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29 November 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 29 Nov 2011 [PDF]

Pakistan Announces Boycott of Afghanistan Conference VOA 29 Nov 2011 -- Pakistan says it will boycott a major Afghanistan reconciliation conference next week in Germany to protest NATO's recent airstrike that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers.
Pakistan PM: US ties can only continue with mutual respect IRNA 29 Nov 2011 -- PM Gilani said Pakistan would reassess its arrangements with NATO and ISAF and that its relationship with the United States can only continue with mutual respect and mutual interest.
Afghan President Urges Pakistan to Attend Bonn Conference VOA 29 Nov 2011 -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai is urging Pakistan to change its mind about boycotting the upcoming international conference on his country's future.
Merkel urges Pakistan to change mind on boycott of Afghan confab IRNA 29 Nov 2011 -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed 'deep regret' at Pakistan's planned boycott of next month's international Afghanistan conference in Bonn, Germany.
Pakistan Said To Be Boycotting Afghan Bonn Conference RFE/RL 29 Nov 2011 -- News agencies are quoting unnamed Pakistani government officials as saying Pakistan will boycott a scheduled international conference on the future of Afghanistan.
Air Force General Appointed To Lead Pakistan Border Strike Probe RFE/RL 29 Nov 2011 -- The US military has appointed an Air Force general to lead the investigation into the NATO air strikes that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers near the border with Afghanistan.

Airborne Geophysical Exploration Program Launched in Afghanistan DoD 29 Nov 2011
Combined Force Captures Haqqani Network Leader AFPS 29 Nov 2011 -- A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Haqqani network leader during an operation in the Sabari district of Afghanistan’s Khost province.
NATO to Retrain All Troops in Afghanistan in Protecting Civilians VOA 29 Nov 2011 -- NATO's top commander in Afghanistan has ordered tens of thousands of troops to be retrained in the coming days in how to avoid civilian casualties during counter-insurgency operations.
NATO Vows To Retrain Troops After Afghan Deaths RFE/RL 29 Nov 2011 -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai says the commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan has promised to retrain his troops following recent deaths of Afghan civilians during military operations.
RAF Akrotiri supporting operations in Afghanistan UK MOD 29 Nov 2011 -- Getting troops from A to B (Akrotiri to Bastion) is one of the crucial roles fulfilled by personnel at the RAF's base in Cyprus.
Ala Jirga, Sallamat border police compounds near completion Army News 29 Nov 2011 -- The US Army Corps of Engineers is finalizing construction of the $7.3 million (Ala Jirga) and $6.2 million (Sallamat) border police headquarters compounds.
Finland to Begin Afghan Withdrawal Next Year VOA 29 Nov 2011 -- Finland says it will begin withdrawing its forces from Afghanistan next year.
Maintenance advisers certify first-ever AAF expediter AFNS 29 Nov 2011 -- Maintenance advisers recently certified the first Afghan air force flightline expediter at Kandahar Air Wing.

Vice President Joe Biden in Iraq The White House 29 Nov 2011
VP Biden Visits Iraq Before US Troops Withdraw VOA 29 Nov 2011 -- US Vice President Joe Biden has made Tuesday a previously unannounced visit to Iraq.
Biden Arrives in Iraq as Drawdown Enters Final Month AFPS 29 Nov 2011 -- Vice President Joe Biden made an unannounced visit to Baghdad today to meet with Iraqi leaders and thank U.S. service members serving the final month of Operation New Dawn.
Iraq Oil Spat Puts Focus On Federal Powers RFE/RL 29 Nov 2011 -- An oil-exploration agreement between ExxonMobil and Iraq's Kurdistan regional government has led to a political row.

Eighth Army supports flood relief operations in Thailand Army News 29 Nov 2011 -- With less than four days of notice, an Eighth Army medical assessment team deployed to Thailand to conduct a health assessment in the flood-stricken country.

