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04 January 2011 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
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Current Operations

OIF/OEF Casualty Update 04 Jan 2011 [PDF]

Last main body of 1st Infantry Division headquarters returns to Fort Riley Army News 04 Jan 2011 -- It was July of 2006 the last time the 1st Infantry Division colors were uncased at Fort Riley.
New helicopters help build IA aviation skills Army News 04 Jan 2011 -- Arrival of three Bell T-407 training helicopters at Camp Taji will help train qualified Iraqi Army pilots to operate and maintain the helicopters.
Iraq loses $1bln through corruption in 2010 RIA Novosti 04 Jan 2011 -- Iraqi economy lost about $1 billion in 2010 due to high level of corruption among state officials, the country's chief corruption fighter said.
Spanish Court Opens Probe Into Iraq Killings RFE/RL 04 Jan 2011 -- A Spanish judge has opened a probe into Iraqi security forces accused of killing 11 members of an Iranian exile group in 2009.

DOD News Briefing with Maj. Gen. Fritz and Col. Mulholland via Teleconference from Afghanistan DoD 04 Jan 2011
Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill, Detain Insurgents AFPS 04 Jan 2011 -- Afghan and coalition forces killed numerous insurgents and detained several others in operations yesterday throughout Afghanistan.
Joint mission secures foothold in Gor Tepa Army News 04 Jan 2011 -- Afghan National Security Forces, along with members of the International Security Assistance Force - Afghanistan, began a major security operation in the Gor Tepa region.
ANA, ISAF conduct key leader engagement in Ghaziabad Army News 04 Jan 2011 -- A/1-133rd Infantry and 1st Company, 1st Battalion, 201st Afghan National Army Regiment conducted a key leader engagement in the town of Ghaziabad, Afghanistan.
Afghan, Coalition forces keeping pressure on insurgents in new year Army News 04 Jan 2011 -- The holiday season did not slow down coalition and Afghan forces in the battle against the Taliban.
Teamwork, Reintegration Weaken Taliban in Northern Afghanistan AFPS 04 Jan 2011 -- Cooperation among troops from many nations and the reintegration into Afghan society of a growing number of war-weary insurgents are adding to success in northern Afghanistan.
Explosion In Kabul Kills One, Wounds Three Others RFE/RL 04 Jan 2011 -- An explosion in the Afghan capital has killed one Afghan policeman and wounded three civilians.
Afghan Leader Slams Foreign Interference; Violence Rages On VOA 04 Jan 2011 -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai has again criticized what he says is foreign interference in Afghanistan's political affairs.
Elite Afghan police unit leads way for rest to follow Army News 04 Jan 2011 -- Brig. Gen. Ahmed Fahim Qayem, commander of the Central Unit, Police Zone 101, is setting an example that few in Afghanistan have seen the likes of.
Nellis Airmen, joint partners prep Marines for Afghanistan AFNS 04 Jan 2011 -- US Joint Forces Command joint fires experts joined Marine Corps Tactics and Operations Group to prepare Marine Corps Regimental Combat Team-8 for its upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.
Over 60 percent of Germans want fixed date for Afghanistan pullout IRNA 04 Jan 2011 -- Nearly two-third of Germans support a fixed date for a withdrawal of their troops from Afghanistan.
Afghan air force airmen first to graduate Mi-17 maintenance course AFNS 04 Jan 2011 -- Ten Afghan air force Airmen graduated from the Mi-17 helicopter engine and body maintenance course Jan. 1.
Afghanistan Seeks Clarification Over 'Dead Migrants' Video RFE/RL 04 Jan 2011 -- Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry says it is seeking clarification about a video aired on Afghan television that purportedly shows dead and wounded Afghan migrants in Iran.
Though Largely Powerless, Afghan Peace Council Visits Islamabad With High Hopes RFE/RL 04 Jan 2011 -- The Afghan Peace Council is holding talks in Islamabad with Pakistani officials in an effort to build regional support for reconciliation talks with the Taliban.
Kabul gets new solar-powered lights Army News 04 Jan 2011 -- Solar-powered lights went on in the streets of Kabul Dec. 29, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony inaugurating the completion of 28 new street lights.

