11 February 2016 Military News

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OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 11 Feb 2016 [PDF]

Military Strikes Hit ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 11 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.
US Defense Chief Appeals for More Help in Fighting IS VOA 11 Feb 2016 -- U.S. defense chief Ash Carter appealed Thursday to his counterparts in the U.S.-led coalition conducting aerial attacks on Islamic State in Iraq and Syria for more military and financial help to carry out the campaign.
Saudi seeking greater contribution to US-led airstrikes: Pentagon Press TV 11 Feb 2016 -- The United States says Saudi Arabia has proposed to expand its role in the air campaign by the US-led coalition on purported positions of the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group.

Department of Defense Press Briefing by Brig. Gen. Shoffner via Teleconference in the Pentagon Press Briefing Room DoD 11 Feb 2016 -- Presenter: Brigadier General Wilson Shoffner, deputy chief of staff for communications, Resolute Support Mission, Afghanistan
Taliban Battle Leads to Kabul Blackout VOA 11 Feb 2016 -- Millions of residents in the bitterly cold Afghan capital Kabul have been living mostly without power for the last two weeks as critical grid line from neighboring Uzbekistan has been cut off. The Afghan government blames Taliban attacks for the disruption in the power supply.
US Forces in Afghanistan Up Anti-IS Strikes, Presence in Helmand VOA 11 Feb 2016 -- The United States is ramping up efforts on two fronts in Afghanistan – 'significantly' increasing airstrikes against Islamic State in the country's east while providing more advisers to Afghan troops fighting the Taliban in the country's south.
Afghan Forces Need to Develop 4 Capabilities, General Says AFPS 11 Feb 2016 -- Afghan security forces need to develop four capabilities to be successful, Resolute Support Mission spokesman Army Brig. Gen. Wilson Shoffner said today.
More Afghan Electricity Towers Destroyed, Raising Fears Of New Battle Tactic RFE/RL 11 Feb 2016 -- The Afghan government has sent a team of specialists to a northern province to repair electricity pylons blown up as fighting raged between security forces and Taliban insurgents.
Pentagon Promises to Intensify Efforts Against Daesh in Afghanistan Sputnik 11 Feb 2016 -- The United States is stepping up efforts against the Islamic State and Taliban extremists in Afghanistan to counter gains they have achieved, US Resolute Support mission spokesman Army Brig. Gen. Wilson Shoffner told reporters on Thursday.

Defense Policy / Programs

Air Force rolls out FY 2017 space budget AFNS 11 Feb 2016 -- Air Force leaders met with the media to discuss specifics of the service's fiscal year 2017 space budget at the Pentagon Feb. 11.
DoD Officials Discuss Regional Deterrence, Nuke Modernization AFPS 11 Feb 2016 -- The administration's nuclear sustainment and modernization plan is what is needed for effective deterrence, and the plan is affordable if the Defense Department prioritizes it, senior defense officials told Congress yesterday.
USS Coronado Completes Survivability Test NNS 11 Feb 2016 -- USS Coronado (LCS 4) successfully completed the Navy's Total Ship Survivability Trial (TSST) off the coast of California, Jan. 28.
First simulated F-35A deployment conducted at Mountain Home AFB AFNS 11 Feb 2016 -- A much anticipated and important test mission for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program is underway with the 'deployment' of six operational test and evaluation F-35s and more than 85 Airmen from the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron, which took place Feb. 8-9.
Budget Request Trims Modernization; Procurement Funds Buy Capability AFPS 11 Feb 2016 -- Modernization took the biggest hit in the Defense Department's fiscal year 2017 budget request, but the $102.5 billion in the procurement account can purchase a lot of capabilities, Mike McCord, DoD's chief financial officer, told reporters at a Feb. 9 Pentagon news conference.
Readout of Secretary Carter's Meeting with Deputy Crown Prince and Minister of Defense for Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman DoD 11 Feb 2016
Cobra Gold 16: Promoting peace in pacific USMC News 11 Feb 2016 -- The 35th iteration of Exercise Cobra Gold 2016 begins with a display of multi-national forces in the opening ceremony at Sattahip Naval Base, Thailand, Feb. 9, 2016.
McCain Questions Pentagon Purchases From Sanction-Hit Russian Firm RFE/RL 11 Feb 2016 -- The chairman of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee is demanding answers from the Pentagon over its purchase of rocket engines from a Russian company for military satellite launches.

