16 November 2016 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 16 Nov 2016 [PDF]

Officials Provide Details of Latest Counter-ISIL Strikes in Syria, Iraq AFPS 16 Nov 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.
OIR Spokesman: Top ISIL Operative Killed in Coalition Airstrike in Syria AFPS 16 Nov 2016 -- A U.S.-led coalition airstrike in Raqqa, Syria, killed a senior leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, Air Force Col. John Dorrian, the spokesman for Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve, told reporters today.
Department of Defense Press Briefing by Col.Dorrian via teleconference from Baghdad, Iraq DoD 16 Nov 2016 -- Presenter: Colonel John Dorrian, Operation Inherent Resolve Spokesman

Bomb attack kills six, injures ten in Afghan capital Press TV 16 Nov 2016 -- Six people have been killed and ten others injured in a bomb attack targeting an Afghan government vehicle in the capital Kabul.
Over 1 Million Afghan Refugees Return Home VOA 16 Nov 2016 -- In the largest influx of refugees returning to Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban regime in 2011, more than 1 million Afghans have returned home – one-fifth of them involuntarily – from neighboring Pakistan and Iran this year, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said Wednesday.

USS Sampson to support New Zealand-led forces responding to earthquake NNS 16 Nov 2016 -- The U.S. Navy is supporting recovery efforts in response to the earthquake in New Zealand. In addition to a maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, USS Sampson (DDG 102) and its two embarked MH-60R Seahawk helicopters is now, at the request of the New Zealand government, on its way to Kaikoura to support disaster relief efforts.

Defense Policy / Programs

Statement by Secretary of Defense Ash Carter on the passing of former Secretary of Defense Laird DoD 16 Nov 2016
US Admiral Seeks to Reassure Asia Pacific Allies VOA 16 Nov 2016 -- A top U.S. military officer says the resolve to maintain peace and security in the Asia Pacific region will not change under the new U.S. administration.
Pacific Air Forces, US Marine Corps conclude exercise Cope West 17 USMC News 16 Nov 2016 -- U.S. Marines with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 225 conclude exercise Cope West 17 at Sam Ratulangi International Airport, Indonesia, on Nov. 11, 2016.
U.S., Japan strengthen defense through Active Shield USMC News 16 Nov 2016 -- U.S. Marines and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force personnel conducted exercise Active Shield at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 8-11, 2016.
Former U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Transferred to the Philippine Navy Visits Pearl Harbor NNS 16 Nov 2016 -- BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF 17), the former U.S. Coast Guard cutter Boutwell, arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Nov. 15 for a regularly scheduled port visit en route to the Philippines.
Japan and U.S. Forces Complete Amphibious Operations during Keen Sword 2017 NNS 16 Nov 2016 -- U.S. Forces and Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) combined to complete a series of amphibious operations as part of Keen Sword 2017 on Nov. 11.
FPCON EX 2016: Testing Interoperability & Response Capabilities NNS 16 Nov 2016 -- On Nov. 8-10, departments from across Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella came together as an integrated force to respond to several simulated emergencies during an Integrated Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection (AT/FP) exercise.
Cybercom Commander: Public-Private Partnerships Needed for Cybersecurity AFPS 16 Nov 2016 -- The public-private cybersecurity partnership between private companies and U.S. Cyber Command and other federal agencies has been uneven so far despite some fledgling success, but collaboration is critical given growing threats to everyone from cyberspace, the commander of U.S. Cyber Command said here yesterday.

US panel calls for probe to see if China weakening US military Press TV 16 Nov 2016 -- A US advisory commission has warned that China’s growing military prowess may adversely affect the US military, calling on Washington to probe the implications of outsourcing military projects to China.

Chinese, Indian armies stage joint anti-terror drill People's Daily 16 Nov 2016 -- Chinese and Indian army troops started their joint anti-terror exercises in the Western Indian city of Puna on Wednesday.

United Kingdom – Certifiable Predator B Remotely Piloted Aircraft DSCA 16 Nov 2016 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the United Kingdom for Certifiable Predator B Remotely Piloted Aircraft, equipment, training, and support. The estimated cost is $1.0 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on November 16, 2016.

Iran to unveil Karrar tank, Saba-248 helicopter soon: Defense minister Press TV 16 Nov 2016 -- Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan says the country is set to unveil a new domestically-manufactured helicopter and an advanced tank in the near future.

Pakistan PM to oversee drills at secret site near India Press TV 16 Nov 2016 -- Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has gone to a secret area bordering India to witness military exercises involving ground and air forces.
Pakistan Holds Military Drill Near Indian Border Amid Tensions VOA 16 Nov 2016 -- Pakistan's military has conducted a major exercise of ground and air power near the border with India, showcasing "combat-readiness of the armed forces" amid heightened tensions and fears of another war between the rival nations.

