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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• Statement on Hill Briefing DoD 03 Jan 2020
• Remarks by President Trump on the Killing of Qasem Soleimani The White House 03 Jan 2020
• Pentagon confirms U.S. killed senior Iranian commander People's Daily 03 Jan 2020 -- The U.S. Department of Defense announced on Thursday night that U.S. forces had carried out a strike that killed Qasem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps.
• Senior DOD Official Describes Rationale for Attack on Quds Force Commander DoD News 03 Jan 2020 -- President Donald J. Trump last night directed, and the Defense Department subsequently launched, an airstrike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the head of the Quds Force, a senior DOD official said during a news teleconference.
• US sending thousands of additional troops to Middle East: Pentagon Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- The Pentagon has announced that the United States is sending at least 3,000 additional troops to the Middle East after the US assassination of Iranian Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani.
• US Forces Carried Out Strikes to Kill Iran's Soleimani at Direction of Trump – Pentagon Sputnik 03 Jan 2020 -- The US armed forces carried out on Friday airstrikes in Baghdad to kill Commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, at the direction of President Donald Trump, the Department of Defence said.
• Iranian Quds Commander Qasem Soleimani, PMF Deputy Leader Killed in Baghdad Airport Attack - Report Sputnik 03 Jan 2020 -- Iraq's Shia Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) said on Friday that several members of the militia, as well as several " guests", were killed by rocket fire near the Baghdad International Airport.
• Gen. Soleimani should have been killed 'many years ago': Trump Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- US President Donald Trump has doubled down on the insanity of the assassination of the commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), saying Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani should have been killed "many years ago."
• U.S. Democratic, Republican Responses Differ To Soleimani Strike RFE/RL 03 Jan 2020 -- A senior U.S. Democrat says lawmakers were not informed in advance of the U.S. attack that killed a top Iranian military commander who was traveling in Iraq.
• 'We Caught Him in the Act': Trump Says US Did Not Kill Soleimani to Start War With Iran Sputnik 03 Jan 2020 -- Speaking from Mar-a-lago on Friday, US President Donald Trump addressed for the first time the US airstrike that killed Qasem Soleimani, the head of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force.
• Soleimani Was Plotting 'Big Action' Threatening Hundreds of Americans - Pompeo Defends US Airstrike Sputnik 03 Jan 2020 -- The United States carried out an airstrike in Baghdad, Iraq in the early hours of Friday in order to "protect US personnel abroad". As a result of the strike, several people were killed including Iranian top military leader Qasem Soleimani.
• Trump Says Killing of Iran's Quds Force Commander Overdue VOA 03 Jan 2020 -- U.S. President Donald Trump is defending the U.S. airstrike that killed one of Iran's most powerful generals, brushing aside threats from Tehran that it will exact a harsh revenge.
• Trump Hails Death of Iranian General, Says 'Reign of Terror is Over' VOA 03 Jan 2020 -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday celebrated the death of the commander of Iran's elite Quds Force, saying the airstrike that killed the shadowy Qassem Soleimani was long overdue.
• US Kills Commander of Iran's Elite Quds Force VOA 03 Jan 2020 -- The United States struck a significant and potentially risky blow against Iran, killing the leader of the nation's elite Quds Force in an airstrike in Iraq.
• Qasem Soleimani: What We Know About Iranian Elite Force's General That US Took Aim at Sputnik 03 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps' Major General Qasem Soleimani was killed in rocket fire in Baghdad days after an attempted raid on the US Embassy by Iran-linked Iraqi Shia protesters.
• Senior IRGC commander Qasem Soleimani martyred in Iraq IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Senior commander of the IRGC's Quds Forces Major General Qasem Soleimani was martyred in a terrorist operation in Baghdad Friday morning, official media resources said.
• Commander of Iran's Quds Force, Iraq's PMU deputy head assassinated in US strike Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- Major General Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the second-in-command of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), have been assassinated in US airstrikes in the Iraqi capital Baghdad.
