11 April 2017 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
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Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 11 Apr 2017[PDF]

Press Conference by Secretary Mattis and Gen. Votel in the Pentagon Briefing Room DoD 11 Apr 2017 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis; General Joseph L. Votel, commander, U.S. Central Command
Background Press Briefing on Syria, 4/11/2017 The White House 11 Apr 2017
Inherent Resolve Strikes Target ISIS in Syria, Iraq AFPS 11 Apr 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, conducting 31 strikes consisting of 99 engagements against ISIS targets yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.

Afghan Official: Russian Advisers Help Taliban in Contested Province VOA 11 Apr 2017 -- Russia's role in Afghanistan was questioned again Tuesday when the provincial police chief in Uruzgan told Afghan media that intelligence reports showed visiting Russian generals were providing Taliban militants with weapons and training.

Defense Policy / Programs

Continuing Promise 2017 Mission Concludes Final Mission Stop in Popoya Playa NNS 11 Apr 2017 -- The Continuing Promise 2017 (CP-17) mission made its last mission stop at the Popoya Playa School, from March 25-29, where personnel deployed in support of CP-17 conducted an array of different activities such as infrastructure enhancement, nutrition classes and preventative health tips.
US Naval Strike Group, Ordered Near Korean Peninsula, Still to Be Part of Australian Drills VOA 11 Apr 2017 -- Despite comments from the U.S. secretary of defense, the Navy says the USS Carl Vinson Strike Group is still participating in planned exercises with the Australian navy.
Navy Region Singapore welcomes USS Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group (CSG-1) NNS 11 Apr 2017 -- Navy Region Center Singapore (NRCS), welcomed Sailors from the USS Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group (CSG-1) during a port visit to Singapore, April 4-8, 2017.
USS Porter Completes Patrol; Returns to Rota NNS 11 Apr 2017 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) returned to Naval Station Rota following the completion of its third forward-deployed naval forces (FDNF) patrol, April 11, 2017.
USS San Jacinto Conducts Air Defense Exercises NNS 11 Apr 2017 -- The guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56) led an air defense exercises with the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (Ike CSG) during a sustainment exercise (SUSTEX), April 10.
Makin Island Hosts Reception, Concludes Port Visit in Hong Kong NNS 11 Apr 2017 -- The amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) departed Hong Kong April 11, following a scheduled port visit.
US aircraft carrier expected to arrive in waters off S.Korea this weekend People's Daily 11 Apr 2017 -- A nuclear-powered U.S. aircraft carrier is expected to arrive in waters near South Korea this weekend, raising tensions in the Korean Peninsula, Yonhap news agency reported on Tuesday.
America's $13 billion carrier begins sea trials People's Daily 11 Apr 2017 -- The newest aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy's fleet, the USS Gerald R. Ford, began its first set of sea trials, known as Builder's Sea Trials, on Saturday.
US, South Korean troops hold joint logistics drill Press TV 11 Apr 2017 -- American and South Korean troops are holding a 10-day logistics drill in the city of Pohang amid growing tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
US Navy considering more powerful warships Press TV 11 Apr 2017 -- The US Navy is planning to upgrade its future frigates to make sure they can defend other ships from anti-air threats as well as enemy vessels undersea and on the surface.

Trump Gives OK for Montenegro to Join NATO VOA 11 Apr 2017 -- President Donald Trump gave his official approval Tuesday for Montenegro to join NATO, marking another step forward in the tiny Baltic country's quest for NATO acceptance.
In message to Russia, Trump approves Montenegro's accession to NATO Press TV 11 Apr 2017 -- US President Donald Trump has backed the expansion of NATO by approving Montenegro's accession to the Western military alliance, in what many observers view as a message to Russia.
Trump Ratifies Protocol for Montenegro's Accession to NATO Sputnik 11 Apr 2017 -- US President Donald Trump has ratified the protocol for Montenegro's accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said in a release on Tuesday.
NATO welcomes opening of European Centre for Countering Hybrid Threats NATO 11 Apr 2017 -- Several NATO Allies and European Union members came together in Helsinki on Tuesday (11 April 2017), formally agreeing to establish a European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats in the Finnish capital. At a ceremony attended by Finnish Foreign Minister Timo Soini, officials from NATO and the European Union welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for the Centre, which will open later in 2017.

