18 November 2019 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
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One-third of Afghans need urgent humanitarian aid, millions suffer 'acute food insecurity' UN News 18 Nov 2019 -- Over the last three months (August to October 2019), around one-third of the Afghan population required urgent humanitarian action, according to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) Alert, released on Monday, which declares that some 10.23 million people are living in a state of "severe acute food insecurity".

Defense Policy / Programs

In high-level talks, Beijing warns US over South China Sea, Taiwan Press TV 18 Nov 2019 -- China has, during high-level talks, warned the United States to stop "flexing its muscles" in the disputed South China Sea and fueling tensions over self-ruled Taiwan, two main sources of friction between the two powers.
Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper Meeting with People's Republic of China's Minister of National Defense General Wei Fenghe DoD 18 Nov 2019 -- Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper met with the State Councilor and Minister of National Defense, General Wei Fenghe, of the People's Republic of China (PRC) on the margins of the ASEAN Defense Minister's Meeting Plus held in Bangkok, Thailand.

Wasp Returns to Norfolk, Completes Homeport Shift NNS 18 Nov 2019 -- The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) arrived at Naval Station Norfolk Nov. 18 completing a homeport shift after spending nearly two years forward deployed to Commander Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan and operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet (C7F) area of operations.
U.S., Qatar rev up Eastern Action exercise Army News 18 Nov 2019 -- More than 100 service members with U.S. and Qatari forces opened the Eastern Action exercise Oct. 31.
Readout for Japan Bilateral Meeting ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting-Plus (ADMM+) DoD 18 Nov 2019 -- Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper met with Defense Minister Kono Taro in Bangkok, Thailand on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting (Plus).
Army Maritime Service provides logistical support to Operation Spartan Shield CENTCOM 18 Nov 2019 -- U.S. Army Soldiers and Vessels contribute to maintaining regional security and stability in Kuwait.
Audit for 2019 Shows DOD's Progress DoD News 18 Nov 2019 -- The 2019 departmentwide audit of the Defense Department did what DOD needed, the department's comptroller said.
Undersea Warfare Center Soars into the Wild Blue Yonder Building Aircraft Parts NNS 18 Nov 2019 -- The Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division, Keyport is reaching the wild blue yonder building parts for Navy aircraft.
10th Iteration of Exercise Pacific Reach Wraps-up in Australia NNS 18 Nov 2019 -- The 10th triennial Exercise Pacific Reach (PACREACH) concluded in Western Australia with closing ceremony at Fleet Base West, Nov. 15.
Navy Accepts Delivery of USNS Miguel Keith (ESB 5) NNS 18 Nov 2019 -- The Navy accepted delivery of its third Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) ship, USNS Miguel Keith (ESB 5) Nov. 15.
Exercise Cutlass Express Concludes NNS 18 Nov 2019 -- Maritime forces from 17 East African, European, North American, and West Indian Ocean nations joined several international organizations in celebrating the successful conclusion of multinational maritime exercise Cutlass Express 2019.2 (CE 19.2) during a ceremony held in Victoria, Seychelles, Nov. 16.
Preparing for Native Fury 2020 NNS 18 Nov 2019 -- Sailors from Navy Cargo Handling Battalion (NCHB) 1, 8, 11 and 13, Assault Craft Unit 1 and Amphibious Construction Battalion 1 gathered on the island atoll of Diego Garcia in the British Indian Ocean Territory, Nov. 11-16.

Joint press point with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and the President of Estonia, Kersti Kaljulaid NATO 18 Nov 2019 -- (As delivered)
Moscow Says NATO Impedes Adoption of Measures to Enhance Air Safety Over Baltics Sputnik 18 Nov 2019 -- NATO, not Russia, puts the brakes on international efforts to adopt air safety rules for flights of military jets over the Baltics, the director of the Russian Foreign Ministry's Second European Department, Sergey Belyaev, said in an interview.

