02 October 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

US, Taliban Peace Negotiators Arrive in Pakistan VOA 02 Oct 2019 -- U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban political negotiators have arrived in neighboring Pakistan amid a renewed diplomatic push to resurrect peace talks between Washington and the insurgent group.
Taliban, US negotiators in Pakistan to try and resume talks Press TV 02 Oct 2019 -- In a move to get the long-running tough talks going, the co-founder of the Taliban militant group and Washington's special envoy for Afghanistan have traveled to Pakistan.
Taliban Delegation, U.S. Negotiator In Pakistan For Talks RFE/RL 02 Oct 2019 -- An Afghan Taliban delegation was due in Pakistan on October 2, the militant group said, as the U.S. special envoy for Afghan peace talks also met government officials there.

Defense Policy / Programs

30th Armored Brigade Combat Team Sappers lead the way CENTCOM 02 Oct 2019 -- Although their name originated centuries ago with the French translation for "trench digger," today's combat engineers, called Sappers, have specialized skills that far exceed the origins of their profession.
Navy to Christen Submarine Oregon DoD 02 Oct 2019 -- The Navy will christen its newest attack submarine, the future USS Oregon (SSN 793), during a 10 a.m. EDT ceremony Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, at General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut.
Joint Center Launches Online Market for Tactical Communication Devices NNS 02 Oct 2019 -- The Joint Tactical Networking Center (JTNC), in collaboration with several Department of Defense service labs and test agencies, announced initial operational capability for the Tactical Communications Marketplace (TCM) Oct. 1, giving registered DoD users a modernized approach to critical procurement decisions.
Transcom Ensures Troops, Gear Move Quickly to Project Power DoD News 02 Oct 2019 -- Projecting power by quickly moving people and equipment around the world based on the combatant commands' needs is a top priority for U.S. Transportation Command, Transcom's commander said.
Navy to Commission Littoral Combat Ship Cincinnati NNS 02 Oct 2019 -- The Navy will commission its newest Independence-variant littoral combatship (LCS), the future USS Cincinnati (LCS 20), during a 10 a.m. CDT ceremony Saturday, Oct. 5, on the west pier in Gulfport, Mississippi.
$49.8M Contract Award to Support Littoral Combat Ship Program NNS 02 Oct 2019 -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast awarded last month a $49.8 million contract to Walsh Federal LLC to build a Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) logistics facility at Naval Station (NS) Mayport, Florida.
Navy to Christen Submarine Oregon NNS 02 Oct 2019 -- The Navy will christen its newest attack submarine, the future USS Oregon (SSN 793), during a 10 a.m. EDT ceremony Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, at General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut.
Future Carrier John F. Kennedy Establishes Crew NNS 02 Oct 2019 -- Forty-three Sailors assigned to the future aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) attended a ribbon cutting in Newport News, Virginia, Oct. 1, establishing the ship's crew and opening the building where they'll work during the ship's construction.
US Air Force Arms B-1B Bomber with Long-Range Hypersonic Weapons Sputnik 02 Oct 2019 -- The weapons on the bomber are able to move at 5-times the speed of sound, skip along the boundaries of the earth's atmosphere and descend upon targets at lightning speed, according to the USAF.
Ramstein AB Airmen support Bulgarian military free-fall course during Thracian Fall 19 US Air Force 02 Oct 2019 -- Airmen and aircraft from the 37th Airlift Squadron deployed from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, provided primary airlift support for a U.S. sponsored military free-fall course in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, Sept. 24 - Oct. 1, 2019.
AFGSC tests Minuteman III missile with launch from Vandenberg AFB US Air Force 02 Oct 2019 -- A team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen from the 341st Missile Wing at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a test reentry vehicle at 1:13 a.m. PST Oct. 2, from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.
Space Policy Chief: Partnerships Key to Success in Domain DoD News 02 Oct 2019 -- Partnerships will be a key element of U.S. success in an era of great-power competition in space, the Defense Department's space policy chief said.

Joint press point by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, Mr. Krišjānis Kariņš NATO 02 Oct 2019 -- (as delivered)

Sweden Revamps 'World's Largest Underground Navy Base' for 'Fear of Powerful Russian Weapons' Sputnik 02 Oct 2019 -- The Swedish Navy's triumphant return to its Cold War-era fortress fits the country's ongoing militarisation pattern, characterised by budget hikes and the return of the draft, coupled with panic-inducing rhetoric.

