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Military


17 April 2003 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

  • Operation Iraqi Freedom Marks New Way of War Fighting AFPS 17 Apr 2003 -- The successful application of teamwork and technology in Operation Iraqi Freedom marks a turning point in American war fighting, the U.S. military's senior officer said here April 16.
  • Toledo Returns Home from Wartime Patrol Navy NewStand 17 Apr 2003 -- The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Toledo (SSN 769) returned to Naval Submarine Base (SUBASE) New London April 15 from a rapid response wartime patrol in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  • AFGHANISTAN/CONSTITUTION BUILDING VOA 17 Apr 2003 -- As the world focuses on the rebuilding of the Iraqi government, some experts may first look to see the process so far in Afghanistan. But there are warnings that, unless the Afghan people have
  • U-2 reconnaissance plane helps bring POWs home AFPN 17 Apr 2003 -- The Seven U.S. Army soldiers who were formerly prisoners of war in Iraq are safe at a U.S. medical facility in Germany and are preparing to reunite with families. The reunion was possible not only because of the rescue operation by Marines but also because of assistance from an Air Force reconnaissance aircraft.
  • Team reduces civilian casualties with exact targeting AFPN 17 Apr 2003 -- So "all's fair in love and war?" Not to the Time Sensitive Targeting Team -- at least the "war" part.
  • Tanker crews ensure bombs reach their targets AMCNS 17 Apr 2003 -- For tanker crews, it is all too common being behind the scenes. However, in accomplishing Air Force missions, air refueling is essential for global reach and global power.
  • Air mobility teams work to bring in 'heavies' AMCNS 17 Apr 2003 -- Before the U.S. military could get the "heavy metal" of airlift aircraft into Baghdad and other Iraqi airfields, a small group of air mobility warriors was on the ground making sure the conditions were right.
  • Army's `digitized division' wages first combat Army News 17 Apr 2003 -- Elements of the 4th Infantry Division battled Iraqi paramilitary fighters yesterday at al Taji airfield, north of Baghdad, in the division's first combat since it became the Army's "experimental force" in 1995.
  • Commander 5th Fleet Visits Bataan Sailors, Marines Navy NewStand 17 Apr 2003 -- Commander 5th Fleet Vice Adm. Tim Keating visited Sailors and Marines aboard USS Bataan (LHD 5) recently to congratulate the crew for the role they played in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  • Seabees Master Chief Visits Camp Patriot Navy NewStand 17 Apr 2003 -- The Chief of Naval Operations Master Chief representing the Seabee community, CNOCM Harrell L. Richardson, brought his "Can Do" spirit to Camp Patriot yesterday (April 16).

  • Afghan Central Bank Governor Aims to Build Confidence in Currency Washington File 17 Apr 2003 -- The governor of the Afghan Central Bank of Afghanistan, Anwar ul-Haq Ahady, said his main task is to build confidence in the new currency, the afghani, among Afghan citizens.
  • Rival militias withdraw from Afghan city in UN-brokered agreement UN News Centre 17 Apr 2003 -- Rival militias have now fully withdrawn from the centre of Maimana in northern Afghanistan - where a spate of deadly violence erupted last Thursday - and United Nations staff who were withdrawn from the area have returned and reopened their offices in the now calm city, a UN spokesman said today in Kabul.
  • AFGHANISTAN: NATO to take over command of ISAF IRIN 17 Apr 2003 -- The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) - a 19-member military alliance of Western states - will take over the command of the UN-mandated 4,500-strong International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) for Afghanistan in late summer.

