29 October 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Assault on Islamic State Leadership Not Over VOA 29 Oct 2019 -- Senior Islamic State leaders in Syria are coming under fire, part of what appears to be an urgent campaign to gut the terror group's brain trust.
US Captured Prisoner Combatants During Baghdadi Raid VOA 29 Oct 2019 -- More details are emerging about the daring U.S. military raid that took out Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi Saturday. Once a powerful self-declared caliph, Baghdadi was found hiding in a tunnel as U.S. special forces closed in on capturing him. Cornered with no exit, he blew up himself and his three children.
Trump: 'Just Confirmed al-Baghdadi's Number One Replacement Has Been Terminated by US Troops' Sputnik 29 Oct 2019 -- According to the White House, the head of the Daesh* terror group Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed on Sunday during a raid by the US military in Idlib, Syria.
Another watery grave: US military buries Daesh chief at sea Press TV 29 Oct 2019 -- The United States military has disposed of Daesh leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's remains by allegedly dumping them at sea, giving him the same controversial burial as former al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.

US threatens 'military force' against 'any group' challenging occupation of Syria oil fields Press TV 29 Oct 2019 -- The Pentagon has threatened that American forces deployed around Syrian oil fields will use "military force" against any party that may seek to challenge Washington's control of those sites, even if it is Syrian government forces or their Russian allies.
US to Prevent Russian, Syrian Forces Access to Oil Fields in North of Syria - Esper Sputnik 29 Oct 2019 -- The US troops will deny Russian and Syrian forces access to oil fields it is protecting in northeast Syria, US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper said during a briefing at the Pentagon on Monday.

Afghan Government Links Peace Talks With Taliban to One-Month Cease-Fire VOA 29 Oct 2019 -- A senior official in Afghanistan announced Tuesday that under a "new" peace plan, the government will not seek any more unconditional negotiations with the Taliban and will require that a cease-fire last at least one month before initiating any peace process with the insurgent group.
Afghan forces kill 33 militants in eastern province People's Daily 29 Oct 2019 -- As many as 33 militants have been killed as government forces backed by fighting planes struck Taliban hideouts in parts of the eastern Ghazni province over the past 24 hours, said an army statement released here Tuesday.
Pakistan's Khan Talks Afghan Peace With U.S. Envoy Khalilzad RFE/RL 29 Oct 2019 -- U.S. special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad discussed Afghan peace efforts with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad on October 29, Khan's office said in a statement.

