News

07 July 2011 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 07 Jul 2011 [PDF]

NATO and Libya - Operational Media Update: 06 Jul 2011
Press briefing on Libya by Oana Lungescu, the NATO Spokesperson and by Wing Commander Mike Bracken, Operation ''Unified Protector'' military spokesperson NATO 07 Jul 2011
Berlusconi Opposes Libya Mission; Rome Cuts Involvement VOA 07 Jul 2011 -- Italy's prime minister has voiced serious doubts about the NATO intervention in Libya as his conservative government announced plans to cut back its participation in the mission.

Combined Force Kills Insurgents, Seizes Weapons AFPS 07 Jul 2011 -- A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed two insurgents, detained several suspected insurgents and destroyed a large weapons cache in Wardak province.
Red Bulls turn over remote Bad Pech Army News 07 Jul 2011 -- In early May Company B, 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry left for the Bad Pech.
NATO Admits Afghan Civilian Deaths, Probes Claims RFE/RL 07 Jul 2011 -- The NATO-led force in Afghanistan says it accidentally killed civilians in an air strike earlier this week and is investigating separate allegations that a coalition air raid killed two more civilians.
Pakistani PM steps in to ease Afghan border tension IRNA 07 Jul 2011 -- Pakistan's PM Gilani, telephoned President Karzai night and expressed 'serious concern over activities of militants' along Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
Canada Set to End Combat Mission in Afghanistan VOA 07 Jul 2011 -- Canada is set to end its combat mission in Afghanistan after nine years of fighting as part of the U.S.-led NATO coalition.
Canada officially ends military presence in Afghanistan RIA Novosti 07 Jul 2011 -- Canada handed control over the Kandahar Air Field to the United States on Thursday, officially ending its participation in the NATO-led security mission in Afghanistan.
Netherlands Sends Reduced Afghanistan Mission, As Canada Ends Combat Role RFE/RL 07 Jul 2011 -- The Dutch military is sending 160 soldiers to Afghanistan as part of its new, scaled-down mission to the country.
Dutch troops set to join NATO police training mission in Kunduz IRNA 07 Jul 2011 -- More than 160 Dutch soldiers were set to depart from an air force base in Eindhoven for the north Afghan province of Kunduz to join a NATO police training mission.
Airmen filling certain billets first to receive OCP uniform for everyday wear AFNS 07 Jul 2011 -- As the green of the Battle Dress Uniform fades into Air Force history, a new 'green' is beginning for certain Airmen deploying to support Operation Enduring Freedom.

Pakistani Army Chief calls for collective response against terrorism IRNA 07 Jul 2011 -- Pakistani Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has called for collective response to eliminate the menace of terrorism.
40 militants killed in clashes with Pakistani security forces IRNA 07 Jul 2011 -- At least 40 militants were killed during clashes with security forces in Kurram agency, located in the Federally Administered Tribal Area of Pakistan.
Pakistan army bomb militants' hideouts IRNA 07 Jul 2011 -- Pakistani security forces used gunships and artillery to shell suspected hideouts of Taliban militants in North Waziristan tribal region.
At Least 49 Killed in Pakistani City of Karachi VOA 07 Jul 2011 -- Police say at least 49 people have been killed in political and ethnic violence in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi in the last three days.

EU court orders UK to investigate deaths of six Iraqi civilians IRNA 07 Jul 2011 -- The Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights ordered the UK to investigate the deaths of six civilians killed in Iraq in 2003 in incidents involving British soldiers.
731st EOD Company comes home Army News 07 Jul 2011 -- In the early morning hours of June 29, Soldiers with the 731st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company returned to their Families in a ceremony at Fort Stewart, June 29.

Defense Policy / Programs

Pakistani Scientist Says N. Korea Paid for Nuclear Technology VOA 07 Jul 2011 -- The founder of Pakistan's nuclear program says North Korea paid top Pakistani military officers in exchange for nuclear technology.

