17 August 2017 Military News

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OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 17 Aug 2017[PDF]

Military Strikes Continue Against ISIS in Syria, Iraq AFPS 17 Aug 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, conducting 29 strikes consisting of 38 engagements, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.

US soldier killed in operations against militants in eastern Afghanistan Press TV 17 Aug 2017 -- A US National Guard soldier has been killed during an anti-militant operation in eastern Afghanistan.
US Close to Long-term Commitment to Afghan War, Top US General Says VOA 17 Aug 2017 -- The top U.S. general says the Trump administration is very close to a long-term policy commitment to Afghanistan that will address a call by General John Nicholson, commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, for more international troops to end the stalemate between Afghan forces and the Taliban.
Trump and Security Team to Mull Strategic Options on Afghanistan VOA 17 Aug 2017 -- U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis said Thursday that President Donald Trump's administration is nearing a decision on a strategy designed to end the war in Afghanistan, the longest conflict in U.S. history.
Analysts: Taliban Letter to Trump Is Tactic to Counter Pressure VOA 17 Aug 2017 -- The Afghan Taliban's "open letter" to President Donald Trump calling for a total withdrawal of U.S. troops from the country, is aimed at taking pressure off the group as Washington presses Pakistan to crack down on the allied Haqqani terror network, analysts say.

US Says Airstrikes Kill 7 Al-Shabab Fighters VOA 17 Aug 2017 -- The U.S. military says seven al-Shabab militants have been killed in a series of airstrikes in southern Somalia.

Reserve, Guard Airmen Continue Supporting Wildfire Suppression Efforts AFPS 17 Aug 2017 -- Air Force Reserve Command and Air National Guard C-130 aircraft equipped with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System continue supporting wildland fire suppression efforts as the National Preparedness System's fire preparedness level sits at PL-5, its highest level.

Defense Policy / Programs

Joint Statement of the Security Consultative Committee DoD 17 Aug 2017 -- Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, along with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, met with their Japanese counterparts, Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera and Foreign Minister Taro Kono, at the State Department today.
Readout of Secretary Mattis' phone call with Republic of Korea (ROK) Minister of National Defense Song Young-moo DoD 17 Aug 2017
Readout of Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera DoD 17 Aug 2017
VP-16 Participates in Romanian Navy Day NNS 17 Aug 2017 -- A P-8A Poseidon from Maritime Patrol Squadron (VP) 16 arrived in Constanta, Romania, Aug. 14, 2017, in support of a Romanian Navy Day celebration.
US Navy Commissions First-of-Class Expeditionary Sea Base, USS Lewis B. Puller NNS 17 Aug 2017 -- The U.S. Navy converted USNS Lewis B. Puller (T-ESB 3) to a U.S. naval warship, commissioning the Expeditionary Sea Base, USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3) during a ceremony at Khalifa bin Salman Port in Al Hidd, Bahrain, Aug. 17.
Navy Releases USS Fitzgerald Supplemental Line of Duty Investigation NNS 17 Aug 2017 -- The Navy has completed and released a supplement to its line of duty investigation of the USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) collision off the coast of Japan June 17.
7th Fleet Announces USS Fitzgerald Accountability Determinations NNS 17 Aug 2017 -- The commanding officer, executive officer and command master chief of the guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) were relieved of their duties by Vice Adm. Joseph Aucoin, Commander, 7th Fleet Aug, 18.
Dunford: No Room for Racism, Bigotry in U.S. Military AFPS 17 Aug 2017 -- The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff stressed today that there is no room in the U.S. military for racism and bigotry.
US military chiefs defy Trump on Charlottesville Press TV 17 Aug 2017 -- Commanders of the US Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps have publicly condemned the recent outburst of "hatred" and "extremism" during a gathering of white supremacists in Charlottesville, Virginia, challenging President and Commander-in-Chief Donald Trump who refuses to denounce the inherently racist groups.
VMGR-152 arrives at Whidbey Island for unit-level training USMC News 17 Aug 2017 -- U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152 arrived at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, Aug. 13, 2017.
Halsey Reaches Midpoint of COMPTUEX NNS 17 Aug 2017 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) reached the midpoint of its composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) with the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG) ahead of an upcoming scheduled deployment.
Vanguard Conducts Aerial Mountainous Terrain Exercise NNS 17 Aug 2017 -- Sailors assigned to the Vanguard of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Fourteen (HM-14) participated in an aerial mountainous terrain qualification exercise at the Camp Dawson Army National Guard Facility in West Virginia, July 30, 2017.
George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group Returns Home NNS 17 Aug 2017 -- More than 7,000 Sailors from the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWBCSG) are scheduled to arrive to their homeport Aug. 21.

