17 June 2013 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Afghan, Coalition Forces Arrest Extremists During Search AFPS 17 Jun 2013 -- A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested two extremists during a search for a Taliban leader in the Sar-e Pul district of Afghanistan’s Sar-e Pul province.
Afghan police chief of Helmand survives car bombing PressTV 17 Jun 2013 -- The police chief of Afghanistan’s volatile Helmand Province has survived a car bomb attack in the provincial capital city of Lashkar Gah.
Governor's Guards, Dostum's Militia Clash In North Afghanistan RFE/RL 17 Jun 2013 -- The governor of Afghanistan’s northern Jowzjan Province says his house has been attacked by ethnic Uzbek commander Abdul Rashid Dostum's militia.
Pentagon Signs New Russian Helicopter Deal RIA Novosti 17 Jun 2013 -- Russia and the United States have signed a contract for the delivery of Russian Mi-17 helicopters for the Afghan army.
Mid-deployment, Triple Nickel engineers building lasting legacy in Afghanistan Army News 17 Jun 2013 -- Soldiers of the 555th Engineer Brigade marked an encouraging milestone as they recently crossed the half-way point of their deployment to Afghanistan.

US Kerry assures support to Pakistan new gov’t in PM phone call IRNA 17 Jun 2013 -- The US Secretary of State John Kerry has telephoned Pakistani Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, and reassured that the US Administration remained steadfast in supporting the new government.

Defense Policy / Programs

Officials Weigh Resource Priorities During Sequester AFPS 17 Jun 2013 -- In light of recent budget woes, Defense Department officials are weighing resource priorities and moving toward the decision phase for the fiscal year 2014 budget.
Joint Light Tactical Vehicle 'closes capability gap,' Army says Army News 17 Jun 2013 -- While the Humvee has served the Army well for some 25 years, there's a "capability gap" in what it can do for warfighters on a 21st-century battlefield.
Exercise Dawn Blitz: History Made with Osprey Landing on Japanese Ship NNS 17 Jun 2013 -- A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft landed on Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter destroyer Hyuga for the first time June 14.
Navy and Marine Corps Conduct Logistics Training During Dawn Blitz NNS 17 Jun 2013 -- Sailors and Marines participated in a Maritime Prepositioning Force training event during amphibious exercise Dawn Blitz at Naval Amphibious Base June 13.
Sailors Learn About The Move to Spain NNS 17 Jun 2013 -- Sailors assigned to the USS Donald Cook, USS Ross, and USS Porter and their families attended briefings on what life is like in Rota, Spain, prior to their upcoming move, June 12 - 13.
USS Bonhomme Richard Completes Ammo Onload NNS 17 Jun 2013 -- The USS Bonhomme Richard completed loading ordnance, while preparing for a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility, June 13.
Germantown Gets Underway NNS 17 Jun 2013 -- USS Germantown, sailing as part of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group, departed June 17 for a patrol in the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility.
Individual Carbine competition concludes with no winner Army News 17 Jun 2013 -- The Army has concluded the Improved Carbine competition without having selected a winner.
Smaller satellite terminal solution being fielded following NIEs Army News 17 Jun 2013 -- The Army is fielding to its first unit a new, smaller ground satellite terminal designed to provide high-capacity, beyond-line-of-sight communications at the company level.
22nd ECC Prepares for Afghanistan mission Army News 17 Jun 2013 -- The 22nd Engineer Clearance Company conducted a mission readiness exercise May 29-June 7, training for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan later this year.
Asia-Pacific nations welcome official start to ASEAN exercise USMC News 17 Jun 2013 -- Official start to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief and Military Medicine Exercise.
Pentagon requests $23 billion for cybersecurity expansion PressTV 17 Jun 2013 -- The US Department of Defense is embarking on a colossal expansion of its cybersecurity program.
NORAD Exercise Planned for National Capital Region DoD 17 Jun 2013
S.Korea, US Officials to Hold Anti-Bioterrorism Tabletop Drill RIA Novosti 17 Jun 2013 -- South Korean and US military and government officials will conduct a joint tabletop exercise this week to enhance their ability to address bioterrorism activities.
Colorado Guardsmen Battle Fire on Father’s Day AFPS 17 Jun 2013 -- The Black Forest fire is keeping at least 150 Colorado National Guard members busy, including those fathers who were away from home yesterday on the day set aside to honor them.
2-4 GSAB fuels firefighting effort Army News 17 Jun 2013 -- Army fuelers worked around the clock at the U.S. Air Force Academy airfield, to keep helicopters in the fight against the Black Forest Fire.
AF stops moves to Colorado AFNS 17 Jun 2013 -- The Air Force has temporarily halted permanent change of station moves and most temporary duty assignments as the result of wildfires burning in the Black Forest northeast of Colorado Springs.
Putting new boots on the ground Army News 17 Jun 2013 -- Industry made the boots more breathable by including moisture-wicking linings, perforating the leather, and inserting textiles wherever possible between the leather and rubber, without compromising stability.
Pope Field building 'green' control tower AFNS 17 Jun 2013 -- Construction crews here are putting finishing touches on a new air traffic control tower with improved environmental controls and a smaller ecological footprint.
NASA selects Airman for 2013 astronaut candidate class AFNS 17 Jun 2013 -- NASA officials selected an Airman as one of the eight military and civilian candidates to become an astronaut trainee.
Army raises age limit, extends deadline for eligible OCS applicants Army News 17 Jun 2013 -- The Department of the Army has raised the age limit to 33 for eligible Active Component, in-service Soldiers to apply for Officer Candidate School.
AF updates CJR constrained list, remaining fiscal year quotas AFNS 17 Jun 2013 -- Air Force officials have updated the career job reservation constrained list and released remaining fiscal 2013 quotas for career fields on the list, as well.