Shanghai Cooperation Organization Opposes US Missile Defense Plan VOA 07 Jul 2011 -- Russia continues to oppose U.S. plans for a ballistic missile defense system.
Reset in Russia-U.S. relations 'working out' - Lavrov RIA Novosti 07 Jul 2011 -- The reset in Russia-U.S. relations is bearing good fruit, but several disputable points are still eclipsing bilateral ties.
President Calls for Balanced Defense Spending Cuts AFPS 07 Jul 2011 -- President Obama is committed to cutting the Defense Department budget as part of the overall reduction in the federal deficit.
Deputy Secretary Announces Intention to Depart DoD 07 Jul 2011
Lynn to Step Down as Deputy Defense Secretary AFPS 07 Jul 2011 -- Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III will step down later this year to return to private life.
Army releases modernization plan Army News 07 Jul 2011 -- The Army released its Modernization Plan 2012 last week, an in-depth explanation of how next year's budget request aims to move the Army toward achieving its objectives to equip the force in the 21st century.
Guardrail turns 40, modernization keeps it going Army News 07 Jul 2011 -- Guardrail aircraft were first employed in Germany in 1971 to monitor Soviet Block troop movements in East Germany and Czechoslovakia.
Prowlers serve MAW for more than 30 years USMC News 07 Jul 2011 -- In 1978, the EA-6B Prowler became the electronic warfare platform of the Marine Corps.
Nimitz Reaches Availability Milestone NNS 07 Jul 2011 -- Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility workers announced July 7, they reached a milestone in USS Nimitz's ongoing maintenance availability.
USS Harry S. Truman Reaches Dry-Dock Maintenance Availability Milestone NNS 07 Jul 2011 -- USS Harry S. Truman reached the quarter mark for a scheduled dry-dock planned incremental availability for maintenance July 6.
USS Philadelphia Relieves Last Sailor, Begins Inactivation at NNSY NNS 07 Jul 2011 -- Norfolk Naval Shipyard formally relieved USS Philadelphia's last remaining Sailor June 29, officially decommissioning the Los Angeles-class submarine.
Communications-electronics recognized as part of Army's Top 10 greatest inventions Army News 07 Jul 2011 -- CERDEC's three AGI recipients include a portable power system, a threat warning system and counter radio controlled-improvised explosive device electronic warfare.
USS George Washington Crew Safely Navigates Through Sunda Strait NNS 07 Jul 2011 -- Sailors aboard USS George Washington successfully navigated the ship through the Sunda Strait July 6.
National Guard plays role in Arctic operations Army News 07 Jul 2011 -- The National Guard, working through the Defense Department with multinational forces, is promoting a balanced approach to improve human and environmental security in the Arctic region.
HSC-25 maintainers aren't fazed with Phase D USMC News 07 Jul 2011 -- Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25, A Unit Deployment Program helicopter squadron is the only forward deployed helicopter sea combat squadron in the Navy.
Team zeroes in new sniper system Army News 07 Jul 2011 -- The Fort Sill Special Reaction Team is setting their sights further downrange, with new M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper Systems.
USS Germantown Arrives In Australia, Begins Talisman Sabre 2011 NNS 07 Jul 2011 -- USS Germantown and embarked Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived in Townsville, Australia, for a port visit July 7.
VMFA-314 prepares for Australian skies USMC News 07 Jul 2011 -- Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 flew to Royal Australian Air Force Base Townsville, Australia, to start Talisman Saber 2011 and Southern Frontier 2011 July 1.
FRUKUS 2011 Completes Training NNS 07 Jul 2011 -- Ships from Russia, France, the United Kingdom and the United States returned to Naval Station Norfolk July 1, completing the at-sea phase of FRUKUS 2011 off the coast of Virginia.
Marines Advise, Help Build NCO Corps Throughout Black Sea Region USMC News 07 Jul 2011 -- Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force 11's NCO Development detachment is showing parts of the world what it means to be an NCO.
21st TSC EOD techs help Romania Armed Forces destroy excess munitions Army News 07 Jul 2011 -- 21st Theater Sustainment Command Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians provided their Romanian Armed Forces counterparts classroom and hands-on procedures.
U.S., Tajik Officials Initiate Construction Of Military Training Center RFE/RL 07 Jul 2011 -- U.S. and Tajik officials have marked the start of construction of a military training center near Dushanbe that is being funded by Washington.
Era Comes to an End at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown NNS 07 Jul 2011 -- The Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division, Det. Yorktown, ended its experimental explosive development, June 30, bringing more than 70 years of weapons research to a close.
Walter Reed staff meets to plan pending move Army News 07 Jul 2011 -- As the September closing of Walter Reed Army Medical Center fast approaches, the surgeon general and other Army medical leaders met with hospital staff July 6 to ensure a smooth transition into two new area hospitals.
Pearl Harbor Shipyard Breaks Ground with Waterfront Building NNS 07 Jul 2011 -- Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard began another significant step in fulfilling its facilities modernization plan with the ground breaking ceremony for the $15.8 million Production Services Support Facility, July 6, adjacent to historic Dry Dock 1.
Navy Re-opens Norfolk Powder Coating Facility NNS 07 Jul 2011 -- The Navy officially re-opened the Norfolk Ship Support Activity's powder coating facility on board Norfolk Naval Station July 1, re-establishing the capability to apply corrosion-resistant, powder-based paint to shipboard equipment on Norfolk-based ships.
ASC on track to absorb installation logistics activities Army News 07 Jul 2011 -- DOL Transformation Team members, Army Field Support Brigade representatives and ASC senior staff members were all in attendance and offered feedback throughout the briefing.
Pacific Partnership Teams Up with University of Hawaii to Provide Humanitarian Aid NNS 07 Jul 2011 -- The University of Hawaii teamed up with Pacific Partnership 2011 to create a partnership with the university's School of Nursing, July 7.

