01 November 2016 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 01 Nov 2016 [PDF]

Coalition Strikes Hit ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 01 Nov 2016 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Iraq and Syria yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.

ICC to Launch Investigation of War Crimes in Afghanistan Sputnik 01 Nov 2016 -- The International Criminal Court is going to launch an investigation of war crimes in Afghanistan.
Afghan Refugees Return to an Uncertain Future VOA 01 Nov 2016 -- More than 800,000 Afghans – both documented refugees and undocumented deportees – have returned to their country from Pakistan and Iran this year. National institutions seem to lack the capacity and resources to handle the inflow. The United Nations has warned of a humanitarian crisis and has launched a flash appeal for additional funding to deal with it.

Defense Policy / Programs

Airmen keep F-35s flying AFNS 01 Nov 2016 -- After a discovery of faulty insulation on coolant lines caused a temporary flight restriction for 10 F-35A Lightning IIs at Hill Air Force Base, the repaired jets are beginning to fly again.
Remarks by Secretary Carter at a Force of the Future Event at New York City College in New York City DoD 01 Nov 2016 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Ash Carter
AF, Navy conduct joint air defense exercise AFNS 01 Nov 2016 -- The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (Ike CSG) and the Air Force conducted a joint air defense exercise (ADEX) in the Arabian Gulf Oct. 25.
Transcom Commander Looks at Current, Future Challenges AFPS 01 Nov 2016 -- The United States has the world's mightiest military, but it faces potent challenges, a senior Defense Department leader said today.
Secretary Carter Unveils Latest Force of the Future Initiatives DoD 01 Nov 2016 -- Secretary of Defense Ash Carter today announced the latest links in the "Force of the Future" initiative, laying out specific steps to expand the military's geographic, demographic and generational reach in recruiting and to strengthen the nation's ROTC programs during a visit to City College of New York's Manhattan campus.
Mail by rail: 2nd TSB participates in railhead operation training USMC News 01 Nov 2016 -- Over the steady hum of engines idling, Marines listen as instructors explain how to maneuver tactical vehicles and tractors up the ramps onto railroad cars.
USS Wasp Completes Successful Port Visit to Souda Bay NNS 01 Nov 2016 -- Amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) departed Souda Bay, Greece, Nov. 1.
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 Disembarks Bonhomme Richard NNS 01 Nov 2016 -- "The Flying Tigers" of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262, disembarked amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), Oct. 27-28 following a three-month deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.
Makin Island ARG, 11th MEU Enter 7th Fleet NNS 01 Nov 2016 -- The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, Oct. 29, after concluding operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.
Bonhomme Richard Departs Okinawa NNS 01 Nov 2016 -- Amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) departed White Beach, Okinawa, after disembarking equipment, vehicles, and personnel of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Oct. 28-30.
Navy Commissions Research Vessel Sally Ride NNS 01 Nov 2016 -- The Navy's Auxiliary General Purpose Oceanographic Research Vessel, R/V Sally Ride (AGOR 28), was commissioned during a ceremony Oct. 28 at the Broadway Pier Port Pavilion in San Diego.
US nuclear missile submarine visits Guam for 1st time since 1980s Press TV 01 Nov 2016 -- For the first time since the late 1980s, the US Navy has dispatched a submarine equipped with nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles to the Pacific island of Guam.

US scraps arms deal with Philippines: Report Press TV 01 Nov 2016 -- The United States government has stopped an arms deal with the Philippines to sell thousands of assault rifles to the Southeast Asian country amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Manila, a new report says.
US Halts Rifle Sales to Philippines Amid Rising Tensions With Manila Sputnik 01 Nov 2016 -- The US State Department has halted the sale of 26,000 assault rifles to the Philippines amid growing human rights concerns about Manila's war on drugs. The intervention follows a period of increased tensions between the two countries.

