News

27 September 2011 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
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Current Operations

OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 27 Sep 2011 [PDF]

Pakistan Warns US to End 'Negative Messaging' on Militancy VOA 27 Sep 2011 -- Pakistani PM Gilani has warned the US that it must end "negative messaging" accusing Pakistan of supporting militant attacks.
Pakistan Pushes Back Against U.S. RFE/RL 27 Sep 2011 -- Pakistan has warned the United States to stop accusing it of playing a double game with Islamist militants.
Taliban Says Haqqani Network Has No Ties To Pakistan RFE/RL 27 Sep 2011 -- The Taliban has rejected claims that it or any of its allies have ties to the Pakistani government.
Taliban Says it Controls Haqqani Network, Denies Links to Pakistan VOA 27 Sep 2011 -- The Taliban says it, not Pakistan, controls the Haqqani network.
Airstrike Kills Key Taliban Fighter in Afghanistan AFPS 27 Sep 2011 -- Afghan and coalition forces used a precision airstrike to kill a key Taliban leader in Afghanistan’s Wardak province.
Three killed by suicide bomber in southern Afghan city RIA Novosti 27 Sep 2011 -- At least three people were killed and 26 injured when a car driven by a suicide bomber exploded in front of a local police chief's office.
Russia's Lavrov Calls Drug Threat From Afghanistan 'Heroin Aggression' RFE/RL 27 Sep 2011 -- Russian FM Lavrov has described the narcotics threat from Afghanistan as a "heroin aggression."
UN committed to further assisting Afghanistan, Ban tells Foreign Minister UN News Centre 27 Sep 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban renewed the commitment of the United Nations to assist the people of Afghanistan during talks with the country’s Foreign Minister in New York.

‘Ravaged’ Pakistan determined to root out terrorism UN News Centre 27 Sep 2011 -- Pakistan has suffered at the hands of terrorists like few countries have, its Foreign Minister told the General Assembly.
Pakistan, China Hold High-level Security Talks VOA 27 Sep 2011 -- The Pakistani government has pledged to attack Uighur militants opposed to the Chinese government who are hiding in Pakistan's volatile tribal regions.

T-6 advisory mission ceases, Iraqi pilots teach their own AFNS 27 Sep 2011 -- Airmen from the 52nd EFTS have been working with the Iraqi air force for the last 21 months in the T-6.
160th Signal Brigade Soldiers Support Tactical Operations Center Construction in Kuwait Army News 27 Sep 2011 -- The December 31st deadline for the drawdown of American military personnel from Iraq has led to a surge in activities for 160th Signal Brigade Soldiers.

NATO and Libya - Operational Media Update: 26 Sep 2011
Press briefing on Libya by Oana Lungescu, the NATO Spokesperson and Colonel Roland Lavoie, Operation "Unified Protector" military spokesperson NATO 27 Sep 2011
Libya Operations Remain Fluid, NATO Official Says AFPS 27 Sep 2011 -- NATO’s decision to extend the alliance’s mission in Libya shows its work there is not yet done.
RAF continues strikes against Gaddafi forces in Sirte UK MOD 27 Sep 2011 -- Over the weekend and into Monday, RAF operations over Libya have continued, with attacks on pro-Gaddafi forces in Sirte and Bani Walid.
Queen's Gurkha Signals mark anniversary on Op ELLAMY UK MOD 27 Sep 2011 -- Members of the Queen's Gurkha Signals from 22 Signal Regiment, currently based at Gioia del Colle air base in southern Italy, recently celebrated the unit's birthday.

KCNA Commentary on U.S. Drone Operation KCNA 27 Sep 2011 -- Secret U.S. drone bases were built in Ethiopia and Seychelles. The construction of a secret airfield is now making brisk headway on the Arabian Peninsula.

