06 January 2016 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
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Current Operations

Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Casualty Update 06 Jan 2016 [PDF]

Department of Defense Press Briefing by Col. Warren via teleconference from Baghdad, Iraq DoD 06 Jan 2016 -- Presenter: Colonel Steve Warren, Operation Inherent Resolve spokesman
OIR Spokesman: ISIL Now in Defensive Crouch in Iraq, Syria AFPS 06 Jan 2016 -- Since May, the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant has steadily lost ground to Iraqi security forces and Syrian Democratic Forces, the spokesman for Operation Inherent Resolve said today.

Military Strikes Target ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 06 Jan 2016 -- U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Update: air strikes in Iraq and Syria UK MOD 06 Jan 2016 -- British forces have continued to conduct air operations in the fight against Daesh

Afghanistan Forms Special Anti-IS Force VOA 06 Jan 2016 -- The Afghan government has formed a special force to counter Islamic State and Taliban militants in eastern parts of the country, Acting Defense Minister Masoom Stanekzai announced Wednesday from eastern Laghman province.
Daesh-Taliban clashes kill 30 militants in Afghanistan Press TV 06 Jan 2016 -- At least 30 militants have been killed and scores of others injured during fierce clashes between members of Daesh Takfiri terrorist group and Taliban extremists in Afghanistan's eastern province of Nangarhar.
Afghan Forces Claim Advances in Taliban-held District VOA 06 Jan 2016 -- Afghan security forces backed by U.S. military airstrikes have made advances in a volatile southern district, killing dozens of Taliban insurgents and wounding many others, said officials on Wednesday.
Afghanistan: UN mission condemns Taliban attacks in Kabul City UN News 06 Jan 2016 -- The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) today condemned a spate of bombings in civilian areas of Kabul by the Taliban in the first few days of the New Year.

Defense Policy / Programs

Detainee Transfers Announced DoD 06 Jan 2016 -- The Department of Defense announced today the transfer of Mahmud Umar Muhammad Bin Atef and Khalid Muhammad Salih Al-Dhuby from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay to the Government of Ghana.
Readout of Secretary of Defense Carter's Call with Republic of Korea Defense Minister Han DoD 06 Jan 2016
US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Visits Kearsarge NNS 06 Jan 2016 -- The U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia joined Commander, Task Force 51, Jan. 3-4 for a tour of amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3).
Pentagon to arm smaller warships with drones Press TV 06 Jan 2016 -- The Pentagon has awarded Northrop Grumman with a multi-million-dollar contract aimed at enabling unmanned drones to operate from smaller warships.
AF officials announce civilian reduction in force AFNS 06 Jan 2016 -- In a continuing effort to meet Defense Department funding targets and rebalance the civilian workforce, some Air Force installations will implement civilian reduction in force authorities effective through April 4.
Secretary of the Navy Announces First Ship of Next Generation Fleet Repenishment Oilers, USNS John Lewis DoD 06 Jan 2016 -- Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus announced today that the first ship of the next generation of fleet replenishment oilers (T-AO 205) will be named USNS John Lewis after the civil rights movement hero and current U.S. representative of Georgia's Fifth Congressional District.
USS Charlotte Visits Sasebo During Indo-Asia-Pacific Deployment NNS 06 Jan 2016 -- The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Charlotte (SSN 766) arrived at Fleet Activities Sasebo, Jan. 5, for a port visit as part of its Indo-Asia-Pacific deployment.
NRL Tests Cooperative Soaring Concept for Sustained Flight of UAV Sailplanes NNS 06 Jan 2016 -- The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), in collaboration with the Air Vehicle Intelligence and Autonomy (AVIA) Lab at Pennsylvania State University (PSU), completed testing of cooperative autonomous soaring algorithms used to keep unmanned sailplanes aloft for sustained flight durations - demonstrating the concept of shared soaring data between two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in flight.

