11 December 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

U.S. Will Withdraw From Syria When Local Forces Can Keep ISIS in Check DoD News 11 Dec 2019 -- U.S. forces in Syria will leave when local forces are capable of keeping ISIS in check on their own, Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper said.
Milley Details DOD Operations Throughout the Middle East DoD News 11 Dec 2019 -- The Middle East remains a challenge to U.S. national security interests, as terrorist groups thrive on the region's instability as they try to export violent extremism around the world, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said.
US Military Leaders, Congress Spar Over Syria Pullout VOA 11 Dec 2019 -- U.S. lawmakers and military leaders sparred Wednesday over the U.S. decision in October to pull troops out of northern Syria amid the threat of a Turkish offensive.

One Killed, 80 Wounded in Taliban Attack Near US Base in Afghanistan VOA 11 Dec 2019 -- A powerful bomb-and-gun attack on the largest American military base in Afghanistan early Wednesday killed at least one person and wounded more than 80 others, mostly civilians.
Suicide Bomber Detonates Explosives Near US-Run Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan – Reports Sputnik 11 Dec 2019 -- Bagram Air Base serves as the main US military base in Afghanistan. Reports in the immediate aftermath of the attack suggested that a US military convoy was the target, but the US military said the powerful explosion targeted a medical facility near the base.
One killed, about 100 injured in attack on US military base in Bagram Press TV 11 Dec 2019 -- At least one person is dead and about 100 others injured in bomb blasts and ensuing clashes after an attack on the United States' largest military base in Afghanistan, officials say.
1 Afghan civilian dead, over 50 wounded in explosions outside U.S. military airbase People's Daily 11 Dec 2019 -- Several militants and one Afghan civilian were feared killed and over 50 civilians wounded after assailants launched bomb attacks outside a main U.S. and NATO military base in Bagram district of eastern province of Parwan on Wednesday morning, a local official said.
Taliban Assault On Key U.S. Base In Afghanistan Kills Two, Wounds Dozens RFE/RL 11 Dec 2019 -- Taliban militants have attacked a medical facility near the main U.S. military base in Afghanistan, officials say, killing at least two Afghan civilians and wounding more than 70 other people, including five Georgian soldiers.
Taliban Claim Responsibility for Bomb Attack on NATO Base, Report About 'Tens' of Victims Sputnik 11 Dec 2019 -- The Taliban radical movement has claimed responsibility for a car bomb attack that hit a NATO airbase in the Bagram district of Afghanistan's eastern Parwan province on Wednesday.

Pentagon Inspector General to Probe Trump's Troop Deployment to US-Mexico Border Sputnik 11 Dec 2019 -- The US Defense Department's Office of the Inspector General (OIG) announced Tuesday it is launching an investigation into the use of military personnel on the US' southern border with Mexico.

