25 May 2017 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 25 May 2017[PDF]

U.S., Coalition Strikes Target ISIS Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 25 May 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, conducting 34 strikes consisting of 78 engagements, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.

Department of Defense News Briefing on the Findings of an Investigation into a March 17 Coalition Air Strike in West Mosul DoD 25 May 2017 -- Presenter: U.S. Army Major General Joseph Martin; U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Matthew Isler; Captain Jeff Davis, Director, Defense Press Office
ISIS-Planted Explosives Caused Civilian Deaths in Mosul Strike AFPS 25 May 2017 -- Secondary explosions of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria-placed munitions were responsible for the deaths of 105 civilians in Mosul, Iraq, in March, according to the results of a DoD investigation into the tragedy.
US Concludes Islamic State Explosives Led to 100+ Civilian Deaths in March Airstrike VOA 25 May 2017 -- A U.S. military investigation into a deadly March airstrike has found that a secondary explosion caused the deaths of more than 100 civilians in Mosul, Iraq.

Marine Advisors Train Afghan Soldiers, Police AFPS 25 May 2017 -- Marine advisors with Task Force Southwest are advising, assisting and training their Afghan 505th Zone National Police counterparts during the first month of their deployment here in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
Britain planning to deploy more troops to Afghanistan Press TV 25 May 2017 -- The United Kingdom is planning to send more troops to Afghanistan where insecurity is increasing despite the fact that the US and its allies have deployed thousands of forces there since 2001.
Fresh Taliban Attacks Kill 25 Members of Afghan Forces VOA 25 May 2017 -- A suicide car bombing and clashes with Taliban insurgents across Afghanistan have killed at least 25 security personnel.

Defense Policy / Programs

Auto-targeting technology to reduce 'aim error' in crew-served weapons Army News 25 May 2017 -- Soldiers may now pride themselves on being a good shot, on scoring high in marksmanship, but one day that may not be as important as it is now.
Air defense exercise hones air-intercept skills AFNS 25 May 2017 -- Aircrews and associated support personnel from across the military air-defense enterprise are here for a three-day Aerospace Control Alert CrossTell live-fly training exercise from May 23-25, 2017.
AF rolls out fiscal 2018 space budget AFNS 25 May 2017 -- Air Force leaders met with media to discuss specifics of the service's fiscal 2018 space investment budget at the Pentagon May 24, 2017. The request totals $7.75 billion, an approximately 20 percent increase from fiscal year 2017.
Modernization, Replacement Programs Constitute Nuclear Deterrence Priority AFPS 25 May 2017 -- Modernization and replacement programs for elements of the U.S. nuclear triad are the first priority for the Defense and Energy departments, the Air Force and the Navy in fiscal year 2018, officials and military officers told a House panel this morning.
All in a night's work: MQ-9s maximize airpower downrange AFNS 25 May 2017 -- As many Americans sleep soundly in their beds, Airmen in attack squadrons across the 432nd Wing flying the MQ-1B Predator and MQ-9 Reaper from cockpits in the continental U.S. are having decisive effects in the fight against violent extremism. In combat operations last week, one MQ-9 squadron stood above the rest when aircrews employed 13 Hellfire missiles and 500-pound bombs during one eight-hour overnight shift.
RPA culture continues innovation AFNS 25 May 2017 -- The RQ-1 Predator, later designated as the MQ-1, was the right aircraft at the right time following the events of Sept. 11, 2001.
National Guard Contributes to U.S.-Egypt Strategic Partnership AFPS 25 May 2017 -- A recent ceremony in which a Minnesota National Guard infantry battalion handed over responsibility for the Multinational Force and Observers mission here to an incoming Massachusetts National Guard infantry battalion might have been a newsworthy event 16 years ago -- today, the extraordinary has become routine.
The proving ground: Marine pilots put the F-35 through its paces USMC News 25 May 2017 -- F-35 Lightning II testing continued at Pax River Integrated Test Force, Naval Air Station Paxutent River, May 24, 2017.
Ronald Reagan Completes Carrier Air Wing Qualifications NNS 25 May 2017 -- Carrier Air Wing 5 (CVW5) completed carrier qualifications aboard the Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), May 22.
Exercise Phoenix Express 2017 Concludes NNS 25 May 2017 -- U.S., North African, and European maritime forces concluded exercise Phoenix Express 2017 in a ceremony held at Escuela de Infanteria de Marina General Albacete Fuster in Cartegena, Spain, May 17.
Iwo Jima Completes First Major Ammo Onload Since 2014 NNS 25 May 2017 -- The amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) conducted its first major ammunition onload since 2014, pierside at Naval Weapons Station Earle, May 16-18.
John C. Stennis Reaches Halfway Point of Maintenance Availability NNS 25 May 2017 -- USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) reached the halfway point of its planned incremental availability (PIA), May 24.
Pentagon Denies Claim US Failed to Monitor $1Bln in Arms Transfers Sputnik 25 May 2017 -- The US Defense Department denies a report by Amnesty International that claims the US Army failed to maintain accurate records on over $1 billion in weapons transfers in Iraq and Kuwait that occurred under a US-Iraqi agreement, Defense Department spokesperson Eric Pahon told Sputnik on Thursday.

