16 May 2013 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

2001 Authorization Still Legal Basis for War, Leaders Say AFPS 16 May 2013 -- The 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force remains viable more than a decade after its passing, a panel of defense leaders told Congress.

Combined Force Kills Insurgent in Paktiya Province AFPS 16 May 2013 -- A combined Afghan and coalition security force in the Zurmat district of Afghanistan’s Paktiya province killed an insurgent and arrested four others during a search for a Haqqani network leader.
Afghan Special Operators ‘Very Competent,’ General Says AFPS 16 May 2013 -- Afghan special operations forces and Afghan local police are taking on two distinct, but critical, missions during the transition from NATO to Afghan security responsibility in Afghanistan.
Defense Chiefs Discuss Afghanistan, Future of NATO AFPS 16 May 2013 -- The NATO defense chiefs are moving closer to determining what the post-2014 alliance posture in Afghanistan will look like.
Deadly Bombing Hits NATO Convoy in Kabul VOA 16 May 2013 -- A suicide attack on a NATO military convoy in Kabul Thursday killed at least 15 people, including several foreigners.
In Kabul, 15 Dead In Suicide Attack RFE/RL 16 May 2013 -- Fifteen people, including children, have been killed in a suicide car bombing in Kabul.
Russia to Deliver 12 More Mi-17 Helicopters to Afghanistan RIA Novosti 16 May 2013 -- Russia will deliver 12 Mil Mi-17V5 military transport helicopters to the Afghanistan Armed Forces by the end of 2013.
Afghanistan looks for enhanced defence ties with India IRNA 16 May 2013 -- Afghanistan said it was looking for enhanced defence cooperation with India, from where it was expecting supply of lethal and non-lethal military equipment.
Every injured US soldier will cost US $2 million in long run: Report PressTV 16 May 2013 -- A new study has revealed that the US government will spend around USD 2 million in the long run on every solider injured in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Pakistani Taliban offer ceasefire to new government IRNA 16 May 2013 -- Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan says they do not rule out a ‘ceasefire’ if new government ‘shows seriousness’ to their dialogue offer.

President Obama Calls on Congress to Fully Fund Embassy Security The White House 16 May 2013

