08 February 2016 Military News

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OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 08 Feb 2016 [PDF]

Department of Defense Press Briefing by Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook in the Pentagon Briefing Room DoD 08 Feb 2016 -- Presenter: Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook
Counter-ISIL Strikes Continue in Syria, Iraq AFPS 08 Feb 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.
Carter Appreciates Canada's Counter-ISIL Efforts, Press Secretary Says AFPS 08 Feb 2016 -- As Defense Secretary Ash Carter prepares to travel to Brussels this week to encourage greater contributions by NATO allies to accelerate the defeat of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, Canada today announced it will step up its counter-ISIL efforts, Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook told reporters.
Prime Minister sets new course to address crises In Iraq and Syria and impacts on the region Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau 08 Feb 2016 -- The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau today announced Canada's new policy to address the ongoing crises in Iraq and Syria and the impact they are having on the surrounding region. It will make a meaningful contribution to the Global Coalition's fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), while strengthening the ability of regional governments and local authorities to defend themselves, and rebuild over the long-term.
Canada stop 'anti-Daesh' air raids as part of US-led alliance Press TV 08 Feb 2016 -- Canada says it will end its contribution to the ongoing bombing campaign by the US-led coalition against what is claimed to be Daesh positions in Iraq and Syria, saying such airstrikes will not bring long-term stability to the Middle East.
Canada's CF-18 Jets to Cease Anti-Daesh Operations 'Within 2 Weeks' Sputnik 08 Feb 2016 -- Canada will finish its airstrikes against Daesh terrorists withing the next two weeks by ceasing its operations of CF-18 fighter jets in Iraq and Syria, Canada's Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan announced on Monday.

IS Runs Timber Smuggling Business in Afghanistan, Officials Say VOA 08 Feb 2016 -- Islamic State has started cutting down trees in some parts of eastern Afghanistan in a timber-smuggling operation to neighboring Pakistan, according to Afghan officials and tribal leaders.
Bomb explosion kills six civilians in SE Afghanistan Press TV 08 Feb 2016 -- A bomb explosion has rocked an area in southeastern Afghanistan, killing at least six civilians and injuring nine others, security sources say.

Defense Policy / Programs

Task Force Al Taqaddum: Role of U.S. Troops during operations in Anbar Province USMC News 08 Feb 2016 -- Things have changed a bit around Al Taqaddum Air Base in Iraq since the 2011 withdraw of U.S. troops in the Anbar province. What once was a busy hub for aircraft coming in to scatter the area with military personnel now seems far more subtle in its footprint.
Marines with HMLA-267 support Scorpion Fire USMC News 08 Feb 2016 -- Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 took part in exercise Scorpion Fire 1-16 on and near Naval Air Facility El Centro, California, Jan. 25 to Feb. 5, 2016.
USS Montpelier Returns Home After Successful Deployment NNS 08 Feb 2016 -- The Los Angeles fast-attack submarine USS Montpelier (SSN 765) returned to Naval Station Norfolk, Feb. 5, after completing a successful deployment to the European Command and Central Command areas of responsibility.
USS Cheyenne Returns from Western Pacific Deployment NNS 08 Feb 2016 -- Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Cheyenne (SSN 773) returned to Pearl Harbor, Feb. 5, completing a regularly-scheduled five-month deployment to the Western Pacific.
Ike Rescues Distressed Mariners At Sea NNS 08 Feb 2016 -- Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike) rescued distressed mariners at sea, Feb. 7.
Pentagon Plans to Improve F-35's Capabilities With Refueling Drones Sputnik 08 Feb 2016 -- The Pentagon aims to transform a planned Navy combat drone into a refueling tanker that would allow fighter jets serving with a carrier air wing to remain in the air longer and attack targets located deep inside the continent – such as sites in Russia or China.

Russia puts troops on high alert ahead of military drills Press TV 08 Feb 2016 -- Russia has put its troops on combat alert across the country's southwestern territories amid massive military drills meant to test the readiness of the military.
At Least Four Dead in Mi-8 Helicopter Crash in Northwestern Russia Sputnik 08 Feb 2016 -- The Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday the crash of a Mi-8 military helicopter in northwestern Russia killed four servicemen on board.
Russian Snap Military Drills Involve 8,500 Servicemen, 200 Aircraft Sputnik 08 Feb 2016 -- The ongoing snap military exercises in southern Russia involve up to 8,500 troops, some 900 military vehicles and 200 aircraft, Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov said Monday.
'Unkillable': Russia Testing New Generation Armored Vehicle Sputnik 08 Feb 2016 -- The Bumerang - Russia's newest armored personnel carrier, which was unveiled during last year's May 9 Victory Parade in Moscow - is currently undergoing preliminary trials.
Next Level: Russia Upgrading Some 20 Warships, Submarines Sputnik 08 Feb 2016 -- Russia is repairing and modernizing some 20 warships and submarines in the framework of its large-scale rearmament program.

