11 October 2019 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
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Current Operations

DOD Statement on Artillery Incident Near Kobani DoD 11 Oct 2019 -- "U.S. troops in the vicinity of Kobani came under artillery fire from Turkish positions at approximately 9 p.m. local Oct. 11."
Department of Defense Press Briefing by Secretary Esper and General Milley in the Pentagon Briefing Room DoD 11 Oct 2019 -- Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper; Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army General Mark A. Milley
Pentagon Slams Turkey Incursion in Syria, Denies Abandoning Kurds VOA 11 Oct 2019 -- The U.S. Defense Department on Friday criticized Turkey's military offensive into northeastern Syria as damaging to U.S.-Turkey relations and the fight against Islamic State, vowing to remain committed to Kurdish fighters who helped in the territorial defeat of the terror group.

Kabul Closes Consulate In Peshawar Over Afghan Market Ownership Dispute RFE/RL 11 Oct 2019 -- Afghanistan says it has shut down its consulate in Peshawar in protest at a police raid at the northwestern Pakistani city's Afghan Market.

Defense Policy / Programs

DOD Statement on Deployment of Additional U.S. Forces and Equipment to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia DoD 11 Oct 2019 -- At the request of U.S. Central Command, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper authorized the deployment of additional U.S. forces and the following equipment to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia:
U.S. Sends Additional Capabilities to Saudi Arabia DoD News 11 Oct 2019 -- In the wake of an Iranian attack on Saudi Arabian oil facilities last month, Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper announced that more capabilities have been authorized to deploy in support of the long-time U.S. partner.
Pentagon announces new military deployments to Saudi Arabia Press TV 11 Oct 2019 -- The United States has announced to deploy a large number of additional forces and equipment to Saudi Arabia, including air defenses and fighter aircraft, a move that officials say will help the kingdom protect itself against the kind of attacks that last month destroyed its oil facilities.
U.S. Sending Thousands More Troops, Hardware To Saudi Arabia RFE/RL 11 Oct 2019 -- U.S. defense officials say they are sending more troops and military hardware to Saudi Arabia following a major attack last month on the kingdom's oil facilities that U.S. and Saudi officials have blamed on Iran.
Pentagon Confirms Plans to Send Thousands of Additional Troops to Saudi Arabia After Aramco Attack Sputnik 11 Oct 2019 -- Two major Saudi Aramco oil facilities were damaged in a drone attack on September 14, knocking out about half of Riyadh's daily oil production capability. Yemen's Houthi militia claimed responsibility for the attacks. However, the US and Saudi Arabia alleged that Iran was responsible. Tehran has denied the claims.
US Deploys More Forces to Saudi Arabia to Deter Iran VOA 11 Oct 2019 -- The United States is deploying hundreds of additional forces to Saudi Arabia to deter Iranian aggressive behavior.