• Top Iranian General Killed In U.S. Air Strike In Iraq RFE/RL 03 Jan 2020 -- The United States has killed the powerful commander of Iran's elite Quds Force in an Iraqi air strike in a dramatic escalation of hostilities that prompted a threat from Tehran of "severe retaliation" and an accusation by the Iraqi prime minister of an "outrageous breach."
• Who was General Qassem Soleimani? Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- Major General Qassem Soleimani, whose assassination by the US was confirmed earlier on Friday, had played a major role in defending Iran against its enemies and assisting regional countries fight foreign occupation and terrorism.
• Iraqi paramilitary leader, top Iranian commander killed in attack near Baghdad airport People's Daily 03 Jan 2020 -- An attack near Baghdad International Airport on Friday has killed top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhamdis, the deputy top leader of Iraq's paramilitary Hashd Shaabi forces.
• Iran's Shadowy Military Commander May Prove Tough Foe in Death VOA 03 Jan 2020 -- General Qassem Soleimani, the larger-than-life head of Iran's elite Quds Force, had escaped death many times, but he couldn't flee the U.S. drone-launched missile that struck his convoy shortly after he arrived in Baghdad from Lebanon.
• Commander of Iran’s Quds Force, PMU deputy head martyred in US strike Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- Major General Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the second-in-command of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), have been killed in US airstrikes in the Iraqi capital Baghdad.
• Iran's Powerful Quds Force Chief Reportedly Killed In U.S. Air Strike In Iraq RFE/RL 03 Jan 2020 -- Multiple news sources, including Iraqi state TV, are reporting that Qasem Soleimani, the ultra-powerful commander of Iran's Quds Force, has been killed in an apparent U.S. air strike in Baghdad.
• Iranian Quds Commander Qasem Soleimani, PMF Deputy Leader Killed in Baghdad Airport Attack - Report Sputnik 03 Jan 2020 -- Iraq's Shia Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) said on Friday that several members of the militia, as well as several " guests", were killed by rocket fire near the Baghdad International Airport.
• US Behind Baghdad Airport Attack That Killed Iranian Quds Commander, PMF Deputy Leader - Report Sputnik 03 Jan 2020 -- Earlier in the day, Iraq's Shia Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) said on Friday that five members of the militia as well as "two guests" had been killed by rocket fire near the Baghdad International Airport, media reported.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Adaptation is key to determining network resilience in cyberattacks, study finds Army News 03 Jan 2020 -- A new study shows that traditional markers of a computer network's resilience are not solely effective in determining its ability to accomplish missions.
• U.S. Naval War College Hosts Conference on Revisions to Legal Manual Regarding Armed Conflict at Sea NNS 03 Jan 2020 -- The U.S. Naval War College gathered experts in naval operations and maritime law for a conference Dec. 17-18 on an upcoming revision to the San Remo Manual, the principal legal document regarding armed conflicts at sea.
• Experts: Killing of Iranian Commander Sends Message to North Korea VOA 03 Jan 2020 -- U.S. efforts to deal with Iran in the coming days could divert its attention from Pyongyang, meanwhile the killing of Iran's top military general by the U.S. could prompt North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to reassess how willing the U.S. is to use force, experts said.
• Esper on North Korea: US forces 'ready to fight tonight' Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- US Defense Secretary Mark Esper has warned North Korea that the United States remained prepared to fight if necessary.
• What We Know About Successor to Murdered Iranian Quds Force Leader, Esmail Ghaani Sputnik 03 Jan 2020 -- Ghaani's predecessor, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force General Qasem Soleimani, was killed in a US airstrike early on 3 January as he was reportedly travelling by car from Baghdad International Airport. The US justified the attack by claiming that they were defending their own diplomatic personnel in Iraq.
• Biography of new IRGC commander IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Following assassination of top IRGC Quds Force Commander Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei appointed Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani as his successor.
• Iran's Leader names new Quds commander following Gen. Soleimani's assassination Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has appointed Esmail Qaani as the new head of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force following US assassination of Major General Qassem Soleimani.
• Supreme Leader appoints Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani as new head of Quds Forces IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei appointed Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani as the successor of Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani as the Commander of the IRGC Quds Forces., to replace him as head of the country's Quds Forces.
