Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Afghan government releases 100 Taliban prisoners after ceasefire announced Press TV 25 May 2020 -- The Afghan government has released 100 imprisoned Taliban militants in the wake of a surprise nationwide ceasefire that appeared to be holding for a second day.
• Taliban Prisoners Freed As Afghan Truce Holds For Second Day RFE/RL 25 May 2020 -- Afghan authorities say they have released 100 Taliban prisoners as part of the government's response to a three-day cease-fire the militants called to mark the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the Eid al-Fitr holiday.
• 3-Day Ceasefire in Afghanistan to Continue for Another Week - Reports Sputnik 25 May 2020 -- The three-day ceasefire announced in Afghanistan on the occasion of the Eid al-Fitr holiday will be extended for another week, Afghan media reported Monday.
• Qatar, Others Encourage Further Steps for Peace in Afghanistan VOA 25 May 2020 -- Five countries, several of whom have been closely involved in efforts to bring peace to Afghanistan, issued a joint statement welcoming the Eid cease-fire in the country and calling on all parties to take it forward from here.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Coronavirus response: Romanian medical personnel and experts supporting their United States colleagues NATO 25 May 2020 -- Romanian military medical personnel and specialists in the field of CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radioactive, Nuclear) left today (25 May 2020) for Alabama, in the United States, to join forces with their American colleagues, as part of NATO Allies' response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Coronavirus response: The Republic of Moldova receives continued support following request to NATO's EADRCC NATO 25 May 2020 -- Romania, Lithuania, Slovakia and NATO's partner Austria are the latest countries to assist the Republic of Moldova in order to deal with the consequences of the COVID 19 pandemic.
• China Concerned as US Mulls First Nuclear Test Since 1992, Foreign Ministry Says Sputnik 25 May 2020 -- Beijing is concerned over reports that Washington is weighing up whether to conduct its first nuclear test since 1992, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said Monday, adding that China expects the US to comply with its obligations under the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).
• China's FC-31 stealth fighter jet making new progress, photos show Global Times 25 May 2020 -- New photos of a prototype FC-31, China's second type of stealth fighter jet, have been appearing frequently on Chinese social media since May, years after disappearing from the public eye. Now painted in a silver gray coating, its development is making smooth progress, experts said on Monday.
• CMC vice chairmen attend panel meetings of the PLA and PAP delegation to NPC PLA Daily 25 May 2020 -- The delegation of the People's Liberation Army(PLA) and the People's Armed Police (PAP) Force to the third Session of the 13th National People's Congress(NPC) conducted panel meetings to deliberate the Government Work Report on the afternoon of May 22, 2020.
• China's amphibious rescue aircraft readies for maiden sea takeoff PLA Daily 25 May 2020 -- China's indigenously developed amphibious aircraft AG600, which is the largest in the world, will set out for sea for the first time in the second half of the year, its developer said Monday.
• Military deputies to NPC deliberate draft central and local budgets for 2020 PLA Daily 25 May 2020 -- 2020 marks the last year of the decisive battle to overcome poverty and build a moderately prosperous society in all respects. It is also the year to realize the goals and targets in Chinese national defense and military construction. However, due to the double impact of the COVID-19 epidemic and the ever-growing downward pressure on economic growth, especially the further reduction in revenue but the increase in expenditures, the discrepancy is becoming even more prominent.
• Chinese Military Seeks Image Makeover by Giving Medical Aid to Maritime Sovereignty Rivals VOA 25 May 2020 -- China's armed forces are giving anti-COVID medical aid this month to soften their image in four countries that dispute Beijing's military-enforced control over a resource-rich sea.
• Officer, lawmaker notes PLA Navy's success in pirate-infested waters PLA Daily 25 May 2020 -- Captain Zhao Yanquan, commander of a People's Liberation Army Navy destroyer and national lawmaker, said on Monday that the Navy's escort missions to the Gulf of Aden have offered protection for more than 6,700 Chinese and foreign ships.
