Saturday, November 30, 2019

Russia's Nuke-Train System Is 30 Years Old Now

© Sputnik / Alexey Daniche

Sputnik: Nuke Express: Russian Railway-Based Missile That Was Headache for Western Countries Turns 30

Nuclear missiles based on the frame of a regular railway car were an ideological extension of ground-based mobile missile systems, making strategic weaponry more mobile, while also less detectable.

Thirty years ago Soviet Strategic Missile Troops added a new type of weapon to their arsenal, causing serious concern among western states in the last years of the Cold War. The weapon's appearance was deceptive; externally it looked just as any other civilian cargo train, but inside three of its rail cars were hidden RT-23 Molodets ("fine fellow"; NATO reporting name SS-24 Scalpel) strategic missiles, capable of delivering ten nuclear warheads each to distances of up to 10,000 kilometres.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: For more info go here .... Russia Wanted a Nuclear Missile Train (National Interest).

Russia Tests Hypersonic Missile In The Arctic

FILE PHOTO: A MiG-31 Foxhound fighter-interceptor with the Kinzhal high-precision hypersonic aero-ballistic missile. © Sputnik / Iliya Pitalev

RT: Cold steel: Russia’s Kinzhal hypersonic missile ‘completes its first ARCTIC test’

Russia’s new Kinzhal (‘Dagger’) air-launched hypersonic missile has been tested in freezing Arctic conditions. It successfully struck a land-based target in what was the maiden test of its kind, defense industry sources said.

The top-secret trials took place in mid-November at the Pemboi range in the north-western Komi Republic, one of the sources told TASS. The Russian region stretches beyond the Arctic Circle.

The missile was fired from a MiG-31K supersonic interceptor aircraft, which NATO calls ‘Foxhound.’ Kinzhal “reached the speed of Mach 10 (over 12,000kph),” another unnamed official told the agency.

Read more ....

Update: Russia tests hypersonic missile in Arctic - TASS cites sources (Reuters)

WNU Editor: Russia is also testing (and ready to deploy) this hyper-sonic missile system .... Russia’s Avangard hypersonic missile system to go on combat alert in December — top brass (TASS). More here .... Nuclear Nightmare? Russia’s Avangard Hypersonic Missile Is About to Go Operational(National Interest).

Is Mexican President López Obrador The Country's Strongst Presidnet In Decades?

Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador attends a news conference, at the National Palace in Mexico City, Mexico, May 21, 2019. REUTERS/Henry Romero

Mary Beth Sheridan, The Washington Post: Mexico has its strongest president in decades. Some say he's too strong.

SAN MIGUEL CANOA, Mexico - Elsewhere, Latin America is burning.

In other places - Chile, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador - presidents are besieged by demonstrators.

But when Mexico's leader rolled into this mountain town one recent Friday, the crowds were adoring. Peasants walked for miles to greet him. Angel Roldán Pérez, a 62-year-old farmer in a red baseball cap, had recently received a singular blessing: an agricultural grant of $84.

"It was the president," the farmer insisted. "He helped us. Before, they wouldn't give us the aid. There was a lot of corruption."

A year after taking office, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador looms larger than any Mexican president in decades - setting the nation's agenda with daily news conferences, reshaping the government with a drastic overhaul of the budget and introducing a raft of programs to help farmers, the elderly and students.

His approval ratings regularly top 60 percent, in a region where many leaders struggle to reach half that.

And yet, as the veteran leftist consolidates power, critics worry he is threatening some of Mexico's hard-won democratic gains. They say López Obrador is weakening institutions that safeguard human rights and clean elections and is exerting more control over funding to the states.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: If he is so strong, why can't he do something about the criminal insurgency by the drug cartels? Mexico is not a safe country for its citizens or visitors, and it has gotten even more dangerous in the past year. As for the economy, it has been stagnant for the entire year .... Mexico’s economy has not been this weak relative to the US since the ‘Tequila crisis’ in the 1990s (CNBC). In fact, it is now in a recession .... Mexico entered recession in early 2019, dealing blow to president (Reuters). But I have been told that Mexicans are giving him the benefit of the doubt for now, and they are applauding his social programs and personal austerity. Considering how much the political establishment has messed up Mexico in the past two decades, I can understand why many in Mexico are hoping the best from Mexican President López Obrador. In their minds he cannot do worse.

Tweets For Today











Picture Of The Day

This undated picture released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on 25 November 2019 shows DPRK leader Kim Jong Un (C) inspecting a women's company in Unit 5492 of the Korean People's Army. © AFP 2019 / KCNA / KNS

WNU Editor: The above picture came from this photo-gallery .... This Week in Pictures: 23-29 November (Sputnik).

Japanese & South Korean Jets Shadow Russian Bear Bombers In The Asia-Pacific (VIDEO)



RT: Narrow skies: Japanese & South Korean jets shadow Russian Bear bombers during patrol mission in Asia-Pacific (VIDEO)

The latest patrol mission of Tu-95MS strategic bombers in the Asia-Pacific lasted for more than ten hours – it’s a long time, but the Japanese and South Korean air forces made sure the Russian pilots didn’t get bored.

Russia’s Defense Ministry released footage, which showed the two bombers taking off from an airfield in Russia as well as encounters they had in the air with foreign jets.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: The Japanese and South Korean jets are armed.

