Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• US P-8A Poseidon spy aircraft detected near Russian military base in Syria Press TV 18 May 2020 -- Russian air defense forces have reportedly spotted a US military reconnaissance aircraft flying in close proximity to the strategic Hmeimim air base in Syria's western coastal province of Latakia.
• US' Afghanistan Withdrawal 'Still Moving Forward' After News Daesh Carried Out Deadly Kabul Attack Sputnik 18 May 2020 -- Washington still plans on meeting its troop withdrawal goals, and the process remains on schedule, a Pentagon spokesperson said on Friday. The news comes after Daesh franchise Islamic State Khorasan claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on a Kabul maternity ward last week.
• Seven People Killed, Over 40 Injured in Car Bomb Attack in Eastern Afghanistan, Reports Suggest Sputnik 18 May 2020 -- At least seven people have been killed and over 40 others injured as a result of a car bomb attack by a suicide bomber near the building of the Afghan National Directorate of Security (NDS) special unit in eastern Ghazni Province, Tolo News reported, citing health officials.
• Taliban Spring Offensive Launched, According to Afghan Officials VOA 18 May 2020 -- A car bomb attack on an intelligence base in central Ghazni province in Afghanistan early Monday morning killed at least seven members of the security forces and wounded 40 others.
• Nine Killed In Taliban Suicide Car Bombing In Eastern Afghanistan RFE/RL 18 May 2020 -- A Taliban car-bomb attack targeting an intelligence base in eastern Afghanistan with a stolen military Humvee killed at least nine people and wounded dozens on May 18.
• Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Travels to Afghanistan and Qatar US Dept. of State 18 May 2020 -- Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad departed on May 17 for travel to Doha and Kabul. In Doha, Ambassador Khalilzad will meet with Taliban representatives to discuss implementation of the U.S.-Taliban agreement and press for steps necessary to commence intra-Afghan negotiations, including a significant reduction of violence.
• Bloodshed in Afghanistan: Bombing leaves multiple casualties Press TV 18 May 2020 -- A bombing attack has left at least seven people dead and over 40 others injured in eastern Afghanistan, just hours after the government took a step towards national reconciliation with President Ashraf Ghani entering a power-sharing agreement with his long-time rival Abdullah Abdullah.
• Iran, Pakistan, China, Russia support national reconciliation in Afghanistan Press TV 18 May 2020 -- Senior diplomats from Iran, Pakistan, China and Russia have thrown their weight behind a power-sharing deal in Afghanistan signed between leaders of the country's two main political factions, expressing hope that the important step would speed up intra-Afghan talks.
• Federal Government of Somalia, AFRICOM target al-Shabaab AFRICOM 18 May 2020 -- In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab terrorists in vicinity of Qunyo Barrow, Somalia, May 17.

Defense Policy / Programs

• US Links Saudi Shooter at Navy Base to Al-Qaida VOA 18 May 2020 -- The FBI has uncovered a trove of information linking the Saudi gunman in a terror attack on a U.S. military base last year to al-Qaida and showing he had been planning for years to carry out the attack, senior law enforcement officials announced Monday.
• Naval Air Station Pensacola Investigation Update DoD 18 May 2020 -- Today, the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced additional findings about the shooting on Dec. 6, 2019 at Naval Air Station Pensacola. This was a tragic day for our military and our deepest condolences are still with the friends and families of Ensign Joshua Watson, Airman Mohammed Haitham, Airman Cameron Walters, and with the eight others wounded in this terrorist attack.
• Attorney General William P. Barr Announces Updates to the Findings of the Investigation into the December 2019 Shooting at Pensacola Naval Air Station US Dept. of Justice 18 May 2020 -- Remarks as Prepared for Delivery
• FBI Found Evidence Linking Al Qaeda to 2019 Shooting at US Military Base in Florida Sputnik 18 May 2020 -- On 6 December 2019, a Saudi trainee pilot opened fire at US Naval Air Station Pensacola, killing three American sailors and wounding eight others before being shot dead.
• Struggling to Stay Afloat: 21 of 24 Ships at Navy Shipyard Failed to Meet Repair Schedule Sputnik 18 May 2020 -- The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) watchdog has recommended the US Navy conduct its own analysis of its contracting approach after it was recently determined that ship maintenance schedule outcomes were less than positive and led to unexpected delays.