• Army Ground Commander condoles Cmdr Soleimani's assassination IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Chief of Ground Forces of Army praised the Lieutenant- General Qasem Soleimani as a commander who spent four decades fighting the enemies of Islam and the Koran.
• The red line of martyr Soleimani continues: Senior military official IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Deputy commander of Iran's Army for Coordination Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari condoling the assassination of Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani as the great commander of the IRGC's Quds Forces, said: "The red line of resistance will continue stronger than before."
• Army Commander vows US terrorist attack not to go unanswered IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- The Chief commander of the Islamic Republic's Army, in a message on the occasion of the martyrdom of Lieutenant- General Qasem Soleimani, stated that the US cruel terrorist attack which exposed the true terrorist nature of the US government will not go unanswered.
• Defense minister vows revenge for assassination of Major Soleimani assassination IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier-General Amir Hatami in a message expressed condolences over the Martyrdom of the commander of the IRGC's Quds Forces Major General Qasem Soleimani and vowed revenge from those behind this horrendous crime.
• Iran's Armed Forces vow 'punishing response' to Soleimani's assassination Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- Iran's General Staff of Armed Forces has issued a statement vowing that elements behind the assassination of Major General Qassem Soleimani will face a punishing response.
• Iran's Supreme Leader Appoints Soleimani's Deputy as Quds Force Chief Sputnik 03 Jan 2020 -- Iranian General Qassem Soleimani was killed near Baghdad Airport earlier in the day in an airstrike authorised by the United States.
• Iran Deploys F-14 Jets to Border After Vowing to Avenge General Soleimani's Murder - Reports Sputnik 03 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Supreme leader Ali Khamenei has pledged "harsh revenge" against those responsible for killing the Quds commander, while President Rouhani similarly vowed to avenge Soleimani's death.
• What is Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard? VOA 03 Jan 2020 -- Last year, U.S. President Donald Trump labeled Iran's elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a foreign terrorist organization, an unprecedented move that marked the first time the United States had formally named another country's military terrorists. Experts said then that the decision would likely raise to a higher level the strained relationship between the two countries.
• Tsai lists 3 assurances to stabilize military after chopper crash CNA 03 Jan 2020 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) presented "three assurances" to boost military morale at a national defense meeting held Friday, one day after a deadly helicopter crash in which eight military officers died, including Chief of the General Staff Shen Yi-ming (沈一鳴).
• Four Air Force Personnel Killed in Surveillance Aircraft Crash in Sri Lanka Sputnik 03 Jan 2020 -- The Chinese-origin light twin engine Y-12 aircraft has a capability of operating from short, unprepared runways. The Sri Lankan Air Force has been operating the jet for surveillance missions.
• Secretary Michael R. Pompeo With Sean Hannity of The Sean Hannity Show US Dept. of State 03 Jan 2020
• Secretary Michael R. Pompeo With John Berman of CNN New Day US Dept. of State 03 Jan 2020
• Secretary Michael R. Pompeo With Steve Doocy, Ainsley Earhardt, and Brian Kilmeade of Fox and Friends US Dept. of State 03 Jan 2020

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Jan. 3, 2020

Other Conflicts

• 3 January 2020 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 03 Jan 2020
• Malaysia Stands by Claim to Increase South China Sea Territory Radio Free Asia 03 Jan 2020 -- Malaysia stands by its request to extend its boundary farther into the South China Sea, Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah told reporters Friday, acknowledging Chinese opposition to the move and the potential for the case to lead to arbitration before the United Nations.
• Nearly 300,000 Syrians displaced from Idlib since mid-December, Security Council hears UN News 03 Jan 2020 -- Amidst concern for the safety and protection of more than three million civilians in Syria's last rebel-held enclave, the UN's most senior humanitarian and political affairs officials briefed the Security Council on Syria behind closed doors on Friday.
