24 May 2016 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 24 May 2016 [PDF]

Coalition Strikes Hit ISIL Targets in Syria, Iraq AFPS 24 May 2016 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Iraq and Syria yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Counter-Daesh Quarterly Update UK MOD 24 May 2016 -- Defence Secretary Michael Fallon as provided the Government's quarterly update on the counter-Daesh campaign.

Relative of Slain Taliban Leader Wants to Claim Body VOA 24 May 2016 -- Pakistan's interior minister said Tuesday that a blood relative of Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansoor had come forward to claim the charred body of the man who was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Pakistan's Baluchistan province.
Taliban Preparing Ground for Leadership Transition VOA 24 May 2016 -- While the Afghan Taliban have still not officially confirmed or denied the death of their chief, Mullah Mansoor, in a U.S. drone attack, insurgent leaders appear to be preparing the ground for a leadership transition.
US justification for drone attack violates int'l law: Pakistan Press TV 24 May 2016 -- The justification provided by the United States for its recent drone strike, which reportedly targeted Afghan Taliban chief Mullah Akhtar Mansour, runs contrary to the international regulation, Pakistan says.

Defense Policy / Programs

Readout of Deputy Secretary of Defense Bob Work's Meeting with German State Secretary Katrin Suder DoD 24 May 2016
Remarks by Secretary Carter at a Troop Event at Naval Base New London, Connecticut DoD 24 May 2016 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Ash Carter
Media Availability with Secretary Carter at Naval Base New London, Connecticut DoD 24 May 2016 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Ash Carter
Carter: Maintaining Military Superiority Requires Work, Funding, Technology, People AFPS 24 May 2016 -- Protecting the nation and much of the world is a U.S. duty because of the challenges and opportunities that exist, Defense Secretary Ash Carter told service members at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut, today.
Barksdale unit first to train with latest B-52 upgrade AFNS 24 May 2016 -- In a world of military budget constraints and tough acquisition choices, boosting the efficiency of current assets is a no-brainer.
Marine Reserves roar in kingdom of Jordan's Eager Lion 2016 USMC News 24 May 2016 -- Marine reservists from Marine Corps Forces Reserves recently took advantage of a new administrative order that allows them to conduct annual training in an imminent danger pay area, during Exercise Eager Lion 2016, in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, conducted May 15-24.
II MEF Marines conduct MEFEX 16 USMC News 24 May 2016 -- Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force participated in MEFEX 16, May 9-19, 2016.
VMM-163 (Rein.) supports 11th MEU during Pre-deployment training USMC News 24 May 2016 -- Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163 (Reinforced) supported the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit during a simulated raid on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 17.
USNS Mercy Arrives in 7th Fleet for Pacific Partnership NNS 24 May 2016 -- Hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) arrived in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations May 24 in support of Pacific Partnership 2016. Now in its 11th year, Pacific Partnership is a multilateral, disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific Region.
Mount Whitney Makes History NNS 24 May 2016 -- USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), U.S. 6th Fleet flagship, made history today as the first amphibious command ship to have an MV-22B Osprey land on its flight deck, May 23.
Wasp Completes Composite Training Unit Exercise NNS 24 May 2016 -- It's been more than a decade since amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) has deployed. After months of preparing through the pre-deployment training cycle, Sailors and Marines aboard the ship completed their final exercise May 23.

Russian Military Modernization Poses Increased Threat to NATO Sputnik 24 May 2016 -- Russia's military investments recent increase poses the threat to NATO and the United Kingdom, UK Secretary of State for Defence Michael Fallon said Tuesday.
US-Georgia Noble Partner Military Drills Wrap Up Near Tbilisi Sputnik 24 May 2016 -- The US-Georgian military exercises Noble Partner 2016 concluded at the Vaziani airport near the capital city of Tbilisi on Tuesday.
NATO Troops Deployment in Europe 'New Step' to Worsen Regional Security Sputnik 24 May 2016 -- Russia's envoy to NATO Alexander Grushko stated that the NATO's plan to deploy four NATO battalions in Eastern Europe is a new step for the deterioration of the security level in Europe and the deterioration of the regional security.

