News

11 May 2011 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 11 May 2011 [PDF]

Discovery Channel Special 'Killing Bin Laden' Provides Detailed Account of Dangerous and Historic Operation Discovery Channel 11 May 2011
Missing: One 'Crown Prince Of Terror' RFE/RL 11 May 2011 -- Did Osama bin Laden's 20-year-old son and heir apparent escape from the compound in Abbottabad during the midnight raid that killed his father?
'Shanghai', Iran Not Believing Blindly In Osama's Death RFE/RL 11 May 2011 -- The antiterrorism branch of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is unconvinced when it comes to the death of Osama bin Laden.
Moscow says U.S. had right to kill bin Laden RIA Novosti 11 May 2011 -- Russia believes the U.S. had the right under international law to kill al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
Russia Welcomes Pakistani President VOA 11 May 2011 -- Pakistan's president, Asif Ali Zardari, arrived in Moscow on Wednesday on his first official visit to Russia. His visit follows the killing by U.S. forces of terrorist leader Osama bin Laden on Pakistani soil.
Al-Qaida Warns of More Attacks VOA 11 May 2011 -- The leader of al-Qaida in Yemen is warning the United States of more attacks in retaliation for last week's killing of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan.
Al-Qaeda Yemeni Leader Warns Of Future Attacks RFE/RL 11 May 2011 -- The leader of Al-Qaeda's Yemeni offshoot has warned Americans that they face bloodier attacks after the killing of Osama bin Laden.
Medvedev orders embassies to be on guard after Bin Laden killing RIA Novosti 11 May 2011 -- President Medvedev instructed Russian embassies to be prepared for emergencies including terror attacks.

NATO and Libya - Operational Media Update: 10 May 2011

RAF Tornados attack Gaddafi-regime building UK MOD 11 May 2011 -- Royal Air Force Tornados in Libya have successfully destroyed part of a building being used by Gaddafi-regime forces to launch attacks on Misurata.
Russia slams NATO targeting of Gaddafi, relatives RIA Novosti 11 May 2011 -- Russian FM Lavrov: Declaring Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and his relatives a legitimate target of NATO attacks is "going overboard".

Iraq's Prime Minister Calls for Talks on US Troops VOA 11 May 2011 -- Iraqi PM al-Maliki has called for talks with political leaders to discuss whether Iraq will ask U.S. forces to remain in the country next year.
"Hamilton's Own" ready for mission in Iraq Army News 11 May 2011 -- Soldiers from the oldest continuously serving active duty unit in the American military held its deployment ceremony on May 5.
Iran hails return of repentant MKO members in Ashraf Camp ISNA 11 May 2011 -- Iranian Intelligence Minister Heidar Moslehi said on Wednesday the country hails return of repentant individuals residing in Camp Ashraf, Iraq.
Air traffic controllers discuss road ahead in Iraq AFNS 11 May 2011 -- Ten Air Force and Army air traffic controllers advising their Iraqi counterparts at major installations around Iraq convened April 28 to discuss airfield plans.

Forces Detain Insurgents in Kandahar City AFPS 11 May 2011 -- Combined forces yesterday captured several suspected insurgents during an operation conducted in the Kandahar City district of Afghanistan’s Kandahar province.
1-38 Cav. thwarts Taliban threats during Operation Gryphon Hold Army News 11 May 2011 -- Soldiers assigned to 1-38th Cavalry hinder Taliban activity in the Mazgarey Mountain Range, April 25-27, during operation Gryphon Hold.
US Names Leader of Afghan Group Based in Pakistan As Terrorist VOA 11 May 2011 -- The U.S. State Department has added another leader of the Pakistan-based Afghan insurgent group, the Haqqani Network, to its list of specially designated global terrorists.

Pakistani Journalist Killed By Car Bomb RFE/RL 11 May 2011 -- A journalist has been killed in a car-bomb attack in Pakistan's northern city of Peshawar.