Defense Policy / Programs

  • White House Press Gaggle White House 17 Apr 2003
  • DoD, VA AGREE ON JOINT STRATEGIC PLANNING INITIATIVE 17 Apr 2003 -- The Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) extended the scope of their partnership on April 15 when representatives approved a joint strategic planning initiative to deliver seamless, cost-effective, quality services to veterans, servicemembers, military retirees and their families.
  • USS Olympia (SSN 717) Deploys COMSUBPAC 17 Apr 2003 -- As USS Olympia (SSN 717) cast off mooring lines from the pier on Apr. 17, the attack submarine began a six-month deployment to conduct operations in the Western Pacific.
  • Bombers evacuate Guam PACAFNS 17 Apr 2003 -- Even though Typhoon Kujira never directly hit Guam, all of the B-52 Stratofortresses, B-1B Lancers and their respective support to include airmen, equipment and aircrews were evacuated from the airfield in preparation for the storm April 14.
  • Airmen in Italy visited by U.S. congressmen USAFENS 17 Apr 2003 -- Several airmen voiced their personal concerns when they had lunch with three visiting members of Congress here April 15.
  • DoD's Leaders Thank Military for Heroism, Courage, Talent AFPS 17 Apr 2003 -- Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld thanked the men and women of the department for their service in the campaign in Iraq, but said much still remains to be done.
  • JPRA Helps Return Captives to Normal Life AFPS 17 Apr 2003 -- It's going to take more than returning Pfc. Jessica Lynch to the United States for her to get back to a normal life.
  • President OKs independent panel to review academy AFPN 17 Apr 2003 -- President George W. Bush signed into law April 16 legislation establishing a panel to review allegations of sexual misconduct at the Air Force Academy.
  • JSTARS team always training for battle AFPN 17 Apr 2003 -- As military action continues in Iraq, coalition ground troops are in many ways counting on their guardian angels to guide the way.
  • Charleston AFB welcomes high-altitude research aircraft AMCNS 17 Apr 2003 -- Usually when Charleston AFB receives high-level visitors, they usually have a few stars on their shoulder.
  • First security forces deactivated at Westover AMCNS 17 Apr 2003 -- Days after M-1 tanks rolled into Baghdad, Westover marked a second milestone in the war on terrorism with the first deactivation of security forces.
  • Rainier Combat Cargo: Kickin' Boxes, Keeping 'em Fighting Navy NewStand 17 Apr 2003 -- Underway replenishment (UNREP) is a demanding and inherently dangerous job.
  • Aviano home to 16th AETF once again USAFENS 17 Apr 2003 -- Aviano Air Base, Italy, once again became the home to the headquarters of the 16th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force April 17, when 43 members of the staff returned here from a three-week deployment to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey.
  • Small Craft Company tests new boat USMC News 17 Apr 2003 -- The Marines and sailors in Small Craft Company, Headquarters and Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Division are operationally testing a new boat to ferry troops into battle.
  • U.S., EU Must Work Together, Powell Says Washington File 17 Apr 2003 -- Embracing ten new members into the European Union attests to the EU's institutional strength and self-confidence, as well as to "the essential role the Union plays as a force for democracy, prosperity and a force for stability throughout Europe and well beyond Europe," Secretary of State Colin Powell said April 16.

Defense Industry

Other Conflicts

  • DAILY PRESS BRIEFING BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESMAN FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL United Nations 17 Apr 2003

  • DRC: UN mission concerned at rebel troop movement in the east IRIN 17 Apr 2003 -- The UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), MONUC, expressed grave concern on Wednesday about the movement of troops by the rebel Rassemblement congolais pour la democratie (RCD-Goma), in violation of the 2 April peace agreement signed in Sun City, South Africa, by all parties to end the war in the DRC.
  • DRC: MONUC releases report on November 2002 Ankoro massacre IRIN 17 Apr 2003 -- At least 70 people were killed during fighting in November 2002 between government forces and Mayi Mayi militia in Ankoro, in northern Katanga province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the UN Mission in the DRC, MONUC, said in a report on Wednesday.

  • SOMALIA: Interview with UN Representative Maxwell Gaylard IRIN 17 Apr 2003 -- Maxwell Gaylard is the UN Resident Representative and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia. He recently visited Mogadishu with high level representatives of other UN agencies to assess the humanitarian and security situation there. Here, he tells IRIN about the UN's work in the city and his meetings with the Transitional National Government (TNG), faction leaders and civil society.
  • SOMALIA: Human rights should be "at forefront" of peace talks - Amnesty IRIN 17 Apr 2003 -- The London-based rights group Amnesty International (AI) has called for human rights to be at forefront of discussions at the Somali peace conference now being held in Kenya.

