Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• UN Documents 30% Drop in Afghan Civilian Casualties VOA 27 Oct 2020 -- The United Nations says the conflict in Afghanistan has killed and injured nearly 6,000 civilians during the first nine months of 2020, representing a 30% decline compared to the same period last year.
• Taliban Reemerges In Former Pakistani Stronghold RFE/RL Gandhara 27 Oct 2020 -- Years ago, Pakistan declared victory against the Taliban after large-scale military operations in a northwestern mountainous region.
• Three Dead, Several Wounded In Attack On Afghan Police Base RFE/RL Gandhara 27 Oct 2020 -- A car bomb attack on an Afghan police base and an ongoing gun battle have killed three people and wounded dozens in a city bordering Pakistan, officials said October 27.
• Three killed, over dozen wounded in Kabul bombing Press TV 27 Oct 2020 -- A car bomb attack has claimed the lives of at least three people and wounded 14 others in the Afghan capital, Kabul.
• Deadly militant attack hits Afghanistan's Khost amid faltering 'peace' talks Press TV 27 Oct 2020 -- A car bomb attack has killed at least seven people and wounded 33, including police forces and civilians, in Afghanistan's eastern Khost Province, as a new UN report says the ongoing 'peace' talks have failed to slow the civilian casualty toll.
• Four Militants Killed in Clashes With Afghan Soldiers in Eastern Khost Province, Ministry Says Sputnik 27 Oct 2020 -- Four terrorists were killed in clashes with the Afghan security forces following the car bomb explosion in the eastern province of Khost, with the incident also resulting in two fatalities among civilians and soldiers, the Interior Ministry said on Tuesday.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Air Force update for COVID-19 US Air Force 27 Oct 2020
• 731st Air Mobility Squadron reveals new air freight terminal US Air Force 27 Oct 2020 -- The 731st Air Mobility Squadron officially opened a new air freight terminal during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 26 at Osan Air Base.
• Dyess AFB Airmen arrive in Indo-Pacific for Bomber Task Force, integrate with Koku-Jieitai, U.S. Navy US Air Force 27 Oct 2020 -- Approximately 200 Airmen and four B-1B Lancer aircraft with the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, arrived at Andersen AFB, to conduct Bomber Task Force missions in support of Pacific Air Forces' training efforts with allies, partners and joint forces Oct. 20.
• US Seabee Divers Complete Infrastructure Assessment of Tinian Harbor US Navy 27 Oct 2020 -- In the middle of the Pacific lies an island surrounded with crystal-clear water, rich with military history. A small team of U.S. Navy Seabee underwater construction divers deployed from Task Force 75 completed a maritime infrastructure assessment (MIA) of the Port of Tinian, Oct. 13.
• Space Force Leader Discusses Newest Military Service DoD News 27 Oct 2020 -- The leader of the Space Force today discussed his service's partnerships and relations with Congress and the Air Force.
• U.S. Secretaries of Defense and State, Indian Ministers of Defense and External Affairs Provide Remarks at the Beginning of the U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue DoD 27 Oct 2020 -- Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, Secretary Michael R. Pompeo, Indian Minister of Defense Rajnath Singh, And Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar
• Esper Praises Results of U.S., Indian Meeting DoD News 27 Oct 2020 -- U.S. and Indian leaders made more progress today on building what Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper called "one of the most consequential relationships for the United States in this century."
• India's acceptance of US patronage a deduction of traditional influence, won't increase its chances in border standoff Global Times 27 Oct 2020 -- Amid the prolonged standoff with China in the border region, India, which used to seek a balance between China and the US, moved to cozy up to Washington, with the two signing a satellite intelligence pact and vowing to jointly counter the threat of China during Tuesday's India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue.
• Press Statement by Raksha Mantri Shri Raj Nath Singh following India- USA 2+2 Meeting in New Delhi on 27 October 2020 India PIB 27 Oct 2020
• Secretary Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and Indian Minister of Defense Rajnath Singh Joint Press Availability at the U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue US Dept. of State 27 Oct 2020
• Secretary Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, Indian Minister of Defense Rajnath Singh, And Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar Opening Statements at the U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue US Dept. of State 27 Oct 2020
• Highlights of 2020 U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue US Dept. of State 27 Oct 2020
• Joint Statement on the Third U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue US Dept. of State 27 Oct 2020 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and India on the occasion of the third U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue.
