11 November 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Afghan Government Releases Militants In Apparent Exchange For American, Australian Captives RFE/RL 11 Nov 2019 -- The Afghan government has released three key Taliban prisoners, including Anas Haqqani, the younger brother of Sirajjuddin Haqqani, the leader of the Haqqani network, in exchange for two professors of the American University of Afgahnistan in Kabul, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has announced.

Defense Policy / Programs

Press Gaggle by Secretary Esper DoD 11 Nov 2019 -- Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper
Chairman Travels to Indo-Pacific With American Strategic Thinking DoD News 11 Nov 2019 -- Army Gen. Mark A. Milley's first overseas trip as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is to the Indo-Pacific region, re-emphasizing the importance of the region in American strategic thinking.

US Plans to Withdraw From Open Skies Treaty Increase Risk of Nuclear War - Russian Security Council Secretary Sputnik 11 Nov 2019 -- Washington Plans to Dominate Cyberspace, Use IT-Tech for Hostile Actions
Putin Explains Why Russia Can Afford to Spend Less on Defence Sputnik 11 Nov 2019 -- Russia is one of just a handful of major military powers to actually make cuts to its defence spending in recent years, and recently dropped out of the top five countries in terms of total spending.

China to create world-class air force Global Times 11 Nov 2019 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force will gradually get more J-20 stealth fighters and Y-20 large transport aircraft, as well as the H-20 bomber in the near future to meet the goal of becoming a world-class force, experts predicted, as the service celebrated its 70th founding anniversary on Monday.
Xi requires all-round progress in military development at primary level People's Daily 11 Nov 2019 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has stressed efforts to promote all-round progress in developing the military at the primary level.

Rouhani: Arms embargo against Iran to be lifted in 2020 IRNA 11 Nov 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani announced on Monday that continuation of implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action will lead to the lifting of the weapons embargo against Iran in 2020.
Damavand frigate to rejoin Iran Navy fleet: defense minister ISNA 11 Nov 2019 -- "Damavand" frigate will return to Iran Navy fleet in the Caspian Sea, Iran's Minister of Defense Brigadier General Amir Hatami announced.

Defense Industry

Other Conflicts

11 November 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 11 Nov 2019
Multilateralism must weather 'challenges of today and tomorrow' Guterres tells Paris Peace Forum UN News 11 Nov 2019 -- In a speech to the Paris Peace Forum in Paris on Monday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that to thrive, multilateralism had to adapt, mindful that "conflicts persist, creating suffering and displacement: our world is unsettled". He was speaking as commemorations took place in countries across the world, marking the official end of the First World War, in 1918.

7 Syrians killed, 70 injured as bomb attacks hit Kurdish-majority city Press TV 11 Nov 2019 -- At least seven Syrian civilians have been killed and 70 others wounded as a result of multiple bomb attacks in the northeastern province of Hasakah.
3 Bombs Explode in Northeast Syria; at Least 6 Killed VOA 11 Nov 2019 -- Three bombs have exploded in northeast Syria, leaving at least six people dead, according to security officials.
Assad: US operation a trick, Baghdadi may be hiding Press TV 11 Nov 2019 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has cast doubt on the death of Daesh leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, whom US President Donald Trump claimed had been killed in an operation, saying he may be hiding somewhere.
Syria's Bashar al-Assad Reflects on Civil War, Oil, Terrorism and America in Rare Interview Sputnik 11 Nov 2019 -- Having endured a deadly, drawn-out civil war which is gradually drawing to a close, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is facing the daunting task of reuniting and reconstructing a devastated nation, filling in the power vacuum in newly-liberated parts of the country and overcoming a Western-imposed economic blockade.
Backer of Syria's White Helmets Found Dead in Turkey VOA 11 Nov 2019 -- A key backer of the Syrian White Helmets rescue organization was found dead Monday near his home in Istanbul, according to Turkish authorities.

Russian, Turkish Military Start 4th Joint Patrol in Syria's North - Russian Ministry Sputnik 11 Nov 2019 -- The Russian military police and the Turkish border service have started their fourth joint patrol in a new area in Syria's north, at the border with Turkey, and the route will make around 80 kilometers (49 miles), the Russian Defence Ministry said on Monday.

