15 February 2017 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 15 Feb 2017[PDF]

Department of Defense Press Briefing by Maj. Gen. Jones via teleconference from Baghdad, Iraq DoD 15 Feb 2017 -- Presenter: Major General Rupert Jones, UK, deputy commander, Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve
Officials Provide Details of Latest Strikes in Syria, Iraq AFPS 15 Feb 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and Syria terrorists yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
ISIS Losing Fighters, Leaders, Resources, Inherent Resolve Spokesman Says AFPS 15 Feb 2017 -- The deputy commander of Operation Inherent Resolve briefed the media here via videoconference from Baghdad this morning, discussing progress in Syria and Iraq and updating stabilization efforts that set conditions for normality to return once the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria is defeated.

Mattis, NATO Counterparts Discuss Counter-ISIS Efforts AFPS 15 Feb 2017 -- Defense Secretary Jim Mattis met today with his counterparts at NATO headquarters in Brussels to discuss efforts to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

Broader Talks Sought on Stabilizing Afghanistan VOA 15 Feb 2017 -- A second round of international talks in Moscow on the stabilization of Afghanistan ended Wednesday with participating countries calling for Central Asian nations to be included in future discussions.

Defense Policy / Programs

Enlisted Leaders Ask Congress to Maintain Military Readiness, Fund Credentialing Program AFPS 15 Feb 2017 -- In testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee yesterday, the military's top enlisted advisors and the acting assistant secretary of defense for manpower and reserve affairs discussed the importance of single service member and military family readiness programs.
The M119 howitzer platform gets a new muzzle brake design Army News 15 Feb 2017 -- Engineers from Watervliet Arsenal have designed a 105 mm low blast overpressure muzzle brake, or LBOP. It's the first large caliber muzzle brake designed specifically for an existing gun system.
Readout of Secretary Mattis' Bilateral Meeting with Italian Minister of Defense Roberta Pinotti DoD 15 Feb 2017
Readout from Secretary Jim Mattis' Bilateral Meeting with UK State Secretary for Defense Michael Fallon DoD 15 Feb 2017
Readout of Secretary Mattis' Bilateral Meeting with French Minister of Defense Le Drian DoD 15 Feb 2017
Readout of Deputy Secretary of Defense Bob Work's Meeting with Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Pavlo Klimkin DoD 15 Feb 2017
Marines and soldiers train with RFID USMC News 15 Feb 2017 -- Marines from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, and Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, joined with soldiers from the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California, to test in-transit visibility of equipment being transported from west coast to east coast bases using Radio Frequency Identification and SHOUT nano devices aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., Jan 27.
Green Bay, Royal Thai Navy Kick Off Cobra Gold 2017 NNS 15 Feb 2017 -- Amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20), with embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), officially kicked off Exercise Cobra Gold 2017 (CG 17) in Sattahip, Thailand, Feb. 14.
French Ship Forbin Assists in Maritime Rescue NNS 15 Feb 2017 -- French Marine Nationale anti-air frigate FS Forbin (D620), assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 50, assisted in the rescue of mariners from a sinking dhow Feb. 13.
Carl Vinson Departs Guam NNS 15 Feb 2017 -- Aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 departed Guam after a scheduled four-day port visit, Feb. 14.
NAVSTA Mayport Named East Coast Base for MQ-4C Triton UAS NNS 15 Feb 2017 -- The U.S. Navy has selected Naval Station (NS) Mayport in Florida as the East Coast Forward Operating Base (FOB) for the MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), Feb. 15, 2017.
Cyber teams throw virtual effects, defend networks against ISIS Army News 15 Feb 2017 -- Soldiers in new cyber teams are now bringing offensive and defensive virtual effects against Islamic militants in northern Iraq and Syria, according to senior leaders.

