31 January 2017 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
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Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 31 Jan 2017[PDF]

US Airstrikes Target Taliban Positions in Southern Afghanistan VOA 31 Jan 2017 -- The United States military said Tuesday that it has conducted airstrikes to help Afghan security forces hold off a major Taliban assault on a key district center in the embattled southern Helmand province.
Pakistan Army Rejects Afghan Terror Charges VOA 31 Jan 2017 -- Pakistan's military said Tuesday that it was not involved in acts of terrorism in neighboring Afghanistan and called on Afghan forces to boost security on their side of a largely porous 2,600-kilometer border between the two countries.

Defense Policy / Programs

USS Antietam Damaged During Anchoring NNS 31 Jan 2017 -- Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54) damaged its propellers while anchoring in Tokyo Bay in the vicinity of Yokosuka, Japan, Jan. 31.
Operation Deep Freeze: Cargo Handling, Not for the Faint of Heart NNS 31 Jan 2017 -- Sailors assigned to Navy Cargo Handling Battalion (NCHB) 1 have commenced cargo-handling operations at McMurdo Station in Antarctica in support of the U.S. Antarctic Program, which is managed by the National Science Foundation.
F-35A maintenance sparks Red Flag 17-1 AFNS 31 Jan 2017 -- The debut of the F-35A Lightning II at Red Flag has afforded the pilots and maintainers of the aircraft a chance to be a part of the Air Force's premier air-to-air combat training exercise.
Dunford: Speed of Military Decision-Making Must Exceed Speed of War AFPS 31 Jan 2017 -- Military decision-making needs to exceed the speed of events, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff wrote recently in Joint Forces Quarterly.
Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 completes exercise Kamoshika Wrath 17-1 USMC News 31 Jan 2017 -- U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 concluded exercise Kamoshika Wrath 17-1, Jan. 28, 2017, after training for a week at Japan Self-Defense Force's Haramura Maneuver Area in Hiroshima, Japan.
Keel Laid for Future USS Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG 1002) NNS 31 Jan 2017 -- A keel laying and authentication ceremony for the future USS Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG 1002) was held Jan. 30 at General Dynamics-Bath Iron Works shipyard in Bath, Maine.
USS Olympia Arrives in Pacific Northwest for Namesake Visit NNS 31 Jan 2017 -- Sailors assigned to Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Olympia (SSN 717) concluded a visit to the Pacific northwest, Jan. 30, following a series of engagements with key civic and community leaders as well as with locally-based organizations.
Coronado Completes Maintenance Availability, Heads Back Out to Sea NNS 31 Jan 2017 -- Littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) headed out to sea from Changi Naval Base in Singapore, Jan. 31, after completing an in-port maintenance availability.
Readout of Secretary Mattis' Call with Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Deputy Crown Prince and Minister of Defense Mohammed bin Salman DoD 31 Jan 2017

Joint press point with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Rumen Radev NATO 31 Jan 2017
NATO, Trump agree on dialogue with Russia: Stoltenberg Press TV 31 Jan 2017 -- US President Donald Trump and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have underscored the need to establish dialogue with Russia "from a position of strength," the chief of the military coalition says.
US, Polish troops hold war games in Poland to 'deter' Russia Press TV 31 Jan 2017 -- Thousands of US troops have conducted joint war games with Polish soldiers in Poland's western town of Zagan as part of the largest US deployment in Europe since the Cold War.
US to Deploy Tanks to Baltic States in Largest Such Deployment Since Cold War Sputnik 31 Jan 2017 -- The US Armed Forces will deploy tanks this week to the Baltic states bordering Russia in what appears to be the largest such deployment in eastern Europe since the Cold War, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Russia in biggest military push in the Arctic Press TV 31 Jan 2017 -- Russia is involved in its biggest military push in the Arctic since the fall of the Soviet Union, pouring in money and missiles and building a new generation of nuclear icebreakers.