NATO, U.S. Deny Posing Any Security Threat To Russia RFE/RL 06 Jan 2016 -- NATO and the United States are denying that the alliance's expansion into eastern Europe and increased activity there poses any menace to Russia as Moscow asserted in its new security doctrine.
Russia's Strategic Missile Forces to Go All-Digital by 2020 Sputnik 06 Jan 2016 -- The Russian Strategic Missile Forces will completely switch to digital data transmission technologies by 2020, spokesperson of the Defense Ministry Maj. Dmitry Andreev told journalists.

North Korea Claims Successful Hydrogen Bomb Test RFE/RL 06 Jan 2016 -- North Korea announced it had conducted its first successful test of a miniaturized hydrogen bomb after several nations detected a moderate earthquake near a known nuclear testing site on January 6.
UN deplores 'deeply troubling' hydrogen bomb test announced by DPR Korea UN News 06 Jan 2016 -- The United Nations at all levels today deplored the underground nuclear test announced by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon calling it “deeply troubling” and the UN Security Council vowing to immediately begin considering the “significant measures” it had vowed to take in the event of another nuclear test by the country.
DPRK Proves Successful in H-bomb Test KCNA 06 Jan 2016 -- The DPRK government issued the following statement Wednesday: (...) The first H-bomb test was successfully conducted in the DPRK at 10:00 on Wednesday, Juche 105 (2016), pursuant to the strategic determination of the WPK.
North Korea Confirms Successful Testing of Hydrogen Bomb Sputnik 06 Jan 2016 -- North Korea announced a successful test of a hydrogen bomb in a special statement broadcasted by the central TV and South Korean TV channels.
China Condemns N. Korea's Purported Hydrogen Bomb Test VOA 06 Jan 2016 -- North Korea's key diplomatic ally China has voiced firm opposition to what Pyongyang said was its first hydrogen bomb test Wednesday. Beijing said it will lodge a formal protest and has called on its northern neighbor to give up on its ambitions for nuclear weapons.
UN Condemns N. Korean Nuclear Test, Promises New Sanctions VOA 06 Jan 2016 -- The U.N. Security Council said Wednesday that it was working to craft new sanctions against North Korea after its latest nuclear test, while the United States and other world powers voiced skepticism about Pyongyang's claim that the underground blast was a successful test of a hydrogen bomb.
Taiwan condemns North Korean hydrogen bomb test CNA 06 Jan 2016 -- Taiwan on Wednesday condemned North Korea's alleged detonation of a hydrogen bomb as a provocative action and called against any move that could undermine stability in the region.
Regional powers expected to team up after Pyongyang's H-bomb test CNA 06 Jan 2016 -- A Taiwanese lawmaker and military expert predicted Wednesday that South Korea will seek closer cooperative ties with its neighboring countries, including China, Japan and the United States after a reported successful hydrogen bomb test in North Korea.
KPA Servicepersons Encouraged at Successful H-bomb Test KCNA 06 Jan 2016 -- The successful first H-bomb test has lashed all the servicepersons of the DPRK into a great joy.
Successful H-bomb Test, Historic Event of Korean Nation KCNA 06 Jan 2016 -- The successful first H-bomb test greatly encourages all citizens of the DPRK who have turned out in the general offensive for the new year.
DPRK announces success of first H-bomb test People's Daily 06 Jan 2016 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea announced Wednesday that it has successfully carried out its first hydrogen bomb test.
Spotlight: DPRK announces success of first H-bomb test, draws criticism, skepticism People's Daily 06 Jan 2016 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea announced Wednesday that it has successfully carried out its first hydrogen bomb test.
S. Korea says to maintain close cooperation with U.S. after DPRK's nuke test People's Daily 06 Jan 2016 -- South Korea and the United States plan to maintain a close cooperation after the fourth nuclear test by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Seoul's foreign ministry said Wednesday.
