19 June 2013 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
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Current Operations

OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 19 Jun 2013 [PDF]

What Afghanistan, United States, Taliban Seek From Doha Talks RFE/RL 19 Jun 2013 -- It's possible that they won't all sit at the same negotiation table, but the Afghan government, the United States, and the Taliban all have their own wish list for peace negotiations.
U.S. Defends Peace Talk Efforts With Taliban As Kabul Responds Coolly RFE/RL 19 Jun 2013 -- U.S. President Barack Obama has defended U.S. efforts to get Afghan peace talks started at a new Taliban office in Qatar.
Afghanistan Cancels Security Talks With United States VOA 19 Jun 2013 -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai has canceled bilateral security talks with the United States, apparently to protest the opening of formal talks with the Taliban insurgent group.
Afghanistan suspends talks over security deal with US PressTV 19 Jun 2013 -- Afghanistan has suspended talks with the US regarding a strategic agreement, the so-called Bilateral Security Agreement over Washington’s ‘contradictory approach.’
Russia Shares Kabul's Concerns Over US-Taliban Talks RIA Novosti 19 Jun 2013 -- Moscow supports Kabul’s position that peace efforts in the war-torn country should be led by the government of Afghanistan, instead of the United States.
Pakistan hails Afghan Taliban Qatar office IRNA 19 Jun 2013 -- Pakistan welcomes the opening of an Afghan Taliban office in Qatar for the purpose of bringing peace to Afghanistan.
Interview: Taliban Spokesman Says Qatar Office Marks Beginning Of Political Track RFE/RL 19 Jun 2013 -- Taliban officials in the newly opened Taliban office in Qatar say the opening of their office is a response to calls by their opponents for the launch of a political process.
Taliban Hint At Eventual Power Sharing In Afghanistan RFE/RL 19 Jun 2013 -- The Taliban has expressed its willingness to share power in Afghanistan a day after the hard-line Islamist group opened a political office in Qatar.
US denies talks with Taliban scheduled PressTV 19 Jun 2013 -- The United States has described as inaccurate reports that it has arranged a formal meeting with the Taliban at their newly-opened office in the Qatari capital Doha./li>
Combined Force in Kandahar Arrests Taliban Leader AFPS 19 Jun 2013 -- A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader and another extremist in Kandahar City, the provincial capital of Afghanistan’s Kandahar province.
Obama, French President Discuss Afghanistan After Summit AFPS 19 Jun 2013 -- President Barack Obama held a private meeting yesterday with French President Francois Hollande in Lough Erne, Northern Ireland, following the annual G-8 conference.
US terror drone strike kills five in western Afghanistan PressTV 19 Jun 2013 -- At least five people have been killed and several others severely injured in a strike by a US killer drone in Afghanistan’s western province of Farah.
Taliban Claim Killing of 4 US Troops VOA 19 Jun 2013 -- The Taliban has claimed responsibility for an attack that killed four U.S. troops in Afghanistan, hours after the U.S. announced it was opening formal talks with the insurgent group.
Four U.S. Soldiers Killed In Afghan Attack RFE/RL 19 Jun 2013 -- The Taliban says it fired the rockets into Bagram Airfield that killed four U.S. soldiers.
Redeployment of kit from Afghanistan UK MOD 19 Jun 2013 -- As the drawdown of UK forces continues apace in Helmand, a senior officer talks of the unprecedented redeployment of equipment taking place.