Defense Policy / Programs

U.S. Army, Royal Netherlands Army co-sign agreement to enhance mission capabilities Army News 11 Dec 2019 -- Col. Grand L. Morris, commander, 405th Army Field Support Brigade, and Brig. Gen. Kees de Ritjke, Director Directorate, Personnel and Organization, Royal Netherlands Army, met here Dec. 6 to co-sign an updated agreement addressing the way ahead for the Army Prepositioned Stocks Eygelshoven site.
Army modernization delivers capabilities to National Guard Army News 11 Dec 2019 -- The Army National Guard is getting 100 aircraft and Humvees in the fiscal year 2020 and 300 in 2021-2024 as part of the Army's modernization efforts.
Remarks by Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper at the House Armed Services Committee Hearing on Syria and Middle East Policy DoD 11 Dec 2019 -- As prepared for delivery by Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper
Marine Corps Utility Task Vehicles receiving multiple upgrades USMC News 11 Dec 2019 -- The Marine Corps' Utility Task Vehicles are undergoing several upgrades designed to improve the safety and performance of the vehicle.
P-8A Poseidon to Support Chilean-Led Search for C-130 NNS 11 Dec 2019 -- U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) directed U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command to deploy a P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime aircraft to Punta Arenas, Chile Dec. 10 to support the South American nation's ongoing search for a Chilean Air Force C-130 Hercules that went missing in the Drake Passage while transporting 38 passengers and crew to the Antarctic.
Navy Accepts Delivery of USNS Puerto Rico NNS 11 Dec 2019 -- The Navy accepted delivery of its 11th Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) vessel, the future USNS Puerto Rico (T-EPF 11), from Austal USA Dec. 10.
NAS Corpus Christi Back to Normal Operating Status NNS 11 Dec 2019 -- At approximately 7:30 a.m. Dec. 11, employees of the Corpus Christi Army Depot on board Naval Air Station Corpus Christi reported that a fellow employee made verbal threats.
US military preparing largest deployment to Europe in years Press TV 11 Dec 2019 -- The US military is planning its biggest deployment of troops to Europe in 25 years, with thousands of soldiers preparing to take part in a massive war games at a time of increasingly tensions with Russia.
Randall Schriver, Pentagon's Top Asia Official, Resigns Post Radio Free Asia 11 Dec 2019 -- Assistant Secretary of Defense Randall Schriver, the top Asia hand at the Pentagon who has criticized China's Uyghur internment camps in Xinjiang, has resigned and will leave his post at the end of the month, RFA has learned.
Target in Sight: US Army Successfully Tests Lockheed Precision Strike Missile Sputnik 11 Dec 2019 -- The US Army moved one step closer to the finish line of its Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) program on Tuesday after officials were able to successfully test-fire a prototype missile developed by aerospace and defense company Lockheed Martin.

US judge blocks Trump from using $3.6 billion in Pentagon money on border wall Press TV 11 Dec 2019 -- A US federal judge has issued an order that blocks President Donald Trump's attempt to spend $3.6 billion from the US military budget to build a wall on the US-Mexico border.

USFK Returns Land to South Korea USFk 11 Dec 2019 -- United States Forces Korea and the Republic of Korea announced the return of four U.S. military sites and plans to initiate more returns from U.S. to ROK government control today.
US Returns 4 Out-of-Use Military Bases on Korean Peninsula to Seoul - Mission Sputnik 11 Dec 2019 -- The announcement was made at Camp Humphreys base in Pyeongtaek city after the 200th meeting of the joint committee of the Status of Forces Agreement, which regulates the deployment of the US troops in South Korea.
US Returns Four Bases to S. Korea on Condition Allies Continue Talks on Decontamination KBS World Radio 11 Dec 2019 -- The United States has returned to South Korea four of its military bases in the country, ending a years-long delay over differences on which side should cover the cost of decontamination and clean-up of the sites.

Multinational Special Operations Aviation training centre opens in Croatia NATO 11 Dec 2019 -- Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, and Slovenia jointly opened the Multinational Special Aviation Programme at a ceremony in Zadar, Croatia on Wednesday (11 December 2019). The training centre is dedicated to training air crews responsible for transporting Special Operations Forces.

Russia Worried As NATO Boosts Activity at Belarus-Russia Borders - Lavrov Sputnik 11 Dec 2019 -- Moscow is worried about NATO's increased activity along the borders of Belarus and Russia, as well as the decision made at the alliance's summit to increase the military budgets of member countries, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Wednesday.
Russia Not Seeing US Political Will to Extend New START Treaty - Deputy Foreign Minister Sputnik 11 Dec 2019 -- Russia hasn't seen Washington demonstrate the political will to extend the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) as the United States is only studying the possibility of prolonging the last remaining arms control deal between the two countries, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Wednesday.

Ship likely carrying Saudi arms flees Spanish port after protest Press TV 11 Dec 2019 -- Spanish peace groups have staged a protest at an eastern port against the presence of a Saudi ship they suspect was carrying weapons from the United States to be used in Yemen.
US Navy Grounds 175 Saudi Aviation Students Following Mass Shooting - Reports Sputnik 11 Dec 2019 -- The US Navy temporarily grounded all Saudi aviation students studying at military bases in the United States following a likely terrorist-inspired mass shooting that killed three sailors and injured eight, Military.com reported.

