20 September 2016 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 20 Sep 2016 [PDF]

Coalition Strikes Target ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 20 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.
Centcom: Investigation of Coalition Strike on Syrian Forces to Begin Soon AFPS 20 Sep 2016 -- At the direction of Army Gen. Joseph L. Votel, commander of U.S. Central Command, the command is moving quickly to appoint an investigating officer to look into the airstrike that took place Sept. 17 and reportedly hit Syrian regime forces, a Centcom spokesman said today.
Operation Inherent Resolve - Targeted Operations Against ISIL Terrorists
Dunford: U.S. Seeks to Coordinate with Russia, Mitigate Risk to Syrians AFPS 20 Sep 2016 -- Despite recent complications, the United States is still seeking to coordinate with Russia on strikes in Syria in an effort to protect the civilian population, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said yesterday.

'Noose Tightening' in Battle to Retake Mosul, Dunford Says AFPS 20 Sep 2016 -- The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said he expects Iraqi forces to be successful in their assault to retake Mosul and deliver a sharp blow to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

Defense Policy / Programs

B-21: Modernizing the bomber fleet AFNS 20 Sep 2016 -- Following the Air Force secretary's announcement that the new long-range strike bomber would be called the B-21 Raider, Gen. Robin Rand, the Air Force Global Strike Command commander, said during a session at the Air Force Association Air, Space and Cyber Conference Sept. 19 the name brought the past and present Air Force full circle by linking a success from the past with modernization that is currently taking shape with the new bomber -- and must continue to keep the Air Force ahead of its enemies.
Update: Two pilots eject as U-2 crashes in California AFNS 20 Sep 2016 -- A U-2 crashed shortly after takeoff at approximately 9:05 a.m. Sept. 20 near the Sutter Buttes mountain range. Two pilots were onboard and ejected from the aircraft.
Goldfein: Airpower crucial for joint warfighter AFNS 20 Sep 2016 -- Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Dave Goldfein outlined his top three focus areas – revitalizing squadrons, strengthening joint leaders and teams, and advancing command and control – during his Air Force Update address at the Air Force Association Air, Space and Cyber Conference here Sept. 20.
Carter: Military 'Stronger Than Ever' 5 Years After 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Repeal AFPS 20 Sep 2016 -- In a statement marking the fifth anniversary of the repeal of the so-called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law that barred gay men and lesbians from serving openly in the military, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said today's military is stronger than ever.
Statement from Secretary of Defense Ash Carter on the 5th anniversary of the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" DoD 20 Sep 2016
Nominee for Top Stratcom Post Details Threats at Confirmation Hearing AFPS 20 Sep 2016 -- Russia and China are America's biggest threats, but North Korea and Iran are the most likely threats, President Barack Obama's choice to be the next commander of U.S. Strategic Command told the Senate Armed Services Committee today in his confirmation hearing.
APF Ghana builds trust, relationships, interoperability AFNS 20 Sep 2016 -- Airmen and 12 African nations concluded an African Partnership Flight in Ghana Sept. 16.
Bonhomme Richard Launches NATO Missile NNS 20 Sep 2016 -- Amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) successfully engaged a target drone with a NATO Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missile during a fleet firing exercise off the coast of the U.S. territory of Guam as part of the exercise, Valiant Shield 2016 (VS16), Sept. 18.
Exercise Silent Response 2016 Underway NNS 20 Sep 2016 -- The U.S. 6th Fleet has begun exercise Silent Response 2016, a regularly scheduled training exercise.
Secretary of the Navy Names Next Fleet Replenishment Oiler in Honor of Robert F. Kennedy NNS 20 Sep 2016 -- Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus announced today that the next ship of the next generation of fleet replenishment oilers will be named USNS Robert F. Kennedy (T-AO 208).

Address by President Obama to the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly The White House 20 Sep 2016
Obama Gives Sobering View of World Politics in Final UN Address VOA 20 Sep 2016 -- In his final address at the United Nations, President Barack Obama reiterated his strong commitment to multilateralism and the world body.
In Final UN Speech, Obama Urges 'Course Correction,' Criticizes Russia's Use Of Force RFE/RL 20 Sep 2016 -- U.S. President Barack Obama on September 20 called for a "course correction" on the current path to global integration, urging the world to reject models of governance that perpetuate economic inequality, intolerance, authoritarianism, and isolationism.

Russian Westernmost Strategic Missile Forces' Division to Receive Yars Missiles Sputnik 20 Sep 2016 -- The westernmost division of Russian Strategic Missile Forces (SMF) located in Tver Region will receive Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) in nearest future, Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement Tuesday.

