20 November 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Two US service members killed in Afghanistan mil. helicopter crash Press TV 20 Nov 2019 -- A US heavy-lift Boeing Chinook helicopter has reportedly crashed in Afghanistan's eastern Logar province leaving at least two American soldiers dead.
Release of Hostages in Afghanistan Could Lead to 'Good Things', Ceasefire - Trump Sputnik 20 Nov 2019 -- US President Donald Trump said in a statement on Wednesday that he hopes the recent release of two Western hostages in Afghanistan will lead to progress with respect to the peace efforts in the country, including leading to a ceasefire that will help end the war there.
Two US Soldiers Killed in Afghan Helicopter Crash VOA 20 Nov 2019 -- The U.S. military said Wednesday two of its service members were killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan.

US troops deployment to Saudi Arabia will stoke tensions: Russia Press TV 20 Nov 2019 -- Russia has warned that a plan by the US administration to deploy thousands of military forces to Saudi Arabia will only add to already simmering tensions in the Middle East region.

Senior al-Shabab officer allegedly killed in US raid in Somalia Press TV 20 Nov 2019 -- A senior al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab officer has reportedly been killed in Somalia in an operation by the United States military.

Defense Policy / Programs

Norquist: With 2 Audits Done, DOD Still Has Work to Do DoD News 20 Nov 2019 -- The results are in from the Defense Department's second audit, and Deputy Defense Secretary David L. Norquist told lawmakers that the process is benefiting the American people.
US Carrier Transits Hormuz Strait Amid Iran Protests Sputnik 20 Nov 2019 -- The USS Abraham Lincoln, a 100,000-ton Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, passed through the narrow waterway leading to the Persian Gulf on Tuesday, the US Navy announced. The move comes amid US support for protests that rocked Iran over the weekend.
Point Blank 19-8 integrates ISR, Special Operations US Air Force 20 Nov 2019 -- The 48th Fighter Wing, in partnership with the Royal Air Force, hosted Point Blank 19-8 Nov. 14.
U.S., Allied Forces Conduct Exercise Pacific Vanguard NNS 20 Nov 2019 -- Maritime forces from Australia, Canada, Republic of Korea, and the United States met in the waters off the coast of Guam to conduct cooperative maritime training in exercise Pacific Vanguard Nov. 20.
U.S., U.K., Japan Navies Reaffirm Commitment to Increased Cooperation NNS 20 Nov 2019 -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Gilday joined First Sea Lord, United Kingdom Royal Navy Adm. Tony Radakin and Chief of Staff of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force Adm. Hiroshi Yamamura for a trilateral maritime discussion onboard HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) anchored outside Annapolis, Nov. 20.

Foreign Ministers take decisions to adapt NATO, recognize space as an operational domain NATO 20 Nov 2019 -- NATO Foreign Ministers met in Brussels on Wednesday (20 November 2019) to address a wide range of security challenges in preparation for the meeting of NATO leaders in London. "We all agree that NATO remains indispensable for our security, and that despite our differences, we are stronger as we face the future together," said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
Remarks by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on meeting with Mike Pompeo, US Secretary of State NATO 20 Nov 2019
Doorstep statement by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg ahead of the meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs NATO 20 Nov 2019
Stoltenberg Reveals Why NATO is Spending Twenty Times More on Defence Than Russia Sputnik 20 Nov 2019 -- Last week, Russian President Putin announced that amid NATO's plans to add an additional $100 billion in defence spending in 2020, Moscow could afford to actually make cuts in its defence budget, since its own military modernisation programme had already passed the peak of outlays required.
Secretary Michael R. Pompeo And NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 20 Nov 2019

