07 November 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

US Says It's Guarding Oil Fields for Syrian Kurds VOA 07 Nov 2019 -- U.S. troops tasked with protecting oil fields in northeastern Syria are helping ensure any profits flow to the mainly Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces, a key partner in the fight against the Islamic State terror group.
Oil-Rich Lands in Syria to Serve as Base for US Operations Against Daesh - State Department Sputnik 07 Nov 2019 -- The oil-rich area in northeast Syria the United States is protecting will serve as a base for the US military operations against the Islamic State terror group (banned in Russia), a senior US State Department official said in a press briefing.
Syrian Democratic Forces Reap Benefit From Oil Money DoD News 07 Nov 2019 -- Revenue from oil fields in Syria supports the Syrian Democratic Forces, not the United States, said a defense official.

US Opens Bahrain Command Centre for Military Ships Protecting Persian Gulf - CENTCOM Sputnik 07 Nov 2019 -- A US-led coalition created following a series of recent attacks on ships transiting the Persian Gulf and nearby waterways opened a command centre in Bahrain on Thursday, the Central Command (CENTCOM) Naval Forces said in a press release.
New Commander Opens IMSC Command Center CENTCOM 07 Nov 2019 -- International partners gathered to celebrate the opening of Coalition Task Force (CTF) Sentinel's new command center at Naval Support Activity, Bahrain Nov. 7.

Taliban kill three judges, court staffer in southeast Afghanistan Press TV 07 Nov 2019 -- Taliban militants have ambushed and shot dead three Afghan judges and a court staffer while they were traveling from the southeastern province of Paktia to Kabul, local officials say.
Russia: Daesh setting up base in Afghanistan to target ex-Soviet countries Press TV 07 Nov 2019 -- Russia says the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group is establishing a base in Afghanistan to target ex-Soviet countries, days after the group's leader was declared dead following a raid by US troops.
Daesh Branches in Afghanistan Plan Expansion to CIS Territory - Russian Security Service Sputnik 07 Nov 2019 -- According to the head of the FSB, terrorists understand that they have suffered a defeat in Syria and Iraq and are therefore deploying their remaining forces outside the Middle East, creating new zones of instability in Asia and Africa, and forming a sleeper cell network in Europe.

Defense Policy / Programs

Department of Defense Press Briefing by Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs Jonathan Rath Hoffman and Navy Rear Admiral William D. Byrne Jr., Vice Director, Joint Staff DoD 07 Nov 2019 -- Jonathan Rath Hoffman, Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs; Rear Admiral William D. Byrne Jr., Vice Director, Joint Staff
USS Normandy Conducts International Boarding Training CENTCOM 07 Nov 2019 -- Guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG60) conducted Maritime Security Operations (MSO) training with members of the Pakistani Navy during International Maritime Exercise (IMX) 2019.
Comfort Arrives in Haiti to Provide Medical Assistance NNS 07 Nov 2019 -- The hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) arrived in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, for its last medical mission stop in Central America, South America and the Caribbean, Nov. 4.
The 10th Triennial Pacific Reach Exercise Kicks off in Australia NNS 07 Nov 2019 -- The 10th iteration of Exercise Pacific Reach (PACREACH) kicked off with a welcoming ceremony at the Fleet West Base in Western Australia, Nov. 4.
Oops, I Did it Again: US F-16 Jet Accidentally Drops Dummy Bomb in Japan Sputnik 07 Nov 2019 -- A US F-16 fighter jet accidentally dropped a dummy bomb during a training flight in Japan's northern Aomori prefecture that was later found on private land outside the training grounds, the command of the US forces in Japan (USFJ) said on Thursday.
5 Things to Know About the U.S.-Ukraine Defense Relationship DoD News 07 Nov 2019 -- Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia Laura K. Cooper and Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Alina Frolova co-chaired a meeting of the U.S.-Ukraine Bilateral Defense Consultations today in Kyiv.
National Guard Disrupts Cyberattacks Across U.S. DoD News 07 Nov 2019 -- The National Guard is ready to mobilize its cyberdefenses in case of a potentially devastating domestic attack.
Pentagon, Qatar Defence Minister Discuss Upgrade of Al Udeid Air Base Sputnik 07 Nov 2019 -- US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper has held talks with visiting Qatar Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Khalid Al Attiyah about modernizing the Al Udeid Air Base, Department of Defence spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman said.

