21 September 2016 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 21 Sep 2016 [PDF]

Officials Provide Details of Latest Counter-ISIL Strikes in Syria, Iraq AFPS 21 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.

Pakistan's Sharif: Only Kabul-Taliban Talks Can Bring Peace VOA 21 Sep 2016 -- Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif reiterated Wednesday that only a dialogue between the Afghan government and the Taliban can end decades of conflict and suffering in neighboring Afghanistan.
Afghan Peace Process Hopes to Build Momentum VOA 21 Sep 2016 -- War-torn Afghanistan marked International Peace Day Wednesday amid hopes that a widely-anticipated peace deal with a key insurgent group might ease security challenges by encouraging others fighting alongside the Taliban to join the peace process.

Defense Policy / Programs

Deputy Secretary Discusses Third Offset, First Organizational Construct AFPS 21 Sep 2016 -- The Defense Department's technological and organizational leaps over the decades have been characterized as strategies to offset or overcome the conventional strengths of potential adversaries.
U.S. Must Maintain Strongest Military in World, Dunford Tells Airmen AFPS 21 Sep 2016 -- Any discussion about the U.S. military has to start with the fact that today the force is unrivaled in the world, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said at the Air Force Association's annual meeting this morning.
Remarks by Secretary Carter in a Worldwide Troop Talk Moderated by Tech. Sgt. Holly Roberts-Davis DoD 21 Sep 2016 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Ash Carter
Carlisle: F-35A is fusion warfare key component AFNS 21 Sep 2016 -- During a panel session at the Air Force Association Air, Space and Cyber Conference here Sept. 20, F-35A Lightning II senior leadership discussed the future of the multi-role aircraft.
Reserve commander discusses shaping the force for the future AFNS 21 Sep 2016 -- Lt. Gen. Maryanne Miller, the Air Force Reserve Command commander and chief of the Air Force Reserve, said the legacy of citizen Airmen of the past helped strengthen and shape the dynamic force that serves and defends the nation today during a session at the Air Force Association Air, Space and Cyber Conference here Sept. 20.
24th MEU gears up for deployment USMC News 21 Sep 2016 -- Marines and sailors assigned to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, combined with their Amphibious Squadron 8 counterparts for a two-week PHIBRON-MEU Integration Training exercise aboard USS Bataan and USS Mesa Verde.
U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force Conduct Concept of Operations Exercise During Valiant Shield 2016 NNS 21 Sep 2016 -- Air and surface units from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force conducted a concept of operations simulated exercise during Valiant Shield 2016, Sept. 17.
Naval Oceanography Leverages Better Science, Communications to Deliver Better Results NNS 21 Sep 2016 -- The U.S. Navy faces numerous strategic challenges and the Naval Oceanography community is leveraging better science and communications to deliver better results for maintaining maritime superiority.

Joint Ministerial Statement on the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty US Dept. of State 21 Sep 2016 -- The Eighth Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Ministerial Meeting, which took place in New York on September 21, 2016, issued the following statement to which the United States associated itself.

NATO Rejects Russia's Plan to Ensure Air Safety in Baltic Region Sputnik 21 Sep 2016 -- NATO has rejected Russia's proposal aimed at improving air safety over the Baltic Sea. Russian envoy Alexander Grushko noted commenting on the matter that the Alliance is seemingly seeking to justify its decision to halt cooperation with Russia.

Russia to Send Admiral Kuznetsov Cruiser to Mediterranean Sea - Defense Minister Sputnik 21 Sep 2016 -- Russian Defense Minister said that Russia will send an aircraft carrier group with the Admiral Kuznetsov cruiser to the Mediterranean Sea to strengthen its capabilities there.
Russia's Northern, Pacific Fleets Participate in Arctic Region Tactical Drills Sputnik 21 Sep 2016 -- Russia's Northern and Pacific Fleet warship took part in tactical naval drills in the Arctic region, a spokesman for the Russian Navy said Wednesday.
Russian MoD Board to Discuss Aircraft Carrier's Entry to Active Service Sputnik 21 Sep 2016 -- The Russian Ministry od Defense will discuss Wednesday preparations for Russia's only aircraft-carrying cruiser for active service, the ministry said.

China donates trunked radio system to Cambodia People's Daily 21 Sep 2016 -- China's Ministry of Defense on Wednesday handed over equipment and material for assembling a trunked radio system to Cambodian Ministry of Defense, officials said.

Listening to the Ocean: India Starts Undersea Project to Monitor Rival Subs Sputnik 21 Sep 2016 -- India intends to construct a seabed-based surveillance sensor array. This would monitor all submarine or naval ships patrolling the South China Sea and Indian Ocean Region.
India Fast-Tracks Development of 26 Islands to Expand its Maritime Outreach Sputnik 21 Sep 2016 -- Internal security audit determines that hundreds of unmanned Islands could pose a major external threat to India.