Russia to Unveil Improved Iskander-M Missile System After 2020 Sputnik 11 Apr 2017 -- Russia will present an improved version of the Iskander-M mobile missile system after 2020.
White Swans: Russia to Churn Out 30-50 Tu-160M2 Strategic Bombers Annually Sputnik 11 Apr 2017 -- Russia intends to produce 30-50 upgraded Tu-160M2 strategic missile carriers annually.

Supermaneuverable Beasts: Russia to Supply 10 Su-35 Jets to China in 2017 Sputnik 11 Apr 2017 -- China will receive 10 supermaneuverable Su-35 fighters from Russia in 2017.

Indian Officers Scam Army Into Paying Millions in Rent for Disputed Land Sputnik 11 Apr 2017 -- India's investigative agencies have exposed a land scam operation running into millions of rupees, involving Indian Army officers and locals in the Indian State Jammu & Kashmir. The Army is said to have paid the money as rent to fictitious owners for land that is situated in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
India Seeks to Enhance Naval Ties With Malaysia With Defense Deals Sputnik 11 Apr 2017 -- Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chairman, the Chiefs of Staff Committee, began a five-day tour to Malaysia on Tuesday a week after Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak's India visit. During the Malaysian PM's visit, Adani Ports had initiated a deal to develop Carey Island near Kuala Lumpur with Malaysian partners.
India Set to Patrol Malacca Straits That Lead to South China Sea Sputnik 11 Apr 2017 -- In a significant development for India, the countries patrolling the Straits of Malacca are expected to give their consent for India to join the patrolling of the straits connecting the Indian Ocean with the Pacific Ocean very soon. The Malacca Straits also links the Indian Ocean to the South China Sea.

Spotlight: S.Korean lawmakers of biggest political party raise voice against THAAD deployment People's Daily 11 Apr 2017 -- SEOUL, April 11 -- South Korean lawmakers of the biggest Minjoo Party on Tuesday raised voice against the deployment of the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system in their territory, calling for a resolution through dialogue and negotiations.

Royal Marines to be restructured in line with growing Royal Navy UK MOD 11 Apr 2017 -- The First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Philip Jones confirms that the Royal Marines will be restructured to better balance a growing Royal Navy.

US Begins Delivery of Nonlethal Aid to CAR Army VOA 11 Apr 2017 -- At a ceremony this month, the U.S. ambassador to the Central African Republic turned over the keys to four cargo trucks to the national army. It was the first installment of $8 million worth of nonlethal assistance that is expected to include 16 more trucks and communications equipment.

Putin's National Guard Cracks Down On Opposition Activists In Irkutsk RFE/RL 11 Apr 2017 -- An anticorruption protest in the Siberian city of Irkutsk on March 26 passed peacefully. The authorities had given permission for the event, and about 1,000 people listened to a few young organizers give impassioned speeches calling for an investigation into allegations of corruption leveled against Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev before heading home. There were no reports of arrests or violence.
Tillerson To Press Russia On Syria As Trump's Detente Hopes Stall RFE/RL 11 Apr 2017 -- U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is set to challenge Russian officials in Moscow over the Kremlin's backing of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad after a deadly suspected chemical weapons attack last week.
No Sanctions in Hand, Tillerson Arrives in Moscow VOA 11 Apr 2017 -- U.S. Secretary State Rex Tillerson arrived in Moscow Tuesday with less ammunition than Washington and London had hoped he would have in his bid to convince Russia to abandon Syrian President Bashar al Assad.
Remarks at a Press Availability US Dept. of State 11 Apr 2017 -- Press Availability by Rex W. Tillerson, Secretary of State
Russia seeks 'productive talks' with US amid Tillerson visit Press TV 11 Apr 2017 -- Russia's Foreign Ministry has hoped for "productive talks" with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson as he arrives in Moscow on his first visit.
Press Briefing by Press Secretary Sean Spicer, 4/11/2017, #36 The White House 11 Apr 2017
Department Press Briefing - April 11, 2017 US Dept. of State 11 Apr 2017