2nd aircraft carrier to test in S.China Sea Global Times 18 Nov 2019 -- China's second aircraft carrier successfully sailed through the Taiwan Straits on Sunday and headed toward a designated area in the South China Sea for testing and training, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy announced on Monday.
China's 2nd aircraft carrier to conduct testing and training in South China Sea Global Times 18 Nov 2019 -- China's second aircraft carrier successfully sailed through the Taiwan Straits on Sunday and headed toward a designated area in the South China Sea for testing and training, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy announced on Monday, with experts saying the long voyage from Northeast China could be the last step in the trials phase of the warship which is expected to enter naval service soon.
Chinese military could deploy blockchain management Global Times 18 Nov 2019 -- The Chinese military could adopt blockchain technology to manage personnel data, boost training and mission performances, and provide soldiers with earned tokens that could be used to collect rewards, a move that experts said could give more immediate incentives to military personnel compared to previous reward systems.
Military relations a stabilizer of China-US ties: spokesperson Global Times 18 Nov 2019 -- Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe and US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper met for the first time on Monday as the two discussed topics involving Taiwan, South China Sea and Hong Kong.
China, Thailand agree to enhance military cooperation People's Daily 18 Nov 2019 -- Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha met with visiting Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe here on Sunday, and the two sides agreed to further enhance military cooperation.

Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un Guides Landing Training of Sharpshooters of KPA Air and Anti-Aircraft Force KCNA 18 Nov 2019 -- Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and supreme commander of the armed forces of the DPRK, guided an airborne landing training of sharpshooter sub-units of the Air and Anti-Aircraft Force of the Korean People's Army (KPA).
Kim Jong-un Stresses Necessity of Being Prepared for War During Military Drill Sputnik 18 Nov 2019 -- The supreme leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-un, stressed the necessity of wartime preparations during his Monday visit to an exercise of sharpshooter units of the air force and the air defence after the United States and South Korea had postponed their own military exercise.

India plans to purchase 'armed version' of Israeli drone: Report Press TV 18 Nov 2019 -- India is reportedly weighing a deal to buy 10 drones with missile-launching capabilities from Israel, a report says.
India Probes Theft of Hardware from Aircraft Carrier Vikrant Sputnik 18 Nov 2019 -- India's first homegrown aircraft carrier Vikrant has been under-construction since 2015 and it is expected to join the Indian Navy within the next 24 months. It will be capable of operating with Russian MiG-29K aircraft.
Russia to Fulfill Contract on Delivering S-400 Systems to India in 2025 - Rostec CEO Sputnik 18 Nov 2019 -- Under the contract, signed in 2018, Russia should deliver five S-400 systems worth over $5 billion to India.

Russia Ready to Deliver Arms to Iran After Int'l Sanctions Lifted - Defence Cooperation Body Sputnik 18 Nov 2019 -- Russia is ready to deliver weapons to Iran but only after the international sanctions are lifted, the head of the Federal Service of Military-Technical Cooperation, Dmitry Shugayev, said on Monday.

Pakistan launches ballistic missile amid growing regional arms race IRNA 18 Nov 2019 -- Pakistan has conducted training launch of surface to surface ballistic missile Shaheen-1, a day after India conducted first night trial of Agni-II missile, which could prompt new arms race in region.
Pakistan Successfully Conducts Test Launch of Long-Range-Ballistic Missile Sputnik 18 Nov 2019 -- Earlier this year, Pakistan had successfully held a night training test-launch of its surface-to-surface ballistic missile, Ghaznavi.

At UN, Middle East countries discuss steps towards regional nuclear-free zone UN News 18 Nov 2019 -- Representatives from across the Middle East are meeting at UN Headquarters this week in efforts to negotiate a legally binding treaty establishing a regional zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.

Roar of the Sea: India, Qatar Begin Maiden Tactical Exercise Involving Rafale, P8 Spy Plane Sputnik 18 Nov 2019 -- Named "Za'ir-Al-Bahr" or, roar of the sea, the exercise ranges from surface action to air defence, maritime surveillance and anti-terrorist operations.

Egypt Puts Itself at Risk of US Sanctions by Purchasing Russian Figher Jets, American Official Says Sputnik 18 Nov 2019 -- Russia intends to start deliveries of nearly two dozen Su-35E air superiority fighter planes to Egypt between 2020-2021 in a deal worth the equivalent of over $2 billion. US officials have repeatedly warned that the delliveries could lead to sanctions against Cairo.

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo Remarks to the Press US Dept. of State 18 Nov 2019 -- Remarks by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State

Defense Industry

Contracts For Nov. 18, 2019

Other Conflicts

18 November 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 18 Nov 2019

Beijing Calls On Washington to 'Stop Flexing Muscles' in South China Sea Sputnik 18 Nov 2019 -- Earlier in November, the US guided-missile cruiser Chancellorsville sailed through the Taiwan Strait between China and the island of Taiwan, with the transit being the ninth made by US Navy this year.