Russia's Space Forces Assume Control Over New Military Satellite Sputnik 17 Aug 2017 -- A new Russian military satellite has reached its final orbit after a launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakstan on Wednesday night.
Russian Military Satellite Splits From Proton-M Carrier Rocket Sputnik 17 Aug 2017 -- The Russian Defense Ministry said that a Russian military satellite mounted atop a Briz-M booster successfully separated from the carrier rocket.

US Affirms Readiness to Defend Itself, Allies Against N. Korea VOA 17 Aug 2017 -- U.S. officials said the United States remains unwavering in its commitment to Asian allies in the wake of threats from North Korea, while indicating diplomacy "has to be backed by a strong military consequence."
Top US General Meets Chinese President Xi to Discuss N. Korean Threat VOA 17 Aug 2017 -- The United States' top general says the United States and South Korea will proceed with joint military drills next week, resisting pressure from China and North Korea to halt the annual exercises.
Xi: Top US general's visit 'brief but comprehensive' People's Daily 17 Aug 2017 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday met visiting chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Chinese military raps 'wrong actions' by US Press TV 17 Aug 2017 -- A senior Chinese official has censured the United States for a series of "wrong" activities vis-à-vis China, particularly in the Western Pacific region, saying Sino-American ties have been adversely affected as a result of those actions.
Beijing: US Stance on THAAD, Taiwan Issue Hampers Bilateral Military Dialogue Sputnik 17 Aug 2017 -- Washington's stance on the deployment of the THAAD missile defense system in South Korea and the Taiwan issue as well as US military's actions in the South China Sea impede the development of military ties between the two nations, Fan Changlong, the vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of China, said Thursday.

Chinese, Thai air forces to conduct joint training People's Daily 17 Aug 2017 -- Six aircraft of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) air force arrived at an air base in Thailand Thursday for a joint training exercise with the Thai air force from Thursday to Sept. 3.
Chinese naval fleet arrives in Tanzania for friendly visit People's Daily 17 Aug 2017 -- A Chinese naval fleet arrived on Wednesday at Dar es Salaam port for a four-day friendly visit to Tanzania.

Iran to bolster missile power, deterrence: General IRNA 17 Aug 2017 -- Iran will reinforce its missile capabilities in all areas, particularly in ballistic and cruise sectors, a top defense official said here on Thursday.
General Hatami: Iran determined to establish security, stability in region IRNA 17 Aug 2017 -- Proposed Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami said that Iran is firmly determined to establish security and stability in the region and across the world.
Iran, Turkey agree to boost military cooperation: Official Press TV 17 Aug 2017 -- Iran and Turkey agree to forge closer military cooperation following talks in Ankara this week between the Iranian Armed Forces' chief of staff and senior Turkish officials, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's spokesman says.
Rouhani's defense pick vows to enhance Iran's missile power Press TV 17 Aug 2017 -- President Hassan Rouhani's new pick for defense minister has underlined his resolve to further enhance Iran's ballistic missile capabilities if he qualifies for the post.

Japan to Develop Radar System to Detect Russian, Chinese Stealth Fighters Sputnik 17 Aug 2017 -- The Japanese Defense Ministry is going to develop a next-generation radar system, which would be capable to detect advanced stealth fighters, designed by Russia and China, local media reported Thursday.
Japan to Deploy Aegis Ashore Amid Increased North Korean Threat Sputnik 17 Aug 2017 -- The Japanese Defense Ministry has decided to consider introducing of Aegis Ashore, the land-based version of Aegis ballistic missile defense system, in the wake of North Korea's advancing missile and nuclear programs, local media reported Thursday.

Pakistan Air Force jet crashes on training mission IRNA 17 Aug 2017 -- A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jet crashed while on a training mission on Thursday near eastern city of Sargodha, the main air base of the country, a press release issued by PAF said.
Pakistan for enhanced cooperation with Kabul IRNA 17 Aug 2017 -- Pakistan top-level civil and military officials during a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) have resolved to work with the Afghan government for the resolution of issues including cross-border firing and support network for terrorist attacks in Pakistan, state media reported.

Gore, But No Glory For Russia's Ukraine War 'Veterans' RFE/RL 17 Aug 2017 -- Russian volunteer Andrei Kamayev arrived in war-torn eastern Ukraine in late September 2014, bursting with patriotic bravado and convinced that he was following in the footsteps of his grandfather -- a Soviet intelligence officer in World War II -- by fighting against "fascists and Nazis."

