22 October 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

US Troops Will not Remain in Iraq 'Interminably' after Withdrawal from Syria - Pentagon Chief Sputnik 22 Oct 2019 -- In the largest scale withdrawal of US forces from Syria to date, hundreds of trucks carrying US troops formed a massive convoy and crossed from Syria into Iraq on Monday amid a five-day armistice agreed by Washington and Ankara in the wake of Turkey's offensive in Syria.
US forces move 1,500 Daesh women from Syria to Iraq amid Turkish offensive: Report Press TV 22 Oct 2019 -- US military forces have reportedly transferred more than 1,500 female members of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group from Syria to neighboring Iraq in the wake of a ground offensive by Turkish troops and their allied militants against Kurdish forces in northeastern Syria.
US troops withdrawing from Syria have no permission to stay in Iraq: Military Press TV 22 Oct 2019 -- The Iraqi military says US forces that have crossed into Iraq as part of a pullout from Syria do not have permission to stay on Iraqi soil and can only be there if they are later being transported out of the country.
Grave consequences of US withdrawal from Syria: McConnell Press TV 22 Oct 2019 -- US Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell, who last week called President Donald Trump's decision to pull out troops from Syria "a strategic nightmare" for Israel, has said that he will introduce his own resolution calling on Trump to end the withdrawal from Syria.

Cold Snap Prompts Cries Of Foul Play At Afghan Election Center RFE/RL 22 Oct 2019 -- A top Afghan presidential contender has complained after two police officers slept in an election data center in Kabul where results from last month's first round of presidential polls are being collated - supposedly to escape chilly weather.
Europe-US Communiqué on the Afghan Peace Process US Dept. of State 22 Oct 2019 -- The text of the following statement was agreed by Special Envoys and Special Representatives of the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, the United Kingdom, the United Nations and the United States of America, when they met in EU Headquarters, Brussels on October 22, 2019.
U.S. Remains Committed to Afghanistan's Success, Esper Says DoD News 22 Oct 2019 -- A negotiated political agreement among Afghans is the best path to a peaceful government in their country, Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper said during a visit to Afghanistan's capital of Kabul.
Taliban Attacks Kill 15 Policemen In Northern Afghanistan RFE/RL 22 Oct 2019 -- Fifteen police officers have been killed in fighting in Afghanistan's northern province of Kunduz, a provincial council member says.
Taliban Attack Kills 17 Afghan Policemen VOA 22 Oct 2019 -- Officials in northern Afghanistan say Taliban insurgents have stormed a security outpost in Kunduz province, killing at least 17 policemen and injuring several others.
Pentagon Plans US Troop Exit From Afghanistan in Case Trump Orders Withdrawal - Reports Sputnik 22 Oct 2019 -- The US Department of Defence is putting together plans for a quick US withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan in case President Donald Trump suddenly gives the order, media reported on Monday.

Defense Policy / Programs

Readout of Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper's Meeting With Saudi Minister of Defense His Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman DoD 22 Oct 2019
Media Availability by Secretary Esper in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia DoD 22 Oct 2019 -- Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper
Redeploying From Atlantic Resolve Army News 22 Oct 2019 -- A cool fall breeze blows across the Storck Barracks Airfield as soldiers from the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division prepare their aircraft to make final flights to port before departing Europe.
Statement From Chief Pentagon Spokesperson Jonathan Rath Hoffman on DoD Cloud Update DoD 22 Oct 2019
US, allies kick off major maritime exercise across Middle East Press TV 22 Oct 2019 -- The United States has officially kicked off the International Maritime Exercise 2019 (IMX 19), which involves 50 nations and will be held in the Persian Gulf and other strategic waters of the Middle East region.
US ready to attack Turkey if necessary, Pompeo claims Press TV 22 Oct 2019 -- The United States, whose withdrawal from northern Syria gave Turkey the green light to attack Kurds in the region, would take "military action" against Ankara if necessary, claims the country's top diplomat.
Army Guard announces stationing of new cyber battalion Army News 22 Oct 2019 -- The director of the Army National Guard, Lt. Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson, announced today the stationing of the newly formed 127th Cyber Battalion in Indianapolis.

