16 September 2016 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 16 Sep 2016 [PDF]

Military Strikes Continue Against ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 16 Sep 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.
Statement from Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook on Airstrike Against ISIL Senior Leader DoD 16 Sep 2016 -- On Sept. 7, coalition forces conducted a precision strike near Raqqah, Syria, that targeted and killed "Dr. Wa'il", also known as Wa'il Adil Hasan Salman al-Fayad, one of ISIL's most senior leaders.

U.S. Senators Question Aid To Afghanistan Amid 'Rampant Corruption' RFE/RL 16 Sep 2016 -- U.S. senators have warned the Obama administration that failure to address problems with corruption in Afghanistan could lead to a pullback in the embattled country's $5 billion in yearly aid.

Defense Policy / Programs

Snowden Hits Out At Scathing U.S. House Report RFE/RL 16 Sep 2016 -- Former U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) contractor Edward Snowden has rejected a scathing report issued by a U.S. House committee.
US congressional panel blasts former NSA contractor Snowden Press TV 16 Sep 2016 -- A US congressional intelligence committee has released a report condemning intelligence whistleblower Edward Snowden for leaking information that "caused tremendous damage" to US national security and urging President Barack Obama not to pardon him.

US House passes bill to block Guantanamo transfers Press TV 16 Sep 2016 -- The US House of Representatives in Congress has passed a bill that would block the transfer of any detainees from the notorious Guantanamo Bay military prison during President Barack Obama's remaining tenure.

Dunford Discusses ISIL With Turkish Counterpart Ahead of NATO Meeting AFPS 16 Sep 2016 -- The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff met today with his Turkish counterpart on efforts against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, ahead of a NATO Military Committee conference here tomorrow.
DoD's Technological Superiority Depends on Out-Innovating Adversaries AFPS 16 Sep 2016 -- Future Defense Department technological superiority hinges on the department's ability to out-innovate its adversaries, rethink how it sources technology and perhaps rethink its models for product delivery, the assistant secretary of defense for research and engineering said here yesterday.
Navy Tests 100-percent Advanced Biofuel NNS 16 Sep 2016 -- Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus' energy vision came to fruition in September when the EA-18G "Green Growler" completed flight testing of a 100-percent advanced biofuel at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. The U.S. Navy is a leader in incorporating alternative fuel into operational supplies, in order to increase mission capability and flexibility.
Pacific Partnership 2016 Returns to Hawaii NNS 16 Sep 2016 -- Pacific Partnership 2016, embarked aboard hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) arrived in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of responsibility Sept. 15, en route to Hawaii for a brief stop as the mission nears conclusion.
US Sailors Begin Multinational Exercise Northern Challenge 2016 NNS 16 Sep 2016 -- Sailors from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 8 began participating in exercise Northern Challenge (NOCH) 2016 in Keflavik, Iceland, Sept. 12.

Mass Deliveries of Russia's Tornado-S Launcher to Begin in 2017 Sputnik 16 Sep 2016 -- Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov said that serial production of Russia's Tornado-S long-range multiple rocket launcher system is scheduled for 2017.
Russia-China drills to strengthen regional stability: Russian foreign ministry People's Daily 16 Sep 2016 -- The on-going Russian-Chinese naval drills in the South China Sea should help strengthen stability in the region rather than destabilize it, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Thursday.

China, Japan agree to speed up negotiations on air, maritime contact mechanism People's Daily 16 Sep 2016 -- China and Japan reached an agreement on speeding up the negotiation process on the air and maritime contact mechanism between the defense ministries of the two countries in the fifth round of high-level consultations on maritime affairs held here on Wednesday and Thursday.

Japan Court Rules Against Okinawa Governor Attempt to Bloc Relocation of US Base Sputnik 16 Sep 2016 -- A Japanese court of Friday ruled against Okinawa Governor Takeshi Onaga, who had canceled his predecessor's decision to enable relocation of a US air base within the prefecture, local media reported.

Military personnel stand by as Typhoon Malakas nears Taiwan CNA 16 Sep 2016 -- The Ministry of National Defense (MND) has ordered 23,308 soldiers to be on standby as Typhoon Malakas approaches Taiwan.