Republic of Korea - Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) System DSCA 16 Nov 2016 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Korea for Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) System, equipment, training, and support. The estimated cost is $141 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on November 16, 2016.

Turkey to recruit over 30,000 new military personnel after purge Press TV 16 Nov 2016 -- Turkey's armed forces seek to recruit over 30,000 new personnel to fill vacancies following the arrest or dismissal of those suspected of involvement in the coup attempt of July 15.

November 16, 2016 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 16 Nov 2016

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for November 16, 2016

Other Conflicts

16 November 2016 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 16 Nov 2016
Global humanitarian response affected by lack of funding - senior UN relief official UN News 16 Nov 2016 -- Returning from recent visits to Haiti, Sudan and South Sudan, a senior United Nations humanitarian official said that while low funding for aid operations around the world challenge prompt and needed relief, the deteriorating humanitarian situation in conflict-riven South Sudan is the most "alarming."
Top UN peacekeeping officials hail success of community violence reduction programmes UN News 16 Nov 2016 -- Community violence reduction (CVR) programmes are not well-known, but are proving to be an effective peacekeeping tool, senior United Nations officials said today during an event to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the launch of CVR in Haiti.

Do not betray the victims; stand by the Rome Statute and the ICC – UN human rights chief UN News 16 Nov 2016 -- In the wake of three States withdrawing from the International Criminal Court, the top United Nations human rights official has underlined that there is no substitute for the Court and called on the international community to "place [their] collective shoulder behind [the] institution."
Russia withdraws signature from ICC statute Press TV 16 Nov 2016 -- Russia has decided to withdraw its signature from the founding statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying the tribunal has failed to live up to the hopes of the international community.
Russia Withdraws Signature From ICC's Founding Statute RFE/RL 16 Nov 2016 -- Russia says it is formally withdrawing its signature from the founding statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), known as the Rome Statute of the ICC.
Russia's ICC Withdrawal Called Bad Sign for Justice VOA 16 Nov 2016 -- International human rights groups have condemned the decree signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin withdrawing Russia from the International Criminal Court, calling it a cynical move and a bad omen for justice.

Spokesman: Iran welcomes ceasefire in Yemen, resuming intra-Yemeni talks IRNA 16 Nov 2016 -- Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi on Wednesday welcomed ceasefire in Yemen and resuming intra-Yemeni peace talks.
Houthis say ready to stop fighting, join unity govt. Press TV 16 Nov 2016 -- Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement has expressed its readiness to end fighting and join a national unity government in the conflict-ridden country suffering from a deadly Saudi aggression.
Hadi rep dismisses Kerry's remarks on Yemen truce Press TV 16 Nov 2016 -- A representative of Yemen's former government has rejected remarks by US Secretary of State John Kerry that forces loyal to ex-president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi have agreed to a ceasefire.

Kurdish Forces Meet Turkish Demands, Leave Northern Syrian Town VOA 16 Nov 2016 -- A Syrian Kurdish militia withdrew its forces Wednesday from the strategic northern Syrian town of Manbij, three months after helping to free it from Islamic State control.
Airstrikes Continue in Aleppo, Syria VOA 16 Nov 2016 -- At least 32 civilians have been killed in Aleppo in the past 24 hours as Syrian government warplanes and artillery hit rebel-held districts of the city for a second day.

Tal Afar airport liberated by Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units Press TV 16 Nov 2016 -- Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), also known as Hashd al-Shaabi forces, have retaken Tal Afar airport located to the west of Mosul from its Daeshi occupants.
Kurdish forces won't withdraw from Iraq's liberated areas: Barzani Press TV 16 Nov 2016 -- The president of Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region says the Kurdish Peshmerga forces will not withdraw from the regions recaptured from Daesh terrorists in Iraq.
Mosul offensive: Iraqi forces' latest achievements Press TV 16 Nov 2016 -- Commander of Iraq's elite counter-terrorism forces says his forces have marched into an eastern neighborhood of Mosul as government troops and allied fighters are trying to expel Daesh terrorists from their stronghold in the strategic northern city.
Shi'ite Milita Seizes Air Base West Of Mosul, Cutting IS Supply Route To Syria RFE/RL 16 Nov 2016 -- Iraqi Shi'ite militia fighters say they have driven Islamic State (IS) extremists from an air base to the west of Mosul, threatening the supply route from Syria for extremist militants in the northern Iraqi city.

20 Libya troops killed in clashes with militants in Benghazi: Informed source Press TV 16 Nov 2016 -- At least 20 members of the Libyan National Army (LNA) have lost their lives over the past two days as they engaged in clashes with militants in the port city of Benghazi, an informed source says.

