COVID-19 - Daily News

27 May 2020 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
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Current Operations

US-led coalition deploys Patriot missile batteries at Syria gas field: Report Press TV 27 May 2020 -- The Western military coalition, purported to fight the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group, has reportedly deployed three Patriot missile batteries at a US base in Syria's eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr.
US Denies Reports It Has 'Multiple Patriot Missile Batteries' Deployed Near Massive Syrian Gas Field Sputnik 27 May 2020 -- US forces in northeastern Syria began to redeploy from the border with Turkey to the country's interior and oil and gas fields last October, after Ankara launched an abortive invasion of the area targeting the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces militia.
US Troops, Kurdish Militia Injured Following Ambush, Firefight in Northeast Syria - Reports Sputnik 27 May 2020 -- The reported incident comes just over a month after a similar ambush which led to the loss of a vehicle carrying US troops and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) militia, the predominantly Kurdish militia group which enjoys de facto control over part of northeast Syria. Several people were reported injured in that attack.

Afghan government frees 900 Taliban prisoners, urges extension of truce Press TV 27 May 2020 -- The Afghan government has released 900 Taliban militants from prison on the third and final day of a nationwide ceasefire, urging the militant group to extend the truce.
As Deadline Passes, Afghan Cease-Fire Appears To Be Holding RFE/RL 27 May 2020 -- Even though calls for the Taliban to prolong a cease-fire with the Afghan government have gone unanswered so far, there have been no signs of renewed fighting and the militants say they will release more prisoners.

USS Pinckney Interdicts Second Drug Vessel NNS 27 May 2020 -- The Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91) with embarked U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) team seized over 2,700 kilograms of suspected cocaine May 16.

Defense Policy / Programs

Secretary Esper Updates Reporters After Parris Island Visit DoD 27 May 2020 -- Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper
USS Kidd Transitions to Next Phase of COVID-19 Response DoD News 27 May 2020 -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Kidd transitioned into the next phase of the Navy's aggressive response to the COVID-19 outbreak aboard the ship with the May 18 transfer of nearly 90 health sailors to relieve the caretaker crew that has been on the ship since its April 28 arrival in San Diego.
Air Force update for COVID-19 US Air Force 27 May 2020
Official Says Pentagon Could 'Rapidly' Prepare New Nuke Test as US Exits Open Skies Treaty Sputnik 27 May 2020 -- As the US exits a key, confidence-building international treaty, a top Pentagon official has stated the US is capable of preparing a nuclear weapons test in just "months," if necessary.
2nd MEB completes deployment supporting national COVID-19 response USMC News 27 May 2020 -- Marines and Sailors with 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, who formed the command element for U.S. Northern Command's COVID-19 response in the Northeast United States, returned to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 19, 2020.
U.S., Singapore Navies Conduct Joint Exercise in South China Sea NNS 27 May 2020 -- The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) and the Republic of Singapore Navy Formidable-class multi-role stealth frigate RSS Steadfast (FFS 70) conducted a bilateral exercise in the South China Sea, May 24-25.
AFCEC consolidates program to maximize lethality, readiness US Air Force 27 May 2020 -- The Air Force Civil Engineer Center's Installations Directorate is taking the Air Force's Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration program to new heights, preserving training areas to increase the lethality and readiness of air and space forces.

Russian Fighters Intercept U.S. Aircraft, Risk Midair Collision, U.S. Navy Says RFE/RL 27 May 2020 -- Two Russian Su-35 fighter jets flew in an unsafe and unprofessional manner while intercepting a U.S. Navy P-8A maritime patrol aircraft over international waters in the Eastern Mediterranean, the U.S. Navy has said.

Coronavirus response: Allies and partners join efforts to increase testing capacity of NATO-led mission in Afghanistan NATO 27 May 2020 -- Protecting our service members and civilians deployed with NATO-led missions remains paramount. In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, troops operating as part of the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission continue to apply preventative measures in accordance with the World Health Organization guidelines, including hand-washing, social distancing, wearing facemasks and avoiding large gatherings.
NATO provides state of the art communication solutions to Allied Navies NATO 27 May 2020 -- The NATO Communications and Information (NCI) Agency is enabling Allies to tap into satellite communications for their maritime operations and update the cryptographic equipment on their ships. This is an example of how NATO membership gives access to state-of-the art defence technology and the expertise to use it.