Mattis Highlights U.S. Commitment to NATO, Warns of 'Arc of Insecurity' AFPS 15 Feb 2017 -- Defense Secretary Jim Mattis highlighted the U.S. commitment to NATO today, stressing the alliance's importance in regional and global security while calling on nations to meet their military funding commitments.
Mattis speaking of a 'fair demand' in Brussels Press TV 15 Feb 2017 -- US Defense Secretary James Mattis reiterates President Donald Trump's NATO policy, signaling that allies should pay up if they want American support.
Press conference by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg following the meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the level of Defence Ministers NATO 15 Feb 2017 -- (As delivered)
Joint press statements with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and the US Secretary of Defense, Jim Mattis NATO 15 Feb 2017
Doorstep statement by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the start of the meetings of NATO Defence Ministers NATO 15 Feb 2017
Press conference by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg following the meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the level of Defence Ministers on deterrence and defence NATO 15 Feb 2017
Defence Ministers meet to discuss NATO's adaptation NATO 15 Feb 2017 -- NATO Defence Ministers began two days of talks in Brussels on Wednesday (15 February 2017), focused on ensuring NATO's strength and flexibility in the face of evolving challenges.
Germany, Romania and the Czech Republic deepen defence ties NATO 15 Feb 2017 -- Today (15 December 2017), Defence Ministers from Germany, Romania and the Czech Republic signed arrangements to deepen defence ties. As part of this, the Czech Republic's 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade and Romania's 81st Mechanized Brigade will work closely with Germany's 10 Armoured Division and Rapid Response Forces Division.
U.S. Defense Chief Urges Allies To Increase Defense Spending RFE/RL 15 Feb 2017 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has told Washington's NATO allies that the United States will "moderate its commitment" to the alliance unless they boost their defense spending.
UK Defense Secretary Urges NATO States to Increase Defense Spending Sputnik 15 Feb 2017 -- The UK defense secretary urged NATO member states to step up their spending to ratchet up the military bloc's might.
NATO must improve agility and spend, Defence Secretary urges UK MOD 15 Feb 2017 -- NATO must become more agile and share burdens if it is to tackle growing threats, the Defence Secretary will say today during his first meeting with his American counterpart.

Russia denies US claims of unsafe flybys in Black Sea Press TV 15 Feb 2017 -- Russia has denied claims of "unsafe" encounters between Russian military jets and a United States destroyer in the Black Sea.
Russian Ship Off US East Coast Reportedly Nears Submarine Base in Connecticut Sputnik 15 Feb 2017 -- A Russian ship, which was detected in the international waters off the east coast of the United States on Tuesday, has been spotted not far from a US Navy submarine base in the state of Connecticut, Fox News reported.
Russia Said To Deploy Cruise Missile That Violates Arms Control Treaty RFE/RL 15 Feb 2017 -- U.S. media are reporting that Russia has deployed a new cruise missile that the United States contends is in violation of an arms control treaty.

Somalia 'plans to file legal complaint against UAE' over Somaliland base Press TV 15 Feb 2017 -- Somalia's internationally-backed government is reportedly planning to file a legal case against the rulers of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for setting up a military base in the unrecognized breakaway republic of Somaliland.

India Advances Talks on Missile Sale to Vietnam Despite China's Caution Sputnik 15 Feb 2017 -- India has decided to go ahead with missile sale to Vietnam despite red flagged by China. Beijing had warned both New Delhi and Hanoi that it will not sit quite if deal goes through.

Soldiers warned over loose talk near military bases People's Daily 15 Feb 2017 -- China's military authorities have warned soldiers and officers not to leak military secrets as they go about their daily life, especially when ordering food, sending packages and using social media applications.
China's new aircraft carrier to be launched early 2017 and to enter the service by 2020, experts say People's Daily 15 Feb 2017 -- China's second aircraft carrier is scheduled to be launched later this year and is expected to enter the service by 2020, Xu Guangyu, a retired Chinese military officer and consultant to the China Arms Control and Disarmament Assn, said in an interview with Beijing Media Network.
World's largest amphibian aircraft passes engine tests People's Daily 15 Feb 2017 -- The AG600, the world's largest amphibian aircraft, has successfully passed engine tests and is expected to make its maiden flight in the first half of 2017, according to China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co. Ltd. on Tuesday.

