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06 May 2009 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
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Current Operations

OIF/OEF Casualty Update 06 May 2009 [PDF]

May 4 airpower summary: C-17s provide heavy airlift AFNS 06 May 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and ISAF troops in Afghanistan during operations.

U.S. Soldiers, Iraqi Police Secure Busy Marketplace AFPS 06 May 2009 -- Pennsylvania Army National Guard soldiers and their Iraqi counterparts have been hitting the streets to maintain security in Taji Market.
Death Toll Rises After Car Bomb Explosions in Baghdad VOA 06 May 2009 -- Two separate carbombings in Baghdad have claimed at least 11 lives, and wounded more than 30.

Afghan, Coalition Forces Detain Six Suspected Militants AFPS 06 May 2009 -- Afghan and coalition forces detained six suspected militants in Afghanistan’s Logar province during an operation in Afghanistan.
US Commander: Afghan Civilian Casualties Not from US Forces VOA 06 May 2009 -- Top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan has a "distinctly different" version of the incidentin Farah Province.
Joint Investigation Aims to Get to Bottom of Afghanistan Incident AFPS 06 May 2009 -- US and Afghan officials here have launched an investigation into a May 4 engagement in Afghanistan's Farah province.
Clinton Expresses Regret Over Casualties, Vows Investigation RFE/RL 06 May 2009 -- Afghan villagers are mourning relatives after a coalition air strike.
Karzai Takes Issue with Civilian Casualties in US-Led War VOA 06 May 2009 -- Afghan President Karzai in Washington for talks with President Obama on Washington's new strategy to resolve the Afghan conflict.
Red Cross: Dozens of Afghans Killed in US Airstrike VOA 06 May 2009 -- Red Cross officials backing local reports that US-led airstrikes in western Afghanistan earlier this week killed dozens of civilians.
Red Cross confirms reports of Afghan civilian deaths IRNA 06 May 2009 -- ICRC representatives in Afghanistan have witnessed corpses left in the rubble after fighting between Taliban and Western forces.
NATO airstrike kills 100 civilians in west Afghanistan - police RIA Novosti 06 May 2009 -- Around 100 civilians died and several others were wounded in a recent NATO air strike in Afghan province of Farah.
Task Force Leatherneck deploys to Afghanistan USMC News 06 May 2009 -- 100 Marines and sailors of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Construction Crews in Southern Afghanistan Prepare for Troop Increase AFPS 06 May 2009 -- Expansion efforts under way in southern Afghanistan, where most of the 21,000d eploying troops will be concentrated.
McKiernan Views Incoming Troops as Opportunity in Afghanistan AFPS 06 May 2009 -- New US Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy opens a window of opportunity to break a security "stalemate."
Gates Seeks 'Ground Level' View of Afghanistan Operations AFPS 06 May 2009 -- Defense Secretary Gates arrived for a surprise visit "to get a sense from the ground level" about operations in Afghanistan.

UN refugee chief concerned at plight of displaced in north-west Pakistan UN News Centre 06 May 2009 -- The United Nations refugee chief today voiced his deep concern at the plight of tens of thousands of civilians uprooted by the ongoing conflict in north-western Pakistan, as his agency steps up its humanitarian assistance to the region.
Pakistani Army: Up to 70 Militants Killed in Northwest VOA 06 May 2009 -- Pakistan says its security forces have killed up to 70 militants in ongoing anti-insurgency operations in the country's northwest.
15 militants, two soldiers killed in Pakistan tribal region IRNA 06 May 2009 -- Pakistani forces killed 15 militants in a tribal region after they attacked an army check post.

USNS Comfort Arrives in Antigua, Barbuda Navy NewsStand 06 May 2009 -- Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort arrived May 5 in the port of St. Johns, Antigua, for Continuing Promise 2009.
Super Cobra crashes in National Forest USMC News 06 May 2009 -- A 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing AH-1W Super Cobra crashed last night at approximately 11:54 p.m. PST.
Nellis Airmen locate missing aircraft AFNS 06 May 2009 -- An HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue crew from Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., found the wreckage an overdue aircraft in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range May 1.

