15 May 2013 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
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Current Operations

OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 15 May 2013 [PDF]

Afghan, Coalition Forces Wound Taliban Leader, Kill Insurgents AFPS 15 May 2013 -- A combined Afghan and coalition security force wounded a Taliban leader and killed two other insurgents in the Qush Tepah district of Afghanistan’s Jowzjan province.
Department of Defense Press Briefing with Maj. Gen. Thomas from the Pentagon DoD 15 May 2013
Special Ops Task Force Helps Shift Afghanistan Trend Line AFPS 15 May 2013 -- Quiet professionals of the special operations community remain committed to a variety of missions there through the end of 2014 and beyond.
Special Ops Chief Cites Progress, Challenges in Afghanistan AFPS 15 May 2013 -- Navy Adm. William H. McRaven, the Socom commander, told a forum of special operators and defense contractors that it all starts with winning the current fight in Afghanistan.
Dempsey Discusses Transition to Post-ISAF Afghanistan AFPS 15 May 2013 -- The NATO chiefs of defense discussed what the post-2014 alliance presence in Afghanistan will look like and how it could work.
Kabul rejects Washington’s denial of requesting military bases PressTV 15 May 2013 -- Afghanistan has rejected statements released by the US Embassy in Kabul, denying that Washington had requested to keep nine military bases in the war-torn country.
US building military base in Afghanistan near Iran border PressTV 15 May 2013 -- The United States is building a military base in Afghanistan near the border with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Kabul Rejects Report That It Levied $1 Billion In Taxes On Contractors RFE/RL 15 May 2013 -- The Afghan Finance Minister has rejected a report by a U.S. government watchdog that Kabul has levied nearly $ 1 billion in illegitimate taxes on contractors.
Karzai welcomes Britain's planned troop pullout PressTV 15 May 2013 -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai has welcomed a planned partial withdrawal of British troops from his war-ravaged country next year.
Three killed in US-led airstrike in western Afghanistan PressTV 15 May 2013 -- A US-led airstrike has killed at least three people in the town of Shindand in western Afghanistan’s Herat Province.

Khan's Party Plans Taliban Talks In Northwest Province RFE/RL 15 May 2013 -- The Pakistani political party led by former cricket star Imran Khan is reportedly planning to hold immediate talks with the Taliban.

White House Releases Benghazi E-mails VOA 15 May 2013 -- President Barack Obama moved to head off the controversy over his administration's response to last year's terrorist attack on a U.S. diplomatic facility in Libya.

Defense Policy / Programs

Readout of Secretary Hagel’s Meeting with Bosnia-Herzegovina Minister of Defense Zekerijah Osmic DoD 15 May 2013
US test flies drone off of aircraft carrier for first time PressTV 15 May 2013 -- The US military has conducted a test flight of a drone as large as a fighter jet off the deck of an American aircraft carrier.
New Authority Supports Global Special Operations Network AFPS 15 May 2013 -- New arrangement gives U.S. Special Operations Command responsibility for manning, training and equipping special operators assigned to regional combatant commands.
Defense Officials Aim to Reduce Adverse Effects of Furloughs AFPS 15 May 2013 -- Senior defense officials emphasized their goal to reduce adverse effects on the workforce and the mission.
Navy Accepts Delivery of USNS Montford Point NNS 15 May 2013 -- The Navy accepted delivery of the first Mobile Landing Platform, USNS Montford Point (MLP 1), from General Dynamics-NASSCO, May 14, in San Diego, Calif.
USS San Antonio Participates in IMCMEX 13 NNS 15 May 2013 -- The amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio departed Bahrain in support of the International Mine Countermeasures Exercise 2013, May 14.
U.S. 5th Fleet Concludes Maritime Symposium NNS 15 May 2013 -- U.S. Naval Forces Central Command hosted the sixth Maritime Infrastructure Protection Symposium.
New National Strategy for the Arctic Region has Implications for Navy NNS 15 May 2013 -- The White House released a new National Strategy for the Arctic Region.
Pearl Harbor Sets Sail for Pacific Partnership 2013 NNS 15 May 2013 -- The amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) departed its homeport of Naval Station San Diego, May 14, as the command platform for Pacific Partnership 2013.
15th MEU Marines welcomed by family, friends after completing deployment USMC News 15 May 2013 -- Marines attached to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit were welcomed home by their families and friends at Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton, May 13.
Official Addresses Diminishing Government Frequency Spectrum AFPS 15 May 2013 -- The Defense Department must adjust amid shrinking bandwidth and budgets, a Defense Information Systems Agency official said.
Vehicles to serve as reminder of MRAP legacy Army News 15 May 2013 -- Three Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles were delivered to the armor restoration shop on Sand Hill last month.
Executive Order - 2013 Amendments to the Manual for Courts-Martial, United States The White House 15 May 2013
Hagel Orders Retraining of Recruiters, Sexual Assault Responders AFPS 15 May 2013 -- Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has ordered the services to retrain, re-credential and rescreen all sexual assault prevention and response personnel and military recruiters.
Dempsey: Sexual Assault Constitutes Crisis in Military AFPS 15 May 2013 -- Sexual assault in the force constitutes a crisis in the military, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