Friday, November 29, 2019

Putin's 2020 Calendar Goes On Sale In Russia



CNN: The Putin 2020 calendars appear to portray a kinder, gentler Kremlin leader

Moscow (CNN)In Russia, the release of calendars featuring photos of Russian President Vladimir Putin has become an annual ritual.

In past years, it's been an occasion to showcase the Kremlin leader's carefully managed image as a macho man of action. The calendars often feature the Russian President baring his chest, showing his prowess at the shooting range, or engaged in robust outdoor activities.

This year's versions, however, take a markedly different tone. One focuses largely on images of Putin as an international statesman. No topless photos; the President is instead shown wearing a suit and tie.

Read more ....

Update: Shirtless Putin is gone. For 2020 calendar, he's the star of the world stage (National Post/Washington Post)

WNU Editor: What amazes me is that Russians are actually buying this calendar.

London Bridge Killer Has Been Identified As A Convicted Terrorist Convicted For Plotting To Bomb The London Stock Exchange In 2012



Daily Mail: London Bridge killer, 28, was jailed for eight years in 2012 for plotting to BOMB the London Stock Exchange and build an Islamic terror training camp - but was RELEASED last year and had an ankle tag on when he stabbed two people to death yesterday

* The Met Police have named the London Bridge terrorist as Usman Khan, 28
* The knife-wielding terrorist had been released from prison in December 2018
* He was jailed for a minimum of eight years having been convicted of terrorism
* Police have raided an address in Staffordshire linked to the slain terrorist

Scotland Yard has named the terrorist responsible for yesterday's attack on London Bridge as 28-year-old Usman Khan.

Anti-terror police have raided a house in Staffordshire area which was linked to Khan.

Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu confirmed that a man and a woman had been killed in the attack.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: This murderer is a real piece of work.

More News On The London Bridge Killer Being Identified As A Convicted Terrorist Who Plotted To Bomb The London Stock Exchange In 2012

Usman Khan profile: terrorist who wanted to bomb London Stock Exchange -- The Guardian
London attacker named, was previously convicted of terrorism offenses -- Reuters
This is what we know about London Bridge stabbing suspect Usman Khan -- CNN
London Bridge killer Usman Khan was convicted terrorist who was recently freed from jail -- SKY News
Rehabilitation gone wrong? London police confirm attacker’s ID, terrorism conviction & early release -- RT
Usman Khan: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know -- Heavy

The Nazi Sub Sunk When The Captain Took A Dump

Image of the U-1206 via Buchandivers.com

J.D. Simkins, Military Times: This Nazi sub was sunk when its captain took a dump

One of the most spectacular, albeit minor, Allied victories of World War II had absolutely no Allied involvement whatsoever.

It came in the form of the Nazi submarine U-1206. The Type VIIC boat was a technological marvel armed with two anti-aircraft guns, five torpedo tubes, and most impressively, a complex toilet that could flush waste into the ocean from deep below the surface.

So complex was the sub’s plumbing apparatus that each crewman of the U-1206 needed to be specially potty trained on its operational capabilities prior to its April 1945 launch from Kristiansand, Norway — a matter of weeks before the war in Europe ended.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: This is priceless.

Tonight's Movie Is 'The Silent Enemy Gibraltar'



From Wikipedia: The Silent Enemy is a 1958 British action film directed by William Fairchild. It stars Laurence Harvey as Lionel "Buster" Crabb and describes his exploits during World War II. Based on Marshall Pugh's book Commander Crabb, it was made following the publicity created by Crabb's mysterious disappearance and likely death during a Cold War incident a year earlier.

The film depicts events in Gibraltar harbour during the World War II Italian frogman and manned torpedo attacks, although the film's depiction of those events is highly fictionalised.

Read more ....

Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- November 29, 2019

A protester holds an Iraqi flag amid a cloud of smoke from burning tires during ongoing anti-government protests in Najaf, Iraq November 26, 2019. REUTERS/Alaa al-Marjani/File Photo

John Davison and Ahmed Aboulenein, Reuters: Threats, arrests, targeted killings silence Iraqi dissidents

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - After armed men raided the home of Hussein Adel al-Madani and his wife Sara Talib last year, the Iraqi activists spent months of self-imposed exile in Turkey, changed address upon returning home and ceased participating in protests, according to two friends of the couple.

But a day after anti-government demonstrations erupted in Baghdad in October, unidentified gunmen believed by activists to be working on behalf of Iran-backed militia shot the couple dead in their home in the southern city of Basra, said the friends and two security sources familiar with the incident. Sara was several months pregnant.

Read more ....

Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- November 29, 2019

Why the resignation of Iraq's prime minister will not automatically stop the mass uprising on the horizon -- Patrick Cockburn, The Independent

Eyewitnesses on the Unrest in Iran -- Susanne Koelbl, Der Spiegel

No phones, scripted tweets: How Trump's Afghanistan trip was kept under wraps -- Humeyra Pamuk, Reuters

The folly of trying to curb China’s rise -- Ken Moak, Asia Times

China’s latest tactic: Call America racist -- Jake Novak, CNBC

ISIL is not dead, it just moved to Africa -- Rashid Abdallah, Al Jazeera

Complacency a concern as AIDS treatment improves in Africa -- Rodney Muhumuza, AP

France Is Back But Where Is Germany? -- Mujtaba Rahman, Politico EU

Is Venezuela really a threat to Latin America and the Caribbean? -- Carlos Eduardo Pina, Al Jazeera

World News Briefs -- November 2019 (Evening Edition)

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi speaks during a symbolic funeral ceremony of Major General Ali al-Lami, who commands the Iraqi Federal Police's Fourth Division, who was killed in Salahuddin, in Baghdad, Iraq October 23, 2019. REUTERS/Khalid al-Mousily /File Photo

Reuters: Iraq PM says he will quit after cleric's call but violence rages on

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi announced his resignation on Friday after the country’s senior Shi’ite Muslim cleric urged lawmakers to reconsider their support for a government rocked by weeks of deadly anti-establishment unrest.

Violence raged on in southern Iraq, however, killing at least 21 people, and one protester was killed in central Baghdad as demonstrations continued including a thousands-strong sit-in at Tahrir Square in the Iraqi capital.

Young, unemployed and unarmed protesters have led calls for an overhaul of a political system they say is endemically corrupt and serves foreign powers, especially Baghdad’s ally Tehran.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Iraqi forces kill multiple rioters, pushing death toll to almost 370 since protests began.

Iraq's prime minister to step down amid protests.

PM resignation is 'only first step', say Iraqi protesters.

Iraqis shatter taboos in rage at Iran, but bloodshed may follow.

Yemen's Houthi rebels say they shot down Saudi Apache helicopter.

Iran continues dismantling JCPOA nuclear restrictions.

Palestinian teen shot dead by Israel in southern Gaza Strip.

France summons Turkish envoy over Erdogan jab at Macron.

Lebanese block roads as petrol stations strike.

ASIA

US says cryptocurrency expert violated NKorea sanctions.

Taliban ready to restart peace talks after Trump visit, official says.

Hong Kong police end unversity siege. Hong Kong set for fresh weekend protests as police end university siege.

Japan, South Korea to hold high-level trade talks.

UK, NZ send medics to Samoa as measles outbreak kills 42.

Papua New Guinea budget reveals Canberra is spending $440m to keep China at bay.

India economic slowdown to exacerbate hunger crisis.

K-pop stars Jung Joon-young and Choi Jong-hoon sentenced to prison for rape.

AFRICA

Namibia president takes lead in partial election results.

DR Congo buries 27 massacre victims as anger mounts.

Guinea temporarily frees jailed opposition leaders.

Sudan's rulers repeal Omar al-Bashir-era law regulating women's behaviour and dissolve former ruling party. Sudan crisis: Women praise end of strict public order law.

'Frustratingly slow' vote count in Namibia after extended polling.

South Africa's Zuma loses bid to appeal against corruption trial.

Leading cartoonist detained in Algeria.

Eight detained in Gabon anti-corruption crackdown.

East Africa struggles with heavy rains as thousands displaced.

Polio outbreaks in Africa caused by mutation of strain in vaccine.

EUROPE

Trump to meet Macron, Merkel at NATO summit.

Dutch police: 3 people wounded in Hague stabbing.

2 killed in London stabbings; police fatally shoot suspect.

Boris Johnson and Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage replaced with blocks of melting ice at climate debate.

General election 2019: Boris Johnson warns Donald Trump against election endorsement.

Paris and Berlin at odds, but talk of rupture overblown.

German parliament passes record budget.

Malta PM says no immunity granted for suspect in journalist killing.

Macron-Stoltenberg meeting: French president defends 'wake-up call' for NATO.

NATO moves towards spending goal sought by Trump, Spain lags.

Albania PM's future daughter-in-law is among dozens of people killed in earthquake, as politician's son reveals 'the closest person to me was found under the rubble'.

AMERICAS

Suriname President Bouterse convicted of murder for 1982 executions.

Dems ask Trump if he wants lawyers at impeachment hearings.

Trump returns to Florida after whirlwind Afghanistan trip.

'Black Friday' becoming a shadow of its former self in US.

Exclusive: U.S. weighs new regulations to further restrict Huawei suppliers - sources.

US vows to 'reinforce' sanctions, accuses Venezuela and Cuba of stirring regional 'strife'.

'No invasion since 1914' - Mexico bristles at U.S. terror designation plan.

Chile announces $20 billion injection to stop economic crash.

Union calls another Colombia strike as protest turnout falls.

Chinese ambassador visits Huawei exec under house arrest in Canada.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

London Bridge attacker already convicted of an Islamist terrorism-related offense: report.

Police confirm two deaths, three injuries in London stabbing incident.

British police shoot dead knife man at London Bridge, declare terrorism incident.

French army denies IS claim for deadly Mali crash that killed 13 soldiers.

My life as a female ISIS law enforcer: Jihadi bride reveals how women had nails pulled out with pliers for wearing nail polish while pregnant 'sinners' were tortured until they miscarried in horrifying account.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

US stocks close out half-day session with broad losses.

Daimler to cut thousands of jobs worldwide by 2022.

Aramco says IPO oversubscribed for individual investors.

