News

30 April 2009 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
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Current Operations

OIF/OEF Casualty Update 28 Apr 2009 [PDF]

April 29 airpower summary: C-130s sustain war efforts AFNS 30 Apr 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and ISAF troops in Afghanistan during operations.

Britain Ends Combat Role in Iraq VOA 30 Apr 2009 -- British forces have ceased combat operations in Iraq, handing over the role to U.S. troops.
U.K. to pull out of Iraq one month earlier - Defence Secretary RIA Novosti 30 Apr 2009 -- British Defence Secretary Hutton announced that British troops would leave one month earlier than initially planned.
Gates Says al-Qaida Trying to Spark New Round of Iraq Unrest VOA 30 Apr 2009 -- US Defense Secretary Gates: Series of highly deadly bombings in Iraq is an attempt by al-Qaida to spark sectarian violence.

Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill Four, Detain Two AFPS 30 Apr 2009 -- Afghan and coalition forces killed 4 men and detained 2others in operations overnight to disrupt bomb-making networks in Afghanistan.
Costs blamed for limited increase in UK troops in Afghanistan IRNA 30 Apr 2009 -- British army chiefs were reported to have lost out in wanting to permanently raise the number of UK troops deployed in Afghanistan.
AFGHANISTAN: Using clinics as polling stations "not a good idea" - ICRC IRIN 30 Apr 2009 -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has expressed concern over the use of health facilities for voter registration or as polling stations in Afghanistan's upcoming presidential elections, saying this could jeopardise the security of health workers and put patients at risk.

Top US Officials Say Pakistan Responding to Taliban Threat VOA 30 Apr 2009 -- US Secretary of Defense Gates and Secretary of State Clinton: Pakistan realizes the threat posed by the Taliban.
Deadly Clashes in Pakistan's South Add to Security Woes VOA 30 Apr 2009 -- Ethnic clashes in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi have left at least 34 people dead and added to security concerns.

Defense Policy / Programs

Obama Says He's 'Gravely Concerned' About Pakistan Situation RFE/RL 30 Apr 2009 -- US President Obama confident in the security of the country's nuclear arsenal.
US: Al-Qaida Still Greatest Threat to America VOA 30 Apr 2009 -- US: Al-Qaida terrorist group remains the greatest threat to America and its allies and is currently using Pakistan to rebuild its capabilities.

Gates Asks Senate to Pass Supplemental Funding by Memorial Day AFPS 30 Apr 2009 -- Defense Secretary Gates asked the Senate to pass the FY09 supplemental funding request by Memorial Day.
Clinton Praises Partnership Between State, Defense AFPS 30 Apr 2009 -- Secretary of State Clinton appreciates the partnership that has developed between her department and the DoD.
Air Force, Navy combine for air combat skills training AFNS 30 Apr 2009 -- Pilots from the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 115th Fighter Wing in Madison, honed training skills along side their naval counterparts.
Airmen keep F-16s airborne during Balikatan 2009 AFNS 30 Apr 2009 -- Air Force maintainers are keeping fighter pilots ready to go during Exercise Balikatan 2009.
Melting snow causes flooding at Minot launch facility AFNS 30 Apr 2009 -- Intercontinental ballistic missile belonging to the 91st Missile Wing here will be removed for analysis after water seeped into the launch tube.

U.S. and S. Korean War Exercises and Aerial Espionage against DPRK under Fire KCNA 30 Apr 2009 -- US forces and the South Korean Army conducting exercises in the land, the sea and the air in April.

Medvedev says NATO exercises in Georgia 'open provocation' RIA Novosti 30 Apr 2009 -- Russian President Medvedev: NATO's military exercises in Georgia on May 6-June 1 are "open provocation.".
Serbia officially withdraws from NATO-led drills in Georgia RIA Novosti 30 Apr 2009 -- Serbia will not take part in the Cooperative Longbow /Cooperative Lancer 2009 military exercises in Georgia in May.

Russia vows firm reply to NATO's 'vulgar' expulsion of diplomats RIA Novosti 30 Apr 2009 -- Russia views an attempt to expel 2 Russian diplomats from NATO's headquarters in Brussels as "a vulgar provocation."
NATO Expels Russian Diplomats Over Spy Scandal RFE/RL 30 Apr 2009 -- NATO has expelled 2 Russian diplomats in retaliation for a spy scandal earlier this year.
NATO expels two Russians for spying IRNA 30 Apr 2009 -- NATO has expelled two Russian diplomats from its headquarters in Brussels, accusing them of spying.

