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News Reports

Current Operations

• US-occupied Iraqi base struck by three rockets: Reports Press TV 27 Jul 2020 -- Iraq's Taji military base, which is occupied by American forces, has been attacked by at least three Katyusha rockets, the Iraqi military said.
• UN: Afghan Civilian Casualties Drop By 13%, Lowest Since 2012 VOA 27 Jul 2020 -- The United Nations says that civilian casualties in conflict-torn Afghanistan have dropped by 13% in the first half of the year, the lowest figure since 2012, attributing it mainly to a scale back in operations by U.S.-led international military forces and Islamic State terrorists.
• More Than 1,200 Civilians Killed In Afghanistan In First Half Of 2020, UN Reports RFE/RL 27 Jul 2020 -- There were 1,282 civilian deaths in Afghanistan in the first half of the year, while another 2,176 people were wounded over the same period, the UN Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in a report published on July 27.
• UN says nearly 1,300 civilians have been killed in Afghanistan since 2020 began Press TV 27 Jul 2020 -- Nearly 1,300 civilians, including a large group of children, have been killed in Afghanistan in the first six months of the year 2020, the United Nations says.
• U.S. sends envoy to push for peace talks in Afghanistan People's Daily 27 Jul 2020 -- A U.S. special envoy has departed Friday for a trip aimed at bringing the Afghan government and the Taliban to the negotiation table, the U.S. State Department said Saturday.
• Taliban seek to control aid agencies, private companies in Afghanistan Press TV 27 Jul 2020 -- The Taliban militant group wants national and international organizations operating in Afghanistan to register with it, spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid says.
• Saudis take madrassa-building spree to Afghanistan: Report Press TV 27 Jul 2020 -- Saudi Arabia is to build as many as 600 madrassas in Afghanistan following its experience in neighboring Pakistan where such schools have become synonymous with creating terrorists through extremist Takfiri teachings.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Sustainment battalion executes unique mission, supports USAREUR Army News 27 Jul 2020 -- The Department of Defense's top priorities have not changed since the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic, protection of the force and families, safeguarding of mission capabilities or readiness and closely working with partners and allies to fight COVID-19 head on.
• Air Force update for COVID-19 US Air Force 27 Jul 2020
• DOD, HHS Award $7.6 Million Contract to Hologic, Inc. to Expand Domestic Production of Custom Sample Collection & Processing Consumables for COVID-19 Tests DoD 27 Jul 2020 -- As part of an ongoing collaboration between the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), an undefinitized contract action with a ceiling of $7.6 million has been awarded to Hologic, Inc. on July 25 to expand domestic production of custom sample collection and processing consumables for COVID-19 testing.
• DOD Seeing Enormous Jump in Telework, Remote Collaboration DoD News 27 Jul 2020 -- The Defense Department has three priorities for dealing with COVID-19: protecting the entire force and their families, maintaining mission readiness and supporting the whole-of-government effort to mitigate and end the pandemic, said the DOD chief information officer.
• Raven Bs: Enhancing force protection mission capabilities for AUAB CENTCOM 27 Jul 2020 -- Security Forces is the largest career field in the U.S. Air Force and debatably one of the most diverse. Members are specifically trained on security, defense, law enforcement, combat arms and military working dogs. For some defenders, they are presented the opportunity to expand even further into one of these specialized jobs they may not have known were possible for them.
• Prince Sultan AB boosts CENTCOM AOR refueling capabilities US Air Force 27 Jul 2020 -- As a KC-135 Stratotanker turns to approach Prince Sultan Air Base, the 378th Air Expeditionary Logistics Squadron Fuels Flight has prepared a different, more effective way to "gas-and-go" the massive refueling aircraft.
• PPB's new structure ready for artisans USMC News 27 Jul 2020 -- Production Plant Barstow, Marine Depot Maintenance Command, has expanded its facilities to include a new space for overhaul and repair of military vehicles on the Yermo Annex aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, California.
• Task Force Koa Moana 20 deploys to strengthen relationships in Indo-Pacific USMC News 27 Jul 2020 -- Task Force Koa Moana 20, comprised of U.S. Marines and Sailors from I Marine Expeditionary Force, deployed to the Indo-Pacific to conduct theater security cooperation activities in the Republic of Palau from July to September 2020.
