News

12 April 2011 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF/OEF Casualty Update 12 Apr 2011 [PDF]

NATO and Libya - Operational Media Update: 11 April 2011
Joint press briefing on events concerning Libya NATO 12 Apr 2011
NATO aircraft destroys tanks in the area of Zintan NATO 12 Apr 2011 -- NATO aircraft destroyed four tanks in the vicinity of Zintan. One main battle tank was destroyed and three were damaged to the point that they were inoperable.

Iraqi Governor Says 'Terror Groups' Behind Attacks On U.S. Forces RFE/RL 12 Apr 2011 -- An Iraqi provincial governor says terrorist groups are behind recent armed attacks on U.S. forces in the region.
UN office calls for observers to Iraqi camp UN News Centre 12 Apr 2011 -- The UN called for observers to be allowed immediate access to a camp north of Baghdad after Iraqi security forces reportedly stormed it.
EOD Airmen in Iraq prepare for an explosive battle in Afghanistan AFNS 12 Apr 2011 -- For explosive ordnance disposal technicians, thinking outside the box and the ability to forecast the enemy's next move are absolute requirements.

Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill Several Insurgents AFPS 12 Apr 2011 -- Afghan and coalition forces today killed several insurgents during a security operation in the Bal Chiragh district of Afghanistan’s Faryab province.
'Promethium Puma' uncovers weapons caches in Galuch Valley Army News 12 Apr 2011 -- Soldiers on day six of Operation Promethium Puma, the ground portion of Operation Bull Whip.
JTACs deliver airpower for ground forces in Afghanistan AFNS 12 Apr 2011 -- During the operation, battlefield Airmen controlled air assets, while the Soldiers in the valleys below searched for insurgents and weapons caches.
U.S. Soldiers Reportedly Killed In First-Ever Friendly Fire Drone Incident RFE/RL 12 Apr 2011 -- US military officials say a missile fired by a drone appears to have killed two U.S. soldiers during fighting in Helmand last week.
AFGHANISTAN: Taliban rue ambulance attack IRIN 12 Apr 2011 -- The use of an ambulance by Taliban suicide attackers has been acknowledged as a violation of war laws and the insurgents have promised investigations.

Pakistan Says No to Drone Strikes, CIA Operations VOA 12 Apr 2011 -- Pakistani and American officials say Pakistan has demanded the US CIA halt unmanned drone strikes against militants in the country.
Intelligence Disagreements Cast Shadow Over U.S.-Pakistani Relations RFE/RL 12 Apr 2011 -- The head of Pakistan's ISI has held talks in Washington.
Pakistani, U.S. Intelligence Chiefs Meet Near Washington RFE/RL 12 Apr 2011 -- The head of Pakistan's ISI directorate has met near Washington with the head of the U.S. CIA.
Fighting In Western Pakistan Forces Migration RFE/RL 12 Apr 2011 -- Hundreds of people have left a remote part of northwestern Pakistan's Khyber tribal agency following violent clashes.

George Washington Arrives in Sasebo NNS 12 Apr 2011 -- The forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington is scheduled to visit U.S. Fleet Activities Sasebo in Sasebo, Japan April 12.
Seabees Cleanup High School in Support of Operation Tomodachi NNS 12 Apr 2011 -- Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 provided support for Joint Support Forces Japan March 30.

Defense Policy / Programs

U.S., South Korea Prepared to Deter Aggression AFPS 12 Apr 2011 -- The South Korean and U.S. militaries are well prepared to defend South Korea should North Korean provocations continue.
KCNA on S. Korea Offering Land for US Bases KCNA 12 Apr 2011 -- The ruling quarters of south Korea continue offering land for US military bases.
Changed South Korea Duty Tours Aid Readiness AFPS 12 Apr 2011 -- Normalizing U.S. military duty tours in South Korea will increase combat readiness and greatly reduce stress for service members and their families.

