COVID-19 - Daily News

22 July 2020 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Defeating Daesh Highlights of the Week July 22, 2020 CENTCOM 22 Jul 2020 -- Our partners in Iraq and Syria are leading the way to find and eliminate Daesh fighters and their finance, logistics, and media networks.
Deputy Commander, CJTF-OIR, Provides Update From Baghdad on ISIS Threat and Coalition Activities DoD 22 Jul 2020 -- Major General Kenneth P. Ekman (USAF), deputy commander, Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve; Commander Jessica McNulty (USN)

Eight Afghan Security Officers Killed By Roadside Bomb As Attacks Continue RFE/RL 22 Jul 2020 -- Over a dozen Afghan security personnel and scores of Taliban militants have been killed in attacks across the country as violence continues to surge despite an initial peace deal.

Somali, U.S. forces engage insurgents in support of the Federal Government of Somalia AFRICOM 22 Jul 2020 -- In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike against ISIS-Somalia terrorists after they attacked partner forces in a remote location near Timirshe, Somalia, July 21. Timirshe is located 140 kilometers southeast of Bosasso.
US Airstrike Hits Pro-Islamic State Militants in Somalia VOA 22 Jul 2020 -- The U.S. military says it conducted an airstrike in Somalia's Puntland region that killed seven pro-Islamic state militants.

Defense Policy / Programs

DEFENDER-Europe 2020 | Army Prepositioned Stock-2 Enables Dynamic Force Employment in Europe Army News 22 Jul 2020 -- A key objective for the inaugural DEFENDER-Europe 2020 exercise (DEF-EUR 20) was the issue, use, and turn-in of Army prepositioned stock (APS) equipment as part of exercising dynamic force employment of a combat-credible force.
Strategic Ops directorate to shape electromagnetic, cyber capabilities Army News 22 Jul 2020 -- The Army recently implemented a new directorate to support requirements within the electromagnetic spectrum, enabling the force to prioritize, integrate, and synchronize its data-enabled warfighting capabilities to fight and win in a multi-domain battlefield.
Secretary of Defense Esper Addresses Reporters at Whiteman AFB DoD 22 Jul 2020 -- Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper
Defense Department Improves 'Ready for Issue' Rate for F-35 Parts DoD News 22 Jul 2020 -- The Defense Department has been working to improve issues that affect the ready-for-issue rate for F-35 joint strike fighter parts, the undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment told Congress.
Work Effectiveness is a Product, Not a Location, DOD Official Says DoD News 22 Jul 2020 -- Defense Department teleworkers have, by and large, continued the mission without being in a brick-and-mortar structure, a Defense Department official said.
Indo-Pacific Commander Details Regional Deterrence Efforts DoD News 22 Jul 2020 -- The Indo-Pacific is the most significant region for America's future, and it has become the nation's highest-priority theater, the commander of the Hawaii-based U.S. Indo-Pacific Command told the Defense Writers Group in Washington.
VP-47 Participates in Exercise Sea Breeze 2020 NNS 22 Jul 2020 -- Sailors assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 47, alongside maritime forces from eight nations, are participating in the 20th iteration of the Ukrainian-U.S. co-hosted multinational training exercise Sea Breeze in the Black Sea.
Attack Submarine USS Minnesota Earns Meritorious Unit Commendation NNS 22 Jul 2020 -- The Secretary of the Navy awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation (MUC) to the crew of the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Minnesota (SSN 783), July 9.
4th Fleet Commander Hosts Maritime Staff Talks with Armada de Chile NNS 22 Jul 2020 -- Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet, Rear Adm. Don Gabrielson, hosted delegates from the Armada de Chile for the annual Maritime Staff Talks (MST) July 22.
NAVWAR Trident Warrior Team Assesses New Tracking Technology for COVID-19 Mitigation NNS 22 Jul 2020 -- In support of the Navy's Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Rapid Response Task Force, Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR) quickly executed the assessment of a wireless tracking technology in June 2020 that could help the Navy mitigate the spread of the virus, protecting the health and safety of Sailors and Marines and improving fleet readiness.
New Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyers to Be Equipped With Hypersonic Warfare-Capable SPY-6 Radar Sputnik 22 Jul 2020 -- The Pentagon awarded defence giant Raytheon hundreds of millions of dollars build the AN/SPY-6(V), a long-range next-generation class of 3D radar arrays said to be capable of exo-atmospheric detection, tracking and discrimination of ballistic missiles and other air and surface threats.

