13 May 2013 Military News

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OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 13 May 2013 [PDF]

Readout of Deputy Secretary Carter’s Meeting with Afghan President Hamid Karzai DoD 13 May 2013
Carter Meets With Karzai, Military Leaders AFPS 13 May 2013 -- Deputy Defense Secretary Ash Carter met today with Afghan President Hamid Karzai at Afghanistan’s presidential palace.
Combined Force in Kandahar Province Arrests Taliban Leader AFPS 13 May 2013 -- A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader and two other insurgents in the Dand district of Afghanistan’s Kandahar province.
Afghan AF rises to combat test AFNS 13 May 2013 -- Afghan air force Mi-17 helicopters arrive, engage insurgents with suppressing air-ground fire and successfully retrieve the soldier and his team.
Afghans meet to discuss reintegration Army News 13 May 2013 -- Afghan leaders from southern Kandahar province and International Security Assistance Force leaders gathered to learn about the Afghan Peace and Reconciliation Program.
US-Afghan ties strained over charges of soldier's role in torture, killings PressTV 13 May 2013 -- Dispute between US and Afghan officials over the involvement of a member of an American Special Forces unit in torture and murder of alleged Afghan insurgents has strained ties .
Afghanistan Summons Iranian Ambassador Over Alleged Border Killings RFE/RL 13 May 2013 -- Iran's ambassador to Afghanistan has visited the Foreign Ministry in Kabul after being summoned over the reported killing of Afghan migrants by Iranian border guards.
Iran border police deny killing Afghan migrants on border PressTV 13 May 2013 -- Iranian border police have denied reports of killing a group of Afghans trying to illegally cross the border into the Islamic Republic.
Turkey says Taliban frees four Turks kidnapped in Afghanistan PressTV 13 May 2013 -- Turkey says the Taliban militants have released four of the eight Turkish nationals they had kidnapped in a helicopter crash landing in Afghanistan in April.
Taliban Says Remaining Turkish Hostages To Be Freed Soon RFE/RL 13 May 2013 -- Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan say they will soon release the remaining four of eight Turks they captured last month.
Three Georgian Soldiers Killed In Afghanistan Attack RFE/RL 13 May 2013 -- Georgia's defense minister has announced that three Georgian soldiers were killed and several injured in a combined attack by militants on their base in southern Afghanistan.
Roadside Blast Kills 10 Civilians in S. Afghanistan VOA 13 May 2013 -- Authorities in southern Afghanistan say a roadside bomb has killed at least 10 civilians and wounded 12 others.
Two new Afghan National Police fire stations complete in Herat province Army News 13 May 2013 -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed construction of two, new Afghan National Police fire stations in Herat province May 5, well ahead of schedule.

Defense Policy / Programs

Remarks by President Obama and Prime Minister Cameron of the United Kingdom in Joint Press Conference The White House 13 May 2013
Obama, British Prime Minister Reaffirm Security Commitment AFPS 13 May 2013 -- President Barack Obama met today with British Prime Minister David Cameron to discuss shared peace in the Middle East, future roles in Afghanistan and other global security developments.
Department of Defense News Briefing with Lt. Gen. Wiercinski from the Pentagon DoD 13 May 2013
Joint press briefing by NATO Secretary Anders Fogh Rasmussen and new SACEUR General Breedlove at the change of command ceremony (followed by Q&A session) NATO 13 May 2013
On Familiar Turf, Breedlove Stresses Partnership AFPS 13 May 2013 -- NATO’s new supreme allied commander for operations is no stranger to the alliance or to Europe.
NATO Stresses Continuity as Breedlove Succeeds Stavridis AFPS 13 May 2013 -- NATO’s focus will remain squarely on Afghanistan as Air Force Gen. Philip M. Breedlove succeeds Navy Adm. James G. Stavridis as the alliance’s supreme allied commander.
Stavridis Highlights NATO’s Progress as ‘Force for Good’ AFPS 13 May 2013 -- As the flags of NATO’s 28 nations cracked in the wind during a change of command ceremony, the alliance’s outgoing and incoming supreme allied commanders noted the symbolism.
S.Korea, US Begin Joint Naval Exercises - Agency RIA Novosti 13 May 2013 -- South Korea and the United States started on Monday two-day joint naval exercises off the east coast involving a US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.
South Korea, US launch two-day naval exercise amid regional tensions PressTV 13 May 2013 -- The United States and South Korea have launched a two-day naval exercise in the waters around the Korean Peninsula amid regional tensions.
Road to Africa in 2014 started in Italy this year for New York Army National Guard Soldiers Army News 13 May 2013 -- The road to Central Africa for 70 members of the New York Army National Guard's 369th Sustainment Brigade in 2014, began in Italy in April.
Cyber Threat Top Concern for NATO VOA 13 May 2013 -- The departing top NATO military commander has listed cyber security as the number one challenge for the coming years.
Annual Wildfire Exercise Demonstrates Joint Firefighting Capability NNS 13 May 2013 -- U.S. Third Fleet and I Marine Expeditionary Force's 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing assets participated in a wildfire training exercise with CAL FIRE and the San Diego Sheriff's Department.

