07 October 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Trump Defends Troop Withdrawal from Syria, but Sends Stern Warning VOA 07 Oct 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump sent out a stern but conflicting warning Monday saying that U.S. troops would step aside for an expected Turkish attack on the Kurds, but he threatened to destroy the Turkish economy if they went too far.
Trump Defends Decision to Pull US Troops from Northern Syria VOA 07 Oct 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump is defending his decision to pull U.S. forces from northern Syria, amid criticism that the move would harm put U.S. ally the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in harm's way and negatively impact the fight against the Islamic State terror group.
Statement Attributable to Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs Mr. Jonathan Hoffman DoD 07 Oct 2019 -- The Department of Defense made clear to Turkey - as did the President - that we do not endorse a Turkish operation in Northern Syria. The U.S. Armed Forces will not support, or be involved in any such operation.
US Forces Will Not Support Turkey's Operation in Northern Syria, White House Says Sputnik 07 Oct 2019 -- The announcement came shortly after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Ankara would kick off a military air and ground operation east of the Euphrates river in Syria in the coming days.

Bombing hits bus transporting army recruits in Nangarhar, several killed Press TV 07 Oct 2019 -- Ten people, including a child, have been killed in a bomb attack targeting a bus transporting army recruits in Afghanistan's eastern province of Nangarhar.

Defense Policy / Programs

Engel Denounces Trump Administration Potential Plans to Withdraw from Open Skies Treaty U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs 07 Oct 2019 -- Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today decried the Trump Administration's reported plans to withdraw the United States from the Open Skies Treaty. In a letter to White House National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien, Chairman Engel underscored that withdrawal would be a gift to Russia and a blow to United States national security interests, endangering Ukraine and other key European allies.
Army exercise largest in 25 years Army News 07 Oct 2019 -- The Department of the Army announced today the largest U.S.-based Army exercise of forces to Europe in the last 25 years.
Virtual experiments helping shape Next-Generation Combat Vehicle Army News 07 Oct 2019 -- Thirty Soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division recently tested new technologies in a video-game environment to provide feedback for the Next Generation Combat Vehicle Cross-Functional Team.
Comfort Arrives in St. Kitts and Nevis to Provide Medical Assistance NNS 07 Oct 2019 -- The hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) arrived in Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis, for its ninth medical mission stop in Central America, South America and the Caribbean, Oct. 3.
Surge Sealift Ships and Ready Reserve Ships Turbo Activate NNS 07 Oct 2019 -- Five of Military Sealift Command's (MSC) East Coast-based and one West Coast-based surge sealift ships successfully completed a turbo activation by pulling into their homeports, Sept. 25.
USS Hue City Inducted into CG Modernization Program NNS 07 Oct 2019 -- After a quarter-century of worldwide operations, the guided-missile cruiser USS Hué City (CG 66) was inducted into the Cruiser Modernization program, Sept. 30, at Norfolk Naval Base, entering a period of major overhaul and modernization.
US to Deploy Record 20,000 Soldiers to Europe for Defender Europe Drills This Spring – EUCOM Sputnik 07 Oct 2019 -- According to the US European Command, the military equipment will begin arriving in Europe as early as February while the drills will kick off in April and May.
AFCENT executes command and control of AFCENT from Shaw AFB US US Air Force 07 Oct 2019 -- In a historic first, Airmen geographically separated from the Combined Air Operations Center at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar executed all aspects of command and control of Air Forces Central Command's air power from the U.S.
Layered Missile Defense System Protects Homeland DoD News 07 Oct 2019 -- The Missile Defense Agency's mission is to protect the deployed forces, allies and partners from hypersonic and ballistic missile attacks of all ranges through a layered missile defense system, its director said..

NATO Devises Ways to Tackle "Increasing Threat" From Russian Submarines Sputnik 07 Oct 2019 -- In September, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford admitted that the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) is losing its military advantage over Russia.
Over 3,000 troops from 14 countries in UK for NATO Exercise UK MOD 07 Oct 2019 -- Joint Warrior, the major multinational military exercise which will boost the defensive capabilities of the UK and its Allies, takes place across Scotland and Northern England over the next two weeks.

Russia Detected Over 30 Missile Launches Globally in 2019 Sputnik 07 Oct 2019 -- Russia detected over 30 missile launches around the globe this year, including those of ballistic missiles, a newspaper affiliated with the Russian Defence Ministry said Sunday.

