16 February 2017 Military News

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OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 16 Feb 2017[PDF]

Military Strikes Continue Against ISIS Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 16 Feb 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
U.S. Air Force Pilot Partners With Italians to Fight ISIS AFPS 16 Feb 2017 -- In the air war to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, a coalition of 20 nations works together to equip, inform and deploy air forces across the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Air Force exchange pilot fights ISIS with Italian coalition partners AFNS 16 Feb 2017 -- In the air war to degrade and ultimately defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, an air coalition of 20 nations work together to equip, inform and deploy air forces across the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Readout of the Counter-ISIS Defense Ministerial DoD 16 Feb 2017
U.S., NATO to Accelerate' Counter-ISIS Fight, Mattis Says AFPS 16 Feb 2017 -- The United States and its NATO partners intend to intensify efforts to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said today in Brussels.
Update: air strikes against Daesh UK MOD 16 Feb 2017 -- The RAF are continuing to take the fight to Daesh in Iraq and Syria.
UK urges Coalition to maintain momentum against Daesh UK MOD 16 Feb 2017 -- Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon has urged Coalition partners to maintain the momentum that is defeating Daesh in Iraq and Syria, at today's meeting of Defence Ministers.

Afghan refugees stay in Pakistan extended till Dec 2017 IRNA 16 Feb 2017 -- Representatives of Pakistan, Afghanistan and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) have signed a tripartite agreement allowing Afghan refugees to stay in Pakistan till the end of Dec 2017, UNHCR statement said.

Louisiana Guard Assists Police in $2 Million Drug Bust AFPS 16 Feb 2017 -- The Louisiana National Guard's Counterdrug Task Force providing an aviation asset in assisting several law enforcement agencies in removing nearly $2 million worth of drugs from the streets of Alexandria, Louisiana, last month.

Defense Policy / Programs

Cotton, Johnson, Rubio, Poe, and Rogers Introduce Intermediate-Range Forces Treaty Preservation Act Office of Senator Cotton 16 Feb 2017-- nator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), along with Senators Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin) and Marco Rubio (R-Florida) today introduced the Intermediate-Range Forces Treaty (INF) Preservation Act, legislation that would allow the United States to take steps to bring Russia back into compliance with the INF Treaty and begin developing similar missile systems.
Red Flag 17-1 pushes domain, fifth-gen integration AFNS 16 Feb 2017 -- As coalition pilots, intelligence analysts and cyber and space operators convene at the Nevada Test and Training Range north of Las Vegas for Red Flag 17-1, they have one goal in mind: work together to defeat the adversary, which at times is 20 living adversaries simultaneously working to attack allied forces on a multi-domain battlefield.
Navy Command Prepares for Pacific Partnership Mission AFPS 16 Feb 2017 -- Staff from Navy Supply Systems Command, Fleet Logistics Center Site Singapore, are providing logistical support for the joint high speed vessel USNS Fall River here today, initiating the final preparation phase for the 12th annual Pacific Partnership mission that will run from March through June.
F-35 Program Makes Significant, Solid Progress, Official Says AFPS 16 Feb 2017 -- Production of the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter is on a good trajectory and is a necessary aircraft in the military's arsenal to battle high-end threats, service leaders told a House Armed Service Committee panel today.
Army Implements New, Improved Ammunition Management System AFPS 16 Feb 2017 -- The Army is implementing an updated ammunition management system with significantly improved cyber-attack resistance, as well as greater transparency for ammunition managers and easier functionality for operators.
Army creates Security Force Assistance Brigade and Military Advisor Training Academy at Fort Benning Army News 16 Feb 2017 -- The Department of the Army announced today the creation of a new type of organization designed to focus on security force assistance, as well as an academy that will train soldiers assigned to these specialized units.
War machine drops more than just lead USMC News 16 Feb 2017 -- Marines with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, conducted on and offloading drills with four Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 462 CH-53E Super Stallions at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California, Feb. 1.
Readout of Secretary Mattis' Bilateral Meeting with Turkish Minister of Defense Fikri Isik DoD 16 Feb 2017
Fleet Logistics Center Singapore Helps Prepare Pacific Partnership 17 for Success NNS 16 Feb 2017 -- Staff from Navy Supply Systems Command, Fleet Logistics Center (NAVSUP FLC) Site Singapore are conducting load-out and logistical support for Military Sealift Command expeditionary fast transport USNS Fall River (T-EPF 4) in Singapore Feb. 16.
Louisville Visits Subic Bay during Indo-Asia-Pacific Deployment NNS 16 Feb 2017 -- Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Louisville (SSN 724) arrived at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone Feb. 14 for a routine port call during its deployment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
FCET Success: SSBN Launches Fleet Ballistic Missiles NNS 16 Feb 2017 -- An Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine assigned to Submarine Group 9 completed a Follow-on Commander's Evaluation Test (FCET) Feb. 16, resulting in four successful test flights of Trident II D5 missiles. Designated FCET-53, the operation spanned a three-day period.