Yemen's Houthis seize 'suspected vessel' in Red Sea: Official Press TV 18 Nov 2019 -- Fighters from Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement have managed to seize a 'suspected vessel' off the western coasts of the impoverished country in the Red Sea, but will release it once it proves to belong to South Korea after completing legal procedures, a top Houthi official says.
The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen: (Highjacking) and Armed Robbery of a Tugboat Conducted by the Terrorist Iranian Houthi militia in Southern Red Sea. SPA 18 Nov 2019 -- Statement by the Official Spokesman of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, COL Turki Al-Malki: "At (22:58) this Sunday, during sail of the Tugboat (Rabigh 3) in Southern Red Sea, the tugboat fell under Highjacking and armed robbery by two boats boarded by terrorist elements of the terrorist Iran-backed Houthi militia.
Yemen condemns Houthi militia kidnapping of a South Korean ship and two escort boats SPA 18 Nov 2019 -- Yemeni Foreign Minister Minister Mohammed Al-Hadrami condemned the Houthi terrorists' kidnapping of a South Korean ship and two accompanying boats off the island of Kamaran.

Syrian govt. forces seize back major hydroelectric power plant east of Aleppo Press TV 18 Nov 2019 -- Syrian government troops have managed to wrest control over a major hydroelectric power plant in the country's northwestern province of Aleppo as they continue to score territorial gains in battles against foreign-sponsored Takfiri terrorists.

Turkey to launch offensive in Syria if YPG not purged: FM Press TV 18 Nov 2019 -- Turkey has threatened to launch another operation in northeastern Syria if the area is not cleared of Kurdish militants from the People's Protection Units (YPG), who are viewed by Ankara as terrorists.
Russian, Turkish Military Carry Out 8th Joint Patrol in Syria's North - Defence Ministry Sputnik 18 Nov 2019 -- The goal of the patrol was to monitor the situation in Syrian settlements eastward from the customs checkpoint in Aylishar along the Syrian-Turkish border.

Airstrike Kills 10 in Libyan Capital, May Amount to War Crime – UN Envoy Sputnik 18 Nov 2019 -- An airstrike on a biscuit factory in the Libyan capital of Tripoli has killed at least 10 civilians and could amount to a war crime, United Nations Special Representative for Libya Ghassan Salame said during a UN Security Council on Monday.
Libya 'ever more in race against time', but dissolving conflict 'a realistic prospect', Security Council hears UN News 18 Nov 2019 -- A recent resurgence of violence in Tripoli, means Libya is "ever more in a race against time" to reach peace, however, agreeing the way forward to ending the conflict "is a realistic prospect", the top UN official in the country told the Security Council on Monday.
Libya's FM: Drone Strike Could Be War Crime VOA 18 Nov 2019 -- Libya's foreign minister said Monday that a deadly drone strike on a biscuit factory in the capital, Tripoli, may be a war crime.

France Says Return Of Ukrainian Ships Builds 'Trust' Ahead Of Putin-Zelenskiy Summit RFE/RL 18 Nov 2019 -- France has welcomed Russia's return of three Ukrainian naval vessels that were seized by Moscow in the Black Sea last year, saying that the move would facilitate a planned December summit in Paris on resolving the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Russia Returns Seized Ukrainian Naval Vessels VOA 18 Nov 2019 -- Russia has returned three captured Ukrainian navy ships, in what is being billed as a goodwill gesture to Kyiv ahead of international peace talks aimed at ending the war between Ukrainian government forces and pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine's east.

US Settlement Offer 'Totally Contradicts With International Law' - Abbas Spokesman Sputnik 18 Nov 2019 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced earlier on Monday that Washington no longer views the existence of Jewish settlements established by Israel in the occupied West Bank as inconsistent with international law.
US No Longer Recognizes Israeli Settlements as Breaking International Law - Pompeo Sputnik 18 Nov 2019 -- In a Monday statement, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Washington no longer regards Israeli settlements in the West Bank as violating international law, reversing the Obama administration's position and taking no legal position on the question or that of the Israeli occupation of the West Bank itself.
Israel settlements in Palestine are illegal, EU says, US doesn't agree Press TV 18 Nov 2019 -- The European Union is sticking to its stance that Israeli settlement constructions in Palestine are illegal under international law, a long held view Washington has started to dispute now.
What Does the Recent Fighting in Gaza Mean for Iran? VOA 18 Nov 2019 -- Two days of intense fighting between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) militant group last week once again highlights Iran's expansionist ambitions in the Middle East, experts say.