Latest Chinese army chopper uses fly-by-wire control system Global Times 07 Oct 2019 -- The Chinese tactical helicopter that debuted at the National Day parade on October 1 is the first in China to use fly-by-wire controls that make the aircraft easier and safer to fly in complicated battlefield situations, military experts said on Monday.
Chinese Naval Training Ship Spreads Goodwill While Flexing Maritime Muscle VOA 07 Oct 2019 -- A Chinese military vessel is touring the contested South China Sea and beyond to meet foreign peers and train its own sailors, spreading goodwill while tightening its claim to a disputed sea and disrupting Australia's traditional sphere of influence.

Indian Army Deploys American M-777 Light Howitzers Near China Border Sputnik 07 Oct 2019 -- The M777 guns will be part of the Mountain Strike Corps – a 90,000 strong special force meant to guard the approximately 40,000-kilometre long border with China. The M-777s are the first set of new howitzers acquired in three decades; India had shelved all contracts for field guns after the Bofors scandal in the late 1980s.
Indian Defence Minister Leaves for France to Receive First Batch of Rafale Jets Sputnik 07 Oct 2019 -- The first four of the 36 Rafale jets to be received by India by May 2020 will be handed over to the Indian defence minister on Tuesday following months of political debate over the 7.8 billion euro Rafale fighter jet deal.

Iran accuses UK of delaying overdue payment of Chieftain tanks IRNA 07 Oct 2019 -- Iran accuses UK of hampering efforts and delaying the payment of Iran's debt that dates back to more than 40 years ago.
Army commander says Iran gives crushing response to any threat IRNA 07 Oct 2019 -- Iran's Army Commander Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi said on Monday that Iran is to give a crushing response to any threat posed against the country.
Iran will give crushing response to any threat: Army chief commander Press TV 07 Oct 2019 -- The chief commander of Iran's Army says the country will give a crushing response to any threat posed by enemies at any level.

U.S-Taiwan defense industry conference mulls future defense concepts CNA 07 Oct 2019 -- An annual U.S-Taiwan Defense Conference addressing U.S. defense cooperation with Taiwan will officially start in Maryland on Monday to discuss Taiwan's overall defense concept (ODC) and how emerging technologies could affect ODC plans, according to event organizers.

Serbia, Turkey Sign Defence Cooperation Agreement - President Vucic Sputnik 07 Oct 2019 -- Serbia and Turkey have signed an agreement on defence cooperation and expressed interest in the joint production of weapons and military equipment, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Monday after meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Joint Statement Regarding the Second United States-Greece Strategic Dialogue 2019 US Dept. of State 07 Oct 2019 -- The Governments of the United States and Greece held the second United States-Greece Strategic Dialogue in Athens, Greece, on October 7, 2019. Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias and U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo launched the Strategic Dialogue, which included high-level interagency representation from both countries.

Remarks by President Trump in Briefing with Military Leaders The White House 07 Oct 2019

Defense Industry

Contracts For Oct. 7, 2019

Other Conflicts

7 October 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 07 Oct 2019
'Dangerous nationalism' seriously threatens efforts to tackle statelessness: UNHCR chief UN News 07 Oct 2019 -- Hate speech and misguided nationalism present a serious threat to efforts to tackle statelessness, despite growing public awareness of the problem, UN refugee chief Filippo Grandi said on Monday.

UNHCR: Global Forced Displacement Crisis Must be Addressed and Resolved VOA 07 Oct 2019 -- The U.N. high commissioner for refugees is calling for urgent action to resolve the global forced displacement crisis as increasing numbers of people flee conflict, natural disasters and grinding poverty. Filippo Grandi was speaking at the opening of UNHCR's annual weeklong refugee conference.

Coordinating efforts to prevent conflicts across Africa UK FCO 07 Oct 2019 -- Statement by Ambassador Jonathan Allen at the Security Council Debate on Peace and Security in Africa: The Centrality of Preventative Diplomacy, Conflict Prevention and Resolution

Saudi Arabia holds military negotiations with UAE after welcoming Houthi truce offer Press TV 07 Oct 2019 -- Saudi Arabia's deputy defense minister and the de facto ruler of the United Arab Emirates have discussed military issues, shortly after Riyadh said it views truce offered by Yemen's Houthis positively.

