18 July 2016 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 18 Jul 2016 [PDF]

U.S., Coalition Continue Strikes Against ISIL in Syria, Iraq AFPS 18 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.

U.S. Personnel in Turkey Safe, Pentagon Spokesman Says AFPS 18 Jul 2016 -- All U.S. service members and civilians in Turkey are safe in the wake of the July 15 attempted coup there, Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook told reporters today.

Taliban Stages Fresh Attacks in Northern Afghanistan VOA 18 Jul 2016 -- Afghanistan's Taliban launched new assaults in at least two northern provinces near the border with central Asian countries, but government officials have denied insurgent claims of battlefield advances.
Future of US Engagement in Afghanistan to Fall to Next President VOA 18 Jul 2016 -- As the process of electing the next American president goes into its final stages, national security and foreign policy analysts are divided over the long-term U.S. role in Afghanistan, with some suggesting the U.S. military may at some point make a comeback to a full-fledged pre-2014 style combat mission.

Defense Policy / Programs

Department of Defense Press Briefing by Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook in the Pentagon Briefing Room DoD 18 Jul 2016 -- Presenter: Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook
KC-46 completes required flight tests AFNS 18 Jul 2016 -- The KC-46 Pegasus program completed all flight tests required for the Milestone C production decision July 15 by offloading 1,500 pounds of fuel to an A-10 Thunderbolt II.
Govt, military leaders testify on nuclear deterrent modernization plans AFNS 18 Jul 2016 -- Key leaders in the nation's nuclear deterrence mission testified July 14 before the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces about the importance of the nuclear triad and the growing need to modernize it.
New Africom Commander to Seek Creative, Viable Solutions to Africa's Challenges AFPS 18 Jul 2016 -- In a change-of-command ceremony here today, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff welcomed the new commander of U.S. Africa Command, Marine Corps Gen. Thomas D. Waldhauser, hailing him as an exceptional leader who is ready to address Africa's complex security challenges.
Buffalo Visits Singapore during Indo-Asia-Pacific Deployment NNS 18 Jul 2016 -- Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Buffalo (SSN 715) arrived in Singapore July 16 for a port visit as part of its Indo-Asia-Pacific deployment.
Sailors from US, Indian, Chilean Navies Conduct VBSS Ops during RIMPAC 2016 NNS 18 Jul 2016 -- Sailors assigned to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86) conducted a visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) training exercise with sailors from Chilean Navy Frigate CNS Almirante Cochrane (FF 05) and sailors from Indian Navy Shivalik-class stealth frigate INS Satpura (F48), July 14.
CENTCOM Tours USS New Orleans NNS 18 Jul 2016 -- Army Gen. Joseph Votel, commander, U.S. Central Command, visited amphibious transport dock USS New Orleans (LPD 18) to observe a Strait of Hormuz transit and visit with the crew, July 11.
Swamp Foxes Conduct First Swing Loaded Operational Flight NNS 18 Jul 2016 -- The Swamp Foxes of Helicopter Attack Squadron (HSM) 74 and the U.S. Navy saw an operational breakthrough July 12 when transiting through the Strait of Bab-el-Mandeb.
Pentagon Wants to Send F-35s to Russia's Doorstep Sputnik 18 Jul 2016 -- The Pentagon apparently plans to deploy the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II to the Baltic region to take part in NATO's air-policing mission in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. This step, if approved, would likely receive a cold welcome in Moscow that has repeatedly voiced concern over the bloc's massive military buildup close to Russia's borders.
45th SW supports SpaceX's CRS-9 mission launch AFNS 18 Jul 2016 -- The 45th Space Wing supported SpaceX's successful launch of a Falcon 9 Dragon spacecraft headed to the International Space Station from Space Launch Complex 40 here July 18.

Polish FM Says Up to 10,000 NATO Soldiers to Be Deployed in Country Sputnik 18 Jul 2016 -- As many as 10,000 North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) soldiers will be deployed in Poland as part of the Alliance's expanded military presence on its eastern flank, Polish Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski said Monday.

Russia Tests Hydrogen-Powered Drones in Syria - Senior Military Source Sputnik 18 Jul 2016 -- The Russian Aerospace Forces tested new hydrogen-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in Syria that allowed for longer flight times, a high-ranking Russian military official told RIA Novosti on Monday.

Russia, China Could be 'Driving Force' in Creation of SCO Missile Shield Sputnik 18 Jul 2016 -- The creation of a joint missile defense system of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is possible in the future, Russian experts said Monday during a media forum in Moscow.