UN chief condemns assassination in Pakistan UN News Centre 04 Jan 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban has strongly condemned the assassination today of the governor of Pakistan’s punjab Province, Salman Taseer.
Assassin of Pakistani Governor Driven by Belief in Blasphemy Laws VOA 04 Jan 2011 -- The man who allegedly killed the governor of Pakistan's Punjab province has been arrested and confessed to the crime.
Pakistani Governor Killed in Islamabad Shooting VOA 04 Jan 2011 -- The governor of Pakistan's Punjab Province has been assassinated, allegedly by one of his security guards in Islamabad.
Pakistani Governor Killed in Islamabad VOA 04 Jan 2011 -- The governor of Pakistan's Punjab province has been shot dead by one of his bodyguards.
Governor of Pakistan's Punjab shot dead by guard IRNA 04 Jan 2011 -- Governor of Pakistan's eastern Punjab province Salman Taseer was shot dead in the capital Islamabad.
Pakistani Provincial Governor Shot Dead In Islamabad RFE/RL 04 Jan 2011 -- The governor of Pakistan's central Punjab Province has died after being shot in the country's capital, Islamabad.
Pakistan's Government Faces Its Sternest Test Yet RFE/RL 04 Jan 2011 -- Pakistan's beleaguered government is facing yet another crisis -- the most serious since the current cabinet came to power in March 2008.

Defense Policy / Programs

Reports: Obama May Defy Congress Over Detainees VOA 04 Jan 2011 -- US news: White House considering a special pronouncement to reject attempts to limit authority to transfer inmates from Guantanamo Bay.

USAFRICOM Sergeant Major Visits Seabees in Horn of Africa NNS 04 Jan 2011 -- U.S. Africa Command's senior enlisted leader personally recognized several Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74.
Families Give USS Nebraska (Gold) New Year's Welcome Home NNS 04 Jan 2011 -- Trident ballistic missile submarine USS Nebraska and its Gold Crew returned to Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor on Jan. 1.
KCNA on Japan's Attitude to US KCNA 04 Jan 2011 -- Minju Joson criticizes Japan for its attitude toward the U.S. over the relocation of the U.S. military airfield in Futenma.
Navy Relieves Enterprise Captain for 'Poor Judgment' AFPS 04 Jan 2011 -- A Navy captain whose shipboard videos have made headlines since they surfaced in the media over the weekend has been relieved of his command.
USFF Relieves USS Enterprise Commanding Officer NNS 04 Jan 2011 -- Adm. John C. Harvey Jr., Commander, United States Fleet Forces Command (USFFC), has permanently relieved Capt. Owen Honors of his duties as commanding officer of USS Enterprise.
US Navy Captain Relieved of Duty for Lewd Videos VOA 04 Jan 2011 -- The commander of a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier has been relieved of duty after a video was made public in which he is seen in a variety of skits involving partial nudity, simulated masturbation and derogatory comments about homosexuals.
US Navy Likely to Suspend Captain for Lewd Videos VOA 04 Jan 2011 -- The US Navy says it will remove the captain of the USS Enterprise aircraft carrier from his command post.

Experts doubt 'stealth' capability of Chinese fighters CNA 04 Jan 2011 -- Local military analysts expressed doubt about the "stealth' capability of a Chinese stealth fighter that reportedly has been performing tests.
China reportedly developing stealth fighters CNA 04 Jan 2011 -- A military observer said that China is developing its own stealth fighters that could someday rival similar aircraft produced by the US or Russia.

Iran Vows to Boost Missile Arsenal VOA 04 Jan 2011 -- Iran's parliament speaker, Ali Larijani, says his country plans to further boost its missile program.

U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing, January 4, 2011 US Dept. of State 04 Jan 2011

