COVID-19 - Daily News

20 July 2020 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Taliban Attacks Continue as Negotiations Near VOA 20 Jul 2020 -- Two Taliban attacks in northern Afghanistan's Kunduz province early Monday killed at least eight Afghan security personnel and wounded multiple others, according to provincial authorities.
Russia bounties story in US media aimed at spoiling peace deal: Taliban Press TV 20 Jul 2020 -- A Taliban official has dismissed as fake a recent report in the US media that accused Russia of paying the militant group to kill American troops in Afghanistan, saying the report was a byproduct of US political infighting and aimed at spoiling a Taliban-Washington peace deal.
Suspected Taliban Attacks Kill Over A Dozen Afghan Security Personnel RFE/RL 20 Jul 2020 -- Over a dozen Afghan security personnel have been killed in suspected Taliban attacks.
Taliban truck bomb kills eight Afghan troops in Wardak province Press TV 20 Jul 2020 -- At least eight soldiers have been killed after a bomber detonated an explosives-packed truck close to an Afghan military convoy in Sayed Abad district of Wardak province near the capital Kabul, the defense ministry says.
20 people, including district police chiefs, killed in attacks in Afghanistan People's Daily 20 Jul 2020 -- About 20 people, including two district police chiefs, have been killed in Taliban attacks in Afghanistan as fighting rages in the war-torn country, authorities said Sunday.

Defense Policy / Programs

USAG Ansbach oversees largest railhead movement in 10 years Army News 20 Jul 2020 -- Most have not seen the Katterbach railhead in action until recently when the 21st Theater Sustainment Command (TSC) and 101st Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) used it to bring in vehicles and equipment in support of Atlantic Resolve.
Army testing zero-trust environment amid cloud computing push Army News 20 Jul 2020 -- Army network leaders highlighted progress on cloud computing efforts Wednesday, including a pilot that is testing a zero-trust environment to bolster cybersecurity.
Army explores network resiliency during annual experiment Army News 20 Jul 2020 -- Army Futures Command (AFC) is heading out of the laboratory and "into the field" this summer to develop a blueprint for the future of network communications technologies.
Readout of Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper's Phone Call With New Zealand Minister for Defence Ron Mark DoD 20 Jul 2020
Readout of Secretary of Defense Esper's Phone Call With Republic of Korea Minister of National Defense Jeong Kyeong-doo DoD 20 Jul 2020
Cybersecurity for 2020 Elections a Top DOD Priority, General Says DoD News 20 Jul 2020 -- One of the most critical and important missions of the Defense Department is ensuring that the 2020 elections are protected from cyberattacks by adversarial nations or others, the general leading that effort said.
Nimitz Strike Group Participates in Cooperative Exercises with Indian Navy NNS 20 Jul 2020 -- The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, consisting of flagship USS Nimitz (CVN 68), Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) and Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Sterett (DDG 104) and USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114), participated in cooperative exercises with the Indian Navy in the Indian Ocean commencing July 20.
Atlantic-Based Naval Aviation Restores E/A-18G, Returns Aircraft to Fleet, Boosting Readiness NNS 20 Jul 2020 -- As the Naval Aviation Enterprise continues to press forward with aircraft readiness, Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic (CNAL) has maintained its readiness sustainment to improve the culture of lifecycle acquisition and maintenance best practices and the overall Naval Sustainment (NSS) enterprise, one aircraft at a time.
USS Porter Participates in Exercise Sea Breeze 2020 NNS 20 Jul 2020 -- The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) entered the Black Sea July 19, 2020 to participate in exercise Sea Breeze 2020.
USS Porter En Route to Black Sea for Exercise Sea Breeze 2020 NNS 20 Jul 2020 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) began its northbound transit to the Black Sea, July 19, 2020, to enhance regional maritime stability by participating in the 20th iteration of U.S.-Ukrainian cohosted exercise Sea Breeze 2020.
Destroyer USS Roosevelt Completes Exercise With Norwegian Navy NNS 20 Jul 2020 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) executed a passing exercise (PASSEX) with Norwegian naval counterparts in the Norwegian Sea, July 15, 2020.
USS Newport News Returns from Deployment NNS 20 Jul 2020 -- The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Newport News (SSN 750) returned to its homeport at Naval Station Norfolk from deployment, July 18.
US Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Flex Mine Warfare Capabilities during Exercise 2JA NNS 20 Jul 2020 -- Mine warfare forces from the U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) started Mine Warfare Exercise (MIWEX) 2JA 2020 off the coast of northern Japan, July 20.
USS Carney Returns Home to Mayport NNS 20 Jul 2020 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) arrived at its new homeport, Naval Station Mayport, July 19. The ship has completed its five-year forward deployment to Rota, Spain as part of Destroyer Squadron 60.
Air Force update for COVID-19 US Air Force 20 Jul 2020
Travis AFB conducts first Indo-Pacific aeromedical evacuation mission for COVID-19 US Air Force 20 Jul 2020 -- Travis Air Force Base Airmen transported a COVID-19 positive patient to the U.S. from the Indo-Pacific region July 17.
International Black Sea Military Drills Commence In Ukraine RFE/RL 20 Jul 2020 -- Sea Breeze 2020, a multinational naval exercise, has been launched in the Ukrainian waters of the Black Sea.

