26 February 2013 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
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Current Operations

OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 26 Feb 2013 [PDF]

Joint Commission Reviews Wardak Province Allegations AFPS 26 Feb 2013 -- A joint commission composed of International Security Assistance Force and Afghan officials is being formed to review the Afghan government’s concerns surrounding abuse and murder allegations in Afghanistan’s Wardak province.
Afghans hold demo to protest against abuses by US-led forces PressTV 26 Feb 2013 -- People have taken to the streets in central Afghanistan to express their outrage against the alleged abuses committed by US Special Forces against civilians.
US-led hospital raids rise in Afghanistan PressTV 26 Feb 2013 -- Opposition is growing against attacks on Afghanistan's medical centers by US-led foreign forces and Afghan troops working with them.
Outlook on Afghan Progress Remains Positive, Press Secretary Says AFPS 26 Feb 2013 -- Despite discovery of a clerical error that incorrectly indicated a drop in Taliban attacks, the Defense Department’s assessment of progress in Afghanistan is unchanged.

Defense Policy / Programs

New US Defense Secretary Confirmed VOA 26 Feb 2013 -- The U.S. Senate has confirmed President Barack Obama's pick for defense secretary, Chuck Hagel, after a bruising nomination battle that saw widespread Republican opposition to the former Republican senator by a vote of 58 to 41. Hagel will lead the Pentagon as America's war in Afghanistan is winding down, and at a time of U.S. fiscal austerity.
Senate Confirms Hagel as Defense Secretary AFPS 26 Feb 2013 -- The Senate today confirmed former Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel to serve as secretary of defense, ending a protracted confirmation process.
Farewell Message to the Department of Defense from Secretary Leon E. Panetta DoD 26 Feb 2013
Obama Calls Hagel 'Leader Our Troops Deserve' AFPS 26 Feb 2013 -- President Barack Obama today praised his choice to lead the Pentagon as "the defense secretary our nation needs and the leader our troops deserve."
Panetta Leaves Legacy of Service, Leadership, Partnership AFPS 26 Feb 2013 -- History likely will record Leon E. Panetta first as the CIA director who got Osama bin Laden. But over his 19 months as defense secretary, the former spy chief also got a crack at solving the problems of some 3 million battle-weary people -- while running two wars and warding off a budget meltdown.
Panetta Bids Farewell to Defense Department Team AFPS 26 Feb 2013 -- Following today's Senate confirmation of former Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel as his successor, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta has issued a farewell message to the men and women of the Defense Department.

Remarks by the President on the Impact of the Sequester - Newport News, VA The White House 26 Feb 2013
Sequestration ‘Wrong, Unfair, Not Smart,” President Says AFPS 26 Feb 2013 -- Automatic spending cuts set to take effect this week “are wrong,” President Barack Obama said today during a visit to a shipbuilding company in Virginia.
Obama: Automatic Budget Cuts Could Weaken Military VOA 26 Feb 2013 -- President Barack Obama went to a shipbuilding factory Tuesday to warn that the U.S. government spending cuts to take effect Friday will weaken the nation’s defense.
Chiefs to Congress: Fiscal Crisis Threatens U.S. Military Edge AFPS 26 Feb 2013 -- America’s military superiority is founded on training and readiness, and the fiscal crisis facing the country threatens to strip away that edge, members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told Congress today.

