31 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 31 May 2013 [PDF]

Remarks by President Obama and NATO Secretary General Anders Rasmussen After Bilateral Meeting The White House 31 May 2013
Obama, Rasmussen Praise Afghan Forces, Look to Future AFPS 31 May 2013 -- Afghan forces are just several weeks away from taking the lead in combat operations from NATO-led forces across Afghanistan, President Barack Obama said.
Obama: NATO To Meet Next Year On Afghanistan Withdrawal VOA 31 May 2013 -- President Barack Obama and NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen have agreed that the alliance will hold a summit next year.
Combined Force Arrests Taliban Facilitator in Balkh Province AFPS 31 May 2013 -- A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban facilitator in the Chimtal district of Afghanistan’s Balkh province.
Taliban Reportedly Suffer Heavy Casualties In Afghan Clashes RFE/RL 31 May 2013 -- Officials in the eastern Afghan province of Ghazni said at least 25 Taliban fighters were killed and dozens more wounded during overnight clashes with Afghan security forces.
Taliban Denies Role In Red Cross Attack RFE/RL 31 May 2013 -- A Taliban spokesman in Afghanistan says the Taliban did not have any connection to a suicide attack on May 29 on a Red Cross office in Jalalabad.
Taliban deny attacking Red Cross office in eastern Afghanistan PressTV 31 May 2013 -- The Taliban militant group has denied any involvement in a recent deadly attack on the International Committee of the Red Cross office in the Afghan city of Jalalabad.
Afghan airmen gain new airpower capability AFNS 31 May 2013 -- The Afghan National Security Forces can add yet another airpower capability to their ever increasing list: air attack from an Afghan air force Mi-35 HIND attack helicopter.
Army's new mobile network to support its Afghan security mission Army News 31 May 2013 -- U.S. mission in Afghanistan evolves from full spectrum combat operations to a support role in helping Afghan forces take hold of their country's security.
Joint Navy, Army Reserve Team reading to build stability, trust in Uruzgan Army News 31 May 2013 -- Provincial Reconstruction Teams, training at Atterbury-Muscatatuck near Edinburgh, Ind., are preparing for deployment to rural provinces in Afghanistan.
Laghman province strives to boost economy through farming Army News 31 May 2013 -- Representatives from the International Security Assistance Force and the United States Department of Agriculture met with Laghman district leaders to discuss economic growth at Forward Operating Base Mehtar Lam, Laghman province, May 9.

Joint Statement United States and Pakistan Discuss Security, Strategic Stability, and Nonproliferation Issues US Dept. of State 31 May 2013
Drones impede Pakistan’s role in Afghan peace, says Nawaz IRNA 31 May 2013 -- Pakistan’s Prime minister in-waiting Nawaz Sharif has said that a solution to the controversial drone campaign in the tribal areas must be sought to win Pakistan’s support in the Afghan exit strategy.
Violent clashes claim lives of 23 in northwest Pakistan PressTV 31 May 2013 -- Violent clashes between Pakistan Army troops and militants have claimed lives of at least 23 people in the northwestern tribal region.

