15 October 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

US Troops Fully Withdrawn from Manbij - Senior US State Department Official Sputnik 15 Oct 2019 -- The Syrian army previously retook control over the city of Manbij amid a confrontation between Kurdish militants and Turkish forces that started almost a week ago, following the beginning of Ankara's offensive in Syria.
US troops express anger at Trump's 'betrayal' of Kurds Press TV 15 Oct 2019 -- The United States has "betrayed" the Kurdish people who were US allies in northeastern Syria, American military officials have said.

Dying While Waiting: U.S. Government Ordered To Resolve Visa Issues For Afghan, Iraqi Allies RFE/RL 15 Oct 2019 -- When Sakhidad started working as a translator for the U.S. military in Afghanistan at the age of 19, he hoped his "faithful and valuable" service would earn him a special U.S. immigrant visa and eventual U.S. citizenship.

2019 Election Violence - Election-related violence in Afghanistan and its impact on civilians UNAMA 15 Oct 2019 -- A special report released today by the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) describes the severe impact of election-related violence on civilians, mainly coming from the Taliban’s deliberate campaign of violence and intimidation to disrupt Afghanistan’s presidential election.
UN: Afghan Election-Related Violence Killed 85 Civilians VOA 15 Oct 2019 -- A United Nations investigation has found insurgent attacks targeting the recent presidential electoral process in Afghanistan caused nearly 460 civilian casualties, including 85 deaths.
Election-related violence killed dozens in Afghanistan: UN Press TV 15 Oct 2019 -- A United Nations (UN) report says dozens of people have been killed and hundreds more wounded in violence related to Afghanistan's recent presidential election.
UN Says 85 Civilians Killed, 373 Wounded During Afghan Election Campaign RFE/RL 15 Oct 2019 -- Hundreds of people were killed or wounded in violence related to Afghanistan's recent presidential election and the campaign preceding the poll, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has said.

Defense Policy / Programs

Fiscal Year 2019 Arms Sales Total of $55.4 Billion Shows Continued Strong Sales DSCA 15 Oct 2019 -- The Defense Security Cooperation Agency announces arms sales of $55.4 billion for Fiscal Year 2019. This total increases the three-year rolling average to $51 billion, demonstrating continued strength in the sales of U.S. defense articles and services to allies and foreign partners.
"Project da Vinci" transforms rotary-wing helicopter pilot training US Air Force 15 Oct 2019 -- With inspiration from Leonardo da Vinci, the 23rd Flying Training Squadron is transforming the learning environment with the intent of developing better trained vertical-lift aviators prepared to conduct combat search and rescue, homeland security and special operations missions.
South Dakota Guard hones mobility, command capability Army News 15 Oct 2019 -- More than 200 Soldiers with the 196th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, South Dakota Army National Guard, spent two weeks training for war Sept. 25-Oct. 12 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
Japanese service members, Philippine and U.S. Marines conduct amphibious landing USMC News 15 Oct 2019 -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines, Japan Self-Defense Force, and U.S. Armed Forces united to conduct an amphibious landing exercise at Katungkulan Beach, Marine Barracks Gregorio Lim during Exercise KAMANDAG 3 on Oct. 12, 2019.
NIWC Atlantic Ingenuity, Teamwork Speed JLTV Delivery to Marine Units NNS 15 Oct 2019 -- Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic engineers helped achieve initial operational capability (IOC) nearly a year ahead of schedule for their integration work on the U.S. Marine Corps' Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV).
Miguel Keith Completes Acceptance Trials NNS 15 Oct 2019 -- The Navy's newest Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB), Miguel Keith (ESB 5) successfully completed Acceptance Trials on Oct. 11.
US Army Cannon to Pass 'Big Technology Gates' With 1,150-Mile Range Sputnik 15 Oct 2019 -- A US military official has confirmed that the Army will embark on efforts to construct a groundbreaking strategic, long-range cannon (SLRC) capable of firing projectiles some 1,000 nautical miles (1,150 miles or 1,850 kilometers).
388th Fighter Wing focuses on F-35A operational capabilities, mission readiness US Air Force 15 Oct 2019 -- As the Air Force continues to sharpen its competitive edge to become a more lethal and ready force, the first combat-coded F-35A Lightning II wing has been a key contributor to the force's overall readiness.
NIWC Atlantic Support Cells Bolster Cyber Resiliency Efforts NNS 15 Oct 2019 -- In light of ever-increasing cyber threats around the world, Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic is increasing cyber resilience throughout the command and for the Navy.