Defense Policy / Programs

Department of Defense Press Briefing by Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Lord and F-35 Program Executive Officer Lt. Gen. Eric T. Fick on the F-35 Program in the Pentagon Briefing Room DoD 29 Oct 2019 -- Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Ellen M. Lord; Air Force Lieutenant General Eric T. Fick, F-35 Program Executive Officer
DOD Finalizes Purchase Plan for F-35 Aircraft DoD News 29 Oct 2019 -- The Defense Department finalized an agreement to purchase 478 additional F-35 Lightning II airplanes in a deal totaling $34 billion, officials said.
Chief Information Officer Touts Technological Progress DoD News 29 Oct 2019 -- The Defense Department's chief information officer says technology underlies the departments National Defense Strategy, and he has put together a high-speed team that can capitalize on breakthroughs.
Chief Management Officer Nominee Champions DOD Agility, Reform DoD News 29 Oct 2019 -- The candidate nominated to be the Defense Department's chief management officer told the Senate Armed Services Committee she would eke out every bit of value from tax dollars budgeted to the department.
1st MAW Rapid Deployment Exercise USMC News 29 Oct 2019 -- 1st Marine Aircraft Wing rapidly deployed more than 25 aircraft to austere, expeditionary locations and then returned those aircraft and forces to Marine Corps Air Station Futenma from October 24 to 25, 2019.
PCU John F. Kennedy Crew Marks another Milestone, Flooding of Dry Dock NNS 29 Oct 2019 -- Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) marked another milestone leading up to the christening of the second Ford-class aircraft carrier as Huntington Ingalls Industries-Newport News Shipbuilding (HII-NNS) flooded the ship's dry dock Oct. 29.
Future USS Delaware Delivered to the Navy NNS 29 Oct 2019 -- The Navy accepted delivery of the future USS Delaware (SSN 791), the 18th submarine of the Virginia class, Oct. 25.
Naval Oceanography Conducts Real-World Exercise in Mississippi Sound NNS 29 Oct 2019 -- Naval Oceanography is testing emerging, unmanned technology in the Mississippi Sound this year as part of a larger showcase known as the Advanced Naval Technology Exercise (ANTX) co-hosted with the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) based in Newport, R.I.
Tripoli Completes Acceptance Trials NNS 29 Oct 2019 -- The future USS Tripoli (LHA 7) completed acceptance trials when she returned to the Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII)-Ingalls Shipbuilding Division's shipyard following three days underway in the Gulf of Mexico.
US Navy Audit Uncovers $126 Million in Aircraft Parts Stored in Unknown Warehouse Sputnik 29 Oct 2019 -- The US Navy's inventory tracking issues recently reached a new level after around $126 million worth of aircraft parts needed for repairs were discovered in a warehouse Navy officials did not even know existed.
Every Single US East Coast Aircraft Carrier is Docked for Repairs Sputnik 29 Oct 2019 -- Amid a heap of repairs, refuelings and overhauls, all six of the US Navy's aircraft carriers assigned to the East Coast are in port at the same time. The Navy is pulling itself increasingly thin in an effort to accomodate the Pentagon's program for "great power competition" with Russia and China.
62nd AW delivers humanitarian aid to Honduras US Air Force 29 Oct 2019 -- Millions of people in every corner of the world lack basic supplies for food, water and education. In an effort to mitigate some of these issues, the Department of Defense created the Denton Cargo Program, which allows the Air Force to deliver privately donated humanitarian cargo on a space-available basis.
16th Air Force to streamline cyber weapon systems US Air Force 29 Oct 2019 -- Leaders from the 16th Air Force, also known as Air Force Cyber, recently launched an initiative to streamline its cyber weapon systems tools called "12N12."
Army engineering center tests new unmanned aircraft system Army News 29 Oct 2019 -- The U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center's newly acquired unmanned aircraft system took to the skies for its first formal set of survey flights Oct. 1.
Space Development Agency Gets First Permanent Director DoD News 28 Oct 2019 -- Defense Department officials today announced the selection of Derek Tournear as the first permanent director of the Space Development Agency.

China watching as New Zealand unveils military buildup in Pacific Press TV 29 Oct 2019 -- New Zealand has announced plans to increase its military capabilities in the Pacific in a move that is widely expected to prompt reaction from China.

Chinese Set Sights on High-Tech Product Dominance DoD News 29 Oct 2019 -- China aims to transition from producing inexpensive items to high-tech products, the director of the Defense Innovation Unit said.
Frequent public exposure of J-20 shows rise in confidence Global Times 29 Oct 2019 -- The frequent public appearances of the Chinese Air Force's most advanced fight jet, the J-20, in October proves the Air Force's increasing confidence in the warplane, experts said on Tuesday.
China slams US hype of botched deal in Solomon Islands Global Times 29 Oct 2019 -- The Chinese foreign ministry slammed the US hype of the suspension of a Chinese company's development plan in the Solomon Islands, saying that China had seen enough of tricks used by the latter.
Building begins on large ocean research ship Global Times 29 Oct 2019 -- The construction of China's largest comprehensive maritime scientific research ship kicked off in Shanghai on Monday.

Japan - F-15J Modernization DSCA 29 Oct 2019 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Japan for the upgrade of up to ninety-eight (98) F-15J aircraft to a Japanese Super Interceptor (JSI) configuration for an estimated cost of $4.5 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

Netanyahu Accuses Iran of Seeking Means to Hit Israel from Yemen VOA 29 Oct 2019 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Iran of seeking means to launch missiles at Israel from Yemen, where Tehran supports Houthi rebels. Netanyahu made the remark during a visit by a U.S. delegation, including presidential adviser Jared Kushner and U.S. secretary of Treasury Steve Mnuchin. Netanyahu is calling for tougher sanctions against Iran.