Defense Policy / Programs

US admin. optimistic about CTBT ratification RIA Novosti 11 May 2011 -- Senate debates on the US-Russian New START have paved the way for the future ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.
Assistant secretary of defense talks nuclear deterrence, treaties AFNS 11 May 2011 -- Defense official visited Airmen responsible for maintaining and protecting America's nuclear deterrent.
US Concerned about Disclosure of US-Japan Secret Pacts on Nuclear Arms KCNA 11 May 2011 -- It was confirmed that the U.S. repeatedly expressed concern about the disclosure of the U.S.-Japan secret pacts on nuclear arms.
Keesler AFB, Vandenberg AFB Airmen build missile trainer AFNS 11 May 2011 -- Airmen from the 81st Training Support Squadron Simware section partnering with Airmen from the 532nd Training Squadron to build an ICBM maintenance virtual trainer.

Remarks on Managing the Defense Enterprise in a Drawdown DoD 11 May 2011
Pentagon Must Handle Spending Slowdown Responsibly, Lynn Says AFPS 11 May 2011 -- Managing a slowdown in defense spending responsibly will take more than being more efficient, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said.
US Lawmakers Want Guantanamo Bay Detention Center Kept Open VOA 11 May 2011 -- Group of mostly-Republican Senators is introducing legislation that would keep the facility open and designate it as the primary U.S. location for holding and interrogating high-value terror suspects.
Navy to Christen Amphibious Transport Dock Ship Anchorage DoD 11 May 2011
USS George H.W. Bush Departs for Maiden Deployment NNS 11 May 2011 -- The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWB CSG) departed for its maiden deployment May 11.
Tooele Army Depot ramps up to support Navy Missile Program Army News 11 May 2011 -- Members of the Rolling Airframe Missile Program were on hand at Tooele Army Depot to conduct a site visit.
Artillery tested for rapid deployment Army News 11 May 2011 -- Dust flew on White Sands Missile Range during a test of an improved missile launch system conducted April 27, 2011, at White Sands Space Harbor, N.M.
ONR Propels Cutting-edge Technologies at Naval Helicopter Association Symposium NNS 11 May 2011 -- The Office of Naval Research revealed the the Low-Cost Imaging Terminal Seeker.
Tactical UAV design earns cadet team multiple awards Army News 11 May 2011 -- Soldiers sometimes operate in remote locations where maps are either outdated, or lack adequate resolution.
CARAT Expands Training during 17th Annual U.S. , Thai Exercise NNS 11 May 2011 -- Four U.S. Navy ships and several aircraft arrived at various ports, marking the beginning of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Thailand 2011, May 11.
Malawi Exercise Supports U.S.-African Partnerships AFPS 11 May 2011 -- A U.S. and Malawi Defense Force humanitarian medical exercise being conducted is enhancing the partners’ medical capabilities and their ability to work together in response to a future crisis or emergency response.
Groundbreaking Marks Beginning of Haiti Construction Program NNS 11 May 2011 -- U.S. Southern Command broke ground May 9, in Les Cayes, Haiti, to mark the beginning of construction of 58 projects that are part of the SOUTHCOM Humanitarian Assistance Program.
Final Scheduled Mustard Shipment Safely Delivered To Disposal Facility Army News 11 May 2011 -- Workers completed the last scheduled shipment of chemical agent munitions in an On-Site Container from the Deseret Chemical Depot's storage area.
Woodson Praises Military's Medical Professionals AFPS 11 May 2011 -- Military medical professionals posted in combat theaters are skilled, patriotic, and make sacrifices by serving in harm’s way, the assistant secretary of defense for health affairs told members of Congress.
Army Initiates Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) Improvements Army News 11 May 2011 -- The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have generated over the past ten years a significant number of Soldiers with multiple and complex medical conditions that require a disability evaluation.
Statements of Support for President Obama's Commitment to Fix our Broken Immigration System The White House 11 May 2011
Congressional Panel Questions Security of US Border With Mexico VOA 11 May 2011 -- A congressional panel is questioning whether the border area is more or less secure today than it has been in the past.
Navy Explores Engineering, Training in Virtual Worlds AFPS 11 May 2011 -- The Navy is exploring virtual worlds for applications in the air and under the sea, including the real-time design of future command-and-control spaces for submarines.