Media Availability with Secretary Carter at NATO Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium DoD 11 Feb 2016 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Ash Carter; Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook
Department of Defense Press Conference with Secretary Carter at NATO Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium DoD 11 Feb 2016 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Ash Carter
NATO Alliance May Join Anti-IS Coalition VOA 11 Feb 2016 -- The NATO alliance may become a member of the U.S.-led coalition fighting Islamic State, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter said Thursday.
Defense Ministers Meet to Discuss Coalition to Counter ISIL AFPS 11 Feb 2016 -- In Brussels, Defense Secretary Ash Carter today hosted a meeting of defense ministers from countries contributing troops to the global coalition to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.
Coalition Defense Ministers Release Statement After Counter-ISIL Meeting AFPS 11 Feb 2016 -- Following a first-of-its-kind meeting hosted by Defense Secretary Ash Carter in Brussels today, the defense ministers of nations involved in the coalition to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant released a statement summarizing the meeting's outcome.
Carter: Meeting of Defense Ministers Marks New Stage in ISIL Fight AFPS 11 Feb 2016 -- The first face-to-face meeting of defense ministers from nations contributing to the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant marks the beginning of a new stage in that campaign, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said in Brussels today.
Carter Encouraged by Developing NATO Capabilities AFPS 11 Feb 2016 -- During meetings in Brussels today, NATO defense ministers discussed deterring and defending against high-end threats emanating from Russia and the threat that the Islamic State poses to southern allies, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said.
NATO Defence Ministers confirm Georgia is moving closer to NATO NATO 11 Feb 2016 -- NATO Defence Ministers confirmed enduring support for Georgia's ambitious reform path in a ministerial meeting of the NATO-Georgia Commission on Thursday (11 February 2016).
NATO approves military build-up in eastern flank Press TV 11 Feb 2016 -- NATO has approved a plan to strengthen its military presence in Eastern Europe, where its activities have already irritated regional power Russia.
NATO Defence Ministers Agree on NATO support to assist with the Refugee and Migrant Crisis NATO 11 Feb 2016 -- NATO Defence Ministers agreed that NATO will provide support to assist with the refugee and migrant crisis on Thursday (11 February 2016). "The goal is to participate in the international efforts to stem the illegal trafficking and illegal migration in the Aegean," Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said.
NATO sends ships to Aegean on refugee mission Press TV 11 Feb 2016 -- The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has launched a naval mission in the Aegean Sea in what is seen as a move to stop the influx of refugees into Europe.
NATO Vessels To Deploy To Aegean Sea 'Without Delay' RFE/RL 11 Feb 2016 -- NATO has agreed to patrol the Aegean Sea to deter people smugglers taking migrants to Europe.
NATO to Provide Aid to Migrants Crossing Aegean Sea AFPS 11 Feb 2016 -- This week, NATO defense ministers addressed how the alliance will handle what many call the greatest refugee crisis in the region since the end of World War II, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in Brussels today.
NATO Responds to Migrant Crisis; Ships on Way VOA 11 Feb 2016 -- NATO warships are heading to the Aegean Sea to help Turkey and Greece stop human traffickers, marking the entry of the alliance into efforts to deal with the growing flow of migrants to Europe.

Russia Military Base Reduction in Tajikistan Not to Affect Combat Capacity Sputnik 11 Feb 2016 -- Russian ambassador to Tajikistan Igor Lyakin-Frolov said that structural changes of Russian military in Tajikistan's base 201 will allow to achieve greater mobility by reducing staff numbers.

Thailand to Supply Russia With Food in Exchange for Military Equipment Sputnik 11 Feb 2016 -- Thailand is due to supply Russia with agricultural products and food in exchange for military and engineering equipment, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan said Thursday.

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia-MK 15 Phalanx Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) Block 1B Baseline 2 Kits DSCA 11 Feb 2016 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for MK 15 Phalanx Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) Block 1B Baseline 2 Kits, equipment, training, and logistics support. The estimated cost is $154.9 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on February 10, 2016.

Commander: Iran determining power in talks on regional developments IRNA 11 Feb 2016 -- Deputy Commander of Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Brigadier General Hossein Salami said that there is no negotiating table for solving regional issues not attended by Iran as an effective power.
Commander: Nasr missiles mounted on Iran's F-14 fighter jets IRNA 11 Feb 2016 -- The Iranian Air Force Deputy Commander Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh announced that the country's F-14 Tomcat fighter jets have been equipped with air-launched Nasr cruise missiles.
Iran F-14 fighter jets to be equipped with Nasr missiles: Cmdr. Press TV 11 Feb 2016 -- IRIAF Deputy Commander for Coordination Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh said on Thursday that the air-launched cruise missiles will be mounted on the fighter jets soon.

