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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• Taliban abducts 27 peace activists in Afghanistan Press TV 25 Dec 2019 -- The Taliban has kidnapped 27 Afghan activists of the People's Peace Movement who were on a trip to call for peace and ceasefire between the militant group and the government in Kabul.
• Officials: 27 Afghan Activists Abducted By Taliban During Peace March RFE/RL 25 Dec 2019 -- Twenty-seven Afghan activists from the People's Peace Movement (PPM) have been abducted by the Taliban during a peace march in the country's west, the group's leaders and local officials said on December 25.
• Taliban Capture 27 Peace Marchers VOA 25 Dec 2019 -- An activist group in Afghanistan says Taliban insurgents have captured a convoy of 27 peace marchers in western Afghanistan and taken them to an undisclosed location.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Revised Greece-US Defence Cooperation Agreement Introduced in Greek Parliament Sputnik 25 Dec 2019 -- A revised defence cooperation agreement with the United States has been put forward before the Greek parliament for approval.
• Time, Cost of Moving US Base Within Japan's Okinawa to More Than Double - Reports Sputnik 25 Dec 2019 -- Relocating the US airbase in the city of Ginowan in Japan's Okinawa prefecture to the less crowded Henoko Bay will have to be extended from the initially planned five years to about 12 years, the Japanese Kyodo news agency reported, citing the Defence Ministry.
• NATO to Reportedly 'Rehearse' Military Offensive Against Russia Sputnik 25 Dec 2019 -- The war games are yet another planned NATO military event that closely follows the August withdrawal by the US from the landmark Soviet-American INF Treaty, widely been seen as one of Europe 's major security pillars, since the end of the Cold War era.
• Russia Floats Out First Yasen-M-Class Nuclear Submarine Sputnik 25 Dec 2019 -- The submarine, designed by the Malakhit Marine Engineering Bureau and built in the northern port city of Severodvinsk, will enter service in the Russian Navy in 2020.
• Navy pilot recruitment campaign enters new stage, ensures aircraft carrier capabilities Global Times 25 Dec 2019 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's 2020 pilot recruitment campaign has moved into a new stage, as more pilot cadets are needed to master carrier-based fighter jets following the commissioning of the country's second aircraft carrier, the Shandong, experts said on Wednesday.
• US Media Claims China Testing Missile Capable of Hitting America Sputnik 25 Dec 2019 -- In June, China's Ministry of National Defence confirmed that the country had earlier successfully tested its third-generation submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile known as the JL-3, which some argue could hit potential targets almost anywhere in the United States.
• Kowsar fighter jet development quickly underway: IRIAF commander ISNA 25 Dec 2019 -- The Commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh said, the process of HESA Kowsar fighter jet development is quickly underway.
• Mikoyan MiG-29 crashed in Ardebil on training flight IRNA 25 Dec 2019 -- A security source in East Azarbaijan said on Wednesday that the plane crashed in Sabalan was a Mikoyan MiG-29 on training flight.
• Iranian military plane crashes in Ardebil province IRNA 25 Dec 2019 -- An airplane has crashed in Ardebil province, northwestern Iran, a local official said adding that details of the accidents are under investigation.
• Fighter jet crashes in Iran's NW Ardabil Province Press TV 25 Dec 2019 -- A military jet has crashed in the vicinity of Sabalan Mountain in Iran's northwestern Ardabil Province, with no information still available on the the fate of the crew.
• Iranian Military Aircraft Crashes Into Mountain Range RFE/RL 25 Dec 2019 -- An Iranian military aircraft crashed into a mountain range in the northwest of the country, state media reported.
• Iran, Russia, China set to hold joint naval drills aimed at safeguarding international trade security Press TV 25 Dec 2019 -- Iran, Russia and China are set to hold joint military drills in the internationals waters of the Indian Ocean and the Sea of Oman with the aim of promoting the security of international trade in the strategic regions, says the spokesman for Iranian Armed Forces.
• Enemies have no choice but to surrender to Iranian nation's resolve: President Rouhani ISNA 25 Dec 2019 -- Speaking in a cabinet session on Wednesday, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani congratulated the birthday of Jesus Christ to all Christians and Muslims in Iran and around the world, saying, "Jesus Christ is one of the greatest messengers of God and his birthday is a celebration for Muslims and Christians".
• Remarks by President Trump During Video Teleconference with Members of the Military | Palm Beach, FL The White House 25 Dec 2019