Russian Defence Contractor Reveals Dates of Airborne Missile and Cluster Glide Bomb Delivery Sputnik 27 May 2020 -- The serial delivery of Russia's new Broneboyschik (armour piercer) air-launched missiles to the country's army is planned for 2021, documents for making it operational will soon be drafted, the CEO of Tecmash arms industry company (part of state corporation Rostec) has said in an interview.

China Building Its Biggest Search and Rescue Ship Yet For South China Sea Radio Free Asia 27 May 2020 -- China says it is nearing completion of a 450-foot-long search and rescue ship, the largest such vessel in its fleet, that will enter service with the Ministry of Transport's South China Sea Rescue Bureau.
China's 2nd aircraft carrier Shandong conducts testing, training mission in wake of COVID-19 Global Times 27 May 2020 -- China's second aircraft carrier, the country's first domestically built one, the Shandong, is now conducting testing and training missions at sea, the state broadcaster confirmed on Wednesday, after local residents saw the warship leaving a shipyard on Monday.
China's president orders military to prepare for war Press TV 27 May 2020 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered China's armed forces to "comprehensively" strengthen the training of troops and be prepared for war, as tensions rise between Beijing and a number of other countries.
China's giant wind tunnel to accelerate development of warplanes Global Times 27 May 2020 -- Under development for more than eight years, China's latest, world-leading wind tunnel is now ready to help develop new warplanes after reaching a milestone on Tuesday by successfully testing and receiving data for an in-development aircraft. With its help, China will be able to develop new warplanes faster and perform better, experts said on Wednesday.
China's top legislature reviews draft amendment of People's Armed Police Force Law Global Times 27 May 2020 -- China on Sunday drafted an amendment to the Law on People's Armed Police Force, detailing its scope and responsibilities in such things as dealing with emergency situations, anti-terrorism, disaster relief, maritime law enforcement, and defense combat.
Xi emphasizes strengthening national defense, armed forces People's Daily 27 May 2020 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping Tuesday stressed achieving the targets and missions of strengthening the national defense and armed forces for 2020, while maintaining effective epidemic control on a regular basis.
Xi urges military combat readiness PLA Daily 27 May 2020 -- President Xi Jinping urged the Chinese military on Tuesday to strive to overcome difficulties created by COVID-19 in order to realize this year's goals and missions given by the Communist Party of China and the Chinese people.
Military deputy to NPC urges improving response mechanisms for public health emergencies PLA Daily 27 May 2020 -- On Tuesday afternoon, the Delegation of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) and People's Armed Police Force (PAP) held a plenary meeting at the third session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC). Eight deputies to the NPC addressed at the meeting, among whom Lieut. Gen. Li Yong, commander of the Joint Logistic Support Force (JLSF), put forward suggestions on how to improve the response mechanisms for public health emergencies.
Military deputies and members of two sessions discuss educational topics PLA Daily 27 May 2020 -- During the ongoing two sessions, some military deputies shared experience on topics in the educational sector that have drawn close attention recently and submitted relevant motions and proposals.

TEJAS FOC AIRCRAFT HANDED OVER TO THE IAF India PIB 27 May 2020 -- The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Wednesday inducted Tejas Mk-1 FOC aircraft into the recently resurrected No 18 Sqn, the "Flying Bullets" at Air Force Station Sulur, marking yet another important step towards enhancing the operational capability of the Air Force.
India Operationalises Fully-Loaded Tejas Squadron to Counter Assertive Enemy in Indian Ocean Region Sputnik 27 May 2020 -- With the rise in presence of Chinese navy in the Indian Ocean Region, India has been developing its southern air base as most modern base, equipped with all the necessary infrastructure. Earlier this year, India had inducted BrahMos equipped Sukhoi at Thanjavaur in southern state of Tamil Nadu.
India's Top Army Commanders Meet in the Wake of Ongoing Standoff with China Sputnik 27 May 2020 -- India and China have reinforced troops along their shared border amid a standoff between the armies which has lasted several weeks. The face-off began after India started construction of a key road along the loosely-demarcated Line of Actual Control in Ladakh. Both sides have also increased deployment of troops in the region.

