Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• US Patrol Returns Fire at Government Checkpoint in Northeast Syria VOA 17 Aug 2020 -- A U.S. military patrol returned fire at a checkpoint manned by pro-Syrian regime forces in northeast Syria, reportedly killing one soldier and wounding two others.
• One Syrian Officer Killed, Two Injured in US Airstrike South of Qamishli, Reports Say Sputnik 17 Aug 2020 -- Syrian state news agency SANA on Monday reported that one officer was killed and two people injured following a US strike south of Qamishli.
• US choppers attack Syrian army checkpoint in Hasakah, kill soldier Press TV 17 Aug 2020 -- The US military has carried out an airstrike in Syria's northeastern province of Hasakah, killing a soldier and injuring two others.
• Australia, France Object To Afghan Release Of Some Taliban Detainees RFE/RL 17 Aug 2020 -- Afghan officials say the planned peace talks with the Taliban have hit a new impasse after some foreign governments called on Kabul not to free certain fighters in a prisoner-release deal.
• Iran rules out alleged arms supply to Taliban IRNA 17 Aug 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh ruled out the unfounded allegations made by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo with regard to sending arms to Taliban, saying what is happening now in Afghanistan is the outcome of US warmongering and interventions.
• Iran refutes US accusation of arming Taliban ISNA 17 Aug 2020 -- Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Saeed Khatibzadeh has dismissed the baseless allegations made by the US secretary of state that Iran is arming the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Air Force update for COVID-19 US Air Force 17 Aug 2020
• ASN RDA extends Information Warfare Research Project, increases ceiling by $400M US Navy 17 Aug 2020 -- Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition (ASN RDA) James Geurts recently approved a $400 million ceiling increase and a two-year period of performance (PoP) extension for Naval Information Warfare Systems Command's (NAVWAR) Information Warfare Research Project (IWRP).
• USS Mustin, JS Suzutsuki Integrate Operations in Support of Regional Stability US Navy 17 Aug 2020 -- EAST CHINA SEA -- Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) joined Japan's Akizuki-class destroyer JS Suzutsuki (DD 117) to conduct integrated operations in the East China Sea, Aug. 15, as part of ongoing shared commitments to regional stability through cooperation.
• DOD Leaders Provide Digital Modernization Updates DoD News 17 Aug 2020 -- Data will be the fuel and the engine for everything the Defense Department has to do to bring intelligence and operations together, DOD's chief information officer told CIOs and technology leaders from across the department in a virtual global town hall meeting.
• US Army Building 'Zombie' Missile Targets From Recycled Parts to Save Money Sputnik 17 Aug 2020 -- By recycling used or old rocket engines, the US Army has found a way to save up to half the money it would have spent on test rockets.
• Street Gang-Connected Crimes in US Army 'Steadily Increasing,' Report Finds Sputnik 17 Aug 2020 -- The most recent report on street gang activity in the US Army reported a 66% increase from the previous year.
• UAE, U.S. Forces Conduct Aviation Live Fire Exercise in Arabian Gulf US Navy 17 Aug 2020 -- The United Arab Emirates Joint Aviation Command (JAC), U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), U.S. Air Forces Central Command (AFCENT) and U.S. Special Operations Central Command (SOCCENT) conducted an air operations in support of maritime surface warfare (AOMSW) exercise in the Arabian Gulf, Aug. 9-12.
• Eurasian Partnership Mine Counter Measure Dive 2020 US Navy 17 Aug 2020 -- Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 8 participated in exercise Eurasian Partnership Mine Counter Measure (EP MCM) Dive 2020 in Constanta, Romania, August 3-6, 2020.
• USS Pinckney Arrives in Manta US Navy 17 Aug 2020 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91) completed a port visit in Manta, Ecuador for fuel, August 15-16.
• As Poland Hails US Troop Deal, Germany Fears Weakening of NATO VOA 17 Aug 2020 -- Poland has hailed a deal struck with the United States to base more troops in the country, saying it enhances the "deterrence potential" against Russian aggression.
• US Military Buildup in Poland Raises Tensions Along Russian Borders, Moscow Says Sputnik 17 Aug 2020 -- US military buildup in Poland contributes to the escalation of tensions along Russia's western borders, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Monday, commenting on the signing of an agreement to increase the US military presence in Poland.
• Russian Fighter Su-27SM Intercepts US Spy Plane Over Baltic Sea Sputnik 17 Aug 2020 -- Russian fighter jet Su-27SM escorted a US Air Force reconnaissance aircraft, which eventually turned away from the border, the Russian Defense Ministry's National Defense Control Center (NDCC) said on Monday.
