27 May 2016 Military News

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OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 27 May 2016 [PDF]

Department of Defense Press Briefing by Colonel Warren via teleconference from Baghdad, Iraq DoD 27 May 2016 -- Presenter: Colonel Steve Warren, Operation Inherent Resolve Spokesman; Captain Jeff Davis, Director, Defense Press Office
IS Commander of Fallujah Killed in Airstrike VOA 27 May 2016 -- The commander of the Islamic State group's forces in Fallujah has been killed in an airstrike, a spokesman for the international coalition battling IS fighters in Iraq and Syria said Friday.
IS Commander of Fallujah Killed in Airstrike VOA 27 May 2016 -- The commander of the Islamic State group's forces in Fallujah has been killed in an airstrike, a spokesman for the international coalition battling IS fighters in Iraq and Syria said Friday.
Department of Defense Press Briefing by Lt. Gen. Brown via teleconference from Southwest Asia DoD 27 May 2016 -- Presenter: Lieutenant General Charles Q. Brown Jr., commander, U.S. Air Forces Central Command; Captain Jeff Davis, Director, Defense Press Office
Coalition Strikes Hit ISIL Terrorists in Iraq, Syria AFPS 27 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.
U.S. A-10s, Tankers Fly Syria Missions 24/7 From Incirlik AFPS 27 May 2016 -- In a hangar off the flightline at Incirlik Air Base in southeastern Turkey, Army Gen. Joseph L. Votel -- accompanied by 447th Air Expeditionary Group Commander Air Force Col. Sean McCarthy -- greeted representatives from a Marine Corps EA-6 Prowler Squadron, a KC-135 tanker crew and several aircraft maintainers.

US Forces in Syria Ordered to Remove Kurdish YPG Patches VOA 27 May 2016 -- U.S. special forces in Syria who were wearing patches of a Kurdish fighting group have been ordered to remove them because of "political sensitivities," a spokesman for the coalition fighting Islamic State forces in Iraq and Syria said Friday.

Iran Denies Ties to Slain 'Terrorist' Taliban Leader VOA 27 May 2016 -- An Iranian diplomat has rejected allegations Tehran had close ties and had been covertly working with Afghan Taliban chief Mullah Mansoor, who was killed in a U.S. drone strike.

Eight times jump in drone strikes on Pakistan under Obama IRNA 27 May 2016 -- The drone strikes by the US in Pakistan, which Islamabad describes as counter-productive and violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, have seen a massive jump under President Obama as compared to the Bush administration.