If Turkey acts 'off limits,' Trump says will 'obliterate' its economy Press TV 07 Oct 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has threatened to "obliterate" Turkey's economy if Ankara does anything that he considers to be "off limits" in Syria.
All foreign military forces illegally present in Syria must leave: Kremlin Press TV 07 Oct 2019 -- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov says Syria's territorial integrity must be preserved and all foreign troops illegally present in the conflict-plagued Arab country must leave, as the United States announced it was withdrawing troops from northeastern Syria.
Iran'z FM: US irrelevant occupier in Syria; futile to seek its permission for security Press TV 07 Oct 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says the United States is an "irrelevant occupier in Syria," stressing that peace will be achieved in the war-ravaged country only through respect for its territorial integrity and people‎.
US Senator Graham slams Trump for allowing Turkey to invade Syria Press TV 07 Oct 2019 -- Republican US Senator Lindsey Graham has blasted the administration of President Donald Trump for its decision to allow Turkey to invade northern Syria and potentially wipe out US-backed Kurdish fighters.
Trump abandons US-backed Syria Kurdish militants, says 'too costly' to back them Press TV 07 Oct 2019 -- US President Donald Trump, doubling down on his decision to pull out American troops from northern Syria, has withdrawn Washington's "costly" support from long-time Kurdish allies purportedly fighting Takfiri Daesh terrorists in the region.
US gives green light to Turkey to launch military operation in north Syria Press TV 07 Oct 2019 -- The United States has given the green light to Turkey to launch a military operation against Washington's long-time Kurdish allies in northern Syria.
Trump Warns Erdogan As U.S. Redeploys Troops Away From Turkey's Border In Northeastern Syria RFE/RL 07 Oct 2019 -- The redeployment of 50-100 U.S. soldiers away from Syria's northern border where Turkish troops threaten to invade doesn't constitute a withdrawal from Syria, a senior U.S. administration official said on October 7 during a conference call with journalists.
Trump Warns Ankara Not to Hurt US Personnel Located in Area Close to Turkish Operation in Syria Sputnik 07 Oct 2019 -- Earlier, the al-Ikhbariya broadcaster reported that Turkish jets had attacked the headquarters of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the Hasakah province.
Pompeo, UK Counterpart Raab Discusses Turkey's Planned Operation in Syria - State Dept Sputnik 07 Oct 2019 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and British counterpart Dominic Raab discussed Turkey's planned military operation in northern Syria, the US State Department reported.
Kurds in Syria Ready to Negotiate With Damascus as Turkish Operation Looming – Official Sputnik 07 Oct 2019 -- Kurds in northeast Syria are ready to work on an agreement with Damascus in order to protect themselves as the Turkish operation in the area is looming and the United States has abandoned its support, a top official of the de-facto autonomous administration of North and East Syria (AANES) stated.
US is "Irrelevant Occupier in Syria" - Iran's Foreign Minister Zarif Sputnik 07 Oct 2019 -- The statement comes as US forces have reportedly left several outposts in northern Syria ahead of a Turkish offensive against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. Earlier in the day, Trump tweeted that it was time to get the US out of "ridiculous endless wars".
'Disaster in the Making': US Senator Graham Calls for Reversal of Syria Pullback Sputnik 07 Oct 2019 -- US President Donald Trump stated on Twitter earlier in the day that it is time for US troops to leave Syria and "ridiculous Endless Wars" behind.
SDF Promise 'Won't be Hesitant' in Defending Themselves Against Turkish Offensive in Syria Sputnik 07 Oct 2019 -- Ankara announced earlier this week that it would start an operation to clear the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) from the territories east of the Euphrates River, while Washington refused to support the offensive.
Bitterness, Fear in Syria as US Withdraws Troops VOA 07 Oct 2019 -- For many people in parts of Syria, news that the United States was withdrawing troops on Monday was another nail in the coffin, a death knell or some other cliché that won't help them survive what may be another onslaught of chaos.

Turkey assures Iran its operation in northern Syria is 'temporary' Press TV 07 Oct 2019 -- Turkey's foreign minister has assured his Iranian counterpart that Ankara's military operation in northern Syria, which began on Monday night, is a temporary one.
Turkish forces neutralize two 'wanted' PKK terrorists in northern Iraq, eastern Turkey Press TV 07 Oct 2019 -- Turkish forces have killed two high-ranking members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group during separate counter-terrorism operations, supported by fighter jets, in Iraq's northern semi-autonomous Kurdistan region and the country's eastern province of Tunceli.
Turkish Foreign Minister Says Actions in Northern Syria 'Temporary Measure' Sputnik 07 Oct 2019 -- Turkey's actions in northeastern Syria are a temporary measure, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in phone talks with his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif on Monday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said.
Trump's Decision to Withdraw from Syria Is Triumph for Erdogan VOA 07 Oct 2019 -- President Donald Trump's announcement of a U.S. withdrawal from northern Syria, paving the way for a Turkish military operation against a Kurdish militia in the area, is widely being seen as a diplomatic triumph for Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Cameroon Military's Reconciliation Efforts Welcomed, Shunned by Anglophones VOA 07 Oct 2019 -- Cameroon's military has begun efforts to implement President Paul Biya's peace resolutions from last week's national dialogue on the country's anglophone separatist crisis, but skepticism lingers as the military is dogged with accusations of rights abuses.