Indian, US Warships Hold Exercise in Indian Ocean, Signal to China Amid Border Tensions - Video Sputnik 20 Jul 2020 -- The United States has been mobilising its naval assets in the South China Sea in solidarity with its allies and partners against China flexing its muscles. The US has deployed several aircraft carriers and guided missile destroyers to the Indo-Pacific region.

Induction of Rafale in Indian Air Force India PIB 20 Jul 2020 -- The first batch of five Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale is likely to arrive in India by end July 2020.
Major boost to 'Make in India': MoD signs contract with BEML for procurement of 1,512 Mine Plough for T-90 tanks India PIB 20 Jul 2020 -- With an aim to boost 'Make in India' initiative of the Government, with the approval of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, Acquisition Wing of Ministry of Defence (MoD), has today signed a Contract with Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) for procurement of 1,512 Mine Plough (MP) for Tank T-90 S/SK at an approximate cost of Rs 557 crore. The contract has Buy and Make (Indian) categorisation with a minimum of 50 per cent indigenous content in make portion of the contract.
India Extends 'Reach Into Enemy Territory' With Purchase of Hundreds of Mine Ploughs for T-90 Tanks Sputnik 20 Jul 2020 -- The elevated tensions on the border have compelled the Indian Army to enhance its war-fighting capabilities in the Himalayan region. Besides the urgent purchase of ammunition and smart bombs, the Indian Army has also begun modernising its combat vehicles that are capable of cross-country defence across the border.

Photos: China Begins Final Assembly of Next Two Advanced Aircraft Carriers, Aims for 2021 Delivery Sputnik 20 Jul 2020 -- According to photos and reports emerging from China, the People's Liberation Army Navy's (PLAN's) third and fourth aircraft carriers are having their massive hulls assembled simultaneously. The warships are anticipated to sport electromagnetic catapults, like the US Navy's newest carrier, making them more dangerous than ever.
First batch of Air Force pilot cadets flying JL-10 jet trainers graduate PLA Daily 20 Jul 2020 -- The first batch of pilot cadets trained with JL-10, a new type of advanced jet trainer, all graduated with excellent performance from the Shijiazhuang Flight Academy under the PLA Air Force (PLAAF) in early July, qualified for the requirements of combat troops.
PLAAF sends Y-9 ambulance aircraft for first medical evacuation mission PLA Daily 20 Jul 2020 -- The air force under the PLA Western Theatre Command dispatched a Y-9 ambulance aircraft for the air medical evacuation of a sick officer from the plateau area to a major city in northwest China on July 16. This is the first time for the Y-9ambulance aircraft to carry out such a mission since its commissioning.
PLA conducts maritime attack drills, deploys warplanes in South China Sea amid US aggression Global Times 20 Jul 2020 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) recently conducted maritime target attack drills in the South China Sea and deployed warplanes in an island in the region at a time when the US aggressively sent warplanes for close-up reconnaissance and warships including aircraft carriers for exercises and operations in the name of "freedom of navigation."

IRGC self-sufficient in production of helicopter parts: Chief commander Press TV 20 Jul 2020 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has become self-sufficient in the production of helicopter parts and overhauling various types of the aircraft, says the commander-in-chief of the IRGC.

New industry leaders partner with Team Tempest to deliver next generation combat aircraft UK MOD 20 Jul 2020 -- Seven new companies will collaborate with Team Tempest, the pioneering alliance delivering cutting edge technology for a new generation of combat air power.

