27 September 2016 Military News

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OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 27 Sep 2016 [PDF]

US Airstrikes Take Out al-Shabab Commander in Somalia VOA 27 Sep 2016 -- U.S. military strikes near Kanjaron village on Monday killed four al-Shabab militants including a former commander, military sources tell VOA Somalia.

Afghan Forces Struggle in Increasingly Deadly Fight VOA 27 Sep 2016 -- Ja Jaan, a member of the Afghan national police, was traveling home from his job in the provincial capital of southern Uruzgan province to spend a few days off with his family when he came under attack from the Taliban.
'Insider attack' kills 12 Afghan troops while asleep in Kunduz Press TV 27 Sep 2016 -- Two rogue Afghan soldiers with suspected links to Taliban have killed at least a dozen of their comrades in a so-called insider attack in the northern province of Kunduz.

Defense Policy / Programs

US Presidential Candidates Sharply Divided on Military Alliances VOA 27 Sep 2016 -- U.S. presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump reiterated sharply opposing views on the issue of military support for American allies around the world, and for Japan and South Korea in particular, during their first televised debate on Monday.

Strengthening International Cooperation in Space Situational Awareness US Dept. of State 22 Sep 2016 -- Remarks by Frank A. Rose, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance
Cardillo Discusses Importance of Geospatial Intel at Senate Hearing AFPS 27 Sep 2016 -- National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Director Robert Cardillo drew back the curtain a bit on his organization's activities during a rare open session of the Senate Intelligence Committee here today.
Carter visits Minot, emphasizes nuclear mission AFNS 27 Sep 2016 -- Defense Secretary Ash Carter visited Minot Air Force Base Sept. 26, giving Airmen who support the nation's intercontinental ballistic missile and strategic bomber forces a chance to engage with him.
Nuclear Enterprise Is America's Bedrock of Security, Carter Says AFPS 27 Sep 2016 -- The American nuclear mission is vital to the nation's security, Defense Secretary Ash Carter told troops at the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico, today.
Remarks by Secretary Carter to Troops at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico DoD 27 Sep 2016 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Ash Carter
Remarks by Secretary Carter in a Press Gaggle at Kirtland AFB DoD 27 Sep 2016 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Ash Carter
QF-16 reaches operational capability milestone AFNS 27 Sep 2016 -- Air Combat Command declared initial operational capability for the QF-16 full-scale aerial target (FSAT) Sept. 23.
Iceland hosts Northern Challenge for EOD community AFNS 27 Sep 2016 -- Airmen from the 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, participated in exercise Northern Challenge 2016, which began here Sept. 12.
HSC-23 Successfully Executes First MQ-8B Remote Designation Hellfire Shot NNS 27 Sep 2016 -- The "Wildcards" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 made history Sept. 14 when they used a MQ-8B unmanned air system as a laser designator platform for a MH-60S Seahawk helicopter to fire a AGM-114N Hellfire missile.
'US Air Force losing edge over Russian, Chinese technologies' Press TV 27 Sep 2016 -- The US Air Force's "rapidly" fading supremacy over its Russian and Chinese counterparts has worried American military commanders, a new report suggests.
Gunner Up: 2nd LAR conducts combined weapons training USMC News 27 Sep 2016 -- Marines with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, to include 2nd and 8th Marine Regiment conducted a multiple weapon system range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 20-21.
US, ROK Navies Demonstrate Anti-Submarine Warfare, Precision Strike Capabilities NNS 27 Sep 2016 -- The U.S. and Republic of Korea navies (ROKN) joined forces to conduct a combined maritime operation in waters East of the Korean Peninsula, Sept. 26.
USS San Juan Returns from Six-Month Deployment NNS 27 Sep 2016 -- Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS San Juan (SSN-751) returned to its homeport at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut, from a regularly scheduled deployment Sept. 23.
Partnerships Forged Through UNITAS Evident in Peruvian Navy Exchange Officer NNS 27 Sep 2016 -- He's only been working in the United States for three months yet Peruvian Navy Lt. Eder Suclla has been a key figure in this year's UNITAS 2016, a multinational maritime exercise hosted this year by Panama.
Government and Military Officials Visit USNS Spearhead during UNITAS 2016 NNS 27 Sep 2016 -- High ranking civilian and military officials paid visit to the USNS Spearhead today during UNITAS 2016, an annual maritime military exercise involving 11 countries from the Americas focusing on strengthening valuable partnerships and security cooperation.

