COVID-19 - Daily News

30 April 2020 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

US-Led Coalition Conducts 28 Strikes in Iraq, Syria in March Sputnik 30 Apr 2020 -- The US-Led coalition has carried out 28 airstrikes against Daesh in March, Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) said in a release on Thursday.

USNS Comfort Departs NYC Prepared for Future Tasking; Military Relief Efforts Continue NNS 30 Apr 2020 -- The hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) departed New York City today, April 30, after supporting the Department of Defense's COVID-19 response efforts to New York and New Jersey residents during the coronavirus outbreak.
Indiana National Guard helps collect COVID-19 data Army News 30 Apr 2020 -- The Indiana National Guard helped the Indiana State Department of Health and local agencies test for COVID-19 at new study test sites across the state April 25-29.
Wisconsin Guard conducting mobile testing around state Army News 30 Apr 2020 -- Eleven specimen collection teams from the Wisconsin National Guard are operating across Wisconsin to increase the state's COVID-19 testing capacity.
Virginia National Guard helping fight COVID-19 Army News 30 Apr 2020 -- More than 530 members of the Virginia National Guard are supporting COVID-19 response efforts, including testing for the coronavirus, demonstrating how to use personal protective equipment (PPE) and distributing food and medical supplies.
Florida National Guard supports new drive-through test site Army News 30 Apr 2020 -- The Florida National Guard (FLNG) is supporting Fort Lauderdale's new drive-through COVID-19 testing site at Holiday Park.

Defense Policy / Programs

US Navy Awards Guided Missile Frigate (FFG(X)) Contract NNS 30 Apr 2020 -- Navy awarded a contract to design and produce the next generation small surface combatant, the Guided Missile Frigate (FFG(X)) April 30. The contract for detail design and construction (DD&C) of up to 10 Guided Missile Frigates (consisting of one base ship and nine option ships) was awarded to Marinette Marine Corporation (MMC) of Marinette, Wisconsin, officials announced.
US Air Force's Mysterious X-37B Preparing for Next Space Flight Sputnik 30 Apr 2020 -- The US Air Force's strange little space plane, the experimental X-37B, is preparing for its sixth mission. Dubbed the Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV), little is known about its mission, apart from that the Pentagon claims it exists to test new technology.
U.S. spy plane spotted southwest of Taiwan CNA 30 Apr 2020 -- An American EP-3E electronic warfare and reconnaissance aircraft flew southwest of Taiwan Thursday afternoon, the 13th time a U.S. military aircraft has appeared in that area in April, according to a military air movement tracker.
Undersecretary Of Defense (A&S) Ellen Lord Holds a Press Briefing on COVID-19 Response Efforts DoD 30 Apr 2020 -- Ellen M. Lord, Undersecretary Of Defense For Acquisition And Sustainment
Text of a Letter from the President to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate The White House 30 Apr 2020
Air Force update for COVID-19 US Air Force 30 Apr 2020
Pentagon Says US Expected to Battle COVID-19 Pandemic for 6 Months to Year Sputnik 30 Apr 2020 -- The fight against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the United States is expected to last between six months and a year, US Undersecretary of Defence for Acquisition and Sustainment Ellen Lord said during a press briefing on Thursday.
Pacific Fleet to Host Rim of the Pacific Exercise in August NNS 30 Apr 2020 -- The United States Navy will sponsor the 27th Rim of the Pacific exercise, Aug. 17-31.
USS Porter Conducts Air Exercises with French Naval Forces NNS 30 Apr 2020 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) conducted air exercises with the French navy in the Bay of Biscay, 27 April, 2020.
HSC-28 Participates in Live-fire training with Albanian Military NNS 30 Apr 2020 -- The "Ghostriders" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28, Det. 1, participated in a nighttime aerial gunnery exercise with Albanian allied forces in Bizë, Albania, April 27, 2020.
USNS Supply Refuels Italian Ship in Mediterranean Sea NNS 30 Apr 2020 -- Military Sealift Command Supply-Class fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE 6) completed an exercise with Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Porter (DDG 80), USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), P-8A Poseidon from Patrol Squadron (VP) 4 and Italian Navy frigate ITS Federico Martinengo (F 596) in the Mediterranean Sea, April 23.
Truman Sailors Join Forces to Protect Against COVID-19 NNS 30 Apr 2020 -- Sailors aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) recently helped prevent COVID-19 transmission by making masks for medical personnel and other Sailors on the frontline of the fight against the disease.
Strike Fighter Squadron Marks 70th Birthday, Two Years Flying New Super Hornets NNS 30 Apr 2020 -- The Rampagers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83 found themselves on the battlefront aboard aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) as they celebrated the squadron's 70th birthday with a cake-cutting ceremony, April 25.