Air Force integrates missions, strengthens information warfare capabilities US Air Force 11 Oct 2019 -- In March 2019, Air Force leaders decided to create a new information warfare numbered air force with enhanced missions and capabilities.
Defense Official Builds Case for Creating Space Force DoD News 11 Oct 2019 -- The U.S. military and the commercial sector rely heavily on space-enabled capabilities, and the Defense Department must protect those assets and maintain U.S. superiority in the space domain, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for space policy said.
NRL Launches Space Weather Instrument on NASA Satellite NNS 11 Oct 2019 -- A U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) instrument aboard NASA's Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON) satellite will deliver unprecedented information to help scientists investigate how both terrestrial and solar weather impact the ionosphere, the ionized region of Earth's upper atmosphere. ICON launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, Oct. 10.
Readout From Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper's Office Call With President David W. Panuelo of the Federated States of Micronesia DoD 11 Oct 2019
Remarks by Secretary Esper at an Honor Cordon Welcoming President of the Federated States of Micronesia Panuelo to the Pentagon DoD 11 Oct 2019 -- Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper; President of the Federated States of Micronesia David Panuelo
Esper Welcomes Micronesia's President to Pentagon DoD News 11 Oct 2019 -- Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper today welcomed President of the Federated States of Micronesia David Panuelo to the Pentagon for bilateral discussions.
Army Guard Improves Readiness, Supports National Defense Strategy DoD News 11 Oct 2019 -- The Army National Guard is adapting manning and force structure to the National Defense Strategy, the head of the Army National Guard said.
McCarthy Pledges To Be Army Secretary Soldiers Deserve DoD News 11 Oct 2019 -- Ryan D. McCarthy pledged to be the Army secretary that soldiers deserve as he took the oath to be the 24th person in the job.
Naval Mobile Construction Battalion-3 Conducts Week-LongTraining NNS 11 Oct 2019 -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 conducted a week-long unit driven training (UDT) event on board Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme and Point Mugu, Sept. 30 – Oct. 4., to prepare for an upcoming field training exercise (FTX) and enhance the unit's overall readiness in a contingency environment.
Navy Collaborates With Industry to Double-Dock Destroyers NNS 11 Oct 2019 -- Southwest Regional Maintenance Center (SWRMC) supported the double-docking of USS Stethem (DDG 63) and USS Decatur (DDG 73) in BAE Systems – Ship Repair's dry dock, the Pride of California, Oct. 8.
NMCB-3 Completes 48-Hour Mount-Out, Redeployment Exercises NNS 11 Oct 2019 -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 completed a 48-hour mount-out exercise (MOX) and 48-hour air detachment redeployment exercise on board Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme, California, Sept. 30 – Oct. 4.
US Air Force's Valkyrie Stealth Drone Damaged on Third Flight Sputnik 11 Oct 2019 -- The XQ-58A Valkyrie drone intended to become the US Air Force's "loyal wingman" for F-22 and F-35 pilots was damaged in its most recent flight earlier this week.
Goldfein praises US, British partnership and the shared connection to the 'future fight' US Air Force 11 Oct 2019 -- Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein told a group of senior British military officials, including Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston, that success in "the future fight" relies on data, networks and the ability to link systems of allies and partners, Oct. 10.

Secretary General in Istanbul: Turkey is a great power in this great region and with great power comes great responsibility NATO 11 Oct 2019 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg visited Turkey on Friday (11 October 2019) to discuss preparations for the NATO leaders' meeting in London this December, marking NATO's 70th anniversary. Mr. Stoltenberg met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. They discussed the Alliance's continued adaptation and the security situation in the region. In his meeting with Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, the Secretary General thanked Turkey for its commitment and many contributions to NATO.

Putin Claims U.S. 'Deliberately' Ignoring Missile Offer, Goads U.S. Allies RFE/RL 11 Oct 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused the United States and NATO of intentionally ignoring Moscow's offer of a moratorium on the deployment of short- and intermediate-range missiles in Europe.
Attempts to Create Tensions at Russian Borders Not Welcome - Putin on NATO Drills Sputnik 11 Oct 2019 -- Earlier in the day, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said that Belarus and Russia have to work on ensuring their national security during NATO's upcoming large-scale military drills near the Belarusian border.
Putin: US Invented Pretext to Withdraw From INF Treaty Over Concerns With Asian Region Sputnik 11 Oct 2019 -- The US formally withdrew from the 1987 agreement on 2 August, months after the Trump administration announced its intention to suspend its obligations under the treaty.

Flying saucer-like attack helicopter to take to the sky in 2020 Global Times 11 Oct 2019 -- China has showcased an attack helicopter model that looks just like a flying saucer, a scale prototype of which is scheduled to make its maiden flight in 2020. Chinese military experts said on Friday that though the aircraft is highly experimental and may not be put into practical use anytime soon, it is beneficial to China's technology development for future helicopters.

Iran, Caspian Sea littoral states ink military cooperation agreement Press TV 11 Oct 2019 -- Iran and other Caspian Sea littoral states have inked a joint military agreement covering cooperation in such areas as security, training, technical work and search and rescue operations.

Spain to Withdraw Air Defence Systems From Turkey If War on Kurds Escalates - Reports Sputnik 11 Oct 2019 -- Spain plans to withdraw its Patriot Air and Missile Defence systems from the Turkish territory in case of the aggravation of the conflict with Kurds caused by Ankara's ongoing operation in Syria, media reported, citing diplomatic sources.

North Korea warns it may resume nuclear missile tests Press TV 11 Oct 2019 -- North Korea warns it may resume its long-range nuclear missile testing in response to a US intercontinental ballistic missile launch this month, which it said aimed at putting more pressure on Pyongyang.

