10 October 2016 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Counter-ISIL Strikes Continue in Syria, Iraq AFPS 10 Oct 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.
Update: air strikes against Daesh UK MOD 10 Oct 2016 -- British forces have continued to conduct air operations in the fight against Daesh

Taliban attack capital of Afghanistan's Helmand Province Press TV 10 Oct 2016 -- Taliban militants have reportedly entered the capital of Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand after launching a large-scale attack in the area.
Tens Of Thousands Flee Northern Afghan City, Violence Rages In South RFE/RL 10 Oct 2016 -- Tens of thousands of Afghans have fled the northern city of Kunduz as clashes continue between government forces and the Taliban, while militants have launched a large-scale attack in the south.
14 Killed in Suicide Car Bombing in Afghanistan VOA 10 Oct 2016 -- A suicide car bomber killed more than 14 people, mostly police officers, and wounded many more in an embattled key provincial capital in southern Afghanistan, hours after Taliban insurgents staged a major assault and forced their way into the city.

Missiles Fired Near US Ship in Yemen VOA 10 Oct 2016 -- The U.S. military says two missiles were launched from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen in the direction of a U.S. ship in the Persian Gulf.
US destroyer comes under attack in Yemen: US military Press TV 10 Oct 2016 -- The US military says one of its guided-missile destroyers has escaped an attempted attack off Yemen's shore.

Expeditionary Strike Group 2 Assesses Hurricane Matthew Damage in Haiti NNS 10 Oct 2016 -- Rear Adm. Roy I. Kitchener, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2, flew over Haiti Oct. 9, to asses damage caused by Hurricane Matthew.
U.S. Ambassador to Haiti Thanks USS Mesa Verde NNS 10 Oct 2016 -- The Honorable Peter F. Mulrean, U.S. ambassador to Haiti, visited the amphibious dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) Oct. 9 as the ship began its humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts in response to Hurricane Matthew.

South Carolina National Guard Continues Hurricane Matthew Response AFPS 10 Oct 2016 -- The South Carolina National Guard responded to missions along the state's coastal region yesterday in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, clearing roads so people could return to their homes.

Defense Policy / Programs

Readout of Secretary Carter's Call With Colombia Minister of Defense Villegas DoD 10 Oct 2016
Media Availability With Secretary Carter en route to Trinidad and Tobago DoD 10 Oct 2016 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Ash Carter

Seoul, Washington begin joint drills in Korean Peninsula waters Press TV 10 Oct 2016 -- South Korean and US forces have launched large-scale joint naval drills in a show of force against what they call North Korea's provocations in the restive region.
Show of Force: US, S Korea Launch Unprecedented Joint Naval Exercises Sputnik 10 Oct 2016 -- The Washington-Seoul naval drills Invincible Spirit 2016 which kicked off on Monday will be conducted along the entire length of the coast of South Korea for the very first time, in a show of strength directed against Pyongyang, according to the news agency Yonhap.

Philippines, US launch live fire drills Press TV 10 Oct 2016 -- The United States and the Philippines have launched joint military drills following Manila's decision to end its long-running maneuvers with Washington.
U.S., Philippine marines cut short joint military exercises People's Daily 10 Oct 2016 -- The U.S. and Philippine marines have decided to cut short their amphibious landing exercises and live-fire training in the Philippines, ending the games one day ahead of schedule, a spokesman for the Philippine marines said on Monday.

NATO Secretary General in Passau: a stronger Europe is in our interest NATO 10 Oct 2016 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stressed the importance of cooperation between NATO and the European Union at the "Menschen in Europa" debate in Passau, Germany on Monday (10 October 2016). Participating in a panel discussion on the future of Europe with European Council President Donald Tusk and European Parliament President Martin Schulz, Mr. Stoltenberg highlighted that "a strong Europe provides a strong NATO."
NATO Ministers to Discuss Russian Iskander-M Missiles Deployment in Kalinigrad Sputnik 10 Oct 2016 -- EU diplomatic source said that NATO defense ministers are expected to discuss the situation over Russia's deployment of Iskander-M mobile missile systems into the Kaliningrad enclave during a meeting on October 26-27 in Brussels.

