10 May 2017 Military News

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OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 10 May 2017[PDF]

Military Strikes Hit ISIS Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 10 May 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, conducting 21 strikes consisting of 75 engagements, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
OIR Spokesman Reports Progress in Defeating ISIS in Syria, Iraq AFPS 10 May 2017 -- Partnered forces in Syria and Iraq are making progress in defeating the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, the spokesman for Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve said today.

NATO assessing request for more troops in Afghanistan Press TV 10 May 2017 -- NATO says its military authorities want more troops deployed to war-ravaged Afghanistan in the form of a "train, assist and advise operation."
Some US lawmakers warn against troop surge for Afghanistan Press TV 10 May 2017 -- Members of Congress warn that a White House plan to deploy thousands of additional troops to Afghanistan would raise the casualty toll and enormous expense of the longest war in US history.
NATO to Decide on Increasing Afghanistan Military Presence Within Weeks - Chief Sputnik 10 May 2017 -- NATO has received a request from its military authorities to increase its military presence in Afghanistan with a few thousand troops, and is assessing it, a decision is expected in coming weeks, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday.
Taliban Advances in Northern Afghan Kunduz Province Sputnik 10 May 2017 -- The Taliban terrorist movement, which is outlawed in Russia among other countries, has advanced in northern Afghanistan, claiming new territories, local media reported.

Defense Policy / Programs

Holloman surges RPA operations AFNS 10 May 2017 -- The 49th Wing's remotely piloted aircraft squadrons at Holloman Air Force Base completed a five-day surge May 5, 2017, to measure the full capabilities of the Airmen and civilians involved in the RPA mission.
Dunford Pleased With Israeli Talks, Discusses Deconfliction Zones AFPS 10 May 2017 -- The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was pleased with the military-to-military relationship with close ally Israel after a visit with his counterpart this week.
Mattis Meets With Lithuanian President, Baltic Defense Ministers AFPS 10 May 2017 -- Defense Secretary Jim Mattis yesterday reassured U.S. allies in the Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia of American solidarity with them and of U.S. determination to defend Baltic and other NATO territory against any aggression.
Navy, Marines Spotlight Future of Amphibious, Autonomous Warfare AFPS 10 May 2017 -- A recently concluded exercise here brought together industry, academia and the Naval Research and Development Establishment -- which includes the Office of Naval Research and various research laboratories associated with the Department of the Navy -- to demonstrate emerging technology innovations.
U.S. Criticizes Russian Buildup In Baltics, May Temporarily Deploy Patriot Missiles RFE/RL 10 May 2017 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has criticized what he called a "destabilizing" Russian military buildup near the Baltic states, as officials said the United States was considering deploying Patriot missiles in the region for military drills later this year.
Finnish, Norwegian and US troops train together at Arrow 17 Army News 10 May 2017 -- U.S. troopers from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment are training with Finnish and Norwegian Soldiers for the Finnish Army's exercise Arrow 17 in Pohjankangas, here, May 2-13.
Joint Press Conference with Secretary Mattis and President Grybauskaite in Vilnius, Lithuania DoD 10 May 2017 -- Presenter: Defense Secretary Jim Mattis
Joint Media Availability with Secretary Mattis and Minister Karoblis in Vilnius, Lithuania DoD 10 May 2017 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis; Lithuian Defense Minister Raimundas Karoblis
USS Carney Visits Germany NNS 10 May 2017 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) arrived in Kiel, Germany, for a scheduled port visit to enhance U.S.-Germany relations as the two nations work together for a stable, secure and prosperous Europe.

Secretary General in London: UK leads by example in NATO NATO 10 May 2017 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with Prime Minister Theresa May at 10 Downing Street on Wednesday (10 May 2017) to discuss preparations for the upcoming meeting of Allied leaders on 25 May. The Secretary General thanked the United Kingdom for its enduring commitment to NATO and its leadership in Europe and beyond.
US, NATO prepared to deter Russia in Europe: Pentagon chief Press TV 10 May 2017 -- US Defense Secretary James Mattis says the United States and NATO are prepared to deploy military equipment to the Baltic region to deter Russia.

NATO Membership 'Categorically Unacceptable' for Moldova - President Sputnik 10 May 2017 -- The Moldovan president said that NATO membership was unacceptable for the country.

Arctic Region Has No Issues Requiring Military Solutions - Foreign Ministry Sputnik 10 May 2017 -- There are no issues or disagreements over the Arctic region, which would call for military solutions, and the region's prosperity can be ensured only through cooperation, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Wednesday.

