23 August 2013 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
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Current Operations

OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 23 Aug 2013 [PDF]

Negotiations Advance On Crucial U.S.-Afghan Security Agreement RFE/RL 23 Aug 2013 -- The Afghan government says protracted negotiations over a crucial security agreement with the United States have advanced to a new stage.
Karzai Heads to Pakistan for Talks on Afghan Peace Process VOA 23 Aug 2013 -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai is set to pay an official visit to Pakistan where he will seek help to arrange talks between his peace negotiators and Taliban representatives.
US Soldier Gets Life Sentence Without Parole in Killing of 16 Afghans VOA 23 Aug 2013 -- A U.S. Army sergeant who massacred 16 Afghan civilians last year has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
US Soldier Sentenced to Life in Prison for Afghan Village Massacre RIA Novosti 23 Aug 2013 -- A US military jury sentenced a soldier to life in prison without the possibility of parole for massacring 16 Afghan villagers last year.
U.S. Soldier Apologizes For Afghan Massacre RFE/RL 23 Aug 2013 -- The U.S. soldier who massacred 16 unarmed Afghan civilians has apologized.
US soldier apologizes for murdering Afghan civilians PressTV 23 Aug 2013 -- A US soldier who murdered 16 Afghan civilians last year has apologized for the massacre, saying he is sorry for his “act of cowardice.”
Afghans Rally Against Iranian Interference In Herat RFE/RL 23 Aug 2013 -- Activists in Afghanistan's western province of Herat have protested against what they see as the Iranian interference in the region.

Taliban commander welcomes Pakistan govt talks offer IRNA 23 Aug 2013 -- A senior commander of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan Punjab faction has welcomed the government’s recent offer to hold peace talks.
U.S. Imam Gets 25 Years For Taliban Aid RFE/RL 23 Aug 2013 -- An imam in Florida has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for his role in sending tens of thousands of dollars to the Pakistani Taliban, which is considered a terrorist group by the United States.

Defense Policy / Programs

News Briefing En Route Malaysia DoD 23 Aug 2013
Russia Inspects US Missile Defense Base RIA Novosti 23 Aug 2013 -- Russian officials conducted a secret inspection this week of a US missile defense base in California under the auspices of the New START arms treaty.
Growing Engagement, Cooperation Mark Hagel’s Second Asia Visit AFPS 23 Aug 2013 -- Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel arrived on the first leg of a trip to the Asia-Pacific region to meet with counterparts and leaders from several countries.
Arms sales contribute to cross-strait peace: U.S. State Department CNA 23 Aug 2013 -- The U.S. government reaffirmed its commitment under the Taiwan Relations Act to sell weapons to Taiwan.
Taiwan will continue to purchase U.S. arms: President Ma CNA 23 Aug 2013 -- President Ma Ying-jeou said his administration will continue to procure weapons from the United States to safeguard national security.
Chiefs: National Guard, reserves should remain strong, operational Army News 23 Aug 2013 -- The National Guard and reserves should remain strong operational forces, senior leaders of the seven reserve components said recently.
Fort Hood Shooter Nidal Hasan Convicted VOA 23 Aug 2013 -- The jury in the Fort Hood, Texas mass murder trial has convicted U.S. Army Major Nidal Hasan of murdering 13 people and wounding 32 others in a shooting on the base in November, 2009.
U.S. Soldier Convicted Of Murder For Fort Hood Rampage RFE/RL 23 Aug 2013 -- A U.S. Army psychiatrist who killed 13 fellow soldiers in a rampage on a military base has been found guilty on all charges.
US Soldier Convicted in Ft. Hood Shooting Rampage, Eligible for Execution RIA Novosti 23 Aug 2013 -- A US Army psychiatrist was convicted of premeditated murder for a 2009 rampage shooting at the Fort Hood military base in Texas that left 13 people dead.
US Military Jury Deliberating a Second Day in Fort Hood Shooting Case VOA 23 Aug 2013 -- A U.S. military jury is deliberating for a second day in the murder trial of an Army psychiatrist who has admitted killing 13 soldiers and wounding more than 30 others.
George Washington Carrier Strike Group Strengthens Australian Alliance during First half of 2013 Patrol NNS 23 Aug 2013 -- The U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington returned from the first half of its 2013 patrol.
Carrier Air Wing 5 Departs George Washington NNS 23 Aug 2013 -- The U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington's (CVN 73) embarked air wing flew off the ship, Aug. 22, after two months at-sea.
USS Tortuga, USS Ashland Hold Hull-Swap Ceremony NNS 23 Aug 2013 -- USS Tortuga turned over her forward-deployed title to USS Ashland during a hull-swap ceremony at Commander Fleet Activities Sasebo, Aug. 23.
NMCB 3 Assumes Charge of Pacific Region NCF Operations NNS 23 Aug 2013 -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3 assumed charge of all Pacific Region Naval Construction Force missions during a transfer of authority ceremony on Camp Shields, Japan.
Coastal Riverine Squadron 8 Conducts Field Exercises at NAVSTA Newport NNS 23 Aug 2013 -- Three-hundred Navy Reservists from Coastal Riverine Squadron 8 conducted training and field exercises at Naval Station Newport, R.I., Aug. 12-23, as part of their annual training.
Training system brings fight to F-16 pilots AFNS 23 Aug 2013 -- Groundbreaking advancements to F-16 Fighting Falcon warfare training here arrived during the week of Aug. 12 through 16 in the form of a Joint Deployable Electronic Warfare Range, or JDEWR.
ARMY RELEASES JULY 2013 SUICIDE INFORMATION DoD 23 Aug 2013
War Hero Credits Counseling for Continued Improvement AFPS 23 Aug 2013 -- On Oct. 3, 2009, 54 soldiers from Troop B, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, defended Combat Outpost Keating.
Officers not guaranteed retirement USMC News 23 Aug 2013 -- Marine Corps captains and majors are the next group to be impacted by the drawdown in troop strength according to Marine Corps Administrative Message 401/13.