Secretary General discusses preparations for London Leaders' Meeting with Prime Minister Johnson NATO 15 Oct 2019 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg had talks in Downing Street on Tuesday (15 October 2019) with Prime Minister Boris Johnson ahead of the next meeting of NATO leaders in London. It will take place on 3-4 December 2019 to mark NATO's 70th anniversary.

U.S. to issue LOA to finalize M1A2 tank sale soon: Taiwan CNA 15 Oct 2019 -- The United States will soon send Taiwan a letter of offer and acceptance (LOA), a contract between the U.S. military and a foreign military sale customer, to officially seal the M1A2 tank sale, Taiwan's defense ministry said Tuesday.

China's second aircraft carrier's eighth sea trial could lead to commissioning: report Global Times 15 Oct 2019 -- China's second aircraft carrier, the first one domestically built, appears to have embarked on its eighth sea trial on Tuesday, judging from online photos and an announcement of a military exercise.
China's first homegrown polar icebreaker to start its maiden voyage Global Times 15 Oct 2019 -- China's first domestically made polar icebreaker Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon 2, will start its maiden voyage to the Antarctic from the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen Tuesday.

India Boosts Afghanistan's Might with Attack Choppers amid US-Taliban Peace Bid Sputnik 15 Oct 2019 -- Afghanistan had requested that India provide new parts and repairs to 11 grounded Mi-35 helicopters and seven transport aircraft in 2016. In December 2016, India supplied four Mi-25 attack helicopters and delivered two other attack choppers to the Afghan Air Force in May of this year.

Trump's Decision on Kurds Rattles Some in South Korea VOA 15 Oct 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria amid a Turkish onslaught is being watched closely in South Korea, where Trump has long hinted at a major military realignment.

Defense Industry

Contracts For Oct. 15, 2019
Lockheed Martin Unveils Their 'Low-Observable' Raider X FARA Design Sputnik 15 Oct 2019 -- Lockheed Martin's Sikorsky unveiled its Raider X design, which is based heavily on the S-97 Raider demonstrator that Sikorsky showed off at the 2015 AUSA conference for the US Army's Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA).

Other Conflicts

15 October 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 15 Oct 2019

Vietnam Leader Urges Restraint Over South China Sea Dispute With China Radio Free Asia 15 Oct 2019 -- Vietnamese President and Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong called for calm in the disputed South China Sea, saying Hanoi would uphold its sovereignty its standoff with encroaching Chinese ships but also values stability, state media reported on Tuesday.

Jets of Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen target Houthi militia in Hajja SPA 15 Oct 2019 -- Warplanes of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen on Monday targeted positions and gatherings of the Iran-backed Houthi terrorist militia east and west of Harad city in the province of Hajja.

