16 June 2014 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 16 Jun 2014 [PDF]

Marine Aircrew with Regional Command (Southwest) supports RC (South) during refueling operation in Afghanistan USMC News 16 Jun 2014 -- Troops stationed aboard bases in Afghanistan rely on large amounts of fuel for everyday tasks and operations. Occasionally, their fuel supply runs short due to continuously running equipment and constant flights.

Pakistani premier pledges to continue operation Iran Press TV 16 Jun 2014 -- Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has pledged to continue a military operation against militants in the country's northwestern tribal areas to its logical conclusion.
Pakistani Airstrikes Pound Militant Hideouts VOA 16 Jun 2014 -- Pakistan's military says fresh air strikes have killed at least 27 militants in the North Waziristan tribal agency, a day after the army announced the start of a comprehensive operation in the region.

Defense Policy / Programs

Statement by the Press Secretary on the War Powers Resolution Report for Iraq The White House 16 Jun 2014
Obama Tells Congress US Deploying Up to 275 Troops to Iraq VOA 16 Jun 2014 -- President Barack Obama is sending 275 U.S. military personnel to Iraq to help provide security to the embassy in Baghdad and U.S. personnel.
Statement from Pentagon Press Secretary RADM John Kirby on DoD Support to US Embassy Baghdad DoD 16 Jun 2014 -- At the request of the U.S. State Department, the Department of Defense continues to provide security assistance for embassy personnel inside Iraq.
Statement from Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby on the USS Mesa Verde DoD 16 Jun 2014

USNS Mercy Departs for RIMPAC 2014 NNS 16 Jun 2014 -- The hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH19) departed for the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2014 exercise in Hawaii, June 16.
US seeks to set up 'safety zones' in South Korea Iran Press TV 16 Jun 2014 -- The United States plans to install "safety zones" around its military installations in South Korea in order to improve the security for nearby residents.
African Partnership Flight takes off in Senegal AFNS 16 Jun 2014 -- More than 40 U.S. Air Force Airmen arrived June 16 to participate in African Partnership Flight, co-hosted by Senegal and the U.S.
Agile Spirit's Fourth iteration indicative of U.S., Georgian commitments USMC News 16 Jun 2014 -- Indicative of their commitments to global security, U.S. Marines and the Georgian Armed Forces are demonstrating their continued progress toward collective security with the fourth iteration of exercise Agile Spirit.
USS Samuel B. Roberts Set to Deploy NNS 16 Jun 2014 -- The Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) will depart Naval Station Mayport June 16, for a deployment to U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility.
George Washington Carrier Strike Group Visits 'Asia's World City' NNS 16 Jun 2014 -- The George Washington (CVN 73) Carrier Strike Group (GWCSG) anchored in Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong, for a scheduled port visit, June 16.
US, Malaysian Navy Kick Off 20th Annual CARAT Malaysia NNS 16 Jun 2014 -- The 20th annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise between the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and the Malaysian Armed Forces commenced formally with an opening ceremony at Lumut Naval Base, June 16.
USS Cape St. George Departs San Diego for Western Pacific Deployment NNS 16 Jun 2014 -- Guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) departed Naval Base San Diego June 16 for a deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR).
Nations Participate in Gunnery Exercise during BALTOPS 2014 NNS 16 Jun 2014 -- Sailors aboard USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) participated in a gunnery exercise with German navy ship, FGS Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (F218), as one of many events during Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2014, June 13.
USS Ross Arrives in Rota NNS 16 Jun 2014 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) arrived at Naval Station Rota, Spain to begin her forward deployment to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations, June 16.
SECNAV Meets with Marines in Gabon NNS 16 Jun 2014 -- Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus met with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment Marines assigned to Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force (SP MAGTF) Africa while in Gabon June 16.
Special Counsel Urges 9/11 Judge to Drop FBI Probe Inquiry AFPS 16 Jun 2014 -- In military commission proceedings for five suspects in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, the lead attorney of the special review team said today the commission should end its inquiry to determine whether FBI investigations into defense teams created a conflict of interest.
Cybercom Chief: Cyberspace Operations Key to Future Warfare AFPS 16 Jun 2014 -- In the cyber domain of 2025, the ability of military formations to operate offensively and defensively will be a core mission set, and commanders will maneuver the capability much as they maneuver ground forces today, the commander of U.S. Cyber Command said recently.

US back at foot-in-the-mouth game People's Daily 16 Jun 2014 -- On June 5, the United States Department of Defense released its annual report on China's military. On its hobbyhorse again, the Pentagon uses the 96-page report to give a misleading account of China's latest military and security development.

