22 December 2016 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 22 Dec 2016 [PDF]

Military Strikes Continue Against ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 22 Dec 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 22 Dec 2016 -- British forces have continued to conduct air operations in the fight against Daesh

Yemen Strikes Kill 28 Al-Qaida Terrorists AFPS 22 Dec 2016 -- Twenty-eight terrorists were killed in Yemen in nine strikes against al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula between Sept. 23 and Dec. 13, according to a U.S. Central Command news release issued today.

Afghan Vice President Defies Summons By Attorney General Over Abuse Allegations RFE/RL 22 Dec 2016 -- Afghan Vice President Abdul Rashid Dostum has refused a summons by the country's attorney general over allegations that he and his bodyguards assaulted and abducted a political rival at a sports event in northern Afghanistan last month.
Latvia Parliament Extends Country's Participation in NATO Afghanistan Mission Sputnik 22 Dec 2016 -- Latvia will prolong its participation in NATO's mission in Afghanistan until the end of 2020, a parliament representative told RIA Novosti on Thursday.
Pakistan to Issue Visas to Afghan Patients at Torkham Entry Point VOA 22 Dec 2016 -- Pakistan has decided to issue entry visas to Afghan nationals who want to visit the country for medical treatment.

Defense Policy / Programs

Trump Wants to Expand US Nuclear Capabilities VOA 22 Dec 2016 -- Donald Trump's team is trying to clarify what could be seen as an alarming statement from the president-elect on bolstering the United States' nuclear capabilities.
Trump calls for expanded US nuclear capability Press TV 22 Dec 2016 -- US President-elect Donald Trump has called for the country to greatly expand its nuclear weapons capabilities until the world "comes to its senses," an apparent reversal of a decades-long reduction of the US atomic arsenal.
New Arms Race? Trump Tweets US Must 'Greatly' Expand Nuclear Arsenal Sputnik 22 Dec 2016 -- "Until such times as the world comes to its senses regarding nukes," President-elect Donald Trump tweeted Thursday, the US should be happy to spend money on more doomsday weapons.

Boeing CEO Promises Trump Air Force One Will Be Less Than $4B Sputnik 22 Dec 2016 -- US President-elect Donald Trump met with top executives from Lockheed Martin and Boeing on Wednesday to begin negotiating for new aircraft that the incoming President previously criticized for 'out of control" costs.

Air Force needs to grow to 350,000 AFNS 22 Dec 2016 -- In ongoing efforts to size and shape the force to current and future requirements, Air Force officials explained why the service needs to grow to 350,000 active-duty Airmen over the next seven years.
Deployed squadron flies combat ops 15 hours after arrival AFNS 22 Dec 2016 -- When the 134th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron arrived at the 407th Air Expeditionary Group in early December, few people outside the two units would have expected them to generate combat airpower 15 hours after landing.
U.S. Forces Japan returns 9,852 acres of Okinawan land USMC News 22 Dec 2016 -- The Okinawa Defense Bureau hosted a land return ceremony Dec. 22 in Nago City.
Navy Releases History of its Roles in Defense Reform NNS 22 Dec 2016 -- The Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) released on its website an internally prepared paper summarizing defense reform and changes in the Navy's roles and authorities throughout its history, officials announced Dec. 22, 2016.
'Copy that, Red Leader' - Navy lab's GunnAR Helmet Brings Rapid Tech Transition to the Fleet NNS 22 Dec 2016 -- It may look like a prop from a Star Wars movie, but this helmet can potentially save lives on the battlefield.
Alexandria visits Sasebo during Indo-Asia-Pacific Deployment NNS 22 Dec 2016 -- The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Alexandria (SSN 757) arrived at the Fleet Activities Sasebo Dec. 22 for a visit as part of its Indo-Asia-Pacific patrol.
Ike Completes France Port Call NNS 22 Dec 2016 -- The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike) departed Marseille, France, , Dec 20, after a four-day port call where the crew was given the chance to enjoy the French culture by touring the host city and surrounding areas.
Pasadena visits Yokosuka during Indo-Asia-Pacific Deployment NNS 22 Dec 2016 -- The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Pasadena (SSN 752) arrived at the Fleet Activities Yokosuka Dec. 22 for a visit as part of its Indo-Asia-Pacific patrol.