• With Eye on China, India and US Sign Landmark Military Agreement VOA 27 Oct 2020 -- India and the United States have signed a landmark agreement to share military information and vowed to ramp up security and strategic ties as top U.S. officials emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation to confront Chinese assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.
• NATO delivers ventilators to the Czech Republic NATO 27 Oct 2020 -- The Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic received 60 ventilators from the NATO stockpile in response to the COVID-19 pandemic on Tuesday, 27 October 2020. The donation was coordinated by NATO's Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC). The ventilators will be distributed by the Health Ministry's Crisis Preparedness Department to hospitals in the country.
• NATO Deputy Secretary General: NATO is ready for whatever challenges it might face NATO 27 Oct 2020 -- NATO adapts and prepares for the future, said NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana at the international conference on 'Preparing NATO and the Allies for the Future Challenges' in Sofia, Bulgaria, on Tuesday (27 October).
• Putin invites NATO to jointly reduce tensions in Europe as INF Treaty ends People's Daily 27 Oct 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday asked the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to jointly de-escalate the situation in Europe since the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty has terminated.
• Russia's Shoigu Says Situation Remains Tense as NATO Boosts Presence Near Union State Sputnik 27 Oct 2020 -- The situation on the Union State of Russia and Belarus' border with NATO remains tense, as the alliance keeps increasing its military presence there, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Tuesday, assuring that the Russian military prioritizes Union State security.
• China's 2nd aircraft carrier Shandong completes testing, training mission, to be combat-ready by year-end Global Times 27 Oct 2020 -- China's first domestically made aircraft carrier, the Shandong, has completed regular testing and training missions at sea that focused on actual combat after serving in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy for 10 months, China Central Television (CCTV) reported Tuesday.
• High-tech backed militia forces take spotlight in non-war military operations PLA Daily 27 Oct 2020 -- In a flood prevention and rescue drill held by militia detachments in central China's Hunan Province in mid October, new quipment including commanding vehicles, communication supporting vehicles and reconnaissance drones appeared together and displayed fully their prowess , rendering the drill of a full-on "hi-tech style".
• China slaps 2 reciprocal sanctions on US Global Times 27 Oct 2020 -- China announced two reciprocal sanctions on the US over its latest arms sales to the island of Taiwan and its crackdown on Chinese media on Monday a week ahead of the US presidential election.
• Coastal missiles will boost asymmetrical warfare ability: experts CNA 27 Oct 2020 -- A proposed coastal defense missile system sale approved by the U.S. Monday will be complementary to the nation's existing anti-ship missile system and boost Taiwan's asymmetrical warfare capabilities, local military experts said Tuesday.
• US arms sales to Taiwan 'offensive, but useless' Global Times 27 Oct 2020 -- The US has announced plans for a new round of arms sales to arm the secessionist Taiwan authorities with offensive Harpoon missiles that can attack the Chinese mainland, shortly after the Chinese central government announced on Monday sanctions against US military industrial firms and individuals involved in the arms sales to Taiwan.
• China warns of measures to uphold sovereignty over US arms sales to Taiwan Press TV 27 Oct 2020 -- China has again called on the United States to halt its weapons sales to Taiwan, reiterating that it will take all the measures necessary to uphold its sovereignty and security interests.
• China to impose sanctions on U.S. firms, individuals, entities over Taiwan arms sales People's Daily 27 Oct 2020 -- A foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday China has decided to impose sanctions on relevant U.S. enterprises involved in the latest arms sales to Taiwan as well as individuals and entities playing a "vile role" in the process, as "necessary steps" to protect its national interests.
• U.S. announces sale of coastal defense systems to Taiwan CNA 27 Oct 2020 -- The United States government announced Monday that it has approved a possible sale to Taiwan of up to 100 Harpoon Coastal Defense Systems (HCDS) and related equipment for approximately US$2.37 billion.
• Iran air defenses bolstered near NW border amid Karabakh war: Army chief Press TV 27 Oct 2020 -- The chief commander of Iran's Army has said the Islamic Republic has bolstered its air defenses near the northwestern frontier amid ongoing clashes over the disputed Nangorno-Karabakh region.
• Iran Beefs Up Air Defences in Northwest Amid Karabakh Tensions - Reports Sputnik 27 Oct 2020 -- Iran has reinforced air defence units in the country's northwest amid the escalation of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the Tasnim news agency reported on Tuesday, citing Army Commander Maj. Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi.