US missile shield system in South Korea can spark arms race: Russia Press TV 11 Feb 2016 -- Russia has warned the deployment of a missile shield system in South Korea by the US can launch "an arms race" in the region.

Military Turks Stand Divided on NATO Border Monitoring Proposal Sputnik 11 Feb 2016 -- Members of Turkish military circles are divided on the issue of having NATO monitor its borders for migrants, as has been proposed by Turkey, Greece and Germany.

Press Gaggle by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Eric Schultz en route Los Angeles, CA, 2/11/2016 The White House 11 Feb 2016
February 11, 2016 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 11 Feb 2016

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for February 11, 2016

Other Conflicts

11 February 2016 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 11 Feb 2016

US Intel Chief Concerned About Beijing's South China Sea Militarization VOA 11 Feb 2016 -- U.S. National Intelligence Director James Clapper has told a Senate committee that he expects China to continue building on artificial islands to sustain its 'exorbitant' territorial claims in the disputed South China Sea.

Why does no one care about Yemen? IRIN 11 Feb 2016 -- Shortly before IRIN's regular contributor in Yemen, Almigdad Mojalli, was killed in an airstrike, he took a trip to Jordan and had a disturbing realisation.
Riyadh Urges UN, Int'l Bodies to Leave Area of Military Operation in Yemen Sputnik 11 Feb 2016 -- UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and other international organizations should leave war-torn Yemen, according to a letter sent by Saudi diplomatic missions.

Statement of the International Syria Support Group US Dept. of State 11 Feb 2016 -- Meeting in Munich on February 11 & 12, 2016, as the International Syria Support Group (ISSG), the Arab League, China, Egypt, the EU, France, Germany, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United Nations, and the United States decided that humanitarian access will commence this week to besieged areas, and an ISSG task force will within one week elaborate modalities for a nationwide cessation of hostilities.
Syria: diplomats agree 'cessation of hostilities;' UN rights chief warns of dire situation in Aleppo UN News 11 Feb 2016 -- As the United Nations human rights chief warned today of "shocking" violence and abuses in and around the city of Aleppo and other parts of war-ravaged Syria, top-level diplomats meeting in Munich on ending the crisis agreed to work out the terms of nationwide "cessation of hostilities" in the coming week.
Major Powers Agree to Cessation of Hostilities in Syria VOA 11 Feb 2016 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says major powers meeting in Munich to discuss the situation in war-torn Syria have agreed to a nationwide cessation of hostilities to begin in one week's time.
Syria ceasfire talks very fragile: Russia Press TV 11 Feb 2016 -- Russia says discussions about a possible ceasefire in Syria are still continuing, but in a flimsy manner while there is no consensus on resolving the foreign-sponsored crisis gripping the Arab country.
Russia: Aleppo militants lay down arms Press TV 11 Feb 2016 -- Russia says some opposition groups in the Syrian city of Aleppo are breaking ranks with militants and cooperating with the government.
Erdogan renews call for no-fly zone in Syria Press TV 11 Feb 2016 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan renews a call for the establishment of a no-fly zone in Syria in the face of Russian airstrikes which have led to a series of militant losses recently.
Syria expects to free Aleppo in short, tough battle Press TV 11 Feb 2016 -- The Syrian government says its forces will soon take full control of the militant-held areas of Aleppo but predicted a tough battle for the largest city in the Arab country.
Syrian Kurds liberate strategic airbase, several villages in N Syria Press TV 11 Feb 2016 -- Syrian Kurdish forces have managed to capture a strategic airbase and a town in the northern Aleppo province after days of fierce clashes with Takfiri terrorists.
Russia Says Ready To Discuss Syrian Truce RFE/RL 11 Feb 2016 -- Russia says it is ready to discuss a possible cease-fire in Syria ahead of fresh talks on the Syrian crisis in Germany.
Riyadh Rules Out Reconsidering Ground Campaign in Syria - Defense Advisor Sputnik 11 Feb 2016 -- Saudi Arabia will not reconsider its decision to launch a ground operation in Syria, Ahmed Asiri, advisor in the Office of the Minister of Defense, said Thursday.
Russian Operation in Syria to Remain Exclusively Airborne - Deputy PM Sputnik 11 Feb 2016 -- Deputy Prime Minister said that Russia does not intend to carry out a ground operation in Syria.
NATO Chief Sees No Need in Syrian No-Fly Zone Sputnik 11 Feb 2016 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the defense chiefs of NATO bloc agreed to provide anti-Daesh support by deploying airborne warning and control systems (AWACS) surveillance planes over the Turkish-Syrian border.
Russian Air Forces Destroy 1,900 Terrorist Facilities in Syria Over a Week Sputnik 11 Feb 2016 -- Russian aviation in Syria has destroyed nearly 1,900 terrorist facilities during 510 sorties February 4-11, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj.-Gen. Igor Konashenkov said Thursday.
Syrian Army Almost Done Liberating Lattakia, Sets Sights on Idlib Province Sputnik 11 Feb 2016 -- A major offensive against militant groups has reportedly been launched by the Syrian Army and the National Defense Forces in northeast Lattakia Province; their goal is to advance into neighboring Idlib Province, which remains held by militants.
Situation in Aleppo and other parts of Syria 'grotesque' - UN rights chief UN News 11 Feb 2016 -- The United Nations human rights chief today expressed "utmost alarm" at the rapidly worsening human rights situation in and around the city of Aleppo and other parts of Syria, where he said "shocking violations and abuses are committed on a daily basis."
Russia Pitches Syria Cease-fire; West Skeptical VOA 11 Feb 2016 -- Russia is proposing talks about a cease-fire in Syria, but European diplomats are skeptical about the offer, which they see as a delaying tactic that would allow intense Russian airstrikes in Aleppo to continue.
Syrian Rebels Spurn Kremlin's 'Cease-Fire' VOA 11 Feb 2016 -- Senior members of the rebel coalition arrayed against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad were either deeply skeptical or outright scornful of Russia's attempt to promote a cease-fire plan – because, they say it might only prolong and expand civilians' suffering.
Syria War Death Toll Reaches 470,000 VOA 11 Feb 2016 -- A new report finds that some 470,000 people have been killed since Syria's civil war began nearly five years ago and that the new casualty figure is nearly twice that of past United Nations estimates.
How Aleppo Rebels Plan to Withstand Assad's Siege VOA 11 Feb 2016 -- Rebels in Aleppo are laying plans to withstand a siege by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces in the likelihood the regime cuts a final main supply line running west of the city. They vow a siege will not be over quickly. But their plans are not being helped by squabbles breaking out among insurgent commanders.

