28 October 2019 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
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Current Operations

Esper: Baghdadi Death Provides Warning to Terrorists DoD News 28 Oct 2019 -- The death of ISIS founder and leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi will not end terrorism, but it will "send a message to those who would question America's resolve and provide a warning to terrorists who think they can hide," Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper said.
Department of Defense Press Briefing by Secretary Esper and General Milley in the Pentagon Briefing Room DoD 28 Oct 2019 -- Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper; Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Mark Milley
US Forces to Remain in Syria to Fight Daesh, Protect Oil Fields - Esper Sputnik 28 Oct 2019 -- US forces in Syria will continue to counter Daesh* operations with its partners and further maintain its existing mission to protect oil fields there from the terror group, Secretary of Defence Mark Esper said during a press conference.
US Flew Through Non-Controlled Airspace for Baghdadi Raid - Pompeo Sputnik 28 Oct 2019 -- The US special operations troops flew through non-US controlled airspace to conduct the raid on the compound of former Daesh* terror group leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said.
Trump says IS leader killed in U.S. military operation in Syria People's Daily 28 Oct 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday the Islamic State (IS) leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi had been killed in a U.S. military operation in Syria.

US military convoys cross back into Syria from Iraq: Observatory Press TV 28 Oct 2019 -- The so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) says several columns of US forces have crossed through the al-Walid border crossing point between Iraq and Syria and been redeployed in bases in north and northeast Syria, in a reversal of President Donald Trump's earlier order to withdraw all troops from the country.

Mortar rounds hit US military base north of Iraqi capital Press TV 28 Oct 2019 -- An Iraqi security source says three mortar rounds have hit a military base north of the country's capital, Baghdad, where US troops are deployed.
Two Rockets Hit US Military Stronghold in Baghdad - Reports Sputnik 28 Oct 2019 -- Two rockets fell on the Taji Camp north of Baghdad where US military personnel is stationed, the Sky News Arabia reported on Monday, citing Iraqi security sources.

U.S., Russia, China and Pakistan Joint Statement on Peace in Afghanistan US Dept. of State 28 Oct 2019 -- The text of the following statement was cooperatively released by the Governments of the United States of America, Russia, China, and Pakistan on the occasion of the joint meetings on Afghanistan, held in Moscow on October 24 – 25, 2019.
Report: Taliban Delegation Touches Down In China For Peace Talks RFE/RL 28 Oct 2019 -- A delegation of the militant Taliban group has arrived in China for two days of intra-Afghan peace talks with representatives of the Afghan government, according to Australian-based policy research center Foreign Brief.

Defense Policy / Programs

US X-37B Spaceplane Spent Record 780 Days in Space, Put Satellites Into Orbit – Air Force Sputnik 28 Oct 2019 -- The US Boeing X-37B unmanned reusable spaceplane landed on Sunday at the Kennedy Space Center after spending record 780 days in space, during which it put a number of small satellites into orbit, the US Air Force said.
30th ABCT reunites with equipment in Kuwait Army News 28 Oct 2019 -- Hundreds of pieces of equipment and vehicles were reunited with the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team in Kuwait Oct. 21-25, following a more than 15,000 nautical-mile journey across the ocean.
Big Red One Soldiers load up after successful deployment Army News 28 Oct 2019 -- Soldiers from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, perform port operations in Bremerhaven, Germany, Oct. 17-22, 2019. The 1st ABCT has been deployed throughout Eastern Europe for the last nine months as a rotational force in support of U.S. Army Europe and Atlantic Resolve.
DOD Focuses Early AI Use on 'Low Consequence' Applications DoD News 28 Oct 2019 -- The Defense Department has a long way to go in developing artificial intelligence and applying it to the most pressing military problems. For now, DOD is applying AI toward humanitarian assistance and predictive maintenance, the director of the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center said.
Air Force releases criteria for new Remote Combat Effects Campaign Medal US Air Force 28 Oct 2019 -- Air Force officials announced nomination criteria for the new Remote Combat Effects Campaign Medal following the official establishment of the decoration May 22.
52nd FW conducts CFE treaty exercise US Air Force 28 Oct 2019 -- The 52nd Fighter Wing participated in a Conventional Armed Forces in Europe treaty exercise Oct. 24, to verify readiness in the event of a short-notice CFE inspection.

