26 June 2013 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 26 Jun 2013 [PDF]

Marine Transition in Helmand Ahead of Schedule, Amos Says AFPS 26 Jun 2013 -- Marine Corps security handoff and equipment recovery efforts in southern Afghanistan as part of NATO’s International Security Assistance Force are both ahead of schedule.
US Says Talks with Taliban Fail to Get Off the Ground VOA 26 Jun 2013 -- Hopes for a negotiated settlement to the conflict in Afghanistan rose in recent months.
US to blame for tension in Afghanistan: Karzai PressTV 26 Jun 2013 -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai has blamed the United States for tensions in his country by allowing the opening of a political office for Taliban militants in the Qatari capital Doha.
Obama, Karzai Committed To Peace Talks RFE/RL 26 Jun 2013 -- U.S. President Barack Obama and Afghan President Hamid Karzai have reaffirmed their commitment to reconciliation talks with the Taliban.
Pakistan to support Afghan-led peace process, says PM IRNA 26 Jun 2013 -- Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has told the visiting US special envoy that his government is fully committed to an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process.
Afghanistan stresses opposition to UK-run prison in Helmand PressTV 26 Jun 2013 -- Senior Afghan officials in Kabul have once again denounced the British-run prison in Helmand Province, saying the detention of Afghans by British forces is unacceptable.
Opening remarks by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen at the NATO-Georgia Commission meeting in Tbilisi, Georgia NATO 26 Jun 2013
Georgia: now the top non-NATO troop contributor in Afghanistan NATO 26 Jun 2013 -- Georgia has been assisting the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan since 2004.
Kyrgyz Leader Finalizes US Airbase Closure RIA Novosti 26 Jun 2013 -- The president of the Central Asian nation of Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday signed a bill ordering the closure of a US airbase that serves as the main transit hub for NATO forces in Afghanistan.
New UN Report Says Afghanistan Remains Top Opium Producer RFE/RL 26 Jun 2013 -- The UN Office on Drugs and Crime says that Afghanistan continues to remain the world's top cultivator and producer of opium.
401st AFSB executes Force Provider retrograde throughout Afghanistan Army News 26 Jun 2013 -- Forces in Afghanistan drawdown in preparation for the withdrawal of 34,000 U.S. troops by February 2014.
Home sweet home: 14th CSH returns home after nine month deployment Army News 26 Jun 2013 -- More than 100 Soldiers assigned to the 14th Combat Support Hospital welcomed home after a nine-month deployment to Afghanistan.

Pro-Taliban militants claim responsibility for attack PressTV 26 Jun 2013 -- Pro-Taliban militants have claimed responsibility for attack that targeted senior judicial officials.
Karachi Bomb Targets Pakistani Judge, Kills Others RFE/RL 26 Jun 2013 -- A roadside bomb targeting a senior judge has killed at least seven of those guarding him in southern Pakistan.
Pakistani Tribal Chief, Relatives Killed In Blast RFE/RL 26 Jun 2013 -- A local tribal chief and two of his relatives have been killed by a roadside explosive in northwestern Pakistan.