NATO Secretary General welcomes discussion on strengthening European defence NATO 27 Sep 2016 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with EU Defence Ministers in Bratislava on Tuesday (27 September 2016) to discuss stronger cooperation between the European Union and NATO, and shared security challenges. He stressed the importance of implementing the Joint NATO-EU Declaration, signed in the margins of the Warsaw Summit, which gives new substance to the partnership between NATO and the EU.
NATO Warns West 'Losing Information War' Against Russia, IS VOA 27 Sep 2016 -- The West must step up its efforts to combat and counter the information war being waged by its opponents, according to NATO officials. They warn that countries like Russia are exploiting the freedom of the press in Western media to spread disinformation.

Defence Secretary calls on Europe to step up security efforts UK MOD 27 Sep 2016 -- During an informal EU Defence Ministerial in Slovakia Defence Secretary Michael Fallon reassured European partners that the UK would continue to play a proactive role in tackling security threats.
Britain Still a Thorn in the Side of EU Military Cooperation VOA 27 Sep 2016 -- Despite its recent decision to part ways with the European Union, Britain will still oppose any attempts the alliance makes to form its own military force, British Defense Minister Michael Fallon said Tuesday.
UK Defense Secretary Says No Consensus Reached in EU on Creation of Single Army Sputnik 27 Sep 2016 -- There is no consensus in the European Union on the idea of creating a single EU army, as the United Kingdom is not the only member state to oppose the move, UK Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said Tuesday.
UK remains opposed to EU army, says will harm NATO Press TV 27 Sep 2016 -- Despite a decision to leave the European Union (EU), the UK will continue to oppose the creation of an EU army as it will "undermine" the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), says British Defense Secretary Michael Fallon.
Showdown Over Franco-German Defense Plans as EU Split on Military Cooperation Sputnik 27 Sep 2016 -- Highly controversial plans to deepen EU military cooperation are to be discussed by European defense ministers on Tuesday, September 27, during a meeting in Bratislava, with the Franco-German proposals expected to face opposition from the UK and Eastern European member states.

Russian MoD Refutes Claim of Russian Bombers' Flight Close to Civilian Plane Sputnik 27 Sep 2016 -- The Russian Defense Ministry refuted Iceland's claim that Russian strategic bombers flew dangerously close to civilian aircraft over the Norwegian Sea.
Whenever Swedish Air Space Gets Violated, Russians Get the Blame Sputnik 27 Sep 2016 -- Recently, the Swedish Armed Forces reported that a Norwegian government aircraft had flown into Swedish territory without permission, an event which constitutes an undisputed violation. However, the public's attention was quickly shifted to a far-fetched Russian "encroachment," which is a far more gratifying topic for Swedish media.

Russian Troops Repel Simulated Landing Attack During Sakhalin Drills Sputnik 27 Sep 2016 -- Russian motorized rifle, tank and artillery units in conditions close to real fighting demonstrated an ability to make "competent and courageous decisions," having prevented a simulated capture of the sea coast.
Russian Central Military District Holds First S-400 Missile Launch Exercise Sputnik 27 Sep 2016 -- The exercise was the first drill involving the S-400 air defense system held in Russia's Central Military District.
Russian, Indian Troops Use Orlan-10 Drones in Indra-2016 Drills Sputnik 27 Sep 2016 -- Russian and Indian troops deployed Orlan-10 drones to detect simulated illegal armed groups during joint drills.

UK strengthens Bulgaria ties to tackle threats UK MOD 27 Sep 2016 -- Britain will deepen its Defence relationship with Bulgaria to help tackle security threats in South Eastern Europe.

PLA deploys civilian ship for military delivery mission People's Daily 27 Sep 2016 -- A civilian Chinese ship participated in a soldier and ammunition delivery mission during a training in mid-September. This unprecedented "first" marks another step forward for the development of China's military delivery capacity.
Chinese air force sets new record in blue water training People's Daily 27 Sep 2016 -- On Sept. 25, the China Air Force dispatched over 40 fighters of various types for blue water training in the West Pacific. Meanwhile, bombers and fighters conducted a routine patrol in the East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), People's Daily Online reported.
President Xi expects strong, modern rocket force People's Daily 27 Sep 2016 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday instructed the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force to continue to build itself into a strong and modern rocket force.

