17 February 2017 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 17 Feb 2017[PDF]

Officials Provide Details of Latest Counter-ISIS Strikes in Syria, Iraq AFPS 17 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.
Incirlik Airmen Feel Sense of Accomplishment in Counter-ISIS Battle AFPS 17 Feb 2017 -- Airmen at this crucial base in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria are feeling a sense of accomplishment after Iraqi ground forces cleared eastern Mosul of the enemy, Air Force Col. David Trucksa, commander of the 447th Air Expeditionary Group, said here.
Pentagon Says Used Depleted-Uranium Rounds Against IS Oil Tankers RFE/RL 17 Feb 2017 -- The United States used depleted-uranium antitank rounds twice during 2015 in air strikes against convoys of Islamic State (IS) tanker trucks, the Pentagon has said.

Navy Seals in Yemen Kill Tribal Leader Working With US-Backed Government Sputnik 17 Feb 2017 -- New details of a January raid by US forces against al-Qaeda in Yemen that left 26 people dead are raising new questions about the mission. A tribal leader enlisted by the US-supported Yemeni government to fight Shiite rebel factions was among those killed in the raid, according to local authorities.

17 Afghan soldiers killed in Daesh attack in Nangarhar Press TV 17 Feb 2017 -- Seventeen Afghan soldiers have been killed in an attack by the Daesh Takfiri terrorists on army security posts in eastern Afghanistan.
IS Attack Leaves 18 Afghan Soldiers Dead VOA 17 Feb 2017 -- Local Islamic State affiliates have attacked and killed at least 18 government soldiers in eastern Afghanistan, officials confirmed Friday.
Analysis: Afghan Talks Reflect Russian Moves to Expand Global Influence VOA 17 Feb 2017 -- With the Trump administration still stitching together its foreign policy, priorities and staff, Russia seems intent on expanding its once-shrunken sphere of influence by exploiting gaps in America's overseas presence.

Defense Policy / Programs

US Senators Introduce Bill Facilitating Transfer of Missiles to Counter Russia Sputnik 17 Feb 2017 -- New legislation has been introduced in the US Senate to enable transfer of Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) missile systems to allies in response to Russia's alleged violation of the INF Treaty, Senator Tom Cotton said in a statement posted on his website.
Trump: US 'Looking Seriously at Big Order' of F-18 Super Hornet Fighter Jets Sputnik 17 Feb 2017 -- Speaking at a Boeing event in the US state of South Carolina, US President Donald Trump promised to rebuild the country's military, saying the government is 'looking seriously at a big order' of Boeing F-18 Super Hornet fighter jets.
Canadians test capabilities at Tyndall's Combat Archer, Combat Hammer AFNS 17 Feb 2017 -- Royal Canadian Air Force personnel took part in exercises Combat Archer and Combat Hammer here, from Jan. 10 to Feb. 10.
QF-16 takes flight at Holloman AFB AFNS 17 Feb 2017 -- The QF-16 drone took its first flight at Holloman Air Force Base Feb. 10, 2017.
Alaskan Raptors arrive in Australia for training initiative AFNS 17 Feb 2017 -- The last wave of F-22 Raptors from the 90th Fighter Squadron at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, arrived here Feb. 14 to launch bilateral exercise and training missions with the Royal Australian Air Force and further strengthen the military relationship the two nations share.
Eucom Participates in Global Command, Control Exercise AFPS 17 Feb 2017 -- U.S. European Command brought together service members around the world for a computer-assisted global command-and-control exercise called Austere Challenge 2017, which focused on European security.
Readout of Secretary Mattis' Bilateral Meeting with Australian Minister of Defence Marise Payne DoD 17 Feb 2017
Readout of Secretary Mattis' Bilateral Meeting with Israeli Minister of Defense Avigdor Lieberman DoD 17 Feb 2017
Readout of Secretary Mattis' Bilateral Meeting with Norwegian Minister of Defense Ine Eriksen Søreide DoD 17 Feb 2017
F-35s land in Japan, launch new aviation era USMC News 17 Feb 2017 -- The world's first supersonic short-take-off, vertical-landing aircraft just landed in the Pacific this month, launching the Marine Corps into a new era of expeditionary aviation.
Partnership in Preparedness During Cobra Gold 17 USMC News 17 Feb 2017 -- Senior leaders from seven nations filled seats around a conference table and screen that reads "Emergency Management Strategies for Senior Leaders," at the Conrad Hotel, Bangkok during Cobra Gold 17 on Feb. 15.

