One Million March For Algerian President Bouteflika's Removal

Reuters: Hundreds of thousands march against Algeria's Bouteflika

ALGIERS (Reuters) - Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of Algiers on Friday to demand the resignation of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, in the biggest demonstration since unrest erupted six weeks ago.

In at least one location, a Reuters correspondent saw police opening fire with tear gas and rubber bullets, and chasing and beating demonstrators, after youths hurled stones at them.

The turnout came days after the military called for the aging leader’s removal to end a growing political crisis. State television showed protests in several other cities.

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More News On Growing Protests In Algeria

Algerians march against president, political system -- AP
Algeria: Hundreds of thousands march for President Bouteflika's removal -- BBC
Huge rallies as Algerians seek departure of Bouteflika, old guard -- Al Jazeera
Hundreds of thousands march against Algeria's Bouteflika -- Reuters
Mass protests in Algeria as Bouteflika clings to power -- DW
A million protesters call for Algerian president to step down -- FOX News
Algeria: The final days? Military signals end of Bouteflika era -- France 24

White House Warns Russia That Sending Military Personnel To Venezuela Threatens International Peace

Reuters: White House warns Russia over troops in Venezuela, threatens sanctions

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House on Friday warned Russia and other countries backing President Nicolas Maduro against sending troops and military equipment to Venezuela, saying the United States would view such actions as a “direct threat” to the region’s security.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has been given a list of options to respond to Russia’s growing presence in Venezuela in support of Maduro, including new sanctions, said Elliott Abrams, the U.S. special representative for Venezuela.

“We have options and it would be a mistake for the Russians to think they have a free hand here. They don’t,” Abrams told reporters at the State Department.

U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this week said “Russia has to get out” of Venezuela and said “all options” were open to force Russia to do so after two Russian air force planes carrying nearly 100 military personnel landed outside Caracas.

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More News On The White House Warning Russia That Sending Military Personnel To Venezuela Threatens International Peace

White House tells Russia that sending troops and military equipment to Venezuela to prop up Maduro is a 'direct threat to international peace' after special forces land in Caracas -- Daily Mail
US condemns Russia troop deployment to troubled Venezuela -- AP
U.S. Raises Likelihood of Venezuela Intervention -- US News and World Report
White House warns Russia against sending troops to Venezuela -- The Hill
US warns Russia, others against sending troops to Venezuela -- Al Jazeera
US says Russians in Venezuela to fix missile system -- AFP

America Prepares For War In Space

(Click on Image to Enlarge)

Warrior Maven: How America is Revving Up Preparations for Massive Space War

Six Trends Guide America’s Future in Space

Staying ahead of space trends – from satellite manufacture to new launch options – is daunting. Six trends – at least – are at work. To what exact end they vector is unclear, but watching is important. These trends will affect American investment in space, national security, our modern standards of living, and our wider economy.

First, heavy satellites are getting heavier, as more capability is attached to each satellite. Capabilities are commercial to national security, communications to climate prediction, crisis response to territorial protection, real-time analysis to event anticipation.

Heavier satellites tend to raise launch costs and can be expensive to design and build, but may reduce ground-station costs. While heavy satellites represent only a narrow slice of the market, this trend reinforces continued (but very expensive) interest in heavy lift. Additionally, a renewed emphasis on man-rated heavy launch capability only ups this ante.

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WNU Editor:The U.S. has been preparing for a war in space for a long time .... The U.S. Is Gearing Up For Space War (April 21, 2017).

President Trump Talked About Using Nuclear Football On North Korea During Puerto Rico Visit In 2017

CNN: Sources to CNN: During Puerto Rico visit, Trump talked about using nuclear football on North Korea

He was there to survey the path of destruction left by Hurricane Maria. But when President Donald Trump visited Puerto Rico in October 2017, the island's dire predicament was hardly the only topic on his mind.

People familiar with the visit said the President was distracted by other matters -- including his then-devolving war of words with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un -- as he toured devastated neighborhoods and took an aerial tour of the damage.

At one point, Trump pointed to the "nuclear football" -- a briefcase always in the President's vicinity that can be used to authorize a nuclear attack -- and claimed he could use it on Kim whenever he felt.

"This is what I have for Kim," he said, according to three people familiar who witnessed the remark.

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WNU Editor:  This is CNN's interpretation. But the nuclear football is always near the President, and I am sure President Trump has commented on it numerous times in the past two years.