Mattis: NATO is Evolving in Response to New Strategic Reality AFPS 16 Feb 2017 -- NATO arose out of strategic necessity and the alliance must evolve in response to the new strategic reality, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said today during a press conference after the Defense Ministerial meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels.
Press Conference by Secretary Mattis at NATO Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium DoD 16 Feb 2017 -- Presenter: Defense Secretary Jim Mattis
NATO Defence Ministers take steps to strengthen the Alliance NATO 16 Feb 2017 -- NATO Defence Ministers wrapped up two days of talks in Brussels on Thursday (16 February 2017), focused on the Alliance's adaptation to a more demanding security environment.
Allies join multinational fleet of tanker-transport aircraft NATO 16 Feb 2017 -- NATO has taken another important step forward to improve its ability to refuel aircraft in mid-air, with three Allies looking to join a European programme to acquire new refuelling aircraft. Today (16 February 2017), Defence Ministers from Belgium, Germany, and Norway signed a Declaration of Intent to join a European multinational fleet of Airbus tankers, created by the Netherlands and Luxembourg. The two countries launched this initiative in July 2016 and a first order was made for two Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft, which are due to be delivered in 2020. The new agreement allows other Allies to join the programme with the provision to enlarge the fleet to up to eight aircraft.
Allies take steps to create multinational Special Forces command NATO 16 Feb 2017 -- Three NATO Allies are strengthening their defence cooperation, with a new agreement to explore the creation of a multinational command for Special Operations Forces, intended to begin its work in 2019. The Defence Ministers of Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands signed the agreement on Thursday (16 February 2017) in the margins of the meetings of NATO Defence Ministers in Brussels. This multinational command will be able to lead and coordinate Special Operations Forces task groups within a small joint operation scenario.
Press conference by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg following the meeting of the NATO-Georgia Commission at the level of Defence Ministers NATO 16 Feb 2017
Press conference by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg following the meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the level of Defence Ministers NATO 16 Feb 2017
'Fighting Eagles' troops, tanks arrive in Romania Army News 16 Feb 2017 -- Soldiers, tanks and M88 recovery vehicles from 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment ("Fighting Eagles") have arrived at Mihail Kogalniceanu Airbase, Romania, in support of Atlantic Resolve.
U.S. Soldiers, Armored Vehicles Arrive in Romania AFPS 16 Feb 2017 -- Soldiers, tanks and M88 recovery vehicles from the 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment's "Fighting Eagles" recently arrived at the airbase here in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve.
Moscow Vows to Take Measures in Response to NATO Buildup in Black Sea Sputnik 16 Feb 2017 -- Russia will study NATO's latest decisions on military buildup in the Black Sea region, which lead to the escalation of tensions, and will take appropriate steps to strengthen its national security, Russian envoy to NATO Alexander grushko said Thursday.
US Commitment to NATO Article 5 Rock Solid - Defense Secretary Sputnik 16 Feb 2017 -- The US commitment to the Article 5 of NATO charter on collective defense is "rock solid," US Defense Secretary James Mattis said Thursday.
Stoltenberg Says NATO's Increased Black Sea Presence Not 'Provoking Conflict' Sputnik 16 Feb 2017 -- NATO's increased presence in the Black Sea will be in line with the alliance's international obligations and is not aimed at provoking any conflict, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Thursday.
NATO and Finland step up cyber defence cooperation NATO 16 Feb 2017 -- In the face of a rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape, strong partnerships play a key role in effectively addressing cyber challenges. Today (16 February 2017), NATO and Finland stepped up their engagement with the signing of a Political Framework Arrangement on cyber defence cooperation. The arrangement will allow NATO and Finland to better protect and improve the resilience of their networks.