Lebanese National Sentenced to 42 Months in Prison for Illegally Exporting Drone Parts and Technology US Dept. of Justice 20 Jul 2020 -- Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers and U.S. Attorney Erica H. MacDonald for the District of Minnesota today announced the sentencing of Usama Darwich Hamade, 55, to 42 months in prison, for conspiring to illegally export goods and technology in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the Export Administration Regulations, the Arms Export Control Act, and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Two Dutch Military Personnel Killed as Helicopter Crashes in Caribbean Sea - Reports Sputnik 20 Jul 2020 -- A Dutch military helicopter has crashed in the Caribbean Sea near the island of Aruba, a constituent country of the Netherlands, killing two crew members, media reported on Monday.

Defense Industry

Contracts For July 20, 2020

Other Conflicts

20 July 2020 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 20 Jul 2020

Strengthened U.S. military presence undermines stable situation in South China Sea: Chinese ambassador People's Daily 20 Jul 2020 -- Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai said the strengthened U.S. military presence in the South China Sea has undermined the situation in the region.
Did China Block Vietnam Offshore Oil Contract? VOA 20 Jul 2020 -- The sudden cancellation of an offshore drilling project commissioned by Vietnam is raising fears that the Chinese government pressured it to stop, part of Beijing's ongoing maritime sovereignty spat with Hanoi.

US-Backed Forces Renew Campaign Against IS Remnants in Eastern Syria VOA 20 Jul 2020 -- U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) launched the second phase of a military campaign to destroy remnants of the Islamic State terror group in eastern Syria.
Syrian air defenses intercept Israeli aggression on southern Damascus Press TV 20 Jul 2020 -- Syria says its air defenses have successfully intercepted a new Israeli aggression above the capital Damascus.
Terrorist Attack near Azaz, Syria US Dept. of State 20 Jul 2020 -- The United States strongly condemns the terrorist attack near a marketplace in Sudju, near Azaz and the Bab al Salam crossing. Initial reports indicate the attack killed eight and injured over 80, some of whom are in critical condition. We extend our deepest sympathies to all those harmed in this senseless tragedy.
Iran hails 'successful' parliamentary elections in Syria, hopes for peace, stability Press TV 20 Jul 2020 -- The spokesman of Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has hailed the successful parliamentary elections in Syria, expressing hope that the vote would pave the way for the promotion of peace and stability in the war-ravaged country.
Assad Regime's Parliamentary Elections US Dept. of State 20 Jul 2020 -- Yesterday, the Assad regime held so-called Parliamentary Elections in Syria. Bashar Al Assad is seeking to present this dubious election as a success against alleged Western plotting, but in reality it is simply another in a long line of Assad's stage-managed, unfree votes in which the Syrian people have no real choice.
Syria Held Parliamentary Elections Sunday VOA 20 Jul 2020 -- Syrians across government-held territory voted Sunday to elect 250 members of parliament.

Iraqi lawmaker slams Turkey's plan to create buffer zone in northern Iraq Press TV 20 Jul 2020 -- A senior Iraqi legislator has denounced the ongoing Turkish cross-border offensive in the country's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region against hideouts of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group, saying Ankara plans to create a buffer zone in northern Iraq similar to the one already established in the northern part of Syria.

Egypt's Parl't Approves Permission to Deploy Troops to Carry Out Combat Missions Abroad, Reports Say Sputnik 20 Jul 2020 -- Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Sisi said on 16 July at a meeting with Libyan sheikhs and elders that Egypt would quickly reverse the military situation in Libya if it sends troops to the North African country.

Myanmar Investigating Soldiers in Shooting Death of Karen Woman Radio Free Asia 20 Jul 2020 -- Myanmar's army said Monday it is holding two soldiers who admitted to shooting dead an ethnic Karen mother of three children in eastern Kayin state last week, a killing the local ethnic army reported as a violation of a fragile nationwide cease-fire pact.
Myanmar's govt. disregards obligation to account for military atrocities: HRW Press TV 20 Jul 2020 -- Myanmar's government has so far failed to abide by its international obligations to account for the army's atrocities against minorities, particularly the Rohingya Muslims living in the state of Rakhine, Human Rights Watch says.
Arakan Army Collects Taxes, Polices Streets in Parts of Myanmar's War-Torn Rakhine State Radio Free Asia 20 Jul 2020 -- The rebel Arakan Army has set up civil administrations in parts of western Myanmar's Rakhine state, collecting taxes and arresting illegal drug users – making good on a pledge to provide governance to underpin the ethnic Rakhine autonomy the armed group has been fighting for.