Construction of Wall Around Baghdad Stirs Concerns VOA 11 Feb 2016 -- The Shi'ite-led Iraqi government has started constructing a giant wall around Baghdad that it says will prevent militant attacks and reduce the large number of checkpoints inside the city.
Kurds should abandon secession bid: Iraq premier Press TV 11 Feb 2016 -- The Iraqi prime minister has stressed the need for preserving the country's territorial integrity and called on Kurdistan to scrap any plans for independence, saying the autonomous northern region could not do without the mainland.
Iraq Opposes Foreign Intervention From Any State, Including Turkey Sputnik 11 Feb 2016 -- Foreign Minister Ibrahim Jaafari stated that Iraq does not accept any foreign intervention in its territory from any state.

Turkey army ends operations in Kurdish town of Cizre: Minister Press TV 11 Feb 2016 -- The Turkish military has ended an almost two-month military operation in the mainly Kurdish southeastern town of Cizre, the country's interior minister says.

HRW: Hundreds Of Schools Destroyed In Ukraine War, Military Use Must Stop RFE/RL 11 Feb 2016 -- Hundreds of schools have been destroyed during the war in eastern Ukraine, including many that were used for military purposes by both sides in the conflict, Human Rights Watch (HRW) says in a new report.

United States Support to Counter Boko Haram US Dept. of State 11 Feb 2016

UN presses donors to continue vital support for Malian refugees in Mauritania UN News 11 Feb 2016 -- Three United Nations humanitarian agencies today urged donors to mobilize the necessary resources to maintain the vital assistance to 50,000 Malian refugees in Mberra camp in south-eastern Mauritania.

South Sudan President Re-Appoints Rival as Deputy VOA 11 Feb 2016 -- South Sudan's President Salva Kiir has reappointed rival Riek Machar as vice president, in a move that appears aimed at ending a civil war that began more than two years ago.