Cuts Would Mean Absorbing More Risk, Press Secretary Says AFPS 26 Feb 2013 -- If the large and sudden spending cuts called sequestration begin as scheduled March 1, military readiness and national security will suffer immediately, hurting the Defense Department and the nation, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said today.
Terrorist Designations of Iyad ag Ghali US Dept. of State 26 Feb 2013
Terrorist Designations of the Commander Nazir Group and Malang Wazir US Dept. of State 26 Feb 2013
US Designates Ansar Dine Chief a Terrorist VOA 26 Feb 2013 -- The United States has placed sanctions on the alleged leader of Malian Islamist group Ansar Dine.
NIE: Delivering capabilities to today's Soldier Army News 26 Feb 2013 -- Still in its evolutionary state, the Network Integration Evaluation continues to make progress in achieving greater cost benefits and in streamlining the process of getting capabilities into the hands of Soldiers quicker.
Army researchers develop better remote sensors Army News 26 Feb 2013 -- Robert Pazda says his team within the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center is accustomed to having to fit 10 pounds of equipment into a five-pound bag.
Fleet Launches Aircraft Energy-Saving Initiatives NNS 26 Feb 2013 -- Naval aviators are evaluating energy-saving refueling practices as part of a program aimed at standardizing fleet-driven energy best practices that do not adversely impact mission or safety.
Archangels Continue Satellite Control Legacy Army News 26 Feb 2013 -- With the launch of the Wideband Global Satellite 5, Alpha Company is now preparing to make the next move in advancing satellite communications.
MIBOC-A in Kenya USMC News 26 Feb 2013 -- The eigth iteration of the Military Intelligence Basic Officer Course-Africa brings together officers from partner countries of Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and South Sudan for an eight-week course in Nairobi, Kenya, that began in January.
VR-57 Provides Medical Evacuation NNS 26 Feb 2013 -- A crew from Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 57 provided emergency medical transport to a Japanese sailor during a passenger mission in Iwo-To (Iwo Jima) Dec. 19.
Mobile Bay, Chevalier Paul Train at Sea NNS 26 Feb 2013 -- USS Mobile Bay conducted three weeks of integration training with French destroyer Chevalier Paul Jan. 28-Feb. 19.
DOD Releases Commercial Mobile Device Implementation Plan DoD 26 Feb 2013
DOD Implements Secure Program for Mobile Devices AFPS 26 Feb 2013 -- The Defense Department is rolling out a program that will allow users of a range of mobile devices -- working anywhere from remote battlefields to the Pentagon to rapidly share classified and protected data across all components.

Russian Paratroopers to Receive Indigenous Armored Vehicles RIA Novosti 26 Feb 2013 -- The Russian Airborne Troops will be mainly equipped with domestically-designed armored vehicles.
Aircraft Industry Should Use Local Suppliers – Medvedev RIA Novosti 26 Feb 2013 -- The Russian aircraft industry should use local suppliers and reduce dependence on imported parts and components.

Royal Navy warship prepares for counter-narcotics assignment UK MOD 26 Feb 2013 -- HMS Argyll has stopped at Lisbon to be briefed on the illegal drugs trade off west Africa in preparation for her Atlantic deployment.

Iran flotilla in Pacific Ocean for first time, Navy commander IRNA 26 Feb 2013 -- Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said that Iranian flotilla of warships entered the Pacific Ocean after passing through the Malaga region, one of the most important waterways around the world.

Guinea Replaces Military Chief Killed in Plane Crash VOA 26 Feb 2013 -- Guinea’s president, Alpha Conde, has named a replacement for the armed forces chief killed in a plane crash earlier this month.

U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing, February 26, 2013 US Dept. of State 26 Feb 2013

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for February 26, 2013
Defense Trade: End-Use Monitoring Requirements US Dept. of State 26 Feb 2013

Other Conflicts

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 26 February 2013 United Nations 26 Feb 2013
Ban urges inclusion of conflict areas in development planning UN News Centre 26 Feb 2013 -- Mediating, strengthening governance and creating jobs were some of the United Nations objectives highlighted today by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to ensure that people living in conflict areas or in countries emerging from conflict are not forgotten from future development agendas.