Armored vehicles seized in Hong Kong arrive back in Singapore CNA 31 Jan 2017 -- Nine Singaporean armored vehicles held in Hong Kong after arriving in transit from Taiwan in November have been returned to Singapore, according to a statement from the Southeast Asian country's Ministry of Defense.

Two Russian pilots, officer killed in helicopter crash in DR Congo Press TV 31 Jan 2017 -- Two Russian pilots and a Congolese officer have been killed after two army helicopters crashed during a reconnaissance mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the military says.

China's first indigenous aircraft carrier 'taking shape' Press TV 31 Jan 2017 -- China's second aircraft carrier is "taking shape" after two years and nine months of construction as the country is beefing up its military strength in the face of growing US military assertiveness in Asia.
Does China Have New 10-Warhead Long-Range Missile? Sputnik 31 Jan 2017 -- Chinese defense officials are heralding a major change in the country's nuclear strategy after flight-testing a new long-range missile variant that can carry 10 warheads. The DF-5C missile was flown earlier this month, using 10 multiple independently-targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs).

North Korea Eyes Another Ballistic Missile Launch Sputnik 31 Jan 2017 -- On Monday South Korean military officials indicated that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may order the launch of a Musudan intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), instead of a long-range missile.

US: Iranian Missile Launch 'Absolutely Unacceptable' VOA 31 Jan 2017 -- Iran's recent ballistic missile launch is "absolutely unacceptable" and the Trump administration will not turn a "blind eye" to such actions, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said Tuesday.
Iran's defense program not subject to other parties' permission: Zarif IRNA 31 Jan 2017 -- The Islamic Republic of Iran does not wait for other's permission to go on with its defense program, says Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.
Missile tests Iran's inalienable defensive right: Qassemi Press TV 31 Jan 2017 -- Iran says missile tests are an "inalienable and absolute" right of the Islamic Republic in order to defend its security and national interests, stressing that no country or international body can have any say in this regard.
Iran warns US against politicizing defense program Press TV 31 Jan 2017 -- Iran's foreign minister has cautioned the United States against politicizing the Islamic Republic's legitimate efforts at reinforcing its defense capabilities.

U.S., S.Korea defense chiefs reaffirm THAAD deployment People's Daily 31 Jan 2017 -- Defense chiefs of South Korea and the United States on Tuesday reaffirmed the bilateral agreement to deploy the U.S. missile shield, called Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), in South Korean soil.
US reaffirms commitment to THAAD plan in South Korea Press TV 31 Jan 2017 -- South Korea and the US have pledged to push ahead with their plan to deploy a missile system which has sparked strong opposition from China and Russia.

Statement by Press Secretary Sean Spicer The White House 31 Jan 2017

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for January 31, 2017

Other Conflicts

31 January 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 31 Jan 2017

UN: Millions of Children Caught in Conflict Risk Death From Malnutrition VOA 31 Jan 2017 -- Millions of children caught in conflict and other crises are at risk of dying from severe acute malnutrition if they do not receive life-saving therapeutic treatment.

Yemeni forces target off-shore UAE-run base Press TV 31 Jan 2017 -- Yemeni army soldiers, backed by fighters from allied Popular Committees, have reportedly launched a missile attack against a naval base run by soldiers from the United Arab Emirates off the western coast of Yemen.
Cut off by fighting, thousands of Yemenis urgently need aid and protection - UN official says UN News 31 Jan 2017 -- The senior United Nations humanitarian official in Yemen voiced extreme concern today about the safety and well-being of citizens in the south-eastern part of the country, where military operations are cutting off services and causing harm to civilians.