Nigerian military airstrikes kill scores of insurgents in Nigeria SPA 07 Oct 2019 -- Nigerian air force carried out strikes on a hideout belonging to the Boko Haram militants, killing scores of them in the country's restive northeast Borno state, an official said.

News Reports

House Democrats Subpoena Pentagon, Budget Office in Impeachment Inquiry VOA 07 Oct 2019 -- Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives have issued subpoenas to the Pentagon and White House budget office as part of their impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump, requesting documents relating to Trump's decision to withhold military aid to Ukraine.
Trump allies sought changes at Ukraine gas firm to gain benefit: Report Press TV 07 Oct 2019 -- A group of individuals with ties to US President Donald Trump reportedly pressed Ukraine to install new management at the top of the eastern European country's massive state gas company to benefit firms controlled by Trump's allies.
House Democrats Subpoena Pentagon, WH Budget Office In Impeachment Investigation RFE/RL 07 Oct 2019 -- Democratic lawmakers issued subpoenas to the Pentagon and the White House budget office on October 7 as part of their impeachment inquiry demanding documents related to President Donald Trump's move to withhold military assistance from Ukraine.
Second Whistle-Blower Steps Forward As Trump Accuses Speaker Of 'Treason' RFE/RL 07 Oct 2019 -- A second whistle-blower from the U.S. intelligence community has alleged wrongdoing by President Donald Trump in his dealings with Ukraine, intensifying an impeachment investigation by lawmakers that is expected to pick up speed this week.
US Democrats Subpoena Pentagon and White House Budget Office in Impeachment Inquiry Sputnik 07 Oct 2019 -- US House Democrats have stated that they are seeking documents related to Trump's decision to withhold military assistance to Ukraine, the letters to Pentagon and OMB chiefs said.
U.S. Lawyer Spent Nearly $100,000 To Boost Zelenskiy's Image In Washington RFE/RL 07 Oct 2019 -- An American attorney spent nearly $100,000 out of his own pocket to boost the profile of Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Washington shortly before -- and after -- he won the Ukrainian presidency in a landslide.
Report: Trump Allies Pursued Management Change At Ukraine's Naftogaz RFE/RL 07 Oct 2019 -- Two Soviet-born businessmen whom U.S. Donald Trump's personal attorney has publicly identified as his clients sought to reshuffle management at Ukraine's state-owned oil and gas conglomerate in their favor as they pursued liquified natural-gas projects, AP reported.

Dozens Assemble In Minsk Over Possible Integration With Russia RFE/RL 07 Oct 2019 -- Dozens of people have rallied in Minsk's Freedom Square against their country's possible integration with Russia.

Kremlin Appears Unable to Curb Protest Wave VOA 07 Oct 2019 -- Arrests, the threat of long jail terms and the harassment of political and environmental activists doesn't appear to be having the desired effect for the Kremlin in deterring anti-government protests, according to a new study.

Phalhyang Dam of Orangchon Power Station Completed KCNA 07 Oct 2019 -- The construction of Phalhyang dam for the Orangchon Power Station was completed in the DPRK.
North Korea warns US, Europeans against raising issue of missile test at UNSC meeting Press TV 07 Oct 2019 -- North Korea has warned the United States and Europeans that it will not "sit idle" if any attempt is made at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to bring up the subject of Pyongyang's recent missile tests, which are "self-defensive measures."
North Korean Trade Workers See Through Submarine Missile Test Propaganda Radio Free Asia 07 Oct 2019 -- North Korean trade workers who often travel into and out of the isolated country say they are not falling for propaganda reporting about Pyongyang's recent test of a new submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).

