Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• NATO Chief, US Special Envoy Khalilzad Welcome 3-Day Ceasefire in Afghanistan Sputnik 24 May 2020 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad have both welcomed the three-day ceasefire announced in Afghanistan, saying it should pave the way for lasting peace.
• Afghan president to free up to 2,000 Taliban inmates as 'goodwill gesture' Press TV 24 May 2020 -- Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has initiated a process to release up to 2,000 imprisoned Taliban militants as a "goodwill gesture" in response to a three-day ceasefire offered by the the militant group.
• Afghan president vows to expedite Taliban prisoners release after ceasefire offer Press TV 24 May 2020 -- Afghan President Ashraf Ghani says his government aims to speed up the release of Taliban prisoners, after the militant group offered a three-day ceasefire for Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan.
• Afghanistan's Ghani Vows To Expedite Release Of Taliban Prisoners RFE/RL 24 May 2020 -- Afghan President Ashraf Ghani launched a process on May 24 to release up to 2,000 Taliban prisoners after welcoming an offer by the militants of a three-day cease-fire to mark Eid al-Fitr, the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
• UN welcomes three-day ceasefire announcement by Afghan government and Taliban during Eid al-Fitr UN News 24 May 2020 -- The UN Secretary-General has welcomed the announcement by the Afghan Government and the Taliban of a ceasefire to mark the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims around the world.
• Pompeo Urges Afghan Rivals to Refrain From Violence After Eid Truce VOA 24 May 2020 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has hailed the temporary Eid cease-fire in Afghanistan as a "tremendous opportunity" for advancing peace efforts in the war-torn country.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Future USS Kansas City Arrives at San Diego Homeport NNS 24 May 2020 -- The next ship to be commissioned and carry the Kansas City name arrived at its homeport in San Diego, May 24.
• U.S. Military Carried Out Live Fire Exercise Last Week In Persian Gulf Radio Farda 24 May 2020 -- According to a Defense Department press release of May 23 the United States military conducted training exercises with live ammunition in the Persian Gulf in recent days.
• Russia's Ryabkov Mocks Pompeo Claim That Moscow Uses Open Skies Treaty to Identify Targets Sputnik 24 May 2020 -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov on Saturday rejected as ludicrous the allegation by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that Moscow used the Open Skies Treaty to target critical infrastructure in the United States and Europe.
• China's first plateau-focused unmanned helicopter makes maiden flight, missions along border with India expected Global Times 24 May 2020 -- China's first domestically developed unmanned helicopter focused on plateau operations recently made its maiden flight. Capable of conducting missions including reconnaissance, communication relay, electronic disruption and fire strike at high altitude, this versatile and easy-to-operate drone could help safeguard China's southwestern borders with India, analysts said on Sunday.
• Chinese military urges US to immediately stop arms sales to Taiwan PLA Daily 24 May 2020 -- The Chinese military expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition on Sunday to the US selling Taiwan $180 million of equipment including torpedoes, and strongly urged the US side to immediately stop arms sales to Taiwan and stop military ties with Taiwan.
• Iran's defense preparedness at highest level in 40 years: IRGC cmdr. Press TV 24 May 2020 -- Iran has reached the highest level of defense preparedness since the victory of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, says a senior commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), emphasizing that there is nothing for the Iranian people to worry about in this regard.

Defense Industry

Other Conflicts

• Chinese FM refutes rumors over South China Sea amid pandemic Global Times 24 May 2020 -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi refuted rumors at a press conference on Sunday that China was escalating activities in the South China Sea to achieve its strategic goals.
• 3 civilians killed as Saudi-led warplanes hit northern Yemen on Eid al-Fitr Press TV 24 May 2020 -- At least three civilian have been killed in air raids by the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen's mountainous northwestern province of Sa'ada as people were celebrating Eid al-Fitr holiday, which marks the end of the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.
• Turkish-backed militants set fire to farms in northeastern Syria: SANA Press TV 24 May 2020 -- Turkish-backed Takfiri militants have burned wide areas of agricultural lands in Syria's northeastern province of Hasakah, reports say.
• Infighting kills Turkish-backed militants in northern Syria Press TV 24 May 2020 -- Infighting between rival groups in Syria's northern provinces of Aleppo and Idlib has ended in the killing and injuring of several Turkish-backed Takfiri militants.