South Korea and Japan Scrambled Fighters for Escorting Russia's Tu-95MS Bombers Sputnik 22 Oct 2019 -- Two Russian Tu-95MS strategic bombers made scheduled flights over the neutral waters of the Japan, Yellow and East China seas, South Korea and Japan scrambled fighter jets to escort them, the Russian Defence Ministry said in a statement Tuesday.

Nation makes breakthrough in space plane project Global Times 22 Oct 2019 -- China recently made an important breakthrough in developing its own space plane, a genre of aircraft that is expected to become a crucial weapon in the future, a state-owned research institute said.

India Tests BrahMos Cruise Missile Amid Tensions With Pakistan Sputnik 22 Oct 2019 -- Amid persisting cross-border firing for the past many days, India has successfully carried out two tests of BrahMos surface-to-surface missiles from mobile launchers in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Iran's army achieved self-sufficiency in 26 fields: Army commander IRNA 22 Oct 2019 -- The Commander of Ground Force of the Iranian Army Brigadier General Kiomars Heidari said on Tuesday that the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran has reached full self-sufficiency in 26 combat and defense fields.
Defense Minister highlights importance of strong Navy IRNA 22 Oct 2019 -- Minister of Defense and Logistics of the Armed Forces Brigadier-General Amir Hatami said on Tuesday that the defense ministry has put on agenda bolstering the Navy in parallel with the air and ground forces and the electronic defense.
Enemies to suffer heavy casualties if Iran attacked: Top cmdr. Press TV 22 Oct 2019 -- Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri underscores the Islamic Republic's deterrent power, warning that enemies will have to pay heavy costs if they carry out any act of aggression against the country.

Putin, Erdogan Did Not Discuss Purchase of Russian Jets or New S-400s - Military Cooperation Service Sputnik 22 Oct 2019 -- Moscow and Ankara signed a loan agreement for the delivery of S-400 systems in December 2017. The deliveries kicked off in mid-summer. Turkey's purchase of Russia's S-400 prompted the US to suspend Ankara's participation in the F-35 joint strike fighter programme.

Defense Industry

Contracts For Oct. 22, 2019

Other Conflicts

22 October 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 22 Oct 2019
Millions of young lives at risk due to humanitarian funding shortfall: UNICEF UN News 22 Oct 2019 -- "Substantial" shortfalls in humanitarian funding are placing the lives of millions of children in areas affected by conflict and disaster at risk, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) warned on Tuesday.

The Vietnam-China Standoff at Vanguard Bank And The International Community Radio Free Asia 22 Oct 2019 -- Three and a half months have passed since China's geological survey vessel Haiyang Dizhi 8 and its escorts entered Vietnam's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) without permission to commence a seismic survey. The Haiyang Dizhi 8 and its escorts have now extended their operations further north along Vietnam's central coast.

Nearly 180,000 displaced by northeast Syria fighting as needs multiply: UN refugee agency UN News 22 Oct 2019 -- After nearly two weeks of fighting in northeast Syria, the UN's humanitarian wing has estimated that around 180,000 have been forced to leave their homes or shelters, including 80,000 children, all in desperate need of humanitarian assistance.
Syrian Chaos Breathing Life into Islamic State VOA 22 Oct 2019 -- Turkey's incursion into northeastern Syria appears to be giving Islamic State new life, but U.S. counterterrorism officials caution the terror group's next moves are far from certain.
Kurdish Fighters Say They Have Withdrawn From Northern Syria VOA 22 Oct 2019 -- Syrian Kurdish forces said Tuesday they have totally withdrawn from northern Syria ahead of the end of a cease-fire in Turkey's offensive against them, even as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reached agreements with Russia for joint control of the region.
More Syrians Escaping into Northern Iraq VOA 22 Oct 2019 -- Aid workers in northern Iraq say they are seeing increasing numbers of Syrians fleeing over the border into the mainly Kurdish region as the cease-fire in northeastern Syria is about to expire.
Syrians Vacate Border Towns as Cease-Fire Expires VOA 22 Oct 2019 -- Cities and towns along the border in northeastern Syria evacuated in the final hours of their cease-fire with Turkey on Tuesday.
Statement from the Press Secretary The White House 22 Oct 2019