Dunford Meets Russian Counterpart to Strengthen Mil-to-Mil Contacts AFPS 16 Feb 2017 -- Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, met with his Russian counterpart, Army Gen. Valery Gerasimov, here today.
U.S. Defense Secretary Says Russia Must 'Prove Itself' Before NATO Ties Fully Restored RFE/RL 16 Feb 2017 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis says Russia must "prove itself" before Moscow can return to "a partnership of sorts with NATO."
Pentagon Chief Rules Out US-Russia Military Collaboration VOA 16 Feb 2017 -- At a meeting of NATO members in Brussels Thursday, U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis ruled out any military collaboration between the United States and Russia because current conditions are not ideal.

Russia: Pentagon Should Not Seek Dialogue From 'Position Of Strength' RFE/RL 16 Feb 2017 -- Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has said Russia is prepared to improve ties with the Pentagon, but warned against Washington seeking cooperation from a "position of strength."
Much Ado About Nothing: Why Russian Ship Off US Coast is No Cause for Concern Sputnik 16 Feb 2017 -- Earlier this week, media reported that a Russian military ship was spotted in international waters off the east coast of the United States. According to unnamed US military officials, the ship, the SSV-175 Viktor Leonov, was detected 130 km from the coast of Delaware.
Trump: Reports of New Russian Missile Won't Harm US Ability to Work With Moscow Sputnik 16 Feb 2017 -- A Russian spy ship allegedly detected off the US eastern coast, a newly deployed Russian cruise missile and Russian military airplanes flying near a US destroyer in the Black Sea will not damage Washington's efforts to build relations with Moscow, US President Donald Trump said in a press conference on Thursday.

News Analysis: Munich Security Conference - What's In It For Moscow, Washington, and Europe? RFE/RL 16 Feb 2017 -- When leading officials meet in the heart of Europe for a prominent annual piece of geopolitical theater, two key players will be offstage: Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.

Full-Fledged Kosovo Army Now Just a Step Away Sputnik 16 Feb 2017 -- The parliament of the self-proclaimed Kosovo Republic has overwhelmingly adopted a draft resolution to transform the so-called Kosovo Security Forces into Kosovo Armed Forces. Serbian MPs boycotted the proceedings to prevent the draft's passage.

Canada Reviewing Ukraine Military Needs to Lend 'Best Support' to Kiev Sputnik 16 Feb 2017 -- The Canadian government is assessing military needs of Ukraine to determine best ways to assist the country, Canadian Department of National Defense spokesperson Evan Koronewski told Sputnik.

Indian Navy Learning to Combat Chinese Submarines in Major Drill Sputnik 16 Feb 2017 -- Dozens of warships, submarines and combat aircraft are taking part in the Indian Navy's Annual Theater Readiness Operational Exercise (TROPEX) 2017, under way off the country's western seaboard since January 24. The drill is aimed at testing the Navy's combat readiness amid the growing activity of Chinese nuclear submarines in the Indian Ocean.
Indian Manufacturers Join Race to Cooperate With Foreign Defense Companies Sputnik 16 Feb 2017 -- The Indian government's inviting proposals for single-engine fighter jets with a focus on pushing defense manufacturing in the country opens a potential business opportunity for local firms to partner with foreign defense manufacturers.
India to Test Home Grown Underwater Missile From Russian EKM Class Submarine Sputnik 16 Feb 2017 -- Indian defense scientists have announced that an anti-submarine torpedo will be going on trial from INS Sindhughosh submarine soon. India has offered this underwater missile to Vietnam and hopes for large orders from several other naval forces around the world.