Kerry, Lavrov Seek Common Ground on Syria VOA 26 Feb 2013 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held lengthy talks in Berlin, seeking common ground on how to deal with the civil war in Syria and other issues of contention.
Kerry hints renewed US efforts to intervene in Syria PressTV 26 Feb 2013 -- New US Secretary of State John Kerry has underlined American ‘determination’ to intervene in Syria in favor of foreign-backed opposition forces seeking removal of the Damascus government.
Russia condemns Syria opp. extremists PressTV 26 Feb 2013 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has condemned “extremists” in Syria opposition who blocked the start of dialogue to end months-long conflict in the Arab country.
Fierce Fighting Near Historic Aleppo Mosque VOA 26 Feb 2013 -- Fierce fighting has broken out between Syrian government forces and rebels near a historic mosque in Aleppo.
Dozens Killed In Aleppo Fighting RFE/RL 26 Feb 2013 -- Dozens of rebels and Syrian government troops have reportedly been killed in fighting near a police academy in Syria's northern province of Aleppo.
Syrian Government Ready For Talks With Rebel Fighters RFE/RL 26 Feb 2013 -- Syria has offered to hold talks with the armed rebels trying to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad.
Syrian army clears more districts of militants PressTV 26 Feb 2013 -- The Syrian army has cleared several neighborhoods in the capital and the northern city of Aleppo of militants fighting against the government.
Saudis supply militants in Syria with Croatian arms: Report PressTV 26 Feb 2013 -- A new report has revealed that Saudi Arabia has supplied foreign-backed militants in Syria with large cargos of infantry and heavy weapons through Jordan.
Displacement in Syria giving way for serious gender-based crimes, warns UN official UN News Centre 26 Feb 2013 -- A senior official with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees warned of the enormous humanitarian impact of the ongoing Syria crisis.
25 Russians Evacuated From Syria’s Aleppo RIA Novosti 26 Feb 2013 -- The Russian Embassy in Syria evacuated 25 Russian nationals from the northern city of Aleppo, where fierce clashes continue between government forces and rebels.

26 February 2013 - PRESS CONFERENCE ON HUMANITARIAN SITUATION IN MALI United Nations 26 Feb 2013
France: Fierce Fighting in Northern Mali Mountains VOA 26 Feb 2013 -- France says fierce fighting continues in the mountains of northern Mali, as part of the operation to clear Islamist militants out of their remaining strongholds.
France defense minister rejects talk of Mali withdrawal PressTV 26 Feb 2013 -- France has rejected any talk of pulling its troops out of Mali in the near future, saying the troops are involved in "very violent fighting" in the mountains of northern part of the African country.
International aid now critical to help Malians rebuild their lives, UN official says UN News Centre 26 Feb 2013 -- After a period of brutal violence and economic collapse in Mali, access was now stable enough so that aid, if adequately funded, could help hundreds of thousands rebuild their lives.
UNICEF Seeks $45 Million for Mali Crisis VOA 26 Feb 2013 -- The United Nations Children’s Fund is appealing for $45 million to meet the emergency needs of women and children affected by the Malian crisis for the next three months.

In Congo, 8 Killed in Clash Between Rival M23 Factions VOA 26 Feb 2013 -- At least eight people have died in fighting between rival factions of M23, the most powerful rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Pakistani minister links ‘Lashkar-e-Jhngvi’ to Taliban IRNA 26 Feb 2013 -- Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik has claimed that Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi are linked to each other.
Blast at Sufi shrine kills 4 people in Pakistan IRNA 26 Feb 2013 -- A bomb blast at a shrine in southern Pakistan killed at least four people and injured nearly 12 others, police said.
Armed assailants kill policeman escorting polio workers in Pakistan PressTV 26 Feb 2013 -- Armed assailants on motorbikes have shot and killed a police officer protecting a group of polio workers in northwestern Pakistan.
Pakistan Policeman Killed While Protecting Health Workers VOA 26 Feb 2013 -- A Pakistani policeman has been shot dead while protecting a polio vaccination team in the country's tribal region of Waziristan, bringing the death toll for such attacks to 20 since December.
Pakistani Police Guard Killed In New Polio-Worker Attack RFE/RL 26 Feb 2013 -- A Pakistani policeman has been shot dead while protecting a polio vaccination team in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.

U.S. plays pivotal role in cross-strait peace CNA 26 Feb 2013 -- Taiwan President Ma said the United States plays a pivotal role in the development of peaceful relations across the Taiwan Strait.
Next Taiwan-Japan meeting on fishing rights not yet set: ministry CNA 26 Feb 2013 -- Taiwan and Japan are still negotiating the details of the next preparatory meeting for a new round of bilateral fishery talks.
China placed buoys near isles to monitor ocean conditions: Foreign Ministry PressTV 26 Feb 2013 -- China has placed buoys near a group of disputed Islands in the East China Sea to observe ocean conditions, Chinese Foreign Ministry says.