Turkey Says 'No Need' to Resume Offensive Against Kurds VOA 22 Oct 2019 -- Turkey says there is "no need" to resume its military offensive against Syrian Kurds, saying the U.S. has told it that the Kurdish withdrawal from the northern Syrian border is complete.
Erdogan Vows to Go Ahead With Syria Offensive 'More Strongly' if US Breaks its Promises Sputnik 22 Oct 2019 -- Operation Peace Spring, launched by Ankara on 9 October, was put on hold last Thursday after intense talks between Erdogan and US Vice President Mike Pence. However, minor clashes continue between the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Turkey in northern Syria.
Erdogan Meets Putin, Doubles Down on Anti-Kurd Offensive VOA 22 Oct 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met Tuesday with Russian President Vladimir Putin to plot military strategy along Turkey's Syrian border, with Erdogan vowing to resume his offensive against Kurdish fighters if they do not leave the region before a cease-fire expires in hours.
Turkey, Russia agree to remove Kurdish militants from NE Syria, launch joint patrols Press TV 22 Oct 2019 -- Russia and Turkey have reached a deal to establish a safe zone long sought by Ankara in northern Syria, which will see Kurdish militants operating in the region removed to beyond 30 kilometers from the Turkish border.
President Assad: Idlib battle basis for ridding Syria of terrorism Press TV 22 Oct 2019 -- President Bashar al-Assad of Syria has described the defeating of the Takfiri terrorists holed up in Idlib as the key to ending the eight-year war gripping the country as he visited troops deployed to the frontline against the terrorists in the northwestern province.
Erdogan, Putin hold talks as withdrawal deadline for Syria Kurds draws near Press TV 22 Oct 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan meets with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, as a deadline draws near for Kurdish militants to withdraw from Syria's northern border areas near Turkey or face a renewed military offensive.
Russia, Turkey Decide On Joint Syria Patrols After Putin-Erdogan Meeting RFE/RL 22 Oct 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says he and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have made "momentous" decisions regarding Ankara's military offensive in northeast Syria, with both sides saying they had agreed to conduct joint military patrols in the tense region.
China Hopes Tensions in North Syria Solved Via Political Settlement - Foreign Ministry Sputnik 22 Oct 2019 -- China hopes that the escalating tensions surrounding the United States' statement on its preparedness to initiate an attack on Ankara over its operation in north Syria can be solved through a political settlement and united efforts to combat terrorism in the region, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Chunying said on Tuesday.
Russian Helicopters Land at Former US Military Base in Northern Syria Sputnik 22 Oct 2019 -- The American forces had to abandon their facility at the destroyed airfield as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) left the area amid intense clashes with the Turkish Army this month.

Daesh attack kills high-profile police cmdr. in north-central Iraq Press TV 22 Oct 2019 -- Daesh Takfiri terrorists have killed a distinguished security official in Iraq's north-central province of Salahuddin as army troopers, backed by pro-government fighters from the Popular Mobilization Units, are trying to flush the last remnants of the extremist outfit out of the crisis-hit Arab country.

Fourteen Kazakhs Returned From Syria On Trial On Terrorism Charges RFE/RL 22 Oct 2019 -- Fourteen Kazakh citizens accused of fighting alongside the Islamic state (IS) extremist group in Syria have gone on trial in Kazakhstan's capital, Nur-Sultan.