NATO Received Libya's Request for Help in Establishing Defense Institutions Sputnik 16 Feb 2017 -- NATO has received a formal request from Libya for expertise and advice in establishment of defense and security institutions and will consider it, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Thursday.

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for February 16, 2017

Other Conflicts

16 February 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 16 Feb 2017

Draft maritime law revisions say China may bar foreign ships from passing through its waters People's Daily 16 Feb 2017 -- China is to revise its 1984 Maritime Traffic Safety Law, which would allow the relevant authorities to bar some foreign ships from passing through Chinese territorial waters.
South China Sea island begins to supply fresh vegetables People's Daily 16 Feb 2017 -- A vegetable production base on the Yongle Islands has begun to provide fresh vegetables to residents of the islands in South China Sea, ending the historical reliance on produce brought in by ships.
Beijing warns Washington against naval patrols in South China Sea Press TV 16 Feb 2017 -- China has once again warned the United States against any military activities in the South China Sea, as reports have emerged that Washington is planning to conduct fresh naval patrols in the disputed area.
China May Bar Foreign Ships From Passing Through Its Territorial Waters Sputnik 16 Feb 2017 -- Officials in Beijing have announced plans to revise a 34-year-old maritime safety law that would permit relevant authorities to "bar some foreign ships from passing through Chinese territorial waters," according to Chinese state media outlets.

Yemen: Senior UN aid official 'appalled' by airstrikes that kill women and children UN News 16 Feb 2017 -- The top United Nations humanitarian official in Yemen today said he was extremely saddened and appalled by the airstrikes that killed six women and a girl gathering for a funeral in a private residence in the Arhab District of Sana'a Governorate yesterday.
Yemeni forces fire ballistic missile at Saudi Arabia's Abha airport Press TV 16 Feb 2017 -- Yemeni army forces and allied fighters have fired a ballistic missile at an airport inside Saudi Arabia in retaliation for the kingdom's bombing of a funeral which killed at least nine civilians on Wednesday.
Saudi-led Coalition Battles Yemen's Houthis for Control of Red Sea Ports VOA 16 Feb 2017 -- Saudi-led coalition forces and their Yemeni allies fighting under the banner of President Mansour Hadi have captured several strategic ports on the Red Sea in recent weeks, and are vowing to try and pursue the largest prize, control over the Yemeni port of Hodeida.

Two dozen Syrian civilians, including children, killed in Turkish bombardment of al-Bab: Group Press TV 16 Feb 2017 -- At least two dozen civilians, including children, have been killed in airstrikes and shelling by the Turkish military in Syria's northern border city of al-Bab over the past 24 hours, a monitoring group says.
Turkish Forces 'Could Stay' in Syria's al-Bab After Its Liberation Sputnik 16 Feb 2017 -- On Thursday morning, Turkish media released reports about the full liberation of the Syrian city of al-Bab from Daesh, citing the head of the Turkish General Staff Hulusi Akar. Capturing the city is of strategic importance to Turkey in order to prevent the Syrian Kurds taking it and unifying their own territories.
Over 20 Civilians Dead in Turkish Strikes on Syria's Al-Bab - Kurdish Politician Sputnik 16 Feb 2017 -- At least 24 civilians have died as a result of the Turkish offensive on northern Syria's Al Bab, Rezan Hedo, a member of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Council, told Sputnik on Thursday.

Syrian president vows to liberate 'every inch' of country Press TV 16 Feb 2017 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has underlined his government's determination to liberate "every inch" of Syria held by foreign-backed militants.
Syrian Armed Opposition Agrees With Creation of Syria Ceasefire Monitoring Group Sputnik 16 Feb 2017 -- The Syrian opposition delegation has agreed with the creation of a group on ceasefire in the country with participation of Russia, Turkey and an "Arab group," but is against participation of Iran, the head of delegation to Astana talks, Mohammed Alloush, said Thursday.
'Waste of Time': Syrian Opposition Doubts 3rd Round of Astana Talks to Be Held Sputnik 16 Feb 2017 -- Osama Abu Zeid, a representative of the Syrian armed opposition delegation, said Thursday he assessed the results of the Astana talks pessimistically and did not expect that a third round would take place in this format.
Aid obstacles are 'matter of life and death' for besieged Syrians, says senior UN adviser UN News 16 Feb 2017 -- Assurances have been given to humanitarians by the Syrian Government that obstacles to aid deliveries will be removed across the war-torn country, a senior United Nations adviser said today.