Secretary General thanks Chancellor Merkel for Germany's essential contributions to NATO NATO 07 Nov 2019 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg thanked Germany for its vital contributions to the Alliance in talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday (7 November 2019). Speaking at a press conference at the Chancellery, Mr. Stoltenberg praised Germany's leadership of multinational NATO forces in Lithuania, its hosting of the Alliance's new mobility command in Ulm, and its important contributions to NATO operations from Afghanistan to Kosovo and the Aegean Sea.
NATO at 70 - The bedrock of European and transatlantic security NATO 07 Nov 2019
NATO 'brain dead', Europe on 'edge of precipice': Macron Press TV 07 Nov 2019 -- French President Emmanuel Macron says he believes NATO is now experiencing "brain death", citing a lack of coordination between Europe and the US and unilateral actions in Syria by Turkey.
France's Macron Says NATO 'Brain-Dead,' Russia Says Comment 'Golden' RFE/RL 07 Nov 2019 -- French President Emmanuel Macron has warned fellow European countries that NATO is dying because of Washington's lack of predictability under President Donald Trump, a view quickly rejected by Germany but hailed by Russia.
Merkel Disagrees With Macron's 'Sweeping Judgement' That NATO is Experiencing 'Brain Death' Sputnik 07 Nov 2019 -- US President Donald Trump in July asked NATO countries to contribute more to the alliance in terms of defence spending, as it is not "fair" that "many countries [are] nowhere close to their 2% commitment" while "the US is paying for 90% of NATO".

Russia 'ready to retaliate' if US quits Open Skies Treaty Press TV 07 Nov 2019 -- Russia has warned of retaliatory measures in case the United States withdraws from the Open Skies Treaty, a 17-year-old agreement that allows both countries to conduct surveillance flights over each other's territory.
Russia Prepared Response to Potential US Withdrawal from Open Skies Treaty - Moscow Sputnik 07 Nov 2019 -- Russia has prepared a response to the possible US withdrawal from the multilateral Treaty on Open Skies, Vladimir Ermakov, the director of the Department for Non-Proliferation and Arms Control at the Russian Foreign Ministry, said amid media reports on the potential withdrawal.

Illustrations showing ballistic missile on H-6N bomber not real: insider Global Times 07 Nov 2019 -- Recent images in the Chinese magazine Modern Ships that show an H-6N bomber carrying an air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM) are not official confirmation of the H-6N's ALBM capability, a magazine insider said.

Pentagon Declines to Comment on Video Showing US Weapons Arriving in Yemen - Spokesman Sputnik 07 Nov 2019 -- US media reported earlier on Wednesday that newly obtained video footage shows an Oshkosh armored vehicle and other US-made military hardware being unloaded from a ship under the cover of darkness in the early morning hours at the port in the southern city of Aden.

Washington Wants Seoul to Pay $4.7 Billion for US Forces Stationed in South Korea - Reports Sputnik 07 Nov 2019 -- The United States has demanded that South Korea pay $4.7 billion to cover the cost of US servicemen stationed there and maintaining armaments in the region, South Korean media reported on Thursday.

North Korea: US' 'Provocative' Air Exercises Put Nuclear Talks on 'Verge of Extinction' Sputnik 07 Nov 2019 -- In a recent statement, a Pyongyang official slammed Washington's upcoming joint air exercises with Seoul, labeling them a "wet blanket" on the dialogue sparked between the US and North Korea.
Pentagon Dismisses Pyongyang's Objections to US-South Korea Air Drills VOA 07 Nov 2019 -- The U.S. intends to hold aerial exercises with South Korea as planned, despite North Korea's accusation that the joint drills are "confrontational."

Russia to Assist India in Developing Country Specific Super Sukhoi Prototype Sputnik 07 Nov 2019 -- While terming India an "exclusive strategic defence partner", Russian Defence Minister General Sergey Shoigu reaffirmed his country's commitment to extending all possible support in enhancing India's defence capabilities, including cooperation in advanced and cutting-edge technology.

UK lowers security level for its ships in Strait of Hormuz Press TV 07 Nov 2019 -- Britain lowers its so-called security risk level for UK-flagged ships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf.
Iran Has Effective Military Advantage Over US, Allies in Mideast, New Report Claims Sputnik 07 Nov 2019 -- A fresh in-depth study of Iran's military capabilities and balance of power in the embattled Middle East has assumed that regional wars are being waged on two layers - between states and in a so-called "grey zone", where no conventional force can counterbalance Iran's sovereign dominance.