U.S. Report: Afghan Forces Could Desert Without U.S. Air Support, Cash And Troops

U.S. Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick M. Shanahan meets with Afghan commandos at Camp Commando, Afghanistan, Feb. 11, 2019. (Lisa Ferdinando/DoD)

Military Times: Afghan forces could turn guns on Kabul without US air support, cash and troops, among other warnings

Afghanistan remains dependent on the U.S.-led coalition to combat insurgencies, pay Afghan troops, maintain oversight of corruption and generally just prevent the country from devolving into chaos.

That doesn’t bode well for the peace negotiations currently underway between U.S. and Taliban diplomatic teams.

A new series of warnings were introduced by John F. Sopko, the special inspector general for Afghanistan reconstruction, ahead of the release of SIGAR’s 2019 “High-Risk List” report.

SIGAR has made two previous High-Risk List reports, Sopko said, but this one is unique due to the ongoing peace negotiations to end America’s longest war.

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WNU Editor: This report is probably accurate. We may also be repeating history. The Soviet installed Afghan government in the 1980s collapsed within two years once the spigot was cut, with the Afghan military either deserting and/or joining the enemy.

Chinese Analyst Calls For 'Tougher' Action Against The U.S. In The South China Sea

In 2013, China embarked on a massive land reclamation project, expanding seven reefs in the Spratlys into large artificial islands. Photo: People’s Daily

Liu Zhen, SCMP: ‘Time for tougher deterrence from China’ as US steps up patrols in South China Sea

* Chinese analyst says American forces should have to think twice before going ‘too far’ with their activities in the contested waters

China should reinforce “deterrence facilities” in the South China Sea as the United States and its allies mount a bigger challenge in the contested waters, a prominent Chinese specialist said.

“Tension in the South China Sea will rise in the coming year so we must deploy some defensive facilities that are able to overawe American warships entering nearby waters,” said Wu Shicun, head of the government-affiliated National Institute for South China Sea Studies.

On the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia in Hainan on Friday, Wu said the US would step up what it called freedom of navigation operations in the area with more frequent and wider-ranging manoeuvres this year.

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WNU Editor: In the meantime China is publicly telling everyone that they are going to expand their presence in the South China Sea .... China envisions an ‘island city’ in South China Sea (Asia Times).

Did India Shoot Down Its Own Mi-17 Helicopter in Kashmir During Last Month's India-Pakistan Air Clash?

An Indian soldier next to the wreckage of Indian Air Force's helicopter in Kashmir February 27, 2019 © Reuters/Danish Ismail

IBTimes: Did India's own missile shoot down Mi17 helicopter in Budgam crash?

Investigations are on whether the Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems were turned on that could have averted the Budgam helicopter crash.

A court of inquiry has been set up to ascertain whether an Indian missile shot down the Mi17 helicopter in Budgam district in Jammu and Kashmir on February 27 killing six Indian Air Force personnel and a civilian. The Mi17 helicopter was hovering over Kashmir skies when India and Pakistan were locked in an aerial stand-off had crashed minutes after the Pakistan jets crossed over the Line of Control into the Indian territory to target military bases.

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More News On Reports That India Shot Down Its Own Mi-17 Helicopter in Kashmir During Last Month's India-Pakistan Air Clash

Budgam: Indian missile fired before Mi17 V5 chopper crash -- Economic Times
Did India Shoot Down Its Own Mi-17 Helicopter in Kashmir During India-Pakistan Air Clash? -- Eurasian Times
India may have shot down its own helicopter in Kashmir thinking it was Pakistan’s -- Samaa TV
Indian Missile Mistakenly Hit its Own Chopper in Conflict with Pakistan - Report -- Sputnik
India blew up its own helicopter while trying to target Pakistani jets, killing 7 – report -- RT

U.K. Prime Minister May Loses Brexit Vote By 344 To 286

Daily Mail: May loses Brexit vote by 344 to 286: PM hints at an election by saying 'I fear we are reaching the limits of the process' after failing to pass her deal despite Brexiteer climbdown

* Theresa May's deal faced a make-or-break vote and will warn not to vote for it would be a 'betrayal' of public
* Her withdrawal agreement received 286 votes from MPs but 344 were against it - a deficit of 58 votes
* 34 Tory rebels - 28 Brexiteers and six remainers - while only five Labour MPs sided with the PM in Commons
* Boris Johnson had thrown his weight behind the deal - but hardcore Brexiteers say no to 'surrender' to EU
* Prime Minister could be forced to call a General Election as early as next week as UK heads for softer Brexit

Theresa May's Brexit is in tatters today - and Tory rebels are already calling on her to quit - after her deal was defeated by 58 votes in the Commons.

The Prime Minister has now hinted she will consider collapsing Parliament and calling a general election after the 'grave' result and said: 'I fear we are reaching the limits of the process in this House.'

