15 May 2017 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
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Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 15 May 2017[PDF]

Military Strikes Continue Against ISIS Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 15 May 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, conducting 23 strikes consisting of 84 engagements, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.

Afghan Conflict-related Child Deaths Spike to Record Levels VOA 15 May 2017 -- The United Nations says conflict-related incidents in Afghanistan killed more than 280 children in the first four months of this year, a 21 percent increase compared to the same period in 2016.

Defense Policy / Programs

Readout from Secretary Jim Mattis' Meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates DoD 15 May 2017
Air Force to Release F-35 Weight Restrictions AFNS 15 May 2017 -- Air Force leaders recently removed the restriction that kept pilots weighing less than 136 pounds from flying the F-35A. The restriction was imposed in 2015 due to concerns about the risk during ejections in a portion of the flight envelope.
USS Coronado Concludes Multilateral CARAT With Singapore, Thai Navies NNS 15 May 2017 -- Littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) completed the second-annual multilateral Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise with ships from the Republic of Singapore and Royal Thai navies, May 12.
Pacific Partnership 2017, Da Nang Government Agencies, NGOs Test the Waters with First Ever Combined SAR and Oil Spill Training Exercise NNS 15 May 2017 -- Pacific Partnership 2017 and Vietnamese border guard, government, and non-government agencies (NGOs) linked up for the first ever combined search and rescue (SAR) and oil spill response field training exercise (FTX) in Da Nang May 13.
America ARG Replenishes at Sea Under Simulated Threat NNS 15 May 2017 -- The America Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) conducted an opposed replenishment-at-sea (RAS) training exercise with the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Henry J. Kaiser (T-AO 187) and a Los Angeles-class attack submarine playing the part as an enemy threat, May 11.

Russia's 1st Tank Army Receives New Batch of Modernized T-72B3 Tanks Sputnik 15 May 2017 -- Russia's First Tank Army has received 20 T-72B3 tanks that have been modernized and tested, Russia's Western Military District said Monday.
Russia to Build New Nuclear-Powered Icebreaker - Putin Sputnik 15 May 2017 -- Russia will proceed with building the new nuclear-powered Lider icebreaker but the timing may shift, including due to budget constraints, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Monday.

UN condemns DPR Korea's ballistic missile launch UN News 15 May 2017 -- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today urged Pyongyang to return to the path of denuclearization saying the latest ballistic missile launch by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is a threat to peace and security in the region.
UN Security Council Rips North Korea Missile Test, Threatens New Sanctions VOA 15 May 2017 -- The U.N. Security Council has strongly condemned North Korea's latest ballistic missile test, in a lengthy statement that also threatens to impose fresh sanctions on the North for its "flagrant and provocative defiance" of earlier demands to end all nuclear testing.
Experts: North Korea 'Step' Closer to Striking the Continental US VOA 15 May 2017 -- North Korea's latest missile launch suggests a major step forward in Kim Jong Un's quest to develop a nuclear tipped intercontinental ballistic missile that could strike the U.S. mainland, analysts say.
UN chief condemns DPR Korea's ballistic missile launch UN News 15 May 2017 -- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today urged Pyongyang to return to the path of denuclearization saying the latest ballistic missile launch by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is a threat to peace and security in the region.
Missile tests show N Korean leader is paranoid: Nikki Haley Press TV 15 May 2017 -- US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley says a barrage of missile tests shows that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is "in a state of paranoia."
Pyongyang's Successful Missile Test Shows Progress Toward ICBM Nuke Capability Sputnik 15 May 2017 -- Days after South Korea elected a new president who might be favorable to better diplomatic ties with Pyongyang, North Korea launched a medium-range ballistic missile that might accommodate a large nuclear warhead into the Sea of Japan.
Latest North Korean Launch Involves Liquid Fuel Single-Stage Missile - Reports Sputnik 15 May 2017 -- The North Korean missile launch on Sunday reportedly involved a KN-17 medium-range ballistic missile.

Germany slams Turkey's refusal to let MPs visit Incirlik Press TV 15 May 2017 -- Berlin has condemned Ankara's refusal to grant permission to German lawmakers to visit their country's soldiers serving in a NATO mission at a Turkish airbase.
Germany Views Jordan as Alternative for Troop Relocation From Turkey's Incirlik Sputnik 15 May 2017 -- Germany will continue searching for an alternative to relocate its troops stationed at Turkey's Incirlik airbase to neighboring countries, such as Jordan, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Monday.

Turkey Plans to Create Military Base in Syria's North Sputnik 15 May 2017 -- The General Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces plans to establish a military base near the town of al-Bab in the north of Syria, according to the Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Veysi Kaynak.

