17 February 2016 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 17 Feb 2016 [PDF]

Department of Defense Press Briefing by Col.Warren via teleconference from Baghdad, Iraq 17 Feb 2016 -- Presenter: Colonel Steve Warren, Operation Inherent Resolve spokesman
Inherent Resolve Strikes Continue Against ISIL in Syria, Iraq AFPS 17 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.
Syrian Situation Remains Volatile, Inherent Resolve Spokesman Says AFPS 17 Feb 2016 -- The situation in Syria remains volatile, even as the region prepares for a cessation of hostilities so nongovernmental agencies can feed starving civilians, the spokesman for Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve said today.

HRW denounces Taliban use of child soldiers Press TV 17 Feb 2016 -- Human Rights Watch (HRW) has strongly denounced the Taliban militant group for recruiting children and young boys to its ranks for militant activities across Afghanistan.
Daesh-Taliban clashes kill 13 militants in Afghanistan Press TV 17 Feb 2016 -- More than a dozen people have been killed and several others injured during clashes between the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group and Taliban militants in Afghanistan's eastern province of Nangarhar.

Defense Policy / Programs

F-22 Raptors conduct show of force over South Korea AFNS 17 Feb 2016 -- Four U.S. F-22 Raptors conducted a combined formation flight alongside South Korean F-15K Slam Eagles and U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcons here to demonstrate the capabilities of both nations Feb. 17, in response to recent provocative actions by North Korea.
US Fighter Jets Fly to South Korea VOA 17 Feb 2016 -- Four U.S. fighter jets flew across South Korea Wednesday in the latest show of force against North Korea for its recent tests of nuclear and ballistic missile weapons programs.
US F-22 stealth warplanes land in South Korea Press TV 17 Feb 2016 -- In a move that is slated to further fuel tensions in the Korean peninsula, the US has flown four advanced F-22 Raptor fighter jets to South Korea, amid a standoff with North Korea over its nuclear and missile tests.

GAO denies protest, Air Force proceeds with LRS-B AFNS 17 Feb 2016 -- The Government Accountability Office denied The Boeing Company's protest of the Long Range Strike Bomber contract award following a comprehensive review of the source selection process. The Air Force was confident that the source selection team followed a deliberate, disciplined and impartial process to determine the best value for the warfighter and the taxpayer.
USNS Maury (T-AGS 66) Delivered NNS 17 Feb 2016 -- The Navy accepted USNS Maury (T-AGS 66) from builder VT Halter Marine Feb. 16.

U.S., Southeast Asian Nations Reaffirm Support for Regional Order AFPS 17 Feb 2016 -- Along with the leaders of the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations, President Barack Obama yesterday reaffirmed their commitment to a regional order in which international rules and norms and the rights of all nations, large and small, are upheld.

Polish Official Urges NATO to Deploy Troops to Deter Russia VOA 17 Feb 2016 -- Poland's foreign minister on Wednesday urged NATO to get over its reluctance to deploy troops along its eastern flank, to deter what he says is Russian aggression.

Russia Receives Over 60 Yak-130 Aircraft Since 2010 - Manufacturer Sputnik 17 Feb 2016 -- According to the Irkut Corporation, the Russian Aerospace Forces have received over 60 Yak-130 combat training aircraft since 2010.

UK jets scramble to intercept Russian war planes Press TV 17 Feb 2016 -- The British Ministry of Defense has confirmed that RAF Typhoons have been sent to intercept " Russian bombers heading towards UK airspace."

Russia to deliver S-300 missile system to Iran Thursday: Sputnik Press TV 17 Feb 2016 -- Russia will reportedly hand over the first batch of the S-300 surface-to-air defense missile system to Iran on Thursday.
Safe Skies: Russia to Send First S-300 Air Defense System to Iran Thursday Sputnik 17 Feb 2016 -- Russian will hand over the first S-300 air defense system to Iran on Thursday, February 18.
Russia, Iran to Sign Contract on Delivering Su-30SM Fighters in 2016 Sputnik 17 Feb 2016 -- Moscow and Tehran will sign o contract on the delivery of Su-30SM multirole fighters to Iran this year.

