News

29 April 2009 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

April 28 airpower summary: KC-10s sustain fighters AFNS 29 Apr 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and ISAF troops in Afghanistan during operations.

Car bomb blasts kill 41 in Iraqi capital RIA Novosti 29 Apr 2009 -- At least 41 people were killed and 68 woundedin three car bomb blasts in a market area of eastern Baghdad.
Car Bombings Kill 41 in Iraqi Capital VOA 29 Apr 2009 -- Iraqi officials said car bombings killed at least 41 people in eastern Baghdad's Sadr City district.
Airmen build Iraqi air operations center capability AFNS 29 Apr 2009 -- Iraqi airmen at the Iraqi air operations center completed a seven-day air operations planning course taught by American advisers.

Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill More Than 40 Insurgents AFPS 29 Apr 2009 -- Afghan and coalition forces today killed an estimated 42 insurgents during operations in Oruzgan, Helmand and Lowgar provinces.
Taliban Threatens More Violence in Afghanistan VOA 29 Apr 2009 -- Top Taliban commander warned that militants will carry out a wave of ambushes, suicide attacks and bombings in new offensive.
Gains in Afghanistan Tied to Pakistan, Marine General Says AFPS 29 Apr 2009 -- Any gains in Afghanistan will be tied to the coalition’s ability to tighten control of the Pakistan border, the top Marine officer said today.
Defense Secretary Gates visits Marines before deployment USMC News 29 Apr 2009 -- SecDef Gates met with Marines from 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade as thousands of them prepare to deploy to Afghanistan.
U.S. Says Talks On Extending Manas Lease Progressing RFE/RL 29 Apr 2009 -- US DoD: There is "reason to hope" that negotiations with Kyrgyzstan could result in an extension of the US' use of Manas air base.
UK troops in Afghanistan to reach 9,000 IRNA 29 Apr 2009 -- British PM Brown announced Britain is to boost its troops in Afghanistan to 9,000 until later this year, to help secure the country through upcoming elections.
Australia Boosts Military Presence in Afghanistan VOA 29 Apr 2009 -- Australia will send an extra 450 troops to Afghanistan to address what the government in Canberra describes as a worsening security situation.
Merkel to meet Afghan president in Berlin IRNA 29 Apr 2009 -- German Chancellor Merkel is to meet with Afghan President Karzai in Berlin on May 10.

US Military Officials Warn Congress on Conditions for Pakistan Aid VOA 29 Apr 2009 -- US military officials appealed for more flexibility in proposed legislation that would increase aid to Pakistan.
Flournoy Urges Boosting U.S. Military Support to Pakistan AFPS 29 Apr 2009 -- Undersecretary of defense for policy: Now is time to strengthen US-Pakistan partnership to help Pakistan in its counterinsurgency efforts.
Taliban Pressures NATO Supply Lines in Pakistan VOA 29 Apr 2009 -- Although fighters are battling only 100 kilometers from the capital, analysts downplay the potential for a direct armed takeover by militants.
Pakistani forces use fighter planes to hit militants' positions IRNA 29 Apr 2009 -- Pakistani forces used fighter planes to hit positions of the militants in Buner district to 'eliminate and flush out them'.
50 militants killed in military offensive in Pakistan's northwest IRNA 29 Apr 2009 -- Over 50 militants have been killed in a major offensive against insurgents in Pakistan's northwestern district of Buner.
Pakistan Reports Gains Against Militants VOA 29 Apr 2009 -- Pakistan's military said attack helicopters have killed more than 50 Taliban fighters in Buner district, which was overrun by militants last week.
70 militants killed in military offensive: minister IRNA 29 Apr 2009 -- Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik said Tuesday that 70 militants have been killed in the three-day military offensives in Lower Dir district.
PAKISTAN: Bomb kills 13 but how did it get there? IRIN 29 Apr 2009 -- Thirteen children have been killed whilst playing with a bomb in Lower Dir, North West Frontier Province, near the border with Afghanistan, and there has been intense media speculation about where the bomb came from.

