27 December 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Poisonings, Assassination, And A Coup: The Secret Soviet Invasion Of Afghanistan RFE/RL 27 Dec 2019 -- Afghanistan's communist President Hafizullah Amin was lying unconscious in his bed.

Defense Policy / Programs

Pendleton Marines put Amphibious Combat Vehicle to the test USMC News 27 Dec 2019 -- The world is constantly advancing around us. As the most feared fighting force in the world, it is imperative Marines advance their capabilities along with it. The Corps' new Amphibious Combat Vehicle is here to improve Marines' amphibious capabilities.
Kentucky Guard first to receive ACFT equipment Army News 27 Dec 2019 -- The U.S. Army's new Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) goes into effect on Oct. 1, 2020. In order to meet that timeline, equipment for the ACFT has started shipping - and the Kentucky National Guard is the first of all three Army components (active, Guard, Reserve) to receive the initial fielding.
Diego Garcia Public Works Department: Keeping the Lights On NNS 27 Dec 2019 -- Sailors and civilians stationed at Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Far East Public Works Department (PWD) provide a wide-range of shore facilities management.
US keeps Guantanamo Bay prison open through 2020, blocks prisoner transfers Press TV 27 Dec 2019 -- The notorious US military prison at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba is set to stay open for at least another year and prisoner transfers to the United States will continue to remain prohibited, according to a recently-passed law.
Air Force sets foundation for energy optimization, lethality US Air Force 27 Dec 2019 -- As 2020 approaches and the Air Force prepares to take on the challenges of the next decade, we must also review our successes and lessons learned from the last year. For Air Force Operational Energy, 2019 was a year for laying the foundation to build a more optimized and lethal force in the years to come.

Avangard changes everything: What Russia’s hypersonic warhead deployment means for the global arms race RT 27 Dec 2019 -- Moscow’s deployment of ‘Avangard’ hypersonic warheads means the US missile defense installations in Europe are now obsolete – and that Washington would have to spend a lot of money it doesn’t have in order to catch up.
Russia outdoes US with deployment of first hypersonic nuclear-capable missiles Press TV 27 Dec 2019 -- Russia has entered into service its first hypersonic, nuclear-capable "Avangard" missiles, marking a significant upgrade to its combat capabilities, amid an effective arms race with the United States.
Russia Says 'Avangard' Hypersonic-Missile System Now Deployed RFE/RL 27 Dec 2019 -- Russia's Defense Ministry says it has informed President Vladimir Putin that the controversial new hypersonic, intercontinental-range Avangard missile system has been put into service.
Russia's Avangard Hypersonic Missile System Has Entered Into Service: What We Know So Far Sputnik 27 Dec 2019 -- The Avangard is one of half-a-dozen new defence systems unveiled by Moscow in early 2018 as a means of restoring the global strategic nuclear balance amid NATO efforts to press up against Russia's borders and create elements of a ground-based missile shield in Romania and Poland.

U.S. responds to Chinese aircraft carrier transit in Taiwan Strait CNA 27 Dec 2019 -- The U.S. State Department urged China to "abstain from coercion" on Thursday, following the transit of a Chinese aircraft carrier through the Taiwan Strait earlier that day.
US Warns China Against 'Coercion' of Taiwan After Beijing's Carrier Passes Island Sputnik 27 Dec 2019 -- Washington has issued a warning to Beijing and is calling for the government to engage in dialogue with Taipei following the recent passage of the People's Liberation Army Navy's newest aircraft carrier through the Taiwan Strait.

Official slams Washington's military bill People's Daily 27 Dec 2019 -- Any attempts by the United States to stifle China's development will be in vain, and will only backfire and harm the US, Senior Colonel Wu Qian, a spokesman at the Ministry of National Defense, said at a news briefing in Beijing on Thursday.
Year-end review of Chinese People's Liberation Army People's Daily 27 Dec 2019 -- As the end of 2019 approaches, it's time to do a year-end review of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).
China's domestically built warship sails through Taiwan Strait Press TV 27 Dec 2019 -- China has dispatched its first domestically-made aircraft carrier into the Taiwan Strait, in a move which Taipei described as an "intimidation" tactic ahead of the islands presidential election.
Shandong sails through Taiwan Straits Global Times 27 Dec 2019-- China's second aircraft carrier Shandong reportedly sailed through the Taiwan Straits on Thursday in its apparent first-ever mission after joining the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy last week.
Chinese military spokesperson urges U.S. not to implement negative fiscal clauses PLA Daily 27 Dec 2019-- A Chinese military spokesperson Thursday urged the United States not to implement the China-related negative clauses in a newly signed act.