Defense Policy / Programs

Department of Defense Press Briefing by Secretary Hagel and Gen. Dempsey from the Pentagon Briefing Room DoD 26 Jun 2013
Budget Cuts Mean 8,000 Fewer Marines, Commandant Says AFPS 26 Jun 2013 -- If sequestration’s annual spending cuts continue past this year, the Marine Corps will lose 8,000 in troop strength, Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James F. Amos said today.
352nd SOG welcomes Osprey to fleet AFNS 26 Jun 2013 -- The 352nd Special Operations Group resurrected a key capability when two CV-22B Ospreys touched down June 24 here.
George Washington Begins 2013 Patrol NNS 26 Jun 2013 -- The U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier departed Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan for its 2013 patrol, June 26.
George Washington Manned and Ready with Carrier Air Wing 5 NNS 26 Jun 2013 -- More than 2,000 Sailors assigned to Carrier Air Wing 5 embarked the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington for its upcoming patrol, June 25.
USS Bonhomme Richard Embarks 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit NNS 26 Jun 2013 -- The USS Bonhomme Richard embarked Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit in support of joint force operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility, June 25.
MCESG adds unit, doubles in number of Marine embassy security guards USMC News 26 Jun 2013 -- Marine Corps Embassy Security Group has received authorization to add 1,000 Marine embassy security guards over the next three years.
CJTF-HOA Prepares Mobile Forward Command Post AFRICOM 26 Jun 2013 -- The first of its kind, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa's forward command post gives U.S. Africa Command and CJTF-HOA an eyes-on capability.
APS Building Assessment Capacity in Cameroon NNS 26 Jun 2013 -- Eleven members of the Cameroon armed forces kicked off the second week of a two-week assessment-focused mentorship session facilitated by Naval Forces Europe-Africa, June 24.
192nd Infantry Brigade discontinued Army News 26 Jun 2013 -- Fort Benning celebrated the history and contributions of the 192nd Infantry Brigade June 19 during its discontinuance ceremony on Parade Field at the National Infantry Museum.
Colorado Guard Continues Efforts in Wildfire Battle AFPS 26 Jun 2013 -- More than 225 Colorado National Guard soldiers and airmen are continuing support to incident commanders at fires throughout the state.
AF drops 50,000 plus gallons of retardant on Colorado fires AFNS 26 Jun 2013 -- More than 50,000 gallons of fire retardant was dropped by Air Force aerial firefighting aircraft June 25 on wildland fires burning throughout Colorado's West Fork Complex.
USACE to restore Sandy-damaged projects Army News 26 Jun 2013 -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is in the process of placing more than 26 million cubic yards of sand along the coastline throughout the northeastern United States.
Statement by Secretary Hagel on DOMA Ruling DoD 26 Jun 2013
Hagel: Defense Department Welcomes Supreme Court Decision AFPS 26 Jun 2013 -- Defense Department officials will move forward in making benefits available to all military spouses, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said.

SCO Defense Ministers Meet In Bishkek RFE/RL 26 Jun 2013 -- Defense ministers and security officials of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization are gathered in the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek, to discuss regional security issues.
Russian Shipyard Completes Stern for First Mistral Warship RIA Novosti 26 Jun 2013 -- The stern of the Russian Navy's first Mistral-class helicopter carrier was floated out.
Russia to Open Airbase in Belarus Within Months RIA Novosti 26 Jun 2013 -- Russia is opening an airbase in northwestern Belarus, near the Polish and Lithuanian borders, within just a few months.
Russia to Start Sending Weapons to Kyrgyzstan This Year RIA Novosti 26 Jun 2013 -- Russia’s defense minister has said Moscow would begin sending weapons and other military equipment to Kyrgyzstan this year, not in 2014.
China to Bolster Defense Ties With Post-Soviet States RIA Novosti 26 Jun 2013 -- Beijing is committed to boosting its defense collaboration with member states of a post-Soviet security group that includes Russia.

Spending Round 2013 UK MOD 26 Jun 2013 -- The Defence Secretary and the Chief of the Defence Staff have issued statements following the Chancellor's Spending Round 2013 announcement.
NATO and the United Nations launch a training module on Children and Armed Conflict NATO 26 Jun 2013 -- NATO and the United Nations are working together to protect children affected by conflict.

Israel becomes world's 6th largest arms exporter: Report PressTV 26 Jun 2013 -- A newly released military intelligence report says Israel has become the sixth largest arms exporter in the world.

Iran dispatches naval fleet to Russia’s Astrakhan port PressTV 26 Jun 2013 -- Iran has dispatched a naval fleet to the Russian port city of Astrakhan in a move to consolidate friendly relations between Tehran and Moscow.
Iran Navy resolved to protect vessels in free waters: Navy cmdr. PressTV 26 Jun 2013 -- Iran Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari has reaffirmed the Islamic Republic’s determination to protect maritime security for the country’s commercial vessels.

