The H-6K Badger warplanes – with 1,600km range air-launched cruise missiles – are testing US defence zones around Guam, the Military Times quoted unnamed US defence officials in the region as saying on Tuesday. China’s bomber runs targeting Guam were part of a range of activities making US forces in the territory worry about the potential threat from Beijing – even as North Korea pursues its nuclear weapons programme, the report said. Source South China Morning Post
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo recently warned Iraqi leaders that the U.S. embassy in Baghdad would close and all diplomats removed unless Iraq reins in on attacks by Iranian proxy militias on American military and diplomatic sites. The embassy is located inside Baghdad’s Green Zone. Source Sofrep
Saudi Arabia says it has taken down a “terrorist cell” that had received training from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, arresting 10 people and seizing weapons and explosives, while Tehran says the allegation is a “complete fabrication”. Source Al Jazeera
In particular, a spokesperson for Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) accused US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo of unilateralism and said his attitude is inelegant.
Ömer Çelik, the AKP spokesperson, even called on Pompeo to maintain a neutral stance because unilateral visits and statements give the wrong messages.
At the same time, he once again made provocative statements regarding Ankara’s intentions in Greek-Turkish issues in the East Mediterranean. Source Greek Reporter
