16 December 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

US military convoy enters oil fields in northeast Syria Press TV 16 Dec 2019 -- A large US military convoy has entered oil fields in northeastern Syria despite widespread condemnation of the deployment as being tantamount to robbery.

Nine children killed or maimed in Afghanistan every day: UN Children's Fund UN News 16 Dec 2019 -- An average of nine children have been killed or maimed every day in Afghanistan so far this year, according to a new report from the UN Children's Fund, UNICEF, which describes the country as "the world's most lethal warzone".
Key US Senator Discusses Mutual Ties, Afghan Peace During Pakistan Visit VOA 16 Dec 2019 -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham met with leaders in Pakistan Monday to discuss "a broader" bilateral relationship, with particular focus on economic cooperation and peace-building efforts in Afghanistan, official said.
Peace will be 'paramount' issue for incoming Afghan Government: UN mission chief UN News 16 Dec 2019 -- The search for peace will remain of "paramount importance" to Afghanistan as the country awaits the outcome of the recent presidential election, the top UN official in the country told the Security Council on Monday.
US Military Tells VOA No Afghan Drawdown Orders Received Yet VOA 16 Dec 2019 -- The U.S. military told VOA Monday it has not received orders to reduce troop levels in Afghanistan and remains fully committed to Afghan partners to achieve security objectives.
Welcoming the progress made by UNAMA in Afghanistan UK FCO 16 Dec 2019 -- Statement by Ambassador Karen Pierce, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, UN Security Council Briefing on Afghanistan
Top U.S. Senator Says Announcement On U.S. Troop Drawdown Expected This Week RFE/RL 16 Dec 2019 -- A top U.S. senator said that President Donald Trump is expected to announce a U.S. troop drawdown from Afghanistan this week.

Defense Policy / Programs

Secretary Esper Holds an In-Flight Media Availability DoD 16 Dec 2019 -- Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper
USS Ross Arrives in Romania NNS 16 Dec 2019 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) arrived in Constanta, Romania Dec. 16 for a scheduled port visit as part of its continued Black Sea presence and support to regional partners.

Remarks by the Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and President of the National Security Bureau of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Thamer Ali Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah during the ICI Anniversary Ceremony at the NATO-ICI Regional Centre NATO 16 Dec 2019
Public opening remarks by the Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and President of the National Security Bureau of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Thamer Ali Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah at the meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the NATO-ICI Regional Centre NATO 16 Dec 2019
NATO facing most 'complex security' environment in its history Press TV 16 Dec 2019 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg says the military alliance is currently facing the most "complex security" environment in its history as divisions widen between the member states.

Russia's Sarmat Missile Could Be Armed With Next-Gen Hypersonic Combat Units - Military Sputnik 16 Dec 2019 -- Russia's Sarmat heavy intercontinental ballistic missile will be able to carry next-generation hypersonic combat units in addition to the wide range of existing combat blocks, Russian Strategic Missile Forces commander Col. Gen. Sergei Karakaev said on Sunday.

Russia, India Start Practical Part of Indra-2019 Joint Exercise - Russian Pacific Fleet Sputnik 16 Dec 2019 -- The practical portion of the bilateral Indra-2019 drills have begun in India, Russian Pacific Fleet spokesman Nikolai Voskresensky said on Monday.

Successful Deployment of India's Spy Satellite's Hi-Tech Antenna in Orbit Sputnik 16 Dec 2019 -- Besides the main RISAT-2BR1 satellite, on 11 December, the ISRO's PSLV-C48 carried nine international satellites – six from the US and one each from Israel, Italy and Japan. The advance antenna is meant to increase the capacity of the satellite.

Taiwan, U.S. companies to ink pact on F-16 maintenance center CNA 16 Dec 2019 -- Taiwan's state-owned Aerospace Industrial Development Corp. (AIDC) and U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin Corp. are to sign a strategic partnership agreement Tuesday to promote the establishment of an F-16 fighter jet maintenance center in Taiwan, according to AIDC.

Turkish Defense Minister Says Ankara Not Leaving NATO, Is Key Alliance Member RFE/RL 16 Dec 2019 -- Turkey is a key NATO ally and has no intention of leaving the defense alliance, the country's Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said at the 2019 Doha Forum on global security in Qatar on December 15.
US Tries to Salvage Ties With Turkey as Ankara Threatens to Close Incirlik Air Base - Source Sputnik 16 Dec 2019 -- Washington previously imposed sanctions against the Turkish government back in October, over the purchase of Russian S-400 air defence systems and Ankara's operation in northern Syria against the US-backed Kurdish militants, but later cancelled them, when a ceasefire in the region was reached.

