14 August 2017 Military News

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OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 14 Aug 2017[PDF]

Strikes Continue Against ISIS in Syria, Iraq AFPS 14 Aug 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, conducting 25 strikes consisting of 31 engagements, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.

U.S., Afghan Forces Confirm Death of ISIS-Affiliated Terrorist AFPS 14 Aug 2017 -- U.S. and Afghan forces have confirmed the Aug. 10 death of Abdul Rahman, a provincial emir in Afghanistan's Kunar province for the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria affiliate ISIS-Khorasan, or ISIS-K, Pentagon spokesman Army Col. Rob Manning said here today.
Taliban seize district in northern Afghan province Press TV 14 Aug 2017 -- Taliban militants have seized control of a district headquarters in Afghanistan's northern province of Faryab, officials say.
Over Half the $76 Billion Military Aid Sent to Afghanistan Since 2002 Stolen Sputnik 14 Aug 2017 -- In what's becoming a recurrent staple of US overseas adventurism, over half the US$76 billion worth of US military aid sent to Afghan security forces since 2002 has been "looted and embezzled," according to a former intelligence officer, due to "brazen corruption" that has seen money and weapons siphoned to private militias.

Defense Policy / Programs

F-35As fly in weapons evaluation AFNS 14 Aug 2017 -- Airmen from the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings supported and flew F-35A Lightning II aircraft during Combat Hammer, the first operational air-to-ground weapons evaluation for the Air Force's newest fighter jets.
Mobility Air Forces, Combat Air Forces operate together during Mobility Guardian AFNS 14 Aug 2017 -- Exercise Mobility Guardian highlighted the close relationship between Mobility and Combat Air Forces, who teamed up to execute approximately 90 sorties together, July 31 to Aug. 12, 2017.
Japan, US begin 18-day joint naval maneuvers amid tensions Press TV 14 Aug 2017 -- Tokyo and Washington have launched joint live fire drills on a northern Japanese island, at a time of escalating tensions in Southeast Asia and amid rising fears of a potential conflict between the US and North Korea.
U.S., Japanese Troops Team Up for Northern Viper Exercise AFPS 14 Aug 2017 -- More than 2,000 U.S. Marines have joined with about 1,500 Japan Self-Defense Force troops to support the first iteration of exercise Northern Viper 2017 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, and on the nearby island of Hokkaido.
Army Space and Missile Defense Command leader speaks about missile defense future Army News 14 Aug 2017 -- The leader of U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command explained how the command is ensuring space and missile defense for the Soldier, the Army and the nation at the 20th Space and Missile Defense Symposium in Huntsville.
U.S. Army Africa conducts exercise Judicious Activation in Gabon Army News 14 Aug 2017 -- Members of the 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command (ESC), 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), and 79th Sustainment Command (Support) joined U.S. Army Africa (USARAF) exercise planners to conduct Judicious Activation 17-2, by setting up an Early Entry Command Post (EECP), July 24-30, 2017, in Libreville, Gabon.
John S. McCain Maintains Condition Readiness Underway NNS 14 Aug 2017 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), nicknamed the "Big Bad John," continues to maintain material readiness while out at sea.
America Arrives In Malaysia NNS 14 Aug 2017 -- The amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) arrived in Sepanger, Malaysia for a port visit to Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Malaysia's Sabah state, Aug. 14.
Army, FEMA prepare for disaster relief in southwest US in Vigilant Guard exercise Army News 14 Aug 2017 -- Whether stemming from manmade or natural causes, a disaster can strike at any time -- and the best way to mitigate the resulting fallout is through preparedness and extensive training.
Press Gaggle with Secretary Mattis DoD 14 Aug 2017 -- Presenter: Defense Secretary Jim Mattis