Dutch Jets to Join NATO Mission to Baltics in January - Defense Ministry Sputnik 22 Dec 2016 -- The Netherlands Air Force with four F-16 multirole fighter aircraft will be serving as NATO's air police in Baltic states using Siauliai air base starting January 2017, Lithuanian Defense Ministry said Thursday.
NATO Creeping Toward Russian Borders Citing Alleged Threat From Moscow Sputnik 22 Dec 2016 -- In 2016 in the absence of any progress in the resolution of the Ukrainian conflict, NATO with the United States at its helm continued its military buildup in close proximity to Russian borders in a move which Moscow has repeatedly denounced as nonconstructive.

Expanded meeting of the Defence Ministry Board President of Russia 22 Dec 2016 -- The President took part in the annual expanded meeting of the Defence Ministry Board.
Russian president calls for strengthening military nuclear potential amid NATO build-up Press TV 22 Dec 2016 -- Russia's President Vladimir Putin has called for reinforcing the country's military nuclear potential in response to NATO's planned build-up near Russian borders.
Putin Says Russia 'Stronger Than Any Potential Aggressor' RFE/RL 22 Dec 2016 -- President Vladimir Putin has asserted that Russia's military is now stronger than any possible attacker but must be prepared to "adjust plans to neutralize potential threats to our country."
Russian Navy to Receive 2 New Arctic Bases in 2016 - Northern Fleet Commander Sputnik 22 Dec 2016 -- Northern Fleet commander Vice Adm. Nikolai Evmenov said Thursday that the Russian Navy will get two new polar bases in the Arctic in 2016.
Russia to Take Steps to Bolster Military Groups in Country's West, Arctic Sputnik 22 Dec 2016 -- Russia will take measures in 2017 to bolster its military groups in the west and southwest of the country, as well as in the Arctic, Russian Defense Minister Shoigu said on Thursday.
Four New Russian Missile Forces With Yars Systems on Combat Duty - Minister Sputnik 22 Dec 2016 -- Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu stated that four new regiments of the Russian Strategic Missile Forces, were put on combat duty in 2016 said Thursday.
Snap Combat Drills Demonstrate Rapid Development Capabilities of Russian Army Sputnik 22 Dec 2016 -- Snap combat readiness checks in the Russian Armed Forces have confirmed the possibility of rapid deployment of troops at long distances, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.

MOD awards £46M to start Challenger 2 Tank life extension project competition UK MOD 22 Dec 2016 -- The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has awarded new contracts to BAE Systems and Rheinmetall Land Systeme GmbH to progress the Challenger 2 Life Extension Project.

Serbia to Receive 6 Fighter Jets, 30 Tanks, 30 Combat Vehicles From Russia Sputnik 22 Dec 2016 -- Serbia will receive six MiG-29 fighter jets, 30 T-72С tanks, 30 BRDM-2 combat reconnaissance vehicles from Russia as part of a military and technical cooperation assistance program, Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic said Thursday.

U.S. Denies Israeli Claim Lebanon Gave Hizballah U.S. Armored Vehicles RFE/RL 22 Dec 2016 -- The United States has denied an Israeli claim that U.S.-made armored vehicles seen being operated by Hizballah in Syria had been given to the Islamist militia by Lebanon's army.

Lithuania Signs Deal For $2Mln Worth of Used Dutch Military Equipment - MoD Sputnik 22 Dec 2016 -- Lithuania signed an agreement with the Netherlands on acquirement of estimated 1.95 million euros used military equipment to be delivered by 2018.

All PLA economic activities subject to scrutiny: regulation People's Daily 22 Dec 2016 -- China has rolled out a revised regulation to streamline auditing practices in the military and tighten disciplinary supervision.

Indian Commando Across Pakistan Border to Receive Lethal Weapon Sputnik 22 Dec 2016 -- Despite the lack of latest arms and equipment, India's Special Forces have conducted two successful surgical strikes in Pakistan and Myanmar. India now wants to make them more lethal.
India Plans Himalayan Web of Radars For Real Time Weather Info to Armed Forces Sputnik 22 Dec 2016 -- For Indian troops located on the heights of the Himalayas, weather is the biggest enemy. The Government plans to provide accurate weather for these troops posted on the borders with China and Pakistan with the help of a network of Doppler radars.