China, Iran, Russia joint drill commonplace IRNA 27 Dec 2019 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang while referring to the beginning of a joint China-Russia-Iran military drill in the Indian Ocean and Sea of Oman said that the drill is a normal military exercise by the three countries.
Iran, Russia, China start joint maritime drill in Indian Ocean, Gulf of Oman IRNA 27 Dec 2019 -- The Islamic Republic of Iran, Russia and China started on Friday their joint military maneuver in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Oman.
Iran, Russia, China launch joint maritime drills in Indian Ocean, Sea of Oman Press TV 27 Dec 2019 -- Iran, Russia and China have begun a four-day joint maritime exercise in the Indian Ocean and the Sea of Oman area.
Russia, Iran, China Begin Joint Naval Drills in Northern Part of Indian Ocean Sputnik 27 Dec 2019 -- Russia, Iran and China have begun a joint naval exercise in the northern Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Oman, the Iranian Navy said on Friday.
Joint Chinese-Iranian-Russian naval drills support balance of power PLA Daily 27 Dec 2019 -- Four departments under China's Central Military Commission (CMC) recently organized three joint supervision panels to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the military training works in CMC organs for the first time.
Iran-China-Russia naval drills show broader commitment to secure vital waterways: FM Zarif Press TV 27 Dec 2019 -- Iran says its joint naval drills with China and Russia in the Indian Ocean and the Sea of Oman reaffirm its resolve to secure vital waterways.
China, Russia, Iran to hold joint naval exercise PLA Daily 27 Dec 2019-- China, Russia and Iran will hold a joint naval exercise from Dec. 27 to 30 in the Gulf of Oman, a Chinese military spokesperson told a press conference Thursday.

Germany's 2019 Military Export Reaches Record $8.85Bln - Reports Sputnik 27 Dec 2019 -- The German government approved 7.95 billion euros ($8.85 billion) worth of military equipment sales in 2019, beating the record it set in 2015, the Deutsche Presse-Agentur news agency reported on Friday, citing the government's response to lawmakers' request.

Dreams Hang Fire: India's Ambitious Fifth-Gen Fighter Aircraft Faces Delay Over Funding Shortage Sputnik 27 Dec 2019 -- Earlier this year, the head of the IAF announced the abandonment of a joint project with Russia to produce India' own fifth generation fighter aircraft. India is spending less on research; a paltry 1/12 on R&D what was spent by its arch-rival China this year.
Indian Air Force Bids Adieu to MiG-27 Ground Attack Fighter Jet Fleet Sputnik 27 Dec 2019 -- The MiG 27 has contributed immensely to the defence of India, both in times of war and peace. The four-decades-old fleet of fighter jets reached the pinnacle of glory during the 1999 Kargil conflict with Pakistan when the MiGs fired rockets and bombs with great success and accuracy on enemy positions.

Okinawa governor renews demand to stop US base relocation plan Press TV 27 Dec 2019 -- The Okinawa's governor has renewed calls on the central government in Japan to halt the controversial construction plan of a US airbase being relocated in the southern Japanese island despite strong opposition from local residents.
Japan Okays First-Ever Post-WWII Military Deployment to Protect Middle East Oil Route - Report Sputnik 27 Dec 2019 -- Tokyo began to express concerns over security in the Middle East after one of its tankers was damaged in an apparent sabotage attack during Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's peacemaking trip to Tehran this past summer.

'Second to None': Turkey May Seek More S-400s Amid Row With US, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Says Sputnik 27 Dec 2019 -- Russia finalised the delivery of all components of the S-400 air defence missile systems to Turkey earlier this year. According to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, the S-400 will be fully operational in April 2020.

Ukraine Says It Has New Contracts For Second Batch Of U.S. Javelin Missiles RFE/RL 27 Dec 2019 -- Deputy Defense Minister Anatoliy Petrenko says Kyiv recently concluded contracts for the delivery of a second batch of Javelin U.S. anti-tank missile systems.

Swedish Defence Minister Pins Massive Military Build-Up on Russia Sputnik 27 Dec 2019 -- Despite committing billions of kronor to defence in the coming years, to revamp the military back to its Cold War-era status, a recent report presented by Supreme Commander Micael Bydén says Swedish defence will still fall short of $4.3 billion if the will of politicians' is fully implemented.