Defense Policy / Programs

Remarks by President Obama at the Brandenburg Gate - Berlin, Germany The White House 19 Jun 2013
Remarks by President Obama and German Chancellor Merkel in Joint Press Conference The White House 19 Jun 2013
FACT SHEET: Nuclear Weapons Employment Strategy of the United States The White House 19 Jun 2013
A New Legal Framework for U.S.-Russian Cooperation in Nuclear Nonproliferation and Security US Dept. of State 19 Jun 2013
Obama Calls for Further Cuts in Nuclear Arms AFPS 19 Jun 2013 -- President Barack Obama announced his intention to seek deeper cuts in the U.S. nuclear arsenal, provided Russia is willing to negotiate similar reductions.
In Berlin Speech, Obama Calls for Nuclear Reductions VOA 19 Jun 2013 -- U.S. President Barack Obama set forth his vision for advancing toward a world free of nuclear weapons in a speech Wednesday at the historic Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.
Obama Calls For Cuts In U.S., Russia Nuclear Arsenals RFE/RL 19 Jun 2013 -- U.S. President Barack Obama has proposed that the United States and Russia cut their strategic nuclear warheads by a further one-third.
Russia Skeptical Over Obama’s New Nuclear Reduction Proposal RIA Novosti 19 Jun 2013 -- Russian officials expressed doubts over new nuclear arms reductions proposed by US President Barack Obama.
Obama Urges Further US-Russian Nuclear Cuts RIA Novosti 19 Jun 2013 -- US President Barack Obama proposed to cut another one-third of US and Russian nuclear arsenals.
Obama to announce reduction in nuclear weapons: Report PressTV 19 Jun 2013 -- President Barack Obama is set to announce a sharp reduction in US’s deployed nuclear weapons by up to a third below the level achieved under the “New Start” treaty with Russia.
New Standing Headquarters Focuses on WMD Elimination AFPS 19 Jun 2013 -- It’s a nightmare scenario: an adversary has assembled a stockpile of weapons of mass destruction with plans to inflict devastation on the United States, its allies and friends, and the world.
50th Regional Support Group manages logistics for Golden Coyote Army News 19 Jun 2013 -- The Golden Coyote Training Exercise prepares Florida's 50th RSG for a variety of missions.

U.S. - Japan - Republic of Korea Trilateral Meeting in Washington US Dept. of State 19 Jun 2013
Remarks by Secretary Hagel at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Nebraska DoD 19 Jun 2013
Welsh: Sequestration continues to drain crucial capabilities from America's Air Force AFNS 19 Jun 2013 -- The Air Force's top officer reported on the growing strain sequestration has put on readiness, personnel and modernization.
Cost-saving Pilot Programs to Support Warfighter Autonomy AFPS 19 Jun 2013 -- A call from the Defense Department to government labs for autonomous technology ideas that support the warfighter has been answered with seven initiatives.
JLTV program office hosts vehicle demonstration, gets ready to test vehicle prototypes USMC News 19 Jun 2013 -- The JLTV program, a joint effort by the Army and Marine Corps, addresses gaps in the services’ light tactical vehicle fleets.
Jordan, US hold war games in desert areas PressTV 19 Jun 2013 -- Military forces from the United States and Jordan have held war games in desert areas near the Syrian border with the Persian Gulf country.
Coastal Riverine Squadron One Detachments Deploy NNS 19 Jun 2013 -- Sailors from Coastal Riverine Squadron One (CRS-1) deployed to Djibouti, June 13.
VMAQT-1 stands up, assumes responsibility for Prowler training USMC News 19 Jun 2013 -- Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 1 became Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Training Squadron 1 during a redesignation ceremony aboard Cherry Point Friday.
SP-MAGTF Crisis Response ACE maintains readiness 24/ 7 USMC News 19 Jun 2013 -- The mission of SPMAGTF-CR requires Marines and aircraft to be ready to move at a moment’s notice to respond to potential crises in the African region.
MPF offload kicks-off Dawn Blitz 2013 USMC News 19 Jun 2013 -- Marines from 1st Marine Expeditionary Force participated in a Marine Prepositioning Force offload exercise at Coronado, Calif., June 13, 2013.
Ramstein Airmen build capability with Polish air force AFNS 19 Jun 2013 -- The 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and 435th Contingency Response Group continuously train to meet sustainable medical readiness throughout the European theater here.
USS Freedom Brings Littoral Combat Ship Capabilities To CARAT Malaysia NNS 19 Jun 2013 -- The USS Freedom accomplished several firsts to participate in exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training with the Royal Malaysian Navy, June 15.
Germantown Completes Amphibious Warfare Certification NNS 19 Jun 2013 -- Landing dock ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) completed her amphibious warfare (AMW) certification June 18 during routine operations off the coast of Japan.
USS Jacksonville Returns to Pearl Harbor NNS 19 Jun 2013 -- The Los Angeles-class submarine USS Jacksonville (SSN 699) was welcomed by friends and families at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, after completing a deployment to the Western Pacific and Arabian Gulf, June 18.
US senators question aid to Honduras, citing extrajudicial killings PressTV 19 Jun 2013 -- A number of US senators have questioned Obama administration’s foreign aid to Honduras.
Tests, Surveys Pending as Services Study Jobs for Women AFPS 19 Jun 2013 -- With proxy tests and surveys, consultations and validations, the nation’s military services and USSOCOM are preparing to map the path -- and the obstacles -- to opening jobs for women.
Air Force sets plan to integrate women in combat jobs by 2016 AFNS 19 Jun 2013 -- The Air Force released details of the service's plan to fully integrate women into previously closed career fields June 18.
DOD Announces Recruiting and Retention Numbers for Fiscal 2013, Through April 2013 DoD 19 Jun 2013
Program fights mosquitoes, trains Airmen AFNS 19 Jun 2013 -- Air Force Reserve Command is expanding its Innovative Readiness Training, or IRT, program this summer to help communities control mosquitoes.
Presidential Memorandum - Delegation of Reporting Functions The White House 19 Jun 2013