News Reports

2 Top US National Security Aides Troubled by Trump Call for Ukraine Investigations VOA 18 Nov 2019 -- Two U.S. national security experts told the impeachment inquiry targeting President Donald Trump on Tuesday that they were troubled and concerned by Trump pushing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in a July 25 call to launch an investigation to benefit himself politically.
Trump Says He Would 'Strongly Consider' Testifying at His Impeachment Inquiry VOA 18 Nov 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday he would "strongly consider" testifying at the House Intelligence Committee impeachment inquiry targeting him for allegedly abusing his office.
Pompeo Champions Trump's Ukraine Actions Ahead Of This Week's Impeachment Hearings RFE/RL 18 Nov 2019 -- As the U.S. House of Representatives' impeachment inquiry begins its second week of public hearings to determine whether President Donald Trump abused the power of his office by withholding military aid to Ukraine, America's top diplomat defended his policy.
US House Reportedly Investigates If Trump Lied in Written Testimony to Mueller's Russia Probe Sputnik 18 Nov 2019 -- According to CNN, the information about lawmakers examining Trump's written answers to Mueller was provided to a federal court by the House's general counsel.

Trump's Border Wall Could Again Become Obstacle in Last Minute Budget Talks VOA 18 Nov 2019 -- During his run for the presidency in 2016, Donald Trump found a surefire method for changing the mood at his political rallies. Whenever he sensed that he was losing the crowd, he told the editorial board of the New York Times, "I just say, We will build the wall!' and they go nuts."

Clock Ticking In Congress As Russia Presses Ahead With Nord Stream 2 Gas Pipeline RFE/RL 18 Nov 2019 -- As the impeachment inquiry hogs the spotlight in Washington, another drama in which Ukraine has a role is playing out more quietly -- and causing concern in Kyiv, which is watching warily as Russia brings its Nord Stream 2 pipeline closer to completion.
Russia's Yandex Proposes New Governance Structure Amid Kremlin Pressure RFE/RL 18 Nov 2019 -- Russian Internet giant Yandex has proposed creating a new "public interest foundation" to oversee its business operations in a move that is seen as a response to Kremlin pressure to limit foreign influence.
Is Vladimir Putin Weaker Than Soviet Leaders? VOA 18 Nov 2019 -- Intercepted phone conversations released last week by Dutch-led investigators featuring separatist leaders in Ukraine seeking guidance and practical support from Moscow in the weeks before the 2014 shooting down of a Malaysian jet are adding to a picture of the ties between senior Russian officials in the Donbas region in Ukraine and pro-Moscow rebel militias, say Dutch officials.

Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un Visits August 25 Fishery Station of KPA and Newly-Built Thongchon Fish-processing Station KCNA 19 Nov 2019 -- Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea, chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and supreme commander of the armed forces of the DPRK, gave field guidance to the August 25 Fishery Station of the Korean People's Army (KPA) and the newly-built Thongchon Fish-processing Station.
North Korea Says It Doesn't Want to Talk to US VOA 18 Nov 2019 -- North Korea said Monday that while it views the U.S. decision to postpone joint military drills with South Korea as "positive," the adoption of a U.N. resolution criticizing the North's human rights record has soured its desire to have denuclearization talks with Washington.
Advisor to DPRK Foreign Ministry Issues Statement KCNA 18 Nov 2019 -- Kim Kye Gwan, advisor to the Foreign Ministry of the DPRK, released the following statement on Nov. 18:
U.S. Should not Dream about Negotiation for Denuclearization before Dropping Its Hostile Policy towards DPRK KCNA 18 Nov 2019 -- Kim Yong Chol, chairman of the Korea Asia-Pacific Peace Committee, made public the following statement on Nov. 18:
Wife of Ethnic Chinese Resident in North Korea Sentenced to Hard Labor for Illegal Cell Phone Use Radio Free Asia 18 Nov 2019 -- Authorities in North Korea have reportedly sentenced the wife of an ethnic Chinese resident to hard labor for illegal cellphone use, signaling that the leniency the community has enjoyed as foreign citizens has possibly come to an end.
North Korea's Kim Won't Hold Any More 'Useless' Summits Just So That Trump Can 'Brag' - Advisor Sputnik 18 Nov 2019 -- On Sunday, US Defence Secretary Mark Esper announced that Washington would postpone a planned US-South Korean military drill in a bid to bolster President Trump's peace efforts with North Korea.