Putin Vows Snap Military Drills in Future – Kremlin RIA Novosti 13 May 2013 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the results of the recent surprise military drills.
Prosecutor Asks Minister to Dismiss Defense Company Boss RIA Novosti 13 May 2013 -- Russia's chief military prosecutor has asked Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to dismiss a senior defense industry boss.
Russian Pacific Fleet Warships to Enter Mediterranean RIA Novosti 13 May 2013 -- A group of warships from Russia’s Pacific Fleet is about to deploy to the Mediterranean Sea for the first time in decades.
Russian Military Inspectors to Fly Over Bulgaria RIA Novosti 13 May 2013 -- Russian military inspectors will make a surveillance flight over the territory of Bulgaria under the international Open Skies Treaty.

British Inspectors to Overfly Russia RIA Novosti 13 May 2013 -- Military inspectors from the UK will carry out observation flights over Russian territory this week under the international Open Skies Treaty, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
HMS Northumberland returns home from seven-month patrol UK MOD 13 May 2013 -- There was jubilation at Devonport Naval Base on Friday, 10 May, as HMS Northumberland returned home from a deployment to the Middle East.

India to procure 100 self-propelled howitzers for army IRNA 13 May 2013 -- India will procure 100 self-propelled howitzers for Army in a deal expected to be worth over Rs 2000 crore.
Indian Army chopper crashes at Siachen; both pilots safe IRNA 13 May 2013 -- An Army helicopter, on air maintenance operations, crashed this morning in the icy heights of Siachen glacier but both the pilots survived.

Military plane crashes in Yemeni capital PressTV 13 May 2013 -- A Yemeni military aircraft has faced a technical glitch and gone down in a residential neighborhood of the capital, Sana’a.

U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing, May 13, 2013 US Dept. of State 13 May 2013

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for May 13, 2013

Other Conflicts

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 13 May 2013 United Nations 13 May 2013
Growing threats across Africa UN News Centre 13 May 2013 -- From the Horn of Africa in the east and across the Sahel to the west, terrorism continues to pose a threat to the continent.