SAMINavantia kicks off construction of first RSNF corvette in Cadiz SPA 02 Oct 2019 -- SAMI Navantia Naval Industries (SAMINavantia), a joint venture between Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) and Navantia S.A., marked the launch of construction for the first of five Avante 2200 corvettes with an official keel-laying ceremony in Cadiz, Spain. The state-of-the-art vessels are being built for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) at Navantia's San Fernando shipyard and are due to be delivered by 2023.

China's grand military parade showcases confidence, transparency, stokes patriotism Global Times 02 Oct 2019 -- A grand military parade and a mass pageantry marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) were held in Beijing on Tuesday that featured the country's most sophisticated weaponry and spectacular performances, while patriotism and pride swelled among Chinese as they celebrated the country's seven decades of achievement under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
China embraces new era of building strong military as grand parade staged Global Times 02 Oct 2019 -- A grand military parade, as part of the National Day celebrations, was staged in Beijing Tuesday to showcase China's achievements in building a modern and strong national defense and armed forces over the past decades.
World leaders congratulate China on 70th anniversary Global Times 02 Oct 2019 -- Leaders of foreign countries and international organizations congratulated China on the People's Republic of China's 70th founding anniversary. Many leaders sent their congratulations to President Xi Jinping.
Upgraded PLA forces make a big impression People's Daily 02 Oct 2019 -- Event highlights forward march of military reforms, defense systems

DPRK fires unidentified ballistic missile off east coast: S.Korea People's Daily 02 Oct 2019 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) fired an unidentified ballistic missile off its east coast Wednesday morning, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).
North Korea fires missile likely from submarine: South Press TV 02 Oct 2019 -- North Korea has fired a projectile, most likely a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), which landed in waters near Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), South Korea says.
North Korea Launches Unidentified Projectiles Toward Sea of Japan Sputnik 02 Oct 2019 -- South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff reported Wednesday morning that "unidentified projectiles" had been launched from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
North Korea Builds Leverage, Demonstrates Threat, With Submarine Launch VOA 02 Oct 2019 -- North Korea on Wednesday tested a ballistic missile designed to be launched from a submarine – an important advancement in Pyongyang's weapons program and a major provocation just days ahead of working-level nuclear talks with the United States.

India Reportedly Kicks Off Military Combat Drills Near Border With China Sputnik 02 Oct 2019 -- The Indian Army has kicked off a major military combat exercise in the strategically-located state of Arunachal Pradesh, a media report said.

IRGC chief commander warns of consequence of new military adventurism against Iran IRNA 02 Oct 2019 -- Commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) said that the Zionist Regime is no longer regarded as a threat and any mistake by this regime will lead to its being wiped out from the political geography of the world.
Outsiders source of insecurity in Persian Gulf, Iran hits back at NATO Press TV 02 Oct 2019 -- Iran has warned the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) that outsiders only cause insecurity in the Persian Gulf, after the head of the Western military alliance described the Islamic Republic's ballistic missile and nuclear energy programs as the main destabilizing factors in the region.

US Prepares $39M in Anti-Tank Javelin Missiles for Ukraine VOA 02 Oct 2019 -- Congressional and State Department officials on Tuesday preliminarily approved a $39-million sale of shoulder-launched Javelin anti-tank missiles to Ukraine to help the country battle Russia-backed separatists.

Remarks by President Trump and President Niinistö of the Republic of Finland Before Bilateral Meeting The White House 02 Oct 2019
Secretary Michael R. Pompeo And Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio At a Press Availability US Dept. of State 02 Oct 2019 -- Remarks by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State

Defense Industry

Contracts For Oct. 2, 2019

Other Conflicts

2 October 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 02 Oct 2019
Africa must 'value youth' in the drive towards lasting peace, young envoy tells Security Council UN News 02 Oct 2019 -- Recognizing the potential of African youth caught up in conflict to forge peace, is crucial for nurturing their developing identities, and could help them turn away from violence, a youth representative told the Security Council on Wednesday.

Statements by Iranian Chief of Staff is Official Recognition of Tehran's Military Support for Terrorist Houthi Milishias, Yemeni Information Minister Says SPA 02 Oct 2019 -- Yemen's Information Minister Muammar Al-Iryani said that the statements made by the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Bagheri to a Chinese channel is an explicit acknowledgment and official recognition of Tehran's military support for Houthi terrorist militias.
Yemeni Foreign Ministry Condemns World Org. Activities by Terrorist Al-Houthis SPA 02 Oct 2019 -- The Yemeni Ministry of Foreign affairs condemned today the Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist militias' continuation in obstructing the activities of international organizations operating in the capital Sana'a.