Norway Bets on F-35 to Attack Targets in Russia Sputnik 20 Sep 2016 -- The controversial purchase of US-made F-35 fighter jets is by far Norway's largest public procurement on war machines ever. The rationale behind the much-debated purchase is to be able to attack targets in polar Russia in a hypothetic conflict scenario.

Estonia Takes Note of Norway's Recruitment of Women Into Army Sputnik 20 Sep 2016 -- Estonian Minister of Defense Hannes Hanso, who is on a visit to Norway, expressed interest in how the country attracts women to military service, noting that in Estonia the role of women in defense is expected to grow, according to the press service of the military.

MND dismisses report of missile project halt CNA 20 Sep 2016 -- The Ministry of National Defense (MND) dismissed as "mere speculation" Tuesday a media report that the government has decided to terminate efforts to develop a medium-range surface-to-surface guided missile as a goodwill gesture to China.

China-Russia naval drill ends with island-seizing mission People's Daily 20 Sep 2016 -- China-Russia naval drill ends with island-seizing mission

India Successfully Test-Fires Barak 8 Surface-to-Air Missile Sputnik 20 Sep 2016 -- The Indian Ministry of Defense on Tuesday successfully conducted a test launch of an Indo-Israeli surface-to-air missile dubbed Barak 8.

China urges Japan to take neighbors' security concerns seriously People's Daily 20 Sep 2016 -- A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tuesday urged Japan to take its neighbors' security concerns seriously and act prudently in military and security fields.

Philippine President to Work with US Military Despite Threats VOA 20 Sep 2016 -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's apparent rejection of U.S. military help in patrolling a contested sea and in fighting Muslim rebels may mark just another angry outburst rather than an order to quit cooperation, as Filipinos largely welcome the help despite uncomfortable memories of American colonialism.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Josh Earnest and Ben Rhodes The White House 20 Sep 2016

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for September 20, 2016

Other Conflicts

Obama, Ban Call on World's Leaders to Help Solve Epic Refugee Crisis VOA 20 Sep 2016 -- President Barack Obama hosted the first Leaders Summit on Refugees in New York City on Tuesday, saying the world is facing a crisis of epic proportions.
On margins of UN Assembly, religious leaders discuss strategies for preventing atrocity crimes UN News 20 Sep 2016 -- Religious leaders from different faiths met at the United Nations in New York today, at an event where Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide, Mr. Adama Dieng, said that manipulation of religion – which feeds on people's fears and can eclipse human reason – fuels religious conflict.
UN official unveils draft principles on protecting human rights of refugees and migrants UN News 20 Sep 2016 -- A senior United Nations official today unveiled a draft set of principles that urge the international community to build on the momentum created by the adoption yesterday, by UN Member States, of a landmark declaration on protecting the rights of refugees and migrants by including the critical issue of human rights in all discussions focusing on large-scale, perilous and irregular migration movements.
China vows aid to resolve refugee crises People's Daily 20 Sep 2016 -- China pledged $100 million in humanitarian aid on Monday to help countries and international organizations to resolve refugee and migrant crises and will consider additional support measures.

China urges Philippines to solve disputes through dialogue People's Daily 20 Sep 2016 -- China urges the Philippines to solve bilateral disputes through negotiation and consultation on the basis of mutual respect and trust, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Tuesday.

Saudi airstrikes kill more civilians in Yemen Press TV 20 Sep 2016 -- Saudi warplanes have conducted new attacks against Yemen, killing more civilians.