COVID-19 or not - we secure the skies NATO 30 Apr 2020 -- NATO aircraft have been busy over the past two days intercepting Russian aircraft flying close to NATO airspace.

Russia: US use of low-yield nukes would still be nuclear attack, draw retaliation Press TV 30 Apr 2020 -- Russia has warned that any attack by the United States involving its low-yield submarine-launched ballistic missiles would still be construed as nuclear aggression and would draw all-out nuclear retaliation.

China's latest, most advanced howitzer enters Eastern Theater Command service Global Times 30 Apr 2020 -- China's most advanced vehicle-mounted howitzer, the PCL-181, recently entered service with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command, the theater command confirmed on Thursday. With technical details revealed for the first time, experts say the weapon is one of the best in the world.
China starts 2020 H2 military recruiting PLA Daily 30 Apr 2020 -- China has started the military recruiting scheduled for the second half of this year, a military spokesperson said Thursday.

'Iran will target US bases with missiles if it faces security threat: Senior official Press TV 30 Apr 2020 -- A senior Iranian official has warned that the country will launch missile strikes on American bases in the region if its national security is endangered, downplaying a recent US threat of naval action as "mere propaganda."

Russia ready to sell Iraq S-400 missile systems upon Baghdad request: Ambassador Press TV 30 Apr 2020 -- Russian Ambassador to Iraq Maksim Maksimov says Moscow is prepared to provide Baghdad with advanced S-400 air defense missile systems once the Arab country makes an official request for the military hardware.

Philippines - Apache AH-64E Attack Helicopters and Related Equipment and Support DSCA 30 Apr 2020 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Philippines of six (6) AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and related equipment for an estimated cost of $1.5 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
Philippines - AH-1Z Attack Helicopters and Related Equipment and Support DSCA 30 Apr 2020 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Philippines of six (6) AH-1Z attack helicopters and related equipment for an estimated cost of $450 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

One Dead, Five Missing Following Canadian Military Helicopter Crash Off Greek Coast, Trudeau Says Sputnik 30 Apr 2020 -- On 29 April, The Greek outlet Militaire.gr reported that a Canadian Sikorsky CH-124 Sea King anti-submarine warfare helicopter, with six people on board, disappeared 52 nautical miles (60 miles) west of Cephalonia Island in the Ionian Sea.

Defense Industry

Contracts For April 30, 2020
Fincantieri Marinette Marine Lands Future Frigate Contract Fincantieri 30 Apr 2020 -- Today Fincantieri Marinette Marine was awarded the nearly $800 million contract to build the first-in-class guided missile frigate for the U.S. Navy, with an option for nine additional ships.
Boeing Coughs Up $168 Million to Cover Overrun Costs for Two New Air Force Ones Sputnik 30 Apr 2020 -- American aircraft manufacturer Boeing on Wednesday revealed that it will have to pay $168 million out of pocket to cover increased costs on the VC-25B Air Force One replacement program due to "inefficiencies" caused by the pandemic.

Other Conflicts

Manila Rejects China's Designation of Two New Sea Districts Radio Free Asia 30 Apr 2020 -- The Philippines on Thursday "strongly" protested China's creation of two districts in the disputed South China Sea, saying Beijing's move violated the Southeast Asian nation's territorial sovereignty.
Chinese military opposes more foreign naval presence in S China Sea PLA Daily 30 Apr 2020 -- The Chinese military opposes foreign powers bolstering their naval presence in the South China Sea, calling the actions detrimental to regional peace and stability, a spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense said on Thursday.