Defense Policy / Programs

US Outreach to Burma May Prompt Fuller Disclosure of North Korea Ties VOA 29 Nov 2011 -- A historic visit by the U.S. Secretary of State Clinton to Burma is seen as a prelude to improving relations.
Clinton in S. Korea Ahead of Historic Burma Visit VOA 29 Nov 2011 -- United States Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has arrived in South Korea on the first leg of a two-nation tour that includes the first visit to Burma by a U.S. secretary of state in 50 years.
Groups Press Clinton on Burmese Human Rights VOA 29 Nov 2011 -- U.S.-based rights groups are urging Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to raise concerns over human rights when she meets this week with leaders of Burma’s military-backed government.
U.S. AFRICOM and CEFCOM Collaborate on African Security Issues AFRICOM 29 Nov 2011 -- Commander of CEFCOM visited U.S. Africa Command headquarters November 28, 2011 to discuss continued partnership.
ONR-Funded Guided Rockets Hit Fast-Moving Boat Targets in Test NNS 29 Nov 2011 -- A weapon prototype developed by the Office of Naval Research successfully hit two high-speed boat targets during testing in Point Mugu, Calif., Nov. 3.
USS New Orleans Arrives in U.S. 7th Fleet AOR NNS 29 Nov 2011 -- USS New Orleans crossed the international dateline into U.S. 7th Fleet's area of responsibility Nov. 27.
USS Chafee Deploys to Western Pacific NNS 29 Nov 2011 -- Families and friends gathered to say goodbye as the USS Chafee departed Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Nov. 29 for a six-month independent deployment to the western Pacific.
DOD Works with Congress on Dover Review AFPS 29 Nov 2011 -- Defense Department officials will continue to work with Congress in investigating lapses at the Dover Port Mortuary in Delaware.
USS Benfold Assists Stranded Mariners NNS 29 Nov 2011 -- USS Benfold assisted four stranded mariners in the waters off San Clemente Island Nov. 28 while conducting routine training operations in the Pacific Ocean.

New Russian Anti-Missile Facility Opens in Kaliningrad VOA 29 Nov 2011 -- Russia has officially opened a new anti-missile radar station in the Baltic Sea region of Kaliningrad.
Russia Activates Missile-Warning System Near EU Borders RFE/RL 29 Nov 2011 -- Russia has activated a radar warning system against incoming missiles in its exclave of Kaliningrad.
Russia’s radar to counter missile shield, says Medvedev RIA Novosti 29 Nov 2011 -- New anti-missile radar station should be treated by the West as the “first signal” of Russia’s readiness to counter “threats” posed by NATO’s missile defense plans.
Russia’s Baltic radar station put into service RIA Novosti 29 Nov 2011 -- A new radar station capable of monitoring missile launches, as well as the future European missile defense system, was put into operation in Russia’s Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad.
Most Russians see NATO eastward expansion as threat - poll RIA Novosti 29 Nov 2011 -- Most Russians don't see NATO as Russia's partner and are convinced that the bloc's eastward expansion is a threat to the country's security.

Second sea trial for China's first aircraft carrier CNA 29 Nov 2011 -- China launched the second sea trial of its first aircraft carrier according to a press release by the Chinese defense ministry.

Royal Navy's new ice-breaker deploys to Antarctica UK MOD 29 Nov 2011 -- The Royal Navy's new ice patrol ship, HMS Protector, left Portsmouth yesterday for a seven-month deployment surveying and patrolling the frozen continent of Antarctica.