Russian war fleet reaches Mediterranean Sea Press TV 01 Nov 2016 -- A fleet of warships headed by the Russian navy's flagship aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, has reached the Mediterranean Sea as part of Moscow's anti-terrorism operations in Syria.

Defence Secretary announces £1.1 billion investment in Army facilities UK MOD 01 Nov 2016-- The Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has today announced that over £1.1 billion will be invested in creating new accommodation and facilities to meet the needs of the modern Armed Forces.

Unmanned combat drone to be exported People's Daily 01 Nov 2016 -- CH-5 is twice as big as its predecessors, can stay in the air for 60 hours and go up to 10 km high
China showcases advanced stealth warplane in airshow Press TV 01 Nov 2016 -- China has showcased its advanced J-20 stealth fighters in public for the first time, less than a week after starting massive drills amid tensions over the US military presence in Asia.
China Debuts Secretive Fighter Jet at Military Expo Sputnik 01 Nov 2016 -- China has unveiled its secretive stealth fighter plane, the Chengdu J-20, in public for the first time. The heavily armed warplanes represent the cutting edge of China's military clout, and are seen as a direct attempt to compete in defense capabilities with the United States.
China Unveils New Stealth Fighter VOA 01 Nov 2016 -- China debuted its J-20 stealth fighter Tuesday at Airshow China in the southern city of Zhuhai.

India to Clear $2.1 Billion Defense Purchase Contract with Russia Sputnik 01 Nov 2016 -- Indian Army intends to purchase advanced T-90 tanks from Russia. Experts believe that it is best suited for deployment along the western border.

Israel Plans to Buy 3 German Submarines - Prime Minister Netanyahu Sputnik 01 Nov 2016 -- Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel intends to purchase three more submarines from Germany.

Turkey Puts Army Modernization Back on Track With Second Batch of F-35s Sputnik 01 Nov 2016 -- Turkey's Defense Industry Executive Committee, a nation's top procurement body, has decided to purchase a second batch of F-35 Lightning II fighter jets as part of the renewed army modernization program which is back on track after July coup attempt.

Australia Considers Bilateral South China Sea Patrols with Indonesia Sputnik 01 Nov 2016 -- Amid ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, Australia may add fuel to the fire by participating in aggressive patrols through the region.

November 1, 2016 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 01 Nov 2016
Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Josh Earnest en route Columbus, OH, 11/1/2016 The White House 01 Nov 2016

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for November 01, 2016

Other Conflicts

1 November 2016 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 01 Nov 2016

China's jurisdiction over Huangyan Island unchanged: FM People's Daily 01 Nov 2016 -- China still exercises jurisdiction over Huangyan Island in the South China Sea, a spokesperson said Monday, following media reports that Chinese coast guard had recently allowed Philippine fishermen to fish nearby.

Taiwan vows to protect its fishermen's rights near Okinotori CNA 01 Nov 2016 -- The Taiwan government vowed Tuesday to protect the country's fishing rights in the waters near Japan-controlled Okinotori Atoll and said it will continue to hold dialogue with Japan to address the issue.

Turkey Deploys Tanks On Border, Saying They May Be Sent Into Iraq RFE/RL 01 Nov 2016 -- Turkey has deployed tanks and heavy artillery on its southeastern border with Iraq, saying that the forces may be sent into Iraq "if necessary."
Turkey 'Seeking to Neutralize Kurds, Beef Up Its Own Presence in Syria' Sputnik 01 Nov 2016 -- The Turkish leadership is seeking to undermine Kurdish positions in Syria and maintain control over the Syrian cities of Manbij and al-Bab, Nazmi Gur, Deputy co-Chair of People's Democratic Party (HDP), told Sputnik, arguing that the Turkish and Free Syrian Army are destabilizing the situation in Syria.
Turkey Deploys Tanks Near Iraq Border as Defense Against Terror Threats Sputnik 01 Nov 2016 -- Ankara transferred a large number of armored vehicles and tanks near the border with Iraq as a response to the terrorist threat, according to Defense Minister Fikri Isik.

