel, as well as progress made between Washington and Moscow on the signing of an important arms control pact.

Trump to Cast US as 'Alternative to Authoritarianism' in UN Speech VOA 23 Sep 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has long opposed globalism and criticized the multilateralism that is the foundation of the United Nations. However, as the leader of the country that hosts the world body, Trump is obligated to attend and speak to the U.N.'s General Assembly every year, which he will do for the third time on Tuesday.
Remarks by President Trump and President El-Sisi of Egypt Before Bilateral Meeting | New York, NY The White House 23 Sep 2019
Remarks by President Trump and Prime Minister Lee of Singapore Before Bilateral Meeting | New York, NY The White House 23 Sep 2019
Remarks by President Trump and Prime Minister Lee of Singapore at a Signing Ceremony The White House 23 Sep 2019
Remarks by President Trump and President Duda of Poland Before Bilateral Meeting The White House 23 Sep 2019
Remarks by President Trump at a Signing Ceremony with President Duda of Poland | New York, NY The White House 23 Sep 2019
Remarks by President Trump and Prime Minister Khan of Pakistan Before Bilateral Meeting | New York, NY The White House 23 Sep 2019
Remarks by President Trump and President Moon of the Republic of Korea Before Bilateral Meeting | New York, NY The White House 23 Sep 2019

Defense Industry

Contracts For Sept. 23, 2019
NASA Awards Lockheed Martin Contract for Six Orion Spacecraft Lockheed Martin 23 Sep 2019 -- NASA and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) have finalized a contract for the production and operations of six Orion spacecraft missions and the ability to order up to 12 in total. Orion is NASA's deep space exploration spaceship that will carry astronauts from Earth to the Moon and bring them safely home. Lockheed Martin has been the prime contractor during the development phase of the Orion program.

Other Conflicts

Women, children killed as Saudi jets bomb mosque in Yemen Press TV 23 Sep 2019 -- Saudi warplanes have bombed a mosque in Amran province in western Yemen, killing seven people, including children and women.
Yemeni Vice President praises Kingdom's efforts in supporting his country's security and stability SPA 23 Sep 2019 -- Yemeni Vice President Lt. Gen. Ali Mohsen Saleh praised the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its continued support for the legitimacy and security and stability of Yemen.

Britain Says Iran Responsible For Attack On Saudi Oil Facilities RFE/RL 23 Sep 2019 -- U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson says Britain has concluded Iran was responsible for the September 14 attack on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, and will consider taking part in a U.S.-led military effort to bolster the kingdom's defenses.
Britain, France, Germany, Blame Iran For Saudi Attack, Urge Talks On Nuclear, Missile Issues RFE/RL 23 Sep 2019 -- The leaders of Britain, France, and Germany have backed the United States in assertions that Iran is to blame for the attack on Saudi oil facilities and urged Tehran to choose dialogue over "provocation."

New Syrian Constitutional Committee: Foreign Secretary statement UK FCO 23 Sep 2019 -- The UK welcomes the formation of the Committee, as part of the UN led political process for peace in Syria.
UN chief says constitutional committee created in Syria Press TV 23 Sep 2019 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has announced the creation of a constitutional committee on Syria that could pave the way for a political solution to the country's eight-year conflict.
'Syria respects political solution, but fight to continue' Press TV 23 Sep 2019 -- Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem has held a "positive and constructive" meeting with the United Nations special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, in Damascus.
Statement Welcoming UN Secretary General's Announcement of an Agreement Between the Government of Syria and the Syrian Negotiations Committee to Form a Constitutional Committee US Dept. of State 23 Sep 2019 -- The United States welcomes UN Secretary General Guterres' announcement that an agreement has been reached between the Government of Syria and the Syrian Negotiations Commission to form a Constitutional Committee facilitated by the United Nations in Geneva.
Erdogan Set to Meet Trump to Discuss Syrian Crisis VOA 23 Sep 2019 -- Rising tensions over Syria is expected to top the agenda of talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Syrian Opposition to Meet UN Officials in New York VOA 23 Sep 2019 -- A delegation of Syria's opposition has arrived in New York to hold talks with United Nations and world leaders about the Syrian crisis, a Syrian opposition official said Sunday.

Two Turkish soldiers killed by IED in northern Iraq Press TV 23 Sep 2019 -- Turkey's Defense Ministry has announced that two of its soldiers were killed in an attack in northern Iraq by the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

KSA Affirms the Right of the Palestinian People to Regain All Their Occupied Territories SPA 23 Sep 2019 -- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has renewed its condemnation and rejection of the Israeli Prime Minister's recent declaration of his intention to annex lands from the occupied West Bank in 1967, if he wins the elections, describing the declaration as a very dangerous escalation, a flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of the international law and international norms, and it undermines the efforts of the peace process.

