17 October 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

US bombs munitions storage bunker left behind in Syria Press TV 17 Oct 2019 -- The United States has bombed its own munitions storage bunker at a base in northern Syria after American troops vacated the site prior to a Turkish offensive in the region.
US Military Carries Out Airstrikes to Destroy Ammo Left Behind in Syria Sputnik 17 Oct 2019 -- Two US fighter jets launched pre-planned airstrikes Wednesday to destroy ammunition that was left behind when American forces left a cement factory south of Kobani, Syria, officials said.

Record-high number of civilian casualties in Afghanistan: UN Report UN News 17 Oct 2019 -- Afghanistan has seen record-high levels of civilian casualties in the third quarter of 2019, stemming mainly from the violence between rival political party supporters, the UN Assistance Mission in the country (UNAMA) revealed in a report published Thursday, which concluded that more must be done to protect the country's people.
UN decries 'unprecedented' civilian casualties in Afghanistan Press TV 17 Oct 2019 -- The United Nations says an "unprecedented" number of civilians were killed or injured in the third quarter of 2019 across violence-wracked Afghanistan, calling the violence "totally unacceptable."
UN Decries Recent 'Unprecedented' Afghan Civilian Casualties RFE/RL 17 Oct 2019 -- The United Nations said that an "unprecedented" number of civilians were killed or wounded in Afghanistan from July to September, calling the violence "totally unacceptable."
UN Reports 'Unprecedented' Increase in Afghan Civilian Casualties Since June Sputnik 17 Oct 2019 -- A new United Nations quarterly report found "unprecedented levels of violence" against civilians in Afghanistan as the US-led war begins its 18th year.

Defense Policy / Programs

DOD Improves Construction Standards After Natural Disasters DoD News 17 Oct 2019 -- In October 2018, the Category 5 Hurricane Michael caused billions of dollars in damage to Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. This summer, earthquakes in California wrought extensive damage to Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake.
Boxer ARG, 11th MEU Build Partnerships in Western Pacific USMC News 17 Oct 2019 -- Marines and Sailors from the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit participated in three multilateral exercises across the South China Sea to build partnerships and enhance relationships, beginning Oct. 2.
CNO Gives Keynote Address at 2019 Regional Seapower Symposium NNS 17 Oct 2019 -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Gilday gave the keynote address at the 12th Regional Seapower Symposium (RSS), Oct. 17.
Comfort Arrives in Dominican Republic to Provide Medical Assistance NNS 17 Oct 2019 -- The hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) arrived in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Oct. 14, for its tenth medical mission stop in Central America, South America and the Caribbean.
Navy to Christen Expeditionary Sea Base USNS Miguel Keith (ESB 5) NNS 17 Oct 2019 -- The Navy will christen the Expeditionary Sea Base USNS Miguel Keith (ESB 5) during a 10 a.m. PDT ceremony Saturday, Oct. 19, at General Dynamics NASSCO, San Diego.
AFMC successfully executes $66 billion portfolio in FY19 US Air Force 17 Oct 2019 -- The Air Force Materiel Command executed a portfolio of more than $66.6 billion in fiscal year 2019, ensuring the delivery and sustainment of agile, cost-effective and war-winning capabilities to the warfighter.
US EOD, air advisors train Nigerian Armed Forces US Air Force 17 Oct 2019 -- Airmen assigned to the 768th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron instructed Nigerien Armed Forces personnel, during a week-long Improvised Explosive Device Awareness Course Oct. 7-11.
US Army Embarks on 16-Year Modernization Program to Match 'Pacing Threat' Russia, China Sputnik 17 Oct 2019 -- The Army's latest modernization strategy report revealed they will prioritize countering military developments in China and Russia, the US' "pacing threat," as the branch begins a four-stage plan to become a multi-domain force by 2035.
Response to Catastrophe Would Require Unified Effort DoD News 17 Oct 2019 -- Though the United States has yet to experience a complex catastrophe in which millions of people are displaced, killed or injured, the Defense Department and other agencies have to be ready to respond should a catastrophic event occur, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for homeland defense said.
Operational Warfighting Platform Needed for Cybersecurity NNS 17 Oct 2019 -- Cyber threats against federal agencies, across the Department of Defense (DoD), and the U.S. Navy are increasing in frequency, sophistication and impact, opening up to attack vast amounts of sensitive data housed on government Informational Technology (IT) systems and the nation's critical infrastructure. These can be incredibly difficult to identify and attribute to a nation, organization or person.

