Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• At Least 14 Civilians Killed By Roadside Bomb In Central Afghanistan RFE/RL 29 Sep 2020 -- Afghan officials say a roadside bomb has killed at least 14 civilians in the central province of Daikundi, as violence continues across the country despite ongoing peace talks between Taliban militants and the Afghan government in Qatar.
• New York National Guard Civil Support Team helps keeps the U.S. Open safe Army News 29 Sep 2020 -- When top golfers from the United States and Europe faced off for the 2020 U.S. Open Golf Championship at Winged Foot Golf Club Sept. 14-20, the New York National Guard's 24th Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team was there to help spot radiological threats.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Air Force update for COVID-19 US Air Force 29 Sep 2020
• 5 more US soldiers in South Korea test positive for COVID-19 Global Times 29 Sep 2020 -- Five more US soldiers in South Korea have tested positive for COVID-19 amid the lingering worry about the virus spread here, the US Forces Korea (USFK) said Monday.
• Task Force Oceania plays pivotal role in Defender Pacific 2020 Army News 29 Sep 2020 -- In a show of commitment to the nation of Palau and a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) Soldiers from Alaska, Washington, and Hawaii took part in a training exercise on the island of Anguar as part of Defender Pacific 2020 (DP 20).
• Joint Multinational Exercise Validates Aerial and Ground Force Integration in Eastern Europe Army News 29 Sep 2020 -- Service members from the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and U.S Air Forces Africa, along with five other NATO countries conducted Astral Knight 20, a joint multinational air defense exercise, on Sept. 12-24 near Szymany, Poland. Astral Knight 20 is designed to enhance interoperability among NATO allies and partners to increase readiness through the integration of land component air and missile defense capabilities.
• Task Force Oceania plays pivotal role in Defender Pacific 2020 Army News 29 Sep 2020 -- In a show of commitment to the nation of Palau and a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) Soldiers from Alaska, Washington, and Hawaii took part in a training exercise on the island of Anguar as part of Defender Pacific 2020 (DP 20).
• Joint Multinational Exercise Validates Aerial and Ground Force Integration in Eastern Europe Army News 29 Sep 2020 -- Service members from the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and U.S Air Forces Africa, along with five other NATO countries conducted Astral Knight 20, a joint multinational air defense exercise, on Sept. 12-24 near Szymany, Poland. Astral Knight 20 is designed to enhance interoperability among NATO allies and partners to increase readiness through the integration of land component air and missile defense capabilities.
• COVID-19 Response Sparks Efforts to Strengthen Supply Chain DoD News 29 Sep 2020 -- The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the fragility of the Defense Department's supply chain. As a result, the department is taking a variety of steps to strengthen that supply chain, the undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment said.
• DOD Takes Steps to Safeguard Supply Chain DoD News 29 Sep 2020 -- The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the domestic and foreign supply chains has led the Defense Department to focus more intensely on identifying critical infrastructure and vulnerabilities and to take measures to protect those assets, said the executive director for international cooperation, Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.
• Valiant Shield 2020: Joint force training protects Indo-Pacific US Air Force 29 Sep 2020 -- The eighth iteration of exercise Valiant Shield concluded Sept. 25 following 12 days of joint operations at sea, in the air, on land, and in cyberspace.
• Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Visits Souda Bay, Crete, Greece US Navy 29 Sep 2020 -- Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spent time with the Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay team Sept. 29 as part of his visit to Crete, Greece, where he met with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias.
• U.S. and Ukrainian Navies Operate in the Black Sea US Navy 29 Sep 2020 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), conducted joint operations with Ukrainian Naval Forces in the Black Sea, Sept. 29, 2020.
• USS Ross Conducts Operations with NATO Fighters in Baltic Sea US Navy 29 Sep 2020 -- The Arleigh Burke-Class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) completed a series of tactical air defense exercises with NATO fighter jets in the Baltic Sea, Sept. 25.