Turkey Deports US Citizen in Push to Repatriate IS Fighters VOA 11 Nov 2019 -- Turkey has deported citizens of the United States and Denmark who fought for Islamic State as a part of a plan to repatriate foreign jihadists held in Turkey.
Turkey deports 2 captured Western members of Daesh Press TV 11 Nov 2019 -- Turkey has deported two captured Western members of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group despite unwillingness of the countries of origin.

Russia says US attempts to control Syria's oil fields, facilities tantamount to 'robbery' Press TV 11 Nov 2019 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has reiterated that attempts made by the United States to control Syria's oil fields are "illegal" and amount to "robbery," stressing that such attempts only hinder a desperately-needed political settlement there.
US Attempts to Rob Syria of Its Oil Are Damaging Chances of Political Settlement - Lavrov Sputnik 11 Nov 2019 -- Last month, US President Donald Trump reiterated the lack of interest of the US in patrolling the Syrian-Turkish border, saying that the main interest was in controlling the country's oil.

Muslim Nations Bring Genocide Suit Against Myanmar Over 2017 Expulsion of Rohingya Radio Free Asia 11 Nov 2019 -- Gambia on Monday filed a lawsuit against Myanmar in the highest court of the United Nations, accusing the Southeast Asia nation of state-sponsored genocide for the brutal military-led crackdown against Rohingya Muslims in 2017 that left thousands dead and drove more than 740,000 across the border to Bangladesh.
Gambia Sues Myanmar for Genocide Against Rohingya Muslims VOA 11 Nov 2019 -- In a highly unusual move, the tiny West African nation of The Gambia on Monday filed a lawsuit against Myanmar, accusing it of perpetrating a genocide on ethnic Rohingya Muslims which forced hundreds of thousands to flee the Asian nation.
Myanmar faces genocide accusations for persecuting Rohingya Press TV 11 Nov 2019 -- Myanmar's government faces accusations of involvement in genocide regarding the persecuted Rohingya Muslims in a lawsuit filed by Gambia at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Ukrainian Forces, Separatists Complete Pullback From Frontline Area RFE/RL 11 Nov 2019 -- Kyiv and Russia-backed separatists say they have completed a pullback of troops and weapons from a frontline area in eastern Ukraine.

China raps US for 'meddling' in Tibet-related affairs Press TV 11 Nov 2019 -- Beijing has slammed the US for attempting to "meddle in" China's internal affairs by working to get the United Nations involved in the succession issue of the Dalai Lama, Tibet's spiritual leader.
China Diplomat’s Article on Tibet ‘Misleading’: Exile Government Radio Free Asia 11 Nov 2019 -- A recent article by a senior Chinese diplomat that says Tibetans enjoy religious freedom and a happy life under Beijing’s rule is misleading and untrue, and distorts historical facts to support a false claim that Tibet has always been a part of China, Tibet’s India-based exile government said on Monday.

News Reports

Trump Described Ukraine Call as 'Perfect,' But Some Republicans Say It Wasn't VOA 11 Nov 2019 -- For weeks, as Democratic critics of U.S. President Donald Trump have called for his impeachment, the U.S. leader has repeatedly described his July call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as "perfect."
Trump Renews Attacks on Impeachment Probe Targeting Him VOA 11 Nov 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump renewed his attacks Monday against the impeachment investigation, two days ahead of public hearings targeting him for allegedly abusing his office to help himself politically.

Senior State Department Officials On the Situation in Bolivia US Dept. of State 11 Nov 2019 -- Special Briefing
Statement from President Donald J. Trump Regarding the Resignation of Bolivian President Evo Morales The White House 11 Nov 2019
US Applauds Resignation of Bolivian President VOA 11 Nov 2019 -- The United States government is applauding the resignation of Bolivian President Evo Morales and rejecting assertions by several countries, including Mexico, that he was forced out by a coup.
Bolivia's Morales Urges Opposition to 'Pacify the Country' VOA 11 Nov 2019 -- Bolivia's Evo Morales called on the opposition to keep the peace Monday as a deepening political crisis over his disputed reelection last month has led to his resignation.
Latin American allies of Morales slam 'coup' in Bolivia Press TV 11 Nov 2019 -- Latin America's leftist governments and prominent politicians have denounced an opposition-led "coup d'état" in Bolivia against the government of Evo Morales, who was forced to step down as president under pressure from the army amid violent post-election protests.
Bolivian President Evo Morales resigns after calling for new elections Global Times 11 Nov 2019 -- Bolivian President Evo Morales announced his resignation on Sunday after calling for new national elections to pacify the country.