March 31, 2011, Gen. Chiarelli remarks at the Army Test and Evaluation Command Commanders Conference Army News 12 Apr 2011
SECNAV Speaks at 2011 Sea-Air-Space Exposition NNS 12 Apr 2011 -- The secretary of the Navy served as the keynote speaker during the opening day of the 2011 Navy League Sea-Air-Space Exposition in National Harbor, Md., April 11.
Stavridis: National Guard State Partnership Program resources well-spent AFNS 12 Apr 2011 -- The National Guard's State Partnership Program is a good return on investment.
Battle Begins for Hosting US Africa Command VOA 12 Apr 2011 -- As U.S. defense officials begin evaluating future sites for their Africa command, known as AFRICOM, a battle to host the command is brewing among U.S. states and territories.
Partnership Between EU and Africa is Critical AFRICOM 12 Apr 2011 -- At a Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars event, Dr. Nick Westcott of the EU discussed the critical relationship between the EU and African nations, April 8, 2011.
Cyber 1.1 kicks off National Space Symposium AFNS 12 Apr 2011 -- Air Force Space Command Airmen kicked off the weeklong National Space Symposium April 11 here with a day devoted entirely to cyber discussion, the second annual Cyber 1.1 event.
HMX-1 'Big Irons' reassigned to operating forces USMC News 12 Apr 2011 -- After 44 years of service at the Corps' most historic helicopter squadron, the last CH-53 helicopters from Marine Helicopter Squadron 1 will soon be reassigned to the operating forces.
Bataan Amphibious Ready Group Receives Visit from Commander, U.S. Second Fleet NNS 12 Apr 2011 -- Sailors and Marines assigned to the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit received a visit from the Commander, U.S. Second Fleet.
Pacific Partnership Team Arrives in Tonga NNS 12 Apr 2011 -- The Pacific Partnership team pulled into port off the coast of Vava'u April 13, to begin the first phase of the 2011 mission with representatives from Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand, and the United States.
Marines Complete Pre-Deployment Training on Guantanamo NNS 12 Apr 2011 -- Marines from 3/A Company, Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team of Norfolk, Va., completed pre-deployment training at McCalla Field April 12.
Research Examines Blast Impact on Human Brain AFPS 12 Apr 2011 -- There’s little debate about the risk of a brain injury when a service member gets a blow to the head -- whether from an enemy round or from crashing against a wall or being inside a vehicle during an explosion.
Electronic Attack Squadron 129 Commanding Officer Relieved of Command NNS 12 Apr 2011 -- Commander, Electronic Attack Wing Pacific, relieved the commanding officer of Electronic Attack Squadron 129 of his duties April 11.

India, China move to hold joint military exercises IRNA 12 Apr 2011 -- India appears to be moving to resume military exercises with China as indications emerged that the two countries could be holding joint exercises in the near future.

S. Korea Plans Exercises KCNA 12 Apr 2011 -- The 1st Corps of the south Korean army is staging military exercises in areas around Koyang and Phaju cities of Kyonggi Province on April 12 and 13.

Taiwan stages warplane drill on freeway CNA 12 Apr 2011 -- Taiwan continued its five-day Hankuang exercises with a drill staged to practice emergency landings and takeoffs on a section of freeway.

Iran plans to stage military drills ISNA 12 Apr 2011 -- Iran said on Tuesday it intends to hold two war games in 2011.