Coronavirus response: The United Kingdom delivers field hospital to West Africa following UN global call for support NATO 22 Jul 2020 -- Following a global request by the United Nations for airlift support in response to the COVID 19 pandemic, the United Kingdom Royal Air Force transported a field hospital from Europe to Accra, Ghana, in coordination with NATO's Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC). The United Nations used this mechanism to call for NATO Allies' help in transporting urgently needed medical items. With commercial flights disrupted and the cost of cargo flights having escalated, this support came at a crucial time.

Video: Russian Black Sea Fleet Holds Massive Military Drills Off Crimea Sputnik 22 Jul 2020 -- The footage offers a glimpse of the land, naval and airborne elements of the Russian military that were involved in the drills.
Russian Black Sea Fleet Monitoring NATO Vessels, Planes Taking Part in Sea Breeze Drills, MoD Says Sputnik 22 Jul 2020 -- Russia's Black Sea Fleet is keeping track of NATO vessels and aircraft taking part in the Sea Breeze drills in the north-west of the Black Sea, the Russian Defence Ministry said on Wednesday.
Russia's New Mi-8AMTSh-VN Attack Helicopter Being Flight-Tested - Rostec Sputnik 22 Jul 2020 -- Russia's new Mi-8AMTSh-VN attack transport helicopter is already being flight-tested, Andrey Boginskiy, the CEO of the Russian Helicopters manufacturing company (part of Rostec corporation), said.

China wants US to improve atmosphere for future dialogues between two militaries Global Times 22 Jul 2020 -- When asked about the reaction from the Chinese side toward the latest reports concerning US Defense Secretary Mark Esper saying he hopes to visit China this year amid escalating US-China tensions, particularly on the South China Sea, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson said military relations are an important part of China-US ties.
PLA shows multi-tasking capabilities in war-readiness and flood relief Global Times 22 Jul 2020 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force recently organized an air fleet consisting of early warning aircraft, fighter jets and bombers in a cross-day-and-night strike operation on mock warship targets, a move that experts said on Wednesday showed the PLA is capable of simultaneously contributing to the ongoing flood control and disaster relief missions and safeguarding the country from military threats, as the US rallied India, Japan and Australia for provocative naval drills near China.

U.S. defense secretary reaffirms commitment to sell arms to Taiwan CNA 22 Jul 2020 -- The United States will live up to its commitment to Taiwan by selling it weapons and holding exercises in the region as China becomes more aggressive and assertive toward the island, U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said Tuesday.
Cross-strait harmony better than hostility: Taipei mayor CNA 22 Jul 2020 -- Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) on Wednesday defended his "pragmatic" approach to relations with China, saying that "family harmony is better than family hostility" during an annual forum between the cities of Taipei and Shanghai.
Taiwan's Foreign Minister Claims Chinese Aircraft Flying Near Island 'Virtually a Daily Occurrence' Sputnik 22 Jul 2020 -- In recent comments to the press, Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu claimed Chinese aircraft flying close to the island's areas of control is "virtually a daily occurrence." However, he failed to mention the US is also sending planes near Chinese airspace close to Taiwan on a daily basis.

