30 October 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Department of Defense Press Briefing by Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs Jonathan Rath Hoffman and General Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr., Commander, United States Central Command DoD 30 Oct 2019 -- Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs Jonathan R. Hoffman and Marine Corps General Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr., Commander, United States Central Command
Central Command Chief Gives Details on Baghdadi Raid DoD News 30 Oct 2019 -- The mission to capture or kill ISIS founder and leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was exquisitely planned and executed, the commander of U.S. Central Command said.
Pentagon releases images, video from raid that killed Baghdadi Press TV 30 Oct 2019 -- The United States has released a number of declassified images and video from the raid that left Daesh chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi dead.
Islamic State Leader 'Crawled Into a Hole' to Die, Pentagon Says VOA 30 Oct 2019 -- Three days after U.S. President Donald Trump stepped up to a White House podium and told the world Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was finally dead, military officials gave the public a glimpse of the raid that ended his life.

Defense Policy / Programs

USS Gerald R. Ford Completes Post-Shakedown Availability NNS 30 Oct 2019 -- Program Executive Office (PEO) Aircraft Carriers announced the successful completion of the Post-Shakedown Availability/Selected Restricted Availability (PSA/SRA) for USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Oct. 30 as the ship returned to its home port at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia.
USS The Sullivans CNO Avail Completed On Time NNS 30 Oct 2019 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided missle destroyer, USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) successfully completed sea trials and her Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) availability Oct. 24, one day ahead of schedule, despite the project losing two weeks in September due to Hurricane Dorian.
New York Supports BATARG, 26 MEU with Onload NNS 30 Oct 2019 -- Marines are a big part of the mission of the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21). In order to get the Marines where they need to go, vast amounts of vehicles and supplies must be onloaded, and the New York did just that, Oct. 11, 2019.
USS Boxer and 11th MEU Arrive in Guam NNS 30 Oct 2019 -- USS Boxer (LHD 4) and the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived at Naval Base Guam for a port visit, Oct. 30.

North Atlantic Council arrives in Odesa, demonstrating NATO's support for Ukraine NATO 30 Oct 2019 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Ambassadors from the North Atlantic Council arrived in Ukraine on Wednesday (30 October 2019) for a two-day visit, demonstrating the Alliance's continuing support for Ukraine.
Speech by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to cadets at the Maritime Academy in Odesa NATO 30 Oct 2019 -- (As delivered)

Extensive Russian submarine operation in North Atlantic: Norway Press TV 30 Oct 2019 -- The Norwegian military says Russia has dispatched 10 submarines to the North Atlantic in the largest such operation since the end of the Cold War.
Russian Nuclear Submarine Fires Intercontinental Missile For First Time RFE/RL 30 Oct 2019 -- Russia's Defense Ministry says it has test-launched a Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile from its most advanced nuclear-powered submarine for the first time, striking a target thousands of kilometers away.
Russian Submarine Knyaz Vladimir Test Fired Bulava Missile for First Time Sputnik 30 Oct 2019 -- The Russian Borei-class nuclear-powered submarine Knyaz Vladimir carried out the first test-launch of the Bulava ballistic missile, the Russian Defence Ministry said on Wednesday.
Russia Deploys Podsolnukh Radar Systems to Far East, Baltic and Caspian Seas – Manufacturer Sputnik 30 Oct 2019 -- Russia has deployed its modern over-the-horizon radar systems, called Podsolnukh (Sunflower), to the Far East as well as the Baltic Sea and the Caspian Sea, director-general of the system's manufacturer (the Scientific and Research Institute for Long-Distance Radio Communications) Kirill Makarov explained.

HMS Pembroke back in action after Fife refit UK MOD 30 Oct 2019 -- HMS Pembroke is back with the Royal Navy ahead of schedule and ready for action after a successful 42-week, £8 million refit at Babcock's Rosyth dockyard in Fife.

US Approves $4.5 Billion Upgrade For Japan's 98 F-15J Fighter Jets - Defence Security Agency Sputnik 30 Oct 2019 -- The US Department of State approved Japan's plans to upgrade the nation's fleet of 98 F-15J fighter jets to Super Interceptor configuration at a cost of $4.5 billion, the Defence Security Cooperation Agency said in a press release on Tuesday.
Japanese Fighter Jets Made 135 Emergency Sorties Since April Due to Russian Warplanes Sputnik 30 Oct 2019 -- Japanese fighter jets made no less than 135 emergency sorties from 1 April to 30 September, 2019 due to the flights of the Russian military aircraft, the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Japan Self-Defense Forces said, noting that the amount of the sorties sharply decreased since the same period in 2018.