India – MK 45 Gun System DSCA 20 Nov 2019 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to India of up to thirteen (13) MK 45 5 inch/62 caliber (MOD 4) naval guns and related equipment for an estimated cost of $1.0210 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on November 19, 2019.
Three Rafale Fighter Jets Handed Over to Indian Air Force: Defence Ministry Sputnik 20 Nov 2019 -- The Rafale will greatly enhance the capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and give it an edge over Pakistan and China, Chief Air Marshal R.K.S Bhadauria claimed last month.
Missile Hegemony: India Test Fires Two Rounds of Nuclear Capable Missile Amid Pakistan Tensions Sputnik 20 Nov 2019 -- The missile would be crucial in any limited war scenario with Pakistan and comes a day after Islamabad completed the test launch of its own surface-to-surface ballistic missile, the Shaheen-1.
Indian Navy Ramps Up Its War Capabilities in Contested Indian Ocean Region Sputnik 20 Nov 2019 -- The Indian Navy has re-oriented its fleet patterns after it found a number of Chinese warships, including submarines, venturing into the Indian Ocean.

Commander: Iran Navy dispatches 64th flotilla of warships to Gulf of Aden IRNA 20 Nov 2019 -- Iran's Navy Commander Rear-Admiral Hossein Khanzadi said on Wednesday that the Navy has dispatched 64th fleet of warships to the Gulf of Aden to safeguard the country's interests at the high seas.
64 flotillas sent to int. waters: Khanzadi ISNA 20 Nov 2019 -- Iran Navy is the protector of territorial integrity and defends the country's maritime interests, Commander of Iran's Navy, Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi said, adding that 64 flotillas have been sent to international waters defending Iran's interests.
Iran sends 64 naval fleets to Gulf of Aden as part of overseas missions: Navy cmdr. Press TV 20 Nov 2019 -- Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi says the country has so far dispatched 64 naval fleets to the Gulf of Aden, as part of overseas missions aimed at securing the country's interests in high seas.
Pentagon: Iran's missile force 'largest in Middle East' Press TV 20 Nov 2019 -- A research study conducted by the US Department of Defense has hailed Iran's achievements in its ballistic missiles program despite decades of Washington-imposed sanctions, saying its arsenal is larger than that of any other Middle Eastern countries.
US Intel Says Iran Will Buy Cutting-Edge Jets, Tanks When 2020 UNSC Arms Embargo Expires Sputnik 20 Nov 2019 -- The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) on Tuesday released a report titled 'Iran Military Power' outlining a current assessment of Tehran's military capability. According to the document, Iran remains "technologically inferior" to most competitors but the nation's armed forces have "progressed substantially over the past few decades".
Iran Interested in Russian S-400s, Bastion Coastal Defence Systems, T-90 Tanks, Pentagon Says Sputnik 20 Nov 2019 -- Russia expressed its readiness to discuss the sale of S-400 air defence systems to Iran earlier this year as soon as such a request was received from the Iranian side.

Pakistan Reportedly Foils Attempt by US Military Aircraft to Enter its Airspace Sputnik 20 Nov 2019 -- Media reports suggest that the US plane was forced to turn back toward Muscat shortly after it tried to enter Pakistani airspace.

Morocco - AH-64E Helicopters DSCA 20 Nov 2019 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Morocco of thirty-six (36) AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and related equipment for an estimated cost of $4.25 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on November 19, 2019.

Australia - JCREW Systems and Support DSCA 20 Nov 2019 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia of up to eight hundred fifty (850) Joint Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare Increment 1 Block 1 (JCREW I1B1) Systems and related equipment for an estimated cost of $245 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

New Zealand - C-130J Aircraft DSCA 20 Nov 2019 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to New Zealand of five (5) C-130J aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $1.4 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

US to send new coast guard ship to Vietnam to eye South China Sea Press TV 20 Nov 2019 -- The United States has announced its decision to provide Vietnam with an additional coast guard ship to boost Hanoi's ability to patrol the South China Sea amid tensions with China.

UAE to Ink $1 Billion Deal With Saab For More GlobalEye Early Warning Aircraft Sputnik 20 Nov 2019 -- Swedish aerospace and defense company Saab AB reported the United Arab Emirates is prepared to purchase two additional GlobalEye early warning aircraft for an estimated $1 billion - bringing the country's unique fleet to five jets.