CIS Countries Concerned Over NATO Activities Near Bloc's Borders Sputnik 17 Oct 2019 -- NATO has held major international exercises near the borders of the CIS on multiple occasions. Russia has repeatedly objected against NATO's build-up on the alliance's eastern flank, saying that it will undermine regional stability and result in further tensions.

First Ukraine-UK Joint Military Exercise Starts in Mykolaiv - Ukrainian Navy Sputnik 17 Oct 2019 -- The first joint military exercise between Ukraine and the United Kingdom, dubbed Warrior Watcher, began on Thursday in the city of Mykolaiv, the Ukrainian Naval Forces said.

Moscow Launched Ballistic, Cruise Missiles During Thunder 2019 Strategic Drills - Russian MoD Sputnik 17 Oct 2019 -- Ballistic and cruise missile launches were held as part of the Thunder-2019 strategic exercises led by Russian President, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Armed Forces Vladimir Putin, the Defence Ministry said.

J-20 jets showcase missiles Global Times 17 Oct 2019 -- China's most advanced fighter jet, J-20, once again revealed its missiles at the Chinese Air Force's "open day" event on Thursday, which also showcased the outstanding flight performances of a number of the PLA's warplanes.
HKSAR govt may consider drawing from discipline services quarters as 'special constable' Global Times 17 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.

Defense min says Yasin jet symbol of thwarting sanctions IRNA 17 Oct 2019 -- Defense Minister Amir Hatami said on Thursday that unveiling the indigenous training jet, Yasin, is symbol of thwarting the US sanctions on Iran.
Iran unveils modern training jet IRNA 17 Oct 2019 -- Yasin indigenous modern training jet- was unveiled on Thursday at a ceremony in the presence Iranian Defense Minister Amir Hatami.
Iran unveils domestically-manufactured training jet Press TV 17 Oct 2019 -- Iran has unveiled and put into operation a domestically-manufactured training jet, which is among the world's best in terms of takeoff and landing capabilities.

Korea - AIM-120C Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) DSCA 17 Oct 2019 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Korea of (120) AIM-120C-7/C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) with support for an estimated cost of $253 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

US Senate Sanctions Bill Targets Turkey Over Syria Campaign, S-400 Purchase Sputnik 17 Oct 2019 -- The Trump administration greenlit sanctions against Turkish officials and entities on Monday over Ankara's operation in northern Syria. Previously, lawmakers had sought to sanction Turkey under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) over its purchase of Russian-made S-400 air defence systems.
German Arms Sales to Turkey Hit 14 Year High Before Being Slashed Over Ankara's Syria Op - Report Sputnik 17 Oct 2019 -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel vowed Thursday that Berlin would not deliver any new arms to Turkey so long as Ankara continues its controversial military campaign in northern Syria.

MiG 29, Eurofighter Typhoon Vying for Supremacy As India, Oman Begin Joint Air Exercise Sputnik 17 Oct 2019 -- India's MiG-29 fighter jet is participating in an international exercise abroad for the first time.

Press Briefing by Acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney The White House 17 Oct 2019
Remarks by President Trump Upon Arrival of Air Force One | Fort Worth, TX The White House 17 Oct 2019
Remarks by Vice President Pence to U.S. Service Members | Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany The White House 17 Oct 2019

Defense Industry

Contracts For Oct. 17, 2019

Other Conflicts

17 October 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 17 Oct 2019

US Coast Guard Plays Role in Contested Spratly Islands VOA 17 Oct 2019 -- A U.S. fleet has begun the sea phase of a joint maritime training exercise near the contested waters of the Spratly Islands, along with naval assets from the Philippines and Japan.