Turkey may be 'responsible' for executions of Kurds in Syria: UN Press TV 15 Oct 2019 -- The United Nations has warned that reported summary executions of civilians in northeastern Syria carried out by Turkish-backed Takfiri terrorists could constitute a "war crime," and that the Ankara government could be "deemed responsible."
Turkish Invasion of Syria Upends Possibility of Peace in Region DoD News 15 Oct 2019 -- The Turkish invasion of neighboring Syria has resulted in widespread casualties, large numbers of refugees, widespread destruction and growing insecurity, Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper said.
US Delegation Heading to Turkey to Push for Syria Cease-fire VOA 15 Oct 2019 -- U.S. Vice President Mike Pence will head a high-level delegation to Turkey to press that country's president to halt his invasion of northeast Syria, President Donald Trump announced Tuesday.
Health Crisis Looms as Aid Organizations Pull Out of Syria VOA 15 Oct 2019 -- Eight-year-old Sara hardly speaks anymore. She spends most of her time watching cartoons on a mobile phone in a rugged pink cover.
Doctors Without Borders Suspends Operations as Turkish Forces Move In VOA 15 Oct 2019 -- Doctors Without Borders, also known as Médecins Sans Frontières or MSF, announced that it would be suspending its operations in northeastern Syria due to "extreme volatility in the region."
Erdogan Remains Defiant in Face of US Sanctions VOA 15 Oct 2019 -- U.S. sanctions on Turkey over its Syrian military offensive are being dismissed by the political leadership in Ankara, as financial markets shrug off the measures.
US Pushing for Cease-fire After Turkey's Push Into N. Syria VOA 15 Oct 2019 -- The United States says diplomatic efforts are on "high gear" to press for a cease-fire after Turkey's incursion into northern Syria, as Washington tries to get the situation under control, according to a senior State Department official.
Turkey arrests 4 Kurdish mayors amid Syria offensive Press TV 15 Oct 2019 -- Turkey has arrested four mayors from the pro-Kurdish People's Democratic Party (HDP), in an apparent crackdown on critics of Ankara's latest offensive against Syria.
US imposes sanctions on Turkey over Syria offensive Press TV 15 Oct 2019 -- The United States has imposed sanctions on two Turkish ministries and three senior government officials over the country's military offensive against Kurdish militants in northern Syria.
U.S. Imposes Sanctions On Turkish Ministers Over Syria Offensive RFE/RL 15 Oct 2019 -- The United States has imposed sanctions on Turkey's defense minister and two other ministers in response to Ankara's military assault on northeast Syria, as President Donald Trump called his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to demand an immediate cease-fire.
UK Foreign Secretary Says Licenses for Defence Exports to Turkey Will be Suspended Amid Syria Op Sputnik 15 Oct 2019 -- The Turkish offensive in northern Syria, which started on 9 October, has been condemned by the international community, with Syria calling it a violation of its territorial integrity.
Turkey Launched Operation in Syria Because US Failed to Observe Commitments - Minister Sputnik 15 Oct 2019 -- Turkey has launched the military operation in Kurd-populated north of Syria because the United States failed to observe its commitments on establishing a jointly controlled demilitarized zone in the area, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Monday.
Syrian army troops take full control of Manbij Press TV 15 Oct 2019 -- Syrian army troops have established full control over Manbij, a city in the northern province of Aleppo, and its nearby settlements, amid Turkey's cross-border invasion in northeastern Syria and an abrupt US retreat of its forces from the city.
Day 7 of Turkey Syria offensive: Latest updates Press TV 15 Oct 2019 -- The Turkish army is pushing ahead with a military operation, which entered its 7th day on Tuesday, against the Kurdish militants controlling northern Syria, in complete defiance of the international community.
Russia Vows To Prevent Clashes Between Syrian, Turkish Armies RFE/RL 15 Oct 2019 -- Russia says it won't allow clashes between Turkish and Syrian forces as Turkey pressed its offensive against Kurdish forces in northern Syria.
US Secretary of Defense Affirms US and International Opposition of Turkish Invasion in Syrian Territories SPA 15 Oct 2019 -- US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper affirmed that "despite the opposition and repeated warnings from the United States and the international community, Turkish President Erdogan ordered a unilateral invasion of northern Syria that has resulted in widespread casualties, refugees, destruction, insecurity, and a growing threat to US military forces.
Russia, Damascus Ensure Safe Pullout of Foreign Troops From Syria's North-East Sputnik 15 Oct 2019 -- The Russian military and the Syrian authorities have taken the necessary measures to ensure the safe withdrawal of foreign troops from northeastern Syria as the evacuation of US servicemen continues, the Russian centre for Syrian reconciliation said Tuesday.
SDF Deal With Damascus 'Forced Step', Russia to Play Key Role in Process – Kurdish Official Sputnik 15 Oct 2019 -- The Syrian Democratic Forces' (SDF) handover of the Kurdish-controlled towns of Manbij and Kobane as part of the deal with Damascus to the national army is a forced step aimed at protecting themselves from the Turkish offensive, Abdul Hakim Bashar, vice president of the Kurdish National Council in Syria, said.
Turkey military action in Syria Urgent Question: Foreign Secretary's opening statement UK FCO 15 Oct 2019 -- Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab answered an Urgent Question in the House of Commons about Turkey's incursion into north east Syria.
Syria war: executions condemned as violence continues 'on both sides' of border with Turkey UN News 15 Oct 2019 -- Amid ongoing fighting in northern Syria and disturbing reports that extrajudicial killings have been streamed online, the United Nations and their partners are continuing to deliver humanitarian supplies to tens of thousands of people displaced by the violence, UN agencies stressed on Tuesday.
FM Zarif calls for ending incursion into Syria IRNA 15 Oct 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a message called for ending incursion into Syria and addressing all concerns through ADANA.
Trump Calls on Erdogan to Stop Syria Offensive, Sends Delegation to Turkey - Pence Sputnik 15 Oct 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has called on his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan to stop the operation in northern Syria and has directed US Vice President Mike Pence to head to Turkey for negotiations, Pence told reporters.
Pentagon Says Turkey's Operation in Syria 'Growing Threat', US Continues Troop Withdrawal Sputnik 15 Oct 2019 -- The Pentagon considers Turkey's operation in Syria an "impulsive" move that undermines efforts to defeat the Daesh* terror group, US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper said in a statement, stressing that the United States continues its troop withdrawal from northern Syria.
Several Areas in Syria's North-East Declare Restoration of Sovereignty - Russian Military Sputnik 15 Oct 2019 -- A number of settlements in the provinces of Aleppo, Raqqa and Hasakah in Syria have announced the restoration of Syrian sovereignty on their territory due to the inability of the Kurdish Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria to protect the population and solve humanitarian problems, the Russian Military said.