EU extends sanctions against Venezuela for one year Press TV 11 Nov 2019 -- The European Union has extended the sanctions against Venezuela for one year over the grave political and economic situation in the Latin American country.

Lawyer For Suspect In Killing of Russian Lawmaker Voronenkov In Ukraine Shot Dead RFE/RL 11 Nov 2019 -- A lawyer for the suspected planner of the killing of former Russian State Duma Deputy Denis Voronenkov has been killed while hunting in the Ukrainian region of Zhytomyr west of Kyiv.

Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran: France, Germany, UK and EU joint statement after 11 November IAEA report UK FCO 11 Nov 2019 -- French, German and UK Foreign Ministers and the EU High Representative statement after announcements that Iran is restarting uranium enrichment activities.
Iran not to bear burden of JCPOA all alone, says envoy to UN IRNA 11 Nov 2019 -- Iran warned on Monday that it won't bear all the burden of the nuclear pact, saying the US withdrawal from the JCPOA has been an irresponsible act.
EU to examine Iran's new steps regarding JCPOA IRNA 11 Nov 2019 -- High Representative of the European Union for Foreign and Security Policy Federica Mogherini said on Monday that EU foreign ministers will examine recent developments in Iran nuclear activities.
Today, Iran's nuclear power higher than any other time: President Rouhani ISNA 11 Nov 2019 -- Iran's President stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran has chosen a path in between to preserve the JCPOA but at the same time will reduce what the country has pledged in the agreement step by step.
Mogherini: EU reaffirms full commitment to Iran nuclear deal Press TV 11 Nov 2019 -- European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini says despite all difficulties, the bloc's foreign ministers have once again reaffirmed their support for the full implementation of a nuclear deal Iran clinched with major world powers in 2015.
Iranian diplomat says INSTEX implementation incomplete, ineffective Press TV 11 Nov 2019 -- A senior Iranian diplomat has criticized Europe for failing to implement a non-dollar direct payment channel aimed at facilitating trade with Iran in the face of US sanctions, saying Tehran considers the mechanism "weak."
Iran's daily low-enriched uranium capacity increases to 5.5kg: AEOI chief Press TV 11 Nov 2019 -- The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) says the country has increased its daily production of low-enriched uranium (LEU) after it resumed enrichment at the Fordow facility.
Rouhani: Iran to stay in JCPOA, reap benefits when UN arms embargo ends next year Press TV 11 Nov 2019 -- President Hassan Rouhani says Iran intends to stay in the 2015 nuclear deal despite US violations, arguing that the accord will be put to good use next year when a long-running arms embargo against Tehran comes to an end.
IAEA Finds Uranium Particles At Undeclared Site In Iran RFE/RL 11 Nov 2019 -- The United Nations' nuclear watchdog says its monitors have detected "natural uranium particles of anthropogenic origin" at an undeclared site in Iran.
Acting IAEA Chief Informed Board of Governors of Uranium Enrichment Resumption at Fordow Sputnik 11 Nov 2019 -- The acting director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Cornel Feruta, said on Monday that he informed the IAEA Board of Governors about the Tehran's resumption of uranium enrichment at the Fordow facility.
Iran Says INSTEX Mechanism Implemented Incompletely, Not Working Effectively Sputnik 11 Nov 2019 -- Iran considers the European Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX), a tool set up to facilitate trade with Tehran under Washington's sanctions, weak, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said, adding that the system has not been fully implemented so far.
UN: Uranium Found at Undeclared Site in Iran VOA 11 Nov 2019 -- Uranium particles have been detected at an undeclared nuclear site in Iran, the United Nations nuclear watchdog said Monday.
Iran's oil reserves rise up by 22 billion barrels: Zangeneh IRNA 11 Nov 2019 -- Petroleum Minister Bijan Zangeneh said on Monday that Iranian oil reserves rose up by 22 billion barrels of crude oil after the discovery of the new oil field in the south of the country.
Zangeneh: New oil field is Iran's second largest Press TV 11 Nov 2019 -- Iran's Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zangeneh says a new oil field discovered in southwest Khuzestan Province is the country's second largest reservoir.
Iran Opens Up About Prospects of Leaving Nonproliferation Treaty Sputnik 11 Nov 2019 -- Iranian Ambassador to London Hamid Baeidinejad on Saturday said that Tehran has the ability to exit the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), as it is working now on reducing its nuclear deal commitments.

