09 November 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Defense Policy / Programs

Craftsmen keep world's largest wind tunnels running at peak conditions US Air Force 09 Nov 2019 -- They are considered indispensable. Those at the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex at Moffett Field in Mountain View, California, who observe their contributions every day agree the craftsmen employed there are not only integral to the work at NFAC but play a vital role the Arnold Engineering Development Complex mission as a whole.

Pompeo calls on NATO to grow against 'threats' from Russia, China Press TV 09 Nov 2019 -- US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, has unleashed new attacks against two military powers, Russia and China, calling on the NATO military alliance to grow and confront "the challenges of today."

Xi stresses building world-class air force People's Daily 09 Nov 2019 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday called for efforts to fully build the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force into a world-class air force.

Deutschland Uber Alles? German Military Budget May Overtake Russia's Over Next Decade Sputnik 09 Nov 2019 -- Despite spending nearly $50 billion on defence in 2018 as part of an overall NATO budget of over $1 trillion, Germany's military spending is just 1.35 percent of the country's total GDP, and therefore short of its commitments to its allies.

Indian Newspaper Casts Doubt on S-400's Capabilities Owing to Its 'Untested' Status Sputnik 09 Nov 2019 -- Russia and India penned a $5.43 billion deal for the delivery of five regiments of the S-400 air defence system in October 2018, with Delhi recently reportedly asking Moscow for deliveries to be expedited, notwithstanding the threat of US sanctions.

Iran's top commander lauds indigenous defense industry, unveils 'Kian 700' tank transporter Press TV 09 Nov 2019 -- Iran's top military commander has unveiled the new indigenous "Kian 700" tank transporter, lauding efforts by the county's armed forces in developing home-grown means of refurbishing existing weapon systems.
Double the Firepower: Iran Unveils Hauler With Capacity to Carry Two 60 Tonne Tanks at Once - Photos Sputnik 09 Nov 2019 -- The new hauler is the latest in a broad array of home-grown equipment created Iran's defence industry in recent years, in defiance of a 40-year-old arms embargo by Western countries banning Tehran from importing advanced Western military hardware.

Netanyahu appoints far-right Bennett as Israeli war minister Press TV 09 Nov 2019 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed Naftali Bennett, the head of a far-right political party, as the minister of military affairs following a political deadlock.

Remarks by President Trump Before Air Force One Departure The White House 09 Nov 2019

Defense Industry

Other Conflicts

Saudi-led aggressors have to bear tragic consequences if Yemen war persists: Houthi Press TV 09 Nov 2019 -- The leader of Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement has warned the Saudi-led coalition against the continuation of its atrocious military campaign against the impoverished and conflict-plagued Arab country, saying members of the alliance will have to accept grave consequences if the aggression persists.
UAE using gas facility run by Total as secret prison in Yemen: Le Monde Press TV 09 Nov 2019 -- The United Arab Emirates is running a secret prison in a gas facility operated by the French group Total in southern Yemen, according to information confirmed by France's Le Monde daily.

U.S. Blasts Syria, Russia For 'Patterns Of Attacks Against Civilians' In Idlib Province RFE/RL 09 Nov 2019 -- The United States says it strongly condemns air strikes by Syrian government forces backed by Russia that it says have targeted civilians in the northwestern corner of the Middle Eastern country.
Erdogan, Putin Discuss Syria Over Phone, Reaffirm Commitment to Sochi Memorandum Sputnik 09 Nov 2019 -- Moscow and Ankara agreed in Sochi on 22 October that Russian military police and Syrian border guards would enter the northern areas of Syria to facilitate the withdrawal of Kurdish fighters from the YPG. Under the memorandum, Russia and Turkey also agreed to conduct joint patrols in the operation zone along the Turkish border.
Turkey Slams US Claims About Syrian Oil Fields as Contradiction of International Law Sputnik 09 Nov 2019 -- Earlier, amid repeated claims by President Trump that Washington would be "securing" and "keeping" Syria's oil, US media reported that as many as 800 US troops would be kept in the war-torn country to keep the black gold out of the hands of both Daesh (ISIS)* and Damascus, the oil's legitimate owner.