• Era of US military presence in region ending: IRGC deputy commander Press TV 25 May 2020 -- A senior commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has censured the United States for conducting military drills in the Persian Gulf, saying the era of US military presence in the region is coming to an end.
• IRGC General Says US Military Presence 'Coming To An End' In Persian Gulf Radio Farda 25 May 2020 -- Iran's Revolutionary Guard deputy in political affairs, Brigadier General Yadollah Javani has dismissed U.S. military drills in the Persian Gulf saying these will not intimidate the Islamic Republic.

Defense Industry

Other Conflicts

• Accusing China of using COVID-19 to expand presence in South China Sea "nonsense": FM People's Daily 25 May 2020 -- It is sheer nonsense to claim that China is using COVID-19 to expand its presence in the South China Sea, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Sunday.
• Yemeni army warns Saudi aggressors of 'dire consequences' if air raids continue Press TV 25 May 2020 -- The Yemeni army has warned the Saudi-led coalition of "dire consequences" if it continues its aerial attacks against the country.
• Militants Shell Town in Syria's Idlib, Russian Military Says Sputnik 25 May 2020 -- Militants from the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham* terrorist group have attacked a settlement in the Syrian province of Idlib, Rear Admiral Oleg Zhuravlev, the head of the Russian Defence Ministry's centre for Syrian reconciliation, said on Monday.
• Israel will not miss 'historic opportunity' to annex West Bank: Netanyahu Press TV 25 May 2020 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the Tel Aviv regime will not miss a "historic opportunity" to go ahead with its controversial plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank and extend its law to those areas, calling the move one of the main priorities of his new coalition administration.
• US military presence in Iraq aimed at protecting Israel's security, interests: PMU leader Press TV 25 May 2020 -- A high-ranking official with Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), better known by the Arabic name Hashd al-Sha'abi, has strongly denounced US military presence in his country, saying such a deployment is meant to safeguard the security and interests of the Israeli regime.

News Reports

• Russia Demands Apology From Bloomberg Over Report About Putin's Low Ratings RFE/RL 25 May 2020 -- Russia has demanded an apology from the Bloomberg news agency over a report it published about President Vladimir Putin's low trust rating among Russians.
• Current Time Report Sparks Investigation At Makeshift Hospital In Moscow Region RFE/RL 25 May 2020 -- Prosecutors in Moscow say they have started an investigation after Current Time reported alleged shortages of medicines and labor violations at a makeshift hospital for coronavirus patients set up by a well-known Azerbaijani-Russian businessman Araz Agalarov.
• Russian Prosecutor Seeks Lengthy Prison Term For American On Spying Charges RFE/RL 25 May 2020 -- Russian prosecutors have asked a Moscow court to find former Marine Paul Whelan guilty of espionage -- a charge Whelan and U.S. officials vehemently deny -- and sentence him to 18 years in prison.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on May 25, 2020 PRC MofA 25 May 2020
• HK Secretary for Security and six disciplinary forces support national security law in HK Global Times 25 May 2020 -- Hong Kong's Secretary for Security and six disciplinary forces have pledged their full support for the national legislature's deliberation on national security legislation for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
• National security law marks end of HK autonomy: official CNA 25 May 2020 -- If China passes a controversial national security law for Hong Kong, Beijing will have broken its promise to respect Hong Kong's autonomy under the "one country, two systems" model, Taiwan's National Security Council Deputy Secretary-General Tsai Ming-yen (蔡明彥) said Monday.
• Tsai's remarks about Hong Kong a warning to Beijing: MAC CNA 25 May 2020 -- President Tsai Ing-wen's (蔡英文) proposed suspension of Taiwan's law governing its dealings with Hong Kong if the situation in Hong Kong worsens was meant to be a warning to Beijing, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said Monday.
