26 February 2014 Military News

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OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 26 Feb 2014 [PDF]

Manas KC-135s complete final mission, leave Kyrgyzstan AFNS 26 Feb 2014 -- The Transit Center's final aerial refueling mission over Afghanistan landed here Feb. 24, completing the end of an era.
Senators Press to Keep Some US Troops in Afghanistan VOA 26 Feb 2014 -- American lawmakers reacted sharply Wednesday to President Barack Obama's directive to the U.S. military to prepare for the withdrawal of all troops from Afghanistan if no long-term security agreement is finalized with Kabul.
Hagel: Lack of Agreements Narrows Options in Afghanistan AFPS 26 Feb 2014 -- Every day that goes by with no signed U.S.-Afghanistan bilateral security agreement and no status of forces agreement for International Security Assistance Force partners narrows the options available to help the people of Afghanistan after 2014, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said yesterday.
Dempsey, U.S. Leaders Discuss Obama's Afghanistan Decision AFPS 26 Feb 2014 -- The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff met with U.S. leaders here today to ensure they understood what President Barack Obama's decision on Afghanistan is and what it is not.
Obama warns Afghan president of full troop withdrawal VoR 26 Feb 2014 -- President Barack Obama told Hamid Karzai that he is now planning for a full US troop withdrawal because of the Afghan leader's repeated refusal to sign a security pact.
After US withdrawal from Afghanistan, NATO plans to deploy military base in Central Asia VoR 26 Feb 2014 -- Washington is escalating its activity in the Caucasus and Central Asia. After the announcement of the plan to get Georgia involved in NATO, some experts have expressed their opinions that the US is viewing Tajikistan and other Central Asian countries as potential bases to deploy its military objects.

Pakistan set to wage full-scale military offensive in Waziristan Iran Press TV 26 Feb 2014 -- The Pakistani government is on the verge of launching a major military offensive in the North Waziristan tribal region days after dialog process between Islamabad and Taliban reached a deadlock.