Meeting of the International Syria Support Group US Dept. of State 20 Sep 2016
No signs of airstrike in Aleppo convoy incident: Russia Press TV 20 Sep 2016 -- Russia says there are no signs indicating that a United Nations (UN) convoy that was apparently attacked in the Syrian province of Aleppo on Monday was hit by an airstrike.
UN officials condemn attacks against aid convoy and warehouse in rural Aleppo UN News 20 Sep 2016 -- Top United Nations officials have condemned attacks last night against a UN/Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) aid convoy, as well as a SARC warehouse and health clinic in Urum al-Kubra (Big Orem), northwest of Aleppo city in Syria, in which about 20 civilians and one SARC staff member were killed and vital food and medical assistance was destroyed.
Despite Errant US Strike, Syrian Regime Presses IS in Deir Ezzor VOA 20 Sep 2016 -- Despite Saturday's errant U.S. airstrike that Russia claims killed 62 Syrian troops, the Syrian government is upping the battle against Islamic State fighters in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor.
White House Holds Russia Responsible for Deadly Attack on Syrian Aid Convoy VOA 20 Sep 2016 -- The United States is holding Russia responsible for an attack on a humanitarian convoy in northern Syria that killed 20 civilians and an official of the Syrian Red Crescent society.
In Controversial Syria Strike, Critical Minutes Lost Sorting 'Cryptic' Phone Calls VOA 20 Sep 2016 -- Three days after a U.S. airstrike hit a group of people who Russia and Syria say were Syrian troops, there is still little clarity on who they were, and why Russia did not warn the United States that there were Syrian soldiers in the target area.
Syria, Russia deny responsibility for aid convoy attack Press TV 20 Sep 2016 -- Both Moscow and Damascus have disclaimed responsibility for the recent deadly air raid targeting a humanitarian aid convoy near the northwestern Syrian city of Aleppo amid Western media reports pointing finger at the pair.
Syrian, Russian forces repel militant attack after truce expires Press TV 20 Sep 2016 -- Backed by Russian air power, Syrian army forces have repelled a large-scale attack by militants on the countryside of the northwestern Syrian city of Aleppo.
Aid Convoy Bombed As Syrian Military Declares End To Truce RFE/RL 20 Sep 2016 -- Monitors say warplanes hit a Syrian convoy bringing desperately needed aid to a hard-to-reach town, as Syria's military declared an end to the already fraying a week-old cease-fire.
UN Chief Calls Syria Convoy Attackers 'Cowards' As Diplomats Seek To Salvage Cease-Fire RFE/RL 20 Sep 2016 -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned a deadly air strike on humanitarian aid trucks near Aleppo, calling those behind the attack "cowards" as diplomats scrambled to preserve a cease-fire in Syria.
US Sets up Coordination Center in Syria's Tell Abyad to Prepare for Raqqa Storm Sputnik 20 Sep 2016 -- According to the information received by Sputnik from sources in the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD), the United States as part of preparation for the operation to free Raqqa from Daesh militants has set up a coordination center in the Syrian town of Tell Abyad, which is controlled by the Kurdish forces.
Syrian Army Uninvolved in Attack on Aid Convoy Near Aleppo Sputnik 20 Sep 2016 -- The Syrian Arab Army was not involved in a deadly attack on a humanitarian aid convoy near the Syrian city of Aleppo, state media reported on Tuesday, citing a military source.
MSF Condemns Attack on Aid Convoy in Syria Sputnik 20 Sep 2016 -- Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF, or Doctors Without Borders) strongly condemns the latest attack on a humanitarian aid convoy in Syria's Aleppo and calls on all major powers involved in the conflict to take specific steps to stop all strikes against civilian infrastructure, an MSF spokesperson told Sputnik on Tuesday.
UN Suspends Aid Convoys in Syria After Attack Near Aleppo, Ready for Renewal Sputnik 20 Sep 2016 -- The United Nations suspended the movements of its aid convoys in the crisis-torn Syria, after one of them had been attacked on its way to the city of Aleppo, but ready to renew these activities when the situation becomes safer, a spokesman for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs' (OCHA) said Tuesday.
Syrian Army Destroys Leading al-Nusra Unit in Aleppo Sputnik 20 Sep 2016 -- Syrian government troops supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces have destroyed a leading unit of the Jabhat Fatah Al-Sham group in Aleppo.
Syria Cease-fire Not Dead Yet, Diplomats Contend VOA 20 Sep 2016 -- Not dead – yet. That is the assertion of several key diplomats about the cease-fire in Syria following the attack Monday on an aid convoy.

Forces in Iraq meet to coordinate Mosul liberation IRNA 20 Sep 2016 -- Officials from the Iraqi Army and Peshmerga fighters from the Iraqi Kurdistan Region along with the international coalition forces have recently met to discuss a joint operation for liberating Mosul from terrorists.
Iraq announces start of operation to free town near Mosul Press TV 20 Sep 2016 -- Iraq says its army and volunteer forces have begun operations to rid a town near the Daesh stronghold of Mosul of the Takfiri terrorist group's presence.
Iraqi Army Kicks Off Offensive to Retake Daesh-Held Shirqat South of Mosul Sputnik 20 Sep 2016 -- The Iraqi Armed Forces launched an offensive to liberate Shirqat, a town occupied by Daesh and located to the south of Mosul, as well as two other areas, Prime Minister Haider Abadi said Tuesday.

Two Turkish troopers killed during Syria operation Press TV 20 Sep 2016 -- Two Turkish forces have lost their lives during an incursion into Syria which Ankara says targets Daesh terrorists and Kurdish militants operating in the violence-wracked Arab country.
Turkey Plans to Liberate More Cities, Create Safe Zones in Northern Syria Sputnik 20 Sep 2016 -- Ankara plans to clean the northern Syrian cities of Manbij and al-Bab from Daesh militants soon and create safe zones there, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Tuesday.