U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing, June 26, 2013 US Dept. of State 26 Jun 2013

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for June 26, 2013

Other Conflicts

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 26 June 2013 United Nations 26 Jun 2013
Press Conference by Force Commanders of United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, 26 June 2013 United Nations 26 Jun 2013
Sahel: UN Special Envoy presents integrated strategy to Security Council UN News Centre 26 Jun 2013 -- The United Nations Special Envoy for the region called on the Security Council to back a framework that would guide the Organization’s collective efforts in capacity building.
Security Council: force commanders of UN peacekeeping missions brief on main challenges UN News Centre 26 Jun 2013 -- Military leaders from three United Nations peacekeeping missions in Africa told the Security Council what they need.

Secretary Kerry Remarks With Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah After Their Meeting US Dept. of State 26 Jun 2013
Capacity-building Central to Syria Strategy AFPS 26 Jun 2013 -- The Defense Department is focusing on building partner capacity in the region, Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey said.
Kerry, Kuwaiti Leaders Discuss Syria, Other Mideast Issues VOA 26 Jun 2013 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry met with Kuwaiti leaders to talk about the war in Syria.
Al-Qaeda-linked groups should be armed in Syria: Saudi Arabia PressTV 26 Jun 2013 -- Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister says his country believes the al-Qaeda-linked groups in Syria should be armed.
Syrian army captures city near Lebanese border PressTV 26 Jun 2013 -- Members of the Syrian army have taken a city near the Lebanese border, marking another victory for the Syrian government in its fight against foreign-sponsored militants.
Russia expects US to clarify position on Syria talks PressTV 26 Jun 2013 -- Russia says it expects the United States to clarify its position against an international conference on Syria crisis.
US, Russia to meet for Syria peace conference: UN PressTV 26 Jun 2013 -- The United Nations says US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will meet next week to facilitate international peace conference on Syria.
Activists Say Syrian Death Toll Tops 100,000 VOA 26 Jun 2013 -- Syrian activists say more than 100,000 people have been killed since the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad began in March 2011.
Russian Aircraft Evacuates Some 130 People from Syria RIA Novosti 26 Jun 2013 -- A Russian Emergencies Ministry’s plane en route from Syria landed in Moscow bringing some 130 people from Russia and other former Soviet republics.

Lebanon Army finds tunnels in Sidon, seizes large arms cache PressTV 26 Jun 2013 -- The Lebanese Army has discovered a series of tunnels in the southern city of Sidon, with a large amount of weapons and ammunition stored inside.

Al-Shabab Leader 'Captured' in Somalia VOA 26 Jun 2013 -- Somali officials say they have captured a leading al-Shabab commander designated a terrorist by the United States.

Nigeria Charges 3 Lebanese for Terrorism VOA 26 Jun 2013 -- After more than 40 days in jail, three Lebanese men were charged with six counts of terrorism-related crimes in a Nigerian court Wednesday.

Drones Bolster UN Peacekeeping Capabilities VOA 26 Jun 2013 -- The United Nations is preparing to send at least three unarmed aerial vehicles to bolster its peacekeeping mission in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Conditions Worsen for Darfurian Refugees, Others VOA 26 Jun 2013 -- A medical aid group says conditions are getting worse for tens of thousands of people who’ve fled fighting in Sudan’s Darfur region.

Kerry: Mideast Peace 'Possible But Difficult' VOA 26 Jun 2013 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says Israeli and Palestinian leaders are both committed to reviving peace talks, but he acknowledged that progress on the long-stalled negotiations would be difficult.
Kerry in Middle East For Talks With Israeli, Palestinian Leaders VOA 26 Jun 2013 -- John Kerry is on his fifth trip to the Middle East as U.S. secretary of state, trying to make progress on peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
Israel approves construction of new illegal settler units PressTV 26 Jun 2013 -- The Israeli regime has approved the construction of 69 new illegal settler units in East al-Quds (Jerusalem), despite widespread international criticism of settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Aliyev Highlights Baku's Boosted Military; Yerevan Concerned RFE/RL 26 Jun 2013 -- Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev says his country will continue to increase its military strength until the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Armenia is resolved.