Pentagon Chief: US Troops Poised To 'Fight Tonight' Against North Korea Sputnik 21 Sep 2016 -- In the wake of Pyongyang's recent nuclear weapons tests, US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter stated Monday that American forces in South Korea must adopt a stance of readiness as if they were going to "fight tonight."
U.S. sends B-1B bombers to S. Korea in show of force against DPRK's nuke test People's Daily 21 Sep 2016 -- The U.S. military on Wednesday sent two strategic bombers to South Korea in a show of force against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) over its latest nuclear test.
US lands 1st B-1B bomber on Korean Peninsula in 20 years Press TV 21 Sep 2016 -- The United States has landed a supersonic bomber in South Korea which Washington said with an aim to remind Pyongyang of American powerful military assets in the region.

Iran to launch production line of domestically-made missile IRNA 21 Sep 2016 -- Iran is scheduled to launch the production line of Zolfaqar missile, which has been designed and manufactured by domestic engineers, in the Defense Week to mark anniversary of Iraqi-imposed war 1980-1988.
Iran's sacred defense a lesson for those who supported Saddam: Comdr IRNA 21 Sep 2016 -- Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Brigadier General Mohammad Baqeri said Iran's sacred defense taught a lesson to those who provided fianacial and military aid for the Ba'ath regime of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.
Iran marks Sacred Defense Week with military parades Press TV 21 Sep 2016 -- Various divisions of Iran's Armed Forces are holding annual military parades on the first day of the Sacred Defense Week, which marks the 36th anniversary of the eight-year Iraqi war on Iran.

Defense Ministry to recruit 'weekend warriors' next year CNA 21 Sep 2016 -- The Ministry of National Defense (MND) will try to recruit 400 reservists next year for short-term military service, an MND official revealed Wednesday.
Tsai lauds indigenous ship program at ceremony for new CGA vessels CNA 21 Sep 2016 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Wednesday that Taiwan's efforts to build its own military vessels are intended to ensure sustainable maritime development and participate in maritime rescue missions rather than as a show of force.

Government of Japan - KC-46A Aerial Refueling Aircraft DSCA 21 Sep 2016 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Japan for KC-46A aerial refueling aircraft and related equipment, training, and support. The estimated cost is $1.9 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

Defence Secretary reaffirms strong ties with Kuwait UK MOD 21 Sep 2016 -- Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has reaffirmed the UK's Defence relationship with Kuwait during a visit to the Gulf country.

US senators connive with Obama over Saudi arms deal Press TV 21 Sep 2016 -- The United States Senate finally endorses a military deal with Saudi Arabia worth of $1.15 billion despite initial opposition to the move forwarded by administration of President Barack Obama.
US Senate Rejects Effort to Block Arms Sale to Saudi Arabia VOA 21 Sep 2016 -- The U.S. Senate defeated a resolution disapproving an arms sale to Saudi Arabia after hours of contentious floor debate that aired sharp criticism of Riyadh and revealed rifts among lawmakers about America's relationship with its longtime Middle Eastern ally.

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for September 11, 2016

Other Conflicts

Ban urges ramped up support to meet Peacebuilding Fund's financial challenges UN News 21 Sep 2016 -- Ban urges ramped up support to meet Peacebuilding Fund's financial challenges The United Nations system is being pushed to its limits by an unprecedented number of conflicts and economic crises globally, as well as by climate change and inequalities, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today, calling on the international community to help keep the Organization's Peacebuilding Fund from falling into a dangerous financial position.