• Eisenhower Strike Group Conducts Strike Training in U.S. 6th Fleet NNS 27 Jul 2020 -- Naval aircraft from Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW-3) conducted day and night precision-guided munition and live ordnance strikes on the Greek Karavia Range in the Mediterranean Sea, July 25-26, 2020.
• Eisenhower Strike Group Exercises with Hellenic Navy NNS 27 Jul 2020 -- The Dwight D. Eisenhower (IKE) Carrier Strike Group (CSG) participated in surface exercises with the Hellenic Navy in the Mediterranean Sea, July 24-28, 2020.
• US Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group Practices Live Fire Exercises in Mediterranean, Navy Says Sputnik 27 Jul 2020 -- The US Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike group is carrying out live-fire exercises with its accompanying strike group in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, the Navy News Service (NNS) said in a report on Monday.
• U.S., Russia Discuss Space Security Ahead Of Nuclear Talks This Week RFE/RL 27 Jul 2020 -- U.S. and Russian officials are holding talks on space security after the United States and Britain last week accused Moscow of having launched an anti-satellite weapon.
• NATO AGS Force's remotely piloted aircraft fleet continues to grow NATO 27 Jul 2020 -- On July 26, 2020, the fourth remotely piloted aircraft of NATO's Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) Force arrived at the Italian Air Force Base in Sigonella, Italy. The aircraft took off from Edwards Air Force Base in California, USA, at 18:33 local time on July 25 and landed at Sigonella at 16:20 local time the following day, almost 22 hours later.
• Coronavirus response: Spain delivers critical medical aid to Iraq NATO 27 Jul 2020 -- On Sunday 26 July 2020, in response to a request for COVID-19 relief aid from Iraq to NATO's Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC), Spain handed over critical medical supplies to Iraqi authorities.
• Russian Su-27 Scrambled to Intercept US Plane Over Black Sea, Defence Ministry Says Sputnik 27 Jul 2020 -- A Russian Su-27 fighter jet was scrambled to intercept a US Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft over neutral waters in the Black Sea, the Russian Defence Ministry's National Defence Control Centre (NDCC) said on Monday.
• Russia's Far East Starts Massive Drills Involving Over 4,000 Troops Sputnik 27 Jul 2020 -- Large-scale drills involving over 4,000 troops started in two regions of Russia's Far East on Monday, the Eastern Military District said.
• Next gen fighter jet forthcoming in great power competition: J-20 chief designer Global Times 27 Jul 2020 -- A revolutionary, cognition-subverting next generation fighter jet, characterized by long-range, high capabilities in penetration, awareness, firepower and fast decision-making, is about to come into being amid great power competition, according to a recent paper by the chief designer of China's J-20 stealth fighter jet.
• AG600 seaplane's test flight marks milestone PLA Daily 27 Jul 2020 -- China's AG600 seaplane conducted its first sea-based test flight on Sunday morning, marking a new milestone in the program.
• India and Indonesia agree to further enhance bilateral defence cooperation in Defence Ministers' Dialogue today India PIB 27 Jul 2020 -- Defence Ministers' Dialogue between India and Republic of Indonesia was held here today. Indian delegation was headed by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh while the Indonesian delegation was led by its Defence Minister General Prabowo Subianto, who is in India for strengthening the ties between the two maritime neighbours.
• FERRY OF RAFALE India PIB 27 Jul 2020 -- The first five Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafales have taken off from Dassault Aviation Facility, Merignac, France, today morning. These five include three single seater and two twin seater aircraft.
• Video: France Dispatches Rafale Fighters for India Amid Tense Situation Along Chinese Border Sputnik 27 Jul 2020 -- India purchased 36 Rafale fighter jets from France under a government-to-government deal in 2016 at a cost of $8.7 billion. The delivery of the jets was expedited by France at the behest of India after border tensions with China worsened in April of this year.
• India Deploys T-90 Tanks in Ladakh as Satellite Images Show Massive Military Build-up by China Sputnik 27 Jul 2020 -- Satellite images have captured an additional build-up of troops and equipment by the Chinese People's Liberation Army in the Aksai Chin area. The Indian government has expedited weapons and troop deployment after making an assessment that PLA troops are preparing for a long and harsh winter in the Himalayas.
