05 April 2013 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 05 Apr 2013 [PDF]

Combined Force in Helmand Arrests Taliban Leader AFPS 05 Apr 2013 -- A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a senior Taliban leader and detained another insurgent in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Afghanistan’s Helmand province.
Afghan Forces ‘In This to Win It,’ Pentagon Spokesman Says AFPS 05 Apr 2013 -- The transition strategy in Afghanistan remains on track and effective despite recent Taliban attacks.
Security and aid work in militia-controlled Afghanistan IRIN 05 Apr 2013 -- Abuses are a regular part of life, especially in the north and northeast, particularly in the provinces of Kunduz, Baghlan, Faryab and Balkh, where militias are commonplace.
Bomb Attached To Donkey Kills Afghan Policeman RFE/RL 05 Apr 2013 -- Afghan officials say a bomb attached to a donkey has killed a policeman and wounded three civilians in eastern Afghanistan.
DOD identifies pilot killed in F-16 crash AFNS 05 Apr 2013 -- Department of Defense officials announced today the death of an Airman who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Missile Defenders Trained, Ready for Deployment AFPS 05 Apr 2013 -- Missile defenders preparing for the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Air Defense System to Guam are ready for the mission.

Defense Policy / Programs

MilPDS upgrade complete: Review emergency contact information AFNS 05 Apr 2013 -- If you married, have a new address or experienced significant life changes in March, you should review your emergency contact information to ensure it is accurate, Air Force Personnel Center officials advised.
Message from Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel for U.S. Africa Command Change of Command Ceremony DoD 05 Apr 2013
Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group departs 5th Fleet USMC News 05 Apr 2013 -- The Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group relinquished its duties in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility to the Kearsarge ARG, April 4.
USS Cowpens Returns from Japan, Hull-Swap NNS 05 Apr 2013 -- The Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Cowpens (CG 63) is scheduled to return from the Seventh Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR) April 8 after completing its forward-deployed mission and a hull swap with USS Antietam (CG 54).
Navy Christens, Launches New Oceanographic Survey Ship NNS 05 Apr 2013 -- The Navy christened and launched its newest oceanographic survey ship, USNS Maury (T-AGS 66), the last of its class at VT Halter Marine's shipyard in Moss Point, Miss., in a traditional Navy ceremony on March 27.
Travis AFB, NAVFAC Southwest Celebrate Newly Constructed Airfield NNS 05 Apr 2013 -- A ribbon cutting ceremony hosted March 28 by Col. Dwight Sones, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander, celebrated the completion of three years of construction of an airfield in Travis Air Force Base (AFB).
Statement by the Press Secretary on the U.S. Security Sector Assistance Policy The White House 05 Apr 2013
Fact Sheet: U.S. Security Sector Assistance Policy The White House 05 Apr 2013
Statement by Secretary Chuck Hagel on U.S.-Japan Okinawa Consolidation Plan DoD 05 Apr 2013
Hagel Details U.S.-Japan Consolidation Plan for Okinawa AFPS 05 Apr 2013 -- The United States and Japan have announced a new plan that will reduce the U.S. footprint on the island of Okinawa.
U.S., Japan Announce Bilateral Okinawa Consolidation Plan AFPS 05 Apr 2013 -- Plan to reduce the U.S. footprint on Okinawa is the latest step for the U.S. and Japanese governments as they continue efforts to strengthen their alliance in the Asia-Pacific region.
US to return occupied land to Japan, report says PressTV 05 Apr 2013 -- Washington and Tokyo have made an agreement that calls for the US military to return occupied land to Japan.
Dempsey to Host South Korean Counterparts AFPS 05 Apr 2013 -- Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will host South Korean military leaders at the Pentagon this month for long-planned consultative meetings, a senior defense official said.
Nuclear Deterrence Remains Key Stratcom Mission AFPS 05 Apr 2013 -- Some might be tempted to think U.S. Strategic Command’s most important mission is fading into the history books.
First B-2 surpasses 7,000 flight hours AFNS 05 Apr 2013 -- Since the first B-2 Spirit arrived here in July 1996, its stealthiness and massive firepower have been used in missions around the world.
Pentagon to Buy Russian Helicopters Despite Ban RIA Novosti 05 Apr 2013 -- The US Department of Defense said it plans to sidestep a Congressional ban to purchase 30 helicopters from Russian state-owned defense firm Rosoboronexport.
UN urges US to close Guantánamo detention centre UN News Centre 05 Apr 2013 -- The UN human rights chief urged work to close the Guantánamo detention centre.
Japan will join US military drill in California in June PressTV 05 Apr 2013 -- Japan plans to participate in a joint drill with the US military for the first time as the Asian country expands its military ties with the United States.
Philippine, US Military Exercises Begin VOA 05 Apr 2013 -- The United States and the Philippines began an annual joint military exercise Friday, involving some 8,000 troops training for disaster relief operations.
US, Philippines kick off joint military exercise PressTV 05 Apr 2013 -- The United States and the Philippines have launched a joint military exercise amid a territorial dispute between the Philippines and China.
Statement by NSC Spokesperson Caitlin Hayden on the Removal of Highly Enriched Uranium from the Czech Republic The White House 05 Apr 2013
5th AR Reserve battalion assumes MRAP training mission Army News 05 Apr 2013 -- For longer than two years, Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 362nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Task Force Renegade, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West, trained deploying service members to operate Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicles here.
US, Russia Remove Nuclear Material From Czech Republic RIA Novosti 05 Apr 2013 -- The United States and Russia have cooperated to remove enough highly enriched uranium to make two nuclear weapons from the Czech Republic.
Revised Security Question Helps Sexual Assault Victims AFPS 05 Apr 2013 -- Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper issued new guidance for a question that deals with mental health treatment on the questionnaire that must be completed by those seeking national security positions and security clearances.
Fort Bliss to Launch Military’s Largest Renewable Energy Project AFPS 05 Apr 2013 -- The largest renewable energy project in U.S. military history is slated to begin soon at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Russia to Start State Tests of New Ballistic Missile in 2014 RIA Novosti 05 Apr 2013 -- The state tests of a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile will begin in 2014.
Russia May Delay Chemical Weapons Disposal Until 2020 RIA Novosti 05 Apr 2013 -- Russia may extend the deadline for complete destruction of its chemical weapons arsenal until 2020 as it lacks industrial capacity to finish the task on schedule.
Russian Frigate Built for India Starts Final Trials in Baltic Sea RIA Novosti 05 Apr 2013 -- The last in a series of three frigates that Russia is building for India at the Yantar shipyard in the Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad has started final trials.
Russia to Show Advanced Warplanes in Paris RIA Novosti 05 Apr 2013 -- Russia will unveil its most advanced aircraft, the Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker fighter jet and the Ka-52 Alligator helicopter gunship, at the Paris Air Show in June.
Russia Starts Building Mediterranean Task Force RIA Novosti 05 Apr 2013 -- Russia has begun setting up a naval task force in the Mediterranean, sending several warships from the Pacific Fleet to the region.
Russia Sends Warship to Join Blackseafor Drills RIA Novosti 05 Apr 2013 -- Russia has sent the Novocherkassk large amphibious landing ship to take part in the international Black Sea Naval Force naval exercise.

