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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• US military convoy blown up in Iraq's Diwaniyah: Reports Press TV 11 Jul 2020 -- Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement has agreed to provide the United Nations with access to an abandoned oil tanker that risks causing environmental disaster off the western coast of the country.
• Ex-CIA Chief Says U.S. May Need To Respond With 'Bold' Action If Russian Bounties Prove True RFE/RL 11 Jul 2020 -- The former head of the CIA said the United States may need to respond with "bold" action against Russia, including imposing harder-hitting sanctions, should a report prove true that Moscow offered Taliban-linked militants money to kill American soldiers in Afghanistan.
• USS Detroit Completes Historic Counter-Narcotics Deployment NNS 11 Jul 2020 -- The Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Detroit (LCS 7) returned to Mayport, Fla., July 11, following its maiden deployment to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Air detachment brings extended combat capability to rotationally deployed LCS NNS 11 Jul 2020 -- With advanced technology, the air detachment aboard Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) is an integral part of crew complement, delivering situational awareness and combat capability well beyond ship-based sensors during their rotational deployment to the Indo-Pacific region.
• Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister: Return to INF impossible after US unilateral withdrawal Press TV 11 Jul 2020 -- Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov says Washington's withdrawal from the now-collapsed Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty has been an "irreparable" mistake, which has made the return of the landmark agreement impossible.
• Russia Scrambles 2 Fighters to Intercept US Spy Jet Over Sea of Japan - Video Sputnik 11 Jul 2020 -- Russian Su-35 and MiG-31 fighter jets were scrambled on Saturday to intercept the RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft of the US air force over the Sea of Japan (East Sea), the Russian Defen?e Ministry said.
• Remarks by President Trump Before Marine One Departure The White House 11 Jul 2020

Defense Industry

Other Conflicts

• Eight Insurgents Killed After Militants Launch Unsuccessful Attack on Syrian Armed Forces in Idlib Sputnik 11 Jul 2020 -- The Syrian armed forces have repelled up to 250 militants who launched an attack in Idlib province, with eight insurgents killed in the fighting, Rear Adm. Alexander Shcherbitsky, the head of the Russian Defence Ministry's centre for Syrian reconciliation, said on Saturday.
• BREAKING: Security Council extends for one year, lifesaving cross-border aid to Syria UN News 11 Jul 2020 -- On its fourth attempt this week, the Security Council has on Saturday, authorized for one year, cross-border humanitarian aid from Turkey into northwest Syria.
• UN Security Council Agrees to Aid Change to NW Syria VOA 11 Jul 2020 -- After days of disagreement, the U.N. Security Council agreed late Saturday to a slimmed down cross-border aid operation from Turkey into northwest Syria, after pressure from Russia and China threatened to totally sever the lifeline.
• UNSC Adopts Resolution to Continue Cross-Border Aid Deliveries to Syria Via 1 Crossing Sputnik 11 Jul 2020 -- The UN Security Council (UNSC) has adopted a resolution to extend the work of one Syria-Turkey cross-border point for one year in order to ensure humanitarian aid deliveries to Syria, German Ambassador to the United Nations Christoph Heusgen has announced.
• Eight Insurgents Killed After Militants Launch Unsuccessful Attack on Syrian Armed Forces in Idlib Sputnik 11 Jul 2020 -- The Syrian armed forces have repelled up to 250 militants who launched an attack in Idlib province, with eight insurgents killed in the fighting, Rear Adm. Alexander Shcherbitsky, the head of the Russian Defence Ministry's centre for Syrian reconciliation, said on Saturday.
• Iran-Syria accord first step to defang US Caesar sanctions: Assad's top aide Press TV 11 Jul 2020 -- A senior aide to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has hailed a comprehensive military-security deal recently signed with Iran as the first step to overcome sweeping US economic sanctions against the Arab country, saying Damascus has many other options to counter American restrictions.
• Iran to Contribute to Security of Syrian Skies Amid Continuing Israeli Air Strikes Sputnik 11 Jul 2020 -- Iran will help Syria strengthen its air defence as part of an agreement between the two states signed on Wednesday. The agreement was signed by Iran's Chief of the Armed Forces General Staff, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, and Syrian Minister of Defence Ali Abdullah Ayyub.
• Russia, China veto Western-backed UNSC resolution on Syria aid Press TV 11 Jul 2020 -- Russia and China have for the second time this week blocked a Western-sponsored UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution to extend aid deliveries across the border from Turkey into northwest Syria amid concerns that the move violates the war-torn country's sovereignty.
• Chinese envoy calls for de-escalation of China-India tensions to restore ties to right track Global Times 11 Jul 2020 -- China's Ambassador to India, Sun Weidong, said on Friday that friendship and cooperation between China and India need to be emphasized in order to defuse suspicion over sensitive issues such as last month's border clash and bring bilateral relations back on the right track for a sound and steady development.
• Implement consensus, handle differences properly to bring China-India relations back on right track: Chinese envoy People's Daily 11 Jul 2020 -- Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Weidong said on Friday that China and India should implement consensus and handle differences properly to bring the bilateral relations back on the right track.
• Indian Army: About 300 Terrorists Waiting at Launchpads Across Border to Make Infiltration Bid Sputnik 11 Jul 2020 -- On Saturday morning, the Indian Army foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control by gunning down two terrorists in the TMG sector of Handwara in northern Kashmir's Kupwara district. In June, Jammu and Kashmir's Director General of Police Dilbag Singh accused Pakistan of trying to send more terrorists into the valley.