• Opposition criticizes Tsai's proposed suspension of Hong Kong act CNA 25 May 2020 -- Three opposition parties in Taiwan on Monday expressed concern about President Tsai Ing-wen's (蔡英文) proposed suspension of the law governing its dealing with Hong Kong if China passes a new security law that would undermine the territory's autonomy.
• China to 'firmly' retaliate against possible US sanctions over national security law: FM spokesperson Global Times 25 May 2020 -- China said on Monday that it would take "all necessary measures" to firmly counter and retaliate against the US' threatened sanctions over a national security law for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), lambasting the US for blatant interference in China's internal affairs.
• Rioters resume protests against national security law in 'deathbed struggle' Global Times 25 May 2020 -- Various black-clad protesters descended into the streets of Hong Kong on Sunday, taking part in illegal protests, defying the proposed national security law, claiming it erodes the "one country, two systems" principle and infringes upon their legitimate rights. The Sunday protests have been rapidly dispersed by Hong Kong police.
• Fear-mongering over national security law unfounded Global Times 25 May 2020 -- Many foreign officials and media outlets have rushed to claim Hong Kong's status as a global financial hub has ended due to the impending National Security Law, with unsubstantiated reports of capital flight, but the move of the legislation is actually a boost to the business environment in the long-run.
• National security legislation for HKSAR won't affect its high autonomy People's Daily 25 May 2020 -- The draft decision of China's top legislature to introduce national security legislation for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) will not affect HKSAR's high degree of autonomy, analysts said.
• Safeguarding national security common responsibility: HKSAR gov't officials People's Daily 25 May 2020 -- Officials of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government said on Sunday that safeguarding national security is a common responsibility that bears on the vital interests of all Hong Kong residents.
• National security legislation helpful to maintain sound business, investment environment in Hong Kong: official People's Daily 25 May 2020 -- The national security legislation for Hong Kong will help maintain social stability and a sound business and investment environment in Hong Kong, an official of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government said Sunday.
• China's top legislator confident of completing Hong Kong national security legislative task People's Daily 25 May 2020 -- China's top legislator Li Zhanshu Monday said he is confident of completing an important legislative task on safeguarding national security for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
• Chinese leaders deliberate, discuss draft NPC decision on Hong Kong PLA Daily 25 May 2020 -- Leaders of the Communist Party of China and the state have joined lawmakers and political advisors in deliberating and discussing a draft decision on the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), at the annual sessions of the national legislature and political advisory body.
• Hong Kong security chief warns about 'rising terrorism' as anti-govt. protesters return to streets Press TV 25 May 2020 -- Hong Kong's security chief has warned about a rise in violence and acts of "terrorism" as protesters defy coronavirus-related curbs and return to the streets to slam mainland China's proposed anti-sedition laws for the restive territory.
• Chinese Leaders Say Draconian Hong Kong Sedition Law Proposal Must Pass Radio Free Asia 25 May 2020 -- The ruling Chinese Communist Party on Monday said it would carry through its plan to impose a draconian sedition and subversion law on Hong Kong, bypassing the city's legislature, claiming that anti-government protesters had engaged in "terrorist activities" in recent months.
• Hong Kong Minister Says New Security Law Necessary Amid Rise in Terrorism, Protests Sputnik 25 May 2020 -- New security legislation that may be implemented in Hong Kong by the Chinese central government that would ban secessionist and subversive activity is necessary amid a rise in terrorism in the region, as seen in a new wave of protests that took place on Sunday, Hong Kong's Secretary of Security John Lee said on Monday.
• China Warns US at Brink of Starting 'New Cold War' with Beijing VOA 25 May 2020 -- China says some "political forces" in the United States have taken bilateral relations hostage and are pushing the world's two biggest economies towards "a new Cold War."
• How diplomats work hard to defend China's interests, promote cooperation amid pandemic Global Times 25 May 2020 -- Chinese diplomats engaged in heated discussions over the images of Chinese diplomats labeled by Western media outlets as "wolf warriors" due to their verbal battles with US politicians throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Guangdong Province to build 25-30 P3 labs, one P4 lab within five years Global Times 25 May 2020 -- South China's Guangdong Province is gearing up to plan and construct 25 to 30 P3 laboratories and at least one P4 laboratory within five years, said the head of the science and technology department of Guangdong recently during the country's annual two sessions.