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo at a Press Availability US Dept. of State 20 Nov 2019 -- Remarks by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State
Remarks by President Trump Before Marine One Departure The White House 20 Nov 2019

Defense Industry

Contracts For Nov. 20, 2019

Other Conflicts

20 November 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 20 Nov 2019

Why Drones Matter So Much for China to Control Disputed Sea? VOA 20 Nov 2019 -- China is bolstering its lead in resource exploration and any conflicts in the South China Sea, a sea disputed by five other governments, by stepping up deployment of expendable, cost-effective drones, analysts believe.

Yemeni forces fully capable to strike vital targets in Israeli-occupied territories: Army spox Press TV 20 Nov 2019 -- The spokesman for Yemen's Armed Forces says Yemeni army troops and allied fighters from Popular Committees are fully prepared to deliver a befitting response to the Tel Aviv regime in case the Israeli military launches an act of aggression against the crisis-hit Arab country.
Houthis release all crew, vessels seized in Red Sea: South Korea Press TV 20 Nov 2019 -- South Korea says all the crew members and the three vessels seized earlier by Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement in the Red Sea have been released.
Joint Forces Command of Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen: Unfounded Claims by Terrorist Iran-backed Houthi Militia that It Has Shot Down Coalition F-15 Fighter Jet SPA 20 Nov 2019 -- Official Spokesman of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen COL Turki Al-Malki said in a statement that "In reference to what the terrorist Iran-backed Houthi militia circulated that it has shot down a coalition air force (F-15) fighter jet is baseless and unfounded.
Yemen's Houthis Claim They Shot Down Warplane of Saudi-Led Coalition Sputnik 20 Nov 2019 -- Earlier this week, the militia temporarily released three South Korean vessels and their 16 crew members, including two South Korean nationals, following reports that they had seized a ship carrying a drilling rig from Saudi Arabia to Somalia through the Red Sea.
Saudi-Led Coalition Spokesman Refutes Houthi Claim of Downing F-15 Warplane - SPA Sputnik 20 Nov 2019 -- Earlier, Yemen's Houthi militia claimed that their air defence systems had "intercepted" an F-15 fighter jet "belonging to the countries of aggression in Saada province." At the time, the Houthis did not detail the flag of the coalition warplane.
Yemeni Houthis Release Seized South Korean Vessels, Nationals - Seoul Sputnik 20 Nov 2019 -- The South Korean Foreign Ministry said Wednesday that all three of the ships and 16 crew members, including two South Korean nationals who had been seized by Yemen's Houthi movement, had been released.

Pentagon Intelligence: Trump Pullout From North Syria Gives Daesh Way to Rebuild Sputnik 20 Nov 2019 -- Former Daesh* leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, was killed on 26 October in a US military raid in Syria's Idlib province soon after US President Donald Trump agreed to withdraw American troops from northeastern Syria.
Russia slams Israel's Syria strikes as 'very wrong' Press TV 20 Nov 2019 -- Russia has denounced Israel's latest aerial assaults on Syria as a "wrong" move that will exacerbate tensions.
Syria repels Israeli raid, intercepts 'hostile missiles' over Damascus: SANA Press TV 20 Nov 2019 -- The Syrian military says the country's air defenses have repelled several "hostile missiles" fired by Israeli jets over the capital Damascus.
Foreign Fighters Reported Killed In Israeli Strikes On 'Iranian Targets' In Syria RFE/RL 20 Nov 2019 -- The Israeli military says it has struck Iranian targets in Syria in what it said was retaliation for rockets fired on the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights region.
Israel Launches Airstrikes on Iranian Targets in Syria VOA 20 Nov 2019 -- The Israeli military says its warplanes struck dozens of Iranian and Syrian military targets outside of Damascus Wednesday in retaliation for a rocket attack on the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights the day before.

Unknown aircraft bombs headquarters of Yazidi militiamen in northern Iraq Press TV 20 Nov 2019 -- An unidentified aircraft has struck the headquarters of an Izadi militia group affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group in Iraq's northern province of Nineveh, leaving nearly two dozen people killed and wounded in the process.