April 5, 2013 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 05 Apr 2013
Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 4/5/2013 The White House 05 Apr 2013

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for April 05, 2013

Other Conflicts

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 05 April 2013 United Nations 05 Apr 2013

Dempsey: North Korea’s Activities Follow Familiar Pattern AFPS 05 Apr 2013 -- North Korea’s recent activities are part of a cycle, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said.
US Show of Force in Korean Peninsula Helpful? VOA 05 Apr 2013 -- The United States' highly visible show of force on the Korean peninsula has raised some concern by analysts.
S. Korea Steps Up Preparations Amid Threats of North Missile Launch VOA 05 Apr 2013 -- South Korea's military is stepping up preparations for anticipated missile launches by North Korea.
Taiwan: Contingency plans in place amid Korea tensions CNA 05 Apr 2013 -- Various contingency plans have been put in place to deal with whatever developments may occur on the Korean Peninsula, Taiwan's National Security Council said.
North Korean Workers Absent From Joint Industrial Park RFE/RL 05 Apr 2013 -- 53,000 North Korean workers employed in the Kaesong industrial complex jointly run by the two Koreas just north of their common border did not show up for work on April 5.
North Korea Urges Embassies to Consider Evacuating VOA 05 Apr 2013 -- North Korea is urging foreign embassies to consider evacuating their missions in Pyongyang due to rising tensions on the Korean peninsula.
Pyongyang Suggests Embassies Evacuate RFE/RL 05 Apr 2013 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Moscow is in close contact with the United States, China, South Korea, and Japan over Pyongyang's request to consider evacuating embassies in North Korea.
N Korea tells foreign embassies to consider possibility of evacuation PressTV 05 Apr 2013 -- North Korea has asked foreign embassies, including that of Russia, to consider the possibility of evacuation due to an upsurge of tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
North Korea Suggests Embassies Evacuate Staff – Russia RIA Novosti 05 Apr 2013 -- North Korea has asked foreign embassies based in its capital, Pyongyang, to consider evacuating staff.
North Korea moves second missile to east coast: Report PressTV 05 Apr 2013 -- North Korea has moved a second medium-range missile to its eastern coast amid escalating tension in the Korean Peninsula.
North Korean missile faces South Korea, Japan: Report PressTV 05 Apr 2013 -- North Korea has moved a medium-range missile, which could hit targets in South Korea and Japan, to its east coast.
North Korea Deploys Missiles to East Coast - Seoul RIA Novosti 05 Apr 2013 -- North Korea has loaded two Musudan (No-dong B) intermediate range ballistic missiles (IRBM) onto mobile launchers and deployed them to an undisclosed facility on its east coast.
‘Bellicose’ N. Korea Forcing US Hand – State Dept. RIA Novosti 05 Apr 2013 -- The United States said Thursday that statements by the North Korean government have forced Washington to respond by boosting its military defenses.
U.S. Slammed for Slandering DPRK's Nukes: Minju Joson KCNA 05 Apr 2013 -- U.S. high-ranking politicians terming the DPRK's access to nuclear weapons "a violation of the UN Security Council's resolutions" and "threat to global peace and security".
Provocateurs Can Not Escape Ultimate Doom: Rodong Sinmun KCNA 05 Apr 2013 -- The March 30 special statement declared the firm stance that the north-south relations would be put at the state of war and all the issues arousing between the north and the south be dealt with according to the wartime regulations.