Indian Army Gets a Boost with American SIG Sauer Rifles for Pakistani Border Sputnik 11 Dec 2019 -- The Indian Army started overhauling its infantry weapons after a series of attacks on military camps in Kashmir back in 2016. Since then, the army has launched global tenders for light machine guns, man-portable guided missiles and assault rifles at a cost of around $6 billion.
ISRO Successfully Launches High Resolution Spy Satellite #RISAT-2BR1 Sputnik 11 Dec 2019 -- The RISAT-2BR1 is an all-weather radar reconnaissance satellite, able to image the Earth in both daylight and at night, regardless of any clouds obscuring the surface. It is the second spacecraft in a new series of RISAT-2B satellites which are replacing and upgrading India's radar imaging capabilities.

Self-reliance in equipment most important achievement of Islamic Revolution IRNA 11 Dec 2019 -- Deputy Coordinator for the Iranian Army Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari compared the status of today's Iranian Armed Forces to that of before the 1979 Islamic Revolution and said that the army's most important achievement after the victory of the revolution is self-reliance on equipment.

US Senate committee approves Turkey sanctions bill Press TV 11 Dec 2019 -- The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee has approved legislation to impose sanctions on Turkey over its offensive against Syria as well as its purchase of the Russian S-400 missile system.
US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Approves Sanctions Against Turkey Over Its Purchase of S-400s Sputnik 11 Dec 2019 -- Washington has repeatedly threatened to sanction Turkey over its decision to buy the Russian air defence system, and moved to halt the delivery of F-35 fighter jets to Ankara over the purchase earlier this year.
US Senate Committee Passes Bill That Would Impose Sanctions on Turkey VOA 11 Dec 2019 -- The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved a measure Wednesday that would impose sanctions on Turkey following its military offensive in northern Syria and plans to buy a Russian missile system.
Turkey Threatens US With Retaliation if Sanctions Are Imposed VOA 11 Dec 2019 -- Ankara is threatening retaliation against Washington if hit by sanctions.
Giving up on S-400 missile systems out of question, says Turkish defense minister Press TV 11 Dec 2019 -- Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar says his country will not back out of the procurement of the advanced Russian-made S-400 missile defense systems, and is currently in contact with its NATO allies, particularly the United States, to work out a solution to the matter.
After Banning Transfer, Pentagon Makes Plans for Buying F-35s Once Destined for Turkey Sputnik 11 Dec 2019 -- US defense leaders and lawmakers are making plans for what to do with the six F-35As already built for Turkey, now that it seems certain Ankara will never be allowed to buy them. Millions of dollars are being set aside to store the advanced jets, which the Air Force will get first pick at buying.
Turkey May Close Incirlik Air Base for US Over Sanctions Against S-400 Purchase - Foreign Minister Sputnik 11 Dec 2019 -- Earlier, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Ankara will not abandon the Russian S-400 air defence systems in order to buy American Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems.

'I Wish I Could Say More': Norway's Criticism of Multi-Billion-Dollar F-35 Blunder Top Secret Sputnik 11 Dec 2019 -- Following Oslo's massive defence investment, the F-35s are designed to become the new backbone of the Norwegian Armed Forces and are expected to become fully operational in 2025.

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo Remarks to the Press US Dept. of State 11 Dec 2019

Defense Industry

Contracts For Dec. 11, 2019

Other Conflicts

11 December 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 11 Dec 2019

Vietnam 'Highly Appreciates' Russia's Position on South China Sea Dispute – Parliament Speaker Sputnik 11 Dec 2019 -- In recent decades, China has claimed sovereignty over large swathes of the South China Sea, with five other countries including Vietnam contesting Beijing's claims, leading to political and military tensions between countries in the region.