Ukrainian Navy Says Moscow Returned Three Ships To Kyiv In Bad Condition RFE/RL 20 Nov 2019 -- Ukraine's navy says that the three ships captured by Russia almost a year ago and released on November 19 have been returned in very poor condition and are not able to make it back to port under their own power.

UN Top Court Sets Hearing Date For Gambia's Case Against Myanmar Radio Free Asia 19 Nov 2019 -- The U.N.'s top court will open hearings in December on a case filed by Gambia accusing Myanmar of state-sponsored genocide for the brutal military-led crackdown against Rohingya Muslims, the court said Monday in a statement.

India Claims Situation in Kashmir Completely Normal Since Revocation of Special Status Sputnik 20 Nov 2019 -- India imposed restrictions and took hundreds of political leaders and activists into custody in Jammu and Kashmir prior to stripping the restive state of its special constitutional status in early August.
New Delhi: Indian-Kashmir is Back to Normal; Opposition, Residents Dispute Claim VOA 20 Nov 2019 -- Indian authorities say normalcy has returned in most areas in Indian Kashmir where New Delhi imposed a widespread clampdown after scrapping the Himalayan region's semi-autonomous status in August.

Israeli settlements remain 'flagrant violation' of international law, UN envoy tells Security Council UN News 20 Nov 2019 -- Regardless of any national policy declarations, Israeli settlement activities are "a flagrant violation under international law", the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process spelled out to the Security Council on Wednesday.

News Reports

Trump impeachment inquiry: Sondland confirms quid pro quo amid Ukraine scandal Press TV 20 Nov 2019 -- The US ambassador to the European Union says he has followed the orders from US President Donald Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani to put pressure on Ukraine to launch an investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden in exchange for a White House visit for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Sondland Confirms Quid Pro Quo Between Trump, Ukraine VOA 20 Nov 2019 -- After an explosive day of testimony in the U.S. House impeachment hearings, lawmakers are set to hear Thursday from Fiona Hill, the National Security Council's former top Russia expert who previously told investigators the removal of the former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine was the result of a campaign set in motion by President Donald Trump's personal lawyer.
Statement from the Press Secretary The White House 20 Nov 2019
Sondland: Trump Conditioned Ukraine Aid on Investigations VOA 20 Nov 2019 -- U.S. diplomat Gordon Sondland emphatically told the impeachment inquiry targeting President Donald Trump on Wednesday that despite the president's denial, there was a conditional deal with Ukraine in recent months, that Kyiv would not get the military aid it wanted unless it opened investigations to benefit Trump politically.
US Ambassador Sondland is Key Witness in Trump Impeachment Inquiry VOA 20 Nov 2019 -- U.S. Ambassador to the E.U. Gordon Sondland on Wednesday is the most high-profile witness to appear before the U.S. House of Representatives as it holds public hearings on the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump. (*VOA will stream the hearing LIVE)
U.S. Diplomat Says He Was Following Trump's Orders On 'Quid Pro Quo' With Ukraine RFE/RL 20 Nov 2019 -- Gordon Sondland, the U.S. ambassador to the European Union, has testified before a Democratic-led impeachment inquiry in the House of Representatives that President Donald Trump never told him that the release of military aid to Ukraine was dependent on its leaders announcing an investigation into his political rival.
Ukrainian Naftogaz Executive Cooperating In U.S. Probe Of Giuliani RFE/RL 20 Nov 2019 -- U.S. federal prosecutors are planning to interview Andrew Favorov, an executive of the Ukrainian state-owned Naftogaz oil and gas conglomerate, as part of an investigation into the business dealings of Rudy Giuliani and two of his Soviet-born business associates.
Trump's Lawyer Demanded Ukraine Announce Probes of Burisma, 2016 Vote - Sondland Sputnik 20 Nov 2019 -- US Ambassador to the EU Gordon Sondland has testified that President Trump's personal lawyer Rudolph Giuliani demanded that Ukraine publicly announce investigations of Trump's political opponents and alleged interference in the 2016 election in return for arranging a White House visit for President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Poll Shows Sharp Rise in Number Of Russians Valuing Freedom Of Speech RFE/RL 20 Nov 2019 -- Independent Russian pollster Levada Center says that the number of Russians citing freedom of speech, freedom of faith, and freedom of public gatherings has risen sharply.
Report: Major Swedish Bank Under U.S. Investigation For Suspicious Russian Money Transfers RFE/RL 20 Nov 2019 -- Sweden's public broadcaster has reported that U.S. regulators are investigating one of the Scandinavian country's largest banks for suspicious financial transactions involving the Russian weapons manufacturer Kalashnikov.