• USS Stout Breaks Record As It Departs US 5th Fleet US Navy 29 Sep 2020 -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Stout (DDG 55) breaks a Navy record as it completes a nearly seven month deployment in the U.S.5th Fleet area of operations (AOO), Sept. 28.
• Alliance's future innovation priorities discussed at high-level meeting NATO 29 Sep 2020 -- The Secretary General's Advisory Group on Emerging and Disruptive Technologies held its first meeting with NATO's Innovation Board on Monday (28 September 2020). The group of 12 external experts presented their recommendations on innovative technologies that NATO should be pursuing as a priority. The experts focused on particular technology areas, such as data as a strategic resource and quantum technologies. The group suggested among others to reconsider how NATO engages with the non-defence private sector and underlined the importance of developing strong ethical principles.
• NATO Deputy Secretary General: standardization makes interoperability amongst Allies possible NATO 29 Sep 2020 -- Today (29 September 2020), in an online event marking 70 years of NATO standardization, NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană stressed the importance of standardization for NATO's cohesion and effectiveness.
• NATO Secretary General welcomes Prime Minister Gakharia of Georgia at NATO Headquarters NATO 29 Sep 2020 -- Speaking after a meeting with the Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Gakharia, the NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that Georgia is one of NATO's most important partners, contributing to the Alliance's shared security in many ways, including with troops in NATO's training mission in Afghanistan. "We can all be proud of what we do together and you can be proud of your contributions to our shared security and contributions to our missions and operations", he said.
• NATO Deputy Secretary General: standardization makes interoperability amongst Allies possible NATO 29 Sep 2020 -- Today (29 September 2020), in an online event marking 70 years of NATO standardization, NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană stressed the importance of standardization for NATO's cohesion and effectiveness.
• Georgian PM Gakharia, NATO's Stoltenberg Discuss Cooperation In Brussels RFE/RL 29 Sep 2020 -- Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg have discussed ties, Georgia's progress on its NATO integration path, and future cooperation plans.
• China launches largest and most advanced maritime patrol vessel Global Times 29 Sep 2020 -- China launched its largest and most advanced maritime patrol vessel in South China's Guangzhou on Tuesday, which is expected to play an important role in improving maritime traffic management capabilities and safeguarding China's maritime rights and interests.
• PLA Central Theater Command and seven provincial governments jointly promote military-related legal rights protection PLA Daily 29 Sep 2020 -- The third joint meeting on military-related legal rights protection was held in Tianjin in early September by the PLA Central Theater Command and the seven provinces (cities) where the Central Theater Command is located.
• Iran dismisses transfer of arms, forces to Armenia IRNA 29 Sep 2020 -- The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Baku in a statement on Tuesday strongly dismissed the media hype on transferring arms and forces from the Iranian territory to Armenia.
• FM spox: Iran does not let its soil be used for shipment of arms IRNA 29 Sep 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said that Iran is closely monitoring cargo transit via the country and does not let its soil be used for shipment of arms and ammunition.
• Finnish Air Force Holds Its Biggest Drills of the Year With COVID-19 Precautions Sputnik 29 Sep 2020 -- The Ruska 20 drill will involve some 5,000 personnel and 60 aircraft, as well as traditional guests from Sweden.
• Briefing With Senior State Department Officials Briefing to Traveling Press US Dept. of State 29 Sep 2020
• Secretary Michael R. Pompeo And Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis Joint Press Statements After Their Meeting US Dept. of State 29 Sep 2020

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Sept. 29, 2020

Other Conflicts

• Taiwan investigating collision in disputed waters: Premier Su CNA 29 Sep 2020 -- Taiwan's government is currently investigating an incident two days ago in which a Taiwanese fishing vessel was allegedly rammed by a Japanese coastguard ship in contested waters, Premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) said Tuesday.
• Russian Servicemen Killed Over 133,000 Militants in Syria, Defence Minister Says Sputnik 29 Sep 2020 -- Russian troops in Syria have killed more than 133,000 militants, including 4,500 from former Soviet republics, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said.