India to Deploy More Military Equipment to Border, as China Delays Disengagement in Ladakh Sputnik 22 Jul 2020 -- The border dispute between India and China worsened when the armies of both sides clashed on 15 June, leaving 20 Indian soldiers and an unconfirmed number of Chinese troops killed. While efforts have been made to disengage, India has beefed up its presence along the border.
Indian Def Minister Asks Air Force to Stand Ready, Despite De-escalation Efforts Along China Border Sputnik 22 Jul 2020 -- A month after violent skirmishes involving the armies of India and China in eastern Ladakh, the commanders of the Indian Air Force (IAF) met in New Delhi to "review the operational scenario and deployments" and to discuss "building the IAF capabilities in the next decade to tackle all emerging threats."
India Test Fires Helicopter-Launched Third Gen Anti-Tank Guided Missile - Video Sputnik 22 Jul 2020 -- The Helicopter Launched Nag (HELINA) missile is guided by an Infrared Imaging Seeker (IIR) operating in Lock on Before Launch mode. The anti-tank guided missile, which has been called one of the most advanced Anti-Tank Weapons in the world, can be launched from both land and air-based platforms.

Army Cmdr: Iran's defense keeps growing in all areas IRNA 22 Jul 2020 -- Iran's Army Commander Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi said on Wednesday that Iran is up-to-date in the field of defense and is ready to fight against all threats.
Iran Has Started Development of Heavy Fighter Jet, Senior Commander Says Sputnik 22 Jul 2020 -- At the moment, the Islamic Republic's Air Force is equipped with dozens of Russian, American, Chinese and French-made combat jets, with part of this inventory inherited from the Shah's regime after the 1979 Iranian Revolution, and the rest purchased in the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s, before the introduction of the United Nations arms embargo.

Royal Navy Spots, Shadows Russian Kalibr-Carrying Sub in English Channel Sputnik 22 Jul 2020 -- Russian submarines and other warships regularly pass through the waters adjacent to the UK and France on their way to the Mediterranean and Black seas, with the subs doing so in a surfaced position and often accompanied by support vessels.

Pompeo Discusses Arctic Cooperation In Copenhagen Amid Rivalry For Region's Wealth RFE/RL 22 Jul 2020 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he had a "positive meeting" with his counterparts from Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands as they discussed Arctic cooperation amid growing economic and military competition in the region.
Secretary Michael R. Pompeo at a Press Availability with Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod US Dept. of State 22 Jul 2020
Joint Statement by the U.S. Secretary of State and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania US Dept. of State 22 Jul 2020 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania on the occasion of the 80th Anniversary of the Welles Declaration.
Message on the 80th Anniversary of the Welles Declaration US Dept. of State 22 Jul 2020 -- The Welles Declaration is a proud moment in the history of U.S. foreign policy and friendship with the peoples of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

Defense Industry

Contracts For July 22, 2020

Other Conflicts

22 July 2020 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 22 Jul 2020

Indonesian Navy Conducts Major Exercise Amid South China Sea Tensions Radio Free Asia 22 Jul 2020 -- Indonesia is staging a major naval exercise this week in the Java Sea and the South China Sea, the contested waterway where tensions have risen lately between China and the United States.
Chinese top diplomat makes rare criticism of US in meeting with Vietnamese officials Global Times 22 Jul 2020 -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in a rare move, criticized the US twice in a meeting with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh on Tuesday, which analysts believe sends a clear signal to Vietnam that it should avoid misjudgment on the South China Sea issue.
Philippines Boosts Surveillance in South China Sea Radio Free Asia 22 Jul 2020 -- The Philippines has installed improved tracking equipment in the South China Sea to protect areas it claims, the country's defense secretary said Wednesday, as he took a strong stand against China.