Yemen conflict: 'Fragile' hopes rise, as violence decreases and life-saving humanitarian funds rise UN News 17 Oct 2019 -- There are "small signs" of hope for Yemeni civilians caught up in fighting, following a reduction in violence, coupled with a 20 per cent increase in funding for the UN's humanitarian response, the Security Council heard on Thursday.
Saudi, Sudanese Troops Arrive in Aden Area After Yemen Denies Deal With Separatists Sputnik 17 Oct 2019 -- Saudi and Sudanese troops, tanks and other military hardware rolled into the southern Yemeni province of Aden on Wednesday, a local government source said.

Special Representative for Syria Engagement James F. Jeffrey Remarks to the Traveling Press US Dept. of State 17 Oct 2019
Syria Camp Housing Hardcore IS Families Spiraling 'Out of Control' VOA 17 Oct 2019 -- "Get out of here!" shouts a woman draped in black, sitting on cardboard in the dusty camp market.
UN chief welcomes Turkey pause in Syria assault Press TV 17 Oct 2019 -- United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has welcomed "any efforts" to de-escalate the situation in northern Syria and protect civilians, a UN spokesman said in a statement on Thursday after Turkey agreed to pause its military operation in the region.
Pence: Turkey, US agree to temporary ceasefire in Syria Press TV 17 Oct 2019 -- Turkey has agreed to end the military offensive in northern Syria after Kurdish fighters withdraw from a safe zone, US Vice President Mike Pence has said.
US, Turkey Agree to a Ceasefire in Syria - Pence Sputnik 17 Oct 2019 -- US Vice President Pence and Secretary of State Pompeo arrived in Ankara on Thursday to discuss the ongoing Turkish military operation in northern Syria.
Remarks by Vice President Pence and Secretary of State Pompeo in Press Conference | Ankara, Turkey The White House 17 Oct 2019
The United States and Turkey Agree to Ceasefire in Northeast Syria The White House 17 Oct 2019
Turkey Agrees to Halt in Offensive on Kurdish Fighters in Northern Syria VOA 17 Oct 2019 -- Turkey agreed Thursday to a 120-hour cease-fire in its assault on Kurdish fighters in northern Syria, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence announced in Ankara, after extensive talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Turkey Agrees To Suspend Syria Operations RFE/RL 17 Oct 2019 -- Turkey has agreed to a cease-fire in northern Syria to let Kurdish-led forces withdraw, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said following talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara.
Dick Cheney's daughter unveils Turkey sanctions legislation in Congress Press TV 17 Oct 2019 -- Elizabeth Lynne Cheney, the Republican Conference Chairwoman of the US House of Representatives, has unveiled legislation to place sanctions on Turkey in response Ankara's military offensive against Kurdish forces in northern Syria.
Syria will respond through all legitimate means to Turkish aggression: Assad Press TV 17 Oct 2019 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says the Damascus government will respond through all legitimate means available to the ongoing ground offensive by Turkish soldiers and allied Takfiri militants against Kurdish forces in the northern part of the war-battered Arab country.
Syria: Turkish offensive anchored in Erdogan's expansionist illusions Press TV 17 Oct 2019 -- The Syrian government has strongly condemned the ongoing ground offensive by Turkish soldiers and allied Takfiri militants against Kurdish forces in the northern part of the war-battered Arab country, saying the military operation has its roots in the "expansionist ambitions and illusions" of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's administration.
Turkey's Syria incursion displaces over 300,000: Monitor Press TV 17 Oct 2019 -- Turkey's offensive against Kurdish-controlled areas of northeastern Syria has displaced over 300,000 people, a report says.
Damascus Opposes Idea of Autonomous Kurdistan, No Conditions for That in Syria - Assad's Adviser Sputnik 17 Oct 2019 -- Syrian president's political adviser Bouthaina Shaaban on Thursday described US-Turkey agreement on ceasefire in northern Syria as "unclear."
Syrian Kurds Welcome US-Turkey Agreement on Ceasefire in Northern Syria - Reports Sputnik 17 Oct 2019 -- Senior Kurdish official Aldar Khalil welcomed on Thursday the agreement between the United States and Turkey on a ceasefire in Syria, Al-Arabiya television reported.
Escalating Violence in Syria Making Aid Delivery Difficult VOA 17 Oct 2019 -- Aid workers say escalating violence near the border between Turkey and Syria is making it hard to deliver aid to the hundreds of thousands of people in need. At least 1,000 Syrians have fled to neighboring Iraq in search of safety from Turkey's bombardment and Syrian-allied troops on the ground.
IS Families Call for Uprising in Wake of Turkish Military Operations VOA 17 Oct 2019 -- "Get out of here!" shouts a woman draped in black, sitting on cardboard in the dusty camp market.
Syrian army enters key Kurdish-held town in northern Syria amid Turkish assault People's Daily 17 Oct 2019 -- The Syrian army on Wednesday entered the symbolically important Kurdish-held town of Ayn al-Arab in northern Syria near Turkey, state news agency SANA reported.
'Don't Be a Fool!': Trump in Newly Released Letter Urges Erdogan Against Syria Offensive Sputnik 17 Oct 2019 -- A transcript of a letter that was sent from US President Donald Trump to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been circulating all over Twitter Wednesday, and users are having a lot of fun with it.