Defense Policy / Programs

AEGIS Ballistic Missile Defense System Completes Successful Intercept Flight Test DoD 16 May 2013
Nimble Titan Increases Multinational Missile Defense Cooperation AFPS 16 May 2013 -- U.S. Strategic Command has been leading an international effort for the past eight years to promote cooperation and interoperability in missile defense around the globe.
Socom Strives to Preserve, Build on Capabilities for Future AFPS 16 May 2013 -- U.S. Special Operations Command is working to take the improved capabilities and processes it has established over the past decade of conflict and build on them for the future.
GPS IIF-4 successfully launched from Cape Canaveral AFNS 16 May 2013 -- A U.S. Air Force Global Positioning System satellite built by Boeing was successfully launched May 15.
Future USS Minnesota Successfully Completes Sea Trials NNS 16 May 2013 -- Pre-Commissioning Unit Minnesota moored May 16 at Huntington Ingalls Industry's Newport News Shipbuilding following its successful completion of Alpha and Bravo sea trials.
Royal Navy joins 41-nation Gulf minehunting exercise UK MOD 16 May 2013 -- UK warships have joined multinational forces in Bahrain to take part in the second International Mine Counter-Measures Exercise.
IMCMEX: Infrastructure Protection Symposium Concludes NNS 16 May 2013 -- The sixth Maritime Infrastructure Protection Symposium, a three day symposium hosted by U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, concluded.
Airmen train with Polish air force AFNS 16 May 2013 -- Nearly 100 Airmen assigned to the 115th Fighter Wing, Wisconsin Air National Guard, here to train in a joint theater security cooperation event with the Polish air force.
Readout of Deputy Secretary of Defense Carter's Meeting with Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf DoD 16 May 2013
Deploying AFL soldiers participate in IED recognition course USMC News 16 May 2013 -- Armed Forces of Liberia soldiers slated to deploy to Mali completed an improvised explosive device recognition course.
Use it or lose it: Business booming at Cherry Point ranges USMC News 16 May 2013 -- Marines practice their warfighting skills on a nearly daily basis with that basic tenet in mind.
Gitmo hunger strike reaches 100th day amid calls for its shutdown PressTV 16 May 2013 -- Hunger strike protest by captives at Guantanamo reaches its 100th day.
Air Force Reserve submits construction plans to Senate AFNS 16 May 2013 -- The top leaders from the Air Force's active and reserve components went to Capitol Hill May 15 to provide statements and answer questions about their plans for new construction projects in FY14.
Navy Suspends Official Spending on 'Presentos' NNS 16 May 2013 -- The Navy released new guidance to commanders May 16 suspending the expenditure of official funds on presentation items such as plaques, ball caps, coins, etc.
Executive Officer of Beachmaster Unit 1 Relieved NNS 16 May 2013 -- The executive officer of Beachmaster Unit (BMU) 1 was relieved May 16 because of inappropriate comments sent in text messages and e-mails to members of his command.
Remarks by the President After Meeting on Sexual Assault in the Military The White House 16 May 2013
Obama Emphasizes Concern About Sexual Assault in Military AFPS 16 May 2013 -- The crime of sexual assault undermines the trust needed for the U.S. military to do its missions, President Barack Obama said after meeting with his military leaders.
Naval Hospital Oak Harbor Resumes Sexual Assault Forensic Exams NNS 16 May 2013 -- Naval Hospital Oak Harbor (NHOH) resumed sexual assault forensic examination (SAFE) services, May 9.
DOD Plays Supporting Role in U.S. Global Health Efforts AFPS 16 May 2013 -- The Defense Department supports U.S. global health activities because such efforts as preventing and containing lethal outbreaks align with DOD’s mission.
Army Proving Ground, academia partner to improve soldier communication networks Army News 16 May 2013 -- The U.S. Army Electronic Proving Ground recently started work with an academic partner at Arizona State University's Security and Defense Systems Initiative in Arizona to assist USAEPG in its mission to test the Army's networks.
Privatization of Army Lodging Begins at Fort Meade Army News 16 May 2013 -- Since 2009, the Army has been phasing control of lodging from the military to the InterContinental Hotel group.

Russian Navy Gets Advanced Stealth Corvette RIA Novosti 16 May 2013 -- Russia’s newest Baltic Fleet warship, the Project 20380 Boiky corvette, was handed over to the Navy.
Russian Manufacturer Offers Peru T-90S Tank RIA Novosti 16 May 2013 -- Russia’s Uralvagonzavod plant is prepared to provide Peru with a full-scale specimen of its T-90S.
Russian Pacific Fleet Warships Enter Mediterranean RIA Novosti 16 May 2013 -- A group of warships from Russia’s Pacific Fleet entered the Mediterranean waters for the first time in decades.

Reservists train for UN Cyprus mission UK MOD 16 May 2013 -- A group of British Army reservists are training to maintain public order and provide security for the UN Protected Area in Cyprus.

US Sees China Missile Launch as Test of Muscle VOA 16 May 2013 -- The U.S. government believes a Chinese missile launch this week was the first test of a new interceptor that could be used to destroy a satellite in orbit.

Taiwan stages maritime exercise to protect fishermen CNA 16 May 2013 -- Navy and Coast Guard Administration personnel conducted a joint drill in waters south of Taiwan to show the government's determination to protect Taiwanese fishermen.

Ultra-Orthodox Jews Protest in Jerusalem, Vowing to Defy Draft VOA 16 May 2013 -- Thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews protested in Jerusalem against plans to enlist men from their community into the military.

Military aircraft crashes in north Jordan, kills two PressTV 16 May 2013 -- Two people have been killed after a military aircraft suffered a technical glitch and went down in northern Jordan, killing both the pilot and the trainee on board.

