13 June 2013 Military News

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

Afghanistan: Ban condemns deadly attack near Kabul's Supreme Court building UN News Centre 13 Jun 2013 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged an immediate halt to attacks targeting civilians in Afghanistan following a suicide attack near the Supreme Court building in the capital city.
Combined Force Kills Extremists in Kunduz Province AFPS 13 Jun 2013 -- A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed five extremists after being fired upon during a search of a senior Taliban leader in the Archi district of Afghanistan's Kunduz province today, military officials reported.
Afghan squadron partners with 10th CAB advisers Army News 13 Jun 2013 -- The new Afghan Air Force, formed in June 2010, currently has some 60 Mi-17 transport helicopters and half a dozen Mi-35 attack helicopters. These crucial assets are spread throughout three AAF Wings located in Kabul, Kandahar and Shindand.
Six Afghan Policemen Shot Dead In Helmand Province RFE/RL 13 Jun 2013 -- Six policemen have been shot dead at an outpost in southern Afghanistan.

More Guard Members Join Firefighting Effort AFPS 13 Jun 2013 -- More than 140 personnel from the Colorado National Guard are continuing to assist civil authorities with firefighting support at the Black Forest fire in El Paso County, Colo.
Fort Carson continues to support Black Forest firefighting efforts Army News 13 Jun 2013 -- With continued support to civilian authorities through a mutual aid agreement, Fort Carson has dispatched a structural fire engine to backfill Colorado Springs Fire Station 4 on Southgate for normal residential responses in that area.

Defense Policy / Programs

NSA Chief Urges Public Debate of Terrorist Surveillance AFPS 13 Jun 2013 -- Now that the existence of classified National Security Agency data-gathering efforts have been leaked to the public, the head of U.S. Cyber Command and NSA said yesterday he wants the public to understand the programs "so they can see what we're doing and what the results of it are."

As Nellis AFB grounds aircraft, training goes virtual AFNS 13 Jun 2013 -- The sky over southern Nevada is quieter than they have been in quite some time due to the June 1 Air Combat Command directed stand down of flying operations.
Comptroller Offers Glimpse of Post-sequester Options AFPS 13 Jun 2013 -- The budget storms assailing the Pentagon are unprecedented, the Defense Department's chief financial officer said here today.
DOD Establishes First Brain Tissue Bank to Study Traumatic Brain Injury in Service Members DoD 13 Jun 2013 -- The Department of Defense has established the world's first brain tissue repository to help researchers understand the underlying mechanisms of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in service members.
Commander, U.S. Africa Command Visits USS Samuel B. Roberts NNS 13 Jun 2013 -- Gen. David Rodriguez, commander, U.S. Africa Command, visited the guided-missile frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58), during the ship's visit to Augusta Bay, June 11.
Official Outlines Challenges in Securing DOD Communications AFPS 13 Jun 2013 -- The threat of a cyberattack that would disrupt or deny connectivity is one of many information technology challenges the Defense Department faces, the Pentagon's chief information officer said here yesterday.
Missile defense system readiness relies on FSR expertise Army News 13 Jun 2013 -- Tobyhanna Army Depot technicians are supporting the deployment of a key missile defense system in the western Pacific.
Embassy Official: Beyond the Horizon Supports U.S. Outreach AFPS 13 Jun 2013 -- With tough budgetary choices ahead and the looming prospect of even deeper cuts, a senior official at the U.S. Embassy in Panama called the engagements being conducted during Beyond the Horizon 2013 a smart investment that promotes regional partnerships and by extension, regional security.
Mabus Advocates Cutting Number of Camouflage Uniforms AFPS 13 Jun 2013 -- Navy Secretary Ray Mabus would like to see the number of different camouflage uniforms in the military come down.
Navy Secretary Describes Progress in Combating Sexual Assaults AFPS 13 Jun 2013 -- Navy Secretary Ray Mabus is not concerned about sexual assault in the service. He's angry.
Army harnesses sun to reduce casualties from sniper attacks Army News 13 Jun 2013 -- The U.S. Army is harnessing the elements to help reduce casualties from sniper attacks on forward operating bases.
A walk on the dry side: Navy junior officers go ashore with Marines USMC News 13 Jun 2013 -- The very nature of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, embarking thousands of Marines on Navy amphibious assault ships, means that Marines are, by rote, exposed to the Navy way of life; to watches, to flight quarters, to a life of passageways, ladder wells, decks, and hatches. Occasionally, though, it goes in reverse.
BSRF-13 Wraps Up Platinum Eagle 13 USMC News 13 Jun 2013 -- MIHAIL KOGALNICEANU, Romania – After four weeks of exercises in three different regions of Romania, the Marines and sailors with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 are now complete with Exercise Platinum Eagle 13.
Pacific Partnership 2013 Arrives in Tonga NNS 13 Jun 2013 -- The amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) arrived in Tonga, the second mission port of Pacific Partnership 2013, June 12.
Pacific Partnership 2013 Opens Mission in Tonga NNS 13 Jun 2013 -- Tonga leaders and citizens participated in a ceremony alongside of U.S., partner nation service members and non-governmental organization volunteers to mark the commencement of Pacific Partnership 2013, June 12.
Nimitz Responds Quickly to Shipboard Fire with No Disruption to Mission NNS 13 Jun 2013 -- A fire occurred aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the ship's electrical equipment while the ship was underway in the Indian Ocean within U.S. 7th Fleet's operating area June 7.
Eisenhower Strike Group Departs U.S. 5th Fleet AOR NNS 13 Jun 2013 -- The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKECSG) departed the U.S. Fifth Fleet area of responsibility (AOR), June 13, after spending three months operating with and supporting U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT).