DPRK Demands Dismantlement of "UN Forces Command" KCNA 26 Jun 2013 -- Dismantlement of the "UN Forces Command" in south Korea is an essential requirement for achieving detente.
U.S. Has No Justification to Commemorate Korean War: Rodong Sinmun KCNA 26 Jun 2013 -- Shortly ago, the U.S. secretary of Defence made a "congratulatory speech" at the opening ceremony of the "Korean War Memorial".

Taiwan will lift sanctions on Philippines if requests met CNA 26 Jun 2013 -- President Ma said that the government will lift its sanctions on the Philippines if Manila responds positively to Taiwan's requests.

Kosovo Officials: Egypt Recognized Independence RFE/RL 26 Jun 2013 -- Senior Kosovo government officials say Egypt has recognized Kosovo's independence.

News Reports

Obama to Kick Off Africa Tour in Senegal VOA 26 Jun 2013 -- U.S. President Barack Obama and his family arrive in the Senegalese capital of Dakar late Wednesday to kick off a week-long, three-country Africa tour.

Hagel Calls on Russia to Hand Snowden Over to U.S. AFPS 26 Jun 2013 -- Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel today called on Russia to hand over Edward Snowden to the United States.
Ecuador: Snowden Decision Could Take Months VOA 26 Jun 2013 -- Ecuador says it could be several months before it decides whether to grant asylum to a former U.S. intelligence contractor.
Snowden Remains Out of Sight at Moscow Airport VOA 26 Jun 2013 -- Former American intelligence contractor Edward Snowden spent a fourth day out of public sight at a Moscow airport.
Snowden Not Being 'Debriefed' by FSB – WikiLeaks RIA Novosti 26 Jun 2013 -- Fugitive former CIA employee Edward Snowden, who is wanted by the United States for leaking state secrets, is not collaborating with Russia's Federal Security Service.
Russia Not Obliged to Expel Snowden – Border Guards RIA Novosti 26 Jun 2013 -- Edward Snowden, stuck in a Russian airport since Sunday, appeared to have a transit visa – but even if he does not, he may get away with just a small fine.
Venezuela Ready to Consider Asylum for Snowden - Maduro RIA Novosti 26 Jun 2013 -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said his country was ready to consider an issue of granting asylum to Edward Snowden.

Russia wants Iran, P5+1 hold talks under Rohani PressTV 26 Jun 2013 -- Russia has called for another round of talks between Iran and the P5+1 group of world powers once Iranian President-elect Hassan Rohani has assumed office.
Rouhani appoints group to examine P5+1 talks: Iran FM PressTV 26 Jun 2013 -- Iran’s president-elect Hassan Rouhani has formed a group to assess the future of negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 group.
Supreme Leader reveals enemies' attempt to damage Iran economy IRNA 26 Jun 2013 -- Supreme Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei revealed the enemies' attempt to damage Iranian economy.
Iran's nuclear technology enters into commercial phase IRNA 26 Jun 2013 -- Iran's nuclear technology has entered into commercial phase.
Intelligence forces hunt most complicated spy network in Fars prov IRNA 26 Jun 2013 -- One of the most complicated espionage, terrorist, and delinquency networks, backed by US and Zionist spy agencies and some reactionary regional countries, was discovered and destroyed.
Iran Admits Throttling Internet To 'Preserve Calm' During Election RFE/RL 26 Jun 2013 -- Iran's minister for communications and information technology acknowledged that the country restricted the speed of the Internet leading up the June 14 election.
Iranian Spokesman Says Comments About Ahmadinejad’s Return Distorted RFE/RL 26 Jun 2013 -- An Iranian government spokesman who was quoted as saying outgoing President Mahmud Ahmadinejad would return with a Shi'ite saint has said his comments were distorted.