US, Britain Vow to Create New, Democratic Syria VOA 13 May 2013 -- U.S. President Barack Obama says the U.S. and Britain will move ahead with plans to further help the Syrian opposition and build a new Syria without President Bashar al-Assad.
Obama, Cameron Urge Russia to Join Syria Peace Effort RIA Novosti 13 May 2013 -- US President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron urged Moscow to join an international effort to end the civil war in Syria.
Experts Analyze Issues Surrounding US Syria Intervention VOA 13 May 2013 -- President Barack Obama is under increasing pressure to intervene in Syria’s civil war, either by ordering air strikes on government targets, arming the opposition or setting up a no-fly zone.
Western Stance on Syria Becomes More Realistic - PM Jamil RIA Novosti 13 May 2013 -- The United States and European countries have changed their stance on the Syrian civil war to a “more realistic” one, Syrian Prime Minister Qadri Jamil said.
Russian President, Israeli Premier to Talk Syria RIA Novosti 13 May 2013 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday to discuss the crisis in Syria.
ICRC: Many Armed Groups Hold Swathes of North Syria VOA 13 May 2013 -- Syria's rebels are fragmented into hundreds of armed groups who control swathes of the north, while government forces appear to have consolidated their hold on the capital.
Activists: Syrian Troops Oust Rebels from Southern Town VOA 13 May 2013 -- A Syrian rights group says government forces have ousted rebels from a southern town on a strategic highway connecting Damascus to the Jordanian border.
"Sometimes you cannot apply the rules" - Syrian rebels and IHL IRIN 13 May 2013 -- Syrian rebels facing increasing criticism for violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law turn for guidance on the laws of war to a combination of Islamic law, IHL, and their own sense of righteousness.
Syrian rebels on IHL: In their own words IRIN 13 May 2013 -- Like Syrian regime forces, Syria’s multitude of rebel fighters have faced growing criticism in recent months over violations of international humanitarian law.
Syrian Refugees Fear Backlash in Turkey After Bombings VOA 13 May 2013 -- Syrian refugees in Turkey say they fear a backlash after car bombings that killed 50 people and wounded many others over the weekend in a border town.
Turkey's Support for Syrian Opposition Under Fire VOA 13 May 2013 -- The twin car bombings in the town of Reyhanli, near Turkey's border with Syria, killed 48 and injured more than 100, and have increased fears that Turkey is being dragged into Syria's civil war.
Turkey-Syria Tensions Over Bombings RFE/RL 13 May 2013 -- Turkey says nine Turkish citizens with links to the Syrian intelligence services have been arrested in connection with the Reyhanli bombings.
Turkey arrests nine suspects over Reyhanli bombings PressTV 13 May 2013 -- Turkey’s security forces have detained nine Turkish citizens suspected of involvement in two recent car bomb attacks in the southern town of Reyhanli, where nearly 50 people died.
Turkish fighter jet crash near Syria border PressTV 13 May 2013 -- Turkish military says an F-16 fighter jet that went missing earlier this day, has crashed in the southern part of the country near the Syria border.

Powerful Nuclear Deterrence Serves as Eternal Treasure Common to Nation: Rodong Sinmun KCNA 13 May 2013 -- Nuclear deterrence of the DPRK serves as eternal treasure of the nation that can never be bartered for anything.

Nigeria's Islamists Stage Bolder, Deadlier Comeback VOA 13 May 2013 -- After a crackdown pushed them out of Nigeria's northern cities, Islamist militant group Boko Haram have regrouped, rearmed and are staging a bold comeback.

Analysis: Somali security sector reform IRIN 13 May 2013 -- At the Somalia Conference held in London last week, British Prime Minister David Cameron pledged over US$50 million to help rebuild Somalia’s armed forces, police and judiciary.

'We are Fighting to be Given Our Own State' - Yau Yau VOA 13 May 2013 -- Rebel leader David Yau Yau said he is fighting for a separate state for ethnic minorities who are deprived of their rights in South Sudan.

U.S. in contact with both Taiwan, Philippines on shooting incident CNA 13 May 2013 -- The United States regrets the tragic death of a Taiwanese fisherman during a confrontation at sea with a Philippine vessel on May 9, and it has been in touch with both sides.
Taiwan's navy to extend patrol area southward to Bashi Channel CNA 13 May 2013 -- Taiwan's navy will extend its patrol area by 100 nautical miles southward to the south of the Bashi Channel and go beyond the current ROC Air Defense Identification Zone.
Navy to have more frigates patrolling in waters south of Taiwan CNA 13 May 2013 -- Taiwan's Navy will send two more frigates to join ships already on patrol in waters south of Taiwan.
President reiterates threats if Manila fails to respond CNA 13 May 2013 -- President Ma reiterated that Taiwan will take action against the Philippines if it fails to respond by to Taiwan's demands.
Philippine envoy to return to Taiwan Tuesday CNA 13 May 2013 -- The Philippines' representative to Taiwan, Antonio Basilio, who returned to Manila to discuss the handling of a diplomatic row, will return to Taiwan on Tuesday.
Taiwan Gives Philippines Apology Deadline After Seaman Killed VOA 13 May 2013 -- Taiwan’s foreign ministry gave the Philippines a 72-hour deadline, effective Tuesday, to apologize publicly for an incident in the Luzon Strait that separates the two fishing-intensive regions.