India Builds Longest River Bridge Near Chinese Border Sputnik 15 May 2017 -- In order to improve military mobility along the India-China border, India has completed the construction of the country's longest bridge over the trans-boundary Brahmaputra river which flows through China, India and Bangladesh.
India Plans to Set Up Permanent Base in Antarctica Sputnik 15 May 2017 -- India is planning to build a third permanent research station in Antarctica and will frame laws for those staying there, according to a government official. The government is also planning to buy a ship for research teams to travel to the continent.

Commander: US unaware of Iran's military capacities IRNA 15 May 2017 -- Americans have limited knowledge of Iran's military capabilities and capacities, Spokesman of Armed Forces Brigadier General Masoud Jazayeri said.
U.S doesn't know much about Iran's military capabilities ISNA 15 May 2017 -- U.S. information about Iran's actual military capabilities was so limited, Iranian senior spokesman for armed forces Brigadier General Massoud Jazayeri emphasized.

Iran, Pak officials conduct survey of border, agree to boost security IRNA 15 May 2017 -- The Iranian and Pakistani senior border officials have agreed to boost security arrangements at their borders in order to block entry of terrorist elements and smugglers from one side to the other, Pakistan's local media reported on Monday.

Japan Reconnaissance Plane Crashes on Hokkaido Island Sputnik 15 May 2017 -- A LR-2 reconnaissance aircraft from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) has crashed on the Hokkaido Island with 10 people suspected on board, local media reported Monday.

Norwegian Air Force Craves NATO Missile Shield to Plug Defensive Gaps Sputnik 15 May 2017 -- Norway must either join NATO's missile shield or get one of its own. The Norwegian Air Forces arrived at this conclusion after identifying enormous gaps in today's air defense in a classified document.

Mutiny in Ivory Coast enters 4th day Press TV 15 May 2017 -- Ivory Coast's two largest cities, Abidjan and Bouake, have been marred by unrest as a nationwide army mutiny continues.

Press Daily Briefing by Press Secretary Sean Spicer -- #48 The White House 15 May 2017

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for May 15, 2017

Other Conflicts

15 May 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 15 May 2017
Sexual violence in conflict 'legitimate threat' to peace and security - UN deputy chief UN News 15 May 2017 -- Although global understanding of sexual violence in conflict is shifting, there remains the need to tackle the root causes of such violations that lie in fundamental inequality and discrimination against women, Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed told the United Nations Security Council today.

China, Vietnam Agree to Minimize South China Sea Disputes Sputnik 15 May 2017 -- As tensions continue to mount on the Korean Peninsula, Chinese officials showed diplomatic progress with Vietnam over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Evacuation of armed opposition from Damascus district complete: Syria TV Press TV 15 May 2017 -- The Syrian military has established control over a district near the capital Damascus after the planned evacuation of foreign-backed armed opposition forces from the area was completed, state media say.
Syria deploys troops to border with Jordan, Iraq: Report Press TV 15 May 2017 -- Syria is reportedly moving troops to a desert region near its border with Iraq and Jordan amid reports that US and allied forces are consolidating positions in the area for a possible ground invasion.
U.S. Accuses Syria Of Mass Executions, Burning The Bodies RFE/RL 15 May 2017 -- The U.S. State Department has accused the Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad of carrying out mass killings of thousands of prisoners and burning the dead bodies in a large crematorium outside the capital.
Kurdish Expansion Plans Risk Undermining Russia-Sponsored Safe Zones in Syria Sputnik 15 May 2017 -- The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) plan to significantly expand the de facto autonomous region they administer in northern Syria once they liberate Raqqa, raising questions as to whether these ambitions would undermine Russia's peacebuilding efforts in the war-torn country.
On-the-Record-Briefing: Acting Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs Stuart Jones on Syria US Dept. of State 15 May 2017 -- Special Briefing by Stuart Jones, Acting Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs
US Releases New Declassified Info on Damascus' Alleged Actions Against Civilians Sputnik 15 May 2017 -- The US Department of State has released newly declassified information regarding the alleged treatment of civilians by the Syrian government.
US Accuses Syria of Mass Killings, Use of Crematorium to Burn Bodies VOA 15 May 2017 -- The United States accused Syria on Monday of carrying out mass killings of prisoners on a daily basis and then burning their bodies in a large crematorium outside the capital of Damascus.

