03 April 2013 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
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Current Operations

OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 03 Apr 2013 [PDF]

Combined Force Arrests Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan Leader AFPS 03 Apr 2013 -- A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leader in the Burkah district of Afghanistan’s Baghlan province.
Taliban Attacks Western Afghan Courthouse, At Least 50 Dead RFE/RL 03 Apr 2013 -- Afghan officials say at least 53 people have been killed and dozens more injured during an attack by the Taliban in western Afghanistan.
Scores Killed in Attack on Afghan Courthouse VOA 03 Apr 2013 -- Afghan officials say an hours-long firefight with Taliban militants killed 44 people, mostly civilians, and wounded more than 70 others in western Afghanistan.
Taliban militants storm Afghan court, kill 44: Officials PressTV 03 Apr 2013 -- At least 44 people have been killed after Taliban militants stormed a court complex in Afghanistan’s western province of Farah.
Taliban militants kill 8 in Afghanistan’s Farah Province PressTV 03 Apr 2013 -- The Taliban militants in Afghanistan have attacked government buildings in the western province of Farah, killing eight people and injuring more than 70 others.
Taliban to increase attacks in Kabul in 2013: Afghan general PressTV 03 Apr 2013 -- The Taliban militant group plans to increase its attacks in Afghanistan’s capital of Kabul in 2013, Press TV reports.
Taliban Fighters Reportedly Forced Out Of Afghan Border District RFE/RL 03 Apr 2013 -- Taliban fighters have been reportedly forced out of Afghanistan's Warduj district, which borders Tajikistan.
US-led drone crashes in E. Afghanistan: Officials PressTV 03 Apr 2013 -- Afghan officials say an unmanned aerial vehicle belonging to US-led forces in the country has crashed in the eastern province of Wardak.
Wounded Afghan Spy Chief Returns From United States RFE/RL 03 Apr 2013 -- Afghanistan's intelligence chief has returned home after four months of medical treatment in the United States.

Defense Policy / Programs

Remarks by Secretary Hagel at the National Defense University, Ft. McNair, Washington, D.C DoD 03 Apr 2013
DOD Review Will Lead to ‘Big Choices,’ Hagel Says AFPS 03 Apr 2013 -- Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel signaled possible big changes ahead for his department in acquisition, personnel and organization as he delivered his first major policy speech as Pentagon chief.