Military spending levels remain out of control UN News Centre 12 Apr 2011 -- The money spent by countries to achieve targets such as eliminating poverty, educating all children and providing decent health care is still only a fraction of what they spend on arming themselves.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 4/12/2011 The White House 12 Apr 2011
U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing, April 12, 2011 US Dept. of State 12 Apr 2011

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for April 12, 2011
ATK Awarded $49.9 Million Contract Option to Produce LW30 M789 HEDP Ammunition ATK 12 Apr 2011 -- ATK (NYSE: ATK) has been awarded a $49.9 million contract option from the U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Contracting Center, Rock Island, Ill., to produce Light Weight (LW) 30mm M789 High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP) ammunition.
First Airbus Military A330 MRTT for UAE Air Force makes maiden flight EADS 12 Apr 2011 -- The first Airbus Military A330 MRTT for the United Arab Emirates Air Force has successfully completed its maiden flight following conversion of the aircraft in Madrid.
General Dynamics Awarded $18 Million for U.S. Navy F/A-18 Mission Computers General Dynamics 12 Apr 2011 -- The U.S. Navy awarded General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems a $17.9 million contract to produce Type-3 advanced mission computers (AMC) for the F/A-18E/F and E/A-18G Super Hornet aircraft.
Lockheed Martin Delivers Second Production C-5M Super Galaxy To U.S. Air Force Lockheed Martin 12 Apr 2011 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] completed delivery of the second production C-5M Super Galaxy at a ceremony here Monday with a crew from Dover Air Force Base, Del.
Lockheed Martin, URS Corporation and InDyne Agree to Jointly Pursue LISC Range Management Contract Lockheed Martin 12 Apr 2011 -- Lockheed Martin, URS Corporation and InDyne have signed an agreement to jointly pursue the Launch & Test Range System Integrated Support Contract (LISC).
Northrop Grumman Gallium Nitride-Based Modules Set New 180-Day Standard for Sustained High Power Operation Northrop Grumman 12 Apr 2011 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has set a new standard for its gallium nitride-based high power transmit/receive (T/R) modules by reliably operating them for more than 180 days during continuous high-power testing.
Raytheon Continues Early Deliveries for DDG 1000 Raytheon 12 Apr 2011 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has delivered critical mission systems early for the U.S. Navy's DDG 1000 Zumwalt-class destroyer. The ship's first Total Ship Computing Environment (TSCE) data center and AN/SQS-60 mid-frequency sonar array were delivered two and eight months ahead of schedule, respectively.
Lockheed Martin Team Begins Development on Third Phase of FBI's Next Generation Identification System Lockheed Martin 12 Apr 2011 -- The Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT]-led Next Generation Identification (NGI) team is beginning to fully develop and deploy a capability that will enhance the FBI's latent fingerprint matching accuracy and introduce palm print matching to the system. Development efforts began after a successful Critical Design Review (CDR) for the system's Increment 3.

Other Conflicts

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 12 April 2011 United Nations 12 Apr 2011
Press Conference on Humanitarian Report 'To Stay and Deliver', 12 April 2011 United Nations 12 Apr 2011

Libyan Conflict Seen as Stalemate VOA 12 Apr 2011 -- Fresh fighting in Libya follows the failure of an African diplomatic initiative to end hostilities between pro and anti-government forces.
France, Britain: NATO Not Doing Enough in Libya VOA 12 Apr 2011 -- France and Britain have called on NATO partners to do more to protect Libyan civilians.
French, British Foreign Ministers Say NATO Should Do More In Libya RFE/RL 12 Apr 2011 -- The French and British foreign ministers today said NATO should do more to protect Libyan civilians from attacks by Muammar Qaddafi's forces.
U.K. foreign secretary wants bigger NATO role in Libya RIA Novosti 12 Apr 2011 -- NATO allies should step up their efforts to protect Libyans from Muammar Gaddafi's forces, British Foreign Secretary William Hague said.
Koussa leaves for Qatar for talks with Libyan rebels IRNA 12 Apr 2011 -- Former Libyan foreign minister Moussa Koussa is travelling to Qatar where he is expected to hold talks with Libyan rebels.
Former Libyan Foreign Minister Koussa Warns Of Civil War RFE/RL 12 Apr 2011 -- The most prominent defector from Muammar Qaddafi's regime has warned that Libya could become like war-torn Somalia unless all sides stop the current conflict in the country from descending into civil war.
Koussa breaks silence on defection, warning of civil war risk IRNA 12 Apr 2011 -- Former Libyan foreign minister Moussa Koussa has belatedly confirmed his defection from Muammar Gaddafi's regime.
No one in control in Libya - Medvedev RIA Novosti 12 Apr 2011 -- The situation in Libya is out of control, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said.
Hundreds of ethnic Berbers forced to flee fighting in western Libya UN News Centre 12 Apr 2011 -- More than 500 ethnic Berbers fleeing conflict in western Libya have reached neighbouring Tunisia.
New EU Sanctions Put Squeeze On Libyan Oil Sector RFE/RL 12 Apr 2011 -- The European Union has added to its Libya sanctions list 26 energy firms.