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for April 11, 2017

Other Conflicts

11 April 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 11 Apr 2017

Risk of Death from Starvation Grows in Africa VOA 11 Apr 2017 -- United Nations and international aid agencies warn the chances are growing for mass deaths from starvation in the Horn of Africa, Yemen, Nigeria, and South Sudan. Lack of money is pushing the humanitarian crisis ever closer.
Millions across Africa, Yemen could be at risk of death from starvation - UN agency UN News 11 Apr 2017 -- Warning of increasing risk of mass deaths from starvation in many countries in Africa and in Yemen due to worsening drought and conflict, the United Nations refugee agency has called for international support to prevent the repeat of the 2011 tragedy in the Horn of Africa that claimed more than 260,000 lives.

Taiwan reaffirms sovereignty over South China Sea islands CNA 11 Apr 2017 -- The Republic of China (Taiwan) government has reaffirmed its sovereignty over the South China Sea's islands and vowed to protest any move threatening that sovereignty in response to a plan by the Philippines to occupy uninhabited islands in the region.

Lives still being lost to preventable diseases in Yemen's war-torn Taiz city, senior UN official warns UN News 11 Apr 2017 -- Despite long-standing humanitarian access restrictions in Yemen, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in the country reported that he has been able to enter Taiz City where, amid some gains, he observed setbacks, particularly as regards the health sector.

UN calls for urgent access to reach some 400,000 civilians trapped in Syria's Ghouta UN News 11 Apr 2017 -- Voicing concern over the impact of deteriorating security and humanitarian situation on the lives some 400,000 people trapped in eastern Ghouta in Syria, a United Nations spokesperson today underlined the need to ensure that humanitarians have unrestricted access to the affected areas.
Mattis: 'No Doubt' Syrian Regime Responsible for Chemical Attacks on Citizens AFPS 11 Apr 2017 -- Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said today he personally reviewed the intelligence on the Syrian regime's April 4 chemical attack on its own people, and there is no doubt the regime is responsible for the decision to attack and for the attack itself.
Putin Lashes Out Over Syria, Increasing Tension As Tillerson Arrives In Moscow RFE/RL 11 Apr 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says that Moscow will formally call for an international investigation into what Western governments say was a deadly chemical-weapons attack by the Syrian government on civilians last week.
US Blasts Russian Denial That Syria Uses Chemical Weapons VOA 11 Apr 2017 -- The United States has sharply rejected Russian claims that the nerve gas sarin, the agent responsible for scores of deaths in Syria last week, was the inadvertent result of an airstrike on a rebel-held munitions depot. A U.S. report says it is clear the chemical-weapons assault was a deliberate attack on civilians.
US Blasts Russian Claim Denying Syrian Government's Use of Chemical Weapons VOA 11 Apr 2017 -- The U.S. on Tuesday sharply rejected Russian claims that the chemical gas sarin, which killed dozens of people in Syria last week, came from an airstrike on a rebel-held munitions depot rather than a deliberate attack by Syrian fighters on civilians.
Iran, Syria call for formation of fact-finding committee on Khan Sheikhoun attack IRNA 11 Apr 2017 -- Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan and the Syrian Defense Minister Fahd Jassem al-Freij called for establishment of a fact-finding committee to probe into the Khan Sheikhoun chemical attack in Idlib province.
Iran urges formation of fact-finding committee to probe Khan Sheikhoun attack IRNA 11 Apr 2017 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif has called for establishment of an international fact-finding committee to investigate the Khan Sheikhoun chemical attack.
Iran defense chief discusses US raid with Russia, Syria counterparts Press TV 11 Apr 2017 -- The Iranian defense minister has in separate phone calls with his Russian and Syrian opposite numbers exchanged views about the recent US airstrikes against a Syrian army air base, with the trio stressing the importance of boosting cooperation for a resolute campaign against terrorists.
UN draft resolution urges probe into Syria gas attack Press TV 11 Apr 2017 -- A new United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution drafted by Britain, France and the US has called for an investigation into a suspected chemical attack in Syria.
US chemical attack claims against Syria like 2003 Iraq war plot: Putin Press TV 11 Apr 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says the recent US missile strike on a Syrian air base over an alleged chemical attack was reminiscent of a plot hatched in the run-up to the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
No place for Assad in any future Syrian government: Tillerson Press TV 11 Apr 2017 -- US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson says there is no place for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in any future government for the Arab country.
Militant shelling kills two Russian servicemen in Syria Press TV 11 Apr 2017 -- The Russian Defense Ministry says two of its servicemen have been killed and another sustained severe injuries after foreign-sponsored Takfiri militants launched a mortar attack.
Syrian Army Establishes Control of Strategic Height Near Palmyra Sputnik 11 Apr 2017 -- The Syrian Armed Forces liberated the strategic height of al-Abtar south of the ancient city of Palmyra from the Daesh terrorists, according to local media reports.
UK, US Circulate New UNSC Draft Resolution on Syria Chemical Attack - Envoy Sputnik 11 Apr 2017 -- UK Ambassador to the United Nations Matthew Rycroft said that US, UK, and France circulated a new draft of Security Council resolution on the recent chemical attack in Syria.
Chemical Incident: Russia to Ensure Security of Experts at Syria's Sha'irat Base Sputnik 11 Apr 2017 -- The Russian military will provide security for experts during their investigation into the chemical incident in Syria's Idlib province.
Syrian Army Expanding Security Zone Around Palmyra Sputnik 11 Apr 2017 -- Rebels are retreating and leaving the dominant hills around Palmyra under the Syrian Army's pressure.
Syrian Opposition Fails to Provide Map of Controlled Areas to Russian Military Sputnik 11 Apr 2017 -- Syrian opposition has not provided Russia with a map indicating the areas it controls, which complicates fight against terrorism.
Russian General Staff Warns Against New US Missile Strikes on Syria Sputnik 11 Apr 2017 -- Moscow warns against new US missile strikes on Syria, chief of the Russian General Staff's Main Operational Directorate Col. Gen. Sergei Rudskoi said at a news briefing on Tuesday.

