27 February 2017 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
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Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 27 Feb 2017[PDF]

Officials Provide Details of Latest Strikes in Syria, Iraq AFPS 27 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.
US Drone in Syria Takes Out al-Qaida's Deputy Leader VOA 27 Feb 2017 -- A drone attack in northern Syria, part of a series of recent strikes by the United States in and around the province of Idlib, killed a top al-Qaida leader who had participated in the planning for the 9/11 attacks on New York and Washington.

Pentagon Spokesman Discusses ISIS Preliminary Plan, Budget Amendment AFPS 27 Feb 2017 -- Defense Secretary Jim Mattis will present a preliminary version of the Pentagon's new plan to rapidly defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria during a meeting of the White House Principals Committee today, Navy Capt. Jeff Davis said here this morning.
Pentagon Sends Trump Plan to Defeat Islamic State, Other Extremist Groups VOA 27 Feb 2017 -- The Pentagon says it has sent the White House a preliminary plan to defeat Islamic State extremists in Iraq and Syria, and says Defense Secretary Jim Mattis will brief senior administration officials on the draft later Monday.

White House Defends Yemen Raid Following Criticism from Fallen Commando's Father VOA 27 Feb 2017 -- The White House has continued to defend a recent anti-terrorism raid in Yemen that killed one Navy SEAL, after the father of the commando sharply criticized the administration over the mission.

Taliban Confirms Death of Group's Senior Leader in Northern Afghanistan Sputnik 27 Feb 2017 -- The Taliban terror group, outlawed in Russia, has confirmed the death of its senior leader Mullah Abdul Salam in the northern Afghanistan's province of Kunduz, local media reported on Monday.

Defense Policy / Programs

Trump Seeks Big Jump in Defense Spending VOA 27 Feb 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump called Monday for a $54 billion annual increase in defense spending, describing the 10 percent jump as a "landmark event," a message aimed at assuring the world of "American strength, security and resolve."
Trump promises 'historic' boost in Pentagon budget Press TV 27 Feb 2017 -- US President Donald Trump has promised a "historic" increase in the Pentagon budget to rebuild America's "depleted military."
Trump to Seek $54 Billion Increase in Defense Spending Sputnik 27 Feb 2017 -- US President Donald Trump will seek a $54 billion increase in defense spending and cut the same amount from non-defense spending, an Office of Management and Budget (OMB) official said on Monday.

PEARL microgrid project demonstrates new possibilities in military energy resiliency AFNS 27 Feb 2017 -- The Air Force Research Laboratory is leading the way for resilient, cleaner, and cost-competitive energy solutions for military installations.
Iowa air refueling wing supports NATO AFNS 27 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.
10th CAB Black Hawks touch down in Greece Army News 27 Feb 2017 -- Eight UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and more than 70 other pieces of equipment arrived at the Port of Thessaloniki as part of the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade nine month rotational deployment in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve Feb. 25.
Ugandan and U.S. plan for Africa Readiness Training 2017 Army News 27 Feb 2017 -- Exercise planners from U.S. Army Africa, 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, 1-327 Infantry Battalion and the Uganda Peoples Defence Force met Feb. 13-17 to conduct the initial planning event for Africa Readiness Training 2017 (ART 17), taking place this summer in Uganda.
Americans, Ghanaian medical professionals host MEDRETE closing ceremony Army News 27 Feb 2017 -- Ghanaian and American military medical professionals hosted a closing ceremony on the last day of Medical Readiness Training Exercise 17-2 at the 37th Military Hospital in Accra, Ghana, Feb. 24, to highlight the strengthened partnerships and lessons learned.
U.S. Army Africa completes first 2017 MEDRETE Army News 27 Feb 2017 -- Senegalese and American military medical professionals hosted a closing ceremony on the last day of Medical Readiness Training Exercise 17-1 at the Hospital Militaire De Ouakam in Dakar, Senegal, Jan. 25, to highlight the strengthened partnerships.
Multinational Planners put final touches on Exercise Unified Focus 2017 in Cameroon Army News 27 Feb 2017 -- Military planners from the U.S., Cameroon and seven other African and European nations met here Feb. 6-9 to finish the planning and preparation for the inaugural U.S. Army Africa-led exercise Unified Focus 2017, scheduled to take place in April.
South Carolina National Guard maintenance unit deploys to support Operation Atlantic Resolve Army News 27 Feb 2017 -- The South Carolina Army National Guard's 742nd Support Maintenance Company, headquartered at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, departed to support Operation Atlantic Resolve from Eagle Aviation in Columbia, South Carolina, Feb. 26, 2017.
Active duty, National Guard signal Soldiers support Combined Resolve VII Army News 27 Feb 2017 -- U.S. Army Soldiers from the 44th Expeditionary Signal Battalion (ESB), 2nd Signal Brigade, and South Carolina National Guard Soldiers from the 151st ESB, 228th Signal Brigade, teamed together to provide communications and network support to U.S. and multinational forces during exercise Combined Resolve VII at the Hohenfels Training Area.
Coronado Returns to Singapore Following Operations at Sea NNS 27 Feb 2017 -- Following a port visit in Muara, Brunei, and routine operations in the Sulu Sea and South China Sea, littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) pulled pierside at Changi Naval Base in Singapore, Feb. 25.
US to resume military drills with Egypt: CENTCOM chief Press TV 27 Feb 2017 -- The administration of US President Donald Trump intends to resume major military drills with Egypt, according to the head of the Central Command, amid concerns that the Middle Eastern country is tilting towards Russia.

