04 December 2012 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 04 Dec 2012 [PDF]

U.S. Navy Denies Iran 'Captured' Drone RFE/RL 04 Dec 2012 -- The U.S. Navy has denied that any of its unmanned spy planes is missing in the Middle East, despite reports that Iran has "captured" a U.S. drone.
Iran Claims It Captured US Drone VOA 04 Dec 2012 -- A U.S. Navy spokesman says no American drones are missing in the Middle East, after Iran state media said the country has "captured" an American drone that entered Iranian airspace over Persian Gulf waters.
Salehi says Iran will go to court of justice for US aggression by ScanEagle IRNA 04 Dec 2012 -- Iran will go to The Hague International Court of Justice to complain against US for aggression on Iran by ScanEagle.
Iran Claims US Drone Capture RIA Novosti 04 Dec 2012 -- Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards said they had captured a US drone, the third reported incident involving Iranian forces and American unmanned aircraft in the past 12 months.
IRGC captures spying US drone IRNA 04 Dec 2012 -- The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps has captured a US drone in the Persian Gulf.

Combined Force Arrests Taliban Leader in Kandahar Province AFPS 04 Dec 2012 -- An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader during a security operation in the Maiwand district of Afghanistan’s Kandahar province.
Bomb Kills NATO-Led Troops In Southern Afghanistan RFE/RL 04 Dec 2012 -- Two members of the international military coalition in Afghanistan have reportedly been killed by a bomb attack in the south of the country.
US Ban on Russian Arms Exporter Would Harm Ties: Lavrov RIA Novosti 04 Dec 2012 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that the proposed US ban on deals with Russia’s state-run arms exporter Rosoboronexport would be detrimental to the development of bilateral cooperation.
Senate Backs Obama Choice For Afghan Command RFE/RL 04 Dec 2012 -- The U.S. Senate has approved President Barack Obama's choice to be the next commander of U.S. and coalition troops in Afghanistan.
New day, new job for expeditionary Airlift Squadron at Kandahar Airflield AFNS 04 Dec 2012 -- On one sortie they may be airdropping food, ammo and fuel to Special Operations troops at a remote forward operating base.
101st Airborne gets 'put through the paces' during Unified Endeavor 13-1 Army News 04 Dec 2012 -- Prior to its scheduled return to Afghanistan, Screaming Eagle Soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division Headquarters must complete one final task of knowledge and skill.

Defense Policy / Programs

Obama Ready To Work With Moscow To 'Update' Nuclear Deal RFE/RL 04 Dec 2012 -- U.S. President Barack Obama says he’s ready to work with Russia to “update” an agreement that has helped dismantle thousands of nuclear and chemical weapons in the former Soviet Union.
Obama Hails Disarmament Pact With Russia RIA Novosti 04 Dec 2012 -- US President Barack Obama hailed a 20-year partnership with Russia and other former Soviet republics to stem the threat of loose nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons after the end of the Cold War.
Officials Praise Nunn-Lugar Threat Reduction Program AFPS 04 Dec 2012 -- Defense Department officials yesterday honored two men whoestablished a program that has become a critical part of the U.S. approach to reducing the worldwide proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