West failure to rein in extremists caused indefinite delay in Syria talks: Russia Press TV 01 Nov 2016 -- Russia says the West has failed to contain the extremist militants it supports in Syria and has caused an "indefinite delay" in peace talks for the Arab country.
Probe Of Syrian Gas Attacks Extended Amid Battle With Russia Over Sanctions RFE/RL 01 Nov 2016 -- The UN Security Council has extended the mandate of a panel investigating chemical attacks in Syria for two weeks to allow time to negotiate a one-year renewal of the probe.
UN rights office concerned at continuing hostilities in both western and eastern Aleppo UN News 01 Nov 2016 -- The United Nations human rights office today expressed concern that all parties in Aleppo are conducting hostilities which are resulting in large numbers of civilian casualties, and creating an atmosphere of terror for those who continue to live in the Syrian city.
Syrian Government, Rebels Could Face Aleppo War Crimes Accusations VOA 01 Nov 2016 -- The United Nations is warning the Syrian government and rebel forces that they may be guilty of war crimes in the divided northern Syrian city Aleppo.

Iraqi Forces Enter IS-Held Mosul, Facing Stiff Resistance VOA 01 Nov 2016 -- Iraqi special forces seized control of state television facilities inside Mosul on Tuesday, as a loose-knit combat coalition allied with Baghdad pressed an offensive to drive Islamic State extremists from the city.
Anti-IS Forces Seek Clues to How Militants Ruled Iraqi Villages VOA 01 Nov 2016 -- About 10 kilometers from the front lines of the battle to retake Mosul, peshmerga soldiers tour an area recently recaptured from Islamic State militants. They say they've learned a lot about how the militant group works from examining the ruins of what were once bustling villages.
Commander says Iraqi forces to approach Mosul in hours IRNA 01 Nov 2016 -- Commander in charge of liberation of Nineveh in Iraq said on Monday night that Iraqi forces will be moving towards the center of Mosul in hours.
Abadi warns of Turkey threat, vows response to any incursion into Iraq Press TV 01 Nov 2016 -- The Iraqi prime minister says the threat of Turkey's military incursion into his country still remains, stressing that Baghdad will counter any such incursion into its territory.
Iraqi troops retake Mosul TV building, village in latest push against Daesh Press TV 01 Nov 2016 -- Members of the Iraqi army's elite forces, the Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS), have recaptured a village and a television station on the edge of Mosul, in their latest push to liberate the northern city from the grip of Daesh terrorists.
Iraqi troops advance on more urban districts of Mosul Press TV 01 Nov 2016 -- Iraqi special forces were advancing toward the more urban center of Mosul on Tuesday after entering the outskirts of the city in a bid to retake it from Takfiri terrorists.
Iraqi Troops Launch Ground Assault On Eastern Neighborhood Of Mosul RFE/RL 01 Nov 2016 -- An Iraqi general says government special forces have entered an eastern neighborhood of Mosul and seized the state TV building there.
Invasion of Iraq to Lead to Turkish Downfall - Iraqi Prime Minister Sputnik 01 Nov 2016 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Abadi stated that any invasion by Turkey in Iraq will lead to its breakup.
Iraqi Forces Liberate Another Eastern Mosul's Quarter From Daesh Sputnik 01 Nov 2016 -- The Iraqi anti-terrorist unit completely liberated the Assamah quarter of Mosul from the Daesh terrorists, according to media reports.
Iraq Security Forces Kill Over 1,100 Daesh Militants in Mosul Operation Sputnik 01 Nov 2016 -- Iraqi troops killed 778 Daesh members in the "southern axis," while Iraqi warplanes dropped bombs on 375 militants, according to Iraqi Interior Ministry spokesman, Col. Saad Moen.
Full Throttle: Iraqi Forces Liberate Mosul's Quarter, TV Station From Daesh Sputnik 01 Nov 2016 -- The Iraqi Armed Forces have liberated from Daesh militants Mosul's eastern Gogjali quarter and the state TV building located in the area, local media reported Tuesday, according to military officials.
As Iraqi troops prepare Mosul assault, ISIL forcibly relocates thousands of civilians closer to city, UN warns UN News 01 Nov 2016 -- The United Nations human rights wing today received reports that the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh) is attempting to forcibly transfer tens of thousands of civilians closer to Mosul, including near its own military installations, which could be targets as the Iraqi Government's offensive to retake the city intensifies.