Two crew members killed in Libya fighter jet crash Press TV 22 Dec 2016 -- A fighter jet belonging to Libyan pro-government forces in the northwestern city of Tripoli has crashed, leaving its two crew members dead.

S Korea Conducts Drills to Practice Repelling Potential Attacks by Pyongyang Sputnik 22 Dec 2016 -- The South Korean military conducted combined drills using tanks and armored vehicles to practice repelling potential attacks by North Korea in the winter time, local media reported Thursday.

December 22, 2016 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 22 Dec 2016

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for December 22, 2016

Other Conflicts

22 December 2016 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 22 Dec 2016

Beijing starts civilian charter flights to disputed South China Sea island Press TV 22 Dec 2016 -- China has begun daily civilian charter flights to an island in the South China Sea, which has long been at the center of territorial dispute between Beijing and its neighbors.
Japan to boost coast guard near disputed islands Press TV 22 Dec 2016 -- Japan's government has announced plans to boost its coast guard fleet in the East China Sea in waters disputed by China.

Turkish air raids kill 47 civilians in Syria's al-Bab: Monitoring group Press TV 22 Dec 2016 -- Turkish jets have reportedly conducted fresh airstrikes on Syria's northwestern city of al-Bab, leaving at least 47 civilians dead in yet another act of aggression against the Arab country.
Turkey to pull out forces from Iraq: Envoy Press TV 22 Dec 2016 -- The Turkish Ambassador to Baghdad says his country will withdraw troops from Iraq, claiming that Ankara does not interfere in the domestic affairs of the Arab country.

Syrian government in full control of militants: Army Press TV 22 Dec 2016 -- The Syrian army says Aleppo has fully returned to government control after the last batch of civilians and militants were evacuated from the northwestern city.
Aleppo liberation victory for Syria, Iran, Russia: President Assad Press TV 22 Dec 2016 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says the recent recapture of the strategic northwestern city of Aleppo from foreign-backed terrorists is a victory not just for his country, but also for its Russian and Iranian allies.
Eastern Aleppo evacuation to end in few hours: Red Cross Press TV 22 Dec 2016 -- UN officials say the evacuation of the remaining civilians and militants from eastern Aleppo is about to be completed in the next few hours.
Syria: US-backed war crimes panel flagrant interference Press TV 22 Dec 2016 -- Syria has denounced the formation of a UN panel to gather evidence on war crimes in the war-ravaged Arab state, terming the measure as a flagrant interference in his country's domestic affairs.
Russian Jets Launched 71,000 Strikes in Syria, Eliminating 35,000 Terrorists Sputnik 22 Dec 2016 -- Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that since the start of Russia's aerial campaign in Syria, Russian warplanes have launched 71,000 airstrikes and eliminated 35,000 terrorists.
Syria: UN approves mechanism to lay groundwork for investigations into possible war crimes UN News 22 Dec 2016 -- The United Nations General Assembly has voted to establish an independent panel to assist in the investigation and prosecution of those responsible for war crimes or crimes against humanity in Syria.
Thousands leave war-ravaged Aleppo as 'dangerous, complex' evacuation nears end - UN envoy UN News 22 Dec 2016 -- A "very large, dangerous, difficult and complex evacuation" entered its final phase today –mainly from eastern Aleppo and from the two villages Foah and Kefraya – a senior United Nations humanitarian envoy announced, adding that it is "now a race against the clock and the winter to provide safety for the desperate people that have been trapped in the besieged city.
Syrian Army Says Aleppo Has Been Retaken; US, UN Remain Wary VOA 22 Dec 2016 -- The war-torn city of Aleppo has been recaptured, the Syrian army said Thursday, marking its biggest victory in the country's long civil war.
West Sidelined as Russia, Regional Powers Plot Endgame for Syrian War VOA 22 Dec 2016 -- A year ago, it would have been unthinkable that Russia and Turkey could hold cordial talks a day after the gunning down of a Russian diplomat in Ankara.

Daesh car bombs kill dozens in southeast Mosul Press TV 22 Dec 2016 -- At least 30 people have been killed and 60 others injured in a series of car bomb attacks that hit the Iraqi city of Mosul on Thursday.
UN condemns killings of aid workers and civilians waiting for emergency assistance in Mosul UN News 22 Dec 2016 -- In the past 48 hours, four aid workers and at least seven civilians have been killed and 40 others injured while waiting in line for emergency assistance in Mosul, prompting the United Nations relief wing to denounce the actions in "the strongest terms."