Dunford: U.S.-South Korean Alliance Ready to Defend Against North Korean Threat AFPS 14 Aug 2017 -- The U.S.-South Korean alliance can defend South Korea, Pacific allies and the American homeland from nuclear and missile threats emanating from North Korea, two top American military officials said here today.
Dunford Meets With Korean Defense Leaders AFPS 14 Aug 2017 -- Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, met today with South Korea's defense minister, Song Young-Moo, and defense chief, Gen. Lee Sun-Jin, the chairman's spokesman said in a statement following the meeting.
Battalion prepares for Patriot missile defense modernization on Korean peninsula Army News 14 Aug 2017 -- After eight months of intense training, members of the 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade successfully completed a Patriot missile defense system modernization effort that will provide continued protection from potential North Korean aggression.
US military ready to use 'full range' of capabilities against N Korea: Dunford Press TV 14 Aug 2017 -- The American military is prepared to use the "full range" of its capabilities to defend the United States and its allies from a possible North Korean attack, US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Joseph Dunford has said.
Mattis, Tillerson make US stance on North Korea more confusing Press TV 14 Aug 2017 -- The heads of US State and Defense Departments, Rex Tillerson and James Mattis, say they are pushing for a "peaceful pressure campaign" on North Korea, breaking with President Donald Trump who has warned Pyongyang of "fire and fury" amid an ongoing standoff.
U.S. Ready To Use 'Full Range' Of Capabilities Against North Korea, If Needed RFE/RL 14 Aug 2017 -- The chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff has told South Korea's president that the United States is prepared to use all of the military capabilities it possesses to defend against North Korea, a spokesman said.
Nobody Wants War With North Korea, But Military Stands Ready - US Joint Chiefs Sputnik 14 Aug 2017 -- Speaking from the capital of South Korea, US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staffs Gen. Joe Dunford said that despite the fact some 28,000 US troops stationed in South Korea are prepared for combat at a moment's notice, "it would be a horrible thing were a war to be conducted here on the [Korean] peninsula."
Kiev in immediate denial of reports that N. Korea used Ukrainian engines for missile 'success' RT 14 Aug 2017 -- Western experts have suggested that Pyongyang's "astounding progress" with its missile program might be directly linked to an illegal acquisition of engines produced by a Ukrainian factory. Kiev appeared to be extremely infuriated with the reports, with top officials and agencies releasing official disclaimers.
Ukraine denies supplying missile technology to North Korea Press TV 14 Aug 2017 -- Ukraine says it has never supplied defense technology to North Korea as tensions have increasingly ratcheted up between the North and the US in recent weeks.
Ukraine Denies Supplying North Korea With Missile Technology, Alleges Russia To Blame RFE/RL 14 Aug 2017 -- An anxious Kyiv has denied a story in The New York Times quoting an expert as saying North Korea may have obtained rocket engines from a Ukrainian state-run factory known as Yuzhmash, and instead alleges Russia is to blame.
Report on Ukraine Military Supplies to DPRK 'Does Not Suggest Kiev Involvement' Sputnik 14 Aug 2017 -- The report claiming that North Korea acquired military technology from Ukraine does not suggest that the government in Kiev or KB Yuzhnoye executives were involved, a representative from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) press office told Sputnik on Monday.
Pentagon Declines to Comment on Reports of Ukraine Selling Arms to N Korea Sputnik 14 Aug 2017 -- The US Department of Defense declined to comment on reports of Ukraine selling military technology to North Korea.
Ukraine Security Council Denies Reports of Arms Supplies to N Korea Sputnik 14 Aug 2017 -- Ukraine's military and industrial sector did not supply North Korea with arms and military technologies, Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksandr Turchynov said Monday.

Lithuanian Military Claims NATO Jets Escorted Russian Aircraft 8 Times in Week Sputnik 14 Aug 2017 -- According to the Lithuanian Defense Ministry, NATO fighter jets have intercepted and guided Russian aircraft eight times last week.

Russia's State-of-the-Art Torpedo That 'Changed the Rules of Maritime Warfare' Sputnik 14 Aug 2017 -- Russia will modernize its VA-111 Shkval supercavitating torpedo under the 2018-2025 state arms program. The torpedo can reach speeds of over 300 kph. Today, Russia is the only country to have in service such an advanced weapon.