Italian Company Wins $1.3Bln Contract to Build 4 Warships for Saudi Arabia - Fincantieri Sputnik 27 Dec 2019 -- An Italian shipbuilding company will construct four new warships for Saudi Arabia within a consortium led by Lockheed Martin at a shipyard in the US Midwest, Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FNN) said in a press release on Friday.

Defense Industry

Contracts For Dec. 27, 2019
China's homegrown large passenger jet achieves milestone Global Times 27 Dec 2019 -- China's domestically developed passenger plane C919 reached another milestone on Friday after a sixth prototype completed its first test flight in Shanghai, as the manufacturer accelerates final preparations before breaking into the lucrative civil aviation market currently dominated by Western companies.
'Serious American' Companies Studying Purchase Of Ukraine Motor Sich, U.S. Top Diplomat Says RFE/RL 27 Dec 2019 -- William Taylor, the outgoing top U.S. diplomat to Ukraine, said "serious American" companies are studying the possible purchase of Motor Sich, one of the world’s top makers of aircraft engines.

Other Conflicts

Several Saudi forces killed, wounded in Yemeni attack on Najran base Press TV 27 Dec 2019 -- The Yemeni army has successfully hit a Saudi base in Najran belonging to the country's border guards with a ballistic missile in a retaliatory attack that killed and wounded dozens of Saudi forces, says the Army spokesman.
Saudi-Led Coalition 'Drowning in Yemen', Houthi Envoy Claims Sputnik 27 Dec 2019 -- Saudi Arabia and a coalition of mostly Gulf State allies began a military operation in Yemen in 2015, seeking to restore the southern Arabian country's ousted government to power.
Yemen's Houthis Target Saudi Border Guard Base with Ballistic Missile Sputnik 27 Dec 2019 -- For several years, Yemen has been engulfed in an armed conflict between government forces, led by President Abdrabuh Mansour Hadi, and the Houthi movement. The Saudi-led coalition has been carrying out airstrikes against the Houthis at Hadi's request since March 2015.

Russia, Turkey Conduct Joint Patrols in Syrian Province of Aleppo Sputnik 27 Dec 2019 -- Russia and Turkey have conducted joint patrols in Syria's Aleppo province along the Syria-Turkey border, Major General Yuri Borenkov, the head of the Russian Centre for Syrian reconciliation, said on Thursday.

Daesh attack on Iraq's Samarra repelled by Hashd al-Sha'abi forces Press TV 27 Dec 2019 -- The Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), better known by their Arabic name Hashd al-Sha'abi, says it has fought off an attack by the Daesh terrorist group against an area south of the Iraqi city of Samarra.

White House: Trump, Egypt's Sisi in Phone Call Agree Urgent Steps Needed to Resolve Libya Conflict Sputnik 27 Dec 2019 -- US President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi agreed during a Thursday phone that they reject "foreign exploitation" in Libya and that the involved parties must take "urgent steps" to resolve the conflict, according to the White House.

'Russia Rejects Deployment of Turkish Troops to Libya' Peskov teleSUR 27 Dec 2019 -- The Kremlin warns that a foreign military intervention may be the worst option to achieve peace in Libya.
Four reasons why Turkey backs the UN-recognised Libyan government TRT World 27 Dec 2019 -- Ankara responds to Tripoli's request for military assistance as warlord Khalifa Haftar continues to pose a threat.
Turkey To Send Troops To Libya Amid Warnings From Russia RFE/RL 27 Dec 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says his country will send troops to Libya at Tripoli's request as soon as January, a move that could put them face-to-face with Kremlin-linked mercenaries allegedly fighting in the troubled North African country.
Turkish Defence Ministry Says Fully Prepared to Deploy Troops to Libya - Reports Sputnik 27 Dec 2019 -- The Turkish Armed Forces are ready to be deployed to Libya if necessary, media reported on Friday, citing National Defence Ministry Spokeswoman Nadide Sebnem Aktop.