Russia, U.S. Trade Accusations Over Syria Convoy Strike; Kerry Pushes No-Fly Zone RFE/RL 21 Sep 2016 -- Russia and the United States have traded angry accusations over the attack of a Syrian humanitarian aid convoy, as U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry called for a no-fly zone in some parts of northern Syria.
Remarks at the Council Session on Syria US Dept. of State 21 Sep 2016 -- Remarks by John Kerry, US Secretary of State
Security Council now has 'no higher responsibility' than backing political path in Syria - Ban UN News 21 Sep 2016 -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on the members of the Security Council to fully support his Special Envoy in working on convening formal talks seeking to resolve the Syria conflict and developing proposals for future talks, or risk destroying the international community's credibility in being able to uphold "our common humanity."
Will Upcoming Fight in Syria Usher in Armageddon? VOA 21 Sep 2016 -- There's a small town in Syria where ancient Islamic prophecies say a fierce battle will bring about the end of days, and Turkish troops, U.S. military advisers and vetted Syrian opposition fighters appear to be heading straight for it.
John Kerry calls on Russia to ground Syrian fighter jets Press TV 21 Sep 2016 -- US Secretary of State John Kerry has asked Russia to force the Syrian government into halting its airstrikes against terrorist groups, saying no-fly zones in certain areas of the country are the only way to revive hopes for an end to the Syrian conflict.
Russians bear responsibility for UN aid convoy strike: US officials Press TV 21 Sep 2016 -- Two top US officials say Russians bear responsibility for an airstrike that destroyed a UN humanitarian aid convoy near Syria's Aleppo province on Monday.
Kerry Calls For No-Fly Zone Over Key Syria Areas RFE/RL 21 Sep 2016 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has said all aircraft in certain parts of northern Syria need to be grounded in order to establish a credible cease-fire in the area.
Syrian Jet Crashes North of Damascus, Cause Unknown Sputnik 21 Sep 2016 -- The Syrian Air Force aircraft crashed east of the capital city of Damascus, media reported Wednesday.
Syrian Jets Unable to Fly at Night, Not Behind Attack on Aid Convoy Near Aleppo Sputnik 21 Sep 2016 -- The Syrian Arab Air Force cannot carry out operations after daylight hours, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Wednesday.
Eyewitness Accounts Contradict Russian Denials About Syria Aid Convoy Attack VOA 21 Sep 2016 -- Russian and Syrian officials maintained Wednesday their chorus of denials of any involvement in an attack on a humanitarian aid convoy near Aleppo earlier this week that has prompted a suspension of all U.N. aid to Syria. But survivors and emergency responders insist the 31-truck convoy came under a 20-missile barrage and that shelling and missiles launched either from warplanes or helicopters continued for two hours.
Kerry Calls for Limiting Warplane Flights Over Syria VOA 21 Sep 2016 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said if a cease-fire deal in Syria is to be salvaged, warplanes must stop flying over key parts of the country.

US sources say Daesh resorted to chemical attack in Iraq Press TV 21 Sep 2016 -- Daesh Takfiri terrorists have launched a chemical attack against an air base in northern Iraq, US officials say.
Iraq Claims 180,000 Internally Displaced Have Returned Home VOA 21 Sep 2016 -- Iraqi officials say tens of thousands of refugees from several parts of the country, including Anbar and Salahedin provinces, have returned to their homes after Islamic State militants were pushed out of large swathes of territory by Iraqi government forces and Shi'ite volunteer militiamen earlier this year.
US Troops Suspect IS in Possible Chemical Attack on Base in Iraq VOA 21 Sep 2016 -- A U.S. military official says Islamic State is suspected of firing a rocket or artillery shell that landed on a military base in northern Iraq and may have contained a mustard agent.
Iraqis will be ready for Mosul ops in early October: US general Press TV 21 Sep 2016 -- US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joe Dunford says preparations for a long-anticipated operation by Iraqi forces to retake the militant-held city of Mosul will be finished in a matter of days.
Iraqi forces, tribal fighters liberate strategic district in Anbar Press TV 21 Sep 2016 -- Iraqi army soldiers, backed by fighters from pro-government tribal units, have fully liberated a strategic district in the western province of Anbar from Takfiri Daesh terrorists.

Sudan hosting 400k South Sudan refugees: Minister Press TV 21 Sep 2016 -- Sudan says it is hosting about 400,000 refugees, who fled the civil war in South Sudan that erupted in late 2013.

India Worried by Increased Movement Across Pakistan Border After Kashmir Attack Sputnik 21 Sep 2016 -- Inspector General of Border Security Force stated that India is concerned about the increasing cross-border activities in the state of Jammu and Kashmir claimed by Pakistan in the wake of the recent attack on the army brigade headquarters in Uri.

Germany Ready to Assist Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict Resolution Sputnik 21 Sep 2016 -- Germany is ready to contribute to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict peaceful settlement.

Mosques, Madrasas to be Razed in Myanmar's Rakhine State VOA 21 Sep 2016 -- A high-level government official in Myanmar's Rakhine State is set on demolishing hundreds of buildings, including mosques and Islamic religious schools, in the state's Muslim-majority townships of Maungdaw and Buthidaung.

News Reports

Two opposition Turkish journalists stand trial over alleged links to Gulen Press TV 21 Sep 2016 -- Two prominent Turkish journalists have been put on trial on suspicion of aiding US-based opposition cleric, Fethullah Gulen, who is blamed for a recent failed military coup against the Ankara government.
Fear Grows in Turkey as Crackdown on Gulen Followers Continues VOA 21 Sep 2016 -- The Turkish authorities are continuing their crackdown on followers of Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen, who is being blamed for a failed military coup attempt. With tens of thousands of people arrested, opposition parties are starting to voice concern that the crackdown is turning into a witch hunt.