China, Canada vow to strengthen military cooperation People's Daily 23 Aug 2013 -- Visiting Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan and his Canadian counterpart Robert Nicolson held talks, pledging to deepen bilateral military communication and cooperation.

New accommodation for Scottish naval base UK MOD 23 Aug 2013 -- £31.5 million is to be invested in improving facilities for Service personnel at Her Majesty's Naval Base Clyde.
The RAF's first female Air Vice-Marshal UK MOD 23 Aug 2013 -- Elaine West has become the first woman to be promoted to Air Vice-Marshal within the RAF.

Taiwan Shows Off Military Technology VOA 23 Aug 2013 -- Taiwan recently exhibited its latest military technology, including an all-terrain armored vehicle, iPhone-equipped missile launcher and a new drone.
Three detained in controversial military death case CNA 23 Aug 2013 -- Three Army officers indicted for crimes related to the death of an Army conscript were ordered detained.

Iran’s Army to unveil fresh accomplishments late September PressTV 23 Aug 2013 -- Iran’s Army plans to showcase its latest military accomplishments on the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of the Islamic Republic's defence against the Iraqi invasion.

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for August 23, 2013
Department of State Concludes Settlement of Export Violations by Meggitt-USA, Inc. US Dept. of State 23 Aug 2013

Other Conflicts

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 23 August 2013 United Nations 23 Aug 2013

Hagel: Defense Department Has Options for Obama on Syria AFPS 23 Aug 2013 -- Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel joined a video teleconference with President Barack Obama’s senior national security advisors that focused on the deadly situation in Syria.
Hagel: US Weighs Military Options for Syria VOA 23 Aug 2013 -- The U.S. defense secretary has strongly suggested that the U.S. is moving naval forces into place in anticipation of any decision by President Barack Obama to order military action on Syria.
US Cannot 'Conclusively Determine' Chemical Weapons Use in Syria VOA 23 Aug 2013 -- The United States says it can not yet "conclusively determine" that chemical weapons were used in an attack in Syria Wednesday.
Use of chemical weapons in Syria would be ‘crime against humanity’ – Ban UN News Centre 23 Aug 2013 -- The use of any chemical weapons in Syria would amount to a “crime against humanity” and there would be “serious consequences.”
Obama: Alleged Syrian Chemical Attack 'Big Event Of Grave Concern' RFE/RL 23 Aug 2013 -- U.S. President Barack Obama says this week's alleged chemical attack in Syria was a "big event of grave concern."
Lavrov, Kerry Call for Unbiased Probe into Alleged Syria Attack RIA Novosti 23 Aug 2013 -- Moscow and Washington are demanding an “unbiased” investigation into the alleged nerve gas attack near Damascus.
Condemnation of Alleged Syrian Chemical Attack Grows VOA 23 Aug 2013 -- Russia and China are joining international calls for an investigation into an alleged poison gas attack in a suburb of Syria's capital.
US will not attack Syria without UN mandate: Obama PressTV 23 Aug 2013 -- President Barack Obama says the United States cannot attack Syria without a UN mandate for the allegations that the Syrian government used chemical weapons.
Pentagon considering strikes on Syria: Officials PressTV 23 Aug 2013 -- In response to recent allegations of chemical attacks in Syria, the Pentagon has begun refining its military options for possible strikes in the Middle Eastern country.
Russia slams 'unacceptable' calls to use force in Syria PressTV 23 Aug 2013 -- Russia has slammed as “unacceptable” calls by some European countries for use of force against the Syrian government.
Syrian conflict hits tragic milestone: one million children now refugees, UN agencies say UN News Centre 23 Aug 2013 -- Three years of bloodshed in Syria have driven one million children from their homeland.