President: NATO Member Nations Must Increase Defense Spending AFPS 25 May 2017 -- President Donald J. Trump called for NATO member nations to step up and pay their "fair share" of defense spending in the fight against global terrorism.
Remarks by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the new NATO headquarters handover ceremony NATO 25 May 2017
Doorstep statement by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg ahead of the meeting of NATO Heads of State and/or Government NATO 25 May 2017
Trump Lectures NATO Leaders on Insufficient Defense Spending VOA 25 May 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump publicly lectured his fellow NATO leaders Thursday for not paying their fair share for defense, and he urged them to be more focused on terrorism.
Trump Presses NATO On Spending, Terrorism, Immigration, Russia Threat RFE/RL 25 May 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has urged leaders from the 27 other NATO member states to do more to fight terrorism and to put immigration and threats from Russia at the top of their agenda.
Montenegro: Key NATO Ally Or Adriatic Afterthought? RFE/RL 25 May 2017 -- Nestled in the Adriatic coastline between Croatia and Albania, tiny Montenegro may appear to have little military value. Just don't tell that to NATO or its sworn rival, Russia.
NATO Members Contributing 2% of GDP 'Insufficient' for Proper Defense - Trump Sputnik 25 May 2017 -- Two percents of NATO GDP is dedicated for the alliance's defense, but is not enough amid the growing threats, US President Donald Trump stated on Thursday.

Russian Next-Gen Military Satellite Successfully Reaches Designated Orbit Sputnik 25 May 2017 -- Russia's next-generation military satellite launched from the Plesetsk space center in northern part of the country earlier in the day has successfully reached its designated orbit, the Russian Defense Ministry said Thursday.
Russian Base in Tajikistan Bolstered With Uragan MLRS Battery Sputnik 25 May 2017 -- According to Central Military District commander, Russia has reinforced its military base in Tajikistan with a battery of Uragan multiple rocket launcher systems.

Brazil, Mexico Considering Purchase of Russian Mil Helicopters - Manufacturer Sputnik 25 May 2017 -- Brazil and Mexico are considering deliveries of Russian Mil helicopters, a spokesman of the Russian Helicopters company told Sputnik on Thursday.

Three Latin American States Send Russia Requests for Helicopters Delivery Sputnik 25 May 2017 -- Ecuador, Bolivia and Paraguay sent official appeals to Russia for the delivery of Russian helicopters, the Russian Helicopters holding company said Thursday.

China to Build Global Navigation Satellite System by 2020 Sputnik 25 May 2017 -- China plans to build a global navigation satellite system, which is expected to provide service to users around the world, by the year 2020.
Xi calls for "strong, modern" navy People's Daily 25 May 2017 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called for efforts to build the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy into a strong and modern force to lend support for the realization of the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation and the dream of a strong army.

Merkel Delivers Ultimatum to Erdogan Over Incirlik Airbase in Turkey Sputnik 25 May 2017 -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel told reporters Thursday after arriving at the NATO summit in Brussels that she is going to "clearly indicate" in talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that Germany will leave the Incirlik airbase if German lawmakers are now allowed to visit it.

India Clears Defense Policy to Give 'Make in India' Program a $30 Bln Boost Sputnik 25 May 2017 -- In a major boost to defense preparedness, the Indian government has approved a strategic partnership policy that will allow foreign companies to make arrangements with domestic private defense firms for manufacturing fighter jets, helicopters, armored vehicles and submarines.

Iran Claims It Built Third Underground Missile Factory VOA 25 May 2017 -- Iran claims to have built a third underground ballistic missile production facility and says it will continue developing its missile program, a move that will surely increase tensions between the country and the United States.
Iran has built third underground missile factory: Senior IRGC commander Press TV 25 May 2017 -- A senior Iranian commander vows the Islamic Republic will continue to strengthen its defensive missile might in the face of security threats facing the nation, saying the country has built its third underground missile production facility in recent years.