• Libyan government takes 3 military camps from rebels in southern Tripoli Global Times 24 May 2020 -- The UN-backed Libyan government's forces on Saturday said it took over three military camps from the rival eastern-based army in the south of the capital Tripoli, as the armed conflict between the two rivals continued.
• Libya's rebel commander urges forces to rally against Turkey Press TV 24 May 2020 -- The self-styled commander of the rebels in Libya, Khalifa Haftar, has called on his forces to rally against Turkey, which militarily backs the government in the country's capital, Tripoli.
• Bomb blast kills five, injures 20 in Somalia Press TV 24 May 2020 -- A bomb explosion has left at least five people dead and injured more than 20 others during Eid al-Fitr celebrations in Somalia.
• Bomb Blast in Somalia Kills 4 During Eid Celebrations VOA 24 May 2020 -- At least four civilians were killed and more than 15 others were wounded in a bomb blast during Eid al Fitr celebrations outside the Somali town of Baidoa, witnesses said.
• India 'Dispatches Reinforcement Battalions to Ladakh' Amid Border Tension with China Sputnik 24 May 2020 -- The recent standoff between India and China erupted over infrastructure construction near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) earlier this month. China has been urging India to be cautious and restrained over infrastructure development in the border areas, which are separated by the loosely demarcated LAC.

News Reports

• Grenell: Public Misled 'Too Long', Vows to Declassify More Flynn Documents Sputnik 24 May 2020 -- Acting director of national intelligence Richard Grenell has announced he's working to declassify transcripts of phone calls between former national security adviser Michael Flynn and former Russian ambassador to the UN Sergey Kislyak.
• Iran's First Tanker Reaches Venezuelan Waters FARS 24 May 2020 -- The first of five Iranian oil tankers has entered the Venezuelan territorial waters to show Iran's determination to carry out exports of goods and oil to everywhere in the world regardless of US threats.
• Venezuelan Petroleum Minister appreciates Iran fuel supply IRNA 24 May 2020 -- Venezuelan Minister of Petroleum Tareck El Aissami in a message appreciated Iran for fuel supply, saying energy cooperation will develop relations in all fields.
• Venezuela hails arrival of Iranian fuel as 'landmark in struggle for sovereignty' Press TV 24 May 2020 -- Venezuela's permanent representative to the UN has welcomed the arrival of Iranian tankers loaded with gasoline to the South American country's waters, urging US President Donald Trump to avoid an act of aggression based on the "wrong advice" of warmongers.
• Venezuela hails arrival of Iranian fuel as 'landmark in struggle for sovereignty' Press TV 24 May 2020 -- Venezuela's permanent representative to the UN has welcomed the arrival of Iranian tankers loaded with gasoline to the South American country's waters, urging US President Donald Trump to avoid an act of aggression based on the "wrong advice" of warmongers.
• First Iranian tanker carrying gasoline enters Venezuelan waters Press TV 24 May 2020 -- The first of five Iranian tankers carrying fuel for gasoline-starved Venezuela has entered the Latin American country's territorial waters despite the US threats.
• First Iranian Tanker 'Fortune' Reaches Venezuelan Coast Escorted by Bolivarian Armed Forces Sputnik 24 May 2020 -- Iran has sent five ocean-going tankers loaded with an estimated 1.53 million barrels of gasoline to Venezuela, a move that has reportedly received threats from Washington. Tehran, in response, promised "retaliation" if the US moves to act against the ships.
• Xi orders fortifying public health protection network PLA Daily 24 May 2020 -- President Xi Jinping stressed fortifying the public health protection network when participating in a deliberation at the annual national legislative session.
• Chinese FM Warns Against Foreign Interference Over Hong Kong VOA 24 May 2020 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is warning the West and other players that "no external interference will be tolerated" as Beijing considers a new security law inside semi-autonomous Hong Kong.
• China points direction for post-pandemic world Global Times 24 May 2020 -- China is pointing out the correct direction - improving and reforming globalization; upholding multilateralism - for the world to create a brighter future after the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese analysts said after the Chinese foreign minister's press conference on the sidelines of the annual national legislative session on Sunday.