• EU Concerned Over Turkey's Decision to Support Tripoli Government in Libya - Spokesman Sputnik 03 Jan 2020 -- The EU is concerned over Ankara's decision to intervene militarily in the ongoing conflict in Libya on the side of the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) as it may lead to further destabilisation of the situation in the country, lead spokesman of the European Commission for the external affairs Peter Stano said.
• Libya: UN refugee agency deeply concerned by shelling near Tripoli facility UN News 03 Jan 2020 -- Shelling near a major facility run by the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) in the Libyan capital Tripoli on Thursday, has sparked the deep concern for the safety of refugees and asylum seekers there.
• The United States Condemns Violence in West Darfur and Calls for Urgency in Reaching Peace Agreement US Dept. of State 03 Jan 2020 -- The United States condemns the recent ethnic violence in El-Geneina, the capital of West Darfur State in Sudan and welcomes the transitional government's quick deployment of additional security forces and the visit by Prime Minister Hamdok.
• Sudan urged to step up protection, restore peace, following West Darfur violence UN News 03 Jan 2020 -- Authorities in Sudan are being urged to restore peace and order in the wake of intercommunal clashes in West Darfur state which erupted on Sunday and left 65 people dead, 54 injured, and thousands displaced.
• Myanmar Orders Government Workers in Rakhine to Obtain Permission to Travel Due to Conflict Radio Free Asia 03 Jan 2020 -- The Myanmar government has ordered its employees in war-stricken Rakhine state to receive official permission before they travel by land or water amid an uptick in abductions of civilian officers by the rebel Arakan Army as it fights national forces for greater autonomy in the state, the border affairs minister said Friday.

News Reports

• Unredacted Emails Expose Pentagon Legal Concerns Over Ukraine Aid Freeze Sputnik 03 Jan 2020 -- Unredacted copies of email exchanges with the White House shine a light on Defence Department legal concerns over President Donald Trump's decision to withhold military aid to Ukraine, Justice Security reported.
• The Week In Russia: War And (The Supply Of) Peace RFE/RL 03 Jan 2020 -- Ahead of the 75th anniversary of the Allied victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, Moscow is picking fights over the causes of the conflict and the events of the bitter decades that followed, when the Soviet Union imposed communism on a captive Eastern Europe.
• FM spox: Iran's response to US message conveyed to Swiss envoy IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi on Friday said the Swiss ambassador to Tehran had been summoned as in charge of interests of the United States in Iran, and this evening Iran's response to the US message was sent to the Swiss diplomat.
• Iran: US regime not to easily survive miscalculation's consequences IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Supreme National Security Council in a statement announced that necessary decisions have been taken over IRGC Quds Force Commander Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani's assassination, adding that criminals will face firm revenge in the proper time and place.
• Araghchi: US miscalculations will lead to disaster IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in a message referred to efforts made by IRGC'S Quds Force Commander Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani in fighting ISIS and the US miscalculations will lead to disaster.
• US commits strategic mistake by assassinating Lieutenant Soleimani: Parliament speaker IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Parliament Speaker َAli Larijani said that the US committed a strategic mistake by committing the assassination of Commander Lieutenant Soleimani and will pay for it.
• Intelligence Ministry: Gen Soleimani assassination not to go unanswered IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Intelligence Ministry in a statement released on the sad occasion of the assassination of the Commander of the IRGC's Quds Forces Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani said criminal US' act will not go unanswered.
• Head of EC reacts to Soleimani's assassination IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- The head of the Expediency Council(EC) responded to the assassination of Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani.
• Rouhani: Iranian nation to take revenge for US heinous crime IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in a message said Iranians will take revenge of the US heinous act to assassinate the IRGC Quds force commander Major General Qasem Soleimani.
• Zarif: US act "typical example of state terrorism" IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said US' act is undoubtedly a clear example of state terrorism and violation of Iraq's sovereignty.
• Speaker expresses condolence over Gen. Soleimani's martyrdom IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Parliament Speaker َAli Larijani expressed condolences over the martyrdom of the commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani.
• Iran Foreign Ministry holds extraordinary meeting over assassination of IRGC Comdr IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Foreign Ministry spokesman in a message said that in the wake of the assassination of the IRGC commander Major General Qasem Soleimani, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has held an extraordinary meeting with his top diplomats on Friday.