UK troops head to Jordan for war game Press TV 08 Feb 2016 -- The British media reported on Monday that the government of Prime Minister David Cameron plans to send more than 1,600 troops to Jordan for a major logistics war game.

US urges Israel to accept military aid deal: Report Press TV 08 Feb 2016 -- A new report says American officials are urging Israel to seal a military aid package deal with Washington as Tel Aviv would not find a better contract with the next US president.

Peru's Military 'Very Satisfied' With Russian Mi-171Sh Helicopters Sputnik 08 Feb 2016 -- The Peruvian operators of Russia's Mi-171Sh military transport helicopters are completely satisfied with their performance, state arms exporter Rosoboronexport Director General Anatoly Isaykin said Monday.

Thai Authorities Refute Reports of Bangkok Mulling Purchase of T-90 Tanks Sputnik 08 Feb 2016 -- The Thai authorities on Monday refuted media reports that Bangkok was planning to purchase Russian T-90 tanks, the country's chief of staff spokesman said.

Russia to Hold Observation Flight Over Greece Under Open Skies Treaty Sputnik 08 Feb 2016 -- Russian experts will hold an observation flight over Greece on February 8-12, head of Russia's National Nuclear Risk Reduction Center Sergei Ryzhkov said Monday.

February 8, 2016 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 08 Feb 2016
Daily Press Briefing by Press Secretary Josh Earnest, 2/8/2016 The White House 08 Feb 2016

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for February 08, 2016

Other Conflicts

8 February 2016 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 08 Feb 2016

Yemenis pound Saudi military base with 2 ballistic missiles Press TV 08 Feb 2016 -- Yemen's army has reportedly carried out two ballistic missile attacks against a military base in Saudi Arabia's southwestern Asir region.

Turkey must apologize to Russia for last year jet downing: Deputy FM Press TV 08 Feb 2016 -- Russia has called on Turkey to stop stirring tension between the two countries and apologize for the downing of its Su-24 bomber jet in November last year.

Syria: UN relief chief calls on Government to halt attacks displacing 30,000 civilians UN News 08 Feb 2016 -- The United Nations emergency relief chief today called on the Syrian Government and other parties to honour their duty to protect civilians and allow safe access for aid as tens of thousands of people were reported to have been displaced from Aleppo and elsewhere in the war-torn country's north by heavy Government bombardment.
Russian-Backed Offensive in Syria Pushes War to Tipping Point VOA 08 Feb 2016 -- Russian and Iranian-backed Syrian government forces have pounded their way toward the strategic city of Aleppo, threatening to encircle and crush rebel forces who have been fighting President Bashar al-Assad's regime for more than five years.
US Welcomes Saudi Offer to Send Troops to Syria VOA 08 Feb 2016 -- The United States has welcomed a Saudi offer to deploy special forces to support a possible coalition ground operation inside Syria.
Saudi Arabia, NATO to discuss Syria troop deployment: Reports Press TV 08 Feb 2016 -- The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Saudi Arabia are reportedly set to discuss Riyadh's proposal for troop deployment to Syria under the pretext of fighting Takfiri Daesh terrorists.
Foreign ground intervention to intensify Syria crisis: Iran Press TV 08 Feb 2016 -- Iran has warned against any foreign ground incursion in Syria without the approval of the Syrian government, saying the move would only intensify the crisis in the conflict-stricken country.
Erdogan irate over US envoy meeting with YPG in Kobani Press TV 08 Feb 2016 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been irked by a US envoy's meeting with Syrian Kurds in the Syrian border town of Kobani, warning the US to choose either Ankara or the "terrorists" in the town as its ally.
Relief agencies deliver more aid to Syrians in militant-held suburb Press TV 08 Feb 2016 -- Relief agencies deliver more aid packages to 700 families in the militant-held suburb of Mu'adamiyat al-Sham near the Syrian capital of Damascus.
Merkel 'Horrified' At Russia's Syria Campaign As HRW Reports Cluster-Bomb Use RFE/RL 08 Feb 2016 -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel says she is 'horrified' by the suffering being caused by Russian and Syrian air strikes.
Russian Airstrikes in Syria Help 'Iraqi Military in Fight Against Daesh' Sputnik 08 Feb 2016 -- The actions of the Russian Air Forces in Syria are effective and have a positive impact on the fight against Daesh in Iraq, Joint Commander of the Iraqi Armed Forces Yahya Rasool Abdullah told Sputnik.
The Best is Yet to Come: Syrian Army Advancing Toward City of Idlib Sputnik 08 Feb 2016 -- Syrian government forces are making advances toward the northern city of Idlib, Lebanon's Al Mayadeen television reported Monday.
Syrian Army Razes Daesh Training Camp in Raqqa, Paves Way to Turkish Border Sputnik 08 Feb 2016 -- Syrian Air Force jets destroyed a major training building used by Daesh militants in the terrorists' de facto capital of Raqqa, Iran's Fars news agency reported, citing informed sources on Sunday.
Syrian Army's Success Evidence of Effective Cooperation With Russian Forces Sputnik 08 Feb 2016 -- The Syrian army's latest successes in the counterterrorism fight are a testament to the effectiveness of its cooperation with the Russian Aerospace Forces, the governor of the Latakia province said Monday.
All sides in Syria killing thousands of detainees in crimes against humanity, UN reports UN News 08 Feb 2016 -- Thousands of detainees have been killed while in the custody of the warring parties in Syria over the past four and a half years, with thousands held by the Government beaten to death or dying from torture and anti-Government groups brutalizing and executing prisoners in war crimes and crimes against humanity, a United Nations commission reported today.
Citing Betrayal, Some Syrian Rebels Withdraw From Front VOA 08 Feb 2016 -- Syrian rebels in northern Syria have come under an intense weeklong bombing campaign by Russian warplanes.
UN: Syria 'Exterminating' Its Imprisoned Detainees VOA 08 Feb 2016 -- United Nations investigators accused Syria on Monday of carrying out a massive 'extermination' of detainees from its civilian population, alleging that it amounts to 'a crime against humanity.'
Turkey, West in Standoff Over Syrian Refugees VOA 08 Feb 2016 -- More than 25,000 Syrian civilians have become the unwitting victims of a standoff between Turkey and Western relief agencies.
Syrian Kurds Cooperate With All Countries Assisting in Fight Against Daesh Sputnik 08 Feb 2016 -- The Syrian Kurds cooperate with the United States and all other countries offering their assistance in the fight against the Daesh jihadist group, a representative of the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) said.