Russia Sets Out Conditions for Maritime Border Talks with Ukraine Sputnik 22 Oct 2019 -- Crimea reunited with Russia after nearly 96 percent of voters supported the move in a March 2014 referendum. Moscow has repeatedly stated that Crimea's residents decided to rejoin Russia through a democratic procedure, and that the referendum was conducted in compliance with international law.

Sudanese government, rebels sign ceasefire deal to let in humanitarian relief Press TV 22 Oct 2019 -- Sudan's government and armed rebel groups have signed a ceasefire agreement to allow humanitarian relief into the war-torn parts of the African country.

Indian Border Guard Shells Pakistani Drones Spotted in Punjab Airspace - Reports Sputnik 22 Oct 2019 -- The Border Security Force of India's Punjab state detected several drones that entered the national airspace from the Pakistani side and opened fire at them, the ANI news agency reported, citing sources in the border police.
Senior US Diplomat Says Administration Concerned about Human Rights in Kashmir VOA 22 Oct 2019 -- A senior U.S. diplomat told lawmakers Tuesday the administration of President Donald Trump "remains concerned" about India's clampdown on the part of Kashmir it controls, but supports India's development goals in the region.
Pakistan Flies Diplomats to Kashmir Site of Deadly Clashes With India VOA 22 Oct 2019 -- Pakistan flew a group of about 15 foreign diplomats Tuesday to its administered part of the disputed Kashmir region and gave them a tour of the sites of deadly skirmishes this week with India.

Weekend Fighting in Rakhine Results in Casualties for Both Military and Arakan Army Radio Free Asia 22 Oct 2019 -- Fighting in Myanmar's war-ravaged Rakhine state over the weekend resulted in casualties for both Myanmar's military and the Arakan Army (AA) rebels, their spokesmen told RFA's Myanmar Service on Tuesday.

Amnesty: Potential War Crimes Committed in Libya Fighting VOA 22 Oct 2019 -- Human rights group Amnesty International says it has evidence of potential war crimes committed by warring parties vying for control of Libya's capital, Tripoli.

Text of a Notice to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Democratic Republic of the Congo The White House 22 Oct 2019
Presidential Message to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Democratic Republic of the Congo The White House 22 Oct 2019

News Reports

Top U.S. Diplomat In Ukraine Says Trump Linked Aid To Demand For Biden Probe RFE/RL 22 Oct 2019 -- A top U.S. diplomat said President Donald Trump wanted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to investigate his political opponent before agreeing to release military aid or a White House meeting.
US Ambassador to Ukraine Confirms Quid Pro Quo with Trump VOA 22 Oct 2019 -- The top U.S. diplomat in Ukraine told House officials Tuesday that he was told the White House would only free military aid to Ukraine if it publicly promised to investigate Democrats and the Bidens.
'Like a Squirrel Caught in Traffic': US Official Reveals Details of Trump's First Pentagon Briefing Sputnik 22 Oct 2019 -- Guy Snodgrass, who served as a speechwriter for ex-Defence Secretary James Mattis, wrote in his upcoming book that President Trump looked annoyed at the meeting.
Top U.S. Diplomat In Ukraine Testifies Before Congressional Impeachment Panels RFE/RL 22 Oct 2019 -- The top U.S. diplomat in Ukraine has arrived at Capitol Hill to begin what is expected to be several hours of closed-door testimony in front of three congressional panels as part of the Democratic-led impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump's dealings with Kyiv.
Top US Diplomat in Ukraine to Testify in House Impeachment Inquiry Tuesday VOA 22 Oct 2019 -- A veteran U.S. diplomat is set to appear before lawmakers Tuesday in the House of Representatives impeachment inquiry of allegations that President Donald Trump held up military aid to Ukraine unless it opened an investigation of former Vice President Joe Biden and his son.

