Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Trump orders withdrawal of National Guard from Washington, D.C. People's Daily 08 Jun 2020 -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday he has ordered the National Guard recently deployed in Washington, D.C. to deal with the protests to begin withdrawing from the nation's capital.
• U.S. Envoy, Taliban Discuss Afghan Peace Process In Qatar RFE/RL 08 Jun 2020 -- The U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, has held a new round of talks in Qatar with the Taliban's political chief.
• Top terrorist leader killed in Mali AFRICOM 08 Jun 2020 -- The Minister for the French armed forces, Florence Parly, announced Friday that French armed forces, with the support of their partners, killed the emir of the al-Qa'ida in the lands of the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), Abdelmalek Droukdal, and several of his close collaborators, during an operation in northern Mali.

Defense Policy / Programs

• US Nimitz Carrier Group Deploys After Crew Finishes Coronavirus Training, Quarantine Sputnik 08 Jun 2020 -- The US aircraft carrier Nimitz and elements of its strike group (NIM CSG) sailed into the Pacific after the entire crew completed a 14-day quarantine, tested negative for the novel coronavirus and practiced mitigation protocols while being tested during a pre-deployment cruise, the US Navy announced in a press release.
• Photo Oops: US Army's Flickr Account Accidentally Publishes Images of Secretive Hypersonic Weapon Sputnik 08 Jun 2020 -- An aerospace journalist recently uncovered some images published on the Flickr account of US Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy that show a model of a secretive hypersonic weapons system and associated handout, revealing some shocking information about what the Pentagon calls a "vintage racer" weapon.
• USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group Departs for 2020 Deployment NNS 08 Jun 2020 -- The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is underway, serving as America's strongest symbol of resolve and navigating the global pandemic as its mission endures, in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
• Nimitz Carrier Strike Group Deploys, Will Conduct Maritime Security Operations NNS 08 Jun 2020 -- Aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and elements of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG), deployed from San Diego June 8 in support of global maritime security operations.
• USS Nebraska Gold Earns The Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy NNS 08 Jun 2020 -- Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet recently named the gold crew of the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Nebraska (SSBN 739) winner of The Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy for 2019.
• AFMC digital campaign aims to modernize, streamline life cycle process US Air Force 08 Jun 2020 -- The Air Force Materiel Command has launched a new digital campaign to modernize and streamline the life cycle process of Air Force platforms and systems, ensuring warfighters have the technology required to maintain a competitive advantage over adversaries.
• F-15E Becomes First Aircraft Compatible With US' Nuclear Gravity Bomb - Sandia Sputnik 08 Jun 2020 -- The F-15E Strike Eagle has become the first aircraft to demonstrate compatibility with the B61-12 nuclear gravity bomb, following a series of flight tests that reportedly met Washington's performance and safety standards.
• German Defense Minister: No Official Confirmation of US Troop Withdrawal VOA 08 Jun 2020 -- Germany's Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said Monday she has received no official confirmation on the reported U.S. decision to withdraw more than a quarter of American troops stationed in Germany.
• Air Force update for COVID-19 US Air Force 08 Jun 2020
• Stoltenberg Says NATO Should Not Ignore China's Rise in Power Sputnik 08 Jun 2020 -- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Monday that China's rise in power, its economic growth, and an active foreign policy should not be overlooked by the alliance.
• Stoltenberg Urges NATO Unity Amid Challenges From China, Russia RFE/RL 08 Jun 2020 -- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg says the 30-member alliance must "stay strong militarily, be more united politically, and take a broader approach globally" in order to continue to "protect our democracies" in a "more competitive world."
• Secretary General Launches 'NATO 2030' Effort to Strengthen Alliance DoD News 08 Jun 2020 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg launched an initiative to peer into the future to see how the alliance should react in an increasingly competitive world.
