28 November 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

US Military Concentrates Equipment at Oil Fields in Northeastern Syria - Reports Sputnik 28 Nov 2019 -- US forces mustered dozens of military vehicles near oil fields in the Rumeilan region of Al-Hasakah province in Syria's northeast, Syrian state television reported on Thursday.

Trump Highlights Progress During Thanksgiving Visit to Troops in Afghanistan DoD News 28 Nov 2019 -- President Donald J. Trump highlighted the sacrifices and grit of U.S. service members fighting against extremism by visiting Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, for Thanksgiving.
Remarks by President Trump to Troops at Bagram Airfield | Bagram, Afghanistan The White House 28 Nov 2019
Remarks by President Trump and President Ghani of Afghanistan After Bilateral Meeting | Bagram, Afghanistan The White House 28 Nov 2019
Remarks by President Trump During Troop Engagement | Bagram, Afghanistan The White House 28 Nov 2019
Trump Makes Surprise Afghan Visit, Says Taliban Wants Cease-Fire VOA 28 Nov 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump made an unannounced Thanksgiving visit to American troops in Afghanistan where he disclosed his administration had resumed peace talks with the Taliban and the insurgent group is willing to observe a cease-fire.
Trump Pays Surprise Thanksgiving Visit To Afghanistan, Says Taliban Talks Back On RFE/RL 28 Nov 2019 -- President Donald Trump has said the United States has resumed talks with the Taliban as he made an unannounced Thanksgiving visit to U.S. troops in Afghanistan -- his first to the war-torn country since taking office in 2017.
Trump: US 'substantially' withdrawing troops from Afghanistan Press TV 28 Nov 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has made an unannounced visit to American troops in Afghanistan, his first trip to the country since taking office in 2017.

Defense Policy / Programs

VOA Exclusive Interview With US Southern Command Chief, Admiral Craig Faller VOA 28 Nov 2019 -- The top U.S. commander in Latin America and the Caribbean says illicit narcotics money is now a "big part" of financing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government.

Secretary General discusses strengthening NATO with President Macron NATO 28 Nov 2019 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Thursday (28 November 2019) for a strategic discussion on strengthening the Alliance. “We just had good and open discussions addressing a wide range of issues, addressing how we can further strengthen and modernise the NATO Alliance,” said the Secretary General.
NATO Military Spending Approved: US to Pay Less, Germany to Pay More - Stoltenberg Sputnik 28 Nov 2019 -- CNN cited unnamed Pentagon officials as saying that the White House wants to cut payments to NATO to about 16% of the total contributions to the alliance, which almost puts the country on a par with Germany.
Macron Says Turkey Can't Expect Solidarity From NATO After Syria Offensive Sputnik 28 Nov 2019 -- French President Emmanuel Macron and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg held a press conference in Paris ahead of the NATO leaders meeting in London on 3-4 December.
Macron Says Russia, China Not NATO Allies' Common Enemies -- Terrorism Is RFE/RL 28 Nov 2019 -- French President Emmanuel Macron has said that he stands by comments he made three weeks ago when he described NATO as "brain-dead," and he defended his push for dialogue with Russia.
Trump Administration to Cut US Financial Contribution to NATO - Report Sputnik 28 Nov 2019 -- The White House has decided to cut its contributions of direct funding for NATO, hoping that other countries will fill the gap in the budget of the alliance, according to CNN.
Trump administration moves to pay less in US share of NATO Press TV 28 Nov 2019 -- The administration of US President Donald Trump is moving to pay the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) a less share.