Russian Military Equipment 'Extremely Reliable' – Deputy Prime Minister RIA Novosti 16 Jun 2014 -- Russian military equipment is extremely reliable, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said on Facebook.
Russian Exports of Precision Weapons Unaffected by Western Sanctions – Arms Manufacturer RIA Novosti 16 Jun 2014 -- All contracts with foreign partners to supply high-precision weapons remain in force, despite the anti-Russian sanctions, CEO of Russian arms manufacturing company said.
Russia Tests Pantsir Air Defense Systems in Arctic RIA Novosti 16 Jun 2014 -- Russia is testing its Pantsir S-1 short-range air defense system in the Arctic to ensure security in the resource-rich region, which is soon expected to become the centre of oil and gas exploration for the country, Alexander Denisov, head of the High-Precision Systems holding told RIA Novosti Monday.

Secretary General stresses NATO solidarity with Turkey NATO 16 Jun 2014 -- NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen stressed NATO's solidarity with Turkey and thanked Turkey for its dedication to the Alliance during a visit to Ankara on Monday (16 June 2014). "The last weeks and months have shown more than ever that we cannot take our security for granted, and that in an unpredictable world, we must keep our Alliance strong," he said.

£48 million jobs boost for Belfast UK MOD 16 Jun 2014 -- More than 60 jobs will be protected thanks to a multi-million-pound contract to produce a new missile for Royal Navy attack helicopters.
RAF flying high in new Chinook helicopters UK MOD 16 Jun 2014 -- The first of 14 new RAF Chinook helicopters has been unveiled today by the Defence Secretary following their entry into service on time.

Nuclear forces reduced while modernizations continue, says SIPRI SIPRI 16 Jun 2014 -- Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) today launches its annual nuclear forces data, which assesses the current trends and developments in world nuclear arsenals. The data shows that while the overall number of nuclear weapons in the world continues to decline, none of the nuclear weapon-possessing states are prepared to give up their nuclear arsenals for the foreseeable future.

June 16, 2014 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 16 Jun 2014
Press Gaggle by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest en route JBA, 6/16/2014 The White House 16 Jun 2014

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for June 16, 2014

Other Conflicts

16 June 2014 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 16 Jun 2014

More videos show atrocities of ISIL militants in Iraq Iran Press TV 16 Jun 2014 -- More gruesome videos have been released showing atrocities of members of the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terror group in Iraq.
ISIL Militants' Photos of Iraqi Executions Expand Warfare VOA 16 Jun 2014 -- In releasing photos linked to an apparent massacre, the Islamic militants powering through northern Iraq have broadened their aggressions to another battlefield: social media.
Islamists show captions of Iraq army's soldiers mass execution VoR 16 Jun 2014 -- The Islamic militants who seized cities in Iraq last week posted graphic photos allegedly showing their gunmen shooting scores of captured Iraqi army's soldiers, while the prime minister vowed Sunday to 'liberate every inch' of captured territory.
Iraq army retakes most parts of Tal Afar: Reports Iran Press TV 16 Jun 2014 -- The Iraqi army has retaken control of most districts in a strategic city in Nineveh province, local media reports say.
Thousands of volunteers join Iraqi army to fight ISIL Iran Press TV 16 Jun 2014 -- Thousands of volunteers have signed up at recruitment centers across Iraq over the past few days as armed forces try to push back al-Qaeda-linked militants.
Iraq's Tal Afar not fallen to ISIL terrorists: Security sources Iran Press TV 16 Jun 2014 -- Iraqi security sources have rejected some media reports saying that the strategic town of Tal Afar has fallen to Takfiri militants.
Iran's border with Iraq has no security problem: Official Iran Press TV 16 Jun 2014 -- The Iranian Interior Ministry says there has been no security problem along Iran's border with Iraq since the Arab country's recent plunge into crisis by Takfiri terrorism.
UN condemns mass executions in Iraq, urges leaders to prevent sectarian reprisal UN News Centre 16 Jun 2014 -- The United Nations human rights chief today condemned the reported "cold-blooded" mass execution in Iraq in recent days, while Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged that the perpetrators of those crimes be brought to justice while also calling on Iraqi leaders to prevent sectarian reprisals.
US could launch drone strikes in Iraq: Kerry Iran Press TV 16 Jun 2014 -- US Secretary of State John Kerry says drone strikes "may well be" an option to help stop the al-Qaeda-linked militants' advance towards the Iraqi capital Baghdad.
Pentagon: No Plans to Consult Iran Over Possible Action in Iraq VOA 16 Jun 2014 -- The Pentagon is downplaying speculation about U.S. and Iranian military cooperation in Iraq, hours after Secretary of State John Kerry made the suggestion in an interview. A military spokesman told reporters Monday the U.S. is not planning to work with Iran militarily to protect its troubled neighbor
ISIL Fighters Seize New Iraq City Amid Reports Of Massacre RFE/RL 16 Jun 2014 -- The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) says it has seized another city in northern Iraq shortly after claiming to have massacred hundreds of Iraqi soldiers.
Dangerous Alliance: Shi'ite Militias Reinforce Iraqi Army RFE/RL 16 Jun 2014 -- As Sunni insurgents have made lightening gains in northern Iraq, Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has welcomed volunteers to join the army in a drive to win back the government's lost territory.
Iraqi PM: Government Forces Winning Against Militants VOA 16 Jun 2014 -- Despite the loss of the town of Tal Afar, northwest of Baghdad, Iraq's prime minister and his military spokesman continue to insist that government forces are winning the battle against Sunni militants in combat north of the capital. Despite the assurances, many foreign embassies have ordered the evacuation of personnel as fears grow over the possible fall of Baghdad.
US, Iran Reportedly Prepared for Direct Talks on Iraq VOA 16 Jun 2014 -- As international talks on Iran's nuclear program resume Monday in Vienna, the Obama administration is reportedly ready to open direct talks with Tehran on how they might blunt a Sunni militant offensive in Iraq. While one U.S. lawmaker indicated a need for Washington to work with Iran, Secretary of State John Kerry said the United States is reaching out to the international community, including Iraq's neighbors.