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for January 04, 2011
BAE Systems to Provide Bradley Engineering Upgrades Under $34 Million Contract with U.S. Army BAE Systems 04 Jan 2011 -- BAE Systems has received a $34 million contract modification in support of engineering enhancements and technological updates for the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, one of the strongest vehicles in the Army in providing protection and safety to soldiers.
BAE Systems Awarded £47m contract to support Royal Navy’s Combat Management Systems BAE Systems 04 Jan 2011 -- BAE Systems has been awarded a seven-year, £47M contract by the Ministry of Defence to provide support for the Combat Management System (CMS) on the Royal Navy's Type 23 frigates and Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Argus. The contract underlines BAE Systems' expertise in the provision of cost-effective support and services solutions to the armed forces.
New helmet enables Typhoon Pilots to look, lock-on and fire! BAE Systems 04 Jan 2011
General Dynamics Awarded $138 Million Contract for Light Armored Vehicles General Dynamics 04 Jan 2011 -- The U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command has awarded a USD$138 million contract to General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada for 82 Light Armored Vehicles (LAVs) for a Foreign Military Sale (FMS). Vehicle deliveries will begin in January 2012. General Dynamics Land Systems, the Canadian company’s parent corporation, is a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD).
Lockheed Martin Completes Next-Generation Long-Range Surveillance Radar Demonstrations Lockheed Martin 04 Jan 2011 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has successfully completed a capability demonstration in the latest phase of the U.S. Air Force's development of the next-generation mobile, long-range surveillance and ballistic missile defense radar.
Northrop Grumman Wins Task Orders for Peacekeeping Efforts in Africa Northrop Grumman 04 Jan 2011 -- The U.S. Department of State's Office of Acquisition Management has awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) three task orders for multinational peacekeeping work in Rwanda, Kenya and Burundi under the African Contingency Operations Training and Assistance (ACOTA) program.
Northrop Grumman Highlights Accomplishments on Contractor-Operated Counter-Rocket, Artillery and Mortar (C-RAM) Task Order Northrop Grumman 04 Jan 2011 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has trained, certified and deployed more than 120 civilian contractors to operate and support the Counter-Rocket, Artillery and Mortar (C-RAM) sense-and-warn system at forward operating bases (FOBs) in Afghanistan.
Northrop Grumman Successfully Demonstrates MR-TCDL Capabilities Using Multiple Aircraft and Ground Stations Northrop Grumman 04 Jan 2011 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has successfully completed the second flight test phase of the Multi-Role Tactical Common Data Link (MR-TCDL) system, which provides real-time networking connectivity to warfighters and commanders by enabling extremely fast exchange of data via ground, airborne and satellite networks.
Northrop Grumman's JICO Support System Receives Production Approval Northrop Grumman 04 Jan 2011 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) Joint Interface Control Officer (JICO) Support System (JSS) received Milestone C approval from the U.S. Air Force November 19. After integration with other air and space operations center systems, JSS will be deployed to as many as 26 Air Force and joint military sites worldwide.
SAIC To Develop Autonomous Unmanned Surface Vessel Concept For Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) SAIC 04 Jan 2011 -- Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) [NYSE: SAI] announced today it was awarded a prime contract by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to design a concept for a new autonomous unmanned surface vessel to help counter the modern threat submarine. The contract has a six month period of performance and a total value of $2 million. SAIC is one of six companies selected for Phase I of the DARPA Program.
Estonian Navy signs new support contract with Thales Thales 04 Jan 2011 -- Thales has signed a contract with the Estonian Navy to provide an additional 12 months of technical support and maintenance to two former Royal Navy (RN) mine countermeasures vessels (MCMVs) now serving with the Estonian fleet.

Other Conflicts

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 4 January 2011 United Nations 04 Jan 2011

US Envoy in Seoul for Talks on Korea Crisis VOA 04 Jan 2011 -- US envoy Stephen Bosworth is in South Korea for talks on how to resolve tensions with North Korea.
South Korean Military Vows to Toughen Ranks VOA 04 Jan 2011 -- The South Korean military is making a New Year's pledge to get practical.
KCNA on S. Korea Exercises KCNA 04 Jan 2011 -- Recently the Defense Ministry of south Korea issued a whitepaper on defence in which it stipulated that the government and army in the north are the enemy of the south.
S. Korea's Anti-DPRK Human Rights Campaign KCNA 04 Jan 2011 -- The south Korean Human Rights Committee made the stop to human rights abuses in the north its top priority target till 2012.
New Year Editorial Reiterates DPRK's Will for Denuclearization KCNA 04 Jan 2011 -- The DPRK is consistent in its stand and will to achieve peace in Northeast Asia and the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.
DPRK to Improve Relations with Any Country that Respects Sovereignty KCNA 04 Jan 2011 -- The DPRK is willing to improve and normalize relations even with those countries that had been in hostile relations with it.
Rodong Sinmun Calls for Opening New Phase of Independent Reunification KCNA 04 Jan 2011 -- "Let all Koreans in the north, south and abroad join efforts and bring a new phase of independent reunification!" This is a slogan set forth in the joint New Year editorial.

Israel Arrests Palestinian Workers at British Consulate VOA 04 Jan 2011 -- British officials say Israeli authorities have arrested two Palestinian workers at the British consulate in Jerusalem for alleged ties to a plot to attack a soccer stadium.
UK plays down arrest of embassy staff IRNA 04 Jan 2011 -- The British government has played down the arrest of two Palestinian employees from its consulate in east Bait Ul Muqaddas, insisting that it had no diplomatic implications.