North Korea rejects UNSC condemnation of missile test Press TV 15 Feb 2017 -- North Korea has rejected the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)'s condemnation of its recent missile test launch, citing a "sovereign right" to such tests.

India Gets First Locally Designed Early Warning and Control Aircraft Sputnik 15 Feb 2017 -- On Tuesday India's Air Force received the first three indigenously designed airborne early warning and control platforms (AEW&C) from the country's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Russia Ready to Increase Licensed Production of Su-30MKI Fighter Jets in India Sputnik 15 Feb 2017 -- Russia is willing to ramp up the licensed production of its Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets in India, the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) told Sputnik on Wednesday.
India's BEL Details Remote Controlled Air Defense Gun for MBT Arjun MK II Sputnik 15 Feb 2017 -- Indian Army has argued that Indian made Main Battle Tank Arjun is too heavy to move quickly in desert and hilly roads. Army had also demanded 73 modifications in Mark I version of Arjuna. However, most of the notions of Indian Army were disapproved during comparative trials done by Israel Military Industries.
India Approves $203 Million to Ramp up Production of Indigenous Combat Aircraft Sputnik 15 Feb 2017 -- Indian Air Force is continuing with 11 Squadrons of MiG-21 and MiG-27 aircrafts which are due to retire by 2024.
Indian Air Force Su-30MKIs to Get Su-35 Engines After Modernization Sputnik 15 Feb 2017 -- United Engine Corporation CEO Alexander Artyuhov said that Russian Sukhoi Su-30MKI operated by the Indian Air Force after modernization will get the AL-41F turbofan engines designed for 4++ generation aircraft currently being installed on the Su-35 fighters.

Pakistan Considers Expanding Mi-35 Contract With Russia - Military Official Sputnik 15 Feb 2017 -- According to a high-ranking military official in Pakistan, Islamabad is considering the expanding of the contract on the delivery of the Mil Mi-35 helicopters from Russia.
Pakistan's PM Stresses Importance of AMAN-17 Naval Drills for World's Stability Sputnik 15 Feb 2017 -- Large participation of foreign navies in Multinational Exercise AMAN-17 is a testament to the confidence of world navies in Pakistan, Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said Tuesday, after witnessing sea maneuvers and a fleet review in the north of the Arabian Sea.

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for February 15, 2017

Other Conflicts

15 February 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 15 Feb 2017
In a period of 'profound uncertainty,' stand up for human rights, urges UN rights chief in global appeal UN News 15 Feb 2017 -- Urging action for greater freedoms, stronger respect and more compassion, the United Nations human rights arm today launched a $253 million appeal – its largest to date – to bolster its 2017 work programme to protect and advance the rights of people around the world.

Beijing Warns US Against Planned Maritime Patrols in South China Sea Sputnik 15 Feb 2017 -- On Wednesday China responded to rumblings about the US planning fresh naval patrols in the South China Sea by warning Washington not to impose on their sovereignty.

IS Propaganda Switches from Utopian Caliphate to Battlefield Reality VOA 15 Feb 2017 -- As the terror group Islamic State loses more and more territory in Iraq and Syria, its propaganda has undergone a significant change, according to analysts. Many of the recent videos produced by the group have focused on the battle for the Iraqi city of Mosul – with a decreasing emphasis on calls for foreign fighters to join the group.

Iran dismisses Erdogan's allegations of Tehran's interference in Iraq, Syria Press TV 15 Feb 2017 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi has dismissed recent anti-Tehran remarks by the Turkish president, stressing that promoting security in the region has been among the Islamic Republic's main foreign policies.