Taiwan military decommissions UH-1H utility helicopters CNA 30 Oct 2019 -- Taiwan's military officially decommissioned all of its remaining six UH-1H utility helicopters, which have been in service for nearly five decades, in a ceremony held Wednesday at a Taichung military base.

China's second aircraft carrier prepares for commissioning ceremony: report Global Times 30 Oct 2019 -- China's second aircraft carrier, the first domestically built, appears to be preparing for a possible commissioning ceremony since it returned from its eighth sea trial, photos and videos showed.
China to include those avoiding military service in bad social credit record Global Times 30 Oct 2019 -- Authorities in Northeast China vowed to punish 26 people, who tried to avoid military duty, by listing them in the bad social credit record, which would affect their applications for loans or taking high-speed trains or flights.
Washington Tense About Chinese Defence 'Build-Up' in Indo-Pacific Region, Top US Commander Claims Sputnik 30 Oct 2019 -- Though the US and India agree on having a free rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, China's intent to establish its influence over a wider area in the region is causing concern for many countries.

India's First-Ever Naval Exercise with Saudi Arabia Soon Amid Gulf Powers' Battle Sputnik 30 Oct 2019 -- Amid political uncertainty in the Gulf region, India has joined hands with Saudi Arabia and France to secure shipping routes in the Western and Southern Indian Ocean. The Indian Navy had to rush warships and aircraft to the Persian Gulf in August to undertake maritime security operations amid tensions between the US and Iran.

New prototype "Farpad" UAV given to military units IRNA 30 Oct 2019 -- The Commander of Ground Force of Iranian Army said a new prototype of the "Farpad" hand-propelled UAV was built and is at the disposal of operational units.
Upgraded hand-launched Farpad drone delivered to operational units of Iran's Army Press TV 30 Oct 2019 -- The commander of the Iranian Army's Ground Forces says a new upgraded version of Farpad -- a domestically-manufactured hand-launched drone -- has joined the army's operational units.

'Side with India and Face our Missiles': Pakistan Minister Warns New Delhi's Allies Sputnik 30 Oct 2019 -- Pakistan has expressed concern over a three-month curfew and communications blockade in Indian-administered Kashmir. Prime Minister Imran Khan has even promised to protect Kashmiris at any cost.

Turkish Defence Minister: Our Cooperation with Russia Continues Successfully Sputnik 30 Oct 2019 -- Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar made a few statements before the meeting of the AKP faction in parliament, to discuss the implementation of the Sochi memorandum between Turkey and Russia.
Turkey Rejects Reports Country Close to Reaching Su-35 Deal With Russia Amid S-400 Row With US Sputnik 30 Oct 2019 -- Turkish media outlets earlier claimed that Moscow and Ankara were in the middle of discussions over the purchase of Su-35 warplanes, following the acquisition of S-400 missile systems that led to Turkey being kicked out of the US-led F-35 programme.

Croatia - UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters DSCA 30 Oct 2019 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Croatia of two (2) UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and related equipment for an estimated cost of $115 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

Defense Industry

Contracts For Oct. 30, 2019

Other Conflicts

30 October 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 30 Oct 2019
Reparations for sexual violence in conflict – 'what survivors want most, yet receive least' UN News 30 Oct 2019 -- Ten years ago, the UN Security Council established a mandate to prevent and address the scourge of conflict-related sexual violence. At a commemorative event on Wednesday, the UN deputy chief described that commitment as essential to "highlight, prevent and seek justice for this crime".

Manila, Beijing Establish Joint Body for Energy Exploration in South China Sea Radio Free Asia 30 Oct 2019 -- Manila and Beijing have formed a joint inter-governmental body to coordinate an exploration deal for tapping energy resources in the South China Sea, Philippine officials announced Wednesday, in a move that President Rodrigo Duterte earlier had said could ease tensions in the disputed waters.