Maria Butina's New Job? Maybe Advocating For Other Russians Held In U.S. Prisons RFE/RL 19 Nov 2019 -- During and after the 15-month prison sentence she served after admitting to working as an unregistered foreign agent, Maria Butina complained about both her sentence -- "this is absolutely absurd" -- and her treatment in prison -- "it is a torture."
Serbia Probing Alleged Spy Episode Involving Russian Envoy RFE/RL 20 Nov 2019 -- Serbia says it is investigating reports of an alleged spying incident involving Russia after a video was posted on social media apparently showing a Russian diplomat bribing a person said to be a senior member of Serbia's security service.

Sweden drops rape investigation against WikiLeaks' Assange Press TV 20 Nov 2019 -- Sweden has dropped its investigation into a 2010 rape allegation against WikiLeaks co-founder Julian Assange after a review of the evidence.

Pak Pong Ju Inspects Industrial Establishments KCNA 20 Nov 2019 -- Pak Pong Ju, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, vice-chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK and vice-chairman of the Central Committee of the WPK, inspected different units of the national economy.
Train tickets to Pyongyang Sold Out in Russia as North Korean Workers Rush Home Before Sanctions Deadline Radio Free Asia 20 Nov 2019 -- As the year-end deadline under United Nations sanctions to return home draws near for North Korean workers in Russia, train tickets between the Moscow and Pyongyang are selling out.
Russia, China to Present Plan on Easing Tensions on Korean Peninsula - Moscow Sputnik 20 Nov 2019 -- Russia and China will submit a new plan of action on resolving tensions on the Korean Peninsula, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov told reporters.
Russia, China offer new plan to ease Korean Peninsula tensions Press TV 20 Nov 2019 -- Russia and China have prepared a new plan of action meant to resolve tensions on the Korean Peninsula, as the United States fails to engage North Korea in demilitarization talks.
Experts: Pyongyang Pushing for Further Concessions from US If It Wants to Talk VOA 20 Nov 2019 -- Pyongyang is pushing for major concessions from Washington before it agrees to resume working-level talks or hold another summit with the U.S., experts say.
Experts: North Korea's Nuclear Weapons, Missiles Make It Less Secure VOA 20 Nov 2019 -- Contrary to Pyongyang's belief that nuclear weapons and missile programs safeguard its security and ensure its survival, experts said they make the country less safe because they leave it prone to U.S. military targets.