First pilots complete new fast jet training UK MOD 13 Jun 2013 -- The first pilots have graduated from the UK's new advanced fast jet training course.

Upgraded Nuclear Cruiser to Rejoin Russian Navy in 2018 RIA Novosti 13 Jun 2013 -- The Admiral Nakhimov, a nuclear-powered missile cruiser currently being overhauled and modernized, will rejoin the Russian Navy in 2018 with the most advanced weapons systems for its vessel type, the Sevmash shipyard said Thursday.

Ammunition bursts in India’s T-72 tanks barrels cause concern IRNA 13 Jun 2013 -- India's T-72 tanks are facing problems with its ammunition as it sometimes bursts in the barrel.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 6/13/2013 The White House 13 Jun 2013
June 13, 2013 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 13 Jun 2013

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for June 13, 2013

Other Conflicts

13 June 2013 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 13 Jun 2013

Statement by Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications Ben Rhodes on Syrian Chemical Weapons Use The White House 13 Jun 2013
On-the-Record Conference Call by Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications Ben Rhodes on Syria The White House 13 Jun 2013
White House Assesses Assad Used Sarin, Will Boost Opposition Aid AFPS 13 Jun 2013 -- The White House in a statement today condemned Bashar Assad's regime in Syria for multiple uses of chemical weapons against Syrian citizens, and pledged increased aid to opposition forces there.
White House: Obama Decides to Send Military Support to Syrian Rebels VOA 13 Jun 2013 -- The White House says it now has conclusive evidence that Syrian troops have used chemical weapons against rebels - a move President Barack Obama has said would cross a 'red line.'
Ban recommends strengthening UN peacekeeping force in Golan Heights UN News Centre 13 Jun 2013 -- Warning that recent clashes in the Golan Heights area are threatening the decades-long ceasefire between Syria and Israel and putting civilians and United Nations personnel at risk, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has recommended enhancing the self-defence capacity of the UN Mission there.
Obama 'Very Closely' Evaluating Syria Options VOA 13 Jun 2013 -- With the death toll in Syria's civil war now at 93,000 by United Nations estimates, the White House says President Obama continues to 'closely' evaluate options available to him.
FSA militants fire rockets at Lebanon's Bekaa Valley towns Iran Press TV 12 Jun 2013 -- Foreign-backed militants in Syria have fired a number of rockets at the Lebanese border towns and villages of Bekaa Valley.
Injured from al-Qusayr battle struggle to get medical care IRIN 13 Jun 2013 -- Ahmad* has tired eyes and seems anxious as he watches military planes flying overhead. He runs an improvised clinic in a private flat in this small town along the Damascus-Aleppo highway.
Kerry vows US commitment to aid Syria rebels after 'disastrous' losses Iran Press TV 13 Jun 2013 -- US secretary of State John Kerry has again vowed American "commitment" to aid foreign-backed insurgents in Syria following their "disastrous" recent defeats at the hands of the Syrian Army.
Over 90,000 Killed in Syria Conflict - UN RIA Novosti 13 Jun 2013 -- The number of documented deaths resulting from the conflict in Syria between March 2011 and the end of April 2013 has reached 92,901, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay announced on Thursday.
Nearly 93,000 people killed in 'vicious' Syria conflict – UN human rights chief UN News Centre 13 Jun 2013 -- Warning the real figure is likely to be much higher, the United Nations human rights chief today announced that the death toll in Syria is nearly 93,000, with more than 5,000 people killed a month as the situation in the country has "deteriorated drastically" over the past year.
UN Says 93,000 Dead in Syria Conflict VOA 13 Jun 2013 -- The United Nations says nearly 93,000 people have been confirmed killed in Syria's war, although it warns the actual figure is probably much higher.
Kerry, Hague Discuss Boosting Support for Syrian Opposition VOA 13 Jun 2013 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and British Foreign Secretary William Hague say a political solution is the only way to end the Syrian crisis. But as fighting continues, the two men met in Washington to discuss ways to increase support for Syrian rebels.