Dyson to move global HQ to historic Singapore building.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel Stumbles Onto A Stage At A Business Event



Daily Mail: Angela Merkel, 65, falls to the floor as she trips over on stage, then jokes 'next time I'll use the stairs' - months after she was forced to abandon standing for national anthems

* Merkel fell over as she took to the podium at a business event in Berlin last night
* The 65-year-old said she had failed to notice the staircase leading to the stage
* Last summer she suffered a series of episodes of uncontrollable public shaking

German chancellor Angela Merkel tripped over as she made her way to a stage last night - joking that she would 'take the stairs next time' after she recovered her balance.

Merkel, who was forced to sit down during national anthems after a series of health scares over the summer, fell over as she took to the podium at a business event in Berlin on Wednesday evening.

The 65-year-old said she had failed to notice the staircase leading up to the stage and lost her balance as she tried to climb up.

'I didn't see the stairs, I'll take them next time,' she joked once she was upright again.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: She no longer stands during national anthems, and now this. She does have a physical problem that no one wants to elaborate upon.

More News On German Chancellor Angela Merkel Stumbling Onto A Stage At A Business Event

Angela Merkel stumbles onto stage at business event -- DW
Angela Merkel laughs off stumble on stage -- SBS
Angela Merkel stumbles: German leader falls from stage in front of shocked audience -- Express
Angela Merkel Falls on Her Way to Stage at Business Event - Video -- Sputnik

Does Russia's Spy Agencies Use Bitcoins To Finance Their Operations?

RFE: How Much Did Russian Spy Agencies Rely On Bitcoin? New Hints In Leaked Recordings

When it was seized by U.S. law enforcement in 2017, BTC-e was described as "one of the world's largest and most widely used digital-currency exchanges." It was also one of the most notorious.

Billions of bitcoin and other digital currencies had been swapped since BTC-e's creation six years prior. But that was before one of its alleged founders, Aleksandr Vinnik, was arrested on a Greek beach in 2017 on a U.S. arrest warrant. The following year, Special Counsel Robert Mueller revealed precise evidence in alleging how Russia's military intelligence agency used bitcoin transactions to mask meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential elections.

Earlier this month, new glimpses into the shadowy world of cryptocurrencies emerged in a BBC Russian Service report that provided more indications of how exactly Russian spy agencies were intertwined with bitcoin exchanges like BTC-e.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: There are a lot of claims and allegations in the above report, but there is also an admission that there is scant incriminating evidence to draw any conclusions ....

.... For now, there's scant incriminating evidence -- at least publicly -- that would directly expose how the money flows, something that would be of burning interest to U.S. intelligence agencies who have already concluded that the 2016 election interference campaign was authorized by President Vladimir Putin himself.

The above RFE report is still an interesting read, especially for those who are interested in Bitcoins.

Denmark Has Put Greenland On The Top Of Its National Security Agenda

BBC: Danes see Greenland security risk amid Arctic tensions

Denmark has for the first time put mineral-rich Greenland top of its national security agenda, ahead of terrorism and cybercrime.

The Defence Intelligence Service (FE) linked its change in priorities to US interest in Greenland, expressed in President Donald Trump's desire to buy the vast Arctic territory.

Greenland is part of Denmark, but has significant autonomy, including freedom to sign major business deals.

China has mining deals with Greenland.

The FE's head Lars Findsen said Greenland was now a top security issue for Denmark because a "power game is unfolding" between the US and other global powers in the Arctic.

In August the Danish government dismissed as "absurd" President Trump's suggestion of a US-Denmark land deal over Greenland.

Mr Trump then cancelled a state visit to Denmark and called Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen "nasty".

Read more ....

WNU Editor: China's actions in the Arctic are raising alarm bells in Denmark .... China mixing military and science in Arctic push: Denmark (Reuters).

Yemen's Houthi Rebels Are Claiming They Have Shot Down A Saudi Apache Helicopter

Al Jazeera: Yemen's Houthi rebels say they shot down Saudi Apache helicopter

Rebel spokesman says Houthis used surface-to-air missile to down Saudi helicopter near border, killing its 2 pilots.

Yemen's Houthi rebels have claimed the shooting down of a Saudi Apache helicopter near the border with its northern neighbour, killing two pilots a day after more than 100 Houthi prisoners were released by the Saudi-led coalition.

Yahya Sarea, a Houthi spokesman, said on Twitter that "a Saudi Apache helicopter was shot down by a surface-to-air missile ... and its two pilots were killed as it was completely burned."

Read more ....

Update: Yemen's Houthis say they shot down Saudi helicopter, pilots killed: spokesman (Reuters).

WNU Editor: It is not the first time that a Saudi Apache helicopter has been shot down over Yemen .... Saudi Apache Helicopter Shot Down Over Yemen, Pilots Killed (August 22, 2015 Defence World).

Inside An Afghan Prison That Holds 2,000 Taliban Fighters

A guard assigned to the Afghan National Detention Facility (Pul-e-Charkhi prison)(Wikipedia)

BBC: Inside Block Six

The prison wing that holds 2,000 Taliban

Pul-e-Charkhi prison, on the outskirts of Afghanistan's capital Kabul, is surrounded by colossal grey stone walls topped with barbed wire, and guarded by numerous watch towers and huge steel gates. Of the 10,000 inmates, about one fifth are Taliban - Afghanistan's hardline Islamist insurgent group.