Lebanon to take Israeli air raid to UN Security Council PressTV 23 Aug 2013 -- Lebanese President Michel Sleiman has tasked caretaker Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour with filing an urgent complaint with the UN Security Council against a recent Israeli airstrike.
Israel Retaliates for Lebanon Rocket Strikes VOA 23 Aug 2013 -- Israel's air force says it has bombed a militant target in Lebanon in response to four rockets fired at Israeli targets.
Israel Bombs Lebanon In Retaliation For Rockets RFE/RL 23 Aug 2013 -- Israel's military says its planes bombed a site in Lebanon in retaliation for rockets fired into Israel from neighboring Lebanon.
Lebanon: UN chief, Security Council strongly condemn bombings near Tripoli mosques UN News Centre 23 Aug 2013 -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Security Council strongly condemned two bomb explosions in the north Lebanese city of Tripoli.
Twin blasts hit Lebanon’s Tripoli, kill 42, injure dozens PressTV 23 Aug 2013 -- At least 42 people have been killed and hundreds more injured in explosions near two mosques in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli.
27 Killed in Lebanon Car Bombings VOA 23 Aug 2013 -- Two car bombs have rocked the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli, killing at least 27 people.

Two Sahara-based Jihadist Groups Merge VOA 23 Aug 2013 -- Two groups that fought in Mali earlier this year and carried out the deadly twin suicide bombings in Niger in May have become one to fight back against what they called the "crusader campaigns" against Muslims.

Sudan, South Sudan must fully implement cooperation agreements – Security Council UN News Centre 23 Aug 2013 -- The United Nations Security Council urged Sudan and South Sudan to immediately implement a series of security and economic agreements.
South Sudan: Security Council urges restraint, calls for humanitarian access in Jonglei UN News Centre 23 Aug 2013 -- The Security Council strongly condemned attacks on civilians and the looting of UN and other international aid organizations’ facilities.

Chinese official urges caution to U.S. on Diaoyu Islands issue People's Daily 23 Aug 2013 -- Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi urged the United States to correctly understand the Diaoyu Islands issue and be cautious with words and deeds.

DRC Welcomes ‘Action’ by UN Intervention Brigade VOA 23 Aug 2013 -- The United Nations Intervention Brigade in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a new-style U.N. peacekeeping force with a uniquely robust mandate, has finally started fighting.
Goma running out of space for DRC's displaced IRIN 23 Aug 2013 -- If the Democratic Republic of Congo’s North Kivu capital of Goma were a hotel, there would be a sign hanging on the door with the words “sorry - no vacancies.”

UN chief urges collective action to fight piracy, armed robbery at sea in Central Africa UN News Centre 23 Aug 2013 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on Central African leaders to collectively focus on conflict prevention in the subregion.

Pakistan summons Indian High Commissioner over soldier’s killing IRNA 23 Aug 2013 -- Pakistan summoned Indian High Commissioner and a strong protest was lodged over the killing of a soldier as a result of indiscriminate firing by the Indian army in the disputed Kashmir region.
India asks Pakistan to uphold sanctity of LoC IRNA 23 Aug 2013 -- India asked Pakistan to uphold the sanctity of the Line of Control and abide by the ceasefire commitment of 2003.