India again halts text messaging services in Kashmir Press TV 15 Oct 2019 -- The Indian government has blocked text messaging services for mobile phones in the Indian-administered Kashmir only a day after a communication lockdown had been partially terminated in the disputed region.

Field Marshal Haftar Urges to Cancel UN Embargo, as Libyan Army Needs Arms Sputnik 15 Oct 2019 -- Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, the head of the Libyan National Army (LNA), has explained the situation in the war-torn country and described Libya's potential future in an interview with Sputnik.

Two Ukraine Soldiers Killed From Sniper Shots In Donbas Conflict Zone RFE/RL 15 Oct 2019 -- Two Ukrainian soldiers were killed and one wounded in the war zone of eastern Ukraine in the past 24 hours, the Ukrainian military announced on October 15 during its daily briefing.
Russian Court Cuts Prison Term Of Ukrainian Jailed For Spying RFE/RL 15 Oct 2019 -- The Russian Supreme Court has cut the prison term of a Ukrainian man who had been sentenced in Russian-occupied Crimea on espionage charges.
Russia's Supreme Court Upholds 14-Year Prison Sentences For 'Ukrainian Saboteurs' RFE/RL 15 Oct 2019 -- Russia's Supreme Court has upheld 14-year prison sentences handed down to two Ukrainian men for plotting sabotage in Ukraine's Russian-occupied Crimea.

Security Council marks end of 15 years of UN peacekeeping in Haiti UN News 15 Oct 2019 -- Although 15 years of UN peacekeeping in Haiti has drawn to a close, the Organization's commitment to strengthening and stabilizing the country, will continue, the Security Council heard on Tuesday.

Myanmar's Rakhine Conflict Takes Toll on Firefighters, Police Radio Free Asia 15 Oct 2019 -- An official from Rakhine state's fire department in western Myanmar on Tuesday appealed to the Arakan Army to release firefighters detained as they traveled on a bus, days after suspected rebels took them and other passengers hostage near the town of Mrauk-U.

