12 April 2017 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 12 Apr 2017[PDF]

Department of Defense Press Briefing by Col. Dorrian via teleconference from Baghdad, Iraq DoD 12 Apr 2017 -- Presenter: Colonel John Dorrian, Operation Inherent Resolve Spokesman
Military Strikes Continue Against ISIS Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 12 Apr 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, conducting 12 strikes consisting of 58 engagements against ISIS targets yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Spokesman: Counter-ISIS Forces Make Gains in Raqqa, Mosul AFPS 12 Apr 2017 -- U.S., coalition and partner forces are edging toward victory in the campaign to defeat Islamic State of Iraq and Syria terrorists in and around Raqqa, Syria, and Mosul, Iraq, the Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve spokesman told Pentagon reporters today.
US CENTCOM: Tomahawk Cruise Missiles Struck 57 of 59 Targets at Syrian Airbase Sputnik 12 Apr 2017 -- US Tomahawk missiles have reached 57 out of 59 targets in an attack on a Syrian base on April 6, US Central Command (CENTCOM) commander Gen. Joseph Votel said in a Department of Defense press briefing.

Defense Policy / Programs

U.S., South Korean Airmen exercise port opening capability AFNS 12 Apr 2017 -- Approximately 60 Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, 30 U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 689th Rapid Port Opening Element stationed at JB Langley-Eustis, Virginia, and a few dozen South Korean air force members participated in a Joint Task Force-Port Opening force supporting Exercise Turbo Distribution17-3 at Pohang Air Base, April 9, 2017.
South Carolina Guard conducts sectional-level gunnery during annual training Army News 12 Apr 2017 -- Soldiers with the South Carolina National Guard, 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade conducted sectional-level gunnery training during their annual training, April 2017.
VMGR-152, VMFA-121 fuel capabilities USMC News 12 Apr 2017 -- U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152 conducted aviation delivered ground refueling with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 11, 2017.
Nimitz Conducts COMPTUEX In Preparation For Deployment NNS 12 Apr 2017 -- Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11 is currently undergoing their final pre-deployment assessment, Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), marking the completion of their condensed Inter-Deployment Training Cycle (IDTC) for an upcoming deployment slated for this year.
Sterett-Dewey Surface Action Group Makes First Stop of Western Pacific Deployment in Hawaii NNS 12 Apr 2017 -- Ships and units from the Sterett-Dewey Surface Action Group (Sterett-Dewey SAG) arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, April 11, the first stop of the group's Western Pacific deployment.
US Air Force to Stretch F-16's Service Life, Keeping it Flying for 30 More Years Sputnik 12 Apr 2017 -- The US Air Force plans to extend the service life of the F-16 fighter jet from 8,000 hours to 12,000 hours, effectively keeping the aircraft in the air for decades to come.
US WC-135 'Nuke Sniffer' Arrives in Japan as World Watches Pyongyang Sputnik 12 Apr 2017 -- As tensions continue to simmer on the Korean Peninsula, due in part to North Korea's continuous nuclear weapons development, a "nuke sniffing" US aircraft arrived at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan on Friday.
Coast Guard Commandant Highlights National Security Missions AFPS 12 Apr 2017 -- As a unique instrument of national security, the U.S. Coast Guard works in a broad spectrum of areas to secure America's maritime borders and protect U.S. interests at home and abroad, Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Paul F. Zukunft told reporters here today.

Background Briefing on the Visit of NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg The White House 12 Apr 2017
Joint Press Conference of President Trump and NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg The White House 12 Apr 2017
Trump: NATO 'No Longer Obsolete,' U.S.-Russia Ties At 'All-Time Low' RFE/RL 12 Apr 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has said NATO is "no longer obsolete," reversing what he had said during his election campaign.
Trump, NATO Chief Hold Joint News Conference Sputnik 12 Apr 2017 -- US President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg held a joint news conference at the White House.
NATO No Longer Obsolete, Declares Trump VOA 12 Apr 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday declared the North Atlantic Treaty Organization "no longer obsolete," three months after he said the alliance had outlived its usefulness because it had not defended against terrorist attacks.