Defense Policy / Programs

11th MEU welcomes Japanese Forces to Camp Pendleton for multi-national amphibious exercise USMC News 31 May 2013 -- Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit command element, Combat Logistics Battalion 11, Camp Pendleton Supply Battalion, and Marine Aviation Logistics Support Squadron 39 conducted an In-Stream Offload with the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) on Camp Pendleton's Red Beach May 31.
Marines' F-35B operational in 2015 USMC News 31 May 2013 -- The Marine Corps declared that it would reach initial operating capability of the F-35B by December 2015 in a joint letter sent to Congress May 31.
USS Pearl Harbor Arrives in Samoa for First Mission Port of Pacific Partnership 2013 NNS 31 May 2013 -- The amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) arrived in Apia, the first mission port of Pacific Partnership 2013, June 1.
Rare Torpedo Found NNS 31 May 2013 -- Naval History and Heritage Command's (NHHC) Underwater Archeology Branch (UAB) at Washington Navy Yard received the crated remains of a historic and rare Howell Torpedo, May 30.
USS Paul Hamilton Arrives in Manila NNS 31 May 2013 -- Forward-deployed USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) arrived in Manila, Republic of the Philippines, for a port visit May 31.
With drawdown in Afghanistan, Army regional alignments likely to increase Army News 31 May 2013 -- Globally, and across the total force in fiscal year 2013, the Army could engage in nearly 6,000 different activities, in more than 160 countries, and involving as many as 60,000 Soldiers and Army civilians as part of its 'regionally aligned forces' concept.
Submarine Squadron 16 Changes Command NNS 31 May 2013 -- Commander, Submarine Squadron (CSS) 16 held a change-of-command ceremony at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, May 31.
USS George Washington Hosts Royal New Zealand Navy NNS 31 May 2013 -- The U.S Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) hosted 48 officers and enlisted Sailors from a Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) frigate for a ship tour, May 26.
Readout of Meeting Between Secretary Hagel and Indonesian Minister of Defence Purnomo Yusgiantoro DoD 31 May 2013
Shangri-La Dialogue’s Value Continues to Grow, Hagel Says AFPS 31 May 2013 -- Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel arrived for the first Shangri-La Dialogue he will attend as head of the Pentagon.
Asian Security Forum Addresses Cyber Attacks, South China Sea VOA 31 May 2013 -- Defense officials from the Asia Pacific region have begun an annual security forum with talks focusing on cyber security, maritime territorial disputes and North Korea's nuclear program.
Hagel to Address Cyber Attacks with Chinese VOA 31 May 2013 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Hagel plans to raise the issue of cyber espionage when he meets informally with Chinese officials in Singapore.
Beijing denounces US report on Chinese hackers PressTV 31 May 2013 -- China has denounced a recent US report that alleged Chinese hackers had gained access to designs of over two dozen major US weapons systems.
Cyber May Be Biggest Threat, Hagel Tells Troops AFPS 31 May 2013 -- The devastatingly destructive potential of cyberattacks has become the security challenge of our age, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel told U.S. troops.
Services Deliver F-35 Initial Operational Capability Timelines to Congress NNS 31 May 2013 -- The Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps delivered a joint report to congressional defense committees May 31.
Air Force establishes F-35 IOC target AFNS 31 May 2013 -- The Air Force announced it expects to declare F-35A Lightning II initial operation capability in December 2016.
Human error to blame for Marine deaths in Nevada PressTV 31 May 2013 -- A military investigation has concluded that human error was to blame for the mortar blast that killed seven Marines and injured 8 others in the US state of Nevada earlier this year.
Furlough Decision ‘Arduous,’ Official Says AFPS 31 May 2013 -- The Defense Department continues to look at ways to reduce or avoid furloughs, the acting undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness said.
Army to study biological decontamination of aircraft interiors Army News 31 May 2013 -- In the aftermath of a biological attack, aircraft decontamination would be a complex, challenging process.
USS Shiloh Sailors Visit Zhanjiang, China NNS 31 May 2013 -- USS Shiloh arrived at the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA(N)) South Sea Fleet headquarters in Zhanjiang, China, for a port visit, May 30.
USS Bremerton Returns to Pearl Harbor NNS 31 May 2013 -- The USS Bremerton returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam after completing a seven-month deployment to the Western Pacific region, May 30.
Army engineers overcome challenges to field nonlethal weapons Army News 31 May 2013 -- The defensive system, known as LVOSS, is designed specifically to help military police with crowd management.

