News

20 May 2009 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF/OEF Casualty Update 20 May 2009 [PDF]

Iraqi National Police, Warhorse Battalion knock on "Old Town's" doors Army News 20 May 2009 -- Insurgents thought they'd found a haven in Old Town, a neighborhood on the west side of Mosul.
Sustainers streamline unit movement into theater Army News 20 May 2009 -- In the last nine months they've trained and processed more than 12,000 Soldiers into the Iraq Theater of operations.
555th Engineer Brigade work to improve Iraqi Roads Army News 20 May 2009 -- More than 20 years ago when the Iraqi government built a road to connect Iraq Highway 1 with the Balad air base.
Intelligence coming from the ground up Army News 20 May 2009 -- The U.S. Army has begun out fitting units with a new intelligence gathering and distributing system as they prepare for deployment.
Ninewah Iraqi Police fulfill Ministry of Interior's IP training requirement, setting the stage for IP Primacy in region Army News 20 May 2009
Blast in Iraqi Capital Kills at Least 35 VOA 20 May 2009 -- Iraqi officials: Powerful car bomb ripped through a busy Baghdad street, killing at least 35 people and wounding more than 70 others.

Afghan Commandos Kill 18 Enemy Fighters in Helmand Province AFPS 20 May 2009 -- Afghan army commandos, assisted by coalition forces killed 18 enemy fighters and confiscated significant arms.
NATO Says New Air Strike Likely Killed Afghan Civilians RFE/RL 20 May 2009 -- NATO-led air raid may have killed eight civilians in Afghanistan.
NATO: Airstrike Kills 8 Afghan Civilians VOA 20 May 2009 -- NATO: Airstrike by one of its warplanes has killed eight civilians in southern Afghanistan, in the midst of a controversy over civilian casualties.
NATO forces kill 8 'human shields' in airstrike against Taliban RIA Novosti 20 May 2009 -- NATO forces in the southern Afghan province of Helmand have killed 8 civilians.
Suicide bombing kills two police in south Afghanistan RIA Novosti 20 May 2009 -- At least 2 policemen were killed in a suicide bombing outside an administrative building in Afghan province of Kandahar.
TF 30th MEDCOM uncases colors in Afghanistan Army News 20 May 2009 -- Task Force 30th MEDCOM uncased its colors at the MWR Clamshell here May 13.
Marines leave for Afghanistan USMC News 20 May 2009 -- Marines and sailors of 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, bade farewell as they left on a deployment to Afghanistan May 18.
U.S., French Soldiers Train Afghan Artillerymen AFPS 20 May 2009 -- Five Afghan National Army forward observers completed a 30-day training program with the 4-25th Field Artillery.
Central Command Team Releases Interim Findings on Farah Battle AFPS 20 May 2009 -- US Central Command investigation team released its interim findings on events in Afghanistan’s Farah province.

Pakistani Army Clears Taliban Stronghold VOA 20 May 2009 -- Pakistani army: Killed 80 militants and captured a key Taliban stronghold during intense fighting in and around the Swat Valley.
Pakistani forces kill 1,057 militants in operation, says army spokesman IRNA 20 May 2009 -- Security forces have killed 1,057 militants since major operation has been launched against miscreants.
16 militants, 4 soldiers killed as anti-Taliban offensive continues IRNA 20 May 2009 -- Anti-Taliban operation continued in Pakistan northwest and the security forces have killed 16 militants in 24 hours.
U.S. Military Shepherds Humanitarian Aid to Pakistan AFPS 20 May 2009 -- Two Air Force C-17 have begun delivering humanitarian aid to internally displaced people in Pakistan’s northwestern provinces.
Airmen airlift aid to Pakistan's war-torn Swat Valley AFNS 20 May 2009 -- DoD arranged for the delivery of humanitarian assistance to aid the estimated 1.7 million Pakistanis displaced by military operations.

Downed Navy Helicopter Update Navy NewsStand 20 May 2009 -- At 11:36 p.m., PST, May 19, an HH-60 Seahawk helicopter went down off the coast of Southern California while conducting training operations.

Defense Policy / Programs

New Strategy Treats Afghanistan, Pakistan as Integrated Theater AFPS 20 May 2009 -- DoD's policy chief: New strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan treats the area as an integrated theater of operations.
UK strategy in Afghanistan 'long-term', says armed forces minister IRNA 20 May 2009 -- Armed Forces Minister Ainsworth refused to say when British troops will be withdrawn from Afghanistan.