Russia's Nuclear Triad Capacity Grows With 60% of Advanced Weapons Sputnik 12 Apr 2017 -- Russia's nuclear triad power has grown as its is now equipped with advanced weapons at 60 percent.

Japan plans to join US strike group headed for Korean Peninsula: Sources Press TV 12 Apr 2017 -- Japan plans a joint military drill with the US Navy strike group that has been heading toward North Korea, potentially escalating an already-tense situation in the region.

China denies any deployment of troops near North Korea Press TV 12 Apr 2017 -- China's Defense Ministry has denied reports of troop deployment along the border with North Korea to respond to contingencies emerging from a potential US attack on the peninsula.
Data on Sending 150,000 Chinese Troops to N Korea Border 'Fabrication' - Beijing Sputnik 12 Apr 2017 -- China's Defense Ministry denied on Wednesday information on the alleged deployment of an additional 150,000 servicemen of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) to the border with North Korea, saying the data was fabricated.

Iran Army to hold major maneuvers IRNA 12 Apr 2017 -- Iran Army Ground Force is to hold specialized and field drills, said the commander of the forces Brigadier General Kiomars Heidari on Wednesday.
Iran's missile tests not linked to UN resolution on nuclear deal: Qassemi Press TV 12 Apr 2017 -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman says the country's missile tests are not in contravention of a UN resolution endorsing the country's nuclear agreement with the P5+1 group of countries.

Pakistan not to be part of any alliance against Yemen: defense min IRNA 12 Apr 2017 -- Pakistan Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has reiterated that Pakistan is not going to become part of any alliance against Yemen.
Pakistan says will quit Saudi-led military coalition if it turns 'sectarian' Press TV 12 Apr 2017 -- Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif says Islamabad will quit a controversial Saudi-led coalition if it becomes "sectarian," as the military bloc continues its aggression against the impoverished nation of Yemen, particularly the Shia Houthi Ansarullah movement there.

200 Royal Marine Jobs to Be Cut So Britain Can Crew Warships Instead Sputnik 12 Apr 2017 -- Britain's Royal Marines are facing huge cuts in order to fund sailors for the UK's forthcoming multi-billion-dollar aircraft carriers, the HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales. Experts fear this latest move could negatively impact the UK's defense systems even further.

Poland May Increase Military Presence in Middle East - Security Bureau Chief Sputnik 12 Apr 2017 -- Head of the National Security Bureau said that Poland may increase its military presence in the Middle East and any specific decisions may be made at the NATO summit in May or during direct talks with the administration of US President Donald Trump.

Swedish Navy Elated as Chinese Entrepreneur Buys Gotland Submarine Port Sputnik 12 Apr 2017 -- Even though the Swedish Navy lost the bidding war over the privately-owned submarine port on the Baltic island of Gotland, the Armed Forces sighed with relief when the "strategic" port was sold to a Chinese entrepreneur. Not only was the port guaranteed exemption from any "Russian involvement," but the Navy was promised free access to the dock.

Republic of Iraq – Pilot and Maintenance Training, Contractor Logistical Support (CLS) for Trainer Aircraft, and Base Support DSCA 12 Apr 2017 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Iraq for pilot and maintenance training, contractor logistical support (CLS) for trainer aircraft, and base support. The estimated cost is $1.06 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on April 11, 2017.

Remarks With Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 12 Apr 2017
Remarks With Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at a Press Availability US Dept. of State 12 Apr 2017

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for April 12, 2017
U.S. Air Force Authorizes Extended Service Life for F-16 Lockheed Martin 12 Apr 2017 -- The U.S. Air Force authorized extending the service life of the Lockheed Martin F-16's designed service life to 12,000 Equivalent Flight Hours – far beyond the aircraft's original design service life of 8,000 hours.

Other Conflicts

12 April 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 12 Apr 2017

Fishing in waters near Okinotori remains risky: MOFA CNA 12 Apr 2017 -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) warned on Wednesday that Taiwanese vessels fishing in waters near Okinotori, a Japan-held Pacific atoll, run the risk of running afoul of the Japanese authorities as the two countries have yet to reach agreement on the issue.