S.Korea strongly denounces DPRK's fourth nuclear test People's Daily 06 Jan 2016 -- South Korea's presidential office on Wednesday strongly denounced the fourth nuclear test by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), pledging to take all necessary measures like sanctions by UN Security Council.
S.Korean president to convene emergency security meeting after DPRK nuke test People's Daily 06 Jan 2016 -- South Korean President Park Geun-hye will convene an emergency security meeting on Wednesday after the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s surprising announcement of a successful hydrogen bomb test.
Australia condemns DPRK nuclear bomb test People's Daily 06 Jan 2016 -- The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) on Wednesday condemns the latest nuclear bomb test by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), calling the test 'provocative and dangerous behaviour.'
U.S. says cannot confirm DPRK H-bomb test, vowing appropriate response People's Daily 06 Jan 2016 -- The U.S. government said Tuesday that it could not confirm that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) had conducted a hydrogen bomb test, while vowing to respond appropriately to any 'provocations.'
N Korea hydrogen bomb test destabilizing: UN chief Press TV 06 Jan 2016 -- UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has joined the chorus of international condemnation of North Korea's announcement of performing a hydrogen bomb test, describing the alleged test as a threat to regional stability.
North Korea's 'hydrogen bomb test' draws Moscow's reaction Press TV 06 Jan 2016 -- North Korea's announcement of performing a hydrogen bomb test has drawn a serious reaction from Russia, with Moscow describing the move, if confirmed, a "flagrant" violation of international law.
North Korea claims 'successful' hydrogen bomb test Press TV 06 Jan 2016 -- Pyongyang says it has successfully conducted a hydrogen bomb test, hours after seismologists detected an artificial earthquake close to the country's main atomic test site northeast of North Korea.
EU, Japan, S Korea Agree to Coordinate Response to N Korea's Nuclear Test Sputnik 06 Jan 2016 -- The European Union, Japan and South Korea have agreed to coordinate a joint response to North Korea, within the framework of the United Nations after Pyongyang made allegations of carrying out a hydrogen bomb test, the European Union External Action service said Wednesday.
Russian, S Korean Diplomats Express Concern Over Pyongyang's H-Bomb Test Sputnik 06 Jan 2016 -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov and South Korean Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs Hwang Joon-kook in a phone conversation expressed concern over an alleged hydrogen bomb test announced by Pyongyang, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Wednesday.
Eye in the Sky: US Spy Plane Reportedly Monitored N Korea's H-Bomb Test Sputnik 06 Jan 2016 -- A US reconnaissance plane flew out of Japan's Okinawa Island ten minutes before North Korea tested its "miniaturized" hydrogen bomb on Sunday, Japanese media reported.
North Korea's Nuclear Bomb Testing 'Clear Violation' of UNSC Resolutions Sputnik 06 Jan 2016 -- According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, North Korea violated UN Security Council resolutions by carrying out a hydrogen bomb test.
Japan Denounces North Korean Nuclear Test as 'Serious Threat' to Security Sputnik 06 Jan 2016 -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Wednesday that the North Korean nuclear test poses 'serious threat' to Tokyo's security, local media reported.
On the North Korean Nuclear Test US Dept. of State 06 Jan 2016 -- Press Statement by John Kerry, Secretary of State
What's Behind North Korea's Nuclear Test? VOA 06 Jan 2016 -- North Korea's sudden nuclear test is prompting analysts in Seoul and Washington to wonder what might have motivated Pyongyang to make the move.