Secretary General welcomes Armenian President to NATO Headquarters NATO 27 Feb 2017 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan to NATO Headquarters on Monday (27 February 2017), for talks on current security challenges and the partnership between the Alliance and Yerevan.

On Alert: Crimea to Get BUK Missile Systems Sputnik 27 Feb 2017 -- The Russian Navy will deploy batteries of BUK missiles in Crimea to protect its surface ships and submarines against drones and cruise missiles to beef up anti-access/area-denial capabilities around the Black Sea peninsula, the newspaper Izvestia wrote.

US, France to Start Open Skies Flight Over Russia on Monday Sputnik 27 Feb 2017 -- US and French inspectors will conduct an aerial surveillance flight over Russia, the head of Russia's Nuclear Risk Reduction Center said Monday.
Russia to Start Air Mission Over Turkey on Monday Sputnik 27 Feb 2017 -- The head of Russia's Nuclear Risk Reduction Center said that Russian inspectors would conduct an aerial surveillance flight over Turkey.

Russia to Help Boost Tajik-Afghan Border Protection Using Russian Base - Putin Sputnik 27 Feb 2017 -- Moscow and Dushanbe have agreed to intensify efforts to protect the Tajik-Afghan border, using a Russian military base, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Monday after talks with his Tajik counterpart Emomali Rahmon.
Russia, Tajikistan to Continue Efforts to Ensure Stability in Central Asia Sputnik 27 Feb 2017 -- Russia and Tajikistan will continue coordination of efforts aimed at ensuring stability and security in Central Asia, according to a joint statement by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon.
Putin And Rahmon Agree To Bolster Tajik-Afghan Border Security RFE/RL 27 Feb 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has said in the midst of a three-nation tour of Central Asia that he has agreed with Tajikistan's president to jointly bolster security along the Tajik-Afghan border.

Dehqan: Iran successfully tests-fires new version of SLCM IRNA 27 Feb 2017 -- Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan said Monday that Iran has successfully test-fired the latest version of a submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM) named 'Nasir' during Velayat-95 military war game conducted by the Iranian naval forces.
Iran's Navy test-fires new missiles amid drills Press TV 27 Feb 2017 -- Iran's Navy has successfully test-fired new domestically-manufactured missiles during the military maneuvers underway in the strategic southern waters.
Iran Says Navy Test-Fires New Missiles In Persian Gulf RFE/RL 27 Feb 2017 -- An Iranian official says the country's navy has successfully test-fired its latest missiles during military drills in the Persian Gulf, part of the first major exercise in the area since the January 20 inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Indian Navy to Hold Grand Farewell for Oldest Serving Warship INS Viraat Sputnik 27 Feb 2017 -- Under the Indian Flag, INS Viraat clocked more than 22,622 flying hours by various aircraft in the past three decades and spent nearly 2252 days at sea sailing 5,88,287 NM. This implies Viraat has spent seven years at sea covering the entire globe 27 times.
Question Paper Leak Scam Puts Indian Army's Recruitment on Hold Sputnik 27 Feb 2017 -- The Indian Army is currently conducting an internal inquiry into the possible involvement of its officials in the racket involving alleged leak of question papers ahead of the nationwide examinations held for recruitment to various posts on Sunday.
India Announces Development of Long-Range Airborne Warning Control System Sputnik 27 Feb 2017 -- India is planning to develop its own long-range airborne early warning and control system (AEW&C) in six years in order to fill the gaps in its aerial surveillance not covered by the recently developed Indian Netra system, Indian Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar said Monday.