Russian Defence Ministry Successfully Test Fires Topol ICBM Sputnik 28 Nov 2019 -- Russia successfully test-fired the Topol intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from the Kapustin Yar firing range in the Astrakhan region, the warhead hit the simulated target in Kazakhstan, the Russian Defence Ministry said in a statement Thursday.
France's Macron Rejects Putin's Missile Moratorium Proposal Sputnik 28 Nov 2019 -- Macron Urges for 'Lucid, Robust' Dialogue With Russia

China, Pakistan to hold joint naval drills in January Global Times 28 Nov 2019 -- China will send warships to Pakistan in January in a scheduled joint naval exercise with Pakistan, a move that will deepen the two countries' military cooperation and enhance their all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, China's Ministry of National Defense has announced.
China needs more aircraft carriers for national security: analysts Global Times 28 Nov 2019 -- The development of four or more aircraft carriers is only natural in order to satisfy China's burgeoning national security needs, Chinese military analysts said on Thursday as the country's second carrier is close to commissioning and a third under construction.
Xi stresses cultivating new type of military personnel People's Daily 28 Nov 2019 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called for efforts to cultivate a new type of military personnel who are competent, professional and possess both integrity and ability.

Foreign Office statement on North Korea missile test, November 2019 UK FCO 28 Nov 2019 -- The Foreign and Commonwealth Office responds to further missile tests by North Korea.
North Korea Launches Projectile Ahead of End-of-year Deadline VOA 28 Nov 2019 -- North Korea confirmed Friday it tested a "super large multiple rocket launcher," the latest reminder of Pyongyang's end-of-year deadline for nuclear talks.
N. Korea fired two projectiles towards East Sea: S. Korea's JCS Arirang 28 Nov 2019 -- We begin with North Korea’s latest provocationThe reclusive regime fired off two projectiles into the East Sea this afternoon which comes in less than a month since its last projectile tests.
DPRK fires an unidentified projectile: S.Korea People's Daily 28 Nov 2019 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) fired two unidentified projectiles into the East Sea, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said Thursday.
North Korea fires 2 unidentified projectiles eastward: South Korea Press TV 28 Nov 2019 -- North Korea has launched "two unidentified projectiles" toward the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, the South Korean military says, the latest in a series of missile launches amid deadlocked demilitarization talks with the United States.
North Korea Reportedly Launches Two 'Unidentified Projectiles' Toward Sea of Japan Sputnik 28 Nov 2019 -- In late-October, the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that Pyongyang fired two identified objects towards the Sea of Japan.

India Successfully Tests Supersonic BrahMos Cruise Missile in Arabian Sea Sputnik 28 Nov 2019 -- Indian has tested a supersonic missile with a greater number of domestic components including its propulsion system, airframe, and power supply. The test was conducted against the backdrop of a growing escalation in tension between India and Pakistan over the disputed territory of Kashmir.
India Approves Purchase of More P8 Spy Planes from US Amid Chinese Hegemony Sputnik 28 Nov 2019 -- The requirement of more spy planes comes against a backdrop of a mounting number of Chinese warships, including submarines, in the Indian Ocean.

Iran's Navy deterrent power harbors Persian Gulf stability: Senior commander IRNA 28 Nov 2019 -- Chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major-General Mohammad Bagheri said on Thursday that the deterrent power of the Iranian Navy brings stability and security to the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Sea of Oman.
Iran Navy to receive sophisticated drones as part of ongoing equipment upgrade: Cmdr. Press TV 28 Nov 2019 -- Iran Navy's commander says the force will soon be flying sophisticated unmanned aerial vehicles from its warships, saying the new gear will be even more versatile than the Navy's current lineup of drones in terms of range and other technologies.

Pakistan's Supreme Court Grants Temporary Extension To Army Chief's Term RFE/RL 28 Nov 2019 -- Pakistan's Supreme Court has granted a six-month extension to the tenure of the country's army chief after initially blocking the government's decision to extend his term.
Pakistan's Supreme Court Grants Temporary Extension to Term of Army Chief /wmd/library/news/pakistan/2019/Sputnik 28 Nov 2019 -- The day before, Pakistan's Supreme Court gave the government a day to justify a three-year extension to the term of army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa.
Pakistan Court Limits Extension of Army Chief, Orders Change in Law VOA 28 Nov 2019 -- Pakistan's Supreme Court limited the tenure extension of the sitting army chief to six months Thursday, as opposed to the three years the government wanted to grant him. In addition, the court has asked the government to use the time to amend laws to clarify the terms and conditions of the post, including the length of tenure and whether that tenure could be extended.