Pentagon Still Sees 'Great Many Barriers' to Restore Military Ties With Russia Sputnik 17 Feb 2017 -- Despite holding a meeting between the Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Joseph Dunford and his Russian counterpart, the Pentagon still sees numerous obstacles to restoring military-to-military relations with Russia.
Pentagon Tracking Activities of Russian Ship Off East Coast, Finds No Violations Sputnik 17 Feb 2017 -- The United States is monitoring activities of Russian intelligence ship Viktor Leonov, which has been sailing in international waters off the US east coast, and has seen no violations, the US Department of Defense spokesperson Jeff Davis said in a briefing on Friday.

U.S. Vice President, Defense Chief To Attend Munich Security Conference RFE/RL 17 Feb 2017 -- Top world leaders, diplomats, and defense officials are gathering in Germany for the annual Munich Security Conference -- an event that will be attended this year for the first time by members of the new U.S. administration of President Donald Trump.
Mattis Stresses NATO Importance at Munich Security Conference AFPS 17 Feb 2017 -- The bond between the United States and its NATO allies is a critical component in regional and global security, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said at an international security conference in Germany today.
Speech: Remarks by Secretary Mattis at the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany DoD 17 Feb 2017
Mattis Tells Europeans Trump Fully Supports NATO, Calls For Burden-Sharing RFE/RL 17 Feb 2017 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis reassured Europe that President Donald Trump has "thrown his full support behind NATO," while also pressing the new administration's call for alliance members to shoulder their share of the financial burden for defense.
Pentagon Chief Reassures NATO Allies on Collective Defense VOA 17 Feb 2017 -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis has told European allies that American security is tied to that of Europe, describing NATO's principle of collective defense as a 'bedrock commitment'.

NATO Secretary General: need for transatlantic bond stronger than ever NATO 17 Feb 2017 -- Arriving at the Munich Security Conference on Friday (17 February 2017), NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the need for Europe and North America to work together was stronger than ever in times of turmoil and unpredictability. The Secretary General stressed the importance of fair burden-sharing, noting that all 28 Allies have made clear commitments to increase defence spending.
NATO to boost naval presence in Black Sea: Secretary general Press TV 17 Feb 2017 -- NATO has announced new plans to beef up its presence in the Black Sea, in a move almost certain to draw Russian ire.
NATO Defense Ministers Agree to Stand Behind Transatlantic Partnership Sputnik 17 Feb 2017 -- The NATO secretary general said that NATO defense ministers agreed on the need to boost partnership and to share the burden of military spending fairly.

Putin: NATO keeps trying to draw Russia into confrontation Press TV 17 Feb 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has slammed the US-led North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) over what he termed as the military alliance's constant attempts to drag Moscow into a military confrontation.

Caucasus Report: An Update On Georgia's Military Reform RFE/RL 17 Feb 2017 -- The spring draft got under way in Georgia this week under new guidelines intended to ensure that the country's armed forces conform as closely as possible to NATO standards -- even though it has little chance of being invited to join the alliance in the foreseeable future.

Lithuania Welcomes Growing US Military Presence Near Russian Borders Sputnik 17 Feb 2017 -- Lithuania is expecting US military presence close to Russian borders to grow in the future, Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė said Friday.

Will North Korea Stop its Weapons Program? VOA 17 Feb 2017 -- After two nuclear tests and multiple missile launches in 2016, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un tested a new intermediate-range missile Sunday. The rocket flew about 500 kilometers before splashing down in international waters between South Korea and Japan. The missile is believed to have used solid fuel, a type that would make future launches more difficult to detect.

India to Send Second Kilo Class Submarine to Russia for Refit in May Sputnik 17 Feb 2017 -- Most of the Indian submarines are in service for more than 25 years and have gone for one life extension. Despite making repeated claim to remain net security provider in Indian Ocean Region, Indian Navy does not have required submarines to maintain a Minimum Force Level.
Lockheed Martin: India and US Talk on Proposal to Build F-16s in India VOA 17 Feb 2017 -- U.S. defense company Lockheed Martin says talks are being held between the American and Indian governments on its proposal to manufacture F-16 fighter jets in India.