North Korea Declares Basic Completion of Nuclear Weapons Development Sputnik 27 Sep 2016 -- North Korea has completed an essential part of the nuclear arms development and pledges to continue qualitative and quantitative build-up of nuclear forces amid growing threat from the United States, the country's embassy in Russia said in a statement.
Pyongyang Showcases Mini US Fighter Jet at Country's First Air Show Sputnik 27 Sep 2016 -- North Korea impressed audiences at the country's first air show this weekend with a remote-controlled model of an F-16 fighter jet shooting fireworks through the sky.

Russia Supplies Indian Navy With Over 100 Engines for MiG-29 Fighter Jets Sputnik 27 Sep 2016 -- Russia's United Engine Corporation has delivered over 100 turbojet engines for the Mikoyan MiG-29 (NATO reporting name Fulcrum) fighter aircraft used by the Indian Navy, the UEC said in a press release issued on Tuesday.
Indian Border Security Forces Takes to the Skies to Counter Terror Sputnik 27 Sep 2016 -- India has indicated that it is in the market for a more weaponized version of Russia's MI-17 helicopters; some of these will be earmarked for the defense of the country's borders.

Iran naval ships dock at Pakistan's Karachi port IRNA 27 Sep 2016 -- An Iranian naval fleet docked at the Pakistani port of Karachi on Tuesday to convey the message of peace and friendship.
IRGC deputy navy commander: Iran welcomes joint drill with neighbors IRNA 27 Sep 2016 -- Deputy commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Alireza Tangsiri announced that Iran welcomes joint military drills with neighboring countries.
Iran possesses missiles capable of reaching Israel: IRGC commander Press TV 27 Sep 2016 -- A senior commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says Iran is in possession of missiles with a range enough to reach Israel.
Indigenous missile system to be deployed in central Iran: Cmdr. Press TV 27 Sep 2016 -- A high-ranking Iranian military commander says the Islamic Republic plans to deploy a domestically-designed and -manufactured missile system in the central part of the country to improve its air defense power.

September 27, 2016 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 27 Sep 2016
Press Briefing by Press Secretary Josh Earnest, 9/27/16 The White House 27 Sep 2016

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for September 27, 2016

Other Conflicts

27 September 2016 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 27 Sep 2016

Beijing Testing Newfound Approach to Easing Tensions in South China Sea Sputnik 27 Sep 2016 -- The arbitration ruling on the South China Sea might have added extra fuel to pre-existing tensions in the disputed waters, but instead of resorting to more belligerent rhetoric, Beijing and other claimants appear to be ready to invest in fostering cooperation and reviving joint development initiatives in the contested region.

Saudi airstrike on hospital in Yemen's Hajjah unprovoked: MSF Press TV 27 Sep 2016 -- Doctors Without Borders says its investigation into a deadly Saudi air raid on a hospital in Yemen's northwestern province of Hajjah has found that the attack was unjust and violated International Humanitarian Law.
Saudi airstrike kills own soldiers Press TV 27 Sep 2016 -- An airstrike by Saudi fighter jets meant to target Yemeni forces in Saudi Arabia's southwestern border region of Jizan has claimed the lives of at least ten Saudi troopers instead.

Ankara Needs Damascus' Consent to Conduct Military Op in Syria - Russian Envoy Sputnik 27 Sep 2016 -- Russia understands the reasons why Turkey has launched the Euphrates Shield military operation in Syria's north, but it should be carried out with Damascus' consent, Russian Ambassador to Ankara Andrey Karlov said Tuesday.
Turkey Failed to Coordinate Syrian Operation With Russia, Iran Sputnik 27 Sep 2016 -- Turkey did not provide any assurances that its military operation in Syria would be coordinated with Russia and Iran, Syrian President Bashar Assad's adviser Bouthaina Shaaban said.