Defense autonomy shows Taiwan's resolve to defend itself: president CNA 25 May 2017 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Thursday that building advanced jet trainers and submarines domestically are part of Taiwan's efforts toward defense autonomy that demonstrate the country's determination to defend itself.
Taiwan Military Drills Project Power in Face of Chinese Threat Sputnik 25 May 2017 -- Taiwan's renewed military drills in the Taiwan Strait are preparations for a possible invasion from one of the world's largest powers, which considers the island nation a breakaway territory.

NATO to Continue Strengthening Partnership With Ukraine, Secretary General Says Sputnik 26 May 2017 -- NATO will keep providing practical support, political support and support for implementing the Minsk agreements to Ukraine, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said at a press briefing Thursday.

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for May 25, 2017

Other Conflicts

25 May 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 25 May 2017
Attacks on hospitals and medical staff 'symptoms of grave disregard' for international law - UN chief UN News 25 May 2017 -- Parties to conflict are treating hospitals and clinics as targets, rather than respecting them as sanctuaries, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned today during a Security Council debate on the protection of civilians in armed violence.

China's defense ministry: US navy patrol not conducive to peace in S.China Sea People's Daily 25 May 2017 -- China's Ministry of National Defense spokesman Ren Guoqiang said on Thursday that two Chinese warships warned a US Navy warship to leave after it sailed within 12 nautical miles of Meiji Reef of China's Nansha Islands in the South China Sea.
US Naval Vessel Sails Near Chinese-held Reef in South China Sea VOA 25 May 2017 -- A U.S. Navy warship on Thursday sailed within 22 kilometers (12 nautical miles) of a Chinese-controlled reef in the South China Sea, in the first mission under President Donald Trump to challenge Beijing's territorial claims in the disputed waterway.
China blasts 'trespassing' by US warship Press TV 25 May 2017 -- China has accused the US of trespassing after an American warship sailed near a reef in the South China Sea amid growing tensions between Beijing and Washington.
US warship challenges China's claims in South China Sea Press TV 25 May 2017 -- For the first time under new US President Donald Trump, a US Navy warship has sailed close to a disputed South China Sea island controlled by China, a move that will likely exacerbate US-China tensions.
China Blames US for S China Sea Militarization Over Warship Sailing - Ministry Sputnik 25 May 2017 -- Chinese Defense Ministry accused Washington of militarization of the South China Sea region, following sailing of an US Navy destroyer near the disputed Spratly Islands chain.
India Risks Annoying China With Its New Tsunami-Warning System in S China Sea Sputnik 25 May 2017 -- India's plans for setting up a tsunami early warning center in the disputed South China Sea could annoy China, which sees the region as its sole preserve.

US-backed SDF asks militants in Raqqah to lay down arms by May-end Press TV 25 May 2017 -- The so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has called on members of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in the northeastern Syrian city of Raqqah to lay down their arms by the end of the current month.
US sends truckloads of arms to Kurds in northern Syria: Reports Press TV 25 May 2017 -- The US has dispatched over 100 trucks loaded with armaments and ammunition to the Kurdish-controlled northern Syrian city of Hasakah over the past weeks, Turkish and Kurdish media say.
US-backed Syrian Forces Step Up Training Ahead of Raqqa Offensive VOA 25 May 2017 -- U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are speeding up training in preparation for a looming battle on Islamic State's capital, Raqqa, commanders told VOA.

Iraqi Hashd al-Sha'abi forces retake 8 villages west of Mosul from Daesh Press TV 25 May 2017 -- Iraqi fighters from the Popular Mobilization Units have managed to retake eight villages west of Mosul as they are engaged in joint military operations with army troops to drive Daesh Takfiri terrorists out of their last urban stronghold in the Arab country.

Hamas executes three over assassination of top commander Press TV 25 May 2017 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has executed three men convicted of assassinating one of its high-ranking military commanders in the Gaza Strip earlier this year.

5 Kenyan police officers killed in fresh attack by al-Shabab Press TV 25 May 2017 -- Five Kenyan police officers have been killed in a fresh attack by the al-Shabab Takfiri militant group near the border with Somalia.

Philippine army fighting to retake southern city Press TV 25 May 2017 -- Military forces in the Philippines have launched a heavy offensive to retake a southern city from Daesh terrorists.

African Union Commission Head Calls for End to 'Massive Crimes' in South Sudan Sputnik 25 May 2017 -- The head of the African Union Commission called on the parties to the protracted conflict in South Sudan to stop "massive crimes" and establish an "inclusive dialogue" that would pave the way for stable peace in the country.