UAE Withdraws Troops From Yemen's Aden, Cedes Control to Saudi, Yemeni Troops - Military Sputnik 30 Oct 2019 -- The UAE troops, stationed in Yemen's southern province of Aden over the past four years for fighting the Houthi rebels, left the area and ceded control to the Saudi and Yemeni forces, the General Command of the UAE Armed Forces said in a statement on Wednesday.

'Historic' new Syria talks should focus on relief for war-weary civilians, says UN negotiator UN News 30 Oct 2019 -- Work on drafting a new foundational text for war-torn Syria officially began at the UN in Geneva on Wednesday with representatives from the Syrian Government and opposition sitting face to face and preparing to discuss the country's future for the first time in the nearly nine-year conflict.
Syria's Warring Parties Meet to Draft New Constitution VOA 30 Oct 2019 -- Syrian government and opposition delegates have begun meeting to draft a new constitution as a prelude to U.N.-supervised elections for their war-torn country.

Erdogan: Turkish-Russian Patrols Set to Begin in Syria VOA 30 Oct 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Turkish-Russian joint military patrols will begin Friday in notheastern Syria, after the withdrawal of Syrian Kurdish fighters under an agreement between the two countries.
Erdogan Says Turkish-Russian Joint Patrols To Start In Syria RFE/RL 30 Oct 2019 -- Turkish-Russian joint patrols will start in northeast Syria on November 1, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced after the Kremlin said Syrian Kurdish fighters had withdrawn under a deal between Ankara and Moscow.
Free Syrian Army Hands Over 11 Village to Russian Military Police Per Turkey's Request Sputnik 30 Oct 2019 -- The Free Syrian Army has abandoned 11 Syrian villages, situated along the M4 highway, ceding control to the Russian military police following Turkey's request, a source close to the FSA said on Wednesday.
Turkey Says Began Clearing Mines in North Syrian Areas of Joint Border Patrols With Russia Sputnik 30 Oct 2019 -- The Turkish Defense Ministry said its experts started to demine territories in northern Syria, where Ankara and Moscow are conducting joint border patrols.

Syrian army troops engage in clashes with Turkish forces again: SANA Press TV 30 Oct 2019 -- Syrian government troops have engaged in fierce clashes with Turkish military forces near Syria's key border town of Ra's al-Ayn in the northeastern province of Hasakah – a day after a similar incident claimed the lives of seven Syrian soldiers and left several others injured.
Thousands of Syrian Kurds Flee to Iraq to Escape Turkish Incursion VOA 30 Oct 2019 -- The U.N. refugee agency reports thousands of Syrian refugees have fled to Iraq in less than two weeks to escape Turkey's military onslaught in Kurdish-controlled areas of northeastern Syria.
Damascus Urges Kurdish Fighters to Join Syrian Army, Security Forces – Reports Sputnik 30 Oct 2019 -- The Syrian government on Wednesday called on Kurdish fighters in the northeast to join the Syrian army and security forces to stave off "common enemy" Turkey, the SANA news agency said.

Iran, Russia condemn US military presence around oil fields in Syria Press TV 30 Oct 2019 -- Iran and Russia have lashed out at US President Donald Trump's plans to keep some American troops in Syria to seize control of the country's oil reserves.
Zarif Says at Least Trump is Honest About US Troops Staying in Syria to Protect Oil Fields Sputnik 30 Oct 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif during a press conference joked about the United States staying in Syria to protect the oil fields there by saying at least US President Donald Trump is honest about the United States' intentions.

IS Promises Big Announcement as US Braces for Revenge VOA 30 Oct 2019 -- One of the Islamic State terror group's media divisions is promising supporters that a major announcement is on the way – the first of its kind since the death of its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, in a U.S. raid on Sunday.

Iraqi soldier killed in Katyusha attack on area near US embassy in Baghdad Press TV 30 Oct 2019 -- A Katyusha rocket has targeted a security checkpoint near the US embassy inside the highly secured Green Zone of Baghdad, killing an Iraqi soldier and wounding three other members of the security forces manning the checkpoint.
Rocket Strikes Baghdad Green Zone as Anti-Government Protesters Mass VOA 30 Oct 2019 -- A rocket struck near the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad's Green Zone on Wednesday, killing at least one Iraqi guard.