Chiefs of US and Chinese Navies Agree on Need for Cooperation NNS 18 Jul 2016 -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson met with People's Liberation Army (Navy) (PLA(N)) Commander Adm. Wu Shengli during professional and social events held July 18 at navy headquarters in Beijing.
Navy chiefs set for fresh talks on South China Sea People's Daily 18 Jul 2016 -- Naval chiefs from China and the United States are set to hold their first face-to-face meeting since the July 12 ruling on the arbitration case brought by the Philippines, which has intensified tensions in the South China Sea.

China's air force conducts combat air patrol in South China Sea People's Daily 18 Jul 2016 -- The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force has conducted a combat air patrol in the South China Sea recently, which will become "a regular practice" in the future, said a military spokesperson on Monday.
China announces military exercises in South China Sea Press TV 18 Jul 2016 -- China has announced that it is closing off a part of South China Sea to conduct a series of military drills this week.
China Holds Naval Exercises in South China Sea VOA 18 Jul 2016 -- Nearly a week after losing a historic case over its territorial claims in the South China Sea, China is closing off part of the region for military drills this week.

North Korea Fires Three Ballistic Missiles VOA 18 Jul 2016 -- North Korea has fired three ballistic missiles, according to South Korea's military, a week after making threats to take action over the planned deployment of a U.S. anti-missile system in the South.
DPRK Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hits Presidential Statement of Asia-Europe Meeting Summit KCNA 18 Jul 2016 -- A spokesman for the DPRK Foreign Ministry gave the following answer to a question raised by KCNA Sunday as regards the recent presidential statement of the Asia-Europe Meeting summit accusing the DPRK:
S.Korea warns of DPRK's readiness for nuke test amid activity in test site People's Daily 18 Jul 2016 -- South Korea on Monday warned of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s readiness for its fifth nuclear test amid worries about increased activity in its main nuclear test site.
Pyongyang Dismisses ASEM Criticism Over Missile Tests Sputnik 18 Jul 2016 -- Pyongyang refuted criticism of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) leaders over its missile tests and blamed the United States for the Korean conflict escalation, the country's Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

India to Build Airfield in Parma Valley Sputnik 18 Jul 2016 -- India is poised to set up yet another Advanced Landing Ground in Ladakh with the aim of blocking reinforcements to enemy troops through the Western Highway in a war scenario.

42nd flotilla of Iranian Navy departs for high seas IRNA 18 Jul 2016 -- The 42nd flotilla of the Iranian Navy departed for high seas on Monday in a ceremony attended by Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari.
Sayyari: Navy forces keeping an eagle eye on foreign forces movements IRNA 18 Jul 2016 -- Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said navy forces are keeping an eagle eye on any movements of foreign forces in the country coast lines and sea.
Iran Navy keeps watchful eye on foreigners' moves: Commander Press TV 18 Jul 2016 -- Iran's Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari says Iranian naval forces are keeping a watchful eye on all moves by foreign military units whether at sea or onshore.
Russia delivers first S-300 missiles to Iran: Report Press TV 18 Jul 2016 -- Russia has reportedly delivered the first missiles of the advanced S-300 long-range air defense system as part of a military contract between Moscow and Tehran.

May Calls on UK to Maintain Commitment to Trident Nuclear Deterrent Sputnik 18 Jul 2016 -- UK Prime Minister Theresa May called on the United Kingdom on Monday to maintain commitment to its Trident nuclear deterrent program, expressing confidence that the country's lawmakers would vote in favor of renewing the program.
UK Has No Contingency Plans for Moving Trident Out of Scotland Sputnik 18 Jul 2016 -- There are no contingency plans for moving the Trident nuclear deterrent program from Scotland amid calls for a second independence referendum, UK Defense Secretary Michael Fallon said Monday.

Ukrainian Naval Forces Refute Claims of Postponement of US-Led NATO Drills Sputnik 18 Jul 2016 -- The press service of the Ukrainian Naval Forces refuted the information that the naval phase of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Sea Breeze-2016 military drill in the Black Sea will be postponed, noting that the drills will take place according to schedule on Monday.

