Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• US Military Blames Taliban for Recent Attacks on Bases in Southern Afghanistan - Reports Sputnik 31 Aug 2020 -- The US military officials hold the Taliban responsible for the recent rocket attacks against the Camp Bastion air base and the Camp Dwyer forward operating base in the southern Afghan province of Helmand, The New York Times newspaper reported, citing sources.
• US House Democrats Demand Trump Officials Testify on Continuing War in Afghanistan Sputnik 31 Aug 2020 -- The US House National Security Subcommittee is demanding testimony from Trump administration officials on the United States' strategy in Afghanistan and is threatening to subpoena the departments of State and Defence to end what it calls ongoing obstruction on the issue, committee members said in a letter.
• Afghan President Faces Pushback After Naming Members To Reconciliation Council RFE/RL 31 Aug 2020 -- Abdullah Abdullah, the former chief executive officer of Afghanistan's unity government, said President Ashraf Ghani doesn't have the authority to appoint people to the body tasked with leading peace talks with the Taliban, raising questions about how quickly those negotiations can progress.

Defense Policy / Programs

• RCO delivers Department of the Air Force capabilities US Air Force 31 Aug 2020 -- Less than 200 personnel assigned to the Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office rapidly develop capabilities to outpace and counter the increasing threats of adversaries.
• USAF, JASDF strengthen Agile Combat Employment capabilities US Air Force 31 Aug 2020 -- U.S. Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force Airmen conducted bilateral training centered on honing defensive counter-air and Agile Combat Employment capabilities, and developing multi-capable Airmen during an Aviation Training Relocation event at Chitose Air Base, Japan, Aug. 24-28.
• 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron paves way for Dynamic Force Employment US Air Force 31 Aug 2020 -- Expeditionary air power is vital to meeting the Department of Defense's National Defense Strategy, and members of the 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron evolved that concept as it employed Air Force Global Strike Command's first overseas mobile operations center, during a deployment to Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia.
• USS Ross Begins 10th FNDF-E Patrol US Navy 31 Aug 2020 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) departed Naval Station Rota, Spain, marking the beginning of its 10th Forward-Deployed Naval Forces-Europe (FDNF-E) patrol, Aug. 29, 2020.
• RIMPAC 2020 Participants Conduct Sinking Exercise US Navy 31 Aug 2020 -- Live fire from ships and aircraft participating in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise sank the decommissioned amphibious cargo ship ex-USS Durham (LKA 114), Aug. 30.
• US Troops May Play 'Lead Role' in Mass COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts Sputnik 31 Aug 2020 -- Senior US government health officials on Friday revealed that US military medical personnel or National Guard troops may assist mass vaccination efforts once a COVID-19 vaccine is available to the public.
• Air Force update for COVID-19 US Air Force 31 Aug 2020
• Defense Department Aids U.S. Delivery of Ventilators to Indonesia DoD News 31 Aug 2020 -- The U.S. government's contribution of more than $12 million in COVID-19 assistance to Indonesia in addition to the 1,000 ventilators is testament to the strength of the relationship between the two countries, Werner said, adding that DOD's involvement in the shipment of the ventilators reflects the many ways the countries' militaries work together to advance shared interests.
• DOD Working Toward Networked Indo-Pacific DoD News 31 Aug 2020 -- When Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper talks about the Indo-Pacific he talks about it becoming a "networked region" – not in the information technology sense, but as like-minded countries working together.
• Russian Fighters Escorted US Air Force's Strategic Bombers Over Baltic Sea, Russian Military Says Sputnik 31 Aug 2020 -- Earlier, two Russian fighters Su-27 were scrambled to intercept US Air Force strategic bomber B-52H over the Baltic Sea in order to prevent violation of the Russian state border.
• Russian Su-27 Fighter Intercepts Four NATO Warplanes Over Baltic Sea Sputnik 31 Aug 2020 -- A significant increase of NATO reconnaissance activities at Russia's border near the Baltic and Black Seas has been detected in late July and August, forcing the Russian military to scramble its jets to intercept spy planes.