• Japan not to join nuclear ban treaty: gov't spokesperson People's Daily 27 Oct 2020 -- The government's top spokesperson said here Monday that Japan will not join a U.N. treaty banning nuclear weapons, voicing the country's difference in approach to the issue.
• Greek Navy Minesweeper Collides With Cargo Ship Near Piraeus Harbour, Reports Suggest Sputnik 27 Oct 2020 -- A Greek navy minesweeper has collided with a cargo ship on the roadstead of the port of Piraeus on the western coasts of the Aegean Sea, the ERT broadcaster reported on Tuesday.
• Greek Navy Ship Collides with Container Ship Near Piraeus VOA 27 Oct 2020 -- The Greek navy says one of its ships has collided with a container vessel near the Greek coast, injuring two crewmen and seriously damaging the navy ship.
• Remarks by President Trump Before Air Force One Departure | Joint Base Andrews, MD The White House 27 Oct 2020
• Remarks by President Trump Before Marine One Departure The White House 27 Oct 2020

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Oct. 27, 2020
• GM Defense Delivers First Infantry Squad Vehicle to U.S. Army GM Defense 27 Oct 2020 -- GM Defense LLC, a subsidiary of General Motors, is celebrating the first delivery of the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) – a light and agile all-terrain troop carrier intended to transport a nine-Soldier infantry squad and their equipment – to the U.S. Army as part of a $214.3 million contract awarded in June. GM Defense will manufacture 649 ISVs and will support the production of up to 2,065 vehicles with additional authorization over eight years

Other Conflicts

• 27 October 2020 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 27 Oct 2020
• India, US Say South China Sea Code Should Not ‘Prejudice’ Any Nation Radio Free Asia 27 Oct 2020 -- India on Tuesday joined the U.S. in calling for the South China Sea Code of Conduct being negotiated by China and the Southeast Asian bloc to adhere to international law.
• Yemeni combat drone targets 'important target' in Saudi Arabia's Abha airport Press TV 27 Oct 2020 -- Yemeni army forces have launched a fresh airstrike against Abha International Airport in Saudi Arabia's southern border region of Asir, targeting an "important target" inside the strategic facility.
• Yemeni children suffer record rates of acute malnutrition, putting 'entire generation' at risk UN News 27 Oct 2020 -- Yemeni children are suffering acute malnutrition at unprecedented rates as the world's worst humanitarian crisis grinds on and funding falls far short of what is needed to offset the effects of conflict and economic collapse, UN agencies said in a statement on Tuesday.
• The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen: Interception, Destruction of Bomb-Laden UAV Launched by Terrorist, Iran-Backed Houthi Militia Toward the Kingdom SPA 27 Oct 2020 -- Statement by the Official Spokesman of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen COL Turki Al-Malki
• UN: Child Malnutrition Soars in War-torn Yemen VOA 27 Oct 2020 -- The lives of thousands of children under the age of five in war-torn Yemen are at risk because of acute malnutrition, according to the U.N. Children's Fund.
• UN Syria envoy places hope in new talks, works towards lasting ceasefire UN News 27 Oct 2020 -- The UN's special envoy for war-torn Syria is hoping that a fourth round of talks on a new constitution will take place in November in Geneva, after Government and opposition negotiators failed to agree on the agenda.
• Secretary Pompeo's Calls with Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Aliyev US Dept. of State 27 Oct 2020
• US Urges Armenia, Azerbaijan Leaders to Stop Violence VOA 27 Oct 2020 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo implored Armenia and Azerbaijan to reach a diplomatic solution to the conflict over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh, where two months of violence continued Tuesday in defiance of a cease-fire brokered in Washington.
• Armenia, Azerbaijan Trade Accusations Of Breaking Cease-Fire, Fighting Reported Near Iranian Border RFE/RL 27 Oct 2020 -- Armenia and Azerbaijan have exchanged blame for the collapse of a U.S.-brokered cease-fire as a month-long war over the separatist Nagorno-Karabakh region intensified near the border with Iran.
• Iran to advance initiative for Nagorno-Karabakh conflict Press TV 27 Oct 2020 -- Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says a senior Iranian diplomat has gone on a tour aimed at advancing the Islamic Republic's initiative for resolution of the conflict over Azerbaijan's breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh.
• Araghchi declares Iran's initiative for peaceful settlement of Karabakh war IRNA 27 Oct 2020 -- Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Abbas Araghchi said on Tuesday that Iran has an initiative to resolve Karabakh conflict peacefully, which will be explained during his visit to regional states.