Britain will now not leave the EU on May 22 and Mrs May is expected to beg Brussels for a longer Article 50 extension to avoid a No Deal Brexit on April 12.

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WNU Editor: In such a normal situation the U.K. should get ready for a hard Brexit. But the problem is that a majority of MPs are against Brexit, and I am also sure they are not going to lay the groundwork to respect the decision that U.K. voters made to leave the European Union. So what is next? I predict one of two things. A indefinite delay, or an election where the next government will either continue with the process of Brexit (which I doubt), or terminate it and disregard the results of the referendum (which I expect).

More News On The U.K. Prime Minister May Losing The Brexit Vote By 344 To 286

May hints at possible need for election, saying MPs 'reaching limits' of Brexit process - live news -- The Guardian
Live: Reaction as Brexit vote -- BBC
Brexit: UK Parliament votes against withdrawal deal — live updates -- DW
Live: British MPs reject PM Theresa May’s Brexit deal for third time -- France24
Brexit: MPs reject May's EU withdrawal agreement -- BBC
MPs reject Theresa May's Brexit deal by 58 votes -- The Guardian
Parliament sinks May's Brexit deal again, EU braces for no-deal exit -- Reuters
UK lawmakers reject government’s Brexit deal -- AP
UK Parliament has dealt May's Brexit plan a fatal blow -- CNN
Furious Theresa May blasts John Bercow for wrecking her Brexit withdrawal agreement by blocking all amendments before MPs rejected it for a third time -- Daily Mail

World News Briefs -- March 29, 2019

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May speaks in the Parliament in London, Britain, March 29, 2019 in this screen grab taken from video. Reuters TV via REUTERS

Reuters: Parliament sinks May's Brexit deal again, EU braces for no-deal exit

LONDON (Reuters) - Lawmakers rejected Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit deal for a third time on Friday, sounding its probable death knell and leaving Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union in turmoil on the very day it was supposed to leave the bloc.

The decision to reject a stripped-down version of May’s divorce deal has left it totally unclear how, when or even whether Britain will leave the EU, and plunges the three-year Brexit crisis to a deeper level of uncertainty.

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MIDDLE EAST

Saudi Arabia says Syrian opposition must unite before any dialogue with government.

A 'tragic life' for the displaced in Syria's Al-Hol camp.

Turkey rejects US pressure over Russian S-400 missile deal.

Erdogan fights to hold Turkey's cities in bitter election battle.

US calls for probe into Yemen hospital bombing.

Hamas backs Egypt proposal for calm on Israel border: officials.

Palestinians urge large turnout for Great March of Return year anniversary.

ASIA

Two weeks before India starts voting, Modi predicts easy victory.

Pakistan PM's remarks on Afghan peace process stir diplomatic row.

South Korea's Moon to meet Trump over stalled North Korea talks.

China thanks Kazakhstan for 'support' of Xinjiang crackdown.

Vietnam GDP growth hit by swine flu, weakened exports.

20,000 attend memorial for victims of New Zealand mosque attack.

Bangladesh fire in high-rise office building kills 25 people.

AFRICA

Loyalist calls for president to quit fail to end Algeria protests.

Tunisia detains UN Libya arms embargo official.

Congo president allows senators to take office, ending feud with predecessor's camp.

Nigeria court revokes bail for missing separatist leader.

Cyclone-hit Mozambique fears cholera epidemic.

Trump to host Egypt's Sisi on April 9.

Egyptian activist Alaa Abdel Fattah released from jail after five years.

EUROPE

MPs reject May's EU withdrawal agreement. The Latest: UK lawmakers vote “No” on May’s Brexit deal.

EU Commission says no-deal Brexit on April 12 'likely'.

Ukraine minister: President and rival both bribing voters.

Separatist conflict in eastern Ukraine divides young voters.

Italy coalition in bitter row over sexual violence law.

Germany declines to recognize Juan Guaido's Berlin emissary.

Berlin police carry out massive raids against organized crime.

Kosovo bans ALL gambling for a decade after two casino workers were murdered in a week.

AMERICAS

Fired-up Trump pushes ‘no collusion’ angle in Russia report. Trump blasts ongoing Dem investigations: 'Ridiculous bulls---'.

Mexico braces for new caravan of Central American migrants.

Bolton: Russia, others sending troops to Venezuela is 'direct threat' to region's security.

Venezuela crisis: Guaidó banned from office for 15 years.

Google is an unlikely messenger between Trump and Cuba, insider says.

Homelessness rises in Argentina’s capital amid crisis.