  • Transfer of UN authority progresses in Kosovo, but multi-ethnic institutions needed UN News Centre 17 Apr 2003 -- Though a significant process of transferring further responsibilities from the United Nations to local authorities was launched in the last three months, Kosovo still has some way to go in establishing representative and functioning institutes, Secretary-General Kofi Annan says in a report issued today.
  • Security Council reiterates need for 'global approach' to peace in central Africa UN News Centre 17 Apr 2003 -- In continuing ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation between the United Nations system and central African countries, members of the Security Council today reaffirmed the importance of a comprehensive, integrated, resolute and concerted approach to the issues of peace, security and development in that region.
  • Political progress in Central African Republic should quickly lead to elections - Security Council UN News Centre 17 Apr 2003 -- Acknowledging the political progress thus far in the Central African Republic (CAR), the members of the United Nations Security Council today stressed that it was essential that authorities in Bangui now elaborate a plan for the national dialogue, including a timeframe, and to hold elections as soon as possible.
  • INDIA/VAJPAYEE/ KASHMIR VOA 17 Apr 2003 -- Indian prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee begins a two-day visit to the country's restive Kashmir region on Friday. Kashmiri separatist groups have called for a strike during the visit, but also want a dialogue with the national government.
  • INDONESIA TRIALS / AMNESTY VOA 17 Apr 2003-- The head of Indonesia's supreme court has lashed out at Amnesty International for criticizing its human rights court trying cases of atrocities in East Timor
  • NORTHERN IRELAND VOA 17 Apr 2003-- A British report says army intelligence and police officers colluded with a Protestant paramilitary group in Northern Ireland to kill Roman Catholics in the province in the 1980s
  • POWELL / SYRIA / MIDEAST VOA 17 Apr 2003 -- U-S Secretary of State Colin Powell plans a Middle East trip soon to launch what he says will be a "much more active" U-S role in efforts to get an Israeli-Palestinian peace accord. The trip is expected to include a stop in Syria despite U-S charges that country has been developing chemical weapons and sheltering officials of the former Iraqi government.
  • COTE D'IVOIRE: Belgium funds peace and reconciliation IRIN 17 Apr 2003 -- A project aimed at building peace and fostering reconciliation in Cote d'Ivoire is to receive funding amounting to 60 million CFA francs (about US $100,000) from the Belgian government under an agreement signed on Thursday in Abidjan by representatives of Belgium, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and Cote d'Ivoire.
  • LIBERIA: Former Nigerian president to head peace talks IRIN 17 Apr 2003 -- The International Contact Group on Liberia (ICGL) has selected former Nigerian head of state Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar to facilitate peace talks on Liberia, the contact group said in a statement on Wednesday.
  • DRC-UGANDA: Ituri braces for Ugandan pullout IRIN 17 Apr 2003 -- Without exception, the humanitarian organisations in Ituri District say security remains their uttermost concern in continuing their relief work in this part of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  • BURUNDI: Thousands flee shelling in Bujumbura Rural IRIN 17 Apr 2003 -- Thousands of people fled Kanyosha Commune, southeast of the Burundian capital, Bujumbura, following heavy fighting on Thursday between government forces and fighters loyal to rebel leader Pierre Nkurunziza, local officials told IRIN.
  • DRC-UGANDA: Uganda willing to train Congolese forces IRIN 17 Apr 2003 -- Ugandan Foreign Affairs Minister James Wapakhabulo said on Tuesday that his country was willing to train the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) forces scheduled to take charge of border security, The New Vision, a government-owned Ugandan newspaper, reported.

News Reports

  • SHAPE News Morning Update SHAPE 17 Apr 2003
  • SHAPE News Summary Analysis SHAPE 17 Apr 2003

  • ASIA/SARS ECONOMY VOA 17 Apr 2003 -- Economists are warning that the continued spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, will have devastating consequences on the region's economy.
  • CHINA SARS VOA 17 Apr 2003 -- China insists that it has reported all the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome cases in Beijing, even though international disease control experts doubt the official figures. Regardless of the numbers, officials worry that during a coming holiday, travelers will spread the SARS virus further across the country.
  • ASIA/SARS VOA 17 Apr 2003 -- Researchers have concluded that plumbing in a Hong Kong high-rise helped spread Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome to hundreds of people. Some of those residents also appear to be having a tougher time battling the disease than other victims.