• FM Zarif: Iran's plan for Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to be discussed IRNA 27 Oct 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Tuesday that Iran's plan for permanent resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will be soon discussed soon and then we will follow up on it in Moscow and Yerevan.
• FM Spox: Araghchi to take regional tour on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict IRNA 27 Oct 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said that Deputy foreign minister Abbas Araghchi is to visit Baku, Moscow, Yerevan and Ankara aiming to promote Iran's initiative for solving Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
• Iran's initiative aims to promote 'lasting peace' in Nagorno-Karabakh: Araqchi Press TV 27 Oct 2020 -- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Abbas Araqchi has unveiled some aspects of the Islamic Republic's initiative for resolution of the conflict over Azerbaijan's breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh, saying the proposed plan aims to promote "lasting peace" and settle the decades-long dispute between Baku and Yerevan.
• Azerbaijan, Armenia accuse each other of violating fresh humanitarian truce People's Daily 27 Oct 2020 -- Azerbaijan and Armenia on Monday accused each other of violating the ceasefire newly brokered in Washington.
• Clashes continue in Nagorno-Karabakh despite truce deals Press TV 27 Oct 2020 -- Clashes have continued between Azeri and Armenian forces in Nagorno-Karabakh despite three attempts to establish a ceasefire.
• Myanmar Military Investigating Death of 2 Boys Allegedly Used as Minesweepers VOA 27 Oct 2020 -- Myanmar's military said it is investigating the recent deaths of two Muslim boys and the injury of another while the children allegedly were being used as human minesweepers when crossfire erupted between the military and the Arakan Army, an armed group seeking independence.
• At Least Nine Students Killed, Scores Wounded In Blast At Pakistan Religious School RFE/RL Gandhara 27 Oct 2020 -- At least nine students were killed and more than 80 wounded on October 27 in a bomb attack at a religious school in northwestern Pakistan, local officials and witnesses said.
• Pakistan Seminary Blast Kills 8, Injures 130 VOA 27 Oct 2020 -- A powerful bomb blast inside an Islamic seminary in northwestern Pakistan early Tuesday, killed at least eight people and injured more than 130 others.
• UAE lavishes 'aid' on Sudan after normalization with Israel Press TV 27 Oct 2020 -- The United Arab Emirates has given more than half a billion dollars in "financial aid" to Sudan since the latter normalized relations with Israel.
• India enacts new laws allowing non-locals to buy land in disputed Kashmir Press TV 27 Oct 2020 -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu-nationalist government has been introducing major changes to the laws governing the ownership of land in the Indian-administered Kashmir since its decision to abolish the disputed Himalayan region's autonomous status last year.
• Modi Govt' Implements Historic Law Allowing Any Person to Buy Land in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Sputnik 27 Oct 2020 -- India's BJP-led central government has been introducing major changes to the administration of Jammu and Kashmir, prompting criticism from regional political parties, since the annulment of the region's special status in August 2019 that provided semi-autonomy to the erstwhile state.
• Turkey calls for 'realistic proposal' for two-state solution in Cyprus Press TV 27 Oct 2020 -- The Turkish president has called for discussions on "a realistic proposal" toward a two-state solution for the divided island of Cyprus, saying the parameters of current talks on the issue are not sustainable.
• Experts Question China's Claim of 'Victory' in Anti-Poverty Drive in Tibet Radio Free Asia 27 Oct 2020 -- China's campaign to eradicate "absolute poverty" in Tibetan areas of China has been pushed at the expense of Tibetans' national and cultural identity, eroding minority language rights and forcing thousands of herders into bleak resettlement towns far from traditional grazing land, experts say.
• Alleged Financier of Rwanda's 1994 Genocide Moved to the Hague to Await Trial VOA 27 Oct 2020 -- The Rwandan businessman suspected of financing the country's 1994 genocide has been transferred to the Hague to await trial.

News Reports

• Russia's Top Investigative Unit Takes Over Probe Into 'Ordered Assassination' Of Businessman RFE/RL 27 Oct 2020 -- The head of Russia's Investigative Committee has ordered the agency's Main Investigative Directorate to take over the investigation into last week's high-profile killing of Aleksandr Petrov, a businessman and local lawmaker in the northwestern Leningrad region.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on October 27, 2020 PRC MofA 27 Oct 2020
• Chinese FM slams false accusations by US envoy to UN, lambasts American politicians' ignorance Global Times 27 Oct 2020 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin Tuesday slammed the New York Post article by Kelly Craft, US envoy to the United Nations (UN), saying that it shows once again US politicians' ignorance and prejudice.