• Aviation modernization on track despite COVID-19 Army News 18 May 2020 -- A critical design review for a new turbine engine that will power enduring and future Army aircraft is still on, despite a two-week delay in the program tied to COVID-19, aviation leaders said May 7.
• US Special Ops Command Eyeing MH-60 Replacement From Army's Modernization Program Sputnik 18 May 2020 -- While the US Army's Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) effort is slated to produce a usable replacement for Special Operations Command's (SOCOM) MH-60 Sea Hawk fleet, the same cannot be said for the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) program.
• COVID-19-Stricken USS Roosevelt Conducts Simulation Ahead of Delayed Deployment Sputnik 18 May 2020 -- US Navy officials say a "fast cruise" simulation will demonstrate the USS Theodore Roosevelt and its crew are prepared to return to sea after spending six weeks moored at US Naval Base Guam by the service's largest COVID-19 novel coronavirus outbreak.
• Air Force update for COVID-19 US Air Force 18 May 2020
• Naval Research Laboratory Conducts First Test of Solar Power Satellite Hardware in Orbit NNS 18 May 2020 -- U.S. Naval Research Laboratory engineers launched PRAM, the Photovoltaic Radio-frequency Antenna Module, aboard an Air Force X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle on May 17 as part of a comprehensive investigation into prospective terrestrial use of solar energy captured in space.
• Oldest Army medical unit adopts state-of-the-art assets to combat COVID-19 Army News 18 May 2020 -- "We train for war," said Army Col. Robert F. Howe II, the commander of the Army's 1st Medical Brigade out of Fort Hood, Texas. "But getting to support citizens in our homeland is special. Helping fellow citizens is what we're here for."
• Army General to Co-Lead 'Operation Warp Speed' for COVID-19 Vaccine DoD News 18 May 2020 -- President Donald J. Trump today announced that Army Gen. Gustave F. Perna, the commander of Army Materiel Command, will co-lead an effort, dubbed Operation Warp Speed, to find a vaccine for COVID-19 by January 2021.
• New England, New York based Marine infantry battalion completes deployment with 3rd Marine Division USMC News 18 May 2020 -- U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, return home after being away for almost a year. The unit has been authorized to return to the U.S. after completing a six-month deployment with the 3rd Marine Division in Okinawa, Japan, from Oct. 2019 to May 2020.
• USS Theodore Roosevelt Conducts Fast Cruise in Guam NNS 18 May 2020 -- Sailors aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) are simulating being at sea while moored at Naval Base Guam. During the simulation, or "fast cruise," the crew will simulate normal underway conditions while testing the critical systems required to sustain the ship during its upcoming underway operations.
• USS Harry S. Truman Strike Group and 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Complete Week of Integrated Training NNS 18 May 2020 -- The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, underway in the Atlantic Ocean, conducted a week of naval air integration exercises with Marine Corps elements assigned to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing May 12-18, 2020.
• Stores Elevators on Ford Increase Operational Proficiencies NNS 18 May 2020 -- The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford's (CVN 78) full pallet capable stores elevators design significantly reduces crew workload and provides access to almost all of supply department's storage compartments which reduces the time it takes to on-load stores. These elevators were put to the test during a replenishment-at-sea (RAS) with USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201), May 15.
• Patrol Squadron 26 'Tridents' Deploy to 4th Fleet NNS 18 May 2020 -- The "Tridents" of Patrol Squadron (VP) 26 recently deployed in support of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and Joint Interagency Task Force South to relieve the VP-47 "Golden Swordsmen" in the 4th Fleet area of responsibility.
• USS Roosevelt Brings New Capabilities to U.S. 6th Fleet NNS 18 May 2020 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) arrived at its new homeport, Naval Station Rota, Spain, after conducting a regional patrol in the U.S. 6th Fleet (C6F) area of operations, May 16, 2020.
• Hurricane Hunters fly first mission of 2020 Atlantic season US Air Force 18 May 2020 -- Although hurricane season doesn't officially start until June 1, the Air Force Reserve Command's Hurricane Hunters departed on their first storm tasking of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season to investigate an area for possible development into a tropical depression or storm near the Bahamas.
• China-made machine guns boost weaponry capabilities for combat vehicles, boats, and helicopters Global Times 18 May 2020 -- China's newest Gatling-style machine guns are expected to provide light combat vehicles, motor boats, and helicopters with heavier firepower.