Iraq: UN health agency delivers medical aid to newly retaken areas of Mosul UN News 16 Feb 2017 -- The United Nations health agency has delivered medical supplies to parts of eastern Mosul, the Iraqi city liberated from the Islamic State (ISIL), where clinics are receiving an influx of people in urgent need of medical care.
Iraq calls on Turkey to withdraw forces as precondition for normal ties IRNA 16 Feb 2017 -- Iraq says withdrawal of the Turkish forces from the country's northern territories is the key to resumption of ties between Ankara and Baghdad.
Several people killed, scores wounded in Baghdad car bomb Press TV 16 Feb 2017 -- A car bomb has exploded in a southern neighborhood of Iraqi capital, Baghdad, killing several people and injuring scores of others, security sources say.
Daesh governor of Mosul, other leaders killed Press TV 16 Feb 2017 -- More than a dozen members of the Daesh terrorist group have been killed in a string of operations carried out by the Iraqi air force in the country's northern province of Nineveh.

US Supports Two-state Solution for Israel and Palestinians VOA 16 Feb 2017 -- The U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations says the Trump administration "absolutely" supports a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
US 'absolutely' supports two-state solution: US ambassador to UN Press TV 16 Feb 2017 -- The United States "absolutely" supports a two-state solution for Israelis and the people of Palestine but is trying to find new ways to advance towards a peace deal between the two sides, says Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the United Nations.
We are not afraid of potential Israeli wars: Hezbollah leader IRNA 16 Feb 2017 -- Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said on Thursday that the movement is not afraid of a potential Israeli war against Lebanon even if the US new President Donald Trump pushes Zionist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to start a war.
Hezbollah Threatens to Hit Israel's Nuclear Facility If Confrontations Escalate Sputnik 16 Feb 2017 -- Lebanese Hezbollah movement has vowed to turn Israeli nuclear facility Dimona into a threat to very existence of the Jewish state, in case Isarelis don't give up attempts to confront with Lebanon.
Israeli Defense Chief Promises Investment if Hamas Stops Cross-Border Shelling Sputnik 16 Feb 2017 -- Israel will be the first to invest in infrastructure in the Gaza Strip when the local Palestinian authority, Hamas, stops firing rockets across the border, the Israeli defense minister promised Thursday.
Middle East: 'Path to peace is riddled with hazards,' UN envoy tells Security Council UN News 16 Feb 2017 -- Extremism, bloodshed and displacement continue to plague the Middle East, a senior United Nations envoy told the Security Council today, warning that these phenomena are feeding intolerance, violence, and religious radicalism far beyond the region.

UN Alarmed by Reports of Military Forces' Attempts to Derail Libya Peace Process Sputnik 16 Feb 2017 -- UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) head Martin Kobler claimed that formation parallel military forces in Libya could derail peace process in the war-torn country.

Myanmar 'ends military ops in troubled Muslim-majority state' Press TV 16 Feb 2017 -- Government officials in Myanmar say the army has ended the "clearance operations" in the country's troubled Rakhine State, where a four-month, all-out military crackdown targeted ethnic Rohingya Muslims.

Tillerson Tells Lavrov U.S. Expects Russia To Meet Ukraine Commitments RFE/RL 16 Feb 2017 -- U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has told his Russian counterpart that the Kremlin must adhere to its commitments on Ukraine if there is to be cooperation between Moscow and President Donald Trump's administration.
New UN report reveals obstacles to combat impunity for conflict-related sexual violence in Ukraine UN News 16 Feb 2017 -- Lack of laws, capacity and professional experience to effectively investigate and prosecute conflict-related sexual violence in Ukraine is not only resulting in widespread impunity, it is causing survivors of sexual violence to be "victimized twice", according to a new United Nations human rights report.
Ukraine Says Russian Hackers Targeting Kyiv's Power Grid, Financial System RFE/RL 16 Feb 2017 -- Ukraine has accused Russian hackers of targeting its power grid, financial system, and other infrastructure with thousands of attacks and a new type of virus that attacks industrial processes.