News Reports

Tusk Says Europe Fails To Find Common Ground With Trump On Several Issues RFE/RL 25 May 2017 -- European Council President Donald Tusk has said U.S. President Donald Trump and senior European Union officials failed to find common ground on several issues at a meeting in Brussels on May 25.

Russian Officials Discussed Influencing Trump Campaign Advisers: Report RFE/RL 25 May 2017 -- U.S. spies learned last summer that Russian intelligence and political officials were discussing ways to exert influence over Donald Trump through his presidential campaign advisers, the New York Times reported on May 24, citing anonymous U.S. officials.

Appeals Court Upholds Stay on Trump Travel Order VOA 25 May 2017 -- A federal appeals court in Richmond, Virginia, on Thursday declined to reinstate President Donald Trump's executive order limiting travel from six predominantly Muslim countries for three months.
Federal Court Upholds Block On Trump Administration Travel Ban RFE/RL 25 May 2017 -- A U.S. federal appeals court has handed the Trump administration another setback, ruling to continue the block on the revised travel ban targeting six predominantly Muslim countries.

Trump Calls Manchester Attack 'Barbaric, Vicious,' Condemns Media Leaks RFE/RL 25 May 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has called the bombing at a concert in the British city of Manchester "a barbaric and vicious attack upon our civilization" and told NATO allies he has new hope that nations can unite to defeat terrorism.
UK Police Make More Arrests in Deadly Manchester Arena Bombing VOA 25 May 2017 -- Eight men are now in custody in connection with Monday's suicide bombing at a Manchester, England, pop concert, including two men who were arrested in separate raids early Thursday.
Concerns Grow About Libya Connection to Manchester Bombing VOA 25 May 2017 -- British counter-terror officers have been conducting raids and making arrests in the wake of the concert bombing earlier this week that killed 22 people, including children. The raids are reassuring on the one hand, showing the police are moving fast. But they are adding also to a sense of alarm among Manchester residents.

Shared intelligence must remain 'secure,' May tells Trump Press TV 25 May 2017 -- British Prime Minister Theresa May has reportedly brought up the issue of intelligence leaks from an investigation into the Manchester attack during a discussion with President Donald Trump.

Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, May 25, 2017 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 25 May 2017

North Korea Most 'Dangerous, Close' Threat US Faces - Army Chief of Staff Sputnik 25 May 2017 -- North Korea is the most dangerous and immediate threat facing the United States, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley said in his testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday.
Trump, Tusk Agree to Work Together to Further Isolate N Korea - White House Sputnik 25 May 2017 -- US President, European Council President and European Commission President agreed in a meeting to work together to isolate N Korea from the rest of the world, the White House said in a press release.

US Senate committee approves new Iran sanctions bill Press TV 25 May 2017 -- The United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations has passed a bill that would impose new sanctions on Iran over its missile program that Tehran has repeatedly said is solely for defensive purposes.
U.S. Treasury Eyes More Sanctions On Iran, Reviews Aircraft Sales RFE/RL 25 May 2017 -- The U.S. Treasury chief told Congress on May 24 that he is looking for ways to increase sanctions on Iran, including by reviewing licenses the Treasury previously granted to Boeing and Airbus to sell aircraft to Iran.
Senate Panel Backs New Sanctions on Iran VOA 25 May 2017 -- A Senate panel has overwhelmingly approved new U.S. sanctions targeting Iran's support for international terrorism and its ballistic missile program, the first move to punish Tehran since a landmark nuclear accord went into effect.

Bangladesh court jails top militant leader to over 7 years Press TV 25 May 2017 -- A Bangladeshi court has sentenced a top militant leader to over seven years for leading an extremist group blamed for a series of high-profile deadly attacks across the South Asian country.

New Zealand Joins Space Nations With First Successful Rocket Launch - Rocket Lab Sputnik 25 May 2017 -- The first-ever successful launch of an orbital rocket took place in New Zealand, aerospace company Rocket Lab said Thursday.

Nepalese Prime Minister Resigns, Congress Leader Set to Replace Him Sputnik 25 May 2017 -- Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, popularly known as Prachanda, resigned from his post as outlined in the power-sharing agreement between Prachanda's party and the Nepali Congress, the leader of which, Sher Bahadur Deuba will be the next prime minister of Nepal.

OPEC agrees to extend key oil output cut deal Press TV 25 May 2017 -- The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has agreed to extend until March 2018 an oil output cut deal that was sealed last year to help shore up prices.

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