Clinton Says US Losing Media War in Afghanistan, Pakistan VOA 20 May 2009 -- US Secretary of State Clinton: US is losing the media war in Afghanistan and Pakistan - something she said must be reversed.
Shanghai group concerned by situation in Pakistan RIA Novosti 20 May 2009 -- Members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization concerned by the current situation in Pakistan.
Australia Welcomes Pakistani Military Chief VOA 20 May 2009 -- Pakistan's military chief held low-key talks with his Australian counterparts and agreed to step-up counterterrorism cooperation.

Gates Outlines Details of 'Reform Budget' for House Subcommittee AFPS 20 May 2009 -- Defense Secretary Gates described for members of Congress the thinking underlying his recommendations for fiscal 2010 Pentagon spending.
Defense Comptroller Addresses 'Reform' Budget Proposal AFPS 20 May 2009 -- Pentagon's chief financial officer: Defense budget proposal for FY10 can best be characterized as a "reform budget."
AF officials announce Combat Air Forces restructure plan AFNS 20 May 2009 -- Air Force officials announced plans to retire legacy fighters to fund a smaller and more capable force.
Keel Laid for future USS Spruance Navy NewsStand 20 May 2009 -- General Dynamics Bath Iron Works laid the keel for the future USS Spruance (DDG 111) during a brief ceremony May 14.
8th Theater Sustainment Command Full Operational Capability Army News 20 May 2009 -- The 8th Theater Sustainment Command is one of three theater-level sustainment commands in the active Army.
CTF 151 Commander Meets With Coalition Partners Navy NewsStand 20 May 2009 -- Commander of Combined Task Force 151 visited Singapore's RSS Persistence and Turkey's TCG Giresun May 19 to discuss counterpiracy operations.
Navy to Prepare Environmental Impact Statement for Naval Base Kitsap Bangor Wharf Navy NewsStand 20 May 2009 -- US Navy announced its intent to prepare an environmental impact statement for the Navy's proposed action at Naval Base Kitsap Bangor.
Army wants to be good neighbors in Colorado Army News 20 May 2009 -- The Army won't resort to eminent domain to acquire land for the expansion of the Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site in Colorado.
NAVFAC Southwest Awards Recovery Act Contract to Replace Reservoir at Travis AFB Navy NewsStand 20 May 2009 -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest awarded Stronghold Engineering Inc. contract to remove and replace a reservoir at Travis Air Force Base.
Iron Brigade tests its mettle in Warrior Focus II Army News 20 May 2009 -- Field exercises are the bread and butter of American Soldiers preparing to serve in operations anywhere in the world at a moment's notice.
GW, CVW 5 Get Underway for COE Navy NewsStand 20 May 2009 -- USS George Washington departed its forward-deployed port to conduct its combat operations efficiency evaluation.
USS Doyle Gets Underway for Southern Seas Deployment to Latin America Navy NewsStand 20 May 2009 -- The guided-missile frigate USS Doyle departed Naval Station Mayport May 7 to being the Southern Seas deployment.
Pacific Partnership to Run as Scheduled Aboard USNS Byrd AFPS 20 May 2009 -- The H1N1 flu virus won’t be able to count the Pacific Partnership 2009 mission among its casualties.

Russia: Arms Treaty with US Must Include Missile Defense VOA 20 May 2009 -- Russian FM Lavrov: Plans for a US missile defense system must be taken into account in a new strategic arms agreement.
Russian-U.S. arms reduction talks had successful start RIA Novosti 20 May 2009 -- Russia is satisfied with the results of the first round of discussions with the US on a new strategic arms reduction treaty.
Lavrov: arms control pact with U.S. must give equal security RIA Novosti 20 May 2009 -- Russian FM: New Russian-US arms reduction treaty must be based on the principle of equal security for both countries.

Russian destroyer escorts 5-ship convoy off Somali coast RIA Novosti 20 May 2009 -- Russia's Admiral Panteleyev destroyer escorting a convoy comprising 5 Russian and foreign merchant vessels.