Iran accumulates slightly more than 130 tonnes of heavy water: IAEA Press TV 18 Nov 2019 -- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says Iran has accumulated slightly more than 130 tonnes of heavy water, in another move taken by Tehran to scale back its commitments under a nuclear deal it clinched with major world powers in 2015.
U.S. Cancels Civil-Nuclear-Cooperation Waiver For Iran RFE/RL 18 Nov 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is canceling one of four sanctions waivers that allowed foreign firms to cooperate with Iran's civilian nuclear program without penalties.
Pompeo: US Will Terminate Iran Sanctions Waiver for Enrichment Plant Fordow Sputnik 18 Nov 2019 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters Monday that Washington will be rescinding its Iran sanctions waiver for Iranian fuel enrichment plant Fordow, explaining that there is no "legitimate" reason for the country to be enriching uranium.
Iran Blocks Internet for 3rd Day as Death Toll From Protests Rises to Eight VOA 18 Nov 2019 -- Authorities in Iran have blocked internet service for a third day as part of a crackdown on nationwide anti-government protests in which at least eight people have been killed since the unrest began Friday.
Rioting, insecurity will be dealt with decisively: Iran's IRGC Press TV 18 Nov 2019 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has issued a statement on the recent riots in some cities, which followed peaceful protests over government's decision to raise fuel prices, warning that it will firmly deal with any measure aimed at sowing insecurity in the country.
Iran paying first round of cash handouts after fuel price hikes Press TV 18 Nov 2019 -- The Iranian government is to pay a first batch of inclusive cash handouts after a hike in the price of gasoline sparked discontent across the country.
Iran Shuts Down Internet Amid Violent Protests Over Gas-Price Hikes RFE/RL 18 Nov 2019 -- "It's like being in the dark," says an angry Iranian businessman in the capital, Tehran. "Now we know what the North Koreans have to deal with."
At Least Six Dead In Iranian Protests, Tensions Still High RFE/RL 18 Nov 2019 -- Tensions remain high in Iran three days after a sharp hike in fuel prices sparked deadly protests in dozens of towns and cities across the country.