UNICEF: Aid for Syria Children Threatened by Lack of Funds VOA 09 Nov 2019 -- The U.N. children's fund warns essential humanitarian programs for hundreds of thousands of children in Syria will have to be cut because it has run out of cash.
Government soldiers take back northern Syrian village from Turkish forces, allies Press TV 09 Nov 2019 -- Syrian government troops have retaken a village in the country's northeastern province of Hasakah from Turkish military forces and their allied militants following intense clashes.
Assad Blasts European Nations for 'Hypocrisy' in Dealing With Syria Sputnik 09 Nov 2019 -- Syrian President Bashar Assad lambasted EU policy toward Syria, accusing European nations of supporting terrorists in the war-torn country and of attempting to push the Syrian people to rise up against the government.
Syria's Idlib Still Has Over 10,000 Terrorists – UN Monitoring Team Sputnik 09 Nov 2019 -- Sputnik: Talking about the military operation that Turkey was conducting in northern Syria, there were many reports that the Kurdish militants let out some prisoners from Daesh. There were reports about the number around 700. Do you have any information about it, can you confirm that indeed such thing happened that terrorists from prisons were released? How dangerous is it? Where do they go, how can they be tracked and what should be done now?

Ukraine army, pro-Russians launch last phase of withdrawal from eastern regions Press TV 09 Nov 2019 -- Ukrainian troops and pro-Russia forces have launched the last phase of withdrawal from conflict-ridden regions in eastern Ukraine amid hopes that a complete pullout can usher in key talks between the two countries.
Ukrainian Forces, Russia-Backed Separatists Begin Pullback From Donetsk Village RFE/RL 09 Nov 2019 -- Ukraine's military says its forces and Russia-backed separatists have begun a planned pullback in a village in eastern Ukraine, a key condition that could lead to a peace summit.
Moscow Expects UN Court To Reject Ukraine's Terrorism-Financing Complaints Against Russia RFE/RL 09 Nov 2019 -- Russia's Foreign Ministry says it expects the International Court of Justice to "take full regard" of the Kremlin's arguments in a case filed against Russia by Kyiv and will "eventually reject all of Ukraine's claims."
Moscow Hopes ICJ to Reject Ukraine's Claims in Lawsuit Against Russia Over Donbass, Crimea Sputnik 09 Nov 2019 -- Moscow expects the International Court of Justice to turn down claims made by Ukraine against Russia over the latter's alleged violations of the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
Militia of Donetsk People's Republic Starts Troops Disengagement Near Petrivske Sputnik 09 Nov 2019 -- The people's militia of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) began disengaging forces on a site near the contact line in the Donbass near the village of Petrivske, a Sputnik correspondent reported from the scene.

Pakistan Opens Visa-Free Border Crossing for Indian Sikh Pilgrims VOA 09 Nov 2019 -- Hundreds of pilgrims Saturday from India's minority Sikh community crossed the international border with Pakistan without a visa for the first time in 72 years to pay homage to one of their holiest shrines.

'So many dead' in attack on mine workers in Burkina Faso: Survivors Press TV 09 Nov 2019 -- Survivors of a deadly ambush on a convoy of mine workers in eastern Burkina Faso, say "so many" people are dead, while regional authorities initially put the death toll at 40.

News Reports

US president 'willing to provide' transcript of 2nd Ukraine call Press TV 09 Nov 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has voiced willingness to provide the transcript of a second call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after the first scandalous one kicked off an impeachment.
Trump's top aides implicated in impeachment proceeding Press TV 09 Nov 2019 -- US President Donald Trump's top aides have been implicated in the impeachment looming over his presidency.
Two Senior U.S. Officials Describe Efforts To Press Ukraine For Biden Probes RFE/RL 09 Nov 2019 -- Two senior figures in the U.S. administration have separately described efforts by U.S. officials to pressure Kyiv to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden and his son by withholding military aid and dangling a visit to the White House for the Ukrainian leader.
Bolton Has Information Not Yet Discussed In Impeachment Inquiry - Lawyer Sputnik 09 Nov 2019 -- Former US National Security Adviser John Bolton's attorney, Charles Cooper, declared the importance of the appearance of his client, as he was involved in "many relevant meetings and conversations" concerning the impeachment inquiry into allegations that President Trump pressured Ukrainian leaders to investigate political rival Joe Biden.