US Military Pays Close Attention to Boko Haram Militants VOA 13 Jun 2013 -- The commander of the U.S. Africa Command, General David Rodriguez, says U.S. forces are paying close attention to Boko Haram militants in northern Nigeria as the group expands its ties with terrorist organizations on the continent.
Analysts: West Africa Attractive Hezbollah Destination VOA 13 Jun 2013 -- Analysts say numerous factors have made West Africa an attractive target for Hezbollah, a Shi'ite extremist group founded in Lebanon.
Israel may build more illegal settler units in West Bank Iran Press TV 13 Jun 2013 -- The Tel Aviv regime may approve the construction of more than 1,000 illegal settler units in the occupied West Bank, Israeli media reports say.
Conflict with Armenia Could Reignite During Azeri Election VOA 13 Jun 2013 -- Almost two decades ago, the big guns fell silent in the war between Armenians and Azeris over a mountainous corner of Azerbaijan called Nagorno-Karabakh.

News Reports

I will fight extradition to US, whistleblower Edward Snowden says Iran Press TV 13 Jun 2013 -- Edward Snowden, the former CIA employee behind the biggest intelligence leaks in the history of the National Security Agency (NSA), says he would fight any attempt by the United States to have him extradited from Hong Kong.
US involved in extensive hacking on China, Hong Kong: Snowden Iran Press TV 13 Jun 2013 -- NSA whistleblower who leaked major US electronic spying operations within and outside the country has further exposed US the spy agency's involvement in massive hacking against China and Hong Kong.
U.S. Leaker Vows Extradition Battle RFE/RL 13 Jun 2013 -- The American man who leaked details of top-secret U.S. government surveillance operations has vowed to stay in Hong Kong and fight possible extradition to the United States to face charges.
Intelligence Leak Puts Growing Pressure on US Officials RIA Novosti 13 Jun 2013 -- The head of the US National Security Agency (NSA) told a congressional committee Wednesday that he knows of "no way" former NSA contractor Edward Snowden could tap into the phone calls and emails of any American.
Snowden Charges Further Complicate US-China Ties VOA 13 Jun 2013 -- China's state media have pounced on comments from former CIA analyst Edward Snowden that the U.S. government has been hacking computers in China for years, giving the issue prominent coverage.

Turkey's Erdogan issues 'last warning' to Taksim Square protesters Iran Press TV 13 Jun 2013 -- Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has given a 'last warning' to thousands of anti-government protesters, saying his government will rid Istanbul's Taksim Square of 'troublemakers' within the next 24 hours.
Turkish PM Issues Final Warning to Protesters VOA 13 Jun 2013 -- Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has issued a 'final warning' to protesters to leave Gezi Park in central Istanbul. Activists have said they will not leave the park until the government abandons plans to redevelop it. Erdogan has promised a local vote on its future.