Hong Kong protests: Foreign Office statement, 18 November 2019 UK FCO 18 Nov 2019 -- The Foreign & Commonwealth Office issued a statement following violence during protests at university campuses in Hong Kong.
US Lawmakers Renew Calls For Sanctions on China Following Document Leak on Xinjiang Abuses Radio Free Asia 18 Nov 2019 -- U.S. lawmakers and experts have renewed calls for sanctions against China over rights abuses in its Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), in a swift response to the leak of hundreds of pages of documents detailing a crackdown on ethnic Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities ordered by President Xi Jinping.
China lambasts Western media reporting on Uighur community as 'pure fabrication' Press TV 18 Nov 2019 -- China has dismissed reports by Western media on Beijing's treatment of the country's ethnic Muslim Uighur community in the western region of Xinjiang, lambasting them as "pure fabrication" and "fake news."
Xinjiang regional govt slams NYT for faking news with so-called leaked files Global Times 18 Nov 2019 -- The government of Northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region on Monday slammed the New York Times' latest report on Xinjiang, stating the article based on the so-called internal documents, is news fabricated by anti-China forces at home and abroad with evil intentions.
US 'Gravely Concerned' About Deepening Unrest in Hong Kong VOA 18 Nov 2019 -- The United States is "gravely concerned by the deepening political unrest and violence in Hong Kong" as the confrontation between police and protesters has escalated in recent days.
Polytechnic University President Urges Hong Kong Protesters to Leave VOA 18 Nov 2019 -- The president of the Polytechnic University under siege in Hong Kong, has said he has brokered a truce with police that would allow the hundreds of protesters trapped inside the campus to leave peacefully.
HK High Court's ruling on anti-mask law will worsen situation: experts Global Times 18 Nov 2019 -- A ruling on Monday by Hong Kong's High Court that the anti-mask law enforced by the city government to quell months-long radical protests was "unconstitutional" will only complicate the already tense situation in ignorance of how severe violence has spread in Hong Kong, legal experts said.
Hong Kong police correct campus standoff rumors Global Times 18 Nov 2019 -- The Hong Kong police on Monday clarified rumors that it raided the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on Sunday night and Monday morning, saying it only conducted arrests and dispersion operations after the rioters lingered on the campus despite police's warning and kept challenging police.
Hong Kong police deny raiding Polytechnic University in overnight standoff People's Daily 18 Nov 2019 -- The Hong Kong Police Force denies accusations that it "raided" the premises of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) in an overnight standoff between masked rioters.
Commentary: End of violence, chaos vital to Hong Kong's future People's Daily 18 Nov 2019 -- Gripped by more than five months of mass violence and criminal activities, Hong Kong has been pushed into an extremely dangerous situation.
China warns UK, US against 'external interference' in Hong Kong affairs Press TV 18 Nov 2019 -- China will not budge on opposing interference of "any" type in the internal affairs of Hong Kong by "some Western countries," an apparent reference to the governments in Washington and London, a Chinese envoy has warned.
Hong Kong police fire tear gas at protesters trying to flee university campus Press TV 18 Nov 2019 -- Hong Kong police have fired tear gas and rubber bullets to force back hundreds of masked protesters who remain trapped in the Chinese city's Polytechnic University after taking over the site and storing their arms there.
Rights Groups Blame Hong Kong Police For 'Fanning Flames' of Violence Radio Free Asia 18 Nov 2019 -- Rights groups hit out at Hong Kong police on Monday for 'fanning the flames' of violence as desperate protesters remain trapped inside the Polytechnic University (Poly U) and hundreds more waged pitched battles with riot police in Kowloon.
Thousands March Toward Besieged University in Hong Kong to Rescue Trapped Students Sputnik 18 Nov 2019 -- Thousands of local residents marched toward the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), where hundreds of student protesters have been trapped by the police for a few days amid violent clashes, on Monday evening, according to a participant, who declined to be named.
Hong Kong High Court Rules Mask Ban Regulation Incompatible With Constitution Sputnik 18 Nov 2019 -- Hong Kong's High Court ruled on Monday that the recently introduced regulation prohibiting residents from wearing face masks was incompatible with the Basic Law, the city's de facto constitution.
HK rioters go 'completely hysterical' after turning PolyU into battlefield frontlines Global Times 18 Nov 2019 -- Violence flared on Sunday as Polytechnic University (PolyU) of Hong Kong was turned into a warzone as clashes between rioters and police moved to the campus.
Western media sensation over PLA on HK street blasted Global Times 18 Nov 2019 -- Unwarranted speculation spread by the Western media, which reported that soldiers of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Hong Kong Garrison who helped remove obstacles in front of their barracks on Saturday is an intrusion of the Basic Law, is an example of the Western media's "rhetorical trap," said an analyst.

Taiwan President Picks Pro-independence Former Premier as Running Mate Radio Free Asia 18 Nov 2019 -- Incumbent president Tsai Ing-wen has chosen former premier William Lai as her running mate in her bid for re-election in 2020, with the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) positioning itself as the party most likely to champion the island's democratic freedoms and sovereignty against a backdrop of protests in Hong Kong.

Zelenskiy Appoints U.S. Lawyer As Adviser Amid Outreach To Ukrainian Diaspora RFE/RL 18 Nov 2019 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has appointed a U.S.-born lawyer as an adviser with a mandate to build relations with ethnic Ukrainians living abroad.
Ukrainian Investigators Want Ex-President Poroshenko's Immunity To Be Stripped RFE/RL 18 Nov 2019 -- Ukraine's State Bureau of Investigations (DBR), a newly established law enforcement body tasked with investigating high-level crimes, has requested that former President Petro Poroshenko be stripped of immunity.
Head Of Ukraine State Import-Export Bank Arrested On Money-Laundering Charges RFE/RL 18 Nov 2019 -- Officers of Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) have arrested the chairman of the state-owned Ukreximbank, Oleksandr Hrytsenko, on suspicion of creating an organized crime group, embezzlement, and money laundering.
Ukraine Court Releases Head Of State Bank Suspected Of Money Laundering Amid IMF Visit RFE/RL 18 Nov 2019 -- A Kyiv court on November 18 released the chairman of a Ukrainian state-owned bank accused of money laundering while setting bail at $120,000 that the suspect must pay in five weeks.