Militants Continue Shelling Settlements in Syria's North, Russian Military Says Sputnik 22 Jul 2020 -- The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham* terrorist group shelled settlements in the Syrian provinces of Idlib and Latakia, the head of the Russian centre for Syrian reconciliation said at a briefing on Wednesday.
Coalition Commander Refuses to Reveal Number of US Troops in Syria to Conceal Capabilities Sputnik 22 Jul 2020 -- Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve Deputy Commander Kenneth Ekman refused during a press briefing on Wednesday to provide the number of US troops in Syria in order to protect any insight on the their capabilities in that country.
Syria's ruling party wins parliamentary election Press TV 22 Jul 2020 -- Official results from Syria's parliamentary election show that the country's ruling party and its allies have managed to secure a majority in the legislature.

Liberating Israeli-occupied Golan Heights national priority: Syria UN ambassador Press TV 22 Jul 2020 -- Syria's permanent representative to the United Nations, Bashar al-Ja'afari, has reiterated the Arab country's right to liberate the Golan Heights from Israeli occupation, adding that restoring Syrian sovereignty to the territory remains a priority for the Damascus government.

In Ankara, Turkey, Russia declare coordination for Libya truce Press TV 22 Jul 2020 -- Russia and Turkey have agreed to work harder for a sustainable ceasefire in Libya in coordination with the United Nations.

Pakistan Pushes Back on India's Claim of 'Two-Front' War VOA 22 Jul 2020 -- Pakistan's military has rebutted claims it is colluding with close ally China to try to engage rival India in a "two-front" war in the disputed region of Kashmir.

Russia-Controlled Court Sentences Crimean Tatar For Participation In Resistance Group RFE/RL 22 Jul 2020 -- A court in Russia-annexed Crimea has sentenced a local Tatar man to eight years in prison after finding him guilty of being a member of an "illegal armed group" that resists Moscow's control of the peninsula.

Egypt army kills 18 terrorists in North Sinai Press TV 22 Jul 2020 -- The Egyptian army has fended off a militant attack on a post in Egypt's North Sinai Province, killing 18 militants.

Greece says Turkey encroaching on its territory, threatening NATO's cohesion Press TV 22 Jul 2020 -- Greece says Turkey is attempting to encroach on its territorial waters and threatening the cohesion of NATO through "illegal and provocative behavior" in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

Tibetan Exiles Continue Experiment in Democracy as New Elections Near Radio Free Asia 22 Jul 2020 -- Tibetans living outside of their China-ruled homeland are now preparing for a new round of elections, the third since 2011, to seat a new political leader, or Sikyong, for their India-based government-in-exile as the current officeholder's five-year term in office nears its end.

Egyptian Military Thwarts Terrorist Attack, Kills 18 Militants in Northern Sinai Sputnik 22 Jul 2020 -- Egyptian armed forces have thwarted a terrorist attack in northern Sinai and killed 18 terrorists during a security operation, military spokesman Tamer Rifai said in a statement on Wednesday.

UN, EU's Top Diplomat Urge Armenia, Azerbaijan To De-Escalate Following Clashes RFE/RL 22 Jul 2020 -- EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has held a three-way phone call with the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan in a bid to de-escalate tensions amid a flare-up of violence along their border.
Armenia Accuses Azerbaijan Of Launching Fresh Attack On Border RFE/RL 22 Jul 2020 -- The Armenian military has accused Azerbaijani forces of again attacking one of its positions at a section of the border where deadly fighting raged last week.

News Reports

Raskin, Bonamici, Blumenauer & 114 Members Demand Answers About Deployment of Unidentified Federal Law Enforcement Personnel and Ongoing Actions in Portland Congressman Jamie Raskin 22 Jul 2020 -- "Reports indicate that at least four federal law enforcement agencies1 have now deployed forces – including undercover officers - to Portland, Oregon to monitor and quell protests without coordination or communication with local officials or law enforcement. These newly deployed officers are in camouflage uniforms with no badge or insignia denoting their agency or identity."
Attorney General William P. Barr Delivers Remarks During the Operation Legend Expansion Announcement US Dept. of Justice 22 Jul 2020
Portland Riots Read-Out: July 22 Department of Homeland Security 22 Jul 2020
Attorney General William P. Barr Joins President Donald J. Trump to Announce Expansion of Operation Legend US Dept. of Justice 22 Jul 2020 -- Today, Attorney General William P. Barr joined President Donald J. Trump to announce the expansion of Operation Legend to Chicago and Albuquerque.
Remarks by President Trump on Operation LeGend: Combatting Violent Crime in American Cities The White House 22 Jul 2020