Sudan: UN in final push to deliver ballots for independence referendum in south UN News Centre 04 Jan 2011 -- UN is seeking to ensure that every last voter in the more than four-million-strong electorate will have a ballot, no matter how remote and inaccessible the location.
Countdown Continues for Southern Sudan's Big Vote VOA 04 Jan 2011 -- Just five days remain until a referendum on Southern Sudan's independence. Sudan President Omar al-Bashir visited the southern capital, Juba.
Sudan's Bashir Pledges to Aid South If it Secedes VOA 04 Jan 2011 -- Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir says he is prepared to assist southern Sudan if the region votes for independence on Sunday as expected.
Darfur: UN-African mission protects thousands displaced by recent clashes UN News Centre 04 Jan 2011 -- The joint UN-AU peacekeeping mission in Sudan’s war-torn Darfur region is maintaining “a robust presence on the ground.”

African Union Mediator Says No Power Sharing Deal in Ivory Coast VOA 04 Jan 2011 -- The AU mediator to Ivory Coast's political crisis says the incumbent president's decision to accept negotiations does not include the option of a power sharing government.
US: Ivory Coast Leader Has Little Time Left for 'Dignified' Departure VOA 04 Jan 2011 -- The US said that the opportunity for a dignified departure from Ivory Coast for defeated President Laurent Gbagbo is "closing fast."
Gbagbo Seeks Recount in Talks on Ivory Coast Stalemate VOA 04 Jan 2011 -- A spokesman for President Laurent Gbagbo says the Ivory Coast leader has asked for a recount of the November presidential election votes.
Incumbent Ivory Coast President Agrees to Negotiate Political Crisis VOA 04 Jan 2011 -- West African leaders say Ivory Coast's incumbent president has agreed to negotiate a peaceful end to the political crisis over November's disputed election.
US Stance on Ivory Coast Gets Mixed Reviews VOA 04 Jan 2011 -- African regional bodies are taking the lead in trying to convince incumbent Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo to step down.
Amidst efforts to solve Ivorian political deadlock, UN agencies prepare aid UN News Centre 04 Jan 2011 -- Amidst efforts to solve Côte d’Ivoire’s political gridlock, UN humanitarian agencies are gearing up to deal with the humanitarian repercussions of the country’s ongoing crisis.

Kashmir Police Chief says funds fuelled unrest IRNA 04 Jan 2011 -- Police chief of Kashmir alleged that separatist support and funds had a hand in promoting summer unrest.

Trial Of Suspected Tajik Islamists Resumes RFE/RL 04 Jan 2011 -- The trial of eight suspected members of the banned Islamic movement Hizb ut-Tahrir has resumed in Dushanbe.
Security Operation In East Tajikistan Kills Several Militants RFE/RL 04 Jan 2011 -- Tajik security forces have conducted an operation in the eastern part of the country, where fighting with militants broke out in September 2010.

Thailand Working to Free Citizens Detained After Illegally Entering Cambodia VOA 04 Jan 2011 -- The Thai government is stepping up efforts to obtain the release of seven Thais who crossed into Cambodia illegally.

News Reports

WikiLeaks: Pressure Within Iran Blocked Nuclear Deal VOA 04 Jan 2011 -- Leaked US diplomatic cable reveals that Iranian President Ahmadinejad wanted a nuclear fuel swap agreement more than a year ago.
Iran to Open Nuclear Sites to Diplomats, But No Americans Invited VOA 04 Jan 2011 -- Officials say Iran has invited several ambassadors accredited to the IAEA in Vienna to tour its nuclear facilities later this month.
EU acknowledges Iran's invitation to send envoys to nuclear sites IRNA 04 Jan 2011 -- The EU has acknowledged receipt of Iran's invitation to send representatives accredited to the IAEA to see its nuclear sites.
Soltaniyeh: Ambassadors of world countries to visit Iran IRNA 04 Jan 2011 -- Iran’s Permanent Representative in the IAEA Soltaniyeh said ambassadors of world countries have been invited to visit Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Iran Confirms Invitations to Tour Nuclear Sites VOA 04 Jan 2011 -- Iran has invited foreign diplomats to tour its nuclear facilities, but diplomats say Tehran has left out several key world powers.
Iran invites foreign diplomats to tour its nuclear sites RIA Novosti 04 Jan 2011 -- A senior Iranian envoy has confirmed the Islamic republic has invited foreign diplomats to tour its nuclear facilities, ahead of fresh talks with six world powers.
Iran invites international inspectors to visit its nuclear sites RIA Novosti 04 Jan 2011 -- Iran has invited representatives of the International Atomic Energy Agency and six international mediators to visit its nuclear facilities.
Iran Invites Foreign Envoys To Nuclear Sites RFE/RL 04 Jan 2011 -- Iran says it has invited some diplomats accredited to the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna to visit nuclear facilities in the Islamic republic.
Iran has invited foreign ambassadors to tour its nuclear sites IRNA 04 Jan 2011 -- FM Spokesman Mehmanparast: Islamic Republic of Iran has invited ambassadors and representatives of several world countries to visit its nuclear facilities.
Foreign Ministry: Asgari's case pursued through Int'l Red Crescent Society IRNA 04 Jan 2011 -- Caretaker of IRI Foreign Ministry expressed worry about news published lately on fate of Ali-Reza Asgari.
Iran, Turkey cooperating to find clues to Asgari's abduction IRNA 04 Jan 2011 -- FM Spokesman Mehmanparast: Iran and Turkey were cooperating to find clues to the abduction of Alireza Asgari.
Prosecutor General: I have no information on Shahram Amiri's case IRNA 04 Jan 2011 -- Judiciary Force Spokesman and country's Prosecutor General has no information on whether Shahram Amiri is arrested and imprisoned or not.
Iran Warns Against Interference in German Journalists Case VOA 04 Jan 2011 -- Iran has warned that foreign campaigns to free two German journalists detained while covering the case of a woman sentenced to death by stoning could backfire.
Iran Warns Against Campaign To Free Germans RFE/RL 04 Jan 2011 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry has warned that a campaign to free two German journalists detained in the case of a woman sentenced to death by stoning may backfire.

