24 February 2017 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 24 Feb 2017[PDF]

Inherent Resolve Strikes Target ISIS in Syria, Iraq AFPS 24 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.
'Encouraging Initial Successes' for Western Mosul, DoD Official Says AFPS 24 Feb 2017 -- Iraqi forces, backed by coalition strikes, are making gains in efforts to liberate western Mosul from Islamic State of Iraq and Syria terrorists, Defense Department spokesman Navy Capt. Jeff Davis told reporters at the Pentagon today.

Guard Soldiers deploy in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel Army News 24 Feb 2017 -- Trading the Caribbean Sea for the Persian Gulf, Puerto Rican Soldiers with the 215th Vertical Engineer Company, Army National Guard, departed from the Silas L. Copeland Arrival/Departure Airfield Control Group here Feb. 2 in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel.

Defense Policy / Programs

Trump Says He Wants To Ensure U.S. Nuclear Arsenal Is 'Top Of The Pack' RFE/RL 24 Feb 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested he wants to strengthen the U.S. nuclear arsenal, saying the country must ensure it is "at the top of the pack" of nuclear-armed nations.
Trump Calls START a 'Bad Deal,' Vows to Boost US Nuclear Arsenal Sputnik 24 Feb 2017 -- On Thursday, President Donald Trump announced that the US needs to build up its nuclear arsenal after having "fallen behind on nuclear weapon capacity."

Trump says "bad dudes" to be removed from U.S. by military operation People's Daily 24 Feb 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that his government is using "military operations" to get "really bad dudes out of this country."
Trump pledges 'greatest military build-up in American history' Press TV 24 Feb 2017 -- US President Donald Trump has pledged a "massive" increase in military spending, saying he will implement "the greatest military build-up in American history."
Trump Vows Major Military Buildup, Strengthened Borders RFE/RL 24 Feb 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking before a conservative political gathering, promised one of the greatest military buildups in U.S. history -- ensuring, he says, that no one in the future will ever challenge America's power.
Trump Announces Putting In 'Massive' Budget Request for 'Beloved' US Military Sputnik 24 Feb 2017 -- President Donald Trump announced in a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Friday the White House is putting in a request for a significant budget for the US military.

AF to retire MQ-1, transition to MQ-9 AFNS 24 Feb 2017 -- For the past 21 years, the Air Force has flown the MQ-1 Predator remotely piloted aircraft in combat, and for the last 10, the MQ-9 Reaper. Combined with a skilled aircrew, these aircraft provide consistent support in daily engagements making an impact downrange.
U.S, Japan, Australia airmen improve aeromedical evacuation integration AFNS 24 Feb 2017 -- Airmen from the 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron conducted trilateral training with members of the Royal Australian Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force Feb. 21, 2017, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, during annual exercise Cope North.
Total Force aeromedical Airmen receive new trainer AFNS 24 Feb 2017 -- Scott Air Force Base Airmen recently began using a new ground aeromedical evacuation (AE) fuselage trainer (FuT) here.
Goldfein speaks on the imperatives of airpower AFNS 24 Feb 2017 -- Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein addressed the budget, people as his number one readiness priority, a networked approach to warfare in the 21st Century, and the nuclear enterprise at a Military Strategy Forum event Feb. 23, 2017, at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C.
Iowa Air Guard Refueling Wing Supports NATO Missions AFPS 24 Feb 2017 -- This month, members of the Iowa Air National Guard's 185th Air Refueling Wing based in Sioux City, Iowa, are refueling NATO Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft while assigned here.
Maritime Commanders Discuss Sea Service Priorities AFPS 24 Feb 2017 -- The senior officers of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard discussed topics including "great power" competition, people and equipment and media relations yesterday at the West 2017 Naval Conference in San Diego.
Langley, Other Sites to Test Bio-Based Grease AFPS 24 Feb 2017 -- The 733rd Logistics Readiness Squadron Vehicle Management Flight here was chosen to participate in a 12-month-long experimental testing of a new bio-based grease to lessen the base's impact on the environment.
Apache helicopters flown to Germany for Operation Atlantic Resolve Army News 24 Feb 2017 -- Four of the Army's most lethal attack helicopters from Fort Bliss, Texas, arrived at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Wednesday, in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve.
Readout of Deputy Secretary Work's Meeting with Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Linas Linkevicius DoD 24 Feb 2017
Emory S. Land EM Division Crucial to COMSUBPAC Mission Readiness NNS 24 Feb 2017 -- With submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) serving as lead tender on the Guam waterfront, the repair department and its divisions are crucial to the mission readiness of submarines and surface ships in the region.
Guardsmen to Test Space Capsule Recovery Systems AFPS 24 Feb 2017 -- Forty-five members of the New York Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing are heading to Hawaii, Feb. 27, to participate in a joint NASA and Defense Department mission to evaluate recovery techniques and gear that will be used to recover NASA's Orion spacecraft, the next generation of American space vehicle.
Rogers Discusses Near Future of U.S. Cyber Command AFPS 24 Feb 2017 -- Navy Adm. Mike Rogers, the chief of U.S. Cyber Command, discussed the command's future over the next five to 10 years yesterday at West 2017, a sea services event in San Diego co-sponsored by AFCEA International and the U.S. Naval Institute.

