13 July 2016 Military News

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OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 13 Jul 2016 [PDF]

Counter-ISIL Strikes Hit Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 13 Jul 2016 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.

Report: Hard-to-Kill Islamic State Commander Finally Dead VOA 13 Jul 2016 -- A key Islamic State terror group commander known for his brutally effective tactics and for surviving numerous attempts to kill him has died in battle, according to an IS-linked media organization.

Carter Discusses 3 Major U.S. Decisions Regarding Afghanistan AFPS 13 Jul 2016 -- Defense Secretary Ash Carter discussed three major decisions that the United States has made regarding Afghanistan during a news conference yesterday in the Afghan capital of Kabul.
Carter: U.S. Troop Level in Afghanistan Bolsters Global Counterterrorism Fight AFPS 13 Jul 2016 -- Addressing U.S. troops at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan yesterday, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said President Barack Obama's announcement last week that the U.S. would maintain 8,400 troops in that country into next year bolsters the fight against terrorists around the globe.

Statement from Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook on Death of Umar Khalifa DoD 13 Jul 2016 -- On July 9 Umar Khalifa, a known terrorist leader with the Tariq Gidar Group, was killed along with four other enemy combatants in a U.S. Forces-Afghanistan airstrike targeting Islamic State - Khorasan Province members in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan.
Drone strike kills school massacre mastermind: Pakistan army Press TV 13 Jul 2016 -- A top Pakistani Taliban militant commander wanted for his role in a deadly school massacre in Peshawar has been killed in a US drone strike in Afghanistan, the Pakistani military says.
Mastermind Of Pakistan School Massacres Killed By U.S. Drone Strike In Afghanistan RFE/RL 13 Jul 2016 -- Pakistan's military says that the mastermind of a 2014 attack on a Pakistani school that killed about 150 people, mainly children, has been killed by a U.S. drone strike in Afghanistan.
US Drone Kills Mastermind of 2014 Pakistan School Attack VOA 13 Jul 2016 -- The United States has confirmed that a drone strike in Afghanistan has killed a top Pakistani Taliban leader who was responsible for planning the 2014 attack on a Pakistani school, one of the country's worst terror attacks.

Defense Policy / Programs

KC-46 completes milestone by refueling fighter jet, cargo plane AFNS 13 Jul 2016 -- The KC-46A Pegasus connected in flight with an F-16 Fighting Falcon and a C-17 Globemaster III July 8 and July 12, respectively, as part of a testing milestone.
Ogden complex delivers F-35s for units to reach combat readiness AFNS 13 Jul 2016 -- The Ogden Air Logistics Complex recently completed modifications on the 12th F-35A Lightning II for the Air Force's active-duty 388th Fighter Wing and Air Force Reserve's 419th Fighter Wing.
Truman Strike Group Completes Eight-Month Deployment NNS 13 Jul 2016 -- Approximately 6,000 Sailors from Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 8 returned home July 13, after completing an eight-month combat deployment.
Donald Cook Returns to Rota NNS 13 Jul 2016 -- Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) returned to Naval Station Rota, Spain, July 12 after finishing its fourth forward-deployed patrol in support of ballistic missile defense of Europe.
US arms sales likely to exceed $40 billion this year: Pentagon Press TV 13 Jul 2016 -- The US government is expected to authorize more than $40 billion worth of foreign military sales this year, the Pentagon has confirmed.

NATO Secretary General welcomes frank and open discussions in NATO-Russia Council NATO 13 Jul 2016 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stressed the value of political dialogue following the NATO-Russia Council on Wednesday (13 July 2016). "Today we had very useful discussions. We addressed some of the most important issues on the Euro-Atlantic security agenda. This shows the value of the NATO-Russia Council," he said.
NATO-Russia Council Session Does Little to Ease Tension VOA 13 Jul 2016 -- A meeting Wednesday of NATO and Russian ministers, billed as an opportunity to defuse tensions after the alliance's recent declaration that it was in deterrence mode on Russia, produced no "meeting of the minds," NATO's chief said.

New Russian Bomber to Be Able to Launch Nuclear Attacks From Outer Space Sputnik 13 Jul 2016 -- The Russian Strategic Missile Forces Academy is developing a hypersonic strategic bomber capable of striking with nuclear warheads from outer space, Lt. Col. Aleksei Solodovnikov told RIA Novosti on Wednesday.