  • THE FUTURE OF THE UNITED NATIONS VOA 17 Apr 2003 -- When the United Nations Security Council suggested it would not support military action in Iraq, the United States assembled what they called a "coalition of the willing." The determination of President Bush to wage war against Iraq split the permanent five members of the Security Council, pitting the United States and Britain against France, Russia and China. Now that the U-S and Britain are well on their way to an overwhelming military victory, what is to become of the fractured United Nations?
  • Model U-N and Iraq War VOA 17 Apr 2003 -- European leaders have called for a central role for the United Nations in rebuilding war-shattered Iraq. but the failure of the world body to avert the US-led operation has many people questioning its effectiveness. Still, many American high school students want to learn about the U-N's potential to solve global conflicts.

  • U.S. Goal is "Rapid, Peaceful" Transition to Democracy in Cuba Washington File 17 Apr 2003 -- The White House has added its voice to those of the international figures and organizations denouncing the Castro regime for its arrest and sentencing of Cuban dissidents it accuses of collaborating with the United States.
  • White House Welcomes U.N. Resolution on Human Rights in Cuba Washington File 17 Apr 2003 -- The White House welcomed approval April 17 by the U.N. Commission on Human Rights meeting in Geneva of a resolution calling on Cuba to accept a visit by a human rights investigator.
  • Secretary Powell Calls for Venezuela's Chavez to Allow Referendum in 2003 Washington File 17 Apr 2003 -- U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell has called on Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to allow for a referendum in 2003 that would permit the people of Venezuela to decide "what kind of democracy they want to see in their country."
  • U-S / FRENCH RELATIONS VOA 17 Apr 2003 -- Relations between the United States and France have been sour since the French at the United Nations actively opposed the tough U-S and British stance in favor of military action to disarm Iraq.
  • CUBA/DRC/BURUNDI/U-N VOA 17 Apr 2003 -- The top U-N human-rights forum has passed a resolution calling for Cuba to accept a visit by a rights investigator, but rejected an amendment condemning its recent clampdown on dissidents. The Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi were also censured for rights violations.
  • SUDAN / ZIMBABWE / U-N VOA 17 Apr 2003 -- Sudan and Zimbabwe have escaped criticism at the annual meeting of the U-N Human Rights Commission. Human-rights activists say members of the commission are more interested in protecting each other than aiding abuse victims.
  • US-CUBA / HUMAN RIGHTS VOA 17 Apr 2003 -- The Bush administration is welcoming adoption of a resolution on Cuba by the U-N Human Rights Commission in Geneva, even though the 53-nation forum voted down a Costa Rican amendment that would have specially condemned Cuba's recent crackdown on dissidents.
  • ZIMBABWE/POWER VOA 17 Apr 2003 -- Zimbabwe is under threat of having its electricity imports from neighboring countries cut off for overdue payments, caused by the country's foreign-currency shortage. The Zimbabwe power utility is resorting to some unorthodox measures to try to raise the money.
  • E-U/SUMMIT VOA 17 Apr 2003 -- A historic European summit in Athens closed, with the official business of signing up 10 new members successfully completed. But the unofficial business of patching up differences between E-U members split over Iraq has only just begun.
  • SWAZILAND: UN expert expresses grave concern over rule of law crisis IRIN 17 Apr 2003 -- The special rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers of the UN Commission on Human Rights, Dato' Param Cumaraswamy, has reiterated his grave concern over the continued deterioration of the rule of law in Swaziland.
  • Central Africa : African Union sends special envoy to Bangui IRIN 17 Apr 2003 -- The African Union (AU) has sent a special envoy to the Central African Republic (CAR) to review the situation "in light of the recent developments in the country", the AU said on Thursday.
  • GHANA: State of emergency lifted in northern Ghana IRIN 17 Apr 2003 -- A year-long state of emergency in the Dagbon traditional area of northern Ghana, was lifted on Tuesday after Ghana's ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) failed to secure the required 101 votes in the 200-member parliament to retain it.



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