20 October 2016 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

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

Counter-ISIL Strikes Target Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 20 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.

US Service Member Killed North of Mosul VOA 20 Oct 2016 -- A U.S. service member was killed by a bomb blast north of Mosul, a military official tells VOA.

UN human rights expert calls upon Afghan Government to urgently address displacement crisis UN News 20 Oct 2016 -- The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) today urged the Government of Afghanistan and the international community to strengthen efforts and collaboration in order to support the increasing number of people who are leaving their homes due to a deteriorating security situation within the country.
UN warns of worsening displacement crisis in Afghanistan Press TV 20 Oct 2016 -- The United Nations has warned that escalated fighting across Afghanistan could displace many more people, lamenting that international support is not enough to handle the unfolding crisis.

Defense Policy / Programs

USS Wasp to relieve USS Bonhomme Richard in Japan NNS 20 Oct 2016 -- The U.S. Navy announced today that the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), which is capable of operating the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, will become part of the U.S. 7th Fleet Forward Deployed Naval Forces (FDNF) in the fall of 2017.
Carter Reaffirms U.S. Commitment to Security on Korean Peninsula AFPS 20 Oct 2016 -- The United States remains concerned about North Korean provocations, and is committed to defending its allies with the "full spectrum of American military might," Defense Secretary Ash Carter said today in a news conference with his South Korean counterpart, Han Min-koo.
Remarks by Secretary Carter and Minister Han in a Press Conference in the Pentagon Briefing Room DoD 20 Oct 2016 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Ash Carter; Republic of Korea Minister of National Defense Han Min Koo
Airmen provide mobility expertise in Alaska AFNS 20 Oct 2016 -- Over the course of 12 days in October, with temperatures dropping below freezing in the "Last Frontier," Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing provided rapid global mobility expertise during Red Flag-Alaska 17-1.
US, UK, Japan Navies Commit to Increase Cooperation NNS 20 Oct 2016 -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson met with First Sea Lord, United Kingdom Royal Navy, Adm. Phillip Jones and Chief of Staff of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force, Adm. Tomohisa Takei, Oct. 20, in the Pentagon.
USS Mount Whitney Conducts PASSEX with Romania in Black Sea NNS 20 Oct 2016 -- U.S. 6th Fleet command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) participated in a bilateral passing exercise (PASSEX) with a ship from the Romanian navy in the Black Sea, Oct. 20.
USS Mount Whitney Departs Constanta, Romania NNS 20 Oct 2016 -- U.S. 6th Fleet command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) departed Constanta, Romania, Oct. 20.
'Not If, But When': NSA Official Discusses Importance of Cyber Vigilance AFPS 20 Oct 2016 -- In the wake of major intrusions into U.S. government computer networks over the last 24 months, the National Security Agency's deputy national manager for national security systems outlined his agency's role in developing cyber defense mitigations, and its critical response to public- and private-sector cyber incidents.

Joint press point with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and the President of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko NATO 20 Oct 2016
NATO Chief Concerned Russian Navy Task Force Will Join Attacks On Aleppo RFE/RL 20 Oct 2016 -- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg says he is "concerned" that a Russian aircraft carrier and its task force that is heading to the eastern Mediterranean Sea will join Russian attacks on the Syrian city of Aleppo and "increase human suffering."
NATO Concerned Russia May Use Carrier Group in Mediterranean for Syria Actions Sputnik 20 Oct 2016 -- NATO is concerned that the Russian carrier group in the Mediterranean may be used to strengthen its military actions in Syria and in particular in Aleppo, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Thursday.