Seoul Increases Combat Readiness After North Korea Test of Hydrogen Bomb Sputnik 06 Jan 2016 -- South Korea has strengthened the combat readiness of the national armed forces as North Korea successfully tested a hydrogen bomb earlier on Wednesday, local media reported.

Iran opens 2nd underground missile site to cameras ISNA 06 Jan 2016 -- Iran's parliament speaker, Ali Larijani, has officially visited the second underground missile facility of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) packed with precision-guided long-range Emad missiles.

January 6, 2016 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 06 Jan 2016
Press Briefing by Press Secretary Josh Earnest, 1/6/2016 The White House 06 Jan 2016

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for January 06, 2016

Other Conflicts

6 January 2016 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 06 Jan 2016

China Successfully Conducts Test Flight at New Airport in South China Sea People's Daily 06 Jan 2016 -- China conducted successful test flights at a newly built airport in the Nansha Islands of the South China Sea on January 6, 2016.
China conducts more test flights in disputed waters Press TV 06 Jan 2016 -- China has landed two more planes on a contested reef in the South China Sea amid controversy about its previous flight, which according to Beijing was conducted to test the readiness of a newly-built runway for civil aviation.
China Conducts More Test Flights at New Airfield in South China Sea Sputnik 06 Jan 2016 -- China has conducted several successful test flights at a newly-built airfield in the South China Sea on Wednesday.

Saudi warplanes hit Yemen's Hajjah, four people killed Press TV 06 Jan 2016 -- Saudi warplanes have bombarded areas in Yemen's Hajjah Province, where at least four people were killed.
Saudi fighter jets continue to bombard Yemen Press TV 06 Jan 2016 -- Saudi warplanes have carried out new airstrikes across Yemen, hitting, among other places, an airport in the capital, Sana'a, along with an airbase.

Eight civilians killed, 33 injured in Damascus and Aleppo with rockets fired by terrorists IRNA 06 Jan 2016 -- Eight people were killed on Wednesday in terrorist mortar attacks by the "Jaish al-Islam" terror organization which targeted a number of residential neighborhoods in Damascus.
Daesh Attacks al-Nusra Militants in Syria IRNA 06 Jan 2016 -- Daesh launched an attack on positions of al-Nusra Front terrorists in Syria. The attack resulted in the death of a dozen of militants.
Militant mortar attacks kill 8 civilians in Syria capital Press TV 06 Jan 2016 -- At least eight civilians have lost their lives in mortar attacks by foreign-backed terrorists on the Syrian capital city of Damascus.
China, Britain issue statement on Syria People's Daily 06 Jan 2016 -- China and Britain issued a statement on Syria issue in Beijing Tuesday, agreeing to advance counter-terrorism and a political settlement in parallel.

Jordan cracks (down) under refugee pressure IRIN 06 Jan 2016 -- The Sudanese asylum seekers and refugees had been protesting for more than a month when the police came to deport them late December. Hundreds were camped outside the Amman offices of the UN's refugee agency, UNHCR, driven to desperate measures by poverty and hopelessness in Jordan, where life for many has been on hold for years.

Iraqi air force hits Daesh in Ramadi Press TV 06 Jan 2016 -- The Iraqi air force has dealt a heavy blow to the remaining pockets of Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in the central city of Ramadi.
Daesh war minister slain in Iraqi army airstrike Press TV 06 Jan 2016 -- A high-ranking figure in Daesh Takfiri militant group has been killed in Iraq's troubled western province of Anbar during the army operations against terrorists.

Libya: ISIL attacks highlight need for implementation of peace accord, says UN envoy UN News 06 Jan 2016 -- The United Nations envoy in Libya, who last month has helped usher in a UN-brokered political agreement for a national government in the strife-torn country, has said an attack by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) on oil installations highlights the need for immediate implementation of the accord.

Boko Haram arrests worsen Cameroon prison conditions IRIN 06 Jan 2016 -- Detention conditions in Cameroon's prisons are worsening as thousands of people suspected to have links with Nigeria-based terrorist group Boko Haram are thrown in jail.

Sri Lanka's torture machine continues in peacetime IRIN 06 Jan 2016 -- Sri Lanka's new government has been lauded for efforts at reconciliation after a devastating civil war. Yet, civilians are still being abducted, tortured and sexually abused by security forces, according to a report published today.

UN probes sex abuse cases against CAR peacekeepers Press TV 06 Jan 2016 -- The UN has launched an investigation into fresh allegations of child sex abuse by its peacekeepers in the Central African Republic.