Iran, Venezuela ink MoU on defense IRNA 30 Apr 2009 -- Iran and Venezuela signed a memorandum of understanding on defense issues on Thursday.
Iran, Turkmenistan review enhanced defense cooperation IRNA 30 Apr 2009 -- Iran and Turkmenistan here Wednesday discussed avenues to promote defense cooperation.

IAF's SU-30 MKI crashes, one pilot dead IRNA 30 Apr 2009 -- A sophisticated Indian Air Force Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft crashed near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan on Thursday killing one of the two pilots.
Pilot killed in Indian Su-30 fighter crash RIA Novosti 30 Apr 2009 -- An Indian Su-30MKI fighter plane crashed on Thursday morning in the west of the country, killing the pilot.

UN peacekeeping training to be held for first time in Austria UN News Centre 30 Apr 2009 -- A course that shapes future military, police and political leaders for international peacekeeping operations will be held for the first time in Austria.

Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 30 Apr 2009
Briefing by White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 4/30/09 The White House 30 Apr 2009

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for April 30, 2009
BAE Systems to close three UK sites as Land sector transformation continues BAE Systems 30 Apr 2009 -- As part of its on-going transformation programme in the UK land sector, BAE Systems is to close three sites and cut jobs at another three, with the loss of some 500 jobs in the land sector in the UK.
Royal Air Force's Boeing C-17s Surpass 50,000 Hours of Flight Time Boeing 30 Apr 2009 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the UK Royal Air Force (RAF) today announced that the RAF fleet of six C-17 Globemaster III airlifters has surpassed 50,000 flying hours in eight years of service.
The French Defense Ministry Orders Five EC725 Helicopters from Eurocopter EADS 30 Apr 2009 -- This new acquisition is part of the plan to revitalize the economy, which the French government introduced in December 2008. The five helicopters are scheduled for delivery between late 2010 and early 2012.
Oshkosh Receives Preliminary M-ATV Contract, Advances to Final Military Testing Phase Oshkosh 30 Apr 2009 -- Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) announced today it was awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract with the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) for the purchase of three additional production-ready Oshkosh® MRAP All Terrain Vehicles (M-ATV) for further military testing. The contract is the same one from which the government could now award Oshkosh full production of an anticipated 2,080 – 10,000 M-ATVs for production later this year.
Thales procures thermal weapon sights for Australian Defence Force Thales 30 Apr 2009 -- Thales Australia has procured 350 VIPIR 2 third-party thermal weapon sights for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) as part of LAND 125 Phase 2B.
General Dynamics Completes Critical Design Review for U.S. Navy’s Common Display System Program General Dynamics 30 Apr 2009 -- General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems successfully completed the U.S. Navy’s Critical Design Review of its Common Display System (CDS) display consoles.
Lockheed Martin UK Acquires IMES Strategic Support Limited Lockheed Martin 30 Apr 2009 -- Lockheed Martin UK Limited (LMUK), a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation [NYSE: LMT], has acquired Imes Strategic Support Limited (ISSL), a subsidiary of the IMES Group, a privately held company based in Helensburgh, Scotland
Northrop Grumman Delivers First Production Center Fuselage for F-35 Program Northrop Grumman 30 Apr 2009 -- On April 22, Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) reached a major milestone in the development and production of the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter by delivering the center fuselage for the first production F-35 aircraft
SAIC Awarded $28 Million Contract by Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center SAIC 30 Apr 2009 -- Science Applications International Corporation (NYSE: SAI) today announced it has been awarded a prime contract by the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center (SSC) - Pacific to provide engineering and lifecycle support to the Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) and Joint Integrated Systems Branch.

Other Conflicts

DAILY PRESS BRIEFING BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL United Nations 30 Apr 2009

OPT: Gaza citizens at risk from rubbish, rubble, unexploded ordnance IRIN 30 Apr 2009 -- Unexploded ordnance (UXO) and the uncontrolled dumping of rubbish pose the greatest environmental and public health risks to residents of the Gaza Strip, according to the UN Development Programme (UNDP). A further study is planned by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

Sri Lanka's President says Tamil Rebels Days Away from Defeat VOA 30 Apr 2009 -- Sri Lanka says the territory controlled by Tamil Tiger rebels has now been reduced to a mere 5 square kilometers.
SRI LANKA: Tens of thousands of children among IDPs IRIN 30 Apr 2009 -- More than half the 170,000 civilians who have fled fighting in Sri Lanka’s north to government-controlled areas could be children needing care, relief officials warn.