U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing, May 16, 2013 US Dept. of State 16 May 2013

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for May 16, 2013
U.S. Defense Trade Cooperation Treaty With Australia US Dept. of State 16 May 2013
Exclases Russia Orders Five AW139 Helicopters RIA Novosti 16 May 2013 -- Helicopter distributor Exclases Russia has ordered five AW139 helicopters from HeliVert, a Russian Helicopters and AgustaWestland joint venture.

Other Conflicts

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 16 May 2013 United Nations 16 May 2013

Joint Press Conference by President Obama and Prime Minister Erdogan of Turkey The White House 16 May 2013
Terrorist Designation of Al-Nusrah Front Leader Muhammad Al-Jawlani US Dept. of State 16 May 2013
Obama, Erdogan Downplay Syria Differences VOA 16 May 2013 -- President Barack Obama and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan say the U.S. and Turkey are determined to see Syrian President Bashar al-Assad leave.
Obama, Turkish Leader Discuss Syria in White House Meeting AFPS 16 May 2013 -- President Barack Obama said he still believes international efforts are the best way to move forward.
Turkish PM to Press US on Syria VOA 16 May 2013 -- Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to press the United States to take a more active role in response to the situation in Syria.
Obama, Turkish PM to Discuss Syria VOA 16 May 2013 -- President Barack Obama welcomes Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the White House for talks on the situation in Syria and other issues.
Former Weapons Inspector Sees Disturbing Trend in Syria VOA 16 May 2013 -- A United Nations group and some individual countries are collecting evidence trying to determine whether chemical weapons have been used in Syria.
Syrian Strife Spilling Over, Infecting Region VOA 16 May 2013 -- The conflict in Syria is taking a steep toll on its neighbors.
Video Shows Executions By Syrian Islamist Rebels RFE/RL 16 May 2013 -- A video distributed by a pro-opposition Syrian monitoring organization purportedly shows fighters executing supporters of President Bashar al-Assad's regime.
Iran says UN resolution will not help Syrian crisis IRNA 16 May 2013 -- Foreign Ministry spokesman said a recent UN General Assembly resolution on Syria will not help resolving the Syrian crisis.
Over 70 states refuse to say yes to anti-Syria resolution PressTV 16 May 2013 -- More than 70 countries have refused to say yes to an Arab-backed resolution against Syria at the United Nations General Assembly.
UN Vote Backs Syria Opposition RIA Novosti 16 May 2013 -- The United Nations approved a resolution supporting Syrian opposition forces, calling for a political transition there.
Turkey arrests more over Reyhanli bombings PressTV 16 May 2013 -- Turkish security forces have arrested four more people suspected of being involved in bombings in the southern province of Hatay.

United States Announces Additional Humanitarian Assistance to Mali US Dept. of State 16 May 2013
UN welcomes donors’ €3.25 billion pledge to help rebuild Mali UN News Centre 16 May 2013 -- The United Nations welcomed the international community’s pledge of €3.25 billion to support a recovery plan for Mali.
Donors pledge 3.25bn euros in recovery aid to Mali: French president PressTV 16 May 2013 -- International donors have pledged 3.25 billion euros in recovery aid to war-torn Mali, one of Africa's poorest countries, French President Francois Hollande says.

Nigerians Debate Amnesty for Boko Haram VOA 16 May 2013 -- As Nigerians debate the possibility of granting amnesty to militants in Nigeria’s north, the country marks the fourth anniversary of its amnesty program for militants in the South.
Nigeria Launches Massive Offensive Against Islamists VOA 16 May 2013 -- Nigeria says it has launched a "massive deployment of men and resources against Islamist insurgents, a day after the country's president declared a state of emergency in three northeastern states.
UN chief ‘very concerned’ about deteriorating security in northeast Nigeria UN News Centre 16 May 2013 -- Secretary-General Ban is calling on all extremist groups in Nigeria to cease their attacks amid deteriorating security in the country.

Leadership Dispute Threatens Stability, Peace in Jubaland VOA 16 May 2013 -- The Somali port city of Kismayo is in political crisis as two former warlords are both claiming to be president of the newly created Jubaland region of southern Somalia.