Security Council concern at 25 April declaration of Yemeni Southern Transitional Council SPA 30 Apr 2020 -- The members of the Security Council expressed their strong concern at the 25 April declaration of the Southern Transitional Council (STC).
U.S. Secretary of State Commends the Coalition's One-Month Extension of Ceasefire in Yemen SPA 30 Apr 2020 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo today commended the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for extending unilateral ceasefire in Yemen for a month.
Major Yemeni op clears most of province, kills over 1,200 Saudi-led mercs. Press TV 30 Apr 2020 -- The Yemeni army says it has cleared 95 percent of the northern province of Jawf from the presence of forces fighting for a military coalition led by Saudi Arabia in an operation that killed at least 1,200 mercenaries.
UNSC voices concern about secessionist bid in south Yemen Press TV 30 Apr 2020 -- The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has expressed deep concern about a declaration of self-rule in Yemen's south by separatists allied to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), reaffirming the world body's strong commitment to Yemen's "unity and sovereignty."

Israeli choppers launch rocket attacks against southern Syria: Reports Press TV 30 Apr 2020 -- Israeli military helicopters have fired rockets at several positions in southern Syria, including Quneitra region, media reports say.
Israeli Helicopters Carry Out Attacks in Southern Syria - Syrian Media Sputnik 30 Apr 2020 -- The attack comes just days after Syrian media reported what it described as "Israeli aggression from Lebanese airspace", in which at least three civilians were killed.
Turkey deployed US-made HAWK missiles to Idlib: Syria's UN envoy Press TV 30 Apr 2020 -- Syria's UN ambassador has once again denounced Turkey for defying Damascus and intensifying its "illegitimate" military presence in the Arab country, saying Ankara's forces have deployed US-made missiles to Syria's militant-held Idlib Province in a flagrant violation of international law.

Libya's UN-backed GNA rejects Haftar's truce, says does not trust his offer Press TV 30 Apr 2020 -- Libya's UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) has rejected a ceasefire unilaterally declared by the country's renegade General Khalifa Haftar a day earlier, saying it does not him.
UAE delegation visits Sudan to recruit mercs for Libya rebel commander: Report Press TV 30 Apr 2020 -- A high-ranking delegation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – a sponsor of Libyan rebels under the command of renegade general Khalifa Haftar – has reportedly visited Sudan to recruit militants to fight against the internationally-recognized government in Tripoli.
Libya's GNA Continues Fighting LNA Forces Despite Haftar Declaring Ceasefire Sputnik 30 Apr 2020 -- The Government of National Accord (GNA), one of the two major factions in the Libyan armed conflict, on Thursday declined to suspend fighting following the Libyan National Army, led by Marshal Khalifa Haftar, declaring a temporary truce amid the holy month of Ramadan.
Libya: Haftar Freezes Skhirat Agreement, What's Next? Sputnik 30 Apr 2020 -- Libyan National Army Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar on Monday announced a withdrawal from the political agreement that led to the formation of the Government of National Accord (GNA). He said the country was coming under the control of the army. Meanwhile, the GNA has called on members of parliament in the east of the country to back it.
Haftar's LNA Announces Ceasefire in Libya During Holy Month of Ramadan Sputnik 30 Apr 2020 -- The Libyan National Army (LNA) headed by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar will cease hostilities during the holy month of Ramadan, which started on 24 April, LNA spokesman Major General Ahmad Mismari said.

Rakhine Man Reported Tortured to Death by Myanmar Army Radio Free Asia 30 Apr 2020 -- A man was tortured to death by Myanmar soldiers after he was arrested at a security checkpoint as he traveled from a village in volatile Rakhine state to have his motorbike repaired, members of his family said Thursday.
UN envoy says Myanmar army still committing 'crimes against humanity' Press TV 30 Apr 2020 -- The UN's special rapporteur on Myanmar's human rights situation has accused the country's military of targeting "civilian population" in two states to an extent that could amount to "war crimes" and "crimes against humanity".

Yanukovych Ready to Cooperate With Ukraine's Investigators on Euromaidan Killings, Lawyer Says Sputnik 30 Apr 2020 -- Former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych is ready to cooperate with Ukrainian investigators regarding the killings during the Euromaidan protests in 2014, lawyer Vitaly Serdyuk said on Thursday.