Syria: UN-supported talks delayed until 20 February to give opposition time to unite UN News 31 Jan 2017 -- The United Nations envoy for Syria today said that he asked the Security Council to postpone the UN facilitated talks that had been scheduled for 8 February in Geneva until 20 February, in order to give the war-torn country's opposition time to unite and participate as one group.
Syria warns of unilateral attempts to establish safe zones in northern Syria People's Daily 31 Jan 2017 -- Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem warned on Monday of any attempt by foreign powers to establish safe zones in northern Syria, state news agency SANA reported.
Intra-Syrian Geneva talks delayed until Feb. 20: Diplomats Press TV 31 Jan 2017 -- The new round of negotiations between Syria's warring sides, which were scheduled to begin early next month, has been postponed until February 20, say sources at the United Nations.
Trump administration sending armored vehicles for Syria opposition Press TV 31 Jan 2017 -- The US has provided a Syria militant group with armored vehicles in defiance of warnings that the equipment may end up in the hands of Takfiri militants waging a campaign of death in the Arab country.
US Delivers Only Up-Armored Vehicles to Syrian Arab Coalition - Pentagon Sputnik 31 Jan 2017 -- The United States has supplied the Syrian Arab Coalition with up-armored vehicles to aid in the offensive to liberate Raqqa, US Department of Defense spokesperson Adrian Rankine-Galloway told Sputnik on Tuesday.

Cease-Fire Violations in Eastern Ukraine US Dept. of State 31 Jan 2017
US Sounds Warning Over Ukraine Clashes, Which Claim Top Separatist VOA 31 Jan 2017 -- The U.S. State Department is voicing "deep concern" about renewed fighting in eastern Ukraine between pro-Russian rebels and government troops, saying the fighting near the Russian border has caused dozens of military and civilian casualties.
East Ukraine hit by bloodiest clashes since truce Press TV 31 Jan 2017 -- Clashes have escalated between Ukrainian government troops and pro-Russia forces further, with the Kremlin accusing Kiev of undermining a peace deal over the country's volatile eastern regions.
Tension High In Eastern Ukraine As Kremlin, Kyiv Trade Blame RFE/RL 31 Jan 2017 -- Tension is high in eastern Ukraine, where fighting between government troops and Russia-backed separatists has flared over the past three days.
Kiev's Actions Threaten Donbass, Ukrainian Soldiers – Russian OSCE Mission Sputnik 31 Jan 2017 -- Kiev authorities' actions in the eastern region of Donbass pose a threat to both local residents and Ukrainian servicemen, Russia's Permanent Representative at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Alexander Lukashevich said on Tuesday.
Ukraine's Defense Minister Claims Kiev Committed to Donbass Peaceful Settlement Sputnik 31 Jan 2017 -- Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak claimed Tuesday Kiev was committed to the policy of peaceful settlement in Donbass despite the worsening of the situation on the ground.
Kiev's Aggression in Donbass Derails Minsk Deal - Kremlin Sputnik 31 Jan 2017 -- Kiev's aggressive actions along the contact line in the southeast of the country are derailing the ceasefire regime and showcase the Ukrainian leadership's reluctance to abide by the deals, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday.
EU Condemns Ukraine Clashes VOA 31 Jan 2017 -- The European Union on Tuesday condemned recent clashes in eastern Ukraine between pro-Russian rebels and government forces, calling the fighting a "blatant violation” of the Minsk truce.

Two bomb attacks hit Nigeria as officials blame Boko Haram Press TV 31 Jan 2017 -- Two bomb attacks have hit separate locations in northern Nigeria in what officials believe were attempts by Boko Haram terrorist group to make up for its recent losses in the face of the Nigerian army.

Joint Troika Statement Welcoming AU, IGAD, and UN Declaration on South Sudan US Dept. of State 31 Jan 2017

UN fund allocates $6 million to help thousands in violence-hit parts of Central African Republic UN News 31 Jan 2017 -- The top United Nations relief official today approved an allocation from the Organization's humanitarian emergency response fund to assist the response to new emergencies triggered by a surge of violence in the Central African Republic's Kaga Bandoro, Bambari and Bria areas.

News Reports

Trump Presidency Thus Far? Russia, for One, Is Pleased VOA 31 Jan 2017 -- Russians have largely greeted Donald Trump's ascendancy to the White House with high hopes for a new era of improved relations with the United States. And judging by this week's reaction, the first telephone call between Presidents Trump and Putin has done nothing to diminish those expectations.