Millions in Yemen on brink of famine, situation 'close to a breaking point,' warns UN agency UN News 12 Apr 2017 -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is scaling up its emergency operations in war-torn Yemen to provide urgently needed food assistance to some nine million people, the agency said today.
5 Sudanese soldiers killed in Saudi war on Yemen Press TV 12 Apr 2017 -- Sudan has acknowledged the death of five soldiers in Yemen, where the military of the east African country is contributing to an illegal war by Saudi Arabia against the kingdom's impoverished neighbor.
Five Sudanese troops killed in Yemeni counterattacks Press TV 12 Apr 2017 -- Yemeni Army and allied Houthi Ansarullah fighters have foiled an inroad by Saudi-allied mercenaries in southwestern Yemen, killing a number of the Sudanese troops among them in the process.

Russia blocks Security Council action on reported use of chemical weapons in Syria's Khan Shaykhun UN News 12 Apr 2017 -- With a 'no' vote from permanent member Russia, the United Nations Security Council today failed to adopt a resolution that would have condemned the reported use of chemical weapons in Syria and called on the Government to cooperate with an investigation into the incident.
Russia Vetoes Resolution Condemning Gas Attack in Syria VOA 12 Apr 2017 -- Russia deployed yet another U.N. Security Council veto Wednesday to protect Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad from international condemnation for last week's deadly chemical weapons attack.
Russia vetoes Security Council resolution on Syria chemical attack Press TV 12 Apr 2017 -- Russia has vetoed a UN Security Council resolution sponsored by the UK, France, and the US condemning the Syrian government for a suspected chemical weapons attack in the Arab country.
Russia Vetoes UN Security Council Resolution Condemning Syrian Government Sputnik 12 Apr 2017 -- A UN Security Council resolution condemning the Syrian government for the alleged gas attack in the country's Idlib province has been vetoed by Russia as a permanent member of the Security Council.
Tensions High as US, Russia Call for Syrian Chemical Weapons Probe VOA 12 Apr 2017 -- The United States and Russia agreed Wednesday to call for an international investigation of the deadly chemical weapons attack in Syria last week that prompted U.S. President Donald Trump to launch a retaliatory missile strike against the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Concerns Over Syria Threaten Resurgence of Russian-Turkish Tensions VOA 12 Apr 2017 -- The recent gas attack in Syria has resurrected Russian-Turkish tensions. Turkey is again calling for the removal of Russian backed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and the creation of safe areas and no-fly zones, but renewed tensions between Russia and Turkey could cost Ankara economically.
'Moment of crisis' in Syria calls for serious search for political solution - UN envoy UN News 12 Apr 2017 -- In the wake of yet another dire turn in the Syrian crisis, the United States and the Russian Federation "must find a way to work together" to stabilize the situation and support the political process, the United Nations envoy for the war-torn country told the Security Council today.
Background Briefing on the U.N. Vote on Syria, and China Relations The White House 12 Apr 2017
US makes 'adjustments' to Daesh strikes amid 'tensions' in Syria Press TV 12 Apr 2017 -- The United States and its allies are pulling back on airstrikes to allegedly target Daesh terrorists in Syria in the wake of US missile strikes against an airbase under the control of the Syrian government, which drew Russia's ire.
Trump: 'We are not going into Syria' Press TV 12 Apr 2017 -- US President Donald Trump has ruled out sending American troops to Syria to fight the government of President Bashar al-Assad, insisting that defeating Daesh (ISIL) remains Washington's first priority.
Russia warns US not to repeat Syria strike Press TV 12 Apr 2017 -- Russia has cautioned the United States against staging a repeat of its recent unauthorized missile strike against Syria, which risked sparking a direct confrontation between Moscow and Washington.
US accuses Russia of covering up Syrian govt.'s role in gas attack Press TV 12 Apr 2017 -- The United States has accused Russia of trying to cover up the role of the Syrian government in the recent suspected chemical weapons attack in northwestern Syria, as US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson visits Moscow.
Russia ready to grant access to Syria airbase for 'gas attack' probe: Defense official Press TV 12 Apr 2017 -- Russia has said it is ready to provide inspectors with access to a Syrian airbase that the opponents of the Syrian government say was used to carry out a "chemical attack."
Damascus responsible for chemical attack, Mattis claims Press TV 12 Apr 2017 -- US Defense Secretary James Mattis has reiterated unfounded allegations against the Syrian government over use of chemical weapons, saying there is "no doubt" that Damascus was responsible for a recent gas attack.
At UN, U.S. Says Russia Isolating Itself By Supporting Assad RFE/RL 12 Apr 2017 -- The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations tells Russia it is "long past time" to stop covering for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Russian Mission to UN Presented New Draft Resolution on Syria Chemical Attack Sputnik 12 Apr 2017 -- The Russian Mission to the United Nations presented a new draft resolution on chemical attack in Syrian Idlib, a representative of the Mission told reporters.
Syria May Ask Russia to Deliver Buk, Tor Air Defense Systems - Russian Lawmaker Sputnik 12 Apr 2017 -- Damascus may ask Moscow to provide it with air defense systems in order to counter possible missile attacks from Washington, a top Russian lawmaker told Sputnik on on Wednesday.
Putin Confirmed Russia Ready to Return to Air Safety Memorandum in Syria With US Sputnik 12 Apr 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Moscow is ready to return to the memorandum on preventing aerial incidents in Syria with Washington, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday.
Syria Invited OPCW to Send Inspector to Airfield - Representative to UN Sputnik 12 Apr 2017 -- Syrian Arab Republic's Permanent Representative to the UN said that Syria is inviting members of the UN Security Council, as well as inspectors from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons into the country.
Putin: Nearly Half of 20,000 Foreign Fighters in Syria Hail From CIS Sputnik 12 Apr 2017 -- Almost 10,000 out of 20,000 foreign fighters in Syria hail from CIS countries, the Russian president said.
Moscow Reiterates Syrian Air Force Struck Terrorist Chemical Warehouse April 4 Sputnik 12 Apr 2017 -- Russia's deputy foreign minister reiterated Moscow's position that a Syrian warplane hit a militant chemical weapons production facility on April 4, from which the US missile attack ensued.
Putin Calls for Idlib Incident Investigation, Warns of Possible New Provocations Sputnik 12 Apr 2017 -- Speaking at a briefing after talks with his Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarella on Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin compared the US military actions in Syria with the events in Iraq in 2003 and stated that Russia would seek thorough investigation into the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria's Idlib.
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.