Rallies In Khabarovsk Continue As Protesters Demand Putin's Resignation RFE/RL 22 Jul 2020 -- Hundreds of supporters of the arrested ex-governor of Russia's Far Eastern Khabarovsk Krai region, Sergei Furgal, have rallied for a 12th day, this time demanding the resignation of the country's president, Vladimir Putin.
Russian Baltic Gas Pipeline On Pompeo's Agenda As He Visits Denmark RFE/RL 22 Jul 2020 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has arrived in Denmark, where he is set to discuss the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline when he meets with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in Copenhagen.
The 1980 Olympics Are The 'Cleanest' In History. Athletes Recall How Moscow Cheated The System. RFE/RL 22 Jul 2020 -- When Moscow hosted the 1980 Summer Olympics, games were being played not only in Soviet arenas but at the headquarters of the KGB.

UK considers adopting new 'espionage' law to counter Russian influence Press TV 22 Jul 2020 -- Following the publication of the Russia report there is growing clamor in the British political establishment for a new espionage law that takes stock of both actual and potential national security threats.
UK minister: No evidence of Russian meddling in Brexit vote Press TV 22 Jul 2020 -- A British minister rejects the notion that Russia meddled in the 2016 Brexit referendum following the disclosure of a report that showed the UK was "clearly a target" for disinformation campaigns around its elections.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on July 22, 2020 PRC MofA 22 Jul 2020
US Orders China to Close Houston Consulate Over Allegations of Spying Radio Free Asia 22 Jul 2020 -- The U.S. has ordered China to shutter its consulate in Houston by Friday citing concerns over espionage, the Department of State said Wednesday, prompting a vow by Beijing to retaliate in kind, as relations between the two superpowers hit a new low.
US Shut China's Houston Consulate in Retaliation for Intellectual Property Theft, Pompeo Says VOA 22 Jul 2020 -- The U.S. ordered the Chinese Consulate in Houston, Texas, shut down because of the persistent problem of Bejing's theft of U.S. intellectual property, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday.
US Orders China to Shut Down Texas Consulate Office VOA 22 Jul 2020 -- The United States has ordered the Chinese consulate in the southwestern U.S. city of Houston, Texas to shut down.
China to Respond With 'Necessary Actions' If Houston Consulate Decision Not Reversed Sputnik 22 Jul 2020 -- The Embassy of the People's Republic of China to the US said on Wednesday that Washington's sudden decision to close the Chinese consulate in Houston, Texas, was "erroneous" and "a political provocation unilaterally launched by the US side," pledging to respond.
China Considers Closing US Consulate in Wuhan, Reports Claim Sputnik 22 Jul 2020 -- Earlier in the day, the Global Times editor-in-chief wrote on Twitter that the US government had ordered the closure of China's Consulate General in Houston. The US State Department said that move was aimed to 'protect American intellectual property'.
US Orders China to Shut Down its Houston, Texas Consulate in 72 Hours Sputnik 22 Jul 2020 -- The Global Times' editor-in-chief had claimed earlier that Washington asked Beijing to close down one of its five consulates in the country, specifically, the one located in Houston, Texas. The Chinese Foreign Ministry later confirmed this report.
Update: China's countermeasures to cause the US real pain over closure order of Chinese Consulate General in Houston Global Times 22 Jul 2020 -- China's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday strongly condemned the US for asking China to close its Consulate General in Houston, a reckless and dangerous move which analysts said will further flare up tensions between the two largest economies in the world.
China says US 'abruptly' ordered closure of consulate in Houston Press TV 22 Jul 2020 -- China says the United States government has "abruptly" informed Beijing that it has to close its consulate in the Texan city of Houston, calling Washington's decision "political provocation."
China Embraces BLM in America, Objects to BLM Discussion at Home VOA 22 Jul 2020 -- China's state media is accusing a local U.S. consulate of "attempting to incite unrest among Africans in Guangzhou" after the Americans hosted a discussion on the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement last weekend.
US-led anti-China alliance set for all-out failure Global Times 22 Jul 2020 -- The latest US attempt to build a "global anti-China alliance" is doomed to fail as Western countries don't share its policy toward China. China needs to convince the rest of the world by enhancing opening-up and reform, and be more responsible on international issues where the US is giving up its leadership and embraces unilateralism, said Chinese analysts, after the top US diplomat pressured the UK to further offend China.
China Seizes Billionaire's Assets Worth Around 1.2 Trillion Yuan Radio Free Asia 22 Jul 2020 -- The ruling Chinese Communist Party has taken over an investment conglomerate run by kidnapped billionaire Xiao Jianhua amid allegations of unauthorized lending, as General Secretary Xi Jinping announced moves to strengthen the domestic economy.
Xinjiang Authorities Instruct Residents to Mislead Investigators Over Population Controls Radio Free Asia 22 Jul 2020 -- Authorities in northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) are preparing local residents for visits with outside "inspectors" by ordering them to disavow knowledge of "family planning" policies targeting Uyghurs that a recent report equated to genocide, according to sources.