India Ready for Pakistan Strike Amid Intel Reports of 500 Terrorists Near Border Sputnik 23 Sep 2019 -- Earlier in the day, Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said Pakistan has reactivated the terror camp in the Balakot area of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, where the Indian Air Force (IAF) launched pre-dawn strikes on 26 February this year.
Pakistani Lawmaker Says Kashmir Issue Humanitarian Crisis Rather Than Political Sputnik 23 Sep 2019 -- Pakistan urges the international community to see the current tense situation in the disputed Kashmir region as a humanitarian crisis rather than a political one, Saleem Mandviwalla, deputy chairman of the Pakistani Senate, said.
Pakistan Has Reactivated Balakot 'Terror Training Camp', Indian Army Chief Claims Sputnik 23 Sep 2019 -- Balakot Airstrikes

News Reports

Trump 'Not At All' Worried By Talk Of Impeachment Over Ukraine Whistle-Blower Case RFE/RL 23 Sep 2019 -- Donald Trump has dismissed talk of impeachment over a whistle-blower allegation that reportedly involved a plea from the U.S. president to his Ukrainian counterpart to investigate a political rival.
House Leaders Threaten to Subpoena Pompeo Over Trump-Ukraine Call VOA 23 Sep 2019 -- Three House leaders are demanding Secretary of State Mike Pompeo start turning over all documents related to the Trump-Ukraine telephone call by Thursday or face subpoenas.

Senior State Department Official On United States Policy on Venezuela US Dept. of State 23 Sep 2019 -- Special Briefing by Office of the Spokesperson
US Looking to Sabotage 2020 Parliamentary Vote in Venezuela - President Maduro Sputnik 23 Sep 2019 -- Venezuela is set to hold a National Assembly vote in December 2020. The parliament was initially slated to work until August 2019, but it extended its term this May.

Protesters in Sudan Condemn Previous Day's Attack by Security Forces VOA 23 Sep 2019 -- Thousands of protesters in Sudan rallied Monday, condemning violence by security forces the previous day against students demonstrating in Nyala city.

World Doping Agency Probing 'Inconsistencies' With Russian Data RFE/RL 23 Sep 2019 -- The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) says it has begun compliance proceedings against the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) over "inconsistencies" in the data it supplied at the start of the year.

Russia declares alleged CIA agent missing, search underway Press TV 23 Sep 2019 -- Russia has formally placed an alleged CIA agent on a list of missing individuals after US media reports claimed he had been evacuated to America.
Russia Declares Alleged CIA Mole Missing, Launches Search RFE/RL 23 Sep 2019 -- Russia's Interior Ministry says a former Kremlin official, whom media reports have called a CIA informant, has been officially declared missing.