February 17, 2016 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing
Daily Press Briefing by Press Secretary Josh Earnest, 2/17/2016 The White House 18 Feb 2016

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for February 17, 2016
Russia's Unique Tiltrotor Aircraft Makes First Flight - Manufacturer Sputnik 17 Feb 2016 -- Russia has successfully tested its unique unmanned tiltrotor, a plane-helicopter hybrid, developed by the Russian Helicopters state holding, the company's press service said in a statement.
Manufacturing of 1st Armored Ural-VV Vehicle for Russian Army Set for 2016 Sputnik 17 Feb 2016 -- The first Ural-VV armored car, adapted to the requirements of the Russian Defense Ministry, will be manufactured in 2016.

Other Conflicts

17 February 2016 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 17 Feb 2016

US to Continue Patrols Despite South China Sea Missile Deployment VOA 17 Feb 2016 -- China's placement of surface-to-air missiles in the South China Sea may have complicated the region's territorial dispute, but officials say it's not the end of U.S. patrols and flyovers.
Kerry Slams China for South China Sea 'Militarization' VOA 17 Feb 2016 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has criticized China and said there should be 'no militarization' of the South China Sea, following news that Beijing has deployed surface-to-air missiles on a disputed island it controls in the strategic waterway.
US Urges Opposition to Beijing's Missiles Deployment in South China Sea Sputnik 17 Feb 2016 -- The US urges countries that support peace to oppose China's deployment of HQ-9 surface-to-air missile systems to the disputed Woody Island in the South China Sea.
Beijing Urges Washington to Stop Impinging on Chinese Sovereignty Sputnik 17 Feb 2016 -- Beijing called on Washington not to impinge on Chinese sovereignty under the pretext of freedom of navigation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Wednesday.
China Slams Reports of Missile Defense Deployment in Disputed Islands Sputnik 17 Feb 2016 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China considers reports about the deployment of eight surface-to-air missile launchers and a radar system on Woody Island in the South China Sea as attempts by certain Western media to fabricate news.
Japan Concerned About Beijing's Alleged Missiles in South China Sea Sputnik 17 Feb 2016 -- Japan is deeply concerned that China has reportedly deployed missile launchers on contested Woody Island in the South China Sea, Japan's chief cabinet secretary said Wednesday.
US officials report 'apparent deployment' of missiles by China Press TV 17 Feb 2016 -- There has been an "apparent deployment' of China's surface-to-air missiles on Woody Island in the South China Sea, US defense officials say.
Taiwan will not accept court ruling on South China Sea disputes CNA 17 Feb 2016 -- The Republic of China will not accept an imminent ruling on the sovereignty disputes in the South China Sea by The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday.
Taiwan watching China's military build-up in South China Sea: MND CNA 17 Feb 2016 -- The Ministry of National Defense (MND) has been keeping abreast of the latest developments in relation to reports that the Chinese military has deployed an advanced surface-to-air missile system to Woody Island (永興島), part of the Paracel Island chain in the South China Sea, a spokesman for the ministry said Wednesday.
President-elect urges restraint as tensions rise in South China Sea CNA 17 Feb 2016 -- President-elect Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Wednesday called for restraint in the South China Sea, after news surfaced that day that China has deployed an advanced surface-to-air missile system on one of the islands in the contested region.
Limited defense facilities on Nansha Islands have nothing to do with militarization: FM People's Daily 17 Feb 2016 -- China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday said China's limited, necessary defense facilities on Nansha Islands of the South China Sea are in accordance with international law, which endows any sovereign state with the rights of self-protection and self-defense.
China urges Australia not to meddle in the South China Sea issue People's Daily 17 Feb 2016 -- Australia should adopt an objective and unbiased attitude and refrain from doing anything that undermines regional peace and stability, a spokesperson of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Tuesday.