Iran's Internet Shutdown Extends to 5th Day, Further Harming Economy VOA 20 Nov 2019 -- Iran's shutdown of domestic Internet access as part of a crackdown on anti-government protests has stretched beyond four days, an unprecedented outage that has caused growing harm to the economy.
Iran to end internet blackout within next days: Security official Press TV 20 Nov 2019 -- A senior Iranian security official says an internet blackout that began in the country following riots that erupted over fuel price hikes will end within the next few days.
Rouhani on riots: Iranian people passed another historic test Press TV 20 Nov 2019 -- President Hassan Rouhani hails the people's firm response to the recent wave of foreign-backed riots that hit several Iranian cities, voicing gratitude towards the nation for withstanding the enemies' subversive plots despite their economic grievances.
Iran Claims Victory Over 'Enemy Conspiracy' As Death Toll From Protests Rises RFE/RL 20 Nov 2019 -- Iran's leaders have claimed defeat over an "enemy conspiracy" in the face of growing international condemnation of its deadly crackdown on demonstrations sparked by sharp fuel-price hikes.
Iran Successfully Tackles Security Issues, Will 'Repel Enemy in Economic War' - Khamenei Sputnik 20 Nov 2019 -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei announced after a wave of protests that his country had managed to resolve all issues of security and would withstand the economic pressure that it was being subject to.
Iran repels enemy in recent security issues: Leader ISNA 20 Nov 2019 -- A group of economic activists, entrepreneurs and producers met with the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei at the Hussainiyeh of Imam Khomeini.
Russian envoy: JCPOA commission meeting to be held in early December IRNA 20 Nov 2019 -- Russia's Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna and the International Atomic Energy Agency Mikhail Ulyanov said that the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) joint commission meeting is likely to be held early December.
Russia, France criticize US for ending Fordow sanctions waiver Press TV 20 Nov 2019 -- Russia and France have expressed dismay at a recent US decision to cancel a sanctions waiver related to Iran's Fordow enrichment facility ending a key part of a 2015 multilateral nuclear agreement, which Washington abandoned last year.
Paris Regrets US Move to Terminate Sanctions Waiver on Iran's Fordow Nuclear Facility Sputnik 20 Nov 2019 -- France expresses concern over Tehran's non-compliance with nuclear obligations and regrets over US decision to reverse a sanctions waiver on Iran's Fordow nuclear facility, a spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.
Iran reaffirms nuclear commitments reduction as response to US sanctions Press TV 20 Nov 2019 -- Iran has once again reiterated that its measures to scale back its commitments under a 2015 nuclear deal with major powers were in response to the US reimposition of sanctions that prevented Tehran from reaping the benefits of the agreement.
CNPC unit seeks major stake in newly-found Namavaran oilfield: Report Press TV 20 Nov 2019 -- Iran is set to announce that an operating unit of the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) will be the major stakeholder in the development of its supergiant new oilfield find Namavaran, OilPrice.com has cited a senior source close to Iran's Petroleum Ministry as saying.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference on November 20, 2019 PRC MofA 20 Nov 2019
U.K. Summons Chinese Ambassador in 'Outrage' Over Tortured Consular Employee Radio Free Asia 20 Nov 2019 -- Britain on Wednesday summoned the Chinese ambassador to express "outrage" at the detention and torture of a former employee of the British consulate in Hong Kong, which came after he took part in the five-month-long pro-democracy protests in the city.
Foreign Secretary statement on Simon Cheng, 20 November 2019 UK FCO 20 Nov 2019 -- Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab gave a statement on the detention and mistreatment of Simon Cheng, a former member of staff at the British Consulate Hong Kong.
Ex-UK consulate employee's legal rights protected in custody: Chinese FM Global Times 20 Nov 2019 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday stressed that the Chinese public security department guaranteed former British Consulate General employee Simon Cheng Man-kit's legal rights during his administrative detention in August and he has confessed his guilt, after media reports alleged Cheng was tortured by police.
China's top legislature strongly condemns U.S. Senate approval of bill on Hong Kong People's Daily 20 Nov 2019 -- The Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), the top legislature of China, on Wednesday firmly opposed to and strongly condemned the passing of the so-called Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019 by the U.S. Senate.
HK bill may face retaliation Global Times 20 Nov 2019 -- US senators are encouraging Washington to carry out a "self-damaging mission" in pushing forward a Hong Kong-related bill that may lead to sanctions on China and a review of the trade status of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, experts said. They warned that China would come up with equivalent countermeasures if Washington enforces the measure.
Mainland moves to better integrate HK, Macao in culture and tourism Global Times 20 Nov 2019 -- China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism is soliciting ideas for cultural and tourism projects between the mainland and Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions in 2020, a move experts hailed will facilitate mutual understanding.
Protests, Siege Continue in Hong Kong as China Rails at Passage of US Bill Radio Free Asia 20 Nov 2019 -- A few dozen people remained trapped inside Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Poly U) on Wednesday, as lunchtime protests continued on the city's streets and China hit out at the passage of the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act by the Senate.
Hong Kong Human Rights And Democracy Act Passes US House Radio Free Asia 20 Nov 2019 -- The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill Wednesday which requires an annual review of Hong Kong's human rights situation and sanctions against officials linked to rights abuses in the city, setting the stage for possible signature by President Donald Trump.
US Senate passes bill backing Hong Kong protesters, angers China Press TV 20 Nov 2019 -- The United States Senate has unanimously passed legislation which aims to protect protesters in Hong Kong, triggering condemnation from China.