US extends sanctions against Sudan for another year Press TV 01 Nov 2016 -- The United States has extended sanctions against Sudan for one more year, claiming the Islamic country's policies are still an "extraordinary threat" to America's national security.
UN Mission in South Sudan Failed to Respond Adequately to July Attacks Sputnik 01 Nov 2016 -- According to UN secretary-general's office, an internal investigator's report has concluded that the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan failed to respond adequately to a July bomb attack on civilians at a hotel in the country's capital.
South Sudan: Ban to put in place measures to improve UN Mission's ability to protect civilians UN News 01 Nov 2016 -- In light of the “serious shortcomings” revealed by an independent inquiry into the response of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) after violence broke out in an around its premises in the capital, Juba, in July, Secretary-General Ban Ki moon will introduce a raft of measures to bolster its protection of civilians, including through greater accountability of uniformed and civilian personnel.
Investigation: UN Troops Failed to Protect Civilians in Juba Violence VOA 01 Nov 2016 -- An independent investigation into July's deadly clashes in South Sudan's capital has concluded that U.N. military and mission personnel failed to protect civilians and aid workers.

Car bomb blast kills nine near Maiduguri in Nigeria Press TV 01 Nov 2016 -- Nine people have been killed in a car bomb blast at a military checkpoint in northern Nigeria.

Nigeria Kicks Off Talks With Niger Delta Representatives VOA 01 Nov 2016 -- At their height earlier this year, attacks by militants in Nigeria's Niger Delta region cut the country's oil production nearly in half. Now, the Nigerian government has opened talks aimed at restoring peace in the oil-producing region.

Peace Activists Urge India, Pakistan to End Deadly Border Clashes VOA 01 Nov 2016 -- Civil society activists in India and Pakistan have jointly urged both the governments to de-escalate military tensions and resume peace talks as deadly cross-border skirmishes continued on Tuesday.
India Destroys 14 Pakistani Border Posts in Response to Islamabad's Shelling Sputnik 01 Nov 2016 -- The Indian Border Security Forces (BFS) destroyed 14 Pakistan's border posts after Pakistani forces killed eight people on the territory of India during the shelling, according to local media.

Security Council authorizes UN Mission in Colombia to verify ceasefire UN News 01 Nov 2016 -- The United Nations Security Council has sent a letter to Secretary General Ban Ki-moon authorizing the UN Mission in Colombia to verify the ceasefire and cessation of hostilities, following a request from the Government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – People's Army (FARC-EP).

News Reports

US Aims to Aid Philippines, Demands Human Rights Concerns Be Addressed VOA 01 Nov 2016 -- The U.S. is committed to assisting the Philippines with its law enforcement efforts, but also wants to make sure that Manila is committed to its human rights obligations, a State Department spokesman said Tuesday.

Turkey mulls 'limited' death penalty reinstatement: PM Press TV 01 Nov 2016 -- Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim says his country is considering bringing back "limited" use of the death penalty in the case of a political compromise on the issue.
Ankara: Turkey's Death Penalty Cannot Be Applied to Coup Attempt Suspects Sputnik 01 Nov 2016 -- The Turkish prime minister explained that the death penalty cannot be applied to coup attempt participants because the law, which abolished it, is not retroactive: in the event of reintroduction the capital punishment will affect only crimes committed thereafter.