Situation in Hong Kong US Dept. of State 11 Nov 2019 -- "The United States is watching the situation in Hong Kong with grave concern. ?We condemn violence on all sides, extend our sympathies to victims of violence regardless of their political inclinations, and call for all parties– police and protestors– to exercise restraint.? We repeat President Trump's call for a humane resolution to the protests."
Two people in critical condition as violence rages on in Hong Kong Press TV 11 Nov 2019 -- Two people are in critical condition in Hong Kong as the Chinese territory witnesses yet another round of violent clashes between protesters and police that disrupted traffic and subway services in the Chinese territory.
Hong Kong Police Shoot, Critically Injure Protester, Sparking Outrage Radio Free Asia 11 Nov 2019 -- An international rights group has called for an investigation into the shooting of an unarmed protester by Hong Kong police that left at least one person in critical condition during city-wide protests on Monday.
88 arrested in violent incidents in Hong Kong on Sunday: police Global Times 11 Nov 2019 -- Hong Kong police said 88 people were arrested in violent incidents on Sunday when rioters continued their rampage from vandalizing shops to blocking roads.
Setting up ideological barriers to smear China doomed to be futile People's Daily 11 Nov 2019 -- During his visit to Germany, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo smeared China's political system, hyped up the so-called "China threat", and tried to drive a wedge between the Chinese people and the Communist Party of China (CPC) by severing the bond between them.
China slams Pompeo for 'Cold War thinking' in Berlin speech Press TV 11 Nov 2019 -- Beijing has slammed US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's recent anti-China rhetoric, accusing him of "outdated Cold War thinking" after he warned against a Chinese threat to Western freedoms.
HK judicial reform urged for legal system's integrity Global Times 11 Nov 2019 -- Judicial reform is needed to guarantee the fairness and integrity of the legal system in Hong Kong, legal experts told the Global Times, after an outspoken lawmaker suggested the authorities should investigate judges who support anti-extradition forces.
Stabbed HK legislator sees upcoming elections a battle for conscience Global Times 11 Nov 2019 -- With pro-establishment candidates standing at the forefront of possible targeted attacks as district elections are lurking around the corner, Junius Ho Kwan-yiu, an outspoken Hong Kong legislator who was a victim of knife attack on November 6, urged the public to stand united against "black terror."

U.K. Parliament Highlights Growing Concerns Over Beijing's Influence on Overseas Campuses Radio Free Asia 11 Nov 2019 -- Concerns are growing over the ruling Chinese Communist Party's bid to limit academic freedom, far beyond China's borders on the campuses of overseas universities.

Analysts: Spate of Disappearances in China Sends Warning to Taiwan VOA 11 Nov 2019 -- Amid tensions with Taiwan, China appears to be flexing its political muscle by capturing a growing number of Taiwanese for suspected political crimes, say analysts.

Al-Qaida Gaining Strength as World's Focus Remains on IS VOA 11 Nov 2019 -- Despite major setbacks in recent years, the al-Qaida terror group seems to remain resilient and is slowly rebuilding its capabilities in many conflict-ridden countries around the world, while the world's focus is on the Islamic State (IS), experts warn.