Russia surprised by NATO reaction to Abkhazia, S.Ossetia deals RIA Novosti 30 Apr 2009 -- Russian FM: Surprised by NATO's reaction to new border security agreements concluded between Russia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
Russia to Assume Defense Role in Georgia's Rebel Republics VOA 30 Apr 2009 -- Russian President Medvedev signed agreements that give Russia responsibility for defense of the borders between Georgia and the 2 breakaway republics.
Russia Steps Up Cooperation With Breakaway Georgian Regions RFE/RL 30 Apr 2009 -- In Moscow, Russian President Medvedev signed agreements on cooperation in protecting the two regions' border with Georgia.
Russia signs deals with Abkhazia, S.Ossetia on border protection RIA Novosti 30 Apr 2009 -- Russia signed joint border protection agreements with the former Georgian republics.

Top UN humanitarian official condemns new 'terror and upheaval' in DR Congo UN News Centre 30 Apr 2009 -- Top UN humanitarian official condemned a resurgence of violence against civilians in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Extending Sudan mission, Security Council urges bolstering of north-south peace UN News Centre 30 Apr 2009 -- TSecurity Council extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Sudan for another year.
Security Council extends UN's Western Sahara mission for another year UN News Centre 30 Apr 2009 -- Security Council extended for one year the mandate of the UN mission tasked with organizing a referendum on self-determination in Western Sahara.
Tear gas used to disperse Serb protests as Kosovo tensions rise RIA Novosti 30 Apr 2009 -- NATO forces and EU police tried to control around 50 people demonstrating in the divided city of Kosovska-Mitrovica.
Cyprus Peace Talks Face Dual Threat VOA 30 Apr 2009 -- Northern Cyprus PM-elect Dervis Eroglu cast doubt that negotiations between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots will yield any results.
Cyprus: UN mediator 'cautiously optimistic' over complex reunification talks UN News Centre 30 Apr 2009 -- UN envoy: "Grand vision" for the Mediterranean island remains complicated but he is hopeful that it will happen.

Release of pro-Syrian Generals Heightens Lebanese Political Tension VOA 30 Apr 2009 -- Release of pro-Syrian Lebanese generals is stirring up a political tempest between the pro-Western parliamentary majority and the opposition Hezbollah.

ZAMBIA-DRC: Free trip back home only 'til December IRIN 30 Apr 2009 -- Thousands of Congolese who sought refuge in Zambia during years of fighting in their country have been warned that they have until the end of December to get a free trip back home.

News Reports

CDC Briefing on Public Health Investigation of Human Cases of Swine Influenza Center for Disease Control 30 Apr 2009
Secretary Sebelius Takes Two Key Actions On Strategic National Stockpile Dept. of Health and Human Services 30 Apr 2009
Experts Shun Swine Label for Influenza Outbreak VOA 30 Apr 2009 -- As health experts learn more about the Swine influenza A-H1N1 outbreak centered in Mexico, many are moving away from calling it swine flu.
World Health Organization confirms 257 cases of swine flu RIA Novosti 30 Apr 2009 -- World Health Organization confirmed 257 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection in 11 countries as of 17:00 GMT.
UN pandemic alert still at Phase 5, as influenza A (H1N1) continues to spread UN News Centre 30 Apr 2009 -- United Nations health agency held its pandemic alert to Phase 5.
Red Cross Mobilizes Millions of Volunteers to Fight Swine Flu VOA 30 Apr 2009 -- International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies says millions of volunteers in 186 countries are being mobilized.
More Countries Report Influenza Cases VOA 30 Apr 2009 -- Number of confirmed cases of swine influenza A H1N1 continues to grow.
Hundreds of Suspected or Confirmed Cases of Swine Flu in New York City VOA 30 Apr 2009 -- Number of swine flu cases in New York City continues to grow, with hundreds of confirmed or suspected cases.
Swine Flu Prompts US School Closures VOA 30 Apr 2009 -- Scores of schools are closed in several U.S. states to combat the spread of the influenza virus being called swine flu.
Obama To Keep US-Mexico Border Open VOA 30 Apr 2009 -- President Barack Obama says he has no plans to close the United States' border with Mexico, despite the swine flu threat.
US-Mexican Border Not Closing for Flu Outbreak VOA 30 Apr 2009 -- The Obama administration is standing by its decision to keep the U.S. border with Mexico open - despite the swine flu outbreak.
Mexico Faces Severe Economic Fallout from Flu Crisis VOA 30 Apr 2009 -- There are concerns about the economic impact of the virus on a country where a large part of the population lives in poverty.
Mexico Faces Shut Down Over Swine Flu VOA 30 Apr 2009 -- Mexican President Calderon is urging people to stay at home while the federal government suspends non-essential activities to combat spread of flu.
US Reports: At Least 94 Infected With Swine Flu; One Dies in Texas VOA 30 Apr 2009 -- U.S. health authorities say at least 91 people in 10 U.S. states have been infected with swine flu.
Countries in East Africa Step Up Flu Screening VOA 30 Apr 2009 -- Countries in east Africa are screening travelers and have issued hygiene guidelines, after South Africa suspected cases of swine flu.
Fears of World Flu Pandemic Grow as Outbreaks Spread VOA 30 Apr 2009 -- Health authorities in many countries are taking urgent steps to control the spreading swine flu crisis, on the brink of a pandemic.
Premier calls for larger reserves of flu vaccines in Taiwan CNA 30 Apr 2009 -- Premier Liu urged biopharmaceutical manufacturing companies in Taiwan to begin developing a vaccine against swine flu.
Asia Activates Pandemic Plans After WHO Alert VOA 30 Apr 2009 -- Health authorities in Asia have swiftly responded to the World Health Organization's warning of an "imminent pandemic" of swine flu.
WHO Urges Governments To Put Flu Plans Into Action RFE/RL 30 Apr 2009 -- World Health Organization has upgraded its pandemic alert level for a new strain of the swine flu from Phase 4 to Phase 5.
WHO raises level of swine flu pandemic alert to 'five' RIA Novosti 30 Apr 2009 -- World Health Organization has raised its level of swine flu pandemic alert from phase 4 to 5, one step short of a full-scale pandemic.
UN notches up swine flu pandemic alert to level 5 IRNA 30 Apr 2009 -- UN health agency raised the international alert to Phase 5 on a 6-point scale, signalling an imminent pandemic.
Russian scientists could create swine flu vaccine in 3 months RIA Novosti 30 Apr 2009 -- Head of Russia's Flu Research Institute: Scientists could create a vaccine to combat swine flu in 3 months.
Swine Flu Ruled Out in Suspected S. African Case VOA 30 Apr 2009 -- Health officials in South Africa: H1N1 influenza virus has been ruled out in one of the two suspected cases there.