• 'Simulated enemy' helps PLA drill for real combat capability Global Times 17 Aug 2020 -- US forces are increasing intelligence gathering of the military deployment of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) around potential battlefields, Chinese mainland military experts said on Monday, after Taiwan media reported a US B-1B bomber flied near the island on Sunday. Experts said that the Chinese military should also be prepared for a potential conflict.
• PLA HK Garrison conducts multi-subject maritime military training in S.China Sea Global Times 17 Aug 2020 -- The Hong Kong Garrison of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Sunday posted a video clip on social media showing their Type 056 Huizhou corvette carried out multi-subject maritime military drills in the South China Sea.
• Photos: China Unveils New 'Airfield Killer' Smart Glide Bomb Sputnik 17 Aug 2020 -- A report by China Central Television (CCTV) has revealed a new glide bomb similar to the US' Joint Stand-Off Weapon (JSOW) that is being touted as a munition that can "effectively paralyze an airfield in one shot."
• Iran Armed Forces issue cyber defense manifesto Press TV 17 Aug 2020 -- The General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran has devised a manifesto outlining the "grand strategies" and frameworks defining its defensive performance in the face of menacing activity across the cyberspace.
• Iran Armed Forces To Reciprocate 'Cyber-Threats' Even If Political, Social Or Cultural, Statement Says Radio Farda 17 Aug 2020 -- Iran's Armed Forces General Command said in a statement on Monday that cyber-threats from "any government, group or person and at any level" will be "mightily reciprocated," warning about cyber operations from foreign countries in "political, economic, social or cultural" areas, including elections.
• US-led coalition hands over major ammunition depot to Iraqi govt. forces Press TV 17 Aug 2020 -- The US-led military coalition purportedly formed to fight the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group has officially turned over its largest ammunition depot in the north of the capital, Baghdad, to Iraqi security forces.
• IDF Grounds Black Hawk Fleet, Launches Probe Amid Series of Mysterious Malfunctions Sputnik 17 Aug 2020 -- The Israeli Air Force (IAF) is blocking its Black Hawk helicopter fleet from all non-operational flights as the military looks into a recent pattern of "technical malfunctions" - one of which involved the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) chief.
• Pakistan's Army Chief Visits Saudi Arabia Amid Strained Ties VOA 17 Aug 2020 -- Pakistan's military chief Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa traveled to Saudi Arabia on Monday for daylong official meetings amid reports of rare strains in historically close relations between the two key Muslim nations.
• Remarks by President Trump Before Marine One Departure The White House 17 Aug 2020

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Aug. 17, 2020

Other Conflicts

• 17 August 2020 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 17 Aug 2020
• Malaysian Police Probe Deadly Incident Between Coast Guard, Vietnamese Boats Radio Free Asia 17 Aug 2020 -- Members of the Malaysian coast guard shot dead a Vietnamese sailor during a violent confrontation with Vietnamese-flagged fishing boats suspected of encroaching in Malaysian waters of the South China Sea, authorities said Monday.
• Turkish-Russian Joint Patrol Hit By Blast In Northwest Syria RFE/RL 17 Aug 2020 -- A Turkish military vehicle was damaged by an explosion during a joint patrol with Russian troops in northwest Syria's Idlib region, but there were no casualties.
• Turkish Military Hit by Explosion During Joint Patrol With Russian Troops in Syria's Idlib Sputnik 17 Aug 2020 -- Russia and Turkey have been jointly patrolling the M4 highway in Syria, which connects the provinces of Latakia and Aleppo, since March.
• PKK militants claim to have shot down Turkish helicopter in Iraq Press TV 17 Aug 2020 -- The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) claims to have shot down a Turkish helicopter and damaged another in northern Iraq.
• Turkey, Qatar, Libya's GNA Agree to Establish Turkish Naval Base in Misrata - Reports Sputnik 17 Aug 2020 -- Turkey, Qatar, and Libya's Government of National Accord signed an agreement to establish a Turkish naval base in the Libyan city of Misrata, the Al-Arabiya TV channel reported citing sources.
• U.A.E. Says Normalization Deal With Israel Is Not Directed At Iran RFE/RL 17 Aug 2020 -- The United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) says its agreement to normalize ties with Israel is a "sovereign decision" that is "not directed" at Iran.
• UAE-Israel agreement total departure from Arab consensus: Palestinian PM Press TV 17 Aug 2020 -- Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh has denounced a recent agreement between the United Arab Emirates and Israel to open formal diplomatic ties as Abu Dhabi's total departure from the Arab consensus over the resolution of the Palestinian issue.