Russian nuclear warships pass through English Channel in 'a show of force' Press TV 20 Oct 2016 -- A fleet of Russian nuclear-powered warships and fighter jets is passing through UK territorial waters, amid rising tensions between Moscow and the Western military alliance of NATO.
Russia holds drills involving ballistic missiles near western border Press TV 20 Oct 2016 -- Russia has conducted military drills involving modern ballistic missiles near its western border, amid tensions between Moscow and the West over the conflicts in Ukraine and Syria.
Russian Army to Be Equipped With Modern Communication Satellites Soon Sputnik 20 Oct 2016 -- The Russian army will soon be equipped with communication satellites of new generation, Maj. Gen. Khalil Arslanov, chief of the Main Communications Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces said on Thursday.
Russia to Test Unique SR-10 Forward-Swept Wing Jet Trainer Within Three Years Sputnik 20 Oct 2016 -- The Russian Defense Ministry plans to test the new SR-10 dual-pilot forward-swept wing aerobatic trainer aircraft within next three years, Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov said Thursday.
Russia to Test PAK FA Fighters With Operational Engines in Late 2017 Sputnik 20 Oct 2016 -- The tests of the Russian Sukhoi T-50 (PAK FA) fifth-generation fighters using operational engines should begin in late 2017, the head of the United Engine Corporation said Thursday.

Defence Secretary announces major cyber investment UK MOD 20 Oct 2016 -- The UK will invest up to £265m to boost the defence of military cyber systems, the Defence Secretary has announced.
Defence Secretary speaks at Cyber Symposium UK MOD 20 Oct 2016 -- Defence Secretary Michael Fallon today delivered a speech at the second RUSI Cyber Symposium in London.

US to deploy THAAD system to S Korea 'as soon as possible' Press TV 20 Oct 2016 -- The United States is set to deploy a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery to South Korea in the wake of the North's missile tests, deemed menacing by Seoul and Washington

US Defense Secretary 'Strongly Condemns' Failed N. Korean Missile Launch VOA 20 Oct 2016 -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter on Thursday "strongly condemned" the failed ballistic missile launch that occurred in North Korea earlier in the day.
USSTRATCOM Detects Attempted North Korean Missile Launch USSTRATCOM 20 Oct 2016 -- U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) systems detected what we assess was a failed North Korean missile launch at 5:00 p.m. CDT, October 19, 2016, near the northwestern city of Kusong.
Another North Korean missile fails to launch: US, South Korea Press TV 20 Oct 2016 -- The United States and South Korea claim they have detected an unsuccessful missile test conducted by North Korea, the second such failed test in the past week.
DPRK's Musudan ballistic missile launch appears to fail: S.Korea People's Daily 20 Oct 2016 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has test-fired a projectile, believed to be an intermediate-range Musudan ballistic missile, but it appeared to have failed, local media reported on Thursday.
Failed Missile Launch Detected in North Korea VOA 20 Oct 2016 -- U.S. and South Korean military officials say they have detected a failed ballistic missile launch in North Korea near the northwestern city of Kusong.

Purchase of Russian S-400 System Top Priority for Cash-Strapped India Sputnik 20 Oct 2016 -- India has signed many defense deals with Russia despite a strong financial crunch. Out of its deals it has accorded top priority to the purchase of the S-400 which it expects to be signed by the beginning of the next financial year.
India-US Howitzer Deal Stuck Again, Needs to Clear Another Hurdle Sputnik 20 Oct 2016 -- India plans to deploy the M777A2 howitzers along the India-China border.

Italian Military Unveils New Tank as Parliament Ponders Funding Sputnik 20 Oct 2016 -- On Wednesday, Italian defense officials and industry representatives gathered at a military base on the outskirts of Rome to view a demonstration of Rome's newest tank, the Centauro II.

Baltic Defence Budgets Surge as Russia's Neighbours Respond to Perceived Threat, IHS Markit Says Business Wire 20 Oct 2016 -- Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia increased spending on new defence equipment from $210 million in 2014 to $390 million in 2016. Together by 2018, those three countries are expected to spend around $670 million a year on new equipment.

Remarks With Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir After Their Meeting US Dept. of State 20 Oct 2016 -- Remarks by John Kerry, US Secretary of State
October 20, 2016 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 20 Oct 2016
Press Gaggle by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Eric Schultz en route Miami, FL, 10/20/2016 The White House 20 Oct 2016

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for October 20, 2016

Other Conflicts

20 October 2016 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 20 Oct 2016
INTERVIEW: Search for truth, reparation and transitional justice are important elements for achieving peace and reconciliation – UN envoy for Colombia UN News 20 Oct 2016 -- The top United Nations official dealing with the world body's support for Colombia's peace process is long-serving veteran Jean Arnault.