US, South Korea liable for consequences of THAAD deployment: China Press TV 27 Feb 2017 -- China says the United States and South Korea are totally responsible for "any consequences" of their decision to deploy the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system on the Korean Peninsula, warning that Beijing will "resolutely" adopt due measures to protect its own "security interests."
Lotte Group Approves Land Swap for THAAD Installation - Defense Ministry Sputnik 27 Feb 2017 -- South Korea's Lotte Group agreed to a planned exchange of land with the military for the installation of Washington's Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-ballistic missile system, the country's Defense Ministry said Monday.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Sean Spicer, 2/27/2017, #17 The White House 27 Feb 2017

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for February 27, 2017

Other Conflicts

27 February 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 27 Feb 2017

In Yemen, UN aid chief rallies support for relief efforts to prevent famine UN News 27 Feb 2017 -- The parties to the conflict in Yemen need to continue providing humanitarian access, and the international community needs to step up its funding for life-saving operations, the United Nations relief aid chief said today during his visit to the port city of Aden.

Turkey Sends Troops, Armored Personnel Carriers to Syrian Border - Reports Sputnik 27 Feb 2017 -- A train carrying military vehicles of the Turkish Armed Forces on Monday arrived to the southeastern Turkish province of Gaziantep near the border with Syria, Anadolu news agency reported citing an anonymous military source.

More rounds of Syria peace talks required before any deal: UN Press TV 27 Feb 2017 -- UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura has told all parties present at the Syria peace talks being held in Geneva that several more rounds of negotiations would be needed before any manner of accord is reached.
Syrian Arab Coalition Makes Major Gains Toward Raqqa, Pentagon Says Sputnik 27 Feb 2017 -- The Syrian Arab Coalition has made significant gains in operation to retake Raqqa while meeting minimal resistance from Daesh (the terror group outlawed in Russia), US Department of Defense spokesperson Capt. Jeff Davis said in a briefing on Monday.
Syrian Opposition Group Says Rapproachment With Damascus 'Should Be Written' Sputnik 27 Feb 2017 -- The Cairo platform of Syrian opposition has suggested to UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura and to Russian diplomats exchange of texts with commonalities on key issues between the sides as a format for the intra-Syrian talks, the group's leader, Jihad Makdissi, told Sputnik Monday.
Syrian Army Advances in Damascus After Qabun Operation Launched Sputnik 27 Feb 2017 -- The Syrian military has advanced 700 meters (2,300 feet) into the Barzeh neighborhood in northeastern Damascus following the launch of an operation to liberate neighboring Qabun from militants, an informed source on the ground told Sputnik on Monday.

Iraqi forces free first neighborhood from IS in Mosul People's Daily 27 Feb 2017 -- Iraqi forces on Sunday liberated al-Mamoun neighborhood in western side of Mosul, the first neighborhood completely freed from the extremist militants of Islamic State (IS) group, the official television reported.
Iraqi forces retake key bridge in western Mosul Press TV 27 Feb 2017 -- Iraqi security forces have managed to take control of a key bridge and a neighborhood as they push further into western Mosul, the last major urban stronghold of Daesh terrorists in the country.
Iraqi Forces Capture Key Bridge, Neighborhood In Western Mosul RFE/RL 27 Feb 2017 -- U.S.-backed Iraqi forces battling to retake western Mosul from Islamic State (IS) militants have captured a neighborhood and a key bridge on the Tigris River, a move that could allow the opening of supply lines with the government-controlled east bank.
Families report skyrocketing food prices, dire conditions in western Mosul - UN agency UN News 27 Feb 2017 -- The United Nations food relief agency today said it is extremely concerned about the humanitarian situation facing more than 750,000 people living in dire conditions in the western sections of Iraq's Mosul city, where fighting is taking place between the Government forces and Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh) terrorists.