Secretary General praises Albania's strong commitment to NATO NATO 28 Oct 2019 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed President Ilir Meta of Albania to NATO headquarters on Monday (28 October 2019) to discuss preparations for the meeting of Allied Heads of State and Government in London in December. They also addressed NATO's commitment to the stability and security of the Western Balkans.
Secretary General welcomes Colombian Foreign Minister to NATO NATO 28 Oct 2019 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Colombian Foreign Minister Carlos Holmes Trujillo to NATO headquarters on Monday (28 October 2019) for talks on regional security and strengthening the cooperation between Colombia and the Alliance. "Our partnership is good for Colombia and good for NATO," said the Secretary General. He welcomed that this partnership has grown steadily in recent years.

Russia seeking to bolster Africa presence through military, economic cooperation Press TV 28 Oct 2019 -- Russia – a major defense partner and arms supplier to African countries – has recently stepped up a drive to gain more influence in and restore its Soviet-era ties with the resource-rich continent.

Philippine Army Eyes India's Supersonic BrahMos Missile to Beef Up its Coastal Security Sputnik 28 Oct 2019 -- To strengthen its coastal defences, the Philippines believes India's BrahMos missile, with a flight range of 290 kilometres, can ensure the lower dispersion of targets, quicker engagement time and non-interception by any known weapons system in the world.

India to Send Naval Aircraft to France's Reunion Island for Indian Ocean Joint Surveillance Mission Sputnik 28 Oct 2019 -- The move comes as part of of a broader political understanding between India and France to have closer maritime cooperation in the southern Indian Ocean, where the latter administers the islands of Réunion, Mayotte and the French Southern and Atlantic Lands.

Six People Killed as Military Helicopter Crashes in Colombia – Air Force Sputnik 28 Oct 2019 -- Six people died as a result of a military helicopter's crash in the central Colombian municipality of Alban, the national Air Force said on Sunday.

Al-Muallimi: We do not seek war, but at the same time we will not hesitate to protect our territory from any enemies by all legitimate means SPA 29 Oct 2019 -- Permanent Representative of the Kingdom to the United Nations Ambassador Abdullah bin Yahya Al-Muallimi reiterated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's clear stance on igniting any strife or war in the region, stressing that we do not seek war and do not want it or ignite it, but at the same time will not hesitate to defend our citizens and the capabilities of our country by all legitimate means, affirming the kingdom's belief in the principle of dialogue and peaceful settlement of disputes, but any call for dialogue should be consistent with an effective cessation of threats and hostilities, and countries that call for dialogue should reject policies based on exporting the revolution and creating sectarian enclaves and groups in the countries in order to interfere in their affairs.

Taiwan expects to sign LOA finalizing M1A2 tank sale next month CNA 28 Oct 2019 -- Taiwan expects to sign a letter of offer and acceptance (LOA), a contract between the U.S. military and a foreign military sales customer, officially sealing the sale of M1A2 tanks next month, Taiwan's defense ministry said Monday.

Remarks by President Trump Before Air Force One Departure | Joint Base Andrews, MD The White House 28 Oct 2019

Defense Industry

Contracts For Oct. 28, 2019

Other Conflicts

28 October 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 28 Oct 2019

Military option won't bring peace to Yemen, region: Houthi Press TV 28 Oct 2019 -- The leader of Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement has warned Saudi Arabia about the consequences of its ongoing campaign of blockade and aggression against the country.
Saudi Arabia pardons convicted soldiers to keep them in Yemen fronts: Report Press TV 28 Oct 2019 -- Saudi authorities have reportedly pardoned army soldiers convicted of various crimes in the ultra-conservative kingdom in order to encourage them to stay in battle fronts and fight against Yemeni army forces and their allies from Popular Committees.