Sweden Engages in 'Total Defence' Drill for First Time Since Cold War Sputnik 16 Dec 2019 -- The last edition of the Total Defence drill was held in 1987 when the Cold War was still raging. Its re-enactment will feature over 400 participants, including municipalities, county administrative boards, entire regions, and businesses and voluntary defence organisations.

Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Robert A. Destro US Dept. of State 16 Dec 2019 -- Special Briefing
Senior State Department Official on Democracy and Human Rights Issues US Dept. of State 16 Dec 2019 -- Special Briefing

Defense Industry

Contracts For Dec. 16, 2019
Palantir Wins Pentagon Contract Worth $111 Million for Army Software Sputnik 16 Dec 2019 -- The US Army will spend $111 million next year in a new contract with Palantir Technologies, as Peter Thiel's data analytics company will provide software to connect human resources, supply chains and other Army operations systems into a single dashboard.

Other Conflicts

16 December 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 16 Dec 2019

Identifying underlying drivers of the conflict in Africa UK FCO 16 Dec 2019 -- Statement by Ambassador James Roscoe at the Security Council briefing on peace and security in Africa
Geneva Refugee Summit Grapples With Issues of Equity VOA 16 Dec 2019 -- They keep on coming – fleeing the killing fields of war-torn countries in the Middle East and Africa, escaping the random violence of vicious drug gangs in Central America, and running from repressive regimes in Asia.

Turkey-backed terrorists steal property of Syrian locals: SANA Press TV 16 Dec 2019 -- Turkey-backed terrorist groups continue to steal and plunder the property of local residents on the outskirts of the Kurdish town of Ra's al-Ayn in the northeastern Syrian province of Hasakah, state media report.
No prospect for future US presence in Syria: Assad Press TV 16 Dec 2019 -- President Bashar al-Assad has ruled out a future US military presence in Syria, warning of a popular resistance against American troops.
Assad Accuses US of Selling Oil Stolen From Syria's Fields to Turkey Sputnik 16 Dec 2019 -- President Donald Trump previously noted that despite troop withdrawals from Syria, US forces would stay in the Middle Eastern country to "keep the oil", causing an uproar, as it contradicts international laws against pillaging.
Erdogan Says Russia, US Failed to Clear Safe Zone in Syria's North of Kurdish Forces Sputnik 16 Dec 2019 -- Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday that Russia and the United States failed to fulfill their obligations to Ankara on the withdrawal of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) from the security zone in northern Syria, and Turkey will do it on its own.

Iraq warns against 'escalation' in wake of attacks on US military bases Press TV 16 Dec 2019 -- In the wake of a series of attacks on US military bases in Iraq that prompted Washington to blame Iran, Baghdad has warned against "an escalation."

Myanmar Rohingya Repatriation Seen Delayed by Genocide Trial, 2020 Elections Radio Free Asia 16 Dec 2019 -- The Myanmar government will not push for the much-delayed repatriation of Rohingya refugees living for more than two years in displacement camps in Bangladesh until the genocide case at the U.N's top court is over and possibly until Myanmar's next elections are held in late 2020, Myanmar observers said Monday.

Kachin Anti-War Activist is Freed After Serving Three-Month Term For 'Insulting' Judge Radio Free Asia 16 Dec 2019 -- An anti-war activist jailed for three months in northern Myanmar's Kachin state for insulting a judge already sentencing him on a separate charge was released on Monday after serving his full term, sources in Myanmar said.

Turkish military drone lands in Cyprus, tensions with Greece may rise Press TV 16 Dec 2019 -- A Turkish military drone employed for the exploration of natural gas in the eastern Mediterranean has landed at an airport on the divided island of Cyprus, a move that is likely to add to tensions between Turkey and Greece.
Turkey Deploys Armed Drones to Northern Cyprus as Tensions Escalate VOA 16 Dec 2019 -- Turkey has deployed armed drones to northern Cyprus as tensions escalate in the gas-rich eastern Mediterranean over energy resources and control of their distribution. Greek- and Turkish Cypriots remain at loggerheads over the issue with the dispute now drawing in other nations.

Hague Tribunal Sets March Dates For Mladic Appeal RFE/RL 16 Dec 2019 -- A United Nations court at The Hague said it will hear the appeal of former Bosnian Serb army commander Ratko Mladic, sentenced to life in prison for his role in the mass killings at Srebrenica, in March.