South Korea Holds Live-Fire Drills in Yellow Sea VOA 29 Nov 2011 -- South Korean warships have carried out live-fire drills in the Yellow Sea.
Rodong Sinmun Calls for Keeping Keyed-up Attitude to Advance Surge KCNA 29 Nov 2011 -- All the party members and other working people should maintain the keyed-up attitude to accelerate the on-going advance of a great surge for final victory.
Rodong Sinmun on S. Korean Policy KCNA 29 Nov 2011 -- The frayed north-south ties and the tensions running high on the Korean Peninsula are attributable to the south Korean conservative authorities.
KCNA on S. Korean PM's Comments KCNA 29 Nov 2011 -- South Korean PM Kim Hwang Sik at a "memorial" on November 23 termed the Yonphyong Island incident the DPRK's "indiscriminate shelling" on the territory of south Korea.
Minju Joson on S. Korea's Unchanged Ambition KCNA 29 Nov 2011 -- The south Koreans staged the exercise of "attacking the base of provocation and assistance forces" on the first anniversary of the Yonphyong Island shelling.

Japan SDF's Integrated Military Drill KCNA 29 Nov 2011 -- The Japan Self-Defense Forces held an integrated military drill across Japan from Nov. 14 to 18.

Iran asks for justice against donators of chemical weapons to Saddam IRNA 29 Nov 2011 -- IRI Ambassador and representative to Organization for Non-Proliferation of Chemical Weapons asked for putting to trail donators of chemical weapons to ousted Iraqi dictator's regime, stressing Iran is greatest victim of their usage.
IRGC Air Forces receive domestic anti-craft weapons ISNA 29 Nov 2011 -- Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Air Forces received mass-produced anti-craft weapons systems.
100mm anti-aircraft guns delivered to IRGC IRNA 29 Nov 2011 -- IRGC aerospace units received a battery of domestically built 100mm anti-aircraft guns.

SWAZILAND: Opposition to military spending grows IRIN 29 Nov 2011 -- Swaziland spends 4.7 percent of its gross domestic product on paying, equipping and barracking the 3,000 soldiers in its army.
BENIN-TOGO: Joining forces to fight piracy in the Gulf of Guinea IRIN 29 Nov 2011 -- West African states are pledging to work together to fight the piracy spreading across the Gulf of Guinea.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney and Chairman of the President's Council of Economic Advisers Alan Krueger The White House 29 Nov 2011
U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing, November 29, 2011 US Dept. of State 29 Nov 2011

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for November 29, 2011
Boeing Receives $20 Million Contract to Upgrade F-15C Trainers Boeing 29 Nov 2011 -- The Boeing Company received a $20 million contract in September from the U.S. Air Force to upgrade the visual systems in the F-15C Mission Training Centers. Twelve MTCs, located at Langley Air Force Base, Va., Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom, and Kadena Air Base, Japan, will be upgraded with Boeing’s Constant Resolution Visual System (CRVS).
Successful U.S. Army / South Korean Exercises Rely on Lockheed Martin Simulation Technology Lockheed Martin 29 Nov 2011 -- The U.S. Army and Republic of Korea Army successfully conducted a large-scale, distributed command post training exercise with more than 250 participants using technology developed by Lockheed Martin.
Raytheon SDB II Program Ahead of Schedule After Latest Round of Testing Raytheon 29 Nov 2011 -- Raytheon Company's Small Diameter Bomb II program remains ahead of schedule after completing a series of tests that demonstrated successful integration of production tri-mode seeker hardware and software.
Raytheon Miniature Air Launched Decoy Jammer to Begin Production Raytheon 29 Nov 2011 -- The U.S. Air Force reached a Milestone C decision on Raytheon Company's Miniature Air Launched Decoy Jammer variant, authorizing Raytheon to begin Low Rate Initial Production of the system. The Air Force also exercised a contract option and awarded Raytheon $5 million to convert Lot 4 MALD® production of the baseline to the MALD-J variant.