Turkey Committed 'In Principle' to Activating Russian-Made S-400 Missiles, Erdogan's Spokesman Says Sputnik 27 May 2020 -- Washington has consistently objected to NATO-member Turkey acquiring the Russian-made S-400 missile systems, claiming they were incompatible with security standards of the alliance and might compromise the operations of the new US fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets.

Germany, Spain, France Approve Performance Benchmarks for Future Combat Air System Sputnik 27 May 2020 -- An agreement has been reached by the air forces of Germany, Spain and France regarding performance standards for a collection of 10 possible system architectures under the Next-Generation Weapon System (NGWS), according to a recent military statement from Berlin.

Defense Industry

Contracts For May 27, 2020

Other Conflicts

27 May 2020 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 27 May 2020
UN chief denounces continued fighting despite previous call for coronavirus ceasefire Press TV 27 May 2020 -- United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has regretted the failure to heed his call for a global ceasefire aimed to focus efforts on the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
On Peacekeepers Day, UN to spotlight vital role of women peace operations UN News 27 May 2020 -- In observance of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, on Friday, Secretary-General António Guterres will lay a wreath to pay tribute to all the UN blue helmets who have lost their lives since 1948.

Leaked doc shows COVID-19 outbreak among Yemen's Hadi loyalists Press TV 27 May 2020 -- A leaked classified document from the Yemeni Defense Ministry of the Saudi-backed administration has revealed the outbreak of the novel coronavirus among militiamen loyal to Yemen's former President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi.
The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen: Joint Coalition Forces Intercepts and Destroys Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) Launched by the Terrorist Iran-backed Houthi Militia Toward the Kingdom SPA 27 May 2020 -- Statement by the Official Spokesman of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen COL Turki Al-Malki: "Coalition forces have successfully intercepted and destroyed today, Wednesday, UAVs launched by the terrorist Iran-backed Houthi militia toward civilian objects in (Najran).

Russian Military Names Group Behind Attack on Turkish Patrol in Syria Sputnik 27 May 2020 -- Militants of the "Al-Islamad-Turkestani"* group were behind a bomb attack on a Turkish patrol in the Idlib de-escalation zone, in which one Turkish soldier was killed, Rear Admiral Oleg Zhuravlev, head of the Russian Centre for the Reconciliation of Warring Parties in Syria, said at a briefing.

Russia denies US claim of sending fighter jets to Libya Press TV 27 May 2020 -- Russia has dismissed as "disinformation" claims by the United States that Moscow has deployed fighter planes to Libya to support its "mercenaries" aiding the rebels in the North African country.
U.S. Releases More Details About MiG-29s, Su-24s It Says Were Flown To Libya RFE/RL 27 May 2020 -- The U.S. military has provided more details about an alleged Russian deployment of fighter jets to Libya, as officials in Russia continued to deny the presence of Russian military aircraft or personnel in the North African country.

Satellite Imagery Shows Myanmar Military's Arson Attack on Rural Rakhine Village, HRW Says Radio Free Asia 27 May 2020 -- Satellite imagery of a town in Myanmar's restive Rakhine state proves that almost 200 homes and other structures were destroyed by fire on May 16, Human Rights Watch said Tuesday.
100 Houses Burned in Abandoned Chin State Village Amid Myanmar-Arakan Army Conflict Radio Free Asia 27 May 2020 -- About 100 houses in an abandoned village in war-ravaged western Myanmar's Paletwa township, one of the epicenters of armed conflict between the government military and the rebel Arakan Army, have been burned to the ground in an apparent act of arson, ethnic Chin sources told RFA on Wednesday.
Myanmar Lays Terrorism Charges Against 5 Rakhine Men Beaten in Viral Video Radio Free Asia 27 May 2020 -- Five ethnic Rakhine men who were filmed being beaten by Myanmar military soldiers on a naval vessel in late April have been charged under the country's Counter-Terrorism Law for suspected ties to an ethnic armed group, their lawyer said Wednesday.