Russia to Unveil Over 100 High-Tech Projects at Air Show RIA Novosti 17 Jun 2013 -- A Russian state high-tech corporation will roll out more than 100 new military and civilian developments at the Paris Air Show.
New Missile Boat to Start Caspian Trials RIA Novosti 17 Jun 2013 -- A new attack missile craft will start sea trials with Russia’s Caspian Flotilla in early July.

Allied Rapid Reaction Corps personnel learn valuable lessons in Corsica exercise UK MOD 17 Jun 2013 -- Troops assigned to NATO's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps completed the first part of a rapid deployment exercise in Corsica this weekend.

Britain eyes arms sales to Saudi Arabia PressTV 17 Jun 2013 -- The UK government has been seeking to boost its weapons sales to oil-rich Arab states of the Persian Gulf region with Defence Secretary Philip Hammond talking military ties in Saudi Arabia.
Pilot dies in warplane crash in United Arab Emirates PressTV 17 Jun 2013 -- An Emirati military jet has crashed during a routine training mission in the Persian Gulf country, and the pilot has died in the incident.

UN chief renews call for entry into force of treaty banning nuclear tests UN News Centre 17 Jun 2013 -- Secretary-General Ban renewed his call for the earliest entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney and Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications Ben Rhodes - Enniskillen, Northern Ireland The White House 17 Jun 2013
U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing, June 17, 2013 US Dept. of State 17 Jun 2013

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for June 17, 2013
Sukhoi, Ilyushin Ink Deal for 20 Superjet Airliners RIA Novosti 17 Jun 2013 -- Russian aircraft maker Sukhoi signed a deal to provide 20 Superjet airliners to leasing company Ilyushin Finance.

Other Conflicts

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 17 June 2013 United Nations 17 Jun 2013
Terror tactics making children more vulnerable during conflict – UN officials UN News Centre 17 Jun 2013 -- The evolving nature and tactics of conflict are creating unprecedented threats for children, United Nations officials told the Security Council.