Ismail Haniyeh: Unified Palestinian position thwarts Israel's annexation plan Press TV 20 Jul 2020 -- The Palestinian cause is going through its 'most dangerous' phase, says the head of the political bureau of the resistance movement Hamas, urging a unified position to thwart Israel's much-condemned plan for annexing large parts of the occupied West Bank.

News Reports

US federal agents may be sent to Chicago, New York City, Philadelphia, other US major cities Press TV 20 Jul 2020 -- US President Donald Trump has suggested that he may order deployment of federal law enforcement agents to major cities to crack down on demonstrators protesting racial injustice and police brutality.
Trump Vows to Send More Federal Law Enforcement to Police US Cities VOA 20 Jul 2020 -- U.S. President Donald Trump plans to expand the controversial presence of federal law enforcement on the streets of American cities to deter what he decries as unacceptable violence.

Public Designation of Russian National Ramzan Kadyrov Due to Involvement in Gross Violations of Human Rights US Dept. of State 20 Jul 2020 -- Today, the Department of State is publicly designating Ramzan Kadyrov, head of the Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation, under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2020.
U.S. Adds Sanctions Against Chechen Leader Kadyrov For Rights Abuses RFE/RL 20 Jul 2020 -- The United States has slapped additional sanctions on Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov "for numerous gross violations of human rights."
US Sanctions Chechen Leader Kadyrov for Alleged Human Rights Violations, Pompeo Says Sputnik 20 Jul 2020 -- Washington has sanctioned a number of Russian citizens and entities under the so-called Magnitsky Act, which allows it to impose restrictions on individuals and entities whom it considers to be human rights abusers.
Kremlin Critic Navalny Announces Closure Of His Anti-Corruption Foundation RFE/RL 20 Jul 2020 -- Russian opposition politician and outspoken Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny has announced the closure of his Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) after using it for almost a decade to reveal wrongdoing by the Russian authorities.
Navalny's Greatest Hits: FBK's Best Corruption Exposés During Its Nine-Year History RFE/RL 20 Jul 2020 -- Russian opposition activist Aleksei Navalny has announced that he will be closing his Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), which has angered oligarchs and officials alike with his blistering investigations, after a Kremlin insider won a large defamation lawsuit.
Putin Replaces Governor Of Restive Far East Region Amid Ongoing Protests RFE/RL 20 Jul 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has fired the governor of the Far Eastern region of Khabarovsk, Sergei Furgal, who was arrested on murder charges, which sparked massive rallies in his support.
US Sanctions Aim to Keep Russian Financier from Meddling in Sudan's Future VOA 20 Jul 2020 -- Known as Russian President Vladimir Putin's "chef" because of the billions he made in the catering business, Russian financier Yevgeniy Prigozhin had far more cooking abroad, including meddling in U.S. elections and suppressing democracy in Sudan, according to U.S. charges.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on July 20, 2020 PRC MofA 20 Jul 2020
US urged to reflect and coexist Global Times 20 Jul 2020 -- While the world closely watches whether China-US relations - the most important bilateral ties - would drift toward war, the Chinese envoy to the US called on Washington to make a fundamental choice about coexisting with China. The US should act in a restrained manner and give up on challenging the bottom line of China before the situation gets out of control, Chinese observers warned.
Hong Kong and China: Foreign Secretary's statement in Parliament, 20 July 2020 UK FCO 20 Jul 2020 -- Dominic Raab said the UK will extend the arms embargo that applies to China to Hong Kong, and suspend our extradition treaty with Hong Kong indefinitely.
Beijing may target British companies if 10 Downing Street sanctions China Global Times 20 Jul 2020 -- The British government has been urged to make a "smart choice" and not to burn bridges by continuing to provoke China on matters such as Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Huawei and the South China Sea, and dance to the tune of Americans. Otherwise, it will face severe consequences of souring UK-China ties, officials and observers warned.
Chinese envoy urges UK to have independent policy rather than 'dance to tune of Americans' Global Times 20 Jul 2020 -- It would be a totally wrong decision for the UK government to impose unilateral sanctions on Chinese individuals and if the UK government goes as far as imposing sanctions on any individual in China, China will certainly make a resolute response to it, Chinese Ambassador to the UK Liu Xiaoming said in an interview on Sunday.