Chinese ships once again approach disputed islands: Japan’s coast guard PressTV 13 May 2013 -- Japan’s coast guard says it has detected three Chinese ships in the waters around the disputed islands in the East China Sea.

Ex-Combatants Face Uncertain Future Ivory Coast VOA 13 May 2013 -- Officials in Ivory Coast have begun disarming ex-combatants from the country’s decade-long political crisis.

Libya: UN mission condemns bombing in Benghazi UN News Centre 13 May 2013 -- The United Nations Assistance Mission in Libya strongly condemned the bombing in Benghazi.
Car Bomb Hits Libya's Benghazi VOA 13 May 2013 -- A Libyan official says a car bomb has exploded outside a hospital in the eastern city of Benghazi, killing at least nine people.

Israel tanks, bulldozers invade northeast Gaza Strip PressTV 13 May 2013 -- Israeli tanks and bulldozers have carried out an incursion into northeastern areas of the Gaza Strip, local sources say.
UN expert urges Israel to stop highway construction through Palestinian community UN News Centre 13 May 2013 -- A United Nations independent expert called on Israel to immediately halt construction of a settlement highway.

In Lebanon, head of UN peacekeeping hails collaboration between UN, local forces UN News Centre 13 May 2013 -- The United Nations peacekeeping chief lauded the efforts of UN “blue helmets” in maintaining peace along the so-called Blue Line separating Israel and Lebanon.

Belgrade Urges Serbs To Accept EU-Brokered Kosovo Deal RFE/RL 13 May 2013 -- Serbia's Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic has urged Serbs living in northern Kosovo to accept an EU-brokered agreement on normalizing relations between Belgrade and Pristina.

Islamic Separatist Commander Goes On Trial In North Caucasus RFE/RL 13 May 2013 -- The trial has begun of one of the top lieutenants of Doku Umarov, the Islamic insurgency leader in Russia's North Caucasus.

News Reports

New Pakistan Government Will Face Serious Challenges VOA 13 May 2013 -- Two-time former Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, is poised to become Pakistan’s head of government for a record third time.
Pakistani Leader Wants Good US Relations VOA 13 May 2013 -- The conservative politician poised to become Pakistan's next prime minister says he wants to continue good relations with the United States.
India Looks for Easier Relations Under Sharif VOA 13 May 2013 -- It was 14 years ago when Nawaz Sharif was prime minister in Islamabad that Pakistan and India initiated the process of normalizing their ties.
Sharif Calls For Warmer Ties With India, U.S. RFE/RL 13 May 2013 -- Nawaz Sharif, the Pakistani politician poised to become the country's next prime minister, says he wants to ease deep-running mistrust with India.
Profile: Who Is Nawaz Sharif? RFE/RL 13 May 2013 -- In an astounding turnaround, Nawaz Sharif is set to begin a record third term as Pakistani prime minister after the country's historic May 11 elections.
Pakistan: Bomb Misses Police Chief RFE/RL 13 May 2013 -- Officials say the police chief of Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan Province has narrowly escaped a suicide bomb attack.