Ground incursion into Syria, Iraq opens gates of hell: Hezbollah Brigades Press TV 08 Feb 2016 -- The Hezbollah Brigades, a popular resistance group fighting Daesh militants in Iraq, has warned Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf countries against any ground incursion into Syria or Iraq, saying such a move would "open the gates of hell" to the potential aggressors.

Iraq deploys troops to seize Mosul: Army official Press TV 08 Feb 2016 -- An Iraqi army official says thousands of soldiers are being deployed to an army base in northern Iraq in order to prepare for retaking Mosul from Daesh Takfiri militants.
Iraq building wall around Baghdad: Abadi spokesman Press TV 08 Feb 2016 -- A spokesman for Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has confirmed the construction of a security wall around the capital, Baghdad, after the premier apparently dismissed the idea.
Iraqi Military Opens Coordination Centers for Nineveh Province Liberation Sputnik 08 Feb 2016 -- The Iraqi military command opened two new coordination centers ahead of the operation to liberate the northern Nineveh province from Daesh terrorists, the spokesman of Iraq's joint military alignment told Sputnik in an interview.
Christian Iraqi Forces Join Fight Against IS VOA 08 Feb 2016 -- As Iraqi and Kurdish forces increase their fight against Islamic State (IS) fighters near Mosul, a military unit of Iraqi Christians has joined them.

After Rocket Launch, South Korea Fires Warning Shots At North's Navy RFE/RL 08 Feb 2016 -- A day after Pyongyang's controversial rocket launch, South Korea fired warnings shots at a patrol boat from North Korea's navy that briefly crossed into South Korean territorial waters.

Security raid kills 60 in southeast Turkey: Report Press TV 08 Feb 2016 -- At least 60 people have been killed in an attack by Turkish forces against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants in Turkey's southeast, a report says.
25 killed in army operations in southeast Turkey Press TV 08 Feb 2016 -- At least 25 people have been killed during the Turkish army's military operations against militants from Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in the country's southeast.

UN says over 58,000 Somali children risk starving to death Press TV 08 Feb 2016 -- The United Nations (UN) has warned that over 58,000 children would starve to death in Somalia if they are not provided with urgent humanitarian assistance.
In Somalia, food security and malnutrition situation is 'alarming' - UN report UN News 08 Feb 2016 -- According to a new United Nations food security and nutrition assessment, the situation in Somalia is alarming and could get worse, especially in parts of Puntland and Somaliland, which have been hard hit by drought exacerbated by El Niño.