Assistance to Syrian refugees in Jordan threatened by lack of funding – UN UN News Centre 05 Apr 2013 -- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) today warned that it may be forced to stop humanitarian assistance to more than 100,000 Syrian refugees in Jordan due to insufficient funds.
Activists: Regime Forces Attack Damascus District VOA 05 Apr 2013 -- Activists say Syrian government forces have attacked a key neighborhood of Damascus.
Syria Needs Negotiations to Stop ‘Massacre’ – Putin RIA Novosti 05 Apr 2013 -- Russia is not looking to oust Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad and wants the conflicting parties to negotiate.
Jordan boosts security along Syria border after Damascus warning PressTV 05 Apr 2013 -- Jordan has increased security along its border with Syria.

Over 37,000 people have fled Central African Republic since December – UN UN News Centre 05 Apr 2013 -- Since violence flared up again in the Central African Republic in December, more than 37,000 people have fled the country.
Refugees from CAR and Mali Flee Instability VOA 05 Apr 2013 -- The United Nations Refugee Agency, UNHCR, said they are continuing to see influxes of refugees from the Central African Republic pouring into neighboring countries.

Nigeria Ponders Amnesty for Boko Haram Militants VOA 05 Apr 2013 -- Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan has set up a committee to investigate the possibility of granting a general amnesty to militants from the group known as Boko Haram.

South Sudan must do more to protect civilians in Jonglei, UN says UN News Centre 05 Apr 2013 -- The Government of South Sudan must do more to protect communities at risk for attacks and bring the guilty to justice.

Clashes in Pakistan leave 14 militants, four soldiers dead IRNA 05 Apr 2013 -- Clashes erupted between Pakistani forces and the Taliban fighters in Khyber tribal region which killed 14 militants and four soldiers, officials said.

Palestinian Tensions Simmer Ahead of Kerry Visit VOA 05 Apr 2013 -- Islamist group Hamas urged a United Nations agency to resume its operations in the Gaza Strip.
UN urged to resume aid to Palestinians PressTV 05 Apr 2013 -- Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has called on the United Nations to resume its food aid for thousands of Palestinian refugees in the besieged Gaza Strip.
UN halts food distribution in Gaza Strip after protests PressTV 05 Apr 2013-- The United Nations has halted food distribution among tens of thousands of Palestinian refugees in the besieged Gaza Strip after demonstrators protesting aid cuts stormed a UN compound.

UN peacekeepers agree with Governments of Côte d'Ivoire and Liberia to strengthen security UN News Centre 05 Apr 2013 -- Two United Nations peacekeeping missions and the Governments of Côte d'Ivoire and Liberia today agreed to mutually reinforce security along the border in light of recent attacks against neighbouring villages and towns, and to conduct joint riverine and land border patrols.