Construction begins on 40 key projects in Tibet's Nyingchi Global Times 27 May 2020 -- Construction has begun on 40 key projects in the city of Nyingchi, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, authorities said Wednesday.

Situation in China-India border area is stable and under control: Chinese FM Global Times 27 May 2020 -- The overall situation in the China-India border area is stable and under control, and the two countries are capable of resolving border issues through dialogue and negotiations, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said, following reports claiming China had moved 5,000 troops to the China-India border area.

Pakistan shoots down another Indian drone amid growing border tensions IRNA 27 May 2020 -- Pakistan army on Wednesday shot down an Indian drone after it violated country's airspace in disputed Kashmir region amid growing border tensions with India.
Pakistani Army Claims to Have Downed Indian 'Spy' Drone Along Line of Control Sputnik 27 May 2020 -- Pakistani troops shot down an Indian spy quadcopter in the Rakhchikri Sector along Line of Control, the military's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

Cameroonian Villagers Flee Military Base at Site of Civilian Massacre VOA 27 May 2020 -- Cameroonians are fleeing the northwestern village of Ngarr-buh after the military began building a base this week near where troops in February massacred at least 13 civilians. Cameroon says the base is needed to stop separatists from getting supplies in neighboring Nigeria. But, villagers fear they may once again be targeted or get caught in crossfire.

Greece Deploys Forces to Build Fence on Turkish Border VOA 27 May 2020 -- Greece is mobilizing forces to boost defenses along its land frontiers with Turkey. The move as Turkey threatens to resume the flow of thousands of migrants to Europe through Greece. The deployment also follows plans by Greece to expand its border fence in the contentious border region.