Defense Policy / Programs

KC-46s set to arrive at first basing locations by late 2017 AFNS 27 May 2016 -- KC-46 Pegasus aircraft are now expected to arrive at their first basing locations by late summer or early fall 2017.
Welsh shares AF priorities with AFA AFNS 27 May 2016 -- Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III gave his in-uniform presentation to members of the Air Force Association during the association's breakfast at the Sheraton Hotel in Arlington, Virginia, May 26.
Stealth Subs 'Absolutely Essential' for US Military VOA 27 May 2016 -- One of America's greatest threats to outsiders is 171 meters long and four stories high and can be completely submerged underwater, free to roam the seas in secrecy.
Pacific Land Forces Symposium Wraps Up in Hawaii AFPS 27 May 2016 -- After three days of collaborative panel discussions on peace, stability and mutual security, along with multiple displays of leading-edge technology, the fourth annual Land Forces Pacific Symposium and Exhibition, known as LANPAC, came to a close here yesterday.
Obama Thanks Iwakuni Personnel, Talks of Bridging U.S.-Japan Differences AFPS 27 May 2016 -- President Barack Obama today thanked Marines, sailors and family members at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, for "being the backbone" of the U.S.-Japanese alliance.
ITX 3-16: MAGTF-2 tackles FINEX USMC News 27 May 2016 -- Marine Air Ground Task Force 2 conducted a final exercise aboard the Combat Center May 17-19, 2016, as part of Integrated Training Exercise 3-16./li>
22nd MEU completes COMPTUEX; ready for deployment USMC News 27 May 2016 -- COMPTUEX is the culminating event of the 22nd MEU's pre-deployment training program (PTP), a rigorous cycle of training courses and unit-level exercises designed to prepare and certify the MEU for the mission essential tasks it may be called upon to perform during its upcoming deployment to the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.
U.S. Soldiers explain, demonstrate unmanned aerial vehicle concepts to Mongolian Armed Forces USMC News 27 May 2016 -- U.S. Soldiers with 8th Military Police Brigade conducted a demonstration on unmannned aerial vehicles for members of the Mongolian Armed Forces during Khaan Quest 2016 at Five Hills Training Area near Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
ESG-7 Hosts Amphibious, Mine Warfare Staff Talks NNS 27 May 2016 -- Rear Adm. John B. Nowell, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group SEVEN, hosted amphibious and mine warfare staff talks, May 23-24, with leaders from Japan Self-Defense Forces and various Navy and Marine Corps leaders in the 7th Fleet area of operations.
USS Decatur, USS Momsen Conduct Bilateral Exercise with Republic of Korea NNS 27 May 2016 -- The guided-missile destroyers USS Decatur (DDG 73) and USS Momsen (DDG 92) conducted bilateral exercises with the Republic of Korea Navy in the waters around the Korean Peninsula, May 20-22 and 25.
PACFLT Participates in Multi-National Missile Defense Forum NNS 27 May 2016 -- The head of U.S. Pacific Fleet Maritime Operations participated in the Maritime Theater Missile Defense Forum's planning session in Waikiki, Hawaii, May 24.
US Government Delays Launch of Classified NROL-37 Spy Satellite Sputnik 27 May 2016 -- The US National Reconnaissance Office's Delta IV heavy rocket NROL-37 launch is delayed at the request of the customer, according to United Launch Alliance (ULA).

NATO Deputy Secretary General: North Atlantic Alliance is as important as it has ever been NATO 27 May 2016 -- NATO Deputy Secretary General Alexander Vershbow said in Prague that "our security cannot be taken for grante" and that the North Atlantic Alliance "is as important as it has ever been."

Pondering Power Projection: What Type of Aircraft Carrier Does Russia Need? Sputnik 27 May 2016 -- Commenting on the changing global geopolitical balance, respected Russian defense analyst Konstantin Sivkov discusses the kinds of new aircraft carriers Russia must develop in order to be able to defend its interests worldwide.
Russia vows to retaliate against US provocations Press TV 27 May 2016 -- The whirlpool of mistrust among Russia, the United States, and the European Union is getting deeper and deeper as they keep missing every chance of reinforcing relations. This time Russia is voicing frustration that a lack of meaningful interaction is leaving Moscow with no choice but to look for ways to neutralize threats to its national security.

Russia, India Determine 14 Possible Purchasers of BrahMos Cruise Missiles Sputnik 27 May 2016 -- The Russia-India committee has determined 14 countries including Chile, Vietnam, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, which can purchase the Indo-Russian supersonic BrahMos cruise missiles, according to BrahMos Aerospace enterprise spokesman Praveen Pathak.
Take Off: India & Russia Poised to Agree Development of Fifth Gen Fighter Sputnik 27 May 2016 -- India and Russia are set to embark on an ambitious mission to co-develop one of the most advanced Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA). Experts say hail the decision, as western countries are reluctant to actual transfer of technology.
On Target: Test Launch of India's Supersonic BrahMos Missile a Success Sputnik 27 May 2016 -- The Indian Air Force has successfully test fired an upgraded version of its BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from an airbase in the western sector.