• Chinese leaders deliberate, discuss draft civil code People's Daily 25 May 2020 -- Leaders of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the state Sunday joined lawmakers and political advisors in deliberating and discussing a draft civil code at the annual sessions of the national legislature and top political advisory body.
• China's national legislature starts 2nd plenary meeting of annual session People's Daily 25 May 2020 -- The third session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC), China's national legislature, started its second plenary meeting Monday.
• China provides legal support for anti-epidemic efforts, economic and social development People's Daily 25 May 2020 -- China's top legislature said in a report that it has provided legal support for anti-epidemic efforts and economic and social development.
• China vows to shield firms from US sanctions over restive Xinjiang region Press TV 25 May 2020 -- Beijing has pledged to safeguard the Chinese firms and institutions that have been recently sanctioned by the United States over alleged human rights violations against the Uighur Muslim minority in the restive western region of Xinjiang.
• China Plans to Lift Economy by Boosting Consumption VOA 25 May 2020 -- China said Monday it boasts $182 trillion in total national assets, which it hopes will provide enough support to lift its economy out of contraction by boosting domestic consumption after the coronavirus outbreak is contained.
• Rioters resume protests against national security law in 'deathbed struggle' Global Times 25 May 2020 -- Various black-clad protesters descended into the streets of Hong Kong on Sunday, taking part in illegal protests, defying the proposed national security law, claiming it erodes the "one country, two systems" principle and infringes upon their legitimate rights. The Sunday protests have been rapidly dispersed by Hong Kong police.
• Taiwan rejects Beijing's reiteration of One China principle CNA 25 May 2020 -- Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) reiterated that "only the government elected by the Taiwanese people can represent the Taiwanese people," rejecting Beijing's "One China" principle cited by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (王毅) Sunday.
• Separatists frightened by national security legislation: experts Global Times 25 May 2020 -- Hong Kong separatists, rioters and illegal protesters are now abandoned by those foreign forces that have long backed them, particularly during the turmoil last year, because their value in stirring up troubles in Hong Kong is decreasing since the mainland started the national security legislation, said analysts, as the Taiwan regional leader vowed to revoke the special status the island extends to the Hong Kong special administrative region (HKSAR).
• Venezuela defends 'right' to free trade with Iran Press TV 25 May 2020 -- Venezuela's president has defended his country's right to free trade with Iran despite coercive efforts by the United States that has brought both nations under illegal and unilateral sanctions, saying neither Caracas nor Tehran will ever knuckle under Washington's pressure.
• Second Iranian oil tanker enters Venezuelan waters IRNA 25 May 2020 -- According to 'Marine Traffic' website, the second Iranian tanker named "Forest" arrived in Venezuelan waters and near Isla Margarita.
• Iranian oil tanker berthed at Venezuela's port ignoring US warnings IRNA 25 May 2020 -- First Iranian oil tanker berthed at Venezuela's El Palito port, TankerTrackers.com- an online service which tracks shipments in different geographical areas- reported on Monday.
• Iran's second fuel tanker sails into Venezuela's waters: Telesur Press TV 25 May 2020 -- The Venezuelan media announce that a second Iranian tanker loaded with gasoline has sailed into the South American country's territorial waters.
• First Iranian Tanker Reaches Venezuelan Oil Port Without U.S. Interference RFE/RL 25 May 2020 -- An Iranian tanker carrying fuel has reached port in Venezuela amid escalating tensions between Washington and the two U.S.-sanctioned countries.
• Iranian Oil Taker Docks in Venezuela, Defying US Sanctions VOA 25 May 2020 -- The first of what is expected to be five Iranian oil tankers has docked at a Venezuelan refinery, defying U.S. sanctions on both countries.