Arab League condemns Israeli plan to annex parts of occupied West Bank Press TV 30 Apr 2020 -- The Arab League has vehemently denounced the Israeli regime's plan to annex much of the occupied West Bank, saying such a move amounts to a "new war crime" against the Palestinian nation.

India committing war crimes in Kashmir under cover of coronavirus pandemic: PM Imran Khan Press TV 30 Apr 2020 -- Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has accused New Delhi of committing war crimes against Muslims in the Indian-administered Kashmir under the cover of the coronavirus pandemic.
'Indian artillery fire kills Pakistani soldier, 2 civilians in Kashmir' Press TV 30 Apr 2020 -- A Pakistani army soldier and two civilians have been killed by Indian artillery fire across the Line of Control (LoC) in the disputed Kashmir region.
Imran Khan Accuses 'Hindu Supremacist' Modi Gov't of Changing Demography by Genocide in Kashmir Sputnik 30 Apr 2020 -- Pakistan has proactively raised the issue of "human rights violations" in India-administered Kashmir at multiple international forums, especially after the Narendra Modi-led government scrapped the special status of the region and converted it into a federally administered territory.
Three Including Pakistani Army Soldier Killed in Firing by Indian Troops, Islamabad Claims Sputnik 30 Apr 2020 -- India and Pakistan have engaged in around 1,700 ceasefire violations from both the sides since January 2020, resulting in the deaths of several civilians and the injuring of many more. The number of firefight incidents has increased over the past three weeks.

News Reports

'Not Man Made': US Intelligence Debunks Trump's Claims About Coronavirus' 'Artificial' Origins Sputnik 30 Apr 2020 -- US President Donald Trump and his allies have been blaming China for the outbreak of the coronavirus, which has claimed 228,632 lives globally. Trump has also said that his government has initiated an investigation into whether the virus emerged from a Wuhan lab.
Coronavirus 'Not Man-Made,' US Intelligence Concludes VOA 30 Apr 2020 -- U.S. intelligence agencies are dismissing at least one theory about the origins of the coronavirus, saying evidence shows the virus was not engineered in a Chinese laboratory.
Intelligence Community Statement on Origins of COVID-19 Director of National Intelligence 30 Apr 2020 -- The Office of the Director of National Intelligence today issued the following Intelligence Community (IC) statement

ODNI Releases Annual Intelligence Community Transparency Report Director of National Intelligence 30 Apr 2020 -- Today, consistent with the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA), as amended (codified in 50 U.S.C. § 1873(b)), and the Intelligence Community's (IC) Principles of Intelligence Transparency, we are releasing our seventh annual Statistical Transparency Report Regarding Use of National Security Authorities presenting statistics on how often the government uses certain national security authorities.

World Anti-Doping Agency Completes Probe Into Russian Sports Cheating RFE/RL 30 Apr 2020 -- The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has completed an investigation into nearly 300 Russia athletes, with almost half showing evidence of manipulation.
Kremlin Says There Are No Signals That Russia Sanctions May Be Eased Sputnik 30 Apr 2020 -- There are currently no signals that Russia sanctions may be eased by the Western countries, and this issue is not discussed by Russian President Vladimir Putin during the talks with foreign partners, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Russia Calls Prague Poison Plot 'Fabrications' As Spy Drama Deepens RFE/RL 30 Apr 2020 -- Russia's foreign minister has dismissed claims a Russian agent was sent to Prague to poison its mayor and two other city officials as "fabrications," in the highest-level denial yet on an issue that is straining ties between the two countries.
Alleged Kremlin Poison Plot Highlights Czechs' Russian Spy Problem RFE/RL 30 Apr 2020 -- A suspected Russian intelligence agent was reported to have flown into the Czech capital with a deadly mission.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference on April 30, 2020 PRC MofA 30 Apr 2020
Three Years of Mass Internment in Xinjiang Lead to Diplomatic Woes For China Radio Free Asia 30 Apr 2020 -- Three years after its launch, a campaign of mass incarceration of Muslims in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) has become a diplomatic headache for China, particularly in its relations with the West, but observers say a more coordinated global approach is needed to hold Beijing to account.
China has no interest in interfering in US election, 'ready to deal with whoever in the White House' Global Times 30 Apr 2020 -- After repeatedly scapegoating China for his administration's botched response to the coronavirus, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday took the finger-pointing game to a new level.
China 'Not Interested' in Meddling in US Election VOA 30 Apr 2020 -- China said Wednesday it has no desire to meddle in this year's U.S. presidential election, despite claims to the contrary by President Donald Trump.
'Rethink China Ties,' Last Colonial Governor of Hong Kong Warns UK Radio Free Asia 30 Apr 2020 -- Former colonial governor Chris Patten has called on the U.K. to rethink its ties with China's ruling Communist Party, warning of further escalation of political persecution by authorities in Hong Kong.
China Plans to Hold Long-Delayed Leadership Meetings in Late May VOA 30 Apr 2020 -- China has decided to convene its much-delayed Two Sessions – the annual meetings of the national legislature and the top political advisory body – in late May amid signs that the ruling Communist Party believes it has made strides to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.