Car Bomb Kills 10 Near Damascus VOA 17 Jun 2013 -- Activists say a car bomb near a military airport in Damascus has killed 10 Syrian soldiers and wounded 10 others.
Blast Hits Damascus Suburb Housing Airport - Report RIA Novosti 17 Jun 2013 -- A huge explosion hit a suburb of the Syrian capital Damascus that is home to a strategic military airport on Sunday evening.
Syria Conflict Exposes Old Rivalries at G8 Summit VOA 17 Jun 2013 -- World leaders gathering at the G8 Summit in Northern Ireland have been discussing how to end the Syrian conflict.
Cameron Says Russia And Britain Can Bridge Differences RFE/RL 17 Jun 2013 -- U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron has said that Russia and Britain can overcome their diverging views on the conflict in Syria despite big differences.
Obama Speaks To Students Ahead Of G8 Summit RFE/RL 17 Jun 2013 -- U.S. President Barack Obama has arrived in Northern Ireland at the start of a two-day summit for the Group of Eight leading industrialized nations.
Syria Set To Top G8 Summit RFE/RL 17 Jun 2013 -- A two-day G8 summit gets under way in Northern Ireland on June 17 with the Syrian conflict expected to be high on the agenda.
Russia not to permit no-fly zone over Syria: Foreign Ministry PressTV 17 Jun 2013 -- Russia will not permit the enforcement of a no-fly zone over Syria, Foreign Ministry spokesman says following reports that US and its allies are planning such a move.
Egyptian Support for Syrian Rebels Still Words Over Action VOA 17 Jun 2013 -- Egypt has further aligned itself with those trying to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. It remains unclear, though, how far Egypt will back its words with action.
Moscow Seeks Clarification After Egypt Cuts Syria Ties RIA Novosti 17 Jun 2013 -- Russia has asked for clarification from Egypt over its decision to sever relations with Syria, which came as a complete surprise to Moscow.
US reportedly considering to prepare for imposing no-fly zone over Syria PressTV 17 Jun 2013 -- The US may reportedly be preparing to impose a no-fly zone over Syria.
Gulf Source Says Saudi Supplying Missiles to Syria Rebels VOA 17 Jun 2013 -- Saudi Arabia, a staunch opponent of President Bashar al-Assad since early in Syria's conflict, began supplying anti-aircraft missiles to rebels “on a small scale” about two months ago.
Qatar, Israeli regime discuss arming Syrian militants PressTV 17 Jun 2013 -- An Israeli regime’s coordinator has met Qatari officials in London to discuss arms deliveries to Syrian foreign-backed militants.
US picks defected Syrian general as sole conduit of arms aid to rebels PressTV 17 Jun 2013 -- The Obama administration has picked defected Syrian General Salim Idriss as the sole conduit of direct US military assistance to anti-Damascus insurgents.
Assad says Europe will pay price if it arms militants PressTV 17 Jun 2013 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says European countries will "pay the price" if they send weapons to foreign-backed militants in the Arab country.
Syrian Refugees Lukewarm About Promise of US Arms VOA 17 Jun 2013 -- Syrian refugees camped out in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley are expressing mixed reactions to Washington’s decision to send weapons to the rebels trying to oust President Bashar al-Assad.
Palestinian refugee camps in Syria now ‘theatres of war’ – UN agency chief UN News Centre 17 Jun 2013 -- A senior United Nations agency official said that more than half of the Palestinian refugee camps in Syria have become “theatres of war.”
UN Cuts Aid in Lebanon, Profiteering on Rise VOA 17 Jun 2013 -- A lack of funding is forcing United Nation agencies helping in Lebanon to cutback on assisting Syrian refugees.
Gulf States to Launch Sanctions Against Hezbollah VOA 17 Jun 2013 -- Gulf Arab states are preparing to launch a series of measures against Hezbollah’s interests in the region.

AQIM Reportedly Confirms Commander's Death in Mali VOA 17 Jun 2013 -- The militant group al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb is reported to have confirmed the death of one of its top commanders.
Ban appoints Rwandan General as military chief of UN integrated Mali mission UN News Centre 17 Jun 2013 -- Secretary-General Ban announced the appointment of Major General Jean Bosco Kazura as Force Commander for MINUSMA.

Indiscriminate Bombing Kills UN Peacekeeper in Sudan US Dept. of State 17 Jun 2013
Sudan accepts AU plan to end tension with South PressTV 17 Jun 2013 -- Sudan Foreign Ministry spokesman has announced the country’s agreement with the proposals tabled by the African Union to resolve tensions with South Sudan.

Kenyan Police Shoot Suspected Al-Shabab Supporter VOA 17 Jun 2013 -- Kenyan police said on Monday they had shot dead a suspected supporter of the Somali militant group al-Shabab during a gunfight and said he had been plotting attacks in the country.

Year After Church Bombings Kaduna Struggles to Rebuild VOA 17 Jun 2013 -- Sectarian violence has plagued central Nigeria for decades and tens of thousands of people have been killed.

10 die in another day of carnage in Iraq PressTV 17 Jun 2013 -- Ten people have been killed and several others wounded in two bomb attacks in Iraq.

Taiwan's fishing boats still vulnerable despite talks with Manila CNA 17 Jun 2013 -- Taiwan and the Philippines may have agreed on preliminary steps to avoid violence in fishing disputes, but Taiwanese fishing boats intruding in Philippine waters will still be arrested.

Palestinian statehood idea at 'dead-end': Israel minister PressTV 17 Jun 2013 -- Israeli Economy Minister Naftali Bennett says that the idea of establishing an independent Palestinian state has reached a dead end.