Readout of President Obama's call with President Alassane Ouattara of Cote d'Ivoire The White House 12 Apr 2011
What Next In Ivory Coast? VOA 12 Apr 2011 -- Two former U.S. diplomats say reconciliation in Ivory Coast will be difficult after the latest crisis.
Ban warns against retribution towards Gbagbo's supporters UN News Centre 12 Apr 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has urged Côte d’Ivoire’s President Alassane Ouattara to ensure that there is no retaliation against supporters of his predecessor Laurent Gbagbo.
Ouattara Forces Move to Round Up Gbagbo Militants in Abidjan VOA 12 Apr 2011 -- Fighters backing Ivory Coast's elected president are now moving to re-establish security in Abidjan by rounding up members of Gbagbo's militant youth wing.
UN Chief Calls on Ivory Coast to Embrace 'Historic Opportunity' VOA 12 Apr 2011 -- U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on Ivory Coast to take advantage of a "historic opportunity" for national reconciliation.
Ivory Coast's President-Elect Calls for End to Fighting VOA 12 Apr 2011 -- Ivory Coast's President-elect Alassane Ouattara is calling on all fighters to lay down their weapons now that defiant leader Laurent Gbagbo has been captured.
Ivory Coast Conflict Displaces Nearly Two Million VOA 12 Apr 2011 -- Despite the capture of former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo, the humanitarian situation in the country continues to deteriorate.

KCNA on S. Korean Minister of Unification's Remarks KCNA 12 Apr 2011 -- Deputy Minister of Unification of south Korea Om Jong Sik again mouthed the issue of "expenses for unification" and talked about "making preparations for it in advance".
Working Contact for Joint Research into Volcano on Mt. Paektu Held KCNA 12 Apr 2011 -- The second inter-Korean working contact for the joint research into the volcano on Mt. Paektu was held in Kaesong on April 12.

Pakistan to release 89 Indian prisoners IRNA 12 Apr 2011 -- Pakistan will release 89 Indian prisoners this week amid resumption of official talks for the first time since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

UN envoy calls for constructive internal dialogue on future of Somalia UN News Centre 12 Apr 2011 -- The UN envoy for Somalia urged the country’s leaders to engage in dialogue that will lead to peace, national unity and stability.

Darfur rebels clash with Sudan's army RIA Novosti 12 Apr 2011 -- Heavy fighting between the Sudanese army and a coalition of armed groups in north Darfur has been going on for the past three days.

CHAD: Children conscripted by poverty IRIN 12 Apr 2011 -- Mahamane, 13, was among dozens of minors interviewed by Amnesty International for a new report, who had joined the Chadian army and armed opposition groups in the east.

Sri Lanka: UN chief receives report of panel of experts on human rights issues UN News Centre 12 Apr 2011 -- The panel of experts set up to advise Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on accountability issues with respect to the conflict in Sri Lanka delivered its report to the UN chief.
UN Receives Sri Lanka War Crimes Report VOA 12 Apr 2011 -- A UN panel tasked with investigating alleged war crimes during Sri Lanka's civil war has given its completed report to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

TIMOR-LESTE: Security handover on track, says UN IRIN 12 Apr 2011 -- Timor-Leste is on course to take on full security responsibilities after national forces officially assumed policing at end-March, according to the UN.