Russia Plans to Launch 16 ICBMs This Year RIA Novosti 31 May 2013 -- Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces plan to launch 16 intercontinental ballistic missiles this year.
Washington betrayed Moscow over S-300 deal with Iran: Russian official PressTV 31 May 2013 -- A Russian official has criticized the US for abandoning Moscow after forcing it to stop a deal for the delivery of S-300 defense systems to Iran.
Russia Seeks Amicable Settlement in Iran S-300 Lawsuit RIA Novosti 31 May 2013 -- Moscow is trying to persuade Tehran to withdraw its lawsuit against Russia’s state-run arms export company Rosoboronexport over a cancelled deal to supply S-300 air defense systems to Iran.
Russia Receives Payment Under Iraqi Arms Deal RIA Novosti 31 May 2013 -- Russia has started fulfilling its recent arms exports contract with Iraq after receiving an advance payment from Baghdad.
Russia to Launch New Spy Satellite in June RIA Novosti 31 May 2013 -- The Russian military will launch a new reconnaissance satellite from the Plesetsk space center in northern Russia on June 8.
MiG Signs Attack Drone R&D Contract RIA Novosti 31 May 2013 -- Russian military aircraft maker MiG is to go ahead with a research-and-development project for an unmanned combat air vehicle based on its Skat prototype.
Recent Aerospace Defense Drills ‘Satisfactory’ – Putin RIA Novosti 31 May 2013 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin described as “satisfactory” the results of this week’s snap check of the Aerospace Defense Forces.
Kalashnikov Corporation to Emerge in July RIA Novosti 31 May 2013 -- The Kalashnikov Corporation, which will absorb major Russian small-arms makers, will be established in July 2013.
Russia to Finalize Kalashnikov Merger in September RIA Novosti 31 May 2013 -- The Kalashnikov Corporation, which will absorb major Russian small-arms makers, must be registered by September 19.

HMS Edinburgh makes last entry into Portsmouth UK MOD 31 May 2013 -- HMS Edinburgh, the Royal Navy's last remaining Type 42 destroyer, returned to her home port of Portsmouth for the final time today, 31 May.
NATO Ministers to Review Cyber Defense in Brussels RIA Novosti 31 May 2013 -- NATO defense chiefs will meet in Brussels next week to review measures on how to protect member countries from cyber attacks.

Iranian made drones guarding Venezuelan airspace IRNA 31 May 2013 -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro ordered Venezuela Armed forces to launch Aripa System, comprised of Iranian made drones.

Analysis: AU prepares its shock troops IRIN 31 May 2013 -- A newly sanctioned African Union force for quick deployment in conflicts such as in Mali is being promoted as a stop-gap measure ahead of the planned African Standby Force (ASF).

May 31, 2013 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 31 May 2013
Press Briefing by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest, 5/31/2013 The White House 31 May 2013

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for May 31, 2013
Aeroflot Gets First ‘Full-Spec' Superjet RIA Novosti 31 May 2013 -- Russian aircraft maker Sukhoi Civil Aircraft has delivered its first “full-specification” Sukhoi Superjet-100 short-haul airliner to national flagship airline Aeroflot.

Other Conflicts

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 31 May 2013 United Nations 31 May 2013

Report: Missiles Unlikely to Reach Syria for Months VOA 31 May 2013 -- Russian media is reporting that Russia has not yet delivered anti-aircraft missiles to Syria and may not do so for several months.
Remarks With German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle After Their Meeting US Dept. of State 31 May 2013
US, Germany Urge Russia Not to Arm Syria VOA 31 May 2013 -- The United States and Germany are urging Russia not to provide the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad with advanced anti-aircraft missiles.
Assad: Syria Will Strike Back at Any Future Israeli Attack RIA Novosti 31 May 2013 -- President Bashar Assad has said that Syria “will respond in kind” to any future Israeli airstrike on its territory.
Five Things You Should Know About Syria And Russia’s S-300 Missile System RFE/RL 31 May 2013 -- Russia's S-300 missile system could dramatically change the stakes in the Syrian conflict if it is sent to Damascus.
Kremlin Aide Says Russia Will Fulfill Arms Contracts With Syria RFE/RL 31 May 2013 -- A senior aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin has defended his government's right to supply arms to Syria.
Syria Wants to Revive Fighter Jet Deal with Russia RIA Novosti 31 May 2013 -- The Syrian authorities want to revive a contract to purchase MiG-29M/M2 fighter jets from Russia.
Turkey seizes sarin in homes of anti-Syria militants, reports say PressTV 31 May 2013 -- Turkish security forces have confiscated two kilograms of the nerve agent sarin after raiding the homes of militants from the terrorist al-Nusra Front fighting against Syria.
UN blacklists al-Nusra Front terrorists in Syria, diplomats say PressTV 31 May 2013 -- The United Nations Security Council has agreed to add the al-Qaeda-linked terrorist group al-Nusra Front operating in Syria to the UN sanctions blacklist.
Damascus welcomes outcome of Tehran conference on Syria PressTV 31 May 2013 -- The Syrian Foreign Ministry has welcomed the results of a recent conference in Tehran which sought to find a diplomatic solution to the ongoing crisis in the Arab country.
UN: Syrian Refugee Count Tops 1.6 Million VOA 31 May 2013 -- The United Nations refugee agency said the number of Syrian refugees in neighboring countries now has passed 1.6 million.
UN refugee agency assisting Syrians displaced by fighting in Al-Qusair UN News Centre 31 May 2013 -- The United Nations refugee agency today said it is assisting hundreds of families who have fled the fighting in the city of Al-Qusair.
Lebanon's Parliament Postpones Elections VOA 31 May 2013 -- Lebanon's parliament has voted to postpone elections scheduled for June 16 because of security concerns about the unstable security situation in the country brought on by the conflict in neighboring Syria.