Despite Public Backlash, US Security Officials Defend Trump Travel Restrictions VOA 31 Jan 2017 -- Three of the top U.S. immigration law enforcers on Tuesday defended the White House executive order last week that has sparked fierce public criticism, multiple lawsuits and nationwide protests.
Democrats Denounce Trump Immigration Order as Unconstitutional VOA 31 Jan 2017 -- Congressional Democrats pushed back Tuesday against President Donald Trump, declaring his controversial executive order on immigration "unconstitutional," just hours after he fired Acting Attorney General Sally Yates for refusing to enforce the ban.
Over 1,000 State Department Personnel Officially Dissent to Immigration Order VOA 31 Jan 2017 -- More than 1,000 foreign service officers and civil service personnel of the U.S. State Department have now signed a dissent document about the president's recent order on refugees' travel restrictions, sources told VOA on Tuesday.
Homeland Secretary Defends Immigration Ban, Denies Targeting Muslims VOA 31 Jan 2017 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has defended the implementation of President Donald Trump's executive order restricting immigration, saying "we cannot gamble with American lives."
Trump travel ban punishes those fighting terrorism, says Iraqi premier Press TV 31 Jan 2017 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi says a controversial decision by the administration of US President Donald Trump to restrict arrivals from Iraq punishes people who are "fighting terrorism."
Trump sacks acting attorney general for refusing to enforce immigration order - White House People's Daily 31 Jan 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday night fired acting Attorney General Sally Yates, hours after she ordered the Justice Department not to defend his temporary ban on refugee and immigration that sparked nationwide protests and worldwide criticism.
Trump Fires Defiant Acting Attorney General Over Travel Ban RFE/RL 31 Jan 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has fired the acting head of the Justice Department after she questioned the legality of his order to temporarily bar citizens of seven predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States.
Managing national borders 'cannot be based on any form of discrimination' - UN chief Guterres UN News 31 Jan 2017 -- Refugees fleeing conflict and persecution are entitled to protection, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said today, expressing concern at decisions around the world that have undermined the integrity of the international refugee protection regime.

"United we stand, divided we fall": letter by President Donald Tusk to the 27 EU heads of state or government on the future of the EU before the Malta summit EC/CEU 31 Jan 2017
Tusk: Trump Administration's 'Worrying Declarations' Part Of 'Threat' To EU RFE/RL 31 Jan 2017 -- European Council President Donald Tusk says that "worrying declarations" from U.S. President Donald Trump's administration constitute part of an external threat faced by the European Union.

Rouhani: US angry with JCPOA IRNA 31 Jan 2017 -- President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday the main reason the US President, Donald Trump, is angry with the JCPOA is that it recognizes Iran's right of enrichment.
French FM: Paris opposed to JCPOA talks' resumption IRNA 31 Jan 2017 -- Visiting French Foreign Minister, Jean-Marc Ayrault, said on Tuesday that Paris is opposed to any initiative being against the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and in case of resumption of talks, Paris will not absolutely accept it.
Respecting JCPOA of high importance to France: French FM IRNA 31 Jan 2017 -- Visiting French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault says that respecting the nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is very important to Paris.
Signatories' commitment key to JCPOA implementation IRNA 31 Jan 2017 -- Continued implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) depends on commitment of the signatories to the deal, according to an Iranian senior official.
France committed to defend JCPOA: French FM IRNA 31 Jan 2017 -- French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said on Monday that Paris is committed to defend the nuclear deal known as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action reached between Iran and G5+1(US, UK, France, Russia, China plus Germany).
JCPOA showed diplomacy is successful: Ayrault ISNA 31 Jan 2017 -- French foreign minister following the meeting with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif, defend Iran's nuclear deal as an indication of diplomacy's success.
All parties to nuclear deal must comply with commitments: Iran official Press TV 31 Jan 2017 -- The secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council has underscored the need for the complete implementation of the landmark nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers, noting that all signatories must respect their obligations.
All JCPOA signatories must remain committed to obligations: Rouhani Press TV 31 Jan 2017 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says all signatories to the landmark nuclear agreement between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries must completely fulfill their commitments under the deal.
Trump angry with recognition of Iran's right to enrichment: Rouhani Press TV 31 Jan 2017 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says his American counterpart is angry with the world's recognition of Iran's uranium enrichment right under the 2015 nuclear agreement between the Islamic Republic and the P5+1 group of countries.
France in strong show of support for Iran ties Press TV 31 Jan 2017 -- France is using a visit to Tehran by its Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault to show its support for the expansion of economic relations with Iran in the face of growing tensions resulting from what many see as the unfolding anti-Iran approach by US President Donald Trump.
Ayrault in Iran: I come as defender of N-deal Press TV 31 Jan 2017 -- In Iran with a crucial message, France's Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault says he is a "defender" of the nuclear deal between Iran and six other countries, amid concerns that one of those countries, namely the United States, may act to breach it.