• Two Russian Warships Arrive in Sri Lanka on Business Call - Pacific Fleet Spokesman Sputnik 31 Aug 2020 -- Admiral Tributs and Admiral Vinogradov, Udaloy-class destroyers of Russia's Pacific Fleet, made a business call at a Sri Lankan port, the fleet's spokesman said on Monday.
• Chad Sbragia, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for China Press Briefing on the 2020 China Military Power Report DoD 31 Aug 2020 -- Chad Sbragia, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for China, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, Office of the Secretary of Defense
• China's Coast Guard cruises for high seas fishery in North Pacific PLA Daily 31 Aug 2020 -- Recently, the China Coast Guard (CCG) dispatched two Coast Guard vessels to the North Pacific Ocean to carry out a 31-day high seas fishery law enforcement cruise mission, with a total voyage of 11,189 nautical miles and a cruising area of approximately 74,000 square nautical miles.
• Further boost to 'Make in India'; MoD signs contracts worth Rs 2580 Cr with Indian Companies for supply of Pinaka Regiments to Indian Army India PIB 31 Aug 2020 -- Providing further boost to the 'Make in India' initiative of Government of India in the Defence Sector, Acquisition Wing of Ministry of Defence (MoD) has today signed contracts with M/s. Bharat Earth Movers Ltd. (BEML), M/s. Tata Power Company Ltd. (TPCL) and M/s. Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for supply of Six Pinaka Regiments to the Regiment of Artillery of the Indian Army at an approximate cost of Rs. 2580 Crores.
• Declassified cables reveal U.S. assurances on Taiwan's defense CNA 31 Aug 2020 -- Washington's release of two declassified cables from nearly 40 years ago on its security assurances to Taiwan reflect the United States' commitment to Taiwan at a time when it is under threat from China, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Monday.
• Military allocates budget to buy tactical UAVs, boost radar capability CNA 31 Aug 2020 -- Taiwan's military has allocated budgets to buy Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (TUAVs), underwater vehicles, and to improve its radar surveillance and camouflage capabilities in response to the increasing military threat from China, according to a defense budget proposal it submitted to lawmakers for review on Monday.
• PLA's electronic warfare capability serious threat to Taiwan: MND CNA 31 Aug 2020 -- The buildup and deployment of advanced electronic warfare units by the People's Liberation Army along China's southeastern coast could potentially pose a serious threat to Taiwan's defenses, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said on Monday.
• Saudi King Dismisses Commander of Joint Forces Over Suspicion of Corruption - Reports Sputnik 31 Aug 2020 -- Reports say that the Saudi ruler has also relieved the Deputy Governor of Al-Jouf from his post and a number of other officials of the Kingdom's Defense Ministry amid an investigation into possible acts of corruption.
• Satellite images confirm yellow-cake facility in Saudi northwest desert Press TV 31 Aug 2020 -- A clandestine Saudi nuclear programme, revealed by whistle-blowers, has been confirmed by satellite images showing a large compound, in a suspicious location in the middle of the desert, a checkpoint, towering security fences, a big building about 150 feet on a side and pools for the collection of uranium waste; a typical blueprint for yellow-cake mills.
• Army Cmdr lauds Iran's advanced air defense capabilities in region IRNA 31 Aug 2020 -- Iran's Army Commander Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi said on Monday that Iran's air defense has gained good achievements in various areas of air defense, including radar, missiles, and communications systems.
• Iran Invests in Advanced Drone Technology to Strengthen 'Deterrence Power' - State Media Sputnik 31 Aug 2020 -- Iran's Ministry of Defense is investing in its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology to ensure it remains one of the top countries in combat drone development, according to state media.
• Philippines Buys Japanese Radar System to Monitor South China Sea, Other Areas Radio Free Asia 31 Aug 2020 -- The Philippines has signed an agreement to purchase a radar system from Japan for aerial surveillance of its territorial interests including in the South China Sea, the defense department announced Friday, amid rising international tensions in the disputed waterway.