Defense Policy / Programs

News Conference by the President, 4/29/2009 The White House 29 Apr 2009
For Obama Busy 100 Days on Defense, More Busy Days to Come VOA 29 Apr 2009 -- President Obama's first 100 days in office have been marked by several major initiatives on national security issues.
With First 100 Days, Obama Seeks 'New Basis For Relationships' Abroad RFE/RL 29 Apr 2009 -- U.S. President Barack Obama has traveled to nine countries and held face-to-face meetings with 44 foreign leaders since taking office 100 days ago.

Transcript: DoD News Briefing with Gen. Conway at the Pentagon DoD 29 Apr 2009 -- Presenter: Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James Conway
Enemy Fighters in Afghanistan, Pakistan Pose Direct Threat, Obama Says AFPS 29 Apr 2009 -- Taliban and al-Qaida operatives in Afghanistan and Pakistan pose “the single most direct threat” to US national security.
U.S. Needs 'Pragmatic, Clear-Eyed' Defense Strategy, Flournoy Says AFPS 29 Apr 2009 -- DoD officials should center strategy on pragmatic engagement and cooperation with other US agencies and foreign allies.
USS John C. Stennis Executive Officer Relieved Navy NewsStand 29 Apr 2009 -- The executive officer of USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) was relieved of his duties April 29.
Marines Engineer Afghanistan-Worthy MRAP AFPS 29 Apr 2009 -- The Marines are working to build an Afghanistan-worthy mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle.
Obama Taps Stockton for Senior Pentagon Posting AFPS 29 Apr 2009 -- President Obama has nominated a senior research scholar for a senior civilian position at the Pentagon.
Top officer addresses Air Force's role in irregular warfare AFNS 29 Apr 2009 -- As combat requirements evolve, so must the Air Force's unique capabilities to engage the enemy.
First group of UPT pilots graduate from Predator training AFNS 29 Apr 2009 -- First group of Undergraduate Pilot Training students completed the MQ-1 Predator Formal Training Unit's Initial Qualification Training.
Tooele Army Depot anticipates approx. $4M in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding Army News 29 Apr 2009 -- As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the DoD announced that Tooele Army Depot scheduled to receive approximately $4 million for projects.
Midwest Regional Ops Center Set to Handle Security, Emergencies Navy NewsStand 29 Apr 2009 -- Navy Region Midwest welcomed its new regional operations center into service.
Phoenix Express Forges Understanding within Combined Naval Forces Navy NewsStand 29 Apr 2009 -- Sailors and Marines conducted training exercises during Phoenix Express with Spanish, Tunisian, and Moroccan Sailors and Marines aboard Greek training ship.

NATO to Boost Mandate of Anti-Piracy Force VOA 29 Apr 2009 -- NATO said it is working to strengthen its anti-piracy task force operating off the coast of Somalia.

Moldova withdraws from NATO-led drills in Georgia RIA Novosti 29 Apr 2009 -- Moldova has canceled plans to participate in NATO-led military exercises in Georgia in May.

Russia against increasing military presence in Arctic - Lavrov RIA Novosti 29 Apr 2009 -- Russia has no plans to increase its military presence in the Arctic or to deploy weapons in the region.
Russia vows to continue anti-piracy mission off Somali coast RIA Novosti 29 Apr 2009 -- Russian warships will continue patrolling waters off the Somali coast to ensure the safety of commercial shipping in the area.
Russian destroyer detains Somali pirates RIA Novosti 29 Apr 2009 -- Russia's Admiral Panteleyev missile destroyer has detained a boat carrying 29 suspected pirates off the Somali coast.

SCO military exercises to be held in 2010 in Kazakhstan - Russia RIA Novosti 29 Apr 2009 -- Joint military exercises of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states will be held in 2010 in Kazakhstan.