News Reports

Saudi Arabia needs to stop fueling tension in Mideast, Iran says Press TV 06 Jan 2016 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says the government of Saudi Arabia must stop measures that only serve to pour fuel on regional tensions in the Middle East.
Islamic State Militants Target Saudi Arabia VOA 06 Jan 2016 -- Iran isn't alone in issuing dire threats against Saudi Arabia – the Islamic State has ratcheted up a propaganda campaign against the Gulf kingdom's ruling family, denouncing them for siding with the U.S.-led coalition against the jihadists and urging followers to oust them.
Russia Seeks Mediation Role in Iran-Saudi Dispute VOA 06 Jan 2016 -- Russia has offered to act as an intermediary between Iran and Saudi Arabia following Riyadh's execution of the prominent Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr.
President: Iran has never threatened any country's interests in region IRNA 06 Jan 2016 -- President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that Iran has never taken any action against any regional state and has always favored logic and rationality as well as enhancement of cooperation and securing the Islamic world and regional countries' interests.
Iran's Rouhani censures Saudi 'unwise, hasty and provocative' actions Press TV 06 Jan 2016 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says Saudi Arabia's "unwise" and "provocative" policies will further heighten tensions in the Middle East region.
Official: Iran not interested in oil price war Press TV 06 Jan 2016 -- Iran has no intention to wage a price war with fellow OPEC producers when sanctions on the country are lifted, a senior official says.
Iran Cares Little For Broken Ties with Saudi Allies Sputnik 06 Jan 2016 -- Iran has downplayed Saudi Arabia and its allies' decision to sever or downgrade relations with Tehran following the current row over the execution of a prominent Shiite cleric, a government spokesman said on Wednesday.

Turkey Aims to Sidestep Saudi-Iranian Tensions VOA 06 Jan 2016 -- Turkey is seeking to avoid being embroiled in the deepening crisis between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Following Saudi Arabia's execution of Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr and violent protests against the Saudi Embassy in Tehran, Ankara has been careful not to take sides.

Chang'e-3 landing site on moon named 'Guang Han Gong' People's Daily 06 Jan 2016 -- The landing site of China's first moon lander Chang'e-3 has been named 'Guang Han Gong' or 'Moon Palace', more than two years after the spacecraft made a successful soft-landing on the moon in December 2013.

Taiwan requests formal talks with Japan on comfort women issue CNA 06 Jan 2016 -- Taiwan's Foreign Minister David Lin (林永樂) on Wednesday summoned the Japanese representative to Taipei and laid out four requests that Taiwan wants to make in formal talks with Japan on the issue of 'comfort women.'

UN envoy in Central African Republic meets with presidential candidates following first election round UN News 06 Jan 2016 -- The United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic (CAR) reported today that the top UN official in the country has met with 28 of the 30 presidential candidates in the capital, Bangui, just days after the first round of presidential and legislative elections.
C.A.R. Presidential Election Likely to Go to 2nd Round VOA 06 Jan 2016 -- The National Election Authority in Bangui raced to beat a deadline to announce the results from the December 30 presidential poll.

Top Bangladesh court upholds death sentence for opposition leader Press TV 06 Jan 2016 -- Bangladesh's top court has upheld the death penalty for the leader of the South Asian country's Jamaat-e-Islami Party, dismissing his appeal.

Liberia President Supports Reducing Presidential Term VOA 06 Jan 2016 -- Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf said she supports the call by Liberians to reduce the presidential term of office from two six-year terms to two four-year terms.

Serbian PM: Relations With Kosovo Must Be Normalized RFE/RL 06 Jan 2016 -- Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic says Belgrade must resolve the disputes between Kosovo and Serbia, but not due to pressure from the European Union.

Kadyrov's Collective Punishment, Public Shamings Anger Chechens RFE/RL 06 Jan 2016 -- Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov is under fire for publicly humiliating his detractors and meting out collective punishment against their relatives, and he's not taking the criticism well.

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