Defense Policy / Programs

Russia Wants Missile-Defense Legal Guarantees RFE/RL 27 Sep 2011 -- Russia's FM has reiterated concerns over U.S. missile-defense plans in Europe.
Strategic missile defense affects global security - Lavrov RIA Novosti 27 Sep 2011 -- The deployment of strategic missile defense systems will alter the international security configuration.
No progress in Russia-U.S. missile shield talks RIA Novosti 27 Sep 2011 -- No progress has been made in Russia - U.S. talks on the projected deployment of a U.S. missile defense system in Europe.
U.S., Ukraine Sign Pact On Nuclear Security Cooperation RFE/RL 27 Sep 2011 -- US Secretary of State Clinton and Ukrainian FM Hryshchenko have signed a memorandum of understanding on nuclear security cooperation.
U.S., Pakistani Militaries Work to Resolve Differences AFPS 27 Sep 2011 -- The Defense Department will continue to try to work through the differences, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said.
Pacom Commander: North Korea Remains Central Concern AFPS 27 Sep 2011 -- North Korea’s challenges to Asia-Pacific security and stability were most acute in 2010, but remain a central concern.
U.S. arms sales to Taiwan helpful to cross-strait peace: Clinton CNA 27 Sep 2011 -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton defended her country's arms sales to Taiwan in the face of strong protests from Beijing.
Pacom Commander Hopes for Continued U.S.-China Engagement AFPS 27 Sep 2011 -- When the commander of U.S. forces in the Pacific discussed regional challenges today, China topped the list.
U.S. suggests boosting Russian-Japanese cooperation in Pacific region RIA Novosti 27 Sep 2011 -- Russian and Japan should improve the relationship in the Pacific region, Admiral Robert Willard, the Commander of the U.S. Pacific Command said.
Defense Intelligence Agency Celebrates 50-Year Legacy AFPS 27 Sep 2011 -- Since it began operations Oct. 1, 1961, the Defense Intelligence Agency has changed along with the nature of national security threats.
ONR Exhibits Top Weapon Technologies at Modern Day Marine NNS 27 Sep 2011 -- The Office of Naval Research demonstated the very latest in technologies aimed at providing specialized capabilities for the Marine Corps.
CNO Releases Sailing Directions NNS 27 Sep 2011 -- Newly appointed Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert released his Sailing Directions to the Navy following the CNO change of command ceremony, Sept. 23.
4th MEB passes on CBRN-response mission, refocuses on combat role Army News 27 Sep 2011 -- On October 1st, the 4th MEB will culminate its mission of Federal military response to a potential CBRN event in the homeland.
Cyber Command Builds ‘Cyber Warrior’ Capabilities AFPS 27 Sep 2011 -- Outgoing CoS at U.S. Cyber Command: Strong, diverse capabilities already in place will provide foundation for professional cyber corps.
Engineer brigade stands up in Alaska Army News 27 Sep 2011 -- The colors of the 2nd Engineer Brigade were uncased for the first time in 56 years during an activation ceremony here Sept. 21.
Army awards $12.5 million contract to the Arsenal Army News 27 Sep 2011 -- The U.S. Army awarded a $12.5 million contract this month to the Watervliet Arsenal to manufacture howitzer tubes and subassemblies for the Army's lightweight 155mm howitzer, the M777.
Essex ARG Embarks 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit NNS 27 Sep 2011 -- Essex Amphibious Ready Group embarked more than 2,000 Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit at White Beach Naval Facility in Okinawa, Japan.
Fairchild units conduct first KC-135 OSC exercise AFNS 27 Sep 2011 -- Earlier in 2011, a military aircraft went down in Afghanistan and the aircrew evaded through enemy terrain.
Community sends off Guardsmen deploying to Kosovo Army News 27 Sep 2011 -- The North Dakota National Guard's commander-in-chief, elected officials and senior military leaders joined with community members, families and friends of deploying Guardsmen.
U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa provide support for Marines USMC News 27 Sep 2011 -- Marines assigned to the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa areas of operation are spread out to the farthest reaches of Europe and Africa.
48th IBCT, Georgia Army National Guard, arrive in Zanzibar ready for contingencies Army News 27 Sep 2011 -- Seventeen members of the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Georgia Army National Guard, recently participated in Natural Fire 11, a bilateral, multinational exercise held in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade departs for Dawn Blitz USMC News 27 Sep 2011 -- More than 700 Marines and sailors from 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade boarded the USS Bonhomme Richard to launch Exercise Dawn Blitz 2011.
Belize offers premier training opportunities to Marines USMC News 27 Sep 2011 -- Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 from MCAS New River and Marine Wing Support Squadron 271 self-deployed four MV-22B Ospreys to Belize.
Ukrainian Officers Learn About Operations at Naval Air Station Jacksonville NNS 27 Sep 2011 -- Four Ukrainian naval officers and their civilian interpreter visited Naval Air Station Jacksonville Sept. 18-23.
Army completes BRAC 2005 on time Army News 27 Sep 2011 -- At Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., the Army spent more than $1 billion on construction, added 2.8 million square feet of facilities and 18 buildings, demolished 140 structures, improved nine miles of roads and upgraded electric, water and information technology infrastructure.