Prominent Hong Kong Democracy Activist Files Candidacy for Legislature VOA 20 Jul 2020 -- Joshua Wong, one of the leaders of Hong Kong's 2014 pro-democracy "Umbrella Movement," is officially running for a seat in the city's legislature, despite the new national security law imposed by Beijing.
China urges UK not to go further down wrong path over Hong Kong Global Times 20 Jul 2020 -- China urges the British side not to go further down the wrong path to avoid further damage to China-UK relations, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said after the UK foreign secretary Dominic Raab said he may suspend the UK's extradition treaty with Hong Kong.
HK cooperates with mainland against 'hypocritical' US acts People's Daily 20 Jul 2020 -- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government will fully cooperate with the central government to counter the United States' attempt at hegemony, Chief Secretary for Administration Matthew Cheung Kin-chung said on Sunday.
UK suspends extradition treaty with Hong Kong in latest escalation against China Press TV 20 Jul 2020 -- In yet another escalatory step the UK has suspended an extradition treaty with Hong Kong, citing human rights concerns following the adoption of a new national security law by Beijing.
China warns UK not to head down 'wrong path' amid Hong Kong-related tensions Press TV 20 Jul 2020 -- China has advised Britain against treading the "wrong path" with regard to Hong Kong and bilateral ties, warning that Beijing will respond to actions that amount to interference in its internal affairs.
Security installed at request of Muslims against terrorism: Xinjiang official Global Times 20 Jul 2020 -- As requested by local Muslims, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region installed security facilities to protect believers, as a big number of violent terrorist attacks had been launched at religious sites around the world in recent years, a Xinjiang official said at a press conference on Friday.
Claims of 'forced sterilization' in China's Xinjiang utter nonsense: FM Global Times 20 Jul 2020 -- UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab's claims that China violated the human rights of its Uygur minority in the Northwest Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region are complete smears and the so-called "forced sterilization" is "utter nonsense," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told a press briefing on Monday.
China denounces Britain for comments on Uighur Muslims Press TV 20 Jul 2020 -- China has lambasted as "rumors and slanders" comments by the UK Foreign Office that accused Beijing of committing "gross" human rights abuses against ethnic and religious minorities in the northwestern region of Xinjiang.
US Sanctions 11 Chinese Firms for Human Rights Abuses in Xinjiang Radio Free Asia 20 Jul 2020 -- The U.S. Commerce Department on Monday added to its Entities List 11 Chinese companies involved in alleged human rights abuses in northwestern China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), barring them from access to U.S.-sourced commodities, technology, and other items, a Department announcement said.
Scholar Hits Out at China's 'Totalitarian' System in Open Letter Radio Free Asia 20 Jul 2020 -- Chinese scholar Xu Zhangrun has penned a passionate call for solidarity among China's embattled dissidents after his release from criminal detention, which came after he published several articles and open letters critical of the ruling Chinese Communist Party and its supreme leader Xi Jinping.
21st Anniversary of the PRC Government's Persecution of Falun Gong US Dept. of State 20 Jul 2020 -- Since 1999, the Communist Party of China (CCP) has sought to eradicate Falun Gong, a spiritual practice originating in China, and its peaceful practitioners and human rights defenders who have fought for their right to practice their beliefs.
UK on edge after Huawei ban angers China Global Times 20 Jul 2020 -- Even though China has not taken any countermeasures, at least publicly, against the UK over its ban on Chinese telecom giant Huawei from its 5G development, many in the UK - from business leaders to scholars - are wary of potential devastating consequences from the move on bilateral ties and on the UK economy, which is already facing what has been described as the worst period in decades.
Rising tensions spark more China-US clash speculation Global Times 20 Jul 2020 -- As China-US relations continue fraying amid escalating tensions on a series of topics including Hong Kong, the South China Sea, Huawei and Xinjiang, there have been speculations on whether a hot war between the two major powers is looming. Viewing China as a Cold War-styled rival and hyping extreme anti-China rhetoric are tactics of certain American policy hawks aiming to manipulate public opinion and pursuing elections result, some Chinese observers said.

Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un Gives Field Guidance to Pyongyang General Hospital under Construction KCNA 20 Jul 2020 -- Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea, chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and supreme commander of the armed forces of the DPRK, gave field guidance to the Pyongyang General Hospital under construction.
North Korean Leader Lashes Out Over Hospital Construction Delays VOA 20 Jul 2020 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un lashed out at officials over delays in the construction of a new hospital in Pyongyang and ordered them to be sacked.

Open Letter By Diaspora Iranians To Biden Urges Vigilance Radio Farda 20 Jul 2020 -- A group of diaspora Iranians and two opposition groups released "an open letter" to the Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden Monday appealing to him to take steps against Iran's "human rights violation" and "global terrorism networks".
Despite its intl. obligation, US still violates UNSC Resolution 2231: Iran diplomat Press TV 20 Jul 2020 -- Iran's permanent ambassador to the United Nations says despite its international obligation to abide by resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council, the United States is still in violation of the world body's Resolution 2231, which endorses a landmark nuclear deal between Iran and world powers.
Iran Official Says Natanz Explosion Different From Other Recent Incidents Radio Farda 20 Jul 2020 -- The Head of Iran's Passive Defense Organization on Sunday said the incident at Natanz nuclear facilities is different from other recent explosions and fires in Iran none of which according to him is "security-related".
Two More Fires In Iran Raise Questions Again About Possible Sabotage Radio Farda 20 Jul 2020 -- Two more mysterious fires in Iran on Sunday, July 19 have once again raised questions about similar recent incidents, including a suspected explosion and fire at the uranium enrichment facility at Natanz.
China, Iran Approach Major Accord Amid Deteriorating US-China Relations VOA 20 Jul 2020 -- Beijing is reported to be in the final stages of approving a $400 billion economic and security deal with Tehran, which some analysts say could give China a vast and secure source of energy and a strategic foothold in the Gulf.
Canada says black boxes of downed Ukrainian plane arrive in Paris Press TV 20 Jul 2020 -- Canada's foreign minister says the black boxes of a Ukrainian plane that crashed in Iran in January has arrived in France for analysis.
ICAO: Decoding black boxes of Ukrainian plane starts in France IRNA 20 Jul 2020 -- Iran Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) announced on Monday that the process of decoding black box of Ukrainian plane (PS752) started in France.
Ukraine Welcomes Iranian Handover Of Flight Recorders As Data Extraction Begins RFE/RL 20 Jul 2020 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has welcomed Iran's handover to France of the flight recorders from a Ukrainian airliner that was downed shortly after taking off from Tehran on January 8.
Downed Ukrainian Airline's Flight Data Recorders in France for Analysis VOA 20 Jul 2020 -- Canada's Foreign Minister François-Philippe Champagne said the flight data recorders from a Ukrainian passenger plane downed by an Iranian missile are in Paris where they are expected to be taken to France's Civil Aviation Safety Investigation Authority for analysis Monday.
Iran increases oil output from western Karoun joint oilfields by 330,000 IRNA 20 Jul 2020 -- Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh announced an increase of 330,000 barrels of oil production from the western Karoun fields over the past seven years.
Iran expected to produce 2.7bn more barrels of oil from shared Azadegan Field: Minister IRNA 20 Jul 2020 -- With a 10% increase in extraction rate from the shared field of South Azadegan, Iran is expected to produce some 2.7 billion more barrels of oil amounted to dlrs one trillion, Petroleum Minister Bijan Zangeneh said on Monday.
Iran signs deal to develop South Azadegan oilfield Press TV 20 Jul 2020 -- Iran has awarded a contract to a local company for development of one of its largest oilfields, a sign its oil industry would continue to expand despite US sanctions.
Oil Minister Says Foreign Countries Refusing To Sign Agreements With Iran Radio Farda 20 Jul 2020 -- Iran's Oil Minister on Monday told reporters that all foreign countries are now refusing to sign agreements with Iran in all areas due to the U.S. sanctions and are even discontinuing existing contracts.
Iran always prepared for dialog with regional states: Foreign Ministry Press TV 20 Jul 2020 -- The Foreign Ministry says Iran is always prepared for dialog with the countries of the region, considering negotiation to be the sole way out of existing differences among regional states.
Iran Security Official Says 'Instigators Of Protests In Behbahan' Arrested Radio Farda 20 Jul 2020 -- The Security Chief of Iran's oil-rich Khuzestan Province on Sunday said all of the individuals that he called "instigators of the protest rally in Behbahan on July 16" have been arrested.
Man spying for CIA/Mossad put to death IRNA 20 Jul 2020 -- Mahmoud Mousavi Majd who was linked with CIA and Mossad and has provided them with intelligence from security bodies, especially armed forces including the IRGC was executed on Monday morning.
Mahmoud Mousavi Majd spying for CIA, Mossad executed ISNA 20 Jul 2020 -- Iran's Judiciary announced that Mahmoud Mousavi Majd who was linked with CIA and Mossad and has provided them with intelligence from security bodies, especially armed forces including the IRGC was executed on Monday morning.
Iran executes US, Israeli agent who spied on General Soleimani Press TV 20 Jul 2020 -- Iran says it has executed a CIA and Mossad agent, who had been convicted of espionage for US and Israeli spying agencies, including the exposing of top anti-terror commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani's whereabouts to them.
Iran Executes Man Charged With 'Spying', Defying Popular Call To Stop Executions Radio Farda 20 Jul 2020 -- The Iranian Judiciary has announced on Monday July 20 that Mahmoud Mousavi Majd, a young man who was in jail on charges of "spying for the CIA and Mossad" has been executed.
Iran Executes Man Convicted Of Giving U.S. Information On Soleimani RFE/RL 20 Jul 2020 -- Iran's judiciary says the country has executed a man convicted of providing information to the United States and Israel about a top Iranian commander later killed by a U.S. drone strike in Iraq.
Iran Executes Man Accused of Spying for US, Israel VOA 20 Jul 2020 -- Iran's judiciary says a former translator Monday, whom the government accused of spying for U.S. and Israeli intelligence, and of helping to locate Revolutionary Guards commander Qassem Soleimani has been executed. Soleimani was killed in an America drone attack earlier this year.