• U.S. Might Close Embassy Unless Iraq Prevents Iran Militia Attacks RFE/RL 28 Sep 2020 -- The Trump administration may close its embassy in Iraq if the government does not take steps to protect it from attacks by Iranian-backed militants.
• Seven Handed Prison Terms In Ethnic Clashes Case In Kazakhstan's South RFE/RL 29 Sep 2020 -- A military court in Kazakhstan's largest city, Almaty, has sentenced seven men to prison terms between three and eight years after finding them guilty of taking part in deadly clashes.
• Bilateral cooperation 'only way' to resolve repatriation issue, Myanmar Minister tells General Assembly UN News 29 Sep 2020 -- Bilateral cooperation is the only way to effectively resolve the repatriation issue between Myanmar and Bangladesh, the Minister of the Office of the State Counsellor of Myanmar, told the UN General Assembly.
• UN chief urges ceasefire in calls with Azerbaijani, Armenian leaders People's Daily 29 Sep 2020 -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday called on Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders to take immediate steps to establish a ceasefire.
• Former Armenian President Robert Kocharian Leaves For Karabakh RFE/RL 29 Sep 2020 -- Former Armenian President Robert Kocharian, who has been charged with bribery and overthrowing the constitutional order, has left Armenia for the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, where Armenian and Azerbaijani forces have been fighting since September 27.
• UNSC Will Do Everything it Can to Ease Situation Between Armenia and Azerbaijan Sputnik 29 Sep 2020 -- On Sunday, Yerevan and Baku accused each other of military provocations in the disputed breakaway republic of Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijan announced that the Armenian Armed Forces had shelled settlements on the contact line in the area. According to the Armenian Defense Ministry, Nagorno-Karabakh "was subjected to air and missile attacks."
• Statements of Military Support for Azerbaijan or Armenia Will Only Escalate Conflict, Kremlin Says Sputnik 29 Sep 2020 -- Previously, Turkey stated that it is ready to support Baku both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table. At the same time, Ankara stressed that any attack on Azerbaijani territory is also an attack against Turkey.
• Turkey Ready to Support Azerbaijan in Negotiations With Armenia and in Combat, Foreign Minister Says Sputnik 29 Sep 2020 -- Following the escalation of tensions in Nagorno-Karabakh, a spokesman for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that Ankara stands in "full solidarity" with Baku, while condemning "Armenia's attack on Azerbaijan".
• Turkey Denies That Its F-16 Downed Armenian Su-25 Fighter Amid Tensions in Nagorno-Karabakh Sputnik 29 Sep 2020 -- According to Yerevan, the pilot of the Armenian aircraft hit by the Turkish fighter died.
• Yerevan Claims Turkish Jet Downed Armenia Plane As Fighting With Azerbaijani Forces Intensify RFE/RL 29 Sep 2020 -- Armenia said a Turkish F-16 fighter jet shot down one of its warplanes, as fighting intensified near the long-disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region and fears grew of an outbreak of a new, full-scale war between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
• China Toughens Stance on Ladakh by Terming It as 'Illegally Established' Indian Territory Sputnik 29 Sep 2020 -- Facing their worst standoff in decades, India and China have engaged in full blown clashes at the eastern Ladakh border since June this year. While 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives on 15 June, China is yet to reveal the number of its casualties. Negotiations to resolve the dispute have failed to yield results so far.
• India Does Not Recognise 1959 Line of Actual Control: New Delhi Lashes Out at China Sputnik 29 Sep 2020 -- Despite several rounds of talks to defuse tensions in the Ladakh region, India and China have failed to reach a consensus on disengagement. Meanwhile, the two sides have made massive deployments of military assets in the Himalayan region.
• China slams India's infrastructure push in disputed border for military control Global Times 29 Sep 2020 -- China does not recognize the so-called Union Territory of Ladakh illegally established by India, and opposes infrastructure construction in disputed border areas for military control purposes, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Tuesday in response to India building roads along the border.