HNC says seeks direct talks with Damascus in Geneva Press TV 15 Feb 2017 -- Syria's main foreign-backed opposition group says it seeks face-to-face negotiations with Damascus in the upcoming round of peace talks due to be held in Geneva on February 23.
US strikes, Daesh sabotage on key dam threaten floods in Syria: UN Press TV 15 Feb 2017 -- The United Nations has warned of a humanitarian catastrophe in Syria due to deliberate acts of sabotage by Daesh terrorists targeting a key dam and US-led coalition air raids on the facility.
Syria peace talks in Astana delayed by one day: Kazakhstan Press TV 15 Feb 2017 -- Kazakhstan says a new round of Syria peace negotiations, which was slated to open in Astana on Wednesday, has been delayed until tomorrow.
Syrian Airstrike Kills Daesh Warlord Near Syria's Deir Ez-Zor Sputnik 15 Feb 2017 -- One of warlords of Daesh terror group was eliminated on Wednesday by the Syrian airstrike south of the northern Syrian city of Deir ez-Zor, media reported.
Any Syria Settlement Meetings Excluding Kurds Doomed to Fail – Turkish HDP Party Sputnik 15 Feb 2017 -- Any negotiations on the Syrian crisis settlement without the involvement and participation of the Kurds are doomed to failure and will not give any progress, Turkish parliament member from the pro-Kurdish opposition Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Osman Baydemir told Sputnik on Wednesday.

Turkish Aircraft Destroy Four PKK Targets in Southern Country's Region Sputnik 15 Feb 2017 -- The Turkish Air Force destroyed four targets of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in the Amanos Mountains located in the country's south, local media reported.

Russia tells White House it will not return Crimea to Ukraine Press TV 15 Feb 2017 -- Russia has rejected US calls to "return" Crimea to Ukraine, saying that the strategic peninsula in the Baltic Sea [sic. ed. Black Sea] is part of Russian territory.
UN Food Agency to Help 220,000 People in Eastern Ukraine Amid Rising Prices Sputnik 15 Feb 2017 -- The UN World Food Program (WFP) will continue to support 220,000 food-insecure people in conflict-affected areas of eastern Ukraine throughout 2017, according to official statement.
Warring Sides in Donbass Agree to Withdraw Banned Weapons by February 20 Sputnik 15 Feb 2017 -- Conflicting parties in Donbass reached an agreement on withdrawing the banned weapons from the contact line by February 20, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office to the Trilateral Contact Group Martin Sajdik said on Wednesday.
'Russia Does Not Return Its Territories' - Moscow on WH Statement on Crimea Sputnik 15 Feb 2017 -- Russia does not return its territories, Russian Foreign Ministry spokewoman Maria Zakharova said commenting on the White House statement that US President Trump is expecting Moscow to return Crimea to Kiev.
UN emergency food agency to feed some 220,000 people in conflict-affected Ukraine UN News 15 Feb 2017 -- Access to food is becoming harder in eastern Ukraine as prices are outpacing incomes, the United Nations emergency food agency today said, warning that without longer-term intervention, more people will need humanitarian aid in the months and years to come.

Trump Again Criticizes Iran Nuclear Deal, Asks Israel To 'Hold Back' On Settlements RFE/RL 15 Feb 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has again vowed to keep Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and has criticized the landmark nuclear deal between Tehran and six world powers.
Trump, Netanyahu Project Unity, But Back Away from Two-State Solution VOA 15 Feb 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu projected a message of unity during a White House meeting Wednesday, even as Trump suggested he was open to alternatives to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Israeli premier describes Trump as greatest supporter of Tel Aviv Press TV 15 Feb 2017 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described US President Donald Trump as the greatest supporter of the Tel Aviv regime.
UN chief backs two-state solution after US ditches support Press TV 15 Feb 2017 -- United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has underline the need for pursuing the so-called two-state solution to the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict, saying there is "no alternative" to that option.

In Cairo, UN chief Guterres underscores political solutions to ease tensions in regional hotspots UN News 15 Feb 2017 -- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today reiterated his commitment to fighting terrorism but underlined also the importance of political solutions to the crises in Syria and the wider region, and put his weight behind the intra-Syrian negotiations expected to begin later this month in Geneva.

U.S. Condemns South Ossetia Name-Change Referendum RFE/RL 15 Feb 2017 -- The U.S. Embassy in Georgia has condemned plans by separatist authorities in South Ossetia for a referendum on a proposed name change for the Russia-backed breakaway region.