Defense Industry

Other Conflicts

• Saudi strike on Sa'ada flagrant violation of international human rights laws: Yemeni Ministry Press TV 25 Dec 2019 -- The Yemeni Ministry of Human Rights has strongly condemned the deadly Saudi-led airstrike in the country's mountainous northwestern province of Sa'ada, which claimed the lives of more than a dozen people, describing it as a blatant violation of humanitarian principles.
• Syrian Militants Refuse to Peacefully Surrender City in Idlib Province - Official Sputnik 25 Dec 2019 -- The militants controlling the Syrian city of Maarat al-Numan in the Idlib province have refused to give it up peacefully during negotiations with the Syrian government, Omar Rahmon, a member of the National Reconciliation Committee, said on Wednesday.
• Four Blasts Across Baghdad Injure at Least 13 Civilians - Source Sputnik 25 Dec 2019 -- Four explosions hit on Wednesday the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, leaving at least 13 people injured, a source in the country's security services said.
• Erdogan Claims Turkey Still Ready to Send Troops to Libya Amid Surprise Visit to Tunisia Sputnik 25 Dec 2019 -- On 21 December, the Turkish parliament ratified an agreement on military cooperation signed with Libya's Tripoli-based government. Erdogan has mentioned the possibility of sending Turkish troops to Libya if Tripoli makes a request.
• Turkish Agreements with GNA Not Ratified by Parliament and Therefore Have No Validity - Libyan Envoy Sputnik 25 Dec 2019 -- The Turkish parliament has ratified a memorandum on military cooperation that was signed with Libya last month. The agreement has been ratified by the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA). Under the agreement, Libya could receive military aid from Ankara.
• Violent attack in Burkina Faso leaves dozens of women dead, draws censure of UN chief UN News 25 Dec 2019 -- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has "strongly" condemned an attack carried out yesterday by unidentified gunmen in northern Burkina Faso.
• Militant attack kills 35 civilians in Burkina Faso, 80 terrorists killed Press TV 25 Dec 2019 -- A double militant attack in northern Burkina Faso has killed 35 civilians, almost all of them women.
• At Least 35 Civilians Killed in Militant Attack in Burkina Faso - President Sputnik 25 Dec 2019 -- At least 35 civilians, mainly women, were killed as a result of a terrorist attack in Burkina Faso's northern province of Soum, President Roch Marc said in a statement on Tuesday.
• Ukraine Launches Criminal Probe Over Russia's Railway Bridge To Crimea RFE/RL 25 Dec 2019 -- Kyiv has launched a criminal investigation after a Russian passenger train arrived in Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula using a controversial, Russian-built bridge.
• 'Israel freezes Jordan Valley annexation bid after ICC decision for war crimes probe' Press TV 25 Dec 2019 -- Israel has reportedly halted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to annex the Jordan Valley in the wake of a decision by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to launch a probe into the regime's war crimes in the occupied Palestinian territories.