Estonia, Finland team up to buy French radar systems RIA Novosti 29 Apr 2009 -- Estonia and Finland plan to purchase 14 medium-range Ground Master 403 radar systems from the French company Thales Raytheon Systems.

Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 29 Apr 2009
Gaggle by White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs Aboard Air Force One en route St. Louis, MO, 4-29-09 The White House 29 Apr 2009

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for April 29, 2009
CACI Awarded $50 Million Contract to Continue Support for Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency CACI 29 Apr 2009 -- CACI International Inc (NYSE:CAI) announced today it has been awarded a $50 million prime contract to continue providing acquisition, financial, and program management assistance to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Information Processing Techniques Office (IPTO).
EADS: team partner for Swiss Air Force PC-21 simulator EADS 29 Apr 2009 -- The signing of the procurement contract on 6 April between the Swiss procurement authority armasuisse and the contractual partner Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Stans, on the supply of a PC-21 simulator for the Swiss Air Force is the continuation of a German-Austrian-Swiss success story.
Maiden flight for Brazilian maritime patrol aircraft P-3, modernised by Airbus Military EADS 29 Apr 2009 -- The maiden flight of the first Brazilian P-3 aircraft upgraded at Airbus Military’s facilities in Getafe (Madrid) took place today.
IAI's Heron UAV Takes Part in Channel 1 Independence Day Evening Broadcast Israel Aerospace Industries 29 Apr 2009 -- Israel Aerospace Industries' (IAI) Heron Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) was chosen to cover the special Independence Day broadcasts for Israeli national television’s Channel 1, which airs a special broadcast each year on the eve of Independence Day.
Lockheed Martin Delivers 50th C-5 AMP Aircraft Lockheed Martin 29 Apr 2009 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] recently delivered the 50th C-5 Galaxy strategic airlifter upgraded with Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) improvements.
Thales procures thermal weapon sights for Australian Defence Force Thales 29 Apr 2009 -- The company has also integrated the sights onto the F88 Austeyr rifle at the Australian Soldier Systems Development and Support Centre in Lithgow, NSW.
Northrop Grumman Completes Delivery of 44th F-5 Tiger Adversary Aircraft to United States Navy; Former Swiss-Owned F-5E Aircraft Modified for U.S. Use Northrop Grumman 29 Apr 2009 -- Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC) employees today celebrated the delivery of their 44th modified F-5 Tiger for the U.S. Navy.
Raytheon Awarded $16.5 Million Contract Extension for U.S. Navy Tactical Control System Raytheon 29 Apr 2009 -- Raytheon Company received a $16.5 million U.S. Navy contract to migrate the current Tactical Control System (TCS) to a Linux-based operating system and add upgrades to the system software
Department of Energy Awards Lockheed Martin-Led Team $3.059 Billion Hanford Mission Support Contract Lockheed Martin 29 Apr 2009 -- The Department of Energy (DOE) has selected a team led by Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) to manage and operate the new Mission Support Contract at its Hanford site in south central Washington State.
Boeing-IAI Missile Defense Interceptor Shoots Down Target in Test Boeing 29 Apr 2009 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] built part of the Arrow II interceptor that successfully shot down a ballistic missile target April 7 in a test of Israel's national missile defense system.
Northrop Grumman's Jeff Hartlove, Airborne Laser Teammates Receive Missile Defense Agency Award for High-Energy Laser Successes Northrop Grumman 29 Apr 2009 -- Jeff Hartlove, Airborne Laser (ABL) deputy program manager for Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC), has received a U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Technology Pioneer Award as one of six government and industry team members recognized for developing and integrating crucial technologies that would enable ABL to engage in boost phase ballistic missile defense.
Raytheon Names Roketsan Key Supplier for Patriot Missile Assembly Raytheon 29 Apr 2009 -- Raytheon Company has named a Turkish missile manufacturer as an international supplier of a key component of the Patriot Guidance Enhanced Missile-Tactical (GEM-T).