Pro-independence group proposes referendums on constitutional reform CNA 30 Apr 2020 -- The pro-independence Taiwan New Constitution Foundation (TNC) submitted proposals to the Central Election Commission (CEC) Thursday for referendums on whether Taiwan's constitution, which it said roots the country's identity in a defunct political reality, should be reformed or replaced.

U.S. Has No Information about North Korea's Kim Jong Un as Experts Debate Who Might be His Successor Radio Free Asia 30 Apr 2020 -- The United States does not know where North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is and is monitoring reports about his health, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said this week, while warning that there was a high risk of famine in the isolated country if the coronavirus situation gets worse.
UN Has No Information on North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un's Health, Guterres Says Sputnik 30 Apr 2020 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters on Thursday that he has no information regarding the state of health of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
Satellite Images Suggest Missing Kim Jong-un May Be Staying at Luxury Resort Sputnik 30 Apr 2020 -- Having analysed recent satellite imagery from the villas of Wonsan, on North Korea's east coast, experts allege that the head of state might currently be there avoiding the limelight and, most certainly, exposure to the novel virus.

No Indication Sanctions Will Be Lifted By Trump Administration, Says Dubowitz Radio Farda 30 Apr 2020 -- In an open letter to Donald Trump on Wednesday, 51 former U.S. officials and Iran experts called on the President of the United States to increase pressure on Iran.
Briefing With Special Representative for Iran and Senior Advisor to the Secretary Brian Hook On Depriving Iran of the Weapons of War US Dept. of State 30 Apr 2020
Iran to be self-sufficient in repairing Bushehr nuclear power plant in 2 yrs: AEOI spox IRNA 30 Apr 2020 -- Spokesman of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Behrouz Kamalvandi said on Thursday that Iran will be needless of Russian experts in undertaking repair works on Bushehr nuclear power plant within the upcoming two years.
Batch of nuclear fuel delivered to Bushehr power plant IRNA 30 Apr 2020 -- Consignment of nuclear fuel has been delivered to Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, southern Iran, in cooperation with the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) and Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation of Russia.
US attempts to present itself as part of Iran nuclear deal have 'no future': Russian envoy Press TV 30 Apr 2020 -- Russia's permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna has lambasted the US for trying to present Washington as still a participant to Iran's nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), saying such attempts have "no future."
E3 agrees with Iran: US is out of JCPOA, cannot push for arms embargo renewal: Reports Press TV 30 Apr 2020 -- Reports say the three European signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal, also known as the E3, appear to be in agreement with Iran's argument that the US is no longer a party to the accord and thus not entitled to push for the extension of a UN arms embargo on Tehran.
Exclusive: US No Longer Party To Iran Nuclear Agreement, EU Foreign Policy Chief Says Radio Farda 30 Apr 2020 -- In an exclusive interview with RFE/RL on Thursday, the EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell said the United States can no longer be considered as a participating member of the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran.
Pompeo Says US Rights Under UNSCR 2231 Separate From Iran Nuclear Agreement Radio Farda 30 Apr 2020 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday said the rights of the United States under the UN Security Council Resolution 2231 are separate from the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Development work begins at Iranian gas field abandoned over sanctions Press TV 30 Apr 2020 -- Iran has officially embarked on building out a major offshore gas field south of the country where foreign companies abandoned development work because of the American sanctions on the country.
Iran: US 'religious freedom' report flawed, founded on misinformation Press TV 30 Apr 2020 -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry condemns as fundamentally flawed an annual report by a US panel that has blacklisted Iran as, what it calls, a "religious freedom" offender alongside countries like India, where scores of Muslims have been massacred by Hindu radicals so far.
Iran has key role in keeping security of Persian Gulf: Leader Press TV 30 Apr 2020 -- Leader of Iran's Islamic Revolution says Iran has a key role in keeping the security of the Persian Gulf, and the presence of extra-regional forces threatens any initiative that could benefit the people of the region.
Government In Iran Touting A Rising Stock Market While Investors Risk Everything Radio Farda 30 Apr 2020 -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has described "the astounding rise" of the general share index at the Tehran Stock Market as a sign of the strength of Iran's political system.
Iran's Regime Tries To Silence People, Says Hook After Tehran Announces Arrests Radio Farda 30 Apr 2020 -- The Spokesman of Iran's Armed Forces on Tuesday said Iran's Police and the Revolutionary Guard's militia arm (Basij) have arrested 3,600 individuals for "spreading rumors about coronavirus".