PM: Sudan Cuts Troops in Yemen by Two-Thirds VOA 11 Dec 2019 -- Sudan has reduced its troop strength in Yemen by two-thirds, to just 5,000 troops from a peak of 15,000, Sudan's Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok said Monday.
One thousand Yemeni children die daily due to Saudi-led attacks, siege: Health minister Press TV 11 Dec 2019 -- The Yemeni minister of public health and population has warned about the catastrophic toll that the ongoing Saudi-led military onslaught and blockade has taken, stating that it is estimated that 1,000 children die in the crisis-hit and impoverished Arab country on a daily basis.
Yemeni Armed Forces Claim to Have Downed Saudi Spy Drone Near Najran Region - Report Sputnik 11 Dec 2019 -- Last month, Yemen's Houthi militia claimed that they had shot down a Saudi-led coalition F-15 fighter jet, without clarifying which coalition country the plane belonged to.

UN Unable To Confirm Iran's Involvement In Saudi Arabia Oil Attacks RFE/RL 11 Dec 2019 -- The United States has so far been unable to confirm Iran's involvement in drone and cruise missile attacks on two Saudi oil facilities in September, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said.
UN Can't Verify Drones in September Attack on Saudi Oil Facilities 'Are of Iranian Origin' - Guterres Sputnik 11 Dec 2019 -- The United States along with Saudi Arabia has blamed Tehran for the attacks, despite the Yemeni Houthi rebels claiming responsibility for the drone strikes on 14 September.

Iran, Russia, Turkey call for restoration of peace to Syria's Idlib Press TV 11 Dec 2019 -- The three mediators of the Astana peace process on Syria – Russia, Turkey and Iran – have expressed their concerns about the presence of Takfiri terrorist groups in Idlib, underlining the need for the restoration of peace to the northwestern Syrian province, which is the last main militant bastion in the Arab state.
Putin, Erdogan Call for Greater Anti-Terrorism Effort in Syria Sputnik 12 Dec 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke in favour of stepping up efforts to combat terrorism in Syria, including in Idlib province, during phone talks on Wednesday, Kremlin's press service reported.
Syria's Idlib Must Eventually Be Freed From Terrorists - Russian FM Sputnik 11 Dec 2019 -- Syria's Idlib has been taken over by the Jabhat al-Nusra* but eventually has to be liberated and returned under the country's government control, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters.

Israeli Satellite Intel Co Unveils Alleged 'Iranian' Weapons Tunnel in Syria Near Iraqi Border Sputnik 11 Dec 2019 -- In recent years, Israel has repeatedly accused Iran of deploying forces and weapons in Syria as part of a proxy war against Tel Aviv, and has carried out hundreds of airstrikes against alleged 'Iranian' or 'Iran-backed' forces in the war-torn country. Tehran says its assistance has been limited to helping Damascus in its fight against terrorism.

Troika Statement on the Resumption of Peace Talks with Sudan Armed Opposition Groups US Dept. of State 11 Dec 2019 -- "On December 10 the various Sudanese armed opposition groups met in Juba to resume peace talks. The success of these talks will be critical in Sudan's journey towards ensuring lasting peace."

Aung San Suu Kyi Defends Myanmar Army Rohingya Campaign in Genocide Case Radio Free Asia 11 Dec 2019 -- Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday said the genocide case against her country for its treatment of its Muslim Rohingya minority is based on an "incomplete and misleading" grasp of the situation and should be rejected by the U.N.'s highest court, drawing derision from rights experts.
Aung San Suu Kyi Defends Myanmar Against Genocide Claims VOA 11 Dec 2019 -- Myanmar's leader and Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has defended her government's actions before the International Court of Justice in The Hague against genocide accusations. Speaking at the court Wednesday, she called the case against her country incomplete and misleading.
Aung San Suu Kyi: Accusations of Genocide Against Myanmar 'Misleading' VOA 11 Dec 2019 -- Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi denied her country committed genocide against the country's Rohingya Muslims, telling the United Nations' top court Wednesday the mass exodus of the minority stemmed from "an internal conflict started by coordinated and comprehensive armed attacks."
Suu Kyi defends Myanmar at Rohingya genocide trial Press TV 11 Dec 2019 -- Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, feted in the West as a heroine of democracy, has defended her country's atrocities against Rohingya Muslims at the UN's top court in the Hague.
Bangladesh: Rohingya Mock Aung San Suu Kyi's Rejection of Genocide Claims Radio Free Asia 11 Dec 2019 -- Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh recounted atrocities by Naypyidaw's military as they debunked denials by Myanmar civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday at the U.N.'s top court that her government's security forces had committed genocide against the minority Muslims.