Rodong Sinmun Calls for High-pitched Drive for Improving People's Living KCNA 04 Jan 2011 -- The joint New Year editorial of the DPRK set forth tasks to spur the light industrial sector once again this year.
Slogan for Reunification and Prosperity KCNA 04 Jan 2011 -- Greeting the new year, the Korean people are resolved to redouble their efforts for the improvement of the relations between the north and the south of Korea and the reunification of the country.
Anniversary of Kim Jong Il's Work Observed KCNA 04 Jan 2011 -- Rodong Sinmun dedicates an article to the 19th anniversary of the publication of General Secretary Kim Jong Il's work "The Historical Lesson in Building Socialism and the General Line of Our Party."

Burma Urges Vigilance Against Foreign Interference on 63rd Anniversary VOA 04 Jan 2011 -- Burma's military government leader Than Shwe marked the 63rd anniversary of Burma's independence with a call for vigilance against any form of foreign disruption.
Children of Migrants in Thailand Get Caught Without a Country VOA 04 Jan 2011 -- In Thailand, children of migrant workers, most of them from Burma, can get caught in a legal limbo that leaves them stateless, unrecognized as citizens of any country.
Stateless Minorities Struggle for Recognition, Services in Thailand VOA 04 Jan 2011 -- Thailand is home to hundreds of thousands of people who were born there, but are not recognized as citizens because they lack documentation.

U.S. Criticizes Move To Extend Kazakh President's Term Via Referendum RFE/RL 04 Jan 2011 -- The United States has condemned efforts under way in Kazakhstan to hold a national referendum to extend the term in office of President Nursultan Nazarbaev.

US May Nominate New Ambassador to Venezuela VOA 04 Jan 2011 -- The Obama administration says it may nominate a new ambassador to Venezuela after the government in Caracas objected to the previous candidate, Larry Palmer.

US, EU, Criticize Belarus Expulsion of OSCE Monitors VOA 04 Jan 2011 -- The US and EU jointly criticized the Belarus government's decision to close the OSCE monitoring mission in Minsk that had called the country's December presidential election badly flawed.
United States criticizes closure of OSCE mission in Belarus RIA Novosti 04 Jan 2011 -- The United States has criticized Belarusian authorities for terminating the OSCE mission in the country.
Lukashenko faces new EU entry ban RIA Novosti 04 Jan 2011 -- Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko may be put back on the EU entry ban list over post-election beatings and arrests last month.
First Leader of Belarus Calls for Sanctions Against Lukashenko VOA 04 Jan 2011 -- The first leader of independent Belarus is calling for sanctions against his successor, Alexander Lukashenko.

Taiwan expects 'no surprises' during Chinese leader's U.S. visit CNA 04 Jan 2011 -- Taiwan hopes and expects Chinese President Hu's visit to the US will be "surprise-free" and not jeopardize Taiwan's interests.

Top Russian deputy calls on US to respect Russian court rulings RIA Novosti 04 Jan 2011 -- Deputy head of the Russian lower house's international committee called on the United States to respect Russia's rulings.

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