Daesh in control of less than 7% of Iraq: Military Press TV 11 Apr 2017 -- The Iraqi army says the territory held by the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in the Arab country has shrunk from 40 percent to less than seven percent over the past three years.
Iraqi Military: Islamic State Only Holds 7 Percent of Country VOA 11 Apr 2017 -- The Islamic State group has steadily lost ground in Iraq and now controls less than seven percent of the country's land area, an Iraqi military spokesman said.

Myanmar begins shutting down displacement camps in Rakhine Press TV 11 Apr 2017 -- Myanmar authorities begin shutting down three displacement camps in the beleaguered Rakhine State, where persecuted Rohingya Muslims are mainly based.
As Myanmar Rebuffs International Spotlight, Rohingyas Suffer VOA 11 Apr 2017 -- In the ramshackle refugee camps that dot the landscape of Bangladesh's borderlands with Myanmar, the prospect of an imminent return home for the Rohingya people is growing ever dimmer.

UN Mission in Colombia Completes Verification of FARC Rebel Group Disarmament Sputnik 11 Apr 2017 -- The UN mission said Tuesday it has finished the registration process of all weapons of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People's Army (FARC) militia.

Lake Chad Basin crisis is both humanitarian and ecological – UN agriculture agency UN News 11 Apr 2017 -- Critical investments in agriculture and climate change relief are needed to address the crisis in Africa's strife-torn Lake Chad Basin, where hunger, poverty and a lack of rural development prevail, the United Nations food security agency said today.

News Reports

FBI Reportedly Monitored Trump Campaign Adviser For Russia Contacts RFE/RL 11 Apr 2017 -- The FBI obtained a secret court order last summer to monitor the communications of an adviser to Donald Trump during his campaign for president, the Washington Post reported on April 11.