• Zarif: US assassination of General Soleimani "dangerous, foolish" IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a message described the US act of assassinating the IRGC commander Major General Qasem Soleimani as "dangerous and foolish".
• Supreme Leader: Severe revenge awaiting criminals IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei commented on the martyrdom of the great commander of the IRGC's Quds Forces Major General Qasem Soleimani and said harsh and severe revenge is awaiting the criminals.
• Iran's top leader vows "tough revenge" for Soleimani's killing by U.S. People's Daily 03 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a statement on Friday that those who assassinated Major General Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), should wait for Iran's severe response, state TV reported.
• By assassinating Soleimani, US paved way for own elimination from region: Zarif Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says by staging "the cowardly act of state terrorism" that led to senior Iranian commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani's martyrdom, the United States practically paved the way for its own "elimination" from the region.
• Iran summons Swiss envoy for second time in single day Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- Iran summoned the Swiss charge d'affaires, whose country represents US interests in Iran, for a second time on Friday to hand him Tehran's answer to Washington's message.
• Iran's Supreme National Security Council vows due vengeance after Soleimani assassination Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) says a harsh vengeance "in due time and right place" awaits criminals behind the assassination of Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), in a US airstrike in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad.
• Iran Leader vows 'harsh revenge' following assassination of Gen. Soleimani Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says those who assassinated IRGC Quds Force Commander Major General Qassem Soleimani must await a harsh revenge.
• Gen. Soleimani's assassination to strengthen resistance movement: Iran FM Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has strongly condemned US assassination of IRGC Quds Force Commander Major General Qassem Soleimani, saying it will strengthen the resistance movement across the world.
• Khamenei, Other Iran Officials Vow 'Severe Retaliation' For Soleimani Killing RFE/RL 03 Jan 2020 -- Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has threatened "severe retaliation" against the "criminals" who killed Qasem Soleimani, the powerful commander of Iran's Quds Force who died in a U.S. air strike in western Baghdad on January 3.
• 'I'm Not Mourning!' Mixed Reaction Among Iranians To Soleimani's Death RFE/RL 03 Jan 2020 -- Iranian social media users have expressed mixed reactions to the killing of Iran's most powerful military commander, General Qasem Soleimani, in a U.S. air strike in Baghdad on January 3.
• Mogherini warns against escalation of tensions in ME IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Former EU foreign policy chief reacted to the US recent terrorist operation in Iraq which resulted in assassinating IRGC's Quds Force Commander Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani and warned against escalation of tensions in the Middle East.
• China urges Iran, US to practice self-restraint IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang on Friday reacted to assassination of the Commander of the IRGC's Quds Forces Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani and urged Iran and US to practice self-restraint.
• Iraqi President: US to face security consequences IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Iraqi President Barham Salih said on Friday that assassination of the IRGC's Quds Force Commander Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani will have security consequences for the US in Iraq and the region while inviting all parties to exercise self-restraint.
• U.S. Killing Of Iranian Commander Sparks Global Concern RFE/RL 03 Jan 2020 -- The U.S. assassination of a top Iranian military commander in Iraq has sparked statements of concern from around the world as countries brace for fallout from one of the most serious Iran-U.S. escalations in decades.
• World condemns "US miscalculation in Middle East" IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Chronological developments on assassination of IRGC's top commander in a US airstrike on his convoy in Baghdad airport early Friday morning was followed by global condemnations.
• Resistance forces across world carry task of avenging Soleimani: Nasrallah Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- Secretary General of the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has said that resistance forces across the world bear responsibility of punishing those behind the assassination of Major General Qassem Soleimani.
• Nasrallah: US not to achieve its goals by assassinating Gen Soleimani IRNA 03 Jan 2020 -- Secretary General of Lebanese Hezbollah Resistance Movement Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said the US criminals will not be able to achieve their goals through terrorist operations the latest of which is the assassination of the Commander of the IRGC's Quds Forces Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani.