Pro-Russian forces threaten to seize enterprises in east Press TV 27 Feb 2017 -- Pro-Russia forces have threatened to take control of state-run businesses in eastern Ukraine unless Kiev ends a rail blockade by nationalist protesters.

UN rights expert calls on Myanmar authorities to protect Rohingya population UN News 27 Feb 2017 -- Concluding a four-day visit to parts of Bangladesh where she met with members of Myanmar's Rohingya community who fled the violence there following attacks on a border post in early October and the ensuing military operations, a United Nations expert called for urgent action by the Government of Myanmar to end the suffering of the Rohingya population in the country.

Tens of thousands flood into Sudan from famine-hit South Sudan, says UN Press TV 27 Feb 2017 -- The United Nations refugee agency says over 31,000 South Sudanese, fleeing famine and conflict, have crossed the border into Sudan so far this year.

Israeli jets carry out new airstrikes on Gaza Strip, injure four Palestinians Press TV 27 Feb 2017 -- At least four people have sustained injuries after Israeli military aircraft carried out a string of airstrikes on areas in the Gaza Strip in yet another act of aggression against the besieged Palestinian coastal territory.
Israeli Defense Forces Confirm Retaliatory Strikes in Gaza Strip Sputnik 27 Feb 2017 -- The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Monday that the Israeli Air Force (IAF) conducted retaliatory airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, the IDF spokesperson said.

Indian Military to Aim Pellet Guns at the Feet of Protesting Kashmiris Sputnik 27 Feb 2017 -- Chief of Central Reserve Police Force said that the injuries could be minimized but cannot be brought to a zero level. Chances are high that Protesting Kashmiris in Indian administered Kashmir may face pellet guns at their feet; for now.

Kosovo: Talks between Belgrade and Pristina are 'essential' to peace, UN envoy tells Security Council UN News 27 Feb 2017 -- There is no alternative to dialogue, the head of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Kosovo today told the Security Council, citing the importance of high-level talks between Belgrade and Pristina, and calling for continued international engagement to maintain peace and stability in Kosovo and the wider Balkans region.

Drought threatens 1.5 million Somalis; UN health agency scales up response UN News 27 Feb 2017 -- Less than half of the people in Somalia have access to basic health services, the United Nations health agency today said, announcing that it is scaling up its response in the country amid a severe drought and worsening food crisis.

News Reports

US House Intelligence Leader Balks at Wider Probe of Trump-Russia Links VOA 27 Feb 2017 -- The chairman of the U.S. House Intelligence Committee said Monday he has seen no evidence of improper contacts between officials working on President Donald Trump's campaign for the White House and Russian agents and has no plans to expand an investigation already underway.
White House Tries to Fend Off New Calls for Russia Probe VOA 27 Feb 2017 -- As President Donald Trump prepared for his first address to the U.S. Congress, the White House on Sunday sought to fend off the latest calls for an independent probe of Russian efforts to impact last year's U.S. election and any ties between Moscow and the president's inner circle.
CIA Chief Contacted Reporters to Refute Claims of Trump's Ties With Russia Sputnik 27 Feb 2017 -- Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director Mike Pompeo had contacts with reporters from influential news outlets in order to confute the media reports about alleged contacts between Russia and campaign staff of US President Donald Trump.

Cambodia Threatens Media Outlets, Using Trump as Justification VOA 27 Feb 2017 -- Cambodia's government has threatened to expel several media outlets, including the Voice of America, and is using U.S. President Donald Trump's criticisms of the press as justification.

Hungary starts construction of second fence along Serbia border Press TV 27 Feb 2017 -- Hungary has begun construction work on a second fence along its border with Serbia in an alleged bid to make the processing of refugees more effective.