African nations can, must do for themselves - with U.S. support Army News 04 Dec 2012 -- While the United States has military forces in Africa, they are mostly limited to small groups who have specific, time-limited tasks.
Leader Engagement Key to ‘Bridging Basics,’ Battaglia Says AFPS 04 Dec 2012 -- Service members of all ranks and experience should know that they are the ones with the institutional knowledge needed to build a bridge between generations and develop the force of the future.
Defense Intelligence Office Marks 10 Years of Progress AFPS 04 Dec 2012 -- An entry in the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2003 created a position in the Defense Department that for the first time harnessed and focused the department’s diverse intelligence assets.
Watervliet receives $7.8M contract to supply Australian Army with new lightweight cannons Army News 04 Dec 2012 -- The Arsenal announced this month that it received a $7.8 million contract to provide the Australian Army, via BAE Systems, with 19 M777 155mm cannons.
Puma AE: 'Eye in the Sky' NNS 04 Dec 2012 -- High over head, rain or shine, an elusive, yet sophisticated surveillance equipment flies in areas that are difficult to see with the naked eye.
Military Judge Removed From Hasan Court-martial AFPS 04 Dec 2012 -- Citing the appearance of bias, the highest military appellate court ordered the removal of Army Col. Gregory Gross as trial judge in the court-martial of an Army psychiatrist accused in a November 2009 shooting spree.
OTS shortens course length, increases efficiency AFNS 04 Dec 2012 -- Beginning in January, the Air Force Officer Training School's Basic Officer Training course will be shortened by three weeks, officials announced Dec. 4.
Special Ops tryouts to test mettle for 'battlefield airmen' positions AFNS 04 Dec 2012 -- Since neutralizing Osama Bin Laden, America's special operations forces have remained in the spotlight as high-caliber leaders entrusted with operations vital to national security.
Remarks by Secretary Panetta at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Washington, D.C. DoD 04 Dec 2012
Panetta Praises 'Outstanding' Walter Reed Employees AFPS 04 Dec 2012 -- Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta honored more than 300 health care professionals for their outstanding performance, calling them "miracle workers."
AF diversity strategic roadmap: A guiding light AFNS 04 Dec 2012 -- The second edition of the U.S. Air Force diversity strategic roadmap was approved and released Nov. 19, by Daniel B. Ginsberg, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, Manpower and Reserve Affairs.
Military Intelligence - this week in history: 13 Dec 1941 Army News 04 Dec 2012 -- The Corps of Intelligence Police was established in 1917 to provide Counter espionage support to the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I.

Post-Soviet Military Alliance Reaffirms Missile Defense Plans RIA Novosti 04 Dec 2012 -- The Collective Security Treaty Organization plans to build an integrated air and missile defense system, the chief of the Russian military’s General Staff said.
Russia Closes Algerian MiG-29 Fraud Case RIA Novosti 04 Dec 2012 -- Russian investigators have closed a criminal case against two former top managers of the MiG corporation accused of providing low-quality equipment for MiG-29 fighters that were rejected by Algeria in 2007.
Russian Sovereignty 'at Risk' in Arctic: Deputy PM Rogozin RIA Novosti 04 Dec 2012 -- Russia risks losing its sovereignty by the mid-21st century if it does not assert its national interests in the Arctic today, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said.

Press conference by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen following the working lunch of the NATO-Russia Council in Foreign Ministers session NATO 04 Dec 2012
Opening remarks by Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen at the Meeting of the North Atlantic Council meeting in Foreign Ministers Session NATO 04 Dec 2012
Doorstep statement by the NATO Secretary General at the start of the Foreign Affairs Ministers meeting NATO 04 Dec 2012
Paras drop into Spain to train for future operations UK MOD 04 Dec 2012 -- As the Army prepares to draw down its forces in Afghanistan, soldiers from the Parachute Regiment are on a joint military exercise in Spain training for the threat of future conflicts around the world.
Royal Navy helicopter plucks three to safety in treacherous weather conditions UK MOD 04 Dec 2012 -- A Royal Navy helicopter battled against the clock in wintry conditions to lift three climbers to safety from Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.

UN Demands Israel Open For Inspections RFE/RL 04 Dec 2012 -- The United Nations General Assembly has approved a resolution calling on Israel to open its nuclear program for international inspection.

Rodong Sinmun on S. Korean Military Policy KCNA 04 Dec 2012 -- Shortly ago, the south Koreans staged a drill for "coping with a local provocation" simulating someone's "shelling provocation on islands in the northwest sea and surprise attack and occupation of them" in the West Sea of Korea.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 12/04/2012 The White House 04 Dec 2012
U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing, December 4, 2012 US Dept. of State 04 Dec 2012

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for December 04, 2012

Other Conflicts

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 04 December 2012 United Nations 04 Dec 2012