Four People Killed, 6 Injured in Militants' Attack on Hotel in Somalian Capital - Reports Sputnik 11 Dec 2019 -- At least four people were killed and six others were injured in an attack by militants on a hotel in the Somalian capital of Mogadishu on Tuesday evening, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a police source.

Militants kill 71 soldiers in mass attack: Niger military Press TV 11 Dec 2019 -- Hundreds of militants have killed 71 soldiers in an attack on a remote military camp in Niger near the border with Mali, an army spokesman says, in the deadliest raid against the Nigerien military in living memory.
At Least 70 Soldiers Killed in Attack on Military Camp in Niger - Report Sputnik 11 Dec 2019 -- Earlier, the country's defence minister said that three soldiers and 14 attackers were killed in an assault on a military post on Monday.

Moscow, Serbian Media Appear To Mislead With Claims About Cancer Fight, NATO Bombings RFE/RL 11 Dec 2019 -- An agreement for a joint Russian-Serbian effort to fight cancer makes no reference to investigating the possible effects of NATO's bombing of Serbia two decades ago, despite Serbian media claims apparently based on statements by Russia's ambassador to Belgrade.

EU to discuss recognition of state of Palestine in January meeting Press TV 11 Dec 2019 -- European Union foreign ministers are expected to exchange views next month on whether the 28-nation bloc should recognize Palestine as a sovereign state as the US pushes ahead with pro-occupation policies undermining the prospect of the so-called two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

News Reports

U.S. Congressional Judiciary Committee To Debate Articles of Impeachment Before Full Vote RFE/RL 11 Dec 2019 -- The U.S. House of Representatives' Judiciary Committee on December 12 is scheduled to continue debating the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump.
Democrats Unveil Articles of Impeachment Against Trump VOA 11 Dec 2019 -- Leading House Democrats unveiled two articles of impeachment against U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday, accusing him of abusing his power for personal political gain and obstructing the congressional impeachment inquiry.

FBI Russia Probe Report Exposes Deep Fissures in Trump Administration VOA 11 Dec 2019 -- The release of a long-awaited report on the FBI's investigation of President Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign has exposed deep fissures within the administration over the origins of the probe, pitting Trump and Attorney General William Barr against FBI Director Christopher Wray and the Justice Department's watchdog.
Justice Department Inspector General Testifying on Russia Probe VOA 11 Dec 2019 -- The U.S. Justice Department's inspector general is testifying Wednesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee about his report that found no evidence of political bias in the FBI's launching of its investigation into Russian election interference.

Senate Panel Passes Bill To Impose Sanctions On Turkey And Russia RFE/RL 11 Dec 2019 -- A U.S. Senate committee has passed legislation with bipartisan support to hit Turkey with sanctions but refrained from voting on a controversial Russian sanctions bill.

In Lavish Wedding Photos, Clues To An Alleged Russian Cyberthief's FSB Family Ties RFE/RL 11 Dec 2019 -- He's been named by the United States and Britain as being the leader of a Russian gang that committed some of the largest cyberthefts in history, an organization known as Evil Corp.

Ex-US officials helped UAE build secret spy unit: Probe Press TV 11 Dec 2019 -- A group of former US National Security Agency (NSA) operatives and other elite intelligence veterans helped the United Arab Emirates construct secret internet-surveillance apparatus, a Reuters investigation reveals.

North Korea missile tests 'deeply troubling': senior UN official UN News 11 Dec 2019 -- Recent developments concerning North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes are "deeply troubling", the UN's Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific said on Wednesday, briefed the Security Council.
US Urges DPRK to Halt Provocations, Work on Denuclearization Deal VOA 11 Dec 2019 -- The United States warned North Korea Wednesday that its numerous ballistic missile tests risk "closing the door" to a deal with Washington.
UK urges North Korea to begin process of irreversible denuclearisation UK FCO 11 Dec 2019 -- Statement by Ambassador Karen Pierce, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the Security Council briefing on DPRK
Authorities Investigate Big Spenders at North Korean International Merchandise Fair Radio Free Asia 11 Dec 2019 -- North Korean authorities are investigating the source of funds used by residents who purchased large quantities of high-priced goods at an international merchandise fair held in Chongjin, North Hamgyong province in mid-October, RFA has learned.