• Will China's 2020 defense budget increase or decline? Global Times 18 May 2020 -- The defense budget, namely the military spending, will be a focus of public opinion at home and abroad as the two sessions begin this week. Will China's military spending this year increase on the basis of last year, or will it decline?
• Chinese military's last Type 051 destroyer to retire and settle down in Zhuhai PLA Daily 18 May 2020 -- The Chinese military's last Type 051 guided-missile destroyer Zhuhai (Hull 166) is about to retire and scheduled to settle down in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province of China. At present, the designated receiving unit is arranging for its handover and applying for a provincial themed patriotism education base for it.
• Chinese military tries to entrust civilian agencies to carry out procurement projects PLA Daily 18 May 2020 -- Recently, the Logistic Support Department of the Central Military Commission (CMC) issued a notice on the pilot program of organizing military entrusted civilian agencies to implement military procurement projects, which is going to be conducted by the procurement departments under the PLA Air Force, the PLA Joint Logistic Support Force, the Agency for Offices Administration of the CMC, and the Chinese Armed Police Force.
• Finnish Defence Command Blamed for Favouring F-35 in Fighter Jet Procurement Sputnik 18 May 2020 -- The Armed Forces' senior leadership has been accused of favouring US firm Lockheed Martin's F-35 in the ongoing competition for Finland's fighter jet fleet upgrade.
• Government implements Shekatkar Committee recommendations related to creating border infrastructure India PIB 18 May 2020 -- Government has accepted and implemented three important recommendations of Committee of Experts (CoE) under the Chairmanship of Lt General D B Shekatkar (Retd) relating to border Infrastructure. These were related to speeding up road construction, leading to socio economic development in the border areas.
• Iran will give crushing response to any aggressor: Defense Minister Press TV 18 May 2020 -- Iran's Defense Minister says the Islamic Republic will give a crushing answer to any aggressor when it comes to defending its national security.
• Why It Took Iran's Navy 3.5 Hours To Come To The Rescue Of Its Vessel Radio Farda 18 May 2020 -- Evidence show that the Iranian army's navy did not know about the Konarak Frigate's situation and whereabouts for about three hours after it was hit by a missile fired from another Iranian vessel on May 10.

Defense Industry

• Contracts For May 18, 2020

Other Conflicts

• 18 May 2020 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 18 May 2020
• Australia Raises Concerns Over Beijing's Military Presence in South China Sea Amid US-China Tensions Sputnik 18 May 2020 -- The South China Sea remains a strategically important route for access to Southeast Asia. While China claims that it enjoys sovereign rights over much of the relevant waters, the tensions continue to grow as the White House accuses Beijing of exploiting the coronavirus pandemic in order to strengthen its presence in the region.
• No indication China able to establish South China Sea ADIZ CNA 18 May 2020 -- There is no indication China will be able to declare an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) in the contested South China Sea in the near term, a senior Taiwanese defense official said Monday.
• Keep Fishing, Vietnam Tells Citizens After China Ban in Disputed Sea VOA 18 May 2020 -- After China attempted to put limits on the disputed South China Sea, Vietnam responded with a message to its fishermen: just keep fishing, within the law.
• Yemeni economic embargo will affect other countries: Houthi official Press TV 18 May 2020 -- Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement has once again censured the economic pressure as well as naval and air blockade imposed by the Saudi-led coalition.
• Yemen: Press Saudi-led coalition into letting in medical supplies Press TV 18 May 2020 -- Yemen has asked the international community to try and pressure the Saudi Arabia-led coalition, which has been attacking the impoverished country since 2015, into letting in medical supplies that are urgently required for diagnosing and treating the new coronavirus' infection.
• US, other foreign forces must leave Syria, respect its sovereignty: Iran Press TV 18 May 2020 -- Iran's permanent ambassador to the United Nations says the US must end its illegal occupation of Syria and stop shielding terrorist groups under the mask of fighting terrorism.
• US, other foreign forces must leave Syria, respect its sovereignty: Iran Press TV 18 May 2020 -- Iran's permanent ambassador to the United Nations says the US must end its illegal occupation of Syria and stop shielding terrorist groups under the mask of fighting terrorism.