Estonia to Make NATO Battalion 'Feel at Home' - Commander-in-Chief Sputnik 24 Feb 2017 -- Estonia hopes to make NATO forces "feel at home" while being deployed to the country in the near future, Estonian army Commander-in-Chief Riho Terras said Friday.

Russia Builds an Integrated Defense Line on Its Eastern Flank Sputnik 24 Feb 2017 -- Russia will deploy a division to the Kuril Islands this year, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Wednesday. Moreover, the first Bastion coastal defense system has recently been deployed to Kamchatka. The moves are part of Defense Ministry's plan to build an integrated defense system in Russia's Far East.
Russia 'Categorically Against' Trump's Possible Suspension of New START Treaty Sputnik 24 Feb 2017 -- Russia is categorically against the possible suspension of the New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) and will insist on extension of the document, Viktor Ozerov, chairman of the defense committee in the Russian upper house of parliament, told Sputnik on Friday.

Defence Secretary confirms £1.7bn investment in Scottish military bases UK MOD 24 Feb 2017 -- The Defence Secretary today (Friday 24 February 2017) confirmed £1.7 billion will be invested to upgrade Scottish military bases as the MOD's Defence Board convened in Edinburgh for the first time.

Turkey Wants to Buy Russian S-400 to 'Develop Its Own Missile Defense System' Sputnik 24 Feb 2017 -- Ankara has expressed interest in purchasing the S-400 Triumf mobile surface-to-air missile systems from Russia to develop its own air defense system, Turkish MP Ahmet Berat Conkar of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) told Sputnik Turkey.

Smog won't affect mainstream anti-aircraft weapons: military newspaper People's Daily 24 Feb 2017 -- Smog has only a limited impact on air-based anti-aircraft weapons, because the optoelectronic equipment that drives the air-based weapons is less susceptible to smog than ground-based photovoltaic equipment, a defense expert was quoted as saying by a military newspaper.

No Thanks: India Turns Down British Advanced Aircraft Sputnik 24 Feb 2017 -- Following a request from India's Defense Ministry, New Delhi's Air Force has decided not to make an acquisition request for the British Advanced Hawk trainer aircraft, due to a recent bribery scandal.
Indian Navy Pushes HAL for Unmanned Helicopters to Keep an Eye on China Sputnik 24 Feb 2017 -- Experts feel that unprecedented rise in surveillance platforms deployed in the South China Sea, particularly China's deployment of high-tech drones, has reinforced a perception in New Delhi that Chinese future military operations will focus on dominating Asia's littorals.
India approves budget to buy missiles from Israel Press TV 24 Feb 2017 -- India has approved a 2.5-billion-dollar deal to purchase a surface-to-air missile system from Israel.
India Clears $2.6 Billion Air Defense System Purchase From Israel Sputnik 24 Feb 2017 -- India is also negotiating with Russia for long range air defense system S-400 which is expected to be finalized next month.

Iran increased precision of ballistic missiles: defense minister People's Daily 24 Feb 2017 -- Iran has, to a great extent, increased the precision of its long-range ballistic missiles, Iran's Defense Minister Hossein Dehqan said here on Thursday.

South Korea Pledges $530Mln to Counter N Korea's Missile Threat Sputnik 24 Feb 2017 -- South Korea approved a package worth $530 million to step up defense fortifications against North Korea, the country's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said on Friday.
China strongly opposes ROK's deployment of THAAD People's Daily 24 Feb 2017 -- China's military on Thursday voiced strong objections to the Republic of Korea (ROK)'s deployment of an advanced U.S. missile defense system, the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD).
THAAD deployment in S.Korea depends on land swap contract with Lotte: defense ministry People's Daily 24 Feb 2017 -- The timing of the U.S. missile shield deployment in South Korean soil will depend on a land swap contract with Lotte Group, Seoul's defense ministry said Friday.