India Adopts Mechanisms to Track Drones Dropping Weapons from Pakistan Sputnik 11 Oct 2019 -- Concerned about drones allegedly being used to drop weapons and ammunition in the Indian state of Punjab from across the border, India's Home Ministry has ordered the adoption of anti-drone mechanisms to neutralise this new threat, a media report said.
India Deploys Warships Around Venue of Modi's Upcoming Informal Summit With China's Xi - Reports Sputnik 11 Oct 2019 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping is arriving in the southern city of Chennai on Friday afternoon for a two-day informal summit with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi will receive Xi in Mamallapuram – a UNESCO world heritage site, south of Chennai, on the shores of the Arabian Sea.
France Offers Jet Engine for India's Fifth Generation Fighter Jet Sputnik 11 Oct 2019 -- Safran makes the engines and electronics for the Rafale fighter jet but India has been making efforts to develop its own fighter jet engine for last two decades and is looking to build a home-grown aircraft.

Army to cut number of troops as S. Korea faces demographic cliff ARIRANG 11 Oct 2019 -- Saddled with a chronically-low birthrate and an aging population, South Korea faces a demographic cliff which is forecast to also affect the country's armed forces. So by 2022, the South Korean Army says it plans to cut the number of troops by 100-thousand to 365-thousand.
South Korea Announces Plan to Reduce Army by One-Quarter in Three Years Sputnik 11 Oct 2019 -- The Republic of Korea Army plans to cut its troop numbers by one quarter by 2022, according to a report submitted to the National Assembly. However, it's not a step away from military confrontation, but rather compensation for a low birth rate. Seoul is investing in more advanced weapons systems than ever.
South Korea to Purchase 20 More F-35 Jets, Expanding Future Fleet to 60 Total Sputnik 11 Oct 2019 -- South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has announced that Seoul will purchase 20 additional F-35 fighter jets from the US as part of the second phase of its F-X III procurement program, making for a planned fleet of 60 aircraft.

Norway Stops Military Equipment Exports to Fellow NATO Member Turkey Over Syria Offensive Sputnik 11 Oct 2019 -- Oslo has followed Helsinki's lead in putting a halt to new military exports to Ankara following its military operation in Syria, which has left its NATO allies divided.
Ankara Says It Bought Russia's S-400s So It Wouldn't Have to 'Beg' for NATO Air Defences Forever Sputnik 11 Oct 2019 -- Earlier, after accusing the US of providing Syrian Kurdish forces with "sophisticated and heavy" weaponry, Turkey's foreign minister said Ankara expects solidarity from its NATO allies over its operations in northern Syria. Most of Turkey's allies have criticised the campaign, with some threatening Ankara with sanctions.

Foreign Military Training in Sweden Increases Several-Fold Sputnik 11 Oct 2019 -- According to the head of the Swedish Armed Forces' winter unit, this has to do with increased international threats that necessitate a readiness to be able to fight during the winter, partly due to the melting ice in the Arctic and countries' interest in its natural resources.

Nigeria Has Received 6 Russian Mi-35M Helicopters, Expects 6 Remaining - Ambassador Sputnik 11 Oct 2019 -- Russia has already delivered to Nigeria six Mi-35M attack helicopters, and Abuja expects to get six remaining helicopters under the contract, Nigerian Ambassador to Russia Steve Davies Ugbah said in an interview.

Defense Industry

Contracts For Oct. 11, 2019

Other Conflicts

11 October 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 11 Oct 2019

Yemen's Ansarullah offers new prisoner swap deal to Saudi-backed ex-govt. Press TV 11 Oct 2019 -- Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement has offered the Saudi-backed former government a new deal for exchange of prisoners over a week after the popular movement unilaterally released hundreds of detainees.
Yemeni Defense Minister Appreciates KSA's Stances Towards Facing Dangers Against His Country SPA 11 Oct 2019 -- Yemeni Defense Minister Lieutenant General Mohammad Ali Al-Maqdashi has appreciated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's fraternal stances and support to help his country and its people to restore their state being controlled by the Iranian-backed terrorist Houthi militia.