Ukraine army, pro-Russia forces start withdrawing from east Press TV 30 Oct 2019 -- The Ukrainian army and pro-Russian forces have started withdrawing from an important front line area in the country's volatile east as part of a deal to end their long-running conflict in the region.
NATO Chief Calls For Russian Troop Withdrawal From Ukraine RFE/RL 30 Oct 2019 -- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has welcomed the withdrawal of Ukrainian and Russia-backed separatist forces from a frontline area in eastern Ukraine, but reiterated calls for Moscow to "withdraw all their troops."
Millions In Infrastructure Investments Pledged In Ukraine's Donbas RFE/RL 30 Oct 2019 -- At the first Ukrainian government-sponsored investment forum since President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's election, hundreds of millions of dollars in investments and loans were promised on October 29 in Mariupol, a port city less than 30 kilometers west of the front line of a conflict with Russian-backed separatists.

Turkey summons Washington envoy over sanctions, Armenian 'genocide' resolutions Press TV 30 Oct 2019 -- Ankara has summoned Washington's ambassador to protest two resolutions passed by the US House of Representatives, which impose sanctions on Turkey over its Syria incursion and recognize the killings of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire a century ago as "genocide."

South Sudan's Machar calls for delay in interim government formation Press TV 30 Oct 2019 -- South Sudan's former vice president and rebel leader Riek Machar has called for a six-month delay in the formation of a transitional unity government after he accused the administration of President Salva Kiir of failing to implement a peace agreement aimed at ending a bloody conflict.

At Least 5 Indigenous People Killed in Armed Group Attack in Southwestern Colombia Sputnik 30 Oct 2019 -- At least five indigenous people were killed and six more injured as a result of an attack, staged by an armed group in the municipality of Tacueyo, the southwestern Colombian province of Cauca, the national army said.

India Ends Statehood for Jammu and Kashmir VOA 30 Oct 2019 -- As of early Thursday, India lost one state and gained two federal territories as part of the government's effort to take control of years of insurgency.

Tibetan State Workers, Party Members 'Held Hostage' For Visitors' Good Behavior Radio Free Asia 30 Oct 2019 -- Tibetans visiting relatives in Tibetan areas of China can now be hosted only by government workers or members of the ruling Chinese Communist Party, with penalties threatened for those whose guests overstay their permitted time or otherwise misbehave, Tibetan sources say.

News Reports

House Democrats Summon Bolton for Impeachment Inquiry VOA 30 Oct 2019 -- House Democrats have summoned former national security adviser John Bolton to testify next week in their impeachment inquiry into U.S. President Donald Trump, U.S. media outlets reported Wednesday.
2 US Diplomats: Trump Viewed Ukraine as Corrupt VOA 30 Oct 2019 -- Two career U.S. diplomats are testifying Wednesday during the impeachment inquiry targeting President Donald Trump that the president held a deeply negative view of Ukraine as a corrupt country that complicated diplomatic efforts to bolster Washington's relations with Kyiv and support its fight against Russian separatists in the eastern part of the country.
White House Official 'Corroborated' Previous Testimony In Trump Probe RFE/RL 30 Oct 2019 -- U.S. Congressional Democrats said testimony given by a current White House official in a presidential impeachment inquiry "corroborated the central facts of the story we've heard," whereas Republican lawmakers, President Donald Trump, and his backers downplayed the witness's remarks.
Indicted Giuliani Associate Lev Parnas Ordered To Testify RFE/RL 30 Oct 2019 -- A federal judge in Florida has ruled in a civil lawsuit to compel an associate of U.S. President Donald Trump's personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, to be questioned under oath regarding contributions to Republican politicians and causes that were allegedly fraudulent.
US Secy of State deputy breaks with Trump over Ukraine call in hearing Press TV 30 Oct 2019 -- US President Donald Trump's pick for Russia ambassador, Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan, breaks with him on his scandalous Ukraine phone call.
US House Democrats unveil Trump impeachment resolution Press TV 30 Oct 2019 -- Democrats in the US House of Representatives have unveiled a measure that formally lays out the next steps in their impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump.
US House overwhelmingly votes to recognize Armenian 'genocide' Press TV 30 Oct 2019 -- The US House of Representatives has overwhelmingly passed a resolution that officially recognizes the killings of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire a century ago as genocide.
Former Trump National Security Adviser Bolton Called to Testify in Impeachment Inquiry Sputnik 30 Oct 2019 -- US President Donald Trump's former national security adviser, John Bolton, has been called to testify next week before House lawmakers in the ongoing impeachment inquiry.

