31 January 2013 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
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Current Operations

OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 31 Jan 2013 [PDF]

Carter to Discuss Mali with French Leaders AFPS 31 Jan 2013 -- Ashton B. Carter will meet with military leaders and advisers for talks on topics that include the French-led fight against terrorists in the West African nation of Mali.

DOD Identifies Units for Upcoming Afghanistan Rotation DoD 31 Jan 2013
Lancer command team returns to JBLM Army News 31 Jan 2013 -- The Lancer brigade deployed last May for a nine-month tour, and covered nine districts in southern Afghanistan's Kandahar province as Combined Task Force Lancer.
HRW: Afghan Situation Poor, Risks Increasing VOA 31 Jan 2013 -- In its annual global report Human Rights Watch warns that any plans by the international community to decrease aid to Afghanistan as foreign troops leave the country raises the risk of increased human rights abuses in the country.

Security forces kill 33 militants in Pakistan’s tribal region IRNA 31 Jan 2013 -- Pakistani security forces have claimed that they have killed 33 militants affiliated to Lashkar-i-Islam and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan in northwestern tribal region.
2 Polio Workers Killed in Pakistan VOA 31 Jan 2013 -- A roadside bomb has killed two polio vaccination workers in Pakistan's northwestern tribal region, where several attacks on such workers have taken place in the past two months.
Two Pakistan Polio-Vaccination Workers Killed By Roadside Bomb RFE/RL 31 Jan 2013 -- Pakistani health officials say a bomb has killed two polio-vaccination workers in the troubled northwestern Kurram tribal region.

IRGC to sue US for illegal entry of its drones into Iranian territories IRNA 31 Jan 2013 -- Deputy for legal and parliamentary affairs of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Brigadier General Mohammadreza Yazdi said the IRGC is planning to sue the US for the illegal entry of its drones into the Iranian territories.

Defense Policy / Programs

Commission Tackles Complex Pretrial Issues in 9/11 Case AFPS 31 Jan 2013 -- The judge presiding over pretrial hearings for five defendants charged with orchestrating the 9/11 terrorist attacks ruled at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, that only he will have the authority to block audio feeds believed to contain classified information.
Judge Orders End to Censoring Guantanamo Hearings VOA 31 Jan 2013 -- Military judge has ordered the government to stop censoring pre-trial hearings from outside his courtroom at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba.

Pentagon Nominee Hagel Says Ready For Military Action If Necessary RFE/RL 31 Jan 2013 -- U.S. President Barack Obama's nominee for defense secretary told a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing that he was ready to back military action if necessary against Iran or other adversaries.
Hagel Faces Tough Questions at Nomination Hearing VOA 31 Jan 2013 -- The nominee to be the next U.S. secretary of defense, Chuck Hagel, is fending off criticism from lawmakers on Iran, Israel, and his position on national security issues.
Pentagon Nominee Hagel Says Ready For Military Action If Necessary RFE/RL 31 Jan 2013 -- U.S. President Barack Obama's nominee for defense secretary told a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing that he was ready to back military action if necessary against Iran or other adversaries.
Hagel Says Vietnam Shaped Perspective on War AFPS 31 Jan 2013 -- Having seen war “from the bottom,” President Barack Obama’s nominee to be the next secretary of defense said today, that experience informs him as he looks at policy.
Hagel Vows Policies Worthy of U.S. Service Members, Families AFPS 31 Jan 2013 -- Former Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel told the Senate Armed Services Committee today that his guiding principle is to make U.S. policy “worthy of our troops and their families and the sacrifices we ask them to make.”
U.S., Japan and Republic of Korea Defense Trilateral Talks Joint Statement DoD 31 Jan 2013
‘Small-footprint’ Operations Effective, Official Says AFPS 31 Jan 2013 -- Counterterrorism operations in Somalia and Yemen demonstrate the value of “small-footprint” approaches and building partner capacity, the Pentagon’s special operations chief said.
Airmen gear up for largest B-1 modification AFNS 31 Jan 2013 -- Members of the 337th Test and Evaluation Squadron are gearing up for the largest B-1 Lancer modification in program history, as part of the Integrated Battle Station and Sustainment-Block 16 upgrade.
Lincoln Sailors Save Shipyard, Navy $500,000 NNS 31 Jan 2013 -- Sailors aboard USS Abraham Lincoln completed a major step in its overhaul and saved the Navy nearly $500,000 when all four catapults of the Lincoln's flight deck were removed, along with their bottom sheathing.
Ospreys conduct low-altitude training in Philippines USMC News 31 Jan 2013 -- Three MV-22B Ospreys and approximately 30 Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 conducted low-altitude flight training Jan. 23-24, marking the Marine Corps’ first Osprey training in the Republic of the Philippines.
San Francisco Visits Changwon During Western Pacific Deployment NNS 31 Jan 2013 -- The USS San Francisco arrived at U.S. Fleet Activities Chinhae, Republic of Korea, Jan. 31 for a visit as part of its Western Pacific deployment.
Dempsey: Coast Guard Mission ‘Constant’ AFPS 31 Jan 2013 -- The Coast Guard has a constant mission, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told cadets at the Coast Guard Academy today.
Suicide a top cause of Marine deaths USMC News 31 Jan 2013 -- All military members are trained to look for signs in their brothers and sisters in arms that could indicate depression or suicidal thoughts and to take action if they encounter Marines or Sailors experiencing these problems.
1994 Direct Ground Combat Definition and Assignment Rule Rescinded, New Billets for Navy Women NNS 31 Jan 2013 -- The Navy is developing plans to move forward in opening all positions previously closed to the assignment of women.
Federal Register Publishes Proposed Rules for Navy's East Coast, Gulf of Mexico, Southern California and Hawaii Area Training & Testing NNS 31 Jan 2013 -- Today the Federal Register published the National Marine Fisheries Service proposed rules for Navy activities in the Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing and Hawaii-Southern California Training and Testing areas.