Rights Groups Caution About Repatriation of Burmese Refugees VOA 12 Apr 2011 -- The UNHCR and human rights groups have raised concerns about reports that Thailand is planning to repatriate Burmese refugees.

News Reports

US Urges North Korea to Release American VOA 12 Apr 2011 -- The United States urged North Korea to release a detained U.S. citizen on humanitarian grounds.
DPRK Has Long Drought KCNA 12 Apr 2011 -- The DPRK has experienced a long spell of dry weather caused by a continental high pressure.

Secretary Clinton Remarks at Gala Dinner Celebrating the U.S.-Islamic World Forum US Dept. of State 12 Apr 2011

Statement by the Press Secretary on Syria The White House 12 Apr 2011
UN office voices deep concern about killings in Syria UN News 12 Apr 2011 -- UN officials today expressed deep concern amid reports that Syrian security forces have increased the killings, arrests or harassment.
Pro-Government Gunmen Fire on Syrian Villages VOA 12 Apr 2011 -- Pro-government gunmen in Syria are firing shots in at least one village near the coastal city of Banias.

Renewed Protests in Yemen After Gulf Plan Rejected VOA 12 Apr 2011 -- Massive anti-government demonstrations erupted across Yemen on Tuesday after opposition leaders rejected a plan that could have led to President Ali Abdullah Saleh's resignation.

Thousands of Students Protest in Algeria VOA 12 Apr 2011 -- Thousands of students in Algeria have marched toward the presidential palace in the capital, Algiers, where they were confronted by security forces.

EU Ministers 'Set To Impose Sanctions' Over Iran Rights Abuses RFE/RL 12 Apr 2011 -- Britain says the EU is set to impose sanctions on 32 Iranian officials over human rights abuses.
Larijani: Parties essential elements in democracy IRNA 12 Apr 2011 -- Parliament Speaker Larijani said here political parties are among essential elements in counties committed to rules of democracy.
Kuwait's claims serve Zionists' interests: Iran ISNA 12 Apr 2011 -- Iran rejected Kuwait's recent allegations saying that the "baseless claims" only serve Zionist regime's interests.

Mubarak Hospitalized In Sharm El-Sheikh RFE/RL 12 Apr 2011 -- Reports quoting unidentified Egyptian security and health officials say former President Hosni Mubarak has been hospitalized in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.
Egypt's Mubarak Hospitalized Amid Growing Corruption Probe VOA 12 Apr 2011 -- Egyptian authorities say former President Hosni Mubarak has been taken to a hospital in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.
Former Egyptian President Mubarak hospitalized RIA Novosti 12 Apr 2011 -- Former Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak has been taken to a hospital in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.

Unrest Ripples Across Troubled Middle East VOA 12 Apr 2011 -- Tensions continue to mount in a number of Syrian cities after violent crackdowns against anti-government protesters.

Japanese PM: Nuclear Plant Stabilizing Despite Higher Crisis Rating VOA 12 Apr 2011 -- Japan's PM: Situation is stabilizing at the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant.
Japan Raises Severity Rating At Fukushima Disaster To Chornobyl Level RFE/RL 12 Apr 2011 -- Japan raised the severity of the crisis at its crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant to the highest level.
Japan Raises Severity of Fukushima Accident to Highest Level VOA 12 Apr 2011 -- Japan has raised its evaluation of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster to the highest level.
Japanese govt. raises Fukushima accident level to worst RIA Novosti 12 Apr 2011 -- Japan has assigned the maximum severity level to the nuclear accident at the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.
Strong quake forces crippled nuke plant to evacuate employees RIA Novosti 12 Apr 2011 -- Employees of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant have been ordered to evacuate the premises.
More Strong Quakes Occur in Japan KCNA 12 Apr 2011 -- Magnitude 7.1 quake jolted the eastern part of Japan Monday.
Massive Debris Patch From Japanese Tsunami Floating to America VOA 12 Apr 2011 -- University of Hawaii researchers are projecting that the first batch of debris could hit Hawaii in about two years