Yemen truce begins amid pressure on Saudis Press TV 20 Oct 2016 -- A fresh ceasefire has gone into effect in Yemen, which started a minute before midnight on Wednesday, and will continue for 72 hours.
Iran rejects allegations on possible role in missile attack on US warships IRNA 20 Oct 2016 -- Spokesman for the Foreign Ministry Bahram Qasemi has strongly refused any possible role of Iran in attacking the US warships in the Red Sea.
Iran: US claims of attack role 'suspicious' Press TV 20 Oct 2016 -- Iran has strongly dismissed US accusations linking Tehran to alleged missile attacks on American warships in the Red Sea, denouncing the claims as "imaginary, whimsical, suspicious and baseless."

Turkish jets kill scores of Syrian Kurdish militants Press TV 20 Oct 2016 -- Turkey says its warplanes have carried out more than two dozen airstrikes against Kurdish positions in northern Syria, killing scores of militants.
Turkish Airstrikes Kill Up to 200 Kurdish Fighters in Syria - General Staff Sputnik 20 Oct 2016 -- Turkish airstrikes killed up to 200 Kurdish fighters in northern Syria, according to Ankara's General Staff.
Turkey Bombs US Kurdish Allies in Northern Syria VOA 20 Oct 2016 -- Turkey claimed Thursday to have killed dozens Syrian Kurdish YPG fighters in airstrikes. The YPG is backed by the United States, but viewed as a terrorist group by Ankara. The news of the attacks comes ahead of a planned visit to Ankara by U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter.

Credible political transition remains 'central issue' in ending horrific Syrian conflict, says UN chief UN News 20 Oct 2016 -- Stressing that the Syrian conflict "continues to reach new and awful depths," United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed Russia's latest unilateral announcement of a humanitarian pause to the bombing in war-raved eastern Aleppo, but emphasized that the nationwide ceasefire must be revived.
Russia prolongs ceasefire in Syria's Aleppo Press TV 20 Oct 2016 -- Russia says it has extended by 24 hours a humanitarian pause, which was scheduled to last a few hours in Syria's embattled city of Aleppo.
EU weighing sanctions on supporters of Syrian government Press TV 20 Oct 2016 -- The European Union has threatened to impose bans against supporters of the Syrian government, particularly Russia, which has been on an anti-terrorism mission in the Arab country for more than a year.
Militants shell 'humanitarian' Syria corridor as truce begins Press TV 20 Oct 2016 -- Clashes have broken out in Aleppo shortly after a unilateral Syrian ceasefire went into effect on Thursday to allow civilians and foreign-sponsored Takfiri militants to leave the eastern part of the city.
EU Considers Sanctions Against Assad Regime Supporters RFE/RL 20 Oct 2016 -- The European Union is weighing sanctions against supporters of President Bashar al-Assad if they fail to stop atrocities in Syria.
Syrian Army Threatens Retaliation for Turkish Airstrikes Sputnik 20 Oct 2016 -- The Syrian army said on Thursday that it will shoot down any Turkish warplanes violating the Syrian airspace.
Belgian PM Says Air Force Not Involved in Strikes on Syrian Village Near Aleppo Sputnik 20 Oct 2016 -- Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel confirmed Thursday that the country's Air Force was not involved in the airstrike on a Syrian village of Hassajek near Aleppo.

