27 August 2013 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
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Current Operations

OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 27 Aug 2013 [PDF]

Afghan President Ends Pakistan Visit RFE/RL 27 Aug 2013 -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai has completed a visit to Pakistan, where he held two days of talks with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif about bringing the Taliban to the negotiating table.
Karzai extends Pakistan’s visit for Taliban talks IRNA 27 Aug 2013 -- Afghan President Hamid has extended his stay in Pakistan for another day on the request of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, to discuss the peace process further.
Security forces foil major attack on school in southern Afghanistan PressTV 27 Aug 2013 -- Afghan security forces have foiled a potentially devastating bomb attack on a high school in the country's troubled south, security sources say.
UN mission in Afghanistan condemns Taliban’s killing of civilians in western province UN News Centre 27 Aug 2013 -- The United Nations mission in Afghanistan today condemned the abduction and killing of six civilians in the western province of Herat.
Six Aid Workers Executed in Western Afghanistan VOA 27 Aug 2013 -- The Afghan Taliban has executed six men who worked for a development program in the western Afghan province of Herat.
Caribou LCLA airdrops Army News 27 Aug 2013 -- Transporting cargo rapidly, safely and precisely is the main goal for the riggers and their partners that take part in the daily aerial supply delivery operations.
Guardian Angels set-up shop at Gamberi Army News 27 Aug 2013 -- Guardian Angels from 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, Task Force Boar, move into their new home at Forward Operating Base Gamberi.
UN envoy in Afghanistan meets on 2014 polls with independent election chair to discuss UN News Centre 27 Aug 2013 -- Preparations for Afghanistan’s 2014 presidential and provincial council polls are further along than previous elections.

Are US Drone Strikes in Pakistan Winding Down? VOA 27 Aug 2013 -- For more than a decade, the United States has been usingunmanned drones to strike at al-Qaida and Taliban militants in western parts of Pakistan that border on Afghanistan.
400 Pakistani civilians killed in 339 drone attacks IRNA 27 Aug 2013 -- The government of Pakistan has informed the National Assembly that 339 drone attacks had been recorded in the country since 2004.

Defense Policy / Programs

US Bolsters Asian Militaries in Face of China's Growth VOA 27 Aug 2013 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is traveling in Southeast Asia in a bid to strengthen ties with the militaries of partners and allies in the face of China's growing influence in the region.
Hagel Talks to Indonesian Soldiers About Education, Training AFPS 27 Aug 2013 -- Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel sat down yesterday with members of the Indonesian armed forces and talked about being a soldier.
ROK, US Marines fire artillery USMC News 27 Aug 2013 -- Republic of Korea and U.S. Marines conducted artillery training together at the Rodriguez Live-Fire Complex Aug. 17, beginning the bilateral portion of Korean Marine Exchange Program 13-8.
Foreign partner training adapts to real situation Army News 27 Aug 2013 -- Foreign military sales is generally associated with weapons systems and equipment, but other support provided through FMS, such as training, spare parts and sustainment.
LCS 4 Completes Acceptance Trials NNS 27 Aug 2013 -- The future USS Coronado (LCS 4) successfully concluded acceptance trials after completing a series of graded in-port and underway demonstrations for the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey.
Army, Marine Corps take delivery of JLTVs for user testing Army News 27 Aug 2013 -- All 66 Joint Light Tactical Vehicle prototypes have been delivered to the military so that 14 months of testing can begin at Aberdeen Proving Ground.
13th Marine Expeditionary Unit departs with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group USMC News 27 Aug 2013 -- The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit departed aboard the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, Aug. 23, for its scheduled deployment throughout the Pacific theater.
USS Denver Arrives in Dili, Timor-Leste NNS 27 Aug 2013 -- USS Denver, with the embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, arrived in Dili, Timor-Leste, Aug. 27, following scheduled operations in the region.
ANG, Singapore fighters dogfight over Idaho skies AFNS 27 Aug 2013 -- F-16 Fighting Falcons returned to Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, recently, and could be seen screaming across the skies above base as red- and blue-force aircraft.
Marines Lead Multinational Nonlethal Weapons Training AFPS 27 Aug 2013 -- Senior military leaders from 22 nations, most in the Asia-Pacific region, are gathered in Mongolia this week to learn about nonlethal weapons and how their forces can more effectively use them.
Construction Complete for Helicopter Component Repair Facility Army News 27 Aug 2013 -- There was no pause for celebration when construction wrapped on the Corpus Christi Army Depot's (CCAD) new Dynamic Component Rebuild Facility (DCRF), July 30.
Medal of Honor Ceremony for Staff Sergeant Ty M. Carter DoD 27 Aug 2013
Medal of Honor Recipient Joins Pentagon Hall of Heroes AFPS 27 Aug 2013 -- Defense Department leaders turned out to honor Army Staff Sgt. Ty M. Carter, who received the nation’s highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor.
Medical Treatment Facility Commanding Officer Relieved of Duty aboard Comfort NNS 27 Aug 2013 -- Rear Adm. Thomas K. Shannon, commander, Military Sealift Command, relieved Capt. Kevin J. Knoop, commanding officer, Medical Treatment Facility, USNS Comfort.