• Russia, Iran And The Future Of Syria's Assad Radio Farda 18 May 2020 -- The "project to oust the Syrian strongman, Bashar al-Assad" is a "big American-Zionist lie", says a former senior Iranian diplomat and a current advisor to the speaker of parliament.
• Renewed trust and cooperation could finally 'unlock progress' toward peace in Syria – UN envoy UN News 18 May 2020 -- Renewed trust, confidence, and cooperation between international players and Syrians could finally "unlock progress", putting the country on a political path towards lasting peace, the UN Special Envoy for Syria told the Security Council on Monday.
• Assad Exploiting COVID-19 Prevention Measures to Consolidate Grip on Syria, Observers Say VOA 18 May 2020 -- Observers say the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is using the coronavirus crisis to exploit prevention measures to consolidate its control. Syria's health ministry has so far reported 59 cases of COVID-19, with three deaths, accounting only for people in areas under Assad's control. But Western intelligence officials believe the official tally is far too low. Concerns are growing that the pandemic could devastate crowded displacement camps and conflict-ridden regions in Syria's northwest and northeast.
• Rocket Attack Hits House in Baghdad's Green Zone, No Casualties Reported Sputnik 18 May 2020 -- A rocket landed on an empty house in the Green Zone near the US embassy in Baghdad early on Tuesday morning.
• Chinese Troops Tighten Control in Galwan Valley After India Crosses Border for Fortification Sputnik 18 May 2020 -- A border stand-off between India and China has once again erupted over infrastructure near the Line of Actual Control. China has been asking India to adopt a cautious and restrained attitude over infrastructure development in the border areas due to disputes over demarcation.
• China-India border tension flares up in Galwan Valley, won't lead to another 'Doklam standoff': experts Global Times 18 May 2020 -- Chinese border defense troops have bolstered border control measures and made necessary moves in response to India's recent, illegal construction of defense facilities across the border into Chinese territory in the Galwan Valley region, a source close to Chinese military told the Global Times on Monday.
• GNA Forces Retake Libya's Strategic Al-Watiya Airbase From Haftar - Reports Sputnik 18 May 2020 -- The Government of National Accord's (GNA) forces recaptured the strategic Al-Watiya airbase from the rival Libyan National Army (LNA) on Monday, Turkish media reported, citing the headquarters of Operation Volcano of Rage.
• UN-Backed Forces in Libya Seize Major Airbase VOA 18 May 2020 -- Forces loyal to Libya's internationally recognized government have seized a major airbase south of Tripoli from rival forces who have been trying to take over Libya for more than a year.
• Forces allied with Libya's GNA take control of key base near Tripoli Press TV 18 May 2020 -- Forces allied with Libya's internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) have wrested control of a key military base on the outskirts of the capital Tripoli from renegade General Khalifa Haftar.
• Tibetan Exile Leaders, World Lawmakers Call on China to Free Panchen Lama Radio Free Asia 18 May 2020 -- Tibet's India-based exile government and supporters in the United States called on Beijing on Monday to free Tibet's second-best-known religious leader the Panchen Lama, who disappeared as a young boy into Chinese custody on 25 years ago on May 17 and is believed to be languishing under house arrest in an undisclosed location.
• 25th Anniversary of the Panchen Lama's Disappearance US Dept. of State 18 May 2020 -- "The Department of State has made the promotion and protection of religious freedom a priority, especially in China, where people of all faiths face severe repression and discrimination."
• ICC Rules Against Compensation for Congo's Bemba VOA 18 May 2020 -- The International Criminal Court ruled Monday that ex-Congolese vice president and militia leader Jean-Pierre Bemba is not entitled to damages after his successful appeal of a war crimes conviction.
• Rakhine Squatters Ordered to Vacate Former Rohingya Quarter in Myanmar's Sittwe Township Radio Free Asia 18 May 2020 -- The government of western Myanmar's Rakhine state capital has issued an order requiring ethnic Rakhine Buddhist families to vacate more than 1,250 shelters erected on top of a former Rohingya Muslim area of the township that was razed eight years ago during a flare up of sectarian violence.
• Myanmar Ethnic Armed Group Seizes $1.28 Million in Meth From Smugglers After Firefight Radio Free Asia 18 May 2020 -- The United Wa State Army in Myanmar's Shan state seized drugs after a firefight with drug smugglers last week, UWSA said on Monday as the UN praised a two-month operation in which the country's police and military seized a record amount of methamphetamine and other drugs in the state.