Islamic State Prepared for Life Without its Leader VOA 28 Oct 2019 -- The United States is promising there will be no let-up in its pursuit of the Islamic State terror group despite the death of self-declared caliph Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, in what is being described as a "daring and dangerous" nighttime raid in northern Syria.
Trump Calls Baghdadi 'a Sick, Depraved Man' VOA 28 Oct 2019 -- President Donald Trump, celebrating last weekend's U.S. commando raid against Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in Syria, belittled him Monday as "a sick and depraved man and now he's dead."
Minorities Express Cautious Optimism after al-Baghdadi's Death VOA 28 Oct 2019 -- Ethnic and religious minorities around the world that have suffered from the Islamic State (IS) terror group's extremist ideology are expressing happiness after the death of IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in a U.S. operation over the weekend in northwestern Syria.
Daesh Spokesman Killed in New Raid Following Death of Al-Baghdadi – Reports Sputnik 28 Oct 2019 -- On Sunday morning, the US president confirmed earlier reports that Daesh leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi had been killed in a US raid in Syria, which is, however, still being questioned by other states present in the area.
Top Al-Baghdadi Aide Gave Key Information to Eliminate Daesh Leader – Report Sputnik 28 Oct 2019 -- On Sunday, US President Donald Trump confirmed that the long hunt for Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was over, saying the world's number one terrorist leader had been killed in a US operation in Syria's Idlib Province. The Russian Defence Ministry said that it possessed no reliable data about this statement and had reasons to question its veracity.
US can't gloss over role in proliferating Takfiri terror by killing Daesh leader: Iran Press TV 28 Oct 2019 -- The death of Daesh leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi at the hands of American military forces should bring to end US interventionism in the Middle East, says Iran's government spokesman, noting that Washington's policies are the main reason for the proliferation of Daesh and other Takfiri terror outfits.
IS Spokesman Killed In New Raid In Northwestern Syria RFE/RL 28 Oct 2019 -- The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) say a spokesman for the Islamic State (IS) extremist group was killed in a joint operation with the United States.
An official source at Ministry of Foreign Affairs: The Kingdom appreciates the efforts of the US administration in eliminating the leader of Daesh terrorist organization SPA 28 Oct 2019 -- An official source at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia followed up the announcement of the United States President Donald Trump on the success of efforts to pursue and eliminate the leader of Daesh (ISIS) terrorist organization Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi.
Turkish Presidential Spokesman: There Was 'Intense' Military Diplomacy With US Before Baghdadi Operation Sputnik 28 Oct 2019 -- A day earlier, US President Donald Trump announced having hunted down Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the Daesh* terrorist organisation in Syria's Idlib and thanked Russia, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey for their assistance in the mission.
Erdogan Calls Killing of Baghdadi 'Turning Point' in Joint Counterterrorist Fight Sputnik 28 Oct 2019 -- The elimination of Abu Bakr Baghdadi, the leader of the Daesh* terrorist organization, by the US air force in Syria is a "turning point" in the fight against terrorism, and Turkey is determined to continue contributing to it, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday.

Syria continues deploying troops in Hasaka: State media Press TV 28 Oct 2019 -- Syria continues to deploy troops to the border with Turkey in the northeastern province of Hasaka as part of plans to counter the Turkish aggression and defend the locals, state media say.
Russian Military Police Announce Pullout of Kurdish Forces From Syrian-Turkish Border Sputnik 28 Oct 2019 -- The formerly US-backed militia previously struck a deal with Damascus, handing control over several cities to the Syrian Arab Army, but Ankara insisted that they could not remain near the Turkish border.

UN envoy says only Syrians entitled to make decision on constitution Press TV 28 Oct 2019 -- Special Envoy of the United Nations for Syria Geir Pedersen says only the Syrian people are entitled to make a decision about their country's draft constitution and determine the fate of their country.

Golan will remain integral part of Syria: Ambassador Ja'afari Press TV 28 Oct 2019 -- Syria's Ambassador to the United Nations Bashar al-Ja'afari says the occupied Golan Heights will always remain an integral part of Syria despite attempts by the White House and Tel Aviv to distort the reality.

Myanmar Army Says it Rescued 15 Abductees From Arakan Army Custody Radio Free Asia 28 Oct 2019 -- Myanmar's military staged a dramatic helicopter attack and rescue on Arakan Army (AA) motorboats that were carrying 58 passengers abducted from a large passenger boat in strife-torn Rakhine state over the weekend, freeing 14 passengers, government and army spokesmen said.

Dalai Lama's Successor Will be Chosen by Tibetans, not by China: US Envoy Radio Free Asia 28 Oct 2019 -- A successor to Tibet's exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama will be chosen by the Tibetan people themselves and not by Beijing, which claims authority over the process of recognition, a senior U.S. diplomat said in India on Monday.

WFP Executive Director Hopeful of 'New Day' in Sudan VOA 28 Oct 2019 -- The executive director of the United Nations' World Food Program has wrapped up a visit to Sudan after helicoptering into the volatile South Kordofan region to assess humanitarian needs.

Imran Khan Warns Calls for Jihad or Military Action in Kashmir Against Pakistan's Interests Sputnik 28 Oct 2019 -- Pakistan observed "Black Day" on 27 October to mark the anniversary of what Prime Minister Imran Khan described as "the day Indian forces entered Kashmir in 1947". In a brief televised message, Khan reiterated his pledge to support the cause of Kashmir, until "it achieves the right of self-determination".