Saudi Arabia, US to Cooperate on Ensuring Security of Oil Deliveries – Reports Sputnik 29 Oct 2019 -- Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and his US counterpart, Rick Perry, expressed determination to cooperate on ensuring security of global oil deliveries after recent incidents in the Persian Gulf region.

Bill paving way for NT$250 billion F-16 purchase passes CNA 29 Oct 2019 -- Taiwan's Legislative Yuan passed a bill Tuesday authorizing funding for the purchase of a new fleet of 66 advanced F-16 fighter jets from the United States that will boost the country's defense capabilities amid rising threat from China.
Taiwan's Legislature Passes Special Budget to Buy Advanced F-16V Viper Jets From US Sputnik 29 Oct 2019 -- The Taiwanese legislature passed a special budget on Tuesday authorizing funding for the autonomous island's controversial purchase of dozens of F-16V Viper fighter jets from the US.

Defense Industry

Contracts For Oct. 29, 2019
China's first four-seat electric aircraft makes maiden flight Global Times 29 Oct 2019 -- A test of China's first domestic four-seat new-energy aircraft was held successfully on Monday, drawing praise from industry insiders and analysts who said that while the plane represents a breakthrough, there's a need for technological improvement and strong regulatory support.

Other Conflicts

29 October 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 29 Oct 2019
'Real change' involving women in peace and security, still too slow, Guterres tells Security Council UN News 29 Oct 2019 -- The Women Peace and Security agenda must continue to be "one of the top priorities of the United Nations", Secretary-General António Guterres told the Security Council on Tuesday, in an open debate on how best to accelerate change.

Top Houthi official rejects Netanyahu's claim of Iran seeking to fire missiles at Israel from Yemen Press TV 29 Oct 2019 -- Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement has strongly dismissed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's allegations that Iran is seeking the means to launch precision-guided missiles at the Israeli-occupied territories from Yemen, stressing that such remarks are meant to prolong the Saudi-led military campaign against the Yemeni nation.

Syria welcomes withdrawal of Kurdish forces from border region near Turkey People's Daily 29 Oct 2019 -- The Syrian government welcomes the withdrawal of the Kurdish forces from the Syrian-Turkish border, saying this withdrawal will strip Turkey of its pretext to attack northern Syrian areas, the Syrian Foreign Ministry said in a statement Sunday.
Russia says Kurdish militants have fully withdrawn from Syria safe zone Press TV 29 Oct 2019 -- Russia says the Kurdish militants of the People's Protection Units (YPG) have completely withdrawn from a 'safe zone' along Syria's border with Turkey as planned under a deal between Moscow and Ankara.
Turkey says Kurdish militants still in Syria 'safe zone' as deadline looms Press TV 29 Oct 2019 -- Ankara says Kurdish militants of the so-called People's Protection Units (YPG) have yet to fully pull out of border areas in Syria's north as a deadline set by a recent Turkey-Russia deal for their withdrawal approaches.
Russia Says Syrian Kurds Completed Pullout From Turkish Border RFE/RL 29 Oct 2019 -- Russia says Kurdish fighters in northeastern Syria have completed their withdrawal from areas along the Turkish border in line with a deal struck between Ankara and Moscow.
Moscow Informed Ankara About Complete Withdrawal of Kurdish Forces From Safe Zone - Erdogan Sputnik 29 Oct 2019 -- Moscow informed Ankara that the pullout of the Kurdish forces from the security zone in northeastern Syria in accordance with the Russia-Turkey memorandum had been completed, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday, as broadcast by TRT.
Total of 34,000 Kurdish Militants Withdrawn From Contact Line With Turkish Troops in Syria Sputnik 29 Oct 2019 -- A total of 68 Kurdish forces units numbering 34,000 militants, as well as over 3,000 pieces of weaponry and military equipment, have been withdrawn from the contact line with the Turkish Armed Forces in Syria by the set deadline, the commander of the Russian centre for Syrian reconciliation said Tuesday.
Russia Expects Kurdish Militia to Pullout From Turkish Border on Time - Russian Envoy to Syria Sputnik 29 Oct 2019 -- Russia is hoping that Kurdish militants in Syria will be able to withdraw its forces from the border zone with Turkey on time, Russian special envoy for Syria Alexander Lavrentyev said on Monday.