• U.S. Tells Russia To Stop 'Inflicting Suffering On Crimean People' RFE/RL 18 May 2020 -- The acting U.S. ambassador to Kyiv, Kristina Kvien, has called on Russia to "stop its legacy of inflicting suffering on the people of Crimea," as Ukraine commemorated the victims of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin's mass deportation of Crimean Tatars from their homeland in 1944.
• Rwandan Genocide Suspect's Arrest in France Raises Questions VOA 18 May 2020 -- Human rights and survivor groups are cheering Saturday's arrest in France of a top Rwandan genocide suspect, Felicien Kabuga. But questions are mounting about how he managed to evade justice for so long – and the fate of other suspects and accomplices in the 1994 killings.
• The United States Applauds the Arrest of Félicien Kabuga US Dept. of State 18 May 2020 -- "We applaud the Government of France and the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals for the arrest of Félicien Kabuga, who is charged with playing a key role in the 1994 genocide in Rwanda."

News Reports

• US House panel chairman says firing of State Dept. inspector may be linked to Saudi arms sale Press TV 18 May 2020 -- The chairman of a US congressional committee has accused President Donald Trump of firing a State Department inspector general because he was investigating Trump's "phony" declaration of a national emergency last year to push for a controversial arms sales to Saudi Arabia.
• Democrat Suggests Saudi Arms Sales Behind Firing of State Department Watchdog VOA 18 May 2020 -- A key U.S. Democratic lawmaker suggested Monday that U.S. President Donald Trump may have abruptly fired the internal State Department watchdog last week at Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's behest because he was nearing completion of a probe into Pompeo's controversial fast-tracking of arms sales last year to Saudi Arabia.
• Russian Plans To Move Ahead On Second Gas Pipeline To China RFE/RL 18 May 2020 -- Russian state-run energy giant Gazprom says it has launched feasibility studies for the construction of a second gas pipeline to China that would more than double the volumes it could deliver there.
• Pandemic Partnership: Coronavirus Clears Path For Deeper China-Russia Ties In Hi-Tech RFE/RL 18 May 2020 -- Beijing and Moscow are being pushed together by the coronavirus pandemic in what could lead to a deepening partnership on next-generation technologies, a development that could greatly affect Eurasia.
• World Should Take 'Declining Power' Russia 'More Seriously,' Says Political Analyst Nye RFE/RL 18 May 2020 -- One of the most vocal champions of global "interdependence" in international affairs, Joseph Nye, has warned that the United States and the world should take Russia "much more seriously."
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on May 18, 2020 PRC MofA 18 May 2020
• Two sessions to tackle 'unprecedented' task Global Times 18 May 2020 -- As more than 5,000 Chinese lawmakers and political advisors from across the country start to arrive in Beijing for the annual legislative and political consultative meetings, or the two sessions as the events are generally termed, what awaits them is a seemingly impossible task: Prescribing the right cure for the Chinese economy that was hit hard by the coronavirus epidemic in order to not only ensure economic and social stability but also reach politically important development goals.
• Beijing in 'wartime mode' embracing two sessions amid epidemic Global Times 18 May 2020 -- As thousands of deputies and political advisors from various walks of life around China gather this week for the postponed two sessions, Beijing has stepped up security management and maintains high alert in communities and public venues to prevent any sign of the epidemic's resurgence.
• HK residents should see opposition tricks amid legit election: LegCo Finance Committee Chairman Global Times 18 May 2020 -- The election was completely legitimate, but the opposition remains infatuated with last year's results, Chan Kin-por, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) LegCo Finance Committee Chairman, told the Global Times on Monday after the LegCo House Committee chairwoman was elected.
• HK judicial affairs interrupted as Jimmy Lai's case postponed Global Times 18 May 2020 -- The founder of Hong Kong-based anti-government and pro-separatist tabloid Apple Daily Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, who is suspected of being the mastermind behind illegal assemblies and riots during the 2019-2020 political turmoil in Hong Kong, was released on bail after a court arraignment was postponed at Hong Kong's West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts on Monday.
• HK politicians to propose correcting anti-mainland education at national two sessions Global Times 18 May 2020 -- An inappropriate question in the Hong Kong special Special administrative Administrative region's Region's college entrance exam regarding China's modern history has been met with a backlash from both the authorities and society, calling into question the city's long-term flawed national education and inviting proposals from officials for change.