Three Civilians Killed In Afghan-Pakistani Border Clash RFE/RL 28 Oct 2019 -- Afghan and Pakistani security forces have clashed along the countries' disputed border, leaving at least three civilians dead, Afghan officials said.

News Reports

Dear Colleague on Next Steps in House's Ongoing Impeachment Inquiry Pelosi - Speaker of the House 28 Oct 2019 -- Directing certain committees to continue their ongoing investigations as part of the existing House of Representatives inquiry into whether sufficient grounds exist for the House of Representatives to exercise its Constitutional power to impeach Donald John Trump, President of the United States of America, and for other purposes.
Full House to Vote on Trump Impeachment Inquiry VOA 28 Oct 2019 -- The full House of Representatives will vote this week on the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump, addressing the White House argument that the probe has been illegitimate.
Schiff Addresses Impasse Between House, Trump VOA 28 Oct 2019 -- House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff talked to VOA's Armenian Service on Monday about a variety of topics, including the impeachment inquiry of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Ex-White House Aide Balks at Impeachment Inquiry Testimony VOA 28 Oct 2019 -- A former White House national security aide balked Monday at testifying in the ongoing Democratic-led impeachment inquiry targeting President Donald Trump.
US Rep. Schiff: Bolton key 'witness' in impeachment inquiry against Trump Press TV 28 Oct 2019 -- A top US House lawmaker wants former National security adviser John Bolton to testify in an impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump.

Russian Diplomat Leaves Bulgaria Amid Spying Accusations RFE/RL 28 Oct 2019 -- A Russian diplomat has left Bulgaria after the Eastern European country's prosecutor launched an investigation into potential spying operations.

From Stasi To Bellingcat: Former East German Agent Turns Investigative Reporter RFE/RL 28 Oct 2019 -- Bellingcat researcher Timmi Allen zooms in on Google Earth to a Berlin police station where he once worked for East Germany's feared secret police -- the Stasi.

Kim Jong Un and North Korea's Reputations Take Hit After Mt. Kumgang Resort Decision Radio Free Asia 28 Oct 2019 -- North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un's recent remarks dismissing and promising to tear down a suspended inter-Korean tourist resort are drawing criticism from both citizens and government officials alike.

19th CPC Central Committee holds fourth plenary session Global Times 28 Oct 2019 -- The 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) started its fourth plenary session in Beijing on Monday.
China's Leadership Gathers For Secretive Meeting as Dissidents Placed Under Guard Radio Free Asia 28 Oct 2019 -- The ruling Chinese Communist Party on Monday kicked off a three-day plenary session of its Central Committee, with police placing many outspoken critics of the regime under house arrest or close surveillance.
Party meeting to focus on better governance People's Daily 28 Oct 2019 -- Xi's vision helps shape improvements in systems to meet development needs
Police Officer Beat Uyghur Internment Camp Detainee to Death in Drunken Rage Radio Free Asia 28 Oct 2019 -- A young Uyghur man who authorities claimed had suffered a fatal heart attack while held in an internment camp in northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) was in fact beaten to death by an inebriated police officer, according to sources.
Hong Kong Journalists Hit Back Over Police Violence Against Colleagues Radio Free Asia 28 Oct 2019 -- Hong Kong journalists on Monday walked out of a news briefing after police attacks on and arrests of media workers covering the weekend's protests, as the movement hit out at racist policies from Beijing and possible attempts to divide Hongkongers along racial lines in a city where non-white ethnic minority groups say they have been habitually discriminated against.

China to launch Chang'e-5 lunar probe in 2020 People's Daily 28 Oct 2019 -- China plans to launch the Chang'e-5 probe in 2020 to bring moon samples back to Earth, according to Wu Weiren, chief designer of China's lunar exploration program.

Russia to Start Flight Tests of Hydrogen-Fueled Space Booster in 2027 - Developer Sputnik 28 Oct 2019 -- Flight tests of the KVTK oxygen-hydrogen booster for heavy-class Angara-family launch vehicles may begin in 2027 if the necessary funding is allocated, Sergey Kuznetsov, the chief designer at the Salyut Special Design Bureau, said.