UAE signs arms deals worth $5bn at Abu Dhabi exhibition Press TV 24 Feb 2017 -- The United Arab Emirates, a key partner in the bloody Saudi war on Yemen, has struck arms deals worth of over five billion dollars at an international exhibition of weapons and military equipment in Abu Dhabi.

Bulgaria's Ex-Defense Minister Goes on Trial Over Military Procurements Sputnik 24 Feb 2017 -- Former Bulgarian Defense Minister Nikolay Nenchev had his first day in court on Wednesday despite being the head of a political party currently engaged in an election campaign, Focus News Agency reported.

Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Sean Spicer, 2/24/2017 The White House 24 Feb 2017

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for February 24, 2017
China's largest production base for industrial drones under construction People's Daily 24 Feb 2017 -- China Eagle, a Beijing-based unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) developer, will build the country's largest production base for industrial drones.

Other Conflicts

24 February 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 24 Feb 2017
Experts: African Hunger Crisis Largely Man-made VOA 24 Feb 2017 -- This year, more so than usual, hunger is stalking Africa. The United Nations has declared a famine in parts of South Sudan and food insecurity is affecting tens of millions in nearly every geographic region of the continent.

China May Offer Aid, Investment, in Talks on South China Sea VOA 24 Feb 2017 -- Countries in Southeast Asia are talking one-on-one with China about shared rights to fish and fossil fuels in the contested South China Sea, but nationalism or lack of political trust may snarl any agreements and shift focus to informal economic deals.
Beijing seeks 'positive energy' in S. China Sea People's Daily 24 Feb 2017 -- China urges countries outside of the South China Sea region to stop stirring threats of war and tension in the region, the Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

Yemeni forces target Jordanian F-16 fighter jet over Saudi Arabia: Report Press TV 24 Feb 2017 -- Yemeni air defense forces, backed by fighters from allied Popular Committees, have reportedly intercepted and shot down a single-engine, supersonic and multirole F-16 fighter jet of the Royal Jordanian Air Force.
Over 12,000 civilians killed in Saudi war Press TV 24 Feb 2017 -- Almost two years into the Saudi war on Yemen, a rights NGO says the military campaign has cost the lives of more than 12,000 civilians.

Goals of Euphrates Shield Operation in Syria Achieved - Turkish General Staff Sputnik 24 Feb 2017 -- The goals set at the beginning of the Euphrates Shield operation in Syria have been reached, Chief of the Turkish General Staff Hulusi Akar said Friday.
Turkey-Backed Syrian Rebels Fully Control Al-Bab Sputnik 24 Feb 2017 -- The Turkish General Staff has confirmed that Free Syrian Army (FSA) rebels gained full control over al-Bab previously controlled by Daesh.

Parties to Syria war ready for direct talks: UN Press TV 24 Feb 2017 -- The United Nations says it has seen signs that the Syrian government's delegation and representatives of the armed opposition groups are ready to hold face-to-face negotiations for the first time in the fresh round of the Geneva peace talks.
Bomb attack kills 70, mostly civilains, near al-Bab Press TV 24 Feb 2017 -- About 70 people have been killed and dozens more injured in bomb attacks near the Syrian border city of al-Bab, which was recently taken by Turkish forces and allied militants from Daesh terrorists.
Russia Vows To Veto Sanctions On Syria Over Chemical Weapons RFE/RL 24 Feb 2017 -- Russia says it is ready to veto a draft UN resolution calling for sanctions against Syria over the use of chemical weapons on civilians.
Russia Expected to Veto UN Resolution Blaming Syria for Chemical Attacks VOA 24 Feb 2017 -- Russia says it will veto a draft U.N. resolution blaming the Syrian government for some chemical weapons attacks in Syria if it is brought to a vote.
Iraqi jets strike Daesh positions in Syria: Premier Abadi Press TV 24 Feb 2017 -- Iraq's Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi says Iraqi fighter jets have pounded the positions of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in Syria.
Iraqi Air Force Airstrike in Syria 'in Full Coordination' With Damascus Sputnik 24 Feb 2017 -- A strike conducted earlier in the day by the Iraqi Air Force against Daesh terrorist group in Syrian Deir Ez-Zor province has been fully coordinated with the Syrian government, Al-Watan reported, citing a source, close to the Syrian Foreign Ministry.
Iraqi PM Orders Launch of Airstrikes on Daesh in Syria - Reports Sputnik 24 Feb 2017 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has ordered launch of airstrikes against Daesh in Syria.
Turkey Ramps Up Pressure on Washington to Abandon Syrian Kurds VOA 24 Feb 2017 -- Top Turkish officials are increasing pressure on the United States to dissolve the American military partnership with Syrian Kurds in the battle against Islamic State.