• Opposition lawmakers spark brawl at Hong Kong parliament Press TV 18 May 2020 -- Opposition lawmakers at the Legislative Council in Hong Kong have started a brawl at the chamber by attacking a pro-government member.
• Chaos Erupts in Hong Kong Legislature Between Pro-Democracy, Pro-China Factions VOA 18 May 2020 -- Tensions between Hong Kong's two competing forces reached another flashpoint after pro-Beijing lawmakers took control of a key legislative committee Monday.
• China to help Africa enhance disease preparedness, control capacity: Xi Global Times 18 May 2020 -- China will establish a cooperation mechanism for its hospitals to pair up with 30 African hospitals, said Chinese President Xi Jinping Monday at the opening of the 73rd World Health Assembly via video link.
• China to set up global humanitarian response depot, hub: Xi Global Times 18 May 2020 -- China will work with the United Nations to set up a global humanitarian response depot and hub in China, ensure the operation of anti-epidemic supply chains and foster "green corridors" for fast-track transportation and customs clearance, said Chinese President Xi Jinping.
• China to provide 2 billion USD of int'l aid over 2 years: Xi PLA Daily 18 May 2020 -- China will provide 2 billion US dollars over two years to help with COVID-19 response and with economic and social development in affected countries, especially developing countries, said Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday at the opening of the 73rd session of the World Health Assembly via video link.
• US State Department Urged to Intervene in Case of Uyghur Jailed After Joining Visitor Program Radio Free Asia 18 May 2020 -- The U.S. State Department is facing increasing calls to pressure China to release a Uyghur entrepreneur who was sentenced to 15 years in prison after he visited Washington to take part in the agency's International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).
• China's satellite navigation industry turned up $49 billion in 2019 Global Times 18 May 2020 -- China's satellite navigation and location services industry achieved an output value of 345 billion yuan ($48.58 billion) in 2019, up 14.4 percent from the previous year, according to an annual industry report.
• Discussion of Taiwan's status in WHA to be pushed until end of year CNA 18 May 2020 -- Discussion on the issue of Taiwan's status in the World Health Assembly (WHA) will be postponed to later in the year when the WHA resumes, the president of this year's assembly, Keva Lorraine Bain, said on Monday.
• Taiwan expresses dissatisfaction over exclusion from WHA CNA 18 May 2020 -- Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) has expressed dissatisfaction that Taiwan was not invited to attend the virtual World Health Assembly (WHA) that began Monday despite significant support worldwide.
• 8 countries call for Taiwan's WHA participation CNA 18 May 2020 -- Eight countries friendly to Taiwan have called on the World Health Organization (WHO) to grant observer status to Taiwan at the World Health Assembly (WHA), the WHO's decision-making body, given Taiwan's success in containing COVID-19.
• Taiwan Protests Lack of Invitation to World Health Assembly Radio Free Asia 18 May 2020 -- The democratic government of Taiwan on Monday expressed "dissatisfaction, protest and regret" at the lack of an invitation from the World Health Organization (WHO) to take part in its annual World Health Assembly (WHA) amid the coronavirus pandemic.
• Taiwan's Exclusion From the World Health Assembly US Dept. of State 18 May 2020 -- "The United States condemns Taiwan's exclusion from the World Health Assembly. At a time when the world continues to struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic, we need multilateral institutions to deliver on their stated missions and to serve the interests of all member states, not to play politics while lives are at stake."
• US Condemns WHO for Excluding Taiwan VOA 18 May 2020 -- The United States is strongly condemning Taiwan's exclusion from the World Health Assembly (WHA), the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Taiwan's infamous 'dollar diplomacy' fails to buy friends or respect: experts Global Times 18 May 2020 -- The attempt of Taiwan authority to buy recognition from international community with masks amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, like its traditional means of pleasing its "allies" with huge amounts of money, has brought the island nothing but embarrassment.
• Taiwan separatist lobby try hijacking US policy Global Times 18 May 2020 -- Since the US identified China as its major strategic competitor, separatists of Taiwan island have been taking advantage of the widening rifts to influence US foreign policy. The Taiwan lobby aims to shake the foundation of the China-US relationship and has renewed sway among US politicians in the White House and Congress.