Other Conflicts

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary General, 29 November 2011 United Nations 29 Nov 2011

Damascus Mulls Arab League Sanctions VOA 29 Nov 2011 -- Syria says it is considering ways to deal with sanctions imposed by the Arab League.
Pressure Mounts on Syria, Government Raids Continue VOA 29 Nov 2011 -- Syria is facing increased pressure from world powers to end its crackdown on dissent.
Turkey May Bypass Syrian Trade Routes if Unrest Worsens VOA 29 Nov 2011 -- Turkey says it would shift its Middle East trade routes to go through Iraq, cutting out Syria as a transit country if unrest there worsens.
U.S., Germany Call For Security Council Action On Syria RFE/RL 29 Nov 2011 -- The United States and Germany are leading renewed Western calls for the UNSC to take action in response to alleged atrocities committed by Syrian regime forces.
Washington says continues talks with Russia on conflict in Syria RIA Novosti 29 Nov 2011 -- The United States and Russia continue talks on the conflict situation in Syria, said Mark Toner, a U.S. Department of State deputy spokesperson.
Russia Urges End To Syria Ultimatums RFE/RL 29 Nov 2011 -- Russia's foreign minister has dismissed calls for a UN arms embargo on Syria and said the international community should stop threatening Damascus with ultimatums.
Russia opposes arms embargo on Syria – Lavrov RIA Novosti 29 Nov 2011 -- Russia is against imposing an arms embargo on Syria, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
Russian Navy drills in Mediterranean ‘unrelated to Syria’ RIA Novosti 29 Nov 2011 -- The dispatch of a Russian Navy task force to the Mediterranean Sea is part of a scheduled exercise.

Yemenis facing deepening humanitarian crisis, UN relief official warns UN News Centre 29 Nov 2011 -- Millions of people in Yemen are facing a severe humanitarian crisis, a senior United Nations relief official said.

Iceland Votes To Recognize Palestinian State RFE/RL 29 Nov 2011 -- Iceland's parliament has voted to recognize the Palestinian Territories as an independent state.
Establishing a peaceful Palestinian State next to Israel long overdue – Ban UN News Centre 29 Nov 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban led a chorus of United Nations officials in stressing the need for a just and lasting solution to the question of Palestine.
Jordan's king 'very concerned' over East Jerusalem settlements IRNA 29 Nov 2011 -- Jordanian King Abdullah here Tuesday said he was 'very concerned' over Israel's settlement activities in occupied East Jerusalem.
UN condemns rocket fire from Lebanon into Israel and urges maximum restraint UN News Centre 29 Nov 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban has condemned the firing of at least two rockets into Israel from southern Lebanon.

LIBYA: Uncertain future for returnees in Qaddafi’s hometown IRIN 29 Nov 2011 -- Sirte, the final battleground between rebels and fighters loyal to former Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi, is a broken city.

Ethiopia's Anti Al-Shabab Push Sparks Concerns of a Backlash VOA 29 Nov 2011 -- Ethiopia is getting a green light from Somalia's transitional government and neighboring countries to take part in large-scale military actions against al-Shabab.
Eritrea Denies It Supports Militants, Demands Independent Inquiry VOA 29 Nov 2011 -- Eritrea’s permanent representative to the United Nations has petitioned the U.N. Security Council to expedite an independent investigation into allegations that Asmara is supporting al-Shabab.
Conflict now major cause for displacement in Somalia, says UN refugee agency UN News Centre 29 Nov 2011 -- Insecurity and conflict due to insurgency is now one of the main causes for displacement in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu.
Aid Agencies Reassess Somali Operations VOA 29 Nov 2011 -- Sixteen aid agencies say they face new challenges in Somalia, after the al Shabab militant group banned their activities in the southern and central parts of the country.

China Urges Sudan, South Sudan to Resolve Oil Dispute VOA 29 Nov 2011 -- China has called on Sudan and South Sudan to resolve a dispute that has blocked the flow of oil exports from the south.
Barges Bring Jubilant Returnees to South Sudan VOA 29 Nov 2011 -- More than 350,000 returnees have flocked to South Sudan since the country gained independence from the north in July.