South Sudan: UN reinforces peacekeeping presence in Pibor town amid violence UN News Centre 16 May 2013 -- Additional United Nations peacekeepers are on alert to protect civilians in the town of Pibor in South Sudan’s Jonglei state.
On SPLA 30th Anniversary, Peace Eludes South Sudan VOA 16 May 2013 -- South Sudanese Vice President Riek Machar called at the 30th anniversary celebration in Juba of the Sudan People's Liberation Army for peace and reconciliation in the country.
Sudanese Foreign Minister to Visit Juba on Friday VOA 16 May 2013 -- Sudan's Foreign Minister Ali Ahmed Karti will visit South Sudan, the first high-level meeting between the neighbors since Khartoum accused Juba of supporting rebels.

U.S. urges effective resolution of Taiwan-Philippines row CNA 16 May 2013 -- The United States expressed concern over the increase in tension between Taipei and Manila over the May 9 fatal shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman by the Philippines.
Fishery pact key to solving dispute with the Philippines CNA 16 May 2013 -- Taiwan's President Ma said that it would be easier for Taiwan to solve its territorial dispute with the Philippines if the two countries sign a fishery agreement first.
Taiwan will deal with Philippines peacefully: president CNA 16 May 2013 -- President Ma said that Taiwan's demands to the Philippines over a fatal shooting incident are justified but also said that his government will deal with Manila peacefully.
Taiwan investigators arrive in Philippines CNA 16 May 2013 -- A Taiwanese delegation of prosecutors and officials from various government agencies arrived in Manila to conduct a probe into the fatal shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman by a Philippine government vessel May 9.
Taiwan Begins Military Drills Near Philippines VOA 16 May 2013 -- A diplomatic dispute between Taiwan and the Philippines intensified as Taipei began a military exercise in the disputed waters between both countries.

14 Camp Hurriya Residents Depart for Albania US Dept. of State 16 May 2013
Iraq: Relocation of first group of Iranian exiles to Albania UN News Centre 16 May 2013 -- Top UN official in Iraq called the relocation of 14 Iranians to Albania from an exile camp near Baghdad, an “encouraging first step.”
More Car Bombs Hit Baghdad After Wave Of Deadly Attacks RFE/RL 16 May 2013 -- There have been at least two more deadly car-bomb attacks in Iraq, one day after a series of bombings killed more than 30 people.
Violence Kills 25 in Iraq VOA 16 May 2013 -- Multiple car bombs have exploded in Baghdad, killing at least 12 people in mainly Shi'ite districts of the Iraqi capital.
Three mass graves with 1,000 corpses found in Iraq PressTV 16 May 2013 -- Iraqi officials have found three mass graves containing the bodies of about 1,000 people thought to have been executed by US soldiers during their occupation of the country.

Ban stresses need for Israeli, Palestinian leaders to resume meaningful negotiations UN News Centre 16 May 2013 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stressed the need for the parties to create the conditions conducive to resuming meaningful negotiations.
Israel to Authorize 4 West Bank Settler Outposts VOA 16 May 2013 -- Israel plans to declare legal four unauthorized West Bank settler outposts, a court document showed.

Egyptian Sinai Engulfed in Post-Revolution Lawlessness VOA 16 May 2013 -- Egypt's Sinai peninsula has grown increasingly lawless since the revolution, with officials bringing new accusations the region is home to terrorist training camps.
Militants kidnap six Egyptian security personnel in Sinai PressTV 16 May 2013 -- Suspected militants have abducted at least six Egyptian security personnel near el-Arish, the capital of the North Sinai Governorate.

Libyans in North Africa scared to return home IRIN 16 May 2013 -- Far from home, many fear revenge attacks should they return home.