NATO Foreign Ministers’ statement on Patriot deployment to Turkey NATO 04 Dec 2012
NATO agrees to augment Turkey’s air-defence capabilities NATO 04 Dec 2012 -- NATO ministers of foreign affairs agreed to augment Turkey’s air defence capabilities by deploying Patriot missiles at a meeting in Brussels.
NATO Approves Turkey’s Request for Patriot Missiles AFPS 04 Dec 2012 -- NATO foreign ministers have agreed to Turkey’s request for Patriot anti-missile batteries to defend the country against possible airstrikes from neighboring Syria.
NATO to Deploy Defensive Missiles to Turkey VOA 04 Dec 2012 -- NATO has authorized the deployment of a missile defense system to Turkey in response to the continuing violence in Syria and concern its government might resort to using chemical weapons.
NATO Approves Deployment of Patriot Missiles in Turkey RIA Novosti 04 Dec 2012 -- NATO allies approved the deployment of Patriot air defense systems in Turkey along the border with Syria, NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said.
Russia Respects Turkey’s Right to Self-Defense: Lavrov RIA Novosti 04 Dec 2012 -- Moscow is not attempting to prevent Turkey from realizing its right to self-defense by opposing the deployment of Patriot missiles along the border with Syria, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
Clinton Warns Syria on Chemical Weapons VOA 04 Dec 2012 -- The United States is warning there are signs that Syria might be assembling chemical weapons, including sarin gas.
NATO: Syria Chemical Weapons Warrant Immediate International Reaction VOA 04 Dec 2012 -- The NATO secretary-general says the alliance will authorize the deployment of a missile defense system to Turkey "within weeks."
Rasmussen Expects NATO To Back Turkish Request For Missiles RFE/RL 04 Dec 2012 -- NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen says he is confident the alliance will approve Turkey's request for the deployment of surface-to-air missiles.
Obama Warns Syria Against Using Chemical, Biological Weapons AFPS 03 Dec 2012 -- President Barack Obama today warned Syria’s Bashar Assad regime that the use of chemical and biological weapons would be “unacceptable.”
Obama Warns Syria Over Chemical Arms RFE/RL 04 Dec 2012 -- U.S. President Barack Obama has warned Syrian President Bashar al-Assad that “there will be consequences” if that regime uses chemical weapons against rebel fighters or opposition supporters.
Obama Warns Syria’s Assad Over Chemical Weapons RIA Novosti 04 Dec 2012 -- US President Barack Obama has warned Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad not to use chemical weapons against rebels.
As Syria Unravels, Russia Tries to Bolster Future Position VOA 04 Dec 2012 -- As Syria’s civil war threatens the future of President Bashar al-Assad, Russia is trying to build a pro-Russian opposition force.
Deputy Secretary of State William Burns' Meeting with UN-Arab League Joint Special Representative for Syria Lakhdar Brahimi US Dept. of State 04 Dec 2012
UN refugee official calls for safe passage for Syrians fleeing mounting violence UN News Centre 04 Dec 2012 -- A senior official with the United Nations refugee agency called for safe passage for Syrians fleeing the mounting violence in their country.

US Lawmakers Threaten Aid to Palestinians RIA Novosti 04 Dec 2012 -- US lawmakers are warning that the United States could retaliate by halting nearly $1 billion in aid to the Palestinian Authority.
US Condemns New Israeli Settlement Plans RIA Novosti 04 Dec 2012 -- The United States reiterated its disapproval over Israel’s plans to build new settlements in disputed areas of eastern Jerusalem and the West Bank.
Presidential Memorandum - Presidential Determination with respect to the Suspension of Limitations under the Jerusalem Embassy Act The White House 04 Dec 2012

India Vows to Protect S. China Sea Interests VOA 04 Dec 2012 -- As India vows to protect its interests in the South China Sea, China has reiterated that it has indisputable sovereignty of the islands and the surrounding waters.
China, India Expand Navies, Regional Ambitions VOA 04 Dec 2012 -- China and India are rapidly expanding their naval forces, increasing the possibility of future confrontation as Asia's two leading emerging economies seek to project their power.
Vietnam Adds Sea Patrols Amid Tensions With China VOA 04 Dec 2012 -- Vietnam is adding new patrols to protect its fishing grounds in the South China Sea after the country's state-run energy giant accused Chinese vessels of sabotaging one of its boats in the disputed waters.

Mali Government Meets with Key Rebel Groups VOA 04 Dec 2012 -- Mali is holding its first direct talks with two rebel groups that seized control in the country's north, in a bid to resolve the country's political crisis.