Ukraine lets Russia return to naval pilot training facilities RIA Novosti 20 May 2009 -- Ukraine will allow Russia to continue using the facilities on the Crimean Peninsula for naval pilot training.
CSTO Official Says Russia Will Supply Missiles To Belarus RFE/RL 20 May 2009 -- Secretary-general of the Collective Security Treaty Organization: Russia will soon supply Belarus with S-400 and Iskander missiles.
Russia freezes warplane contract with Syria - report RIA Novosti 20 May 2009 -- Russia put on a hold a contract to deliver MiG-31E Foxhound interceptor-fighters to Syria.

Iran Missile Test Draws Reaction in US Congress VOA 20 May 2009 -- Iran's statement that it successfully test-fired a medium-range missile has provoked reaction in the U.S. Congress.
Clinton Warns of ME Arms Race if Iran Gets Nukes VOA 20 May 2009 -- Secretary of State Clinton: If Iran obtains a nuclear weapons capability, it would trigger an arms race in the Middle East and beyond.
Pentagon Confirms Iran Missile Test, Calls It 'Consistent' with Concerns VOA 20 May 2009 -- US Defense Secretary Gates confirmed that Iran has tested a medium range ballistic missile.
Advanced surface-to-surface missile successfully launched: President IRNA 20 May 2009 -- President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: Iran launched advanced surface-to surface missile called 'Sejjil-2.'
Iranian-made missiles, satellite launched from Semnan IRNA 20 May 2009 -- President Ahmadinejad: Launch pad for Iran's missiles and satellites is located in Semnan province.
Ahmadinejad: Iran Tests Missile that Could Reach Israel, Europe VOA 20 May 2009 -- Iran's President Ahmadinejad: Country has test-fired a new advanced missile that reportedly can reach Israel.

Over 90 killed in Indonesian military plane crash RIA Novosti 20 May 2009 -- Death toll following the crash of an Indonesian military transport plane in a residential area of East Java has risen to 97.
Indonesian Military Plane Crash Kills At Least 98 VOA 20 May 2009 -- An Indonesian military plane has crashed, killing at least 98 people.
At least 78 dead in Indonesian C-130 military plane crash IRNA 20 May 2009 -- An Indonesian military plane C-130 crashed and burst into flames killing at least 78 people.

UN peacekeeping chief 'impressed' with work of blue helmets in Middle East UN News Centre 20 May 2009 -- Head of United Nations peacekeeping praised the efforts of blue helmets in the Middle East who face huge challenges.

Briefing by White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 5-20-09 The White House 20 May 2009

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for May 20, 2009
Boeing Awarded US Air Force Contract for Airborne Communications Systems Boeing 20 May 2009 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that it has received a $3.4 million follow-on contract to provide the U.S. Air Force with 46 additional Combat Track II airborne satellite communications systems
Boeing Receives Contract to Develop, Test Distributed Targeting for F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Boeing 20 May 2009 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has received a $48.9 million contract from the U.S. Navy for development and testing of a Distributed Targeting (DT) system for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet strike fighter
Oshkosh Defense Awarded $40 Million Delivery Order for New and Recapitalized HEMTT A4s Oshkosh 20 May 2009 -- Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), has been awarded a $40 million delivery order with the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command Life Cycle Management Command (TACOM LCMC) for more than 130 additional next-generation Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMTT).
Bath Iron Works Marks DDG 111 Keel Laying With First “Ultra” Unit General Dynamics 20 May 2009 -- Representatives of the U.S. Navy and Bath Iron Works recently participated in a brief shipyard ceremony to mark the keel laying of Spruance (DDG 111), BIW’s 33rd DDG 51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyer.

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 20 May 2009

Netanyahu: Israel Ready to Speak to Syria, Palestinians VOA 20 May 2009 -- Israeli PM Netanyahu told US President Obama Israel is willing to immediately open peace talks with Syria and the Palestinians.
Gates, Netanyahu Discuss Paths to Middle East Stability AFPS 20 May 2009 -- Israeli PM Netanyahu and Defense Secretary Gates spoke about ways to bring stability and security to the greater Middle East.
Ban briefed by head of UN rights probe into Gaza conflict UN News Centre 20 May 2009 -- Secretary-General Ban briefed by the head of team of investigators tasked with examining alleged rights abuses and violations of international law during Gaza conflict.
UN Moves on Gaza Probe Despite Israeli Objections VOA 20 May 2009 -- UN human rights expert says he will proceed with a mission to the Gaza Strip to investigate possible war crimes during the recent Israel-Hamas conflict despite Israeli objections.
Israeli military bombs Gaza smuggling tunnels RIA Novosti 20 May 2009 -- Israeli warplanes carried out a bombing raid in Gaza overnight, targeting smuggling tunnels and weapons-making facilities.
Russia, Egypt urge meeting of Mideast Quartet RIA Novosti 20 May 2009 -- Russia and Egypt in favor of a meeting of the Middle East Quartet being held in the near future and for renewed efforts in the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations.