Armenian Soldier Reported Killed On Azerbaijani Border RFE/RL 23 Aug 2013 -- An Armenian soldier has reportedly been shot dead along the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan's Naxcivan Autonomous Republic.

Paraguay’s congress grants military powers to its new president PressTV 23 Aug 2013 -- Paraguayan President Horacio Cartes has won new powers by the nation’s legislators to deploy military forces to crush the unrest in the country just a week after being sworn into office.

News Reports

Arab Spring Jubilation Turns to Despair VOA 23 Aug 2013 -- After more than two and a half years, the mood surrounding the Arab Spring has drastically shifted from jubilation to despair amid violence and bloodshed in the Middle East.

Obama Discusses Cuts In Aid To Egypt RFE/RL 23 Aug 2013 -- U.S. President Barack Obama says halting aid to Egypt "may not reverse what the interim government does."
Obama: US 'can't return to business as usual' with Egypt PressTV 23 Aug 2013 -- President Barack Obama said that the United States is conducting a “full evaluation” of its ties with Egypt and “can't return to business as usual" after the violent crackdown on protesters.
Egypt Protests Weaken Amid Crackdown VOA 23 Aug 2013 -- Muslim Brotherhood supporters are protesting for the first time in days, despite reports that recent violence and the military crackdown on the leadership has crippled the organization.
Some Egyptians See Crackdown as Necessary VOA 23 Aug 2013 -- International condemnation over the bloodshed in Egypt has been swift and strong.
Anti-government demos going on in several Egyptian cities PressTV 23 Aug 2013 -- Demonstrations are under way in several cities across Egypt, in opposition to the military-backed interim government.
Egypt army tightens security in Cairo ahead of nationwide protests PressTV 23 Aug 2013 -- Egypt army has tightened security at several key protest sites in the capital Cairo, ahead of fresh protest rallies against the military-backed interim government.
Christian Editor: Political Islam Unpopular in Egypt VOA 23 Aug 2013 -- The head of Egypt’s weekly Christian newspaper calls the ouster of former president Morsi a people’s coup, not a military takeover.

Tunisia opposition insists on government dissolution PressTV 23 Aug 2013 -- Tunisia's opposition has rejected proposals by the ruling Ennahda party for putting an end to the political crisis in the country, reiterating its call for the dissolution of the government.

Strikes And Political Instability Threaten Libya VOA 23 Aug 2013 -- New clashes at key oil terminals in Libya this week and a daring robbery of the European Union ambassador in Tripoli are raising new concerns about the North African nation.

U.S. Arrests Man From Sierra Leone Over Alleged Iran Uranium Deal RFE/RL 23 Aug 2013 -- U.S. authorities have charged a man from Sierra Leone with trying to broker a deal to sell yellowcake uranium to Iran.

UN probe on DPR Korea to begin hearings UN News Centre 23 Aug 2013 -- The United Nations panel set up to investigate human rights violations in the DPRK will travel to Japan next week.
North, South Korea Begin Family Reunion Talks VOA 23 Aug 2013 -- North and South Korea have begun talks on reuniting families separated by the Korean War.

'China Dream' and 'African Dream' resonate People's Daily 23 Aug 2013 -- At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Kenya's new president Uhuru Kenyatta began a state visit to China on August 18.
China Focus: Bo Xilai trial continues in second day People's Daily 23 Aug 2013 -- Jinan Intermediate People's Court in east China's Shandong Province continued to hear the case of bribery, embezzlement and abuse of power involving Bo Xilai for a second day.

Japan nuclear watchdog inspects water leak at Fukushima plant PressTV 23 Aug 2013 -- Japan's nuclear watchdog has examined the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant following reports of a huge toxic water leak and unexplained radiation hotspots.

Southern Africa Welcomes Steps to End Political Impasse in Madagascar VOA 23 Aug 2013 -- Southern African officials have welcomed what appears to be forward movement after four years of political stalemate in Madagascar.

Azerbaijani Opposition Chooses Backup Presidential Candidate RFE/RL 23 Aug 2013 -- Azerbaijan's united opposition has named a backup candidate to contest October's presidential election should their first choice, famed screenwriter Rustam Ibragimbekov, be barred from running.

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