Major Deals Signed at Moscow’s MAKS-2013 Airshow RIA Novosti 27 Aug 2013 -- An array of large-scale contracts have been signed on the first day of the MAKS-2013 airshow, just outside Moscow.
Russia Leads Multirole Fighter Jet Sales Market RIA Novosti 27 Aug 2013 -- Russia is now the world’s leading exporter of new multirole fighter jets.
Russian Warships Dock at Venezuelan Port for Visit RIA Novosti 27 Aug 2013 -- A Russian naval task force, led by the Moskva missile cruiser, arrived Monday on a visit to the Venezuelan port of La Guaira.
Prosecutors Find New $175 Mln Property Scam in Russian Defense Ministry Case RIA Novosti 27 Aug 2013 -- Russian military prosecutors have uncovered yet another property scam by former senior Defense Ministry officials.

29 (Reserve) Squadron deploy on summer training Royal Air Force 27 Aug 2013 -- As part of routine annual summer exercises, 10 Typhoon aircraft, pilots, and supporting engineers from 29 (Reserve) Squadron at RAF Coningsby will shortly deploy to Akrotiri in Cyprus on exercise.

Chinese military helicopter launches air-to-air missile People's Daily 27 Aug 2013 -- China's first self-developed modern military attack helicopter WZ-10 has launched its first air-to-air missile and successfully intercepted low-altitude targets.
PLA Cavalry: Use the Beidou satellite system to good effect People's Daily 27 Aug 2013 -- In 1985, in accordance with the demobilization strategy of the Central Military Commission, the cavalry disappeared as an armed force.

Taiwan MC all-volunteer unit displays combat capabilities CNA 27 Aug 2013 -- A Marine Corps unit composed of volunteers displayed its amphibious combat capabilities during a drill in southern Taiwan.
Taiwan military model unit displays air combat skills CNA 27 Aug 2013 -- An Air Force tactical fighter group, which has been named as a model military unit, showcased its combat readiness and capability.
Taiwan military on standby as storm approaches CNA 27 Aug 2013 -- Around 47,000 military servicemen have been seconded to an emergency center that opened Tuesday in preparation for relief assistance as Tropical Storm Kong-Rey approaches.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 8/27/2013 The White House 27 Aug 2013
U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 27 Aug 2013

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for August 27, 2013
In US, Civilian Use of Drones Awaits Regulations VOA 27 Aug 2013 -- Judging by the number of autonomous vehicles displayed at the recent international exhibition in Washington, unmanned aerial vehicles or drones are here to stay.
State Support Crucial for Russian Aircraft Industry – Medvedev RIA Novosti 27 Aug 2013 -- State support is crucial for Russia’s modern aircraft industry, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said.
UTair Signs $217M Contract for 6 Superjets RIA Novosti 27 Aug 2013 -- Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Co., the UTair airline and VEB Leasing signed a contract on Tuesday for the delivery of six Sukhoi Superjet-100LR planes worth $217.2 million.

Other Conflicts

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 27 August 2013 United Nations 27 Aug 2013