Other Conflicts

DAILY PRESS BRIEFING BY THE OFFICES OF THE SPOKESPERSON FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL AND THE SPOKESPERSON FOR THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT United Nations 29 Apr 2009

European Envoys Fail to Win Sri Lankan Cease-Fire VOA 29 Apr 2009 -- Top envoys of 2 UN Security Council permanent members are the latest diplomats to apply pressure on Sri Lanka.
French, British FMs fail to persuade Sri Lanka to order a truce IRNA 29 Apr 2009 -- British and French FMs: Failed to prevail upon Sri Lankan government to announce a 'ceasefire' in its offensive against Tamil Tigers.
British, French foreign ministers arrive in Sri Lanka IRNA 29 Apr 2009 -- British Foreign Secretary Miliband and French FM Kouchner arrived in Sri Lanka to address the humanitarian situation.
India asks LTTE to surrender and come to negotiating table IRNA 29 Apr 2009 -- India has asked Sri Lankan rebels, LTTE to surrender and come to the negotiating table.
25 rebels killed as Lankan Navy foils Sea Tiger attack IRNA 29 Apr 2009 -- Sri Lankan Navy thwarted a Sea Tiger attack by destroying 6 LTTE vessels which approached the coastal area of the no-fire zone.
Indian forces on alert to check LTTE infiltration IRNA 29 Apr 2009 -- Indian forces are on alert to prevent any infiltration bid by Tamil Tiger cadres fleeing the military offensive against them in Sri Lanka.

Russia concerned by rising pressure against Serbs in Kosovo RIA Novosti 29 Apr 2009 -- Russia is concerned over the rising tensions between the Serb and Albanian population in Kosovo.
Somalia Stability Challenged by Complex and Shifting Politics VOA 29 Apr 2009 -- A pledge by donor nations last week to provide more than $200 million to enhance security in Somalia is being hailed by some, criticized by others.
Top UN envoy in Sudan hails demobilizations, calls for full funding UN News Centre 29 Apr 2009 -- Top UN Envoy: Nearly 2,500 ex-combatants from the decades-long civil war in southern Sudan have been demobilized in a recently-begun programme.
New Report to Detail Failed Military Operation Against Hutu Rebels VOA 29 Apr 2009 -- New report expected to be released describes the joint military operation of Congo and Rwanda as a failure.
BURUNDI: Dangerous demobilisation gaps IRIN 29 Apr 2009 -- Thousands of people associated with a former rebel group in Burundi could threaten the country's new-found peace because they have been excluded from a demobilisation and army integration programme.
10 Turkish Soldiers Killed in Southeast VOA 29 Apr 2009 -- The Turkish military says 10 soldiers have been killed in separate incidents in the country's southeast.

Lebanese generals held in Hariri murder case granted release by UN-backed court UN News Centre 29 Apr 2009 -- Judge in the tribunal set up to try suspects in the assassination of former Lebanese PM Hariri decided to grant release of generals detained in connection with the bombing.
Court Orders Release of Generals Detained in Hariri Case VOA 29 Apr 2009 -- Pro-Syrian generals held in connection with the assassination of former Lebanese PM Hariri are in the process of being freed after 4 years in custody.