Georgia must seize opportunity to improve conditions of displaced persons – UN expert UN News Centre 17 Jun 2013 -- A United Nations independent expert praised Georgia for its commitment to improve the living conditions for internally displaced persons.

Message to Congress -- Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Western Balkans The White House 17 Jun 2013
Notice to Congress -- Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Western Balkans The White House 17 Jun 2013
Serbia, Kosovo Exchange Liaison Officers RFE/RL 17 Jun 2013 -- Serbia and Kosovo have exchanged official representatives for the first time since the 1998-99 war in Kosovo and the region's subseqent declaration of independence from Serbia.

News Reports

Remarks by President Obama and President Putin of Russia After Bilateral Meeting The White House 17 Jun 2013
Joint Statement of the Presidents of the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Cooperation in Countering Terrorism The White House 17 Jun 2013
Joint Statement by the Presidents of the United States of America and the Russian Federation on a New Field of Cooperation in Confidence Building The White House 17 Jun 2013
Joint Statement by the Presidents of the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Enhanced Bilateral Engagement The White House 17 Jun 2013
Remarks by President Obama, U.K. Prime Minister Cameron, European Commission President Barroso, and European Council President Van Rompuy on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership The White House 17 Jun 2013
Fact Sheet: U.S. Support for Northern Ireland Peace and Prosperity The White House 17 Jun 2013
Obama Calls N. Ireland Peace a Blueprint for World Conflicts VOA 17 Jun 2013 -- U.S. President Barack Obama has called peace in Northern Ireland a "blueprint" for those living in conflict zones around the world.
Obama: US to Host First Round of Trade Talks With Europe VOA 17 Jun 2013 -- President Barack Obama said next month the United States will host a first round of talks toward a transatlantic free trade agreement.
US, European Union to Start New Trade Pact Talks VOA 17 Jun 2013 -- The United States and European Union say they are starting talks on a new trans-Atlantic free trade agreement.
G8 Summit Opens in Northern Ireland VOA 17 Jun 2013 -- The G8 summit of leaders of key world economies has started in Northern Ireland, though the conference is likely to be dominated by talks on the U.S. decision to arm Syrian rebels.

Hope for Change in Iran Tempered With Caution VOA 17 Jun 2013 -- Analysts are tamping down hopes of major changes in Iran, after the surprise election of relatively moderate candidate Hassan Rowhani as president.
Iran's President-Elect and Nuclear Program RFE/RL 17 Jun 2013 -- Iran's President-elect Hassan Rohani says more transparency in the country’s nuclear program would help ease international economic sanctions on Tehran.
Iran's President-Elect Rowhani Promises 'New Era' VOA 17 Jun 2013 -- Iran's newly elected president is promising to follow a path of moderation, saying his victory signals a new era for the Iranian people.
Iran Says Could Talk With US If Nuclear Right Recognized RIA Novosti 17 Jun 2013 -- Iran's newly elected president, Hassan Rouhani, has said Tehran could open talks with the United States but only if Washington recognized Iran’s right to a nuclear program.
Rohani pledges 'constructive interaction' with world via moderate policy PressTV 17 Jun 2013 -- Iran’s president-elect Hassan Rohani says he will seek “constructive interaction” with the world through a moderate policy after he takes the oath of office in early August.
Rohani says his govt will not compromise Iranian nation's rights IRNA 17 Jun 2013 -- Iran President-elect Hassan Rohani said on Monday that the US should meet all conditions and the government will not compromise Iranian nation's rights.
Ahmadinejad Ordered To Appear Before Court RFE/RL 17 Jun 2013 -- An Iranian government website says outgoing president Mahmud Ahmadinejad has been ordered to appear before a criminal court on November 26.