US Watching Northeastern Syria Quickly Turn Into Quaqmire VOA 11 Oct 2019 -- "We oppose and are greatly disappointed by Turkey's decision to launch a unilateral military incursion into northern Syria," he said, describing the decision as "impulsive."
Kurdish-Led Syrian Forces: 10,000 Displaced in Turkish Offensive VOA 11 Oct 2019 -- Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces say Turkey's three-day-old offensive in northern Syria aimed at clearing a border zone of Kurdish forces has displaced more than 10,000 people from their homes.
Treasury Developing New Authorities to Target Turkey for Any Potential Human Rights Abuses or Destabilizing Actions in Syria US Treasury 11 Oct 2019 -- "Given Turkey's ongoing military offensive in northeastern Syria, President Donald J. Trump intends to sign an Executive Order to dissuade Turkey from any further offensive military action in northeast Syria, including but not limited to indiscriminate targeting of civilians, targeting of civilian infrastructure, targeting of ethnic or religious minorities, or targeting or other actions that undermine the continued counterterrorism activities of the Syrian Democratic Forces."
US Preparing Sanctions on Turkey VOA 11 Oct 2019 -- The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is loading "very powerful" sanctions to impose on Turkey for its attacks on Syrian territory, but it is not yet pulling the trigger.
Statement by Department of Defense Chief Pentagon Spokesperson Jonathan Rath Hoffman DoD 11 Oct 2019
Erdogan says Turkey won't stop military operation against Syria Kurds Press TV 11 Oct 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Ankara will not stop its military operation against Kurdish militants in northeastern Syria "no matter what anyone says", a day after he vowed to flood Europe with millions of refugees if the European Union brands the offensive an invasion.
EU Sanctions Against Turkey Over Syrian Offensive 'on Table' - Paris Sputnik 11 Oct 2019 -- Earlier in the day, Norway followed Finland's example and decided to halt new military exports to Ankara following its military operation in Syria.
First Turkish Soldier Killed During Ankara's 'Operation Peace Spring' in Syria - Defence Ministry Sputnik 11 Oct 2019 -- On Wednesday, Turkey kicked off "Operation Peace Spring" against Kurdish militia forces in de facto autonomous northeastern Syria in the wake of US troops' departure from the region, with the stated goal of eliminating "terror threats" along the Turkish border with Syria and establishing a safe zone for the return of refugees.
Turkey Claims 11 Syrian Villages Cleared of Kurdish Forces Amid 'Operation Peace Spring' - Reports Sputnik 11 Oct 2019 -- Kurdish-led forces have been forced out of 11 settlements, located in the vicinity of the town of Tal Abyad and the city of Ras al-Ain, since the beginning of Turkey's Operation Peace Spring in northern Syria, media reported on Friday.
Russia, US veto European statement on Turkey's Syria action Press TV 11 Oct 2019 -- Russian and the United States have used their veto power at the United Nations Security Council to vote down a European statement against Turkey's invasion of northern Syria.
Turkey's Syria offensive could spark another catastrophe, warn humanitarians UN News 11 Oct 2019 -- Airstrikes and a ground offensive by Turkey in northern Syria against Kurdish forces have left civilians dead and forced tens of thousands to flee, UN agencies said on Friday, amid fears of another "humanitarian catastrophe" in the war-torn country.
Turkey's Military Action Interrupted Syria Humanitarian Effort, UN Says VOA 11 Oct 2019 -- U.N. agencies say intense shelling and airstrikes by Turkish forces along the northeastern Syrian border with Turkey are having a devastating impact on the estimated 3 million people who live there.
Residents Flee as Turkish, Kurdish Forces Battle for Border Towns VOA 11 Oct 2019 -- NATO is urging Turkey to exercise restraint in its incursion into northeastern Syria.
Esper Condemns Turkey's Syria Incursion, Says U.S. Stands With Syrian Democratic Forces DoD News 11 Oct 2019 -- Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper condemned Turkey's unilateral military incursion into Northern Syria, saying the move endangers civilians, will encourage instability and may cause the resurrection of ISIS.
Esper condemns Turkish offensive, says US military not abandoning Kurds in Syria Press TV 11 Oct 2019 -- The US Defense Department has condemned Turkey's military offensive in northern Syria, saying Washington is "greatly disappointed" by the Turkish incursion.
Turkish forces, allied militants facing stiff Kurdish resistance: Observatory Press TV 11 Oct 2019 -- Turkish military forces and allied militants from the so-called Free Syrian Army (FSA) are facing stiff resistance by Kurds in northern Syria, says a monitoring group.
Turkish operation in Syria threatens to revive Daesh: Putin Press TV 11 Oct 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that the Turkish military incursion into northeastern Syria could lead to the revival of the Daesh terrorist group in the region.
Heavy fighting in northeastern Syria as civilians flee Turkish attacks Press TV 11 Oct 2019 -- Turkish warplanes and artillery hit northeast Syria on the third day of an incursion that has forced tens of thousands to flee.
U.S. Steps Up Warnings Amid More Casualties, Displacement In Turkey's Syria Offensive RFE/RL 11 Oct 2019 -- U.S. defense officials have stepped up warnings to Ankara as casualty reports mount amid a cross-border military assault by Turkey on Kurdish-controlled areas of northeastern Syria.
Terrorist Attacks in Syria Intensify Against Backdrop Of Turkish Offensive - Russian Military Sputnik 11 Oct 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced earlier this week the launch of the offensive, dubbed Operation Peace Spring, in northeastern Syria, aiming to create a safe zone near the Syrian-Turkish border.
US Will 'Try Its Very Best' to Stop Turkish-Kurdish Clashes in Syria - State Department Official Sputnik 11 Oct 2019 -- On Thursday, US President Donald Trump noted that one of three possible choices the US has regarding Turkey's "Operation Peace Spring" in northern Syria would be to mediate a deal between Turkey and the Kurds.

Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed Awarded Nobel Peace Prize VOA 11 Oct 2019 -- Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali has won the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize for his peacemaking efforts with neighboring Eritrea.

Putin Questions Zelenskiy's 'Will' To Ensure Pullback In Eastern Ukraine RFE/RL 11 Oct 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy of lacking the "political will" to ensure a pullback of heavy weaponry in eastern Ukraine, in a swipe at the leadership in Kyiv amid recent signs of possible progress toward ending a five-year conflict between Ukrainian troops and Russia-backed separatists.

Rohingya Refugees Who Returned to Myanmar on Their Own Say They Still Face Hardship Radio Free Asia 11 Oct 2019 -- Some of the hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees who fled a brutal military-led crackdown in Myanmar's Rakhine state in 2017 and sought refuge in neighboring Bangladesh say they have not been able to go back to their original villages after returning to Rakhine of their own volition.

Indian Prime Minister Modi Played his Last Card by Revoking Kashmir Autonomy, says Imran Khan Sputnik 11 Oct 2019 -- Pakistan expressed solidarity with the people of Indian-administered Kashmir, and promised to continue addressing the international community about their plight since India stripped the state of special status and imposed curfews.

UN: Escalating Violence in Burkina Faso Displaces 500,000 VOA 11 Oct 2019 -- United Nations aid agencies warn the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Burkina Faso is devastating the country's agriculture and economy, destabilizing communities, and putting the lives of severely malnourished children at risk.

News Reports

Ex-US Ambassador to Ukraine Says Trump Applied Pressure to Remove Her From Post VOA 11 Oct 2019 -- The former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch told House committees leading the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump that the president pressured his State Department to remove her from her post.
U.S. Ex-Ukraine Envoy Yovanovitch Says Trump, 'False Claims' Behind Her Removal RFE/RL 11 Oct 2019 -- Former U.S. Ambassador to Kyiv Marie Yovanovitch has reportedly told lawmakers gathered for a closed-door deposition as part of an impeachment inquiry that President Donald Trump applied pressure on the State Department to remove her from her post based on "unfounded and false claims."
A U.S. Indictment Draws Ukraine Further Into Washington's Impeachment Drama RFE/RL 11 Oct 2019 -- In April, two ambitious, politically connected U.S.-based businessmen traveled to Israel to meet with Ihor Kolomoyskiy, one of Ukraine's wealthiest tycoons and a man some consider to be a consigliere to newly elected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
Democratic Lawmakers Subpoena U.S. Energy Secretary In Ukraine Probe RFE/RL 11 Oct 2019 -- Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives have issued a subpoena to Energy Secretary Rick Perry as part of the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump's dealings with Ukraine.