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany | 8/31/2020 The White House 31 Aug 2020

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Aug. 31, 2020

Other Conflicts

• The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen: Interception, Destruction of Bomb-Laden USV Launched by Terrorist, Iran-Backed Houthi Militia from Hodeida Governorate SPA 31 Aug 2020 -- Statement by the Official Spokesman of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen COL Turki Al-Malki
• Urgent solution needed to address fuel woes in war-torn Yemen UN News 31 Aug 2020 -- The UN Special Envoy for Yemen has called on all parties to urgently work together with his Office, in order to find a solution that ensures people in the country can access basic fuel supplies, amid major shortages in areas controlled by the Houthis, formally known as Ansar Allah.
• Syrian air defenses respond to Israeli airstrike Press TV 31 Aug 2020 -- The Syrian air defenses have thwarted an Israeli missile aggression against military sites in southern Damascus.
• Over 2 million Syrians risk hunger, poverty, WFP warns Press TV 31 Aug 2020 -- The United Nations food agency has warned that around 2.2 million Syrians risk hunger and poverty in the war-ravaged Arab country.
• Militants Shell 3 Villages in Syria's Aleppo, Latakia, Russian Military Says Sputnik 31 Aug 2020 -- Syrian militants from the Jabhat al-Nusra* terror group shelled three villages in the provinces of Latakia and Aleppo, the deputy head of Russia's Syria reconciliation centre said Monday.
• Turkish-backed militants steal electricity poles, transmission towers in Syria's Hasakah: SANA Press TV 31 Aug 2020 -- Turkish-backed Takfiri militants have stolen electricity poles and transmission towers in the northern sector of Syria's northeastern province of Hasakah, as they continue to commit various crimes against local populations.
• Russian, Turkish Military Hold First Joint Training in Syria Sputnik 31 Aug 2020 -- The Russian military police and the Turkish armed forces have conducted the first joint training in the Syrian province of Idlib, the deputy head of the Russian Defence Ministry's Centre for Syrian Reconciliation, Rear Admiral Alexander Grinkevich, said on Monday.
• China dismisses India claims of military 'provocation' at disputed border Press TV 31 Aug 2020 -- Beijing has dismissed India's claims of "provocative" military movements by Chinese troops at the contested border line dividing the two Asian neighbors.
• Fresh Clash Erupts Between Indian-Chinese Troops in Pangong Tso Sputnik 31 Aug 2020 -- India and China have been in a border stand-off along the 4,057 km Line of Actual Control since the last week of April. The violent face-off between the troops of the neighbouring countries in Pangong Tso on 15 June left 20 Indian army soldiers dead, resulting in a series of disengagement talks at the diplomatic and military level.
• India Accuses Chinese Troops of Attempting to Encroach Himalayan Border VOA 31 Aug 2020 -- Indian authorities say their troops thwarted an attempt by Chinese soldiers to change the status quo in the northern Ladakh region, where both sides have been locked in a tense standoff along their disputed Himalayan border for more than four months. China has dismissed the allegations.
• Indian troops' illegal crossing of LAC will 'escalate tensions' Global Times 31 Aug 2020 -- China strongly opposes Indian troops' illegal crossing of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on Monday, which is a severe violation of the consensus reached before at the multilevel talks between the two countries, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Western Theater Command said on Monday night.
• India's illegal crossing of LAC a severe violation of consensus: PLA Global Times 31 Aug 2020 -- China strongly opposes the illegal crossing by Indian troops of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on Monday, which is a severe violation of the consensus reached at the multilevel talks between the two countries previously, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Western Theater Command said on Monday night.
• China demands India to withdraw troops that illegally trespassing LAC and avoid escalation on border PLA Daily 31 Aug 2020 -- India troops on Monday illegally trespassed the Line of Control (LOC) again at the southern bank of the Pangong Tso Lake and near the Reqin Mountain and conducted flagrant provocations, said Senior Colonel Zhang Shuili, spokesperson for the Western Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, urging that the Indian side should immediately withdraw its troops and avoid any escalation in the situation.
• Beijing says in talks with India to solve border dispute amid latest accusation PLA Daily 31 Aug 2020 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday that its troops have never crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) amid a China-India border standoff, after the Indian army alleged that China's troops violated the previous consensus.
• SITUATION UPDATE: EASTERN LADAKH India PIB 31 Aug 2020 -- On the Night of 29/30 August 2020, PLA troops violated the previous consensus arrived at during military and diplomatic engagements during the ongoing standoff in Eastern Ladakh and carried out provocative military movements to change the status quo.