• Secretary General launches NATO 2030 to make our strong Alliance even stronger NATO 08 Jun 2020 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg today (Monday 8 June) launched his outline for NATO 2030 in an online conversation with the Atlantic Council and the German Marshall Fund of the United States. "This is an opportunity to reflect on where we see our Alliance ten years from now, and how it will continue to keep us safe in a more uncertain world" the Secretary General said.
• NATO navies and air forces exercise in the Baltic Sea NATO 08 Jun 2020 -- Around 3.000 personnel from 19 NATO Allies and partners are taking part in the annual BALTOPS naval exercise that kicked off in the Baltic Sea on Sunday (7 June). The 49th BALTOPS exercise, which runs until 16 June, involves maritime and air forces with around 30 ships and submarines, and 30 aircraft.
• NATO 'Works Hard' for Arms Control With Russia, Stoltenberg Says Sputnik 08 Jun 2020 -- The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) believes in dialogue with Russia and is working hard for arms control with that country given that an arms race may be both costly and dangerous, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Monday.
• Royal Navy joins NATO allies on major maritime exercise in the Baltic Sea region UK MOD 08 Jun 2020 -- Royal Navy Type 23 frigate HMS Kent has joined 19 nations on the US-led Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) exercise.
• Trump Envoy: U.S., Russia To Hold Nuclear Arms Talks In June, China Invited RFE/RL 08 Jun 2020 -- The United States and Russia have agreed on a time and place for nuclear arms negotiations this month and invited China, President Donald Trump's arms negotiator says.
• Basic Principles of State Policy of the Russian Federation on Nuclear Deterrence Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 08 Jun 2020 -- These Basic Principles represent a strategic planning document in the area of ensuring defence and reflect the official view on the essence of nuclear deterrence, identify military risks and threats to be neutralized by implementation of nuclear deterrence, the principles of nuclear deterrence, as well as the conditions for the Russian Federation to proceed to the use of nuclear weapons.
• Russia's Combat Jets, S-400 Finish Large-Scale Drills in Far East Sputnik 08 Jun 2020 -- Russia's combat aircraft, S-400 air defences and Pantsir-S missile systems were involved in massive drills that the country has just finished in the Far East, the Eastern Military District said on Monday.
• China's hypersonic cruise missile sees technological breakthrough: reports Global Times 08 Jun 2020 -- A top Chinese science institute recently made record-breaking progress in a scramjet program which Chinese media speculate could lead to significant advances in the development of China's hypersonic cruise missile, another type of hypersonic weapon that is more powerful than China's DF-17 hypersonic glide-boost missile.
• Beijing provides financial preferential services for military personnel PLA Daily 08 Jun 2020 -- Beijing Municipal Bureau of Veterans Affairs signed a cooperation agreement with ten branches of banks in Beijing, as well as three municipal banks, to provide preferential services for active-duty military personnel and retired veterans. Up to now, 13 banks have launched more than 100 preferential service programs and issued more than 30,000 bank cards exclusively for veterans.
• Indian Air Force Inducts Indigenous Airborne Rescue Pod for Isolated Transportation (ARPIT) India PIB 08 Jun 2020 -- The Indian Air Force has designed, developed and inducted an Airborne Rescue Pod for Isolated Transportation (ARPIT). This pod will be utilised for evacuation of critical patients with infectious diseases including COVID-19 from high altitude area, isolated and remote places.
• Indian Navy Commences evacuation of citizens from Islamic Republic of Iran - "SAMUDRA SETU" India PIB 08 Jun 2020 -- Indian Navy had launched Operation Samudra Setu to repatriate Indian citizens commencing 08 May 2020. Indian Naval ships Jalashwa and Magar have already evacuated 2874 personnel from Maldives and Sri Lanka to ports of Kochi and Tuticorin.
• Taiwan to test indigenous advanced jet trainer in two weeks CNA 08 Jun 2020 -- Taiwan's Air Force is set to test the first locally developed advanced jet trainer (AJT) on June 22 at Taichung Air Base weather permitting, with President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) expected to attend, a military official told CNA on Monday.
