Coronavirus

• The coronavirus is spreading the US prison system. Nearly 350 Guards and inmates have tested positive. Prisoners report having no way to protect themselves from the virus.[Link]
• The first federal inmate dies from the coronavirus. [Link]
• The Pentagon reports the number of coronavirus cases in the Department of Defense increased to 560 over the weekend. [Link]
• Canada says it strongly opposes the deployment of US troops along its border. [Link]
• Governments around the world are seizing new powers in the name of fighting the coronavirus. [Link]
• Australia will deploy its army to enforce the coronavirus quarantine. [Link]

North Korea

• North Korea says the US isn’t interested in nuclear talks. [Link]

Afghanistan

• The Taliban killed at least 27 Afghan security forces in several attacks across Afghanistan. [Link]
• The Afghan government announces it will delay the release of Taliban prisoners. The prisoner release is meant to kick start talks between the Taliban and Afghan government. Confusion over who is actually in charge of the Afghan government is also hampering talks. [Link]

Middle East

• Earlier this year, the US deployed 3,000 paratroopers to the Middle East to “deter Iran.” Those troops are now scheduled to come home. However, it does not appear the soldiers will be coming home. There is some confusion as the Pentagon has ordered troop movements frozen for 60 days, and CENTCOM head Gen. McKenzie asked for an extension on the troop deployment. [Link]
• The political wing of the Syrian Kurds is lobbying for sanctions against Assad to be removed to help the fight against coronavirus. The Syrian Kurds have been in opposition to Assad, and aligned with the US, throughout the war. The White Helmets, who are aligned with the jihadist opposition to Assad, are pushing to keep the sanctions on. [Link]
• A riot broke out in a Syrian prison run by the Syrian Kurds. The US said low-level ISIS fighters were held at the prison. There are some reports of escaped prisoners, and others were murdered during the riot. Relatives of prisoners said many in the prison were attested for failing to apply with the Syrian Kurdish policy of focused conscription. [Link]
• The US deploys Patriot Missile Systems to a base in Iraq. The US is looking to deploy the missiles at two more bases. [Link] 
• Saudi Arabia carried out several airstrikes in Yemen’s capital. The strikes hit military facilities, the presidential palace, and a school. At least one person and 70 horses were killed by the strikes. [Link]