Russia Considers Expanding Its List of 'Historic Waters' in Arctic Sputnik 24 May 2016 -- The Russian Defense Ministry has prepared and presented to the Russian Security Council suggestions on adding additional Arctic seas to the list of Russian historic waters, according to Deputy Navy Commander-in-Chief Vice Adm. Alexander Fedotenkov.

China's Bases: Why Beijing is Bolstering Its Military Presence Overseas Sputnik 24 May 2016 -- China's sweeping economic development has coincided with the growth of the country's military force. Currently, Beijing is considering the deployment of its military contingent overseas. Does it mean the country has rejected its non-expansion policy?

Vietnam May Purchase US Military Aircraft Once Embargo Lifted Sputnik 24 May 2016 -- The United States may consider Vietnam as a military craft importer after the prolonged US arms sales embargo against the country is lifted.
Lifting Embargo Allows Closer U.S., Vietnam Cooperation, Obama, Carter Say AFPS 24 May 2016 -- The United States has lifted the ban on arms sales to Vietnam, eliminating one more vestige of the Cold War, President Barack Obama said in Hanoi yesterday.

Saudi Tornado fighter jets join Turkey war games Press TV 24 May 2016 -- The Saudi Arabian air force has dispatched a number of its Tornado warplanes to multinational aerial war games underway in Turkey.

Press Briefing with Secretary Kerry, Deputy NSC Advisor Ben Rhodes, and Principal Deputy Press Secretary Eric Schultz The White House 24 May 2016
May 24, 2016 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 24 May 2016

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for May 24, 2016

Other Conflicts

24 May 2016 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 24 May 2016
African Union 'most important partner,' UN peacekeeping chief tells Security Council UN News 24 May 2016 -- The Security Council today stressed the importance of strengthening the existing cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union (AU), a regional organization described by a senior UN official as "the most important peacekeeping partner."

China's historical rights within dotted line not deniable: People's Daily People's Daily 24 May 2016 -- China's historical rights within the dotted line in the South China Sea are not deniable despite the attempt of the Philippines to question them by distorting facts, The People's Daily said in an article published on Monday.
Obama calls for peaceful resolution of S China Sea disputes Press TV 24 May 2016 -- US President Barack Obama has called for the peaceful resolution of territorial disputes in the South China Sea during a speech in Vietnam, saying Washington supports Hanoi's territorial claims.

New government's stance on Okinotori questioned CNA 24 May 2016 -- The new government's changing course on the status of the Okinotori atoll in the Western Pacific has been questioned by the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and within the ruling Democratic Progressive Party itself.
Patrols in disputed waters hinge on actual need: spokesman CNA 24 May 2016 -- Taiwan's new government hopes to use dialogue with Japan to address the rights of Taiwanese fishermen in disputed waters in the Pacific, and future patrols in those areas will depend on need, Cabinet spokesman Tung Chen-yuan (童振源) said Tuesday.