Myanmar troops have killed 150 Rohingya Muslims, advocacy group says Press TV 16 Nov 2016 -- Myanmar's military has killed scores of Rohingya Muslims in its recent crackdown across the western state of Rakhine, a London-based advocacy group says.

UN Panel Condemns Rights Abuses In Crimea, Calls For Monitoring RFE/RL 16 Nov 2016 -- Russia's," said U.S. deputy UN ambassador Sarah Mendelson. "States should not have to fear that a neighbor, however powerful, will seize their territory."

Kenya delays closure of Dadaab camp for Somali refugees Press TV 16 Nov 2016 -- The Kenyan government has agreed to international calls to delay closure of a camp that houses Somali refugees northeast of the country.
Welcoming Kenya's decision on Dadaab camp, UN urges flexibility on time frames for Somali refugees UN News 16 Nov 2016 -- The Office of the United Nations High Commissions on Refugees (UNHCR) welcomed today a statement today from the Government of Kenya in which it reiterated its continued search for solutions for refugees at the Dadaab camp, where it has been hosting and protecting refugees from Somalia for many years.
Kenya Postpones Closure of World's Largest Refugee Camp VOA 16 Nov 2016 -- The Kenyan government is delaying its decision to close the huge Dadaab refugee camp, which houses nearly 300,000 people, most of them Somalis. But Kenya's interior minister insists the process to repatriate the Somalis will continue.

Central African Republic: Justice and reconciliation key to lasting peace, UN expert says UN News 16 Nov 2016 -- The justice system in the Central African Republic (CAR) must be urgently strengthened if the country is to achieve lasting peace, a United Nations human rights expert has said, ahead of a major donors' conference in Brussels, Belgium, tomorrow, which aims to raise funds in support of the country's national peace-building plan.

News Reports

Obama In Athens: 'Democracy Bigger Than Any One Person' RFE/RL 16 Nov 2016 -- U.S. President Barack Obama affirmed his faith in democracy and open markets as the best vehicles of freedom and prosperity but warned that governments must do more to assure all their citizens share in the benefits.
Obama Hails Democracy in Landmark Speech VOA 16 Nov 2016 -- U.S. President Barack Obama chose, Athens, the cradle of Western-style democracy to deliver his likely final, landmark foreign policy speech on what is his last overseas trip in office, saying the democracy that America upholds and promotes in the world is imperfect, but "better than the alternatives."

Trump Looking to Ease Restrictions in Fight Against Islamic State VOA 16 Nov 2016 -- Even as the transition team for U.S. President-elect Donald Trump works to assemble his Cabinet, a consensus is emerging on what the world may be able to expect from the new administration on counterterror policy.
Rival Powers Struggle to Gauge Trump's Middle East Priorities VOA 16 Nov 2016 -- As Russian and Syrian government forces resume air attacks on Aleppo, there are growing fears among Syrian rebels they may lose U.S. support once President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Across the Middle East, rival powers are trying to digest the implications of Trump's election victory.

Russian Court Sends Navalny's Theft Case For Retrial RFE/RL 16 Nov 2016 -- The presidium of Russia's Supreme Court has overturned a 2013 theft conviction against opposition figure and anticorruption activist Aleksei Navalny and sent the case back to the lower court for retrial.

Trump and Choi-gate Could Decrease Focus on North Korean Human Rights VOA 16 Nov 2016 -- The U.S. and South Korea are continuing to prioritize efforts to prosecute North Korea for alleged widespread human rights violations, despite shifting political landscapes in both countries that could minimize support for the issue.

Supreme Leader: Iran not impressed by outcome of US election IRNA 16 Nov 2016 -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday that the outcome of the US election makes no difference to Iran.
Leader: Iran unimpressed by US election results Press TV 16 Nov 2016 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says Iran is not worried by the results of the US presidential election, but it is prepared to face any eventuality.
Iran overcame sanctions powerfully: President IRNA 16 Nov 2016 -- The Iranian nation passed the sanctions era powerfully, President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday.
Iran to take pre-planned measurers if JCPOA is violated IRNA 16 Nov 2016 -- Iran will adopt pre-planned measures towards violation of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Secretary of Iranian Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Shamkhani said.
Defense minister: If US changes its policies, Iran will do the same IRNA 16 Nov 2016 -- Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan said on Wednesday that if the US changes its policies, the Islamic Republic of Iran will do the same.
U.S. votes to renew sanctions on Iran ISNA 16 Nov 2016 -- The U.S. lawmakers passed bills on Tuesday renewing sanctions on Iran for 10 years , underscoring their determination to play a strong role in Middle East policy no matter who occupies the White House
Senior Iranian official warns US against failing to comply with nuclear deal Press TV 16 Nov 2016 -- A senior Iranian official has warned the US against violating last year's nuclear agreement between Tehran and the P5+1 group of countries, saying any failure by Washington to abide by its commitments under the deal will cost it dearly.
'US renewed sanctions on Iran to violate JCPOA' Press TV 16 Nov 2016 -- The GOP-controlled US House of Representatives has passed a bill to renew sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran. This is while US President Barack Obama has advised the Republican-dominated Senate not to impose more sanctions on Iran after the historic nuclear agreement between Tehran and the six world powers, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Iran warns US after House moves to renew sanctions Press TV 16 Nov 2016 -- Senior Iranian officials have warned the US against renewing sanctions on Tehran after the House of Representatives passed a bill on Tuesday to restore the bans in breach of a nuclear accord.
U.S. House Votes To Renew Iran Sanctions, Sanction Syria's Backers RFE/RL 16 Nov 2016 -- The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved bipartisan legislation to renew a decades-old Iran sanctions law and impose new sanctions on supporters of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
U.S. official says scraping nuclear deal , puts Trump in trouble with allies ISNA 16 Nov 2016 -- Former Deputy to US Secretary of State Mark Fitzpatrick urges the European leaders to prevent Trump from taking rash steps that would unravel the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