Al-Shabab Claims Responsibility for Kenya Attack VOA 16 Jun 2014 -- The Somali militant group al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for an attack on a Kenyan town that killed at least 48 people.
S. Sudan's peace talks boycotted by warring sides Iran Press TV 16 Jun 2014 -- Mediators from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) say South Sudan's warring sides have boycotted a new round of peace talks in Ethiopia.
Fear and trauma prevent displaced South Sudanese from returning home IRIN 16 Jun 2014 -- Civilians displaced by brutal fighting in South Sudan are ignoring calls from government officials to return to their homes, preferring the safety of squalid UN bases to the risk that conflict could again engulf towns already devastated in the six-month conflict.
Guinea-Bissau's tough post-coup recovery IRIN 16 Jun 2014 -- The recent successful holding of legislative and presidential elections has raised hopes that Guinea-Bissau can move closer to the end of a two-year political crisis marked by international isolation and a devastating economic decline.
With peacekeeping reductions in Côte d'Ivoire, rapid response is critical, UN envoy says UN News Centre 16 Jun 2014 -- The reduction of peacekeeping personnel in Côte d'Ivoire will continue, given 'impressive' progress there, but the rapid reaction capabilities of remaining forces must be boosted to help ensure security during planned elections, the top United Nations envoy in the West African country told the Security Council today.
UN chief congratulates Colombians on presidential vote, voices support for peace efforts UN News Centre 16 Jun 2014 -- Following confirmation that President Juan Manuel Santos has been re-elected, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today said he looks forward to continuing to work with his Government in "efforts to promote peace, human rights and development" for all Colombians.