Iraqi police forces seize Daesh's main chemical plant in Mosul Press TV 15 May 2017 -- Iraqi security forces have uncovered a major chemical plant belonging to the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in the western part of Mosul, as government forces, backed by fighters from the Popular Mobilization Units, are battling to drive the extremists out of the country's second largest city.
Iraq and the Road to Freedom: The Fight for Territory Goes On as Daesh Weakens Sputnik 15 May 2017 -- The conflict in Iraq has reached boiling point over recent months. According to US Joint Special Operations Command reports, elements of the Iraqi elite Counterterrorism Service overwhelmed the Ureibi and Rifaie districts of Mosul on May 13, bringing the battle to reclaim the Iraqi town from Daesh extremists close to the end.
'Last Dying Breath': Daesh Nearly Eliminated in Battle for Mosul Sputnik 15 May 2017 -- According to US Joint Special Operations Command reports, elements of the Iraqi elite Counter Terrorism Service overwhelmed the Ureibi and Rifaie districts of Mosul in the early morning hours on Sunday, bringing the battle to reclaim the Iraqi town from Daesh extremists close to the end.

Hamas discloses identity of key commander's murderer Press TV 15 May 2017 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has revealed the identity of the man responsible for the assassination of one of its high-ranking military commanders in the Gaza Strip earlier this year.

UN urges $1.4 bn in donation for South Sudanese refugees Press TV 15 May 2017 -- The United Nations has urged donor countries to raise their contributions to South Sudanese refugees, saying some USD 1.4 billion would be needed to help people out of famine inside and outside the war-torn country.
South Sudan: UN, partners seek $1.4 billion for 'world's fastest growing refugee crisis' UN News 15 May 2017 -- The United Nations refugees and food relief agencies today urged donors to step up support for people fleeing crisis-hit South Sudan as the $1.4 billion response plan remains 86 per cent unfunded.
UN Increases Appeal for South Sudan Aid VOA 15 May 2017 -- The United Nations has increased its appeal for aid to help South Sudanese refugees, calling for at least $1.4 billion to provide food, water, and health services.

Pakistani forces shoot dead 4 militants in Punjab Press TV 15 May 2017 -- Pakistani security forces have shot dead at least four militants during a raid on a militant hideout in a central district of Punjab province.

UN chief 'outraged' by latest attacks in CAR, warns they could be war crimes UN News 15 May 2017 -- Strongly condemning the latest attacks against civilians and the United Nations in Central African Republic (CAR), Secretary-General António Guterres today urged authorities to investigate and bring those responsible to justice.
Civilians, Peacekeepers Killed in CAR VOA 15 May 2017 -- Armed militias targeting Muslims in the remote Central African Republic town of Bangassou in recent days have killed up to 30 civilians and six U.N. peacekeepers.

Israeli TV: US Tells Israeli Officials Western Wall is 'Not Your Territory' VOA 15 May 2017 -- Israeli officials are reported to be shocked and "astonished" after a U.S. official allegedly told them the Western Wall – Judaism's holiest site – is in the West Bank and "not your territory."

Executions Increase in Somalia VOA 15 May 2017 -- In Somalia, a country long troubled by deadly violence, there's a disturbing new trend: an increase in summary executions.

News Reports

White House Denies Trump Leaked Highly Classified Intelligence to Russian Officials VOA 15 May 2017 -- U.S. National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster and other members of the Trump administration have denied the accuracy of published reports that the president revealed highly classified information to Russian officials in the Oval Office.

Trump Signals Shift in Middle East Strategy With Symbolic First Stop in Saudi Arabia VOA 15 May 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump is about to embark on his first foreign trip, a nine day journey that takes him to the seats of the world's three great Abrahamic (monotheistic) religions and signals a 180-degree shift from his predecessor's approach toward the Middle East.

Putin says Russia not responsible for recent global cyber attack Press TV 15 May 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has stressed that his country had nothing to do with the recent global "ransomware" cyber attack that targeted some 150 countries over the weekend.
Governments, Companies Brace For New Cyberattacks As Business Week Begins RFE/RL 15 May 2017 -- Managers and employees at government offices, organizations, and businesses returned to work warily on May 15 amid fears that a massive cyberattack could worsen after the weekend.
WannaCry Ransomware Cyberattacks Slow RFE/RL 15 May 2017 -- Managers and employees at government offices, organizations, and businesses returned to work warily on May 15 amid fears that a massive cyberattack could worsen after the weekend, but computer infections appear to have slowed.
Global Cyberattacks Appear to Ease, Except in Asia VOA 15 May 2017 -- The worldwide ransomware cyberattacks appeared to ease Monday, although thousands more computers, mostly in Asia, were hit as people signed in at work for the first time since the infections spread to 150 countries three days ago.