West Africa 'shaken by unprecedented violence', UN envoy tells Security Council UN News 16 Dec 2019 -- The UN envoy for West Africa and the vast Sahel region, told the Security Council on Monday that in recent months, the region has been "shaken by unprecedented violence".

Sanctions Against South Sudan Peace Process Spoilers US Dept. of State 16 Dec 2019 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned two Government of South Sudan officials, Minister of Cabinet Affairs Martin Elia Lomuro and Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs Kuol Manyang Juuk, for their involvement in actions undermining peace in South Sudan.
Treasury Sanctions Two Senior South Sudanese Officials for Obstructing Reconciliation Efforts US Treasury 16 Dec 2019 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned two individuals pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13664 for expanding or extending the conflict in South Sudan including by obstructing the reconciliation process or peace talks.

Cameroon Military Seizes, Destroys Illegal Guns in North VOA 16 Dec 2019 -- Cameroon's military has arrested several dozen men and destroyed hundreds of locally made guns and weapons the men allegedly circulated on the central African state's northern border with Chad and Nigeria.
Cameroon Separatists Kidnap Candidates to Protest Election VOA 16 Dec 2019 -- Separatist fighters in western Cameroon have abducted at least 40 candidates for parliament and local councils, in an effort to derail elections set for February. The government is promising to free the hostages and protect candidates and election officials for what it says must be successful polls.

News Reports

Chairman Nadler Files Judiciary Committee Impeachment Report Ahead of House Vote on Impeachment Articles U.S. House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary 16 Dec 2019 -- House Judiciary Committee produces report of the evidentiary and legal basis for charging President Trump with two articles of impeachment for committing 'high Crimes and Misdemeanors'
Schumer Proposes Senate Subpoena 4 White House Officials for Impeachment Trial VOA 16 Dec 2019 -- With the U.S. House of Representatives expected to impeach President Donald Trump this week, the top Democrat in the Senate is calling for the chamber that will conduct the impeachment trial to hear from four key Trump administration witnesses.
US House Judiciary Committee report: Trump 'betrayed the nation' Press TV 16 Dec 2019 -- The US House Judiciary Committee has released its report explaining the impeachment charges against Donald Trump, arguing just days before a final vote in the Democratic-held House of Representatives that the US president "betrayed the nation by abusing his high office."
House Judiciary Committee Releases Full Impeachment Report Sputnik 16 Dec 2019 -- The House Judiciary Committee has over the past few weeks been looking into the constitutional grounds for Trump's impeachment – an ongoing partisan effort by Democrats. The Committee earlier kicked off a series of public hearings, after the Republicans had called for the process to be more transparent.

Putin Signs Amendments Allowing Large Fines For 'Foreign Agents' Law Violations RFE/RL 16 Dec 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 16 signed amendments to the Administrative Violations Code that allow hefty fines for violating the controversial law on "foreign agents," which critics say is used to muzzle dissent and discourage the free exchange of ideas and a free press.

China protests diplomats' expulsion Global Times 16 Dec 2019 -- China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday slammed the US for wrongly accusing and expelling two Chinese diplomats for allegedly spying in the US, and urged the US to reverse the decision and protect their legitimate rights and interests, while Chinese experts suggested the authorities consider countermeasures to limit US diplomats in China if necessary.
China lodges representations with US over expelling diplomats Press TV 16 Dec 2019 -- Beijing says it has lodged "stern representations" with the United States over the expelling of two Chinese officials accused of breaching security at a sensitive military base in Virginia, calling the expulsions a "mistake."
China Calls US Expulsions a 'Mistake' VOA 16 Dec 2019 -- China on Monday urged the United States to correct its "mistake" of expelling Chinese officials.

S Korean President Discusses Denuclearisation With US Envoy to N Korea Sputnik 16 Dec 2019 -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in and US Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun has held talks on denuclearisation efforts, the South Korean presidential administration said in a written briefing on Monday.
In Seoul, US envoy for North Korea urges fresh talks with Pyongyang, dismisses Kim's deadline Press TV 16 Dec 2019 -- The United States has called on North Korea to immediately return to the negotiating table on denuclearization, while rejecting an end-of-year deadline set by Pyongyang for Washington to stop hostilities and make concessions to revive the stalled diplomatic process.
US Envoy for North Korea Urges Pyongyang to Reopen Negotiations Sputnik 16 Dec 2019 -- North Korea has recently conducted a series of missile tests. The latest two were carried out in November, as the year-end deadline set by North Korea for the US to show flexibility in the stalled denuclearisation talks is fast-approaching.
US Dismisses North Korea Deadline; Renews Calls for Talks VOA 16 Dec 2019 -- A senior U.S. diplomat Monday made a last-minute plea for North Korea to stop its provocations and re-enter nuclear negotiations, just ahead of Pyongyang's end-of-year deadline for nuclear talks.