Putin says no proof Iran was behind attack on Saudi Aramco Press TV 02 Oct 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says there is no evidence Iran was responsible for a recent attack on Saudi oil facilities, adding that the United States had not presented any proof of Iran's role.
Iran's Zangeneh: Saudis exaggerating damage from Aramco attack Press TV 02 Oct 2019 -- Iran's Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zangeneh says the impact on Saudi Arabia's oil facilities from Yemeni attacks on Sept. 14 has been blown out of proportion.
Putin: U.S. Yet To Produce Evidence Of Iran Involvement In Saudi Attacks RFE/RL 02 Oct 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says that U.S. intelligence agencies have yet to give Saudi Arabia proof that Iran was involved in attacks on the country's oil industry.

Syria's Constitutional Committee to Meet October 30 VOA 02 Oct 2019 -- U.N. Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen says Syria's Constitutional Committee will meet October 30 to begin the process of re-writing or drafting a new constitution for the war-torn country.

Myanmar Army Shoots Rakhine Man Dead And Is Accused of Rights Abuses in Shan State Radio Free Asia 02 Oct 2019 -- Myanmar soldiers shot dead a villager in northern Rakhine state's Kyauktaw township after he failed to stop his motorbike as ordered for a security check in the war-ravaged area, residents and an army spokesman said.

Explainer: What Is The Steinmeier Formula -- And Did Zelenskiy Just Capitulate To Moscow? RFE/RL 02 Oct 2019 -- KYIV -- In the United States, Ukraine is in spotlight over what some call "Ukrainegate" -- the developments that have led to an impeachment probe involving a phone conversation between the presidents of the two countries in July. In Kyiv, there's been a bigger buzz about a different catchphrase -- the Steinmeier Formula.
Mixed Reactions For Zelenskiy's Eastern Ukraine Election Deal RFE/RL 02 Oct 2019 -- A deal announced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to allow local elections in separatist-held parts of eastern Ukraine under certain security conditions has triggered a backlash, including protests, in Ukraine and praise from the Kremlin.
Ukraine Agrees To Election In Occupied East, Paving Way For Peace Talks With Russia RFE/RL 02 Oct 2019 -- Ukraine has provisionally agreed to hold local elections in the occupied territories of its two easternmost regions once all armed formations leave the area and control is regained over about 400 kilometers of borderland with Russia.

Militant attacks on army bases in Mali kill 25 troops Press TV 02 Oct 2019 -- At least 25 Malian soldiers have been killed and about 60 have gone missing in militant attacks on two army bases in central Mali.
UN condemns deadly simultaneous terrorist attacks on military camps in Mali UN News 02 Oct 2019 -- The United Nations condemned on Wednesday, with "the utmost energy", simultaneous terrorist attacks on military camps in central Mali, close to the border with Burkina Faso, that left dozens dead and scores missing.

Cameroon Separatists Celebrate 'Independence' as Dialogue is Held VOA 02 Oct 2019 -- English-speaking Cameroonians came out in huge numbers on Oct. 1 to celebrate what they call their independence day, declared by separatist leaders in 2017.

US Reopens Embassy in Somalia After 28 Years VOA 02 Oct 2019 -- The United States has reopened its embassy in Somalia. The previous one had been closed in January 1991 during the country's civil war.

News Reports

Kurt Volker Set to Testify in Inquiry of Trump's Ukraine Dealings VOA 02 Oct 2019 -- Former U.S. special envoy for Ukraine Kurt Volker is set to testify before House committees Thursday about his involvement in U.S. President Donald Trump's dealings with Ukraine. He is expected to speak behind closed doors to the Intelligence, Oversight and Reform, and Foreign Affairs committees.
White House Being Warned to Expect Subpoena for Documents on Trump's Dealings With Ukraine VOA 02 Oct 2019 -- The White House is being warned by leaders of the opposition Democratic Party, who control the House of Representatives, to expect a subpoena for documents about President Trump's dealings with Ukraine.
Pompeo Admits He Was on Call that Led to Impeachment Probe of Trump VOA 02 Oct 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has acknowledged he was on the telephone call that triggered the impeachment investigation into President Donald Trump.
Trump Calls Impeachment Probe a 'Coup,' House Dems Say Pompeo May Have 'Obvious Conflict of Interest' VOA 02 Oct 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump is criticizing an impeachment inquiry against him as a "coup," while the heads of several House of Representatives committees accuse Secretary of State Mike Pompeo of blocking their efforts to gather documents and interview witnesses.
Democrats Give White House October 4 Deadline To Avoid Subpoena RFE/RL 02 Oct 2019 -- Democratic lawmakers have demanded that the White House turn over documents related to U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts to get Ukraine to investigate a political rival, or face a congressional subpoena.
Two Officials Agree To Testify In Congressional Ukraine Probe RFE/RL 02 Oct 2019 -- Two officials named in the whistle-blower complaint related to Ukraine have agreed to provide depositions to three Democratic-led congressional committees as part of an impeachment probe into U.S. President Donald Trump.