Russia to establish permanent naval base at Syria's Tartus Press TV 10 Oct 2016 -- Russia has announced that it plans to set up a permanent naval base on a Mediterranean port in western Syria, a sign that Moscow is to increase its support for Damascus in its fight against terrorism.
Moscow Plans To Make Syrian Facility A Permanent Naval Base RFE/RL 10 Oct 2016 -- The Russian Defense Ministry says it is working to make its Syrian naval station at the port of Tartus a permanent base.
Russia to Equip Navy Base in Syria's Tartus With Air Defense, Anti-Sub Systems Sputnik 10 Oct 2016 -- Russian base in Syria's port city of Tartus will have air and anti-submarine defense systems, according to Leonid Slutsky, the head of a foreign affairs committee in the Russian parliament.
Russia to Establish Naval Base in Tartus, Syria - Deputy Defense Minister Sputnik 10 Oct 2016 -- Deputy Defense Minister Nikolay Pankov said that Russia plans to establish a permanent naval base in the western Syrian port city of Tartus.
Russian Duma Foreign Affairs Committee Backs Permanent Deployment in Syria Sputnik 10 Oct 2016 -- The Russian Duma Foreign Affairs Committee advised the the parliament's chamber to ratify the agreement on the permanent deployment of a Russian air group at the Hmeimim airbase in Syria.
Russia in talks with Egypt to lease military base: Report Press TV 10 Oct 2016 -- Russia is in talks with Egypt to lease military facilities in the North African state, including an air base in the town of Sidi Barrani near the Mediterranean, a media report says.
Sure Shot: T-72, T-90 to Get Armata Tank's Electronic 'Brain' for Fast Targeting Sputnik 10 Oct 2016 -- Russia's T-72 and T-90 main battle tanks will be capable of destroying enemy armored vehicles with a single shot after they are equipped with the Armata tank's 'electronic brain', according to the Russian newspaper Izvestia.
Not by Stealth Alone: Russian Corvettes to Get Ability to Shoot Down Enemy Jets Sputnik 10 Oct 2016 -- One of the newest corvettes of the Russian Navy, the Buyan-M, will be equipped with the naval version of the Pentair anti-aircraft missile system and an advanced radar, according to the Russian newspaper Izvestia.
Russia: World Should Not Fear Iskander Missile Deployment, Just a Military Drill Sputnik 10 Oct 2016 -- Russian officials downplayed the significance of the deployment of the Iskander nuclear-capable ballistic missile system to the Kalinigrad outpost near the Baltics saying that it is part of routine drill.

Latvia to Increase Surveillance Amid Russian Missile Deployment Sputnik 10 Oct 2016 -- Latvia will increase air, ground and sea surveillance, the Latvian Defense Ministry's spokesman Kaspars Galkins said on Sunday, commenting on the reports of Russia's deployment of Iskander-M mobile missile systems in the Kaliningrad region.

Poland in Fallout With France Over Helicopters in Further Split Within EU Sputnik 10 Oct 2016 -- French President Francois Hollande has postponed a visit to Poland and his Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian cancelled a meeting, October 10, with his counterpart over a revoked military helicopter contract in a further sign of divisions within the EU.

Oslo, Washington mulling marine deployment on Nordic soil Press TV 10 Oct 2016 -- Norway says talks have begun with Washington over a "long-standing US wish" to deploy marines on the Nordic country's soil.
Norway Mulls Hosting 300 US Marines at Vaernes Military Base Sputnik 10 Oct 2016 -- Discussions between Norway and the United States on stationing several hundred US troops at a Norwegian military base near the city of Trondheim are underway, according to local media.

New PLA bomber may feature 4 turbofan engines People's Daily 10 Oct 2016 -- Chinese air force expert Fu Qianshao has speculated that China's new type of long-range bomber, currently being developed, may be equipped with four turbofan engines.
Expert: China's AEW&C aircraft have better maritime detection performance People's Daily 10 Oct 2016 -- The PLA Air Force dispatched various types of military aircraft for far-sea training in the Pacific Ocean twice in September, 2016. In addition to the H-6K long-range bomber that drew close attention, the airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft in the formation was also a big surprise.
China to dispatch first peacekeeping helicopter unit People's Daily 10 Oct 2016 -- The Chinese military on Monday started shipping materials for its first peacekeeping helicopter unit, departing from Tianjin Port, northern China.

S. Korean political heavyweight proposes to halt THAAD discussion People's Daily 10 Oct 2016 -- A South Korean political heavyweight has proposed to halt discussion on the deployment of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) on the South Korean soil.