Denmark Allows Nord Stream 2 Pipeline Through Its Territorial Waters RFE/RL 30 Oct 2019 -- Denmark has granted Russia's state-controlled energy company Gazprom permission to build a controversial gas export pipeline through Danish waters.

Facebook Says Russian Disinformation Campaigns Targeted Africa RFE/RL 30 Oct 2019 -- Facebook says it has taken down three networks of nearly 200 accounts that attempted to interfere in the domestic affairs of eight African countries, and were linked to a Kremlin-connected businessman accused of meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
Facebook Deletes 35 Accounts, 53 Pages and 5 Instagram Accounts Made in Russia and Targeting Africa Sputnik 30 Oct 2019 -- US social networking giant Facebook announced earlier in October that it was working to make its pages more transparent by showing the confirmed owners of social media accounts, labelling state-controlled media information and making it easier for users to distinguish political advertisements.
Facebook Removes 3 Russian Networks It Says Engaged in Foreign Interference in Africa VOA 30 Oct 2019 -- Less than a week after the Africa-Russia Summit, Facebook has suspended three networks of Russian accounts it says were engaging in foreign interference in Africa.
Bulgaria Declines Visa For Incoming Russian Defense Attache After Expelling Envoy For Spying RFE/RL 30 Oct 2019 -- Bulgaria has denied a long-term visa to the incoming Russian defense attache on October 30, a day after expelling a Russian diplomat on suspicion of espionage.

Lebanon arrests Canadian-Lebanese dual citizen over spying for Israel Press TV 30 Oct 2019 -- Lebanese intelligence forces have arrested a Lebanese-Canadian dual national on charges of spying for Israel's Mossad spy agency through gathering intelligence about army forces.

S. Korea to seek virtuous cycle of improved inter-Korean ties, DPRK-U.S. denuke talks People's Daily 30 Oct 2019 -- South Korea will continue to seek a virtuous cycle of improved inter-Korean relations that help advance the denuclearization negotiations between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the United States, a unification ministry official of South Korea said Wednesday.
Construction of Orangchon Power Station No. 4 Hastened KCNA 30 Oct 2019 -- The construction of Orangchon Power Station No. 4 in North Hamgyong Province of the DPRK is progressing apace at the final stage.
North Korean Authorities Crack Down on Illegal Cellphone Use After Kim Jong Un's Confidential Information Leaked Radio Free Asia 30 Oct 2019 -- Authorities in North Korea are conducting a crackdown on illegal cellphone use after confidential information was reportedly leaked about North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's recent activities, local officials and traders told RFA's Korean Service.

Leader: US, West spy services inciting unrest in regional states Press TV 30 Oct 2019 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has warned that the United States and Western spy services, funded by certain reactionary countries of the region, have been fomenting turmoil and insecurity in other regional states, calling for vigilance against such enemy plots.