China's new aircraft carrier still needs time before launch, expert says People's Daily 27 May 2016 -- Popular Science, a monthly magazine of science and technology published in the U.S., recently unveiled the latest development of China's first domestically built aircraft carrier. The article, entitled "China's New Carrier Gets A Ski Ramp," explains that the carrier already has most of its hangar bay installed. The next steps are the ski ramp, control tower island and flight deck.
PLA navy's drill routine, not targeting any specific locations People's Daily 27 May 2016 -- "The purpose of our real-combat training is to sharpen the abilities of our soldiers rather than to target a particular region," said Zhou Xuming, Deputy Commander of the South China Sea Fleet in response to media questions about the PLA's recent drill. Zhou emphasized that the drill was normal, routine annual training.
Chinese military still capable of fighting, spokesperson says People's Daily 27 May 2016 -- "Chinese soldiers are equipped with courage and strength. They are not only capable of fighting, they are very good at fighting," said Yang Yujun, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, at a press conference on Thursday.

Remarks by President Obama and Prime Minister Abe of Japan at Hiroshima Peace Memorial The White House 27 May 2016
Remarks by President Obama to U.S. and Japanese Forces The White House 27 May 2016
Remarks by President Obama to U.S. and Japanese Forces -- Iwakuni, Japan The White House 27 May 2016
May 27, 2016 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 27 May 2016

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for May 27, 2016

Other Conflicts

27 May 2016 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 27 May 2016
FEATURE: Speaking with UN peacekeepers in Liberia, South Sudan and Central African Republic UN News 27 May 2016 -- Dr. Catherine Buzmion-Cheong, a United Nations peacekeeper, was working in Liberia when the first case of Ebola was confirmed in the West African nation.

China sets four bottom lines regarding the South China Sea disputes People's Daily 27 May 2016 -- China's Ministries of Foreign Affairs and National Defense announced on Thursday four bottom lines on issues related to the South China Sea.
China to turn disputed south isles into tourist attraction Press TV 27 May 2016 -- China seeks to transform some of the islands in the disputed South China Sea into pleasure-trip destinations for tourists.
China Responds to G7 With Plan for 'New Maldives' in South China Sea Sputnik 27 May 2016 -- Beijing has responded to the G7's attempt to confront China over the South China Sea dispute, by sharing its plans to turn the islands into a tourist resort similar to the Maldives.

Yemen's Houthis, ex-government to exchange prisoners before Ramadan Press TV 27 May 2016 -- Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement and the former Yemeni government have agreed to carry out a major prisoner swap prior to the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan that will begin in June.

US-backed Syrian Forces Advance Toward IS Capital VOA 27 May 2016 -- U.S.-backed forces on Friday advanced deeper into areas of north of Raqqa, continuing their march to the edge of the de facto capital of Islamic State in Syria.
Syria rejects reports on new Russia-proposed constitution Press TV 27 May 2016 -- Syria has dismissed as "untrue" media reports claiming that Russia has drafted a new constitution for the conflict-ridden country.
Turkey continues to arm Nusra terrorists in Syria: Russia Press TV 27 May 2016 -- Russia's Defense Ministry says the Turkish government continues to supply al-Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front terrorists fighting in Syria with weapons in a bid to undermine the Syrian army in its fight against foreign-backed Takfiri militants.
Turkish FM slams US for 'two-faced' behavior Press TV 27 May 2016 -- Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu slammed the United States Friday for its "two-faced" behavior, saying it is "unacceptable" that US soldiers are backing Kurdish fighters in Syria.
PYD Leader to Sputnik: Raqqa Liberation 'Vital' to Syrian Kurdish Interests Sputnik 27 May 2016 -- In an exclusive interview for Sputnik, Syrian Democratic Union Party co-chair Salih Muslim discussed the ongoing operation to liberate the Daesh capital of Raqqa, the overall political and military situation in the region, his party's contacts with the US, Russian and Syrian governments, and the Kurdish side's hopes for the Geneva peace talks.
Trucks Carrying Weapons For al-Nusra Front Arrive From Turkey Daily Sputnik 27 May 2016 -- Head of the Russian General Staff told journalists that trucks carrying weapons for the al-Nusra Front cross from Turkey into Syria daily. This allows the terrorist group to continue attacking local targets.
Syrian Authorities Ready for Humanitarian Operations If Agreed Before Sputnik 27 May 2016 -- The Syrian government is ready to support any humanitarian operations on its soil if they are agreed on with Damascus, Syrian Ambassador to Russia Riyad Haddad told Sputnik.
UN relief chief calls for more assistance for 'distressing and dire' situation of Syrians UN News 27 May 2016 -- Following a visit to Hatay in southern Turkey, the top United Nations humanitarian official has called for greater assistance for Syrians in need, both inside the country and across the region, warning that the humanitarian situation for millions of people remains "unrelentingly distressing and dire."
Saudi FM urges Assad departure as part of transition in Syria Press TV 27 May 2016 -- The Saudi foreign minister has insisted again that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad must quickly step down from power as part of a political transition in the violence-torn country.