Iraqi forces kill at least 52 Daesh militants in west Mosul operations Press TV 12 Apr 2017 -- Iraqi forces have killed at least 52 Daesh militants during operations aimed at purging west Mosul from the presence of the Takfiri terrorists.
Turnabout's Fair Play: Iraqi Army Uses Daesh Weapons Against Them in Mosul Sputnik 12 Apr 2017 -- A military operation to liberate the northern Iraqi city of Mosul from Daesh terrorists is in full swing; right now, the government troops and Kurdish Peshmerga forces are fighting Daesh in the western neighborhoods of the city, where terrorists are using civilians as human shields, according to sources in the Iraqi army.

New Humanitarian Corridor Opens Between Sudan and South Sudan VOA 12 Apr 2017 -- As South Sudan reels from conflict, famine and food insecurity, neighboring Sudan, in collaboration with the World Food Program and the government of South Sudan, opened a second humanitarian corridor to help deliver food and nutrition support. The first convoy of 27 trucks carrying about 1,200 tons of cereal went through earlier this month.

Boko Haram Used 27 Children in Suicide Attacks in Lake Chad in 2017 - UNICEF Sputnik 12 Apr 2017 -- The number of children that were used by the Boko Haram militant group in "suicide" attacks during the Lake Chad conflict has risen to 27, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said in a report.

Illegal armed groups pose 'persistent threat' to Africa's Great Lakes region – UN envoy UN News 12 Apr 2017 -- The United Nations envoy for Africa's Great Lakes region encouraged today the countries of the region, and the UN Security Council, to help strengthen the fight against illegal armed groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and its neighbours, particularly as elements of the former M23 rebel group have resurfaced.

Somali President Vows to Eradicate Militants as He Offers Peace Talks VOA 12 Apr 2017 -- Somali's president vowed Wednesday that his administration will eradicate the terrorist militant group al-Shabab across Somalia within two years, and he offered its leaders peace talks.