Readout of the President’s Call with Prime Minister Cameron of the UK The White House 27 Aug 2013
Readout of Secretary Hagel’s Calls with U.K. and French Defense Leaders DoD 27 Aug 2013
Readout of Vice President Biden’s Call with Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Nick Clegg The White House 27 Aug 2013
Readout of the President’s Call with Prime Minister Rudd of Australia The White House 27 Aug 2013
Readout of the President’s Call with Prime Minister Harper of Canada The White House 27 Aug 2013
Syria Vows 'Surprise' Against Western Military Strike VOA 27 Aug 2013 -- Syria's Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem is vowing to strike back at any Western military attack with what he calls "surprise" defenses.
Some US Lawmakers Demand Congressional Approval on Syria VOA 27 Aug 2013 -- Some U.S. lawmakers are calling on President Barack Obama to seek congressional approval before authorizing any military strikes in Syria.
Biden: 'No Doubt' Syria Carried Out Chemical Attack VOA 27 Aug 2013 -- U.S. Vice President Joe Biden said there is no doubt that the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad carried out last week's chemical attack in Damascus, and must be held accountable.
White House: There Will Be Response to Syrian Chemical Attack VOA 27 Aug 2013 -- President Barack Obama has decided there will be a response to the Syrian government's alleged use of chemical weapons.
Hagel: U.S. Continues to Work With Other Nations on Syria AFPS 27 Aug 2013 -- Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel spoke by phone with British Defense Secretary Philip Hammond and French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.
Hagel: U.S Military 'Ready' for Any Syria Strike VOA 27 Aug 2013 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says the American military is ready to act if President Barack Obama orders retaliation against the Syrian regime.
European Nations Divided on Call for Action in Syria VOA 27 Aug 2013 -- France is ready to “punish” those who carried out an alleged chemical weapons attack in Syria last week, the French president said.
U.K., France Mull Syria Options, As Damascus Denies Chemical Strike RFE/RL 27 Aug 2013 -- The British Parliament has been recalled for a vote this week on a possible response to an alleged chemical-weapons attack against civilians in Syria.
What Are U.S. Military Options, Considerations For Intervention In Syria? RFE/RL 27 Aug 2013 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says U.S. forces are ready to launch strikes on Syria if President Barack Obama decides to order military action.
UN-Arab League envoy ‘confident’ conference on Syria crisis will take place UN News Centre 27 Aug 2013 -- A conference to resolve the crisis in Syria will take place “at some point,” the Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the League of Arab States has said.
US Postpones Syria Talks with Russia VOA 27 Aug 2013 -- The United States has postponed a meeting with Russian officials scheduled for later this week to discuss the situation in Syria.
Syria: 'Don't Prejudge Us' on Chemical Weapons VOA 27 Aug 2013 -- Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem has denied again that his government used chemical weapons and he insists that Damascus is cooperating completely with a U.N. investigation team.
Lavrov Rejects Kerry’s Assessment of Syria Situation RIA Novosti 27 Aug 2013 -- Russia’s top diplomat disagreed with his US counterpart in a phone conversation about the situation in Syria, the Russian Foreign Ministry reported.
US Using ‘Unproven Excuses’ For Armed Action in Syria – Moscow RIA Novosti 27 Aug 2013 -- Russia slammed the United States for allegedly using “unproven excuses” to justify military action in Syria.
West, Arab leaders reach ‘consensus’ on Syria attack PressTV 27 Aug 2013 -- Western and Arab military leaders have reached a “consensus” on military intervention in Syria over accusations that the Syrian government has used chemical weapons.
US begins war on Syria as early as Thursday, officials say PressTV 27 Aug 2013 -- Senior American officials say the United States has planned to launch missile strikes against Syria “as early as Thursday” in order to punish Damascus over the alleged use of chemical weapons.
Washington reviewing war plans for Syria: Report PressTV 27 Aug 2013 -- A report shows the United States is reviewing its military options for war against Syria when a former US Navy planner questioned the effectiveness of surgical strikes on Syrian targets.
UN Hopes Syria Weapons Inspections Will Resume VOA 27 Aug 2013 -- The United Nations says it believes it has “sufficient assurances” from parties in Syria for the safety of its inspection team.
Syria: Inspectors to delay second site visit UN News Centre 27 Aug 2013 -- The United Nations inspectors probing the possible use of chemical weapons in Syria postponed a visit to a second site today so the team’s safety could be ensured.
Syria Insecurity Delays UN Chemical Inspection VOA 27 Aug 2013 -- U.N. investigators have suspended visits to suspected chemical attack sites in Damascus suburbs for one day because of security concerns.
Syria chemical visit postponed for safety: UN PressTV 27 Aug 2013-- A team of United Nations inspectors has delayed its visit to the site of the recent chemical attack near the Syrian capital, Damascus, due to safety issues.
Strike on Syria serves Israel interests: Syrian FM PressTV 27 Aug 2013 -- The Syrian foreign minister has slammed military threats against his country, saying a military strike will only serve Israel's interests in the region.
US Blames Assad Regime for Syria Chemical Weapons Attack RIA Novosti 27 Aug 2013 -- US Secretary of State John Kerry blamed the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad for the “cowardly” chemical weapons attack in a rebel stronghold near Damascus last week.
With Syria on brink of ‘abyss,’ UN agencies urge neighbouring countries to keep borders open UN News Centre 27 Aug 2013 -- The heads of two United Nations relief agencies welcomed the hospitality of Syria’s neighbouring countries.
UN agencies fly in urgent aid for Syrian refugees in north Iraq UN News Centre 27 Aug 2013 -- A chartered flight carrying urgent relief supplies for Syrian refugees has arrived in the Iraqi city of Erbil.
KRG: 50,000 Syrian refugees cross into Iraq’s Kurdistan PressTV 27 Aug 2013 -- Iraq’s Kurdish Regional Government says more than 50,000 Syrian refugees have entered the country’s autonomous Kurdish region in less than two weeks.