Church vs. Nukes: The Dilemma of a Secret Russian Town RIA Novosti 31 Jan 2013 -- The city of Sarov, surrounded by a thick forest, is one of the most secretive places in the former Soviet Union.
Russia to Prioritize Military Industry - PM Medvedev RIA Novosti 31 Jan 2013 -- Russia will pay special attention to the development of aircraft construction and shipbuilding, as well as the radio-electronic, space and nuclear industries in the next few years, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said.
Russia, Armenia Agree to Set up Joint Defense Enterprises RIA Novosti 31 Jan 2013 -- Russia and Armenia have agreed on defense cooperation, including building joint defense enterprises and maintenance centers for military equipment.

Opening remarks by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen at the Secretary General’s Monthly Press Conference and launch of the Annual Report for 2012 NATO 31 Jan 2013
Hold the line on defence spending, Secretary General urges NATO 31 Jan 2013 -- Allies should hold the line on defence spending and look for ways to close the gaps in their capabilities, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said as he launched his second Annual Report on 31 January 2013.
Secretary General: Hold Line on Spending, Boost Capabilities AFPS 31 Jan 2013 -- Emerging powers increasing defense spending as NATO allies decrease theirs poses a risk to the alliance’s military capacity and political credibility, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said in Brussels today.
NATO's Rasmussen Warns Defense Cuts Could Endanger Alliance Power RFE/RL 31 Jan 2013 -- NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has warned that defense cuts amid global economic troubles could undermine the military alliance's power.
NATO Hopes for Missile Defense Accord with Russia RIA Novosti 31 Jan 2013 -- NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen expressed hope again on Thursday for progress in missile defense talks with Russia in 2013.
MOD reveals £160 billion plan to equip Armed Forces UK MOD 31 Jan 2013 -- The Ministry of Defence has today published details of how it will equip the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force over the next 10 years and how this will be funded.
Turkey PM Worries About Army's Capabilities VOA 31 Jan 2013 -- The Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for an end to the long detention of hundreds of military officers accused of conspiring against the government.

S. Koreans Plan to Stage Combined Military Drills KCNA 31 Jan 2013 -- The 20th Motorized Infantry Division of the south Korean army announced on Jan. 30 that it would stage combined military drills in the areas of Ryoju and Yangphyong, Kyonggi Province.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 1/31/2013 The White House 31 Jan 2013
Conference Call on the Vice President's Trip to Germany, France and the United Kingdom The White House 31 Jan 2013
Remarks on American Leadership at the Council on Foreign Relations US Dept. of State 31 Jan 2013

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for January 31, 2013
Investigators to Probe Lack of Flight Ban After Tu-204 Crash RIA Novosti 31 Jan 2013 -- Russian investigators intend to question Transport Ministry officials to determine whether Tupolev Tu-204 airliners should have been grounded after one such plane crashed in December.