Terrorists Exploited Unrest in Africa in 2012 says US Report VOA 31 May 2013 -- The United States said progress has been made in combating terrorism across Africa, but that militant groups are still taking advantage of unrest and weak governance.
Illegal Ivory Trade Funds Rebels in Central Africa VOA 31 May 2013 -- International and Cameroonian wildlife organizations blame rebel groups for the slaughter of almost 12,000 elephants in Central African countries since 2004.
Nigeria Pardons 58 Boko Haram Suspects VOA 31 May 2013 -- Nigerian authorities have granted amnesty to 58 women and children who were accused of helping Islamist militants in the country's northeast.
Miners Assess New Risk After Niger Attack VOA 31 May 2013 -- One of the targets of a two-pronged terrorist attack in northern Niger on May 23 was a French-owned uranium mine.

NGOs concerned about new DRC Intervention Brigade IRIN 31 May 2013 -- Nineteen international NGOs have sent a joint letter to UN Secretary-General Ban to express concern over the peace process in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Four killed, 17 injured in Baghdad mosque attack PressTV 31 May 2013 -- At least four people have been killed and more than 17 others injured in a bomb explosion near a mosque in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad.

Philippines, Vietnam Cry Foul Over Chinese Vessels in Disputed Waters VOA 31 May 2013 -- It is fishing season once again in the South China Sea and, as in past years, clashes between Chinese fishermen and those of their maritime neighbors are on the rise.
Philippine investigation team returns to Manila CNA 31 May 2013 -- A team of investigators from the Philippines looking into the May 9 attack on a Taiwanese fishing boat by a Philippine patrol boat returned to Manila after gathering evidence in Taiwan.

Myanmar: Ban welcomes ceasefire agreement in Kachin UN News Centre 31 May 2013 -- Secretary-General Ban welcomed the agreement reached between the Government of Myanmar and the Kachin Independence Organization.
Burma, Kachin Rebels Reach Tentative Cease-Fire VOA 31 May 2013 -- Burma's government and ethnic Kachin rebels have reached a tentative cease-fire aimed at ending two years of fighting that has displaced nearly 100,000 people.
'Breakthrough' Peace Plan for Burma's Kachin VOA 31 May 2013 -- A tentative peace agreement between Burma's government and Kachin rebels has been hailed as a breakthrough after recent intense fighting along the border with China.
Myanmar government announces preliminary truce agreement with Kachin PressTV 31 May 2013 -- A director of the Myanmar Peace Center says Myanmar’s government has announced a preliminary ceasefire agreement with rebels in the northern state of Kachin.

Georgian PM Says To Discuss Boundary Issue With Moscow RFE/RL 31 May 2013 -- Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili says a dispute about Georgia's administrative boundary with its separatist region of South Ossetia will be discussed at Russian-Georgian talks scheduled for June 5.

ICC: Libya Must Hand Over Gadhafi's Son VOA 31 May 2013 -- Judges at the ICC ruled that Libya must hand over the son of slain dictator Muammar Gadhafi to the court.