Russia Probes Blasts at Depot Storing ‘Millions’ of Shells RIA Novosti 19 Jun 2013 -- Russian investigators have launched a probe into multiple explosions that rocked an ammunition depot in central Russia this week.
Firefighting ‘Tank’ to Enter Blaze-Engulfed Army Facility RIA Novosti 19 Jun 2013 -- A large fire erupted amid multiple explosions that tore through the site and sent shrapnel flying over a kilometer.
Russia Tests Mine-Clearing Vehicle for Mobile Missiles RIA Novosti 19 Jun 2013 -- Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces are testing a remote-controlled mine-clearance vehicle designed to let Yars mobile ballistic missile launchers travel safely through minefields.

Families of killed soldiers can sue UK govt. for negligence PressTV 19 Jun 2013 -- The Supreme Court in Britain has ruled that families of soldiers killed in Iraq can bring damages claims against the government for negligence under the Human Rights Act.

South Korea to Buy European Long-Range Missiles VOA 19 Jun 2013 -- South Korea has decided to upgrade its long-range missile arsenal with European-made weapons.

U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing, June 19, 2013 US Dept. of State 19 Jun 2013

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for June 19, 2013

Other Conflicts

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 19 June 2013 United Nations 19 Jun 2013
War drives number of forcibly displaced worldwide to 18-year high, says UN report UN News Centre 19 Jun 2013 -- A United Nations report says that more people are refugees or internally displaced than at any time since 1994.
UN Says World Refugees At 18-Year High RFE/RL 19 Jun 2013 -- The United Nations refugee agency says the number of refugees and displaced people around the world rose to 45.2 million last year – the most in 18 years.
UN officials urge Governments to ensure natural resources fuel development, not conflict UN News Centre 19 Jun 2013 -- Governments bear the primary responsibility to ensure that natural resources do not fuel conflict.

U.S. Government Assistance to Syria US Dept. of State 19 Jun 2013
Obama Silent on US Arms to Syrian Rebels VOA 19 Jun 2013 -- U.S. President Barack Obama says Syria's government has lost its legitimacy by killing tens of thousands of its citizens in a bloody civil war.
Obama Won't Be Specific On Military Aid To Syrian Opposition RFE/RL 19 Jun 2013 -- U.S. President Barack Obama has refused to be specific about what weapons Washington would provide to Syrian opposition forces.
West prepares to send more weapons to Syria PressTV 19 Jun 2013 -- Informed diplomats have said a plan for providing foreign-backed militants fighting against the Syrian government has entered the implementation phase.
Israeli President backs US plan to arm Syria militants PressTV 19 Jun 2013 -- Israeli President Shimon Peres has supported the United States plans to provide foreign-backed militants in Syria with weapons.
US certain about Syria use of chemical weapons: Barack Obama PressTV 19 Jun 2013 -- The US President Barack Obama says, unlike the Russian government, Washington is certain that the Syrian troops have used chemical weapons.
Russia urges presence of Iran, Saudi Arabia in Geneva talks on Syria PressTV 19 Jun 2013 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has described as significant the presence of Iran and Saudi Arabia in the international conference on Syria in Geneva.
France changes tone on Iran's participation in Geneva confab PressTV 19 Jun 2013 -- French President Francois Hollande says he will welcome the presence of Iran’s President-elect Hojjatoleslam Hassan Rohani in the Geneva conference on Syria “if he can be constructive.”
G8 makes no breakthrough on Syria PressTV 19 Jun 2013 -- G8 leaders had almost nothing new to say on Syria at the end of their two-day summit in Northern Ireland, only renewing calls for an unscheduled Geneva peace conference.
Al-Nusra Front assassinates Free Syrian Army officers: Report PressTV 19 Jun 2013 -- The al-Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front has assassinated a large number of the so-called Free Syrian Army officers.
How Many Chechens Are Fighting In Syria? RFE/RL 19 Jun 2013 -- It is almost a year since the first reports surfaced that some Chechens had joined the ranks of the armed opposition to Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad.
Rockets fired from Syria hit eastern Lebanon PressTV 19 Jun 2013 -- Lebanese security sources say two rockets fired from Syrian territories have hit a Hezbollah stronghold in eastern Lebanon’s Bekaa region.
Israeli reconnaissance plane breaches Lebanese airspace PressTV 19 Jun 2013 -- Lebanese army has said that an Israeli reconnaissance drone has breached the country’s airspace in Riyak, Baalbek and Hermel regions.