Saudi Arabia, allies no match for Iran on battlefield: Commander Press TV 10 Oct 2016 -- Iran's chief Armed Forces spokesman says Saudi Arabia and its allies are too weak to engage in a military confrontation with the Islamic Republic.

South Korea Planning Preemptive Strike on Kim Jong-Un Regime Over Nuclear Threat Sputnik 10 Oct 2016 -- South Korea's Defense Ministry announced plans in the event that it is determined that a nuclear attack from North Korea is imminent.

Cameroon Deploys Navy to Seize Illegal Fishing Vessels VOA 10 Oct 2016 -- Cameroon has deployed its navy to seize illegal fishing vessels off the country's southwestern coast. Tensions have risen there as local communities say foreign trawlers are fishing in protected areas and destroying resources.

Defense Industry

Sukhoi Ascendant: High-Ranking Russian Officials Switch to Superjet Sputnik 10 Oct 2016 -- Rossiya special aircraft division – a unit tasked with providing transportation to Russia's top government officials and their entourages– has now started using planes produced by Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company.

Other Conflicts

10 October 2016 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 10 Oct 2016

UN Chief: Saudi Strike on Yemeni Funeral 'Outrageous Violation' VOA 10 Oct 2016 -- The United Nations secretary-general has called the Saudi-led aerial bombing Saturday of a Yemeni funeral "heartless" and "an outrageous violation" of international law.
UN peace envoy calls for justice over Yemen funeral attack Press TV 10 Oct 2016 -- People in Yemen have gathered on the streets of the capital Sana'a for the funeral of the city's mayor who was killed in a deadly Saudi airstrike.
Iran president raps 'utterly deplorable' conditions in Saudi-wrecked Yemen Press TV 10 Oct 2016 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has condemned the ongoing Saudi military aggression against Yemen, saying the Yemeni people are going through "utterly deplorable" times.
Saudi causing immense carnage in Yemen: UN chief Press TV 10 Oct 2016 -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said that there must be accountability for the "appalling conduct" of the ongoing war on Yemen after a recent Saudi airstrike left over 140 civilians dead and prompted global condemnations.
At least 10 killed in fresh Saudi bombardment of Yemen Press TV 10 Oct 2016 -- In a fresh round of aerial assaultس, Saudi Arabia's warplanes have carried out multiple airstrikes on Yemen, killing at least 10 people and wounding several others, two days after the Saudi war machine massacred over 140 Yemenis in a social gathering.
Latest horrific incident in Yemen demands 'a full inquiry,' Ban says, urging probe into funeral bombing UN News 10 Oct 2016 -- Outraged by Saturday's bombing of a funeral in Yemen, top United Nations officials are strengthening their calls for the establishment of an independent body to probe alleged violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws in the war-ravaged country.
Yemen's Houthis Say United States Behind Horrific Funeral Bombing Killing 140+ Sputnik 10 Oct 2016 -- The leader of Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement condemned the recent Saudi airstrike targeting a funeral in the capital city of Sana'a and laid the blame first and foremost at the feet of the United States.

South Korea complains to China over sinking of coast guard vessel Press TV 10 Oct 2016 -- Seoul says it has lodged a formal complaint with Beijing over the alleged sinking of a South Korean coast guard vessel by Chinese fishermen.