Medvedev defends high military spending RIA Novosti 27 Sep 2011 -- Defense and national security expenditures will always be high in Russia, President Dmitry Medvedev said.

IRGC navy to be equipped with new cruise missiles IRNA 27 Sep 2011 -- Defense ministry is to deliver new home-made cruise missiles to the Islamic Revolution's Guard Corps naval forces.

South African Firm Unveils First African Military Plane VOA 27 Sep 2011 -- A South African company has unveiled what it calls the first military plane designed and made in Africa.

Government still mulling helicopter offer to Paraguay CNA 27 Sep 2011 -- The government is still considering a proposal to donate helicopters to its diplomatic ally, the Republic of Paraguay.

Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Jay Carney aboard Air Force One en route Denver, CO The White House 27 Sep 2011
U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing, September 27, 2011 US Dept. of State 27 Sep 2011

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for September 27, 2011
Boeing F-15E Radar Modernization Program to Enter Production Boeing 27 Sep 2011 -- Boeing today announced that the U.S. Air Force has granted the F-15E Radar Modernization Program (RMP) approval to begin low-rate initial production (LRIP) of the APG-82(V)1 radar system.
General Dynamics Awarded $9 Million by U.S. Army for Modular Artillery Charge System General Dynamics 27 Sep 2011 -- General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products was awarded an $8.6 million contract option by the U.S. Army for the load, assemble and pack of the M231 and M232A1 Modular Artillery Charge System (MACS). General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products is a business unit of General Dynamics.
General Dynamics Bath Iron Works Awarded Contract for Construction of Two DDG 51 Destroyers General Dynamics 27 Sep 2011 -- The U. S. Navy has awarded General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, a subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), a $680 million contract for the construction of DDG 115, the third ship of the Navy’s DDG 51-class guided-missile destroyer construction continuation program. The award also includes a $665 million option for Bath Iron Works to build DDG 116. DDG 115 is scheduled to be delivered in 2016.
Northrop Grumman's Technology Pivotal in U.S. Marine Corps' Mobile Tactical Air Operations Module Command and Control System Northrop Grumman 27 Sep 2011 -- The U.S. Marine Corps has begun deploying the first of 10 AN/TSQ-269 Mobile Tactical Air Operations Module (MTAOM) command and control systems, which feature key components made by Northrop Grumman Corporation.
Astrium selected to help define missile defence system for NATO EADS 27 Sep 2011 -- Astrium has been selected by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to define the first step of the systems architecture for its territorial ballistic missile defence programme.
Orbital Successfully Launches Minotaur IV Rocket for U.S. Air Force Carrying TacSat-4 Satellite Orbital Sciences Corp. 27 Sep 2011 -- Orbital Sciences Corporation, one of the world's leading space technology companies, announced today that its Minotaur IV space launch vehicle was successfully launched for the U.S. Air Force, placing the U.S. Navy's Tactical Satellite-4 (TacSat-4) into a precise orbit of the Earth