Pentagon Completes Largest-Ever Patriot Missile Defense Upgrade in S Korea Sputnik 14 Aug 2017 -- The US 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade in South Korea and engineers from defense contractor Raytheon have completed the largest Patriot missile defense modernization project ever conducted outside a US facility amid the escalation on the Korean peninsula, the Department of Defense said.
Top US General: US-South Korea Working Through 'Technical Issues' on THAAD VOA 14 Aug 2017 -- The top U.S. general says the United States and its South Korean allies are working through "a number of technical issues" before the United States' Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system can be fully deployed on the Korean peninsula.
Report Suggests Seoul Might Use German Cruise Missiles in Case of N Korea Attack Sputnik 14 Aug 2017 -- South Korea may use German-supplied Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missiles against Pyongyang in case of military conflict with North Korea in the first combat mission of one of the world's strongest weapons, German newspaper Die Welt reported, citing military sources.
S Korea, US to Continue Defending Peace on Peninsula As War Unacceptable - Seoul Sputnik 14 Aug 2017 -- The South Korean president said Monday that a new war on the Korean Peninsula would be unacceptable.

Russia to Boost Iraqi Army Potential With Upcoming Supplies of T-90 Battle Tanks Sputnik 14 Aug 2017 -- Russia will begin the supplies of T-90 tanks to Iraq shortly, Russian ambassador to Iraq Maksim Maksimov told Sputnik.

IRGC drone patrols in Persian Gulf will continue despite US psychological operations Press TV 14 Aug 2017 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has rejected US claims that a drone made an "unsafe approach" to an American aircraft carrier.
Top commander: Daesh to receive Iran's firm response IRNA 14 Aug 2017 -- Iran is to give crushing response to takfiri terrorist group Daesh, Commander of the Ground Force of Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Brigadier General Mohammad Pakpour said.
Rouhani proposes Hatami for Defense Ministry IRNA 14 Aug 2017 -- President Hassan Rouhani has picked Brigadier General Amir Hatami for the next defense minister.
Daesh, allies will receive Iran's firm response: IRGC commander Press TV 14 Aug 2017 -- A senior commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says the country's Armed Forces will certainly give a severe response to the Daesh Takfiri terrorists and their allies.

India to Use Bio Fuel for Its Warships Sputnik 14 Aug 2017 -- India has embarked on an ambitious plan to make bio-fuel powered warships the new normal. State owned manufacturers have been directed to study the compatibility of natural gas in warship engines without compromising the efficiency of the ships.

Chinese military aircraft again fly near eastern Taiwan CNA 14 Aug 2017 -- Chinese military aircraft were observed close to Taiwan's airspace in the east of the country on Monday, the third time in as many days, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said in a statement.

Libyan National Army Head Discussed Possible Russian Military Aid With Lavrov Sputnik 14 Aug 2017 -- Libyan National Army Commander Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar said Monday he raised the issue of Russia providing military help to Libya during his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

India set to deport all Rohingya Muslims regardless of UN registration: Official Press TV 14 Aug 2017 -- A senior Indian official has described thousands of Myanmar's persecuted Rohingya Muslims living in India as illegal refugees, saying the New Delhi government aims to deport them.

Despite Russian Allegations, Moldova's Dodon Finds No Fault With Training Base RFE/RL 14 Aug 2017 -- Moldovan President Igor Dodon says he discovered nothing "dubious" during an inspection of a Moldovan Army training base that a Russian media report claimed would house U.S.-funded "military facilities."

US Delivers First Batch of 32 Bradley Combat Vehicles to Lebanon - Ambassador Sputnik 14 Aug 2017 -- The US delivered first eight out of 32 Bradley Fighting Vehicles to Lebanon.

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for August 14, 2017

Other Conflicts

14 August 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 14 Aug 2017

Roadside bomb explosion kills 12 civilians in southwestern Yemen: Local sources Press TV 14 Aug 2017 -- At least 12 civilians have been killed and many others have sustained injuries in southern Yemen after a roadside bomb went off under a vehicle, local sources say.
Over half million Yemenis infected with cholera since April: WHO Press TV 14 Aug 2017 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) says more than 500,000 people have been affected by cholera in war-torn Yemen since the epidemic broke out in late April, as the waterborne disease has killed nearly 2,000 others in the impoverished nation during the past four months.
Yemen's cholera epidemic surpasses half-million suspected cases, UN agency says UN News 14 Aug 2017 -- More than 500,000 people in Yemen are suspected of having cholera, the United Nations health agency today said, warning that the disease is spreading quickly due to a lack of clean water or health access.