News Reports

Remarks by Secretary Napolitano at Today’s Media Briefing on the H1N1 Flu Outbreak and the U.S. Government’s Response Department of Homeland Security 29 Apr 2009
Swine Flu Latest in Series of Influenza Outbreaks VOA 29 Apr 2009 -- The whole world is talking about swine flu as scientists scramble to learn more about this emerging disease.
Suspected H1N1 Flu Case Reported at California Marine Base AFPS 29 Apr 2009 -- USMC commandant confirmed a suspected case of H1N1 flu at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center.
Lawmakers Urge More Action to Prevent Flu From Entering US VOA 29 Apr 2009 -- Members of the U.S. Congress are calling on the Obama administration to do more to prevent travelers with flu from entering US.
WHO Says Swine Flu Alert Level May Go Higher VOA 29 Apr 2009 -- The World Health Organization says it is moving closer to raising its swine flu pandemic alert level to phase five.
UN notches up swine flu pandemic alert to level 5 UN News Centre 29 Apr 2009 -- UN health agency raised the international alert to Phase 5 on a 6-point scale, signalling an imminent pandemic.
WHO Raises Swine Flu Alert to Level 5 VOA 29 Apr 2009 -- WHO raised the swine flu pandemic alert level to phase 5 - just one step below the highest level.
Statement by WHO Director-General, Dr Margaret Chan UN WHO 29 Apr 2009 -- Statement by WHO Director-General, Dr Margaret Chan on Swine Flu.
Basic Facts About Swine Flu Outbreak VOA 29 Apr 2009 -- Leaders and health officials around the world are urging people to take several precautions to help slow the spread of the sometimes deadly swine flu virus.
Flu Watchboard offers DOD-related info on flu outbreak AFNS 29 Apr 2009 -- With just a few clicks of the mouse, servicemembers, civilians and families interested in learning more about Flu can access resources.
Obama: Utmost Precautions Needed to Combat Swine Flu VOA 29 Apr 2009 -- US President Obama says schools should consider closing if cases of swine flu are even suspected among students or faculty.
Swine Flu Source Apparently Not Pigs, says FAO VOA 29 Apr 2009 -- UN Food and Agriculture Organization monitoring whether any evidence appears that the disease is actually affecting pigs.
Seven Countries Now Confirm Cases of Swine Flu VOA 29 Apr 2009 -- Health agencies around the world say they are taking aggressive measures to fight the outbreak of swine flu.
Health Experts Warn Swine Flu Will Continue To Spread VOA 29 Apr 2009 -- Governments around the world are intensifying efforts to contain further outbreaks of a deadly swine flu.
Researchers Race to Develop Swine Flu Vaccine VOA 29 Apr 2009 -- Scientists are working overtime to develop a vaccine against this new strain of the virus.
Britain confirms 3 new cases of swine flu RIA Novosti 29 Apr 2009 -- Britain confirmed 3 new instances of swine flu, involving 2 adults and a 12-year-old girl.
Three people diagnosed with swine flu in Germany RIA Novosti 29 Apr 2009 -- Three of 7 suspected cases of swine flue infection have been confirmed among a group of Germans who recently returned from Mexic.
Germany confirms first case of swine flu IRNA 29 Apr 2009 -- German health officials in the southern state of Bavaria on Wednesday confirmed the country's first human swine flu case.
U.S. reports first human death from swine flu RIA Novosti 29 Apr 2009 -- A 23-month-old child in Texas has died from the swine flu virus, becoming the first fatality from the virus outside Mexico.
SOUTHERN AFRICA: Not enough drugs to handle a pandemic IRIN 29 Apr 2009 -- South Africa, the country with the most resources in Africa, has 2 suspected cases of swine flu.
Egypt to cull all pigs to prevent swine flu infection RIA Novosti 29 Apr 2009 -- Egyptian government resolved to cull all pigs in the country amid fears of a possible swine flu outbreak.
Egypt Orders Immediate Mass Slaughter of Pigs VOA 29 Apr 2009 -- Egypt has ordered the slaughter of all pigs as a precaution against swine flu.
MIDDLE EAST: Regional efforts to prepare for swine flu IRIN 29 Apr 2009 -- Middle East countries are taking precautionary measures against swine flu.
Pakistan takes precautionary measures to check Swine Flu virus IRNA 29 Apr 2009 -- Pakistan has taken precautionary measures at all entry points to check the swine flu virus.
Taiwan launches on-board flu checks on flights from North America CNA 29 Apr 2009 -- Taiwan began to make on-board checks of passengers on flights arriving from the US.
Asia-Pacific on High Alert as Swine Flu Fears Intensify VOA 29 Apr 2009 -- As concerns that swine flu is spreading through the Asia-Pacific region, New Zealand has confirmed new infections.
ASIA: Action taken across the region to counter swine flu IRIN 29 Apr 2009 -- Governments throughout Asia take action in reponse to swine flu.
Europe Prepares for More Swine Flu Cases VOA 29 Apr 2009 -- Europe continues to gear up for an anticipated increase in swine flu cases.
Mexico confirms seven swine flu deaths since start of panic RIA Novosti 29 Apr 2009 -- There have only been 7 deaths in Mexico that can be said without doubt to have been caused by swine flu.
UN swine flu pandemic alert remains at phase four IRNA 29 Apr 2009 -- Influenza pandemic alert remains at phase 4, on a 6-level warning scale, as the count of swine flu infections continues to rise.
Taiwan Granted Observer Status at WHO Body VOA 29 Apr 2009 -- China has dropped long-standing objections to Taiwan participating in the World Health Organization's annual assembly.
Taiwan invited to attend World Health Assembly CNA 29 Apr 2009 -- President Ma announced that Taiwan has been invited to take part as an observer in the upcoming World Health Assembly.
THAILAND: Learning the lessons from SARS and bird flu IRIN 29 Apr 2009 -- Thailand was quick to react to the threat of an international swine flu epidemic when news of possible spread broke a few days ago.