Putin Calls U.S. Concerns Of 2020 Election Meddling 'Laughable' RFE/RL 02 Oct 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says it is "laughable" to think that Moscow will attempt to meddle in the 2020 U.S. presidential election, despite conclusions in the United States that it did so in 2016.
US Officials Not Taking Putin Election Comments Lightly VOA 02 Oct 2019 -- U.S. security officials are not laughing at the latest comments by Russian President Vladimir Putin about the Kremlin's attempts to interfere in U.S. elections.

Face Off: Local Council In St. Petersburg Replaces Putin Portrait With Sakharov RFE/RL 02 Oct 2019 -- Putin's off the wall, and Sakharov is on it.
US Senators Press Pompeo, Mnuchin for Russia Human Rights Sanctions VOA 02 Oct 2019 -- A bipartisan group of 11 U.S. senators is calling on the departments of State and Treasury to issue a new round of sanctions under the Magnitsky Act over Russia's targeting of political dissidents within its own borders.
Russian President Putin Says No Evidence to Blame Iran for Attacks on Saudi Aramco Sputnik 02 Oct 2019 -- Following the 14 September attacks on Saudi Aramco's oil facilities, the US together with Saudi Arabia and several European countries accused Iran of being behind the attacks.
Tycoon Khodorkovsky Talks Putin, Russia's Problems, And Opposition RFE/RL 02 Oct 2019 -- In a far-ranging interview with RFE/RL, Russian tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky analyzed the Russian president, spoke about the opposition's prospects and Russia's problems, and compared governing systems all from a viewpoint living in self-imposed exile for more than five years.

US Urges North Korea to 'Refrain From Provocations' After Pyongyang Launches Missile - Reports Sputnik 02 Oct 2019 -- On Wednesday morning North Korea launched a ballistic missile that fell in Japan's exclusive economic zone, hours after announcing it would resume denuclearisation talks with the United States.
Tokyo Ready for Dialogue With North Korea Without Preconditions Despite Missile Launch Sputnik 02 Oct 2019 -- Japan plans to go ahead with a summit with North Korea without any preconditions, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga announced at a press conference on Wednesday after North Korea fired a missile off its east coast.
More Questions Than Answers as US, N. Korea Enter Talks VOA 02 Oct 2019 -- On Saturday, North Korean and U.S. officials are scheduled to hold their first working-level nuclear talks since February.
North Korean Authorities Crackdown on "Anti-Socialist" Fashion Radio Free Asia 02 Oct 2019 -- Authorities in North Korea are cracking down on what they call "anti-socialist behavior," by strictly enforcing rules on non-conforming styles of dress, and not everyone is passively accepting the campaign, sources in the country told RFA's Korean Service.