Defense Policy / Programs

Exercise Cope North provides real-world humanitarian assistance AFNS 26 Feb 2014 -- Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts are the key for Airmen involved with the multilateral exercise Cope North.
Southcom, Northcom Commanders Detail Threats to the Americas AFPS 26 Feb 2014 -- Threats to the Americas are increasing just as U.S. military efforts to counter them are constrained by fewer resources, the commanders of U.S. Northern Command and U.S. Southern Command told Congress today.
Officials Testify on Links Between Suicide, PTSD, Sexual Assault AFPS 26 Feb 2014 -- Defense Department officials testified today before the Senate Armed Services Committee's personnel subcommittee on the relationship between military sexual assault survivors and the subsequent development of suicide and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Tough Budget Choices Protect Security Interests, Fox Says AFPS 26 Feb 2014 -- The Defense Department's proposed fiscal year 2015 budget protects the department's two most important constituencies: troops and taxpayers, Acting Deputy Defense Secretary Christine H. Fox said today in a speech at the American Enterprise Institute.
Nominee Pledges to Continue Meeting DOD's Fiscal Challenges AFPS 26 Feb 2014 -- The Defense Department has faced many funding challenges and stands ready to meet those ahead, the man nominated to be the Pentagon's next chief financial officer said at a Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing here yesterday.
Navy to Commission Amphibious Transport Dock Somerset DoD 26 Feb 2014 -- The Navy will commission the newest amphibious transport dock, USS Somerset (LPD 25), Saturday, March 1, during an 11 a.m. EST ceremony at Penn's Landing in Philadelphia.
Readout of Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel's Meeting with Denmark's Minister of Defense Nicolai Wammen DoD 26 Feb 2014
Readout of Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel's Meeting with Italy's Minister of Defense Roberta Pinotti DoD 26 Feb 2014
Readout of Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel's Meeting with Spain's Minister of Defense Dr. Pedro Morenes DoD 26 Feb 2014
Remarks by Acting Deputy Secretary Fox at the American Enterprise Institute DoD 26 Feb 2014 -- Presenter: Acting Deputy Secretary of Defense Christine H. Fox
Navy Divers Achieve Pre-Deployment Milestone in Key West NNS 26 Feb 2014 -- Navy divers traded white snow for white sands, clear water, and diving and are now one step closer for deploying having completed their unit level training in Key West, Fla., Feb. 1-24.
Budget Official Describes Pentagon's Cost-saving Measures AFPS 26 Feb 2014 -- The Pentagon's chief financial officer yesterday assured a conference audience of the Defense Department's commitment to the forces despite plans to modestly slow growth in military pay and benefits.
Hagel Talks with Troops about 2015 Defense Budget Request AFPS 26 Feb 2014 -- In spotless aircraft hangars at two different military bases in southeastern Virginia yesterday, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel stood before several hundred airmen and soldiers, highlighting priorities in the Defense Department's fiscal year 2015 budget request and taking questions.
DOD Policy Nominees Share Insights at Confirmation Hearing AFPS 26 Feb 2014 -- Two Defense Department nominees in the policy arena shared their visions of DOD's future in a Senate Armed Service Committee confirmation hearing yesterday.
U.S.-Lebanese Engagement Remains Important, Official Says AFPS 26 Feb 2014 -- Despite impacts from the Syrian conflict, Lebanon is making progress in security and stability, but continued U.S. engagement is crucial, the Defense Department's principal director for Middle East policy said here yesterday.
Bonhomme Richard ARG Embarks 31st MEU NNS 26 Feb 2014 -- The Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) embarked Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Feb. 26 to participate in amphibious integration training (AIT) and a certification exercise (CERTEX).
Cajun Care 2014 Medical Exercise Begins In Abbeville, La. NNS 26 Feb 2014 -- More than 120 Sailors, Soldiers and Air National Guardsmen started a nine-day training mission Feb. 25 to provide medical, dental and optometry care to Abbeville, La., and residents in the surrounding area.
Patrol Squadron 9 and Turkish Maritime Patrol Forces Exchange Tactics in East Med NNS 26 Feb 2014 -- Members of the Turkish armed forces joined Patrol Squadron (VP) 9 Sailors to exchange maritime patrol tactics and techniques during a one-week detachment at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, Feb. 24.
USS Constitution Conducts Joint Anti-Terrorism Training Exercise NNS 26 Feb 2014 -- USS Constitution Sailors conducted a multi-agency anti-terrorism training exercise on the morning of Feb. 25 in Charlestown Navy Yard.

Secretary General says NATO is ''sincere friend of Ukraine'', discusses Afghanistan planning NATO 26 Feb 2014 -- NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen called on all parties in Ukraine to engage in an inclusive political dialogue which respects democratic values. Before the start of a two-day Defence Ministerial on Wednesday (26 February 2014), Mr Fogh Rasmussen said: 'We are encouraged that violence has been stopped through negotiations. As Ukraine goes forward, an inclusive political dialogue, which respects democratic values, is key.' Stressing that NATO respects the sovereign choices of the Ukrainian people, the Secretary General said, 'Ukraine is a close and long-standing partner to NATO and NATO is a sincere friend of Ukraine. We stand ready to continue assisting Ukraine in its democratic reforms.'

3 Missile Corvettes to Join Russian Navy by 2016 RIA Novosti 26 Feb 2014 -- The Russian Navy will receive three new missile corvettes by the end of 2015, navy commander Adm. Viktor Chirkov said Wednesday.
Russian Armed Forces Hold Combat Readiness Snap Check RIA Novosti 26 Feb 2014 -- Snap combat readiness drills started Wednesday in two of Russia's military districts.
Russian Navy Boosting Security in Crimea - Defense Minister RIA Novosti 26 Feb 2014 -- Russia is taking additional steps to ensure security at its naval facilities on the Crimean Peninsula amid the growing political unrest in Ukraine, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Wednesday.
Russia Seeks Several Military Bases Abroad - Defense Minister RIA Novosti 26 Feb 2014 -- Russia is planning to expand its permanent military presence outside its borders by placing military bases in a number of foreign countries, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Wednesday.
Russia Prepares for Naval Drills with China, India, ASEAN RIA Novosti 26 Feb 2014 -- Russia's Pacific Fleet in the next six months will take part in three large-scale international naval exercises, including joint drills with the navies of India, China and member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the fleet's spokesman said Wednesday.
Snap check of troops in western Russia has nothing to do with Ukraine events - Moscow VoR 26 Feb 2014 -- The current check of the troops of Western military district is unrelated to developments in Ukraine, Defense Minister Army Gen. Sergei Shoigu said.