Iraq Detains Several Daesh Members Who Fled From Syria – Defence Minister Sputnik 17 Oct 2019 -- Iraqi Defense Minister Najah Hassan Ali Shammari said on Thursday the country's authorities had detained several members of the Daesh* terror group who fled from Syria.

India on Alert as Afghan Origin Terrorists Enter Kashmir Sputnik 17 Oct 2019 -- Pakistan had categorically rejected India's claims about the re-activation of terror training camps on its territory and stated that it was the local people who are fighting for their rights in Kashmir.
Pakistan Rules Out Diplomatic Engagement with India Over its Kashmir Decision Sputnik 17 Oct 2019 -- Pakistan has suspended diplomatic, trade and communication relations with India after New Delhi stripped the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir of its special status in August.

China Makes Tibetan College Graduates Denounce Dalai Lama to Get State Jobs Radio Free Asia 17 Oct 2019 -- Tibetan college graduates looking for work in Tibet's public sector are being forced by Chinese authorities to denounce exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama before they are given jobs, a Tibetan advocacy group said this week.

Sudan Border Closures With Libya, CAR Begin to Have Impact VOA 17 Oct 2019 -- Sudan's ruling Sovereign Council recently ordered the closure of the country's borders with the Central African Republic and Libya, citing security concerns. The order has been gradually implemented in the last three weeks.

News Reports

White House Admits Quid Pro Quo Between Trump and Ukraine VOA 17 Oct 2019 -- The White House admitted Thursday that U.S. President Donald Trump froze $400 million in badly needed military aid to Ukraine to pressure it into investigating Democrats and the 2016 presidential election.
Sondland: Trump pushed for Ukraine probe of Biden's firm Press TV 17 Oct 2019 -- A US diplomat has told Congress that President Donald Trump directed administration officials to work with his attorney, Rudy Giuliani, on Ukraine matters, including seeking a probe of a Ukrainian company with ties to Hunter Biden, the son of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden.
U.S. Ambassador Criticizes Trump's Decision To Involve Giuliani In Ukraine Policy RFE/RL 17 Oct 2019 -- An American diplomat at the center of a House impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump's phone call with his Ukrainian counterpart has criticized the U.S. leader for involving his personal lawyer in foreign policy making.

Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, October 17, 2019 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 17 Oct 2019
Analysts: Russia Saying One Thing, Doing Another VOA 17 Oct 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin is presenting himself as a peacemaker in the Middle East, the go-to arbiter to whom all regional leaders can turn to, secure in the knowledge that he considers incumbency a good thing and regime change bad, analysts say. When it comes to neighboring Ukraine, though, the picture is different.
Russian Duma Commission Accuses Foreign Media Of Breaking Election Law RFE/RL 17 Oct 2019 -- A Russian parliamentary committee has accused six foreign-registered and funded media outlets of violating the country's election law before and during last month's elections to regional and local councils.
Russia Protests After U.S. Diplomats Found Near Restricted Area RFE/RL 17 Oct 2019 -- Russia's Foreign Ministry says it will issue a formal note of protest to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow after Russian authorities caught three U.S. diplomats in a restricted area near a secret test site in northern Russia, state-run news agency TASS has reported.
US Diplomats Were Not Detained in Severodvinsk - Russian Foreign Ministry Sputnik 17 Oct 2019 -- Estonian Interior Minister Mart Helme said Thursday he was concerned that big NATO partners looked elsewhere as cooperation within the alliance came to a standstill.