DR Congo: UN agency assists newly displaced Congolese as fighting escalates in eastern provinces UN News Centre 27 Aug 2013 -- The United Nations refugee agency said it is assisting refugees that have fled to Burundi from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Suspected Boko Haram members kill 24 in northeast Nigeria, sources say PressTV 27 Aug 2013 -- At least 24 people have been killed in two separate attacks by suspected members of the Boko Haram militant group in Nigeria.

Beijing Says China-Japan Summit Unlikely VOA 27 Aug 2013 -- A senior Chinese diplomat is casting doubt on the likelihood of a meeting between leaders of China and Japan on the sidelines of next week's G20 summit in Russia.
China rules out top-level talks with Japan on disputed islets PressTV 27 Aug 2013 -- China's Deputy Foreign Minister Li Baodong has ruled out a top-level meeting with Japan to discuss a territorial dispute in the East China Sea.

UN rights office voices concern over forced evictions of Palestinians in West Bank UN News Centre 27 Aug 2013 -- The United Nations human rights office expressed concern over the forced eviction of Palestinians in the West Bank.

Joint Statement of the U.S.-Colombia Security Cooperation Coordinating Group US Dept. of State 27 Aug 2013

Security Chief Shot Dead in Russia's Republic of Ingushetia RIA Novosti 27 Aug 2013 -- A top security official involved in fighting Islamist militants in Russia's North Caucasus republic of Ingushetia was shot dead.

Libya Says Trial of Gadhafi's Son to Begin in September VOA 27 Aug 2013 -- Libya's top prosecutor says the trial of slain Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's son, who is charged with murder linked to the country's 2011 civil war, will open in mid-September.

War Crimes Court to Rule on Charles Taylor Appeal VOA 27 Aug 2013 -- A war crimes court will rule next month on the appeal of former Liberian President Charles Taylor, who is seeking to overturn his conviction and 50-year prison sentence.

News Reports

In Egypt, Little Evidence of Protesters' Power in Halls of Government VOA 27 Aug 2013 -- After a popular uprising in 2011 for democratic change, Egypt has had two military-led governments and one Islamist.
Turkey's Erdogan May Use Egypt Turmoil to Justify Crackdown VOA 27 Aug 2013 -- Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been at the forefront of condemnation of the overthrow of Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, which he has blamed on an international conspiracy.

Tunisia says leftist politicians killed by Salafi terrorists PressTV 27 Aug 2013 -- Tunisia says the Salafi terrorist group Ansar al-Sharia is behind the assassination of two secular politicians and several soldiers in the North African country.

Iran to launch Sharif satellite into space PressTV 27 Aug 2013 -- President of Sharif University of Technology says Iranian experts have finished the construction of an indigenous satellite called Sharif Sat, which has been delivered to Iran Space Agency to be lifted into the space.
Iran appoints new ambassador to IAEA IRNA 27 Aug 2013 -- President Hassan Rohani on appointed Reza Najafi as new Iranian ambassador to Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency.
Iran rejects human rights investigator Ahmed Shaheed visit request PressTV 27 Aug 2013 -- Iran has turned down a fresh request by UN Human Rights Rapporteur on Iran Ahmed Shaheed to visit the Islamic Republic due to his biased reports.

Musharraf Trial Opens in Pakistan VOA 27 Aug 2013 -- The trial of Pakistan’s former military leader, Pervez Musharraf, opened Tuesday, a week after an anti-terrorism court indicted him on charges of conspiring to murder Benazir Bhutto.
Musharraf Defense Presents Witness List RFE/RL 27 Aug 2013 -- Lawyers for Pakistan's former military ruler, Pervez Musharraf, are presenting a list of defense witnesses they hope will clear him of charges.

Iraq top court rejects term limits for prime minister PressTV 27 Aug 2013 -- Iraq’s top court has rejected a draft law preventing Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki from seeking a third term in office after 2014 national elections.

Somali Refugees in Kenya to Elect New Local Leaders VOA 27 Aug 2013 -- Somali refugees at the Dadaab camps in northeast Kenya are voting in elections for local leaders this week.

Statement by the Press Secretary on North Korea The White House 27 Aug 2013

Rodong Sinmun Discloses Japanese Politicians' Ulterior Aims in Yasukuni Shrine Visit KCNA 27 Aug 2013 -- Over 100 ultra-right politicians of Japan paid a group visit to Yasukuni Shrine to call back the "departed soul of Yamato".

Azerbaijani Commission Rejects Opposition Presidential Candidate RFE/RL 27 Aug 2013 -- Azerbaijan's Central Election Commission (MSK) has refused to register the united opposition's single presidential candidate, Rustam Ibragimbekov.

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