Serbia To Receive Russian Antiaircraft Missiles Despite U.S. Sanctions Risk RFE/RL 07 Nov 2019 -- Russia will deliver a sophisticated short-range air-defense missile system to Serbia despite U.S. warnings of possible sanctions against the Balkan country if the transaction goes through.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) - CH-47F Chinook Cargo Helicopters DSCA 07 Nov 2019 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the United Arab Emirates of ten (10) CH-47F Chinook cargo helicopters and related equipment for an estimated cost of $830.3 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

Norway Claims to Achieve 'New Capabilities' as F-35 Declared Operational – Photo, Video Sputnik 07 Nov 2019 -- With 52 F-35s by 2025, Norway is on its way to becoming one of the foremost users of the US-made fighter jets in Europe.

Colombian Defence Minister Resigns Amid Scandal Over Killing Cover-Up - Officials Sputnik 07 Nov 2019 -- Colombian Defence Minister Guillermo Botero has resigned in the wake of a scandal over his failure to disclose deaths that resulted from a security operation against members of a former rebel group.

US, Germany Reaffirm Trans-Atlantic Partnership VOA 07 Nov 2019 -- The United States and Germany are reaffirming the strategic partnership and alliance under NATO, rejecting French President Emmanuel Macron's view that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is experiencing "brain death."
Secretary Michael R. Pompeo And German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas At a Press Availability US Dept. of State 07 Nov 2019

Defense Industry

Contracts For Nov. 7, 2019
Ukraine's Zelenskiy Says Potential U.S. Buyer For Aeronautics Firm Motor Sich News To Him RFE/RL 07 Nov 2019 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy first heard of reported U.S. interest in buying the country's only and one of the world's top makers of engines for military cargo aircraft and helicopters by reading the news.

Other Conflicts

7 November 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 07 Nov 2019
UN peacekeepers warn of increasing global challenges UN News 07 Nov 2019 -- Organized crime, breakdowns in law and order, and attacks by extremists, are examples of the challenges faced by UN peacekeepers, the Security Council was told on Wednesday, during a briefing by senior UN Police Commissioners, and UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix.

Erdogan Threatens to Open Doors for Refugees to Europe Unless EU Provides Enough Support to Turkey Sputnik 07 Nov 2019 -- The European Union has paid three billion euros to Turkey under a 2016 deal to contain the influx of refugees to Europe. Ankara has repeatedly complained about the slow pace of disbursements, threatening to let migrants cross through its territory.
Erdogan says US not honoring Syria deal ahead of Trump talks Press TV 07 Nov 2019 -- Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the United States is not fulfilling its pledge to remove Kurdish militants from a Syrian border region and that he would raise the issue when he meets US President Donald Trump next week.
Turkey's Erdogan Threatens To Let Refugees Into Europe If More Aid Not Given RFE/RL 07 Nov 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has repeated his threat to "open the gates" to Europe for Syrian refugees if the European Union doesn't provide additional support for them.
Turkey Detains at Least 13 of Al-Baghdadi's Relatives - Erdogan Sputnik 07 Nov 2019 -- Turkish security forces have detained at least 10 relatives of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the recently killed leader of the Daesh* terrorist group, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Thursday.
Turkish President Erdogan Claims Militants Refused to Leave Safe Zone in Northern Syria Sputnik 07 Nov 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has vowed to discuss the implementation of a Russian-Turkish memorandum on Syria with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Erdogan Accuses Moscow, Washington of Failing to Deliver on Syrian Agreement VOA 07 Nov 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is accusing Moscow and Washington of reneging on commitments to enforce the withdrawal of a Syrian Kurdish militia from Turkey's border, and he is warning of a resumption of military operations in Syria.

SDF, US-Led International Coalition Resume Cooperation to Fight Daesh - Commander Sputnik 07 Nov 2019 -- The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced on Wednesday that they had resumed cooperation with the US-led international coalition against the Daesh terrorist group in northeast Syria.

Senior diplomat rejects reports of Russians fighting in Libya Press TV 07 Nov 2019 -- Russia has strongly rejected Western media reports that Russian private military companies linked to the Kremlin were operating in Libya in favor of one of the conflicting sides.
Moscow Denies US Reports of 200 Russian Troops Allegedly Deployed in Libya Sputnik 07 Nov 2019 -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has refuted US media reports about Russian contractors allegedly operating in crisis-torn Libya, calling them "speculation".