Obama Defends Record of First 100 Days in Office VOA 30 Apr 2009 -- Marking his first 100 days in office, U.S. President Barack Obama said late Wednesday his administration is off to a "good start," but more work needs to be done.

Clinton Concerned About Health of Journalist Jailed by Iran VOA 30 Apr 2009 -- US Secretary of State Clinton has expressed concern about the health of journalist Roxana Saberi.

Afghan presidential elections may have 60 candidates RIA Novosti 30 Apr 2009 -- Some 60 candidates may run for president in the upcoming elections on August 21 in Afghanistan.

US Ship Captain Testifies on Piracy VOA 30 Apr 2009 -- US congressional committees have examined the problem of maritime piracy and steps the US and other countries are taking to deal with it.
Somali pirates could face trial in Russia RIA Novosti 30 Apr 2009 -- Suspected pirates seized by a Russian warship off the Somali coast earlier this week could be tried in Russia.

Independent Candidates Rising in India Politics VOA 30 Apr 2009 -- There has been a huge increase in the number independent candidates vying for seats in India's parliament this election.
Voting begins in strike-hit Kashmir IRNA 30 Apr 2009 -- The second round of elections for the Indian parliament began in Kashmir, under the shadow of a boycott.
Indians Vote in Third Round of Staggered General Election VOA 30 Apr 2009 -- India has held another round of its staggered general election, which is being conducted in five stages over a month.

New key witness testifies for Bout in Thai court RIA Novosti 30 Apr 2009 -- Lawyers for an alleged Russian arms dealer arrested in Thailand have asked a fugitive U.S. businessman to testify for their client.

Belarusian President 'Will Not Attend' Prague Summit RFE/RL 30 Apr 2009 -- An organizer of the EI's Eastern Partnership summit in Prague: President Alyaksandr Lukashenka will not attend the May 7 event.
European Fact-Finders Cite 'Horrible Violence' Against Moldova Protesters RFE/RL 30 Apr 2009 -- A fact-finding mission from the European Parliament: "Acts of horrible violence" were committed by police against young people after postelection protests in Moldova.

THAILAND: Resettlement leaves gaps in camp services IRIN 30 Apr 2009 -- The resettlement of Burmese refugees from the nine camps along the Thai border with Myanmar has been something of a success story. More than 43,000 have found homes in some 11 countries since 2004 when the programme began up to the end of 2008. Another 13,000 are expected to leave in 2009.

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