Defense Policy / Programs

Commission Recommends Renewed US Leadership on Nuclear Arms Reduction VOA 06 May 2009 -- Report released recommends strengthened US leadership in efforts to prevent further nuclear proliferation.
Nuclear Negotiator Says U.S. For 'Balanced' Arms Reduction RFE/RL 06 May 2009 -- US President Obama outlined his vision for addressing the threat presented by the proliferation of nuclear arms.

Senior Executive Service Appointments/Assignments DoD 06 May 2009 -- Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced the following Department of Defense Senior Executive Service appointments/assignments
Media Availability with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia DoD 06 May 2009 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates
Regulation changes to allow for longer South Korean tours AFNS 06 May 2009 -- DoD officials approved changes to the Joint Federal Travel Regulation that affects the length of military tours in Korea.
Sheppard officials test synthetic fuels AFNS 06 May 2009 -- Air Force Petroleum Agency officials are finalizing preparations for field testing of a 50/50 blend of JP-8 and synthetic jet fuel at the 364th Training Squadron fuels training complex here.
3/6 Kilo learns tough lessons from mountain warfare training USMC News 06 May 2009 -- Company K tasked with performing a company-level movement between 2 landing zones, but didn't know 11 insurgent role-players were waiting to ambush them.
Guard Members From Eight States Practice Contamination Responses AFPS 06 May 2009 -- CONN-EX 09 exercise involving CST teams from across New England, New York and New Jersey.
Pacific Partnership 09 to Continue Without USS Dubuque Navy NewsStand 06 May 2009 -- Pacific Partnership mission not will take place aboard USS Dubuque because of H1N1 virus concerns.
Citadel Gale Preps Navy for Hurricane Season Navy NewsStand 06 May 2009 -- Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet kicked off its participation in Hurricane Exercise 09, dubbed HURREX/Citadel Gale 09, May 4.

Afghanistan, Pakistan Vow to Increase Cooperation AFPS 06 May 2009 -- The presidents of Afghanistan and Pakistan vowed to work closely together to defeat the common threat to both countries: a resurgent Taliban.
Obama Encouraged By Afghan, Pakistani Cooperation AFPS 06 May 2009 -- President Obama: Encouraged by the spirit of cooperation between the leaders of Pakistan and Afghanistan as the two nations confront extremists.
Obama Calls Meetings with Pakistani, Afghan Counterparts 'Extraordinarily Productive' VOA 06 May 2009 -- US President Obama: United States has made a lasting commitment to support their democratically elected governments.
U.S., Afghan, Pakistani Presidents To Hold War Council RFE/RL 06 May 2009 -- US President Obama set to meet with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari in Washington.
Obama to Meet Leaders of Pakistan, Afghanistan on Insurgency VOA 06 May 2009 -- US President Obama will meet with the presidents of Pakistan and Afghanistan in effort to get them to work more closely together.
Clinton: US, Pakistan, Afghanistan Face 'Common Threat' of Extremism VOA 06 May 2009 -- US Secretary of State Clinton convened a 3-way meeting with the leaders of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Gates Lauds U.S. Efforts to Boost Saudi Military Capacity AFPS 06 May 2009 -- Defense Secretary Gates: Mentorship US forces are providing the Saudi Arabian military a key factor in maintaining stability in the region.

Gates assures Saudi Arabia, Egypt on Obama's Iran overture IRNA 06 May 2009 -- SecDef Gates sought to reassure US allies their relationships with US would not be damaged by efforts to open dialogue with Iran.

Russia's Lavrov visits U.S. to prepare for Obama-Medvedev summit RIA Novosti 06 May 2009 -- Russia's FM embarks on a US visit to prepare for summit due in July as part of the two countries' pledges to rebuild ties.

NATO-led drills kick off in Georgia amid Russian criticism RIA Novosti 06 May 2009 -- NATO started an exercise in Georgia despite Russia's fierce criticism of the drills.
Russian MP proposes Caribbean drill response to NATO exercises RIA Novosti 06 May 2009 -- Russian MP proposed responding to NATO exercises by inviting Cuba and Venezuela to take part in Caribbean Sea drills.