Violence Increasing Against Displaced People in Eastern DRC VOA 04 Dec 2012 -- The U.N. refugee agency says it is very worried about the security of displaced people and aid workers in camps in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo after an attack at a camp outside Goma.
DR Congo: UN refugee agency concerned with security, peacekeepers report volatility UN News Centre 04 Dec 2012 -- Amid reports of volatility in the area, the United Nations refugee agency said it is concerned about the security of displaced people in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Despite challenges, Yemen can achieve peaceful democratic transition – UN envoy UN News Centre 04 Dec 2012 -- Yemen faces a number of challenges in its ongoing democratic transition, including the restructuring of the military and an acute humanitarian crisis.

Plane Incident Highlights Tensions Between Iraq, Turkey VOA 04 Dec 2012 -- Iraqi authorities have denied entry to a plane carrying the Turkish energy minister Taner Yildiz en route to Erbil, the capital of Iraq's largely-autonomous northern Kurdish region.
Turkish Minister Barred From Landing In Iraq RFE/RL 04 Dec 2012 -- Turkish and Iraqi officials say Baghdad has banned a plane carrying a Turkish cabinet minister from landing in the autonomous Kurdish region.

UN launches $1.3 billion appeal for humanitarian needs in Somalia UN News Centre 04 Dec 2012 -- The United Nations launched a $1.3 billion humanitarian appeal to address the immediate needs of the Somali people over the next year and enhance resilience in the country.

India, China reach understanding on border talks progress IRNA 04 Dec 2012 -- India and China have reached a "common understanding" on the progress made so far in their vexed border talks.

UN genocide tribunal affirms life sentence of Serb paramilitary leader UN News Centre 04 Dec 2012 -- The United Nations war crimes tribunal set up in the wake of the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s reaffirmed the life sentence of a Serbian paramilitary leader, Milan Lukic.
UN War Crimes Court Upholds Bosnian Serb Convictions VOA 04 Dec 2012 -- A United Nations war crimes court has upheld the convictions of two Bosnian Serbs accused of killing more than 100 people during the Balkans conflict of the 1990s.

News Reports

N. Korea Ignores Warnings, Prepares Rocket Launch VOA 04 Dec 2012 -- North Korea appears to be moving ahead with preparations to launch a long-range rocket, despite international condemnation.
N.Korea Puts Rocket’s 2nd Stage on Launch Pad RIA Novosti 04 Dec 2012 -- North Korea has completed the installation of the second stage of a carrier rocket and is assembling its third and last stage.
Expressing serious concern, Ban urges DPR Korea to reconsider planned rocket launch UN News Centre 04 Dec 2012 -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban is “seriously concerned” about the announcement of a planned rocket launch by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Erdogan: Turkey to keep on importing oil, gas from Iran IRNA 04 Dec 2012 -- Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Teyyip Erdogan: “We do not support unilaterally imposed sanctions against Iran.”
Iranian Activist Ends 49-day Hunger Strike VOA 04 Dec 2012 -- Iranian human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh, in prison for charges of conspiring to harm state security, has ended a 49-day hunger strike according to her husband.
Jailed Iranian Lawyer Ends Hunger Strike RFE/RL 04 Dec 2012 -- Prominent Iranian lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh has ended her hunger strike after 49 days, her husband Reza Khandan wrote on his Facebook page.
UN top official calls on Iran to release human rights activist on long-running hunger strike UN News Centre 04 Dec 2012 -- A senior United Nations official urged the Iranian Government to release a lawyer and human rights activist, Nasrin Sotoudeh.
UNHCR 'Extremely Concerned' About Jailed Iranian Activist RFE/RL 04 Dec 2012 -- The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has voiced "extreme concern" about the reportedly deteriorating health of jailed Iranian activist Nasrin Sotoudeh.

Statement by NSC Spokesman Tommy Vietor on National Security Advisor Tom Donilon’s Meeting with Egyptian Assistant to the President for Foreign Relations and International Cooperation Dr. Essam el-Haddad The White House 04 Dec 2012
Anti-Morsi Protests Continue in Egypt VOA 04 Dec 2012 -- Demonstrators in Egypt gathered Tuesday in a march on the presidential palace to protest against President Mohamed Morsi and an upcoming referendum on the constitution.
Egyptian Police Fire Tear Gas At Protesters Outside Presidential Palace RFE/RL 04 Dec 2012 -- Egyptian riot police have fired tear gas at opponents of Islamist President Muhammad Morsi outside the presidential palace in Cairo as demonstrators broke through police lines.
Egypt Opposition Planning New Protest RFE/RL 04 Dec 2012 -- Egyptian opposition supporters are planning mass rallies and strikes on December 4 in protest of a draft new constitution and President Muhammad Morsi’s decree granting himself nearly unrestricted powers.
Egypt’s Ongoing Constitutional Crisis Raises Specter of New Revolt RIA Novosti 04 Dec 2012 -- Egypt's Supreme Constitutional Court indefinitely postponed its session after judges were barred entry to the courthouse.