Russia Puts Finishing Touches on Indian Aircraft Carrier RIA Novosti 15 May 2013 -- The aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya has been put in a dry dock at Russia’s Sevmash shipyard for “cosmetic” repairs ahead of final sea trials and delivery to the Indian navy later this year.
Russia to Showcase T-90S Tank at Arms Show in Peru RIA Novosti 15 May 2013 -- Russia will exhibit its modernized T-90S main battle tank along with a score of other advanced military equipment at an arms exhibition in Peru.

Press conference by the Chairman of the Military Committee, General Knud Bartels following the 169th meeting of the Military Committee in Chiefs of Staff session - Opening remarks NATO 15 May 2013
Germany cancels USD1.3 billion purchase of US-made drones PressTV 15 May 2013 -- Germany’s defense ministry has cancelled plans to purchase and modify US-made Global Hawk drones for 1 billion euros.
HMS Daring prepares for Pacific deployment UK MOD 15 May 2013 -- Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer HMS Daring is gearing up for a wide-ranging deployment to the Far East and beyond.
HMS Edinburgh returns to her namesake city for final visit UK MOD 15 May 2013 -- The Royal Navy's last Type 42 destroyer is visiting Edinburgh this week for the final time before retiring from the fleet next month.

Taiwan sends naval vessels for drill in waters off Philippines CNA 15 May 2013 -- The Navy dispatched two vessels to participate in a drill set for the following day in waters south of Taiwan.
Air Force pilot safe after F-16 crashes offshore CNA 15 May 2013 -- An Air Force single-seater F-16 jet fighter crashed into waters southwest of Chiayi in southern Taiwan, but its pilot ejected to safety.

Kim Jong-un's shake-up aimed at solidifying grip on military: Experts Arirang 15 May 2013 -- This is the third time the reclusive regime has named a new head of the armed forces since last April.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 5/15/2013 The White House 15 May 2013
U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing, May 15, 2013 US Dept. of State 15 May 2013

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for May 15, 2013
Students Aim for Aviation History with Human-Powered Helicopter VOA 15 May 2013 -- Students at the University of Maryland want to make aviation history by building the world's first human-powered helicopter.

Other Conflicts

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 15 May 2013 United Nations 15 May 2013