• Tibet's Exile Government Slams Call by China's Xi Jinping to 'Sinicize' Tibetan Buddhism Radio Free Asia 31 Aug 2020 -- Tibet's India-based exile government hit back this week at a call by China's President Xi Jinping to Sinicize the Tibetan people's Buddhist religion, describing the move as an attempt by China's ruling Communist Party to destroy Tibet's unique national identity.
• Xi sets out plans for new era in Tibet People's Daily 31 Aug 2020 -- China has set the policy direction for developing the Tibet autonomous region in the new era, focusing its Tibet-related work on safeguarding national unity and strengthening ethnic solidarity while improving people's well-being.
• UAE Does Not Refuse Support for Creation of Independent Palestine, Foreign Ministry Says Sputnik 31 Aug 2020 -- The United Arab Emirates is not against support for the creation of an independent Palestinian state with the capital in East Jerusalem, despite normalization of relations with Israel, UAE Foreign Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed said.
• Israel Demonstrates Laser System to Intercept Explosive-Laden Balloons from Gaza VOA 31 Aug 2020 -- Israeli police on Sunday demonstrated a new laser system intended to intercept explosive-laden, wind-guided balloons launched from the Gaza Strip.
• High-Ranking US-Israeli Delegation Lands in UAE VOA 31 Aug 2020 -- High-ranking U.S. and Israeli delegations landed in Abu Dhabi after taking off from Israel's Ben-Gurion Airport on Monday, the first-ever commercial flight from Israel to the United Arab Emirates.
• Joint Statement by the United States, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates The White House 31 Aug 2020
• Netanyahu says Israel has secret talks with Arab, Muslim leaders People's Daily 31 Aug 2020 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel has secret talks with several Arab countries to normalize their relations, a day before Israel's first commercial flight to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
• Bangladesh Restores Internet to Rohingya Camps Radio Free Asia 31 Aug 2020 -- Bangladesh restored internet access in Rohingya refugee camps and surrounding communities on Friday after a nearly year-long blackout, saying pressure from international groups led to the change.
• Turkish president lashes out at Greek, French leaders amid maritime row Press TV 31 Aug 2020 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has lashed at the leaders of France and Greece as tensions escalate between the NATO allies over oil and gas exploration in the disputed waters of the Mediterranean.
• Families of Malaysia Airlines MH17 Victims Want Damages, Lawyers Say VOA 31 Aug 2020 -- The families of the nearly 300 victims of a downed Malaysia Airlines passenger plane want reparations, their lawyers said Monday, more than six years after the plane was shot down over Ukraine.
• Sudan Signs Historic Peace Deal with Rebel Groups VOA 31 Aug 2020 -- Sudan's transitional government has signed a historic peace agreement Monday with the Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF), a coalition of rebel groups from the regions of Darfur, Southern Kordofan, and the Blue Nile. The ceremony took place in South Sudan's capital, Juba.
• Sudan: Darfur deal a 'significant step', says head of UN-AU peacekeeping mission UN News 31 Aug 2020 -- A peace agreement between Sudanese authorities and key armed movements from Darfur could provide a path to national unity, the head of the joint UN-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) said on Monday.
• Troika Statement on the Peace Agreement Between Sudan Armed Opposition Groups US Dept. of State 31 Aug 2020 -- The United States, the United Kingdom, and Norway (the Troika) welcome the peace agreement between the Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF) and the Civilian-led Transitional Government of Sudan, initialed on 28 August 2020 as the first step in a long process to rebuild hope and stability for conflict-affected communities in Sudan.
• Cameroon Secures Borders Amid Renewed Threats VOA 31 Aug 2020 -- Cameroon says it is increasing security along its borders with the Central African Republic and Nigeria after suspected rebel incursions and interceptions of vehicles transporting explosives.

News Reports

• US Appeals Court Denies Trump's Former Adviser Flynn's Bid to Immediately End Criminal Case Sputnik 31 Aug 2020 -- In December 2017, Flynn pleaded guilty to making false statements during an interview with the FBI over contacts between Russian officials and the 2016 Trump presidential campaign. In January 2020, he withdrew his guilty plea, citing breach of the plea agreement.