Military helicopter crash leaves 8 dead in east Libya: Army Press TV 20 Sep 2016 -- A military chopper has gone down in eastern Libya, with all the eight people on board reported dead.
Libya's Tobruk-Based Parliament to Move to Benghazi After City's Liberation Sputnik 20 Sep 2016 -- The House of Representatives, Libya's Tobruk-based parliament, plans to move its headquarters to the city of Benghazi after it is freed from terror groups, the parliament's President Aguila Saleh told Sputnik on Tuesday.

Turkey Braces for Possible Spike in Ethnic Tensions VOA 20 Sep 2016 -- Fears are growing in Turkey about rising ethnic tensions between Turks and Kurds. The country is in the midst of a wave of Turkish nationalism in the aftermath of July's failed coup, at the same time Kurdish rebels of the PKK stepped up their military campaign for autonomy.

Indian, Pakistani soldiers exchange fire in Kashmir Press TV 20 Sep 2016 -- Indian and Pakistani soldiers have exchanged fire along the de facto border dividing the disputed region of Kashmir, Indian military sources say.
Indian Army Eliminates 10 Militants Near Kashmir Sputnik 20 Sep 2016 -- In a massive search operation against infiltrated militants, the Indian Army eliminated 10 militants in the Lachipura area of Uri in Jammu and Kashmir.

UN warns against risk of genocide in Burundi Press TV 20 Sep 2016 -- A group of UN investigators have warned against a looming risk of genocide in Burundi, saying a "general trend of ethnically divisive rhetoric by the government" means that the conflict could spill into other African countries.

Russian Forces Destroy Four Militant Sites, 1,800 Weapons in North Caucasus Sputnik 20 Sep 2016 -- The Russian forces destroyed militant sites and 1,800 pieces of ammunition in North Caucasus within one week.

Tribal Leaders Say IS Regrouping in Afghan-Pakistan Border Areas VOA 20 Sep 2016 -- Local leaders in Pakistan and Afghanistan say they are seeing a resurgence and regrouping of Islamic State fighters in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region.

News Reports

Kim Jong Un Guides Ground Jet Test of New-type High-Power Engine of Carrier Rocket for Geo-stationary Satellite KCNA 20 Sep 2016 -- Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea, chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK and supreme commander of the Korean People's Army, visited the Sohae Space Center to guide the ground jet test of a new type high-power engine of a carrier rocket for the geo-stationary satellite.
North Korea's Kim Jong-un guides rocket engine test Press TV 20 Sep 2016 -- North Korea has successfully ground tested a new high-power rocket engine, saying it will be used for launching geostationary satellites.
North Korea Claims Successful Test of New Rocket Engine VOA 20 Sep 2016 -- North Korea on Tuesday launched a successful ground test of a new high-powered rocket engine, according to state media, indicating the country is closer to acquiring long-range capabilities.
U.S. Reckless Moves for Preemptive Attack under Fire KCNA 20 Sep 2016 -- Kim Kwang Hak, researcher at the Institute for American Studies of the Foreign Ministry of the DPRK, released a commentary titled "U.S. reckless moves for preemptive attack precipitate self-destruction only" on Tuesday.
U.S. Air Attack on Base of Syrian Government Force Is Intentional Aggression: DPRK FM Spokesman KCNA 20 Sep 2016 -- A spokesman for the DPRK Foreign Ministry gave the following answer to the question raised by KCNA on Tuesday as regards the fact that fighters of the U.S. forces made an air raid on the base of the Syrian government force:
Housing Construction Begins in Flood-hit Areas of DPRK KCNA 20 Sep 2016 -- The housing construction began in the flood-hit areas of North Hamgyong Province, the DPRK, with huge manpower and building machines mobilized.
DPRK People Determined to Work Miracles in Recovery Efforts KCNA 20 Sep 2016 -- We will emerge victorious in this anti-disaster battle under the guidance of supreme leader Kim Jong Un. All the inhabitants in flood-hit Musan County are now filled with deep yearning for him who works heart and soul to stabilize their life.
KCNA Commentary Dismisses Obama's Remarks as Hypocritical KCNA 20 Sep 2016 -- The U.S. is resorting to sleight of hand to disguise itself as "apostle of peace".
Chinese Company Under Scrutiny for Evading North Korean Sanctions VOA 20 Sep 2016 -- A Chinese conglomerate with extensive North Korean ties is reportedly under investigation by authorities in Beijing and Washington for helping the Kim Jong Un government evade international sanctions and expand its nuclear weapons program.