News Reports

Trump Adviser Page: 'I Wasn't a Foreign Agent' VOA 12 Apr 2017 -- Carter Page, an adviser to then-presidential candidate Donald Trump whose communications were reportedly monitored under an FBI-obtained court order, denied Wednesday that he'd worked for the Russians.
Sorting Out US Surveillance Methods, Laws VOA 12 Apr 2017 -- There is heightened interest in intelligence surveillance involving American citizens after a report that the FBI obtained a secret court order last year, months before the U.S. election, to monitor the communications of Trump campaign adviser Carter Page.

Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, April 12, 2017 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 12 Apr 2017
Trump: US 'Not Getting Along With Russia At All' Sputnik 12 Apr 2017 -- During a joint news conference with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, US President Donald Trump said Washington's relations with Moscow are at an "all time low," adding, "We're not getting along with Russia at all."

Trump, Unorthodox as Ever, Offers Grand Bargain to Beijing VOA 12 Apr 2017 -- President Donald Trump appears to be offering a grand bargain to Chinese President Xi Jinping in which each would get something he dearly wants -- an assurance of economic stability ahead of a critical Communist Party Congress in exchange for Chinese help in halting North Korea's nuclear programs.
Xi and Trump discuss Korean Peninsula, Syria over phone People's Daily 12 Apr 2017 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday held a telephone conversation with his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump, and discussed the situation on the Korean Peninsula and in Syria.

Trump responds to North Korea nuclear attack threat Press TV 12 Apr 2017 -- US President Donald Trump says North Korea is "looking for trouble" as Pyongyang threatens a nuclear attack on American soil.
Trump, Xi Discuss 'Menace Of North Korea' In Telephone Call RFE/RL 12 Apr 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump says he spoke to Chinese President Xi Jinping by telephone about what be called the North Korean "menace."
North Korea to Test Strength of US-China Ties VOA 12 Apr 2017 -- It's been less than a week since President Donald Trump and China's Xi Jinping held their first high-level talks. Chinese state media have been playing up the positives following the get-together, highlighting how the meeting put ties back on track and how it is giving the relationship new dynamism.
China tells US to resolve North Korea tensions peacefully Press TV 12 Apr 2017 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has told US President Donald Trump to resolve ongoing tensions with North Korea peacefully.

Iran condemns EU extending human rights sanctions ISNA 12 Apr 2017 -- Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi said on Wednesday that the European Union (EU) stances in dealing with the human rights issues are failed and unproductive.
Iran ex-president registers for upcoming elections Press TV 12 Apr 2017 -- Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iran's former two-time president, has registered to contest the 12th round of presidential elections in the country.
Iran's Ahmadinejad Applies To Run For President Again RFE/RL 12 Apr 2017 -- Former two-term President Mahmud Ahmadinejad, a fierce conservative who was in power during a harsh crackdown on dissenters before seemingly falling afoul of Iran's supreme leader, has registered to run in next month's presidential vote.

Brazil's Supreme Court expands graft probe to ministers, government-allied politicians Press TV 12 Apr 2017 -- Brazil's Supreme Court has ordered corruption investigations against eight ministers and dozens of other top politicians in a broad measure that affects nearly a third of President Michel Temer's cabinet and many of his political allies.

Russia to Operate 164 Space Satellites by 2025, Over 200 by 2030 Sputnik 12 Apr 2017 -- Russia intends to operate 164 space satellites by 2025 and over 200 by 2030. Currently Russia has 141 satellites.

South African opposition parties hold protest against Zuma Press TV 12 Apr 2017 -- Thousands of South Africans have staged a protest in the capital Pretoria, demanding the resignation of President Jacob Zuma.

Germany Calls On Serbia To Continue Reforms, Says Protests Show Democracy RFE/RL 12 Apr 2017 -- German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel has said Berlin is ready to support Serbia on its path to the European Union membership, but added that the Balkan country must "continue reforms" and "continue to develop better relations with Kosovo."

Moscow to Seek Return of Jailed Russian National Bout From US - Foreign Ministry Sputnik 12 Apr 2017 -- Russian authorities will continue their efforts to secure the return of Russian citizen Viktor Bout, who is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence in the United States, to Russia, notwithstanding the US Supreme Court's refusal to review his case, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Wednesday.

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