Press Conference to Launch Report on Recruitment, Other Conflict-Related Violations against Children in Mali, 19 June 2013 United Nations 19 Jun 2013
United States Welcomes Mali Agreement US Dept. of State 19 Jun 2013
Ceasefire accord ‘significant’ step towards stability in Mali, says UN’s Sahel envoy UN News Centre 19 Jun 2013 -- The United Nations Special Envoy for the Sahel welcomed the signing of the ceasefire accord between the Government of Mali and Tuareg rebels.

Gunmen Kill Dozens in Northern Nigeria Village VOA 19 Jun 2013 -- Gunmen have raided a village in northern Nigeria and killed at least 48 people in a revenge attack targeting a local vigilante group.
Bandit attacks displace northern Nigeria herders IRIN 19 Jun 2013 -- Incessant deadly attacks on Fulani settlements and villages in northern Nigeria by armed bandits are threatening herds and upping tensions in northern Nigeria.
Lebanese Men Accused of Terrorism Sue Nigeria for $25 Million VOA 19 Jun 2013 -- Four Lebanese men accused of being Hezbollah members remain imprisoned in Nigeria after a court dismissed weapons and terrorism related charges against them on a technicality.
8 Russian Sailors Acquitted in Nigeria Arms Smuggling Case RIA Novosti 19 Jun 2013 -- A court in Nigeria acquitted eight of 15 Russian sailors who had been arrested near the West African country’s coast in October 2012 on arms smuggling charges.

Statement by NSC Spokesperson Caitlin Hayden on al-Shabaab’s Attack on the United Nations in Somalia The White House 19 Jun 2013
UN officials voice outrage at deadly attack on world body’s compound in Somali capital UN News Centre 19 Jun 2013 -- Top United Nations officials have voiced their outrage at deadly attack on the world body’s compound in the Somali capital, Mogadishu.
Al-Shabab Gunmen Attack UN Compound in Mogadishu VOA 19 Jun 2013 -- At least 15 people have been killed, including four foreigners, in a suicide and gun attack by Somali militant group al-Shabab on a U.N. compound in the Somali capital, Mogadishu.
Fifteen killed in attack on UN compound in Somali capital, Mogadishu PressTV 19 Jun 2013 -- At least 15 people have been killed in an attack on the main UN compound in the Somali capital, Mogadishu.

S. Sudan, Uganda to Step up Border, Road Patrols VOA 19 Jun 2013 -- South Sudan and Uganda have agreed to step up security patrols on their common border and on the highway linking Juba to Kampala after a spate of attacks against motorists, officials said Wednesday.
Yau Yau Ready for Peace Talks: Murle Delegation VOA 19 Jun 2013 -- South Sudanese rebel leader David Yau Yau has agreed to begin peace talks with representatives of the government.
US Congressional Human-Rights Panel Condemns Sudan VOA 19 Jun 2013 -- Members of a U.S. Congressional human-rights panel are calling on Sudan to stop alleged state-sponsored violence and abuses against civilians.

Southeast Asian Nations, Partners to Discuss Regional Security VOA 19 Jun 2013 -- Foreign Ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and their dialogue partners are gathering in Brunei for a three-day meeting beginning June 29.
China: North Korea Willing to Resume 6-Party Nuclear Talks VOA 19 Jun 2013 -- China says a North Korean official has expressed a willingness to return to long-stalled six-party talks on dismantling his nation's nuclear weapons program.
N.Korea Reaffirms Offer for Talks RIA Novosti 19 Jun 2013 -- Pyongyang reiterated its commitment to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula on Wednesday and said it was determined to tackle the nuclear issue through negotiations.
UN Chief Praises China's Role in Reducing Korea Tension VOA 19 Jun 2013 -- United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has praised China's "constructive" role in reducing tensions between North and South Korea.
DPRK-China Strategic Dialogue in Diplomatic Field Held KCNA 19 Jun 2013 -- Strategic dialogue between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the DPRK and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China was held in Beijing.
DPRK's Nuclear Deterrence Is to Deter War and Ensure Peace: Rodong Sinmun KCNA 19 Jun 2013 -- The DPRK's nuclear deterrence for self-defence serves as a powerful treasured sword for deterring a war and ensuring peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Ministry of People's Security Vows to Punish Defectors Keen on Escalating Confrontation KCNA 19 Jun 2013 -- The Ministry of People's Security of the DPRK issued the following special statement.