News Reports

The Indispensable Mr. Kadyrov? Questions About Chechen Leader's Health Prompt New Questions About Region's Future RFE/RL 27 May 2020 -- Rumors of Ramzan Kadyrov's coronavirus-induced demise may have been exaggerated.
Former Head Of Russia's Chuvashia Sues Putin Over Dismissal RFE/RL 27 May 2020 -- In an unprecedented move, the former head of the Russian region of Chuvashia, Mikhail Ignatyev, has filed a lawsuit against President Vladimir Putin challenging a presidential decree that removed him from office in January.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on May 27, 2020 PRC MofA 27 May 2020
P.R.C. National People's Congress Proposal on Hong Kong National Security Legislation US Dept. of State 27 May 2020 -- Last week, the People's Republic of China (PRC) National People's Congress announced its intention to unilaterally and arbitrarily impose national security legislation on Hong Kong. Beijing's disastrous decision is only the latest in a series of actions that fundamentally undermine Hong Kong's autonomy and freedoms and China's own promises to the Hong Kong people under the Sino-British Joint Declaration, a UN-filed international treaty.
Briefing on P.R.C. National People's Congress Proposal on Hong Kong National Security Legislation US Dept. of State 27 May 2020
Secretary Pompeo's Call with UK Foreign Secretary Raab US Dept. of State 27 May 2020
Pompeo Tells Congress Hong Kong is No Longer Autonomous From China Sputnik 27 May 2020 -- On 28 May, the National People's Congress of China is expected to vote on the bill that suggests banning "separatist, subversive and terrorist activities" along with any form of foreign interference in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Police Disperse Protesters Opposing National Security, Anthem Laws VOA 27 May 2020 -- Hong Kong police arrested more than 300 people on Wednesday after tens of thousands of people protested the adoption of a controversial national security law that is poised to pass in Beijing on Thursday and a proposed law criminalizing the disrespect of China's national anthem.
Hong Kong Police Disperse Protesters Opposing National Security, Anthem Laws VOA 27 May 2020 -- Hong Kong police arrested more than 300 people on Wednesday after tens of thousands of people protested the adoption of a controversial national security law that is poised to pass in Beijing on Thursday and a proposed law criminalizing the disrespect of China's national anthem.
China's Hong Kong Security Law Risks 'Intimidating' US, Observers Say VOA 27 May 2020 -- China Thursday concluded its week-long, annual political gatherings known as two sessions, with the top legislature approving a national security law on Hong Kong – a measure that could allow Beijing to tighten its grip on the semi-autonomous territory.
Taiwan to Offer Effective Asylum to People Fleeing Hong Kong Radio Free Asia 27 May 2020 -- Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen on Wednesday doubled down on offers of help for Hong Kong with effective asylum for residents fleeing an 'anti-terrorism' crackdown on the city.
Taiwan to provide assistance to Hong Kongers: Tsai CNA 27 May 2020 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Wednesday that she and Premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) have decided the government will launch a program to provide assistance to Hong Kong people arriving in Taiwan.
National security law enactment to start Global Times 27 May 2020 -- Despite how hard some Western media outlets depict swarms of illegal protesters in Hong Kong as "heroically" anti-government, protesters' attempt to illegally besiege the Legislative Council (LegCo) and instigate more to join their radical movement failed on Wednesday.
HK's foreign judges should be barred from national security trials: NPC deputy Global Times 27 May 2020 -- A Hong Kong lawyer and deputy to China's National People's Congress (NPC) defended her proposal that foreign judges be barred from national security trials, citing conflict of interests.
PLA's HK garrison will carry out central govt's policies People's Daily 27 May 2020 -- Major General Chen Daoxiang, commander of the People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison, said his troops will firmly execute the central government's policies and decisions and strive to safeguard the city's long-term prosperity and stability.
HKSAR gov't to fully support national security legislation: chief executive People's Daily 27 May 2020 -- Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam said on Tuesday that the national legislature's national security legislation for Hong Kong is in strict accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law, and the HKSAR government will fully support the legislation.