• Might of Military-Civilian Coordination Displayed in Socialist Construction KCNA 18 May 2020 -- The Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) set forth an idea of launching an offensive for making a breakthrough head-on at the Fifth Plenary Meeting of its Seventh Central Committee in December last year.
• US responsible for any unwise measures against Iranian ships IRNA 18 May 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi on Monday termed the threat from the US officials shameless, adding if the US takes any action against Iranian tankers, they will be faced a decisive response by Iran and needless to say that they are accountable for consequences of any irrational actions against Iranian tankers.
• Foreign Ministry warns US against interference with Iran's fuel transfer to Venezuela ISNA 18 May 2020 -- Iran has warned the United States against any interference with the transfer of fuel by Iranian tankers to Venezuela.
• Any US threat against Iranian tankers to be met Iran's firm response: Mousavi ISNA 18 May 2020 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Seyyed Abbas Mousavi stressed that any US' threat and irrational actions against Iranian tankers will be met with Iran's immediate and firm response and the US government will be responsible for its consequences.
• Iran warns U.S. against attempts to block fuel delivery to Venezuela People's Daily 18 May 2020 -- Iranian officials on Sunday warned the United States against any attempt to block the fuel delivery by Iranian tankers to Venezuela.
• Iran: US bears responsibility for any foolish act against tankers heading to Venezuela Press TV 18 May 2020 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry has warned again that the United States will itself bear the responsibility for any foolish act that it could take against Venezuela-headed Iranian fuel tankers, saying Washington cannot come in the way of legitimate trade among independent countries.
• Iran's Tanker Convoy of Gasoline Sailing To Venezuela Radio Farda 18 May 2020 -- Iran yesterday warned the United States not to interfere with a convoy of five Iranian tankers heading towards Venezuela and loaded with approximately 220-240 million litters of gasoline.
• Iran Warns U.S. Of 'Firm Response' Over Interference Against Venezuela-Bound Fuel Tankers RFE/RL 18 May 2020 -- Iran has warned the United States against conducting "piracy" in the Caribbean as five Iranian tankers laden with fuel sail toward Venezuela.
• Founder and CEO of Iranian Financial Services Firm Extradited on Money Laundering, Wire Fraud, and Conspiracy Charges US Dept. of Justice 18 May 2020 -- Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers and U.S. Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the unsealing of a six-count federal indictment against Seyed Sajjad Shahidian, 33, Vahid Vali, 33, and PAYMENT24 for conducting financial transactions in violation of U.S. sanctions against Iran.
• US' 'inhumane, unilateral' sanctions cause suffering for people: Iran health minister Press TV 18 May 2020 -- Iran's health minister says unilateral sanctions imposed on the country by the administration of US President Donald Trump are inhumane and cause suffering and pain for people.
• Iran ready for worst-case scenario in faceoff with US, all options considered: Spokesman Press TV 18 May 2020 -- The spokesman for Iran's administration says the Islamic Republic is ready for the worst-case scenario in its current confrontation with the US over Iranian tanker ships delivering oil to Venezuela, stressing that Tehran-Caracas relations are not other countries' business.
• Outgoing Iran Speaker Proposed As National Security Council Secretary, Agency Says Radio Farda 18 May 2020 -- An Iranian news agency on Monday reported that the outgoing Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani may be proposed for the position of secretary of the Supreme National Security Council.
• Iran's Interior Ministry Claims No Responsibility For November Protests, Consequences Radio Farda 18 May 2020 -- In a letter to Iran's parliament on Monday the Interior Ministry claimed that it has not been found responsible for the causes and consequences of the November protests against the tripling of the price of gasoline.
• Khamenei Threatens The US With Expulsion From Iraq And Syria Radio Farda 18 May 2020 -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei says the United States will be "expelled from Iraq and Syria," adding that "The U.S. government's long-term performance has led to abhorrence by a major part of the world."
• UK-flagged tanker attacked in Gulf of Aden: Report Press TV 18 May 2020 -- A UK-flagged chemical tanker has foiled an attack by armed pirates in the Gulf of Aden, the vessel's operator Stolt Tankers says.
• Malaysia Lawmakers Avoid No-Confidence Vote Against Prime Minister VOA 18 May 2020 -- Malaysia's parliament convened Monday to hear a formal address by the king, then adjourned just as quickly, allowing Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to escape a no-confidence vote.