France interested in maintaining JCPOA IRNA 16 Dec 2019 -- France say it is interested in maintaining the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
INSTEX's implementation not enough for Iran, official says IRNA 16 Dec 2019 -- Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Abbbas Araqchi said that Iran's joining the FATF is an issue that the Expediency Council (EC) must ultimately decide about it on, and expressed the hope that this decision will be taken with utmost care.
Spox: Iran examines initiation of 5th JCPOA step IRNA 16 Dec 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Monday that initiation of the 5th step of scaling down JCPOA commitments is under investigation, expressing the hope that Europeans to remain seriously committed to their pledges.
Sanctions are war itself, economic terrorism: Iran's foreign ministry Press TV 16 Dec 2019 -- Iran has dismissed the latest claims by US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin that Washington's unilateral sanctions on Tehran are the alternative to military confrontation, saying sanctions are indeed a full-fledged war targeting civilians.
Iran: US sanctions silent warfare, terrorism Press TV 16 Dec 2019 -- Iran has denounced the United States' indiscriminate sanctions regime as "silent warfare," reacting to a US official's recent claim that Washington has enforced the pressure mechanism against the Islamic Republic to avert war.
Russia hasn't stopped cooperation Iran in Fordow: Iran Press TV 16 Dec 2019 -- Iran says Russia has not retreated from cooperating with Iran at Fordow enrichment facility, rejecting claims that a recent halt in the Russian contribution has been prompted by US sanctions.
Iran Is Continuing 'Vicious Crackdown' On Protesters, Journalists, Amnesty Says RFE/RL 16 Dec 2019 -- Amnesty International says Iranian authorities are continuing a "brutal campaign of repression" following last month's nationwide protests during which at least 304 people were killed.
Iran Views US Sanctions Against Mahan Air as Illegal - Foreign Ministry Sputnik 16 Dec 2019 -- Tehran considers the US sanctions imposed against the Mahan Air carrier for allegedly transporting weapons to conflict areas in the Middle East illegal and hopes that other countries do not follow Washington's steps, the Iranian Foreign Ministry's spokesman, Abbas Mousavi, said on Monday.
Iran, China keep banking initiatives secret to evade US sanctions: Envoy Press TV 16 Dec 2019 -- China's ambassador to Iran Chang Hua says the two countries have agreed on new banking mechanisms that could facilitate bilateral trade although he insists that the initiatives would remain confidential to avoid the American sanctions imposed on Iran.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference on December 16, 2019 PRC MofA 16 Dec 2019
Fresh violence breaks out in Hong Kong as Lam holds talks in Beijing Press TV 16 Dec 2019 -- Fresh violence has broken out in Hong Kong as the Chinese territory's leader visits the mainland for talks with Beijing leaders on the situation in the financial hub.
China's President Xi Backs Police in Crackdown on Hong Kong Protests Radio Free Asia 16 Dec 2019 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday reiterated Beijing's support for Hong Kong's embattled leader Carrie Lam, as journalists hit out at their treatment at the hands of police during recent pro-democracy protests.
Chinese Premier Calls on Hong Kong Government to End Chaos, Restore Order in City Sputnik 16 Dec 2019 -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang urged Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam on Monday to end the civil disorder in the city and solve the political and economic problems that have resulted from the unrest, the South China Morning Post newspaper reported.
Central government supports diversified development of Macao Global Times 16 Dec 2019 -- The Chinese mainland and the Macao Special Administrative Region have seen constant progress in exchanges and cooperation since Macao's return to China in December 1999, and the central government will support the diversified development of Macao's industries and further involve the city in the overall national development plan, a senior official said.
China Targets Arsenal Soccer Star Following Comments on Uyghur Rights Abuses Radio Free Asia 16 Dec 2019 -- China's government on Monday slammed star soccer forward Mesut Ozil of the English Premier League's Arsenal club for his "blinded and misled" comments concerning reports of rights violations against ethnic Uyghurs in its northwest Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR).
Indonesian Muslim Groups Urge China to Stop Violating Uyghur Rights Radio Free Asia 16 Dec 2019 -- Indonesia's two largest Muslim organizations called on China on Monday to end human rights violations against the Uyghur minority, in a departure from their previous muted stance.
China's TV, Film Industry Shrinks Amid Ongoing Censorship Radio Free Asia 16 Dec 2019 -- The ruling Chinese Communist Party's ever-widening controls on the output of its movie and television industries has left a large chunk of its workforce unemployed, industry figures have revealed.
Another tough year ahead for China's trade Global Times 16 Dec 2019 -- Despite all the difficulties and risks over the past year, China's foreign trade is set to finish 2019 on a strong note, particularly with a looming phase one trade agreement with the US that marks the reduction of US tariffs on $120 billion worth of Chinese goods.