Iraqi Protesters Clash With Security Forces in Baghdad VOA 11 Nov 2019 -- Iraqi protesters took to the streets of at least half a dozen major towns and cities Monday, clashing with security forces in Baghdad, Nassiriya and Basra, while blocking roads in Karbala, Najaf, Hilla and Kut. United Nations envoy to Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, also met with Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, urging reforms and an end to violence against protesters.
UN Urges Electoral Reforms, Release of Protesters in Iraq VOA 11 Nov 2019 -- The United Nations Assistance Mission to Iraq warned Sunday of the need for timely, tangible results in the government's response to protests that began in early October, and offered a roadmap to address some of the demonstrators' demands.
US Urges Iraq to Conduct Snap Elections, Halt Violence Against Protesters - White House Sputnik 11 Nov 2019 -- Iraq has been hit by nationwide protests that have prompted a heavy-handed response from the government, including over 300 dead and some 15,000 injured at the hands of security forces, widespread curfews and the cutting off of Internet access in Baghdad and other regions.
US calls for early vote as fresh unrest hits Iraqi capital Press TV 11 Nov 2019 -- The United States has called on Iraqi officials to hold early polls as more people fall victim to ongoing anti-government protests that Baghdad says are being hijacked by foreign-backed elements.

Tensions High Ahead of Erdogan-Trump Meeting VOA 11 Nov 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visits Washington this week to meet President Donald Trump, a meeting some consider an opportunity to reset relations that have been strained over numerous policy differences.

Two Saudi political activists abducted as clampdown rises on dissidents Press TV 11 Nov 2019 -- Saudi authorities have forcibly arrested two dissidents, as a brutal crackdown led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman against clerics, intellectuals and human rights campaigners widens in the ultra-conservative kingdom.

Nigel Farage Gifts Election to Tories By Pulling Brexit Party Candidates Out of 317 Seats Sputnik 11 Nov 2019 -- Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was chosen by Conservative Party members in July, is seeking a mandate from the people on 12 December. Now it seems the Brexit Party have given him a leg up.

US Ambassador Wants Cambodian Opposition Leader Kem Sokha Freed, Despite Easing of Restrictions Radio Free Asia 11 Nov 2019 -- The U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia Patrick Murphy on Monday called for the full restoration of former opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) president Kem Sokha's freedom, saying that the easing of restrictions as part of his de facto house arrest over the weekend does not go far enough.

Americans taking advantage of protests in Lebanon for own interests: Nasrallah Press TV 11 Nov 2019 -- The secretary general of the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement says Americans are exploiting the ongoing mass protests in the Arab country to fulfill their own interests and advance their agenda, stressing that Washington has prevented Lebanon from standing on its feet.

Spain ruling party falls short of majority as far-right doubles seats in elections Press TV 11 Nov 2019 -- The ruling party of Spain's acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wins the general elections but falls short of a majority to form a government again, in results that only bolstered the far-right and are likely to deepen the country's long-running political deadlock.

Stakeholders Question Farness of MRC's Impact Assessment for Laos' Luangprabang Dam Radio Free Asia 11 Nov 2019 -- Stakeholders are concerned about the legitimacy of the multinational approval process for Laos' Luangprabang hydropower project, after recommendations to lower the environmental impact were raised, but few were accepted during a meeting of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) last week in Vientiane.

Man Cited In RFE/RL Report For Huge Illegal Cash Withdrawals From Kyrgyzstan Shot Dead In Istanbul RFE/RL 11 Nov 2019 -- A businessman from China's Xinjiang Province whose name was cited in an investigative report by RFE/RL about the illegal withdrawal of some $700 million from Kyrgyzstan has been shot dead in Istanbul.

Guinea President Replaces Security Minister Following Deadly Protests VOA 11 Nov 2019 -- Guinea President Alpha Conde announced on Monday that he was replacing his security minister following deadly protests against suspected efforts by Conde to extend his mandate.

Haiti Anti-Government Protests Lose Momentum VOA 11 Nov 2019 -- Only a few hundred people responded to the opposition's call Sunday to protest in the streets of Haiti's capital to continue pressuring President Jovenel Moise to step down.

Zimbabwe Rolls Out Lower-Denomination Money to Ease Cash Shortage VOA 11 Nov 2019 -- Zimbabwe's central bank says it has begun circulating lower-denomination bank notes and coins, in an effort to help end severe shortages of cash and boost the new Zimbabwean currency. But many have doubts the new money by itself will improve the country's struggling economy.

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