Iran Expects 'Progress' in UN Nuclear Talks, West Skeptical VOA 13 May 2013 -- Iran expects progress will be made in talks this week with the United Nations' atomic agency.
Rafsanjani Candidacy Draws Fire From Iran's Hard-Liners RFE/RL 13 May 2013 -- Influential former President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani has drawn sharp criticism from Iran's ruling establishment.
Ahmadinejad's presence at Interior Min legally OK IRNA 13 May 2013 -- Government spokesman said president's attendance at Interior Ministry Sunday was quite alright legally speaking.
Iran’s President Will Not Face Flogging – Spokesman RIA Novosti 13 May 2013 -- An Iranian government spokesman has dismissed a media report claiming President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad could face 74 lashes for breaking the country's election rules.
Iran's Ahmadinejad May Face Charges Over Election Appearance With Aide VOA 13 May 2013 -- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad may face charges for accompanying an ally to register for the June presidential vote.
Iran's Guardians Council Might Seek Charges Against Ahmadinejad RFE/RL 13 May 2013 -- Iran's constitutional watchdog says it might seek to press charges against President Mahmud Ahmadinejad for violating election rules.
Iran MPs take legal action against Ahmadinejad PressTV 13 May 2013 -- A group of Iranian lawmakers have filed a complaint with the judiciary against President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for violating the Election Law.
Iran First VP pulls out of June presidential race PressTV 13 May 2013 -- Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad-Reza Rahimi has withdrawn from the 11th presidential election due to the heavy burden of his executive responsibilities.
Coalition of Three may support Jalili in presidential vote: Haddad-Adel PressTV 13 May 2013 -- A member of the Coalition of Three has suggested that the group may support Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili for the June vote.
Vetting of Iran’s presidential hopefuls underway: Guardian Council PressTV 13 May 2013 -- Iran’s Guardian Council Spokesman Abbas Ali Kadkhodaei says the supervisory body has begun the vetting process of hopefuls for the upcoming presidential election.
UN experts urge Iranian authorities to free jailed Baha’i community leaders UN News Centre 13 May 2013 -- A group of independent United Nations experts reiterated its call on Iranian authorities for the immediate release of seven Baha’i community leaders.

Letter - Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Yemen The White House 13 May 2013
Notice - Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Yemen The White House 13 May 2013

Saudi Arabia to Punish Men Over Christian Woman Convert VOA 13 May 2013 -- A court in Saudi Arabia has sentenced two men to lashes and prison terms for converting a woman to Christianity and helping her flee the conservative Islamic kingdom.

Philippines Holds Elections Crucial for Aquino Reforms VOA 13 May 2013 -- The Philippines held midterm legislative elections Monday that are seen as a test of President Benigno Aquino’s influence in both houses of Congress

Political Storm Brews in Madagascar VOA 13 May 2013 -- A political storm is brewing again on the Indian Ocean island of Madagascar.

Uganda Parliament to Review Justices Candidates VOA 13 May 2013 -- Uganda’s parliament plans to start work reviewing President Yoweri Museveni’s list of justices to fill vacant positions at the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and the High Court.
Uganda Opposition Leader Blames President Museveni for Tension VOA 13 May 2013 -- A Ugandan opposition leader says frustration within the rank and file of the Ugandan People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) is creating tension in the country.

Political dialogue vital to enable peaceful, credible polls in Bangladesh – UN official UN News Centre 13 May 2013 -- A senior United Nations official stressed the urgent need for more meaningful and constructive political dialogue in Bangladesh.

Conservatives Poised to Re-take Charge of Bulgaria Legislature VOA 13 May 2013 -- With most of the votes counted in Bulgaria's parliamentary elections held Sunday, the conservative GERB party looks to have won.
Further Bulgarian Instability Expected After Inconclusive Vote RFE/RL 13 May 2013 -- Bulgaria appears headed for more political and economic instability after inconclusive early elections in the European Union’s poorest member state.

South Korea President Apologizes for Scandal VOA 13 May 2013 -- A scandal embroiling South Korean President Park Geun-hye's administration is threatening the jobs of some of her senior officials.

Guatemala: UN rights chief welcomes ‘historic’ genocide conviction of former military leader UN News Centre 13 May 2013 -- The top United Nations human rights official welcomed the conviction of José Efraín Ríos Montt, Guatemala’s former de facto head of State.

Georgia’s Ruling Coalition Unveils Dark Horse Presidential Candidate RFE/RL 13 May 2013 -- Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili announced on May 11 that his Georgian Dream coalition has chosen as its candidate for the October presidential election.

Prosecutors Reopen Murder Case Against Tymoshenko RIA Novosti 13 May 2013 -- The Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office reopened a murder case against jailed former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko.

Cameron Moves to Quell Party Revolt over Europe VOA 13 May 2013 -- British Prime Minister David Cameron moved to end a revolt over European Union membership in his ruling Conservative party.

Italian Prosecutor Seeks 6-year Jail Term for Berlusconi VOA 13 May 2013 -- Italian prosecutors called for a six-year jail sentence and a lifetime ban on holding public office for former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, charged with abuse of office and paying for sex with a minor.

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