Turkey, Saudi advance own interests in Iraq: Ex-US ambassador to Baghdad Press TV 24 Feb 2017 -- After a full liberation of Mosul, Iraq needs to dispatch its troops to the border with Syria, Turkey and Saudi Arabia to prevent terrorists from returning to the country, a US-based journalist says.
Iraqi forces enter first residential neighborhood in west Mosul Press TV 24 Feb 2017 -- Iraqi armed forces are pushing deeper in the western Daesh-held half of Mosul, entering the first residential neighborhood in the area in yet another blow to the terror group in its last urban stronghold in the Arab state.
US-backed Iraqi Forces Push Deeper Into Western Half of Mosul VOA 24 Feb 2017 -- Iraqi military officials say U.S.-backed forces pushed deeper into the western half of Mosul after launching several attacks to recapture Islamic State's last main stronghold in the city.

Turkey's Air Forces Kill 27 PKK Militants in Northern Iraq - General Staff Sputnik 24 Feb 2017 -- The Turkish Air Forces killed 27 Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants in an operation carried out in northern Iraq, the General Staff of the Turkish army said Friday.

Israel won't return Golan Heights to Syria, Netanyahu says Press TV 24 Feb 2017 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the Tel Aviv regime will never end its decades-long occupation of Syria's Golan Heights.

Bosnia Asks Hague Court To Review Ruling Clearing Serbia Of Genocide RFE/RL 24 Feb 2017 -- Bosnia on February 23 formally asked the United Nations' top court to review its 2007 ruling that cleared Serbia of charges it committed genocide during the 1990s civil war.
Bosnia appeals ruling clearing Serbia of genocide Press TV 24 Feb 2017 -- Bosnian Muslims have formally submitted an appeal for a revision of an international court ruling that cleared Serbia of blame for killings, rapes, and "ethnic cleansing" during a war in the 1990s.

Donors pledge $670 million at UN-backed conference to support aid operations in Lake Chad region UN News 24 Feb 2017 -- Giving voice to people affected by conflict and crises in Africa's Lake Chad Basin, a global United Nations-supported humanitarian conference in Oslo today generated more than $670 million in pledges that will help sustain critical relief operations over the next two years and beyond across four counties where millions are in need of aid.

DRC President Orders Probe Into Massacre Videos VOA 24 Feb 2017 -- The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has launched an investigation into possible abuses by security forces in Kasai province. Conflict has been intensifying in that part of the country in the past six months but a video posted online late last week drew international attention.
UN envoy and Church leaders in DR Congo condemn attacks against Catholic facilities UN News 24 Feb 2017 -- The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the National Episcopal Conference of Congo, known as CENCO have called for an immediate end to the spate of violent attacks against Catholic facilities in several parts of the country.

Central African Republic Returnees Face Challenges, Insecurity VOA 24 Feb 2017 -- The government of the Central African Republic shut down the displaced persons' camp at the airport in its capital and sent the camp's 30,000 remaining residents packing. Many have returned to their old neighborhoods, but say they do not feel safe.

News Reports

Media Leaks Indicate Intelligence Bureaucracy Operates in So-called 'Deep State' VOA 24 Feb 2017 -- The White House has denied media reports that a so-called "deep state" of the United States government is withholding information from President Donald Trump in an effort to undermine his administration.

Trump, Kelly Contradict Each Other on Use of US Military in Deportations Sputnik 24 Feb 2017 -- US President Donald Trump referred to the effort to deport undocumented immigrants as "a military operation" just a few hours before Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly stated that there would be "no, repeat, no, use of military force in immigration operations."

FBI rejected WH request to deny Trump team's contacts with Russia: Report Press TV 24 Feb 2017 -- The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) rejected a request by the White House to publicly dispute media reports that President Donald Trump's campaign advisers kept regular contacts with Russian intelligence agents during the 2016 presidential election, according to a report.
White House Asked FBI To Dispute Stories About Trump-Russia Contacts: Reports RFE/RL 24 Feb 2017 -- White House chief of staff Reince Priebus asked the FBI to discredit media reports that President Donald Trump's campaign advisers were frequently in touch with Russian intelligence agents during the election, U.S. media reported late on February 23.
Pelosi Calls for Probe Into 'Outrageous Breach of FBI Independence' by Priebus Sputnik 24 Feb 2017 -- The US Department of Justice should probe White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus's interference into the FBI ongoing probe of President Donald Trump's campaign contacts with Russia, US House of Representatives minority leader Nancy Pelosi said in a press release on Friday.
White House Confirms It Discussed News Report about Trump-Russia Ties With FBI VOA 24 Feb 2017 -- Senior Trump administration officials have confirmed White House chief of staff Reince Priebus had a conversation with senior FBI officials about published news reports on alleged communications between officials from Trump's presidential campaign and Russia.