Tibetans Harassed, Detained in Nepal Ahead of Visit by China's President Radio Free Asia 15 Oct 2019 -- Police in Nepal cracked down on the country's Tibetan community over the weekend, closing monasteries and taking 27 Tibetans and Nepal residents of other nationalities into temporary custody to prevent demonstrations during a visit by China's president Xi Jinping, sources said on Tuesday.

News Reports

Case for Obstruction by White House Is Building, Schiff Says VOA 15 Oct 2019 -- The case for obstruction by the Trump administration continues to build, House Democrat Adam Schiff says, after senior members and Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani defied subpoenas in the impeachment inquiry.
Career Diplomat To Testify In Trump Impeachment Inquiry After Explosive Appearance By Ex-Adviser RFE/RL 15 Oct 2019 -- A long-time U.S. diplomat is set to appear in the Democratic-led U.S. House of Representatives' impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump a day after his former adviser on Russia reportedly testified to seeing "wrongdoing" in policy toward Ukraine.
Trump's former Russia adviser Fiona Hill testifies in impeachment inquiry Press TV 15 Oct 2019 -- Fiona Hill, US President Donald Trump's former top Russia adviser, has testified for more than nine hours behind closed doors as part of the impeachment inquiry by Democrats over Trump's alleged request that Ukraine investigate a political rival.
Ex-US National Security Advisor Bolton Wanted to Stop 'Ukraine Pressure' by Giuliani - Reports Sputnik 15 Oct 2019 -- Former US National Security advisor John Bolton had allegedly called President Donald Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani's efforts in Ukraine "a drug deal", according to a Trump administration official, and wanted White House lawyers alerted, US media reported on Monday.

Ukraine Fears Collateral Damage From Trump Impeachment Probe VOA 15 Oct 2019 -- Ukraine is at the center of the impeachment proceedings against U.S. President Donald Trump, as Democrat opponents claim he pressured Kyiv to investigate the son of his political rival Joe Biden. The web of allegations and counter-claims is rooted in Ukraine's efforts to clamp down on corruption following the overthrow of President Viktor Yanukovych in 2014.

Russia's Putin visits Saudi Arabia amid regional tensions Press TV 15 Oct 2019 -- In his first visit to Saudi Arabia in over a decade, Russian President Vladimir Putin has exchanged views with King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on a number of sensitive regional issues as well as military and technical cooperation.
Russia Boosts Economic Ties With U.A.E. During Putin's Visit RFE/RL 15 Oct 2019 -- Russia has signed deals worth more than a billion dollars with the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.), President Vladimir Putin said as he wrapped up his tour of the Persian Gulf during which he also courted Saudi investments.
Across Russia, Police Raid Offices Of Foundation Run By Kremlin Foe Navalny RFE/RL 15 Oct 2019 -- Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny says Russian law enforcement officers have raided 30 offices of his Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) in cities across the country.
Searches Related to Money Laundering Case Against Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation Underway Across Russia Sputnik 15 Oct 2019 -- Earlier this month, the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) founded by Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny was included in the foreign agents' list after Russian police searched the apartments of regional coordinators and activists linked with the organisation.

North and South Korean Men's Soccer Teams Play to Draw in Empty Stadium in Pyongyang Radio Free Asia 15 Oct 2019 -- If a soccer match is played in an empty 50,000-seat stadium with no media coverage, did it even really happen? For the North and South Korean men's national soccer teams, it may well as not have, as the two sides played to a scoreless draw in Tuesday's second round 2022 FIFA Men's World Cup qualifier match at an empty Kim Il Sung stadium in Pyongyang.
Talks Held between Kim Su Gil and Miao Hua KCNA 15 Oct 2019 -- Talks were held between Army General Kim Su Gil, director of the General Political Bureau of the Korean People's Army (KPA), and Senior Vice Admiral Miao Hua, director of the political affairs department of the Central Military Commission of the People's Republic of China (PRC), in Pyongyang on Monday.
Director of Political Affairs Department of PRC Central Military Commission Welcomed KCNA 15 Oct 2019 -- The director of the political affairs department of the Central Military Commission of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and his party were welcomed with due ceremony before the Statue of Victory of the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum on Monday.