S.Korea to deploy THAAD in southeastern region despite opposition from neighboring countries People's Daily 13 Jul 2016 -- South Korea's defense ministry on Wednesday announced an agreement with the United States to deploy the U.S. missile defense system, called Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), in its southeastern region despite continued oppositions from neighboring countries.
China calls on US to cease THAAD deployment in South Korea Press TV 13 Jul 2016 -- China has reaffirmed its strong opposition to the US deployment of an advanced missile system in neighboring South Korea, warning that Beijing would take necessary steps to protect its interests.
Despite Mass Protests, South Korea to Deploy Missile Defense Shield Sputnik 13 Jul 2016 -- The South Korean government has chosen the site for a new THAAD anti-missile defense unit supplied by the United States, despite opposition from China, Russia, and South Korean citizens.
US THAAD Systems to Protect Up to 2/3 of South Korean Territory Sputnik 13 Jul 2016 -- South Korean Defense Ministry said that US THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) systems will protect up to two-thirds of South Korean territory from missiles from North Korea.

China commissions new guided-missile destroyer Yinchuan People's Daily 13 Jul 2016 -- The South China Sea Fleet of the Chinese PLA Navy held on July 12 a commissioning ceremony for the new guided-missile destroyer Yinchuan (hull number 175) at a naval port in Sanya, a port city in China's island province Hainan.

Iran missile program serves national interests, will not be ditched: Iran official Press TV 13 Jul 2016 -- A senior Iranian official says the Islamic Republic's missile program serves the country's national interests and will not be abandoned.

Tsai gives pep talk aboard frigate headed to South China Sea CNA 13 Jul 2016 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) vowed on Wednesday to protect Taiwan's interests in the South China Sea a day after an international tribunal delivered a ruling seen as having an adverse impact on Taiwan's claims in the region.

July 13, 2016 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 13 Jul 2016
Press Briefing by Press Secretary Josh Earnest, 7/13/2016 The White House 13 Jul 2016

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for July 13, 2016
Raytheon, Norway's Kongsberg Agree to Build Naval Strike Missiles in US Sputnik 13 Jul 2016 -- US aerospace behemoth Raytheon announced on Wednesday it reached an agreement with Kongsberg Defense Systems of Norway to manufacture Naval Strike Missiles and launchers in the United States.

Other Conflicts

13 July 2016 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 13 Jul 2016

Do not make South China Sea cradle of war: Beijing to US, allies Press TV 13 Jul 2016 -- A senior Chinese official has warned the US and its regional allies not to "turn the South China Sea into a cradle of war" after an international tribunal declared invalid Beijing's claims to the disputed waters.
Chinese aircraft land at South China Sea airports Press TV 13 Jul 2016 -- Two Chinese civilian aircraft have landed at two new airports on reefs controlled by China in the South China Sea a day after a tribunal in The Hague denied Beijing's claims to the energy-rich waters.
U.S.-China tensions may increase in wake of South China Sea ruling CNA 13 Jul 2016 -- A ruling on disputes in the South China Sea that was unfavorable to China will likely ratchet up the wrangling between China and the United States in the region and threaten regional stability, Taiwan's National Security Bureau said Wednesday.
US says China must adhere to South China Sea court ruling Press TV 13 Jul 2016 -- The United States says an international tribunal's ruling that rejected China's claim over the waters of the South China Sea should be considered final and binding.
China's determination to safeguard territorial sovereignty and maritime rights unwavering: People's Daily People's Daily 13 Jul 2016 -- On July 12, 2016, the arbitration court in The Hague handed down an award that seriously damages China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights. The People's Daily published a commentary that states "we do not claim an inch of land that does not belong to us, but we won't give up anything that is ours." China will take all necessary measures to protect the inviolability of the territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
Full Text: China Adheres to the Position of Settling Through Negotiation the Relevant Disputes Between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea People's Daily 13 Jul 2016 -- The State Council Information Office of the People's Republic of China on Wednesday published a white paper titled "China Adheres to the Position of Settling Through Negotiation the Relevant Disputes Between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea".
Chinese leaders reject S. China Sea arbitration award People's Daily 13 Jul 2016 -- Chinese president and premier said China will not accept any proposition or action based on the decision Tuesday by the South China Sea arbitral tribunal.
Manila wants to 'entrench illegal occupation of islands and reefs': white paper People's Daily 13 Jul 2016 -- The Philippines has repeatedly taken moves that have complicated the maritime disputes in an attempt to "entrench its illegal occupation of some islands and reefs" of the South China Sea, said a whitepaper issued by China on Wednesday.