Treasury Designates ISIS Financial, Procurement, and Recruitment Networks in the Middle East and South Asia US Treasury 18 Nov 2019 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated two Turkey-based Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) procurement agents and four ISIS-linked companies operating in Syria, Turkey, and across the Gulf and Europe for providing critical financial and logistical support to ISIS.
US Slaps Sanctions on 5 Entities, 4 Individuals in Turkey, Afghanistan and Syria Over Daesh Links Sputnik 18 Nov 2019 -- Last month, US President Donald Trump announced that Daesh* leader al-Baghdadi died during a US raid on his hideout in Syria.
U.S. Designates ISIS Facilitators in Advance of Counter ISIS Finance Group Meeting US Dept. of State 18 Nov 2019 -- Today, the United States sanctioned nine individuals and organizations who were providing material support to the terrorist group ISIS in the Middle East and South Asia.

Anti-terror measures against youngsters' online posts 'linked to spike in child detention globally' UN News 18 Nov 2019 -- More than 5.4 million children are detained around the world, rights experts said on Monday, highlighting "aggressive" State counterterrorism measures for the spike in youngsters held for alleged links with armed conflict or national security concerns based on their social media posts.

OSCE Says 'Fundamental Freedoms Were Disregarded' In Belarusian Vote RFE/RL 18 Nov 2019 -- International observers have concluded that "fundamental freedoms were disregarded" in snap parliamentary elections in Belarus in which opposition candidates failed to win a single seat.

Cambodia Opposition Leader Kem Sokha to Face Trial, Despite Looming EU Sanctions Radio Free Asia 18 Nov 2019 -- The former head of Cambodia's opposition party, Kem Sokha, will be tried for treason, Prime Minister Hun Sen said Monday, despite the easing of restrictions on his house arrest last week that led some to believe his case could be dropped as part of a bid to avoid looming trade sanctions.

Georgian Police Use Water Cannons On Protesters In Tbilisi RFE/RL 18 Nov 2019 -- Riot police in Tbilisi have used water cannons on protesters who were blocking the entrance to parliament and arrested several people demanding early elections.

European Parliament Green-Lights Varhelyi As EU Enlargement Commissioner RFE/RL 18 Nov 2019 -- The European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee has given Hungary's Oliver Varhelyi the green light to become the next EU enlargement and neighborhood commissioner.

Desperate Times: Turkmen Turn To Uzbekistan To Stem Major Cash Shortage RFE/RL 18 Nov 2019 -- Hundreds of people line up behind the gate of the Uzbek Embassy in the Turkmen capital, Ashgabat, at the crack of dawn each morning in the hope of getting a visa to Uzbekistan -- though only a few of them are tourists or want to visit friends or relatives.

Spain Says It Will Extradite Former Venezuelan Intelligence Chief to US Sputnik 18 Nov 2019 -- The former Venezuelan intelligence chief Hugo Carvajal is accused of drug trafficking in the US.

Public Designation, Due to Involvement in Significant Corruption, of Kenya's Former Attorney General Amos Sitswila Wako US Dept. of State 18 Nov 2019 -- Today, the Department designates former Kenyan Attorney General Amos Sitswila Wako due to his involvement in significant corruption.

Saudi Aramco Says Its IPO Will Not Be Marketed in US - Reports Sputnik 18 Nov 2019 -- Aramco revealed on Sunday that 1.5% of the company will be available for sale, up to 3 billion in shares. The shares will reportedly go for 30 riyals to 32 riyals, valuing the IPO at around 96 billion riyals ($25.6 billion).

HRW: Sudan Attacks May Be Crimes Against Humanity VOA 18 Nov 2019 -- A prominent human rights groups said Monday that fatal attacks on protesters in Sudan in June of this year may amount to crimes against humanity.

Candidates Gear Up for Guinea Bissau Presidential Elections VOA 18 Nov 2019 -- Elections are less than a week away in Guinea Bissau, where residents are hoping to emerge from years of political stagnation. On November 24, voters will choose the next president.

Rajapaksa Sworn In As Sri Lanka's New President VOA 18 Nov 2019 -- Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been sworn in as Sri Lanka's new president.

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