• Putin: US assassination of Soleimani 'aggravates' situation in region Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has told French President Emmanuel Macron that the United States' assassination of Iranian Commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani risks "seriously aggravating" regional tensions.
• Syria's Assad expresses condolences over Soleimani's assassination Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has condoled Iran over the assassination of Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, saying that the late commander's support for Syria will always be remembered by the Syrian nation.
• Analysis: U.S. Killing Of Iran's Top General Risks 'Dangerous' Consequences RFE/RL 03 Jan 2020 -- Iran's most powerful military commander has been killed in a U.S. air strike, a major escalation of a conflict that analysts say threatens to unleash further violence in the volatile region.
• UN chief calls for de-escalation across Gulf region after killing of top Iranian General in US airstrike UN News 03 Jan 2020 -- The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern over the latest escalation in tension across the Gulf region, following the killing of a top Iranian General in Iraq, in an airstrike carried out by the United States.
• Sharply Divided Reaction Resounds After Deadly US Airstrike VOA 03 Jan 2020 -- A torrent of sharp objections and resounding praise continued Friday in reaction to the U.S. airstrike that killed Iran's Quds Force commander, Qassem Soleimani, and heralded a new and heightened phase of conflict between Washington and Tehran.
• Afghan Leaders Lament Soleimani's Death, Worry About Regional Escalation VOA 03 Jan 2020 -- The Afghan government said Friday that it was worried about an escalation of violence in the region after the U.S. airstrike in Iraq overnight that killed Iran Quds Force commander General Qassem Soleimani.
• Calls For Restraint, Retaliation After US Kills Iran's Top General VOA 03 Jan 2020 -- The U.S. killing of Iran's top general has elicited calls for restraint and retaliation from global powers and warnings that the world has suddenly become a more dangerous place.
• Russia Condemns US Killing of Iranian Commander VOA 03 Jan 2020 -- Russia condemned U.S. airstrikes that killed a powerful Iranian commander in neighboring Iraq on Friday local time as a "reckless step" that risked "regional peace and stability" in the Middle East.
• China urges calm, restraint to avoid tension escalation in Gulf area Global Times 03 Jan 2020 -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday urged relevant parties, especially the United States, to remain calm and restrained to avoid further escalating the current tensions in the Gulf area.
• Secretary Pompeo's Call With Chinese Politburo Member Yang Jiechi US Dept. of State 03 Jan 2020
• Secretary Michael R. Pompeo's Call with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian US Dept. of State 03 Jan 2020
• Iraq's top Shia cleric condemns US assassination of 'heroes of anti-Daesh fight' Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- Iraq's top Shia cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani has strongly condemned the US assassination of Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani and his comrades, calling them the "heroes of fight against Daesh" terrorist group.
• Iraqi PM warns of devastating war, Sadr orders forces to be ready Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi has condemned US assassination of IRGC Quds Force commander General Qassem Soleimani, warning of devastating consequences for Iraq as senior Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr put all his forces on alert.
• US embassy in Baghdad urges Americans to leave Iraq after assassination of Soleimani Press TV 03 Jan 2020 -- The US Embassy in the Iraqi capital Baghdad has urged all American citizens to immediately leave the country following the assassination of Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani, which was carried out by US forces on the orders of President Donald Trump.
• Senior State Department Officials On the Situation in Iraq US Dept. of State 03 Jan 2020 -- Special Briefing
• Secretary Michael R. Pompeo's Call with Iraqi President Barham Salih US Dept. of State 03 Jan 2020
• Secretary Michael R. Pompeo's Call with Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Barzani US Dept. of State 03 Jan 2020
• Secretary Michael R. Pompeo's Call with the Speaker of Iraq's Council of Representatives Mohammed al-Halbousi US Dept. of State 03 Jan 2020
• Secretary Michael R. Pompeo's Call with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates US Dept. of State 03 Jan 2020
• Secretary Michael R. Pompeo's Call with Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani US Dept. of State 03 Jan 2020
• Secretary Michael R. Pompeo's Call with Pakistani Chief of Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa US Dept. of State 03 Jan 2020
• Secretary Michael R. Pompeo's Call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov US Dept. of State 03 Jan 2020
• Secretary Michael R. Pompeo's Call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud US Dept. of State 03 Jan 2020
• Secretary Pompeo's Call With U.K. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab US Dept. of State 03 Jan 2020
• Viral pneumonia cases rise to 44 in Wuhan Global Times 03 Jan 2020 -- The number of people suffering from an unknown form of viral pneumonia has increased from 27 to 44 in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei Province, the city health authority said Friday.