Presidential Office reaffirms ROC sovereignty over Diaoyutais CNA 17 Feb 2016 -- The Republic of China's (ROC, Taiwan) sovereignty over the Diaoyutai Islands in the East China Sea is indisputable and any statements that deny this fact are tantamount to the surrender of the country's sovereign rights under humiliating terms, Presidential Office spokesman Charles Chen (陳以信) said Wednesday.
Tsai refutes ex-president's controversial remarks on Diaoyutais CNA 17 Feb 2016 -- President-elect Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Wednesday refuted former President Lee Teng-hui's (李登輝) controversial remarks that the Diaoyutai Islands in the East China Sea do not belong to Taiwan.
Ex-president's Diaoyutis remarks draw ire of fishermen CNA 17 Feb 2016 -- A statement by former President Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) that the Diaoyutai Islands do not belong to Taiwan has drawn the ire of fishermen in the northeastern county of Yilan, with some threatening to protest Japan's attempts to restrict Taiwanese fishing vessels' access to fishing areas near the islands in the East China Sea.

Yemen: UN envoy calls on Security Council to support efforts towards cessation of hostilities UN News 17 Feb 2016 -- A deep divide between the warring parties in Yemen, following the collapse of a truce, is forestalling the next round of peace talks, the United Nations envoy told the Security Council today as he depicted a tragic picture of the political situation there.
Saudi Arabia blocks UN aid ship bound for Yemen Press TV 17 Feb 2016 -- The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) says Saudi Arabia has seized a ship carrying food for Yemen over 'humanitarian IT equipment' and diverted it to its southwestern province of Jizan.
Bomb attack leaves 13 dead in Yemen military camp Press TV 17 Feb 2016 -- More than a dozen people have lost their lives in a powerful bomb explosion that ripped through a military camp housing militants in Yemen's southern coastal province of Aden.
24 Yemeni civilians killed in new Saudi strikes Press TV 17 Feb 2016 -- At least two dozen civilians have lost their lives and more than a dozen others sustained injuries in a string of new airstrikes by Saudi Arabia against areas across Yemen.
UN aid chief warns of humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen Press TV 17 Feb 2016 -- The United Nations relief chief has warned that Yemen is facing a "humanitarian catastrophe", urging warring sides to stop restricting aid access in the impoverished Arab country.