Burundi Peace Talks Appear on Shaky Ground VOA 15 Feb 2017 -- Talks to end Burundi's political crisis are slated to resume Thursday, but there is renewed and widespread doubt the talks will help bring peace to the unsettled central African country.

Situation in Central African Republic warrants continued international attention, UN Security Council told UN News 15 Feb 2017 -- Despite improving security situation in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic (CAR), concerns remain in other parts of the country, the top United Nations peacekeeping official told the Security Council today, underlining the need for continued international attention.

News Reports

Trump blames intelligence leaks by NSA, FBI for Flynn's resignation Press TV 15 Feb 2017 -- US President Donald Trump has blamed leaks by US intelligence agencies, including the FBI and NSA, for the resignation of his national security adviser Michael Flynn.
Trump Defends National Security Adviser He Ousted VOA 15 Feb 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday staunchly defended the national security adviser he ousted earlier this week, saying Michael Flynn was the victim of illegal leaks from the country's intelligence community detailing his conversations with Russia's ambassador to Washington and had been "treated very, very unfairly by the media."
Trump team had 'repeated contacts' with Russia before election: NYT Press TV 15 Feb 2017 -- Members of Donald Trump's presidential campaign had "repeated contacts" with senior Russian intelligence officials before the November election, according to a report.
Congress Moves To Probe Russian Contacts With Flynn, Other Trump Advisers RFE/RL 15 Feb 2017 -- Congressional leaders said they will investigate growing questions over contacts between Russia and top advisers to U.S. President Donald Trump in the weeks and months before he took office.
Trump Blasts Media Over Flynn Coverage, Suggests Obama Was Soft On Moscow RFE/RL 15 Feb 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has accused the media of treating Michael Flynn, "very, very unfairly" in its coverage of the former White House national security adviser's conversations with a Russian diplomat.

Lawmakers Call for Congressional Approval on Russia Sanctions VOA 15 Feb 2017 -- A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced legislation Wednesday to prevent the Trump administration from repealing sanctions on Russia without congressional approval.
Russian Actions Seen as Challenging Trump Administration VOA 15 Feb 2017 -- A secret deployment of a new nuclear-capable missile in apparent violation of an arms control treaty. Russian spy ships lurking 50 kilometers from a U.S. East Coast submarine base while Moscow's jets buzz an American Navy destroyer in the Black Sea. These actions are being seen by some as a test of how the new Trump administration will react at a time when it faces heat for taking what critics call a suspiciously soft line toward the Russians.
Russia Won't Discuss Crimea, Dismisses Report Of Contacts With Trump Team RFE/RL 15 Feb 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman says Moscow will not discuss the return of Crimea to Ukraine with the United States or any other country.

Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, February 15, 2017 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 15 Feb 2017
Russia's Navalny Plans to Run for President Despite Legal Hurdles VOA 15 Feb 2017 -- Russian opposition leader and anti-corruption blogger Alexei Navalny did not fall into despair after a court in Kirov on February 8 upheld his guilty verdict in the Kirovles embezzlement case.
Karelia Governor Is Fifth To Resign In Russia In Recent Days RFE/RL 15 Feb 2017 -- The governor of Russia's northwestern region of Karelia, Aleksandr Khudilainen, has become the fifth regional leader to step down in recent days.

Who Hired Deadly Assassins to Slay N Korean Leader Kim Jong-Un's Half-Brother? Sputnik 15 Feb 2017 -- Speculation is rife on who was behind the death of Kim Jong-nam, half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who was killed in Malaysia on Monday.
Malaysian police arrest female suspect related to death of DPRK man People's Daily 15 Feb 2017 -- The Malaysian police said Wednesday that a female suspect was arrested in the investigation related to the death of a man from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
Aid Groups in North Korea Struggle Amid Nuclear Tension VOA 15 Feb 2017 -- Recent international sanctions intended to curb North Korea's nuclear weapons program are hobbling humanitarian and relief efforts to safeguard the lives of millions in need, according to many aid workers.