• Blasts hit Dubai, Abu Dhabi ahead of first flight from Israel Press TV 31 Aug 2020 -- Three people have been killed and several people injured in two separate explosions in the United Arab Emirates' capital Abu Dhabi and its tourism hub Dubai, police and local media say.
• One Killed, Several Injured in Two Explosions in UAE - Photos Sputnik 31 Aug 2020 -- A number of people have been injured in UAE after two gas explosions that took place at a restaurant in Dubai and a gas blast that occurred on Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street in the capital, Abu Dhabi.
• Hawaii Businesswoman Pleads Guilty to Facilitating Back-Channel Lobbying Campaign to Drop 1MDB Investigation and Remove a Foreign National to China US Dept. of Justice 31 Aug 2020 -- An American businesswoman with international ties pleaded guilty today for her role in facilitating an unregistered lobbying campaign of the Administration of the President of the United States and the U.S. Department of Justice on behalf of foreign principals in exchange for millions of dollars.
• India's Anti-Terror Body Arrests Man Who Allegedly Provided Military Information to Pakistan's Spies Sputnik 31 Aug 2020 -- Earlier in April, India's anti-terror unit registered a case under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) after arresting Mohammad Rashid from Uttar Pradesh in January. The state's anti-terrorist squad claimed Rashid was in contact with Pakistan's Inter- Services Intelligence (ISI) spy agency and had visited them twice.
• Navalny's Team Publishes Siberian Investigation Conducted Just Prior To Poisoning RFE/RL 31 Aug 2020 -- Aleksei Navalny's team has published its investigative report about corruption in Siberia, where the Russian opposition politician was apparently poisoned earlier this month while conducting research.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on August 31, 2020 PRC MofA 31 Aug 2020
• Chinese Foreign Ministry says US' anti-Beijing schemes doomed to fail Press TV 31 Aug 2020 -- Beijing says anti-China schemes by the United States are doomed to fail after a top US official urged other countries to confront what he called the "challenges" of China.
• China no longer interested in expensive Saudi oil: Report Press TV 31 Aug 2020 -- China has significantly reduced its imports of crude oil from Saudi Arabia in recent months, shows a report, adding that the Saudis are no longer among the top suppliers of crude to China.
• Wang Yi: Anyone who challenges one-China principle will pay 'heavy price' Global Times 31 Aug 2020 -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during his visit in Germany on Monday that anyone who challenges the one-China principle will pay a heavy price, referring to the Czech Senate speaker's Taiwan visit.
• Chinese FM slams US for harassing, interrogating Chinese students Global Times 31 Aug 2020 -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Monday condemned the US for using judicial force to harass and interrogate Chinese students in the US, or even to arrest and prosecute them on trumped-up charges, after US media reports claimed the Chinese military had sent students to study in the US "under false pretenses" in recent years, and many have been arrested this year on suspicion of visa fraud.
• China and US not in war for power; US on wrong side of history: Chinese FM during Europe visit Global Times 31 Aug 2020 -- The fundamental disagreements between China and the US are not about power, international status or social systems, but about whether to support multilateralism or unilateralism, and advocate win-win cooperation or a zero-sum game. It is clear to the world that the US is now on the wrong side of history, said Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the French Institute for International Relations (IFRI) conference in Paris on Sunday (French time) during his week-long visit to Europe.
• China-U.S. divergences not about power contest: Chinese FM People's Daily 31 Aug 2020 -- The divergences between China and the United States are not about power, status or social system, but about the choices of multilateralism or unilateralism, win-win cooperation or a zero-sum game, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Sunday.
• Natl security law shows strong deterrence, police force confident in dealing with challenges: HK police chief Global Times 31 Aug 2020 -- The commissioner of police of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Chris Tang Ping-keung, said that the police force will spare no efforts in investigating acts and activities that endanger national security and enhance communication with its counterparts in the Chinese mainland, as the social unrest in 2019 has united the Hong Kong police force more than ever.