UNGA demands halt to all violence in Syria UN News Centre 15 May 2013 -- The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution reiterating its call for rapid progress on a political transition.
International Community Urges Political Transition in Syria VOA 15 May 2013 -- Support for Syria’s opposition was weaker than previously, with a symbolic resolution garnering less outright support and nearly double the abstentions than a similar vote nine months ago.
Kerry, Lavrov Confident About Syrian Peace Plan VOA 15 May 2013 -- The United States and Russia say they believe they will soon convene peace talks to end the violence in Syria.
New Conference on Syria May Be Held in Geneva – Lavrov RIA Novosti 15 May 2013 -- An international conference on Syria at a ministerial level may be held in Geneva if both sides of the Syrian conflict agree to participate in the event.
UN Set for Syria Vote VOA 15 May 2013 -- The United Nations General Assembly is expected to adopt a resolution Wednesday condemning the continued violence in Syria and calling on the country's government to give access to U.N. investigators.
CIS Security Services to Track Syria Mercenaries - FSB RIA Novosti 15 May 2013 -- The security services of the Commonwealth of Independent States member states will be closely monitoring the movement of mercenaries from CIS nations fighting in Syria.
Tehran to host friends of Syria meeting on May 29: Iran FM PressTV 15 May 2013 -- Iran Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi says the meeting of the Friends of Syria will be held in Iranian capital, Tehran, in the near future.

Donors Pledge $4.2 Billion for Mali VOA 15 May 2013 -- International donors have pledged more than $4.2 billion to help Mali rebuild after a conflict with Islamist militant groups.
Ban pledges UN commitment to stable, prosperous Mali in message to Brussels meeting UN News Centre 15 May 2013 -- The United Nations is committed to ensuring a stable and prosperous future for Mali, Secretary-General Ban said.

CAR: UN envoy urges Security Council to bolster security, consider sanctions against rebels UN News Centre 15 May 2013 -- A neutral security force is urgently needed to help restore the stability and counter the absence of law and order in the Central African Republic.

Nigerians Welcome and Fear Emergency Rule in North VOA 15 May 2013 -- The day after Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan declared emergency rule in some of the country’s most volatile regions, some locals have high hopes.
Nigeria Responds to Upsurge in Boko Haram Violence VOA 15 May 2013 -- Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has declared a state of emergency in three northern Nigerian states and ordered the immediate deployment of more troops.

UN 'Deeply Concerned' Over Jonglei Unrest VOA 15 May 2013 -- The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has voiced "deep concern" about the deteriorating security situation in Pibor County in Jonglei state.

Taiwan agencies impose further sanctions against Manila CNA 15 May 2013 -- Various Taiwan government agencies will suspend a raft of exchanges with the Philippines in a second wave of sanctions amid growing tensions between the two sides.
Envoy to the Philippines returns to Taiwan CNA 15 May 2013 -- Taiwan's representative to the Philippines Raymond Wang returned to Taiwan evening amid increasing row with the Philippines.
Philippine envoy apologizes to Taiwanese people CNA 15 May 2013 -- The chairman of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office extended an apology to the people of Taiwan over an attack by one of his government's vessels on a Taiwanese fishing boat.
Philippine President Apologizes for Taiwanese Fisherman Death VOA 15 May 2013 -- Philippine President Benigno Aquino has apologized to Taiwan for the shooting death of a Taiwanese fisherman by Manila's Coast Guard.

PKK Fighters Remain On Guard In Iraq RFE/RL 15 May 2013 -- Some 2,000 PKK fighters now in Turkey have been ordered to make the arduous trek to northern Iraq.
Several bomb attacks kill 10, injure 45 in Iraqi capital PressTV 15 May 2013 -- At least 10 people have been killed and 45 others injured after a series of car bomb attacks rocked different areas in the Iraqi capital city of Baghdad.
Attack kills 12, injures 3 in eastern Baghdad PressTV 15 May 2013-- A group of unknown gunmen have attacked a line of stores in eastern Baghdad in the Zayouna neighborhood, killing at least 12 people and injuring 3 others.
12 Killed in Iraq Bombings VOA 15 May 2013 -- Iraqi officials and hospital sources say a series of bomb blasts have killed at least 12 people and wounded 23 others.

Palestinians Mark 65 Years Since Displacement VOA 15 May 2013 -- Palestinians clashed with Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank during demonstrations to mark 65 years since what they call the Nakba ("catastrophe").
Clashes break out in West Bank on Nakba Day PressTV 15 May 2013 -- Clashes have erupted outside the Israeli-operated Ofer prison in northern West Bank after Israeli forces attacked Palestinians marking the 65th anniversary of the Nakba Day.