China warns Australia on 'inappropriate comments' on Xinjiang affairs Global Times 30 Oct 2019 -- Calling the Australian foreign minister's recent comments on Xinjiang "very inappropriate," the Chinese foreign ministry said on Wednesday that the Australian politician disregarded the facts and used the Xinjiang issue out of political need, which is not conducive to improving bilateral relations.
West's accusation of China on Xinjiang a 'shameful failure': Chinese FM Global Times 30 Oct 2019 -- Some Western countries' "anti-China show" has been a "shameful failure," Chinese FM spokesperson said on Wednesday, in reference to 23 countries, led by the UK and the US, accusing China's policy on its northwestern Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region against more countries which supported China at a UN conference.
Female Detainees at Xinjiang Internment Camps Face Sterilization, Sexual Abuse: Camp Survivor Radio Free Asia 30 Oct 2019 -- Female detainees at internment camps in northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) are routinely forced to take medication that affects their reproductive cycles, and are tortured, denied treatment for health problems, and subjected to sexual and other forms of abuse, according to a former inmate.
Two Dozen UN Member States Condemn China's Treatment of Uyghurs in Xinjiang Radio Free Asia 30 Oct 2019 -- China's treatment of ethnic Uyghurs in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) drew major criticism from 23 members of the United Nations Tuesday as they backed a British statement condemning the mass detention and surveillance of the ethnic Muslim minority at the hands of the Chinese government.
HKSAR chief executive gives priority to ending violence, restoring order Global Times 30 Oct 2019 -- Chief Executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam said on Wednesday that the months-long unrest in Hong Kong has hurt its economy, adding that "the first priority must therefore be to end violence and restore law and order as soon as possible."
Hong Kong Journalists Ask Court to Consider 'Illegal Actions' by Police Radio Free Asia 30 Oct 2019 -- Hong Kong journalists are seeking a judicial review into the actions of police officers attacking, abusing, and obstructing journalists covering the protest movement.
China's Belt & Road Scheme Not As Green As Hoped Radio Free Asia 30 Oct 2019 -- Despite a commitment from President Xi Jinping to make China's vast Belt and Road Initiative green, a new study shows that air pollution may persist for decades in many parts of the vast infrastructure and investment project.
China Slashes US Investments VOA 30 Oct 2019 -- China's direct investment in the U.S. has slowed to a trickle, dropping by 80% from 2016 to 2018, according to New York-based research provider Rhodium Group.

Senate passes act to help Taiwan keeps allies CNA 30 Oct 2019 -- The United States Senate passed a piece of legislation Tuesday to ask the government to help Taiwan keep its remaining 15 diplomatic allies while supporting its international presence.
TAIPEI Act signals common stance between U.S., Taiwan: analysts CNA 30 Oct 2019 -- The unanimous passage of the TAIPEI Act 2019 in the U.S. Senate is a reflection of a common stance between Washington and Taipei that both countries must team up to counter Beijing's expansion, observers said Wednesday.
US urged to stop interfering in China's internal affairs with Taiwan-related bills Global Times 30 Oct 2019 -- The provocative Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative (TAIPEI) Act that is set for review on Wednesday at the US House of Representatives is essentially symbolic and passing the bill will make no difference other than the US shooting its own feet again, Chinese observers said on Wednesday.

Iraq protests: Crowds descend on Baghdad square defying curfew Press TV 30 Oct 2019 -- The Iraqi capital Baghdad has become the scene of the largest rally since a second wave of anti-government demonstrations began in several cities last week.
Iraq protests: UN calls for national talks to break 'vicious cycle' of violence UN News 30 Oct 2019 -- The UN's most senior official in Iraq, visited protesters in central Baghdad on Wednesday, calling for "a national dialogue to identify prompt, meaningful responses to break the vicious cycle of violence" which has roiled the country during the past five days.
No Quick Fixes for Iraq's Economic Woes VOA 30 Oct 2019 -- Iraqis took to the streets Wednesday in another day of protests over high unemployment, a lack of public services and alleged corruption. Some observers believe the ongoing demonstrations, which have left at least 250 people dead in recent weeks, could pave the way for real and badly-needed economic reforms in the oil-rich nation of nearly 40 million people.
Death Toll From Iraqi Protests Up to 100 People, 5,500 Others Injured – Rights Commission Sputnik 31 Oct 2019 -- The number of people killed in the fresh wave of violent demonstrations in Iraq has climbed to 100 while 5,500 people have sustained injuries in the unrest, the Iraqi Independent High Commission for Human Rights (IHCHR) has said.

Energy Minister Addresses Future Investment Initiative 2019 SPA 30 Oct 2019 -- Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Energy, delivered today the following speech at the Future Investment Initiative 2019 being hosted by the Public Investment Fund in Riyadh:
Saudi Arabia's 'Davos of the Desert' Economic Conference Draws Powerful Crowd VOA 30 Oct 2019 -- Saudi Arabia has been hosting more than 300 of the world's political and economic leaders at its three-day "Davos in the Desert" conference, which is focusing on investments, infrastructure and technology for the future of the kingdom.
India to Lease One-Fourth of its Strategic Petroleum Reserve to Saudi Aramco Sputnik 30 Oct 2019 -- India aims to invest heavily in augmenting energy infrastructure to eradicate energy poverty. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said India's quest to be a $5 trillion economy is not only about quantitative growth but also about improving the quality of life for every Indian.