Turkish President Eyes Syrian Refugee Return to Quell Public Discontent, Economic Malaise VOA 29 Oct 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is pushing for the mass return of Syrian refugees to ease domestic discontent and kickstart an ailing economy. But Erdogan is struggling to find the financial support to realize his objective.
US House Lawmakers Rebuke Turkey for Syria Invasion VOA 29 Oct 2019 -- The U.S. House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation on Tuesday sanctioning Turkey in a move aimed at reasserting congressional oversight of U.S. President Donald Trump's foreign policy.

Seven Syrian soldiers killed in clashes with Turkish forces, allies near Ra's al-Ayn: Observatory Press TV 29 Oct 2019 -- The so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says at least seven Syrian army soldiers have been killed when fierce exchanges of gunfire broke out between government troops and Turkish military forces and their allied militants near Syria's key northeastern border town of Ra's al-Ayn.

Russia Has No Official Confirmation of Al-Baghdadi Elimination - Kremlin Spokesman Sputnik 29 Oct 2019 -- Moscow has not received official confirmation of the elimination of leader of the Daesh* terrorist group Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, spokesman for the Russian President Dmitry Peskov stated.
Ex-Saddam Hussein Officer Becomes New Daesh Leader – Reports Sputnik 29 Oct 2019 -- After US military operations Saturday and Sunday resulted in the deaths of Daesh leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and spokesperson Abu al-Hassan al-Muhajir in Syria, the terrorist organization has reportedly acquired a new leader.

'Syria's constitutional committee must work independently to win public support' Press TV 29 Oct 2019 -- Iran, Russia and Turkey have stressed that Syria's long-awaited constitutional committee must work independently and far from any foreign interference in order to draw maximum support from all walks of the Syrian nation.
Opposition Hopes for Syrian Constitutional Committee to Finish Work in 6 Months - Co-Chair Sputnik 29 Oct 2019 -- The delegation of the Syrian opposition to the Syrian Constitutional Committee, due to be launched on 30 October, hopes that the body will conclude its work in a six-month period, Hadi Bahra, co-chairman of the committee representing the opposition, said on Tuesday.

OSCE Representative: Troop Withdrawal In Eastern Ukraine A 'Big Step Forward' RFE/RL 29 Oct 2019 -- Kyiv and Russia-backed separatists have begun withdrawing troops and weapons from a front-line area in eastern Ukraine, as part of a plan to end the Donbas region's five-year conflict.

Far-right EU lawmakers visit Kashmir amid unrest Press TV 29 Oct 2019 -- Clashes have broken out in Indian-controlled Kashmir while about 30 far-right European lawmakers were on a contentious visit to the disputed Himalayan region.
European Parliament Delegation Visits Disputed Kashmir RFE/RL 29 Oct 2019 -- A group of European Parliament members arrived in Kashmir on October 29 -- the first foreign delegation to visit the disputed Himalayan region since India canceled its semiautonomous status and imposed severe restrictions in early August.
India should 'unlock' freedom curbs in disputed Kashmir, urges UN human rights chief UN News 29 Oct 2019 -- The people of Indian-administered Kashmir continue to be deprived of numerous basic freedoms, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said on Tuesday, before urging the Indian authorities "to unlock the situation".

U.S. House Overwhelmingly Passes Resolution Recognizing Armenian Genocide RFE/RL 29 Oct 2019 -- The U.S. House of Representatives has overwhelmingly passed a resolution recognizing the slaughter of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire at the beginning of the 20th century as genocide, provoking outrage in Ankara.

DRC Unrest Sparks Concerns of Regional Refugee Crisis VOA 29 Oct 2019 -- Months of unrelenting militia attacks in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are driving more people from their homes, adding to the millions already displaced and threatening to spread insecurity elsewhere in Africa's Great Lakes region, observers warn.