• Ankara, Moscow reach agreement over another S-400 batch: Official Press TV 08 Jun 2020 -- Ankara and Moscow have agreed on the delivery of new batteries of the advanced Russian-made S-400 missile defense systems, the head of Turkey's Defense Industry says.
• Russia, Turkey Reach Agreement in Principle on Delivery of Second Batch of S-400s - Turkish Official Sputnik 08 Jun 2020 -- The deployment of the first batch of S-400 air defence systems was delayed due to the global pandemic and was not complete by April 2020 as previously planned. Despite this setback, Turkey assured that eventually the systems will be deployed and used in spite of the US threats of sanctions against the country.
• UAE failed expansionism in Libya, Yemen costs billions of dollars: Report Press TV 08 Jun 2020 -- A report says the United Arab Emirates' expansionist policy and its involvement in conflicts in Libya and Yemen have cost the country billions of dollars, sparking condemnation from senior officials inside the emirates, amid the failure of the Emirati-backed militants in both countries.
• Armenian PM Replaces Top Security Officials RFE/RL 08 Jun 2020 -- Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian has initiated an unexpected shake-up in the leadership of the country's security services.
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany The White House 08 Jun 2020

Defense Industry

• Contracts For June 8, 2020

Other Conflicts

• 8 June 2020 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 08 Jun 2020
• China Works On Undersea Cables Between Paracel Island Outposts Radio Free Asia 08 Jun 2020 -- A Chinese ship appears to be laying undersea cables between Chinese outposts in the disputed Paracel Islands, vessel tracking software and satellite imagery shows. Experts say the cables will likely have military uses and could potentially strengthen China's ability to detect submarines.
• How COVID-19 is Stifling Vietnam's Agenda to Vie with China over Disputed Sea VOA 08 Jun 2020 -- The coronavirus outbreak is dashing hopes in Vietnam that its lead role in a regional bloc of countries this year will help resolve a sticky maritime sovereignty dispute with China.
• Rival Saudi-, UAE- backed militants claim advance in southern Yemen amid infighting Press TV 08 Jun 2020 -- Saudi-backed militants loyal to Yemen's former president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi have claimed advances in the fight against once-allied UAE-backed militants in southern Yemen, who have denied the claim.
• Syrian Army Repels Terrorist Attack in Idlib, 30 Militants Killed, Wounded - Russian Military Sputnik 08 Jun 2020 -- Ceasefire violations have often been reported in Idlib province, where on 5 March, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced a new ceasefire.
• Dozens of IS Fighters Captured in New Campaign in Eastern Syria VOA 08 Jun 2020 -- U.S. military officials said more than 60 Islamic State (IS) terrorists were captured by U.S.-backed forces in Syria as part of a major campaign to hunt down remnants of the terror group.
• Rocket hits area near Baghdad Airport: Iraq military Press TV 08 Jun 2020 -- A rocket has landed in an area near Baghdad International Airport, the Iraqi military says.
• Libya's National Oil Corporation Resumes Production at El Feel Oilfield Sputnik 08 Jun 2020 -- Libya's National Oil Corporation (NOC) on Monday announced that oil production has resumed at the El Feel field in the southern part of the country, one day after resuming work at the Sharara field, and said that it was lifting force majeure on exports from both oilfields.
• UN receives 'deeply disturbing' reports of deaths, destruction in liberated Libya towns Press TV 08 Jun 2020 -- The United Nations says it has received "deeply disturbing" reports of deaths, destruction and looting from areas recently recaptured by forces of the internationally-recognized Libyan government, calling on the warring sides to respect the rule of law.
• Malaysia: Boat Carrying Rohingya Allowed to Land on Langkawi Island Radio Free Asia 08 Jun 2020 -- Malaysian authorities towed a disabled boat ashore and detained 269 Rohingya on Monday after dozens jumped overboard and began swimming to an island off the northwest coast of peninsular Malaysia, officials said.