Strike Force Group Deployment Seen as US Signal to N. Korea VOA 11 Apr 2017 -- The Pentagon's decision to move a powerful U.S. Navy strike force to Pacific waters near North Korea serves as a signal to the regime to cease further provocations, former U.S. officials say.
DPRK vows to react to mode of war desired by U.S. Xinhua 11 Apr 2017 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) said late Monday that the U.S. preparations for invading the DPRK have reached "a serious phase of its scenario" with the sending of a nuclear carrier task group in waters off the Korean Peninsula by Pentagon.
Trump: North Korea 'Looking for Trouble' with Nuclear Weapons Development VOA 11 Apr 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump declared Tuesday that "North Korea is looking for trouble" with its nuclear weapons development program and implored China to help rein in Pyongyang.
North Korea Poses Threat of Chemical Attack - Japan's Defense Ministry Sputnik 11 Apr 2017 -- Japan's defense minister said US deterrence was necessary for peace and stability in the region.
Seoul: US to Coordinate Possible Attack on North Korea With South Sputnik 11 Apr 2017 -- The possible attack against North Korea will occur in the framework of the reliable Seoul-Washington joint defense based on close cooperation, the South Korean military announced on Tuesday.
Mounting Tensions: Pyongyang Ready to Respond to Potential US Military Actions Sputnik 11 Apr 2017 -- The North Korean Foreign Ministry believes that US decision to send an aircraft carrier strike group to the shores of the Korean Peninsula proves the aggressive intentions of Washington, and Pyongyang is ready to take countermeasures in case of military action, local media reported Tuesday, citing a ministry's official.

S. Korea Dismisses Rumors of War Crisis on Korean Peninsula KBS World Radio 11 Apr 2017-- South Korea's Foreign Ministry has dismissed rumors of a looming war on the Korean Peninsula, which are rapidly spreading on social networking sites.
S. Korea Cautious of Possible US Action on N. Korea KBS World Radio 11 Apr 2017 -- Amid concerns over possible North Korean provocations and a U.S. military response, Acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn urged the government and the public to remain cool-headed.

Somali Pirate Leader Missing After Attempted Hijack VOA 11 Apr 2017 -- A notorious Somali pirate leader is missing following an attempt Saturday to hijack a cargo ship, maritime sources and villagers said.

Egyptian lawmakers approve 3-month state of emergency Press TV 11 Apr 2017 -- Egypt's parliament has unanimously approved a three-month state of emergency declared by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi after attacks claimed by Takfiri Daesh terrorists killed over 40 people.

Haiti: Recent political advances have set stage to address pressing challenges, says UN envoy UN News 11 Apr 2017 -- Highlighting improvements in Haiti's political situation, including the recent elections and opportunities to address longstanding disputes, the senior United Nations official in the island nation has urged the international community to continue its partnership with Haiti and its people to help consolidate the gains achieved.

President calls for huge voter participation in May 19 elections IRNA 11 Apr 2017 -- President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday called on the Iranian people to maintain an outstanding participation in the upcoming May 19 presidential and city council elections.
More than 100 register on 1st day as presidential candidates IRNA 11 Apr 2017 -- Up to 100 people put their names at the Interior Ministry on the first day of registration on Tuesday for the upcoming presidential elections.
EU extends sanctions on Iran over human rights claims Press TV 11 Apr 2017 -- The European Union has extended by another year sanctions against Iran over alleged claims of "human rights violations" despite the fledgling rapprochement between Tehran and the bloc since the 2015 landmark nuclear agreement.

India Warns Pakistan Spy Case Could Impact Ties VOA 11 Apr 2017 -- India has warned Pakistan to consider the consequences on bilateral relations if a death sentence handed to a former naval officer by a Pakistani military court is carried out and said it will do "whatever it takes" to ensure justice for him.

President Xi meets incoming HKSAR chief executive People's Daily 11 Apr 2017 -- President Xi Jinping met Tuesday with Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, the newly appointed chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), at the Zhongnanhai leadership compound in central Beijing.

Myanmar oil pipeline deal reached in Beijing People's Daily 11 Apr 2017 -- China and Myanmar on Monday signed an agreement on a crude oil pipeline to send oil from Myanmar's Kyaukpyu Port to Yunnan.

Just Like Home: NASA's MAVEN Finds Metals in Martian Atmosphere Sputnik 11 Apr 2017 -- NASA has confirmed the presence of iron, magnesium, and sodium ions in Mars' atmosphere, making it the first non-Earth planet ever to be confirmed to have metal in its air.

Pakistan Executes 2 'Hardcore Terrorists' VOA 11 Apr 2017 -- Pakistan executed two militants Tuesday who officials said were convicted of terrorism-related offenses by military courts.

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