South Korea Faces Criticism for Crackdown on Leaflet Launchers VOA 22 Jul 2020 -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who began his career as a human rights lawyer, is coming under severe criticism for cracking down on activist groups calling for reform in North Korea.
Ichon Army-People Power Station Built KCNA 22 Jul 2020 -- The Ichon Army-People Power Station has been completed in Kangwon Province.

Tehran Continues Its Terror Campaign In Europe - Will Europeans Respond? Radio Farda 22 Jul 2020 -- The Islamic Republic of Iran is waging an assassination campaign in Europe to silence its critics and pressure European governments to adopt conciliatory measures. The uptick should serve as a wakeup call. Amid popular unrest in Iran and the possibility of a "snapback" of UN sanctions, violence has become an even more attractive tool for a desperate regime. European governments are afraid to get tough on the Islamic Republic, lest they jeopardize the 2015 nuclear deal, yet passivity only encourages more violence.
Key Lawmaker: Blast In Iran's Enrichment Site Was Due To Security Breach Radio Farda 22 Jul 2020 -- A member of the Iranian Parliament's National Security Committee says the blast at Iran's main nuclear establishment in Natanz on July 2 was caused by a "security breach".
Assassination of General Soleimani flagrant violation of Iraq sovereignty: Speaker IRNA 22 Jul 2020 -- Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf in a tweet on Wednesday reiterated that assassination of anti-terror commander Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani is a flagrant breach of Iraq sovereignty.
Iran to strike back at U.S. over assassination of General: Supreme Leader ISNA 22 Jul 2020 -- The Prime Minister of Iraq, Mustafa al-Kadhimi met with the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.
Iran's top security official: Harsher revenge awaits perpetrators of Gen. Soleimani's assassination Press TV 22 Jul 2020 -- Iran's top security official says harsher revenge awaits the perpetrators of the attack that killed senior Iranian anti-terrorism commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani and his companions.
Iran Urges Iraq to 'Vigorously Pursue' Justice in Soleimani Assassination Case Sputnik 22 Jul 2020 -- Iranian authorities have already issued an arrest warrant against US President Donald Trump and three dozen other alleged conspirators in the plot to kill senior Revolutionary Guards commander Qasem Soleimani. Interpol has said it would refuse a red notice request for Trump, citing the case's "political" nature.
Iran, Russia to devise long-term strategic cooperation agreement: FM Zarif Press TV 22 Jul 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says Tehran and Moscow have agreed to devise and conclude a long-term strategic cooperation agreement.
Zarif says delivered 'important' message to Putin, agreed on strategic cooperation deal Press TV 22 Jul 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says he has delivered an "important" message from Iran's President Hassan Rouhani to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, adding that Tehran and Moscow agreed to finalize a long-term comprehensive deal on strategic cooperation.
Body of Judge Found Dead In Romania Repatriated To Iran Along With Report Radio Farda 22 Jul 2020 -- A website close to Iran's Supreme National Security Council reported Wednesday that the body of Judge Gholamreza Mansouri who was found dead in Bucharest last month was delivered to Iran on Tuesday.