Critics Warn Of A Backslide After Putin Reshuffles Human Rights Council RFE/RL 22 Oct 2019 -- Amid uproar over their ouster from President Vladimir Putin's Human Rights Council, several Russian rights activists have warned of a backslide on political freedoms in the wake of a major reshuffle that leaves the advisory body shorn of its most critical voices.
For Putin, All Conspiracy Theories Lead to the West VOA 22 Oct 2019 -- Apparently persuaded by groundless conspiracy theories of foreign meddling, the Kremlin and Russia's security agencies seem impervious to calls for them to adopt a more relaxed approach to their critics and opposition groups.

Korea-Lago: US Negotiators Offered to Build Up DPRK's Kalma Tourist Area During Talks - Report Sputnik 22 Oct 2019 -- According to a South Korean newspaper, US negotiators made a pitch to their North Korean counterparts at recent talks in Stockholm, Sweden, to help the socialist state develop a new tourist area on its east coast.

Iran officially asks UN to participate in investigation about Sabiti oil tanker ISNA 22 Oct 2019 -- Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the UN sent a letter to Secretary-General António Guterres, asking UN experts to take part in the investigations about the recent attack on Iranian oil tanker Sabiti in the Red Sea.
Iran has to import wheat and US sanctions threaten it Press TV 22 Oct 2019 -- Minister of Agriculture Mahmoud Hojjati says Iran has to import some shipments of wheat this year because state purchases from local farmers at guaranteed prices are not enough.

Indonesia's Muslim Groups Not Ready to Speak Out on Uyghurs Radio Free Asia 22 Oct 2019 -- Leaders of Indonesia's two largest Muslim organizations say they are still analyzing China's treatment of Uyghurs to verify whether the minority group is subject to human rights violations.
Hong Kong Riot Police Rely on Mainland Suppliers as US, UK Tear Gas Stocks Run Low Sputnik 22 Oct 2019 -- As anti-government protests persist in Hong Kong and foreign lawmakers push back against the exports of crowd-control supplies, the city's police force recently tapped into a new and reportedly stronger supply source from mainland China.

Taiwan Calls on Hong Kong For 'Assistance' With Murder Suspect Radio Free Asia 22 Oct 2019 -- The government of democratic Taiwan has called on the Hong Kong authorities to allow them to escort a murder suspect back from the city in spite of the lack of any formal ties between the two territories.
Taiwan, U.S. discuss possible collaboration in Taiwan's allies CNA 22 Oct 2019 -- Taiwan and the U.S. are discussing possible future collaboration in countries that have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, Deputy Foreign Minister Hsu Szu-chien (徐斯儉) said Monday, following a meeting with a U.S. diplomat.
Taiwan asks HK to allow authorities to retrieve murder suspect (update) CNA 22 Oct 2019 -- Taiwan asked Hong Kong Tuesday to grant its request to send police officers and prosecutors to Hong Kong to bring back a Hong Kong suspect wanted for murder in Taiwan after the suspect said he is willing to turn himself in to the Taiwan authorities.
Taiwan has not given up jurisdiction in murder case: Tsai CNA 22 Oct 2019 -- Taiwan has not given up jurisdiction in a 2018 murder case involving two Hong Kong citizens, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Tuesday, amid an ongoing controversy over whether Taiwan should accept the suspect into its territory to answer questions.
Taiwan regional authority reverses decision on murder suspect amid public pressure Global Times 22 Oct 2019 -- Taiwan's regional authority on Tuesday reversed its rejection of the offer to surrender by the murder suspect Chan Tong-kai from Hong Kong, a move that analysts said was a result of pressure from public opinion and disapproval of the island authorities' attempt to politicize the judicial issue.

The Political History of the Kurds VOA 22 Oct 2019 -- The Kurds are one of the indigenous people of the Mesopotamian plains and the highlands, areas that today are contained within southeastern Turkey, northeastern Syria, northern Iraq, northwestern Iran and southwestern Armenia.

Iraqi Inquiry Says 157 People Killed In Anti-Government Protests RFE/RL 22 Oct 2019 -- A total of 157 people were killed in recent anti-government protests in Baghdad and other Iraqi cities, an official investigation has found.