Rasmussen: "NATO and Russia: why cooperation counts" NATO 11 May 2011
Israel's U.S. envoy urges Russia to cut arms supplies to Mideast RIA Novosti 11 May 2011 -- Israeli Ambassador to Washington Michael Oren called on Russia via the Russian Jewish Congress to restrict weapons supplies to Syria and Iran.
Russia, Norway to begin naval drills RIA Novosti 11 May 2011 -- Russia and Norway will begin a joint large-scale naval exercise, Pomor-2011, on Wednesday.
Russian warships complete visit to Vietnam, head to Vladivostok RIA Novosti 11 May 2011 -- A Pacific Fleet task force led by the Admiral Vinogradov destroyer has completed a friendly visit to Vietnam.

Indian Defence Ministry objects to oil-gas project in AP IRNA 11 May 2011 -- Andhra Pradesh's plan of making a foray into the oil and natural gas sector seems to have hit a roadblock.

S. Korea to Stage Ground Coordinated Drill KCNA 11 May 2011 -- The 65th Division of the south Korean army is planning to stage large-scale ground coordinated drill in Uijongbu and Yangju areas of Kyonggi Province.

Ja'far Tayyar Maneuver to begin May 14 IRNA 11 May 2011 -- The Iranian Army Ground Force plans to hold the first joint maneuver codenamed ‘Ja’far Tayyar’ which will include attack and counter attack exercises.

Ex-lawmaker urges military service act revision CNA 11 May 2011 -- Ex-lawmaker Li Ao appealed for a revision to the Military Service System Act.

Chinese Defense Minister on Boosting Sino-DPRK Friendship KCNA 11 May 2011 -- DPRK Ambassador to China Ji Jae Ryong paid a courtesy call on Liang Guanglie, minister of National Defense of China.

84 more Bangladeshi soldiers sentenced for BDR mutiny IRNA 11 May 2011 -- A paramilitary court jailed 84 more soldiers for different terms for their role in the 2009 mutiny at Bangladesh Rifles force.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 5/11/2011 The White House 11 May 2011
U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing, May 11, 2011 US Dept. of State 11 May 2011

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for May 11, 2011
Boeing Awarded 5th US Air Force Combat Survivor Evader Locator Contract Boeing 11 May 2011 -- Boeing received a $21.4 million contract from the U.S. Air Force March 31 to manufacture and deliver an additional 2,424 Combat Survivor Evader Locator (CSEL) combat search and rescue radios. Boeing has delivered more than 43,900 CSEL radios to the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps. Today's agreement is the fifth CSEL contract for the Air Force.
Thailand takes delivery of Airbus Military C212-400 (c) Airbus Military EADS 11 May 2011 -- The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MoAC) of Thailand has taken delivery of the first of two C212-400 it has ordered from Airbus Military. The MoAC will receive the second aircraft by the turn of the 2011/2012.
Lockheed Martin Receives $24 Million Contract to Upgrade Marine Corps Gunnery Trainers Lockheed Martin 11 May 2011 -- The U.S. Marine Corps awarded Lockheed Martin a $24 million contract to provide four new systems and upgrades to 36 of its gunnery trainers for M1-A1 main battle tanks and LAV-25 Light Armored Vehicles.
Lockheed Martin F-35 Program Flight Test Update Lockheed Martin 11 May 2011 -- Since the last F-35 flight test program update issued March 31, Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II aircraft have conducted 125 test flights, bringing the total number of flights for the year to 331.
U.S. Army Orders More Than 400 FMTV Trucks and Trailers From Oshkosh Defense Oshkosh 11 May 2011 -- Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), will deliver more than 400 Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) trucks and trailers to the U.S. Army following an order from the U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command (LCMC).
Cassidian and Turkish Aerospace Industries, Inc. (TAI) agree on cooperation in the Talarion programme EADS 11 May 2011 -- A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today between Cassidian on behalf of EADS Deutschland GmbH and Turkish Aerospace Industries, Inc. (TAI) to establish a close collaboration in the Talarion programme.
General Dynamics' New NSA-Certified Encryptor is Four Times Faster than Current Standard General Dynamics 11 May 2011 -- General Dynamics C4 Systems announced today that the National Security Agency (NSA) has certified the KG-530 SONET OC-768C in-line network encryptor to secure information classified to the Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information level and below.