• First Ares Armoured Vehicles Delivered to the Army UK Army 27 Jul 2020 -- Named for the ancient Greek god of war, Ares delivers a step-change in the British Army's battlefield capability. Last week, the first six vehicles were delivered to the Household Cavalry Regiment at Bulford, Wiltshire.
• Satellite Images Show Iranian Replica Of U.S. Aircraft Carrier In Strait of Hormuz RFE/RL 27 Jul 2020 -- Satellite images show that Iran has placed a replica of a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Strait of Hormuz, possibly to use for naval exercises.
• The Netherlands - AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) DSCA 27 Jul 2020 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Netherlands of sixteen (16) AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $39 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Serbia Seeks to Purchase More Warplanes to Strengthen its Armed Forces, Potentially from Russia VOA 27 Jul 2020 -- Serbia is seeking to further strengthen its armed forces by purchasing more warplanes, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said Sunday.
• Remarks by President Trump Before Marine One Departure The White House 27 Jul 2020

Defense Industry

• Contracts For July 27, 2020

Other Conflicts

• 27 July 2020 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 27 Jul 2020
• Duterte Says Philippines Powerless Over South China Sea Rights Radio Free Asia 27 Jul 2020 -- President Rodrigo Duterte told Congress on Monday he had no power to enforce the Philippines' ownership of territories claimed by China in the South China Sea.
• US Reportedly Pushing Australia to Increase FONOPs in South China Sea Sputnik 27 Jul 2020 -- Allegations that the Trump administration has attempted to push Australia to step up naval exercises in the South China Sea come after Canberra asserted that Beijing has "no legal basis" for its maritime claims in the disputed waters.
• China Launches Propaganda for Recognition of Disputed Maritime Claims VOA 27 Jul 2020 -- Chinese scholars have had scores of reports published in internationally recognized scientific journals containing a mention of their country's 'nine-dash line,' the core of its claim to the hotly contested South China Sea, an American research institution said this month.
• UAE money destroying Yemen's Ta'izz: Pro-Hadi commander Press TV 27 Jul 2020 -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is destroying the Yemeni city of Ta'izz, a source says, after clashes erupted between the Emirati-sponsored Tareq Mohammed Abdullah Saleh's forces and the self-proclaimed Riyadh-backed government of former president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi.
• Multiple Explosions Hit Iraq Weapons Depot Used By Pro-Iran Militia Radio Farda 27 Jul 2020 -- A weapons depot at al-Saqr base belonging to Iraq's federal police force but also used by pro-Iran paramilitaries exploded on Sunday in Baghdad's southern suburbs.
• Ukraine Accuses Separatists Of Breaching New Truce RFE/RL 27 Jul 2020 -- Ukraine's military says Russia-backed separatists have breached a cease-fire in eastern Ukraine shortly after it went into effect - a claim rejected by the separatists.
• Armenia says its soldier killed by sniper fire near Azerbaijan border Press TV 27 Jul 2020 -- Armenia's military says one of its soldiers has been killed by sniper fire from across the border with arch-foe Azerbaijan.
• Azerbaijani, Armenian Ambassadors Call On Compatriots In Russia To Keep Calm RFE/RL 27 Jul 2020 -- The ambassadors of Armenia and Azerbaijan have called on their countrymen to avoid "provocations" and confrontations amid reports that ethnic Armenians and Azerbaijanis have clashed in Moscow and some other Russian cities in recent days amid an escalation of tensions between the two South Caucasus countries.
• Ismail Haniyeh: Hamas rejects $15-billion aid from major powers conditioned on disarming Press TV 27 Jul 2020 -- The head of the political bureau of the Gaza-based Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says the movement has turned down a $15-billion development aid offer conditioned on disarming.
• Myanmar Army Defends Rakhine Internet Ban Rights Groups Say Hinders Aid, COVID-19 Awareness Radio Free Asia 27 Jul 2020 -- A government ban on internet service in western Myanmar's war-torn Rakhine state – criticized as harmful by rights groups and relief workers – keeps troop movements offline and secret while dampening speech that incites ethnic tensions, a spokesman for the country's military said Monday.