• India's procurement of US rifles 'can't yield border advantage' Global Times 29 Sep 2020 -- India's latest military procurement plan worth Rs 2,290 crore ($310 million) involving US-made rifles cannot help it gain an advantage in the border tensions with China, and recent Indian military moves again revealed its insincerity in solving the dispute through talks, Chinese analysts said on Tuesday.
• UN Middle East envoy urges sides to engage 'before it is too late' UN News 29 Sep 2020 -- Israeli and Palestinian leaders, and their international partners, must urgently resume peace efforts "before it is too late", UN Middle East envoy Nikolay Mladenov told the Security Council on Tuesday, echoing the Secretary-General.
• To UN, Israeli Prime Minister says 'no doubt' more Arab countries will soon join 'circle of peace' UN News 29 Sep 2020 -- While telling the UN General Assembly on Tuesday there was "good news" to report about the "expanding circle of peace" between Israel and some Arab countries, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also accused Hezbollah militants of storing weapons in a residential area of Beirut.
• UAE expresses hopes for Middle East peace talks following 'historic' accord with Israel UN News 29 Sep 2020 -- The historic agreement normalizing relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) should boost efforts towards achieving regional peace and a brighter future for generations to come, the UAE's Foreign Affairs Minister told the UN General Assembly in a pre-recorded speech broadcast on Tuesday.

News Reports

• Statement From the Secretary of Defense, Dr. Mark T. Esper on the Passing of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait DoD 29 Sep 2020 -- Today we mourn the passing of an exceptional friend and partner to the United States, the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
• Crown Prince Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Becomes Kuwait's New Emir Sputnik 29 Sep 2020 -- Earlier in the day, Kuwaiti Emir Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, 91, passed away while receiving treatment in the US.
• Kuwait's Emir Dies at 91 Sputnik 29 Sep 2020 -- After reports of the emir's death emerged online earlier in the day, the official spokesman for the Kuwaiti government called on the international community to "take information from official sources and not pay attention to what is being raised on social media".
• Our Deepest Condolences on the Passing of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah US Dept. of State 29 Sep 2020
• Chinese Leader Xi Jinping Inscribes Himself Into Party Procedural Rules Radio Free Asia 29 Sep 2020 -- Ruling Chinese Communist Party general secretary Xi Jinping is continuing to cement his personal grip on the country's leadership, according to a former top official.
• Liaison Office in HK warns rioters ahead of proposed National Day 'rampage' Global Times 29 Sep 2020 -- Under the National Security Law, the reckless moves of rioters in Hong Kong won't be tolerated, the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) said in an official statement on Tuesday, serving as a warning to some rioters who had been planning for massive illegal protests and subsequent rampage throughout the city on China's National Day on Thursday.
• HKSAR hands over military dock to PLA Garrison to better tackle terrorism, foreign interference Global Times 29 Sep 2020 -- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) handed over the Central Military Dock to the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Hong Kong Garrison on Tuesday, a move deemed by HKSAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam as a historic moment that fully demonstrates the HKSAR's relationship with the central authorities under "one country, two systems" and carries important constitutional significance.
• HK pan-democracy lawmakers in 'critical year' Global Times 29 Sep 2020 -- While the majority of pan-democracy lawmakers in Hong Kong decided to serve extended terms in the Legislative Council (LegCo), which had been expected, some observers said that political battles will continue, as anti-government forces will continue testing the waters until the first trial under the national security law for Hong Kong has a stronger deterrent effect.
• HKSAR gov't hands over military dock to PLA Garrison PLA Daily 29 Sep 2020 -- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Tuesday handed over the Central Military Dock to the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Garrison in the HKSAR.
• Oxford University Moves to Protect Students From Hong Kong Security Law Radio Free Asia 29 Sep 2020 -- Oxford University students are being asked to submit China-related work anonymously for fear of political retaliation under a draconian national security law imposed on Hong Kong from July 1 that applies anywhere in the world, a British newspaper reported on Tuesday.