Russia Denies IS Attack at Syrian Base VOA 24 May 2016 -- A Russian military official has denied claims by the Islamic State group that it destroyed four helicopters and other Russian equipment at a Syrian base.
Operation Raqqa: Full Scale Assault Begins to Liberate Daesh's Capital City Sputnik 24 May 2016 -- A representative of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has told Sputnik Turkey that the SDF has launched a large-scale three-pronged offensive to liberate Syria's third-largest city Raqqa, which has been the 'capital' city of Daesh terrorists for over 2.5 years.
Daesh Propaganda Fail: Moscow Slams 'Fake' Reports of Attack on Syria Base Sputnik 24 May 2016 -- There are no casualties among personnel of the Russian base in Syria, the Russian Defense Ministry stated on Tuesday.
Russian-Syrian Operations Killed 28,000 Terrorists From Daesh, Nusra Front Sputnik 24 May 2016 -- Since the beginning of joint Russian-Syrian military operations 28,000 terrorists from the Daesh and Nusra Front were killed, according to Russian Security Council Deputy Secretary Evgeny Lukyanov.
Free Syrian Army Blames Government for Breaking 'Silent Period' in Damascus Sputnik 24 May 2016 -- Syrian government troops violated the period of silence in the Damascus suburbs of Darayya and Eastern Ghouta by trying to capture one area under opposition control, according to the statement of the Free Syrian Army (FSA).
Russia ready for 'coordination' with US-led coalition to liberate Raqqah Press TV 24 May 2016 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Moscow is ready for "coordination" with the so-called US-led coalition to liberate the city of Raqqah in Syria, which has been the de facto capital of the Takfiri Daesh terrorists.
US urges militants groups in Syria to respect truce Press TV 24 May 2016 -- The US Special Envoy for Syria has urged militants groups to observe a tenuous nationwide ceasefire after they gave its brokers 2 days to stop a government offensive near the capital Damascus.
Russia calls for 3-day 'regime of calm' near Syria capital Press TV 24 May 2016 -- Russia has called for a three-day regime of silence in some conflict zones near the Syrian capital Damascus, calling on the US to push militants under its influence to join the truce.
US Allied Forces Launch Operation to Liberate Raqqa VOA 24 May 2016 -- Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces have launched an operation to capture areas north of Raqqa, the Syrian de-facto capital of Islamic State, with the aim of eventually liberating the city.
Who Are US Allies in Fight Against Islamic State? VOA 24 May 2016 -- When Islamic State fighters first arrived in the Syrian city of Raqqa before their leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a caliphate the leaders of a Syrian militia called Liwa Thuwar al-Raqqa, a minor Sunni Arab armed group, adapted to the newcomers – opportunistically collaborating with them to attack rivals and even adopting the same banner as the jihadists.

Iraqi army wins Karama town from Daesh IRNA 24 May 2016 -- The Iraqi army and popular forces seized back the town of al-Karama to the East of the city of Fallujah in Anbar province in Western Iraq.
Iraqi volunteer forces push Daesh out of villages near Fallujah Press TV 24 May 2016 -- Fighters with Iraq's Badr Organization have managed to liberate six villages from the grip of the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group east of the city of Fallujah.
Iraqi forces liberate city near Fallujah from Daesh Press TV 24 May 2016 -- Security forces in Iraq have liberated a city in the western Anbar Province from the Daesh terrorist group in their first major advance since the onset of an offensive to retake the nearby city of Fallujah.
Blair Admits UK Underestimated Iraq's 'Destabilization' in 2003 Invasion Sputnik 24 May 2016 -- Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair said that London miscalculated the strength of Iraq's opposition forces during the United Kingdom's invasion of the Middle Eastern country to topple the regime.

NATO Ready to Intervene in Situation in Libya if Requested by Unity Gov't Sputnik 24 May 2016 -- NATO is ready to intervene in the situation in Libya if the country's Government of National Accord (GNA) files a corresponding request, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Tuesday.

7 Ukrainian soldier killed in clashes in volatile east Press TV 24 May 2016 -- Ukraine says seven of its soldiers have been killed and nine others wounded in a fresh wave of clashes with pro-Russia forces in the troubled east over the past 24 hours.

Amid Boko Haram violence, situation worsens for displaced in southeast Niger - UN UN News 24 May 2016 -- Security and humanitarian conditions are deteriorating in southeast Niger, where hundreds of thousands of people settled after fleeing Boko Haram insurgents, the United Nations refugee agency warned today.
Sambisa Forest: An Ideal Hiding Place for Boko Haram VOA 24 May 2016 -- Boko Haram militants are believed to be holding hundreds of captives in Nigeria's Sambisa forest, including more than 200 Chibok schoolgirls kidnapped in 2014.

Somalia: Security Council commends advancements, urges accelerated peace- and State-building UN News 24 May 2016 -- The Security Council welcomed the political and security progress in Somalia during a mission to the capital, Mogadishu, on 19 May, where representatives of the 15-member body met with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, regional leaders, Somali civil society and women's groups.

News Reports

Anti-Western Cleric Picked to Head Iran's Council of Experts VOA 24 May 2016 -- A powerful anti-Western cleric was chosen Tuesday as the head of Iran's recently elected Assembly of Experts.