• Hezbollah 'Playing with Fire' Netanyahu Warns VOA 27 Jul 2020 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is warning Hezbollah it is "playing with fire" along the Lebanese border with Israel.
• Lebanese Hezbollah fighters carry out op against Israel in response to Syria aggression Press TV 27 Jul 2020 -- Israeli military says it has ordered residents along Lebanese border to remain indoors after explosions and exchange of fire were reported between Israeli soldiers and Lebanese forces along Lebanon's southern border.
• Hezbollah says ready to confront any Israeli aggression Press TV 27 Jul 2020 -- Hezbollah Deputy Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem has reiterated the Lebanese resistance movement's readiness to confront any Israeli aggression.
• Over 60 People Killed in Armed Attack on Village in Western Sudan Sputnik 27 Jul 2020 -- Over 60 people have been killed and about 60 injured during an attack in the West Darfur province of Sudan, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

News Reports

• Portland Riots Read-out: July 27 DHS 27 Jul 2020
• Trump Sends 100 More Federal Officers to Portland Protests, Mulls Adding 50 More, Reports Say Sputnik 27 Jul 2020 -- The Trump administration has sent 100 more federal officers to Portland, Oregon, to quell ongoing protests in the city and is considering sending 50 more, the Washington Post reported on Monday citing US officials and government documents it obtained.
• Trump Says 'Large Standby Team' of US Federal Officers in Seattle In Case of Emergency Sputnik 27 Jul 2020 -- US President Donald Trump said via Twitter on Monday that a large contingent of federal officers has been deployed to the city of Seattle but emphasized that the agents are not yet involved in any law enforcement actions and instead remain on standby in case of emergency.
• FSB Says 'Terrorist' From Central Asia Killed Near Moscow RFE/RL 27 Jul 2020 -- Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) says it has killed a person from Central Asia who "planned a terrorist attack" in Moscow.
• Russian Federal Security Service Prevents Terror Attack in Moscow Sputnik 27 Jul 2020 -- The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said on Monday it had prevented a terror attack that a Central Asian national planned to stage in a crowded area in Moscow.
• Thousands Continue Anti-Kremlin Protests In Russia's Khabarovsk RFE/RL 27 Jul 2020 -- Thousands of people have rallied in the central square of the Russian Far Eastern city of Khabarovsk to demand the release and return of the region's governor, Sergei Furgal.
• Germany Rejects U.S. Proposal For Russia's Return To G7 RFE/RL 27 Jul 2020 -- German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas has rejected allowing Russia's return to the Group of Seven (G7), after U.S. President Donald Trump raised the prospect of Moscow rejoining the club of leading economic powers.
• Kremlin on Maas' G7 'Statement': Russia Not Seeking to Rejoin Group Sputnik 27 Jul 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has not put forward any initiatives related to joining the G7, and the country does not actually seek being a member of the group, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday, commenting on German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas' fresh statement against Russia's reincorporation into the format.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on July 27, 2020 PRC MofA 27 Jul 2020
• MI6 admits to interfering in judicial matters Press TV 27 Jul 2020 -- The Secret Intelligence Service (better known as MI6) has been forced to apologize after it was established the agency had tried to interfere in judicial matters.
• Chengdu Consulate Closure Likely to Slow US Information Gathering on Tibet Radio Free Asia 27 Jul 2020 -- China's closing on Monday of the U.S. consulate in Chengdu, a move taken in retaliation for Washington's shutdown last week of a Chinese consulate in Houston, will now hamper U.S. efforts to gather data on human rights violations in Tibet and other Tibetan-populated areas of western China, sources said.
• New Zealand Suspends Extradition Treaty With Hong Kong, Foreign Minister Says Sputnik 27 Jul 2020 -- The move follows a path set by the United Kingdom and Australia in suspending extradition treaties with Hong Kong in light of China passing the Hong Kong national security law, seen by some as controversial.
• US Closes Consulate in Chengdu Amid Rising Tensions With Beijing Radio Free Asia 27 Jul 2020 -- Authorities in the southwestern Chinese city of Chengdu on Monday escorted anti-U.S. protesters away from the former U.S. consulate in the city, as the American flag was hauled down and staff left the premises after Beijing ordered the facility to close.