Trump warned Saudis to cut oil production or lose US military support: Reuters Press TV 30 Apr 2020 -- US President Donald Trump had warned Saudi Arabia earlier in April that he would end American military support for the kingdom if Riyadh did not end its oil price war with Russia and cut production.

NASA Selects Blue Origin National Team to Return Humans to the Moon Blue Origin 30 Apr 2020 -- Today the Blue Origin National Team, which includes Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Draper, was selected by NASA to begin to develop the Artemis Human Landing System.
NASA Awards US Companies Contracts for Human Moon Landing VOA 30 Apr 2020 -- The U.S. space agency NASA has awarded contracts to three American companies to develop spacecraft to land humans on the moon by 2024.

Lebanon approves economic rescue plan, eyes IMF aid Press TV 30 Apr 2020 -- Prime Minister Hassan Diab has said that Lebanon hopes to secure IMF aid based on a financial reform plan approved by the government to offset the impact of an ongoing acute economic crisis.

Myanmar Press Freedom Decline Dashes High Hopes For 'Lady of Yangon' Radio Free Asia 30 Apr 2020 -- Press freedom in Myanmar has sharply deteriorated over the past four years, disappointing high hopes for Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian-led government, which pledged greater liberty for journalists but performed worse than the previous military-led administration, media watchdogs and journalists in the country say.

Cambodian PM Hun Sen's Niece Buys Cypriot Villas For €2.5 Million Radio Free Asia 30 Apr 2020 -- In January, the wife of Cambodia's most senior police officer dropped €2.5 million (US$2.7 million) on a pair of two-storey villas on the coast of Cyprus, Radio Free Asia has learned.

Lesotho Prime Minister Loses Bid to Get Immunity from Prosecution in Ex-Wife's Killing VOA 30 Apr 2020 -- The head of Lesotho's ruling party turned down Prime Minister Thomas Thabane's demands for immunity from prosecution in connection with the shooting death of his former wife in the southern African kingdom.

Russia Says Suspected Terrorists 'Liquidated' In Yekaterinburg RFE/RL 30 Apr 2020 -- Russia's National Anti-Terrorist Committee (NAK) says security forces have "liquidated" three suspected extremists in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg.

Lift Cuba embargo or risk many lives lost to COVID-19, UN rights experts warn US UN News 30 Apr 2020 -- The United States must urgently lift its blockade on Cuba to save lives amid the expanding COVID-19 crisis, UN human rights experts stressed on Thursday, emphasizing that the more than six-decades-old sanctions are impeding the supply of medicine, medical equipment, food and other goods essential to surviving the pandemic.

U.S., Israel Hail German Move Banning Iran-Backed Hizballah RFE/RL 30 Apr 2020 -- Germany has banned Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hizballah's activities on its soil and designated it a terrorist organization, a move welcomed by Tehran's rivals the United States and Israel.
Germany Bans Hezbollah Activities on Its Soil Sputnik 30 Apr 2020 -- In December 2019, German lawmakers approved a non-binding initiative calling on the government to ban from Germany the political and militant group Hezbollah, which forms part of the Lebanese government.

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