Landmine casualties rising in Kachin, Myanmar IRIN 15 May 2013 -- Former rebel fighter Lahpai Hkam has been in pain every day since a landmine destroyed his lower right leg during a battle with government soldiers 18 months ago in Myanmar’s northern Kachin State.

Readout of Vice President Biden’s Meeting with Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic The White House 15 May 2013

News Reports

Statement by the Press Secretary on the visit of President Thein Sein of Myanmar to the White House The White House 15 May 2013

Secretary Kerry Remarks at the Arctic Council Ministerial Session US Dept. of State 15 May 2013
Secretary Kerry Remarks with Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the Arctic Council Ministerial Session US Dept. of State 15 May 2013
Kiruna Declaration: On the Occasion of the Eighth Ministerial Meeting of the Arctic Council US Dept. of State 15 May 2013
Agreement on Cooperation on Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response in the Arctic US Dept. of State 15 May 2013
Foreign Ministers Meet Over Arctic’s Future RFE/RL 15 May 2013 -- Foreign ministers from the eight Arctic nations have met in Sweden to discuss problems posed by climate change and growing commercial activity.

US Official: China to Continue North Korea Sanctions VOA 15 May 2013 -- The top U.S. envoy on North Korea said China has indicated it will continue to implement U.N. sanctions against North Korea.
Abe Hints at Possibility of Summit with Kim Jong Un VOA 15 May 2013 -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has refused to comment on the nature of the Japanese delegation's visit to North Korea.
N.Korea Rejects Kaesong Talks RIA Novosti 15 May 2013 -- North Korea effectively dismissed Seoul’s proposal for negotiations on removal of production materials and finished goods from Kaesong.
Prospect of KIZ, North-South Relations Depends on Attitude of S. Korean Authorities: Spokesman KCNA 15 May 2013 -- The spokesman for the General Bureau for Central Guidance to the Development of the Special Zone gave an answer to a question put by KCNA.
North Korea: Detained US Citizen Begins Life at 'Special Prison' VOA 15 May 2013 -- North Korea says an American citizen sentenced to 15 years of hard labor has begun serving his sentence.
American Citizen Begins His Life at "Special Prison" KCNA 15 May 2013 -- Pae Jun Ho, an American citizen, started his life at a "special prison".

IAEA: No Breakthrough in Iran Nuclear Talks VOA 15 May 2013 -- A senior United Nations official says talks between the U.N. nuclear watchdog and Iran about Tehran's nuclear program failed to reach an agreement.
No Breakthrough In Iran-IAEA Talks RFE/RL 15 May 2013 -- Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency have failed to agree on the start of an investigation into Tehran's disputed nuclear program.
Parallel Talks Focus on Iranian Nuclear Program VOA 15 May 2013 -- Iran's nuclear program is the focus of two separate meetings.
IAEA, Ashton To Press Tehran Over Nuclear Program RFE/RL 15 May 2013 -- Iran faces international pressure in two separate meetings over its nuclear program on May 15.
IAEA set to resolve differences with Iran over N-program: Nackaerts PressTV 15 May 2013 -- A senior official at International Atomic Energy Agency says the IAEA will work hard to resolves differences with Iran over the Islamic Republic’s nuclear energy program.
Iran's Jalili arrives in Turkey to hold talks with EU’s Ashton PressTV 15 May 2013 -- Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili has arrived in the Turkish city of Istanbul to meet with EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton.
U.S. Blacklists Two U.A.E. Firms For Dealing With Iran RFE/RL 15 May 2013 -- The United States has barred two financial firms based in the United Arab Emirates for dealing with an Iranian bank blacklisted by Washington.
Canada not to attend UN disarmament talks under Iran presidency PressTV 15 May 2013 -- Canada says it will not take part in the upcoming UN Conference on Disarmament under the pretext that the Islamic Republic of Iran will be assuming the rotating presidency of the event.
Leader advises Iranian nation to choose competent president PressTV 15 May 2013 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has advised the Iranian people to elect a pious, revolutionary, and resolute person as their next president.
Supreme Leader: Massive turnout in upcoming presidential election will insure national security IRNA 15 May 2013 -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei called for massive turnout in the upcoming presidential election.
Reformist Kavakebian mulls dropping out in favor of Hashemi PressTV 15 May 2013 -- Iranian reformist hopeful Mostafa Kavakebian says it will soon be known whether he will withdraw from the presidential race in favor of former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani.
Iran Hard-Liners Call For Election Ban On Two Prominent Candidates RFE/RL 15 May 2013 -- Iranian media reports say hard-line lawmakers have petitioned authorities to bar two prominent contenders from next month's presidential election.