Iran strongly condemns GCC summit final statement ISNA 11 Dec 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Seyyed Abbas Mousavi reacted to the final statement of the 40th Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit in Riyadh saying, "Handful nations supporting the continuation of current irrational policies in the region should take responsibility towards public opinion for their false actions".
Russian contractor starts work at power plant south of Iran: Official Press TV 11 Dec 2019 -- Iranian officials say a Russian contractor is taking over at a major power plant south of the country which is expected to be built through finances provided by Moscow.
Rouhani says Iran will surmount US sanctions but will not compromise red lines Press TV 11 Dec 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says his administration is determined to surmount the sanctions against the country through different means but will not compromise its red lines.
U.S. Hits Iran With More Sanctions, Hopes For Prisoner Talks RFE/RL 11 Dec 2019 -- The United States has hit Iran with new sanctions targeting several transport firms it accused of transporting lethal aid from Iran to Yemen and proliferating weapons of mass destruction.
Pompeo Vows to Keep 'Maximum Pressure' on Iran as US Imposes New Anti-Tehran Sanctions Sputnik 11 Dec 2019 -- The new sanctions come less than a day after Iran's foreign ministry issued a travel advisory urging Iranian nationals not to visit the United States, given what it described as America's "cruel and one-sided laws toward Iranians," and the danger of "arbitrary and lengthy detention in completely inhumane conditions."
Treasury Designates IRGC-QF Weapon Smuggling Network and Mahan Air General Sales Agents US Treasury 11 Dec 2019 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated an Iranian shipping network involved in smuggling lethal aid from Iran to Yemen on behalf of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF). Last month, the U.S. government seized weapons smuggled on a small boat destined for Yemen.
US Sanctions Iranian Arms Transportation Network VOA 11 Dec 2019 -- The U.S. on Wednesday sanctioned an Iranian commercial shipping network it accused of smuggling lethal aid from Iran to its fighters in Syria and to Houthi rebels in Yemen in their fight to control the impoverished country.
Iran hits back at Persian Gulf states over 'destructive' GCC statement Press TV 11 Dec 2019 -- Iran has reacted strongly to a markedly-hostile statement made by Persian Gulf Arab states, calling on them to abandon their "destructive" approach towards the Islamic Republic and the entire region.
Saudi king repeats anti-Iran claims, urges GCC to 'confront' Islamic Republic Press TV 11 Dec 2019 -- In a highly hostile rant, Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has called on Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to "confront" Iran, blaming Tehran for what he called "aggressive actions" that endanger regional peace.
US Stance on Iran's Prisoner Swap Offers Turns Positive After Rare Exchange VOA 11 Dec 2019 -- The United States has taken a more positive stance on Iranian offers of prisoner swaps since the two sides carried out a rare detainee exchange in Zurich through Swiss mediation on Saturday.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference on December 11, 2019 PRC MofA 11 Dec 2019
HK police watchdog denies overseas expert panel quit Global Times 11 Dec 2019 -- Hong Kong's Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC) on Wednesday denied its international experts "quit" as some Western media reported, saying they had stepped aside after finishing an interim report.
Pro-violence HK teachers face penalties Global Times 11 Dec 2019 -- Hong Kong's educational regulators announced on Wednesday that they have investigated more than 60 of 106 public complaints made from June to the start of November, of teachers suspected of glorifying the violence in the social unrest and insulting police, and are considering punishing teachers involved in 30 verified cases.
HK financial sector remains stable amid social unrest: official Global Times 11 Dec 2019 -- The months-long social unrest in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has affected local economic development while the liquidity in the banking system remains robust, HKSAR Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said at a forum on Wednesday.
Tripartite enforcement campaign demonstrates Hong Kong police capability amid social unrest Global Times 11 Dec 2019 -- Police in South China's Guangdong Province and the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions finished a six-month campaign against cross border crime, apprehending 1,400 suspects and seizing 21 kilograms of drugs and 152 firearms. Experts said it shows the joint enforcement capability remains effective despite ongoing social unrest in Hong Kong.
International Policing Experts Back Away From Hong Kong's Complaints Probe Radio Free Asia 11 Dec 2019 -- An international panel of law enforcement experts has stepped down from a Hong Kong government probe into allegations of police violence and misconduct during recent protests, saying the city's police complaints body has no power to gather evidence or compel witnesses.
Foreign Experts Quit Hong Kong Police Oversight Board VOA 11 Dec 2019 -- A group of international law enforcement experts recruited by Hong Kong's police watchdog unit have quit, citing concerns about the unit's independence.
Macao unlikely to compete with Hong Kong Global Times 11 Dec 2019 -- Macao has no intention of competing with Hong Kong, said government officials, as Macao reveals its ambitions to develop offshore yuan business.
Report of Chinese ambassador threatening Faroese leader factually wrong: FM Global Times 11 Dec 2019 -- China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday that a report claiming the country's Ambassador to Denmark threatened and tried to pressure the Faroese leader into cooperating with Huawei on 5G was factually wrong, noting that the days when China could not fight back in the face of smears and attacks were gone.
Economic Watch: China's inflation stays within annual target but challenges remain People's Daily 11 Dec 2019 -- China's consumer price index (CPI), a main gauge of inflation, rose by an average of 2.8 percent from a year earlier in the first 11 months, on track to meet the CPI target of 3 percent set by the government.
Prominent Uyghur Historian Confirmed Jailed in Xinjiang Over Published Book Radio Free Asia 11 Dec 2019 -- A prominent Uyghur historian who disappeared in 2017 has been confirmed jailed in northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), according to his U.S.-based daughter, who said his sentence likely stemmed from a book he published three years earlier.
China Imprisoned 48 Journalists In 2019, The Most Of Any Nation, Watchdog Reports RFE/RL 11 Dec 2019 -- The Chinese government imprisoned at least 48 journalists in 2019, more than any other country, a rights watchdog said on December 11.
China Tightens Grip Further on Internet Users, Mulls Livestreaming Ban Radio Free Asia 11 Dec 2019 -- The ruling Chinese Communist Party has taken further steps to tighten control over the country's internet with a proposed ban on livestreaming and orders to state-run organizations to replace foreign-branded computer equipment with domestic equivalents.