News Reports

• Navalny Says Ally Was 'Kidnapped' By Army, Sent To Arctic Military Base RFE/RL 25 Dec 2019 -- Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny said that one of his allies was "illegally" drafted to the army and was sent to serve at a remote Arctic base, in a move he said amounted to kidnapping.
• Taiwan slams China over criticism of anti-infiltration bill CNA 25 Dec 2019 -- Taipei berated Beijing Wednesday for its criticism of a proposed anti-infiltration bill that Taiwan's ruling party has vowed to push through the Legislature before the end of the year.
• 'We'll deal with it,' Trump brushes off N Korea warning of 'Christmas gift' Press TV 25 Dec 2019 -- President Donald Trump says that the United States will deal with North Korea "very successfully" after Pyongyang's warning of a "Christmas gift."
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference on December 25, 2019 PRC MofA 25 Dec 2019
• Tear Gas Shrouds Hong Kong in 'White Christmas' as Protests Continue Radio Free Asia 25 Dec 2019 -- Police fired tear gas at crowds of people in Hong Kong on Christmas Day in the latest in a string of operations targeting peaceful protesters, Christmas shoppers, tourists and passers-by that saw more than 100 people arrested during the festive season.
• Clashes Mar Christmas Celebrations in Hong Kong VOA 25 Dec 2019 -- Christmas festivities turned tense in Hong Kong late Wednesday when police fired tear gas and used pepper spray on anti-government protesters and made arrests amid a second day of hostile confrontations.
• Concerns Grow For Disappeared Chinese Rights Activists At Christmas Radio Free Asia 25 Dec 2019 -- Authorities in the Chinese provinces of Liaoning and Hunan have detained two activists who showed open support for the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong.
• China relaxes hukou restrictions to invigorate development Global Times 25 Dec 2019 -- The State Council Wednesday issued opinion documents that call for the cancellation of hukou restrictions in all Chinese mainland cities with fewer than 3 million permanent residents.
• Iran's view on ties with China strategic: Kharazi ISNA 25 Dec 2019 -- Head of Iran's Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, Kamal Kharazi noted Iran's view toward relations with Beijing is strategic and comprehensive.
• Russia, China want Iran to adopt FATF rules: Chief banker Press TV 25 Dec 2019 -- The governor of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) has said that China and Russia have urged Tehran to adopt a series of rules by the global money laundering watchdog FATF to allow trade between Iran and allies to continue smoothly.
• Iran not the only country subjected to US pressure campaign: Rouhani Press TV 25 Dec 2019 -- President Hassan Rouhani says Iran is not the only nation that is bearing the brunt of the economic woes caused by the US pressure campaign.
• Iran Restricts Internet Access Ahead Of Possible Protests RFE/RL 25 Dec 2019 -- Iran has shut down mobile Internet access to overseas sites in several provinces, a day before possible protests.
• Iran Eliminates 13 People With Terrorist Links Who Took Part in November Unrest - Reports Sputnik 25 Dec 2019 -- Iran's security forces have eliminated 13 people who had links to the perpetrators of the 2018 terrorist attack in the southwestern city of Ahvaz and were also among participants of the unrest that hit the country in November, the Fars news agency reported on Wednesday.
• Iran's Non-Oil Exports Show 'Astonishing' Results Despite US Sanctions - Official Sputnik 25 Dec 2019 -- Iran's non-oil exports are doing well in the face of the unprecedented pressure the country's manufacturers have been experiencing, with 70 percent of the hard currency earned as a result still returning to the Islamic republic, the head of the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran (TPO) has said.
• Long March-5 rocket ready to be launched by year-end Global Times 25 Dec 2019 -- The Long March-5, China's most powerful rocket and a critical ingredient in the nation's ambitious space program, will be launched a third time by the end of December.
• Commercial space industry is soaring Global Times 25 Dec 2019 -- China's commercial space sector is growing rapidly and its development is reaching a climax this year with domestic players making technology breakthroughs, executives and industry analysts told the Global Times on Wednesday.
• Venture capital dreams of investing in China's private satellite launches Global Times 25 Dec 2019 -- Could China's private companies dream of soaring into space? Yes, of course - with the support of venture capital (VC) investors.
• Mainland implements measures to benefit Taiwan compatriots Global Times 26 Dec 2019 -- A total of 102 local governments in the Chinese mainland have implemented preferential policies for Taiwan residents on housing, education, and travel, officials announced during a press conference at the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office on Wednesday.
• Roscosmos Says Russia Will Take Part in US Lunar Gateway Space Station Project Sputnik 25 Dec 2019 -- Russia has decided to resume talks on its participation in the US Lunar Gateway space station project, Director General of Russian State Space Corporation Roscosmos Dmitry Rogozin said.
• Kuwait, Saudi Arabia agree to divide Neutral Zone along border People's Daily 25 Dec 2019 -- Kuwait and Saudi Arabia signed on Tuesday agreements to divide the Neutral Zone between the two countries, the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported.
• Myanmar, Though Suspicious of China, Edges Closer to Beijing for Safety VOA 25 Dec 2019 -- Myanmar has crafted a neutral foreign policy since its colonial years to avoid leaning too much on any foreign power, but a spiraling political crisis at home is pushing it toward China as a buffer against international outrage.
• Iraqi Parliament Approves New Electoral Law - Reports Sputnik 25 Dec 2019 -- Iraq's unicameral legislature, the Council of Representatives, approved a new electoral law, which was a key demand of protesters seeking to make elections fairer, however, it did not break a political deadlock as an interim Prime Minister is still to be selected, media reported.
• Pakistan Slams 'Arbitrary' U.S. Listing For Religious Freedom Violations RFE/RL 25 Dec 2019 -- Pakistan has condemned being placed by the U.S. State Department on a list of countries violating religious freedom.
• Pakistan Wishes to Be Seen by US 'Not Through Prisms of Other Countries' VOA 25 Dec 2019 -- Pakistan became a sovereign state in 1947, following the end of British rule of the large area in South Asia known as the subcontinent. Throughout its more than 70 years of history, the country has been a "frontline state" in global power play, as one of the country's former ambassadors to the United States puts it.
• Oman preparing for succession process as sultan's health deteriorates: Reports Press TV 25 Dec 2019 -- Recent reports suggest that Oman is preparing for a process to appoint a successor to its ailing sultan, who has been suffering from resurgent colorectal cancer.
• US orchestrated 'coup' to tap Bolivia's lithium: Morales Press TV 25 Dec 2019 -- Former Bolivian President Evo Morales has accused the United States of orchestrating a "coup" aimed at gaining access to the Latin American country's vast lithium resources.