DPRK proposes again to South Korea holding military talks People's Daily 24 May 2016 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) offered again to South Korea holding a working-level contact for inter-governmental military talks, Seoul's defense ministry said Tuesday.
S. Korea reiterates denuclearization call in response to DPRK's dialogue offer People's Daily 24 May 2016 -- South Korea's defense ministry on Tuesday reiterated its denuclearization call for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in response to Pyongyang's repeated dialogue overtures on military matters.
N. Korean Restaurant Workers Seek Asylum in South VOA 24 May 2016 -- Another group of North Korean defectors have fled a Pyongyang-run restaurant in China, seeking asylum in South Korea, Seoul's Unification Ministry announced Tuesday.

Liberia's Corruption Task Force Executes 'Probable Cause Arrests' VOA 24 May 2016 -- In Liberia, a special presidential task force, appointed by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to investigate a corruption report released last month by Global Witness, began carrying out what it calls "probable cause arrests" on Monday.

Turkey's Erdogan Threatens to Scrap EU Migrant Deal VOA 24 May 2016 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Tuesday that Ankara will scrap a landmark migrant readmission deal with the European Union unless the Europeans authorize visa-free travel for Turkish citizens.
Turkey threatens to suspend EU deals if visa-free travel not allowed ISNA 24 May 2016 -- Turkey has threatened to suspend all agreements with the European Union (EU) if Brussels fails to grant visa-free travel to Turkish citizens.
Presidential system in Turkey to end in despotism: Nationalists Press TV 24 May 2016 -- Nationalists in Turkey have criticized ongoing efforts in the government and parliament for establishing a presidential system in the country, saying the move could lead Turkey to despotism.
New Turkish PM unveils cabinet line-up Press TV 24 May 2016 -- Turkey's incoming Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has unveiled his new cabinet line-up, which has received the endorsement of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Iraq: UN human rights office urges investigation into use of force against protestors UN News 24 May 2016 -- The United Nations human rights office today urged the Government of Iraq to immediately conduct an independent, transparent and effective investigation into the use of force by security forces against protestors outside the Green Zone in Baghdad this past week.

New Brazil cabinet in trouble after leaks on anti-Rousseff plot Press TV 24 May 2016 -- Brazil's interim government has been rattled by a leaked audio tape suggesting a plot against suspended President Dilma Rousseff, a scandal that forced a key minister in the new cabinet to resign.

China's National Nuclear Emergency Rescue Team founded People's Daily 24 May 2016 -- The 320-person China Nuclear Emergency Rescue Team was officially founded on May 24, 2016. The team will be in charge of nuclear radiation protection and medical rescue, according to CCTV's official microblog. They will control and remit nuclear accidents, and also alleviate the aftermath of accidents when they do happen.
China Using Tourism as Economy, Foreign Policy Tool VOA 24 May 2016 -- China is using tourism as an important lever to revive its slowing economy as well as enhance its influence in international affairs. This was evident at the recent First World Conference on Tourism, when a senior Chinese official revealed the government's strategy on using tourism in diverse ways.

Russian Embassy Has No Comments on Detention of Russian Spy in Rome Sputnik 24 May 2016 -- The Russian Embassy in Italy is not commenting on media reports alleging that a Russian citizen was arrested in Rome on suspicions of spying, an employee of the embassy said Tuesday.

Roscosmos Proposes International Team to Create Super-Heavy Carrier Rocket Sputnik 24 May 2016 -- The deputy head of Russia's space agency Roscosmos said that Russia offers its international partners to jointly create a new super-heavy-lift launch vehicle.
Russian Soyuz Rocket Launched From Guiana Space Center Sputnik 24 May 2016 -- Russian Soyuz ST rocket carrying two satellites for the European Galileo navigation system was successfully launched at 08:48 GMT from the Guiana space center, according to Russian Space Agency (Roscosmos).

Burundi: UN probe completes on-the-ground deployment of human rights monitors UN News 24 May 2016 -- The United Nations Independent Investigation in Burundi, which was set up to investigate human rights violations in the country since April 2015, said today it has completed the deployment of a team of human rights monitors on the ground.
US Envoy: Burundi Talks Off to Good Start VOA 24 May 2016 -- The latest round of talks to end Burundi's political crisis was "a positive step," according to Thomas Perriello, the U.S. special envoy to Africa's Great Lakes region.

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