Russia Used $50 U.S.-Based Donation To Help Brand Navalny Foundation 'Foreign Agent' RFE/RL 11 Oct 2019 -- A Russian citizen living in Florida says he donated $50 to an opposition politician seeking to run for a Moscow city-council seat.

As Trump, Moon Face Domestic Woes, Kim Jong Un Sees a Chance VOA 11 Oct 2019 -- When North Korea walked away recently from its first working-level nuclear talks with the United States in months, its negotiators cited what they referred to as U.S. inflexibility and hostile policies.
Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un Visits Kumsusan Palace of Sun KCNA 11 Oct 2019 -- Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea, chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and supreme commander of the armed forces of the DPRK, visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun with members of the Political Bureau of the WPK Central Committee on October 10, the 74th founding anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea.
Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un Enjoys Art Performance KCNA 11 Oct 2019 -- Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea, chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and supreme commander of the armed forces of the DPRK, enjoyed an art performance for celebrating the 74th founding anniversary of the WPK at an annex to the headquarters of the Party Central Committee on October 10.

Iran's damaged oil tanker on way back to Persian Gulf: NITC IRNA 11 Oct 2019 -- National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) announced that the Iranian oil tanker SABITI which suffered attacks in the Red Sea on Friday is now moving back to the Persian Gulf.
FM spox condemns targeting of Iranian oil tanker in Red Sea IRNA 11 Oct 2019 -- Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi condemned on Friday targeting the Iranian oil tanker in Red Sea, saying that the vessel is currently in stable condition.
Iranian oil tanker hit by explosions near Jeddah IRNA 11 Oct 2019 -- An Iranian oil tanker was hit by missiles in Red Sea earlier on Friday, causing damage in its two major tanks and oil is spilling into the sea.
Iranian oil tanker hit by two blasts in Red Sea Press TV 11 Oct 2019 -- Two separate explosions, possibly caused by missile attacks, have hit an Iranian oil tanker operated by the National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) near the Saudi port city of Jeddah, in what Tehran calls a "dangerous adventure".
Iranian Oil Tanker 'Attacked' In Red Sea, Foreign Ministry Says RFE/RL 11 Oct 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry says an Iranian oil tanker has been damaged in an "attack" in the Red Sea.
Oil Prices Jump After Reports of Iranian Tanker Explosion VOA 11 Oct 2019 -- Images of an Iranian tanker burning off the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia caused oil prices to jump 2% Friday, after Iran's national oil tanker company claimed that one of its ships was hit by several missiles near the port of Jeddah.

President Xi arrives in India for 2nd informal summit with Modi Global Times 11 Oct 2019 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Chennai, India, on Friday afternoon for the second informal meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which is highly anticipated to continue the spirit of the first informal summit in Wuhan last year and make joint efforts to revive the Asian civilizations.
Modi, Xi Hold Informal Summit as Fresh Strains Cloud Ties VOA 11 Oct 2019 -- An informal summit between Chinese President Xi Jingping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi got off to a quiet start Friday as the two leaders shook hands and visited three ancient monuments in Mamallapuram, a coastal town in southern India.
Hong Kong police dismiss abuse rumors Global Times 11 Oct 2019 -- Hong Kong police on Friday refuted rumors which smear the police force and damage its credibility, accusing them of having ulterior motives and attempting to tear apart society.
Hong Kong Office Workers March Over Allegations of Police Abuses in Detention Radio Free Asia 11 Oct 2019 -- Hundreds of people took to the streets of Hong Kong on Friday to protest allegations of police sexual abuse and torture reported by arrested anti-extradition protesters.
US attempt to interfere in China's internal affairs doomed to fail People's Daily 11 Oct 2019 -- China has lodged solemn representations with the US side for adding 28 Chinese companies and government agencies on its export control entity list on October 7, with the so-called "human rights issue" in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region as an excuse.
Remarks by President Trump and Vice Premier Liu He of the People's Republic of China in a Meeting The White House 11 Oct 2019
US, China Reach Partial Trade Deal; Avoid Tariff Increase VOA 11 Oct 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump announced Friday that Washington and Beijing had reached a substantial phase-one trade deal, covering agricultural purchases, currency and some aspects of intellectual property protections.