• China never bullies others but will counter slander for honor, dignity: FM Global Times 24 May 2020 -- Those who always seek to label China hegemonic are exactly the ones who refuse to let go of hegemony, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, said at a press conference on the sidelines of the third session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) on Sunday.
• China's social system, governance capability withstands COVID-19 test: Chinese FM Global Times 24 May 2020 -- "The world won't return to the past and China will not stop marching forward" and China's social system and governance capability have withstood comprehensive test after the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese Foreign Minister said on Sunday, adding that as long as the world insists on pushing forward with globalization reform and upholding multilateralism, the world will see a brighter future after the pandemic.
• NPC deputy proposes a national data security law for information sovereignty Global Times 24 May 2020 -- China should speed up the process of setting up a national data security law so as to strengthen the protection over personal privacy and establish a mechanism that guarantees China's data sovereignty facing global competition, Zheng Jie, a deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislative body, proposed during the ongoing two sessions.
• Li stresses stabilizing fundamentals for growth People's Daily 24 May 2020 -- Premier Li Keqiang reiterated on Saturday the importance of stabilizing China's economic fundamentals with stronger measures to create jobs, safeguard people's livelihoods and protect market players as the country faces unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Highlights of press conference on China's foreign policy and diplomatic relations People's Daily 24 May 2020 -- State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met the press on the sidelines of the 3rd session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) at 3 pm Sunday afternoon. He took questions regarding China's foreign policy and diplomatic relations via video link.
• Xi stresses analyzing China's economy from comprehensive, dialectical, long-term perspective PLA Daily 24 May 2020 -- President Xi Jinping on Saturday stressed analyzing China's economic situation from a comprehensive, dialectical and long-term perspective, urging efforts to foster new opportunities amid challenges and make new advances amid changes.
• US and China on 'Brink of New Cold War', Chinese Foreign Minister Warns Sputnik 24 May 2020 -- Relations between Washington and Beijing recently deteriorated as the US accused China of misinformation about the coronavirus crisis. The countries have also clashed over the situation in Hong Kong, as well as territorial disputes in the South China Sea, economic issues, and US dependency on Chinese resources.
• US May Impose Sanctions on China Over Hong Kong VOA 24 May 2020 -- Washington may impose sanctions on China over a new proposed law on security in Hong Kong, White House National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien said Sunday.
• Hong Kong Ex-Governor Dubs New Security Law a 'Wake-Up Call' VOA 24 May 2020 -- Britain and other Western countries have been naive in thinking they can tame China's Communist leaders by "cozying up" to them, says Britain's last governor of Hong Kong.
• Hong Kong Police Use Force to Disperse Rally Against Beijing Security Law VOA 24 May 2020 -- Hong Kong police fired tear gas and used water cannon and pepper spray Sunday on thousands of protesters who turned out in droves to demonstrate against Beijing's plan to impose national security laws on the Asian financial hub.
• National security law will not affect HK's autonomy: Wang Yi Global Times 24 May 2020 -- Hong Kong's national security law will not affect the city's high degree of autonomy, the rights and freedom enjoyed by its residents, or the legitimate rights of foreign investors, said Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Sunday.
• Commissioner's office of Chinese foreign ministry in HKSAR urges relevant countries to stop meddling with HK affairs, China's internal affairs as a whole People's Daily 24 May 2020 -- The Office of the Commissioner of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Saturday urged relevant countries to respect China's sovereignty and security, and stop meddling with Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs as a whole.
• National security legislation for HKSAR by top legislature has sufficient Constitutional, legal basis PLA Daily 24 May 2020 -- The deliberation by China's top legislature on national security legislation for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has been welcomed by many law experts in Hong Kong as a critical effort to plug loopholes in the national security system and safeguard the constitutional order established by the Constitution and the Basic Law.
• Hong Kong residents voice support for national security legislation PLA Daily 24 May 2020 -- A petition activity was launched here on Sunday in support of national security legislation for Hong Kong, with the number of participators quickly amounting to tens of thousands.
• Protest erupts in Hong Kong over proposed security law Press TV 24 May 2020 -- Hong Kong is witnessing a renewal of protests over a newly-proposed security law as a lockdown imposed over the coronavirus outbreak gradually loosens.