Taiwan rules out cooperation with China on South China Sea issue CNA 13 Jul 2016 -- Taiwan has ruled out the possibility of cross-strait cooperation on the South China Sea issue after the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague handed down its ruling on the disputes in the area that has been considered unfavorable to China.
Taiwan stepping up Coast Guard patrols in South China Sea CNA 13 Jul 2016 -- Taiwan will strengthen its Coast Guard patrols in the South China Sea to protect its fishermen there, Cabinet spokesman Tung Chen-yuan (童振源) said Wednesday, one day after an international tribunal delivered a ruling that was seen as detrimental to Taiwan's territorial claims in the region.
Sending marines back to Taiping on the table: defense official CNA 13 Jul 2016 -- Sending Taiwan's marines back to Taiping, the largest land feature in the Spratly Islands in the disputed South China Sea, can be considered as an option in response to the need to defend the country's sovereignty over the Taiwan-controlled island, a senior defense official said Wednesday.
Taiwan's military to ensure maritime rights in South China Sea CNA 13 Jul 2016 -- A day after the release of a court ruling unfavorable to Taiwan's claims in the South China Sea, Deputy Defense Minister Lee Hsi-ming (李喜明) declared Wednesday that the military will provide any support needed to safeguard the country's maritime rights in the region.
Patrols to continue in South China Sea: Taiwan's military CNA 13 Jul 2016 -- The Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Wednesday it will continue to send planes and ships to the South China Sea to carry out patrol missions and defend Taiwan's territory and sovereignty.
Taiwan warship sets sail for South China Sea after verdict Press TV 13 Jul 2016 -- A Taiwanese warship has set sail for the South China Sea "to defend Taiwan's maritime territory," a day after an international tribunal ruled against China's claims to islands and undermined Taipei's claims to the islands there.

Yemeni forces fire Zelzal-3 missile at Saudi camp in Ma'rib Press TV 13 Jul 2016 -- Yemen's army and fighters of the Houthi Ansarullah movement have fired a home-made Zelzal-3 missile at a Saudi military camp in the Yemeni province of Ma'rib.

28 Daesh terrorists killed in battle for Syria's Manbij Press TV 13 Jul 2016 -- Nearly 30 Takfiri terrorists have been killed in clashes between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Daesh terrorists in Syria's strategic northern city of Manbij.
Russian destroys major Daesh base with long-range bombers Press TV 13 Jul 2016 -- Daesh has been dealt a major blow in Syria by Tupolev Tu-22M3 long-range strategic bombers launched from an airbase located in Russian's southern regions.
Syrian Army Completely Surrounds Aleppo Sputnik 13 Jul 2016 -- After several days of heavy fighting, the Syrian army managed to establish control over a vital route in the vicinity of Aleppo, effectively cutting off the last supply line for the rebels still entrenched within the city.
Syria: deploring hostilities spreading across Aleppo, UN urges end to indiscriminate attacks UN News 13 Jul 2016 -- Deploring the spread of hostilities throughout the Syrian city of Aleppo, senior United Nations officials today called on all parties to the conflict to end indiscriminate attacks on civilians and fully respect international humanitarian law.

Iraqi premier demands unity amid calls for demonstrations Press TV 13 Jul 2016 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has called for unity among all Iraqi factions to preserve military gains on the ground against the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group.
Sweden Plans to Double Number of Military Advisers in Iraq Sputnik 13 Jul 2016 -- Sweden plan to increase the number of its military personnel deployed in Iraq, local media reported.

Creation of United Army Against Daesh Main Task for Libya - UN Envoy Sputnik 13 Jul 2016 -- Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Libya said that Libya's primary task must be the creation of a unified army to fight the Daesh militant group.