• Nine Years After Cease-fire Fails, 105,000 Kachin Languish in Myanmar Camps Radio Free Asia 08 Jun 2020 -- Tens of thousands of internally displaced war refugees in northern Myanmar's Kachin state say they state have not yet been able to return home, nine years after fighting resumed between the Myanmar military and the state's ethnic rebel force.
• China-India border talks prevent another 'Doklam' but standoff unlikely to end immediately: experts Global Times 08 Jun 2020 -- The ongoing border dispute between China and India will not escalate into a conflict or another Doklam standoff after military commanders from both sides held talks on Saturday that resulted in positive agreements on peacefully resolving the situation, Chinese foreign ministry and experts said on Monday.
• Chinese and Indian Militaries Agree to Prevent Escalation of Border Disputes Sputnik 08 Jun 2020 -- The Armed Forces of China and India have agreed during their weekend negotiations to refrain from turning their border disputes into a conflict and maintain peace and tranquillity at the border, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said on Monday.
• Indian troops kill 4 more pro-independence fighters in Kashmir Press TV 08 Jun 2020 -- Four more pro-independence fighters have been killed in an encounter with government troops in Indian-controlled Kashmir, just hours after a deadly shootout in the same area of the restive disputed Himalayan valley.
• Nine Militants Killed, Three Indian Security Persons Injured in Intense Encounters in Kashmir Sputnik 08 Jun 2020 -- Since April of this year, when five special operations group personnel were killed in Kashmir, over 50 local as well as foreign militants have been neutralised by Indian forces. The Indian Army feared that terrorist activities may increase in summer due to a spike in infiltration attempts across the Line of Control.

News Reports

• UK Police To Gain New Powers to Question Individuals Suspected of Espionage Sputnik 08 Jun 2020 -- Law enforcement officers at the United Kingdom's ports will be given greater powers to detain and question individuals suspected of espionage, according to a government statement on Monday.
• Two Indians Held for 'Passing Military Information to Pakistan' From Strategically Important Site Sputnik 08 Jun 2020 -- On 31 May, two officials at the High Commission of Pakistan in New Delhi were detained over espionage charges. A Delhi Police investigation revealed that the officials wanted to lure and trap railway staff and then acquire information about the movement of army units and defence equipment.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference on June 8, 2020 PRC MofA 08 Jun 2020
• Building Hainan into a free trade port won't strike HKSAR: Chinese officials Global Times 08 Jun 2020 -- China's master plan to build South China's Hainan Province into a free trade port will not have a negative influence on the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) as the two regions have different positions and main industries, and their relations complement rather than rival one another, Chinese officials said.
• China says Hainan will not adversely affect Hong Kong's status as trading hub People's Daily 08 Jun 2020 -- China's top economic planner said Monday that both the positioning and industry focus of the Hainan free trade port are different from Hong Kong's, indicating that complementarity outweighs competition in the two regions.
• HK national security law respects local independent jurisdiction, final adjudication: official Global Times 08 Jun 2020 -- The national security law for Hong Kong, which targets very few people, will fully respect the independent jurisdiction and final adjudication of Hong Kong, and guarantees residents' legal rights and freedom, Zhang Xiaoming, deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, said on Monday.
• Hong Kong Protests Seen as 'Threat to National Security': China Radio Free Asia 08 Jun 2020 -- The ruling Chinese Communist Party is imposing a draconian new sedition and subversion law on Hong Kong because Beijing views recent protests in the city as a threat to national security, a top official in charge of implementing policy for the city said on Monday.
• China's warning against travel to Australia based on adequate facts: FM Global Times 08 Jun 2020 -- China's Foreign Ministry said on Monday that the alert against travel to Australia was based on adequate facts, as the country has seen a spike in racial abuse toward Chinese and other Asians during the COVID-19 pandemic, in response to an Australian reporter who questioned the warning.