Putin, Erdogan discuss provision of aid to Syria's Aleppo Press TV 10 Oct 2016 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan have discussed the issue of aid delivery to the war-ravaged northwestern Syrian city of Aleppo.
Russia: US policies contributed to Syria truce collapse Press TV 10 Oct 2016 -- Russia's special envoy on Syria, in a meeting with a high-ranking Iranian official, says the US failure to separate armed forces from al-Nusra terrorists is behind the recent collapse of a truce deal in the war-torn Arab country.
UN Syria Envoy Warns Al-Nusra Front Terrorists Taking Aleppo Civilians 'Hostage' Sputnik 10 Oct 2016 -- On Thursday, UN Envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistura offered a direct appeal to the notorious terror organization Al-Nusra Front (Syria's longtime al-Qaeda affiliate) calling on the group to immediately evacuate from the besieged city of Aleppo because their presence undermines efforts at peace and place civilians unnecessarily in the direct line of fire.
Campaign in Syria Bears Results, UK Hardy Achieved Anything - Russian MoD Sputnik 10 Oct 2016 -- The positive results of the Russian anti-terrorist campaign in Syria are well-known, while it is unclear what the United Kingdom has achieved there, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said Monday.
Russian Military Bases in Syria Necessary to Boost Anti-Terrorism Fight Sputnik 10 Oct 2016 -- The establishment of permanent Russian military bases in Syria will help in the fight against terrorism, the Syrian Defense Ministry told Sputnik on Monday.
Turkey Hits Over 80 Daesh Targets With More Than 600 Strikes in North Syria Sputnik 10 Oct 2016 -- The Turkish armed forces destroyed 84 Daesh targets in northern Syria, according to the statement of the Turkish General Staff.
Damascus Offers East Aleppo Militants to Leave Besieged Area Safely Sputnik 10 Oct 2016 -- According to local media reports, Syrian authorities are ready to guarantee safe passage to militants who want to leave the besieged parts of eastern Aleppo.
Why Aren't Coalition Forces Planning Raqqa Assault? VOA 10 Oct 2016 -- Which city is more important for the Islamic State, Syria's Raqqa, the capital of the terror group's self-styled caliphate, or Iraq's Mosul, the much bigger city where Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi announced more than two years ago the creation of his caliphate straddling Iraq and Syria?
France Says Russia Could Face War Crimes Over Aleppo VOA 10 Oct 2016 -- France says Russia could face war crimes charges over its bombing campaign of Syria's eastern city of Aleppo.
Islamic State Confirms Death of Senior Leader VOA 10 Oct 2016 -- Islamic State extremists confirmed on Monday the death of one their most senior leaders, whom the Pentagon said was killed early last month in a precision airstrike near the northern Syrian terrorist stronghold of Raqqa.

Libyan forces tighten noose around Daesh in Sirte Press TV 10 Oct 2016 -- Forces loyal to Libya's UN-backed Government of National Accord continue advancing inside Sirte, as part of a major offensive to liberate the port city from the Daesh terrorists.

21 civilians killed, some burned to death by suspected rebels in S Sudan Press TV 10 Oct 2016 -- Nearly two dozen people have been killed after suspected armed rebels attacked trucks carrying civilians in conflict-hit South Sudan as violence intensifies in the country.

Clashes between army, Ugandan rebels kill at least 10 in DR Congo Press TV 10 Oct 2016 -- Clashes have erupted between the Congolese army and suspected Ugandan rebels in the restive eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, leaving at least 10 people dead.

Colombia, No. 2 Rebel Group Announce Peace Talks VOA 10 Oct 2016 -- The Colombian government and the country’s second largest rebel group have announced the start of peace talks October 27 in the capital of Ecuador.
In phone call, UN chief encourages Columbian leaders to stay the course of the peace process UN News 10 Oct 2016 -- Speaking by phone with the leaders of the Colombian peace process, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged both Juan Manuel Santos, the President of Colombia and Timoleon Jimenez, Commander of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People's Army (FARC-EP), to stay the course for peace in spite of the outcome of the recent referendum.

Central African Republic needs support to tackle 'spoilers,' other challenges - UN peacekeeping chief UN News 10 Oct 2016 -- Recent unrest in the Central African Republic (CAR) demonstrates that the situation there remains fragile, and "spoilers are still active, on both sides," the United Nations peacekeeping chief said today, telling the Security Council that the international community must stand firm and support the Government's efforts to ensure lasting peace.

Burundi bans three UN human rights investigators from entering African country Press TV 10 Oct 2016 -- Burundi has banned three United Nations investigators from entering its territory, after the trio presented a report which named officials allegedly involved in last year's killing and torturing of political opposition.

News Reports

Clinton, Trump Clash In Fiery U.S. Presidential Debate RFE/RL 10 Oct 2016 -- U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and Republican rival Donald Trump clashed in a fiery debate on October 9, with Trump vowing to "jail" the Democratic nominee if he is elected and Clinton assailing her rival's character and denouncing him as unfit for the White House.