• First Iranian Tanker Docks At Venezuelan Refinery, Second Tanker Approaching Radio Farda 25 May 2020 -- An Iranian tanker carrying 43 million liters (11.3 million gallolns) of gasoline to fuel-starved Venezuela has arrived at El Palito, Venezuela, TankerTrackers reported on Monday.
• US not qualified to judge others, must address own dark past: Iran Foreign Ministry Press TV 25 May 2020 -- The spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry says the United States is by no means qualified to judge other countries in political, legal and moral terms, and must first clarify its own vicious and ominous track records.
• JCPOA opponents aim to undermine Iran-IAEA cooperation: Russian diplomat Press TV 25 May 2020 -- A senior Russian diplomat says opponents of a 2015 nuclear deal signed between Iran and major world powers are seeking to "undermine the confidence and cooperation" between Tehran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
• Iran Minister Says Turkey Unwilling To Repair Gas Pipeline Blown Up In Attack Radio Farda 25 May 2020 -- Iran's Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh on Monday blamed Turkey for not showing interest in repairing a gas pipeline near the Iranian border blown up by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in March.
• Worker Protests Spring Up In Iran, As Sanctions, Coronavirus Weaken Economy Radio Farda 25 May 2020 -- Amid a worsening economy in Iran a new wave of worker protests have sprang up in the country in recent weeks, as government coffers empty out and many employers are unable to pay wages.
• Not All Ayatollahs Agree With Khamenei Over End Of Ramadan Radio Farda 25 May 2020 -- Some Iranians including those who follow Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's religious edicts marked the end of the fasting month with group prayers on Sunday, despite the coronavirus pandemic, while others who follow the edicts of other religious leaders hold Monday as the day of Eid al-Fitr.
• Iran's Central Bank To Merge Several Military-Owned Banks Amid Economic Crisis Radio Farda 25 May 2020 -- The Governor of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) announced on Monday that two banks owned by the country's armed forces will be merged into Sepah Bank in the next ten days.
• Protests For Lack Of Drinking Water Turns Into Hot Discussion Among Iranians Radio Farda 25 May 2020 -- A clash between protesters demanding drinking water and security forces in southwestern Iran has turned into the hottest issue on Iranian social media.
• Virgin Orbit Ignites LauncherOne Rocket During First Launch Demo, Mission Safely Terminated Virgin Orbit 25 May 2020 -- Virgin Orbit, the California-based satellite launch company, conducted a launch demonstration of its innovative air-launched rocket today in the skies over the Pacific Ocean just off the California coast.
• Turkey delaying gas pipeline repair for unknown reasons: Iran Press TV 25 May 2020 -- Iran's Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh says he is unaware why Turkey has been delaying repair work on an Iranian gas pipeline that was blown up in late March.
• As Crime Dips Worldwide, Agile Syndicates Adapt to Pandemic VOA 25 May 2020 -- El Salvador, one of the world's homicide hot spots, reported something highly unusual early in the coronavirus pandemic – four murder-free days.
• Kazakhstan Reforms Protest Law Amid Tough Criticism From Rights Groups RFE/RL 25 May 2020 -- Kazakhstan has reformed laws on strictly controlled peaceful assembly that critics say fall short of international human rights standards and amount to window dressing.
• Burundi: Ruling Party Candidate Named Winner in Presidential Vote VOA 25 May 2020 -- Burundi's election commission declared ruling party candidate Evariste Ndayishimiye the winner of the country's presidential election.
• Ruling Party Candidate Wins Burundi Presidential Election VOA 25 May 2020 -- Ruling party candidate Evariste Ndayishimiye has won Burundi's presidential election by a landslide, preliminary results show, while the main opposition party cries fraud.
• Suriname's Strongman Seeks 3rd Term VOA 25 May 2020 -- Suriname's president Desi Bouterse is looking to win a third term despite being convicted of murder last year and a separate drug smuggling conviction from the Netherlands.