News Reports

• Trump Says Authorized Cyberattack on Russia's Internet Research Agency in 2018 Sputnik 11 Jul 2020 -- US President Donald Trump confirmed to The Washington Post that he had authorized a cyberattack on Russia's Internet Research Agency in 2018.
• U.S. Convicts Russian Hacker Nikulin Over Massive Data Breach RFE/RL 11 Jul 2020 -- A jury in San Francisco has convicted Russian citizen Yevgeny Nikulin over a series of hacks and cyberthefts eight years ago that targeted major U.S. social-media companies such as LinkedIn and Dropbox.
• Russia forex reserves surge by over $50bn y/y in July: Report Press TV 11 Jul 2020 -- Russia has increased its international funds by more than $50 billion in the year ending July 1, shows a report.
• Former Russian Finance Minster Says Economy 'In Stagnation,' Needs More Government Spending RFE/RL 11 Jul 2020 -- A respected former Russian finance minster said the nation's economy is stagnating and the government needs to invest more in education and health in order to drive growth.
• Russia Continues to Boost Gold Reserves, Adds Further $2.7 Bln to Int'l Assets Sputnik 11 Jul 2020 -- The country's total foreign holdings are now above the $500 billion target set by the Central Bank of Russia a few years ago.
• Angry Khabarovsk Residents Rally In Support Of Arrested Governor RFE/RL 11 Jul 2020 -- Thousands of people have taken to the streets of Russia's Far Eastern city of Khabarovsk to protest against the arrest of their regional governor on murder charges, chanting slogans against President Vladimir Putin.
• Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Activists Hold Council Elections VOA 11 Jul 2020 -- Pro-democracy politicians and activists in Hong Kong urged people to vote this weekend in informal primary elections to choose candidates who could run for legislative council seats in September.
• HK education bureau required to make plans for all-round education on natl security law: Carrie Lam Global Times 11 Jul 2020 -- Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam said on Saturday she has requested the secretary for education to draw up a plan for comprehensive education regarding the Constitution, the Basic Law, the National Anthem Ordinance and the national security law for Hong Kong.
• Amid escalating tensions, US warns citizens of China detention risk Press TV 11 Jul 2020 -- The United States has warned Americans of "prolonged interrogations and extended detention" if arrested in China, amid an escalation of tensions between Beijing and Washington.
• China takes reciprocal measures against US agencies, individuals over Xinjiang-related issues Global Times 11 Jul 2020 -- China has decided to take reciprocal measures against US agencies and individuals with egregious practices on Xinjiang-related issues, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said Friday.
• Czech Diplomat Sees Spat With China Through History's Lens VOA 11 Jul 2020 -- The Czech people, occupied by Germany during World War II and then forced into the Soviet bloc, are no strangers to foreign coercion. That may be a factor in the anger in Prague over what many there see as Beijing's heavy-handedness in dealing with their country.
• Taiwan Preps for Possible End to Landmark Trade Deal with China VOA 11 Jul 2020 -- China now has the chance to reconsider its 10-year-old Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement with Taiwan, the biggest-ever trade pact between the two rivals, and a Chinese media outlet hints at the agreement's demise.
• Orangchon Power Station No. 4 Completed KCNA 11 Jul 2020 -- The Orangchon Power Station No. 4 has been successfully built in North Hamgyong Province.
• DPRK Premier Inspects Chollima Steel Complex KCNA 11 Jul 2020 -- Kim Jae Ryong, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, member of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK and premier of the Cabinet, inspected the Chollima Steel Complex.
• Answer of Spokesperson for DPRK Ministry of Foreign Affairs KCNA 11 Jul 2020 -- A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) gave the following answer to a question put by KCNA on July 11 with regard to the release by the United Kingdom of so-called "Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations-2020" where the UK has pointed its fingers at the several countries including the DPRK.