Taliban inmate Mawlawi Fazel Bari says he wasn't born a fighter, but after five years in prison, he says he’s never felt more ready to die.

“I have become so frustrated. I never thought I would carry out a suicide motor-bomb, but now, by god I swear I will.”

For the time being, Bari will remain incarcerated at the top-security jail. But the prison is one of a number across the country that has been releasing Taliban prisoners in unprecedented numbers, as part of a goodwill gesture by a government locked out of peace talks.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: The part of this entire story that caught my eye was from a former Taliban fighter who was released ....

.... Qari Sayed Muhammed, 32, lives in Balkh province, northern Afghanistan - deep in Taliban territory. He spent six years in Pul-e-Charkhi prison.

As the only remaining male in his family - his father and two brothers were killed while he was in jail - he says for now he must stay at home to run the family farm.

He believes that of those prisoners recently freed, he is one of only a handful who are still alive.

I believe 95% of those recently released have rejoined the Taliban and a lot of them have already died,” he says.


Let this sink in .... 95% of those recently released are dead. That is a very telling number.

Taliban Say They Are Ready To Resume Peace Talks



ABC News Online: Taliban says it is ready to resume peace talks, a day after Trump visits Afghanistan

The Taliban has said they are ready to restart peace talks with the United States, a day after President Donald Trump made a surprise visit to US troops in Afghanistan and said he believed the radical group would agree to a ceasefire.

Mr Trump's Thanksgiving Day visit was his first to Afghanistan since becoming President and came a week after a prisoner swap between Washington and Kabul that has raised hopes for a long-elusive peace deal to end the 18-year-long war.

"The Taliban wants to make a deal and we are meeting with them," Mr Trump told reporters after arriving in Afghanistan on Thursday.

Taliban leaders have told Reuters that the group has been holding meetings with senior US officials in Doha since last weekend, adding they could soon resume formal peace talks.

On Friday, Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the hardline Islamist insurgent group, said they were "ready to restart the talks" that collapsed after Mr Trump had called them off earlier this year.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: The Taliban are saying such talks are premature .... Taliban warns it is 'way too early' to speak of resuming talks with the US after President Trump said America was meeting with the militants (Daily Mail). More here .... 'Way Too Early' To Speak Of Resuming Talks With US: Taliban (NDTV/AFP). It looks like not everyone in The Taliban are onboard to enter into peace talks.

More News On The Taliban Saying That They Are Ready To Resume Peace Talks

After Trump's Afghan visit, Taliban say they are ready to resume peace talks -- Reuters
Taliban confirm informal talks with the US -- Al Jazeera
Taliban ‘Ready to Restart’ Peace Talks After Trump’s Afghanistan Visit -- Epoch Times
US-Taliban talks: Informal negotiations resume -- Al Jazeera

Iraqi Prime Minister To Resign After Two Months Of Deadly Anti-Government Protests



DW: Iraq prime minister Adel Abdul Mahdi says he will resign

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said Friday he would submit his resignation to parliament just hours after the country's top Shiite cleric put pressure on the government.

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said Friday he would submit his resignation to parliament as the government faces nearly two months of deadly protests against the political elite.

The announcement broadcast on state television came as Iraq's top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, said in his Friday sermon that parliament, which put Abdul Mahdi in power, should "reconsider its options.''

"In response to this call, and in order to facilitate it as quickly as possible, I will present to parliament a demand (to accept) my resignation from the leadership of the current government," said the statement, signed by Abdul Mahdi.

Read more ....

More News On The Unrest In Iraq

Iraq’s PM announces he’ll resign amid worsening crisis -- AP
Iraq PM says he will quit after cleric's call but violence rages on -- Reuters
Iraq unrest: PM Abdul Mahdi to resign after bloodiest day in protests -- BBC
Iraqi PM to resign after deadly anti-government protests -- Al Jazeera
Iraq's prime minister to step down amid protests -- The Hill
Iraqi protesters celebrate as Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi announces his resignation after hundreds are killed following weeks of bloody demonstrations -- Daily Mail
Celebration as Iraqi PM announces resignation after weeks of deadly protests -- ABC News Online
PM resignation is 'only first step', say Iraqi protesters -- Al Jazeera

London Bridge Terror Attack -- News Updates November 29, 2019





Daily Mail: London Bridge terrorist's fake suicide vest revealed: Hero police shoot dead knifeman wearing dummy explosives as passers-by wrestle him to ground after he stabs five people at scene of 2017 attack

 * WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT
 * Video filmed on London Bridge shows at least four people struggling with a man on the ground
 * Armed police officers then drag the man away and fire a shot before officers back away from him
 * Frightened bystanders look on and begin screaming and running for their lives as shots are fired
 * It comes two and a half years after 2017 terrorist attack on London Bridge which saw eight killed

Armed police shot dead a knifeman wearing a fake suicide vest on London Bridge today after he stabbed up to five people in a shocking terrorist attack as frightened crowds fled the scene.

Up to five people were stabbed before the knife maniac ran onto London Bridge shortly before 2pm, where dramatic video showed he was tackled to the ground by at least six heroic members of the public.