Career diplomat from Trinidad and Tobago appointed head of UN mission in Haiti UN News Centre 31 May 2013 -- Secretary-General Ban has appointed career diplomat Sandra Honoré of Trinidad and Tobago as the new head of the UN peacekeeping mission in Haiti.

News Reports

Background Briefing By Senior Administration Officials On Iran, the IRGC, and Hezbollah's Increased Terrorist Activity Worldwide US Dept. of State 31 May 2013
U.S. Says Iran Backing Terrorism More RFE/RL 31 May 2013 -- Washington says Iran is increasing its support for global terrorism to a level not seen for two decades.
Companies Sanctioned under Iran Sanctions Authorities US Dept. of State 31 May 2013
IAEA counter-claim issued versus IAEA claim on Iran IRNA 31 May 2013 -- Deputy IAEA Secretary General Herman Nacartes claimed in a truth finding session of agency probability of cleaning traces of radioactive in Parchin is not ruled out.
Iran raps Canada’s total ban on trade of goods with Iran PressTV 31 May 2013 -- Iran Foreign Ministry spokesman has criticized Canada for imposing a total trade ban on Iranian goods, saying the decision is part of a blame game played by Ottawa.
Iran Downplays Sentencing Over Plot To Kill Saudi Envoy RFE/RL 31 May 2013 -- Tehran is downplaying a 25-year prison sentence against an Iranian-American who was convicted in an alleged Iranian-backed plot to assassinate Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United States.
Iranian Activists Welcome U.S. Lifting Of Sanctions On Communications Tools RFE/RL 31 May 2013 -- The lifting of U.S. sanctions on the export to Iran of communication tools has been welcomed by activists and groups who had pushed for such a move.
Iran reformists may urge Aref to quit presidential race PressTV 31 May 2013 -- Reformist groups and factions have joined forces to pick just one frontrunner for the upcoming presidential race in Iran.
Iranian Presidential Candidates Meet In Televised Debate RFE/RL 31 May 2013 -- Eight Iranian presidential candidates have debated each other on live state television.
Iran presidential candidates take part in first televised debate PressTV 31 May 2013 -- Iran presidential candidates are holding their first televised debate in the form of a group discussion ahead of the upcoming presidential poll.

UN rights office ‘extremely concerned’ DPRK defectors sent home UN News Centre 31 May 2013 -- The group has apparently been returned to the country.

Two-child policy violates human rights of Myanmar’s Rohingya Muslims – UN expert UN News Centre 31 May 2013 -- Independent UN rights expert urged Myanmar to respond unequivocally to the revival of a local order limiting the number of children Rohingya Muslims can have.

Top Zimbabwe Court Orders Elections by July 31 VOA 31 May 2013 -- Zimbabwe's Constitutional Court ordered President Robert Mugabe to hold elections before the end of July.

EU court lifts sanctions against Ben Ali family PressTV 31 May 2013 -- The European Union has lifted sanctions against relatives of former Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, placing the economic burden on the country’s citizens.

Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro slams Colombian president for ‘betrayal’ PressTV 31 May 2013 -- Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro has censured his Colombian counterpart Juan Manuel Santos for ‘betrayal’ over his meeting with Venezuelan opposition leader Henrique Capriles.

Dozens Hurt, Emergency Declared As Kyrgyz Protesters, Police Clash RFE/RL 31 May 2013 -- A state of emergency has been declared in northern Kyrgyzstan after clashes broke out between police and local residents.

Turkish Police Tear Gas Anti-Government Protesters VOA 31 May 2013 -- Turkish police fired tear gas and water cannon at protesters occupying a park in central Istanbul.

Japan nuclear disaster ‘unlikely’ to have future health affects UN News Centre 31 May 2013 -- Radiation leaked after Japan's Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011 is unlikely to make the general public and the majority of workers sick.

Moldovan Parliament Approves New Prime Minister To End Crisis RFE/RL 31 May 2013 -- Moldova's parliament has approved acting Prime Minister Iurie Leanca as premier to help end a political crisis.

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