Readout of Secretary Hagel’s Meeting with Republic of Korea Minister of Foreign Affairs Yun, Byung-Se DoD 03 Apr 2013
Stratcom Broadens Dialogue on Changing Nature of Deterrence AFPS 03 Apr 2013 -- While nuclear deterrence remains vital to U.S. security, it’s not enough to protect the United States against the range of threats it now faces.
AF leader reaffirms commitment to Asia-Pacific partners AFNS 03 Apr 2013 -- Deputy Undersecretary of the Air Force, International Affairs, Heidi Grant, attended the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2013 at Langkawi Island, Malaysia.
Pentagon Approves Sale of Fighters to S. Korea VOA 03 Apr 2013 -- The U.S. Defense Department said it has approved the sale of fighters to South Korea, which is expected to announce the winner of a 60-jet competition later this year.
US to sell stealth fighter jets to S Korea PressTV 03 Apr 2013 -- The US Defense Department has ratified the sale of advanced stealth fighter jets to South Korea amid escalation of war of words between Washington and Pyongyang.
New U.N. treaty will not affect U.S. arms sales to Taiwan CNA 03 Apr 2013 -- The Arms Trade Treaty approved by the U.N. General Assembly will not affect U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.
Hamburg First German Ship to Deploy in U.S. Carrier Strike Group NNS 03 Apr 2013 -- The German Sachsen-class frigate Hamburg is the first German ship to fully integrate and deploy with an American carrier strike group.
USS Chung-Hoon Departs Hawaii on Deployment NNS 03 Apr 2013 -- The USS Chung-Hoon departed Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam April 2 on an independent deployment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
USS Charlotte Departs for Western Pacific Deployment NNS 03 Apr 2013 -- USS Charlotte departed Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam April 2 for a scheduled six-month deployment to the Western Pacific region.
USS Alexandria Returns from Six-Month Deployment NNS 03 Apr 2013 -- USS Alexandria returned to Naval Submarine Base New London April 3 following a regularly scheduled deployment.
MSC Ships Conclude Support to Annual Operation Deep Freeze Antarctica NNS 03 Apr 2013 -- Military Sealift Command-chartered ships concluded cargo operations April 2 in Port Hueneme, Calif., for Operation Deep Freeze, the annual Joint Task Force Support for Antarctica.
A-10 fires its first laser-guided rocket AFNS 03 Apr 2013 -- The 40th Flight Test Squadron completed another first in February when an A-10 Thunderbolt II fired a guided rocket that impacted only inches away from its intended target.
Network integration facilities support deployed and deploying forces Army News 03 Apr 2013 -- Battlefield scenarios without the battlefield; vehicle configuration items without the vehicle; support to units without unit disruption.
Guard rescue center completes 5,000th mission AFNS 03 Apr 2013 -- Members of the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, completed their 5,000th mission since July 1, 1994.
Fort Carson civil affairs supports Jordanian special forces Army News 03 Apr 2013 -- Members of the 19th SFG partnered with Jordanian special forces as part of the National Guard State Partnership Program.
10th RSG tests its capabilities during exercise in Japan Army News 03 Apr 2013 -- The overall goal during of the exercise is to support a huge pacific forces humanitarian aid and disaster relief effort by providing critical life support throughout affected areas in the region.
MIBOC-A finishes in Kenya; builds professional partnerships, intelligence proficiency USMC News 03 Apr 2013 -- The eighth iteration of the Military Intelligence Basic Officer Course-Africa graduated 28 partner-nation intelligence officers, March 20.
Leadership of Ex-Guardian Relieved NNS 03 Apr 2013 -- The commanding officer (CO) of ex-Guardian and three other crewmembers were relieved of their duties on April 3 by commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7.
Army's oldest Signal unit still going strong Army News 03 Apr 2013 -- The 50th Signal Battalion (Expeditionary), 35th Signal Brigade, XVIII Airborne Corps, executed Operation Lion's Fury from 28-31 January at Fort Bragg N.C.
Army Marksmanship Unit Soldiers finally get their own patch Army News 03 Apr 2013 -- Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit held one of the shortest yet most significant ceremonies in the unit's 57-year history.

LIMA 2013: Russia boosts its submarine exports to Asia Voice of Russia 03 Apr 2013 -- The CEO of the Russian developer of submarines Rubin, reported on the progress of a number of development projects aimed at exporting Russian submarines to Asian countries.
Russia Must Back Arms Sales With More Loans - Putin RIA Novosti 03 Apr 2013 -- Russia should offer loans more often to help finance its global arms exports.
Putin Says Russia’s Arms Exports Up 12% in 2012 RIA Novosti 03 Apr 2013 -- Russia’s global arms exports reached $15.2 billion in 2012, a 12 percent increase against the previous year, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

Fort Victoria leads task force in war on piracy UK MOD 03 Apr 2013 -- A Royal Fleet Auxiliary replenishment ship is heading up an international task force hunting pirates in the Indian Ocean.

New treaty will help reduce human cost of poorly regulated arms trade – UN official UN News Centre 03 Apr 2013 -- The United Nations refugee chief applauded the approval by the General Assembly of the first-ever treaty to regulate the global arms trade.
UN General Assembly passes Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) PressTV 03 Apr 2013 -- The UN General Assembly has passed a treaty to regulate the multibillion-dollar international arms trade with 154 countries voting in favor of the draft resolution.

U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing, April 3, 2013 US Dept. of State 03 Apr 2013

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for April 03, 2013

Other Conflicts

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 03 April 2013 United Nations 03 Apr 2013
At UN meeting, West African States address threats to human rights UN News Centre 03 Apr 2013 -- Civil society members, academics and intergovernmental organizations gathered at a United Nations meeting to discuss new threats to human rights in West Africa.
Budget Cuts Hit US Foreign Aid Programs VOA 03 Apr 2013 -- Like other federal agencies, the U. S. Agency for International Development has to cut its budget as a result of sequestration.