Seconds later police told people on top of the suspect to move away, before dragging the last bystander to safety and opening fire. Officers were heard shouting 'stop moving' twice before shooting the man at close range.

One of the brave heroes was on the other side of the bridge, before tackling the man and wrestling the knife off him. The suspect lay on the ground still moving as officers backed away - clearly fearing they were still in danger.

Read more ....

London Bridge Terror Attack -- News Updates November 29, 2019

Latest updates after London Bridge stabbing attack: Live -- BBC
London Bridge attack: suspect in terrorist incident shot dead by police – live news -- The Guardian
London police shoot suspect dead after ‘terrorist’ stabbings -- AP
British police shoot dead knife man at London Bridge, declare terrorism incident -- Reuters
UK police hold man after several hurt in stabbing near London Bridge -- France 24
London Bridge: Man shot dead by police after several stabbed -- BBC
London stabbing attack: Suspect shot dead, several injured -- DW
London Bridge: Man shot dead by police after several people stabbed -- ABC News Online
London police: Several people stabbed in attack, suspect killed -- Al Jazeera
Man shot in London was wearing hoax bomb device: police -- Reuters
London Bridge stabbing: Police fire shots at attacker, multiple people injured (WATCH LIVE) -- RT
WATCH moment London Bridge stabbing suspect shot by police -- RT
'We just ran like hell': City workers and tourists tell of stampede as terror returns to a crowded London Bridge for the second time in two years -- Daily Mail
The heroes of London Bridge: Brave bystander wrestles blade off knife maniac after six stop him in his tracks and bundle him to the ground -- Daily Mail
London mayor praises 'breath-taking heroism' of public during knife rampage -- Reuters
What we know about incident at London Bridge -- Reuters
Factbox: Deadly attacks in Britain in recent years -- Reuters

World News Briefs -- November 2019



The Guardian: London Bridge terror incident: suspect shot dead by police after five injured

Officers say circumstances are unclear but incident being treated as if terrorism-related

Police have shot a suspect after five people were injured in a stabbing incident near London Bridge.

The Metropolitan police said the circumstances were unclear but that the incident was being treated “as though it is terror-related”.

Police said they were called to a stabbing at premises near the bridge shortly before 2pm on Friday.

Graphic footage posted on social media showed armed officers apparently pulling civilians off a person lying on the ground on the bridge before firing at him from close range.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Iraqi forces kill multiple rioters, pushing death toll to almost 370 since protests began.

Iraq's prime minister to step down amid protests.

PM resignation is 'only first step', say Iraqi protesters.

Iraqis shatter taboos in rage at Iran, but bloodshed may follow.

Yemen's Houthi rebels say they shot down Saudi Apache helicopter.

Iran continues dismantling JCPOA nuclear restrictions.

Palestinian teen shot dead by Israel in southern Gaza Strip.

ASIA

Taliban ready to restart peace talks after Trump visit, official says.

Hong Kong police end unversity siege. Hong Kong set for fresh weekend protests as police end university siege.

Japan, South Korea to hold high-level trade talks.

UK, NZ send medics to Samoa as measles outbreak kills 42.

Papua New Guinea budget reveals Canberra is spending $440m to keep China at bay.

India economic slowdown to exacerbate hunger crisis.

K-pop stars Jung Joon-young and Choi Jong-hoon sentenced to prison for rape.

AFRICA

Guinea temporarily frees jailed opposition leaders.

Sudan's rulers repeal Omar al-Bashir-era law regulating women's behaviour and dissolve former ruling party. Sudan crisis: Women praise end of strict public order law.

'Frustratingly slow' vote count in Namibia after extended polling.

South Africa's Zuma loses bid to appeal against corruption trial.

Leading cartoonist detained in Algeria.

Eight detained in Gabon anti-corruption crackdown.

East Africa struggles with heavy rains as thousands displaced.

Polio outbreaks in Africa caused by mutation of strain in vaccine.

EUROPE

Boris Johnson and Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage replaced with blocks of melting ice at climate debate.

General election 2019: Boris Johnson warns Donald Trump against election endorsement.

Paris and Berlin at odds, but talk of rupture overblown.

German parliament passes record budget.

Malta PM says no immunity granted for suspect in journalist killing.

Macron-Stoltenberg meeting: French president defends 'wake-up call' for NATO.

NATO moves towards spending goal sought by Trump, Spain lags.

Albania PM's future daughter-in-law is among dozens of people killed in earthquake, as politician's son reveals 'the closest person to me was found under the rubble'.

AMERICAS

Trump returns to Florida after whirlwind Afghanistan trip.

'Black Friday' becoming a shadow of its former self in US.

Exclusive: U.S. weighs new regulations to further restrict Huawei suppliers - sources.

US vows to 'reinforce' sanctions, accuses Venezuela and Cuba of stirring regional 'strife'.

'No invasion since 1914' - Mexico bristles at U.S. terror designation plan.

Chile announces $20 billion injection to stop economic crash.

Union calls another Colombia strike as protest turnout falls.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

British police shoot dead knife man at London Bridge, declare terrorism incident.

French army denies IS claim for deadly Mali crash that killed 13 soldiers.