• Lawmakers Group Seeks Global Response to 'Defining Challenge' of China Radio Free Asia 08 Jun 2020 -- Lawmakers from 18 countries have allied to create collective responses to Chinese trade, security and human rights policies, a project the politicians called the "defining challenge for the world's democratic states"
• China tests inter-satellite links of BeiDou navigation system PLA Daily 08 Jun 2020 -- The Xi'an Satellite Control Center's tests have shown links among the satellites of the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) are stable to ensure that the constellation can be completed as scheduled.
• Taiwan faces increased "grey zone conflict" threat: scholar CNA 08 Jun 2020 -- Taiwan faces increased threats from Beijing through the expanded deployment of "gray zone conflict" tactics, a Taiwanese security analyst has said.
• Taiwan Voters Recall Pro-China Mayor of Kaohsiung Radio Free Asia 08 Jun 2020 -- Residents of Taiwan's southern port city of Kaohsiung overwhelmingly voted to oust their pro-China mayor at the weekend, a first in the democratic island's history.
• North Korea to Sever All Inter-Korean Communications Amid Anti-DPRK Leaflet Tensions Sputnik 08 Jun 2020 -- South Korea's Yonhap News Agency reported early Tuesday morning that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) intended to sever all inter-Korean communications.
• Pyongyang Attack on Anti-Kim Leaflets Makes North Koreans Notice Exiled Critics Radio Free Asia 08 Jun 2020 -- Citizens of Pyongyang were mobilized to denounce North Korean defectors and refugees in South Korea in a rally following rare public acknowledgment by the sister of Kim Jong Un of anti-regime leaflets floated over the border by exile groups, sources in the country said Monday.
• Political Bureau of C.C., WPK Meets under Guidance of Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un KCNA 08 Jun 2020 -- The 13th Political Bureau meeting of the 7th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) was held on June 7 at a time when the entire Party, the whole country and all the people have vigorously turned out in the general offensive for glorifying the 75th founding anniversary of the WPK as the great festival of victors true to the great idea and strategy of the Party for making a breakthrough head-on and its action program.
• North Korea's leader emphasizes need for self-sufficient economy amid sanctions Press TV 08 Jun 2020 -- The North Korean leader has called for further economic development, especially in the chemical industry, emphasizing the need for the country – which is under harsh international sanctions – to achieve economic self-sufficiency.
• Kim Yo-jong Takes Role of Bad Cop With Seoul as She's Now Reportedly in Charge of Inter-Korean Ties Sputnik 08 Jun 2020 -- Kim Yo-jong was thrown into the media spotlight two months ago after Kim Jong-un's long absence in the public prompted rumours that he was gravely ill and had even died or that he had been deposed in a coup, with his sister Ms Kim, who is believed to be next in line to run the country, assuming power.
• Congressional Republicans Preparing A Tough Sanctions Plan Against Iran Radio Farda 08 Jun 2020 -- Congressional Republicans are planning to introduce legislation this week to ensure tougher measures targeting Iran that would add to President Donald Trump's "maximum pressure".
• Iran's Chief Judge Accuses The West Of Sheltering Corruption Fugitives Radio Farda 08 Jun 2020 -- Iran's Judiciary chief Ebrahim Raeesi has ordered the Prosecutor General and the deputy for international affairs at the Judiciary to take "serious measures" to bring back "financially corrupt" individuals who have fled the country.
• United States Designates Key Iranian Shipping Entities under Proliferation Authority as Tehran Continues to Expand Proliferation Sensitive Activities US Dept. of State 08 Jun 2020 -- "Today, sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) and its Shanghai-based subsidiary, E-Sail Shipping Company Ltd (E-Sail) have come into effect. Six months ago, I announced that the United States would take action against these entities pursuant to Executive Order 13382, which targets WMD proliferators and their supporters."
• Ayatollah Khamenei praises crew of Iranian tankers taking gasoline to Venezuela Press TV 08 Jun 2020 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has issued a message praising the efforts of the crew and captains of tankers that took Iran's gasoline to Venezuela despite threats by the administration of US President Donald Trump to take action against them.