• GCC: Iran's strong reaction to UAE-Israel normalization 'a threat' Press TV 17 Aug 2020 -- The Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has reacted with outrage to Iran's strong opposition to a recent deal between the United Arab Emirates and Israel to normalize relations.
• Israel seeking to expand secret economic ties with UAE: Report Press TV 17 Aug 2020 -- The Israeli regime is seeking to further expand its already secret but massive economic ties with the United Arab Emirates now that the two have reached a controversial agreement to have formal diplomatic relations.
• IDF Fighter Jets Target Underground Hamas Posts in Gaza Sputnik 17 Aug 2020 -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) targeted underground Hamas Posts in Gaza on Tuesday local time.
• Egypt mediators enter Gaza following Israel's intensified military strikes Press TV 17 Aug 2020 -- Egyptian mediators have entered the Gaza Strip in an effort to reduce tensions and prevent a new cross-border conflict following Israel's increased aerial and artillery attacks.
• Gaza could plunge into darkness amid fuel shortage Press TV 17 Aug 2020 -- The only functioning power plant in the besieged Gaza Strip will shut down by tomorrow morning after running out of fuel amid a dire power shortage that continues to worsen the humanitarian situation there.
• Roads To Kazakh Village Closed After Alleged Interethnic Clash Among Residents RFE/RL 17 Aug 2020 -- Kazakh police have blocked all entrances to the village of Baydibek-biy after an alleged interethnic incident, local media reported, citing eyewitnesses and local residents.
• Families of Detained Myanmar Police, Soldiers Urge Rakhine Rebels to Free Their Breadwinners Radio Free Asia 17 Aug 2020 -- The families of 11 police officers and military soldiers detained by the rebel Arakan Army in western Myanmar's Rakhine state pleaded for the release of their loved ones on Monday, saying they have heard no information about the men and are suffering economic hardship.
• India: 3 policemen killed in Kashmir militant attack Press TV 17 Aug 2020 -- Three Indian policemen have been killed in a militant attack on a security checkpoint in the Indian-administered Kashmir, New Delhi says.
• EU warns Turkey to 'immediately' stop gas exploration in eastern Mediterranean Press TV 17 Aug 2020 -- The European Union (EU) has warned Turkey to "immediately" stop its oil and gas exploration activities in the eastern Mediterranean, after Ankara announced it was extending operations in the disputed waters off EU-member Cyprus.
• At Least 8 People Killed in Al-Shabaab Attack on Military Base in Somalia - Reports Sputnik 17 Aug 2020 -- An attack by the Al-Shabaab radical group on a military base in the Goofgudud Burey town of Somalia's southwestern Bay region has left at least eight people killed, local media reported on Monday, citing officials.
• Somalia: UN condemns 'brazen' terrorist attack on beachside hotel UN News 17 Aug 2020 -- The UN in Somalia has strongly condemned a terrorist attack that took place on Sunday at the Elite Hotel in the capital Mogadishu, which reportedly killed at least 16 people and left many others injured.
• Death Toll Rises in Attack on Somali Oceanfront Resort Hotel VOA 17 Aug 2020 -- The death toll from Sunday's attack and subsequent hours-long siege at a beachfront hotel in Somalia has risen to at least 15. The al-Shabab militant group claimed responsibility for the attack.
• Attacks Targeting Aid Workers in Niger Are Latest in Worrying Spike VOA 17 Aug 2020 -- New findings out Monday show an alarming spike in attacks against humanitarian workers last year, including in part of Africa's Sahel region. That's where some of the latest attacks took place last week against French and Nigerien nationals.

News Reports

• Former CIA Officer Arrested and Charged with Espionage US Dept. of Justice 17 Aug 2020 -- Alexander Yuk Ching Ma, 67, a former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officer, was arrested on Aug. 14, 2020, on a charge that he conspired with a relative of his who also was a former CIA officer to communicate classified information up to the Top Secret level to intelligence officials of the People's Republic of China (PRC). The Criminal Complaint containing the charge was unsealed this morning.
• Interagency Issues Advisory on Use of Technology to Detect and Mitigate Unmanned Aircraft Systems US Dept. of Justice 17 Aug 2020 -- Today, the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued an advisory guidance document to help non-federal public and private entities better understand the federal laws and regulations that may apply to the use of capabilities to detect and mitigate threats posed by Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations.
• DHS rebukes GAO's deeply flawed attempt to revive its partisan impeachment efforts with baseless report DHS 17 Aug 2020 -- On Monday the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Office of General Counsel (OGC) responded to the baseless legal opinion issued by the Government Accountability Office on Friday.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on August 17, 2020 PRC MofA 17 Aug 2020
• No Chinese journalist has received reply for their US visa extension: Chinese FM Global Times 17 Aug 2020 -- Chinese journalists have long submitted their visa extension applications to the US government, but no one has received any clear reply, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said at Monday's media briefing.