Romania sentences Israeli over spying on, harassing anti-corruption chief Press TV 16 Nov 2016 -- Romania has sentenced an Israeli for spying on and harassing the country's anti-corruption chief.

Nine Minnesota Men Sentenced for Providing Material Support to ISIL US Dept. of Justice 16 Nov 2016 -- The last three of nine men were sentenced this week in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis for conspiring and attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization, and for conspiracy to murder outside the U.S.
Ahmad Khan Rahimi Indicted in Manhattan Federal Court for Executing Bombing and Attempted Bombing in New York City US Dept. of Justice 16 Nov 2016 -- Ahmad Khan Rahimi aka Ahmad Rahami, 28, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, was charged today in Manhattan federal court in an eight-count indictment for offenses related to his alleged execution and attempted execution of bombings in New York City on Sept. 17

Taiwan holds dialogue on establishing regular exchanges with ASEAN CNA 16 Nov 2016 -- The first meeting of the Taiwan-ASEAN Dialogue has been held in Taipei to establish a regular mechanism for dialogue between the two sides under Taiwan's "New Southbound Policy," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday.

Xi begins Latin visit with trade mission People's Daily 16 Nov 2016 -- President Xi Jinping left Beijing on Wednesday morning to start his Latin America trip, which is expected to bring fruitful results in areas such as trade, investment and infrastructure.

McCain warns Trump over 'resetting' ties with Russia Press TV 16 Nov 2016 -- Senior US Senator John McCain has advised President-elect Donald Trump against putting "faith" in Moscow's desire to improve relations with Washington, accusing Russian President Vladimir Putin of "tyranny" and "murder."

Pakistan to deport 'Gulen-linked' Turkish teachers Press TV 16 Nov 2016 -- Pakistani authorities have ordered dozens of teachers affiliated with US-based Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen to leave the country ahead of a visit to Islamabad by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey.
Pakistan To Deport Turkish Teachers With Alleged Links To Gulen Movement RFE/RL 16 Nov 2016 -- Pakistan has ordered the deportation of 130 Turkish teachers at schools with alleged links to Fethullah Gulen, the U.S.-based cleric Ankara blames for orchestrating a failed coup in July.
Turkey in Regional Balancing Act VOA 16 Nov 2016 -- Preventing the disintegration of Syria and Iraq is the priority of Turkey, says the Turkish president's chief of international relations.

From Europe To Central Asia, One-Third Of Citizens See Corruption As Major Problem RFE/RL 16 Nov 2016 -- A new report by Transparency International says that 1 in 3 people living in the region stretching from Europe to Central Asia see corruption as among the biggest problems facing their country.

Can Georgia's Former Ruling Party Reinvent Itself? RFE/RL 16 Nov 2016 -- Ever since Georgia's ruling Georgian Dream party secured a constitutional majority in electoral runoffs late last month, its most prominent opposition rival, the United National Movement, has been riven by disagreements over both short-term tactics and longer-term strategy.

Some Nigerians Question President's Fight Against Corruption VOA 16 Nov 2016 -- Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari is using his anti-corruption campaign to mask efforts to target political opponents, some observers contend, as one of those foes appeared in court Wednesday on money-laundering charges.

Kosovo situation yielding 'fewer results than hoped' in 2016, UN envoy tells Security Council UN News 16 Nov 2016 -- Many of the political expectations with which Kosovo began the year yielded fewer results than hoped, the head of the United Nations peacekeeping mission there said today, expressing hope that next year will see clear progress on political dialogue accompanied by necessary progress at community level.

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