01 October 2011 Military News

Karzai Downplays Peace Hopes As Afghans Cite Pakistani Links To Rabbani Killers RFE/RL 01 Oct 2011 -- A videotaped speech by Afghan President Hamid Karzai has reiterated his office's recent suggestions that Kabul was abandoning efforts at direct peace talks with Taliban militants, pointing a finger for instability instead at neighbor Pakistan.
Afghani senior Haqqani militant arrested RIA Novosti 01 Oct 2011 -- A high-ranking member of the Taliban-backed Haqqani militant network, Haji Mali Khan, has been captured in Afghanistan during a security operation by Afghan and coalition forces, NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said on Saturday.
Top Haqqani Leader Captured in Afghanistan VOA 01 Oct 2011 -- NATO forces in Afghanistan say a joint raid has led to the arrest of a top commander of the Haqqani network. The arrest comes as Afghan authorities say they have handed over evidence to neighboring Pakistan that the recent assassination of Afghanistan's former president and top peace negotiator Burhanuddin Rabbani was planned on Pakistani soil.
Karzai: Talking Peace With Taliban Futile VOA 01 Oct 2011 -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai says trying to talk peace with the Taliban is futile, and that Afghanistan's best option is to negotiate with Pakistan.

USS Spruance Commissioned as Navy's Newest Destroyer NNS 01 Oct 2011 -- USS Spruance (DDG 111) became the newest member of the Navy's Pacific fleet after being placed in commission during a sunset ceremony at Naval Air Station Key West Oct. 1.
Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and 11th MEU Underway for CERTEX NNS 01 Oct 2011 -- The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), along with the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), departed San Diego Sept. 29 to begin a MEU certification exercise (CERTEX) in preparation for an upcoming deployment.
George Washington Welcomes Republic of Korea Dignitaries and Distinguished Visitors NNS 01 Oct 2011 -- The crew of nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) hosted a reception and welcomed aboard dignitaries and distinguished visitors upon the ship's first day in the Republic of Korea (ROK), Sept. 30.

Russian Pacific Fleet task force heads to Mariana Islands RIA Novosti 01 Oct 2011 -- A Russian Pacific Fleet task force led by the missile cruiser Varyag has completed its courtesy visit to the Japanese port of Maizuru and set sail for U.S. Mariana Islands, the fleet spokesman said on Saturday.

Fleet tanker 'INS Shakti' inducted into Indian Navy IRNA 01 Oct 2011 -- Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Nirmal Verma Saturday said that induction of Fleet Tanker INS Shakti would mark beginning of a new era of state-of-the-art technologies for the Indian Navy.
India to induct 29 Mig-29K in Navy within two years: Navy Chief IRNA 01 Oct 2011 -- Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Nirmal Verma Saturday said that more Mig-29K class air fighter air-craft and helicopters would be inducted into the Indian Navy in the next two years.

Civilians Flee Sirte Battle RFE/RL 01 Oct 2011 -- Reports says civilians have been fleeing the Libyan city of Sirte as interim forces up their attack on fighters loyal to ousted leader Muammar Qaddafi.

Thousands of Displaced People Face Eviction in Ivory Coast VOA 01 Oct 2011 -- The International Organization for Migration says thousands of internally displaced people are facing eviction from camps in Ivory Coast. The IOM says many of these people are fearful of returning to the homes they abandoned during the West African nation's post-election crisis and are in urgent need of shelter.

Syrian Government Forces Gain Ground in Rastan Assault VOA 01 Oct 2011 -- Witnesses say that Syrian government forces, backed by tanks, have gained ground inside the rebel town of Rastan. The military operation against hundreds of defectors, backed by residents of the town, began five days ago, amid heavy artillery bombardment.

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