Iran to welcome Saudi policy change if it understands buying arms can't guarantee security: Zarif Press TV 02 Oct 2019 -- Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says Iran will welcome Saudi Arabia's change of policy "with open arms" if it comes to the realization that it cannot buy security though arms purchases and extra-regional help.
Iran, Saudi Arabia Reportedly in Contact, Despite Official Saudi Denial VOA 02 Oct 2019 -- Iran and Saudi Arabia are reportedly in contact following a destructive drone attack on a Saudi oil refinery, despite denials from Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia gave Iraq green light to arrange meeting with Iran: Iraqi official Press TV 02 Oct 2019 -- An Iraqi official says Saudi Arabia has agreed that Iraq's Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi help set the stage for a meeting with Iran.
Iran's leader says US 'maximum pressure' has failed IRNA 02 Oct 2019 -- Iran's leader said on Wednesday that the US so-called "maximum pressure" strategy has already failed and backfired with "more problems" for the country itself.
With utmost seriousness, Iran to continue reducing JCPOA commitments: Leader ISNA 02 Oct 2019 -- The members of the High Council of the Commanders of the IRGC met with the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ayatollah Khamenei on Wednesday.
Leader: Iran will keep reducing JCPOA commitments until goals achieved Press TV 02 Oct 2019 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says Iran is determined to reduce more of its commitments under a 2015 multinational nuclear deal in response to the US's exit until the Islamic Republic achieves the desired results.
Khamenei Vows Iran Will Keep Reducing Nuclear Commitments Until it Reaches 'Desired Result' Sputnik 02 Oct 2019 -- Iran began reducing its observance of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal in May, citing the lack of progress from its other signatories on overcoming the crushing US sanctions placed on Tehran by Washington after the Trump administration unilaterally scrapped its commitments under the deal in 2018.
Trump failed to deceive Iran in New York: President Rouhani Press TV 02 Oct 2019 -- President Hassan Rouhani says the administration of US President Donald Trump failed to deceive Iran into holding a presidential meeting during his recent visit to New York.
Rohani: Iran Backs European Plan To Bolster Nuclear Deal RFE/RL 02 Oct 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rohani has said Iran supports a plan by European powers to bolster a nuclear deal, which the United States withdrew from last year.
Iran's President Rouhani Says 'Mixed Messages' From Trump Administration are Unacceptable - Reports Sputnik 02 Oct 2019 -- On 1 October, the New Yorker reported that as French President Emmanuel Macron attempted to arrange a telephone conversation between US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, the latter refused to come out of his hotel room, leaving Trump waiting on the line.
Iran's AEOI releases statement on scaling down JCPOA commitments IRNA 02 Oct 2019 -- Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) on Wednesday issued a statement on reducing JCPOA commitments and at the same time boosting scientific and strategic nuclear activities.
President: Iranian great nation passes through sanctions powerfully IRNA 02 Oct 2019 -- President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that despite the worst sanctions imposed by US on Iranians, they have got more powerful with bright prospects.
Araghchi calls for protecting JCPOA against US unilateralism IRNA 02 Oct 2019 -- Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Abbas Araghchi on Tuesday stressed the need for the efforts to save the JCPOA against the US unilateralism, as it is currently in critical conditions.
Macron's four-point plan not containing Iran's views: Zarif ISNA 02 Oct 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif said French President Emmanuel Macron's four-article plan doesn't contain our views.
US shoots itself in foot by sanctioning Iran oil buyers Press TV 02 Oct 2019 -- Data from November trade shows rates for shipping US oil to Asia hit more than a three-year high amid American sanctions on China and Iran.

China's Growing Influence Fails to Yield Favorable Opinions Abroad: Pew Research Center Radio Free Asia 02 Oct 2019 -- China's growing influence on the world stage has not translated into favorable views of the country, according to a survey by a Washington-based think tank focusing on social issues and demographic trends, released as the East Asian nation marks the 70th anniversary of its founding.
Xi says no force can ever undermine China's status People's Daily 02 Oct 2019 -- No force can ever undermine China's status, or stop the Chinese people and nation from marching forward, President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday, China's National Day.
US Secretary of State Pompeo Raps China on Abuse of Uyghurs at Vatican Conference Radio Free Asia 02 Oct 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday slammed China over its repressive policies against Muslim Uyghurs in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), while calling on the international community to join Washington in protecting religious freedom.
Hong Kong Police Shooting of Protester Escalates Potential for Deadly Clashes VOA 02 Oct 2019 -- In Hong Kong there are growing concerns the government is condoning the excessive use of force against pro-democracy demonstrators after police shot a student protester on Tuesday.
Vigil Held for Hong Kong Student Shot in Latest Anti-Beijing Protests VOA 02 Oct 2019 -- Hundreds of people held a vigil Wednesday outside the Hong Kong school of a young demonstrator shot by riot police during violent anti-Beijing protests Tuesday.
Use of gun followed Police General Orders, needed for self-defense: HK police Global Times 02 Oct 2019 -- The Hong Kong police officer who opened fire at a rioter on Tuesday was exercising self-defense as his life and those of his colleagues were threatened, and he did so in accordance with Police General Orders, the Hong Kong police said on Wednesday.
Officer fires shot at rioter in self-defense: HK police chief Global Times 02 Oct 2019 -- Hong Kong police chief confirmed late Tuesday night that a police officer was cornered to fire a shot at a rioter after he was besieged and attacked by radicals, which put the officer's life in danger.
HKSAR gov't strongly condemns extreme acts of radical protesters People's Daily 02 Oct 2019 -- The government of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Wednesday strongly condemned rioters for their extreme violent acts in various districts across Hong Kong on Tuesday.
100s rally in Hong Kong over police shooting of protester Press TV 02 Oct 2019 -- Hundreds of protesters in Hong Kong have held a demonstration outside the school of an 18-year-old school student who was earlier shot in the chest by police.
Shooting of Teenage Protester Sparks Outcry in Hong Kong, Internationally Radio Free Asia 02 Oct 2019 -- Schoolchildren in Hong Kong boycotted class on Wednesday in protest at the shooting of a teenage protester – who is recovering from emergency surgery in intensive care – by police during anti-China protests on China's National Day on Oct. 1.
Hong Kong People Take to Streets, Malls in Show of Public Anger Radio Free Asia 02 Oct 2019 -- Anti-government protesters once more took to the streets and shopping malls of Hong Kong in spite of some train services and subway stations remaining closed following city-wide clashes on China's Oct. 1 National Day.
Hong Kong Government Condemns Violent Acts by Protesters as Threat to Safety, Social Order Sputnik 02 Oct 2019 -- The Hong Kong government has condemned rioters for resorting to violence during protests, slamming such behavior as a threat to safety and social order.