Indian Army to Treat Kashmiri Stone Throwers as Anti-Nationals Sputnik 16 Feb 2017 -- India has toughened its stand on Kashmiri stone pelters as Army Chief warned that they will be treated like jihadis.

South Sudan: UN deplores lack of information on 20,000 people displaced in Upper Nile UN News 16 Feb 2017 -- The top United Nations peacekeeping official in South Sudan has described the lack of information about the situation of some 20,000 internally displaced people on the west bank of the Nile in the country's north, as a "real problem."
South Sudan Army Troops Accused of Mass Rape VOA 16 Feb 2017 -- Officials in South Sudan say army troops entered a village near the capital, Juba, on Sunday and raped at least a half-dozen women and girls, some of them at gunpoint.

Somali Presidential Palace Attacked as New Leader Moves In VOA 16 Feb 2017 -- At least two people were killed Thursday in a barrage of mortar rounds fired toward Somalia's presidential palace as the country's new leader moved in.

UN chief Guterres welcomes the Gambia's rescission of its withdrawal from International Criminal Court UN News 16 Feb 2017 -- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed the rescission the Gambia's withdrawal from the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

News Reports

Remarks by President Trump in Press Conference The White House 16 Feb 2017
Trump Defends Accomplishments, Attacks Media at Press Conference VOA 16 Feb 2017 -- Donald Trump used his first solo press conference as president Thursday to deliver a broad defense of his turbulent first month in office, denying reports of chaos within the White House and insisting his administration is running "like a fine-tuned machine."

Calls Grow Louder for Probes of Trump-Russia Ties VOA 16 Feb 2017 -- The U.S. Senate's top Democrat said Thursday that Congress and the Justice Department must conduct meticulous, thorough investigations of any links between Russia and President Donald Trump's inner circle stretching from last year's campaign to the present.
More Top U.S. Lawmakers Question Russian Ties With Trump Aides RFE/RL 16 Feb 2017 -- Top U.S. lawmakers have continued to question the relationship between Russia and President Donald Trump's aides, with a growing number of Republicans joining calls for inquiries into the matter.
Mattis Has Little Doubt Russia Interfered in Elections Sputnik 16 Feb 2017 -- The US defense secretary said that he had little doubts that Russia had interfered or attempted to do so in a number of elections.
Bid to Probe Trump Team's Ties to Russia 'Internal US Affair' - Kremlin Sputnik 16 Feb 2017 -- US lawmakers' initiative to investigate connections between President Donald Trump's team and Russia is the United States' internal affair, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday.
Russia Not Interfering in Internal Affairs of Other Countries - Lavrov Sputnik 16 Feb 2017 -- Russia is not interfering in the internal affairs of other countries, particularly the United States, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Thursday at a meeting with new US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

Trump's Reported Pick for National Security Adviser is Respected Admiral VOA 16 Feb 2017 -- Vice Admiral Robert Harward, the man reported to be U.S. President Donald Trump's choice to replace his ousted national security adviser, is a former Navy SEAL who went to high school in Iran and speaks fluent Farsi.

US agencies withhold sensitive intelligence from Trump: Report Press TV 16 Feb 2017 -- A report has revealed that US intelligence agencies have withheld sensitive intelligence from President Donald Trump, fearing it could be leaked or compromised.
US Intelligence Withholding Sensitive Information From Trump for Fears of Leaks Sputnik 16 Feb 2017 -- US intelligence officers are holding back sensitive information from US President Donald Trump because they are concerned the information may be leaked or compromised, the Wall Street Journal reported citing current and former officials familiar with the situation.

New Trump Travel Ban Coming Next Week VOA 16 Feb 2017 -- The administration of President Donald Trump is planning to issue a new executive order to replace the travel ban that suspended travel from seven Muslim countries and temporarily barred most refugees.