HKSAR gov't official calls for understanding national security legislation from perspective of constitutional order People's Daily 27 May 2020 -- An official of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government said Tuesday the legal process of the national legislature to introduce national security legislation for Hong Kong is enshrined in law, justified in logic and reasonable in the circumstances of the current situation.
HKSAR gov't official calls foreign criticisms on China's HK national security legislation "hypocrisy and double standards" PLA Daily 27 May 2020 -- Chief Secretary for Administration of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government Matthew Cheung said Wednesday that foreign attacks on the national security legislation for Hong Kong smack of "hypocrisy and double standards."
Hong Kong parliament debating security bill amid tightened security Press TV 27 May 2020 -- Hundreds of riot police have been deployed in and around Hong Kong's financial district and parliament building as the Legislative Council debates a new national security bill.
Police Arrest Hundreds Amid Renewed Anti-Beijing Protests in Hong Kong Radio Free Asia 27 May 2020 -- Hong Kong police on Wednesday arrested more than 300 people amid renewed street protests ahead of China's imposition of draconian sedition laws on the city, bypassing its Legislative Council (LegCo).
Hong Kong is 'No Longer Autonomous,' Pompeo Tells US Congress After China Intervention Radio Free Asia 27 May 2020 -- Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday he had told the U.S. Congress that Beijing's imposition of a draconian national security law in Hong Kong show that the former British colony is not autonomous from China, setting the stage for review of the city's trade privileges.
China ready for looming financial war initiated by US Global Times 27 May 2020 -- China should prepare for a potential financial showdown with the US, as the Trump administration appears to be waging a financial war on China, with crackdowns on US-listed Chinese companies and threats of sanctions over national security legislation for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), financial sector experts said on Thursday.
China's Ministry of Public Security opposes US move to add its affiliated institution to entity list Global Times 27 May 2020 -- The Ministry of Public Security of China expressed its strong dissatisfaction and firmly opposes the US Commerce Department's decision to put the Institute of Forensic Science under the ministry onto the US entity list, urging the US side to immediately revoke the erroneous decision, according to an open statement issued on Wednesday night.
Chinese lawmakers denounce COVID-19 bills at US Congress as typical "political manipulation" Global Times 27 May 2020 -- Some US Congress members' bills accusing China of lacking transparency or being responsible for the novel coronavirus spread in the United States are nothing but "political manipulation," Chinese lawmakers have said.
Chinese Embassy in Kenya refutes reports of firm being kicked out of rail operation Global Times 27 May 2020 -- The Chinese Embassy in Kenya said that recent media reports suggesting the Kenya government was urged to stop a Chinese company from running rail lines in the country were untrue.
Chinese lawmakers propose foreign states immunities law People's Daily 27 May 2020 -- Chinese lawmakers have proposed formulating a foreign states immunities law following malicious litigations filed against China over its COVID-19 response.
US Congress Passes Uyghur Rights Act Authorizing Sanctions For Abuses in Xinjiang Radio Free Asia 27 May 2020 -- The U.S. Congress passed the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020 on Wednesday, marking the first legislation by any government to target China for its persecution of Uyghurs in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), despite threats of retaliation from Beijing.
Canadian Court Lets Extradition Proceedings Continue Against Huawei CFO VOA 27 May 2020 -- In the closely watched extradition proceedings against Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzho, a Canadian court found that the fraud the tech executive is accused of by the United States, if proven, would also be criminal in Canada.
Central govt ready for any situation; separatists plan illegal assembly Global Times 27 May 2020 -- Central government authorities, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and Hong Kong Special Administration Region (HKSAR) government reiterated their strong support and unshakable will for the new national security law for Hong Kong late Monday and Tuesday, showing that the law is imperative and non-negotiable, and warned the radical forces should not underestimate the determination of the central government, while anti-government and separatist forces are planning illegal protests and an assembly on Wednesday.