Shelling From Rakhine Conflict Kills One Rohingya Civilian, Injures Three Others Radio Free Asia 07 Nov 2019 -- At least one Rohingya Muslim was killed by a stray bullet and three others were wounded Wednesday when mortar shells fell on their village, burning more than 30 homes, in Myanmar's conflict-ridden northern Rakhine state, eyewitnesses said.

Pakistan Set to Open New Border Crossing for Indian Sikh Pilgrims VOA 07 Nov 2019 -- Pakistan is set to open a new dedicated border crossing with rival India on Saturday, giving Indian Sikh pilgrims year-round, visa-free access to one of their holiest shrines in Pakistan.

International Criminal Court Sentences Ntaganda to 30 Years VOA 07 Nov 2019 -- The International Criminal Court sentenced former Congolese rebel leader Bosco Ntaganda to 30 years in prison Thursday for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
'Terminator' warlord Bosco Ntaganda sentenced to 30 years in prison for DR Congo atrocities UN News 07 Nov 2019 -- The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Thursday handed down a maximum 30-year prison sentence for mass murder and numerous other atrocities, to Bosco Ntaganda, the heaviest sanction yet imposed by judges at The Hague, in the Netherlands.

South Sudan Rival Leaders Delay New Government by 100 Days VOA 07 Nov 2019 -- South Sudan's president and chief rebel leader have agreed to postpone formation of a transitional unity government for 100 days beyond a November 12 deadline.

Sudan Coalition Wants Bashir Turned Over to ICC VOA 07 Nov 2019 -- Sudan's Forces for Freedom and Change Coalition (FFC) is urging the country's government to hand over former President Omar al-Bashir to the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

37 killed in attack on Canadian firm convoy in Burkina Faso Press TV 07 Nov 2019 -- At least 37 people have been killed and dozens of others wounded in an attack on a convoy of a Canadian mining company in Burkina Faso, regional authorities say.

News Reports

Diplomat: Trump Wanted Zelenskiy to Say 3 Words in Public – Investigations, Biden, Clinton VOA 07 Nov 2019 -- President Donald Trump wanted Ukraine's president to stand at a microphone and say three words: investigations, Biden and Clinton, a top State Department official testified.
Pence Aide Testifies at Trump Impeachment Inquiry VOA 07 Nov 2019 -- A foreign affairs adviser to U.S. Vice President Mike Pence – an aide who heard President Donald Trump ask Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to launch an investigation to help him politically – is testifying Thursday before the impeachment inquiry targeting Trump.
Pompeo Criticized for Failing to Support Ousted US Ambassador to Ukraine VOA 07 Nov 2019 -- Several senior U.S. diplomats, including former Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch, are key witnesses in the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump. Trump is accused of having withheld U.S. military aid to Ukraine until that country's new president agreed to investigate one of Trump's political opponents, former Vice President and current presidential candidate Joe Biden. As transcripts from diplomats' closed-door Capitol Hill hearings are released, many are questioning why Secretary of State Mike Pompeo did not shield or even support Yovanovitch from an administration campaign that led to her eventual ouster.
First public hearings in Trump impeachment inquiry to begin next week: House intelligence chair People's Daily 07 Nov 2019 -- House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff announced on Wednesday that the panel's first open hearings as part of an impeachment inquiry into U.S. President Donald Trump will begin next week.

Two Former Twitter Employees and a Saudi National Charged as Acting as Illegal Agents of Saudi Arabia US Dept. of Justice 07 Nov 2019 -- Defendants Allegedly Acted as Illegal Agents of a Foreign Government by Providing Information About Twitter Users to Representatives of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
US Charges 2 Ex-Twitter Employees With Spying for Saudi Arabia - Reports Sputnik 07 Nov 2019 -- The US authorities charged two former Twitter employees with spying for Saudi Arabia and providing information on critics of the government, media reported Wednesday, citing unsealed complaint in US District Court in San Francisco.