Syria's President Assad grants amnesty to army deserters Press TV 17 Feb 2016 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has issued a decree pardoning all army deserters and other military-related crimes.
Life-saving humanitarian aid reaches five besieged towns in Syria - UN UN News 17 Feb 2016 -- As United Nations relief wing convoys reached five besieged towns in Syria with aid today, the Office of the UN Special Envoy for the country announced that a task force will meet for a second time tomorrow to discuss humanitarian access issues.
Syrian Advance Widening Discord Among US, Moderate Rebels VOA 17 Feb 2016 -- The northward push by forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, with heavy backing from Russian air power, is frustrating U.S. officials while simultaneously deepening the divide between Washington and some of its would-be allies on the ground.
Militant-held town in Syria receives aid convoy Press TV 17 Feb 2016 -- The Syrian Red Crescent says a convoy of trucks carrying humanitarian aid has arrived in the militant-held town of Mu'adamiyat al-Sham on the outskirts of the capital, Damascus.
Turkey to continue Syria bombardment: Erdogan Press TV 17 Feb 2016 -- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed Wednesday that Turkish forces will push ahead with the bombardment of positions of Kurdish fighters in northern Syria, as Kurds continue to make advances there.
Fate of Syria ceasefire deal depends on US: Russia Press TV 17 Feb 2016 -- Russia says the implementation of an international agreement on the cessation of hostilities in Syria, which was recently reached in the German city of Munich, hinges on the United States.
More than 100 Takfiri militants killed in Syria military operations Press TV 17 Feb 2016 -- More than 100 Takfiri terrorists have been killed in two days of air and ground operations by the Syrian military across the Arab country.
Russia dismisses proposal for creating no-fly zone in Syria Press TV 17 Feb 2016 -- A senior Russian diplomat rejected Wednesday a proposal by German Chancellor Angela Merkel for the establishment of a no-fly zone over Syria.
Ankara cooperating with militants in Syria: Demirtas Press TV 17 Feb 2016 -- The leader of Turkey's main Kurdish party has accused the country's military of collaborating with Takfiri militant groups inside Syria.
Turkey wants 'secure strip' within Syria Press TV 17 Feb 2016 -- Turkey has demanded the creation of a "secure strip" inside Syrian territory that covers the anti-Damascus militants' most-heavily-depended-on supply route.
Obama Says Truce Is 'Test' Of Russia's Intentions In Syria RFE/RL 17 Feb 2016 -- U.S. President Barack Obama has challenged Russia to back peace rather than war in Syria and said a negotiated truce that is supposed to begin this week will be a 'test' of Moscow's intentions.
UN Council Expresses 'Concern' About Turkey's Shelling In Syria RFE/RL 17 Feb 2016 -- The UN Security Council is 'concerned' about Turkey's shelling of Kurds in Syria, UN diplomats said after a meeting requested by Russia on February 16.
US Willing to Consider Air Support for Afrin Kurds in N Syria - Pentagon Sputnik 17 Feb 2016 -- The US is considering a possible air support for the Afrin Kurds.
Turkish Attack on Kurds 'Aims to Derail Syrian Crisis Settlement' Sputnik 17 Feb 2016 -- Turkish artillery shelling of Kurdish-held areas in northern Syria is an attempt to hinder the international commitment to a political solution to the Syrian war, the chairman of the Syrian Democratic Council told Sputnik Wednesday.
Erdogan Urges US to Recognize Syrian Kurdish PYD Group as Terrorists Sputnik 17 Feb 2016 -- The Turkish president has called Western allies to recognize the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) as a terrorist organization.
Syrian Democratic Forces to Continue Fighting Daesh Despite Turkish Threats Sputnik 17 Feb 2016 -- The Syrian Democratic Forces will continue attacks against the Daesh's positions in northern Syria despite threats from Turkey, the spokesman for the organization said Wednesday.
Russian Air Campaign Repels Turkey Invasion - Syrian Democratic Forces Sputnik 17 Feb 2016 -- According to a Syrian Democratic Forces spokesman, Turkey has not invaded Syria because of Russia's anti-terrorist air campaign in the country.
Turkey Shelling Syrian Territory is 'Sheer Outrage' - Russia Sputnik 17 Feb 2016 -- According to the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Turkey can't stand the fact that Syria is beeing freed libirated from extremists.
Shifting Allegiances, A Free-for-All in Northern Syria VOA 17 Feb 2016 -- Syrian rebel commander Abu Ali Sijjo has for months fought Islamic State, liberating a village along the border from the terror group, while at the same time battling Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime.

UN envoy warns of Daesh expansion in Libya Press TV 17 Feb 2016 -- The United Nations special envoy for Libya has warned against further postponement of a vote on a unity government in the North African state, saying delays in the task will result in the expansion of Daesh Takfiri terrorist group.

Putin: Ukraine Should Implement Minsk Agreements First of All Sputnik 17 Feb 2016 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Wednesday that the Ukrainian side should fulfill the Minsk agreements on reconciliation in Ukraine's war-torn eastern region.

How the LRA still haunts northern Uganda IRIN 17 Feb 2016 -- In 2006, northern Uganda was nearing the end of the brutal Lord's Resistance Army insurgency. Some 1.8 million people had been displaced and tens of thousands kidnapped, mutilated or killed. Ten years later, the region appears rejuvenated: a bustling trade and business centre with buildings shooting up and a renewed sense of optimism. However, scratch beneath the surface and you find an unequal recovery and plenty of hidden scars.

New trust fund launched by UN and Colombian Government for peacebuilding needs UN News 17 Feb 2016 -- The United Nations and the Government of Colombia today announced the launch of a new multi-partner trust fund in the country's capital, Bogotá, to respond to stabilization and peacebuilding needs.

UN relief official calls on Israel to halt demolitions in occupied West Bank immediately UN News 17 Feb 2016 -- A senior United Nations humanitarian official today called for an immediate halt to the destruction of Palestinian-owned property in the occupied West Bank and for respect for international law.

UN and partners to closely coordinate efforts ahead of DR Congo elections UN News 17 Feb 2016 -- The United Nations and its international partner organizations said they are closely following the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), particularly in view of the upcoming elections in the country.