• China accuses US of using 'digital gunboat diplomacy' after Trump orders TikTok to divest ops Press TV 17 Aug 2020 -- China has censured the United States for using "digital gunboat diplomacy" after US President Donald Trump issued an executive order extending an ultimatum forcing the popular Chinese-based company TikTok to divest its business operations in the country.
• The United States Further Restricts Huawei Access to U.S. Technology US Dept. of State 17 Aug 2020 -- The Trump Administration sees Huawei for what it is – an arm of the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP's) surveillance state – and we have taken action accordingly. Today, our government enacted several measures to protect U.S. national security, our citizens' privacy, and the integrity of our 5G infrastructure from Beijing's malign influence.
• Xinjiang Hospitals Aborted, Killed Babies Outside Family Planning Limits: Uyghur Obstetrician Radio Free Asia 17 Aug 2020 -- Hospitals in northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) were forced to abort and kill babies born in excess of family planning limits or who were in utero less than three years after the mother's previous birth, according to a Uyghur obstetrician and other sources.
• Taiwan opens representative office in Somaliland CNA 17 Aug 2020 -- Taiwan has formally opened a representative office in Somaliland, a self-declared East African state, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) confirmed Monday.
• US recourse to Dispute Resolution Mechanism in 2231 has no leg to stand on: Zarif ISNA 17 Aug 2020 -- Iran's Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif reiterated the fact that US recourse to Dispute Resolution Mechanism in 2231 has no leg to stand on.
• Iran downplays U.S. attempts to trigger "snapback" mechanism People's Daily 17 Aug 2020 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Sunday that the United States cannot invoke the snapback mechanism under the UN Security Council of 2231, official IRNA news agency reported.
• Russia rejected US anti-Iran text after 19 months of negotiation: State Dept. official Press TV 17 Aug 2020 -- Russia "refused to negotiate" an anti-Iran text proposed by the US ahead of Washington's embarrassment at the UN Security Council over extension of an arms embargo on Tehran, says a State Department official.
• President Rouhani: Recent Security Council meeting, political, historical victory for Iran Press TV 17 Aug 2020 -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani says a recent meeting of the United Nations Security Council that led to resounding failure of the United States in its effort to extend an arms embargo on the Islamic Republic marked a great political achievement and a historical victory for the Iranian nation.
• US must end 'unilateral' Iran sanctions, return to 'correct' track of observing nuclear deal: China Press TV 17 Aug 2020 -- China has called on the United States to end its "unilateral" sanctions against Iran and adopt a correct path towards respecting a multilateral 2015 nuclear agreement reached between Tehran and big powers.
• Zarif Says Bolton's Opposition To Use Of 'Snapback' Is Sign Of His Consistency Radio Farda 17 Aug 2020 -- Iran's foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has praised former National Security Advisor John Bolton for being consistent in questioning the use of the "snapback" option by Washington to trigger UN sanctions against Iran.
• Iran, EU Reject U.S. Plan To Trigger 'Snapback' Of Sanctions RFE/RL 17 Aug 2020 -- Iran and the European Union have rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to trigger a "snapback" of sanctions on Iran at the United Nations under a provision of the Iran nuclear deal.
• 185000 barrels to be added to Iran's oil output by implementing 13 new contracts ISNA 17 Aug 2020 -- Deputy Director for Development and Engineering Affairs at National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), Reza Dehghan announced that 185,000 barrels of oil will be added to the current oil production capacity of country by implementing 13 new contracts.
• Defense Ministry Expanding Role In Iran's Auto Industry Radio Farda 17 Aug 2020 -- Iran's defense minister says industrial companies his ministry controls have expanded their involvement with the local vehicle manufacturing sector with "over forty trillion rials" (about $950 million) in contracts.
• Reviews Say Rouhani Administration's Economic Performance Is Probably Worst In 32 Years Radio Farda 17 Aug 2020 -- Two comparative studies conducted in 2017 and 2020 about the situation of Iran's economy under its latest four presidents reveal that President Hassan Rouhani's economic performance has likely been the worst of the bunch, particularly during his second term in office.
• Iran's Stock Market Begins To Fall After An Astronomical Rise In Four Months Radio Farda 17 Aug 2020 -- As the overall index of the Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE) fell sharply for the fourth consecutive day on Sunday, the Islamic Republic President Hassan Rouhani tried to instill optimism saying, "corrective fluctuations in the stock market are normal."