Other Conflicts

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 11 May 2011 United Nations 11 May 2011
Press Conference to Launch Secretary-General's Annual Report on Children and Armed Conflict, 11 May 2011 United Nations 11 May 2011

UN: Immediate end to attacks against civilians in Libya UN News Centre 11 May 2011 -- Libyan authorities must stop attacking civilians during their conflict with opposition groups.
UN Secretary-General Calls for Libya Cease-Fire VOA 11 May 2011 -- U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says he spoke to Libyan PM al-Mahmoudi and conveyed his concerns about the need to protect the civilian population.
Reports: Libya Rebels Capture Misurata Airport RFE/RL 11 May 2011 -- Libyan rebels have reportedly captured Misurata airport after a fierce battle with Muammar Qaddafi's forces.
Libyan Rebels Gain Ground in Misrata VOA 11 May 2011 -- Libyan rebels say they gained ground in the besieged port city of Misrata.
US Senator: Libyan Leader's Assets To Help Fund Post-Gadhafi Era VOA 11 May 2011 -- The chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee says planning is underway for a post-Moammar Gadhafi era.
Polish foreign minister arrives in Libya to back rebels RIA Novosti 11 May 2011 -- Polish FM Sikorski visited the Libyan city of Benghazi to support rebels fighting troops loyal to Muammar Gaddafi.
EU To Open Benghazi Office To Aid Libya Rebels RFE/RL 11 May 2011 -- The European Union says it plans to open an office in the Libyan eastern city of Benghazi to facilitate assistance to the rebel authorities based there.
UK opposes EU burden-sharing scheme for Libyan refugees IRNA 11 May 2011 -- Deputy PM Clegg has confirmed that Britain is opposed to opening its borders to migrants fleeing the turmoil in Libya and other North African countries.
IOM: Migrants Fleeing Libya Overwhelm Niger VOA 11 May 2011 -- The International Organization for Migration says about 1,000 people every day are arriving from Libya to northern Niger's main entry point of Dirkou.

Security Council issues warning over recent deadly violence in Sudan's Abyei area UN News Centre 11 May 2011 -- Security Council members expressed deep concern about the situation in the disputed Abyei area of Sudan.
Sudanese Government Concerned About Uprising, Says Opposition Leader VOA 11 May 2011 -- The leader of Sudan’s opposition Popular Congress Party says the ruling National Congress Party is using state security agencies to intimidate opponents.
Uganda Obliged to Arrest Bashir in Kampala, Says ICC Top Official VOA 11 May 2011 -- An official of the International Criminal Court said as a signatory to the Rome Statute, Uganda is obligated to arrest and hand over Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir to the court, if he travels to Kampala.

More Than 20 Killed in Northern Somalia Fighting VOA 11 May 2011 -- Officials in Somalia's Puntland region say at least 26 people have died in fighting between government soldiers and Islamist insurgents.
Security Council voices concern over high-level discord in Somalia UN News Centre 11 May 2011 -- The Security Council reiterated its grave concern over continuing instability in Somalia.

KCNA on Japanese Tok Islets Claim KCNA 11 May 2011 -- Shortly ago, the U.S. newspaper Wall Street Journal carried an article and map properly calling Tok Islets and the East Sea of Korea.

News Reports

Secretary Clinton Interview With Hu Shuli and Huang Shan of Caixin Media Company US Dept. of State 11 May 2011
Clinton Calls Chinese Crackdown a 'Fool's Errand' VOA 11 May 2011 -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says China's effort to hold off the kind of democratic changes that are sweeping the Middle East is a "fool's errand" that is doomed to failure.