Security Council renews arms embargo and sanctions in DR Congo UN News Centre 29 Nov 2011 -- The Security Council agreed to extend by another year the arms embargo and other sanctions it has imposed against armed rebel groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Congo Militia Leader Sanctioned by UN VOA 29 Nov 2011 -- A Congolese militia leader running for parliament has been added to a United Nations sanctions list because of alleged human rights abuses.

U.S. Commander Condemns Attacks on Kosovo Force AFPS 29 Nov 2011 -- Senior US military leader in Europe condemned violence against NATO troops in Kosovo just as a Wisconsin ARNG unit prepares to take command there.
Kosovo situation ‘precarious’ but offers prospects for overcoming tensions – UN envoy UN News Centre 29 Nov 2011 -- The situation in Kosovo remains precarious and poses certain dangers, the top United Nations envoy there said.
Kosovo Serbs Need to Abandon Barricades VOA 29 Nov 2011 -- Serbian President Boris Tadic is calling on Serbs to abandon roadblocks in the north of Kosovo, saying it is damaging the country's bid for European Union membership.

South Ossetia Court Annuls Second Round Of Presidential Voting RFE/RL 29 Nov 2011 -- The Supreme Court of the breakaway Georgian region of South Ossetia has voided the second round of the region's election to choose a de facto leader.
S. Ossetia Supreme Court annuls presidential elections RIA Novosti 29 Nov 2011 -- South Ossetia’s Supreme Court declared null and void the outcome of the November 27 runoff presidential elections.
S. Ossetia Supreme Court begins election review RIA Novosti 29 Nov 2011 -- South Ossetia’s Supreme Court began reviewing a complaint over violations during the November 27 runoff presidential elections.

Religious Leaders Call For Sniper Withdrawal In Nagorno-Karabakh RFE/RL 29 Nov 2011 -- The leading religious leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia have called for a withdrawal of snipers from the front lines in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Colombia's FARC Rebels Blame Government for Hostage Deaths VOA 29 Nov 2011 -- Colombia's main rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia is blaming the government for the deaths of four security force members.

News Reports

Remarks by President Obama and Prime Minister Rutte of the Netherlands Before Bilateral Meeting The White House 29 Nov 2011

Egypt: Ban welcomes peaceful and enthusiastic conduct of first round of voting UN News Centre 29 Nov 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban commended Egyptians for the enthusiastic and relatively calm conduct of voting in their country’s first elections since the long-standing regime of Hosni Mubarak was overthrown.
First Round of Voting Ends in Egypt VOA 29 Nov 2011 -- Egyptians have completed the first round of voting in the first parliamentary elections since a popular uprising forced President Hosni Mubarak to resign in February.
Egypt's First Round of Voting Nears End VOA 29 Nov 2011 -- Egypt is nearing the end of its first round of voting in its first parliamentary elections since longtime president Hosni Mubarak resigned in February.
Historic Vote in Egypt Continues for 2nd Day VOA 29 Nov 2011 -- Voting in Egypt's first parliamentary elections since the ouster of former president Hosni Mubarak continued after monitors reported high turnout and a peaceful atmosphere the previous day.
U.S. Praises Egypt Vote As 'Quite Positive' So Far RFE/RL 29 Nov 2011 -- Voting in parliamentary elections is continuing for a second day in Egypt in the first vote since longtime ruler Hosni Mubarak was ousted during mass protests in February.
Egypt's Coptic Christians Fear Fewer Rights After Elections VOA 29 Nov 2011 -- With Islamist groups expected to do well in Egypt's parliamentary elections, many Coptic Christians are concerned that their limited rights will come under greater threat.