Pyongyang Improving Missile Technology, Could Take More Provocative Action Soon Sputnik 16 Sep 2016 -- North Korea is improving the precision of its missiles and could launch more provocative tests in the near future, South Korean media report.

US Delivers New Fighter Jets After OKing Record Military Aid Package to Israel Sputnik 16 Sep 2016 -- In the wake of a new military assistance agreement signed Wednesday between Jerusalem and Washington, Israel is welcoming 10 F-15D fighter jets, an unnamed number of Hercules transport aircraft, and GPS guided JDAM smart bombs into its arsenal.
Israel to 'Spy on the Middle East, Russia and China' With US-Funded Satellite Sputnik 16 Sep 2016 -- On Tuesday, Israel launched into orbit its seventh spy satellite, Ofek 11, which is set to provide the Israeli military with surveillance imagery of the developments in the Middle East; however experts tell Sputnik that the Israeli space program, which is financed by the US, is also aimed at Russia and even China.

OPCW Working With Libya on Clean-Up After Chemicals' Leak at Storage Site Sputnik 16 Sep 2016 -- The OPCW Technical Secretariat has been working with Libya and other countries to develop a plan for environmental clean-up at the site where the leakage of components for chemical weapons occurred, according to OPWC's spokeswoman.
EU Operation Sophia Vessels Start Intercepting Arms Smugglers in Libya Sputnik 16 Sep 2016 -- The EU Operation Sophia vessels started to intercept ships in the international waters attempting to import weaponry to Libya in order to enforce UN arms embargo.

Egypt Had to Buy Mistral Ships to Boost Defense Amid Security Threats Sputnik 16 Sep 2016 -- Various threats in the Middle East region urged Egypt to buy two Mistral-class helicopter carriers constructed in France initially for Russia, Egyptian Navy Commander Adm. Osama Rabie said on Friday.

Russia to Supply 12 Mi-35M Helicopters to Nigeria by 2018 Sputnik 16 Sep 2016 -- Russia will deliver 12 multipurpose Mi-35 helicopters to Nigeria by 2018.

September 16, 2016 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 16 Sep 2016
Press Briefing by Press Secretary Josh Earnest; Mayor Kasim Reed of Atlanta, GA; and Governor John Kasich of Ohio The White House 16 Sep 2016

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for September 16, 2016
The Tragic Fate of Ukraine's Antonov, Once a Legendary Name in Aeronautics Sputnik 16 Sep 2016 -- Ukraine's Antonov, once a legend of global civilian and military aircraft production, is on the verge of collapse. With its cooperative ties with Russia almost completely cut off, the company has completely ceased aircraft production, and is now engaged in selling off its trove of intellectual property to foreign buyers.

Other Conflicts

16 September 2016 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 16 Sep 2016
Ahead of World Peace Day, UN chief says Global Goals are 'building blocks for peace' UN News 16 Sep 2016 -- Ahead of the International Day of Peace, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has stressed that each of the new global Sustainable Development Goals adopted a year ago by 193 countries are the "building blocks" for peace.

75,000 Syrian Refugees Trapped, Dying Near Border, Amnesty Says VOA 16 Sep 2016 -- Around 75,000 refugees are stranded in a no-man's land on the Syria-Jordan border, and hundreds are dying because they are cut off from food and medical aid, Amnesty International said Friday.
US, Russia Disagree on Who's Thwarting Aid for Aleppo VOA 16 Sep 2016 -- Officials in Washington and Moscow on Friday expressed a desire to extend their week-old cease-fire pact for Syria and confirmed aid deliveries had not yet begun, but agreed on little else concerning the tenuous situation in the war-torn country.
Only one side implementing ceasefire in Syria: Russia Press TV 16 Sep 2016 -- The Russian Defense Ministry says only Moscow and Syrian government forces are standing committed to the terms of a ceasefire brokered by the United States and Russia in the conflict-ridden Arab country, criticizing foreign-backed Takfiri militants of violating the truce.
Syrian army fighting to repel militant offensive Press TV 16 Sep 2016 -- There are reports of fierce fighting and clashes after foreign-backed militants try to enter an eastern suburb of the Syrian capital in violation of a nationwide ceasefire.
Kerry Says No Deal With Russia Until Aid Flows To Aleppo RFE/RL 16 Sep 2016 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has told his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov that Washington will not agree to begin the joint targeting of Islamic militants in Syria until aid begins to flow to the besieged residents in the war-torn country.
US Warns Russia Cease-fire Depends on Aleppo Aid VOA 16 Sep 2016 -- The Obama administration is warning Russia that their military cooperation in Syria will not go forward unless humanitarian aid begins to reach Aleppo and other besieged areas.
Syria and Refugee Crisis to Dominate World Leaders UN Meetings VOA 16 Sep 2016 -- Next week, world leaders gather in New York for their annual U.N. meetings. The war in Syria and the refugee crisis it has created are expected to dominate the agenda.