HMS Montrose begins journey home UK MOD 26 Feb 2014 -- Naval ship HMS Montrose has set sail to come home after handing over duties to HMS Diamond in the mission to remove chemicals from Syria.

Smog in China as possible defense against US lasers - research VoR 26 Feb 2014 -- While the American Navy is preparing to deploy its first laser weapon over China, some experts tend to believe that Chinese are going to use their smog as the best possible defense against it.
Expert: attack force of Japanese onboard missiles lags behind that of Chinese missiles People's Daily 26 Feb 2014 -- A recent report from a Japanese media agency claimed that although China deploys 5 times as many warplanes as Japan, there is a clear gap between Chinese and Japanese radar performance. Interviewed by a reporter, Song Xinzhi, an air force equipment expert, said that the performance of missiles has a greater impact in air combat than the performance of of radar. In this regard, Japan lags behind China by an order of magnitude.

China blasts Japan's pro-military tendencies, nuclear stockpile Xinhua 26 Feb 2014 -- China on Wednesday strongly denounced the Japanese government's pro-military tendencies and controversial view on history, and threw doubts on the country's nuclear material stockpile.

Taiwan ships, aircraft drill inside China's ADIZ in East China Sea CNA 26 Feb 2014 -- Taiwan has staged a joint military-Coast Guard protection and rescue exercise in an area where China's controversial air defense identification zone (ADIZ) overlaps with those of Taiwan and Japan over the East China Sea.

Gaggle with Josh Earnest aboard Air Force One en route St. Paul, MN, 02/26/14 The White House 26 Feb 2014
February 26, 2014 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 26 Feb 2014

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for February 26, 2014

Other Conflicts

26 February 2014 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 26 Feb 2014

Iran calls on Saudi Arabia to end backing Syrian armed forces ISNA 26 Feb 2014 -- Iranian permanent envoy to the UN Mohammad Khazaei called on Saudi Arabia to end support for armed groups in Syria.
Syrian army kills scores of militants near capital Iran Press TV 26 Feb 2014 -- Syrian army forces have killed at least 175 foreign-backed al-Qaeda-linked militants near the capital, Damascus, in its latest mop-up operation in the country.
Joint UN-OPCW mission welcomes mustard gas shipment out of Syria as 'important step' UN News Centre 26 Feb 2014 -- The Joint Mission of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the United Nations confirmed today that a shipment of Syria's stockpile of sulphur mustard, commonly known as "mustard gas," has left its territory.
Saudi Arabia to provide weapons from Pakistan to Syrian opposition VoR 26 Feb 2014 -- Saudi source has announced on Sunday that Saudi Arabia is in the middle of negotiations with Pakistan regarding the purchase of anti-aircraft and anti-tank rockets in order to support Syrian rebels.

Taiwan, China to start preparatory meeting for high-level talks CNA 26 Feb 2014 -- Officials from the two sides of the Taiwan Strait were scheduled to start a preparatory meeting Wednesday for the 10th round of cross-strait talks since 2008, during which two agreements on meteorological exchanges and earthquake monitoring are expected to be signed.
Taiwan looks to further cross-strait economic cooperation CNA 26 Feb 2014 -- Taiwan's top negotiator with China told his Chinese counterpart Wednesday during a meeting in Taipei that he hopes the two intermediary bodies that handle cross-Taiwan Strait negotiations will focus more on economic cooperation and promote the two sides' integration into regional economic systems.
Taiwan screens latest accords with China to ensure security: official CNA 26 Feb 2014 -- The two agreements Taiwan will sign with China this week were reviewed by Taiwan's national security agencies and found to be free of risks to the island country's security, an official said Wednesday.
'Taiwan independence' a dead end: spokesman People's Daily 26 Feb 2014 -- 'Taiwan independence' will not win the support of Taiwan people and is doomed to be opposed by people from across the strait, said a mainland spokesman on Wednesday.