• No signs of China set to launch war against Taiwan: defense chief CNA 29 Sep 2020 -- There are currently no signs indicating that China is preparing to launch an imminent large-scale invasion of Taiwan, the country's defense chief said Tuesday.
• North Korea Arrests 20 Remittance Brokers for Using Illegal Chinese Mobile Phones Radio Free Asia 29 Sep 2020 -- North Korea has arrested 20 "phone brokers" who arrange calls and money transfers from outside the country in a nationwide crackdown on illegal mobile phone users, sources familiar with the cases told RFA.
• North Korea Performing 'Elaborate Evasion Practices' to Flout Nuclear Sanctions - UNSC Experts Sputnik 29 Sep 2020 -- Experts from the United Nations Security Council's (UNSC) North Korea sanctions committee claim the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is violating international sanctions regarding imports of refined petroleum products.
• Nuclear threat against North Korea 'continues unabated', UN ambassador tells Assembly UN News 29 Sep 2020 -- During the past several decades, North Korea has done "everything possible" to safeguard peace and security on the Korean peninsula, the country's representative told the UN high-level General Debate on Tuesday.
• Killing Soleimani, Left Us With One Arm Says Zarif Radio Farda 29 Sep 2020 -- Referring to the U.S. operation that killed the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps' (IRGC) former Chief Commander of the Qods Force, Major General Qassem Soleimani, the Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the Americans "hit so hard that we are left with only one arm."
• Offering A 'New Pact,' Exiled Prince Reza Calls For Civil Disobedience Radio Farda 29 Sep 2020 -- In a video message titled the "New Pact," the exiled Prince Reza Pahlavi defended the widespread protests and strikes inside Iran, saying that the protesters sought to "save" their country.
• Canada, U.K. Announce Sanctions As Pressure On Belarus Leadership Builds RFE/RL 29 Sep 2020 -- Canada and the United Kingdom have announced sanctions on several senior officials in Belarus, including its authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka, as international pressure continues to build over a disputed presidential election last month and subsequent police crackdown on opposition members, media, and protesters.
• Belarus: UK sanctions eight members of regime, including Alexander Lukashenko UK FCDO 29 Sep 2020 -- The UK has sanctioned eight members of the Belarusian regime, including Alexander Lukashenko for human rights violations in Belarus after the rigged elections.
• 'Prosecutor Pretended He Couldn't Hear Me!' Kazakhstan's Online Trials Raise Concerns Of Rights Violations RFE/RL 29 Sep 2020 -- Almaty-based activist Danaya Kalieva is among dozens of government critics who have been tried and sentenced in an "online trial" since Kazakhstan ordered all courts to hold their proceedings only via video due to the coronavirus pandemic.
• Britain insists it will go ahead with law-breaking bill linked to Brexit People's Daily 29 Sep 2020 -- The British government put itself on a potential collision course with Brussels on Monday after rejecting calls by the European Union (EU) to withdraw parts of a controversial bill that will break international law.
• As historic virtual debate wraps, 'our political leaders demonstrated their commitment to multilateralism,' says UN Assembly President UN News 29 Sep 2020 -- For the first time in the history of the United Nations, global leaders were not able to meet in person for the General Assembly's annual debate, but the 193-Member body's President said on Tuesday that the precautions forced by the COVID-19 pandemic "did not prevent multilateralism from operating at the highest levels."
• Nicolás Maduro: Iran, Venezuela call for ending criminal blockade IRNA 29 Sep 2020 -- President of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro in a message referred to US unilateral sanctions, saying Iran, Venezuela and other friends call for ending criminal blockade which threatens nations' development.
• Thailand Greenlights $400MN Spending Hike for Sino-Built High-Speed Rail Project Radio Free Asia 29 Sep 2020 -- Thailand's cabinet on Tuesday authorized a 12 billion baht-budget increase (nearly U.S. $400 million) for a high-speed railway being built by Chinese state firms between northeastern Nakhon Ratchasima province and the capital Bangkok, a government spokeswoman said.