Australian Spying Agency Demands More Money, Canberra Quickly Promises 'Unprecedented Funding' Sputnik 17 Oct 2019 -- His promise comes a mere day after ASIO revealed in an annual report an "increasing gap between demand for our counter-espionage and foreign interference advice and our ability to furnish this assistance".

US Has Recently Assisted Foiling Terror Attacks in Russia by Providing Info - Russia's FSB Sputnik 17 Oct 2019 -- The United States has recently shared with Moscow information about terrorist attacks being prepared in Russia, thus helping to thwart them, the head of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), Alexander Bortnikov, said on Thursday.

FM urges US to withdraw restrictions on Chinese diplomats Global Times 17 Oct 2019 -- China's Foreign Ministry urged the US on Thursday to withdraw the "erroneous" meeting restrictions against Chinese diplomats and denied that China had similar requirements for US diplomats and consular officers.

Rodong Sinmun Calls for Following March of Brilliant Commander of Mt Paektu KCNA 17 Oct 2019 -- March to Mt Paektu by Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un was a historic event that would ensue a giant stride forward in the history of the Korean revolution, says Rodong Sinmun in an editorial Thursday.

Araghchi: Iran set to take next nuclear steps IRNA 17 Oct 2019 -- Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday reiterated that continued unilateral implementation of JCPOA is not justifiable, saying that Iran is determined to take next steps in line with scaling down commitments under the deal.
Iran mulling 4th step of reducing JCPOA commitments IRNA 17 Oct 2019 -- Head of Iranian President's Office Mahmoud Vaezi said on Thursday that a special committee is studying Iran's 4th step of reducing JCPOA commitments.
Iran determined to cut more JCPOA commitments until interests secured: Deputy FM Press TV 17 Oct 2019 -- Iran's deputy foreign minister says Tehran is determined to reduce more of its commitments under a 2015 multinational nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), until its legal demands are met by the European co-signatories.
Red Sea Tanker Attack: Iran Plans to Send Evidence of Alleged US, Israeli Role to United Nations Sputnik 17 Oct 2019 -- Over the past few months, the United States and Saudi Arabia, two of Iran's key adversaries, have blamed the Islamic Republic for a series of attacks on commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf and oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, which Iran categorically denies having conducted.

Hong Kong Protest March Organizer Offered Police Protection After Hammer Attack Radio Free Asia 17 Oct 2019 -- Peaceful march organizers the Hong Kong Civil Human Rights Front on Thursday called for calm, warning against vigilante-style retaliation after its leader was set upon and bloodied by hammer-wielding thugs.
Family of Late Ousted Chinese Premier Allowed to Bury His Remains Radio Free Asia 17 Oct 2019 -- A century after his birth, the ruling Chinese Communist Party has finally allocated a resting place for the ashes of late ousted premier Zhao Ziyang and his wife.
US Religious Freedom Envoy Urges Muslim World to Speak up For Incarcerated Uyghurs Radio Free Asia 17 Oct 2019 -- U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback on Thursday called on the world and Muslim-majority countries in particular to "get their courage back" and confront China over its internment of some 1.5 million Muslim Uyghurs in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR).
Interview: 'I'm Disappointed in Their Silence' Radio Free Asia 17 Oct 2019 -- Sam Brownback is a lawyer, former United States Senator and former governor of the state of Kansas who has served as the Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom since February 2018.

Senior U.S. diplomat condemns Beijing's bullying of Taiwan CNA 17 Oct 2019 -- The top U.S. diplomat for East Asia, David Stilwell, condemned Beijing's bullying of Taiwan Wednesday and pledged continued U.S. support for Taiwan's defense needs.