'Another Nail in the Coffin' for Human Rights: Bahrain Restores Intel Powers Sputnik 31 Jan 2017 -- Critics have slammed Bahrain's decision to restore arrest and investigatory powers to an intelligence agency found guilty of torturing anti-government protestors, describing the move as "another nail in the coffin" for the country's Western-backed reform process.

White House Looks to Private Sector for Guidance on Cybersecurity VOA 31 Jan 2017 -- The White House is expected to issue an executive order aimed at bolstering U.S. cybersecurity efforts – efforts that will be made, in large part, with the cooperation of U.S. companies.

Criminal Justice Experts: NYC a Suitable Venue for 'El Chapo' Trial VOA 31 Jan 2017 -- On January 19, the eve of Donald Trump's inauguration as president, as the world set its eyes on Washington, the notorious drug lord of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel boarded a plane from Ciudad Juarez to New York in an unexpected and sudden extradition.

Czech Top Diplomat Believes Foreign State Behind Ministry E-Mail Hack RFE/RL 31 Jan 2017 -- Hackers have breached dozens of e-mail accounts at the Foreign Ministry of the Czech Republic in an attack that was similar to the 2016 hacking of the U.S. Democratic Party during the U.S. presidential campaign, Foreign Minister Lubomir Zaoralek has said.

India Asks Pakistan to Take Credible Actions Against Terror Outfits Sputnik 31 Jan 2017 -- Claiming the 'house arrest' of Jamat-ud-Dawa chief, Hafiz Saeed by Pakistan as a futile exercise, India has conveyed it needs credible actions against these terror groups to restore faith in Pakistan's actions.

Signs Of Generational Split As Tough Talk Rattles Young People RFE/RL 31 Jan 2017 -- Whether it is stocking up on weapons, proposing to redraw borders, or simply a claim like the one made this month by Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic about being ready to send in troops if Serbs in Kosovo are threatened, the Balkans feels once again like a powder keg.

Watchdog Cites Global 'Dual Threat' From Authoritarian Powers, Populist Movements RFE/RL 31 Jan 2017 -- U.S.-based liberty-and-democracy watchdog Freedom House warns that civil liberties came increasingly under threat in 2016 as authoritarian powers gained strength in many parts of the world and "populist and nationalist forces" rose in democratic states.

African Leaders Preach Unity in Readmitting Morocco into AU VOA 31 Jan 2017 -- The African Union has welcomed Morocco back into the continental body after more than three decades away. Even though the transition may not be smooth, African leaders say a united Africa is more important than ever in an increasingly complex and fast-changing world.

Amnesty: Philippine Police Killings Possible 'Crime Against Humanity VOA 31 Jan 2017 -- Amnesty International claims the Philippine government has ordered the police to kill thousands of alleged drug offenders in a wave of executions that may amount to crimes against humanity. President Rodrigo Duterte this week ordered all police anti-drug units to be disbanded in the wake of the killing of a South Korean man, allegedly by corrupt officers.

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