Other Conflicts

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 27 September 2011 United Nations 27 Sep 2011
Kenya: UN expert urges durable solutions for internally displaced persons UN News Centre 27 Sep 2011 -- An independent UN human rights expert has urged the Kenyan Government to adopt a comprehensive strategy to tackle key challenges faced by internally displaced persons in the country.

UN political chief urges Israelis and Palestinians to give diplomacy a chance UN News Centre 27 Sep 2011 -- The UN political chief called on the Israelis and the Palestinians to return to negotiations to reach a comprehensive and lasting settlement.
Security Council Reviews Palestinian UN Application VOA 27 Sep 2011 -- The U.N. Security Council took up the issue of the Palestinian bid for full U.N. membership.
Analysts Question Merit of Palestinian UN Bid VOA 27 Sep 2011 -- The U.N. Security Council is considering a Palestinian application for full membership in the United Nations.
UN Security Council Considers Palestinian Statehood Bid VOA 27 Sep 2011 -- The U.N. Security Council says it will meet Wednesday to formally consider the Palestinian bid for statehood and full U.N. membership.
World Leaders Condemn Israel's East Jerusalem Plan VOA 27 Sep 2011 -- U.S., European and Palestinian leaders have condemned Israel's plan to construct 1,100 new housing units in east Jerusalem.
US, Portugal, Hit Israeli Settlement Plan VOA 27 Sep 2011 -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Portas Tuesday criticized Israel’s announced intention to build 1100 new Jewish housing units in East Jerusalem.
Israel Plans Over 1,000 New Homes in East Jerusalem VOA 27 Sep 2011 -- Israel is going ahead with a plan to construct 1,100 new housing units in east Jerusalem, a move that could further strain efforts for renewed peace talks with Palestinians.

UN Calls For Control Of Qaddafi's Weapons RFE/RL 27 Sep 2011 -- The UN Security Council has been warned that weapons of mass destruction stashed away in Libya could fall into the hands of terrorists.
Defiant Gaddafi says still in Libya RIA Novosti 27 Sep 2011 -- Deposed Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi said on Tuesday he was still in Libya and was ready to die a martyr's death.
Opposition Figure Hopes to Lead Libya Transition VOA 27 Sep 2011 -- Libya’s National Transitional Council is scheduled to soon announce a prime minister from four aspiring candidates.
Libyans Seek Truce in Besieged Sirte VOA 27 Sep 2011 -- Libya's provisional government fighters and elders from the tribe of former leader Moammar Gadhafi are trying to negotiate a truce.
European, Arab countries violated Libya arms embargo - Lavrov RIA Novosti 27 Sep 2011 -- Russian FM Lavrov: Several countries violated the embargo on arms supplies to Libya introduced by the UN Security Council.
Aid agencies preparing to assist Libyans UN News Centre 27 Sep 2011 -- Aid agencies have pre-positioned food and medical supplies on the outskirts of the Libyan city of Sirte.
Malta appeals at UN for sharing of asylum-seeker burden from North Africa UN News Centre 27 Sep 2011 -- Malta has urged UN Member States to help the Mediterranean island country cope with an influx of refugees and other immigrants who have fled from the recent political upheaval in North Africa, especially Libya.

Change in Yemen must follow constitutional process, UN debate told UN News Centre 27 Sep 2011 -- The turmoil gripping Yemen will only be resolved through a constitutional process and a smooth transition of power that does not violate democratic principles.
Suicide Bomber Targets Yemen's Defense Minister VOA 27 Sep 2011 -- Yemeni security officials say a suicide bomber has attacked a convoy carrying Defense Minister Mohammad Nasser Ahmed in the southern port city of Aden.