Iraqi airstrikes kill 3 senior Daesh commanders in Mosul Press TV 27 May 2016 -- Iraq's military says three high-ranking commanders of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group have been killed in airstrikes conducted by army's warplanes in the northern city of Mosul.
50,000 Iraqi civilians to escape from Mosul to Syria, UN says Press TV 27 May 2016 -- The UN Refugee Agency warned Friday that some 50,000 residents of Mosul in northern Iraq held by the Takfiri Daesh terrorists are about to head across the border and flee to neighboring Syria.
Iraq's Ayatollah Sistani calls for protection of civilians in Fallujah Press TV 27 May 2016 -- Iraq's most respected Shia cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani has called on the military and volunteer fighters battling Daesh in the west of the country to take maximum care of civilians trapped in the city of Fallujah.
UN refugee agency begins delivering supplies to families escaping besieged Fallujah UN News 27 May 2016 -- The United Nations refugee agency said today that it is delivering emergency relief supplies to families who managed to escape the besieged Iraqi city of Fallujah over the past few days.
Escapees from Besieged Fallujah Get Emergency Aid VOA 27 May 2016 -- The United Nations refugee agency was delivering relief supplies Friday to some 800 people who have managed to escape the besieged Iraqi city of Fallujah over the past few days.

Ankara Says 92 PKK Fighters Killed in Series of Spring Operations Sputnik 27 May 2016 -- The Turkish General Staff claimed that during the operations conducted by the Turkish Air Force on April 15 and May 18-23 in the northern Iraqi district of Metina, 80 members of the PKK, including leaders were killed, while twelve militants were killed in the Turkey's district of Nusaybin.

UK Navy ship due in Libyan waters Press TV 27 May 2016 -- The United Kingdom is all set to send a naval warship into Libyan waters in an effort to curb the trafficking of people and arms there, officials say.
Cameron Promises UK Warship to Libya to Fight People Smuggling Sputnik 27 May 2016 -- The UN backed unity government in Tripoli has called on the UK government to help target and stop the increased number of migrant smugglers in Libya.

Militants attack oil, gas pipelines in southern Nigeria Press TV 27 May 2016 -- Militants from the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) have blown up gas and crude oil pipelines belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in Delta State.

Russia to strengthen defenses on far-east islands Press TV 27 May 2016 -- Russia will take measures to develop military infrastructure in far-eastern islands that are also claimed by Japan, in an effort to prevent the emergence of even "the smallest threats."

Joint Statement on Aerial Bombardment in South Kordofan and De Facto Expulsion of OCHA Head US Dept. of State 27 May 2016 -- The text of the following statement was issued jointly by the Governments of the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and Norway.
South Sudan: New team of explosive detection dogs arrives at UN mission UN News 27 May 2016 -- The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in South Sudan said today it will receive 37 new explosive detection dogs as part of an increase in the presence of such dogs throughout the country.

Security Council approves two-month extension for African Union Mission in Somalia UN News 27 May 2016 -- The United Nations Security Council today approved a two-month extension of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), allowing adequate time for the 15-member body to consider the outcome of its recently-concluded visit to the Horn of Africa country.

News Reports

Obama in Hiroshima calls for world free of nuclear weapons Press TV 27 May 2016 -- US President Barack Obama has called for a world without nuclear weapons during a historic visit to Hiroshima, Japan, where the United States dropped the first atomic bomb nearly 71 years ago.