Sri Lankan Government Savors Victory While Tamils Ponder Future VOA 20 May 2009 -- The defeat of the Tamil Tigers and the death of Velupillai Prabhakaran seemed to deepen the sense of confusion felt by many in Sri Lanka's Tamil population.
International Community Waits for Answers for Loss of Life in Sri Lanka's War Against Rebels VOA 20 May 2009 -- U.S. officials are expressing relief that Sri Lanka's civil war is over, while calling for clarity on who is responsible for "the tremendous loss of life" in recent months.
National Holiday in Sri Lanka Marks Defeat of Tamil Tigers VOA 20 May 2009 -- Sri Lanka is celebrating a national holiday Wednesday to mark the military defeat of the Tamil Tiger rebels and the end of nation's 26-year-long civil war.

Russia to discuss West's support for Georgian policies at summit RIA Novosti 20 May 2009 -- Russia plans to raise the issue of western support for the policies of the Georgian president during the Russia-EU summit.
Unspecified 'Progress' Registered At Geneva Talks RFE/RL 20 May 2009 -- Fifth round of talks between Georgia, Russia, South Ossetia, and Abkhazia in the aftermath of the August 2008 Russian-Georgian war took place in Geneva.
Ban: UN's Georgia mission contributing to stability, security UN News Centre 20 May 2009 -- Secretary-General Ban: UNOMIG has contributed to the overall security of the local population, while cautioning that an agreement on a revised security regime is needed for lasting stability.

Somalia Government Plays Down Reports of Ethiopian Incursions VOA 20 May 2009 -- Somalia's government has played down reports that Ethiopian troops have re-entered the country in recent days.
SOMALIA: Somaliland clans in ceasefire over disputed farmland IRIN 20 May 2009 -- Two clans in Somaliland's Elberdale farmland in Gabiley region, who have fought intermittently in the past five months over disputed farmland, have agreed a ceasefire, a mediator said.
US Seeks Coordinated, Sustainable Somali Strategy VOA 20 May 2009 -- In Washington, a US Senate panel held a hearing Wednesday on developing a coordinated and sustainable strategy toward Somalia.
Uneasy Calm Returns to Somalia's Restive Capital VOA 20 May 2009 -- Uneasy calm has returned to the Somali capital, Mogadishu after at least two weeks of heavy fighting between hard line Islamic insurgents and government forces.

African Union-UN envoy calls for end to clashes along Chad-Sudan border UN News Centre 20 May 2009 -- Joint AU-UN envoy to Darfur called for an end to fighting near the Chad-Sudan border and for the two nations to rein in mounting tensions.
UN Applauds Improving Congo-Rwanda Ties VOA 20 May 2009 -- Ambassadors from UN Security Council in Kinshasa for talks with President Kabila's government about improving relations with Rwanda.
UN Council Assesses DRC, Liberia Peacekeeping Operations VOA 20 May 2009 -- UN Security Council in Liberia, the last stop on its 4-nation visit to Africa to assess peacekeeping missions.
Nigerian Army Vows to Secure Oil Rich Region VOA 20 May 2009 -- Nigeria's military is pressing ahead with its offensive against rebels in a bid to re-establish order in the country's oil-rich Niger Delta.
Nepal's Military Integration Stalled VOA 20 May 2009 -- 20,000 once-armed cadres of the People's Liberation Army have waited to be absorbed into Nepal's military as stipulated under the terms of a peace accord.
Tajik Officials Say Operation In East Is Not Against Warlords RFE/RL 20 May 2009 -- Reports that special operation is being used against leading warlords who are hiding in the region.
Aid Group: Thai Military Restrictions, Coercion Force Withdrawal from Refugee Camp VOA 20 May 2009 -- Aid group Doctors Without Borders is withdrawing its support from a refugee camp in the Thailand because of military restrictions and coercion.