Ethiopia blames foreign groups for violence Press TV 10 Oct 2016 -- The Ethiopian government has accused elements based in other countries of stoking violence in Ethiopia.
UN experts call on Ethiopia to allow international panel to help probe violence against protesters UN News 10 Oct 2016 -- Urging Ethiopian authorities to end their violent crackdown on peaceful protests, which has reportedly led to the death of over 600 people since November 2015, two United Nations human rights experts today further called on the Government to allow an international commission of inquiry to investigate the protests and the violence used against peaceful demonstrators.
Ethiopia Blames Egypt for State of Emergency VOA 10 Oct 2016 -- The Ethiopian government is blaming regional rival Egypt for supporting rebels and forcing Addis Ababa into declaring a state of emergency Sunday.

North Korean Flood Victims Caught in Nuclear Standoff VOA 10 Oct 2016 -- Winter is coming in North Korea, where nearly 600,000 people are in need of urgent assistance due to recent severe flooding.

Belarus, Russia Reach Deal On Energy Prices, Debts RFE/RL 10 Oct 2016 -- Belarus and Russia have reached a deal resolving their differences on several natural gas and oil issues.
Russia, Belarus Settle Gas Dispute - Belarusian President Sputnik 10 Oct 2016 -- Alexander Lukashenko said that Belarus and Russia have resolved their oil and gas dispute.

Ukraine Detains Alleged Russian Spy RFE/RL 10 Oct 2016 -- Ukrainian authorities say a Ukrainian citizen with permanent residence in Russia has been detained in the northwestern city of Rivne.

Russia backs OPEC's oil freeze plan Press TV 10 Oct 2016 -- Russia has expressed full support for a proposed plan to freeze oil production as a way to support oil prices.
Russian Whistle-Blower Pulls Back Cover On Railways Corruption RFE/RL 10 Oct 2016 -- When the head of Russia's state-owned railroad monopoly was abruptly dismissed last year, the announcement stopped many in and out of Russia in their tracks.

China to launch world's first X-ray pulsar navigation satellite People's Daily 10 Oct 2016 -- The China Academy of Space Technology has announced plans to launch the world's first X-ray pulsar navigation satellite (XPNAV-1) in November, Xinhua reported.

Taiwan says ready to discuss 'anything' with China Press TV 10 Oct 2016 -- Taiwan's new president has called on China to recognize her government, saying the two sides need to resume talks as soon as possible amid tensions in their relations.

Russia, Turkey seal TurkStream deal Press TV 10 Oct 2016 -- Turkey and Russia have signed an agreement for the construction of the planned TurkStream gas pipeline that would take Russia natural gas under Turkish waters in the Black Sea towards Europe.
Russia, Turkey Sign Gas Pipeline Deal RFE/RL 10 Oct 2016 -- Russia and Turkey have signed an agreement to build a gas pipeline from Russia, a project that was suspended amid tensions between the two countries.

Turkey Bans Large-scale Commemorations on 1st Anniversary of Suicide Attacks VOA 10 Oct 2016 -- Turkish police in Ankara used tear gas and water cannons Monday to prevent hundreds of activists from holding a protest to commemorate the first anniversary of an attack considered the worst in Turkey's modern history.

Nigeria detains judges, seizes assets in graft probe Press TV 10 Oct 2016 -- Nigerian security forces have confiscated hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and assets from senior judges suspected of corruption, prompting criticism of President Muhammadu Buhari's strategy in tackling graft.

Lithuania ruling party loses first round of parliamentary vote Press TV 10 Oct 2016 -- Lithuania's ruling party of Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevicius has finished third in the first round of parliamentary elections, raising speculations for a possible change of government in the European Union member country.

UN appeals for $120 million to launch 'massive response' in storm-ravaged Haiti UN News 10 Oct 2016 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today announced the launch of a near $120 million appeal to fund United Nations aid activities in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew in Haiti, where the rising death toll coupled with the start of the rainy season has prompted the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) to sound the alarm on the threat of waterborne diseases to children living in the worst-affected areas.

Duterte Statements Highlight Uncertain Philippine Policies VOA 10 Oct 2016 -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is no stranger to controversy, having called both the Pope and U.S. President Barack Obama "sons of whores." However it was when he championed his war on drugs and crime by likening it to Hitler and the Holocaust that he earned international condemnation.

How Long Will DRC Allow President Kabila to Remain in Office? VOA 10 Oct 2016 -- Tensions remain high as the scheduled presidential election date approaches in the Democratic Republic of Congo. All sides agree that elections will not take place in November as planned, but the question remains: how long will the public allow President Joseph Kabila to remain in office without standing for reelection?

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