Nearly 5,000 Iraqi Security Forces Complete Coalition Training AFPS 17 Feb 2017 -- Iraqi security forces have nearly 5,000 more personnel to assist as hold forces in eastern Mosul -- and eventually will fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria in western Mosul -- following recent graduation ceremonies at Taji, Besmaya, Erbil and Al Asad Air Base.

Algeria Demands French Compensation for Nuclear Tests in Sahara Desert Sputnik 17 Feb 2017 -- In the 1960s, France carried out nuclear tests in Algeria to study the effects of radiation on humans. However, Algerians are still struggling to cope with the consequences of the French atomic experiments.

Japan to Build New Hi-Tech Fleet as East China Sea Conflict Heats Up Sputnik 17 Feb 2017 -- Japan has announced the acceleration of a warship-building program, hoping to construct two additional frigates each year to better enforce their claim on the East China Sea. Japan has been embroiled in a land dispute with China and Taiwan over several islands in the East China Sea since the 1970s.

Saudi Arabia 'purchasing offensive weapons' Press TV 17 Feb 2017 -- Military analysts at IHS Jane's have revealed that Saudi Arabia and several other Western-backed Arab countries in the Middle East are purchasing weapons suited for a more offensive military program in distant locations.

Military helicopters conduct drill at MND headquarters CNA 17 Feb 2017 -- Two military helicopters were deployed in a drill on Friday, landing and taking off from the plaza of the Ministry of National Defense (MND) headquarters in Taipei's Dazhi area, the ministry said.

Press Gaggle by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Sarah Sanders En Route West Palm Beach, Florida The White House 17 Feb 2017

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for February 17, 2017
India, Israel to Jointly Upgrade Mi-17 Helicopters of Indian Air Force Sputnik 17 Feb 2017 -- India's electronic devices maker Alpha Design Technologies has signed a $30 million deal with Elbit Systems of Israel to jointly upgrade 90 Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
India's HAL Signs $8.5 Million Contracts to Maintain SAAB's EW System in India Sputnik 17 Feb 2017 -- SAAB has also offered Airborne Electronically Scanned Array fighter sensor package for India's indigenously assembled Tejas LCA MK 1A aircraft.

Other Conflicts

17 February 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 17 Feb 2017

Warring Factions in Yemen Fight Over Strategic Port VOA 17 Feb 2017 -- Yemeni government troops and Houthi rebels have been engaged in fierce battles in and around a coastal town seen as a major smuggling point for arms used to supply rebels.

Turkey close to capturing Syria's al-Bab from Daesh: Army Press TV 17 Feb 2017 -- The Turkish military has claimed that it is close to capturing the northern Syrian city of al-Bab in Raqqah Province from the Daesh Takfiri terrorists.
UN backtracks on 'political transition' in Syria peace talks Press TV 17 Feb 2017 -- The United Nations has reversed its position on the issue of "political transition" in the upcoming round of peace talks on Syria.
US-led coalition airstrikes kill 11 civilians near Syria's Raqqah: SOHR Press TV 17 Feb 2017 -- A monitoring group says nearly a dozen civilians have lost their lives when the US-led coalition purportedly fighting Daesh in Syria carried out airstrikes near the country's Daesh-held northern city of al-Raqqah.
France directly liable for killings in Syria: President Assad Press TV 17 Feb 2017 -- President Bashar al-Assad says France's support for terrorist groups operating against the Syrian government and people is a direct cause of bloodshed in the Arab country.
Syrian Army Reportedly Eliminates Nusra Front Commander in Daraa Sputnik 17 Feb 2017 -- The Syrian government forces have eliminated one of the leaders of the terrorist group Jabhat Fatah al Sham, formerly known as Nusra Front (banned in Russia), in the southwest of the country, Lebanon's Aljadeed TV channel reported on Friday.
Senior Daesh Leaders Leave Raqqa, Move Operations to Deir Ez-Zor - Pentagon Sputnik 17 Feb 2017 -- Senior leaders of Daesh terror group are leaving the Syrian city of Raqqa and moving operations to Deir ez-Zor, US Department of Defense spokesperson Jeff Davis said in a briefing on Friday
Russian Long-Range Bombers Launch Cruise Missile Strikes on Daesh in Raqqa Sputnik 17 Feb 2017 -- Russian Tu-95MS long-range bombers have launched cruise missile strikes on Daesh targets near the Syrian city of Raqqa, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
Second Round of Astana Talks Yields Pact on Syria Ceasefire Monitoring Sputnik 17 Feb 2017 -- A second round of Syria talks in Astana ended Thursday in a deal by the three peace guarantors – Russia, Turkey and Iran – to uphold Syrian truce and set the stage for more in-depth negotiations in Geneva next week.
US Allies Optimistic About Political Solution to Syrian Conflict VOA 17 Feb 2017 -- U.S. allies said after a meeting Friday with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson they were encouraged the United States would support a political solution to the Syrian conflict.