• Beijing slams Pompeo for aggressive anti-China posturing on Asia tour Press TV 27 Oct 2020 -- China has blasted US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's "Cold War mentality" for repeatedly referring to what he calls a China threat during an Asian tour.
• Central govt supports HK law enforcement agencies to perform duties: FM response to Tony Chung arrest Global Times 27 Oct 2020 -- A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Tuesday that China is a country under the rule of law and Hong Kong is a society ruled by law, stressing that the central government supports Hong Kong's law enforcement agencies to perform their duties.
• Independence Activists Rearrested in Hong Kong Under National Security Law Radio Free Asia 27 Oct 2020 -- Hong Kong police on Tuesday rearrested pro-independence activist Tony Chung, who faces criminal charges for his views under China's draconian national security law, outside the U.S. Consulate as he tried to seek political asylum, fellow activists said.
• In Hong Kong, Teen Pro-Democracy Activist Awaits Word of His Fate VOA 27 Oct 2020 -- At only 19 years old, Tony Chung should be focusing on his college studies or choosing a career path. But in today's Hong Kong, like many other young pro-democracy activists who have been arrested, Chung's focus is elsewhere.
• US Senators Introduce Resolution to Designate China's Abuses in Xinjiang as 'Genocide' Radio Free Asia 27 Oct 2020 -- A group of U.S. senators have introduced a resolution to designate China's rights abuses against Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) as genocide.
• China launches new remote-sensing satellites People's Daily 27 Oct 2020 -- China successfully sent a group of new remote-sensing satellites into orbit from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province on Monday.
• Chinese electronic warfare aircraft enters Taiwan's ADIZ CNA 27 Oct 2020 -- A Chinese military electronic warfare aircraft entered Taiwan's southwest air defense identification zone (ADIZ) on Tuesday, the 17th day such an incursion has occurred in October alone, according to the Ministry of National Defense (MND).
• Soldiers Injured as North Korea Deploys Landmines at Sino-Korean Border to Stop Escapees Radio Free Asia 27 Oct 2020 -- Dozens of North Korean soldiers were injured in two separate incidents while they were laying landmines near the Sino-Korean border to block citizens from fleeing to China to escape grim economic conditions made worse by coronavirus controls, sources in the country told RFA.
• Iran Sentences Protesters to Long Prison Terms, Thousands of Lashes VOA 27 Oct 2020 -- Iran has imposed harsh sentences on 36 residents of a southwestern city who joined the nation's last major wave of anti-government protests in November 2019, according to a knowledgeable source who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation.
• No one wins in war: Iran FM Zarif ISNA 27 Oct 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, in a virtual speech at the 75th Session of the UN General Assembly, stressed that it's time to change tack—saving American blood and treasure and sparing the world from further misery.
• Iran Says it Would Welcome US Return to Nuclear Deal Whoever Wins the Upcoming Presidential Election Sputnik 27 Oct 2020 -- In 2015, Iran agreed a long-term deal on its nuclear programme with a group of world powers known as the P5+1 - the US, UK, France, China, Russia and Germany. Under the accord, Iran agreed to limit its sensitive nuclear activities and allow in international inspectors in return for the lifting of crippling economic sanctions.
• Future US president must first compensate Iran for damage before rejoining nuclear deal: Govt. spokesman Press TV 27 Oct 2020 -- Tehran says the future American president will first have to compensate Iran for the damage the US has done to the nation with its unilateral departure from the 2015 nuclear deal if he wants to rejoin the multilateral accord.
• U.S. Imposes Sanctions On Iranian Entities Active In Oil Sector Radio Farda 27 Oct 2020 -- The United States on October 26 imposed fresh sanctions targeting key Iranian companies, entities, and individuals active in the country's oil sector.
• U.S. imposes fresh sanctions on Iran's oil sector People's Daily 27 Oct 2020 -- The United States on Monday imposed fresh sanctions against individuals and entities of Iran's oil sector, doubling down its maximum pressure campaign against Tehran.
• November Protests Led Iran To The Verge Of Revolution, Former MP Reveals Radio Farda 27 Oct 2020 -- The former Deputy Speaker of the Iranian Majlis parliament, Mohammad Reza Bahonar, says that Iranian government officials failing to "round up" protesters in November 2019 could have led the country toward unbridled chaos or a "velvet revolution."