Taiwan's president calls for regional code of conduct CNA 26 Feb 2014 -- President Ma Ying-jeou on Wednesday urged that multilateral negotiations be held to set up an East China Sea code of conduct amid moves by China to assert territorial claims in the region.
Iran-Iraq agree on Algiers accord ISNA 26 Feb 2014 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif reiterated that Iran and Iraq reached an agreement on implementation of Algiers Record concluded between the two sides on border issues.
Security Council sets up sanctions regime to deter spoilers of Yemen's political transition UN News Centre 26 Feb 2014 -- The United Nations Security Council today adopted a resolution expressing its strong support for the next steps in the political transition in Yemen, and establishing sanctions to be imposed on individuals or entities that seek to obstruct or undermine this process.
With strong international support, Mali must set its own path to recovery - Security Council UN News Centre 26 Feb 2014 -- As Mali emerges from a 2012 crisis that nearly split the country in half, members of the United Nations Security Council who led the 15-member body's recent visit to the country emphasized today that any sustainable solution – on the security, political and development fronts – must be agreed and led by Malians themselves.
Guinea-Bissau urged to keep up momentum ahead of delayed vote - Security Council UN News Centre 26 Feb 2014 -- The United Nations Security Council urged Guinea-Bissau and the international community to redouble efforts aimed at preparing for the long delayed elections which have been postponed yet again, and reiterated that they are willing to use targeted sanctions against civilian and military individuals who undermine efforts to restore the constitutional order.
Worries over looming Ivoirian polls IRIN 26 Feb 2014 -- As Côte d'Ivoire inches closer to its first elections since the violently disputed polls of 2010, efforts to deliver justice, promote reconciliation and disarm fighters are being criticized for failing to shield the country from renewed instability.
UN chief deplores brutal slayings at college in north-eastern Nigeria UN News Centre 26 Feb 2014 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has strongly condemned the brutal slaying on Tuesday of dozens of students at a college in north-eastern Nigeria and voiced the hope that the perpetrators will be swiftly brought to justice.