US Lawmakers Urge Obama to Call for Resignation of Syria's Leader VOA 11 May 2011 -- Some American lawmakers questioning why President Obama has not yet called for President Bashar al-Assad to step down.
Activists: Syrian Tanks, Troops Kill 19 People in South, West VOA 11 May 2011 -- Syrian rights activists say government forces have fired on residential areas in the south and west of the country.
Syrian Tanks Shell Homs Neighborhood VOA 11 May 2011 -- Syrian government tanks pounded the Bab Amr district of the flashpoint city of Homs, intensifying pressure on opposition groups.
Shelling, Heavy Gunfire Reported In Syria's Homs RFE/RL 11 May 2011 -- Syrian rights activists say the sound of shelling and heavy gunfire was heard in the central city of Homs today.
Explosions Rock Syrian Central City VOA 11 May 2011 -- There are reports of fresh shelling in Syria's central city of Homs as government forces continue efforts to crush an anti-government uprising.
Syrian army says winds up operation in Homs RIA Novosti 11 May 2011 -- The Syrian army will soon complete a military operation on the outskirts of the country's third largest city, an official army source told RIA Novosti.
UN chief calls on Syria to allow humanitarian access UN News Centre 11 May 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban: UN would continue to press Syria to allow an independent humanitarian team to be granted access.
Syrian Forces Release 300 People In Banias RFE/RL 11 May 2011 -- Human rights observers in Syria say the government has released 300 people in a coastal city.
In Brief: Violence hurting Palestinians in Syria IRIN 11 May 2011 -- Continuing violence in Syria has affected the delivery of aid to Palestinian refugees, raising concerns about the impact on 30,000 people in Dera’a and surrounding areas.
Radical Muslims will seize power if Assad regime falls - adviser RIA Novosti 11 May 2011 -- Assad's cousin Rami Makhlouf: Radical Muslim Salafists will seize power in Syria if the ruling regime of President Bashar al-Assad falls.
Syria Pulls Out Of Race For UN Human Rights Council RFE/RL 11 May 2011 -- UN envoys say Syria has dropped plans to run for a seat on the United Nations' top human rights body this year.

UK rejects imposing sanctions against Bahrain IRNA 11 May 2011 -- The UK government has rejected imposing sanctions and asking the International Criminal Court to consider charges of crimes against humanity against Bahraini leaders.
Iranian FM: Bahrain crisis cannot be solved through military means IRNA 11 May 2011 -- Foreign Minister of Iran Ali-Akbar Salehi: Bahrain crisis cannot be solved through military means.
FM dislikes OIC silence over Bahrain crisis IRNA 11 May 2011 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said it was unlikely that Organization of the Islamic Conference adopted a transparent and fair stand on Bahrain.

At Least 9 Dead, Dozens Wounded in Violence Against Yemen Protesters VOA 11 May 2011 -- Yemeni security forces have fired on tens of thousands of protesters demanding the ouster of President Ali Abdullah Saleh.
At Least 2 Dead in Escalating Yemen Clashes VOA 11 May 2011 -- At least two people were killed and at least five others were wounded Wednesday in Yemen as massive rallies continued demanding the ouster of President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

US Officials: Human Rights In Iran Will Ultimately Prevail RFE/RL 11 May 2011 -- Observers and rights groups say Iran's human rights record has taken a sharp turn for the worse in recent months.

Egyptian Islamist Calls for Tolerance of Coptic Christians VOA 11 May 2011 -- Violence between Egypt's Coptic Christians and conservative Muslims has led to calls for tolerance from some unlikely sources.
Muslim Brotherhood leader to run for Egypt presidency RIA Novosti 11 May 2011 -- A leader of the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood movement will run for the post of Egyptian president as an independent candidate.

Tunisia Arrests Nearly 200 After Protests RFE/RL 11 May 2011 -- Nearly 200 people have been arrested in Tunisia following weekend protests in the capital that ended in a street battle.