Meeting of Federal Security Service Board President of Russia 16 Feb 2017 -- Vladimir Putin took part in an annual expanded meeting of the Federal Security Service (FSB) Board to discuss the FSB's results for 2016 and the priority tasks for ensuring Russia's national security.

Islamic State Calls on Supporters to Target Religious Scholars VOA 16 Feb 2017 -- Islamic State propagandists have launched a coordinated online campaign accusing prominent Muslim clerics in the Arab world and the West of betrayal in an apparent bid to delegitimize them, especially in the eyes of younger Muslims.

FM: China following death of Kim Jong Nam People's Daily 16 Feb 2017 -- China is continuing to observe events following the death of Kim Jong Nam, the half-brother of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) top leader Kim Jong Un, a foreign ministry spokesperson said Thursday.
Indonesian police to verify citizen's involvement in Kim killing People's Daily 16 Feb 2017 -- Indonesian police will probe implication of its citizen in the killing of the half-brother of top leader of the Democratic People of Republic's Korea (DPRK), a police spokesman said on Thursday.
Second suspect in DPRK man's death bears Indonesian passport People's Daily 16 Feb 2017 -- Malaysian police said on Thursday a second female suspect, who bears an Indonesian passport, has been arrested early in the morning in connection with the death of a man from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
Malaysia nabs second woman in North Korean's killing Press TV 16 Feb 2017 -- Malaysian police have arrested a second woman in connection with the recent killing of North Korea's exiled half-brother in Malaysia.
Malaysian Police Detain 3rd Suspect in Murder Case of N.Korean Leader's Brother Sputnik 16 Feb 2017 -- Malaysian authorities have detained the third suspect in the assassination of the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's half-brother Kim Jong-nam, Selangor police chief Datuk Abdul Samah Mat said Thursday.
North Korean Alleged Assassination Resembles a Mafia Hit VOA 16 Feb 2017 -- The apparent assassination this week of Kim Jong Nam, the half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, bolsters the argument that North Korea is a mafia state that operates outside the law, ruthlessly eliminates its enemies and is dependent upon criminal enterprises for survival.
U.S.-ROK-Japan Foreign Ministerial Joint Statement on the Situation in North Korea US Dept. of State 16 Feb 2017

Iran's Rohani Seeks To Mend Frayed Ties With Gulf Arab Neighbors RFE/RL 16 Feb 2017 -- Iranian President Hassan Rohani has sought to mend ties with his Gulf Arab neighbors on a one-day trip to Oman and Kuwait, his first since taking power in 2013.

Tunisia extends state of emergency citing 'terror threats' Press TV 16 Feb 2017 -- Tunisia has renewed for three more months the state of emergency which has been in place across the North African state since a deadly Daesh terror attack in 2015.

Estonia Refutes Reports of Espionage on US Administration Officials Sputnik 16 Feb 2017 -- Estonian Prime Minister Juri Ratas on Thursday commented on media reports of a Baltic state spying on Washington, saying that Estonia has not been gathering intelligence data on US President Donald Trump's officials.

UN and regional partners urge DR Congo parties to resume political talks UN News 16 Feb 2017 -- Increasingly concerned about the political impasse in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the United Nations and regional partner organizations today urged political actors to work out how to implement the 31 December political agreement on a timeframe for elections.
DRC Budget Minister Casts Doubt on 2017 Elections VOA 16 Feb 2017 -- The budget minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo has cast doubt on whether the country will be able to finance elections this year. His statement has sparked concern as delaying the polls last year led to violent unrest.

Powerful explosion at Pakistani shrine kills at least 72, injures over 150 Press TV 16 Feb 2017 -- More than 70 people have been killed and over 150 others injured in a huge bomb explosion at a shrine in Pakistan's southern province of Sindh.
IS Claims Deadly Suicide Shrine Bombing in Pakistan VOA 16 Feb 2017 -- An Islamic State suicide bomber killed more than 70 people and wounded about 200 others Thursday inside a crowded Shi'ite shrine in southern Pakistan. Reuters reports that 30 of those killed were children.

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