Rouhani: US 'Maximum Pressure' Campaign a Failure VOA 23 Sep 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says the Trump administration's "maximum pressure" campaign has failed, and that sanctions it imposed after abandoning the 2015 agreement on Iran's nuclear program show the United States is desperate.
FM Zarif says US unable to bring Iran to its knees IRNA 23 Sep 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Monday that the United States is unable to bring Iranian people to their knees through exerting mounting pressures.
Zarif: Iran requesting $15b credit before resuming talks with US IRNA 23 Sep 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that Tehran will not resume talks with Trump administration until the $15b is not implemented.
Christiane Amanpour claims; Rouhani's term for meeting with Trump ISNA 23 Sep 2019 -- CNN journalist, Christiane Amanpour in two tweets mentioned to some parts of Iranian Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif's interview with the channel.
UN headquarters held hostage by Washington: Iran Press TV 23 Sep 2019 -- Iran says Washington's obstructing the issuance of visa for Iranian officials to attend the United Nations General Assembly indicates the fact that the international body has been taken hostage by the White House.
Abandon illusion that Iran can be defeated by pressure: Zarif to US Press TV 23 Sep 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has slammed the United States' aggressive behavior towards the Islamic Republic, as characterized by Washington's economic war against Tehran through the re-imposition of tough sanctions, noting that Iranians cannot be brought to their knees through such pressures.
US violates rights of 80mn Iranians, EU too biased to see: Ministry Press TV 23 Sep 2019 -- Iran has blasted the European Parliament for accusing the Islamic Republic of human rights abuses, saying Europe is too biased to see how the United States is violating the rights of around 80 million Iranians.
Tanker Trackers: British Vessel Detained by Iran Receives Fuel for Journey Home VOA 23 Sep 2019 -- A global tanker tracking company says a British-flagged oil tanker detained by Iran since July has begun receiving fuel for its return journey after Iranian officials said it was free to leave the country's waters.
British oil tanker allowed to leave: Iran's government spokesman ISNA 23 Sep 2019 -- Iran's government spokesman, Ali Rabiei stressed on Monday that the legal process of releasing the British oil tanker has finished and based on that it is allowed to leave.
Iran releases seized British oil tanker People's Daily 23 Sep 2019 -- Iran released British oil tanker, the Stena Impero, detained in the Strait of Hormuz in July for "maritime violations," Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday.
Iran: Legal Steps Completed For Release Of British-Flagged Tanker RFE/RL 23 Sep 2019 -- Iran says the legal steps required for the release of the British-flagged oil tanker it seized along with its crew in July have been completed.
Iran awarding contract for largest automated port terminal in region Press TV 23 Sep 2019 -- Iran is to award a major contract for construction of the largest automated port terminal in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman for handling mining products and metals.
President Rouhani's plan offers low-cost shortcut to maintain global security IRNA 23 Sep 2019 -- President Hassan Rouhani is to unveil a new plan at the United Nations General Assembly themed " Hormuz Peace Initiative" aims at establishing durable peace and resolving security issues in the region through collective contribution with the neighboring states.
Iran President Hassan Rouhani Says Tehran to Deliver Message of Peace and Stability to World Sputnik 23 Sep 2019 -- The statement came following the Iranian president's arrival at New York's John F. Kennedy Airport as he is expected to take part in the 74th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Iran's Hormuz initiative seeks lasting peace in the Persian Gulf: Rouhani Press TV 23 Sep 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says the peace initiative that he will soon unveil at the United Nations General Assembly is aimed at establishing long-term peace in the Persian Gulf, something he said is simply not achievable as long as outsiders are present.
Trump says open to hearing Rouhani's 'Hormuz Peace Initiative' at UNGA Press TV 23 Sep 2019 -- US President Donald Trump says he has no plans to meet his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani, but he is open to hearing his "Hormuz Peace Initiative" at the UN General Assembly in New York.
Iran, Iraq, Gulf States Should Join Coalition to Defend Persian Gulf, Tehran Says Sputnik 23 Sep 2019 -- Earlier, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said that his country would propose a new initiative to ensure the security of the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman at this week's UN General Assembly in New York, with the plan calling for cooperation between the countries of the region.

First Asia, Now South Pacific: China Expands Economic Footprint in Traditional Western Stronghold VOA 23 Sep 2019 -- China's likely acquisition of two new diplomatic allies in the South Pacific advances its growing global economic effort – warily watched by the West – to offer infrastructure aid to other countries in return for natural resources.
Tensions at Home, Abroad Overshadow China's Upcoming National Day Celebrations VOA 23 Sep 2019 -- China is planning extravagant celebrations including an unprecedented military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of its founding on October 1.
China Faces Pressure From Saudi Oil Disruption Radio Free Asia 23 Sep 2019 -- Recent attacks on Saudi Arabia's petroleum facilities have raised pressure on China to face the problem of its rising dependence on foreign oil.
Chinese Rights Activist Detained After Supporting Hong Kong Protests Radio Free Asia 23 Sep 2019 -- Authorities in the southwestern Chinese province of Sichuan have criminally detained a prominent rights activist after he repeatedly showed public support for the anti-extradition protests in Hong Kong.
China issues white paper on human rights progress over 70 years People's Daily 23 Sep 2019 -- China on Sunday published a white paper on its progress in the field of human rights over the past 70 years.
Video Purportedly Shows Transfer of Uyghur Detainees in China's Xinjiang Region Radio Free Asia 23 Sep 2019 -- Video footage has emerged of what appears to be authorities in northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) taking hundreds of ethnic Uyghur inmates off of a train in preparation for their transfer to a detention center in a remote part of the region.
The Human Rights Crisis in Xinjiang US Dept. of State 23 Sep 2019 -- Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan is co-hosting an invitation-only panel discussion for United Nations delegations and non-governmental partners on the Human Rights Crisis in Xinjiang.

World Leaders Gather for Climate Summit VOA 23 Sep 2019 -- World leaders gathered Monday in New York for a United Nations summit on climate change as scientists warn much more ambitious action must be taken to meet targets to mitigate the effects.
UN Chief Urges Action At UN Climate Summit In New York RFE/RL 23 Sep 2019 -- The United Nations has kicked off a major climate summit in New York at which some world 60 leaders are expected to deliver their pledges to reduce carbon-dioxide emissions.