Militants begin evacuating from Lebanon's Arsal to Syria Press TV 14 Aug 2017 -- Hundreds of Syrian militants have started evacuating from an enclave in Lebanon on the border with Syria after the defeat of Takfiri terrorists during a Hezbollah offensive.
More than 600,000 displaced Syrians return home, says IOM Press TV 14 Aug 2017 -- More than 600,000 displaced Syrians have returned to their homes since the beginning of the year, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) says.
Syrian Paratroopers Free Area in Daesh's Rear for First Time in Unique Operation Sputnik 14 Aug 2017 -- The Russian Defense Ministry praised Syrian paratroopers' first ever operation to free a populated area in Daesh's rear.

Hashd Sha'abi to actively participate in Tal Afar liberation op: Official Press TV 14 Aug 2017 -- A high-ranking official of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) says the pro-government fighters will actively participate alongside security forces in the forthcoming operation to liberate the northern city of Tal Afar from the Daesh Takfiri terrorists.

PKK blast kills two civilians in Turkey's southeast Press TV 14 Aug 2017 -- A bomb blast blamed on the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) has claimed the lives of two Turkish civilians in the country's restive southeast.

Libyan National Army to Keep Fighting Terrorists to Liberate Country - Haftar Sputnik 14 Aug 2017 -- The commander of the Libyan National Army said that his forces would continue fighting terrorists until taking full control of the country.

Saudi razes hundreds of houses in Shia-majority town Press TV 14 Aug 2017 -- Saudi Arabia has reportedly laid waste to at least 320 houses in an eastern Shia-majority town, which it has placed under siege for about three months.

India's illegal entry into Chinese territory is a miscalculation that will lead to nothing but shame on itself: experts People's Daily 14 Aug 2017 -- Nearly two months have passed since a border standoff took place between China and India in the Donglang (Doklam) area, yet tensions continue to escalate, leading to public concerns over an imminent war. Though the possibility has been largely denounced by experts from both sides, the unprecedented conflict has cast a shadow upon the two nations' already shattered mutual trust.
India Denies Chinese Intrusion in Ladakh, no Thaw in Doklam Standoff Sputnik 14 Aug 2017 -- Indian government on Sunday rejected reports of China building a bridge in Ladakh - a region in Jammu and Kashmir even as the Doklam standoff entered its eighth week with no signs of thaw.

Serbian Foreign Minister Says Partition Could End Dispute With Kosovo RFE/RL 14 Aug 2017 -- Serbia's foreign minister has put forward a compromise to resolve the country's differences with its former province of Kosovo, as Belgrade looks to gain traction in its drive toward European Union membership.

Georgian Leaders Voice Hope For Reconciliation On 25th Anniversary Of Abkhazia War RFE/RL 14 Aug 2017 -- Georgia's president and prime minister have issued separate statements voicing hope for reconciliation on the 25th anniversary of the outbreak of war over the breakaway Abkhazia region.

One UN peacekeeper killed, another injured in coordinated attack on mission base in central Mali UN News 14 Aug 2017 -- The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Mali today confirmed the death of a national soldier and one UN peacekeeper in an attack by non-identified gunmen.

News Reports

Sessions concedes Charlottesville was 'domestic terrorism' Press TV 14 Aug 2017 -- US Attorney General Jeff Sessions has called the deadly car attack in Charlottesville, Virginia, over the weekend an act of domestic terrorism.