Report: NSA Leaker Denies Contact with Chinese Gov VOA 17 Jun 2013 -- U.S. intelligence contractor who recently exposed some U.S. surveillance operations has denied he had any contact with the Chinese government.
Apple Reveals Number of NSA Information Requests VOA 17 Jun 2013 -- The Apple company said it had received as many as 5,000 requests from U.S. law enforcement for customer data over the past six months.
Obama does not feel NSA violated people’s privacy: US chief of staff PressTV 17 Jun 2013 -- White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough says United States President Barack Obama does not believe that surveillance by NSA has violated the US people’s privacy rights.
Report: NSA Leaker Alleges British Spying on Diplomats VOA 17 Jun 2013 -- British newspaper The Guardian says documents leaked by a former U.S. intelligence contractor show that Britain spied on diplomats attending the 2009 Group of 20 summit in London.
Turkey summons UK charge d'affaires over G20 spying claims PressTV 17 Jun 2013 -- Turkey has summoned British charge d'affaires over a report that Britain spied on the Turkish finance minister's emails and phone calls during a G20 meeting in 2009.
UK spied on G20 leaders during their 2009 summit in London PressTV 17 Jun 2013 -- Britain and the US have spied on leaders of the G20 countries, including the then-Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, during summits in London back in 2009, new revelations show.
Germany’s spy service plans to expand online surveillance: Report PressTV 17 Jun 2013 -- Germany's Federal Intelligence Service has a multi-million-euro plan to expand its Internet surveillance.

China to Host North Korean Officials for Talks VOA 17 Jun 2013 -- China will host talks with North Korea this week, the Foreign Ministry said.
S. Korea Slammed for Continuing Moving to Abduct Citizens of DPRK KCNA 17 Jun 2013 -- A spokesman for the Central Committee of the Red Cross Society of the DPRK gave the following answer to a question raised by KCNA.
Rodong Sinmun Calls for Increasing Speed of Advance for Great Surge KCNA 17 Jun 2013 -- When we live and carry on the struggle in the offensive spirit of Marshal Kim Jong Un, illustrious commander of Mt. Paektu, there will be no difficulties.

Erdogan slams European Union as 'anti-democratic' PressTV 17 Jun 2013 -- Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has denounced the European Union as “anti-democratic” over the bloc’s criticism of the Turkish government.
Turkey Warns It May Use Army to Quell Protests VOA 17 Jun 2013 -- The Turkish government says it may use the army to help quell anti-government protests after nearly three weeks of violent demonstrations in several cities across the country.
Turkish Government Threatens Military Force Against Protesters RFE/RL 17 Jun 2013 -- Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc has warned protesters that the government may deploy "elements of the armed forces" to help police end nearly three weeks of protests.
Turkey govt. warns it may use army to quell unrest PressTV 17 Jun 2013 -- The government of Turkey says it may bring in the army to end the nationwide anti-government protests as tension between the riot police and demonstrators escalates.
Turkish interior min. says union strike ‘illegal’ PressTV 17 Jun 2013 -- Turkish interior minister says the ongoing nationwide strike by unions in protest at police violence against anti-government demonstrators is "illegal."
Turkish Protesters March Ahead of Planned Strike VOA 17 Jun 2013 -- Protesters continued to demonstrate in the Turkish capital, Ankara, ahead of a nationwide strike Monday to express disapproval of the forced evictions of demonstrators from an Istanbul Park.

Does Egypt Face a New Revolution? VOA 17 Jun 2013 -- Millions hope so, it seems; they have signed a national petition demanding the president resign and plan to take to the streets on June 30, when Mohamed Morsi marks a year in office.

Pakistan shuts Quetta university after attacks PressTV 17 Jun 2013 -- Pakistan's education authorities have shut down a women's university at the center of recent deadly twin attacks in the troubled southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta.

Zimbabwe Poll Date in Flux After Regional Body Calls for Delay VOA 17 Jun 2013 -- Regional leaders have requested that Zimbabwe’s government delay upcoming elections to give the troubled nation time to make sure the vote is free and fair.

Uganda Warns ‘Meddling’ Envoys VOA 17 Jun 2013 -- Uganda’s foreign minister has warned foreign envoys in the country not to interfere in the East African nation’s internal affairs.

Opposition Leader: Delayed Guinean Elections Unlikely this Month VOA 17 Jun 2013 -- A key opposition leader in Guinea has said it is unlikely that the country’s long-delayed parliamentary elections will take place on June 30th as planned.

Family: Mandela is 'Doing Very Well' VOA 17 Jun 2013 -- The daughter of former South African president Nelson Mandela said he is "doing very well" as he recovers in the hospital from a lung infection.

Dissident: China Pressured NYU to Make Him Leave VOA 17 Jun 2013 -- Blind Chinese activist who arrived in the US last year has confirmed China exerted political pressure on New York University to make him leave at the end of this month.

After Years Of Secret Tapes, Georgia Mulls How To Destroy Them RFE/RL 17 Jun 2013 -- The current Interior Minister Irakli Garibashvili has pledged to destroy what he called a "dirty archive of private lives" currently stored on ministry grounds..

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