Pakistan Starts Treason Probe Against Musharraf VOA 26 Jun 2013 -- Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has ordered officials to begin a treason investigation of former president Pervez Musharraf, who seized power from him in a 1999 military coup.
Pakistani Government Orders Treason Investigation Against Musharraf RFE/RL 26 Jun 2013 -- Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has ordered a treason investigation against former military ruler Pervez Musharraf.

Xinjiang's Deadliest Violence in Years Renews Focus on Ethnic Tensions VOA 26 Jun 2013 -- The deadliest unrest in China's western Xinjiang region in four years is drawing attention to long-running tensions.
China's Xinjiang Riot Kills 27 VOA 26 Jun 2013 -- Chinese state media say 27 people were killed during riots in the ethnically divided, northwestern province of Xinjiang.

Fresh street protests erupt in Brazil before Confed Cup game PressTV 26 Jun 2013 -- Brazilians have begun to protest in the city of Belo Horizonte with authorities expecting over 100,000 protesters ahead of a semi-final Confederations Cup game.

Egypt's Morsi Lashes Out at Opponents Ahead of Protests VOA 26 Jun 2013 -- Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi Wednesday addressed his nation ahead of major demonstrations both for and against his rule.
Political rift threatens to paralyze Egypt: Morsi PressTV 26 Jun 2013 -- Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi has warned that polarized state of the country's politics is "threatening to paralyze” the North African nation.
Kerry: 'Everybody is Very Concerned' About Egypt VOA 26 Jun 2013 -- The United States says it is "closely watching" developments in Egypt as critics of President Mohamed Morsi plan for mass protests this Sunday.
Egyptian President Plans Speech Ahead of Protests VOA 26 Jun 2013 -- Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi is scheduled to address the nation Wednesday, in advance of planned protests aimed at forcing him to step down.

Turkish police break up demonstration in Ankara PressTV 26 Jun 2013 -- Police in Turkey have used water cannon and smoke grenades to disperse hundreds of anti-government demonstrators in the capital, Ankara.

Mongolia to Decide Fate of Mineral Wealth in Presidential Election VOA 26 Jun 2013 -- Mongolians head to the polls Wednesday to elect a new president, with all three candidates promising to use the country's massive mineral wealth to help its still poor population.
Mongolian Presidential Election Held Amid Mining Debate RFE/RL 26 Jun 2013 -- Voters in Mongolia have gone to the polls to choose a president, with the wealth gap and mining revenue topping the debate.
Mongolians vote in presidential election PressTV 26 Jun 2013 -- People in Mongolia cast ballots to elect the country’s president, with incumbent President Tsakhia Elbegdorj expected to be re-elected.

Top UN envoy congratulates new head of Libya legislative body UN News Centre 26 Jun 2013 -- Top UN envoy in Libya congratulated Nouri Ali Busahmin on his election.
Libya elects Berber as national assembly president PressTV 26 Jun 2013 -- Libya’s national assembly has elected Nouri Abusahmen as its new president.

Uganda Police Restrict Opposition Leader’s Movement VOA 26 Jun 2013 -- Uganda’s police briefly arrested a prominent opposition activist, Kizza Besigye, and have since restricted his movements, according to deputy police spokesman Patrick Onyango.

EU Membership Fails to Spark Enthusiasm in Croatia VOA 26 Jun 2013 -- Croatia joins the European Union on July 1 - marking the end of its journey to accession.

Australia PM Gillard Ousted by Former Leader Rudd VOA 26 Jun 2013 -- Australia's former leader Kevin Rudd has won a Labor Party leadership vote over Prime Minister Julia Gillard, in a move expected to result in the country's first female leader quitting politics.
Ex-Premier Rudd defeats Gillard in Australia Labor Party vote PressTV 26 Jun 2013 -- Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has been defeated by former Premier Kevin Rudd in a Labor Party leadership vote.

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