Mossad chief holds secret meeting with Turkish intelligence head in Ankara Iran Press TV 13 Jun 2013 -- The director of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency has met secretly with the Turkish intelligence agency's undersecretary and discussed the latest regional developments.

Pakistan to implement Iran gas pipeline project: official document IRNA 13 Jun 2013 -- Pakistanˈs new government will implement the Iran gas pipeline project to meet its fast growing energy needs, a government document says.

Iran presidential candidates warned against premature victory claims Iran Press TV 13 Jun 2013 -- Iran's highest electoral supervisory body, the Guardian Council, has warned presidential candidates against claiming victory before the official election results are announced by the Interior Ministry.
Iranians poised to cast ballots in presidential election Iran Press TV 13 Jun 2013 -- Millions of Iranian will head into polling stations in less than a day to determine the president of the Islamic Republic for the next four years, Press TV reports.
Google: Iranian Gmail Accounts Targeted RFE/RL 13 Jun 2013 -- Google says an operation has been under way to steal the passwords to tens of thousands of Gmail accounts belonging to users in Iran.
How Much Does Iran's Presidency Matter? RFE/RL 13 Jun 2013 -- Campaigning in Iran's election marked its last day on June 12 with all the public trappings of an exercise in popular democracy.
Security Forces Gear Up for Muted Iranian Elections VOA 13 Jun 2013 -- As Iranians go to the polls Friday to select the country's next president, human rights activists say the regime and its security forces are likely to try to stifle dissent. From the selection of candidates to curbs on journalists, activists say the government is determined to have an election devoid of protest and controversy.

North Korea Blasts South for Failed Talks RIA Novosti 13 Jun 2013 -- North Korea came down on South Korea on Thursday after high-level talks between the sides were canceled, South Korean media reported.
CPRK Slams S. Korea for Making North-South Talks Abortive KCNA 13 Jun 2013 -- A spokesman for the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea issued a statement as the talks between the authorities of the north and the south proved abortive.

Court Rejects Request for Kremlin Critic Navalny's Arrest RIA Novosti 13 Jun 2013 -- A Russian court refused to issue an arrest warrant for Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny on Thursday, requested by prosecutors after he failed to appear in court, because he was being questioned by investigators in another city.

Peru successfully launches first homemade rocket: Aerospace research center Iran Press TV 13 Jun 2013 -- Peru has successfully test fired its first domestically made rocket capable of reaching the stratosphere, the head of the National Aerospace Research and Development Commission says.
UN celebrates 50 years of invaluable contributions by women to human space flight UN News Centre 13 Jun 2013 -- The United Nations today commemorated the first space flight by a woman over 50 years ago and the contributions by women to that endeavour since then, hailing these "trailblazers" as powerful role models for young women and men worldwide.

Enhanced regional cooperation vital to curbing spread of terrorism, senior UN official says UN News Centre 13 Jun 2013 -- The top United Nations political official today urged participants at an international counter-terrorism conference to work with the Organization to enhance regional coordination and coherence to overcome the threat of terrorism and extremism.

Bahraini regime forces arrest opposition figures Iran Press TV 13 Jun 2013 -- Bahraini regime forces have arrested prominent members of the opposition February 14 Revolution Youth Coalition as part of the Arab kingdom's attempts to quell more than two years of pro-democracy uprising.
Georgian Interior Ministry Says Terrorist Attack Prevented RFE/RL 13 Jun 2013 -- The Georgian Interior Ministry says a terrorist attack has been prevented in the capital, Tbilisi.
Azerbaijani Trial Date Set For 29 In Alleged Eurovision Terrorist Plot RFE/RL 13 Jun 2013 -- Twenty-nine people will go on trial in Azerbaijan next month for allegedly plotting terrorist attacks - including a purported plan to assassinate President Ilham Aliyev - during last year's Eurovision Song Contest in Baku.

Message to Congress - Continuation of the National Emergency with respect to Belarus The White House 13 Jun 2013
Notice to Congress - Continuation of the National Emergency with respect to Belarus The White House 13 Jun 2013

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