China issues regulation on military legislation People's Daily 10 May 2017 -- President Xi Jinping, who is also chairman of the Central Military Commission, has signed a decree that will release a regulation on military legislation.
Defense Ministry: PLA Rocket Force test-fires new-type missile weapons People's Daily 10 May 2017 -- The Rocket Force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army(PLA) recently conducted an operational test for its new-type missile weapons in waters of the Bohai Sea and achieved the expected results, said the Information Bureau of China's Ministry of National Defense(MND) on Tuesday.
What Makes New Chinese Sea-Skimming Combat Drone Perfect for South China Sea Sputnik 10 May 2017 -- Pictures have emerged on social media of a new Chinese anti-ship drone that uses ground effect technology to fly at an extremely low altitude above the water.

Germany to launch reforms in army, defense minister says Press TV 10 May 2017 -- Germany's Defense Ministry plans to begin a reform process in the army's recruitment and education system amid reports that far-right sympathizers in the military have been plotting to launch hate attacks in the country.

S. Korea's new president to have 'serious negotiations' with China and US on THAAD People's Daily 10 May 2017 -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in said he would have "serious negotiations" with China and the United States over the deployment of the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in a speech after taking an oath as the country's 19th president at the National Assembly building in Seoul on Wednesday.

U.S. concerned about leaks in Taiwan espionage case: foreign minister CNA 10 May 2017 -- The United States is concerned about whether a high-ranking Taiwan military officer under investigation for alleged espionage has leaked information about U.S.-made missile systems, Foreign Affairs Minister David Lee (李大維) said Wednesday.

After Buying S-400, Turkey Aims to Build Own Components for Air Defense Systems Sputnik 10 May 2017 -- Talks with Russia on deliveries of S-400 air defense systems to Turkey are at final stages, but Ankara still aims to manufacture its own components for such systems, Turkish Defense Minister Fikri Isik said Wednesday.

Daily Press Briefing by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Sarah Sanders The White House 10 May 2017

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for May 10, 2017

Other Conflicts

10 May 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 10 May 2017

Former Yemeni president wants negotiations with Saudi Arabia Press TV 10 May 2017 -- Former Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh has expressed his willingness to enter into talks with the Saudi regime, which has been engaged in a massive bombing campaign against his nation since 2015.

Turkish Foreign Minister Says Weapons Obtained by Kurds in Syria Threaten Turkey Sputnik 10 May 2017 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Wednesday that the weapons obtained in northern Syria by the Kurdish People's Defense Units (YPG) militia pose a threat to Turkey, local media reported.
Erdogan calls on US to reverse bid to arm Kurdish militants in Syria Press TV 10 May 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has urged Washington to immediately overturn its decision to arm Kurdish militants that Ankara regards as members of a terrorist group.
US-backed SDF recaptures Tabqa near Raqqah from Daesh Press TV 10 May 2017 -- US-backed militants, known as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), have fully captured the city of Tabqa and a nearby dam from the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group.
Every weapon obtained by YPG threat against Turkey: Cavusoglu Press TV 10 May 2017 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has expressed great resentment over the US administration's decision to arm Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) fighters battling Takfiri Daesh terrorists in Syria, stressing that every weapon obtained by the forces constitutes a threat to Turkey.
Turkey slams US decision to arm Kurdish militants in Syria Press TV 10 May 2017 -- Turkey raps as "unacceptable" a US announcement that Washington will be supplying arms and military equipment to Syria-based Kurdish militants.
Erdogan Urges U.S. To Reverse Decision On Arming Syrian Kurds RFE/RL 10 May 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed hope that a U.S. decision to arm Kurdish forces fighting the Islamic State extremist group in Syria will be quickly changed.
Turkish Defense Minister Calls US Decision to Arm Syrian Kurds 'Crisis' Sputnik 10 May 2017 -- Turkish Defense Minister Fikri Isik on Wednesday slammed the United States' plan to arm Kurdish militias fighting terrorism in Syria, saying that Ankara will protect its national interests, and that the US decision provokes crisis.
Pentagon Chief Vows to Resolve Tensions With Turkey Over US Arming Syrian Kurds Sputnik 10 May 2017 -- The United States will manage to resolve all tensions with Turkey related to the former's plan to arm "Kurdish elements" of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which are engaged in the fight against terrorism in northern Syria, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Wednesday.
Kurdish Militia Says US Arms Will Hasten Assault on IS-held Raqqa VOA 10 May 2017 -- Commanders in the Syrian Kurdish militia, the YPG, and the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State say Washington's decision to send more arms to the YPG will accelerate their advance into Islamic State's de facto capital, Raqqa.
Erdogan to Grill Trump Over Decision to Arm Kurdish Militia in Syria VOA 10 May 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he will grill President Donald Trump about the U.S. decision to arm the Syrian Kurdish militia when he visits Washington next week.