All contracts on Russia's 2012 defense order to be signed by yearend RIA Novosti 07 Jul 2011 -- Defense Minister Serdyukov: All contracts on Russia's 2012 state defense order will be signed by the end of this year.
Russian Defense Ministry ready to install military police to tackle hazing RIA Novosti 07 Jul 2011 -- Russia's Defense Ministry promised to introduce a special military police division to uproot hazing practices and thefts.

Taiwan lawmakers in U.S. to push for F-16 C/D sales CNA 07 Jul 2011 -- Part of American trip to lobby for the United States to approve Taiwan's request to buy F-16 C/D fighter jets.

Casualties Reported As Huge Blast Rocks Armory In Turkmenistan RFE/RL 07 Jul 2011 -- An explosion at a military armory in the Turkmen city of Abadan has caused major damage and led to a mass evacuation of residents.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 7/7/2011 The White House 07 Jul 2011
U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing, July 7, 2011 US Dept. of State 07 Jul 2011

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for July 07, 2011
Northrop Grumman to Help U.S. Navy Study Options for Developing Fleet of Carrier-Launched Unmanned Systems Northrop Grumman 07 Jul 2011 -- The U.S. Navy will gain insight into the technical risks, challenges and operational benefits of developing a new fleet of unmanned carrier-launched surveillance and strike (UCLASS) aircraft through a study contract awarded June 23 to Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC).
Unmanned Global Hawk Completes First Production Acceptance Multi-Intelligence Sensor Flight Northrop Grumman 07 Jul 2011 -- The newest Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) built RQ-4 Global Hawk remotely piloted aircraft completed the first of many production acceptance flights of an operational Block 30 multi-intelligence sensor package on May 25, flown from Palmdale, Calif.
General Dynamics Starts Production of JTRS HMS Radios for U.S. Army General Dynamics 07 Jul 2011 -- General Dynamics C4 Systems has received an order from the U.S. Department of Defense for the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Handheld, Manpack, Small Form Fit (HMS) Rifleman radio (AN/PRC-154) and Manpack (AN/PRC-155) radio.
Sikorsky Delivers 300th UH-60M BLACK HAWK Helicopter to U.S. Army Sikorsky 07 Jul 2011 -- Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. today announced the delivery of the 300th UH-60M BLACK HAWK helicopter to the U.S. Army. Sikorsky is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) company.
Northrop Grumman-Led ICBM Prime Integration Team Participates in Test Launch of Minuteman III Missile Northrop Grumman 07 Jul 2011 -- The Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Prime Team, led by Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC), participated in an Air Force Global Strike Command flight test of an operational Minuteman III ICBM launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., on June 22, 2011.
Nation's New Missile Warning Satellite Delivers First Infrared Imagery Lockheed Martin 07 Jul 2011 -- The first Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT]-built Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) geosynchronous (GEO-1) spacecraft beamed down its first infrared image on June 21 to the SBIRS ground station. Following its May 7 launch, the satellite is performing as expected, and is now undergoing early orbit testing.

Other Conflicts

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 7 July 2011 United Nations 07 Jul 2011

Libyan Rebels Make Gains Near Tripoli VOA 07 Jul 2011 -- Libyan rebels have seized two small towns south of Tripoli in a six-hour gunbattle with forces loyal to leader Moammar Gadhafi.
Russia's Lavrov says no end in sight to Libyan conflict RIA Novosti 07 Jul 2011 -- The military conflict in Libya has reached a stalemate, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.
Second Russian plane carrying humanitarian aid heads for Libya RIA Novosti 07 Jul 2011 -- Another plane from the Russian Emergencies Ministry carrying humanitarian aid for Libya left Moscow for Tripoli on Thursday.