• In Tit-for-Tat, China Forces Closure of US Consulate in Chengdu VOA 27 Jul 2020 -- The U.S. consulate in the Chinese city of Chengdu officially closed Monday as U.S.-China relations marked a new low point in more than 40 years.
• US consulate in Chengdu closes Global Times 27 Jul 2020 -- The US Consulate General in Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan Province officially closed on Monday, following a decision the Chinese government was forced to make, as the Chinese consulate in Houston was abruptly demanded by the US to close down last week.
• US diplomats in Chengdu took documents to 'keep their secrets' Global Times 27 Jul 2020 -- As ordered by China, the US Consulate General in Chengdu closed on Monday and China took over the consulate building, as a former Chinese diplomat said the US diplomats burned or took documents showing "unscrupulous" deeds.
• US espionage claims on Chinese diplomats in Houston pure slander: FM Global Times 27 Jul 2020 -- US accusations of Chinese diplomats in Houston engaging in aiding economic espionage, attempted theft of scientific research and participating in "massive illegal spying" campaigns are complete slander, and if the US is bent on attacking China, it will never be short of excuses, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.
• Pompeo does not represent 'democracy and freedom' but serves US hegemony: Chinese FM Global Times 27 Jul 2020 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo does not really represent democracy and freedom, which he repeatedly claims, but is serving the hegemony of the US and the interests behind him, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Monday, while slamming him for smearing the Communist Party of China (CPC) and advocating the comprehensive containment of China.
• China takes over premises after closure of US consulate Global Times 27 Jul 2020 -- The US Consulate General in Chengdu was officially closed at 10 am on Monday, as required by the Chinese side. China's competent authorities then entered through the front entrance and took over the premises, China's foreign ministry said Monday.
• U.S. Consulate General in Chengdu closed, taken over by Chinese authorities People's Daily 27 Jul 2020 -- At 10 a.m. Monday, as required by China, the U.S. Consulate General in Chengdu was closed. Relevant Chinese authorities then entered through the front entrance and took over the premises, Chinese Foreign Ministry said on its website.
• Diplomatic tensions: China confirms closure of US consulate in Chengdu Press TV 27 Jul 2020 -- China has officially announced that the United States' consulate in Chengdu has been closed down and that Chinese authorities have now taken control of the building.
• US Consulate General in China's Chengdu Officially Shut Down, Beijing Says Sputnik 27 Jul 2020 -- The US Consulate General in the Chinese city of Chengdu has been closed, following a demand by Beijing, the country's Foreign Ministry said.
• Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un Confers "Paektusan" Commemorative Pistols on Leading Commanding Officers of DPRK Armed Forces KCNA 27 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, conferred "Paektusan" commemorative pistols on leading commanding officers of the armed forces of the DPRK on the occasion of the 67th anniversary of the Korean people's victory in the great Fatherland Liberation War.
• Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un Visits Fatherland Liberation War Martyrs Cemetery KCNA 27 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, visited the Fatherland Liberation War Martyrs Cemetery to pay noble tributes to the fallen fighters of the People's Army on the occasion of the 67th anniversary of the Korean people's victory in the great Fatherland Liberation War.
• Iran Papers React To Democratic Party's 'No Regime Change, Return To JCPOA' Policy Radio Farda 27 Jul 2020 -- A conservative newspaper in Tehran has observed in its July 27 issue on Monday that there is a rising interest evident in a part of the Iranian media about the U.S. presidential elections that take place in November.
• Iran will pursue peaceful nuclear program with IAEA, deputy FM says IRNA 27 Jul 2020 -- Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday that Iran will continue peaceful nuclear activities with the International Atomic Energy Agency according to the regulations agreed with the IAEA.
• Swiss Govt says Iran performed first transaction with Pharmaceutical company via humanitarian channel IRNA 27 Jul 2020 -- A Swiss pharmaceutical company has completed the first transaction under a new humanitarian trade channel with Iran, the government in Bern said on Monday.