OSCE wants 'real' withdrawal of arms in eastern Ukraine Press TV 17 Feb 2017 -- The head of the European peacekeeping corps in eastern Ukraine has reiterated the importance of withdrawing heavy weapons from the front line of conflict.
Ukraine's Poroshenko Warns Against 'Appeasing' Russia RFE/RL 17 Feb 2017 -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has urged Western nations to reject calls for the "appeasement" of Russia.
Kremlin Denies Claims Russian Government Forced MPs to Vote for Crimea Accession Sputnik 17 Feb 2017 -- Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Friday denied claims of possible forced voting in 2014 for Russia's reunification with Crimea.

Joint Troika Statement Supporting African Union High Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) Peace Process in Sudan US Dept. of State 17 Feb 2017

Atrocities will end in South Sudan only when perpetrators 'face consequences' - UN rights official UN News 17 Feb 2017 -- A senior United Nations human rights official today called for holding accountable those committing atrocity crimes in conflict-torn South Sudan.
South Sudan Activist Accuses Peace Monitor of Bias VOA 17 Feb 2017 -- The head of the organization monitoring South Sudan's shaky 2015 peace deal has sparked controversy by saying rebels who fought the administration of President Salva Kiir should return to Juba and surrender.
South Sudan Cabinet Minister Resigns, Joins Rebels VOA 17 Feb 2017 -- A top South Sudanese government official, Minister of Labor Gabriel Duop Lam, has resigned from his position, accusing the Kiir administration of failing to address the country's problems.

Central African Republic: UN mission reinforces presence in restive Bambari UN News 17 Feb 2017 -- Amid ongoing rebel activity in and around Bambari in strife-torn Central African Republic, the United Nations mission – known as MINUSCA – said today that it has reinforced its presence in the city with the arrival of additional troops, including a quick reaction unit and Special Forces.

'No time to lose' as humanitarian catastrophe looms in Somalia - UN agencies UN News 17 Feb 2017 -- Amid worsening of an already devastating drought in Somalia, United Nations agencies have underlined that only a massive and immediate scale-up of humanitarian assistance can help the country avoid falling into another catastrophe.
UN: Drought-stricken Somalia Has 2 Months to Avert Catastrophe VOA 17 Feb 2017 -- United Nations aid agencies warn they have a two-month window of opportunity in drought-stricken Somalia in which to scale-up emergency assistance for millions of people and avert a catastrophe.

News Reports

White House Denies Plan For National Guard To Round Up Illegal Immigrants RFE/RL 17 Feb 2017 -- The White House is denying a media report that it is considering the deployment of up to 100,000 National Guard troops to round up unauthorized immigrants in 11 states, some far from the Mexican border.

Democrats raise questions about Trump's mental health Press TV 17 Feb 2017 -- A growing number of Democrats are openly saying that Donald Trump may not be mentally fit to serve as the president of the United States.
Trump's pick to replace Flynn turns down national security offer Press TV 17 Feb 2017 -- Retired Vice Admiral Robert Harward has turned down US President Donald Trump's offer to replace Michael Flynn as national security adviser, according to a report.
Harward Turns Down Offer To Become White House National Security Adviser RFE/RL 17 Feb 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump's first choice for national security adviser, retired Vice Admiral Robert Harward, has turned down the offer.
Ousted White House Aide May Have Lied To FBI About Talks With Russian Envoy RFE/RL 17 Feb 2017 -- U.S. media are reporting that former White House national security adviser Michael Flynn may have lied to FBI agents in an interview last month, saying he had not discussed sanctions against Russia with Moscow's U.S. ambassador.
Trump Blasts 'Fake Reporting' for Making It Harder to 'Get Along With Russia' Sputnik 17 Feb 2017 -- United States President Donald Trump has directed a barrage of criticism at the mainstream media, saying that "false" reporting has complicated his efforts to improve Washington's relationship with Moscow, and added that his team "inherited a mess" from the Obama administration both at home and overseas.