Darfur: amid fresh violence, thousands of displaced people now gathering near UN mission base UN News 17 Feb 2016 -- The number of civilians fleeing the recent conflict in the Jebel Marra area in Sudan's Darfur region has jumped to 73,000 from 38,000, according to United Nations estimates, as some 30,000 people flocked to Sortony, where the displaced have been gathering next to a base operated by the African Union-UN Mission in Darfur (UNAMID).

Defence Secretary sees brighter future on Falklands visit UK MOD 17 Feb 2016 -- The Defence Secretary has said there is a real opportunity to build positive relations between the UK, the Falkland Islands and her South American neighbours.

News Reports

Statement from Secretary of Defense Ash Carter on Bombing in Turkey DoD 17 Feb 2016
Deadly Blast Rocks Ankara RFE/RL 17 Feb 2016 -- A big blast in the Turkish capital, Ankara, has left 28 people dead and 61 wounded.
Car Bomb Kills 28 in Turkey; Erdogan Vows Revenge VOA 17 Feb 2016 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is vowing to avenge Wednesday's car bomb attack in central Ankara that killed at least 28 and wounded 61.

Supreme Leader: People will disappoint enemies in the upcoming elections IRNA 17 Feb 2016 -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday that the vigilant Iranian people once again will disappoint the enemies through mass participation in the upcoming elections.
US Wants to Present Iran's Upcoming Elections as Illegitimate - Iran Leader Sputnik 17 Feb 2016 -- The United States wants to call into question the decisions soon to be made by the Iranian Guardian Council, a clerical body that oversees elections and legislation in the country, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, said Wednesday.
Iran Rejects Oil Production Cap VOA 17 Feb 2016 -- Iran rejected appeals Wednesday from other oil-producing states to curb its oil exports to try to end the plunge in world crude oil prices, instead saying it intends to increase production.

Iraq officials search for stolen radioactive material Press TV 17 Feb 2016 -- Authorities in Iraq are trying to find 'highly dangerous' radioactive material stolen last year, officials say, amid fears that it could end up in the hands of Daesh Takfiri terrorists.
Iraqi Kurdistan agrees to Baghdad's oil-for-wages deal Press TV 17 Feb 2016 -- Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) says it has agreed to an initiative recently put forward by the Iraqi premier that requires the region to halt independent selling of oil in return for Baghdad paying the salaries of Kurdish workers.

Myanmar's Suu Kyi Meets Army Chief for Talks on Transition VOA 17 Feb 2016 -- Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has met with Myanmar's army chief for talks aimed at transitioning to a democratically-elected government, following nearly five decades of military-rule.

Erdogan Continues Effort to Hold on to Power in Turkey VOA 17 Feb 2016 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's aspiration to change Turkey's parliamentary system of government to an executive presidency is being blamed for the collapse of talks to create a new constitution.

Ukraine's Government Faces Fresh Problems, at Home, Abroad VOA 17 Feb 2016 -- Ukraine's government faced fresh challenges at home and abroad Wednesday, when a major political party withdrew from the governing coalition and Russia filed suit against the country over a $3 billion Eurobond debt.

Vimpelcom Negotiating With U.S. Regulators To Settle Uzbek-Related Corruption Allegations RFE/RL 17 Feb 2016 -- VimpelCom, the Dutch-headquartered telecom that operates one of Russia's largest mobile communications providers, said it was in negotiations with U.S. authorities to settle corruption allegations related to its investments in Uzbekistan.

Australia violated rights of David Hicks by jailing him after transfer from Guantanamo - UN experts UN News 17 Feb 2016 -- Australia violated the rights of David Hicks by keeping him in jail, as evidence shows that he was forced to accept a plea bargain with United States authorities as a condition for his return, United Nations human rights experts have said.

Guinea-Bissau's political stalemate taking toll on development - UN envoy UN News 17 Feb 2016 -- The political impasse in Guinea-Bissau could delay implementation of critical reforms and erode progress in the West African country's development, the United Nations envoy there warned the Security Council today.

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