Despite tensions, Russia seeks normal ties with NATO RIA Novosti 06 May 2009 -- Russia's FM: Despite latest flap, Moscow seeks partnership with the alliance.
Canada protests against Russia's expulsion of diplomats RIA Novosti 06 May 2009 -- Canada's FM criticized Russia's decision to expel 2 Canadians working for the NATO office in Moscow.
Russia expels two Canadian NATO diplomats RIA Novosti 06 May 2009 -- Russia's FM announced on the expulsion of 2 Canadian diplomats working for the NATO office in Moscow.

U.S. not linked to failed Bulava launches RIA Novosti 06 May 2009 -- Russian defense minister: US had nothing to do with a number of unsuccessful launches of Russia's new Bulava sea-based ballistic missile.
Russia to start building naval pilot training center in 2010 RIA Novosti 06 May 2009 -- Russia is planning to start construction of a naval pilot training facility on the Sea of Azov in southern Russia in 2010.
Russian Airborne Troops chief dismissed on reaching age limit RIA Novosti 06 May 2009 -- Lt. Gen. Valery Yevtukhovich dismissed as commander of the Russian Airborne Troops due to reaching the retirement age.

France to host FRUKUS 2009 international naval exercises RIA Novosti 06 May 2009 -- The FRUKUS 2009 international naval exercises will be held in Brest, northwest France on June 21-27.

India to flight-test new jet trainer with Russian engines RIA Novosti 06 May 2009 -- India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited will start in May flight tests of a new jet trainer equipped with Russian AL-55 I engines.

Iran, Pakistan study security measures in joint borders IRNA 06 May 2009 -- Iranian and Pakistani officials studied measures to ensure security in the joint border between the two countries.

Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 06 May 2009
Briefing by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 5-6-09 The White House 06 May 2009
Briefing by National Security Advisor General James Jones on the President's Meetings with President Karzai of Afghanistan and President Zardari of Pakistan The White House 06 May 2009

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for May 06, 2009
IAI Will Exhibit a Wide Array of Advanced Systems at the Singapore International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference– IMDEX Asia 2009 Israel Aerospace Industries 06 May 2009 -- Naval systems, including UAVs, radars, stabilized optronic payloads, laser-homing attack missiles and naval and air defense systems, will be presented in the IAI exhibit
BAE SYSTEMS, GENERAL DYNAMICS SUBMIT FINAL PROPOSAL ON U.S. NAVY ELECTRONIC WARFARE SYSTEM TO DEFEAT SOPHISTICATED MARITIME THREATS BAE Systems 06 May 2009 -- BAE Systems and General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems have submitted their final proposal to provide the surface-ship electronic warfare (EW) system for the U.S. Navy's Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP) Block 2 upgrade competition
EADS Defence & Security successfully concludes European radar technology research programmes EADS 06 May 2009 -- EADS Defence & Security (DS) together with its partner companies has successfully concluded two major radar technology programmes paving the way for the unprecedented performance of the new AESA radar technology (AESA = Active Electronically Scanning Array).
General Dynamics Awarded $34 Million for Joint Biological Point Detection System Production and Support General Dynamics 06 May 2009 -- The U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command Acquisition Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., has awarded General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products a $34 million contract option for production, testing and field support packages for Joint Biological Point Detection Systems (JBPDS).
Air Mobility Commander C-130J Delivery Continues U.S. Air Force Airlift Modernization Lockheed Martin 06 May 2009 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] today delivered the 13th of 16 C-130J Super Hercules to Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.
SAIC Awarded $158 Million Task Order by Defense Health Information Management System SAIC 06 May 2009 -- Science Applications International Corporation (NYSE: SAI) today announced it has been awarded a task order by the Defense Health Information Management System to provide sustainment support to the Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application (AHLTA)/Composite Health Care System (CHCS).
ATK Propulsion and Composites Instrumental in Successful Delta II Launch ATK 06 May 2009 -- Alliant Techsystems propulsion, composites and spacecraft technologies have key roles in the successful launch of United Launch Alliance's Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, and the mission of the Missile Defense Agency's Space Tracking and Surveillance System - Advanced Technology Risk Reduction (STSS-ATRR) satellite.
Raytheon Awarded $115 Million for Additional Patriot 'Pure Fleet' Upgrades Raytheon 06 May 2009 -- Raytheon Company has been awarded a new contract to continue "Pure Fleet" upgrades of U.S. Army Patriot Air and Missile Defense Systems.