DPRK calls for dialogue with US UN News Centre 27 Sep 2011 -- The Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea called at the United Nations for a full-fledged dialogue with the United States.
Hyon In Thaek Accused of His Poor Excuse KCNA 27 Sep 2011 -- Hyon In Thaek was busy making a wordplay about "spirit of era" and "genuine unification" at his resignation ceremony on Sept. 19.
Minju Joson on Japan's Military Moves against DPRK KCNA 27 Sep 2011 -- Some time ago, Japan launched a new intelligence gathering satellite.

Iran says West should blacklist PJAK terrorist group ISNA 27 Sep 2011 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi called for the West to blacklist PJAK terrorist group.

Indian Kashmir to ID Bodies from Unmarked Graves VOA 27 Sep 2011 -- Indian Kashmir's top official says authorities will conduct DNA tests to identify the more than 2,000 bodies buried in unmarked graves.

UN agencies seek $18 million to assist Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia UN News Centre 27 Sep 2011 -- UN agencies and their aid partners appealed for $18.3 million to help tens of thousands of refugees who are fleeing into western Ethiopia to escape violence in Sudan’s Blue Nile state.
UN: 25,000 Sudanese Flee to Ethiopia VOA 27 Sep 2011 -- The U.N. refugee agency says 25,000 people have fled from Sudan's troubled Blue Nile state into western Ethiopia since September 3, and the number is expected to rise.

Russia ready to act as guarantor of peace in Caucasus - Lavrov RIA Novosti 27 Sep 2011 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated Russia's readiness to act as a guarantor of non-use of force agreements between Georgia and its breakaway republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Amnesty Accuses Thai Muslim Insurgents of War Crimes VOA 27 Sep 2011 -- Amnesty International says Muslim rebels waging an insurgent campaign in three southern provinces of Thailand have committed war crimes by deliberately targeted civilians.

Armenia and Azerbaijan express views on Nagorno-Karabakh during UN debate UN News Centre 27 Sep 2011 -- Top officials from Armenia and Azerbaijan have expressed views on their long-running dispute over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

Morocco tells UN it is ready to resolve Western Sahara dispute on autonomy basis UN News Centre 27 Sep 2011 -- Morocco has reiterated to the United Nations that it is ready to intensify talks to resolve the dispute over the Western Sahara on the basis of autonomy.

UAE Calls on Iran to Take Islands Dispute to UN Court VOA 27 Sep 2011 -- The United Arab Emirates has called on Iran to resolve a dispute over three islands by direct negotiations or by referring it to the U.N.'s International Court of Justice.

NATO Soldiers, Serbs Injured In Kosovo Violence RFE/RL 27 Sep 2011 -- Four NATO peacekeepers and six Serb protesters were reportedly injured when violence erupted at a disputed crossing point between Serbia and Kosovo.

News Reports

Secretary Clinton Joint Press Availability with Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Portas After Their Meeting US Dept. of State 27 Sep 2011

UN Annual Debate Wraps Up in New York VOA 27 Sep 2011 -- On the final day of the U.N. General Assembly’s annual debate, several countries took to the podium.
West African countries call for permanent African seat on Security Council UN News Centre 27 Sep 2011 -- West African countries called for enlarging the 15-member Security Council to give their continent its due representation.
Syria may fall victim to ‘new cycle of colonial wars’ – UN debate hears UN News Centre 27 Sep 2011 -- Syria runs the risk of falling victim to the same “new cycle of colonial wars” that was imposed on Libya, Venezuela told the General Assembly’s annual general debate.