Taiwan Rejects 'One Country, Two Systems' Offer, Citing Hong Kong Protests Sputnik 11 Oct 2019 -- The president of Taiwan accused Beijing of intentionally using the "one country, two systems" solution to bring autonomous Chinese provinces to the "brink of disorder", while not addressing that it was Taiwan who played a pivotal role this year in sparking mass Hong Kong protests.

Top Iraqi Shia cleric urges Baghdad to properly investigate protest deaths Press TV 11 Oct 2019 -- Iraq's most prominent Shia cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani has called on the Baghdad government to launch a thorough investigation into the wave of violence during recent protests against corruption, staggering youth unemployment and poor public services, which started in the capital and then spread to other cities.
Iraqi Cleric Sistani Blames Government For Protests Deaths, Sets Probe Deadline RFE/RL 11 Oct 2019 -- Iraq's top Shi'ite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, has blamed the government for the "bloodshed" during recent unrest on Iraqi streets, and gave Baghdad two weeks to release the findings of a probe into the 104 deaths recorded during the protests since October 1.

Judge Rules Zuma Corruption Trial Can Go Ahead VOA 11 Oct 2019 -- A court in South Africa on Friday ruled the corruption trial against former President Jacob Zuma will go ahead, despite his efforts to have the case dismissed. Zuma also faces charges of money laundering and fraud related to a government arms deal.

Yemeni attack on Aramco facilities costs Saudi $2bn worth of oil output Press TV 11 Oct 2019 -- Saudi Arabia has lost $2 billion worth of its oil production after Yemen's retaliatory attacks on the kingdom's vital energy infrastructure last month, a report by the Financial Times says.

After 14-Hour Media Marathon, Questions Remain For Ukraine's President RFE/RL 11 Oct 2019 -- In a 14-hour media marathon that left even the lengthy press conferences held by the leaders of neighboring Russia and Belarus seeming on the short side, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy fielded more than 500 questions.

Romanian President Sees Naming Acting Prime Minister By October 15 RFE/RL 11 Oct 2019 -- Romanian President Klaus Iohannis says he will likely appoint an acting prime minister by October 15 to form a transitional cabinet to replace the center-left government that lost a no-confidence vote earlier this week.

Former Kyrgyz President A No-Show At Trial After Deadly Summer Standoff RFE/RL 11 Oct 2019 -- Former Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambaev refused to attend the opening of his trial into corruption charges against him in the Central Asian nation.

United States Response to Protests in Ecuador US Dept. of State 11 Oct 2019
Ecuador: UN 'stands ready' to support talks, in bid to end political turmoil UN News 11 Oct 2019 -- Amid violent street protests that have rocked Ecuador's Government, fomenting a political crisis, the UN Secretary-General has voiced his concern, saying the Organization is standing by to help mediate if politicians can agree to sit down for talks.
Ecuador Accuses Venezuela of Fomenting Widespread Unrest VOA 11 Oct 2019 -- Weeklong protests that have shaken Ecuador and driven its government from the capital threaten to aggravate wider regional tensions, with President Lenin Moreno accusing Venezuela and its allies of scheming to foment the unrest.

Treasury Sanctions Individuals for Corruption in South Sudan US Dept. of State 11 Oct 2019 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Ashraf Seed Ahmed Al-Cardinal (Al-Cardinal) and Kur Ajing Ater (Ajing) for their involvement in corruption in South Sudan. Five companies determined to be owned or controlled by Al-Cardinal and one company owned or controlled by Ajing were also sanctioned.
Treasury Sanctions Businessmen in South Sudan for Corrupt Dealings with Government Officials and Sanctions Evasion US Treasury 11 Oct 2019 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Ashraf Seed Ahmed Al-Cardinal (Al-Cardinal) and Kur Ajing Ater (Ajing) for their involvement in bribery, kickbacks and procurement fraud with senior government officials. OFAC is also designating five companies determined to be owned or controlled by Al-Cardinal, and one company owned or controlled by Ajing.

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