• Chinese Health Authorities Confirm 44 Cases of Mystery Viral Pneumonia in Wuhan Sputnik 03 Jan 2020 -- The toll of people infected with pneumonia of unknown kind in the Wuhan city of the central Chinese province of Hubei has risen to 44 as authorities fear the return of deadly Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) coronavirus, the local health committee said in a statement on Friday.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference on January 3, 2020 PRC MofA 03 Jan 2020
• China's quantum satellite links with world-first mobile ground station Global Times 03 Jan 2020 -- China's quantum satellite – Quantum Experiments at Space Scale (QUESS) – has successfully linked up with the world's first mobile quantum ground station and conducted an encrypted data transmission in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province.
• State Department Terrorist Designations of Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq and Its Leaders, Qays and Laith al-Khazali US Dept. of State 03 Jan 2020 -- Today, the Secretary of State announced his intent to designate Aas'ib Ahl al-Haq – also known as AAH – as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Additionally, the Secretary has designated AAH and two of its leaders, brothers Qays and Laith al-Khazali, as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT) under Executive Order (E.O.) 13224.
• New Government Formed in Algeria Following Almost Year-Long Political Crisis – Reports Sputnik 03 Jan 2020 -- Algerian Prime Minister Abdelaziz Djerad has appointed the new government to be presented to President Abdelmadjid Tebboune as the country strives to recover after months of political crisis, Algerian media reported.
• US Imposed Sanctions on Cuban Minister of Armed Forces - Pompeo Sputnik 03 Jan 2020 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that sanctions have been imposed against Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces Minister Leopoldo Cintra Frias for alleged human rights violations and actions to prop up Venezuelan authorities.
• Russia Halts Oil Supply To Belarus Amid New Contract Dispute RFE/RL 03 Jan 2020 -- Russia has halted oil supplies to Belarus amid a disagreement over tariffs, according to officials at a Belarusian oil refinery in the northern city of Navapolatsak.
• Interview: 'Our Party Represents The People Rather Than The Government' Radio Free Asia 03 Jan 2020 -- It's hard to fathom that a former Myanmar general who later served as speaker of the lower house of parliament under a military-backed government would say that servicemen should participate in politics in the Southeast Asian nation only after changing into civilian clothes. But Shwe Mann, who formed the Union Betterment Party (UBP) in February 2019, believes just that.
• China's Jinghong Dam Runs 'Tests' Dropping Water Levels in Downstream Laos Radio Free Asia 03 Jan 2020 -- Equipment testing at China's Jinghong Dam in the first week of January will reduce downstream water flows on the Mekong River by more than 50 percent, dropping water levels even further in a region already hit by a severe drought, sources say.
• Montenegro Slams Serbia Over 'Uncivilized' Embassy Attack RFE/RL 03 Jan 2020 -- Montenegro has criticized Serbia after thousands of ultranationalists in Belgrade attacked the Montenegrin Embassy in protest over a law that could target Serbian Orthodox Church property.
• North Macedonian PM Resigns To Allow Technocrat Cabinet To Prepare April Elections RFE/RL 03 Jan 2020 -- North Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev has resigned, as expected, paving the way for a technocrat government to be formed to organize fresh elections in the Balkan nation.
• Greece, Cyprus, Israel Sign EastMed Gas Pipeline Deal To Ease Reliance On Russia RFE/RL 03 Jan 2020 -- Greece, Cyprus, and Israel have signed an agreement to construct 1,900-kilometer undersea pipeline to carry natural gas from the eastern Mediterranean to Europe and potentially help the continent reduce its dependency on Russia for energy supplies.