Democrats Blast FBI Chief For Refusing To Name Russia In Hacks RFE/RL 01 Nov 2016 -- U.S. Democratic leaders have blasted FBI Director James Comey for refusing to join other top government officials in naming Russia as the hacking operation behind leaked Democratic e-mails in what one called a "blatant double standard."

Moscow rejects MI5 chief's claims about Russia Press TV 01 Nov 2016 -- Moscow has strongly rejected claims by the director-general of the British Security Service, MI5, that Russia seeks to "push its foreign policy abroad in increasingly aggressive ways."
Russia poses increasing threat to UK: MI5 chief Press TV 01 Nov 2016 -- Russia presents an ever-increasing threat to the stability of the United Kingdom, the director general of MI5, Andrew Parker, says.
Kremlin Rejects British Spy Chief's Allegation Of 'Increasingly Aggressive' Russia RFE/RL 01 Nov 2016 -- The Kremlin has dismissed allegations by the head of Britain's MI5 intelligence agency that Russia is mounting cyberattacks and other aggressive measures that pose a growing threat to Europe.
Moscow on MI5 Chief's Claims: Sad to See Professional Trapped in Propaganda Sputnik 01 Nov 2016 -- MI5 Director General Andrew Parker's allegations that Russia uses aggressive tactics to spread its agenda abroad indicate that the UK intelligence chief has been caught up in his own propaganda, the Russian embassy in the United Kingdom said Tuesday.
Fear Has Big Eyes: MI5 Chief Claims Russia Trying to Destabilize Europe Sputnik 01 Nov 2016 -- The British MI5 security service's head said numerous Russia's intelligence officers were still operating in the United Kingdom in order to obtain information about state military, industrial and government secrets.

South Korea arrests president's confidante at center of scandal Press TV 01 Nov 2016 -- South Korean President Park Geun-hye's longtime friend has been held for a second day of questioning after being detained over alleged corruption and influence-peddling.
S Korean President's Confidante Detained Amid 'Shadow Adviser' Scandal Sputnik 01 Nov 2016 -- South Korean prosecutors placed a presidential associate, Choi Soon-sil, in emergency detention as she had been accused of interference with governmental affairs, and are expected to decide on issuing a warrant for her formal arrest.
News Analysis: Scandal of S. Korean president's confidante to transform political landscape Xinhua 01 Nov 2016 -- A political scandal surrounding a longtime confidante of President Park Geun-hye derailed South Korea, heralding a big upheaval in the political landscape and in the dynamics of presidential election scheduled for next December.e

Pakistan's Imran Khan calls off planned 'lockdown' of Islamabad Press TV 01 Nov 2016 -- Pakistani opposition leader Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has abruptly called off a planned "lockdown" of the capital Islamabad in the wake of a court ruling that paved the way for an investigation into allegations of corruption against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's family.

Taiwan wants China to recognize it as ROC CNA 01 Nov 2016 -- The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) urged Beijing Tuesday to "face the Republic of China squarely" and "respect mainstream opinion in Taiwan."
Political parties respond to Hung-Xi meet CNA 01 Nov 2016 -- Political parties reacted Tuesday in very different ways to main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) Chairwoman Hung Hsiu-chu's (洪秀柱) meeting in Beijing with Chinese leader Xi Jinping (習近平), from nonchalance to deep suspicion.
President Tsai urges Beijing to recognize ROC's existence CNA 01 Nov 2016 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) has urged Beijing to recognize the existence of the Republic of China, Presidential Office spokesman Alex Huang (黃重諺) said Tuesday.
KMT head emphasizes 'peace platform' CNA 01 Nov 2016 -- Taiwan's main opposition party head said on Tuesday that her party plans to promote a "peace platform" aimed at facilitating cross-strait stability and prosperity, which she contrasted with the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's "independence platform."
KMT chairwoman holds talks with CPC chief in Beijing CNA 01 Nov 2016 -- Opposition Kuomintang (KMT) Chairwoman Hung Hsiu-chu (洪秀柱) held talks Tuesday with Xi Jinping (習近平), China's president and leader of the Communist Party of China (CPC), as part of a visit to Beijing to attend a cross-Taiwan Strait forum.
Xi stresses adherence to 1992 Consensus People's Daily 01 Nov 2016 -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on Tuesday underscored the importance of adherence to the 1992 Consensus and called for maintaining the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations.