Soltanieh blasts western governments for confrontation with Iran IRNA 12 Apr 2011 -- Iran's Ambassador to the IAEA Soltanieh blasted the western governments for confrontation with Iran over the nuclear program.
Iran set to produce fuel rods for reactors soon - agency RIA Novosti 12 Apr 2011 -- Iran will soon be able to produce nuclear fuel rods for the Tehran research reactor.
Iran to become a nuclear fuel rod producer country soon IRNA 12 Apr 2011 -- Junior Assistant President Hashemi: Iran would soon be among top countries that produced nuclear fuel rods.

Secretary Clinton Remarks at the U.S.-China Consultation on People-to-People Exchange (CPE) US Dept. of State 12 Apr 2011
China Baffled by Support for Imprisoned Activist Ai Weiwei VOA 12 Apr 2011 -- The Chinese government says it is unhappy with international support for detained artist and activist Ai Weiwei.

Kyrgyz Commission: 30 Contract Killings During Bakiev Presidency RFE/RL 12 Apr 2011 -- A state commission says there were 30 high-profile contract killings in Kyrgyzstan during Kurmanbek Bakiev's five-year tenure as president.

Many Nigerian Opposition Parties Throw Support to President VOA 12 Apr 2011 -- In Nigeria, President Goodluck Jonathan got a major boost Tuesday in his bid to win next Saturday’s elections. Some 45 smaller opposition parties now say they will support him.

Leftist Ex-Military Officer, Fujimori's Daughter to Face Off in Peru Runoff VOA 12 Apr 2011 -- Election results in Peru indicate leftist, former army officer Ollanta Humala will face the daughter of imprisoned former president Alberto Fujimori in a presidential runoff election.

Swaziland Police Beat, Arrest Protesters VOA 12 Apr 2011 -- In Swaziland police have arrested scores of activists, beaten others and fired tear gas and water cannon to prevent a planned pro-democracy protest.

Divided EU Foreign Ministers Discuss Wider Belarus Sanctions RFE/RL 12 Apr 2011 -- The EU is struggling to find agreement among member states on whether to impose tougher, targeted sanctions on Belarus.
Minsk Bombing Has Everyone Asking: Who Could Benefit? RFE/RL 12 Apr 2011 -- It is impossible to say who might have been responsible for the rush-hour attack that left 12 dead and more than 200 injured.
Belarus Police Release Sketch of Subway Bombing Suspect VOA 12 Apr 2011 -- The toll from the Minsk subway bombing has risen to 12 dead and 204 injured as Belarus police and politicians struggled for answers.
Belarus Identifies 'Non-Slavic' Suspect In Subway Blast RFE/RL 12 Apr 2011 -- Belarus's KGB security service says it has identified a young man of non-Slavic appearance as a main suspect in the Minsk subway explosion.
Arrests Made in Minsk Subway Bombing VOA 12 Apr 2011 -- Authorities in Belarus have detained several suspects in their hunt for those responsible for the Minsk subway bombing that killed 12 people.
Three people held in Belarus over Minsk metro bomb RIA Novosti 12 Apr 2011 -- Three people have been arrested in Belarus following a blast that tore through a crowded subway station in the capital Minsk.
Rush-hour metro blast rocks Belarusian capital RIA Novosti 12 Apr 2011 -- A bomb equal to 5-7 kg of TNT exploded at a busy subway station in the Belarusian capital Minsk during rush hour on Monday.

Medvedev says time nearing for presidential decision with Putin RIA Novosti 12 Apr 2011 -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev says he and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin will decide within a "fairly short time" which of them will run for president next year.
Russia's Medvedev To Decide On Reelection Soon RFE/RL 12 Apr 2011 -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has said he will soon decide whether to seek reelection next year.

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