Bangladesh Pushes Back Against Criticism of Security Measures at Rohingya Camps Radio Free Asia 27 Dec 2019 -- Bangladeshi officials on Friday defended security measures aimed at "protecting" Rohingya refugees, after an international NGO said in a new study that barbed-wire fencing, watchtowers and restrictions on phone use and movement could drive refugees toward crime or extremism.
Arakan Army Detains Two Workers From Myanmar Military-Backed Telecom Company Radio Free Asia 27 Dec 2019 -- The Arakan Army has detained two employees from the Myanmar military-backed MyTel telecom operator after abducting them as they traveled for work in northern Rakhine state, where rebel and national forces have been engaged in intensified fighting over the past year, a company spokesman said Friday.

South Korea Holds Low-Key Drills Near Disputed Islets to Avoid Escalation With Japan - Reports Sputnik 27 Dec 2019 -- The South Korean Navy held on Friday regular military exercises to strengthen the defence capabilities of its eastern flank near the Liancourt Rocks, a group of islets in the Sea of Japan that is claimed by both Seoul and Tokyo, media reported on Friday, citing a source familiar with the situation.

News Reports

European Commission President Criticizes U.S. Nord Stream Sanctions RFE/RL 27 Dec 2019 -- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on December 27 criticized new U.S. legislation that imposes sanctions on European companies building the Russian Nord Stream 2 natural-gas pipeline to Germany.
Russia Officially Challenges WADA Doping Ban RFE/RL 27 Dec 2019 -- Russia says it has lodged a formal protest to a decision by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to ban that country from major sporting events for four years over doping violations including the alleged faking of evidence.
Russian Church Cuts Ties With Alexandria Patriarchate Over Ukraine Church Recognition RFE/RL 27 Dec 2019 -- The Russian Orthodox Church has cut ties with the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and all of Africa Patriarch Theodore II after he recognized the independence of Ukraine's church from Moscow.

US steps up surveillance over Korean Peninsula ahead of year-end deadline Press TV 27 Dec 2019 -- The United States has stepped up surveillance over North Korea after Pyongyang promised a "Christmas gift" which Washington interpreted as new missile test amid rising tension between the two sides ahead of the end of the year.
No Sign of North Korean 'Christmas Gift' to US Despite Previous Concerns Sputnik 27 Dec 2019 -- North Korea's threat to deliver a "Christmas gift" to the US appears to be overestimated as no reports of military action by Pyongyang were registered as of late Wednesday.
North Korea Cracks Down on Illegal Entry Into Pyongyang Radio Free Asia 27 Dec 2019 -- Authorities in North Korea are attempting to prevent people from the countryside, including members of the military, from entering the capital city of Pyongyang illegally, RFA has learned.

Russia says extension of UN arms embargo on Iran out of question Press TV 27 Dec 2019 -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has ruled out the possibility of renewing a UN arms embargo against Iran which is to expire in October 2020 in line with the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers.
Iranians Honor Dead Protesters Despite Clampdown, Internet Outages RFE/RL 27 Dec 2019 -- Family and supporters of some of the Iranians who died during anti-government unrest in November have gathered at a number of cemeteries to mark 40 days since the protesters were killed amid one of the country's harshest crackdowns in decades.
Iran Ramps up Repression to Stop Memorials for Slain Protesters VOA 27 Dec 2019 -- Iran intensified its suppression of internal dissent Thursday, breaking up a memorial for a man killed in recent anti-government protests, flooding streets with security forces and slashing mobile internet access.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference on December 27, 2019 PRC MofA 27 Dec 2019
Xinjiang in safest period, wounds healing after three peaceful years Global Times 27 Dec 2019 -- Saturday marks three consecutive years of peace and stability for Northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region since the last terror attack struck Hotan Prefecture's Moyu county on December 28, 2016.
China Denies Jailed Former Xinjiang University President Sentenced to Death Radio Free Asia 27 Dec 2019 -- China on Friday denied reports that the jailed former head of Xinjiang University Tashpolat Teyip had been tried and sentenced to death, a day after the United Nations expressed concern over his case and demanded clarification on his situation.
Thousands Rally in Indonesia, Malaysia to Protest China's Treatment of Uyghurs Radio Free Asia 27 Dec 2019 -- Thousands of people took to the streets in Indonesia and Malaysia on Friday to protest against China's internment of nearly 2 million ethnic Uyghurs and other Muslims in camps in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), amid growing calls for action over their plight.

China's state-of-the-art carrier rocket sends satellite to orbit Global Times 27 Dec 2019 -- China's heavy-lift launch vehicle Long March-5 returned to flight after a break of more than two years, as it successfully sent a high-throughput communication satellite Shijian-20 into planned orbit on Friday, marking a huge comeback for the currently strongest member of the country's carrier rocket family.