India's Second Moon Mission Begins Spectroscopic Studies of Lunar Surface Sputnik 17 Oct 2019 -- Despite the setback in India's second lunar mission – Chandrayaan-2, the rover of the satellite continues to go around the Moon with all its payloads and is completely functional. The lander failed to soft-land on the surface of the Moon and lost contact with the Earth Station of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

US grants Iraq sanctions waiver for gas, electricity imports from Iran Press TV 17 Oct 2019 -- The US has once again exempted Iraq from its sanctions against the Islamic Republic, allowing the Arab country to continue gas and electricity imports from Iran for another four-month period.

Parliament to scrutinize Boris Johnson's new Brexit deal Press TV 17 Oct 2019 -- The UK premiere and EU officials say they have secured a Brexit deal – who are the three groups PM Boris Johnson must now win over in the House?
New Brexit deal may fail to persuade MPs at home Press TV 17 Oct 2019 -- As a Brexit deal has been provisionally agreed upon between the UK Government and EU officials, major challenges await Prime Minister Boris Johnson at home.
UK, EU clinch Brexit deal after lengthy negotiations Press TV 17 Oct 2019 -- Britain and the European Union (EU) have agreed on a long-awaited Brexit deal just a few hours before a meeting of the bloc's leaders in Brussels.
Brexit Breakthrough, but British MPs Could Torpedo EU Deal VOA 17 Oct 2019 -- Britain and the European Union sealed a new withdrawal agreement Thursday, on the first day of an EU summit in Brussels, paving the way for Britain's possible exit from the bloc at the end of the month.
Johnson Assures EU to Do Everything Possible for Approval of New Brexit Deal - Merkel Sputnik 18 Oct 2019 -- UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson assured his colleagues at the EU summit in Brussels that he would do everything possible to have the updated Brexit deal approved in the UK parliament, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday.

Former Ukrainian President Ally Arrested On Abuse Of Office Charges RFE/RL 17 Oct 2019 -- Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) has arrested a longtime business associate and political ally of former President Petro Poroshenko on suspicion of abuse of office.
Ukraine Court Halts PrivatBank Hearing RFE/RL 17 Oct 2019 -- KYIV -- A Ukrainian court has suspended a hearing on whether to return share ownership of PrivatBank to its previous owners, in a case that is being closely watched by Ukraine's international lenders and foreign investors as a litmus test for commitments to genuine reform.
Ukrainian Deputy Prosecutor Says No Foreign Assets Recovered By Predecessors RFE/RL 17 Oct 2019 -- Ukraine's first deputy prosecutor-general, Vitaliy Kasko, has said that in the 3 1/2 years since he left his post, the authorities haven't provided convincing evidence to recover frozen assets abroad that allegedly belong to former President Viktor Yanukovych and his inner circle.

First Flag: Kosovo's Would-Be PM Takes Serbian Heat For Favoring Albanian Banner RFE/RL 17 Oct 2019 -- When Albin Kurti and his Self-Determination (Vetevendosje) party declared victory in Kosovo's snap elections earlier this month, it was unclear how the dramatic rise in Pristina of a 44-year-old Albanian nationalist might affect Kosovo's biggest international challenges.

Concerned over Haiti's political crisis, Guterres promises 'continuous commitment' UN News 17 Oct 2019 -- In the light of on-going instability across Haiti and this week's transition away from fully-fledged peacekeeping operations, the UN chief on Thursday promised "the continuous commitment" of the Organization "to support the Haitian people on their path to peace and development".

Not All Kenyans Happy About New Railway VOA 17 Oct 2019 -- While some Kenyans are celebrating the second phase of a cross-country Chinese-built railway line, others are angry about what the railway has cost them: their land and their homes.

Some Nepalis Uneasy Over Influx of Chinese Language Teachers VOA 17 Oct 2019 -- Plans for 100 Chinese language teachers to arrive in Nepal are causing uneasiness among some Nepali and international experts, who see it as a neocolonial bid by China to exert greater control over its Himalayan neighbor.

Catalan Separatists Continue to Clash With Police VOA 17 Oct 2019 -- As thousands of pro-independence protesters poured into the streets of Barcelona for a fourth straight day Thursday, the president of Spain's Catalonia region vowed to push for a new independence referendum within two years.

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