State-Run Turkish Bank Charged With Evading U.S. Sanctions On Iran RFE/RL 15 Oct 2019 -- Majority state-owned Turkish bank Halkbank has been criminally charged in an indictment for involvement in a multibillion-dollar scheme to evade U.S. sanctions against Iran.
Zarif says "one or more governments" behind attack to Iranian oil tanker IRNA 15 Oct 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that, based on information, attack on Iranian oil tanker SABITI in the Red Sea was carried out by "one or a number of governments".
Construction of 2nd unit of Bushehr nuclear power plant to be started soon: AEOI spokesman ISNA 15 Oct 2019 -- Spokesman of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Behrouz Kamalvandi announced that the construction of second unit of Bushehr nuclear power plant will be started late in October.
Sabiti oil tanker attacked by one or more governments: Iran FM ISNA 15 Oct 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif stressed that the attack on Sabiti oil tanker was a governmental action, saying, according to the obtained information, the attack was carried out by one or more governments.
Iran denies tanker attacked in Red Sea keeps leaking Press TV 15 Oct 2019 -- Iran's state-run operator of oil tankers has rejected media reports suggesting a ship that was attacked last week in the Red Sea and off the coast of Saudi Arabia keeps leaking while on its way back home.
Zarif: 'One or more governments' behind attack on Iranian oil tanker Press TV 15 Oct 2019 -- Foreign Minister Javad Zarif says the attack on an Iranian oil tanker in the Red Sea on Friday was a "complicated action" in which "one or more governments" were involved.

US House of Representatives Unanimously Pass Hong Kong Human Rights And Democracy Act Radio Free Asia 15 Oct 2019 -- The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday passed the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, which will require Washington to review Hong Kong's human rights situation annually and to take sanctions against officials linked to rights abuses in the city, if approved by the Senate.
Hong Kong Democracy Protesters Call For US Congress Proposed Sanctions VOA 15 Oct 2019 -- Hong Kong pro-democracy advocates are urging the U.S. Congress to pass a human rights bill that could impose trade sanctions on this international financial center, a measure that critics say could cause more harm than good.
US moves to lend support as demonstrations lose steam Global Times 15 Oct 2019 -- The US House of Representative is expected to pass the so-called "Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act" on Tuesday (US time), almost the same time with Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor's policy address scheduled for Wednesday morning, which intended to solve underlying problem for the Hong Kong society.
HK lawmakers call for social network curbs to stop inciting riots Global Times 15 Oct 2019 -- Outspoken Hong Kong lawmaker Junius Ho Kwan-yiu on Tuesday urged the authorities to block LIHKG, a major social network platform used by rioters to incite violence and spread false information.
HKSAR govt may consider drawing from discipline services quarters as 'special constable' Global Times 15 Oct 2019 -- Hong Kong Special Administration Region government may consider seconding discipline services quarters as "temporary police" to help quell months of citywide anti-government violence and chaos. e
Hong Kong's leader: Violence will not elicit concessions Press TV 15 Oct 2019 -- Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam has dismissed the notion that violent behavior by protesters would elicit concessions from the government of the autonomous Chinese city.
Hong Kong Journalists Decry Police Violence Amid Questions Over Girl's Drowning Radio Free Asia 15 Oct 2019 -- As anti-government protests in Hong Kong entered their fifth month, journalists on Tuesday hit out at continuing police violence against media workers, as students called for a full inquiry into the drowning death of a 15-year-old girl.
Xi, Modi chart course ahead for new era People's Daily 15 Oct 2019 -- Informal meeting in India designed to build mutual trust between neighbors

Text of a Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Significant Narcotics Traffickers Centered in Colombia The White House 15 Oct 2019
Text of a Message to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Significant Narcotics Traffickers Centered in Colombia The White House 15 Oct 2019

Minutes To Midnight: Barnier Gives Brexit Ultimatum to Boris Johnson Sputnik 15 Oct 2019 -- As the clock to the UK's departure from the EU begins to wind down, talks of a last minute deal begin to materialise. With the UK government beginning to shift towards accepting Brussels proposals to keep Northern Ireland within the bloc's full customs code, while not legally within the Customs Union.
Scottish finance secretary says country can 'afford' independence Press TV 15 Oct 2019 -- On the second day of the Scottish National Party's conference in Aberdeen, the party struck an upbeat note on the economic justification for independence.