'Neanderthal Russophobes': Kremlin Complaints Turn To Language RFE/RL 09 Nov 2019 -- There's a war going on, the Kremlin wants you to know. It's not in Syria. It's not in Libya. It's not in Ukraine. It's a war on Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky, Chekhov, Akhmatova, and Pasternak; more specifically, the language that gave humanity some of the world's greatest literature.

Are the West's Secrets Safe in the Hands of Britain's Politicians? VOA 09 Nov 2019 -- Are the West's secrets safe in the hands of Britain’s politicians? It is a question Britain’s intelligence officers are asking themselves — so, too, their counterparts in the ‘Five Eyes’ intelligence-sharing relationship that includes the U.S., Australia, Canada and New Zealand. It's a tie-up that’s been called the most successful espionage alliance in history.
New Poll Reveals Loss of Labour Party's Popularity Across United Kingdom Sputnik 09 Nov 2019 -- The Labour Party has been in hot water for many years due to accusations of anti-Semitism against the party and its leader Jeremy Corbyn. Most recently, a party councillor was forced to withdraw his candidacy for the general election after being accused of making an anti-Semitic statement.

Top-Secret Pentagon Center Hijacks Frequencies, Interferes With Homeowners' Garage Doors Sputnik 09 Nov 2019 -- The US Department of Defense has fessed up to frequency interference after dozens of Virginia homeowners complained about not being able to operate their garage doors, but the Pentagon's proposed solution may not be enough to appease the public.

Iran actions within nuclear deal: Senior nuclear chief IRNA 09 Nov 2019 -- Iran is taking actions within the nuclear deal of 2015 and the recent actions taken by Tehran took place according to paragraph 26 of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Iran to respond to recent oil tanker attack 'in proper time, place' IRNA 09 Nov 2019 -- Iran will respond to an attack on its oil tanker in proper time and place, said deputy foreign minister on Saturday.
Partners can save JCPOA by lifting oil and banking sanctions IRNA 09 Nov 2019 -- Iranian deputy foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that the ground will be prepared for complete implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action by lifting oil and banking sanctions.
AEOI spox: Iran's 4th JCPOA step taken in one day IRNA 09 Nov 2019 -- Spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Behrouz Kamalvandi said it took less than one day for Iran to usher in the 4th phase of the plan to reduce its commitments to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
FM Zarif says door still open to talks despite nuclear commitment cuts Press TV 09 Nov 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says the country has left the door open for negotiations over the fate of the 2015 nuclear deal despite its decision to further scale back its nuclear commitments.
Army official cautions enemies against posing threats to Iran IRNA 09 Nov 2019 -- Deputy commander of Iran's Army for coordination cautioned the enemies on Saturday against making any threats against the country.
Hormuz Peace Endeavour, Iran's pragmatism to bring security to Persian Gulf region IRNA 09 Nov 2019 -- Iran has proposed an initiative in a bid to calm down tensions in the Persian Gulf and there are positive signals that Arab states in the region are keen on reducing tensions.
US-led naval coalition will trigger more insecurity in Persian Gulf: Iran Press TV 09 Nov 2019 -- Iran has slammed a recent US move to create a coalition in the Persian Gulf, saying it will only exacerbate insecurity and instability across the world.
Iran has capacity for 5%, 20%, 60% enrichment: Kamalvandi ISNA 09 Nov 2019 -- Iran Atomic Energy Organization spokesman, Behrouz Kamalvandi said, "Inspectors of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) were invited to visit (gas) feeding and collecting product in Fordow facility and they are due to come here (Fordow) on Sunday again for due diligence".
Iran envoy to UK dismisses calls for leaving Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Press TV 09 Nov 2019 -- Iran's ambassador to the United Kingdom has insisted that leaving the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, known as the NPT, would not benefit the country even considering that it has not enjoyed benefits of an international agreement that has imposed restrictions on its peaceful nuclear program.
Iran slams US human rights claims as 'shameless hypocrisy' Press TV 09 Nov 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman says US claims of advocating human rights are nothing but shameless hypocrisy.
Fordow enrichment capacity reaching pre-JCPOA levels, to increase gradually: Iran Press TV 09 Nov 2019 -- The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) has confirmed that the Fordow facility is now enriching uranium at almost the same levels before the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
US irate as Iran bars IAEA inspector over traces of explosive nitrates Press TV 09 Nov 2019 -- The US has reacted with fury to Iran's blocking of an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspector who tested positive for suspected traces of explosive nitrates.
Pompeo Slams Iran For Detaining UN Inspector At Nuclear Site RFE/RL 09 Nov 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called Iran's treatment of a UN nuclear inspector in late October "an outrageous and unwarranted act of intimidation."
Pompeo Calls on Iran to Provide IAEA Inspectors With Rights, Immunity Sputnik 09 Nov 2019 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called on Friday on Iran to provide inspectors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) with their rights and immunity.
Russia Hopes US Understands Iranian Deal Collapse Will Hit Financial, Energy Markets Hard Sputnik 09 Nov 2019 -- The Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran (AEOI) announced on Saturday that Tehran had raised the uranium enrichment level to five percent as part of the scaling back of its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal following the re-imposition of sanctions by the US.
Iran Raises Uranium Enrichment Level to Five Percent Sputnik 09 Nov 2019 -- Earlier this year, Iran announced that it will gradually scale back its nuclear obligations - a year after the US withdrawal from the JCPOA. Tehran then announced that it would start abandoning some parts of its nuclear obligations every 60 days unless European signatories to the deal ensured Iran's interests amid Washington's reinstated sanctions.
Iran May Reject Modernisation of Arak Reactor - Atomic Energy Organisation Sputnik 09 Nov 2019 -- Earlier, Iran's Vice President and head of the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi said that the Arak heavy water nuclear reactor will resume its operation.