• Riot Police Fire Pepper Balls at Hong Kong Protesters Radio Free Asia 31 Aug 2020 -- Thousands of people clad in black with white mourning flowers gathered on the streets of Hong Kong's Mong Kok district on Monday to mark the anniversary of an attack by riot police on passengers at Prince Edward MTR station at the height of last year's protest movement.
• Mass Protests Erupt as China Moves to End Mongolian-Medium Teaching in Schools Radio Free Asia 31 Aug 2020 -- Tens of thousands of ethnic Mongolian students and parents are demonstrating in northern China over unannounced plans by the Chinese government to phase out Mongolian-medium teaching in the region's schools.
• U.S. destroyer transits Taiwan Strait CNA 31 Aug 2020 -- An American destroyer sailed south through the Taiwan Strait on Monday in a "regular operation," the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Monday.
• US intends to force China to 'fire first shot' over Taiwan Global Times 31 Aug 2020 -- A US military aircraft appeared in the skies over Taiwan on Sunday, which was suspected of taking off from a Taiwan-based airfield and flew to Japan, although the Taiwan "air force" said it was against the facts. The incident took place as the island's military claims that the Chinese mainland does not possess "enough capabilities" to launch an all-out attack on Taiwan.
• Taiwan, Czech choose to live in democracy: Czech senate president CNA 31 Aug 2020 -- Visiting Czech Senate President Miloš Vystrčil said on Monday that the biggest feature shared by Taiwanese and Czechs is that they both choose to live in democratic and free societies.
• Czech Senate president witnesses MOU signings in Taiwan CNA 31 Aug 2020 -- Czech Senate President Miloš Vystrčil on Monday witnessed the signing of three documents on smart industry cooperation during an economic forum, the first official activity of his six-day visit to Taiwan.
• China summons Czech envoy, warns Czech officials of paying 'heavy price' for Taiwan visit Global Times 31 Aug 2020 -- China has summoned Czech Ambassador to China to protest over Czech senate speaker's visit to Taiwan while Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his ongoing visit to Europe made a rare strongly worded response to the speaker's act, sending a strong message to other European countries that playing tricks with Taiwan island will pay a heavy price.
• Company Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering Violation as Part of Scheme to Circumvent North Korean Sanctions and Deceive Banks, Agrees to Pay Forfeiture and Fine US Dept. of Justice 31 Aug 2020 -- Yang Ban Corporation, a company established in the British Virgin Islands in 2014 that operated in South East Asia pleaded guilty today to conspiring to launder monetary instruments in connection with evading sanctions on North Korea and deceiving correspondent banks into processing U.S. dollar transactions. The company will pay a financial penalty totaling $673,714.04.
• Iranian gov., nation will always stand by friendly governments, nations: President Rouhani Press TV 31 Aug 2020 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has once again reiterated the Islamic Republic's determination to boost all-out ties with friendly countries and nations, saying that Tehran welcomes further expansion of mutual and regional relations with its neighbors.
• After 2017 Peak Iran Carpet Exports Drop Sharply Radio Farda 31 Aug 2020 -- According to the latest official data, Iranian hand-woven carpets exports fell from $426 million in 2017 to $238 million in 2018, and experienced another drop last year, ending with approximately $69 million.
• Verdicts Against Signatories Of "77 Statement" Condemned Radio Farda 31 Aug 2020 -- Many political and civil activists are condemning the prison sentences of signatories to an anti-Islamic Republic government letter widely known as the "77 Statement."
• Russia sees no reason to send forces to Belarus as situation under control: Kremlin Press TV 31 Aug 2020 -- The Kremlin says the situation in Belarus is under control, stressing that Russia sees no need to send forces to calm the post-election unrest in the neighboring country.
• Belarusian Opposition Politicians Announce Creation of New Political Party Sputnik 31 Aug 2020 -- Belarusian politician Viktor Babariko and member of the opposition coordination council's presidium Maria Kolesnikova announced the creation of the political party "Together", Viktor Babariko's Telegram channel said on Monday.
• Belarusian Hockey Honcho And Lukashenka Ally Greeted With Boos RFE/RL 31 Aug 2020 -- A Belarusian hockey honcho and ally of embattled President Alyaksandr Lukashenka got an earful when he appeared at a hockey tournament over the weekend at a rink in southeastern Belarus.