Iraq's Premier Cancels Visit To Saudi Arabia As King Salman Taken To Hospital Radio Farda 20 Jul 2020 -- The visit of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi to Saudi Arabia has been postponed after the hospitalization of King Salman, the Saudi foreign minister said on Monday.

Under Threat, Belarusian Opposition Candidate Moves Children Out Of Country RFE/RL 20 Jul 2020 -- The Belarusian opposition's main presidential candidate has taken her two children to an EU country out of concern for their safety after receiving threats ahead of next month's election.

Royal Court: Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques Enters King Faisal Specialist Hospital to Receive Medical Tests due to Cholecystitis SPA 20 Jul 2020 -- Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud entered today King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh to receive some medical tests due to cholecystitis, the Royal Court said today in a statement.

Lebanese Battle Poverty as Politicians Wrangle Over IMF Reforms VOA 20 Jul 2020 -- The Lebanese are battling hunger and deep poverty as their political leaders wrangle with the International Monetary Fund over reforms to secure a $10 billion initial bailout aimed at redressing the nosediving economy.
Lebanon court orders seizure of central bank governor's assets, real estates Press TV 20 Jul 2020 -- A Lebanese court has ruled to seize the real estates and assets of the governor of Lebanon's central bank, after several lawyers filed a lawsuit accusing him of undermining the financial status of the country as well as other crimes.

Omar al-Bashir faces trial over 89 coup in Sudan Press TV 20 Jul 2020 -- Sudan's former President Omar al-Bashir faces trial over a military coup against a democratically elected government that brought him to power more than three decades ago.

Cambodia's Opposition Chief Kem Sokha Begins Visits to Provinces Under Terms of Bail Radio Free Asia 20 Jul 2020 -- Cambodia's opposition leader Kem Sokha, who is under judicial restrictions against political activities amid an ongoing trial on charges of treason, has quietly begun tours of the country, although his motives are unclear.

How Tajikistan Blocked Term Extensions For Key OSCE Officials RFE/RL 20 Jul 2020 -- Two leading officials for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) are suddenly out of office after an extension of their mandates was rejected by Tajikistan.

Mali Opposition Party Rejects Mediators Plan to End Political Crisis VOA 20 Jul 2020 -- Mali's main political opposition has rejected a plan by regional mediators aimed at ending an escalating political crisis in a country already dealing with a violent Islamic insurgency.

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list