News Reports

Ukraine's Interim Leaders Propose Yatsenyuk as New PM VOA 26 Feb 2014 -- Ukrainian interim leaders have named popular opposition figure Arseniy Yatsenyuk as the country's new prime minister.
Pro, anti-Russia protests held in Ukraine Crimea Iran Press TV 26 Feb 2014 -- Tensions are running high in southern Ukraine, as pro- and anti-Russian demonstrators have gathered outside the parliament of Autonomous Republic of Crimea.
Ukraine Protest Leader Yatsenyuk Nominated For PM RFE/RL 26 Feb 2014 -- Pro-European Union protest leader Arseniy Yatsenyuk has been nominated to be prime minister in Ukraine's new government.
Russia's Best Bet in Ukraine? Sitting on the Fence (for Now) RIA Novosti 26 Feb 2014 -- Since Ukraine exploded last week in a blaze of lethal violence and collapsed leadership, some ominous predictions have been circulating about Russia's plans for its neighbor's future.
Tensions Rise in Ukraine's Crimea as Russians, Tatars Clash RIA Novosti 26 Feb 2014 -- Scuffles broke out Wednesday in the southern Ukrainian city of Simferopol as large crowds of opponents of the newly installed national authorities faced off against representatives of the Crimean Tatar community outside the local parliament.
Statement by NATO Defence Ministers on Ukraine NATO 26 Feb 2014 -- Naval ship HMS Montrose has set sail to come home after handing over duties to HMS Diamond in the mission to remove chemicals from Syria.
Acting President Becomes Commander In Chief; Special Police Disbanded RFE/RL 26 Feb 2014 -- Ukraine's acting President Oleksandr Turchynov has assumed the duties of commander in chief of the country's armed forces. The move was announced in a decree published on the presidential website on February 26.
New Ukraine Government To Be Presented At Independence Square RFE/RL 26 Feb 2014 -- Representatives of the protesters who brought down President Viktor Yanukovych and leaders of Ukraine's mainstream political parties have agreed that the lineup of a new national unity government will be presented to the Ukrainian people on Kyiv's Independence Square.
In The Shadow Of Lenin, Two Ukraines Face Off In Kharkiv RFE/RL 26 Feb 2014 -- Wielding batons and riot shields, masked Euromaidan supporters have occupied the regional administration building in the eastern city of Kharkiv for several days. They vow to remain until 'corrupt' officials resign.
Nine Maidan Stalwarts Kyiv Wants On Its Side RFE/RL 26 Feb 2014 -- After a scuppered EU deal, three months of protests, and nearly 100 deaths, public exasperation with politics in Ukraine is so high that even the opposition's return to power has done little to calm tempers.
Protesters Storm Crimean Parliament RFE/RL 26 Feb 2014 -- Anti-Russian protesters have stormed the parliament building in Ukraine's autonomous Crimea republic.
Russia calls on Ukraine to avoid religion-based conflicts VoR 26 Feb 2014 -- 'Russia is concerned over the continued outrages of the extremists in Ukraine, who being sure that they have freedom of action and that they will no be punished for their conduct, continue to impose their will on others and impose their own orders', the commentary posted on the Foreign Ministry's website notes.
Moscow concerned with Ukrainian extremists' policy of all-permissiveness - Russian FM VoR 26 Feb 2014 -- Moscow is warning against further degradation of the situation in Ukraine, the Russian Foreign Ministry said. On Wednesday Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin met with British Ambassador to Russia Tim Barrow, the ministry said on its website.

N Korean leader condemns cultural 'invasion' VoR 26 Feb 2014 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has warned of a creeping 'cultural invasion,' state media said Wednesday, reflecting Pyongyang's growing concern over its inability to keep the outside world at bay.
N Korea asks UN for help in combating outbreak of FMD - media VoR 26 Feb 2014 -- The DPRK has appealed to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to help control the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the country, South Korean media report on Wednesday.

Brazil, Europe plan undersea cable to skirt US spying VoR 26 Feb 2014 -- Brazil and the European Union agreed on Monday to lay an undersea communications cable from Lisbon to Fortaleza to reduce Brazil's reliance on the United States after Washington spied on Brasilia.

Ban urges dialogue to defuse tensions, prevent further violence in Venezuela UN News Centre 26 Feb 2014 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today voiced his sadness at continuing reports of violence and loss of life amid protests in Venezuela, and urged that all efforts be urgently made to lower the tensions and prevent further violence.
Extremists in Venezuela and Ukraine get money from same sources - political analyst VoR 26 Feb 2014 -- There is much in common between the latest events in Venezuela and Ukraine. That's what Venezuelan political analyst Orlando Labrador said in an interview with the Voice of Russia.
Venezuela death toll rises to 13 as protests flare, US diplomats expelled, Pope appeals for reconciliation VoR 26 Feb 2014 -- Anti-government protesters in the Venezuelan capital burn rubbish and put up barricades. Access to the main avenues has been barred and traffic has slowed to a crawl. These blockades are the latest in a series of opposition protests in which 13 people have died. Demonstrators say they'll continue with their protests, until President Nicolas Maduro resigns.

Turkey's President Signs Controversial Judiciary Law VOA 26 Feb 2014 -- Turkish President Abdullah Gul has signed into law controversial legislation increasing the government's power over the judiciary. Gul had faced calls to veto the law and had voiced concern about the direction Turkey is taking. Now some are saying the Turkish president is trying to avoid confrontation with the country's prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

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