News Reports

No Breakthrough at Iran Nuclear Talks VOA 05 Apr 2013 -- Iran and world powers failed to reach any major breakthrough during the first day of talks aimed at finding a resolution to Tehran's controversial nuclear program.
Iran Makes No Response to Nuclear Offers in Talks VOA 05 Apr 2013 -- Talks seeking to find a resolution to Iran's controversial disputed nuclear program showed little signs of progress.
Iran, World Powers At Odds Over Nuclear Proposal VOA 05 Apr 2013 -- World powers and Iran still appeared far apart in negotiations on Tehran's nuclear program that were aimed at calming tensions which could boil over into war.
P5+1 expect Iran to give positive response to proposal: EU official PressTV 05 Apr 2013 -- A senior EU official says the P5+1 group of world powers wants Iran to give a positive response to the group's proposal.
Iran-P5+1 talks encouraging: Russia PressTV 05 Apr 2013 -- Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich has put a positive light on current negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 group of world powers.
Iran offered specific proposals to P5+1: Baqeri PressTV 05 Apr 2013 -- Iran has offered the P5+1 group of world powers specific proposals for a breakthrough in the new round of comprehensive talks which are underway between the two sides in the Kazakh city of Almaty.
Iran offers in Almaty based on its Moscow proposal: SNSC Deputy IRNA 05 Apr 2013 -- Iran offers for the start of new rounds of cooperation with the G5+1 are based on its Moscow proposal.
Iran Announces ‘New’ Nuclear Program Proposals RIA Novosti 05 Apr 2013 -- Iran said it voiced new proposals concerning its nuclear program to the group of six international negotiators comprising five permanent UN Security Council members and Germany.
Iran, P5+1 wrap up first day of talks in Almaty PressTV 05 Apr 2013 -- Iran and the P5+1 group of world powers have wrapped up the first day of the comprehensive talks in the Kazakh city of Almaty with the main focus on Iran’s nuclear energy program.
First round of fresh talks between Iran, G5+1 end in Almaty IRNA 05 Apr 2013 -- First round of fresh talks between Iran and G5+1 ended in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Iran Nuclear Talks Begin in Kazakhstan VOA 05 Apr 2013 -- World powers and Iran have begun two days of talks on Tehran's nuclear program.
World Powers And Iran Meet For Nuclear Talks RFE/RL 05 Apr 2013 -- World powers and Iran are holding a fresh round of talks on Tehran's controversial nuclear program in Kazakhstan.
Iran Nuclear Talks Resume in Kazakhstan RIA Novosti 05 Apr 2013 -- A new round of talks between Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany opens in the Kazakhstan city of Almaty.
What's On The Table At The Almaty Nuclear Talks? RFE/RL 05 Apr 2013 -- Iran and the world powers are meeting in Almaty on April 5 and 6 to once more seek a solution to the Iranian nuclear crisis.
Nuclear activities excuse for West to impede Tehran’s scientific progress IRNA 05 Apr 2013 -- Nuclear Program is an excuse for the West to impede Iranian nations’ scientific progresses, Deputy Head of the AEOI Ahmadian said.
Iran's President to Hold Large Rally Amid Speculation About His Successor RFE/RL 05 Apr 2013 -- On April 15 all eyes will be on Tehran's Azadi Stadium, where the Iranian government is reportedly planning to hold a large gathering.

Kerry Trip Focuses on Israel-Turkey Relations VOA 05 Apr 2013 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is traveling to the Middle East with planned stops in Istanbul along with Jerusalem and Ramallah.

Egypt Wants to Fortify Ties with Sudan VOA 05 Apr 2013 -- Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi has met with Sudanese leaders in Khartoum, vowing to solidify ties between the two countries, which at one time were united.

In Pakistan, Musharraf Faces More Setbacks VOA 05 Apr 2013 -- Former Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf bid to run for parliament in the country's upcoming elections is running into trouble.
Pakistan bars Musharraf from contesting in Kasur constituency PressTV 05 Apr 2013 -- Pakistan’s election commission has barred former President Pervez Musharraf from contesting polls in Kasur constituency while a treason complaint against him is to be probed.
Pakistani Supreme Court To Hear Treason Petition Against Musharraf RFE/RL 05 Apr 2013 -- Pakistan's top court has accepted a treason case against former President Pervez Musharraf.
Rights Commission Documents More than 900 Honor Killings In Pakistan RFE/RL 05 Apr 2013 -- The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan says hundreds of women were killed in so-called honor killings in the country last year.

Chaos inevitable in Myanmar: Presidential spokesman PressTV 05 Apr 2013 -- Myanmar says the deadly ethnic violence in the Asian country is ‘unavoidable’ as the Naypyidaw is undergoing a transition to democracy following the end of authoritarian military rule two years ago.

8 Dead in Sectarian Violence at Indonesian Detention Center VOA 05 Apr 2013 -- A deadly clash between Burmese Buddhists and Muslims being held at an immigration detention center in Indonesia has put authorities on alert.

Zimbabwe Court Rules Out By-Elections VOA 05 Apr 2013 -- Zimbabwe’s High Court has ruled that President Robert Mugabe can postpone by-elections for vacant parliament seats which a superior court had ordered last year.

Otunbaeva Allowed Ousted Kyrgyz President Bakiev To Leave RFE/RL 05 Apr 2013 -- Kyrgyzstan's former President Roza Otunbaeva says she allowed ousted leader Kurmanbek Bakiev to leave the country in 2010.

Russia Will Not Stray From Democracy’s Path - Putin RIA Novosti 05 Apr 2013 -- President Vladimir Putin insisted that the Kremlin was committed to the goal of democratic development.

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