China says Taiwan intimidating people, inciting hostility Press TV 11 Dec 2019 -- China says a proposed bill in Taiwan purportedly aimed at combating Chinese influence is spreading alarm among the Taiwanese business community in China and inciting hostility.

India Shifts Troops from Kashmir to North-East Region as Violence Erupts over Citizenship Issue Sputnik 11 Dec 2019 -- As India's parliament was discussing a controversial bill to grant citizenship to illegal immigrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, violence erupted in the north-eastern part of the country against the proposed legislation.
India Sees Nationwide Protests Over Citizenship Bill, Congress Blames BJP of Dividing Country Sputnik 11 Dec 2019 -- The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (CAB) seeks to ensure Indian nationality for non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. It was passed in the Indian Parliament's lower house at the stroke of midnight on Monday, despite protests from major opposition parties.
India Passes Contentious Citizenship Bill VOA 11 Dec 2019 -- India has passed a contentious citizenship bill that critics have slammed as unconstitutional and discriminatory because it excludes Muslims from a path to nationality that will be granted to religious minorities from three neighboring countries.

Israeli Parliament Launches Dissolution Procedures Amid Political Deadlock - Statement Sputnik 11 Dec 2019 -- Israel's unicameral parliament, the Knesset, passed on Wednesday an initial bill to dissolve its 22nd convocation, according to a statement it released on its website.