Defense Industry

Other Conflicts

128 Houthi prisoners return to Yemen from Saudi Arabia: Red Cross Press TV 28 Nov 2019 -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says it has flown as many as 128 prisoners belonging to Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement to the capital Sana'a after they were released by Saudi Arabia.

Syrian government forces shoot down Turkish reconnaissance drone in Hasakah: Report Press TV 28 Nov 2019 -- Syrian government forces have reportedly intercepted and targeted an unmanned aerial vehicle belonging to Turkish military while flying in the skies over Syria's northeastern province of Hasakah and near the border with Turkey.
Russia urges OPCW members not to fund new Syria gas attack probe team Press TV 28 Nov 2019 -- Russia says creating a so-called investigative team within the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) only suits the ends of the sponsors, urging the member states of the watchdog to vote against funding such a biased team.
Syrian president remains skeptical about Daesh leader's death Press TV 28 Nov 2019 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has once again cast doubt on his US counterpart Donald Trump's claim that Daesh ringleader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in an operation by the US military last month, calling the much-publicized operation a "fantastic play" staged by the Americans.

Two Turkish soldiers killed in attack near Syria border: Ministry Press TV 28 Nov 2019 -- Turkey's defense ministry says two Turkish soldiers have been killed in a mortar attack near a military base on the Syrian border.

Somalia Hailed for Ratifying Document on Protecting Displaced People VOA 28 Nov 2019 -- The U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) has commended Somalia for signing a convention to protect internally displaced people (IDPs) in Africa. Somalia's announcement on Nov 26 makes it the 30th African country to sign the Kampala Convention. Somalia has the fourth largest population of IDPs in the world

European Parliament Condemns Russian Probe Targeting Lithuanian Judges Over War Crimes Convictions RFE/RL 28 Nov 2019 -- The European Parliament has passed a resolution condemning Russia for launching a criminal investigation into judges at a Vilnius court that convicted dozens of former Soviet Army personnel, mostly in absentia, of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity during Moscow's deadly 1991 crackdown on Lithuania's independence movement.

Kremlin Aide: Putin-Zelenskiy Tete-A-Tete 'Likely' At Paris Summit RFE/RL 28 Nov 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin is "likely" for the first time to have a face-to-face dialogue with Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskiy next month in Paris, where a summit is planned with the leaders of France and Germany aimed at resolving the armed Donbas conflict.

Armed groups kill Ebola health workers in eastern DR Congo UN News 28 Nov 2019 -- Deadly night-time attacks by armed groups have once again claimed the lives of frontline healthworkers helping to confront the deadly Ebola virus in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday.

News Reports

Trump Impeachment Probe Enters New Phase As Judiciary Panel Schedules Hearings RFE/RL 28 Nov 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump faces a December 1 deadline if he wants to participate in the next phase of the congressional inquiry into whether he committed impeachable offenses.

Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, November 28, 2019 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 28 Nov 2019
Russia's Alternative to Western Credit Cards Debuts in London VOA 28 Nov 2019 -- A Russian-backed bank payment card, introduced after Western sanctions upended Russia's financial system five years ago and prompted Visa and Mastercard to deny electronic services to some of the country's leading banks, is set for its European debut on London Wednesday, when a pilot project will be launched in collaboration with the Dutch global payment company PayXpert.

How Much Did Russian Spy Agencies Rely On Bitcoin? New Hints In Leaked Recordings RFE/RL 28 Nov 2019 -- When it was seized by U.S. law enforcement in 2017, BTC-e was described as "one of the world's largest and most widely used digital-currency exchanges." It was also one of the most notorious.