Other Conflicts

DAILY PRESS BRIEFING BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL United Nations 06 May 2009

UN peacekeeping chief meets with Israeli, Lebanese officials UN News Centre 06 May 2009 -- UN peacekeeping chief voiced hope that ongoing talks will lead to a quick end to the dispute over Ghajar, a village that straddles the so-called Blue Line separating Lebanon and Israel.
Secretary-General, Israeli President discuss Gaza inquiry report UN News Centre 06 May 2009 -- Secretary-General Ban and Israeli President Peres discussed the report of the UN Board of Inquiry.

Sri Lanka’s displaced now numbers over 192,000, UN reports UN News Centre 06 May 2009 -- The United Nations humanitarian wing said today that over 192,000 people have fled the conflict zone in northern Sri Lanka, where clashes continue between Government forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
Sri Lanka Army Amazed by Size of Captured Rebel Arsenal VOA 06 May 2009 -- Top brass of Sri Lanka's Army say they are astonished by the amount of weapons and ammunition they have seized, as soldiers retake territory from the Tamil Tiger rebels.

Ban warns against attempts to destabilize eastern Chad UN News Centre 06 May 2009 -- Secretary-General Ban warned against any attempts to destabilize eastern Chad.
Top UN relief official begins visit to strife-torn Darfur, southern Sudan UN News Centre 06 May 2009 -- The United Nations humanitarian chief kicked off a five-day trip to Sudan today to assess relief programmes in the south of the vast African country and its war-torn Darfur region.
Russian diplomat warns of rising tensions in north Kosovo RIA Novosti 06 May 2009 -- A Russian diplomat in Kosovo warned on Wednesday that Serb protests in the north of the province could lead to violent clashes with ethnic Albanians.

Khmer Rouge Tribunal Sheds Fresh Light on Old Wars VOA 06 May 2009 -- In Cambodia, the Khmer Rouge tribunal is providing fresh insights about Pol Pot's bloody regime.

News Reports

Military Continues to Monitor H1N1 Flu Virus's Path AFPS 06 May 2009 -- US military has prepared for years to confront a public health challenge like the H1N1 influenza virus.
UN prepares for production of influenza A(H1N1) vaccine UN News Centre 06 May 2009 -- Number of influenza A(H1N1) infections continues to climb, as UN WHO moves forward with efforts to create a vaccine.
WHO: Drug Companies Must Prepare for Swine Flu Vaccine VOA 06 May 2009 -- WHO: All pharmaceutical manufacturers must be ready to start producing vaccines to protect people against Influenza A-H1N1.
Mexico Reports More Flu Deaths VOA 06 May 2009 -- Mexican authorities say there have been 42 deaths in the country from the swine influenza A-H1N1 virus, out of more than 1,000 confirmed cases.
Mexico swine flu caseload reaches 1,112 with 42 deaths RIA Novosti 06 May 2009 -- The number of confirmed cases of human infection with H1N1 swine flu has risen to 1,112 in Mexico, including 42 deaths.
Mexico Returning to Normal After Flu Outbreak; Second Fatality in US VOA 06 May 2009 -- US health officials: Woman in Texas second person outside of neighboring Mexico to die of influenza A-H1N1.
MIDDLE EAST: Swine flu update IRIN 06 May 2009 -- Confirmed cases of influenza A/H1N1 have been reported in Israel, which is among 21 countries to have officially reported cases.
China allocates $725 mln to fight swine flu RIA Novosti 06 May 2009 -- The Chinese authorities have allocated 5 billion yuan ($725 million) for measures to keep the swine flu virus at bay.
ASEAN Plus Meeting Hopes to Limit Swine Flu's Economic Damage VOA 06 May 2009 -- Officials from ASEAN as well as China, South Korea and Japan to boost regional cooperation in dealing with any outbreak.
CDC confirms H1N1 case involving military dependent AFNS 06 May 2009 -- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials confirmed one isolated case of the H1N1 flu virus at Nellis Air Force Base.
Ban urges global solidarity to tackle influenza outbreak IRNA 06 May 2009 -- UN Secretary-General Ban: Influenza A(H1N1) outbreak is yet another reminder of just how much countries are interconnected.