Minju Joson Urges U.S. to Make Switchover in Its Policy towards DPRK KCNA 01 Nov 2016 -- Many media and experts of the world often comment that the U.S. has completely failed in its attempt to prevent the DPRK from having access to nukes and it is racking its brains over what relations it should have with the DPRK which has dramatically improved its strategic position.
U.S. and S. Korean Puppet Forces' Sanctions against DPRK Only Lead to Self-destruction: Rodong Sinmun KCNA 01 Nov 2016 -- The U.S. and the south Korean puppet forces' reckless sanctions against the DPRK lead to self-destruction as they only precipitate their final ruin, says Rodong Sinmun Tuesday in an article.

Britain cyber security budget doubled, reaches almost £2 billion Press TV 01 Nov 2016 -- Britain has set aside £1.9 billion ($2.32bn) to beef up its cyber security measures over the next five years, two times the spending for the 2011-2016 period.

US Warns of Possible IS Attack in India VOA 01 Nov 2016 -- For the first time the U.S. government is publicly warning of the possibility of terrorist attacks in India carried out by the Islamic State group.

US Slaps Sanctions on Yemeni Money Exchange for Helping al-Qaida VOA 01 Nov 2016 -- The United States on Tuesday imposed sanctions on a Yemeni money exchange and the two brothers who own it for doing business with the al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula terrorist group.
US, UAE Sanction Financial Backers of Al-Qaeda Branch in Gulf States - Treasury Sputnik 01 Nov 2016 -- US Department of the Treasury said that United States and the United Arab Emirates have introduced sanctions against supporters of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.

Welcoming Lebanon's new President, Security Council cites forming unity government as key to stability UN News 01 Nov 2016 -- The United Nations Security Council today welcomed the election of Michel Aoun as the President of Lebanon, noting that it represents a long-awaited and critical step to overcome the country's political and institutional crisis.
Hezbollah, Syria congratulate Michel Aoun on winning Lebanese presidency Press TV 01 Nov 2016 -- The Lebanese Resistance movement Hezbollah and the Syrian government have congratulated Michel Aoun over his election as Lebanon's new president.

U.S. Court Cool To Russian Arms Dealer Bout's Appeal Of 'Unfair' Conviction RFE/RL 01 Nov 2016 -- U.S. judges have given a cool reception to an appeal by notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, dubbed the "Merchant of Death," to nullify his conviction on illegal arms trafficking.

Sarkisian Signaling Intent To Remain In Power After Term Ends, Critics Say RFE/RL 01 Nov 2016 -- The latest refusal by Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian to rule out the possibility of retaining a top government post after his term runs out in 2018 has prompted critics to say he intends to remain in power.

Will Georgia's Ruling Party Use Super-Majority For Common Good Or To Further Own Interests? RFE/RL 01 Nov 2016 -- The second round of voting in the Georgian parliamentary elections has confirmed expectations that the ruling Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia party will have a constitutional majority (at least 113 of the total 150 mandates) in the new parliament.

Moldova's Pro-Moscow Presidential Front-Runner Says Open To EU Partnership RFE/RL 01 Nov 2016 -- Igor Dodon, who won the first round of Moldova's presidential election and is seen as having strong leanings toward Russia, says he will seek to maintain good relations with both Brussels and Moscow if elected.

Ethiopia Appoints 21 New Ministers Amid State of Emergency VOA 01 Nov 2016 -- Ethiopia's Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn has announced a Cabinet reshuffle, following months of often-violent protests which led the government to declare a state of emergency.

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list