Department of Defense Announces Missile Defense Deployment DoD 03 Apr 2013
US to Deploy Missile Defense System to Guam Due to N. Korean Threats VOA 03 Apr 2013 -- U.S. military officials say Washington is preparing to deploy an advanced missile defense system to the Pacific in the coming weeks.
Hagel: U.S. Makes Measured Responses to North Korean Threats AFPS 03 Apr 2013 -- U.S. leaders are taking North Korean threats seriously and will continue to make measured responses to Kim Jong Un’s bellicosity, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said.
North Korea Tops Kerry's Asia Agenda VOA 03 Apr 2013 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry travels to Asia next week for talks on how best to deal with an increasingly aggressive North Korea.
Is North Korea's New Kim Same as Old Kims? VOA 03 Apr 2013 -- North Korea's young leader Kim Jong Un is using his forebears' time-tested "crazy-guy-in-the-neighborhood'' strategy.
US, S. Korea Ready to Counter N. Korean Aggression VOA 03 Apr 2013 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says the United States will defend itself and its allies amid what he calls "provocative, dangerous and reckless" threats by North Korean leader Kim Jung Un.
South Korea says it has contingency military plans PressTV 03 Apr 2013 -- South Korea says it has contingency military plans to employ in case North Korea threatens the safety of the South Korean citizens working in a joint industrial zone.
China rejects reports of military buildup over Koreas tensions PressTV 03 Apr 2013 -- China has dismissed Western media reports of its armed forces having been placed on high alert amid the simmering tensions in the Korean Peninsula.
S. Korean Workers Blocked from Kaesong Industrial Zone VOA 03 Apr 2013 -- North Korea on Wednesday suspended entry of South Koreans workers into a joint industrial zone just north of the border.
North Korea Bars South's Access To Jointly Run Industrial Park RFE/RL 03 Apr 2013 -- South Korea says all options are being considered, "including possible military action," to ensure the safety of its citizens who remain in a jointly-run industrial zone inside North Korea.
North Korea Bans South Workers from Entering Joint Site RIA Novosti 03 Apr 2013 -- North Korea has banned South Korean workers from entering Kaesong, a joint industrial zone.
North Korea closes joint Kaesong industrial zone to workers from South PressTV 03 Apr 2013 -- Amid increasing tensions in the Korean Peninsula, North Korea has prevented South Korean workers from entering a joint industrial zone.
US urges China, Russia to restrain North Korea PressTV 03 Apr 2013 -- Washington has urged Russia and China to use their influence on North Korea to restrain the East Asian country as tensions continue to escalate on the Korean Peninsula.

Damascus Violence Forces Flight of Even Most Resolute VOA 03 Apr 2013 -- A new exodus is flowing from Syria as fighting edges closer to the heart of Damascus.
Syrian envoy to UN: Damascus ready to cooperate with UN fact-finding mission IRNA 03 Apr 2013 -- Syrian Ambassador to the United Nations Bashar Ja'afari has voiced Damascus complete readiness to cooperate with the United Nations fact-finding mission.
US, Jordan expand training of Syria militants PressTV 03 Apr 2013 -- The United States and Jordan have increased the training of militants fighting against the Syrian government in an effort to establish a buffer zone along the southern border of Syria.
Iraqi al-Qaeda terrorists help Syria militants PressTV 03 Apr 2013 -- The al-Qaeda terrorists in Iraq have been increasingly cooperating with the foreign-backed militants in Syria over the past few months.
Despite new police presence, security concerns persist at Syrian refugee camp IRIN 03 Apr 2013 -- The Jordanian government is implementing new measures to improve security for the Syrian refugees at Za’atari camp.
Syrian Refugees in Lebanon Expect More International Aid VOA 03 Apr 2013 -- Aid workers in Lebanon say they lack resources to cope with the swelling tide of refugees from Syria.
Russia Delivers Aid for Syrian Refugees in Lebanon RIA Novosti 03 Apr 2013 -- A Russian Emergencies Ministry plane carrying 26.7 tons of humanitarian aid for Syrian refugees in Lebanon landed in Beirut.
Syria exempts Iran fuel imports from tax PressTV 03 Apr 2013 -- The Syrian government has issued an "exclusive exemption on taxes and customs” on fuel imports from Iran until the end of June.