Ethiopia Mourns Dead After Ethnic Violence Breaks Out VOA 29 Oct 2019 -- Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed says his country remains united after a week of violent clashes left at least 67 people dead and several religious sites destroyed.

News Reports

Four Chairs Statement on Resolution for Open Hearings on Trump's Abuse of Power HPSCI 29 Oct 2019 -- Today, Rep. Adam B. Schiff, the Chairman of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Rep. Jerrold Nadler, the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Rep. Eliot L. Engel, the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Rep. Carolyn Maloney, the Acting Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, issued the following statement
Statement from the Press Secretary The White House 29 Oct 2019
White House Security Aide Says Trump Ukraine Call Troubled Him VOA 29 Oct 2019 -- An Army officer on the White House national security staff on Tuesday is telling the impeachment inquiry targeting President Donald Trump that he was so concerned about the U.S. leader's request in July that Ukraine investigate his political opponents that he alerted his superiors.
Trump slams impeachment inquiry as key witness testifies Press TV 29 Oct 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has posted a barrage of tweets against the impeachment inquiry into his alleged abuse of power as a key witness gives an "extremely disturbing" testimony against him.
US Army officer had warned of Trump-Ukraine ties twice Press TV 29 Oct 2019 -- US Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, the highest-ranking Ukraine expert on the National Security Council, had warned of President Donald Trump's interactions with Ukraine.
White House Official To Say He Twice Raised Concerns Over Trump's Call With Ukraine RFE/RL 29 Oct 2019 -- A military official at the National Security Council (NSC) is expected to tell U.S. lawmakers he twice raised concerns over the administration of President Donald Trump in prodding Ukraine to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden, a Democratic political rival, and his son Hunter Biden, who had served on the board of Ukrainian gas company Burisma.
Congressional Democrats Plan Formal Vote On Trump Impeachment Probe RFE/RL 29 Oct 2019 -- The U.S. House of Representatives will on October 31 formally vote to authorize the Democrat-led impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump.

Bulgaria Gives Russian Diplomat Suspected Of Espionage 24 Hours To Leave RFE/RL 29 Oct 2019 -- The Bulgarian Foreign Ministry has given a Russian diplomat accused of espionage 24 hours to leave the country after learning that its request to Moscow to recall him by October 28 had not been fulfilled.

Pak Pong Ju Inspects Electric Power and Coal Industry Fields in South Phyongan Province KCNA 29 Oct 2019 -- Pak Pong Ju, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, vice-chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK and vice-chairman of the WPK Central Committee, inspected the electric power and coal industry fields in South Phyongan Province.
DPRK prefers exchange of letters to discuss Mount Kumgang issue: S.Korea People's Daily 29 Oct 2019 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) preferred the exchange of letters to discuss issues on the DPRK's scenic resort of Mount Kumgang, South Korea's unification ministry said Tuesday.
North Korea Forces STD Tests for Citizens Returning From Trips to China Radio Free Asia 29 Oct 2019 -- Authorities in North Korea are trying to prevent sexually transmitted diseases from entering the country and spreading by forcing citizens returning from China to undergo STD tests, residents told RFA's Korean Service.

Iran defused 33m cyber attacks last year: Minister IRNA 29 Oct 2019 -- Iran defused 33 million cyber attacks during last year, said Iran's ICT minister on Tuesday.
Iran foils 33mn cyber attacks in one year: ICT Minister Press TV 29 Oct 2019 -- Iranian Minister of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi has warned of a rise in cyber threats in the world, saying Tehran has foiled some 33 million cyber attacks over the past year alone.
US attempts to exclude Iran from any regional arrangement futile: FM Zarif Press TV 29 Oct 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has lashed out at the United States for pursuing a policy aimed at isolating the Islamic Republic in the region, saying such attempts are futile.
HRW: US sanctions pose serious threat to Iranians' right to health Press TV 29 Oct 2019 -- Human Rights Watch (HRW) warns that the US's harsh sanctions against Iran pose a serious threat to the Iranian people's right to health, urging Washington to adopt swift measures aimed at facilitating trade of humanitarian goods with the Islamic Republic.
HRW: U.S. Sanctions Threatening Iranians' Health RFE/RL 29 Oct 2019 -- Human Rights Watch (HRW) says U.S. sanctions imposed on Iran have "drastically constrained" the country's ability to finance humanitarian imports and are threatening Iranians' right to health.