N.Korea slams door on Japan PM Abe visit, calls him an 'idiot' Global Times 07 Nov 2019 -- North Korea on Thursday called Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe an "idiot and villain" who should not even dream of setting foot in Pyongyang, in a media commentary laden with insults in response to his criticism of a North Korean weapons test.
Japanese PM Condemned for Taking Issue with DPRK's Test-Fire of Super-large Multiple Rocket Launchers KCNA 07 Nov 2019 -- Song Il Ho, ambassador of the Foreign Ministry of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, made public the following statement on Thursday:

The World Must Address Iran's Nuclear Escalation US Dept. of State 07 Nov 2019
Iran Announces Resumption of Uranium Enrichment at Fordow VOA 07 Nov 2019 -- Iran's nuclear agency Thursday announced resumption of uranium enrichment at the country's underground Fordow nuclear facility, a site where, under the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, it had agreed not to carry out any enrichment or enrichment-related research.
European should pay for maintaining JCPOA IRNA 07 Nov 2019 -- UK Ambassador in London Hmid Baeidinejad described Iran's fourth nuclear step as wake-up call for saving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), saying that the Europeans should pay for preserving the deal.
Security of nuclear facilities not negotiable: Envoy IRNA 07 Nov 2019 -- Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Iran to the international organizations in Vienna, pointed to the prevention of an IAEA inspectorate from entering the Natanz enrichment site, and noted that the safety and security of Iran's nuclear facilities are not negotiable.
Iran to return to uranium enrichment level before 2015 deal IRNA 07 Nov 2019 -- Iran will soon return to uranium enrichment level that had before 2015 nuclear deal, said a senior Iranian official on Thursday.
Uranium enrichment resumes at Iran's Fordow nuclear site IRNA 07 Nov 2019 -- Uranium enrichment at Fordow nuclear facility began on early Thursday as per an executive order by President Hassan Rouhani in coordination with the Supreme National Security Council.
Iran will not allow security of nuclear facilities to be compromised: IAEA envoy Press TV 07 Nov 2019 -- Iran's ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says he has communicated Tehran's concerns about security of the country's nuclear facilities to the agency, especially with regard to an IAEA inspector who was prevented from entering an Iranian nuclear site for carrying "suspicious" materials.
Iran's enrichment capacity to hit pre-JCPOA level: AEOI spokesman Press TV 07 Nov 2019 -- The spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) says with the new centrifuges installed following the third step that Iran took to reduce its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal, the country's enrichment capacity is to reach the level it was before signing the agreement.
Pompeo Urges World To Address Iran's 'Nuclear Provocations' RFE/RL 07 Nov 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says Iran's actions call for all nations to reject its "nuclear extortion" and take "serious steps to increase pressure."
Iran May Be Preparing to Have Option of Rapid Nuclear Breakout - US Secretary of State Pompeo Sputnik 07 Nov 2019 -- Representatives of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have the right to examine Iranian nuclear facilities in accordance with the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which is now in jeopardy due to the US-Iran standoff.
Report: Iran's 'Effective' Power In Middle East Growing RFE/RL 07 Nov 2019 -- The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) says Iran has built a network of nonstate alliances across the Middle East over the past 40 years that has allowed it to turn the balance of "effective" power in the region "in its favor."

HKUST violence sends chills Global Times 07 Nov 2019 -- Mainland students are facing a rising terror-like atmosphere at Hong Kong universities, as radical local black-clad protesters politicize the campus where academic freedom is at risk, heavily weighing on the future of the Oriental Pearl's education.
Vice-premier urges HK to halt violence People's Daily 07 Nov 2019 -- Vice-Premier Han Zheng on Wednesday said that ending the violence that has gripped Hong Kong for nearly five months remains the special administrative region's top priority and is the shared responsibility of the SAR's executive, legislative and judicial authorities.
Hong Kong Students Wear Masks to Graduation in Call For Full Democracy Radio Free Asia 07 Nov 2019 -- A university graduation ceremony at a top Hong Kong college ended early on Thursday after hundreds of people showed up wearing banned masks and chanting "Reclaim Hong Kong, Revolution in our Time!"
China to scrap business limits on foreign finance firms Global Times 07 Nov 2019 -- The State Council, China's cabinet, put forward 20 opinions in expanding opening-up, including the removal of all business restrictions on foreign banks, brokerages and fund management firms on Thursday, as part of its effort to strictly implement its pledges to safeguard a more "fair, transparent and predictable" business environment for foreign-invested companies.
Central government reiterates trust in Hong Kong Global Times 07 Nov 2019 -- Vice Premier Han Zheng met Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor in Beijing on Wednesday, harshly condemned the violent and secessionist activities and reiterated the central government's firm support for Lam in stopping the riots and addressing livelihood issues.
Chinese vice premier reiterates support for Hong Kong SAR to stop violence Global Times 07 Nov 2019 -- Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng on Wednesday reiterated the central government's support for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to take more effective measures to end violence and riots and address housing and other issues related to people's livelihoods.