Options for future UN involvement in resolving Mali crisis presented to Security Council UN News Centre 03 Apr 2013 -- The United Nations political chief stressed the need to tackle an array of political, governance and security challenges to help resolve the crisis in Mali.
Mali, ECOWAS Urge UN Stabilization Force VOA 03 Apr 2013 -- Mali and the West African regional bloc ECOWAS have given their consent to the United Nations to deploy a stabilization mission to Mali and are urging its rapid deployment.

Central African Republic: Ban concerned over reports of human rights violations UN News Centre 03 Apr 2013 -- Secretary-General expressed alarm at the ongoing insecurity in the Central African Republic.
Some S. Africans Oppose Military Deployment in CAR VOA 03 Apr 2013 -- South Africa lost 13 soldiers during a fight against the Séléka rebels, staging a coup in the Central African Republic last month.
African Leaders Seek Response to CAR Crisis VOA 03 Apr 2013 -- Regional leaders meet Wednesday to discuss how to address the situation in the Central African Republic, where rebel forces overthrew the country's president last month.

Briefing: M23, one year on IRIN 03 Apr 2013 -- The M23 rebellion, the latest of a string of armed insurgencies in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s North Kivu Province, has been active for one year now.

More Work to Bring War Criminals to Justice US Dept. of State 03 Apr 2013
Expansion of the War Crimes Rewards Program US Dept. of State 03 Apr 2013
War Crimes Rewards Program (WCRP) Expansion US Dept. of State 03 Apr 2013
US Offers $5 Million Reward for African War Crimes Suspects VOA 03 Apr 2013 -- The United States is offering new, multi-million-dollar rewards for four African war crimes suspects.
Uganda Suspends Hunt for LRA Chief Kony VOA 03 Apr 2013 -- The Ugandan army has suspended its hunt for war crimes suspect Joseph Kony in the Central African Republic, following the rebel takeover of the country.
Analyst Questions ICC’s Intense Focus on Africa VOA 03 Apr 2013 -- The International Criminal Court is observing Genocide Awareness month.

Nigerians Face Deadline to Decide on Leaving Cameroon Territory VOA 03 Apr 2013 -- Residents of Bakassi - an oil-rich territory legally ceded by Nigeria to Cameroon in 2002 - have until August to decide to become Cameroonian or leave the territory.

Myanmar’s landmines hinder return of displaced IRIN 03 Apr 2013 -- Landmines in Myanmar's southeastern Kayin and Kayah states and Bago division, and in the northern Shan and Kachin states, threaten the return of refugees and IDPs.

Israel-Gaza Fighting Renews Spotlight on Salafist Militants VOA 03 Apr 2013 -- The heaviest exchange of fire between Israel and Gaza in months is drawing attention to Salafist groups in the Palestinian territory.
UN envoy condemns rocket firing from Gaza, calls for restraint by Israel UN News Centre 03 Apr 2013 -- Pointing to renewed rocket fire from Gaza into Israel and continued tensions over unresolved prisoner issues.
Israel Conducts Gaza Air Strike RFE/RL 03 Apr 2013 -- Israel has carried out an air strike against targets in the Gaza Strip for the first time since a truce was brokered in November.
Gaza rockets land near Israeli town PressTV 03 Apr 2013 -- Two rockets fired from the Gaza Strip have landed near the Israeli town of Sderot, following the Tel Aviv regime’s airstrikes on the Palestinian territory.
Clashes erupt between Israeli forces, Palestinians in West Bank PressTV 03 Apr 2013 -- Israeli forces have clashed with Palestinian protesters in the occupied West Bank for the second day following the death of a Palestinian prisoner in the Tel Aviv regime’s custody.

Turkey: Cyprus Crisis is Chance to End Division VOA 03 Apr 2013 -- Turkish President Abdullah Gul said the financial crisis in Cyprus presented an “important opportunity” to end the division of the island, split between the Greek Cypriot south and Turkish north.