Death toll from Kashmir clashes rises to 36 Press TV 13 Jul 2016 -- At least three dozen people are now confirmed dead following days of violent clashes between protesters and New Delhi forces over the killing of a popular rebel leader in the Indian-controlled region of Kashmir.
Indian premier holds emergency meeting over anti-govt. protests in Kashmir Press TV 13 Jul 2016 -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held an emergency meeting to discuss intensifying violence in Kashmir after nearly 30 people were killed in protests over the killing of a popular rebel leader.
Death Toll Rises To 32 In Worst Kashmir Violence Since 2010 RFE/RL 13 Jul 2016 -- India and Pakistan traded charges and the United Nations called for restraint on July 12 as the death toll from clashes between protesters and police in the disputed Kashmir region rose to at least 32.

France to end military intervention in CAR in October: Hollande Press TV 13 Jul 2016 -- French President Francois Hollande says his country will end its military intervention in the Central African Republic (CAR) in October.

South Sudan president pardons ex-rebels who fought govt. troops Press TV 13 Jul 2016 -- South Sudan's President Salva Kiir has granted amnesty to former rebels backing his deputy Riek Machar, who recently engaged in clashes with government forces in the capital city of Juba.
South Sudan: Amid possibility of renewed fighting, UN peacekeeping chief calls for Security Council action UN News 13 Jul 2016 -- Given the unstable security situation in South Sudan following clashes between Government and opposition forces which left some 72 people, including 33 civilians, dead, the United Nations peacekeeping chief today proposed that the UN Mission there be extended until the end of August to allow a rapid assessment on the need for a stronger mandate.
UN Peacekeeping Chief Urges Action on South Sudan VOA 13 Jul 2016 -- The U.N. peacekeeping chief has urged the Security Council to take concerted action and "urgently" consider imposing an arms embargo on conflict-ridden South Sudan.

UN mission deplores violence, loss of life following protests in Mali's northern city of Gao UN News 13 Jul 2016 -- Deploring the outbreak of violence that occurred yesterday in Gao, following a demonstration that turned violent, leaving four dead and many injured, the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Mali is encouraging Government-led initiatives to better familiarize the population with the recently agreed peace deal.

Kurdish Rebels, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Renew Decades-old Conflict VOA 13 Jul 2016 -- Kurdish rebels have been clashing with Iran's Revolutionary Guard since mid-June in an area along the Iran-Iraq border, according to Iran's state TV.

News Reports

Theresa May formally confirmed as new British Prime Minister Press TV 13 Jul 2016 -- Theresa May has been confirmed as the new British Prime Minister by Queen Elizabeth ll, replacing David Cameron as head of the UK government.
Theresa May Confirmed as Britain's Prime Minister VOA 13 Jul 2016 -- Queen Elizabeth has confirmed Theresa May as Britain's prime minister and invited her to form a new government, after the monarch accepted the resignation Wednesday of David Cameron at Buckingham Palace.

Venezuela Military Seizes Major Ports as Economic Crisis Deepens VOA 13 Jul 2016 -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday greatly expanded the duties of his military chief General Vladimir Padrino to make him responsible for the distribution of food and medicine and put the military in charge of overseeing five of the country's major ports.

CIA: US Must Be Able to Enter Foreign Airspace Without Prior Notification Sputnik 13 Jul 2016 -- The must be able to proceed with foreign operations as necessary, including invasion of foreign countries airspace without notifying local governments, said CIA Director John Brennan.

Man detained for allegedly passing defense secrets to China CNA 13 Jul 2016 -- A 33-year-old Taiwanese man, surnamed Chuang (莊), has been detained and held incommunicado for allegedly passing Taiwan's defense secrets to China, Kaohsiung prosecutors said Wednesday.

Pakistani Intelligence Honey-Trapped Indian Air Force Official Sputnik 13 Jul 2016 -- Pakistani intelligence agency ISI and terror outfit JuD used a fake Facebook profile to honey trap an Indian Air Force official, coaxing him to reveal secrets.