• Judiciary chief: No escape from justice for fugitive corruption suspects Press TV 08 Jun 2020 -- Iran's Judiciary chief has ordered the serious pursuit of financial corruption suspects who have fled the country, warning that they will not be spared prosecution no matter where they have run to.
• Fearsome Prosecutor Of Journalists Accused Of Taking Bribes, Flees Iran Radio Farda 08 Jun 2020 -- During a corruption trial in Iran on Sunday a prosecutor known for the mass arrest of journalists in 2013 was named as the recipient of 500,000 euros in bribes from the defendant.
• Iran Says Ready To Swap More Prisoners With The US Radio Farda 08 Jun 2020 -- The Islamic Republic's Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Sunday, June 7, that Iran was ready to swap "other prisoners" with the United States.
• Iranian doctor Majid Taheri back home after release from US jail Press TV 08 Jun 2020 -- An Iranian doctor who had been imprisoned in the US for 16 months has arrived back home after being released.
• Iranian Scientist Freed By U.S. Arrives In Tehran RFE/RL 08 Jun 2020 -- Iranian scientist Majid Taheri has returned home after his release from prison in the United States as part of a prisoner exchange, semiofficial Iranian news agency ISNA reported.
• Released Iranian-American Doctor Rejects 'Unfair' Charges of Violating US Sanctions Sputnik 08 Jun 2020 -- Iranian doctor Majid Taheri, who has been recently released by the United States, arrived home on Monday, rejecting charges of violating American sanctions.
• Venezuela hails Iran, Russia, China, Cuba as true friends Press TV 08 Jun 2020 -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has hailed Iran, Russia, China, and Cuba as real friends of Caracas and expressed gratitude for their humanitarian aid.
• Public Designation of Gustavo Adolfo Alejos Cambara of Guatemala Due to Involvement in Significant Corruption US Dept. of State 08 Jun 2020 -- "Today, I am announcing the public designation of former Guatemalan Presidential Chief of Staff Gustavo Adolfo Alejos Cambara of Guatemala due to his involvement in significant corruption. In his official capacity as the Chief of Staff to former President of the Republic of Guatemala Álvaro Colom, Alejos was involved in corrupt acts that undermined rule of law and the Guatemalan public's faith in their government's democratic institutions, officials, and public processes."
• Kazakh Capital Renamed After Nazarbaev Changes Airport Code To NQZ RFE/RL 08 Jun 2020 -- The airport in the Kazakh capital, Nur-Sultan, has changed its three-letter code to NQZ from TSE, a year after the city's name was changed from Astana to Nur-Sultan following the sudden resignation of the country's first president, Nursultan Nazarbaev.
• Analysts: Rising Debt Burden Could Make Laos More Reliant on China VOA 08 Jun 2020 -- Laos is not likely to make all its debt payments this year, much of them owed to China, which has become the world's biggest lender, more so than the World Bank or any other global institution, according to analysts.
• Europe: Heading for a Fight VOA 08 Jun 2020 -- Eurocrats admit they are breathing a sigh of relief that Britain is out of the European Union. If it had still been a member, they would face an even trickier prospect of persuading the fractious bloc to agree a politically ambitious pandemic economic recovery plan to lift flagging economic fortunes.
• Cambodian Court Denies Bail for 10 Jailed Opposition Officials Radio Free Asia 08 Jun 2020 -- An appellate court in Cambodia Monday denied the bail request of 10 officials of the banned opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party who were jailed in January on charges of being complicit in treason.
• UN Provides $40 Million in Response to New Ebola Outbreak, Other Emergencies in DR Congo VOA 08 Jun 2020 -- The U.N. has released $40 million from its Central Emergency Response Fund to help tackle a new outbreak of Ebola and other health and humanitarian crises in the Democratic Republic of Congo.