S. Korea stresses adherence to sanctions on DPRK despite dialogue offers People's Daily 27 May 2016 -- South Korea's top policymakers on Friday stressed the need for adherence to sanctions on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) despite Pyongyang's repeated dialogue offers on military matters.
S.Korean president says not to succumb to DPRK's nuke threats People's Daily 27 May 2016 -- South Korean President Park Geun-hye on Friday said that her country will not succumb to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s nuclear threats.
Sanctions Hobble Western-Funded Pyongyang University VOA 27 May 2016 -- Pyongyang University of Science and Technology, which is largely funded by Western-based Evangelical Christians, is facing financial difficulties due to international sanctions against North Korea, according to Dr. Chan-Mo Park, the school's chancellor.
Satellite Kwangmyongsong-4 Officially Registered by UN KCNA 27 May 2016 -- The DPRK presented the UN with a document for registering a satellite as a signatory to the "Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space" as it successfully launched its earth observation satellite Kwangmyongsong-4 on Feb. 7, Juche 105 (2016).

IAEA Director-General verifies Iran fully implements JCPOA IRNA 27 May 2016 -- Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Yukiya Amano verified Iran fully implemented the context of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Aaction, Iranian Permanent Representative to IAEA Reza Najafi said on Friday.
Araqchi: Iran never allows breach in JCPOA IRNA 27 May 2016 -- Deputy Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araqchi said that the US and Zionist regime have not set aside enmity with Iran, but Iran will never allow Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to be violated.
IAEA: Iran Complying with Nuclear Pact VOA 27 May 2016 -- The United Nations nuclear agency reports Iran is complying with a milestone agreement to limit stockpiles of key ingredients that can be used to produce nuclear weapons.
IAEA verifies Iran's compliance with JCPOA Press TV 27 May 2016 -- The UN nuclear agency has verified Iran's compliance with the landmark nuclear agreement, dubbed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), reached between Tehran and the P5+1 group of countries in July 2015.
Iran, Russia to build second, third power plants in Bushehr IRNA 27 May 2016 -- Iran and Russian Federation are involved in negotiations to build the second and third power plants in Bushehr, Russian state company, Rosatom, said on Friday.
Russia, Iran to Launch Full-Scale Operations of Bushehr NPP Units 2-3 Sputnik 27 May 2016 -- Russia and Iran are about to launch full-scale of operations on the construction of the second and third units of the Beshehr Nuclear Power Plant, Rosatom's press service announced Friday.

Iraqi Protesters Ignore Government, Take to Baghdad's Streets VOA 27 May 2016 -- Thousands of anti-government protesters, many carrying flowers and olive branches, walked for kilometers Friday to converge on the Iraqi capital's Tahrir Square to call for political change.
Iraqis protest in Baghdad to demand reforms Press TV 27 May 2016 -- Hundreds of Iraqis have taken to the streets of the capital, Baghdad, reiterating their call for reforms as the country remains bogged down in political turmoil.

Putin Arrives In Greece On First Visit To EU This Year RFE/RL 27 May 2016 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin is in Greece on his first visit to the European Union this year as the bloc weighs whether to extend sanctions against Russia amid continuing tensions over Moscow's intervention in Ukraine.
Putin Calls For Revival Of Ties With Europe Ahead Of Greek Visit RFE/RL 27 May 2016 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin called for the revival of relations between Moscow and European Union on the eve of his first visit to the bloc this year.

EU Urges Bosnia To Publish Census Figures To Gain Membership RFE/RL 27 May 2016 -- The European Union is urging Bosnia to publish the results of a disputed national census, stressing that it is needed to move towards EU integration.

G7 Pledges Focus On Economic Growth, Tackling Extremism RFE/RL 27 May 2016 -- After two days of talks in Japan, the leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) leading economic powers have set global growth as an "urgent priority."

China Slap at Unmarried Taiwan President Highlights Gender Divide VOA 27 May 2016 -- A slap from China at new Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen's status as a single woman exposes a divide in how two ethnic Chinese societies, which are already at odds politically, see gender and leadership amid different development pressures.

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