My life as a female ISIS law enforcer: Jihadi bride reveals how women had nails pulled out with pliers for wearing nail polish while pregnant 'sinners' were tortured until they miscarried in horrifying account.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Daimler to cut thousands of jobs worldwide by 2022.

Aramco says IPO oversubscribed for individual investors.

Dyson to move global HQ to historic Singapore building.

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- November 29, 2019



RT: WATCH Russian strategic nuclear forces test-launch Topol ICBM

The Russian military has test-fired a nuclear-capable RS-12M Topol, capturing a chilling view of an intercontinental ballistic missile ascending into the night sky in a captivating video.

The test launch was performed from the Kapustin Yar military range in Russia’s southern Astrakhan Region, the Defense Ministry said, revealing little detail besides that the test warhead “successfully hit its designated target” some 2,100km away at the Sary-Shagan range in Kazakhstan.

Read more ....

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- November 29, 2019

Russian Defence Ministry Successfully Test Fires Topol ICBM -- Sputnik

Over 150 Yars ICBM launchers operational in Russia’s Strategic Missile Force -- TASS

Russian official says it is impossible to intercept Yars missile with existing systems -- TASS

Moscow May Stop Using Nukes as Deterrent Force, Commander of Russian Strategic Missile Forces Says -- Sputnik

Russia isn’t imminent threat but NATO must react to its rising potential — Stoltenberg -- TASS

NATO Seeks to Head Off Budget Row Saying Spending is Rising -- VOA/AP

French helicopters involved in Mali crash were not under IS fire, military says -- France 24

Showcasing the B-52’s Range, Ability -- Air Force Magazine

Navy struggles with stopping dirt from clogging Osprey engines, report warns -- Military Times

Pentagon Eyeing More Advanced Virtual, Augmented Reality Headwear -- National Defense

New Exoskeleton Tech Center Partnering with Army -- National Defense

Army develops hearing protection for military working dogs -- UPI

Navy's Plan to Build More SEAL Platoons Stalled Amid Discipline Problems -- Military.com

Acting Navy Secretary Thomas B. Modly visits Ford crew in first fleet visit -- UPI

Op-ed: Navy corruption and the Gallagher case -- Sean Gallagher, Navy Times

The Icebreaker Gap Doesn’t Mean America Is Losing in the Arctic -- P.C. Avey, War On The Rocks

An NSA contractor allegedly scammed the Pentagon out of $100,000 -- Quartz

Keep Your Friends Close and Your Enemies Closer? Not In Cyberspace. -- Lieutenant Commander Raymond Dennis, US Naval Institute

CIA Whistleblower Jeffrey Sterling’s Life as an “Unwanted Spy” -- The Intercept

India Cuts Purchase of P-8 Spy Planes From US in Half -- Sputnik

India Successfully Tests Supersonic BrahMos Cruise Missile in Arabian Sea -- Sputnik

China tests killer drones for street-to-street urban warfare, plans sales overseas -- SCMP

The Shape-Shifting Threat of Chinese Espionage -- The Economist

China Joins the Global Disinformation Order -- Philip N. Howard & Samantha Bradshaw, The Strategist

Seoul’s Temporary Adherence to Intelligence Pact Risks Emboldening China -- Mathew Ha, FDD

China mixing military and science in Arctic push: Denmark -- Reuters

Long-range drones to join Iran navy soon: Khanzadi -- MEHR News Agency

Iran Fits All Warships With New Vertical Launching System as Mideast Freeze Shows No Sign of Thaw -- Sputnik

Russia, China Expected to Equip Iran With Fighters and Tanks When Arms Embargo Lifts -- Military.com

Report: Iran likely to buy Russian and Chinese arms -- Al-Monitor

Remembering The Battle For Fallujah 15 Years Later



Andrea Scott, Marine Times: The second battle of Fallujah: 15 years later

The dust and grime were finally starting to settle as the sun set in Iraq.

Marine Cpl. Stephen Berge was in an ­abandoned factory in Fallujah when he felt the tides turning.

He didn’t know at the time that this second ­battle of Fallujah he currently was in, also known as Operation Phantom Fury, would become known as the bloodiest battle of the Iraq War.

But he did have a feeling in his gut he would be going home soon.

It was Thanksgiving Day. And Berge was sitting down to his first hot meal since the Marines had invaded the city on Nov. 7, 2004.

A tire on a broken-down tram loader had required someone to stay behind that day, and the heavy equipment operator was it.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: 15 years already?!?!?! Time travels fast. The above YouTube video is a documentary on the battle for Fallujah.

President Trump Arrived In Florida Early Friday Morning After His Whirlwind Trip To Afghanistan

Armed U.S. troops travel inside the presidential motorcade ahead of Air Force One, at the tarmac at Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan, November 28. REUTERS/Tom Brenner

The Hill: Trump back in Florida after whirlwind Afghanistan trip

President Trump arrived in Florida early Friday morning following his surprise trip to Afghanistan to see U.S. troops on Thanksgiving, his second visit to a combat zone as president and his first to Afghanistan.

Trump's plane touched down at Palm Beach International Airport shortly before 7 a.m. on Friday. Trump sported a red "Keep America Great" hat and open-collar dress shirt when departing the presidential aircraft, before taking a short drive to his Mar-a-Lago resort.