• Belarus Detains Member Of Coordination Council, Searches Her Home RFE/RL 31 Aug 2020 -- Belarusian law enforcement have detained a top member of a council set up to coordinate a transition of power as authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka seeks to extend his rule.
• Russian, Belarusian Foreign Ministers To Hold Talks In Moscow On September 2 RFE/RL 31 Aug 2020 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will hold talks with his Belarusian counterpart Uladzimer Makey in Moscow on September 2, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on August 31.
• Lebanon's parliament speaker warns of sectarian strife after deadly incidents Press TV 31 Aug 2020 -- The Lebanese Parliament speaker and leader of the Amal movement, Nabih Berri, has warned that the recent security-related incidents in the country will lead to instability and the relapse of Lebanon into anarchy and sectarian strife.
• Beirut mega-blast caused over $8 billion in damage, economic loss: World Bank Press TV 31 Aug 2020 -- The World Bank says the devastating blast that tore through Lebanon's capital earlier this month, killing 190 people and injuring more than 6,500 others, has inflicted $8.1 billion in damage and economic loss on the cash-strapped Arab country.
• Lebanon's PM-designate vows reforms in crisis-hit Arab country Press TV 31 Aug 2020 -- Lebanon's newly-designated prime minister Mustapha Adib has vowed to swiftly launch a reformist government to address the acute economic and political crisis in the country, which were worsened following a massive Beirut blast earlier this month.
• Lebanon president names Mustapha Adib as new prime minister Press TV 31 Aug 2020 -- Lebanese President Michel Aoun has named the country's ambassador to Germany Mustapha Adib as the new prime minister after he secured the support of major political parties.
• Lebanese President Designates Mustapha Adib as New Prime Minister Sputnik 31 Aug 2020 -- The nomination of Lebanon's next prime minister comes after Hassan Diab's government resigned in the wake of the devastating Beirut blast earlier this month.
• Record Rains, Urban Flooding Woes Continue in Karachi VOA 31 Aug 2020 -- Parts of Pakistan's commercial hub, Karachi, continued to be submerged Monday, days after record-breaking rainfall caused heavy flooding.
• Deputy Secretary Biegun Remarks at the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum US Dept. of State 31 Aug 2020
• Montenegro's Ruling Party Benefited From 'Uneven Playing Field' During Parliamentary Elections, OSCE Says RFE/RL 31 Aug 2020 -- Montenegro's pro-Western party enjoyed an unfair advantage during parliamentary elections due to its access to state resources and misuse of office, according to Western observers.
• Unofficial Results In Montenegro's Parliamentary Elections Show Pro-Serbian Opposition Coalitions With Narrow Victory RFE/RL 31 Aug 2020 -- A coalition led by the pro-Serbian Democratic Front (DF) and two other opposition coalitions have claimed victory over the ruling pro-Western party in parliamentary elections.
• Montenegrin Election Produces No Clear Winner VOA 31 Aug 2020 -- In Montenegro, pollster CEMI forecast that the pro-Western Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) of President Milo Djukanovic is narrowly ahead of the pro-Serbian and pro-Russian alliance For the Future of Montenegro after Sunday's parliamentary election.
• North Macedonia's Parliament OKs New Government, Ending Leadership Void RFE/RL 31 Aug 2020 -- North Macedonia's parliament has approved a new coalition led by Social Democrats, ending a months-long leadership void amid the coronavirus pandemic.
• Kyrgyzstan Again Boasts Multiparty Vote In Unpredictable Parliamentary Elections RFE/RL 31 Aug 2020 -- Campaigning for Kyrgyzstan's parliamentary elections does not officially start until September 4, but scandals, accusations, and confusion have already started.
• Rakhine Lawmaker Disqualified After Son Deserts Myanmar Army For Rebel Force Radio Free Asia 31 Aug 2020 -- Election authorities in western Myanmar's Rakhine state have rejected a sitting ethnic Rakhine lawmaker's application to run for re-election in November, citing his Myanmar soldier son's 2018 defection to an armed rebel group now at war with government, the legislator told RFA on Monday.