Opposition Parties' Offices Torched in Congo After Anti-Government Protests VOA 20 Sep 2016 -- The mood is tense in the Democratic Republic of Congo's capital, following a day and night of deadly violence involving security forces and anti-government protesters. A human rights group reports more than 40 people have been killed, most of them civilians.
HRW: At Least 44 Killed in DRC Clashes VOA 20 Sep 2016 -- A human rights group says at least 44 people were killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo over two days of violence triggered by protests against President Joseph Kabila.
Over three dozen killed by DR Congo police in two days: HRW Press TV 20 Sep 2016 -- Human Rights Watch says security forces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have killed more than three dozen people in the latest bout of protests against President Joseph Kabila that turned violent.

Turkish Foreign Ministry Undergoes Major Reshuffle Changing 16 Ambassadors Sputnik 20 Sep 2016 -- The Turkish Foreign Ministry has undergone a major reshuffle with 16 of its ambassadors to other countries and international organizations recalled, swapped and otherwise changed, a decree published on Tuesday said.
Turkey axes 28,000 teachers despite severe educational staff shortages Press TV 19 Sep 2016 -- Turkey has fired some 28,000 teachers and suspended a further 9,500 over terrorism links in the aftermath of a failed July coup.

Numbers Don't Lie: Statistics Point To Massive Fraud In Russia's Duma Vote RFE/RL 20 Sep 2016 -- When liberal rights activist Ella Pamfilova was named to head Russia's election commission in March, she promised to clean house and oversee transparent, democratic elections.

Iran Sentences Lebanese IT Expert To 10 Years In Prison RFE/RL 20 Sep 2016 -- A Lebanese information technology expert detained in Iran for more than a year has been sentenced to 10 years in prison and given a $4.2 million fine, his U.S. lawyer told RFE/RL on September 20.

Ahmad Khan Rahami Charged in Manhattan and New Jersey Federal Courts with Executing Bombings in New York City and New Jersey US Dept. of Justice 20 Sep 2016 -- Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch, Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, FBI Director James B. Comey, U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara of the Southern District of New York, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman of the District of New Jersey, Assistant Director-in-Charge William Sweeney of the FBI's New York Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Timothy Gallagher of the FBI's Newark Field Office and Commissioner James O'Neill of the New York Police Department (NYPD) announced that Ahmad Khan Rahami, aka Ahmad Rahimi, has been charged in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York and the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, for conducting and attempting to conduct bombings in New York City and various locations in New Jersey on Sept. 17, 2016, and Sept. 18, 2016.
US Files Terrorism Charges Against Alleged New York Bomber VOA 20 Sep 2016 -- U.S. officials unsealed a criminal indictment against Afghan-born bombing suspect Ahmad Khan Rahami, charging him with planting a series of bombs in New York and New Jersey over the past three days in an act of terrorism.
No Terror Cells, but NY Bombing Suspect Likely Had Help VOA 20 Sep 2016 -- The man thought to be behind a series of bombings and attempted bombings in New York and New Jersey may not have been part of a terror cell, but based on previous investigations chances are good he had some sort of help.
Investigators Focus on Motive, Possible Foreign Ties in New York Bombing VOA 20 Sep 2016 -- U.S. authorities are working to determine whether the suspect in Saturday's bombings in New York City and New Jersey has any foreign terror ties and what may have motivated the attack that wounded 29 people.

Study: Former Al-Qaida Terrorists Training Islamic State Cells in Europe VOA 20 Sep 2016 -- There are direct links between the al-Qaida terror networks of the last decade, and the Islamic State-linked terror cells in Europe that have carried out a series of attacks in recent months, according to a new report.

Prominent Ukrainian Anti-Maidan Activist Killed In Moscow Restaurant RFE/RL 20 Sep 2016 -- Russian investigators say a prominent Ukrainian separatist has been shot dead in an upscale restaurant outside Moscow by a gunman disguised in a fake moustache and a panama hat.

Convicted War Criminal Seeks Return To Power In Northwestern Bosnia RFE/RL 20 Sep 2016 -- After serving time in a Croatian prison for war crimes he committed during the 1992-95 war in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Fikret Abdic has returned to the scene of those crimes and is running for mayor.

China denounces European Parliament leaders' meeting with Dalai Lama People's Daily 20 Sep 2016 -- China is firmly opposed to the choice of the European Parliament to meet the 14th Dalai Lama, and cannot expected to remain silent in light of this event, said China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sept. 19.

Brazil's Former President to Stand Trial for Corruption VOA 20 Sep 2016 -- A Brazilian judge has ordered former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to stand trial on charges of corruption and money laundering.

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