The president had quietly left the estate on Wednesday night, boarding a military plane at an undisclosed airport and heading to Joint Base Andrews outside Washington, D.C., where he transferred to a second Air Force One 747 that flew to Bagram Airfield north of Kabul.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Below are some reports on how President Trump was able to do this trip in secret until his arrival in Afghanistan:

Inside Trump's sneak Thanksgiving trip to Afghanistan (CNN)
How Trump’s Thanksgiving Afghanistan trip was kept under wraps amid extreme security (FOX News)
Behind Trump’s secret war-zone trip: A Mar-a-Lago escape, a twin Air Force One and a Twitter plan (Reuters)

China Testing Killer Drones For Street-To-Street Urban Warfare

A Chinese tech firm is testing a drone designed to carry out both reconnaissance missions and close-range strikes against armoured vehicles or individuals in an urban environment. Photo: Weibo

SCMP: China tests killer drones for street-to-street urban warfare, plans sales overseas

* Tianyi quadcopter built by a subsidiary of a state aerospace corporation is designed to carry out ground-level reconnaissance and precision strikes in cities
* The unmanned aerial vehicles are still under development, but once ready could be available on the international market as a cheap and versatile option

A Chinese technology firm is testing a new attack drone specifically designed to help ground troops in street-level combat, in the hope that it can sell the unit abroad, reports say.

Engineers recently completed a successful air-to-ground test firing exercise for the mini quadcopter named Tianyi, Modern Weaponry reported.

The developer, Tianjin Zhongwei Aerospace Data System Technology, said the unmanned aerial vehicle had been designed to carry out both reconnaissance missions and close-range strikes against armoured vehicles or individuals in an urban environment.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: The Chinese are not the only ones who are investing big into military drones .... Israel's drone industry becomes global force (AFP).

Iran, Russia, China To Hold Joint Naval Drills In The Indian Ocean Soon (Update)

Iran, Russia and China are set to hold their first-ever joint military drills in a show of power to the West (pictured, an Iranian destroyer at sea in the Persian Gulf)

Daily Mail: Iran, China and Russia will 'send a message to the world' with first ever joint war drills

* Navies of Iran, China and Russia will hold joint war games in the Indian Ocean
* Admiral Hussein Khanzadi said the drills would take place 'in the near future'
* Iran is hoping for 'collective security' amid maritime tensions in the Middle East

Iran, Russia and China are set to hold their first-ever joint military drills in a show of power to the West.

Admiral Hussein Khanzadi revealed yesterday that the three navies would hold military exercises in the northern Indian Ocean in the 'near future'.

Design and planning for the drills took place last month and troops are already preparing for the exercise, he said.

The joint operation will 'send a message to the world', Khanzadi was quoted as saying by the semi-official Mehr news agency.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Still no public announcement from Russia or China on these naval drills.

More News On Reports That Iran, Russia, And China Will Be Holding Joint Naval Drills In The Indian Ocean

Iran announces joint drills with Russia and China, says it is ready for US threats -- The New Arab
Iran’s joint wargame with Russia, China delivers message to world -- MEHR News Agency
Iran says to hold military drills with Russia, China -- Anadolu Agency
Iran, Russia, China to hold joint naval drills in Indian Ocean soon -- Navy Recognition

That Is One Big Narco Sub Caught Off The Coast Of Europe


Warzone/The Drive: The First Narco Submarine Ever Seized Off A European Coast Is A Monster

This is the first time authorities in Europe have intercepted one of these vessels, which have been a staple in Latin American drug smuggling.

Spanish authorities have successfully recovered a so-called narco submarine that they seized in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean off the coast of the country's Galacia region this past weekend. This is the first time any country in Europe has seized one of these smuggling vessels and it's not entirely clear how it made the thousands-of-miles-long journey from Latin America.

Spain's Guardia Civil, National Police, and Customs Service captured the craft off Galacia on Nov. 24, 2019. The crew had attempted to scuttle it after failing to transfer the approximately three tons of cocaine onboard to another vessel due to poor weather. Those same conditions prevented Spanish security forces from refloating the drug sub until late the next day. They then towed it to port and it has now been pulled out of the water for further inspection.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: No word yet on where did it come from, and did it do the journey across the Atlantic (in primarily bad weather) by itself.

French President Macron: NATO's Enemy Is Terrorism, Not Russia Or China



RFE: Macron Says Russia, China Not NATO Allies' Common Enemies -- Terrorism Is

French President Emmanuel Macron has said that he stands by comments he made three weeks ago when he described NATO as "brain-dead," and he defended his push for dialogue with Russia.

In a November 7 interview with the Economist magazine, Macron deplored a lack of strategic cooperation among NATO members, and pointed to what he saw as a waning commitment to the Western military alliance by the United States.

The assessment drew sharp criticism from allies, with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg warning against undermining the transatlantic alliance.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: French President Macron is partially correct. When it comes to NATO Russia in some cases is a diplomatic competitor, it is an economic partner in many others, and it is not the enemy militarily even though I know many will disagree with that assessment. China is more complicated. They are not a diplomatic threat, but economically they are a competitor, and their military doctrine is to be very aggressive in Asia. Is it NATO's business to be involved in Asia? I think now. French President Macron is 100% right that NATO members should be pushing harder to have a dialogue with Russia.