• Assassination of Gen. Soleimani obvious example of state terrorism, violation of int'l law: Iran's envoy to UN ISNA 11 Jul 2020 -- Iran's ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations Majid Takht Ravanchi stressed that brutal and cowardly assassination of Major General Qasem Soleimani is another obvious example of State terrorism pursued in gross violation of the fundamental principles of international law.
• UN expert raps US for arbitrary drone attack that killed Gen. Soleimani Press TV 11 Jul 2020 -- A UN special rapporteur has once again lashed out at the United States for breaching international law by assassinating top Iranian commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani in a drone attack, warning about the repercussions of unbridled and self-willed use of armed drones.
• Commander highlights US footprints in anti-Iran threats IRNA 11 Jul 2020 -- Iranian Border Guards Commander Brigadier General Ahmad Ali Goudarzi said on Saturday that Iran is facing with complicated threats posed by the US and foreign saboteurs just like Iraqi-imposed war.
• Iranian companies sign Development contract of joint oilfield with Iraq IRNA 11 Jul 2020 -- Iranian companies on Saturday signed contract for development of Yaran joint oil field with Iraq.
• Iran says to develop oil industry despite sanctions; local firm inks deal Press TV 11 Jul 2020 -- Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zangeneh has expressed Iran's resolve to develop its oil industry despite US sanctions, overseeing the signing of a deal to domestically develop the Yaran oilfield in southwestern Khuzestan Province.
• Iran's National Oil Company Inks Deal With Outfit Controlled By Khamenei Radio Farda 11 Jul 2020 -- An agreement between the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) and an organization controlled by Iran's Supreme Leader was signed today to develop and expand an exisiting oil field.
• Iran warns of effective measures if Europe yields to US pressure over arms embargo extension Press TV 11 Jul 2020 -- Iran has warned it will take "effective measures" if European countries cave in to the US pressure aimed at extending an arms embargo on the Islamic Republic that is legally bound to expire under an international 2015 nuclear agreement.
• Iran slams 'flurry of disinformation' about potential China deal Press TV 11 Jul 2020 -- A senior Iranian foreign ministry official has slammed a "disinformation" campaign that seeks to stoke fears about the impacts of a potential agreement between Iran and China.
• EXCLUSIVE: Iran's IRGC Trying Illegally To Take Ownership Of Major Steel Producer Radio Farda 11 Jul 2020 -- Radio Farda has obtained a confidential letter that shows Iran's IRGC, which holds 49 percent of Khuzestan Steel Mill Company, is attempting to "illegally acquire" the remaining shares belonging to workers.
• US Senior Diplomat Says Iran And Venezuela 'Are Governed By Thieves' Radio Farda 11 Jul 2020 -- U.S. Special Representative on Iran Brian Hook says that Washington's sanctions have cut Iran's oil exports from 2.5 million barrels a day in May 2018 to 70,000 barrels in 2020.
• Riot Police Fire Tear Gas To Break Up Anti-Government Protests In Belgrade RFE/RL 11 Jul 2020 -- Police fired tear gas multiple times to break up a demonstration in Serbia's capital on a fourth night of anti-government protests sparked by the country's response to the coronavirus pandemic.
• Bulgarian President Calls For Government To Resign Amid Protests Against Corruption RFE/RL 11 Jul 2020 -- Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has called on the government and the prosecutor-general to step down as thousands of citizens gathered in the capital and near a beach on the Black Sea to protest corruption within the nation's elite.
• People's Action Party wins Singapore election again Global Times 11 Jul 2020 -- The governing People's Action Party (PAP) won Singapore's general election, retaining its more than 55-year grip on power, according to results reported online on Saturday by Singapore's Election Department.
• Erdogan Says Conversion of Hagia Sophia Into Mosque Step Towards Making Turkey Great Sputnik 11 Jul 2020 -- The decision to convert Istanbul's Hagia Sophia into a mosque is a step towards making Turkey great and the opinions of other countries do not matter, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday.
• Ukrainian Tycoon Kolomoyskiy Bidding For More Media Assets RFE/RL 11 Jul 2020 -- A company controlled by Ukrainian billionaire Ihor Kolomoyskiy is bidding to manage the assets of a local media company, potentially giving the tycoon greater influence over the nation's news content.