Briefing on Syria Humanitarian Assistance US Dept. of State 27 Sep 2016 -- Special Briefing by Anne C. Richard, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration
Syrian govt. forces take back control of Aleppo district Press TV 27 Sep 2016 -- Syrian government troops have managed to liberate a central neighborhood in the divided city of Aleppo in their latest push against foreign-backed militants who are wreaking havoc in the war-stricken country.
Americans are on our side: Nusra commander Press TV 27 Sep 2016 -- A commander of the Takfiri al-Nusra Front, which recently renamed itself, has reportedly said the United States is supporting the group.
Q&A: Amnesty Suspects Russian War Crimes In Syria, But Lacks Definitive Proof RFE/RL 27 Sep 2016 -- British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson says Russia "may have" committed war crimes by deliberately targeting a civilian convoy on September 19 with air strikes in rebel-held parts of Aleppo. Russia denies involvement, claiming rebels fighting against Moscow's ally, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, or a U.S. drone strike were responsible.
Kurds' Participation in Raqqa Liberation to Put Syria's Future at Risk - Ankara Sputnik 27 Sep 2016 -- Engaging Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) in the liberation of the city of Raqqa from Daesh terrorists will put Syria's future in jeopardy, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Tuesday.
Moscow Makes Public Full Text of Russia-US Deal on Syria Sputnik 27 Sep 2016 -- Moscow made public the full text of the Russia-US deal on Syria, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday.
Resolute Support: Russia to Continue Assisting Syria in Fight Against Terrorism Sputnik 27 Sep 2016 -- Moscow is determined to continue helping Syria in fight against terrorism and facilitating peace process in the war-torn country, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.
Reports: Syrian Troops Seize Rebel-held Aleppo Neighborhood VOA 27 Sep 2016 -- Syrian troops have seized a central neighborhood in the northern city of Aleppo from rebel forces, according to reports on state television and the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group.

Baghdad blasts leave 19 dead, many injured Press TV 27 Sep 2016 -- Four explosions, two of them back-to-back, have rocked the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, killing 19 people and injuring 61 others.
17 People Killed in Baghdad Suicide Bombings VOA 27 Sep 2016 -- Suicide bombings killed at least 17 people and wounded more than 50 in Shi'ite districts of Iraq's capital Baghdad, police and medical sources say.

Peace Deal in Colombia Should Inspire Warring Nations to Settle Conflicts - UN Sputnik 27 Sep 2016 -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed a ceasefire which has ended a half-century war between the Colombian government and FARC rebels.
EU Suspends Sanctions Against FARC After Colombia Signs Peace Deal With Rebels Sputnik 27 Sep 2016 -- The European Union on Tuesday suspended the sanctions imposed on the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) 14 years ago, a day after the rebels signed a peace deal with the government of Colombia, the Council of the European Union said in a statement.
FARC to Pursue Peaceful Politics as Colombia's War Ends - Commander Sputnik 27 Sep 2016 -- The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) former rebels will continue to pursue their left-wing ideas via political means as Colombia's 52-year conflict ends, FARC commander in chief Rodrigo Londono Echeverri said.

UN humanitarian wing condemns attacks on relief workers in Central African Republic UN News 27 Sep 2016 -- The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has condemned 'in the strongest terms' recent attacks involving humanitarian workers in the northern town of Kaga Bandoro located in the Nana Gribizi prefecture of the Central African Republic (CAR).

ICC finds Malian extremist guilty of war crime in destroying historic sites in Timbuktu UN News 27 Sep 2016 -- The International Criminal Court (ICC) today found a Malian Islamist accused of destroying historical and religious monuments in the fabled city of Timbuktu guilty in the first-ever prosecution of the destruction of cultural heritage as a war crime.
Hague Court Sentences Malian to 9 Years for Cultural Destruction VOA 27 Sep 2016 -- The International Criminal Court Tuesday sentenced a former Islamist rebel to nine years in prison for his role in wrecking holy sites in the ancient Malian city of Timbuktu, ending a groundbreaking cultural war crimes trial.

Militant Faction Vows Again to Fight S. Sudan Government VOA 27 Sep 2016 -- Officials of the South Sudan Democratic Movement/Cobra Faction, formerly led by David Yau Yau, have vowed to wage war again against the government of President Salva Kiir because it allegedly has not lived up to its side of a peace agreement signed in 2014.

News Reports

Shimon Peres' Life of Public Service Spanned the Life of Israel VOA 27 Sep 2016 -- Former Israeli President and Prime Minister Shimon Peres, whose life of public service spans the life of the Israeli nation itself, has died at age 93.

US, Europe Seen Staring at 'Sustained Vulnerability' to IS VOA 27 Sep 2016 -- Every step the U.S. and its coalition partners take toward routing the Islamic State terror group in Iraq and Syria brings with it an ever-growing threat for a new wave of attacks in the West, the director of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation said Tuesday.