Facing Arms Shortages, IS Turns to Homemade Weapons VOA 16 Sep 2016 -- As the Islamic State group's arsenal of sophisticated weaponry dwindles, IS fighters are creating more homemade armaments.

Police forces kill five PKK militants in southeastern Turkey Press TV 16 Sep 2016 -- At least five members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) have been killed after Turkish security forces carried out two separate counter-terrorism operations against the Kurdish militants in the country's southeastern province of Hakkari.

US supports Japan maritime activities in South China Sea Press TV 16 Sep 2016 -- The US military has welcomed Japan's interest in boosting its maritime activities in the disputed South China Sea.

UN says number of South Sudan refugees exceeds one million Press TV 16 Sep 2016 -- The United Nations refugee agency says fighting in South Sudan has forced more than one million people to flee the war-stricken country.
Number of South Sudan refugees passes one million - UN UN News 16 Sep 2016 -- As instability and violence persist in the world's newest country, the number of South Sudanese seeking safety and shelter in neighbouring countries has crossed the one million mark, the United Nations refugee agency said today.
Human rights expert group concludes first visit to South Sudan UN News 16 Sep 2016 -- Concluding its first visit to South Sudan, a United Nations-mandated human rights mission today expressed deep concern over rights violations and the slow implementation of the August 2015 peace agreement between rival political factions.

Niger: After 4-day visit, senior UN aid official calls for greater global support for displaced UN News 16 Sep 2016 -- Wrapping up a four-day mission in Niger, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for Africa's Sahel region has called on the international community to show increased support for the people of Diffa and the rest of the Lake Chad Basin who have been displaced from their homes amid the violence of Boko Haram's insurgency.
Cameroon Clamps Down on Private Security Firms VOA 16 Sep 2016 -- Cameroon's government says it is clamping down on unlicensed private security firms in an effort to improve public safety and enforce regulations.
Nigeria Army Chief: Boko Haram Capabilities 'Virtually Eliminated' VOA 16 Sep 2016 -- The Nigerian military has made tremendous progress against the Boko Haram terrorist group, the country's chief of army staff told VOA Daybreak Africa.

IMF: Mideast Conflict Has 'Massive' Economic Impact VOA 16 Sep 2016 -- A new study by the International Monetary Fund says the economic impact of conflict in the Middle East and North Africa is "massive and persistent" bringing soaring inflation, hurting the value of currencies, and sparking a flood of refugees to neighboring nations.

Al-Shabab Militants Capture Key Somali Town VOA 16 Sep 2016 -- Al-Shabab militants have captured a key Somali town near with the border with Kenya, according to witnesses.

UN rights expert calls for durable solutions for the displaced in Serbia and Kosovo UN News 16 Sep 2016 -- Concluding his five-day visit to Serbia and Kosovo, a United Nations human rights expert called on the Government of Serbia and the authorities in Kosovo to find an urgent and sustainable solution for people who have been displaced for almost 17 years.

Illegitimate Russian Duma Elections in Occupied Crimea US Dept. of State 16 Sep 2016

News Reports

Spike in US Intel Ops Against Russia Signals Relations at 'Point of No Return Sputnik 16 Sep 2016 -- On Wednesday, US media reported that America's intelligence agencies have expanded the scope and breadth of their operations against Russia to Cold War levels. Commenting on the news, Russian experts have said this is the clearest indication yet that Washington has shifted Russia's status from a 'geopolitical rival' into an outright 'enemy'.