• Iranian Activists Condemn Tehran-Beijing Agreement Radio Farda 27 Oct 2020 -- In an open letter to world leaders and the United Nations Secretary-General, 74 Iranian political and civil activists wrote that the agreement between Iran and China "is a threat to world peace and stability."
• High Stakes In Belarus: Will Tsikhanouskaya's National Strike Gamble Pay Off ? RFE/RL 27 Oct 2020 -- Belarusians are taking their demands for Alyaksandr Lukashenka to step down from the streets to the workplace and the classroom.
• Calls For End To Violence Against Protesters In Belarus Grow At UN As Nationwide Strike Begins RFE/RL 27 Oct 2020 -- The UN human rights investigator for Belarus has demanded that the government "stop repressing its own people," referring to thousands detained during protests against Alyaksandr Lukashenka.
• Belarus Starts Facing Terrorism Threats, Lukashenko Says Sputnik 27 Oct 2020 -- Belarus starts facing terrorism threats, President Alexander Lukashenko said on Tuesday amId opposition forces' attempts to instigate a nationwide strike.
• Myanmar Steps Up COVID-19 Measures to Ensure Voter Safety in Nov. 8 Elections Radio Free Asia 27 Oct 2020 -- Myanmar is pulling out all the stops to hold national elections next month in the face of surging coronavirus infections, with leader Aung San Suu Kyi saying the country is receiving daily imports of protective gear from China and election authorities adding polling stations to ease crowds in populous areas.
• 'Serious concerns' over rights situation in Myanmar ahead of next month's elections UN News 27 Oct 2020 -- The UN human rights office (OHCHR) voiced "serious concerns" on Tuesday over the situation in Myanmar – including rights violations and proliferation of hateful speech against minority communities – as the country prepares for general elections next month.
• France Urges Caution For Citizens As Outrage Grows In Muslim World Over Cartoons RFE/RL Gandhara 27 Oct 2020 -- France has warned its citizens living or traveling in several Muslim-majority countries to be extra cautious amid a wave of fury over cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad.
• Bolivia court drops 'terrorism' charges against Morales, annuls arrest warrant Press TV 27 Oct 2020 -- A court in Bolivia has dropped the "terrorism" charges that had been filed against former president Evo Morales and annulled an arrest warrant issued for him.
• Former Kyrgyz Security Council Chief Dismisses New Government's Anti-Corruption Efforts As A 'Theatrical Show' RFE/RL 27 Oct 2020 -- The former chief of Kyrgyzstan's Security Council, Keneshbek Duishobaev, has resigned in protest of anti-corruption efforts by the Central Asian nation's new government that he called little more than "a theatrical show."
• Jailed Former Kyrgyz President Atambaev On Hunger Strike To Protest Detention Conditions RFE/RL 27 Oct 2020 -- Jailed former Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambaev has started a hunger strike to protest his transfer to Bishkek's central detention center from the holding facility at the State Committee of the National Security (UKMK).
• Tanzania: UN chief calls for safe, peaceful voting process UN News 27 Oct 2020 -- The UN Secretary-General has called on everyone involve inTanzania's political process to ensure that Wednesday's general elections are held in a safe, inclusive and peaceful manner, amid reports of intimidation and harassment of political opponents, journalists and activists.
• Europe's Central Governments Struggle With Restive Regions VOA 27 Oct 2020 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson won last December's general election partly on the back of promises to unite post-Brexit Britain and to level the country up by reviving parts neglected by previous governments.
• UN Urges End to Violence, Intimidation in Run-Up to Ivory Coast Elections VOA 27 Oct 2020 -- The U.N. human rights office is urging the government of Ivory Coast to restrain its security forces and curb violent inter-communal clashes and political protests in the run-up to Saturday's presidential elections.
• New Seychelles President Calls for National Unity VOA 27 Oct 2020 -- The Seychelles' new president, Wavel Ramkalawan, is calling for national unity as he becomes the first opposition candidate in 43 years to lead the East African island nation.
• Embattled Malaysian PM Receives Support From Former Ruling Party VOA 27 Oct 2020 -- Embattled Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has received crucial support from a key ally in his attempt to keep his fragile governing coalition together.
• China Strikes Deal With Fellow Mekong River Countries for Year-Round Data VOA 27 Oct 2020 -- China last week agreed to share year-round data from the upper Mekong River with downstream countries, where its dams are being blamed for muting the natural rhythms of one of Asia's great waterways and adding to the pain of recent droughts.