Over 1,300 Daesh terrorists killed in west Mosul battle Press TV 10 May 2017 -- Iraqi government forces, backed by fighters from allied Popular Mobilization Units, have killed more than 1,300 members of the Takfiri Daesh militant group ever since they launched joint operations to flush the extremists out of the western part of Mosul.

Bangladeshi police detain Rohingya refugees headed to Malaysia Press TV 10 May 2017 -- Bangladeshi security forces have detained more than a dozen members of Myanmar's persecuted Rohingya Muslim community and two men accused of attempting to smuggle them into Malaysia by boat.

UN condemns deadly attack on peacekeepers in Central African Republic UN News 10 May 2017 -- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned an attack against a convoy of the UN peacekeepers in the Central African Republic (CAR) that left four dead, one missing and 10 others evacuated.

Amid spreading cholera outbreak, UN migration agency aids South Sudanese UN News 10 May 2017 -- United Nations humanitarian workers are responding to a growing cholera outbreak in Ayod, the Greater Upper Nile region of South Sudan, one of multiple counties throughout the country where the disease has spread since June 2016.
South Sudan Army Chief Sworn In One Day After Malong's Ouster VOA 10 May 2017 -- General James Ajongo was sworn in Wednesday as the new SPLA army chief, a day after South Sudan President Salva Kiir fired his predecessor, General Paul Malong, with no explanation.

Aid Groups Question Timing of Military Offensives in Somalia Amid Famine Risk VOA 10 May 2017 -- Humanitarian agencies operating in Somalia say they are concerned about reports of upcoming military offensives in the country at a time when the risk of famine still persists.

News Reports

Comey aimed to expand Russia probe, when dismissed by Trump Press TV 10 May 2017 -- FBI Director James Comey was trying to expand the bureau's investigation ahead of his dismissal by US President Donald Trump, says a congressional source.
Comey lost confidence of nearly everyone in Washington: Trump Press TV 10 May 2017 -- US President Donald Trump says he has fired FBI Director James Comey because he had lost the "confidence" of nearly everyone in Washington, DC.
White House: FBI Director Was Fired Due To 'Missteps, Mistakes' RFE/RL 10 May 2017 -- The White House said President Donald Trump had considered firing the director of the FBI "since the day he was elected," as the administration sought further to explain the abrupt decision that has stunned Washington.
Trump Fires FBI Director Comey Amid Probe Of Russian Election Meddling RFE/RL 10 May 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has fired FBI Director James Comey, the top U.S. law enforcement official and the man who led the agency charged with investigating his campaign's ties with Russia.
Before Getting Axed, Ex-FBI Chief Reportedly Sought More Funds for Russia Probe Sputnik 10 May 2017 -- According to several reports, in the days before FBI Director James Comey was fired by US President Donald Trump, he had asked the Justice Department for more money for the investigation into alleged ties between Trump and Moscow. The DOJ is calling the claims "completely false."
Trump Defends Decision to Fire FBI Director VOA 10 May 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump is defending his move to fire FBI Director James Comey, saying "he wasn't doing a good job. Very simply."
Senate Democrats Slam Comey Firing, Demand Special Prosecutor VOA 10 May 2017 -- Senate Democrats on Wednesday slammed President Donald Trump's firing of FBI Director James Comey and renewed demands for a special prosecutor to oversee an ongoing Russia investigation, a call that Republicans continued to resist.

White House 'Certifies' That Trump Has No Russian Business Ties RFE/RL 10 May 2017 -- An inquiry from a prominent Republican rival of U.S. President Donald Trump about whether Trump had business dealings with Russia has prompted a response from the White House.

Trump Praises 'Very Good' Meeting With Russian Foreign Minister RFE/RL 10 May 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump said his talks with Russia's foreign minister were "very good" and said both Washington and Moscow were working toward ending the six-year war in Syria.
Tillerson Tells Lavrov Sanctions to Stay Until Minsk Deal Implemented Sputnik 10 May 2017 -- Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during a meeting in Washington that US sanctions on Russia will remain until the Minsk agreement is fully implemented, the Department of State said in a press release on Wednesday.
Secretary Tillerson's Meeting With Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov US Dept. of State 10 May 2017
Trump, Russian FM Hold Talks on Syria, Other Flashpoints VOA 10 May 2017 -- A day after firing the head of the agency investigating his administration's ties to Russia, President Donald Trump hosted Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the White House for talks focusing largely on Syria.