• First Swiss deal proved Iran funds got round US sanctions: Businessman Press TV 27 Jul 2020 -- An Iranian businessman says a first deal with Iran under the Swiss Humanitarian Trade Arrangement (SHTA) was a sign that funds provided by the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) had reached Swiss authorities despite US sanctions limiting any use of such finances.
• First Transaction To Send Medicine To Iran Via Swiss Channel Takes Place Radio Farda 27 Jul 2020 -- The Swiss government announced July 27 that a pharmaceutical company has completed the first transaction under a new humanitarian trade channel with Iran.
• Swiss Government Says First Deal With Iran Via Humanitarian Channel Completed RFE/RL 27 Jul 2020 -- A Swiss pharmaceutical firm has completed the first transaction under a new humanitarian trade channel with Iran, the government of Switzerland said on July 27.
• Iran opted for infrastructure investment despite economic woes: Rouhani Press TV 27 Jul 2020 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says his administration opted for massive visionary investment in the country's infrastructure despite economic woes caused by American sanctions.
• Khamenei-Controlled Financial Conglomerate In Iran Nets $2.5 Billion In Profits Radio Farda 27 Jul 2020 -- Parviz Fattah, Head of Khamenei-controlled Mostazafan Foundation, on Monday said the conglomerate's revenues increased by 34 percent to reach 360 trillion rials (approximately $2.5 billion) in the Iranian calendar year ending 20 March, 2020.
• Iran will pursue peaceful nuclear program with IAEA, deputy FM says IRNA 27 Jul 2020 -- Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday that Iran will continue peaceful nuclear activities with the International Atomic Energy Agency according to the regulations agreed with the IAEA.
• South Sudan Misses Deadline to Form New Parliament VOA 27 Jul 2020 -- Parties to South Sudan's revitalized peace deal missed a regional deadline Sunday to dissolve and reconstitute parliament.
• India's Modi to lay foundation stone for Hindu temple at site of demolished mosque Press TV 27 Jul 2020 -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend a ceremony to start the controversial construction of a Hindu temple at the site of a 16th-century mosque that was demolished by Hindu mobs almost three decades ago.
• Belarusian President's Ex-Security Chief Gets 12 Years In Prison For Bribery RFE/RL 27 Jul 2020 -- The former chief of Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka's security has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for bribe taking.
• Belarusian Authorities Accused Of 'Fostering Fear' Ahead Of Presidential Vote RFE/RL 27 Jul 2020 -- Human rights groups have accused Belarusian authorities of fostering an atmosphere of "fear and intimidation" ahead of a presidential election scheduled for August 9.
• Drought, Dams on Mekong River Drop Cambodia's Tonle Sap Lake to Record Low Levels Radio Free Asia 27 Jul 2020 -- Climate change, drought, and upstream dams have led to record low water levels on the Mekong River, according to experts, who say the shortage is significantly harming Cambodia's Tonle Sap Lake and the surrounding fishing communities who rely on it to earn a living.
• To Halt Mali Unrest, ECOWAS Calls for 31 MPs to Resign VOA 27 Jul 2020 -- The leaders of West Africa's ECOWAS bloc concluded a summit on Mali by calling for the immediate resignations of 31 parliamentarians whose contested elections in March triggered the country's political crisis.
• Malawi Government Under Pressure to Pardon COVID-19 Prisoners VOA 27 Jul 2020 -- In Malawi, pressure is mounting on authorities to consider decongesting the country's prisons after 51 inmates and 16 prison guards tested positive for COVID-19 in the past two weeks.
• Amid Algeria's Political Standoff, Coronavirus Offers Opportunity for Economic Dialogue: Report VOA 27 Jul 2020 -- As Algeria extends a partial coronavirus lockdown across much of its territory, a new report warns of an intensifying political conflict between the government and a months-long protest movement, urging both sides to turn to economic dialogue as a way to help the country forward.
• Cameroon Citizens Raised $40M for COVID Relief, But Where is It? VOA 27 Jul 2020 -- Cameroon has bowed to pressure from rights groups and ordered investigations into the management of the COVID-19 solidarity fund contributed to by civilians. The rights groups said most of the $40 million cash and material had been embezzled. An outcry was sparked after rights groups said 4,000 bags of rice donated to COVID-19 patients were illegally sold.