Trump accuses Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons Press TV 15 Feb 2017 -- US President Donald Trump has once again accused Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons, arguing that he would prevent Tehran from ever gaining nukes.
Iran achieves its goals in implementation of JCPOA: Senior negotiator IRNA 15 Feb 2017 -- Iran achieved its targeted goals in implementation of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action a year after execution of the deal, Spokesman for Iran's Parliament (Majlis) National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Hossein Naqavi Hosseini quoted Head of JCPOA follow-up commission Abbas Araqchi as saying.
Rouhani: Iran welcomes PGCC message IRNA 15 Feb 2017 -- President Hassan Rouhani said here Wednesday that Iran did welcome the message of the six Persian Gulf littoral states delivered to the country by the Kuwaiti government.
Rouhani to discuss Persian Gulf states' message in Oman, Kuwait Press TV 15 Feb 2017 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says his talks in Oman and Kuwait will focus, among other issues, on a message recently relayed to Tehran by Kuwait City on relations between the Islamic Republic and the Persian Gulf Arab countries.
Spokesman: Regional stability, security, Iran's top priority IRNA 15 Feb 2017 -- Stability and security of the region are Iran's top priorities, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi said on Wednesday.

France Warns Russia Over 'Interference' In Presidential Election RFE/RL 15 Feb 2017 -- France says it will not accept meddling by Russia or any other country in its upcoming presidential election, and that it could respond to such interference with "retaliatory measures."

NSA Top Secrets Theft Suspect Harold Martin Pleads Not Guilty to Charges Sputnik 15 Feb 2017 -- Former US National Security Agency (NSA) contractor Harold Martin pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to stealing 50 terabytes of top secret intelligence in a federal court in Baltimore, Maryland.

Six killed in multiple bomb blasts in Pakistan Press TV 15 Feb 2017 -- Multiple bombings in a time span of three days have rocked Pakistan, with the latest attacks claiming the lives of six people in the northwest.

India successfully launches 104 satellites in single space mission People's Daily 15 Feb 2017 -- India on Wednesday created history by successfully launching 104 satellites in a single space mission, breaking the previous record of 37 satellites launched by Russiain 2014.
India breaks global record in single-day satellite launch Press TV 15 Feb 2017 -- The Indian Space Research Organization says it has "successfully" launched more than 100 satellites into orbit aboard a single rocket, setting a new global record.
India Successfully Launches Record 104 Satellites Simultaneously - ISRO Sputnik 15 Feb 2017 -- Indian PSLV-C37 carrier rocket successfully launched 104 satellites, five times more than the 20 launched into space in June 2016, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said Wednesday.
India Puts Record 104 Satellites in Space VOA 15 Feb 2017 -- An Indian rocket blasted off Wednesday morning from Sriharikota in eastern India putting a record 104 satellites into space in a single launch, surpassing Russia's previous feat of launching 37 satellites one year ago, according to India's space agency.

Fears Grow Over Fairness of Upcoming Election in Turkey VOA 15 Feb 2017 -- The Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has signed into law constitutional amendments aimed at giving him sweeping new powers under an executive presidency. The reforms are deeply divisive, with supporters saying they will strengthen democracy, while critics warn of dictatorship. Turks will decide in a referendum set for April 16. Doubts over its fairness are growing among opponents of the reforms, who claim a crackdown against them already has started.

Montenegrin Parliament Votes To Strip Opposition Leaders Of Immunity RFE/RL 15 Feb 2017 -- Montenegro's parliament has voted to strip two opposition leaders of immunity over their suspected involvement in what authorities say was a foiled coup meant to undermine the country's bid to join NATO.

Vucic Makes 'Continuity, Stability' Early Themes Of Serbian Presidential Bid RFE/RL 15 Feb 2017 -- It's not official yet, but the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) appears set to make Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic its candidate for president. The party leadership's decision was announced late on February 14, and the move is expected to be confirmed by the party's general assembly on February 17.

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