Kosovo Talks End Without Result VOA 03 Apr 2013 -- Crunch talks aimed at ending the ethnic partition of Serbia's former Kosovo province broke up without result, in a major setback for Serbia's hopes of starting European Union membership negotiations this year.
Serbia-Kosovo Talks End Without Deal RFE/RL 03 Apr 2013 -- EU-brokered normalization talks between Serbia and Kosovo have ended without any agreement being reached.
Serbia, Kosovo fail to agree in EU-mediated talks PressTV 03 Apr 2013 -- Serbia and Kosovo have failed to reach an agreement in talks mediated by the European Union aimed at normalizing their relations.

News Reports

Report: Huge Costs, Few Benefits for Nuclear Iran VOA 03 Apr 2013 -- Iran will pursue its nuclear quest although it has reaped few gains.
Iran, World Powers to Meet Again on Nuclear Stalemate VOA 03 Apr 2013 -- The five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, plus Germany, are heading back Friday to Almaty, Kazakhstan, for talks with Iran over its nuclear program.
EU's Ashton Expresses 'Cautious Optimism' For Upcoming Iran Nuclear Talks RFE/RL 03 Apr 2013 -- European Union foreign-policy chief Catherine Ashton says she is "cautiously optimistic" about upcoming talks on Iran's nuclear development program.
Iran nuclear delegation heads to Almaty for P5+1 talks PressTV 03 Apr 2013 -- Iran’s nuclear negotiation team has left Tehran for Almaty for the second round of talks with the six major world powers in the Kazak city.
Iran and P5+1 can reach agreement in Almaty2: Mehmanparast PressTV 03 Apr 2013 -- Iran Foreign Ministry spokesman says it is possible for Tehran and the P5+1 group of world powers to reach an agreement in their upcoming talks in Almaty.
Mehmanparast: Iran, P5+1 could easily reach mutual understanding IRNA 03 Apr 2013 -- Visiting Foreign Ministry spokesman of Iran Ramin Mehmanparast has said that Iran and the Group 5+1 could easily reach an understanding.
Chinese tanker loads Iranian crude for first time since EU ban PressTV 03 Apr 2013 -- A Chinese supertanker loaded crude from Iran’s largest export terminal in late March, for the first time since Europe enforced sanctions on Iranian oil shipment insurers in July 2012.

Egypt Summons UAE Diplomat Over Detained Egyptians VOA 03 Apr 2013 -- Egypt's foreign ministry summoned the charge d'affaires of the United Arab Emirates over the case of 11 Egyptians detained in the Gulf state on suspicion of training Islamists to overthrow governments.

Burma Launches Commission to Investigate Mosque Fire VOA 03 Apr 2013 -- Burma has announced an investigation into a fire at a Rangoon Islamic center that left 13 children dead, after many local Muslims expressed concern it may have been intentionally lit.

Pakistan’s 14-member interim cabinet takes oath IRNA 03 Apr 2013 -- A 14-member Pakistan’s interim cabinet took oath in Islamabad.

Malaysian PM Dissolves Parliament, Plans Elections VOA 03 Apr 2013 -- Malaysia has dissolved its parliament in preparation for an election that analysts say will be an historically close race.
Malaysian PM dissolves parliament PressTV 03 Apr 2013 -- Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has dissolved the parliament in a move apparently aimed at preparing the country for the upcoming general elections.

Indonesia’s displaced Shias languish IRIN 03 Apr 2013 -- Eights months after dozens of Shia Muslims on Indonesia’s Madura Island were driven from their homes by mobs from neighbouring Sunni villages, the displaced remain in poor conditions.

Capriles Mocks 'Skin-Deep' Revolutionaries Ahead of Venezuela Vote VOA 03 Apr 2013 -- Venezuela's opposition presidential candidate tore into government leaders as false revolutionaries lining their pockets while professing faith to the late Hugo Chavez's radical socialism.

Zambia Opposition Displeased with Ex-President Banda’s ‘Persecution’ VOA 03 Apr 2013 -- Former President Rupiah Banda of Zambia is scheduled to appear before officials of the Joint Investigative Team as part of the government’s inquiry into allegations of graft.

Doctors: Mandela 'Much Better' VOA 03 Apr 2013 -- South Africa says former president Nelson Mandela is making "steady improvement" a week after being hospitalized with pneumonia.

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