EU countries, including UK, Germany, 'deeply concerned' about Saudi rights record Press TV 23 Sep 2019 -- More than two dozen European Union countries have expressed grave concern about the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia, the second such assertion over a span of six months.
Aramco attacks blow to MbS wishful plans for modernizing Saudi Arabia Press TV 23 Sep 2019 -- Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, also known as MbS and seen as the de facto ruler of the kingdom, has suffered a major blow to his wishful plans for building a modern and economically vibrant country after attacks on state-run Aramco's oil installations earlier this month as investors are no longer interested in buying the shares of the company.
Restoration of Saudi Aramco's Operations After Oil Attacks May Take Months - Reports Sputnik 23 Sep 2019 -- Saudi Aramco is holding urgent negotiations with producers of equipment and service providers, offering them higher payments, to resume operations after the recent attacks on its oil facilities as soon as possible, but it still could take months, media reported on Sunday, citing Saudi officials and contractors.
British PM accuses Iran of being behind Saudi oil attacks Press TV 23 Sep 2019 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has accused Iran of being behind last week's attacks on two major oil facilities in Saudi Arabia.
Britain, France, Germany in Joint Statement Blame Iran For Attack on Saudi Aramco's Oil Facilities Sputnik 23 Sep 2019 -- On 14 September, two drones attacked Saudi Aramco oil facilities, leading to a major fire and partially disrupting oil production. The attack was claimed by Yemen's armed Houthi political faction, but Washington has put the blame on Iran.

Trump Marks Mars as NASA's Next Target, Says Moon Is 'Not So Exciting' Sputnik 23 Sep 2019 -- US President Donald Trump on Friday praised the US space program's efforts to return astronauts to the moon by 2024 as "tremendous," yet outlined that the ultimate goal is Mars.

China launches two new BeiDou satellites People's Daily 23 Sep 2019 -- China has successfully sent two satellites of BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) into space from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan Province at 05:10 a.m. Monday.
China Launches Another 2 Satellites of BeiDou Navigation System - Aerospace Corporation Sputnik 23 Sep 2019 -- China on Monday successfully launched into the orbit the 47th and 48th satellites of its BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, China Aerospace and Technology Corporation (CASC) said.

Last Soyuz-FG Carrier Rocket Installed at Baikonur Cosmodrome Launch Site - Roscosmos Sputnik 23 Sep 2019 -- The last ever Soyuz-FG carrier rocket to be launched was installed at a launch site at Kazakhstan's Baikonur cosmodrome on Monday, Russia's state space agency, Roscosmos, said.

A Week After Elections, Israel Still Has No Government VOA 23 Sep 2019 -- Almost a week after Israel's deadlocked election, Israelis are no closer to knowing who their prime minister will be. President Reuven Rivlin has just finished two days of consultations with all of the party heads, and will ask either Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or challenger Benny Gantz to try to form a coalition.

Kazakh Authorities Say Dozens Detained During Unsanctioned Rallies RFE/RL 23 Sep 2019 -- Kazakhstan's Interior Minister says about 100 people were detained during unsanctioned opposition rallies on September 21.

Malawi Repatriates Citizens Targeted in South Africa VOA 23 Sep 2019 -- Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, also known as MbS and seen as the de facto ruler of the kingdom, has suffered a major blow to his wishful plans for building a modern and economically vibrant country after attacks on state-run Aramco's oil installations earlier this month as investors are no longer interested in buying the shares of the company.

US Soldier Arrested for Sharing Bomb-Making Instructions VOA 23 Sep 2019 -- A U.S. Army soldier has been arrested for sharing bomb-making instructions on social media.

Myanmar Top General Raises Questions With Visits to Mosques, Other Places of Worship Radio Free Asia 23 Sep 2019 -- Visits to non-Buddhist religious venues by Myanmar's military commander-in-chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, accompanied by sizeable financial donations, have prompted observers to question his motives in the face of international condemnation for his role in widespread rights abuses by the army.
Myanmar's Muslims Organize to Press Government to Reopen Shuttered Mosques Radio Free Asia 23 Sep 2019 -- Muslim leaders from all states and regions of Myanmar are forming a temporary committee to press the civilian-led government to reopen shuttered mosques across the country, most of which were closed down in the wake of 2012 communal violence between Buddhist and Muslim communities in Rakhine state, a spokesman for the body said Monday.

Egyptian authorities round up 373 protesters Press TV 23 Sep 2019 -- Human rights monitors say Egyptian authorities have rounded up about 400 protesters who had participated in rare protests against President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi over government corruption.

Estonia Ministry Outraged by Russian Interpretation of Country's Liberation From Nazis Sputnik 23 Sep 2019 -- The Estonian Foreign Ministry expressed on Monday outrage over Russia's release of documents that interpret the Soviet military operation in Estonia that happened toward the end of World War II as the Baltic nation's liberation.

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