Smashing Islamic State Could Unleash New Terror Threat VOA 21 Sep 2016 -- Success in the battle against Middle East insurgents, such as the Islamic State group and al-Qaida affiliates, is going to lead to a new challenge, diplomats and intelligence officials are warning.

Philippine president attacks EU with vulgar language, gesture Press TV 21 Sep 2016 -- The Philippines' President Rodrigo Duterte has lashed out at the European Union (EU) with his trademark undiplomatic language over the bloc's criticism of the controversial leader for "extrajudicial executions" in his war on drugs.

China, Ukraine, Zimbabwe Among Leaders to Speak at UNGA VOA 21 Sep 2016 -- The second day of the U.N. General Assembly annual meeting kicked off Wednesday with speeches from leaders of China, Japan, Ukraine, the European Union, Afghanistan and Pakistan, among others.

Russia Moving From Recession To Stagnation, EBRD Economist Says RFE/RL 21 Sep 2016 -- As Russia touts signs of renewed growth after a long recession, the self-exiled former Kremlin adviser who is now chief economist at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) says his homeland's prospects for recovery in fact remain bleak.

South Korea questions North Korea's suitability for UN membership Press TV 21 Sep 2016 -- South Korea has questioned the suitability of North Korea for membership at the United Nations (UN), drawing attention to Pyongyang's repeated violations of UN Security Council resolutions.
Railway Reconstruction Progresses Apace in Flood-hit Areas KCNA 21 Sep 2016 -- The railway reconstruction is making headway in the flood-hit areas of North Hamgyong Province, the DPRK.
Middle Class North Koreans Living High Life Despite International Sanctions Sputnik 21 Sep 2016 -- North Korea is undergoing economic reforms that have resulted in a blossoming middle class, Professor Andrey Lankov, an expert in Korean affairs at Seoul's Kookmin University, told Sputnik Japan.

President Rouhani urges all parties to observe JCPOA implementation IRNA 21 Sep 2016 -- President Hassan Rouhani urged all parties to stay committed to the precise and timely implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Najafi: Iran is not satisfied with conduct of parties to JCPOA IRNA 21 Sep 2016 -- Iran's Ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Reza Najafi said on Wednesday that Iran is not satisfied with conduct of the parties to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Iraqi parliament ousts finance minister over corruption allegations Press TV 21 Sep 2016 -- The Iraqi parliament has dismissed Finance Minister Hoshyar Zebari, who was recently grilled on charges of corruption and mismanagement.

Fight Against Islamic State Looks Like A Cover For Russia's Imperial Gamble RFE/RL 21 Sep 2016 -- Karl Rove is relaxed but adamant: "The threat from Russia is definitely growing," he says. "Putin is becoming more bellicose; he feels he can push the edge of the envelope further than ever before.".
Russian Banker Casts Doubt on Reports of Putin's Secret Wealth VOA 21 Sep 2016 -- A Russian banker has reportedly tried to argue that President Vladimir Putin does not have vast secret wealth because he is "very much dedicated to his job."

Investigators: NY Bombing Suspect Bought Parts on eBay VOA 21 Sep 2016 -- Federal investigators say the suspect in Saturday's bombings in New York and New Jersey bought components on eBay and used as triggering devices cell phones purchased from a store 500 meters from an address he once listed as his home.

Taiwan protests exclusion from U.N. fisheries meeting CNA 21 Sep 2016 -- Taiwan has lodged a protest against the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations for excluding Taiwanese officials from a July meeting of the FAO's Committee on Fisheries (COFI), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Wednesday.
Taiwan officials forced out of UN fisheries meeting allegedly by China CNA 21 Sep 2016 -- Two Taiwan officials were forced to leave a meeting of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations' Committee on Fisheries (COFI) in Italy in July, allegedly due to pressure from China, a Taiwan official confirmed Wednesday.

Pakistan Faces Rising Criticism Over Inability to Curb Extremism VOA 21 Sep 2016 -- As two U.S. lawmakers pursue legislation to designate Pakistan a terror state, Islamabad is facing the threat of increasing diplomatic isolation over its inability to curb homegrown militancy and the threat it poses to its neighbors.

Obama, Netanyahu Say US-Israel Bond 'Unbreakable' VOA 21 Sep 2016 -- U.S. President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, allies who nonetheless have had a testy relationship, said Wednesday that their two countries have an "unbreakable bond."

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list