U.S., Gulf Allies Jointly Sanction Networks Supporting Iran's Revolutionary Guards, Lebanon's Hizballah RFE/RL 30 Oct 2019 -- Six U.S. allies in the Persian Gulf have joined the United States in imposing sanctions on 25 entities associated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and Tehran's "regional proxy," the Lebanese militant group Hizballah.
Presidency of State Security and Its Partners at Terrorist Financing Targeting Center Jointly Designate Network of Corporations, Banks, and Individuals Supporting IRGC and Hizballah Terrorist Activities SPA 30 Oct 2019 -- The Presidency of State Security and its partners at the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center (TFTC) jointly issued a statement designating a network of corporations, banks, and individuals supporting Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) (IRGC) and Hizballah terrorist activities as follows:
Terrorist Financing Targeting Center Jointly Designates Network of Corporations, Banks, and Individuals Supporting IRGC and Hizballah US Treasury 30 Oct 2019 -- Coordinated action represents largest-ever tranche of targets designated by the United States and Gulf countries as part of the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center created under President Trump's leadership

3 Aid Workers Killed in South Sudan; Ebola Monitoring Suspended VOA 30 Oct 2019 -- Three aid workers with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have been killed in South Sudan, during fighting between government forces and National Salvation Front (NAS) rebels.

EU's Barnier says no-deal Brexit risk persists Press TV 30 Oct 2019 -- The European Union's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said on Wednesday the risk of Britain's chaotic departure from the bloc without a divorce agreement still existed, and that future trade talks would be "difficult and demanding."

Mexican lawmakers vote to end president's immunity Press TV 30 Oct 2019 -- Mexico's lower house of Congress has voted to remove immunity for the president for a wide range of crimes.

Lebanese army urges anti-govt. protesters to open blocked roads as Hariri quits Press TV 30 Oct 2019 -- The Lebanese army has called on demonstrators to unblock roads following the resignation of Prime Minister Saad Hariri in the aftermath of about two weeks of anti-government protests nationwide.

Cambodia Opposition Activist Dies in Fall From Police Motorbike During Arrest Radio Free Asia 30 Oct 2019 -- An activist with the banned opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) died Wednesday while being taken into custody by authorities for "plotting a coup" in connection with the return of acting party president Sam Rainsy from exile, according to a family member.

Orban Defends Hungary's Good Relations With Russia RFE/RL 30 Oct 2019 -- During Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Budapest, Hungary's prime minister defended his country's good relations with Moscow and expressed interest in joining a gas pipeline project bypassing Ukraine.

Qatari Emir Issues Decree to Prepare First Ever Parliamentary Elections - Reports Sputnik 30 Oct 2019 -- Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani issued a decree for a higher committee to be established and prepare the first ever elections to the country's parliament, Majlis Shura, the Qatar News Agency reported on Wednesday.

United States Reaches Settlement to Recover More Than $700 Million in Assets Allegedly Traceable to Corruption Involving Malaysian Sovereign Wealth Fund US DOJ 30 Oct 2019 -- The Department of Justice has reached a settlement of its civil forfeiture cases against assets acquired by Low Taek Jho, aka Jho Low, and his family using funds allegedly misappropriated from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), Malaysia's investment development fund, and laundered through financial institutions in several jurisdictions, including the United States, Switzerland, Singapore and Luxembourg.

Chile Cancels APEC, COP25 Amid Ongoing Protests VOA 30 Oct 2019 -- White House officials were caught by surprise with Chile's announcement it is cancelling two summits, including one President Donald Trump was to attend next month where he was to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders.

US Insists Dialogue Key to Ending Haiti's Political Crisis VOA 30 Oct 2019 -- The U.S. position remains that Haiti's president, Jovenel Moise, was democratically elected and that only a dialogue between the country's stakeholders and elected officials can resolve the nation's worsening political crisis.

Southeast Asian Leaders Seen Siding with China's Despite Maritime Dispute VOA 30 Oct 2019 -- Ten Southeast Asian heads of state will hold their landmark annual meeting next week, and four are enmeshed in a maritime sovereignty dispute with their more powerful neighbor China. But the event is widely expected to produce a statement that avoids condemning Beijing.

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