'Blame It On The Brits' A Familiar Refrain In Iran RFE/RL 29 Nov 2011 -- The central character in Iran’s best known and most popular satirical novel, “Uncle Napoleon,” sees plots by the British behind everything that has happened in his country.
Attack On British Embassy Summons Memories Of 1979 RFE/RL 29 Nov 2011 -- Fresh images of hardline students storming a foreign embassy in Tehran can't help but seem like a déja vu. It's even November, just like before.
Security Council strongly condemns attacks against UK embassy in Iran UN News Centre 29 Nov 2011 -- The Security Council strongly condemned the attacks against the United Kingdom’s embassy in the Iranian capital.
US, UN Condemn Attack on British Embassy in Tehran VOA 29 Nov 2011 -- The United States and the U.N. Security Council have joined Britain in condemning Tuesday’s mob attack on the British embassy in Tehran.
F M Statement on student protests outside UK Embbassy IRNA 29 Nov 2011 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry expressed regret over 'unacceptable behavior of certain protestors' in front of UK Embassy in Tehran.
Iranian Protesters Storm British Diplomatic Compounds in Tehran VOA 29 Nov 2011 -- Iranian protesters have stormed two British diplomatic compounds in Tehran in response to Britain's new economic sanctions against Iran.
Students Storm U.K. Embassy In Tehran RFE/RL 29 Nov 2011 -- Dozens of hard-line Iranian students stormed the British Embassy in Tehran, removing the mission's flag and ransacking offices inside.
Protesters storm British Embassy in Tehran RIA Novosti 29 Nov 2011 -- Dozens of Iranian protesters stormed the British Embassy in Tehran in protest against sanctions imposed earlier this month by Britain.
People joint crowd of protesting students outside Gholhak Garden IRNA 29 Nov 2011 -- People, protesting the UK’s anti-Iran policies, have joined the protesting students outside Gholhak Garden, chanting “Down with the US” and “Down with the UK.”
Police stop more students from entering UK Embassy IRNA 29 Nov 2011 -- Police prevented more students from entering the UK Embassy compound on Tuesday.
Students take UK royal emblem out of Embassy IRNA 29 Nov 2011 -- The UK government’s royal emblem was taken out of the UK Embassy in Tehran.
Official: Judiciary Force to survey Qolhak Garden case ASAP IRNA 29 Nov 2011 -- Deputy Judiciary Force Minister and Head of IRI Registrars Organization: Qholhak Garden case is under survey.

Vote Counting Underway in Democratic Republic of Congo VOA 29 Nov 2011 -- Vote counting is underway in the Democratic Republic of Congo even as some people are still casting their ballots.

With Constituent Assembly extended, Ban calls on Nepal to advance peace process UN News Centre 29 Nov 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban noted the decision to extend Nepal’s Constituent Assembly and called on all parties to fulfil their commitments to take the peace process forward.

Press Conference by Deputy Special Representative of Secretary-General for Haiti, 29 November 2011 United Nations 29 Nov 2011
Almost two years after earthquake, Haiti shows signs of progress – UN official UN News Centre 29 Nov 2011 -- Haiti is showing remarkable signs of progress, a United Nations official said.

Kazakh President To Get 'People's Hero' Award RFE/RL 29 Nov 2011 -- Kazakhstan's government has approved a proposal to give President Nursultan Nazarbaev the People's Hero award.

Russia not to limit election monitors RIA Novosti 29 Nov 2011 -- Russia’s chief election manager has said all 650 international observers will be able to monitor a crucial parliamentary vote.

Court to consider Tymoshenko appeal on Dec. 1 RIA Novosti 29 Nov 2011 -- Kiev appeals court scheduled preliminary hearings on an appeal by jailed ex-Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko for December 1.

SAIC Completes Vibro-Acoustic Test Capability, Facility for NASA SAIC 29 Nov 2011 -- Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) has completed design and construction services, providing NASA with a new vibro-acoustic test capability (VTC). The VTC includes a mechanical vibration facility (MVF) and a reverberant acoustic test facility (RATF), supported by an integrated high-speed data acquisition system, facility control system, and common infrastructure systems. The MVF is the largest and highest powered spacecraft test capability built to date, and the RATF is the largest high intensity test capability ever built.

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