News Reports

Ukraine's President Promises Peace Plan, Ceasefire VOA 16 Jun 2014 -- Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko says he will put forward a detailed peace plan that will include a ceasefire in the government's battle with pro-Russian separatists.
Physical Gas Reverse to Ukraine From EU Impossible - Gazprom RIA Novosti 16 Jun 2014 -- European suppliers are unable to provide physical reverse deliveries of gas to Ukraine, Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller said Monday.
Ukraine Threatens to Siphon off Russian Gas if Not Satisfied by Russian Price – Gazprom RIA Novosti 16 Jun 2014 -- Ukraine said that if Russia refused to grant Ukraine a 'super-low' gas price, it would tap Russia's Europe-bound gas for free, Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller said at a meeting with the Russian Prime Minister Monday.
Russia's Medvedev Says Kiev Creating Artificial Gas Crisis RIA Novosti 16 Jun 2014 -- The authorities in Kiev have created artificially the gas crisis that essentially affects the Ukrainian economy, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Monday.
Ukraine Asks European Commission for Larger Gas Reversal as Russia Suspends Supplies RIA Novosti 16 Jun 2014 -- Head of Ukraine's Naftogaz Andriy Kobolev addressed the European Commission Monday with a request to increase reverse supplies after Russia had suspended all of its supplies for the country.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister's Remarks 'Inadequate' - Medvedev RIA Novosti 16 Jun 2014 -- Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Deshchytsia behaved inadequately when he shouted offensive remarks directed against the Russian president near the Russian embassy, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Monday.
Russia's Gazprom Sues Ukraine's Naftogaz over Gas Debt RIA Novosti 16 Jun 2014 -- Ukraine's Naftogaz unpaid debt for Russian gas giant Gazprom exceeds $4.4 billion, Gazprom Spokesman Sergei Kuprianov said Monday.
Gazprom Implements Prepayment Delivery Scheme For Russian Gas to Ukraine Over Arrears RIA Novosti 16 Jun 2014 -- Russian gas giant Gazprom at 10:00 a.m. local time (06:00 a.m. GMT) implemented a prepayment plan for the delivery of Russian fuel to Ukraine's Naftogaz, according to a company statement on Monday.
Ukraine Observes Day Of Mourning For Slain Soldiers RFE/RL 16 Jun 2014 -- June 15 was a day of mourning in Ukraine for 49 soldiers killed when pro-Russian separatists shot down a military transport plane.
Russia Restricts Gas Supply To Ukraine After Deadline Passes RFE/RL 16 Jun 2014 -- Russia says it has restricted gas supplies to Ukraine after a payment deadline passed, but that supplies to Europe should not be affected.
Scope of Ukraine's Refugee Crisis Remains Unclear VOA 16 Jun 2014 -- Lyudmila Denisenko endured weeks of deadly shootouts between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian insurgents in her home city of Slovyansk, the epicenter of the separatist conflict ravaging eastern Ukraine.
Time Ripe for Ukraine Anti-Corruption Reforms VOA 16 Jun 2014 -- Ukraine's new president, billionaire Petro Poroshenko, ran for office promising voters that he would institute reforms to end the kleptocracy seen during the regime of deposed President Viktor Yanukovych.
DPR assumes control over Donetsk dep't of Ukraine's National Bank, State Treasury VoR 16 Jun 2014 -- Supporters of the Donetsk People's Republic on Monday assumed control over the department of the National Bank of Ukraine in the Donetsk region and the State Treasury.
Ukraine's army opens mortar fire on community near Lugansk - self-defense VoR 16 Jun 2014 -- Ukraine's government forces opened mortar fire on the Metallist community, located several kilometers from Lugansk, overnight to Monday, according to the press-service of the Lugansk People's Republic (LPR). The spokesperson added there were no immediate reports of casualties.
Donetsk, Lugansk should hold early local elections - Poroshenko VoR 16 Jun 2014 -- Ukrainian President Petr Poroshenko has called on Monday for early local elections to be held in Donetsk and Lugansk after changes are made to the Constitution and the hostilities in the region end. 'It is envisaged that straight after the passage of the peace plan and constitutional changes, Donetsk and Lugansk must hold early local elections to enable their local communities to elect their representatives and thus give them powers making them responsible for peace and welfare in their territory,' Poroshenko stated.
Moscow refuses to deal with acting Ukrainian FM Deshchytsa - Lavrov VoR 16 Jun 2014 -- Ukraine's Acting Foreign Minister Andrei Deshchytsa is perceived in Russia as a renegade. 'For us Deshchytsa is a renegade. By looking at him one recalls a good expression: if you do not know how to drink, then don't,' Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told Russian reporters in Belgrade on Monday. Moreover, the Russian Foreign Ministry has demanded that the Ukrainian leadership take measures to guarantee security for the Russian diplomatic missions in Ukraine.

Kim Jong Un Inspects KPA Naval Unit 167 KCNA 16 Jun 2014 -- Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army Kim Jong Un, first secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and first chairman of the National Defence Commission of the DPRK, inspected KPA Naval Unit 167 honored with the title of O Jung Hup-led 7th regiment.
DPRK Premier Makes Field Survey of Construction of Stockbreeding Base in Area of Sepho KCNA 16 Jun 2014 -- DPRK Premier Pak Pong Ju made a field survey of the construction of the stockbreeding base in the area of Sepho.
Japan Warns N. Korea Against Military Provocation VOA 16 Jun 2014 -- A high-level Japanese government official says a military provocation by North Korea, especially after the recent agreement between Toyko and Pyongyang on the issue of abducted Japanese citizens, would be 'suicide.'

Background Briefing on P5+1 Talks US Dept. of State 16 Jun 2014
Final nuclear deal possible if six powers realistic: Zarif Iran Press TV 16 Jun 2014 -- The Iranian foreign minister says if the six world powers enter the next round of nuclear talks with Iran on the basis of logic and realism, a comprehensive deal can be struck.
US: Significant Gaps Face Resumption of Iran Nuclear Talks VOA 16 Jun 2014 -- Negotiations on limiting Iran's nuclear program are to resume Tuesday in Geneva.

Istanbul Residents Skeptical of 'Risk Area' Declaration VOA 16 Jun 2014 -- Istanbul city authorities have announced the destruction of an area containing thousands of people's homes because they say they are unsafe.

Thailand Ends Controversial Rice Subsidy Scheme VOA 16 Jun 2014 -- Thailand's military government ended a rice price-support scheme, put in place under the former civilian government, as investigations continue into widespread corruption and losses of billions of dollars from the program.

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