UAE Space Agency Chief Calls on Region to Create Arab Space Agency Sputnik 20 Nov 2019 -- The Director General of the UAE Space Agency, Mohammed Al Ahbabi, said on Wednesday that the creation of an Arab space agency would ensure that all countries in the region have a future in space exploration.

Israel's Benny Gantz Fails to Form Coalition Government VOA 20 Nov 2019 -- Ex-Military Chief Benny Gantz informed Israeli President Reuven Rivlin on Wednesday that he has failed to form a coalition government, almost guaranteeing Israelis will head to the polls for the third time this year after political deadlock has paralyzed the government.

Pakistani Opposition Calls Off Road Blockades RFE/RL 20 Nov 2019 -- A radical Pakistani cleric and other opposition leaders have called on their supporters to stop blocking roads in the country's major cities, saying the protest action is harming ordinary people.

Counter ISIS Finance Group Leaders Issue Joint Statement US Treasury 20 Nov 2019 -- On November 19 and 20, the Counter ISIS Finance Group (CIFG) convened its 56 member states and observers to discuss the ongoing global efforts to counter ISIS financing. This was the twelfth meeting of this group co-chaired by the United States, Italy, and Saudi Arabia. The CIFG, established in January 2015 as one of five working groups within the Global Coalition to Counter ISIS, is a broad international group formed to degrade and ultimately defeat ISIS.

Bolivian forces kill 3 in operation to lift blockade on fuel site Press TV 20 Nov 2019 -- At least three people were killed and many others injured when the Bolivian military and police launched an operation on Tuesday against the supporters of former president Evo Morales, who had blockaded a major fuel plant near the capital.
Morales Says Alliance Between Bolivian Opposition, US Main Obstacle for Return to Country Sputnik 20 Nov 2019 -- Exiled former Bolivian President Evo Morales believes that an alliance between right-wing domestic opponents and the United States poses the greatest obstacle for his return to Bolivia, he said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal published on Wednesday.

More Than 20 Opposition Activists Remain Detained in Cambodia Despite Order For Release Radio Free Asia 20 Nov 2019 -- More than 20 activists from the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) who voiced support for the return of party chief Sam Rainsy from exile remain in detention one week after Prime Minister Hun Sen ordered them released on bail, a lawyer said Wednesday.

Who Is The Ethnic Serb Nationalist Slated To Lead Bosnia-Herzegovina? RFE/RL 20 Nov 2019 -- Without a government for more than a year due to ethnic-political discord, Bosnia-Herzegovina took a big step toward resolving its leadership deficit when Bosnian Serb nationalist Zoran Tegeltija was nominated as prime minister on November 19.

Thai Opposition Leader Convicted, Disqualified From Parliament VOA 20 Nov 2019 -- A Thai court Wednesday convicted opposition party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit of holding shares in a media company while running for office, an election law breach that disqualifies the rising star of the country's pro-democracy movement from Parliament.
Thai Court Strips Opposition Leader of MP Status for Violating Election Law - Reports Sputnik 20 Nov 2019 -- The Constitutional Court of Thailand disentitled soaring opposition leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit as a member of parliament after ruling that he violated the country's electoral law during the March general vote, Thai media reported on Wednesday.

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