Criticism of Saudi crown prince grows following Aramco attacks: Report Press TV 02 Oct 2019 -- A number of Saudi royal family members have expressed frustration over Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's ability to lead the kingdom following a devastating attack by the Yemeni army on the country's oil sites, Reuters reported on Wednesday.
One Year After Khashoggi Murder, Still Looking for Accountability VOA 02 Oct 2019 -- The killing of prominent Saudi dissident and Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi shook the world one year ago, when the public learned how a Saudi government team assassinated and dismembered him inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey.

Lithuania Holds 'Emergency Drills' As Belarus Nuke Plant Nears Completion RFE/RL 02 Oct 2019 -- Lithuania is holding a four-day national emergency nuclear drill amid mounting concerns as a Russian-made nuclear power plant in neighboring Belarus nears completion.

Netanyahu's pre-indictment hearing begins as unity gov't talks falter Press TV 02 Oct 2019 -- The pre-indictment hearing over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's has resumed as the premier's last-ditch efforts to form a coalition administration with his leading election rival hit a snag again.
Hearing Begins on Corruption Charges for Israeli PM Netanyahu VOA 02 Oct 2019 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is fighting for his political life as the Israeli political system moves toward an expected indictment. His pre-trial hearing began Wednesday on three separate corruption cases, and it will last for four days, ending before the Yom Kippur holiday next week.

PM urges EU to respond to UK's 'compromise' offer Press TV 02 Oct 2019 -- The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, on Wednesday addressed the Conservative Party conference and said the only alternative to the Brexit proposals he will put to Brussels later in the day is a no-deal Brexit, claiming that the UK would leave "come what may" if Brussels refused to engage with his "final offer".
EU: Britain's New Brexit Plans Not Good Enough VOA 02 Oct 2019 -- The European Union has reacted with skepticism to new proposals from Britain for a deal to leave the bloc.

Putin: Russia Ready To Prolong Gas Deal With Ukraine If Needed RFE/RL 02 Oct 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated he is ready to offer Ukraine a temporary contract for the transit of gas if talks fail before the current one with Moscow expires on January 1.

Cambodian PM Threatens to Use Army to Prevent Sam Rainsy Return Radio Free Asia 02 Oct 2019 -- Prime Minister Hun Sen on Wednesday threatened to use Cambodia's army against supporters of banned opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) acting president Sam Rainsy's planned return from self-imposed exile next month.

Bones Of Contention With Bulgaria Threaten North Macedonia's EU Hopes RFE/RL 02 Oct 2019 -- After 14 long years as a candidate to join the European Union, North Macedonia appears to be on the threshold of opening membership talks.

Turkmen President Dismisses Once-Powerful Interior Minister RFE/RL 02 Oct 2019 -- Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov has fired Interior Minister Isgender Mulikov amid allegations of abuse of power and corruption.

Is the Deadly Philippine Anti-Drug Campaign Getting Less Deadly? VOA 02 Oct 2019 -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's campaign against the illegal drug trade drew international attention in 2016 and 2017 with a rise in what appeared to be the extrajudicial killings of drug crime suspects.

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