Mexico raises alert level after Popocatepetl volcano eruption.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US-led coalition: 1,257 civilians killed in airstrikes against ISIS.

UN Security Council binding resolution makes terror financing a serious crime.

'Life was better under ISIS': Inside the terror group's devastated former stronghold of Mosul where conditions are so bad some desperate locals want the extremists to RETURN.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

US, China set to resume 'candid' trade talks in Washington.

Huawei sales top $100bn despite US-led pressure.

Investigators 'believe Ethiopian 737 Max's anti-stall system activated'. Boeing Ethiopia crash probe 'finds anti-stall device activated'.

GOP senator demands info on Google's work in China.

Oil prices on track to see one of best quarters in decade.

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- March 29, 2019

North Korea leader Kim Jong Un smiles as he visits Sohae Space Center in Cholsan County,North Pyongan province for the testing of a new engine for an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on April 9, 2016. REUTERS/KCNA

CBS/AFP: North Korea "almost" done rebuilding key rocket test site month after Trump-Kim summit, South says

Seoul -- North Korea has almost completed rebuilding a long-range rocket site it had promised to close, South Korean lawmakers told reporters on Friday after a closed-door meeting with intelligence officials in Seoul. The claim comes a month after a second summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in February ended without an agreement, deepening a gap between the two on how to achieve Mr. Trump's stated goal of "complete denuclearization."

Shortly after the end of the Hanoi summit, a series of satellite images emerged suggesting increased activity at the North's Sohae rocket site, triggering international alarm that the nuclear-armed state might be preparing a long-range or space launch.

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Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- March 29, 2019

US military increases security at S. Korea bases due to potential threat -- Stars and Stripes

US says it won't rule out nuclear first strike, because allies wouldn't trust it otherwise -- RT

Air Force grounds B-1 bomber fleet to inspect ejection seats -- Air Force Times

Ellsworth AFB named first base for B-21 bomber -- UPI

US military space force: what do we know so far? -- Airforce Technology

Sierra Nevada nabs $317M for AC-130 Precision Strike Package -- UPI

Refuel the Truman—It’s the Law! -- Captain Talbot Manvel, U.S. Navy (Retired), US Naval Institute

A new scout helicopter will replace half the Army's Apache fleet -- Task & Purpose/National Interest

Don’t Panic About Apaches: Army Not Junking Gunships -- Breaking Defense

US Army picks 2 drones to test as Shadow replacement -- Defense News

New Adjustable Army Tank Round Destroys Tanks, Bunkers, Concrete Walls, Soldiers -- Warrior Maven

If GPS goes out, the Army now has a requirement for that -- C4ISRNet

All the Ways the US Military’s Infrastructure Crisis Is Getting Worse -- Defense One

Pentagon surveying sites for new border wall segments: report -- The Hill

When will Trump nominate a permanent defense secretary? -- Military Times

Defense boss Shanahan opens 2nd review of Niger ambush that killed 4 US soldiers -- FOX News

Shanahan's efforts to reopen Niger probe surprise military officials -- CNN

We need Turkey to buy the Patriot: Pentagon chief -- Hurriyet Daily News/Reuters

Senate bill would make Turkey choose between US fighter jets, Russian air defense -- The Hill

Ankara, Moscow negotiating timeframe for S-400 deliveries to Turkey -- TASS

US Naval Institute Publishes Scenario of Possible Military Conflict With Turkey -- Sputnik

Young Officers Are Hungry to Learn Strategy. Will the U.S. Military Listen to Them? -- Steven Metz, WPR

More Iraq and Afghanistan troops survived critical injuries as wars went on -- Stars and Stripes

‘We got zero notice’: Army resumes Cold War-era snap deployments to Europe -- Stars and Stripes

This new Army unit could help the US win the next Cold War -- Army Times

NATO keeps Jens Stoltenberg as its chief until 2022 -- AP

Germany extends ban on arms sales to Saudi Arabia -- DW

NATO foots bill for massive US combat depot in Poland -- Defense News

Pompeo wants NATO to take ‘actions’ to help Ukraine -- Stars and Stripes

Russian Navy keeping an eye on NATO warships in Black Sea -- TASS

Russia to keep military in Venezuela despite U.S. criticism -- UPI

Russia's Fifth-Generation Su-57 Jet Already Has Export Permit - Source -- Sputnik

China Building Long-Range Cruise Missile Launched From Ship Container -- Washington Free Beacon

Report: Japan increased protection of U.S. military assets after 2016 -- UPI

Indian Missile Mistakenly Hit its Own Chopper in Conflict with Pakistan - Report -- Sputnik