Pakistani court indicts chief suspect behind 2008 Mumbai attacks Press TV 11 Dec 2019 -- A Pakistani court has indicted Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, the alleged mastermind of the deadly 2008 attacks in the Indian port city of Mumbai, on terror financing charges, a government prosecutor and defense lawyer says.
Pakistani Militant Accused Of Mumbai Attacks Faces Terror-Financing Charges RFE/RL 11 Dec 2019 -- A Pakistani court has indicted Islamist militant Hafiz Saeed, the alleged mastermind of deadly 2008 attacks in the Indian city of Mumbai, on terrorism-financing charges, a government prosecutor and a security official said on December 11.
Pakistan Court Indicts Anti-India Islamist Cleric VOA 11 Dec 2019 -- An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan on Wednesday indicted Hafiz Saeed, the suspected planner of the 2008 attacks on the Indian city of Mumbai, along with his four senior aides on terror financing charges.

Court Orders Release Of Pakistan's Ailing Ex-President Zardari RFE/RL 11 Dec 2019 -- A Pakistani court on December 11 ordered the release of former President Asif Ali Zardari on bail on medical grounds to allow him to seek medical treatment at a hospital of his choice in the country.

Dallas Man Sentenced to 30 Years on Terrorism Charges US Dept. of Justice 11 Dec 2019 -- A 42-year-old Dallas, Texas, man has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison following a conviction for multiple terrorism charges.

Ex-Top Mexican Security Official Charged in El Chapo Cartel Drugs Plot - US Justice Dept Sputnik 11 Dec 2019 -- Mexico's former top federal public security official Genaro Garcia Luna has been arrested and charged with receiving millions of dollars from the Sinaloa drugs cartel, led by Joaquin Guzman Loera, also known as "El Chapo," the US Department of Justice said in a press release on Tuesday.

Will Boris Johnson's Early Election Gamble Pay Off? VOA 11 Dec 2019 -- With a day to go before Britons head to the polls to vote in their third general election in under four years, the question the ruling Conservatives are asking themselves is, will Prime Minister Boris Johnson's gamble to hold an early ballot pay off?
Polls Show Steep Fall in Conservative Support Ahead of British General Election VOA 11 Dec 2019 -- With fewer than 24 hours to go until the ballot boxes open in Britain for the general election, the latest polling shows a sharp drop in support for the ruling Conservatives. While most polls still suggest Prime Minister Boris Johnson will win a majority – it's by no means certain that he'll still be in 10 Downing Street after the election.

New sex charges as Mahathir vows to step down for Anwar Press TV 11 Dec 2019 -- Police say Anwar Ibrahim, in line to take over Malaysia's premiership, will be called for questioning over sexual assault charges.

With EBA Status on the Line, Hun Sen Says Cambodia Will Ignore EU's Recommendations Radio Free Asia 11 Dec 2019 -- Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen on Wednesday reiterated his stance that the country would not give in to the European Union's recommendations on human rights and governance simply to preserve the country's status under the trade bloc's Everything But Arms (EBA) program.

Tajik Lawmakers Approve Bill Legalizing 20,000 Stateless Residents From Former Soviet Republics RFE/RL 11 Dec 2019 -- Tajik lawmakers have approved a bill on the mass legalization of stateless residents of the Central Asian nation from other former Soviet republics.

Former German Manager On Trial For Bribing Of Turkmen Oil Officials RFE/RL 11 Dec 2019 -- A former manager of Germany's MAN company has gone on trial in Munich on charges of bribing top officials at the Turkmen state oil company.

Is Kenya's Government Fighting Corruption or Just Conducting Political Theatrics? VOA 11 Dec 2019 -- Last week, the governor of Kenya's capital Nairobi was charged with economic crimes involving millions of dollars. The arrest appears to be in line with President Uhuru's Kenyatta's pledge to stamp out corruption. But analysts are skeptical that Mbuvi will be convicted.

US Slaps Sanctions on 5 South Sudanese VOA 11 Dec 2019 -- The U.S. Treasury has imposed sanctions on five South Sudanese nationals for their alleged roles in the abduction and execution of two prominent critics of President Salva Kiir's government nearly three years ago.

Autonomous Region of Papua New Guinea Chooses Independence Referendum VOA 11 Dec 2019 -- Bougainville has taken a major step towards becoming the world's newest nation by voting overwhelmingly for independence from Papua New Guinea.

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list