• Riot Police Fire Tear Gas, Water Cannon at Angry Hong Kong Crowds Radio Free Asia 24 May 2020 -- Hong Kong police fired tear gas, water cannon and pepper balls at separate groups totaling thousands of people who came out in protest at plans by the ruling Chinese Communist Party in Beijing to impose draconian national security legislation and crack down on dissent in the city.
• BoJo Allegedly Has Cunning Plan to Allow Hong Kong Citizens to Emigrate to UK Sputnik 24 May 2020 -- The revelation follows moves by China to introduce a resolution improving the Basic Law that sets out the framework of ties between Hong Kong and Beijing, which could include a national security convention banning "treason, secession, sedition and subversion", and may be passed without consultation with the region's legislature.
• NIA beefs up screenings on entries by Chinese associated with CPC CNA 24 May 2020 -- Taiwan's National Immigration Agency (NIA) has strengthened its screening of entry permit applications by Chinese nationals affiliated with the Communist Party of China (CPC) over the past year to make sure they do not visit for the purposes of political propaganda, the agency said Sunday.
• US should not underestimate Chinese people's determination for reunification: Wang Yi Global Times 24 May 2020 -- The Taiwan question is China's internal affair and the US should recognize its high sensitivity and abide by the one-China principle and three joint communiqués, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday.
• Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un Guides Enlarged Meeting of WPK Central Military Commission KCNA 24 May 2020 -- The Fourth Enlarged Meeting of the Seventh Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) took place at a stirring time when the entire Party and the whole society are pushing ahead with the great revolutionary advance for glorifying this year marking the 75th founding anniversary of the WPK as a year of opening up an epoch-making phase in the path of the development of the Korean-style socialism, true to the line and policy for achieving prosperity by self-reliance set forth by the great Party.
• Order of Chairman of WPK Central Military Commission Issued KCNA 24 May 2020 -- Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), signed an order on promoting the military ranks of commanding officers.
• North Korean leader pledges to increase 'nuclear deterrence' capabilities Press TV 24 May 2020 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has outlined his policies for further boosting his country's nuclear "deterrence" capabilities amid stalled denuclearization talks with the United States.
• Kim Jong-un Chairs Meeting of WPK Military Commission, Discusses Increasing 'Nuclear War Deterrence' Sputnik 24 May 2020 -- The Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) meeting is considered to be the North Korean leader's first public appearance after returning in late April from a lengthy and unexplained absence that sparked rumors that the leader was ill or even dead.
• Ukraine Says Those Responsible In Iran For Downing Its Airliner Must Face Justice Radio Farda 24 May 2020 -- The Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine has told Radio Farda Kyiv insists on punishing those responsible in Iran for shooting down its passenger plane in January.
• Iran's Exports To China Drop 61 Percent Compared With 2019 Radio Farda 24 May 2020 -- The latest trade figures published by China's customs shows a 61 percent drop in imports from Iran in the first four months of 2020 compared with the same period last year.
• Governor's Wife Accused Of Taking $200,000 Bribe From Dodgy Businessman In Iran Radio Farda 24 May 2020 -- In a high-profile corruption trial in Iran the wife of a governor stands accused of taking $200,000 in bribes from the CEO of a company that refused to pay its workers for months and then police brutally suppressed their protests.
• US asks Israel to sever burgeoning ties with China: Paper Press TV 24 May 2020 -- The United States has asked Israel to sever ties with China in areas which entail security risks, the Jerusalem Post reports.
• Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's Trial Begins in Jerusalem VOA 24 May 2020 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu went on trial Sunday on three cases of fraud, corruption and breach of trust. If convicted, Netanyahu faces years in jail. He maintains his innocence and accuses the justice system of trying to engineer a coup against him.
• More Than 1,000 Belarusians Protest Lukashenka's Bid For Sixth Term RFE/RL 24 May 2020 -- More than 1,000 demonstrators joined together in the Belarusian capital on May 24 to oppose another term for longtime President Alyaksandr Lukshenka in one of the biggest protests of the year in that country.
• Turkish State Broadcaster Launches Russian Channel To Fight 'Disinformation And Manipulation' RFE/RL 24 May 2020 -- Turkey's state-run TRT broadcaster has launched a new Russian digital platform.
• Burundian human rights commission says general elections held fairly Global Times 24 May 2020 -- The Burundian National Independent Human Rights Commission on Saturday evening said the general elections on May 20 were held in a "good and fair" manner.