Yemen's Wounded President Appears on TV VOA 07 Jul 2011 -- Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh delivered his first video address since traveling to Saudi Arabia to be treated for injuries.
Yemen's Saleh Calls For Dialogue RFE/RL 07 Jul 2011 -- Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh has given his first televised address since suffering serious injuries during an attack on his presidential palace.
12 Soldiers Dead in Southern Yemen Violence VOA 07 Jul 2011 -- Two attacks in southern Yemen have left 12 soldiers dead.

Rebel Leader Says al-Shabab Losing Ground in Somalia VOA 07 Jul 2011 -- One of the leaders of the al-Qaida-linked Somali insurgent group al-Shabab has acknowledged the group is losing ground in its fight against the Somali government.
UN welcomes Somali insurgents' decision to drop ban on humanitarian aid UN News Centre 07 Jul 2011 -- The top UN relief official for Somalia welcomed an announcement by Al-Shabaab insurgents that they would lift their ban on international aid.
UN refugee chief to review Somali refugee camps in Ethiopia and Kenya UN News Centre 07 Jul 2011 -- The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, António Guterres, today began a four-day visit to Ethiopia and Kenya to check on the care provided to refugees fleeing Somalia.

US: South Sudan Separation a 'Fragile Moment' VOA 07 Jul 2011 -- US Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice says Saturday's ceremonies marking the independence of South Sudan are historic events, but also a fragile moment.
South Sudan needs strong partnerships to tackle 'daunting' challenges ahead - Ban UN News Centre 07 Jul 2011 -- South Sudan will need to develop a broad set of partnerships to tackle the “daunting” challenges it faces.
North Sudan Army Demobilizes Southern Members VOA 07 Jul 2011 -- The army of north Sudan is demobilizing some 15,000 southerners from its ranks, as the south gets set to declare independence.
South Sudan Puts on Dress Rehearsal for Independence VOA 07 Jul 2011 -- The countdown is on for South Sudan's independence July 9, and the country's future capital is making its final preparations for the big day.
Russia to establish diplomatic ties with South Sudan RIA Novosti 07 Jul 2011 -- Russia is ready to establish diplomatic relations with South Sudan, the Foreign Ministry's official spokesman said.
South Sudan Has Big Oil Reserves, Big Problems VOA 07 Jul 2011 -- The new Republic of South Sudan enters the world with great economic potential but faces huge challenges in its quest for peace and prosperity.

Greece confirms Gaza-bound vessel held in Crete RIA Novosti 07 Jul 2011 -- A Gaza-bound vessel from the Freedom Flotilla II is being held in Crete, the Greek Coast Guard said.
Greece Intercepts Pro-Palestinian Activist Boat VOA 07 Jul 2011 -- The Greek coast guard has intercepted the only boat of a planned flotilla of pro-Palestinian activists that had eluded detection.
Israel on Alert as Pro-Palestinian Activists Plan 'Fly-In' VOA 07 Jul 2011 -- Israeli security forces are on high alert ahead of the arrival of a large group of foreign activists who oppose the occupation of the Palestinian territories.
UN Accuses Israel Of Excessive Force RFE/RL 07 Jul 2011 -- UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has accused Israeli soldiers of using excessive force by firing live ammunition at unarmed Lebanese demonstrators.

Nagorno-Karabakh Leader Praises OSCE Mediators RFE/RL 07 Jul 2011 -- The leader of the breakaway Azerbaijani region of Nagorno-Karabakh has praised international mediators seeking to resolve the conflict over the disputed territory.

Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders agree to greater UN role in talks - Ban UN News Centre 07 Jul 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban: Leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities had accepted his offer for an enhanced UN mediation role.
Cyprus Reunification Still Stalled VOA 07 Jul 2011 -- U.N. mediated talks have failed to achieve an agreement to reunify the divided island of Cyprus.

PHILIPPINES: Crime threatens Mindanao peace process IRIN 07 Jul 2011 -- Rising crime could undermine the Mindanao peace process, experts warn, amid a recent spike of incidents blamed on rogue rebels.

Serbia Seeks Kosovo Organ Trade Probe RFE/RL 07 Jul 2011 -- Belgrade has demanded an urgent UN investigation into claims that Kosovo rebels trafficked in human organs during and after the 1999 war.

Ivory Coast Names Former Rebel as Army Leader VOA 07 Jul 2011 -- The Ivory Coast government has named a former rebel leader as head of the country's armed forces.

UN helping Central African Republic face 'serious' challenges, envoy says UN News Centre 07 Jul 2011 -- The UN is sparing no effort to assist the Central African Republic in confronting serious challenges.