Moon confirmed winner of election, starts duties of S. Korean presidency People's Daily 10 May 2017 -- South Korea's National Election Commission (NEC) on Wednesday morning declared Moon Jae-in the winner of the presidential election and Moon started duties of presidency right after the confirmation.
New S.Korean president appoints PM, spy agency chief, presidential staff People's Daily 10 May 2017 -- President Moon Jae-in of South Korea on Wednesday appointed new prime minister, intelligence agency chief, presidential chief of staff and chief of the presidential security service.
Xi congratulates Moon Jae-in's election as South Korean president People's Daily 10 May 2017 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday congratulated Moon Jae-in on his election as South Korean president.
New South Korean president vows to tackle North Korean nuclear issue, THAAD tensions People's Daily 10 May 2017 -- The newly elected South Korean president, Moon Jae-in, pledged at his inauguration on May 10 that he would take action to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue as well as the THAAD-related tensions between Seoul, Washington and Beijing.
Moon Jae-in sworn in as South Korea's president Press TV 10 May 2017 -- South Korea's new president, Moon Jae-in, has been sworn in a day after he was declared president in a decisive election victory.
Trump, New South Korean President Agree to Cooperate Against North Korean Nuclear Threat VOA 10 May 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump and new South Korean President Moon Jae-in agreed in a phone call Wednesday to closely cooperate in dealing with North Korea's nuclear weapons development program.

North Korean Diplomat: Pyongyang 'Not Afraid' to Continue Nuclear Tests Sputnik 10 May 2017 -- North Korea's ambassador to the UK has said his country is "not afraid" to continue its missile and nuclear weapons activity, and that Pyongyang intends to conduct its sixth nuclear test as soon as the leadership deems it necessary.

JCPOA belongs to international community: Mogherini ISNA 10 May 2017 -- Pointing that European Union backed the full implementation of multilateral nuclear deal with Iran known as JCPOA, the EU's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini emphasized that the deal belonged to the international community.
Army: Pakistan, Iran enjoy strong brotherly ties IRNA 10 May 2017 -- Pakistani army says Iran and Pakistan enjoy strong brotherly and historical relations which will continue to grow in the future.
Pak top official: Iran-Pak border commission to meet this month IRNA 10 May 2017 -- Pakistan's Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz hopes that border management commission between Iran and Pakistan will meet within this month to make sure border incidents may not happen again.
Supreme Leader: Massive turnout in upcoming elections brings dignity for Iran IRNA 10 May 2017 -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday that massive turnout in the May 19 elections will bring dignity for Iran in while observing ethics, Islamic code of conduct and law.
Enemies seeking to disrupt Iran's security: Ayatollah Khamenei Press TV 10 May 2017 -- Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says Iran's enemies are trying to create "insecurity and sedition" in the country, calling on the nation to stay vigilant in the face of enemies' plots.
Iran's election campaign heats up as presidential poll nears Press TV 10 May 2017 -- Iran's election campaign heats up with the six presidential hopefuls vying for the position of the country's chief executive.

Veteran 'Silovik' Named To Head Chechen Presidential Administration RFE/RL 10 May 2017 -- Chechen Republic head Ramzan Kadyrov recently demoted one of his closest associates and promoted a second. That in itself is not unusual, given that Kadyrov constantly transfers from one post to another, regardless of relevant qualifications and competence, the estimated 80 to 100 men, most of them either blood relatives or born in his native village of Tsentaroi, whom he trusts.

Rewards for Justice - Reward Offer for Information on al-Nusrah Front Leader Muhammad al-Jawlani US Dept. of State 10 May 2017-- The U.S. Department of State's Rewards for Justice Program is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the identification or location of Muhammad al-Jawlani, leader of the al-Nusrah Front (ANF) terrorist group.

Tsai thanks allies for backing Taiwan's international participation CNA 10 May 2017 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Wednesday that she was grateful for the support extended by Taiwan's diplomatic allies for its participation in international organizations and programs.
China accused of blocking Taiwan's WHA participation CNA 10 May 2017 -- Taiwan's government and citizens at home and abroad on Wednesday accused Beijing of obstructing Taiwan's efforts to attend this year's meeting of the World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva.

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