Iran Nuclear Deal, a test for US global credibility IRNA 13 Jul 2016 -- A year after Iran and the world six major powers' landmark nuclear deal - known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action - which was expected to ease economic restrictions on Tehran, the Iranians still have difficulties to do business with the world, what they see largely due to the US failure to fulfill its promises.
Iran content with nothing but full implementation of JCPOA: Senior official IRNA 13 Jul 2016 -- Nothing will make Iran satisfied and the country will accede to nothing but complete implementation of the July 14 deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, a senior official of Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
Rouhani cites Int'l Responsibility of Governments parties to JCPOA IRNA 13 Jul 2016 -- President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday highlighted the International Responsibility of Governments parties to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, saying that they must discharge their duty in line with international peace and security.
Iran can fully restore nuclear program if JCPOA violated: Rouhani Press TV 13 Jul 2016 -- President Hassan Rouhani says Iran can restore all those aspects of its nuclear program that it has agreed to limit under a deal with six world powers if the agreement is violated by those countries.
Russia confirms Iran commitment to JCPOA Press TV 13 Jul 2016 -- Russia has verified Iran's commitment to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a nuclear agreement signed between Iran and six world powers last year.
US Extends Sanctions Against Individuals Supporting Iran's Missile Program Sputnik 15 Jul 2016 -- According to a notice by the US Industry and Security Bureau, United States has extended the January 7 order, which denied export privileges to 15 individuals and entities involved in supporting Iran's missile program.

OSCE Expresses Concern Over Russia's List Of 'Terrorists, Extremists' RFE/RL 13 Jul 2016 -- for reporting honestly on developments in Crimea independent of the Kremlin's orders."

U.S. Should Be Sternly Judged as Heinous War Criminal State, Human Rights Abuser: Spokesman for DPRK FM KCNA 13 Jul 2016 -- A spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of the DPR of Korea gave the following answer to the question put by KCNA on Wednesday as regards the announcement of an official report in UK on unreasonable Iraqi war:
Rodong Sinmun Dismisses S. Korean Puppet Forces' Story about "Nuclear Threat from North" KCNA 13 Jul 2016 -- The south Korean puppet forces' noisy trumpeting about the "nuclear threat from the north" is no more than sheer sophism to cover up their true colors as servants for foreign nuclear maniacs and the worst confrontation and war fanatics and divert the public attention elsewhere, says Rodong Sinmun Wednesday in an article.

US Classifies Two Russians as Global Terrorists VOA 13 Jul 2016 -- The U.S. Department of State has named two Russians as "Specially Designated Global Terrorists," including one who officials say is responsible for deadly attacks in Moscow.

Islamic State Said to Be Shrinking in Cyberspace Too VOA 13 Jul 2016 -- America's top diplomat for countering terrorist propaganda said Islamic State's cyber outreach has been constrained, but that its message continues to resonate with disaffected, angry, and mentally unstable Muslims.

After Terror Attack, Bangladesh Bans Peace TV VOA 13 Jul 2016 -- Bangladesh has begun cracking down on the activities of a popular Indian Muslim preacher alleged to have inspired at least two of the suspected Islamist militants who killed 20 people in a Dhaka restaurant this month.

UN agency urges heightened vigilance after H5N1 outbreaks in West and Central Africa UN News 13 Jul 2016 -- The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) altered Western and Central African governments to be vigilant, and to continue their raised surveillance and prevention efforts after H5N1 avian influenza outbreaks were recently confirmed in chicken farms in Cameroon.

Besigye Tells Supporters to Continue Fighting for Better Uganda VOA 13 Jul 2016 -- Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye of the Forum for Democratic Change has urged his supporters not to give up the fight for a better Uganda.

Ghana's Power Woes Fueled by More Than Nigeria 'Sabotage' VOA 13 Jul 2016 -- Blackouts have hit West Africa's second-largest economy again, and Ghana's president is blaming saboteurs in Nigeria's distant oil-producing Niger Delta region for the power cuts.

Japanese emperor expresses wish to abdicate: local media People's Daily 13 Jul 2016 -- Japanese Emperor Akihito has expressed the intention to end his reign in coming years, local media reported, quoting government sources.

Burundi Civil Society Leader Blames Government for Peace Talks Collapse VOA 13 Jul 2016 -- Burundi's government is to blame for the collapse of the latest round of peace talks aimed at resolving the country's political and security crisis, according to Vital Nshimirimana, leader of the group Forum for the Strengthening of Civil Society (FORSC).

Chinese National Who Conspired to Hack into U.S. Defense Contractors' Systems Sentenced to 46 Months in Federal Prison US Dept. of Justice 13 Jul 2016-- A Chinese national who admitted to participating in a years-long conspiracy that involved Chinese military officers hacking into the computer networks of major U.S. defense contractors in order to steal military technical data was sentenced today to 46 months in federal prison.

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