Protesters Gather in Streets Despite Overnight Curfew in Baghdad VOA 28 Oct 2019 -- Student protesters honked car horns and blared loud music in the streets of Baghdad on Monday night, appearing to defy the army and ignore an overnight curfew.
Iraqi parliament passes measures to meet anti-govt. protesters' demands Press TV 28 Oct 2019 -- The Iraqi parliament has taken steps, including changing the country's Constitution and ending official perks, in order to meet the demands of anti-government protesters and prevent growing violence in the country
Iraq imposes curfew in Baghdad amid ongoing anti-government protests Press TV 28 Oct 2019 -- Iraq has imposed a curfew in the capital Baghdad as renewed anti-government protests which were initially peaceful but later turned deadly entered a fourth day.
New protests hit Iraq as UN envoy warns of infiltration Press TV 28 Oct 2019 -- Students and schoolchildren have joined protests in the capital Baghdad and cities in southern Iraq, defying the education minister who had warned them against partaking in the unrest.

Alberto Fernandez Wins Argentine Presidential Election With 47.2% - Preliminary Results Sputnik 28 Oct 2019 -- Opposition candidate Alberto Fernandez, representing the Front of All alliance, leads in the presidential elections in Argentina, gaining 47.2 percent of the vote with 71.6 percent of ballots counted, the election commission reported on Sunday.

Bolivian President Says Opposition Forces Preparing Coup in Country Sputnik 28 Oct 2019 -- Bolivian President Evo Morales said on Sunday that opposition forces were preparing to attempt a coup in the country during the coming week.

Microsoft Says Russian Cybercriminals Targeting Sports, Anti-Doping Organizations RFE/RL 28 Oct 2019 -- Microsoft has said that a Russian cybercriminal group has again been targeting sports organizations and anti-doping authorities for attacks.

Turkey's Syria Operation Sees Crackdown on Kurdish Party VOA 28 Oct 2019 -- A wave of arrests against Turkey's main pro-Kurdish party is accompanying the country's military operation into Syria against the YPG Kurdish militia, which has been a U.S. ally in the fight against Islamic State terrorists. Analysts warn that the crackdown is broadening to include Turkey's wider civic society.

British MPs reject PM Johnson's bid for December 12 election Press TV 28 Oct 2019 -- British lawmakers have rejected an attempt by Prime Minister Boris Johnson to hold an early general election on December 12. Johnson, however, has said he will try again for a pre-Christmas election.
UK Parliament Votes to Reject a General Election in December Sputnik 28 Oct 2019 -- The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has been demanding a general election for almost two months after growing frustrated with the deadlock in Parliament over Brexit. The polls have the Conservatives well ahead of their rivals.
EU Approves Brexit Extension Until 31 January 2020 - Donald Tusk Sputnik 28 Oct 2019 -- UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has requested that Brussels prolong the deadline after being pressured by the Parliament. The lawmakers, however, have approved his divorce bill in general, opening the possibility to strike a proper agreement and end the Brexit drama after over three years of heated debate.

Ukrainian President Signs Law Ending Ban On Privatization Of State Companies RFE/RL 28 Oct 2019 -- Ukraine has taken another step towards privatizing state assets as it seeks to attract investment and reach lofty economic goals set by the new administration.
Fresh EU-Russia-Ukraine Gas Talks To Take Place In Brussels RFE/RL 28 Oct 2019 -- The ongoing Ukrainian-Russian geopolitical tussle once again enters the realm of energy as trilateral gas-transit talks are set to resume in Brussels on October 28 between Moscow and Kyiv.

Protesters block major roads as Lebanon reels under unrest Press TV 28 Oct 2019 -- Protesters have blockaded major roads in Lebanon, including the main north-south highway, defying pleas from top leaders who have warned of a new civil war in the country.

Cambodian Police Arrest CNRP Member, Leave Sick Wife Behind Radio Free Asia 28 Oct 2019 -- Cambodian authorities arrested a member of the banned opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) on Monday, seizing him as he returned home from working in the fields and taking him away in his underwear despite pleas by his ill and bedridden wife that he be allowed to dress, sources said.

Chilean President Replaces Key Ministers Amid Nationwide Protests Sputnik 28 Oct 2019 -- Chilean President Sebastian Pinera has reshuffled the government amid mass protests, replacing key ministers.

Groups Want Tanzania to Roll Back Laws Stifling Dissent VOA 28 Oct 2019 -- Two rights groups are calling on Tanzania's government to ease restrictions on dissent and freedom of expression imposed since President John Magufuli came to power in 2015.

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