News Reports

More Meetings Hail Successful Satellite Launch in DPRK KCNA 11 Feb 2016 -- Service personnel and people in North Hwanghae, Kangwon and Ryanggang Provinces and Rason City held meetings Thursday to hail the successful launch of the earth observation satellite Kwangmyongsong-4.
North Korea executes chief of military staff: South Korea Press TV 11 Feb 2016 -- North Korea has executed the country's chief of military staff over alleged corruption, says a South Korean official.
North Korea Disables Emergency Communication Links With South Sputnik 11 Feb 2016 -- DPRK's Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea said that North Korean authorities have decided to disable all emergency contact lines with South Korea.
North Korea: Kaesong Closure a 'Declaration of War' VOA 11 Feb 2016 -- North Korea says South Korea's decision to suspend operations at a jointly-run industrial complex amounts to 'a declaration of war.'
Sanctions Just Got Real for Over 54,000 North Koreans VOA 11 Feb 2016 -- South Korean workers have begun their pullout from the Kaesong Industrial Complex in North Korea following new sanctions imposed on Pyongyang for its recent nuclear and rocket tests.

U.S. Official: Iran Has Kept Commitments On Nuclear Deal So Far RFE/RL 11 Feb 2016 -- A senior U.S. official says Iran so far has kept its commitments under the nuclear agreement with world powers implemented last month.
U.S. Lawmakers Object To Loosening Visa Rules For Some Iranians RFE/RL 11 Feb 2016 -- The Obama administration's plan to loosen tough new visa requirements for businessmen and journalists who travel to Iran has touched off strong resistance in Congress.

Russian Opposition Leader Sues Putin for Conflict of Interest VOA 11 Feb 2016 -- Alexei Navalny, the well-known Russian opposition activist and founder of the Anti-Corruption Foundation, filed a lawsuit against Vladimir Putin in Moscow's Tverskoy District Court on Thursday. Navalny detailed his case against the Russian president in an exclusive interview with VOA's Russian service.
Russia submits revised claim to UN for extending Arctic territory Press TV 11 Feb 2016 -- Russia has submitted a revised claim to the United Nations (UN) to extend its share of the Arctic Ocean seabed, more than a decade after the rejection of its first bid.
News Analysis: Putin Pulls Levers As Russian Patriarch, PM Head Abroad RFE/RL 11 Feb 2016 -- With the Russian patriarch and prime minister both holding big meetings abroad, this weekend presents a chance for President Vladimir Putin to soothe a world still stunned by Moscow's aggression in Ukraine and dismayed by its bombing campaign in Syria.

IMF Demand For Ukraine Reform Just Latest Red Flag For Poroshenko RFE/RL 11 Feb 2016 -- A stinging rebuke from the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has underscored the precarious spot in which Ukraine finds itself despite Kyiv's repeated pledges to tackle corruption and enact major reforms.

'They are our strongest allies,' UN political chief says, urging efforts to engage terrorism victims UN News 11 Feb 2016 -- At a Headquarters conference on the human rights of terrorism victims, the top United Nations political official today urged Member States to engage with victims of terrorism and violent extremism, especially the young and the vulnerable, to build on previous commitments and ensure that their human rights are fully respected.

Fourth Minnesota Terror Suspect Pleads Guilty of Trying to Join IS VOA 11 Feb 2016 -- A fourth Minnesota man pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday to charges of conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State group.

Burundi Feels Vindicated by US Accusation of Rwanda VOA 11 Feb 2016 -- Burundi says it feels vindicated now that the United States has accused the Rwandan government of involvement in destabilizing activities in Burundi.

Probe Targeting China's Statistic Head Sparks Concern VOA 11 Feb 2016 -- For years, world governments and multinational companies have fretted over the quality of China's economic statistics. The recent launching of a Communist Party investigation into Wang Baoan, head of the National Statistical Bureau, on suspicions of corruption, has heightened those concerns.
Spate of Arrests in China's Zhejiang Province VOA 11 Feb 2016 -- A senior pastor at a church in Hangzhou, China has been replaced and put under investigation for embezzlement, adding to fears of a growing crackdown on Christianity. Observers are speculating the replacement was due to his opposition to the relocation of church crosses or church demolitions in Zhejiang province.

Drought spells disaster for Somali herders IRIN 11 Feb 2016 -- Two consecutive seasons of drought across northern Somalia are driving tens of thousands of pastoralists into hunger and debt.

Bosnia Judicial Authorities Uphold Hijab Ban, Despite Protests RFE/RL 11 Feb 2016 -- Bosnia-Herzegovina's supervising judicial authority has upheld a ban on wearing the Islamic head scarf and other religious symbols in courts and other legal institutions.

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