Other Conflicts

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 31 January 2013 United Nations 31 Jan 2013
Press Conference by President of Security Council for January, 31 January 2013 United Nations 31 Jan 2013

Ban calls for preventing further tensions in Syria UN News Centre 31 Jan 2013 -- Secretary-General Ban noted with “grave concern” reports of Israeli air strikes in Syria.
Syria Vows to Hold Israel Accountable for Air Strike VOA 31 Jan 2013 -- Syria has vowed to hold Israel and its allies accountable for a suspected Israeli air strike on a Syrian military target near Damascus.
Syria Protests Israeli Air Strike VOA 31 Jan 2013 -- Syria's foreign ministry on Thursday complained to the United Nations about an Israeli air strike on Syrian territory.
Damascus Complains To UN Over Air Strike RFE/RL 31 Jan 2013 -- Syria has lodged an official complaint with the United Nations over what it says was an Israeli air strike on a military research center near Damascus.
Israeli Airstrike Inside Syria Concerns Russia VOA 31 Jan 2013 -- Russia is expressing concern about an alleged airstrike by Israeli warplanes inside Syria.
Russia Concerned by Reports of Israeli Air Strike on Syria RIA Novosti 31 Jan 2013 -- Moscow is “deeply concerned” over reports of Israeli air strikes on Syrian territory on Wednesday and is seeking confirmation of what could be a serious violation of the UN charter.
Syria Says Israeli Warplanes Hit 'Research Center' RFE/RL 31 Jan 2013 -- The Syrian Army says Israeli aircraft have struck what it described as a "scientific research center" northwest of the capital, Damascus.
Syria Says Israel Strikes Military Facility RIA Novosti 31 Jan 2013 -- An Israeli airstrike hit a military research center in Syria on Wednesday, Syrian state news agency SANA reported, citing a statement by the Syrian army’s general command.
Israelis Grab Gas Masks amid Syrian WMD Fears RIA Novosti 31 Jan 2013 -- The demand for gas masks almost tripled in Israel in January amid concerns about the safety of the Syrian chemical weapons stockpile.
Biden to Focus on Syria During Europe Trip VOA 31 Jan 2013 -- The civil war in Syria will be a major topic when U.S. Vice President Joe Biden meets with leaders in three European nations, starting Friday. Biden will visit Germany, France and Britain.
Russia Slams Clinton’s “Bias” Over Moscow’s Syria Position RIA Novosti 31 Jan 2013 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry slammed outgoing US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for a recent statement which referred to Russia’s “unwillingness” to assist in settlement of the Syria conflict.

ECOWAS Pleased With Military Offensive Against Mali Insurgents VOA 31 Jan 2013 -- An official of the Economic Community of West African States says the first phase of the intervention in Mali is about to end following the success of the military offensive against Islamist militants in the West African nation.
Militants Ineligible for Dialogue, Mali President Says VOA 31 Jan 2013 -- Mali's interim president has ruled out talks with Islamists who formerly ruled the country's north, but a top official in France, which is helping to retake the region, is calling for reconciliation.
Analysis: The dynamics of inter-communal violence in Mali IRIN 31 Jan 2013 -- Ethnic Tuaregs and Arabs in towns across central and northern Mali, including Gao and Timbuktu, have been fleeing into the desert or to neighbouring countries.
Killings, disappearances in Mali’s climate of suspicion IRIN 31 Jan 2013 -- Residents of Konna told IRIN they are suspicious of everyone: bearded men, women in hijabs, beggars from the Dogon plateau, students in the Koranic school, and the army, which is said to be a little trigger-happy.

Gunmen Bomb Police Station, Banks in Northern Nigeria VOA 31 Jan 2013 -- Gunmen on motorcycles bombed a police station and as many as three banks in Kaduna State in Nigeria.

Burma Confirms Peace Talks with Kachin Rebels VOA 31 Jan 2013 -- Burma has confirmed a new round of peace talks with Kachin rebels will be hosted by another insurgent group, the United Wa State Army.

Taiwan President Urges Sharing East China Sea Resources VOA 31 Jan 2013 -- Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou is urging his powerful neighbors China and Japan to end their islands dispute and share resources in the hotly contested sea between them.

Independent UN inquiry urges halt to Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory UN News Centre 31 Jan 2013 -- An independent inquiry mandated by the United Nations has called on Israel to halt all settlement activity.
UN Calls on Israel to Stop Settlement Activity VOA 31 Jan 2013 -- United Nations human rights investigators are calling on Israel to stop all settlement activity and immediately begin a process of withdrawing settlers from occupied Palestinian territories.

Colombia Rebels Free Seized Oil Workers, Kill Four Soldiers VOA 31 Jan 2013 -- Colombia's FARC rebels freed three oil contractors kidnapped a day earlier, military sources said, though the guerrillas killed four soldiers in the south as they step up pressure during peace talks.

Cameron Says Britain Will Train Libyan Security Forces VOA 31 Jan 2013 -- British PM Cameron pledged Britain's help in training Libya's security forces, part of broader European efforts to counter Islamic militancy in North Africa.
Cameron Makes Unexpected Visit To Libya RFE/RL 31 Jan 2013 -- British Prime Minister David Cameron has made an unannounced visit to Libya, where he pledged to help the country's police and army.