Gabon's President Bongo Sworn In After Disputed Elections VOA 27 Sep 2016 -- Ali Bongo Ondimba was sworn in Tuesday as Gabon's president for a second seven-year term, after winning re-election by a slim margin in a disputed vote.
Gabon's Bongo sworn in, starts second term as president Press TV 27 Sep 2016 -- Ali Bongo has been sworn in for a new term as the president of Gabon despite widespread claims that his recent reelection was marred by fraud and vote rigging.

Turkey sacks 87 people from spy agency Press TV 27 Sep 2016 -- Turkey has dismissed 87 staff members of the country's spy agency in its latest instance of purging government employees deemed linked to the failed July 15 coup.

Oil Prices Plunge As Saudi-Iran Split On Output Freeze Resurfaces RFE/RL 27 Sep 2016 -- Oil prices plunged anew as signs of discord re-emerged between Iran and Saudi Arabia over an oil production freeze being pushed by the Saudis and Russia.

Philippine special envoy's trip to China postponed: Sources Press TV 27 Sep 2016 -- A visit to China by the special envoy of recently-elected Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who is tasked with improving ties with Beijing, has been called off until "the proper time."

Venezuelan president meets top US diplomat in Colombia Press TV 27 Sep 2016 -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has met with US Secretary of State John Kerry in Colombia amid tensions in Caracas-Washington relations.

India to Boycott South Asian Regional Summit in Pakistan VOA 27 Sep 2016 -- India announced Tuesday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend a regional summit to be held in Islamabad in November because of increasing cross-border attacks in the region.

Amid Nuclear Tensions, North Korea Struggles to Secure Flood Aid VOA 27 Sep 2016 -- With North Korea's latest nuclear test drawing global condemnation, the reclusive regime will likely face challenges in securing aid for victims of floods that hit the nation earlier this month.
Beijing Grumbles About US Sanctions on Chinese Firm VOA 27 Sep 2016 -- China said Tuesday it is opposed to any country attempting to "enforce its domestic laws over China's enterprises and individuals," after the United States sanctioned a Chinese company for alleged support of North Korea's nuclear-weapons program.

Terrorist members of Iraq-based group arrested in western Iran Press TV 27 Sep 2016 -- Iran's security forces have arrested members of an Iraqi-based terrorist group in the western Iranian province of Kordestan before they could find a chance to conduct any acts of terror.
Iran says will not join deal to freeze oil output Press TV 27 Sep 2016 -- Iran says it has no intention to forge an agreement with other major crude producers to freeze its oil output at current levels.
Iran Ex-president Ahmadinejad Says Won't Run in 2017 VOA 27 Sep 2016 -- Former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says he will not run in next year's presidential election, because the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned him his candidacy would increase divisions in Iran.

India Hopes to Rely on Nuclear Power for 25% of its Energy Needs Within a Decade Sputnik 27 Sep 2016 -- India hopes to rely on a new set of nuclear reactors which make use of local technological innovations to provide one quarter of the nation's power at an affordable per unit cost.

Azerbaijani Voters Said To Approve Greater Powers For Aliyev RFE/RL 27 Sep 2016 -- Nearly 85 percent of Azerbaijan's voters supported the extension of the presidential term from five to seven years, with nearly 100 percent of the ballots counted, Baku's Central Election Commission has announced.

Bosnian Serb Leader Defies Summons To Saravejo RFE/RL 27 Sep 2016 -- The head of Bosnia-Herzegovina's autonomous Bosnian Serb entity has rejected a summons by state prosecutors, saying he would not travel to Sarajevo for questioning after he defied a high-court ruling by holding a controversial referendum.

Latest Somali election delay raises risks of manipulation, more delays - senior UN official UN News 27 Sep 2016 -- A new delay in Somalia's elections is a matter of "immediate concern," raising fears that the process is being politically manipulated and that the latest postponement may only be one of yet further rolling delays, the top United Nations official in the long-troubled East African country warned today.
Somali Elections Postponed Again VOA 27 Sep 2016 -- Somalia's elections, which were slated to begin last weekend, have been postponed again. The government now says the polls won't start until late October.

Childhood Friend Of Putin's Strikes It Rich, Report Says RFE/RL 27 Sep 2016 -- MOSCOW -- The independent Russian station Dozhd (TV Rain) has aired a report alleging that a childhood friend of President Vladimir Putin's is worth an estimated $550 million and owned a substantial stake in the Gunvor oil-trading company between 2005 and 2010.

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