Russia Cautious on Flynn Resignation, Dismisses Tougher Ukraine Line VOA 17 Feb 2017 -- Russia has reacted defensively and cautiously this week after the resignation of President Donald Trump's national security adviser, Michael Flynn, who was considered among the most Kremlin-friendly in the new administration.
No external force can affect Iran-Russia ties: Deputy FM Press TV 17 Feb 2017 -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov says his country's relations with Iran are not affected by any external influences.

US Hesitates to Confirm Sanctioned Iranian General Visited Russia VOA 17 Feb 2017 -- The Trump administration says it cannot confirm that an Iranian general barred from foreign travel by the U.N. Security Council visited Russia this week, despite a prominent U.S. congressman and news outlet saying he had made the trip.
Tillerson denies hinting at US will to scrap Iran deal Press TV 17 Feb 2017 -- US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has denied suggesting that the US would want "to get rid of" a multilateral nuclear deal with Iran.
Iran Needs Billions to Upgrade Gas Fields, But Will Investors Invest? VOA 17 Feb 2017 -- Iran sits on what are thought to be the world's largest gas reserves, yet can barely supply its own domestic demand.

Washington calls on Beijing to rein in North Korea Press TV 17 Feb 2017 -- US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has called on China to help rein in North Korea's provocative actions after Pyongyang launched its latest ballistic missile test early this week.
Chinese FM Calls to Stop 'Sanctions-Nuclear Tests Circle' in North Korea Dispute Sputnik 17 Feb 2017 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged on Friday to break the vicious circle of sanctions against North Korea and Pyongyang's retaliation in the form of nuclear tests, calling to resume six-way talks on Korean peninsula denuclearization.
Malaysia rejects N Korea request for Kim's body Press TV 17 Feb 2017 -- Malaysia has turned down a request by North Korea to turn over the body of a man believed to be the North Korean leader's half-brother, who was recently killed in Kuala Lumpur.
Death of North Korea's Onetime Heir Sheds Light on Secretive Kim Dynasty VOA 17 Feb 2017 -- The apparent assassination of the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is drawing the world's attention to the secretive Kim family's inner circle.

Chinese Billionaire's Disappearance Continues to Raise Questions VOA 17 Feb 2017 -- The mystery surrounding a politically-connected Chinese billionaire's sudden removal from a hotel in Hong Kong – and China's silence about the case – is perpetuating a state of fear among investors and businesses, analysts say.

Pakistan arrests, kills dozens of suspects after deadly blast Press TV 17 Feb 2017 -- Pakistan has launched nationwide security raids following a deadly bomb attack on a Sufi shrine in the southeast of country, arresting and killing dozens of suspects.
Pakistan Cracks Down On Militants As Shrine Death Toll Hits 83 RFE/RL 17 Feb 2017 -- Pakistani security forces say dozens of Islamic extremists have been killed in a nationwide crackdown following a recent series of deadly terror attacks that broke a period of relative calm in the country.
Pakistan Armed Forces Killed Over 100 Militants in 24 Hours Since Shrine Attack Sputnik 17 Feb 2017 -- Pakistan's security forces have killed more than 100 militants in past 24 hours during raids across the country in the wake of a deadly bomb attack on a shrine in the southern city of Sehwan, a spokesman of the country's Armed Forces said Friday.
Wave of Terrorist Attacks Leaves Pakistan on Edge VOA 17 Feb 2017 -- Pakistan's security forces claim to have killed more than 100 suspected militants in a massive nationwide security operation Friday in the wake of a deadly suicide bombing at a Sufi shrine that left more than 80 dead.

Cambodians Facing Stark Choice at Commune Elections VOA 17 Feb 2017 -- Kem Sokha is expected to deliver a very different type of political approach after assuming the leadership of the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) following Sam Rainsy's resignation and a raft of threats from Prime Minister Hun Sen.

As Romania's Crisis Continues, Spotlight on Corruption VOA 17 Feb 2017 -- Over the past two weeks, Romania has seen Eastern Europe's largest protests since the fall of communism in 1989.The demonstrations center on corruption, and they continue even after the government survived a no-confidence vote.

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