UN voices concern as rocket fire from Gaza hits southern Israel, breaking ceasefire UN News Centre 26 Feb 2013 -- United Nations officials voiced their concern after a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip landed in southern Israel, breaching the ceasefire reached last November.
UN Official Condemns Rocket Attack on Israel VOA 26 Feb 2013 -- A senior United Nations official has condemned a rocket attack which Israel alleges came from the Gaza Strip, and he called on Israel to demonstrate maximum restraint.
UN off. calls for Jaradat death probe PressTV 26 Feb 2013 -- The UN Middle East peace envoy has called for an "independent and transparent" probe into the death of a Palestinian man in an Israeli jail as anger mounts in Palestinian territories.

Over 50 Militants Killed in N.Caucasus in 2013 - FSB Chief RIA Novosti 26 Feb 2013 -- Russia’s top domestic security official said more than 50 militants, including 14 group leaders, had been killed in Russia’s North Caucasus since the start of the year.

News Reports

Secretary Kerry Remarks With German Chancellor Angela Merkel Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 26 Feb 2013
Secretary Kerry Remarks With German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle After Their Meeting US Dept. of State 26 Feb 2013
Kerry, Lavrov to Discuss Syria VOA 26 Feb 2013 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is set to meet in Berlin with his Russian counterpart, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, for talks expected to focus on future prospects for war-torn Syria.
Kerry, Lavrov Tackle Syria, Adoptions in ‘Constructive’ Talks RIA Novosti 26 Feb 2013 -- The United States and Russia will do “everything possible” to facilitate a dialogue between the Syrian government and the armed opposition, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
Russia Upbeat, US Cool on Success in Lavrov-Kerry Talks RIA Novosti 26 Feb 2013 -- Russian diplomatic sources have expressed optimism about a possible breakthrough in missile defense negotiations at Tuesday's foreign ministers’ meeting in Berlin.
No Grounds for New ‘Cold War’ Says PM Medvedev RIA Novosti 26 Feb 2013 -- Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has again dismissed speculations that the Russian-US relations are entering a new stage of the Soviet-era ‘Cold War’ and reiterated that Moscow and Washington can successfully cooperate on a variety of issues.

World Powers Make Updated Nuclear Offer to Iran VOA 26 Feb 2013 -- World powers gave Iran an updated offer during talks on Iran's controversial nuclear program, and hope for "more detailed feedback" from Iranian representatives when the talks resume.
First Day of Iran Nuclear Talks Ends With No Breakthrough RIA Novosti 26 Feb 2013 -- Participants of the first day of closed talks between Iran and a group of six nations held on Tuesday in the Kazakh city of Almaty were cautious in evaluating the results of the meeting.
Iran, P5+1 wrap up first round of talks in Almaty PressTV 26 Feb 2013 -- Iran and the world powers of the P5+1 group have wrapped up their first round of talks, whose main focus was Iran's nuclear energy program, in Kazakhstan with each side reportedly offering its own package of proposals.
Iran takes upper hand in Almaty nuclear talks IRNA 26 Feb 2013 -- Iranian negotiating team took the upper hand in Almaty nuclear talks on Tuesday given the achievements Iran made in the field of peaceful nuclear technology.
Iran offers new proposal to G5+1 IRNA 26 Feb 2013 -- In the new round of talks between the Islamic Republic of Iran and G5+1 in Almaty the two sides have declared that they will put new proposals on the table.
Iran presents new proposals at P5+1 talks PressTV 26 Feb 2013 -- The Islamic Republic says it will present a new comprehensive package of proposals at talks with the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany.
P5+1 to offer Iran easing sanctions: report PressTV 26 Feb 2013 -- A report says the group of six major world powers plans to present Iran with an offer to ease gold, petrochemicals banking sanctions in Kazakhstan talks.
P5+1 presents Iran with ‘updated and good’ offer: EU official PressTV 26 Feb 2013 -- A senior EU official says the group of major world powers known as the P5+1 plans to offer Tehran an “updated and good" proposal during talks in Kazakhstan.
World Powers, Iran Hold Nuclear Talks VOA 26 Feb 2013 -- Officials from six world powers and Iran are meeting to discuss the country's controversial nuclear program, in the latest talks to address a decade of concerns that Iran is working to develop a nuclear weapon.
New Round of Iran Nuclear Talks Starts in Kazakhstan RIA Novosti 26 Feb 2013 -- A new round of talks between Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany opened in the Kazakhstan city of Almaty.
Russia urges ‘political will’ ahead of Iran-P5+1 Almaty talks PressTV 26 Feb 2013 -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov says the success of the negotiations between Iran and the six major world powers (the P5+1 group), depends on “political will” from both sides.
Russia hopes Almaty talks would turn out win-win IRNA 26 Feb 2013 -- Deputy Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov who is his country's representative at 5+1G nuclear talks with Iran expressed hope here Monday that February 26-27 Almaty talks would turn out to be a win-win round for both ends.
U.S. Senators Call On EU To Close 'Loophole' In Iran Sanctions RFE/RL 26 Feb 2013 -- A group of U.S. senators has called on the European Union to close what they call a "significant loophole" in the bloc's Iran sanctions legislation.
Iran's Former Foreign Minister Mottaki To Run For President RFE/RL 26 Feb 2013 -- Former Iranian Foreign Minister Manuchehr Mottaki has announced he will run in the upcoming presidential election.
Former Iranian Prosecutor Tried Over 2009 Protester Deaths RFE/RL 26 Feb 2013 -- The trial of former Tehran prosecutor Said Mortazavi has begun behind closed doors.