Unprecedented food crisis looms over strife-torn South Sudan, UN agencies warn UN News 08 Feb 2016 -- South Sudan faces unprecedented levels of food insecurity, with 2.8 million people, nearly 25 per cent of the population, in urgent need of aid, at least 40,000 of them on the brink of catastrophe, at a time when the war-torn country is traditionally most food secure, United Nations agencies warned today.
At least 40,000 dying of starvation in South Sudan, UN reports Press TV 08 Feb 2016 -- The United Nations has voiced concern over the severe food crisis in South Sudan's war-ravaged areas, saying a catastrophic situation awaits tens of thousands of civilians grappling with malnutrition in the African state.

Clashes in eastern DR Congo claim at least 15 lives Press TV 08 Feb 2016 -- More than a dozen people have lost their lives in clashes between armed groups in the troubled eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where ethnic tensions have surged in recent weeks.
UN: 21 Killed in 'Alarming' Violence in Eastern DRC VOA 08 Feb 2016 -- At least 21 people were killed, 40 wounded and dozens of houses burned in weekend attacks aimed at Hutus in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, which has been the scene of heightened ethnic tensions in recent weeks.

News Reports

South Korea Weighs Closing Kaesong Complex Over Rocket Launch VOA 08 Feb 2016 -- South Korea's point man on North Korea hinted Monday at possibly shutting down an inter-Korean industrial complex as a punitive measure against North Korea in response to the communist country's long-range rocket launch.
North Korea Undeterred by International Condemnation VOA 08 Feb 2016 -- North Korea's defiant stance in the face of international condemnation over its rocket launch Sunday and its nuclear test last month are in some ways strengthening Kim Jong Un's position at home and abroad.
Pyongyang City Army-People Meeting Hail Successful Launch of Satellite KCNA 08 Feb 2016 -- A Pyongyang city army-people meeting for hailing the successful launch of earth observation satellite Kwangmyongsong-4 took place Monday
Launch of Satellite, Independent Right of DPRK KCNA 08 Feb 2016 -- All the people in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea have greeted the Lunar New Year's Day of Juche 105 (2016) and the 68th anniversary of the revolutionary regular armed forces, with great pleasure over the successful launch of earth observation satellite Kwangmyongsong-4.
China regrets over DPRK' s satellite launch People's Daily 08 Feb 2016 -- China expressed regrets on the launch by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) of an earth observation satellite Sunday morning, calling for calm on the Korean Peninsula.
Russia condemns DPRK's long-range rocket launch People's Daily 08 Feb 2016 -- Russia's Foreign Ministry on Sunday condemned the long-range rocket launch of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
DPRK's satellite estimated to double predecessor in weight: S.Korea People's Daily 08 Feb 2016 -- The weight of a newly launched satellite of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) was estimated to have doubled that of its predecessor, indicating an advancement in ballistic missile technology, South Korea's spy agency said Sunday.
Tokyo to 'Swiftly Proceed' With Own Measures Against Pyongyang Sputnik 08 Feb 2016 -- Tokyo is currently working on its own measures against Pyongyang to quickly respond to the launch of a long-range rocket by North Korea and other pressing issues, Japanese Foreign Ministry's press secretary Yasuhisa Kawamura told Sputnik on Monday.
Fresh Japanese Sanctions Against North Korea Imminent VOA 08 Feb 2016 -- North Korea's latest long range missile launch has Japan moving quickly to impose additional unilateral sanctions against Pyongyang.

Enemies failed in plots against Iran: Leader ISNA 08 Feb 2016 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said the top world powers have opposed the Islamic Republic since its inception but have failed to achieve any of their objectives.

Wife of IS Leader Charged in Death of US Hostage VOA 08 Feb 2016 -- The U.S. Justice Department has charged the wife of a now-deceased Islamic State leader for her alleged role in last year's death of American aid worker Kayla Mueller.

Russia arrests seven Daesh militants, thwarts terrorist attacks Press TV 08 Feb 2016 -- Russian security forces have detained seven Daesh terrorists who were planning to launch terrorist attacks in several cities across Russia.

China says will pay rewards for online terrorist tip-offs Press TV 08 Feb 2016 -- China says it will pay up to 100,000 yuan ($15,200) to anyone who reports online "terrorist" content, after handing out two million yuan worth of rewards last year.

Jailed American Testifies About Islamist Involvement in Mumbai Attacks VOA 08 Feb 2016 -- An American in a U.S. jail for his role in the 2008 terror attacks that killed 166 people in Mumbai, India, told an Indian court a Pakistan-based Islamic terror group made two failed attempts to mount terror strikes in the city in the months prior to the assault.

Thirty Years After Chernobyl, Ukraine Doubles Down On Nuclear Power RFE/RL 08 Feb 2016 -- Nearly 30 years after Chernobyl spewed nuclear dust across Europe and sparked fears of fallout around the globe, a strapped, war-torn Ukraine is opting for 'upgrades' rather than shutdowns of its fleet of Soviet-era nuclear power reactors.

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