Xi Jinping's Blockchain Gambit Suggests Lively Communist Party Plenum VOA 29 Oct 2019 -- China's ruling Communist Party has begun its long-awaited Fourth Plenum this week -- a four-day closed-door meeting that is expected to set major policies for years to come and discuss crises ranging from Hong Kong to China's nearly 2-year-old trade war with the United States.
Joshua Wong should 'be abandoned by HK society' Global Times 29 Oct 2019 -- Hong Kong pro-West separatist and activist Joshua Wong Chi-fung was barred from running in Hong Kong district council election on Tuesday as his nomination was ruled to be invalid, and experts warned that the Hong Kong society should abandon the people like Wong who gain political capital by ruining the public order and flattering the foreign anti-China forces. Otherwise if they get political power, the people of Hong Kong will have a dark future, they said.
Withdrawal of honor shows UK 'fragile justice': Hong Kong lawmaker Global Times 29 Oct 2019 -- Hong Kong lawmaker Junius Ho Kwan-yiu denied accusations by UK Lord David Alton of his conduct, and said he reserves the right to take legal action after Ho was reportedly stripped of an honorary degree by a UK university.
Hong Kong leader says situation 'very grim' amid unrest Press TV 29 Oct 2019 -- Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam says she expects the growth in the Asian financial hub to record negative rate for the full 2019 year, after five months of violent protests blamed on the United States and foreign countries.
Hong Kong Former Student Leader Barred From Running in District Council Polls Radio Free Asia 29 Oct 2019 -- Officials in Hong Kong have barred 2014 student leader and democracy activist Joshua Wong from running in forthcoming district elections, in a move that Wong slammed as "politically driven."
Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Activist Officialy Barred From November Local Elections VOA 29 Oct 2019 -- Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong says a decision by Hong Kong authorities to bar him from running in upcoming local elections proves "how Beijing manipulate[s] the election with political censorship and screening."
At Least 150 Detainees Have Died in One Xinjiang Internment Camp: Police Officer Radio Free Asia 29 Oct 2019 -- At least 150 people have died over the course of six months while detained at an internment camp for mainly ethnic Uyghurs in northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), according to an official source, marking the first confirmation of mass deaths since the camps were introduced in 2017.
Two Ethnic Kazakhs From China's Xinjiang Receive Asylum-Seeker Status In Kazakhstan RFE/RL 29 Oct 2019 -- Two ethnic Kazakhs from China's northwestern region of Xinjiang have been given asylum-seeker status in Kazakhstan.
Joint Statement on Xinjiang UK FCO 29 Oct 2019 -- Statement delivered by Ambassador Karen Pierce, UK Permanent Representative to the UN at the Third Committee session on the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Protesters Killed In Renewed Iraq Unrest RFE/RL 29 Oct 2019 -- At least 14 people were killed and 865 wounded after Iraqi security forces opened fire on protesters overnight in the Shi'ite holy city of Karbala, medical and security sources said on October 29.
At Least 13 Dead, 865 Injured Overnight After Iraqi Police Opened Fire at Protesters - Reports Sputnik 29 Oct 2019 -- Mass rallies that began across the Middle Eastern country earlier this month have led to violent clashes between protesters and police, reportedly claiming the lives of around 250 Iraqis.
Analysts Warn Iraq Precarious as Protests Persist VOA 29 Oct 2019 -- As hundreds of Iraqi protesters are hunkered down in Baghdad's central Tahrir Square and other provinces, analysts say the country is facing a precarious moment, one which bold and concrete action is needed from the government. But can and will Iraq's leadership deliver? A renewed wave of anti-government demonstrations has seen at least 250 killed and more than 4,000 wounded this month. Teachers and lawyers' unions, even Planning Ministry employees, are joining young protesters.