New South Korean President Tested by Latest North Korean Missile VOA 15 May 2017 -- Just days after being elected, South Korean President Moon Jae-in faced his first North Korean provocation, putting an early test to his stated policy to pursue peaceful dialogue with his defiant nuclear neighbor.

Raeisi: We need a revolutionary government to cash JCPOA cheque IRNA 15 May 2017 -- Presidential candidate Hojatoleslam Ebrahim Raeisi termed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as a pledge for the country, and said Iran has carried out all its obligations while the other party has failed to do so.
Iran nuclear deal helped release of seized South Pars equipment: Official IRNA 15 May 2017 -- The South Pars confiscated equipment was released after implementation of the nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers known also as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), says Pars Oil and Gas Company Managing Director.
Tehran mayor to quit Iran's presidential race, backs Raeisi Press TV 15 May 2017 -- Tehran mayor and a candidate in Iran's 12th presidential election, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, has issued a statement announcing that he is to withdraw from the presidential race while backing principlist candidate, Seyyed Ebrahim Raeisi.
Former President Khatami calls on Iranian voters to re-elect Rouhani Press TV 15 May 2017 -- Former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami has called on his supporters to vote for incumbent President Hassan Rouhani in the upcoming presidential election, slated for Friday, May 19.
Here Are The Smears Marring Iran's Election(s) RFE/RL 15 May 2017 -- While elections in Iran look like slug-it-out campaigns, with many of the trappings of competition -- government critics, disagreement on high-profile issues, and televised public debates -- they are kept tightly in check by unelected officials under the country's clerically dominated system.
Qalibaf Quits Iran's Presidential Race, Backs Hard-Line Cleric Raisi RFE/RL 15 May 2017 -- Tehran Mayor Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has withdrawn from Iran's presidential race to back hard-line cleric Ebrahim Raisi, leaving only one prominent conservative in the contest.
Iran's Ex-President Khatami Backs Rouhani's Reelection Bid Ahead of Friday Vote Sputnik 15 May 2017 -- Incumbent Iranian President Hasan Rouhani has received valuable support from one of the figureheads of the state's reformist movement, former President Mohammad Khatami, ahead of Friday's election of the leader of the country.

China's Xi Confident In Future Of 'One Belt, One Road' Plan RFE/RL 15 May 2017 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed confidence in the future of his One Belt, One Road initiative, a plan that could increase Beijing's global influence on trade and geopolitics.

Macron Calls for EU Reforms, Vows to Work Closely with Germany VOA 15 May 2017 -- French President Emmanuel Macron spent his first full day in office traveling to Germany, telling Chancellor Angela Merkel he wants to work closely with her to create "deep reforms" to the European Union.
Macron appoints Edouard Philippe as French prime minister Press TV 15 May 2017 -- Newly-inaugurated French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed a center-right lawmaker and mayor as the country's prime minister, handing a top position in his administration to a moderate from France's conservative Republican Party.
Macron And Merkel Pledge Cooperation On EU Reforms RFE/RL 15 May 2017 -- France's new President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel pledged to work together to strengthen the European Union, saying they were prepared to discuss changes to existing treaties to modernize the 28-nation bloc.
Appointment of Edouard Philippe as New Prime Minister Divides French Politics Sputnik 15 May 2017 -- The choice of newly elected French President Emmanuel Macron to appoint Edouard Philippe as the country's prime minister was supported by some French politicians and criticized by others.

US intelligence community 'under assault' by Trump: Clapper Press TV 15 May 2017 -- US intelligence agencies have come "under assault" by President Donald Trump following his firing of FBI chief James Comey, says former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper.

India Appeals To ICJ To Halt Execution Of Ex-Naval Officer RFE/RL 15 May 2017 -- India has appealed to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to order Pakistan to suspend the execution of a retired Indian naval officer convicted of espionage.

UN health agency deploying technical experts to site of Ebola outbreak in DR Congo UN News 15 May 2017 -- The United Nations health agency is deploying technical experts to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) amid an outbreak of Ebola virus near its northern border with the Central Africa Republic, the agency's regional director for Africa confirmed.

EU Renews Call for Venezuelan Peace Talks VOA 15 May 2017 -- The European Union is pressing Venezuela's government and opposition groups to resume negotiations toward peacefully resolving the political crisis that has convulsed the country for nearly two months.
EU urges sides in Venezuela conflict to end clashes peacefully Press TV 15 May 2017 -- European Union (EU) foreign ministers have called on the government and the opposition in Venezuela to abstain from violence and seek a peaceful solution to the clashes on the streets, which have left nearly 40 people killed.

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