MAC warns Taiwan schools of possible computer hacking by China CNA 07 Nov 2019 -- The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), the nation's top policymaking body on China, on Thursday warned schools in Taiwan of the need for stricter cyber security practices after it was confirmed that computer systems at a local university were hacked, alleging the attacks were carried out by China.

Opposition Leaders in Limbo as Obstacles to Planned Cambodia Return Mount Radio Free Asia 07 Nov 2019 -- The plans of Cambodian opposition party leader Sam Rainsy and another top party official remained in limbo Thursday after the two were blocked from traveling to locations in neighboring countries they hoped to use as springboards for a return home from self-imposed exile this weekend.

Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan Agree to Ink Deal on Nile Dam by 15 January 2020 - US Treasury Sputnik 07 Nov 2019 -- The US Department of Treasury said in a statement on Wednesday that ministers from Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan reached "a comprehensive, cooperative, adaptive, sustainable, and mutually beneficial agreement on the filling and operation" of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

Like Daesh scenario, new US plot for Iraq will face defeat: Iran's Shamkhani Press TV 07 Nov 2019 -- Iran's top security official has denounced plots hatched by the US and its regional partners for the Middle Eastern countries, saying the new "scenario" for Iraq will fail like that of the Daesh terror group.
Iraqi Security Forces Kill at Least 4 Protesters, Break Up Sit-In Rally in Basra - Report Sputnik 07 Nov 2019 -- Nationwide protests in Iraq erupted in October and have since escalated. People are demanding the government's dismissal, as well as economic reforms, better living conditions, social welfare and an end to corruption.

Final Vote Results Confirm Self-Determination's Victory In Kosovo RFE/RL 07 Nov 2019 -- Kosovo's leftist-nationalist Vetevendosje (Self-Determination) party has won 26.1 percent of the vote in last month's general elections, capturing 32 seats in the 120-seat legislature, according to the final results.

Its Media Muzzled, Tajikistan Prepares To Extend Ruling Family's Grip On Power RFE/RL 07 Nov 2019 -- On a recent afternoon, Tajik bloggers, reporters, and journalism students gathered to hone their skills in digital media.

U.S. Department of State Terrorist Designation of Amadou Kouffa US Dept. of State 07 Nov 2019 -- The Department of State has designated Amadou Kouffa as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) under Executive Order 13224, which imposes sanctions on foreign persons who have committed, or pose a significant risk of committing, acts of terrorism.
Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Diplomatic Security Michael Evanoff And Ambassador Nathan A. Sales, Coordinator for Counterterrorism On the State Department's Rewards for Justice (RFJ) Program US Dept. of State 07 Nov 2019 -- Remarks by Michael T. Evanoff, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, and Nathan A. Sales, Acting Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights
US Offers Up to $6Mln for Info About Al-Qaeda Leaders in Arabian Peninsula - State Dept. Sputnik 07 Nov 2019 -- The United States has offered up to $6 million in rewards for information about two senior al-Qaeda* terrorist group leaders, the State Department announced in a release.

UN Member States overwhelmingly support end of US embargo against Cuba UN News 07 Nov 2019 -- For the 28th consecutive year, the UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution calling for an end to the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States against Cuba.
World Urges US to Lift its Embargo on Cuba VOA 07 Nov 2019 -- United Nations member states overwhelmingly supported lifting the United States' nearly 60-year-old economic, commercial and financial embargo of Cuba on Thursday, saying it is the main obstacle to the island nation's economic and social development.

Bulgarian President Spurns Choice For Top Prosecutor, Cites Lack Of Competition RFE/RL 07 Nov 2019 -- Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has rejected the Supreme Judicial Council's choice for a new chief prosecutor, stressing that the selection process was not competitive and was conducted in a manner that doesn't foster public trust in him.

Treasury Sanctions Nicaraguan Government Officials Involved in Human Rights Abuse and Social Security Corruption US Treasury 07 Nov 2019 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated three Nicaraguan government officials, Ramon Antonio Avellan Medal, Lumberto Ignacio Campbell Hooker, and Roberto Jose Lopez Gomez, who have had a role in directing entities engaged in human rights abuses, election fraud, and corruption. Additionally, Ramon Antonio Avellan Medal is being designated for human rights abuse pursuant to the Nicaragua Human Rights and Anticorruption Act of 2018 (NHRAA).

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