Russia 'Expelled Another U.S. Spy' Earlier This Year RFE/RL 15 May 2013 -- Russian state television has aired footage claiming that another alleged American spy was expelled earlier this year.
Russia Summons US Ambassador in Spy Scandal VOA 15 May 2013 -- The Kremlin has weighed in on the expulsion of an American man Moscow accuses of spying for the Central Intelligence Agency.
Russia Complains to US Ambassador Over Alleged Spy RIA Novosti 15 May 2013 -- Russia has lodged an official protest with the US ambassador over an embassy official who Russia says is an undercover CIA officer.
Ex-Soviet Intelligence Officer Calls CIA Spy Case 'Badly Staged Comedy' RFE/RL 15 May 2013 -- Russia's Federal Security Service announced on May 14 that it had detained a U.S. diplomat in Moscow for allegedly trying to recruit a Russian counterterrorism officer.
‘Old-School’ Spycraft Persists in Digital Age RIA Novosti 15 May 2013 -- The alleged espionage arsenal that a purported American spy was carrying when he was caught looks decidedly old-school in the age of iPhones and GPS navigators.
Kremlin Says Spy Incident Does Not Help Relations With U.S. RFE/RL 15 May 2013 -- Spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin: An alleged attempt by a U.S. diplomat to recruit a Russian intelligence officer to work for the CIA does not help efforts to improve relations.
US Tight-Lipped on Russia ‘Spy’ Arrest RIA Novosti 15 May 2013 -- US officials were tight-lipped and analysts were bewildered over the case of US junior diplomat Ryan Fogle.
Russia Expels U.S. Embassy Employee For Spy Recruitment RFE/RL 15 May 2013 -- Russia has ordered an alleged agent of the United States' Central Intelligence Agency to leave the country.

Sharif’s party at ease in forming government in Pakistan IRNA 15 May 2013 -- Independent candidates are likely to join Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz.

Uganda Army General Faces Certain Arrest, Says Defense Attorney VOA 15 May 2013 -- The defense attorney for General David Sejusa says his client will be arrested for questioning President Yoweri Museveni’s alleged succession plan.

Equatorial Guinea Arrests Opposition Leaders Over March VOA 15 May 2013 -- Equatorial Guinea arrested at least four members of the opposition for seeking to organize a protest ahead of a legislative election this month.

Fighting for Space: Kenya Faces Devolution Challenges VOA 15 May 2013 -- Governors, who took office last month, have boycotted opening sessions because of disagreements about pay, grinding to a halt local legislative activities before they could even begin.

Justice in Guatemala vital for preventing recurrence of heinous crimes, say UN experts UN News Centre 15 May 2013 -- Establishing truth and justice in Guatemala is essential to ensuring that heinous crimes do not take place again and to ending impunity.

Bulgarian President Tries to Break Election Stalemate VOA 15 May 2013 -- Bulgaria's political stalemate deepened after final results confirmed a prospective Socialist alliance with ethnic Turkish MRF allies lacking a majority.

UK's Cameron Survives Humbling Parliamentary Revolt over EU VOA 15 May 2013 -- Prime Minister David Cameron suffered an embarrassing blow in parliament when a third of his Conservative lawmakers voted against him on Britain's membership in the EU.

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