Iraqi forces seize more areas near Mosul from Daesh terrorists Press TV 20 Oct 2016 -- Iraqi army soldiers, backed by Popular Mobilization Units and Kurdish Peshmerga forces, have established control over more areas near Mosul as they are trying to drive Daesh militants out of their last stronghold in the country and deal a death blow to them.
Iraqi Forces Close In on IS In Mosul, But Tough Urban Battles Lie Ahead VOA 20 Oct 2016 -- Iraqi government and Kurdish Peshmerga forces say they are within 25 kilometers of the Islamic State stronghold of Mosul, three days into an operation seen as crucial in defeating the terror group. The closer the Iraqi and coalition forces get to the city, the more difficult the fighting is likely to become, and the more dangerous for the millions of civilians trapped in the city.
For Refugees, Defeat of IS Can't Come Soon Enough VOA 20 Oct 2016 -- Without prompting, 10-year-old Maha rattled off her story as if she had told it several times before: Her father is in jail now, she said, after he was attacked by Islamic State fighters and later accused of joining them.
Iraqi forces retake key town amid push to liberate Mosul Press TV 20 Oct 2016 -- A senior Iraqi military commander says the country's special forces have managed to liberate a key town near Mosul as they press ahead with their offensive to liberate the northern Daesh-held city.
Iran to stand by Iraqi nation in anti-terror battle: Velayati Press TV 20 Oct 2016 -- A senior Iranian official has reiterated the Islamic Republic's support for neighboring Iraq in its anti-terror battle as the Arab country starts a large-scale operation to drive Daesh terrorists out of the northern city of Mosul.
Iraqi troops launch fresh Mosul push, retake town Press TV 20 Oct 2016 -- Iraqi troops launch a fresh push against areas held by Daesh terrorists around Mosul as special forces join the offensive to retake the Takfiri group's last major stronghold in Iraq.
Preparing For Mosul's Humanitarian Crisis RFE/RL 20 Oct 2016 -- As military strategists laid plans to retake Mosul from Islamic State (IS) militants, aid agencies began quietly preparing for the grave humanitarian crisis they expect the northern Iraqi city's liberation to reveal.
U.S. Soldier Killed In Northern Iraq As Mosul Offensive Continues RFE/RL 20 Oct 2016 -- The Pentagon says a U.S. soldier has been killed by an improvised explosive device in northern Iraq.
Iraqi Troops Kill Some 200 Daesh Fighters While Liberating Town of Bartella Sputnik 20 Oct 2016 -- The Iraqi Armed Forces killed about 200 militants during a military operation aimed at liberation of the northern country's of Bartella from Daesh, media reported.
Iraqi Prime Minister Says Foreign Ground Forces Not Involved in Mosul Operation Sputnik 20 Oct 2016 -- The ground forces participating in the operation to liberate the Iraqi city of Mosul comprise only nationals of the country, foreign troops exclusively provide air cover, training and logistical support, Haider Abadi, Iraq's prime minister, said on Thursday.

Russian leader backs armed OSCE mission in east Ukraine Press TV 20 Oct 2016 -- The Russian president has voiced support for the deployment of an armed monitoring mission to monitor the truce in the conflict-torn areas of eastern Ukraine.
Crises talks between Russia, Ukraine, France, Germany wrap up in Berlin Press TV 20 Oct 2016 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says Moscow is prepared to extend a humanitarian ceasefire in Syria's Aleppo.

S. Sudan President Threatens to Personally Run Military if Road Attacks Continue VOA 20 Oct 2016 -- President Salva Kiir has threatened to personally lead military operations against armed groups in central South Sudan if gunmen continue to attack civilians along a key road.
South Sudanese refugees in Congo nearly doubled in September: UN Press TV 20 Oct 2016 -- The number of South Sudanese refugees registered in the Democratic Republic of the Congo doubled in September, reaching 54,000, the UN says.

UN provides emergency food aid to 8,000 people amid renewed violence in Central African Republic UN News 20 Oct 2016 -- The United Nations food relief agency is providing emergency aid to 8,000 people affected by an upsurge in violence in the north of the Central African Republic (CAR), in addition to regular food and nutrition support for some 120,000 people.