News Reports

Russia Urges Iran Again to Halt Nuclear Enrichment RIA Novosti 31 Jan 2013 -- Russia and other UN Security Council members have again urged Iran to freeze its uranium enrichment program.
Iran’s move to upgrade centrifuges legal: Russian FM IRNA 31 Jan 2013 -- Iran’s move to upgrade centrifuges is within legal limits, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.
Defiant Iran Plans to Speed Nuclear Fuel Work VOA 31 Jan 2013 -- Iran has announced plans to install and operate advanced uranium-enrichment machines in what would be a technological leap allowing it to significantly speed up activity the West fears could be put to developing a nuclear weapon.
Iran Plans Nuclear Equipment Upgrade VOA 31 Jan 2013 -- Iran is planning to install new equipment at its main nuclear enrichment facility that could refine uranium much faster than its current machines.
Diplomats Say Iran To Speed Up Nuclear Enrichment RFE/RL 31 Jan 2013 -- Western diplomats say Iran intends to greatly increase the speed of its uranium-enrichment program.
FM spokesman warns of enemy plots to create crisis before or after presidential elections IRNA 31 Jan 2013 -- Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said that enemies are stepping up pressure on Iran to create crisis like the one they created after the previous presidential elections in Iran.
EU's Ashton 'Concerned' Over Arrests Of Iranian Journalists RFE/RL 31 Jan 2013 -- European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton has expressed concern over a recent wave of arrests of journalists in Iran.

S. Korea Issues Warning to North Against Nuclear Test VOA 31 Jan 2013 -- South Korea is issuing its sternest warning yet to North Korea not to conduct another nuclear test, which some officials in Seoul and Washington say may be imminent.
N.Korea Imposes Martial Law Ahead of Nuclear Test – Media RIA Novosti 31 Jan 2013 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has issued a secret order to put the country under martial law in preparation for a third nuclear test in its history.
DPRK Will Punish Hostile Forces: Rodong Sinmun KCNA 31 Jan 2013 -- The U.S. and its allies that endorsed the UN Security Council's "Resolution" 2087, which found fault with the DPRK's peaceful satellite launch.
Letter from the President - Regarding North Korea The White House 31 Jan 2013

Protests Challenge Egypt's Leadership VOA 31 Jan 2013 -- These are chaotic days for Egypt, which recently marked two years since a revolution brought one system to an end.
Egypt's Islamists, Liberals Agree to Renounce Violence VOA 31 Jan 2013 -- Egypt's Islamist and liberal politicians agreed Thursday to renounce violence and join a national dialogue aimed at resolving the country's deadliest unrest in months.
Four Die as Cairo Unrest Continues RIA Novosti 31 Jan 2013 -- Four people were killed in violence that sporadically broke out in central Cairo over the past 24 hours, health ministry spokesman Ahmed Omar told journalists.

Kenya: UN official stresses need for peaceful and transparent elections UN News Centre 31 Jan 2013 -- The United Nations political chief stressed the need for all Kenyans and their institutions to ensure the upcoming general elections in March are credible, peaceful and transparent.

Joint regional strategy stressed to fright terrorism IRNA 31 Jan 2013 -- Pakistan’s Interior Minister Rehman here Malik stressed need for joint regional cooperation to fight the menace of terrorism in the region.
Two Clerics Shot Dead In Karachi RFE/RL 31 Jan 2013 -- Reports from Pakistan say two Sunni Muslim clerics have been shot dead in the port city of Karachi.

China Convicts 2 Tibetans for 'Inciting' Self-Immolations VOA 31 Jan 2013 -- China has convicted two Tibetans of "intentional homicide" for inciting self-immolations in protest of Chinese rule.
Chinese Dissident Calls on US to Pressure Beijing VOA 31 Jan 2013 -- Blind Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng called on the United States to pressure Beijing to improve its human rights record.
Change in China Inevitable, Says Dissident Chen VOA 31 Jan 2013 -- Despite years of imprisonment, harassment and physical abuse by the authorities, activist Chen Guangcheng says he is hopeful about China.

Presidential Memorandum - Delegation of Authority to Suspend the Provisions of Title III of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 The White House 31 Jan 2013

Rights Group: Arab Spring Movements Fall Short VOA 31 Jan 2013 -- Representatives of international watchdog Human Rights Watch say in their annual report that they're concerned about Syria, Mali and other areas of so-called Arab Spring unrest.
Rights Group Warns Of Challenges To Democracy RFE/RL 31 Jan 2013 -- In its annual report, the U.S.-based rights watchdog Human Rights Watch evaluates the human-rights situation in more than 90 countries and warns of the challenges to democracy many of them face.

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