'Rubbish': Pyongyang Slams S Korean FM for Criticism of North's Nuclear Program Sputnik 24 Feb 2017 -- South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se's words on the urgency of the nuclear issue in North Korea were "rubbish," the North's Central Committee of the Democratic Front for the Reunification of Korea said Friday in a statement.
South Korea Condemns Use of Chemical Weapon in Kim Jong Nam's Murder Sputnik 24 Feb 2017 -- Seoul expressed criticism over a VX nerve agent, a highly toxic liquid, used to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's half-brother Kim Jong Nam, South Korea's Foreign Ministry said Friday,
China Hopes to Work With US, North Korea on Peace on Korean Peninsula - Ministry Sputnik 24 Feb 2017 -- According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Beijing hopes to work together with Washington and Pyongyang to support the peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
'Dancing to US Tune': North Korea Slams China Over Sanctions Sputnik 24 Feb 2017 -- North Korean state media on Thursday criticized the Chinese government over Beijing's decision to suspend all imports of North Korean coal, following Pyongyang's launch of a ballistic missile.
Advocates Hope Trump Can Still Make a Deal With North Korea VOA 24 Feb 2017 -- Despite U.S. President Donald Trump's comments that it may be too late to strike a deal to halt North Korea's advancing nuclear program, advocates for engagement argue that Trump is uniquely positioned to reach a breakthrough toward resolving the increasingly tense security situation on the Korean Peninsula.
Panetta: Killing of Kim Jong Nam Reflects Instability in Pyongyang VOA 24 Feb 2017 -- The apparent assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's estranged half brother reflects "instability" and "uncertainty" in the North Korean leadership, former U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said.
'North Korea harshly criticizes main ally China' Press TV 24 Feb 2017 -- North Korea has reportedly directed rare and harsh criticism at China, its major international ally, accusing Beijing of giving in to the United States' demands by tightening its own sanctions against Pyongyang.
World's most toxic nerve agent used in Kim murder: Malaysia police Press TV 24 Feb 2017 -- Malaysian police authorities have identified the chemical used in the killing of the half-bother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as extremely toxic VX nerve agent that has no known uses except in chemical warfare.

Iran's nuclear activities in line with JCPOA: IAEA Director-general IRNA 24 Feb 2017 -- The first report by Director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Yukiya Amano in 2017 has reaffirmed that Iran's all nuclear activities are in line with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Iran's envoy to Vienna said.
Iran complying with nuclear agreement, IAEA reaffirms Press TV 24 Feb 2017 -- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has once again confirmed that Iran has lived up to its commitments under the 2015 nuclear agreement it signed with the P5+1 group of countries.
Reports: UN Watchdog Says Iran Complying With Nuclear Deal RFE/RL 24 Feb 2017 -- The International Atomic Energy Agency has concluded that Iran is complying with the 2015 nuclear deal it struck with major world powers, news agencies that have seen a confidential report say.

French Foreign Policy Under Le Pen? Think U-turn VOA 24 Feb 2017 -- French far-right presidential front-runner Marine Le Pen offered a preview this week of what France's foreign policy might look like if she is elected. She canceled a meeting with a top cleric in Lebanon over demands she wear a headscarf, and rejected the European Union, NATO and global trade deals in a keynote speech in Paris that favored an independent, France-first course.

Russian cargo ship docks at International Space Station Press TV 24 Feb 2017 -- A Russian cargo ship has docked at the International Space Station (ISS), delivering supplies at the station.

Turkey shifting to open prisons amid jail overcrowding Press TV 24 Feb 2017 -- Turkey says prisoners serving lighter sentences would be transferred to open prisons amid reports of jail overcrowding since Ankara began its crackdown in the wake of the failed coup of July 2016.
Turkey urges expats in Germany to spy for Erdogan: Report Press TV 24 Feb 2017 -- Turkey's government has reportedly asked teachers and parents of Turkish origin in Germany to collect information on any criticism of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in German schools.

EU Unsure How to Sanction Poland Over Reform Issue VOA 24 Feb 2017 -- Poland faces the possibility of losing its voting rights in the European Union over issues related to democracy and the rule of law. The EU is trying to determine whether to apply Article 7 – a measure intended to punish countries seen as violating fundamental rights.

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