• Rouhani Adviser Claims President Not Been Given Clear Report On November Protests Death Toll Radio Farda 17 Aug 2020 -- President Hassan Rouhani's Media Adviser Hesamoddin Ashena has claimed that security authorities have yet not presented a "clear and defendable report" on the death toll of the protests in November 2019,
• Belarus' president rules out repeat election, warns country's existence at stake Press TV 17 Aug 2020 -- Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko has rejected calls for a new election, warning that foreign powers aim to destabilize the country, as former presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya declared "readiness to become a national leader."
• Heckled And Jeered, Lukashenka Says New Election Could Be Held After Constitutional Changes RFE/RL 17 Aug 2020 -- Belarusian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka says fresh presidential elections are possible if changes are made to the constitution, a sharp turn from his previous statements as thousands of workers went on strike and participated in mass protests over election results many have called "rigged."
• Lukashenka's Pleas To Factory Workers Met With Jeers, Not Cheers RFE/RL 17 Aug 2020 -- Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka helicoptered in to a firestorm on August 17 in an effort to rally industrial workers following a major show of force by the opposition the night before.
• After Huge Minsk Opposition Rally, Has Lukashenka Run Out Of Political Options? RFE/RL 17 Aug 2020 -- The contrast between the images couldn't have been starker.
• Armenian Official Defends Pashinian's 'Quick' Congratulatory Message To Lukashenka RFE/RL 17 Aug 2020 -- A senior Armenian official says Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian's congratulatory message to Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka on his disputed reelection was in line with the agenda of Armenia's peaceful 2018 revolution.
• Foreign Secretary statement on Belarusian Presidential elections UK FCO 17 Aug 2020 -- The Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has stated the UK does not accept the results of the Belarusian Presidential elections.
• Belarus crisis: Top UN official concerned over torture allegations UN News 17 Aug 2020 -- In the wake of ongoing electoral-related unrest in Belarus, the top UN official in the country has requested an urgent meeting with authorities focused on the issue of human rights, according to a statement from her offic
• Opposition Candidate Says Ready to Lead Belarus VOA 17 Aug 2020 -- Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya says she is ready to become the leader of the country following a disputed election that ignited massive protests after longtime President Alexander Lukashenko was declared the winner.
• Russia Could Step In to Help Embattled Belarus Leader Amid Massive Protests, Accusations of Rigged Election VOA 17 Aug 2020 -- Russia indicated it was ready to provide military assistance to embattled Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko – even as massive crowds marched in protest to an August 9 election protesters say was rigged in favor of the longtime Belarusian leader.
• Election Authorities Reject Four More Rohingya Candidates in Rakhine State Radio Free Asia 17 Aug 2020 -- Four more Rohingya men seeking to run in Myanmar's upcoming general elections have been disqualified over questions about their parents' citizenship, including a party leader who won a seat in parliament in 1990 but was jailed by the former military-run government, the candidates said Monday.
• Interview: 'We Will Not Allow Election Campaigning in KIA-Controlled Territories' Radio Free Asia 17 Aug 2020 -- Col. Naw Bu, is the spokesman for the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the military wing of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO). The KIA has been fighting the Myanmar central government on and off since 1960 for autonomy for Kachin State and the one million Kachin living in Myanmar.
• UN-Backed Court to Issue Verdict in 2005 Assassination of Lebanon's Hariri VOA 17 Aug 2020 -- On Tuesday, a U.N.-backed international tribunal in The Netherlands will announce its verdict in the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, who was killed in a roadside bombing with 21 others as his convoy passed along the Beirut waterfront on Valentine's Day.
• Exiled Political Pundit Calls PM Hun Sen's Bluff on Dare to Return to Cambodia Radio Free Asia 17 Aug 2020 -- Outspoken political analyst Kim Sok has agreed to return to Cambodia from self-imposed exile to lead what he has termed "mass demonstrations for social justice" if Prime Minister Hun Sen delivers on a promise to send an airplane to bring him home.
• Europe's 'Most Dear Enemies' Locked in Dispute VOA 17 Aug 2020 -- A French author once described the British as "our most dear enemies."
• Sudan, Egypt Optimistic on Nile Dam Deal with Ethiopia VOA 17 Aug 2020 -- Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia have agreed to present draft proposals on how to manage Addis Ababa's controversial Nile hydroelectric dam by Tuesday according to Sudan's water ministry.
• Sudanese Protesters Call for Democracy on Anniversary of Power-Sharing Deal VOA 17 Aug 2020 -- Protesters in cities across Sudan demanded faster implementation of long-delayed reforms Monday, the anniversary of a power-sharing agreement between civilians and the military.