News Reports

US Envoy Visits Syrian City of Hama to Support Protesters VOA 07 Jul 2011 -- The U.S. ambassador to Syria has traveled to the city of Hama to express solidarity with residents protesting the rule of President al-Assad.
Time for killings in Syria to stop, says UN chief UN News Centre 07 Jul 2011 -- Secretary-General Bancalled once again on Syrian authorities to stop their bloody crackdown on protesters.
Tanks Surround Flashpoint Syrian City, Residents Flee VOA 07 Jul 2011 -- A Syrian activist monitoring developments in Hama told VOA in a telephone interview that dozens of families left the city Thursday.
Syrian Rights Activists Say Hundreds Fleeing Hama VOA 07 Jul 2011 -- A Syrian human rights group says hundreds of people are fleeing the central city of Hama for fear of a military crackdown by security forces.

Activists Plan for Mass Protest in Egypt VOA 07 Jul 2011 -- Egyptian activists are gearing up for a mass rally in Cairo's Tahrir Square on Friday to protest against what they say is a slow pace of reforms.
Egyptian activists gear up for mass protest in Cairo RIA Novosti 07 Jul 2011 -- The vast majority of Egypt's political forces are preparing to rally in Cairo's Tahrir Square on Friday as frustration is mounting at the slow pace of reforms in the country.

U.S. Concerned Over Religious Persecution In Iran RFE/RL 07 Jul 2011 -- The United States has expressed dismay over reports an Iranian may face the death penalty over his religious beliefs.
Family Concerned Over Health Of Iranian Opposition Leader, Wife RFE/RL 07 Jul 2011 -- The mother of opposition figure Zahra Rahnavard has reportedly been under house arrest for the past five months.
Supporters Say Jailed Iranian Cleric In Poor Health RFE/RL 07 Jul 2011 -- Some followers of dissident Iranian cleric Ayatollah Hossein Kazemeyni Boroujerdi say his health has further deteriorated in prison.

Congressional Leaders Meet Dalai Lama in US Capitol VOA 07 Jul 2011 -- The speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, John Boehner, and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi met with the Dalai Lama.
China Cautions US Against Official Meeting with Dalai Lama VOA 07 Jul 2011 -- China has warned the United States not to hold official meetings with the Dalai Lama, who is in Washington as part of an 11-day meditation ritual.

Interview With Georgian Opposition Figure Nino Burjanadze RFE/RL 07 Jul 2011 -- With her perfectly coiffed hair, controlled manners, and impeccable clothes, Nino Burjanadze has the appearance of a stern yet kindly schoolteacher.

Kyrgyz Presidential Envoy Resigns RFE/RL 07 Jul 2011 -- Kyrgyzstan's presidential envoy to parliament has handed his resignation to President Roza Otunbaeva, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.

S. Korea Working on New Resettlement Facility for Defectors from North VOA 07 Jul 2011 -- South Korea will soon begin construction of a new resettlement facility for North Korean defectors.

Thailand's First Female PM Prepares to Take Office VOA 07 Jul 2011 -- Thailand is set to have its first female prime minister in Yingluck Shinawatra, younger sister of ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Haiti's President Announces 2nd Choice for Prime Minister Post VOA 07 Jul 2011 -- Haitian President Michel Martelly has chosen a lawyer and former justice minister to be the country's next prime minister.

Bangladesh Opposition Leads 2nd Day of Strikes VOA 07 Jul 2011 -- Opposition members are protesting a constitutional amendment they say will unfairly help the ruling party stay in power.

Lukashenko says ready to deport all political prisoners to EU RIA Novosti 07 Jul 2011 -- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko ready to hand over all prisoners that the EU believes are jailed for political reasons.
Belarusian Mass Trials Continue After Fresh Crackdown On Protesters RFE/RL 07 Jul 2011 -- Courts in Belarus have begun hearing cases and imposing sentences and fines on people detained during protests.

China Denies Reports Jiang Zemin is Dead VOA 07 Jul 2011 -- Chinese authorities are officially denying that Jiang Zemin is dead after days of speculation about the health of the former president.
China Denies Death Of Former President Jiang Zemin RFE/RL 07 Jul 2011 -- China has denied reports that former President Jiang Zemin died, after a Hong Kong television station announced his death.

Chavez Visits Troops After Recent Surgery VOA 07 Jul 2011 -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has appeared at a military base in an apparent show of strength after his recent surgery in Cuba to remove a cancerous tumor.

World cereal prices drop slightly but still steeply higher than last year - UN UN News Centre 07 Jul 2011 -- Cereal prices dropped slightly in the world markets in June, but were still 71 per cent higher than a year ago.

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list