Readout of the President’s Phone Call with Egyptian President Morsy The White House 26 Feb 2013
Egypt's Opposition Coalition Vows to Boycott Elections VOA 26 Feb 2013 -- Egypt's opposition National Salvation Front announced Tuesday that it would boycott the country's parliamentary elections, scheduled to begin in April.
Egypt's main opposition coalition boycotts election PressTV 26 Feb 2013 -- Egypt’s main opposition coalition, the National Salvation Front (NSF), has decided to boycott forthcoming parliamentary elections in the North African country which is scheduled for late April.
Leading Egyptian opposition party to boycott parliamentary elections PressTV 26 Feb 2013 -- Egyptian leftist opposition party, the Popular Current, has announced that it will boycott the country’s upcoming parliamentary elections expected in April as well as national dialogue proposed by President Mohamed Morsi.

Charge or Free Opposition Leaders, Sudan Told VOA 26 Feb 2013 -- Human Rights Watch has called on Sudan to bring charges against or release six leading opposition figures, who were detained last month after they took part in talks calling for regime change in Khartoum.

Bahrainis rally to urge authorities to hand over protester’s body PressTV 26 Feb 2013 -- Bahrainis have staged demonstrations to protest against the authorities’ refusal to hand over the body of a protester killed by regime forces last week.

Djibouti Police Clash With Opposition Protesters for Second Day VOA 26 Feb 2013 -- Djibouti security forces fought running battles with opposition supporters Tuesday for a second day in an attempt to disperse protests against the ruling coalition's parliamentary election victory, witnesses said.

Another Tibetan Monk Sets Himself on Fire in China VOA 26 Feb 2013 -- A Tibetan rights group said a monk in central China has become the third Tibetan in two days to take part in self-immolation protests against Chinese rule.

ICC Prosecutor Agrees to Delay Kenyans' Trial VOA 26 Feb 2013 -- The International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor has agreed to delay the trial of four prominent Kenyans accused of crimes against humanity.
UN expert calls on Kenya to prevent internal displacement crisis UN News Centre 26 Feb 2013 -- The Kenyan Government and the international community must significantly scale up their efforts to prevent internal displacement resulting from possible violence ahead of the general election next week.
Kenyan Presidential Candidates Make Final Push VOA 26 Feb 2013 -- With just under a week to go before Kenya’s presidential election, candidates are making their final efforts to court voters.

Amnesty Report Condemns Persecution of Gbagbo Supporters VOA 26 Feb 2013 -- Amnesty International is accusing Ivory Coast’s government of using the courts and security forces to persecute supporters of former president Laurent Gbagbo.

Kazakhstan Bans Islamic Group RFE/RL 26 Feb 2013 -- A court in Astana has banned the international Islamic group Tablighi Jamaat.

Coalition Looks Likely in Italy VOA 26 Feb 2013 -- Italian parliamentary elections have resulted in no clear leading party, signaling gridlock in the days ahead as competing interests struggle to form a coalition government.
Italy Faces Political Instability After Vote RFE/RL 26 Feb 2013 -- No party has won enough votes in Italy's parliamentary elections to govern.

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