Stabbed HK legislator speaks about attack, urging public to stand united against violence Global Times 09 Nov 2019 -- With pro-establishment candidates standing at the forefront of possible targeted attacks as district elections are lurking around the corner, Junius Kwan-yiu Ho, an outspoken Hong Kong legislator who was a victim of knife attack earlier this week, urged the public to stand united against "black terror".
HK legislator calls for probe into judges' conduct Global Times 09 Nov 2019 -- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government should look into the judges who support the anti-extradition force and jeopardize the integrity of the judiciary in Hong Kong, outspoken pro-establishment legislator Priscilla Leung said during a recent Legislative Council meeting.

Germany Thanks Eastern Europe On 30th Anniversary Of Fall Of Berlin Wall RFE/RL 09 Nov 2019 -- Germany has been marking the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier thanking Eastern European countries for making the peaceful revolution possible.

Elected by the People': Bolivian President Morales Refuses to Step Down Amid Protests Sputnik 09 Nov 2019 -- Bolivian leader Evo Morales said on Friday that he did not intend to step down despite the calls of opposition and protests that had been ravaging the country since the October presidential election.

India's Supreme Court Paves Way for Hindus to Build Temple on Disputed Spot VOA 09 Nov 2019 -- India's Supreme Court Saturday handed a disputed plot to Hindus, paving the way for the construction of a temple in the town of Ayodhya in northern India, where a Hindu mob tore down a 16th century mosque more than 25 years ago.
India top court rules in favor of Hindus in dispute over mosque land Press TV 09 Nov 2019 -- India's top court has ruled in favor of the construction of a Hindu temple at the site of a mosque that had been demolished by Hindu mobs three decades ago.