July 18, 2016 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 18 Jul 2016
Press Briefing by the Press Secretary Josh Earnest, 7/18/2016 The White House 18 Jul 2016

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for July 18, 2016

Other Conflicts

18 July 2016 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 18 Jul 2016

South China Sea issue should not come between China and US: Chinese ambassador People's Daily 17 Jul 2016 -- As a country outside the region that has no territorial disputes with China, the US should not make the South China Sea an issue between the two countries, Chinese Ambassador to the US Cui Tiankai said in a recent article published by People's Daily, urging the US to take the right position and build a new model for its relationship with China.

Taiwan's stance on Taiping Island widely covered by global media CNA 18 Jul 2016 -- Taiwan's assertion of sovereignty over the Taiping Island in the wake of a ruling issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague has been widely covered by international media, Cabinet spokesman Tung Chen-yuan (童振源) said Monday.
Naval frigate on way back after patrol mission near Spratlys CNA 18 Jul 2016 -- The Lafayette-class Di Hua frigate is on its way back to Taiwan after completing a routine patrol mission in waters near the Spratly Islands, sources said Monday.

Ansarullah stresses political solution to Yemen conflict Press TV 18 Jul 2016 -- Delegates from the Houthi Ansarullah movement at the fresh round of Yemeni peace talks in Kuwait have described political dialog as the only way out of the conflict in the violence-wracked Arab state.

Background Briefing on the Pledging Conference in Support of Iraq US Dept. of State 18 Jul 2016
Mosul residents revolt against Daesh, kill five: Report Press TV 18 Jul 2016 -- Residents in several neighborhoods in the Iraqi city of Mosul have reportedly staged an uprising against the Daesh terrorist group – which holds the city – killing at least five Takfiri militants.
Iraqi Military Liberate District in Anbar Province From Daesh Militants Sputnik 18 Jul 2016 -- Iraqi forces have liberated from the Daesh militants the ad-Dulab district in the western province of Anbar, Commander of the Iraqi Army Maj. Gen. Numan Zubai said.

Dunford Says ISIL in Libya is Weakened AFPS 18 Jul 2016 -- The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here today he is encouraged by developments against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Libya, a branch of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

IGAD Demands Rival Military Forces Leave South Sudan's Capital VOA 18 Jul 2016 -- The regional group IGAD (Inter Governmental Authority on Development) in East Africa has called on forces loyal to South Sudan President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar to leave Juba and be replaced by a protection regional force that would take over security in the capital.
AU Backs Call for 'Robust' African Force in South Sudan VOA 18 Jul 2016 -- The African Union has backed a request for African troops with a robust mandate to reinforce U.N. peacekeepers in South Sudan. The AU summit meeting in Rwanda's capital approved the request, which will go the U.N. Security Council. The African heads of state were responding to a communiqué on South Sudan put out after a meeting with regional leaders and the United Nations on Saturday.

Cameroonian Hostages Freed from CAR Captivity VOA 18 Jul 2016 -- Eleven Cameroonians, including the mayor of the northern town of Ladgo, have been freed from captivity after they were seized by a rebel group from the Central African Republic more than a year ago.

Senior UN relief official welcomes US and EU funding for emergency response in Lake Chad Basin UN News 18 Jul 2016 -- The top United Nations humanitarian official for Africa's Sahel region has expressed gratitude to the United States and the European Union for their financial support for people affected by violence in countries surrounding the Lake Chad Basin region – and called for greater international support.