U.S. Envoy Urges Kazakhstan To Improve Rights Situation RFE/RL 15 Oct 2019 -- U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan William Moser says Washington is "strongly encouraging" Kazakhstan's government to improve the human rights situation in the Central Asian country.

Ukraine's PrivatBank Wins Key Battle Against Oligarch In London Court RFE/RL 15 Oct 2019 -- Ukrainian lender PrivatBank has won an appeal in a London court against one of the nation's most powerful tycoons as the Kyiv government seeks to break free from decades of oligarchic influence.

Papua New Guinea issues arrest warrant for ex-PM Press TV 15 Oct 2019 -- Authorities in Papua New Guinea have ordered the arrest of former prime minister Peter O'Neill on charges of corruption.

Mozambique Votes Amid Security, Fraud Concerns VOA 15 Oct 2019 -- Mozambique held general elections Tuesday, with pundits saying it could be the biggest test yet for Frelimo, the party which has been in power since independence. The president said the elections are being closely observed. But civil society groups say thousands of would-be election monitors were denied credentials by the authorities.
General elections kick off in Mozambique Press TV 15 Oct 2019 -- People are voting in presidential, parliamentary, and provincial elections in Mozambique, amid concerns that a recent peace deal between the country's ruling party and opposition could come under threat in the event of election-related violence.

EU Ministers Fail To Approve Official Accession Talks With Albania, North Macedonia RFE/RL 15 Oct 2019 -- European Union ministers have failed to give the go-ahead to begin membership negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia, another blow to the Western Balkan nations' hopes of a speedy accession process.

Romania's Liberal Party Leader Named As New Prime Minister RFE/RL 15 Oct 2019 -- Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has named the leader of the center-right National Liberal Party (PNL) as the country's next prime minister.

Atambaev's Trial Starts Without Him After He Formally Refuses To Attend RFE/RL 15 Oct 2019 -- Former Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambaev's trial started on October 15 after he twice refused to attend the hearing over whether he broke the law by authorizing the release of an imprisoned crime boss.

Ecuador's President Calls Back Controversial Decree, Says People Will Get Needed Subsidies Sputnik 15 Oct 2019 -- Ecuador's President Lenin Moreno has called back the decree on fuel subsidies cuts, which was one of the major reasons behind the mass protests in the country this month.
Death Toll from Ecuador Protests Rises, Almost 1,200 Detained Sputnik 15 Oct 2019 -- The number of people who died as a result of anti-government protests in Ecuador has gone up to eight with almost 1,200 having been detained, the ombudsman's office has announced.

Two Large Mekong River Dams in Laos to Start Operations by End of Year Radio Free Asia 15 Oct 2019 -- The first two of five planned large-scale Lao dams on the Mekong river are set to go online before the end of this year, amid controversy over their impact on the environment and people's livelihoods.

Cambodia's Defense Ministry Stands Behind Order of Armed Forces to 'Suppress' Opposition Return Radio Free Asia 15 Oct 2019 -- Cambodia's Ministry of Defense on Tuesday defended minister Tea Banh ordering the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) to use any means necessary to suppress the country's opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), as its leaders prepare to return from exile next month.

Kosovo Withdraws Application To Join Interpol Amid Signs Of Lagging Support RFE/RL 15 Oct 2019 -- Kosovo has again withdrawn its application to join Interpol amid signs the small Balkan nation would not have enough support among members to gain a seat in the international law enforcement organization.

On Tunisia's Presidential Elections US Dept. of State 15 Oct 2019

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