UN Security Council postpones vote on resolution against Israeli settlements Press TV 22 Dec 2016 -- The United Nations Security Council has postponed a vote on a draft resolution demanding that Israel halt its illegal settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Trump urges veto of UN resolution on halting Israeli settlements Press TV 22 Dec 2016 -- US President-elect Donald Trump has called for veto of a United Nations Security Council resolution that would halt illegal Israeli settlement activities on the occupied Palestinian land.
UN Vote on Israeli Settlements 'Indefinitely' Postponed VOA 22 Dec 2016 -- Egypt asked the United Nations to "indefinitely" postpone a vote Thursday on a resolution demanding an end Israeli settlement building in Palestinian territories.

OSCE monitor warns of unprecedented surge in Ukraine violence Press TV 22 Dec 2016 -- The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has issued a fresh warning that a surge in violence in Ukraine's east is pushing the conflict to levels not seen in months.
Report: Russian Hackers Tracked Ukrainian Artillery Units RFE/RL 22 Dec 2016 -- A Russian hacking group known as Fancy Bear has likely used a malware implant on Android devices to track and target Ukrainian artillery units, a new report says.

Three years into conflict, humanitarian needs in South Sudan continue to rise - UN relief wing UN News 22 Dec 2016 -- Since fighting first erupted in South Sudan three years back, tens of thousands have died, food insecurity and acute malnutrition are at unprecedented levels, and more than three million have been driven from their homes, the United Nations humanitarian arm has reported.

As funds shrink, UN agency may end assistance to 150,000 in Central African Republic UN News 22 Dec 2016 -- Due to a lack of funding, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is running a risk of soon needing to halt its aid to 150,000 people in crisis-torn Central African Republic (CAR) who have been displaced by violence.

UN allocates $3 million to Somalia-Kenya cross-border pilot project for Somali refugees UN News 22 Dec 2016 -- The United Nations Peacebuilding Fund is set to allocate $3 million on a pilot project that will provide peacebuilding and professional skills to Somali refugees volunteering to return from Kenya to Somalia.

News Reports

Intel Committee Releases Declassified Snowden Report US House of Representatives Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence 22 Dec 2016 -- The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence today released a declassified version of its investigative report on Edward Snowden, the former National Security Agency contractor who fled to China and then Russia after stealing an estimated 1.5 million classified documents.
U.S. Lawmakers: Snowden In Contact With Russian Security Agencies RFE/RL 22 Dec 2016 -- Lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives have accused the fugitive national security contractor Edward Snowden of communicating with Russian security agencies while he is exiled in Moscow.
Congressional Report Aiming to Smear Snowden, Surprisingly Exonerates Him Sputnik 22 Dec 2016 -- A Congressional report aimed at smearing Edward Snowden has surprisingly exonerated him, and the whistleblower took to Twitter on Thursday to brilliantly explain the details.
Declassified US House Report Claims Snowden in Contact With Russian Intel Sputnik 22 Dec 2016 -- The US House of Representatives Intelligence Committee said in a declassified report on Thursday that former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor and whistleblower Edward Snowden is in contact with Russia's intelligence services.

Russia 'has no illusions' about breakthrough in ties with US Press TV 22 Dec 2016 -- Russia says it has no illusions about a potential breakthrough in relations with the United States, whose incoming administration is perceived to be Russia-friendly.
Kremlin Says Dialogue With U.S. 'Frozen;' No Quick Thaw Expected RFE/RL 22 Dec 2016 -- The Kremlin's spokesman said that dialogue with the United States is currently "frozen" and that Moscow does not expect a quick thaw of ties when President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
Navalny Team Uncovers Miami Homes Belonging To Russian Mayor RFE/RL 22 Dec 2016 -- Investigators working for Russian anticorruption crusader Aleksei Navalny have uncovered two luxury Miami apartments allegedly belonging to the mayor of Russia's fifth-largest city.

Australia Detains 5 in IS-inspired Christmas Day Bomb Plot VOA 22 Dec 2016 -- Several people allegedly planning a series of bomb attacks in Melbourne, Australia, on Christmas Day have been arrested, and the plot was foiled, police said Friday.