News Reports

Turkey Crackdown Grows as Erdogan Encourages Protests VOA 18 Jul 2016 -- Supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are holding nightly rallies across the country to celebrate the defeat of Friday's attempted coup, but tension and violence continue amid questions on whether his survival is a reaffirmation of democracy or a step toward extreme nationalism.
With Anti-American Sentiment High in Turkey, Washington Calls for Restraint VOA 18 Jul 2016 -- With anti-American sentiment seemingly running high in Turkey in the aftermath of a foiled coup attempt, the U.S. is calling on Turkish political leaders and all sides to exercise restraint from "fiery rhetoric," while expressing confidence that ongoing military cooperation between Washington and Ankara will continue.
Turkey, US Deadlocked Over Extradition of Alleged Coup-plotter Cleric VOA 18 Jul 2016 -- The United States and Turkey are deadlocked over Ankara's demand that Washington extradite Fethullah Gulen, a Muslim cleric it is blaming for the attempted military coup in Turkey, even though he has lived in self-imposed exile in the U.S. for 17 years.
At Crossroads, Erdogan Urged to Show Magnanimity VOA 18 Jul 2016 -- As Turkish authorities cast the net far and wide to scoop up those they suspect of participating or colluding in Friday's failed coup, opposition politicians, as well as foreign leaders, are urging President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to show magnanimity and set aside his autocratic instincts in his response to the unsuccessful putsch.
US Urges Turkey to Act Within Rule of Law as it Probes Coup Attempt VOA 18 Jul 2016 -- The United States is urging Turkey to exercise restraint and act within the rule of law as it investigates last week's failed coup, amid conflicting reports about whether a former Air Force commander confessed to being a ringleader of the attempted takeover.
EU urges Turkey to respect rule of law after failed coup ISNA 18 Jul 2016 -- The European Union (EU) urged Turkey to respect the rule of law amid a Turkish crackdown on those believed to have been involved in a recent coup attempt in the country.
NATO Secretary General statement following attempted coup in Turkey NATO 18 Jul 2016 -- I have spoken to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in the aftermath of the attempted coup in Turkey. I welcomed the strong support shown by the people and all political parties to democracy and to the democratically elected government. The Turkish people have shown great courage.
Cleansing operation to be continued in Turkey People's Daily 18 Jul 2016 -- Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said on Sunday that the government's actions against the organizers of the attempted coup are not over and a cleansing operation will be carried out.
Situation "under control" in Turkey after coup attempt People's Daily 18 Jul 2016 -- Turkish authorities said they regained control of the country on Saturday after thwarting an attempt by a military faction to seize power from the Turkish president.
Uncertainties remain in Turkey after foiled coup attempt People's Daily 18 Jul 2016 -- Uncertainties remain in Turkey in the wake of the failed military coup on Friday, though the Turkish parliament said Sunday that the country's security order has "returned to normal".
Turkey detains more than 7,500 over coup attempt Press TV 18 Jul 2016 -- Turkey has detained a whopping number of suspects over a botched coup attempt as the country intensifies the crackdown on those believed to have played a role in the abortive putsch.
EU urges Turkey to respect rule of law after failed coup Press TV 18 Jul 2016 -- The European Union (EU) has urged Turkey to respect the rule of law amid a Turkish crackdown on those believed to have been involved in a recent coup attempt in the country.
Why did Turkey coup d'état fail? President's popularity vs plotters' ineptitude Press TV 18 Jul 2016 -- Protest in any society arises from discontent with the status quo, unlike a coup, in which there is an armed push to overthrow the state with the help of the military. The recent botched putsch in Turkey simultaneously falls into both categories and neither – something inbetween but with a catch: The true winner of the overnight coup, President Erdogan, is using this "God-given gift" to reinvigorate his version of democracy and further the exact actions that caused the protests in the Turkish society in the first place.
Turkey Continues 'Cleansing' After Coup Attempt RFE/RL 18 Jul 2016 -- Turkish officials continue to detain people they say played a part in or supported the July 15 failed military coup attempt, as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pledged that the "cleansing" will continue.
Turkey Suspends Thousands Of Officials Amid Calls For Proportionate Response RFE/RL 18 Jul 2016 -- Turkish authorities have suspended nearly 8,000 police officers in the wake of the failed military coup attempt, the state-run Anadolu news agency reported on July 18, citing the Interior Ministry.
US Hints Turkey Might Be Expelled From NATO Over Crackdown on Coup Members Sputnik 18 Jul 2016 -- In the wake of Friday's failed coup attempt in Turkey, the government launched a major crackdown on those accused of being involved. But the sweeping punishments are evidently a concern for Western allies.
Ex-Commander of Turkish Air Force Pleads Guilty to Organizing Coup Attempt Sputnik 18 Jul 2016 -- The ex-commander of the Turkish Air Force has pleaded guilty to organizing the coup attempt, Anadolu news agency reported.
Rebel Pilots of Turkish Fighter Jets Switched Off Radio During Coup Attempt Sputnik 18 Jul 2016 -- Turkey's F-16 fighter jets under the control of rebels during the attempted coup ignored orders to return to Akinci Air Base near Ankara before turning off the communication channel, local media reported Monday.
Commander of Air Base Holding US Nukes Arrested After Turkey Coup Attempt Sputnik 18 Jul 2016 -- On Sunday, Turkish authorities arrested the commander of Incirlik airbase General Bekir Ercan Van, putting in question US-led anti-Daesh operations that are launched from the Turkish base, as well as relevancy of storing American nukes there.
Ex-Commander of Turkish Air Force Denies Admission of Masterminding Coup Sputnik 18 Jul 2016 -- The ex-commander of the Turkish Air Force has denied the admission of masterminding the coup attempt during the interrogation, NTV reported.