Ecuador Ombudsman's Office Says 10 People Killed, 1,340 Injured in Protests Across Country Sputnik 29 Oct 2019 -- As many as 10 people were killed and 1,340 more injured during 12 days of protests in Ecuador, the Ecuadorian ombudsman's office said.

Protests Continue in Chile Despite Cabinet Changes by President VOA 29 Oct 2019 -- Protesters in Chile took to the streets again Monday despite efforts by President Sebastian Pinera to shuffle his cabinet in an attempt to tame the country's political crisis.
Demonstrations Continue in Santiago After Reshuffle of Chilean Ministers - Reports Sputnik 29 Oct 2019 -- Thousands of people have taken to the streets of Chile's capital amid continuing public discontent with the current government, which saw a minister reshuffle on Monday, media reports.

Cuban Leader Hails Russian Support During Meeting With Putin RFE/RL 29 Oct 2019 -- Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has praised Moscow for its support in an increasingly bitter standoff between Havana and Washington during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin outside Moscow.

India's Modi says relations with Saudi Arabia moving toward strategic partnership Press TV 29 Oct 2019 -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that his country is seeking closer energy cooperation with Saudi Arabia despite recent attacks on oil facilities that exposed the kingdom's vulnerability to threats.

Aung San Suu Kyi Remarks on Myanmar Constitutional Reform Rankle Some Supporters Radio Free Asia 29 Oct 2019 -- Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi met U.S. Assistant Secretary of State David Stilwell on Tuesday in Naypyidaw to discuss continued American support for the country's democratic transition, a visit that came as supporters in Myanmar questioned her commitment to pledged reforms that helped her win power in 2015.

Pakistani Court Extends Bail Of 'Critically Unwell' Ex-Prime Minister Sharif RFE/RL 29 Oct 2019 -- A Pakistani court has suspended the conviction of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for two months to allow for medical treatment.
Pakistan Court Grants Brief Respite to Critically Ill Sharif VOA 29 Oct 2019 -- A court in Pakistan has ordered former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's prison sentence suspended for eight weeks so he can receive medical treatment.

Huge Cyberattack Hits Georgian Websites RFE/RL 29 Oct 2019 -- Two Georgian television stations, Imedi and Maestro, and thousands of websites have been knocked out, in what was thought to be a wide-scale cyberattack.

UK MPs back Johnson's plan for general election on Dec. 12 Press TV 29 Oct 2019 -- British lawmakers have approved a plan by Prime Minister Boris Johnson to hold a snap national election on December 12.

Lebanese Prime Minister Resigns Amid Anti-Government Protests VOA 29 Oct 2019 -- Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced his resignation Tuesday after 13 days of unprecedented anti-government protests demanding political and economic reform.
Lebanese PM Hariri submits his resignation amid ongoing anti-govt. protests Press TV 29 Oct 2019 -- Embattled Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri has submitted his resignation as people remain on the streets across Lebanon for the thirteenth day of anti-government demonstrations against the country's economic crisis.
Lebanese PM Hariri Announces Resignation Amid Protests in Beirut Sputnik 29 Oct 2019 -- Lebanon has been witnessing mass protests since 17 October, following the government's announcement of a tax increase on tobacco and internet calls. The demonstrators have been demanding the resignation of the government and far-reaching political reforms.

US allies fear apocalypse after Fernandez wins election in Argentina Press TV 29 Oct 2019 -- Argentina's president-elect Alberto Fernandez says he will "turn the page" and take the country to a new direction amid deep economic crisis which is blamed on his pro-West predecessor Mauricio Macri.

Laos's Controversial Xayaburi Dam on Mekong River Begins Operations Radio Free Asia 29 Oct 2019 -- The Xayaburi dam, the first of five planned large Mekong river mainstream dams in Laos, officially began operations Tuesday, setting in motion the first major cog in the country's ambitious but controversial plan to become the "battery of Southeast Asia."

Opposition to Contest Mozambican President's Electoral Win VOA 29 Oct 2019 -- Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi and his Frelimo party won a resounding victory in the Oct. 15 elections. While opposition parties plan to contest the results, commentators see little chance of them being overturned.

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