Iran Lawmakers Appoint Controversial Ahmadinejad Ally To Head Court Of Audit Radio Farda 22 Jul 2020 -- Iran's Parliament on Wednesday elected a controversial politician known as an associate of the former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as the new head of its supervisory arm, the Supreme Court of Audit.
Ukraine Rejects 'Human Error' As Iran's Explanation For Downing Jetliner Radio Farda 22 Jul 2020 -- Dmytro Kuleba, the Foreign Minister of Ukraine, on Tuesday said Iranian representatives have promised to visit Ukraine till the end of next week to discuss compensations for the downing of its airliner in January.
Top Official Claims Part Of Iran's 'Blocked' Funds Are Freed To Be Used For Imports Radio Farda 22 Jul 2020 -- President Hassan Rouhani's Chief of Staff announced July 21 the "release of blocked Iranian financial assets" in some countries and maintained that these resources would be used for international payments.
Iran Planning to Lever Financial Assets Held Abroad to Balance Own Currency Rate Sputnik 22 Jul 2020 -- The Iranian government has unveiled plans to use foreign currency reserve assets abroad for balancing domestic exchange rates, which have experienced extreme volatility over the past week, President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday.
UN Experts Urge Immediate Release Of Iranian Human Rights Defender With COVID-19 Symptoms RFE/RL 22 Jul 2020 -- A group of UN human rights experts has called on Iran to immediately release imprisoned human rights activist Narges Mohammadi, who has reportedly been suffering from symptoms of COVID-19 -- the illness caused by the new coronavirus -- "before it is too late."
Iran urged to release rights activist with COVID-19 symptoms 'before it is too late' UN News 22 Jul 2020 -- A group of independent UN human rights experts has called for Iran to urgently release an activist who reportedly is ill with COVID-19 symptoms "before it is too late".

Iran finalizes deals to rehabilitate, develop Iraq's power grid Press TV 22 Jul 2020 -- Iran and Iraq have finalized two agreements to rehabilitate and develop the Arab country's power grid, IRNA news agency on Wednesday cited Iranian Energy Minister Reza Ardakanian as saying.

Pakistani Journalist Home Safe After Abduction That Lasted 12 Hours RFE/RL 22 Jul 2020 -- A prominent Pakistani journalist known for his criticism of the military has returned home after being kidnapped in Islamabad one day before he was scheduled to appear in court over a tweet critical of Pakistan's judges and military.

Saudi Arabia's ageing King Salman chairs cabinet meeting from hospital Press TV 22 Jul 2020 -- Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz has held a cabinet meeting via video call from a hospital in Riyadh, a day after he was admitted to the facility for "medical check," giving rise to speculation about succession plans by the kingdom's controversial figure Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS).
The Control and Anti-Corruption Authority Announces Issuance of Judicial Rulings for a Number of Corruption Cases SPA 22 Jul 2020 -- An official source in the Control and Anti-Corruption Authority stated that preliminary rulings were issued for a number of financial and administrative corruption cases, the most prominent of which were as follow:
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Chairs Cabinet's Virtual Session from his headquarters at King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh SPA 22 Jul 2020 -- The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired today the Cabinet's virtual session from his headquarters at King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh.