Russia Launches Rokot Carrier Rocket, Its Last Space Launch of 2019 Sputnik 27 Dec 2019 -- The rocket is carrying three Gonets-M communication satellites and a Blitz-M technology satellite to orbit and marks Russia's 25th space launch this year.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Trounces Challenger in Primaries VOA 27 Dec 2019 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Thursday won a resounding victory over Likud challenger Gideon Saar, winning more than 72% of the vote. The vote gives Netanyahu a boost going into Israel's third general election in a year, scheduled for early March.
Israel's Netanyahu Declares Victory in Ruling Party Leadership Primary Sputnik 27 Dec 2019 -- On 26 December, voters supporting Israel's right-wing Likud Party headed to polling stations in order to determine who will lead their party in the upcoming general election in early 2020.

Myanmar Village Administrator Gets Year in Prison For Protest Over Chinese Cement Plant Radio Free Asia 27 Dec 2019 -- A Myanmar village administrator was sentenced Friday to one year in jail with hard labor on charges of defaming the state for getting involved in a rally in May against a Chinese-backed coal-powered cement factory in Mandalay region, the man's lawyer said Friday.

Former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf Challenges Death Sentence in Lahore High Court Sputnik 27 Dec 2019 -- A special court in Pakistan had handed out the death sentence to former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on 19 December in a treason case. Musharraf, after escaping the country in March 2016, has been living in self-imposed exile and seeking medical treatment at a Dubai hospital.

Pakistan Captures 5 Suspected al-Qaida Operatives VOA 27 Dec 2019 -- Authorities in eastern Pakistan announced Friday counterterrorism forces have captured five suspected al-Qaida operatives planning attacks on security officials.

Naftogaz Receives $2.9 Billion Payment From Gazprom With New Agreement RFE/RL 27 Dec 2019 -- Naftogaz, Ukraine's state-owned gas company, has said it received $2.9 billion from Russia's Gazprom to settle a legal fight, part of a larger deal the two companies reached earlier this month.
Gazprom Completes $2.9 Bln Payment to Ukraine's Naftogaz in Move to Settle Long-Running Gas Dispute Sputnik 27 Dec 2019 -- In February 2018, the Stockholm Arbitration Court ordered the Russian gas giant to pay Naftogaz some $2.56 billion over its alleged failure to ship agreed-upon amounts of gas through the Ukrainian pipeline network en route to Europe. The dispute became a part of the broader conflict between Russia and Ukraine in the wake of the 2014 coup in Kiev.

Hezbollah says supports new govt. capable of rescuing Lebanon economy Press TV 27 Dec 2019 -- Hezbollah supports a new government capable of quickly carrying out essential reforms in the cash-strapped country of Lebanon as further economic deterioration, including the risk of sharp currency devaluation, would exacerbate social tensions, an official with the Lebanese resistance movement says.

Opposition Activists Increasingly Flee Cambodia For Thailand Amid Government Pressure Radio Free Asia 27 Dec 2019 -- An increasing number of activists from Cambodia's opposition party are fleeing to Thailand to pursue their goals amid growing pressure from local authorities, they said Friday, despite what appears to be a relative easing of restrictions on the country's political space.

Montenegro Passes Law On Religious Communities Amid Anger, Protests RFE/RL 27 Dec 2019 -- Montenegro's parliament, in a session marred by violent protests inside and outside the chamber, has adopted a law on religious communities that the opposition fears could strip the Serbian Orthodox Church of its property.

Chilean President Signs Decree on Holding Referendum Next Year to Amend Constitution Amid Protests Sputnik 27 Dec 2019 -- Chilean President Sebastian Pinera signed on Friday a decree on holding a referendum regarding the amendment of the country's constitution on April 26, 2020, thus implementing the agreement with the opposition amid ongoing anti-government protests.

Haiti: Food insecurity expected to rise next year, UN humanitarian agency reports UN News 27 Dec 2019 -- The number of Haitians who do not have sufficient food to eat is expected to surpass four million next year, the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, said on Friday.

Debate Intensifies Over Future of CFA Franc in West Africa VOA 27 Dec 2019 -- Debate on the future of the CFA franc in the six-member Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) has intensified after it was announced last week that eight West African countries agreed to change the name of their common currency to Eco. They also severed the CFA franc's links to former colonial ruler France.

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