Chinese State Firm Pleads Guilty In U.S. Over Pakistan Nuclear Exports RFE/RL 04 Dec 2012 -- A Chinese state-owned company has pleaded guilty in the United States and been fined $3 million for conspiring to violate U.S. nuclear export restrictions on Pakistan.
Pakistani Judge To Probe 2007 Raid On Radical Mosque RFE/RL 04 Dec 2012 -- Pakistan's highest court has appointed a judge to investigate the military's assault in 2007 on a radical mosque.

Protesters Arrested in Bangladesh VOA 04 Dec 2012 -- Authorities in Bangladesh have detained protesters who clashed with police and burned vehicles, as the nation's largest Islamist party called for a strike to protest the trial of its leaders.

Burma Activist Disappears Says Rights Group VOA 04 Dec 2012 -- A former monk and leader of Burma's 2007 democracy uprising has disappeared after being re-arrested by police.

KENYA: As polls loom, tensions mount in slums IRIN 04 Dec 2012 -- After Kenya went to the polls five years ago some 600,000 people fled their homes as, in many parts of the country, a bitter dispute over who had won the presidency degenerated into widespread inter-communal violence.

Zimbabwe Getting into Election Mode VOA 04 Dec 2012 -- In Zimbabwe, President Robert Mugabe’s party is holding its annual conference ahead of next year’s polls to end the country’s fragile three-year coalition government.

Ghana Police Outline Security Layout for Election VOA 04 Dec 2012 -- Ghana’s police have teamed up with the military to provide a “five layer security force” as part of an effort to bolster security to ensure a peaceful general election Friday.
Akufo-Addo Promises Ghana Strong Leadership VOA 04 Dec 2012 -- Ghana’s main opposition New Patriotic Party’s presidential candidate, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, will provide a strong and decisive leadership to help resolve the country’s economic challenges if he wins Friday’s presidential election.

Burkina Faso Parliamentary and Local Elections US Dept. of State 04 Dec 2012

Report: Corruption Remains Widespread Global Problem VOA 04 Dec 2012 -- Anger over corruption has sparked mass demonstrations and even toppled governments in the past few years.
Turkey Committed to Stamping Out Corruption, Despite Criticism VOA 04 Dec 2012 -- Turkey has in the past faced criticism for corruption, but the government claims it is committed to stamping it out.
Botswana Again Wins Title as Africa’s Least Corrupt Nation VOA 04 Dec 2012 -- The southern African nation of Botswana has again captured the title of Africa’s least corrupt nation, according to an annual report by watchdog Transparency International.

Leading Opposition Media In Kazakhstan Face Shutdown RFE/RL 04 Dec 2012 -- Two opposition movements and dozens of media outlets critical of the government are under threat of being shut down in Kazakhstan.

Putin Fires Handful Of Russian Officials RFE/RL 04 Dec 2012 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed a number of top officials at the Interior Ministry, Investigative Committee, and Federal Service of Corrections.
Jailed Russian Activist Accused Of Illegal Border Crossing RFE/RL 04 Dec 2012 -- A new criminal investigation has been launched against detained Russian opposition activist Leonid Razvozzhayev.
Russian Anti-Putin Activist Faces New Charge RIA Novosti 04 Dec 2012 -- A jailed Russian opposition activist facing charges of conspiring to topple President Vladimir Putin was accused of illegally crossing the country's border with Ukraine to evade prosecution.

EBRD Grants Ukraine €190 mln to Complete Chernobyl Project RIA Novosti 04 Dec 2012 -- The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development will provide an additional €190 million grant to Ukraine to complete the New Safe Confinement at the Chernobyl nuclear plant.
Ukraine PM Resigns Amid Economic Crisis VOA 04 Dec 2012 -- Ukraine is facing political uncertainty after the sudden resignation of Prime Minister Mykola Azarov and his Cabinet.

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