European Telescope Takes First Picture of Another Solar System VOA 22 Jul 2020 -- The European Southern Observatory has released the first image ever captured by a telescope of multiple planets orbiting around a sun-like star, just like our solar system.

Turkey Battles Criticism Over Decision to Turn Hagia Sophia Into Mosque VOA 22 Jul 2020 -- This Friday, Islamic prayers are due to be held in Istanbul's iconic Hagia Sophia for the first time since Turkey's government decided to re-convert the ancient cathedral into a mosque. Russia has stepped in, with Moscow voicing concern to Ankara over the fate of the historic building, including its world-famous Christian mosaics.

EU 'To Impose Sanctions' On Russia, China, North Korea Over Cyberattacks RFE/RL 22 Jul 2020 -- European Union ambassadors have given the green light to sanctions on Russia's GRU military intelligence unit, as well as on Chinese and North Korean entities over three separate cyberattacks in recent years.

UK reiterates concern over global cyber attacks UK FCO 22 Jul 2020 -- Alongside allies, UK condemns targeting of those working to respond to the coronavirus pandemic

U.S. Offers $2 Million Reward In Global Search For Ukrainians Accused Of Hacking SEC Database RFE/RL 22 Jul 2020 -- The U.S. Secret Service has announced a $2 million reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction of two Ukrainian men accused of hacking into the Securities and Exchange Commission's data system.
Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program Offer for Information to Bring Ukrainian Nationals to Justice US Dept. of State 22 Jul 2020 -- "Today, the U.S. Department of State announces rewards of up to $1 million each for information leading to the arrests and/or convictions of Ukrainian nationals Artem Viacheslavovich Radchenko and Oleksandr Vitalyevich Ieremenko for participating in transnational organized crime, specifically cybercrime."

US offers $5-million reward for information on Venezuela's chief justice Press TV 22 Jul 2020 -- The United States has imposed new sanctions on Venezuela's chief justice over allegations of graft, offering a bounty of five million dollars for information leading to his arrest or conviction.

Kuwaiti Emir to Go to US for Post-Surgery Treatment, State Media Report Sputnik 22 Jul 2020 -- The elderly emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, will travel to the United States for treatment after having a successful operation, the state news agency said on Wednesday.

Judge Orders Malaysian Ex-PM to Settle $397M in Unpaid Taxes VOA 22 Jul 2020 -- A Malaysian court ordered former Prime Minister Najib Razak on Wednesday to pay $397 million in unpaid taxes accumulated while he was still in office, the national newswire Bernama reported.

Rights experts call on Tanzania to end 'crackdown' on civic space UN News 22 Jul 2020 -- Tanzania should allow peaceful gatherings to take place ahead of elections in October and step back from "draconian" laws, UN-appointed independent rights experts said on Wednesday.

Bashir Trial Raises Hope for Democracy in Sudan VOA 22 Jul 2020 -- The trial of former Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir and 28 co-defendants, which began Tuesday in Khartoum, has been eagerly awaited by military officers who opposed the 1989 coup that brought Bashir to power.

Myanmar Urged to Work With UN Rights Process Rather Than Resist Scrutiny Radio Free Asia 22 Jul 2020 -- Rights groups are urging Myanmar to work with international bodies to address allegations of rights abuse and failures to reform rather than rebut the accusations at the U.N. Human Rights Council in the run-up to the Southeast Asian country's next Universal Periodic Review in January 2021.

Uganda's People Power Movement Registers a Political Wing Ahead of 2021 General Elections VOA 22 Jul 2020 -- Ugandan musician-turned-opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi has officially launched a political party for his People Power Movement to run in next year's election. The National Unity Party plans to field Kyagulanyi, known by his stage name Bobi Wine, for the presidency.

Massive Nile Dam Hits First Filling Target, Says Ethiopia's Prime Minister VOA 22 Jul 2020 -- Ethiopia's controversial Nile River mega-dam project has hit its first-year filling target, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Wednesday.

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