AEOI chief says Iran to launch 2nd phase of Arak reactor soon IRNA 07 Oct 2019 -- Head of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi announced on Monday that Iran will launch the second phase of Arak heavy water reactor in three weeks.
Iran to claim damage over US JCPOA violation IRNA 07 Oct 2019 -- Vice President for Legal Affairs Laya Joneidi said Iranian economic sectors were requested to evaluate the damages caused by the US breach of the nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) for taking legal measures to compensate for it.
Iran to separate current budget from oil revenue: Gov't spox IRNA 07 Oct 2019 -- The Iranian Government Spokesman Ali Rabiei said in his weekly press conference on Monday that Iran is trying to separate the current budget of the country from oil export revenues and meet the current budget from other sources such as taxes while allocating oil revenues for development projects.
Arak reactor's secondary part operational in 3 weeks: Iran's nuclear chief Press TV 07 Oct 2019 -- Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi says the secondary part of the Arak heavy water reactor will become operational within the next three weeks.
Attempts to Sow Discord Between Iran and Iraq Doomed to Failure – Khamenei Sputnik 07 Oct 2019 -- Millions of Muslims from Iran will soon take part in a joint pilgrimage to the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala to attend the religious observance of Arba'een in order to commemorate the martyrdom of the third Shia Imam. In the meantime, the death toll in Iraq's anti-government protests has already climbed to over 100 people.

Mask ban sends warning Global Times 07 Oct 2019 -- Hong Kong experienced another weekend of unprecedented rampage after the anti-mask law was enacted on Saturday, as mobs targeted not only Hong Kong police but also commoners. Officials, observers and residents urged strict law enforcement to increase law effectiveness while shaping a social consensus to end the violence.
Hong Kong Court Brings First Charges For Violation of Mask Ban Radio Free Asia 07 Oct 2019 -- Authorities in Hong Kong on Monday charged the first two people with violating a hugely unpopular mask ban passed by chief executive Carrie Lam under colonial-era emergency powers last week.
Hong Kong Government Not Ruling Out Internet Ban Amid Violent Protests - Adviser Sputnik 07 Oct 2019 -- On Saturday, in a bid to curb violence and make the actions of police more effective, the local government banned the wearing of face masks during rallies. The next day, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets to protest the new measure, with many defying the ban.
Chinese Nationalist Tabloid Calls Nancy Pelosi a 'Vicious' Politician VOA 07 Oct 2019 -- A party-backed nationalistic tabloid in China has pointed fingers at U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, calling her a "vicious" politician who intends to prolong the political turmoil in Hong Kong.

Iraq says all evidence points to 'malicious hands' in protests Press TV 07 Oct 2019 -- Iraqi officials say there are "malicious hands" behind the killing of both protesters and security forces during the recent spate of unrest in Baghdad and some other cities.
Iraqi President Condemns Violence, Vows Steps Toward Reform RFE/RL 07 Oct 2019 -- Iraqi President Barham Salih has condemned violence against protesters after more than 100 people were killed in less than a week during antigovernment demonstrations across the country.
Iraqi Leaders Seek Talks with Demonstrators to Diffuse Protests VOA 07 Oct 2019 -- Minor protests were reported Monday in parts of the capital, Baghdad, and elsewhere across the country, as Iraq's political leaders tried to head off further bloody clashes between security forces and crowds of mostly young demonstrators.
Iraq Pledges Accountability for Security Forces in Protest Violence VOA 07 Oct 2019 -- Iraqi authorities pledged Monday to hold accountable any members of the security forces who "acted wrongly" in dealing with anti-government protesters.

Cambodia's PM Hun Sen Orders Military to 'Attack' Exile Opposition Leaders on Sight Radio Free Asia 07 Oct 2019 -- Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen on Monday ordered the military to "attack" exiled leaders of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) if they enter the country as planned next month to lead protests against his rule, as authorities continued a crackdown on the party's supporters.

Key Takeaways From Kosovo's Watershed Vote RFE/RL 07 Oct 2019 -- The leader of the left-wing opposition party claiming a surprise victory in Kosovo's parliamentary elections has pledged to start coalition talks to end the dominance of parties led by former independence fighters and turn a corner in Europe's newest state.
Former Student Protest Leader On Brink Of Winning Kosovo Elections RFE/RL 07 Oct 2019 -- Vetevendosje, led by former student protest leader Albin Kurti, and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) -- appear to have upended the ruling party, in power for 12 years, in snap parliamentary elections.

Austria's Kurz Entrusted With Forming New Cabinet After Landslide Election Win Sputnik 07 Oct 2019 -- Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen granted Sebastian Kurz a mandate to form a new government on Monday after the People's Party (OVP) had won parliamentary elections.

Free, Fair, Peaceful Election for Mozambique? No Way, Analysts Say VOA 07 Oct 2019 -- An escalating insurgency, attacks on political campaigners and a terrified population have set a worrying scene for Mozambique's election on October 15.

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