Obama to Deliver Mideast Policy Address VOA 11 May 2011 -- The White House confirmed that President Barack Obama will deliver a speech, possibly before his upcoming European trip, to renew his outreach to the Muslim world.
Ban sounds alarm at rising violence and renewed tensions in Egypt and Tunisia UN News Centre 11 May 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban spoke out against the recent violence in Egypt and Tunisia.
Uzbek President Says 'Foreign Powers' Behind Arab Uprisings RFE/RL 11 May 2011 -- Uzbek President Islam Karimov says the popular uprisings in North African and Mideast countries this year have been instigated by "foreign powers."

Americans trial session in Iran postponed ISNA 11 May 2011 -- The lawyer of the three American nationals charged with spying: Trail session postponed since the clients were not transferred to the courtroom from prison.
Iran Delays Trial for US Hikers VOA 11 May 2011 -- Iran has delayed the resumption of the trial of three U.S. hikers accused of spying.
Hearing Postponed For Two Americans Accused Of Spying In Iran RFE/RL 11 May 2011 -- The hearing of two Americans accused of spying in Iran has been postponed.

Iran acknowledges receipt of second batch of fuel for Bushehr IRNA 11 May 2011 -- Iran on Wednesday acknowledged receipt of the second batch of fuel for Bushehr power plant from Russia.
EU Says Iran's Offer on Nuclear Talks Not New VOA 11 May 2011 -- An EU official says Iran's offer to resume talks on Iran's disputed nuclear program contains nothing new.
Iran says upcoming talks should focus on its package of proposals ISNA 11 May 2011 -- Iranian top parliamentarian: Upcoming talks should be based on Iran's package of proposals.
Iran proposes Istanbul as venue of next talks with 5+1 IRNA 11 May 2011 -- Iranian President’s Senior Assistant Hashemi: Iran insists on Istanbul as the venue of the next round of talks with G 5+1.

Japanese Quake Survivors Long For News VOA 11 May 2011 -- A new survey finds privacy and hygiene issues among the top concerns of Japanese earthquake survivors.

Politics Suspected in Thai Opposition Lawmaker's Shooting VOA 11 May 2011 -- Gunmen in Thailand’s capital have wounded an opposition lawmaker in a drive-by shooting that opposition leaders say was politically motivated.

Ousted president may return to Honduras this month RIA Novosti 11 May 2011 -- The former president of Honduras, who was bundled out of the country during a 2009 military coup, will return from exile this month.

Nigeria Names Panel to Investigate Electoral Violence VOA 11 May 2011 -- Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has named a 22-member panel to investigate the source of violence during last month's nationwide elections.

Besigye Prevented from Returning to Uganda on Eve of Inauguration VOA 11 May 2011 -- Just one day before Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni is sworn in for a fourth term in office, opposition leader Kizza Besigye has been barred from re-entering the country.

Belarus Puts More Lukashenka Opponents On Trial RFE/RL 11 May 2011 -- Two more election opponents of President Alyaksandr Lukashenka have gone on trial in Minsk over protests after December's disputed election.
Belarus accuses opposition leader of plotting December unrest RIA Novosti 11 May 2011 -- Belarusian prosecutors accused opposition leader Nikolai Statkevich of organizing mass anti-government protests.

Britain Shakes Up Its Foreign Service VOA 11 May 2011 -- Britain’s foreign secretary announced a major shake-up of the country’s Foreign Service on Wednesday.

Secretary Clinton Remarks at the 41st Washington Conference on the Americas US Dept. of State 11 May 2011
Clinton Pledges Early Action On Free Trade Agreements VOA 11 May 2011 -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says the Obama administration will soon send the U.S. Congress implementing legislation for free-trade agreements with Panama, Colombia and South Korea.

Urgent Measures Needed on Food Prices in Asia, Warns UN VOA 11 May 2011 -- The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization says food prices in Asia remain high despite a brief drop in April.
More than 1 billion tons of food lost or wasted every year, UN-backed report finds UN News Centre 11 May 2011 -- About a third of all the food produced for human consumption each year is lost or wasted.

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