Trump, Hong Kong Protests, Boost Taiwan President's Approval Rating VOA 16 Dec 2019 -- Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, a thorn in the side of China, saw her approval rating plunge to 24% about a year ago. Now the leader who continues to resist Beijing enjoys a more than 55% approval rating – a month before she stands for reelection.

Syria Negotiating Inclusion in China's Belt and Road Initiative - Assad Sputnik 16 Dec 2019 -- Syria is seeking to join China's Belt and Road Initiative, and Damascus has already proposed six projects to Beijing that could become part of this infrastructure and development concept, Syrian President Bashar Assad has said in an interview with China's Phoenix Television.

Students join protests against new citizenship law on campuses across India Press TV 16 Dec 2019 -- Protests in India against a controversial citizenship bill have spread to universities across the country, with police storming student campuses and firing tear gas at protesters.
Indian Prime Minister Modi Blames Vested Interests for Violent Protests Against Citizenship Law Sputnik 16 Dec 2019 -- Protests against India's new Citizenship Law, which began in the northeastern part of the country, have now spread to campuses countrywide. Internet services were suspended in several regions to control the spread of rumours and maintain law and order.
Amid Escalating Protests Against India's New Citizenship Law, Modi Appeals for Calm VOA 16 Dec 2019 -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed for calm as protests escalate against a new citizenship law that critics have slammed as anti-Muslim and part of a "Hindu-first" agenda being pushed by his Bharatiya Janata Party.

Former Belarusian Police Officer Says He Was Involved In Killing Of Lukashenka Critics RFE/RL 16 Dec 2019 -- A former officer with a Belarusian police special unit said he participated in the murder of opposition activists, and he was now seeking political asylum in an unnamed European country.

West Haven, Connecticut Man Arrested After Attempting to Travel to the Middle East to Join and Fight for ISIS US Dept. of Justice 16 Dec 2019 -- The Department of Justice today announced that Ahmad Khalil Elshazly, 22, of West Haven, Connecticut, has been charged by a federal criminal complaint with attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization.

Prosecutor Chosen As Ukraine's New Anti-Corruption Chief RFE/RL 16 Dec 2019 -- A selection commission has named a new chief for Ukraine's National Agency for Prevention of Corruption (NAPZK), an independent body that outlines and implements policies to prevent fraud.

Parliament speaker warns Lebanon could soon be on brink of famine Press TV 16 Dec 2019 -- Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has sounded the alarm about the humanitarian cost of the ongoing crisis in the cash-strapped Arab country, warning that Lebanon could soon be on the brink of famine and completely relying on aid for survival if the current political paralysis persists.

Top EU Envoy Urges Cambodia to Open Political Space With Two Months to Go on Trade Decision Radio Free Asia 16 Dec 2019 -- Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union, has called on Cambodia to take "immediate action" to reinstate democratic freedoms with less than two months remaining until the bloc decides whether to suspend the Southeast Asian nation's tariff-free access to its markets.

Hungary's Orban Visits Romania To Mark 30 Years Since End Of Communist Rule RFE/RL 16 Dec 2019 -- Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban on December 15 visited the western Romanian city of Timisoara to take part in events marking 30 years since the end of communist rule and the overthrow of dictator Nicolae Ceausescu.

At this 'critical moment', UN chief urges anti-corruption conference to adopt united front UN News 16 Dec 2019 -- As we enter the Decade of Action to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the world must "unite against corruption" to stop precious resources from being drained by illicit financial flows, an international conference on the issue heard on Monday in Abu Dhabi.

Completion of the Bougainville Referendum US Dept. of State 16 Dec 2019

Burundi's Exiled Main Opposition Alliance Plans to Participate in 2020 Vote VOA 16 Dec 2019 -- Burundi's main opposition alliance in exile, the National Council for Compliance with the Arusha Agreement (CNARED), says it plans to participate in the 2020 national elections.

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