AFGHANISTAN: Thousands affected by floods, landslides, earthquakes IRIN 29 Apr 2009 -- Flash floods, landslides and earthquakes in different parts of Afghanistan in the last 10 days or so have damaged thousands of houses, killed hundreds of livestock and made thousands homeless, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has said.

Cuba Puts Onus on US for Better Ties VOA 29 Apr 2009 -- Cuban President Raul Castro says his country does not need to make any "gestures" as it pursues better relations with the United States.
Raul Castro reiterates Cuba's willingness for dialog with U.S. RIA Novosti 29 Apr 2009 -- Cuban leader Raul Castro reiterated his country's willingness for a comprehensive dialog with the US.

Thai court may give ruling in Bout case in June - lawyer RIA Novosti 29 Apr 2009 -- Thai court may announce its ruling on the extradition of a Russian businessman, accused of conspiring to sell arms to Colombian left-wing rebels, in early June.

EU's Eastern Partnership Strains To Juggle Interests, Values RFE/RL 29 Apr 2009 -- The draft of a document slated for release at an upcoming EU Eastern Partnership summit suggests the bloc is grappling with the task of making the program an ideal fit for all of its prospective partners.

Georgian opposition insists on president's resignation RIA Novosti 29 Apr 2009 -- Georgia's opposition leaders said on Wednesday that they are willing to engage in dialogue with the leadership on the condition that President Mikheil Saakashvili agrees to resign.

Interpol Issues Arrest Warrant For Seven Chechens RFE/RL 29 Apr 2009 -- Interpol has issued an arrest warrant for seven Russian citizens of Chechen origin, including Duma deputy Adam Delimkhanov.
Kenyans Hail Parliament Speaker's Unprecedented Move As Bold And Dramatic VOA 29 Apr 2009 -- Kenyans have hailed what they describe as a bold and unprecedented move by their parliament speaker, who stepped in as temporary chairman of parliament's House Business Committee.
UN Envoy: Ivory Coast to Hold Elections By December 6 VOA 29 Apr 2009 -- Ivory Coast's envoy to the United Nations says the country's long-delayed presidential elections will be held by December 6 at the latest.
UN experts concerned over mercenaries' alleged coup plot in Bolivia UN News Centre 29 Apr 2009 -- A group of United Nations independent experts on mercenaries today voiced their deep concern over reports that five people were involved in a plot to overthrow the Government of Bolivia.

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