On anniversary of Iran deal, UN calls for implementation of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action UN News 18 Jul 2016 -- The top United Nations political official today called for implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) under which Iran reaffirmed that it would not seek, develop or acquire nuclear weapons.
Iran urges Ban Ki-moon not to damage N. deal ISNA 18 Jul 2016 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarf slammed the UN Chief's remarks on Iranian missile program, calling on him not to damage the JCPOA.
UN chief's report violates JCPOA spirit: Iran Press TV 18 Jul 2016 -- Iran says the latest report by United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on the implementation of last July's nuclear agreement between the Islamic Republic and the P5+1 group of countries violates the letter and spirit of the deal.
US gets low grade in JCPOA implementation: Iran FM Press TV 18 Jul 2016 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says the United States will likely receive a low grade for its commitment to implementation of last July's nuclear agreement between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries.
Iran's Atomic Agency Refutes Reports on Purchase of Bulgarian Old Reactors Sputnik 18 Jul 2016 -- The head of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), Ali Akbar Salehi, said on Monday that rumors about Tehran's purchase of old reactors from Sofia for the needs of its nuclear energy program were false.
UN: Iran Complying With Letter of Nuclear Deal, Not Necessarily Spirit VOA 18 Jul 2016 -- One year after the six major world powers and Iran agreed on a deal to prevent Tehran from getting a nuclear weapon, the U.N. says Iran has complied with the letter of the deal, but not always the spirit.

WADA publishes McLaren Investigation Report July 18, 2016 - The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to consider, under their respective Charters, to decline entries, for Rio 2016, of all athletes submitted by the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) and the Russian Paralympic Committee.
Statement in response to the report by the World Anti-Doping Agency Kremlin 18 Jul 2016 -- "President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Recent events and the tense atmosphere that has formed around international sport and the Olympic movement involuntarily recall the situation in the early 1980s. (...) Today, we see a dangerous return to this policy of letting politics interfere with sport. Yes, this intervention takes different forms today, but the essence remains the same; to make sport an instrument for geopolitical pressure and use it to form a negative image of countries and peoples."
IOC Vows 'Toughest Sanctions' After Fresh Anti-Doping Probe Finds Russian 'State-Dictated' Cheating RFE/RL 18 Jul 2016 -- The International Olympic Committee has vowed to take "the toughest sanctions available" as world sports' top anti-doping body called for a ban on all Russian athletes competing at next month's Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
World Anti-doping Agency Urges Olympic Ban on Russian Athletes VOA 18 Jul 2016 -- The World Anti-Doping Agency is urging the International Olympic Committee to ban all Russian teams from the upcoming Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Kazakh Officials Say Lone 'Islamist' Gunman Caught After Deadly Shootings RFE/RL 18 Jul 2016 -- Kazakh officials say they believe they have captured the lone gunman in multiple attacks that President Nursultan Nazarbaev described as a "terrorist act," which targeted police and left seven people dead and eight others injured in Kazakhstan's commercial capital, Almaty.

Paris Prosecutor: Nice Attacker Linked to Radical Islam VOA 18 Jul 2016 -- The man who killed 84 people in the Bastille Day attack in the French seaside city of Nice had expressed his interest in radical Islam, according to the Paris prosecutor.

Some Hostages Freed As Standoff Continues In Armenia RFE/RL 18 Jul 2016 -- Gunmen affiliated with an Armenian opposition group have freed three of seven hostages at an occupied Yerevan police station as a standoff with security forces enters a second day.

Bahrain: UN chief condemns dissolution of Al-Wefaq political party UN News 18 Jul 2016 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today deplores the dissolution of the main opposition political party in Bahrain, Al-Wefaq, and called for the resumption of an all-inclusive national dialogue aimed at peace and stability in the country and the region.
Clashes erupt in Bahrain after al-Wefaq society is dissolved Press TV 18 Jul 2016 -- Clashes have broken out between Bahraini police and demonstrators following Manama's decision to dissolve the country's main Shia opposition group, the al-Wefaq National Islamic Society.

Morocco announces bid to rejoin African Union after 32 years Press TV 18 Jul 2016 -- Morocco has officially announced plans to rejoin the African Union more than three decades after it left the bloc in protest at the independence of Western Sahara.

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list