U.S. Senate Committee: Pakistan Is A 'Tremendously Duplicitous Partner' RFE/RL 16 Sep 2016 -- Pakistan continues to be a "tremendously duplicitous partner," according to Bob Corker, chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Deadly Suicide Blast Rips Through Pakistan Mosque VOA 16 Sep 2016 -- A suicide blast Friday tore through a crowded mosque in northwestern Pakistan, killing at least 25 people and wounding at least 30 more, officials said.
Bomb attack kills 25 in northwest Pakistan mosque: Official Press TV 16 Sep 2016 -- At least 25 people have been killed and 30 more wounded in a bomb attack in a Pakistani mosque near the Afghanistan border, a regional official says.

Analysis: Reading Between The Lines Of Russia's Duma Elections RFE/RL 16 Sep 2016 -- In a system of "managed" democracy such as Russia's, the importance of elections is not necessarily in their results but in how they are managed.

White House Said Mulling Legal Action Against Russian Hackers RFE/RL 16 Sep 2016 -- The White House is trying to build a legal case against Russian hackers it believes are behind recent leaks aimed at disrupting the U.S. presidential election, while Congress is eyeing sanctions as a remedy, media reports says.

Mekong Nations Seek Closer Cooperation Against Growing Drug Scourge VOA 16 Sep 2016 -- Facing an increase in drug trafficking, some Southeast Asian nations are planning on creating a centralized data source for law enforcement and carrying out joint patrols.

Belgium police arrest two in anti-terror raids Press TV 16 Sep 2016 -- The Belgian federal prosecutor's office says authorities have detained two people for questioning following anti-terror raids in two districts of the capital Brussels and the city of Liege in the southeast.

Iran involved in highest level of nuclear development cooperation in post-JCPOA IRNA 16 Sep 2016 -- Iran's Ambassador to Britain Hamid Baeidinejad said that Iran is currently involved in the highest level of cooperation in nuclear energy development.
Salehi: Iran ready for cooperation with regional states on nuclear energy IRNA 16 Sep 2016 -- Head of Iran Atomic Energy Organization Ali Akbar Salehi said on Friday that Tehran is ready for collaboration with regional states for development of the nuclear energy.
Iran urges all-out evaluation of JCPOA implementation by WNA IRNA 16 Sep 2016 -- Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali-Akbar Salehi proposed all-out evaluation of the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) by the World Nuclear Association (WNA).

Japan's largest opposition party elects first female leader People's Daily 16 Sep 2016 -- Japan's main opposition Democratic Party (DP) elected its first female leader Thursday as 48-year-old former TV newscaster Renho won the leadership election by a large margin.

Tiangong-2 takes China one step closer to space station People's Daily 16 Sep 2016 -- China's Tiangong-2 space lab blasted off on Thursday, marking another milestone in its increasingly ambitious space program, which envisions a mission to Mars by the end of this decade and its own space station by around 2020.

U.S. lawmakers propose allowing high-level visits from Taiwan CNA 16 Sep 2016 -- Members of the U.S. House of Representatives introduced a Taiwan Travel Act on Thursday that seeks to lift restrictions and allow all high-level officials of Taiwan, including its president, to visit the United States.

Colombian President Acknowledges Government's Role in 1980s Killings VOA 16 Sep 2016 -- Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos has publicly acknowledged the government's role in the killings of leftist activists in the 1980s.

India, Nepal Restore Friendlier Ties VOA 16 Sep 2016 -- India and Nepal have put diplomatic relations, that had frayed in the past year, back on track during a visit to New Delhi by Nepal's new prime minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, popularly known as Prachanda.

US Eyeing Chinese Influence In Australian Politics VOA 16 Sep 2016 -- The United States has expressed concern about China's influence in Australia's domestic politics and wants reforms to eliminate Beijing's ability to use financial donations to influence Australian politicians.

Relations with China always top priority in Vietnam's foreign policy: official People's Daily 16 Sep 2016 -- "The stable, healthy and sustainable development of relations with China is always a strategic choice of Vietnam and among top priorities in Vietnam's foreign policy," Le Hoai Trung, Vietnam's deputy foreign minister, said Friday.

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