"Taiwan independence" attempts doomed to failure: Spokesperson of military delegation to NPC PLA Daily 27 May 2020 -- It was pointed out in this year's government work report that the major principles and policies on work related to Taiwan shall be kept, and any separatist activities seeking "Taiwan independence" be resolutely opposed and deterred. Wu Qian, spokesperson of Delegation of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) and People's Armed Police Force (PAP) to the third session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC), said in an interview on Tuesday that any attempt to seek "Taiwan independence" and resist reunification with force is doomed to failure.

North Korea to Reopen Classes in June, Raising Coronavirus Fears For Students in Unprepared Schools Radio Free Asia 27 May 2020 -- Residents in North Korea are growing anxious about the approaching June 1 reopening of schools that were shut down to combat the spread of the coronavirus epidemic, worried that the deadly virus could spread among students as they return to classes without necessary sanitization supples.

Keeping the World Safe From Iran's Nuclear Program US Dept. of State 27 May 2020 -- "Today, I am announcing the end of the sanctions waiver covering all remaining JCPOA-originating nuclear projects in Iran – the Arak reactor conversion, the provision of enriched uranium for the Tehran Research Reactor, and the export of Iran's spent and scrap research reactor fuel. The sanctions waiver covering these activities will end following a final, 60-day wind-down period allowing companies and entities involved in these activities to cease their operations."
Briefing on Keeping the World Safe From Iran's Nuclear Program US Dept. of State 27 May 2020
Trump administration ends last remaining sanctions waivers in Iran nuclear deal Press TV 27 May 2020 -- The United States has ended the last remaining sanctions waivers in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as part of the Trump administration's brutal campaign against Iran.
Iran arrests 14 people affiliated to Takfiri separatist groups in Kuzestan province Press TV 27 May 2020 -- Iran has arrested 14 people affiliated to Takfiri separatist groups in the southern port city of Mahshahr in Khuzestan province.
Envoy: Iran receives all disbursement of sending oil to Venezuela IRNA 27 May 2020 -- Iranian Ambassador to Venezuela Hojjat Soltani said despite the US' cruel sanctions, all disbursement of exporting oil to Venezuela has been received.
President: Iran's trade with friendly nations none of US business IRNA 27 May 2020 -- President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that Iran's trade with friendly nations is none of the US business and that the US sanctions are not compatible with International Trade Law.
Iran appreciates Venezuela for escorting oil tankers IRNA 27 May 2020 -- Iran's Ambassador to Caracas Hojjat Soltani appreciated Wednesday the Venezuelan army for escorting Iranian oil tankers carrying fuel to Venezuela.
Two other Iranian oil tankers to arrive in Venezuela territorial waters by June 1st IRNA 27 May 2020 -- Having already announced the arrival of the third Iranian oil tanker in Venezuela territorial waters, Telesure Network said two more tankers are scheduled to enter the waters as of today till June 1st.
Second Iranian tanker arrives at Venezuela territorial waters IRNA 27 May 2020 -- Second Iranian oil tanker named Forest arrived late on Tuesday in Venezuela's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) under escort by Sukhoi Su-30 and F-16 Fighter Jets.
Fourth Iranian tanker carrying gasoline enters Venezuelan waters Press TV 27 May 2020 -- The fourth tanker of a five-vessel Iranian flotilla carrying much-needed gasoline to Venezuela has entered Venezuelan waters, approaching its fuel-starved final destination.
Second Iranian Oil Tanker Arrives At Venezuela's Largest Refinery RFE/RL 27 May 2020 -- A second Iranian tanker carrying gasoline and oil derivatives has arrived at crisis-stricken Venezuela's main oil refinery, amid escalating tensions between Washington and the two U.S.-sanctioned countries.
Third Iranian tanker enters Venezuela's territorial waters Press TV 27 May 2020 -- The third of the five Iranian oil tankers carrying fuel for Venezuela has sailed into the Latin American country's territorial waters.
Iran Lawmaker Arrested To Serve Prison Term For Corruption Radio Farda 27 May 2020 -- Judicial officials have detained former member of Iran's parliament Mohammad Azizi who must serve his 61 months sentence for corruption related to the country's beleaguered auto industry.
Parliament Opens In Iran As Chairman Calls It 'Supreme Leader's Majles' Radio Farda 27 May 2020 -- The interim chairman of Iran's new parliament has characterized the new Iranian Majles as the "Supreme Leader's Majles", and the Islamic Republic's leader Ali Khamenei in his message stressed the importance of his undefined theory of Jihadist Economy as a guideline for the new parliament.
Former Mayor Accused Of Corruption Elected Iran's Speaker Of Parliament Radio Farda 27 May 2020 -- The newly elected Iranian parliament dominated by conservatives and hardliners elected a former mayor of Tehran and a former Revolutionary Guard general as Speaker on Thursday, local media reported.
Iran Central Bank Forecasts Annual 22 Percent Inflation In Rare Move Radio Farda 27 May 2020 -- In a rare move, Iran's Central Bank (CBI) has announced its forecast about the country's annual inflation rate, saying it expects 22 percent rise in prices the current Iranian year.

Maduro thanks Iran for sending oil tankers; slams US for disrupting fuel shipments to Venezuela Press TV 27 May 2020 -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has thanked Iran for sending three oil tankers to his energy-hungry and sanction-hit nation while slamming the US for disrupting international fuel shipments headed to the Latin American country.
UN agencies welcome donor pledges for Venezuelan refugees and migrants UN News 27 May 2020 -- The UN refugee and migration agencies have welcomed $2.79 billion pledged by donors at a solidarity conference aimed at supporting Venezuelans who fled the protracted crisis in their country for host communities across the region.

Launch Marks New Era in US Space Travel - But With a Twist VOA 27 May 2020 -- Even by using the tools at his disposal at the Adler Planetarium situated along the shore of Lake Michigan in Chicago, Director of Astronomy Geza Gyuk acknowledges there is a limit to what he can see and do in understanding the cosmos.
Remarks by President Trump During SpaceX Demonstration Mission 2 Launch Briefing | Merritt Island, FL The White House 27 May 2020

Tampa Man Charged with Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS US Dept. of Justice 27 May 2020 -- The Department of Justice today announced the filing of a criminal complaint charging Muhammed Momtaz Al-Azhari, 23, of Tampa, Florida, with attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, namely, the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). If convicted, Al-Azhari faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.

Cambodia's PM Hun Sen Reopens Border to Cambodians Stranded Abroad Due to Pandemic Radio Free Asia 27 May 2020 -- Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen on Wednesday announced that he was reopening the country's borders to Cambodian nationals who have been living abroad during the coronavirus pandemic, regardless of whether they have been medically cleared of infection.

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