Araghchi: There is still hope to save JCPOA IRNA 28 Nov 2019 -- Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Abbas Araghchi said on Thursday that there is still hope to save Iran nuclear deal, known as JCPOA, but it depends on the Europeans' compliance with their commitments under the deal.
JCPOA under 'intensive care,' Europe must endeavor to save it: Araqchi Press TV 28 Nov 2019 -- Iran's deputy foreign minister for political affairs says the 2015 nuclear deal with major powers is in conditions resembling an "intensive care" unit, adding that the European signatories to the deal must scramble to save the accord.
Iran's Foreign Ministry slams France's 'unconstructive' JCPOA claims Press TV 28 Nov 2019 -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry has raised serious objection to the French foreign minister's comments pointing to Paris's inclination to bring Iran back under the United Nations sanctions.
Paris Has No Right to Launch JCPOA Dispute Resolution Tool Reimposing Sanctions - Tehran Sputnik 28 Nov 2019 -- France has no right to implement the mechanism of resolving disputes around the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), under which sanctions against Tehran can be reinstated, given the current situation around the nuclear deal, the Iranian Foreign Ministry's spokesman, Abbas Mousavi, said on Thursday.
State Media: Iran Arrests Eight 'CIA-Linked' People During Unrest RFE/RL 28 Nov 2019 -- Iranian state media say eight people "linked to the CIA" have been arrested during street violence that erupted in nationwide demonstrations against the Iranian government's decision to ration gasoline purchases and cut subsidies.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference on November 28, 2019 PRC MofA 28 Nov 2019
US move on Hong Kong dims deal hopes Global Times 28 Nov 2019 -- US President Donald Trump's decision to sign a bill into law that interferes with China's internal affairs related to Hong Kong has cast a cloud over prospects for a highly anticipated phase one trade deal, with Chinese experts warning Washington of countermeasures if it attempts to link Hong Kong affairs with the ongoing negotiations.
China summons US ambassador to lodge representations, protest against US signing of Hong Kong-related act into law Global Times 28 Nov 2019 -- Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng on Thursday summoned U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad to lodge stern representations and strong protest against the United States signing of the so-called Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019 into law.
China Summons US Ambassador Over Hong Kong Bill Sputnik 28 Nov 2019 -- Earlier, US President Donald Trump signed a bill into law that bans the export of crowd control weapons to Hong Kong police and supports human rights in the city.
China Summons US Ambassador to Protest Bill on Hong Kong Human Rights VOA 28 Nov 2019 -- China summoned the U.S. ambassador in Beijing Thursday to "strongly protest" President Donald Trump's signing of bills on Hong Kong's human rights.
HK act sponsors could be put on no-entry list: analysts Global Times 28 Nov 2019 -- China expressed its indignation Thursday over the Hong Kong-related act signed by US President Donald Trump and vowed to take tough countermeasures against such sinister intentions, which is aimed at disrupting the nation's endeavor to realize the great rejuvenation.
PLA garrison lauded for safeguarding Hong Kong Global Times 28 Nov 2019 -- The Hong Kong garrison of the Chinese People's Liberation Army has the determination, confidence and ability to fulfill its responsibility endowed by the Basic Law and Garrison Law; and will strongly safeguard Hong Kong's long-term stability and prosperity, spokesperson of China's Ministry of National Defense (MOD) said on a Thursday briefing.
Hong Kong Police Deny That Train-Bound Arrestees Were Taken to Mainland China Radio Free Asia 28 Nov 2019 -- Since the detention and torture of Hong Kong resident and former U.K consular employee Simon Cheng, fears are growing that some of the thousands of people arrested since the protest movement began may have been sent to mainland China.
Greater connection to the mainland would safeguard HK stability Global Times 28 Nov 2019 -- The results of the Hong Kong District Council elections have triggered online discussions among Chinese mainland netizens, with many expressing their dissatisfaction. As the mainland has attached great importance to the Hong Kong situation, such online reaction is to be expected as mainland netizens are patriotic and hope the city can recover.

Lebanese parliamentary panel set to approve 2020 budget this year Press TV 28 Nov 2019 -- The Lebanese parliament's budget and finance committee will approve the 2020 budget by the end of the year as the country is struggling to form a new government amid mass protests.
Wasting more time for Lebanon govt. formation badly affects people, economy: Hezbollah official Press TV 28 Nov 2019 -- A high-ranking official of the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement says the cash-strapped country can no longer accept wasting time for the government formation, as economic pressures mount and mass protests demanding departure of the ruling elite continue.