Hundreds Protest Opposition Party Leader's Detention In Kyrgyzstan RFE/RL 27 Feb 2017 -- Hundreds of people have protested in Kyrgyzstan's capital for a second day, demanding the release of opposition Ata-Meken (Fatherland) party leader Omurbek Tekebaev.

Zimbabwe's First Lady Positions Herself for Presidency VOA 27 Feb 2017 -- Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe marked his 93rd birthday last week by squashing any thought he plans to resign or not seek re-election.

Bahraini court postpones trial of top Shia cleric until March 14 Press TV 27 Feb 2017 -- A court in Bahrain has postponed until later this year the trial of distinguished Shia cleric Sheikh Isa Qassim, whom the ruling Al Khalifah regime has stripped of citizenship.

EU slaps additional sanctions on North Korea over nuclear, missile tests Press TV 27 Feb 2017 -- The European Union (EU) has imposed additional sanctions on North Korea in response to Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile tests.
DPRK man dies minutes after being swabbed with VX nerve agent: Malaysian official People's Daily 27 Feb 2017 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) man died a painful death minutes after being swabbed with a high dosage of lethal VX nerve agent, Malaysia's Health Minister S. Subramaniam said Sunday.
North Korean Government Reported to Be Behind Kim Jong Nam's Murder Sputnik 27 Feb 2017 -- The North Korean authorities could stand behind the murder of Kim Jong Nam, half-brother of the country's leader Kim Jong Un, South Korean media reported, citing an intelligence agency.
N Korean Ex-Minister Allegedly Detained After Dismissal Over Abuse of Power Sputnik 27 Feb 2017 -- North Korea's former Minister of State Security Kim Won Hong has been arrested, following his dismissal in late January over the abuse of power, South Korean media reported Monday.

South Korea wraps up final hearing in president's trial Press TV 27 Feb 2017 -- South Korea's Constitutional Court has wrapped up the final hearing in President Park Geun-hye's trial for a graft scandal, as her supporters gathered in front of the court to demand her reinstatement.
South Korea Impeachment Drama Enters Final Act VOA 27 Feb 2017 -- The impeachment of South Korean President Park Geun-hye entered its final phase Monday as the Constitutional Court held its last hearing, and as Acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn refused to extend the independent counsel probe in the corruption scandal.

What to expect from China's annual 'two sessions' People's Daily 27 Feb 2017 -- The annual sessions of China's top legislative and advisory bodies, scheduled to be convened in early March, are expected to discuss and approve a national development framework with some new elements.

SpaceX to Send Privately Crewed Dragon Spacecraft Beyond the Moon Next Year SpaceX 27 Feb 2017 -- "We are excited to announce that SpaceX has been approached to fly two private citizens on a trip around the moon late next year. They have already paid a significant deposit to do a moon mission."

China to Conduct Test Flight of CZ-8 Carrier Rocket by 2018 - Manufacturer Sputnik 27 Feb 2017 -- China is planning to develop the next-generation CZ-8 (Long March 8) medium-lift carrier rocket and will conduct the first test flight by the end of 2018, Li Tongyu, the head of carrier rocket development at the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology said Monday.

Fraud Case, Holiday Dispute Further Divide Old Rivals China, Taiwan VOA 27 Feb 2017 -- Relations between old rivals China and Taiwan have been shaken again over a foreign extradition case and Beijing's re-interpretation of a Taiwanese political holiday, stalling any prospects for dialogue or cooperation.

Free and Fair or Unfree and Unfair? Debate Over Turkish Referendum Intensifies Sputnik 27 Feb 2017 -- In April, a referendum on constitutional change will be held in Turkey. If successful, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will be granted greater powers, and could stay in office until 2029 - the prospect has sharply divided Turkish society, and prompted questions over the reforms' true implications and reach.

UK Gov't Rules Out 2nd Scottish Independence Referendum Amid Brexit Sputnik 27 Feb 2017 -- There is no need to hold the second independence referendum in Scotland and such possibility only leads to uncertainty, UK Prime Minister Theresa May's spokesman said Monday.

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