Venezuela's opposition rejects Trump's military intervention remarks Press TV 14 Aug 2017 -- Venezuela's opposition coalition has rejected any manner of foreign military intervention, two days after US President Donald Trump said Washington was considering such actions in the crisis-ridden country.
Venezuela Army Ready to Protect State by All Means Amid Trump's Threats Sputnik 14 Aug 2017 -- The Venezuelan Armed Forces are ready to take all necessary steps to protect the country following US President Donald Trump's statement about possible military action against the country embroiled in domestic political turmoil, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said Monday.
Pence, Santos at Odds Over Trump's Threat to Use Military Action in Venezuela VOA 14 Aug 2017 -- U.S. Vice President Mike Pence encountered resistance from Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos Sunday over President Donald Trump's threat to use military action in Venezuela.

Russia arrests 4 suspects over Daesh plot to launch attacks in Moscow Press TV 14 Aug 2017 -- Russia has busted a Daesh-linked terror cell working on a plot to launch attacks in the capital Moscow.
Russian FSB Detains Daesh-Linked Terrorists Plotting Suicide Attacks in Moscow Sputnik 14 Aug 2017 -- The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has detained members of a terrorist group who have been plotting suicide bomber attacks in Moscow.

UN chief Guterres condemns terrorist attack in Burkina Faso UN News 14 Aug 2017 -- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the terrorist attack carried out yesterday in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso.

Turkey Opposition Leader's Arrest Feared VOA 14 Aug 2017 -- Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) is voicing alarm its leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu could face prosecution and jail in an ongoing crackdown in Turkey, which has seen more than a dozen parliament deputies jailed.

China announces ban on several imports from DPRK People's Daily 14 Aug 2017 -- China will ban all imports of coal, iron, iron ore, lead, lead ore and seafood from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) starting from August 15, announced China's Ministry of Commerce on Monday.
China to halt iron, seafood imports from North Korea as part of UN bans Press TV 14 Aug 2017 -- China is set to stop importing iron and seafood from North Korea as it moves to implement the new sanctions imposed by the United Nations on Pyongyang over its missile and nuclear programs.
China Imposes Ban on Imports From North Korea, Yields to Trump's Calls Sputnik 14 Aug 2017 -- China is introducing a ban on imports of some goods from North Korea in line with a UN Security Council resolution, the Chinese Commerce Ministry said Monday.
Spotted Seals, Gifts for Kids, Photo Restrictions: Peculiar Trip to North Korea Sputnik 14 Aug 2017 -- Follow in the footsteps of a Sputnik correspondent to experience an unusual journey to the North Korean special economic zone of Rason and to find out about unusual restrictions on taking photographs, as well as to learn why tourists shouldn't throw away the magazines they bring to Rason.
S Korea Says Pyongyang Unlikely to Strike Guam, But It's Technically Possible Sputnik 14 Aug 2017 -- North Korea is extremely unlikely to implement its threats to fire four intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) into waters off of the island of Guam, even though Pyongyang is technically capable of conducting such an attack, South Korean Defense Minister Song Young-moo said Monday.

President proposes Alavi as Intelligence Minister IRNA 14 Aug 2017 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani picked Mahmoud Alavi for Intelligence Ministry in 12th government.

German prosecutors begin probe against Swiss financial spies Press TV 14 Aug 2017 -- Four Swiss spies who allegedly reported on German tax investigators are now under official probe in Germany, local media say, in what could really affect relations between the two neighbors.

Reports: Iraq To Mediate Between Saudi Arabia, Iran RFE/RL 14 Aug 2017 -- An Iraqi leader has said his country will take the role as mediator between rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran, media in Iraq and Iran are reporting.

Vice Custodian of Two Holy Mosques Chairs Cabinet's Session SPA 14 Aug 2017 -- Vice Custodian of Two Holy Mosques Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the Cabinet's Session which was held at Al-Salam palace in Jeddah today.

Kenya's Opposition Leader Calls for People to Continue Election Protest VOA 14 Aug 2017 -- Kenya's opposition leader called on people to stay home Monday to protest the results of last week's election. Some have heeded the call, but many others returned to work, despite uncertainty about what the opposition will do next.

Zambian Opposition Leader Pleads Not Guilty to Treason Charges VOA 14 Aug 2017 -- Zambia's top opposition leader pleaded not guilty to treason charges in court Monday, disappointing those who had hoped the prosecution would drop the charges to make way for talks between Hakainde Hichilema and his arch-rival, President Edgar Lungu.

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