Colombians protest against government, US backs Bogota Press TV 28 Nov 2019 -- Thousands of Colombians have flocked to the streets in the country's capital during a second nationwide strike against the government's economic reforms, corruption, and police violence.

Venezuela Offers to Pay Companies in Yuan as Workaround to US Sanctions – Report Sputnik 28 Nov 2019 -- Hyperinflation and severe pressure from the United States have complicated the use of bolivars and dollars for the Venezuelan government and affiliated entities.

Brazilian Court Re-Confirms Lula's Charges, Hikes Prison Term to 17 Years Ahead of Appeal Sputnik 28 Nov 2019 -- A Brazilian court confirmed the charges and increased the sentence by five years for former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who was released from prison earlier this month by the country's Supreme Court.

Iraq apologizes to Iran for arson attack on consulate in Najaf Press TV 28 Nov 2019 -- Iraq's foreign minister has apologized to Iran after rioters set fire to the Islamic Republic's consulate in the holy city of Najaf.
Tehran, Baghdad denounce attack on Iranian consulate in Najaf Press TV 28 Nov 2019 -- Tehran and Baghdad have both condemned an attack on Iran's consulate during riots in Iraq's holy city of Najaf, with the Iraqi government saying the raid was actually meant to damage "historical" ties between the two neighbors.
Iranian Foreign Minister Says Baghdad Apologized for Attack on Iranian Consulate Sputnik 28 Nov 2019 -- Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Alhakim on Thursday apologized for the recent attack on the Iranian consulate in Iraq's southern city of Najaf in phone talks with his Iranian counterpart, Javad Zarif, the Iranian Foreign Minister said in a statement.
Day Of Unrest In Iraq Claims Dozens Of Lives RFE/RL 28 Nov 2019 -- At least 33 people have been killed in clashes between Iraqi security forces and anti-government protesters, reports say, in one of the bloodiest days since the unrest began nearly two months ago.
Dozens Killed in Southern Iraq City After Security Forces Fire Live Rounds at Protesters VOA 28 Nov 2019 -- The French news agency is reporting 22 protesters were killed and scores wounded in Iraq's southern Thi Qar province after security forces opened fire with live ammunition on crowds of mostly young protesters in the provincial capital of Nasiriyah.
Iraqi Najaf's Governor Says Nearly 50 Policemen Injured in Violence Outside Iranian Consulate Sputnik 28 Nov 2019 -- Forty-seven police members were wounded in clashes with demonstrators outside the Iranian consulate building in Iraq's southern city of Najaf, Luay Yasiri, the governor of the Najaf province, told Al Arabiya on Thursday.

Lviv Mayor To Appeal Ukraine Bail Ruling In Abuse-Of-Office Case RFE/RL 28 Nov 2019 -- Ukraine's High Anti-Corruption Court on November 27 set bail at $44,000 for Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadoviy, who is accused of abusing his office in a case involving construction of an industrial park, dispossessing land, and causing nearly $4 million in damages to the state.

Azerbaijan's Ruling Party Calls For Dissolution Of Parliament RFE/RL 28 Nov 2019 -- Azerbaijan's ruling New Azerbaijan Party (YAP) has decided to initiate the dissolution of parliament and ask President Ilham Aliyev, the leader of the party, to call snap general polls.

Zimbabwe facing man-made starvation, says UN expert UN News 28 Nov 2019 -- Man-made starvation is "slowly making its way into Zimbabwe" and most households in the country are unable to obtain enough food to meet their basic needs, Hilal Elver, Special Rapporteur on the right to food, declared on Thursday.
Zimbabwe on Brink of Man-made Starvation, UN Expert Says VOA 28 Nov 2019 -- A U.N. official is warning that Zimbabwe is on the brink of starvation, with millions facing food insecurity.

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