UN: Deadly Iraq Protests Risk Spiraling Out of Control VOA 09 Nov 2019 -- A U.N. agency is urging the Iraqi government to address the grievances of its people or risk that the ongoing deadly protests across the country could spiral even further out of control.
Iraqi PM promises electoral reform, discourages disturbance as factions reach deal to back govt. Press TV 09 Nov 2019 -- Iraq's prime minister says he recognizes the contribution that protests can make to political reforms, but urges against their interruption of day-to-day life in the Arab country.
Iraqi forces retake key bridges from protesters Press TV 09 Nov 2019 -- Iraqi security forces have regained control over three bridges in the central parts Baghdad, ending days-long partial blockades of the key passageways into the capital city's heavily-fortified Green Zone by anti-government protesters.
Iraqi Security Forces Kill Four Protesters in Baghdad Clashes, Dozens Injured RFE/RL 09 Nov 2019 -- Police and medics in Baghdad say Iraqi security forces killed at least four protesters on November 9 as authorities trying to clear the streets of demonstrators fired live ammunition, tear gas, and sound bombs.
Iraqi Military Denies Claim That Army Deployed Firearms to Disperse Protesters Sputnik 09 Nov 2019 -- The Iraqi human rights group claimed earlier in the day that at least six people were killed during a crackdown on demonstrations in the centre of the Iraqi capital Baghdad on Saturday and that law enforcement forces actively used tear gas and live bullets to disperse protests.
Iraq: At Least Six Demonstrators Reportedly Killed, Over 100 Wounded as Protests Rage in Baghdad Sputnik 09 Nov 2019 -- The news comes as Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi admitted "mistakes" in governing and promised a set of political steps, including electoral reforms, in a push to end the deadly demonstrations that have been rocking the country for months.

Opposition Rallies In Kazakh Cities Demanding Democratic Reforms RFE/RL 09 Nov 2019 -- Demonstrators gathered in two cities in Kazakhstan on November 9 to demand democratic reforms in the mineral-rich Central Asian nation.

Saudi Aramco Issues IPO Prospectus Sputnik 09 Nov 2019 -- An earlier statement by Saudi Arabia's state-owned oil company, Saudi Aramco, reported profits for the first nine months of this year at $68 billion out of $244 billion in revenue for the same period.

Lebanon's grand mufti demands formation of emergency national government Press TV 09 Nov 2019 -- Lebanon's Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian has called for the formation of a new emergency government of technical experts, urging authorities to meet demonstrators' demands, as a mass protest movement calling for an overhaul of the country's political system approaches its fourth week.

UN finds: Morsi's death 'state-sanctioned arbitrary killing' Press TV 09 Nov 2019 -- A panel of UN experts have found that the detention conditions of former Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi may have directly led to his death in June.

Cambodian Opposition Leader Doesn't Return as Promised VOA 09 Nov 2019 -- Self-exiled Cambodian opposition leader Sam Rainsy, who had promised to return Saturday to Cambodia from Paris to mark the country's 66th Independence Day, landed in Malaysia Saturday, but he did not return to Cambodia, after months of speculation and escalating tensions here.
Exiled Cambodian Opposition Leader Sam Rainsy Reaches Malaysia Radio Free Asia 09 Nov 2019 -- Cambodia's opposition leader Sam Rainsy flew into Malaysia on Saturday, saying his campaign to challenge Prime Minister Hun Sen was "on the right track" even though he made it only part way in his return from exile.

Hot Battle For Second In Romania As Incumbent Holds Big Lead In Presidential Election RFE/RL 09 Nov 2019 -- Pundits following Romania's presidential election say it's a foregone conclusion that the incumbent candidate, Klaus Iohannis, will easily win the first-round vote on November 10.

Chilean Protesters Reportedly Loot, Torch Santiago University Amid Violent Unrest Sputnik 09 Nov 2019 -- As anti-government rallies in Chile have reportedly grown more violent, protesters in the centre of Santiago on Friday set fire to buildings on the Pedro de Valdivia University campus after plundering and vandalizing the facilities.

Catalan Separatists Demonstrate on Election Eve VOA 09 Nov 2019 -- Waving separatist flags and chanting, "Freedom for political prisoners!" thousands of supporters of Catalan independence gathered in Barcelona for concerts and rallies on Saturday, while some protesters faced off with police, a day before Spain heads to the polls for a general election.

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