Taiwan President hopes for early conclusion of talks with Philippines CNA 19 Jun 2013 -- President Ma expressed hope that negotiations between Taiwan and the Philippines on fishing issues will be concluded early to promote peace and security in the South China Sea.
Philippine official: coast guard shooters should face justice CNA 19 Jun 2013 -- The Philippine official in charge of Taiwan affairs expressed his support for the idea to file criminal charges against the Philippine Coast Guard personnel who fired at an unarmed Taiwanese fishing boat.

Bomb hits social gathering, kills five in northern Iraq PressTV 19 Jun 2013 -- At least five people have been killed after a bomb blast hit a social gathering in northern Iraq.

Rebel Group Threatens Mozambique Railway VOA 19 Jun 2013 -- Mozambique is bracing itself for attacks by the former rebel group, Renamo, which is threatening an offensive on a scale not seen since the end of the civil war 20 years ago.

Rights Group: Prosecute Alleged Arms Dealer VOA 19 Jun 2013 -- A human rights group is calling on Sierra Leonean authorities to investigate a suspected arms dealer. U.N. investigators have alleged Ibrahim Bah supplied arms to rebels during Sierra Leone’s civil war.

News Reports

Remarks at the Annual Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP) Release US Dept. of State 19 Jun 2013
Briefing on the 2013 Trafficking in Persons Report US Dept. of State 19 Jun 2013
Obama Africa Trip is Effort to Re-engage With Continent VOA 19 Jun 2013 -- U.S. President Barack Obama returns to Africa next week, only the second visit of his presidency to the continent.

Analysts Assess Impact of Military Attack on Iran VOA 19 Jun 2013 -- The United States and the European Union believe Iran is seeking to develop nuclear weapons.
UK Supreme Court rules against ban on Iran's Bank Mellat PressTV 19 Jun 2013 -- Britain’s Supreme Court has overturned a ruling against Iran's Bank Mellat over its alleged links to Tehran's nuclear energy program.
Pakistan hopes to complete IP project on time PressTV 19 Jun 2013 -- Pakistan has stressed its commitment to complete the joint gas pipeline project with Iran within the agreed timeframe.

Morsi Critics Demand Early Egypt Elections VOA 19 Jun 2013 -- For many Egyptians, the year since Mohamed Morsi became the nation's first democratically elected president has been a failure.

At start of visit to China, UN chief highlights partnership for peace, stability UN News Centre 19 Jun 2013 -- Secretary-General Ban discussed a range topics central to the agenda of the United Nations.
China Intensifies Digital, Human Surveillance of Tibetans VOA 19 Jun 2013 -- China appears to be intensifying its monitoring of Tibetans.
HRW: Campaign Restricts Tibetans' Freedom of Expression VOA 19 Jun 2013 -- A leading human rights group says a Chinese government surveillance campaign is restricting freedom of expression and creating a culture of fear in Tibetan villages.

Turkish Government Won't Condemn Silent Protests VOA 19 Jun 2013 -- Turkey's deputy prime minister Bulent Arinc says he does not object to the silent anti-government protests that have sprung up across the country.
Protests Continue in Turkey, But Methods Changing VOA 19 Jun 2013 -- Anti-government protests continue in Turkey, but the methods have changed. The two weeks of clashes in which four people died and about 5,000 were injured drew increasing numbers of supporters.

Failure to address discrimination could undermine reforms in Myanmar – UN official UN News Centre 19 Jun 2013 -- The United Nations human rights chief urged Myanmar’s Government to tackle continuing discrimination against ethnic minorities.

U.S. House passes legislation backing Taiwan's ICAO bid CNA 19 Jun 2013 -- The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill in support of Taiwan's bid to participate in the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Navalny's Game RFE/RL 19 Jun 2013 -- Aleksei Navalny may be on the ropes, but at the same time he’s also on something of a roll.
Russian Opposition Figure Charged with Plotting Mass Riots RIA Novosti 19 Jun 2013 -- Russian prosecutors have charged opposition activist Leonid Razvozzhayev with plotting mass riots during a demonstration in Moscow last May.
Former YUKOS Subsidiary Boss Released on Parole RIA Novosti 19 Jun 2013 -- The former chief of YUKOS oil company subsidiary Tomskneft, who was serving a 13-year prison sentence for large-scale embezzlement, has been released on early parole.

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