US Chamber of Commerce Supports Lifting Trade Embargo on Cuba VOA 06 May 2009 -- Head of US Chamber of Commerce: Lifting embargo will bring significant economic opportunities to American and Cuban workers alike.

US Reporter Jailed in Iran Ends Hunger Strike VOA 06 May 2009 -- The father of imprisoned Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi says his daughter has ended her hunger strike after two weeks.

EU's Eastern Partnership: A Primer RFE/RL 06 May 2009 -- On May 7, representatives of the 27 member states of the EU and six ex-Soviet partner countries will convene in Prague for an Eastern Partnership launch summit.
Eastern Partnership -- The EU's Accidental Sphere Of Influence RFE/RL 06 May 2009 -- Much to its surprise, the EU's Eastern Partnership initiative has landed it straight in the middle of great-power politics.

Demonstrators, Police Clash In Georgian Capital VOA 06 May 2009 -- Opposition supporters have clashed with police in Georgia's capital, Tbilisi, in the latest incident in nearly a month of daily anti-government protests.
Georgian opposition, police clash in Tbilisi, injured reported - TV RIA Novosti 06 May 2009 -- Members of Georgia's opposition and police clashed on Wednesday near the main police department building in the capital Tbilisi, injuries have been reported.
Georgia-Russia Dispute Heats Up At UN As NATO Exercises Begin RFE/RL 06 May 2009 -- The rhetoric was heated as UN ambassadors from Russia and Georgia on May 5 exchanged accusations of escalating military tensions in the South Caucasus.
Russia Denies Involvement In Alleged Georgian Military Coup RFE/RL 06 May 2009 -- Twenty-four hours after the Georgian authorities announced the surrender of most participants in a mutiny, circumstances surrounding alleged coup remain unclear.

Political Crisis in Nepal Could Jeopardize Peace Process VOA 06 May 2009 -- Political parties are holding talks to form a national government after Maoist PM quit following differences with the President.
Crisis mounts in Nepal as Maoists step up protests IRNA 06 May 2009 -- Nepal's Maoists vowed to step up protests and block a new government from forming unless the president supports the firing of the country's Army chief.

SOMALIA: Puntland drought getting worse IRIN 06 May 2009 -- Somalia's self-declared autonomous region of Puntland is on the brink of a humanitarian crisis following poor rains that have created severe water and food shortages, officials said.
TOGO: Alleged coup attempt tests country’s stability IRIN 06 May 2009 -- Tensions surrounding the recent arrest of the Togolese president’s brother on coup-plotting charges and the detention of other civilians will test reconciliation efforts in the country, still recovering from 2005 election violence, civil society leaders say.
FM `cautiously optimistic' of continued diplomatic truce with China CNA 06 May 2009 -- FM Francisco Ou: Evidence that China is working with the "diplomatic truce" approach of President Ma.
South Africa Parliament Elects Jacob Zuma President VOA 06 May 2009 -- South African lawmakers have elected ruling party leader Jacob Zuma to be the country's next president.
Security Reforms Needed in Guinea Bissau VOA 06 May 2009 -- Regional diplomats say reforming Guinea Bissau's security sector is crucial to stabilizing the country as it heads toward elections to replace the country's president.
Ethiopia Opposition Demands Probe of Anti-Government Plots VOA 06 May 2009 -- Ethiopia's main opposition party is demanding an independent investigation into the arrest of politicians accused of plotting to overthrow Prime Minister Meles Zenawi's government.
Taiwan opposes return of defector CNA 06 May 2009 -- Ministry of National Defense opposes the return to Taiwan of World Bank Senior VP Justin Lin, who defected to China when he was a ROC Army officer.

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