News Reports

Op-Ed by President Obama: A Partnership That Delivers The White House 16 May 2013
Fact Sheet: U.S.-Turkey Partnership The White House 16 May 2013

Iran Willing to Hold Nuclear Talks Before Election VOA 16 May 2013 -- Iran's top nuclear negotiator says Tehran is ready to continue nuclear talks with world powers at any time.
Jalili Says Iran Nuclear Talks To Continue RFE/RL 16 May 2013 -- Iran's chief negotiator in nuclear talks with major world powers says both sides have decided the talks will continue.
Ashton Has ‘Useful’ Discussion With Jalili RFE/RL 16 May 2013 -- EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton says she had a “useful” discussion with Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili.
Jalili terms talks with EU foreign policy chief useful IRNA 16 May 2013 -- Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili described his talks with the European Union Foreign Policy chief Catherine Ashton as prolonged and useful.
Iran’s Jalili, EU’s Ashton wrap up 'fruitful' discussions in Turkey PressTV 16 May 2013 -- Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili and EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton have concluded their talks in Istanbul, Turkey.
Khatami rallies support for Rafsanjani’s presidential bid PressTV 16 May 2013 -- Iran’s former President Seyyed Mohammad Khatami has voiced support for presidential hopeful Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani and called on the Iranian public to back him.
Rafsanjani says presidential bid out of duty PressTV 16 May 2013 -- Iran’s former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani says he is making a comeback bid in the June 14 race out of duty.
Iran’s Guardian Council extends deadline for vetting presidential hopefuls PressTV 16 May 2013 -- Iran's top electoral supervisory body, the Guardian Council, has extended the deadline for announcing the names of approved hopefuls for the June 14 presidential race.

South Korea criticizes Japan over visit to North Korea PressTV 16 May 2013 -- South Korea has criticized Japan over a visit to North Korea by a senior Japanese official.
Kim Yong Nam Meets Japanese Cabinet Official KCNA 16 May 2013 -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, met and had a talk with Isao Iijima, special counselor in charge of crisis management in Abe's Cabinet of Japan.
South Korea ‘Regrets’ North’s Refusal to Discuss Kaesong RIA Novosti 16 May 2013 -- The government of South Korea regrets Pyongyang’s refusal to discuss the removal of production materials and finished goods from the two nations' jointly-run Kaesong Industrial Complex.

Pakistan’s Future PM Described as 'Comeback Kid' VOA 16 May 2013 -- Nawaz Sharif, the Pakistani politician set to become the nation’s next prime minister, is expected to seek good relations with the United States.
Imran Khan Wants Vote-Fraud Probe RFE/RL 16 May 2013 -- Pakistani politician Imran Khan is giving a three-day ultimatum to the national election commission to investigate his party's claims of vote-rigging in last week's parliamentary polls.

Yemen’s humanitarian crisis could threaten political gains, warns UN relief official UN News Centre 16 May 2013 -- Yemen is facing a worsening humanitarian situation which could destabilize the country’s gains on the political front.

Tunisia Moves to Rein in Islamic Hardliners VOA 16 May 2013 -- Ultraconservative Muslim leaders in Tunisia are warning the more moderate Islamist government they will resist any new efforts to rein them in.

Distrust Hinders Burma Cyclone Evacuation Effort VOA 16 May 2013 -- Authorities in Bangladesh and Burma are working to quickly move to safety hundreds of thousands of people still at risk from cyclone Mahasen.

Capriles insists Venezuela must hold new presidential election PressTV 16 May 2013 -- Venezuela’s opposition leader has warned that if the Supreme Court does not accept a demand for a new presidential election, he will bring the issue to ‘international bodies.’

Ex-Bulgaria premier to challenge vote results PressTV 16 May 2013 -- Former Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov says he will challenge the election results as the chance of his conservative party has been damaged by violation of the law ahead of the Sunday vote.

Zambia Blocking Opposition Party Registration, Says Priest VOA 16 May 2013 -- A Roman Catholic priest has accused Zambia’s government of preventing him from registering his political party to challenge the ruling Patriotic Front Party in the next general election.

CIA Agent Was Nabbed by Russian He Sought to Recruit RIA Novosti 16 May 2013 -- Alleged CIA operative was attempting to recruit a Russian security services officer.

Rights Group Urges EU to Sanction Hungary VOA 16 May 2013 -- A leading rights group is calling on the European Union to take steps toward suspending Hungary's voting rights following much-criticized changes to its Constitution.

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