News Reports

Somali pirate faces life sentence in U.S. RIA Novosti 20 May 2009 -- A teenage Somali pirate has been indicted with multiple piracy charges by a US court and faces life in prison if found guilty.

Four Candidates Approved To Run In Iran's Presidential Vote RFE/RL 20 May 2009 -- Iran's powerful Guardians Council has winnowed the field of hundreds of aspiring presidential candidates to 4 men.
Iranian Council Approves 4 Presidential Candidates VOA 20 May 2009 -- Iranian state media: Country's electoral oversight council approved 4 candidates, including incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Battle Between Pro-Secular and Islamic Government Continues in Turkey VOA 20 May 2009 -- In Turkey the deep divisions between supporters of the secular state and the Islamic-rooted government have reopened again following the death of a well-known secular campaigner.

Indian Election Sidelines Regional Parties, Strengthens Congress Party VOA 20 May 2009 -- Clear victory for the Congress-led alliance sidelined an array of regional and left leaning parties.

EU-Russia -- A Not-So-Strategic Partnership? RFE/RL 20 May 2009 -- When it comes to Russia, the mood in Brussels is one of disillusionment and resignation.

Clinton Calls Trial of Aung San Suu Kyi Outrageous VOA 20 May 2009 -- US Secretary of State Clinton called the Burmese government's trial of Aung San Suu Kyi outrageous.
Burmese Democracy Icon Meets Diplomats after Trial VOA 20 May 2009 -- Detained Burmese democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi greeted foreign diplomats who appeared in the courtroom at the third day of her trial.

Numbers of Swine Flu Cases Surge in Japan VOA 20 May 2009 -- Japan is on high alert after a sudden surge in cases of the swine influenza A-H1N1 virus.
AFGHANISTAN: Swine flu "getting closer" IRIN 20 May 2009 -- UN WHO has given 300,000 Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) capsules to Afghanistan to help it respond to a possible outbreak of influenza A(H1N1).
EGYPT: Anti-bird, swine flu measures affecting livelihoods IRIN 20 May 2009 -- Death of a four-year-old girl after she contracted the H5N1 avian flu virus brings the total number of bird flu deaths in Egypt to 27.
Taiwan issues phase 2 warning after 1st swine flu case confirmed CNA 20 May 2009 -- Central Epidemics Command Center issued a phase 2 alert after first case of influenza A(H1NI) confirmed in Taiwan
WHA participation benefits Taiwan, world: health minister CNA 20 May 2009 -- Taiwan's participation in the World Health Assembly not only benefits country but is also in the best interests of world.
Confirmed A/H1N1 swine flu cases worldwide top 10,000, with 80 deaths RIA Novosti 20 May 2009 -- 10,243 people in 41 countries worldwide have been officially diagnosed with the A/H1N1 virus with 80 deaths.
Swine Flu Cases Surge Above 10,000 VOA 20 May 2009 -- The World Health Organization says the number of global H1N1 swine flu cases has surged beyond 10,200 and the death toll has climbed to 80.

Georgian Opposition Unveils Counterproposals RFE/RL 20 May 2009 -- The Georgian opposition parties that aligned to launch a campaign on April 9 to demand the resignation of President Mikheil Saakashvili unveiled on May 18 a broader six-point plan for implementing political reforms.

Zimbabwe Prime Minister's Party Under Fire After Calling for International Help VOA 20 May 2009 -- PM Tsvangirai's political party coming under intense criticism after calling for AU and the SADC to intervene in resolving deadlock.

Biden Offers Serbia 'Strong, New Relationship' VOA 20 May 2009 -- U.S. Vice President Joe Biden has offered Serbia what he calls a strong new relationship with the United States.
US Vice President Backs Serbia's EU Entry VOA 20 May 2009 -- US VP Biden: Washington does not expect Serbia to recognize Kosovo's independence as a "precondition" for backing Belgrade's European Union membership.

Moldovan Communists one vote short of electing president RIA Novosti 20 May 2009 -- Moldova's ruling Communist Party failed to see its candidate elected as the country's new president on Wednesday, falling one vote short in a parliamentary ballot.

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