RCC "Progress" JSC held a meeting of the Scientific and Technical Council on a preliminary design of a superheavy class launch vehicle samspace.ru 22 Oct 2019 -- On October 18, the Progress Rocket and Space Center hosted a meeting of the Scientific and Technical Council for the consideration of materials for a draft design of a superheavy class carrier rocket (LV STK).

Thailand Denies Cambodian Opposition VP Mu Sochua Entry Citing 'Security Concerns' Radio Free Asia 22 Oct 2019 -- Authorities in Thailand have refused entry to opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) vice president Mu Sochua citing "security concerns," she said Tuesday, after she flew to Bangkok to assist in preparations for the return of acting party president Sam Rainsy to Cambodia next month.

British Lawmakers Reject PM Johnson's Expedited Brexit Plan VOA 22 Oct 2019 -- British lawmakers on Tuesday rejected Prime Minister Boris Johnson's call for expedited approval of his plan to divorce the country from the European Union by the end of October.

Israeli PM Netanyahu Gives Up Trying to Form Government VOA 22 Oct 2019 -- After almost a month of trying, long-time Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he is unable to form a new government. The move paves the way for former Army Chief of Staff and centrists rival Benny Gantz to try to cobble together a majority coalition of at least 61 lawmakers in the 120-seat Knesset, although it does not seem that he will find the job any easier.

Japan's Emperor Naruhito Formally Declares His Ascension to Throne VOA 22 Oct 2019 -- Japan's new Emperor Naruhito formally ascended to the throne Tuesday in an elaborate ceremony in Tokyo.

The Nazarbaevs Go Wild As Kazakhstan Burns RFE/RL 22 Oct 2019 -- Kazakhs could be excused in recent weeks for thinking they were stuck in a rerun of Lifestyles Of The Rich And Famous - or perhaps the rich and infamous.

15 Killed in Violent Protests, Clashes in Chile VOA 22 Oct 2019 -- Violent riots and protests erupted across Chile on Tuesday for the fifth straight day, prompting the government to extend a curfew imposed over more than half the country.
Chile's president promises measures to calm street protests Press TV 22 Oct 2019 -- Chilean President Sebastian Pinera has vowed to adopt a "new social contract" to reduce inequality, amid public discontent that has prompted the country's worst unrest in years.

Scientists Confirm 'First Light' From Russian-German Deep-Space Telescope RFE/RL 22 Oct 2019 -- A joint Russian-German mission to map the universe from deep space has shared its first X-ray images from millions of light years away following a three-month journey to its orbit 1.5 million kilometers from Earth.

Bolivia's opp. refuses to concede defeat, protests erupt Press TV 22 Oct 2019 -- Protests have erupted in Bolivia after the main opposition candidate in the presidential election refused to concede victory to incumbent President Evo Morales.

EU Slams Romania For Rule-Of-Law Regress, Praises Advances In Bulgaria RFE/RL 22 Oct 2019 -- The European Commission has slammed Romania for backsliding on judicial reforms and fighting corruption but commended Bulgaria over progress on the rule of law, while green-lighting Croatia to join the Schengen zone.

Azerbaijan Urged To Allow Peaceful Protests After Rallies Dispersed Violently RFE/RL 22 Oct 2019 -- Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged Azerbaijani authorities to release all the protesters who were detained after police violently dispersed two peaceful protests in central Baku over the weekend, and to investigate any allegations of ill-treatment by law enforcement.

Canadian PM Trudeau Claims Victory in Hard Fought Parliamentary Elections VOA 22 Oct 2019 -- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed victory early Tuesday morning, winning a second term in the nation's general election after his Liberal Party won enough seats to remain the ruling party.

Slovakian Foreign Minister: Reporter's Murder 'Changed my Country' VOA 22 Oct 2019 -- Slovakia's top diplomat says last year's murder of an investigative journalist and his fiancée has changed the Central European country and possibly altered how citizens will vote in upcoming parliamentary elections.

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