Obama Dumps Registry for Some Immigrant Men, Mostly Muslims VOA 22 Dec 2016 -- The Obama administration said Thursday it is officially scrapping a post-9/11 requirement for immigrant men from predominantly Muslim countries to register with the federal government.

Saudi Arabia projects 2017 budget deficit of $53bn Press TV 22 Dec 2016 -- Saudi Arabia has forecast that its budget deficit for next year will be about $53 billion despite economic measures adopted by the government in response to low oil prices.

China says ties with US face uncertainties Press TV 22 Dec 2016 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says China's relations with the United States face new uncertainties, as a bumpy road is expected ahead for Beijing and an apparently China-bashing future US administration.

Beijing could continue to lure away Taiwan's allies: experts CNA 22 Dec 2016 -- China will continue to explore the possibility of luring away countries that maintain diplomatic ties with Taiwan in the wake of one of them severing official ties with Taiwan, two China experts have said.
Sao Tome cuts ties and tolls bell for Taiwan 'diplomacy' People's Daily 22 Dec 2016 -- African island nation Sao Tome and Principe announced Tuesday that it has cut its so-called "diplomatic" ties with Taiwan and acknowledged sovereignty of the People's Republic of China.

UNSC Resolution Against North Korea Enables War - Pyongyang Sputnik 22 Dec 2016 -- The UN Security Council resolution on new sanctions against Pyongyang is nothing short of a war declaration, and the countries that adopted it will have to face the consequences of this decision, the Foreign Ministry of North Korea said in a statement.
North Korea Sanctions Delay Lifesaving Medical Aid VOA 22 Dec 2016 -- A humanitarian organization that treats deadly multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in North Korea is being impeded by delays because of heighten inter-Korean tensions and sanctions imposed on the Kim Jong Un government for its ongoing nuclear and ballistic missile development programs.

S. Korean opposition presidential hopefuls beat Ban Ki-moon in virtual race: poll People's Daily 22 Dec 2016 -- Two major presidential hopefuls in South Korea's biggest opposition party beat outgoing UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in a simulated presidential election, a local survey showed on Thursday.
South Korea Constitutional Court begins impeachment hearings for president Press TV 22 Dec 2016 -- South Korea's Constitutional Court has commenced deliberations on a legislative impeachment vote against the country's embattled President Park Geun-hye over a major corruption scandal.

EU's top court rules UK's mass snooping of Brits illegal Press TV 22 Dec 2016 -- The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled as illegal the UK government's plan to conduct an indiscriminate mass gathering of data on British citizens.

Airbus, Iran Air sign final deal: 100 passenger planes on plate IRNA 22 Dec 2016 -- The Airbus company and Iran's civil aviation carrier Iran Air signed on Thursday the final contract for the purchase of 100 passenger planes, Airbus announced on its website on Thursday.
Iran Air inks deal with Airbus to buy 100 planes Press TV 22 Dec 2016 -- The European aviation giant, Airbus, has sealed a contract with the Iranian flag carrier, Iran Air, for the sale of 100 aircraft, worth over $18 billion dollars at list prices, to the Islamic Republic.

China launches satellite to monitor global carbon emissions People's Daily 22 Dec 2016 -- China launched a carbon dioxide monitoring satellite via a Long March-2D rocket from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gobi Desert at 3:22 a.m. Thursday.

Police killed 34 protesters during recent protests in DR Congo: HRW Press TV 22 Dec 2016 -- Security forces shot dead at least 34 people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during protest rallies this week against President Joseph Kabila, Human Rights Watch (HRW) says.
DRC Ruling Alliance, Opposition Resume Talks VOA 22 Dec 2016 -- In the Democratic Republic of Congo, members of the presidential alliance and the country's main opposition coalition met again Thursday to try to hammer out a deal on delayed elections. Mediators from the Catholic Church say the two sides need to reach an agreement before Christmas, but so far neither side is showing signs of compromise.

Ethiopia Releases Thousands Arrested Since Start of State of Emergency VOA 22 Dec 2016 -- Ethiopia has released thousands of protesters who were detained during the ongoing state of emergency.

Nigeria's megacity, Lagos, faces 'unacceptable' water and sanitation crisis, UN expert warns UN News 22 Dec 2016 -- A United Nations human rights expert today called on the Nigerian Government to increase funding for water and sanitation in next year's budget to address the needs of 21 million residents of Lagos, the country's largest city, which continues to grow while access to basic services dwindles.

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