• Moldovan Prosecutors Say Fugitive Tycoon Plahotniuc In Turkey; Will Seek Extradition RFE/RL 29 Sep 2020 -- Moldovan prosecutors moved to seek the extradition from Turkey of a politically influential tycoon who had been living in the United States for more than a year after fleeing Moldova amid a political shake-up.
• North Macedonia's Ex-PM Gruevski Sentenced To Prison RFE/RL 29 Sep 2020 -- A court in North Macedonia has sentenced former conservative Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski to 1 1/2 years in prison, and handed suspended sentences to six other party members and supporters for orchestrating violence in 2013.
• Flooding leaves South Sudan facing threat of 'catastrophic' hunger levels UN News 29 Sep 2020 -- Torrential rains and flooding across South Sudan have created the threat of "catastrophic" levels of hunger and left hundreds of thousands homeless, UN humanitarians said on Tuesday.
• The UN is 'right platform' to address global challenges – Tanzanian Ambassador UN News 29 Sep 2020 -- The COVID-19 outbreak reminds the world that we need "to enhance solidarity within the multilateral system" to confront global challenges, the representative of Tanzania told the closing session of the UN's annual high-level session on Tuesday.
• At UN, Uganda highlights COVID-19 response, commitment to sustainable development UN News 29 Sep 2020 -- Through deliberate and targeted actions, Uganda has been able to contain the spread of COVID-19, the country's representative to the UN told the General Assembly, adding that the Government also prioritized sustainable recovery from the pandemic in its national plans.
• Climate change 'the defining challenge of our generation' says New Zealand Ambassador UN News 29 Sep 2020 -- There is no vaccine against climate change, the Permanent Representative of New Zealand told the UN General Assembly debate on Tuesday, noting that now more than ever, the international community must "step up, collectively and in the common interest."
• Pandemic shows international cooperation 'delivers results', says German Foreign Minister UN News 29 Sep 2020 -- The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed how international cooperation "delivers results" in efforts to resolve conflict, though there is still a long way to go, Germany's Foreign Minister told the UN General Assembly in a pre-recorded speech broadcast on Tuesday.
• Chinese National Sentenced for Laundering Millions for Mexican Drug Cartels US Dept. of Justice 29 Sep 2020 -- A Chinese national was sentenced today to five years in prison and ordered to forfeit more than $4.2 million for laundering drug proceeds generated by large-scale cocaine trafficking in the United States.
• Convicted Russian Hacker Nikulin To Be Sentenced In U.S. Federal Court RFE/RL 29 Sep 2020 -- Yevgeny Nikulin, the Russian man dubbed the "Putin" of the Russian hacking world by another colleague, is set to be sentenced in a U.S. federal court after being convicted of hacking LinkedIn, DropBox, and other Internet companies.
• Another Village Locked Down In Kazakhstan Over Bird Flu RFE/RL 29 Sep 2020 -- Kazakhstan has locked down one more village over an outbreak of bird flu.
• Explainer: What Is The EPPO, Who Runs It, And How Might It Save The EU Billions Of Euros? RFE/RL 29 Sep 2020 -- Former Romanian anti-corruption official Laura Codruta Koevesi was sworn in on September 28 at the European Court of Justice as the EU's first anti-fraud prosecutor. Koevesi ran Romania's anti-corruption agency until she was dismissed in 2018 by the then-leftist government for alleged abuse of power. Koevesi will now serve a seven-year mandate at the helm of the new European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO).
• Narcotics Rewards Program Offers for Information to Bring Venezuelan Nationals to Justice US Dept. of State 29 Sep 2020 -- Today, the U. S. Department of State announces rewards of up to $10 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Venezuelan national Pedro Luis Martin-Olivares and up to $5 million each for information leading to the arrests and/or convictions of Venezuelan nationals Rodolfo McTurk-Mora and Jesus Alfredo Itriago. All three are former Venezuelan public officials and current fugitives from justice.