Top UN officials renew call on Syria to end crackdown UN News Centre 27 Sep 2011 -- Top United Nations officials renewed their call on the Syrian Government to end its crackdown on pro-democracy protesters.
Syrian Forces Raid 2 Towns as Crackdown Continues VOA 27 Sep 2011 -- Syrian forces have raided at least two townsin a continuing crackdown on dissent nationwide.
Syrian Troops Storm Town RFE/RL 27 Sep 2011 -- Syrian forces backed by tanks and helicopters stormed a town on the main highway to Turkey.

Iran, Bahrain Ministers Meet, First Time Since Diplomatic Dispute VOA 27 Sep 2011 -- Tehran says the foreign ministers of Iran and Bahrain have met in New York, in what appears to be the first time since a diplomatic squabble over Bahrain's crackdown on Shi'ite-led protests.
Iranian Bank Chiefs Lose Jobs Over Fraud Scandal RFE/RL 27 Sep 2011 -- The chiefs of two major Iranian banks have lost their jobs over a $2.6 billion fraud case.

Sinai Pipeline Attacks Spotlight Post-Mubarak Border Security VOA 27 Sep 2011 -- Egyptian officials say the attackers arrived at the Sinai Peninsula facility in two pickup trucks before dawn.
Egypt to Hold Parliamentary Elections in November VOA 27 Sep 2011 -- Egypt's MENA state news agency reports that the first election since protests that forced former President Hosni Mubarak from power is set for the end of November.

Cuba Criticizes Longstanding US Embargo VOA 27 Sep 2011 -- Cuban FM Rodriguez has criticized the longstanding U.S. trade embargo against his country, saying it has cost the communist-led island $975 billion.

South Korea's Ruling Party Chief Will Visit North Korea VOA 27 Sep 2011 -- The head of South Korea's ruling party says he will travel to North Korea later this week.
US Aid Group Criticizes Delay on N. Korea Aid Request VOA 27 Sep 2011 -- Several American aid groups are criticizing the U.S. government delay on deciding whether to resume large-scale food donations to North Korea.
DPRK Premier Pays Courtesy Call on Chinese President KCNA 27 Sep 2011 -- DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim paid a courtesy call on Hu Jintao, general secretary of the president of the People's Republic of China.
DPRK Premier Meets Chairman of National Committee of CPPCC KCNA 27 Sep 2011 -- DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim met and had a friendly talk with Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Jia Qinglin.
KCNA Report Reviews Successes in Socialist Construction after WPK Conference KCNA 27 Sep 2011 -- The Korean Central News Agency released a report on great changes brought about in socialist construction for the past one year since the historic conference of the Workers' Party of Korea.
Letter of Thanks to Kim Jong Il from Lao President KCNA 27 Sep 2011 -- Kim Jong Il received a letter of thanks from Choummaly Sayasone, president of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Ban calls on Myanmar’s authorities to build on recent gains towards transition UN News Centre 27 Sep 2011 -- Recent developments bode well for progress in Myanmar, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said.
Urging an end to sanctions, Myanmar tells UN of democratic progress UN News Centre 27 Sep 2011 -- Myanmar told the UN that it has launched a series of political, economic and social reforms aimed at improving the welfare of its people.

Guinea Police Clash With Protesters, 2 Dead VOA 27 Sep 2011 -- Witnesses in Guinea say at least two people have been killed in clashes between security forces and anti-government protesters.

Rare Conviction of Mugabe Loyalists in Zimbabwe VOA 27 Sep 2011 -- The son of a provincial governor appointed by Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe and three activists with Mugabe's ZANU-PF party have begun serving jail terms.

Indonesian Pirate Arrest Leads to Broader Network in Malacca Strait VOA 27 Sep 2011 -- Indonesian police in Aceh, North Sumatra, have confirmed the arrest of four pirates they claim are part of a larger syndicate operating in the Malacca Straits.

Following Terror Attacks, Kazakhstan Hurriedly Tightens Religious Law RFE/RL 27 Sep 2011 -- Kazakhstan's President Nursultan Nazarbaev is expected to sign a new bill on religion into law.

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