News Reports

Filipino, Chinese presidents meet in sign of further thaw Press TV 20 Oct 2016 -- The Philippines' President Rodrigo Duterte has met with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, in a potential step toward the improvement of ties, which have recently been soured by a territorial dispute.
Duterte Announces Philippine 'Separation' from US VOA 20 Oct 2016 -- In what could be a serious setback for Washington and its pivot to Asia, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has announced his country's "separation" from the United States, following high-level talks with Chinese leaders in Beijing.
Philippine President's Pivot to China Just Words - So Far VOA 20 Oct 2016 -- American officials say they have gotten no formal notice from Manila following Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's announcement of a "separation" from the United States.
Xi, Duterte agree on full improvement of ties People's Daily 20 Oct 2016 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Philippine counterpart Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday agreed that the two countries will properly handle differences and achieve full improvement and greater progress in bilateral ties.

Email hacks 'consistent with Russian methods': Clapper Press TV 20 Oct 2016 -- The Director of US National Intelligence James Clapper has once again accused Russia of hacking American political organizations in order to interfere with this year's presidential election.

Leaked Clinton Email Suggests Gulf Allies' Support for IS VOA 20 Oct 2016 -- Foreign policy experts and analysts say they are perplexed by a hacked email in which Democratic presidential candidate and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton appears to accuse the Saudi and Qatari governments of providing logistical and financial support to Islamic State extremists.
Wisconsin Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIL US Dept. of Justice 20 Oct 2016 -- Joshua Van Haften, 34, of Madison, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support and resources, namely himself as personnel, to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization.

State Department Terrorist Designation US Dept. of State 20 Oct 2016 -- The Department of State has designated Haytham 'Ali Tabataba'i also known as Abu 'Ali Al-Tabataba'i, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) under section 1(b) of Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, which imposes sanctions on foreign persons determined to have committed, or pose a serious risk of committing, acts of terrorism that threaten the security of U.S. nationals or the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the United States

Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, October 20, 2016 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Oct 2016

Mexican Judge Denies Appeal by 'El Chapo' Against Extradition to US VOA 20 Oct 2016 -- A Mexican federal judge on Thursday rejected an appeal by drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman against his extradition to the United States.

Kinmen clamps down on illegal Chinese boats CNA 20 Oct 2016 -- Coast Guard officers from Taiwan's outlying island group Kinmen have conducted raids on Chinese boats crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait in waters between Kinmen and mainland China, seizing 10 Chinese ships since October.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Blasts U.S. Official for Talking about "Moral Sanctions" on DPRK KCNA 20 Oct 2016 -- A spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of the DPRK gave the following answer to a question raised by KCNA Thursday to denounce the U.S. for calling for "moral sanctions" while talking about "human rights issue":
North Korea Pledges to Launch More 'Satellites' Into Space - Embassy Sputnik 20 Oct 2016 -- Pyongyang will increase the number of satellite launches under the state space program despite international criticism, the North Korean Embassy in Russia vowed on Thursday.

Venezuela Joins International Charter on Space, Major Disasters Sputnik 20 Oct 2016 -- The Bolivarian Agency for Space Activities has become a member of the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters.

Saudi Arabia joins US in imposing sanctions on Lebanese Hezbollah Press TV 20 Oct 2016 -- Saudi Arabia has joined the US in imposing sanctions on a number of Lebanese nationals and a company over their alleged financial support for Hezbollah resistance movement.

Azerbaijan Renews Crackdown on Activists, Critics VOA 20 Oct 2016 -- Despite the release of many prisoners earlier this year, Azerbaijan has renewed "its vicious crackdown on critics and independent groups," according to a report by Human Rights Watch.

With people in southern Madagascar 'living on the brink,' UN scales up efforts to avert food crisis UN News 20 Oct 2016 -- Following a report that more than half of the population in southern Madagascar – 840,000 people – is experiencing alarming rates of food insecurity, United Nations agencies are responding to the most severe cases of malnutrition and acute hunger to prevent a catastrophe.

UN chief calls on General Assembly to 'fulfil moral duty' to assist storm-ravaged Haiti UN News 20 Oct 2016 -- Briefing the United Nations General Assembly on the humanitarian situation in Haiti following the devastation caused by Hurricane Matthew, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon underlined the urgency of additional resources to help respond to the dire needs on the island.

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