Defense Industry

Other Conflicts

17 August 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 17 Aug 2017

UN Syria envoy hopes for 'serious' negotiation between Damascus govt., opposition Press TV 17 Aug 2017 -- The United Nations Special Envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistura has hoped for a "serious negotiation" between the Damascus government and the opposition as the world body expects to convene a next round of talks on the crisis in the Arab country in October or November.
Daesh-held Raqqah worst place in Syria, United Nations says Press TV 17 Aug 2017 -- The United Nations has expressed serious concerns over the humanitarian condition in Syria's northern city of Raqqah, describing the territory still controlled by the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group as "the worst place" in the conflict-plagued Arab country.
Syrian HNC Rejects Local Reconciliation as Substitute for Political Settlement Sputnik 17 Aug 2017 -- The Syrian opposition High Negotiations Committee (HNC) opposes local reconciliation deals in the country as a substitute for a political settlement in the country, HNC spokesman Riyad Naasan Agha told Sputnik on Thursday commenting on a Russian proposal on local reconciliation committees.
Syrian Envoy to UN Calls for 'Prompt' Dissolution of US-Led Coalition Sputnik 17 Aug 2017 -- The US-led coalition in Syria must be dissolved because forces backed by Washington have killed innocent people and destroyed vital civilian infrastructure in violation of numerous UN resolutions, Syrian Ambassador to the United Nations Bashar Jaafari said in a letter to the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council president on Thursday.
Over 70 Terrorists Reportedly Killed in Militia's Push Against Daesh in Raqqa Sputnik 17 Aug 2017 -- Seventy-eight members of the terrorist group Daesh (banned in Russia) were killed in an operation to free the city of Raqqa carried out by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Kurdish media reported on Thursday.
Security Risk Seen in Foreign Recruits Fighting for Kurds in Syria VOA 17 Aug 2017 -- An influential London think tank is urging the British government to stop Britons from enlisting with a Western-backed Kurdish militia in Syria that's battling the Islamic State terror group on the ground that it, too, is a terrorist organization.

China never backs down in defending sovereignty People's Daily 17 Aug 2017 -- China's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday once again asked India to withdraw all its troops and equipment from Chinese territory, as the border standoff in the Dong Lang (Doklam) area approaches its second month.

Indian Troops Kill 2 Terrorists Attempting to Cross Border in Kashmir Sputnik 17 Aug 2017 -- Indian soldiers killed two terrorists, who tried to cross into the country in Gurez area in the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir, disputed by Pakistan, the police said Thursday.

South Sudan refugees in Uganda exceed one million; UN renews appeal for help UN News 17 Aug 2017 -- As the number of refugees from South Sudan in Uganda passes one million – the vast majority of whom are women and children – the United Nations refugee agency today reiterated its call for urgent additional support.
South Sudanese Refugees in Uganda Reach One Million VOA 17 Aug 2017 -- Uganda is home to one million South Sudanese refugees. Aid agencies say the milestone number reached this week is a call to action for the international community to not only up donor support, but also renew efforts to end the conflict.

Bangladesh intensifies border patrols to deter fresh inflow of Rohingya refugees Press TV 17 Aug 2017 -- Bangladesh has ramped up patrols on its border with Myanmar, following reports that about 1,000 Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar had crossed into the country in the past two weeks.
Rights Activists Call on India to Not Deport Rohingyas, but Solve Issue VOA 17 Aug 2017 -- Human rights groups are calling on India to take a lead in addressing the crisis faced by tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees who have fled Myanmar after a senior minister said New Delhi plans to identify and deport those living in the country.

In East Darfur, UN refugee chief urges international support for Sudan UN News 17 Aug 2017 -- The United Nations refugee chief has called for international solidarity and resources to aid Sudan, which is one of the major hosting countries for refugees fleeing the conflict in South Sudan.

News Reports

White House Aide Bannon says No Military Solution in North Korea VOA 17 Aug 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump's chief White House strategist, Stephen Bannon, says there is no military solution to ending the threat of North Korea's nuclear weapons development, even though Trump has vowed to meet any Pyongyang aggression with "fire and fury like the world has never seen."

Van plows into crowd in Spain's Barcelona, killing many Press TV 17 Aug 2017 -- A van has crashed into dozens of people in the center of the Spanish city of Barcelona, killing at least a dozen people and injuring many others.
At Least 12 Dead, Suspect in Custody After Terror Van Attack in Barcelona VOA 17 Aug 2017 -- Police in Barcelona say they've arrested one man in connection to a terrorist attack Thursday in a van hopped a curb on a busy street and crashed into dozens of people, leaving 13 dead and dozens more injured.

ACLU: Psychologists Behind CIA Interrogation Program Settle Torture Case VOA 17 Aug 2017 -- Two psychologists who helped design an interrogation program used by the CIA in the U.S. war on terror have settled a lawsuit brought on behalf of three former detainees.

Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, August 17, 2017 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 17 Aug 2017

Any US military action on North Korea must have South's consent: Moon Press TV 17 Aug 2017 -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in says any US military action against North Korea must be taken with Seoul's prior consent, adding that the United States has agreed to consult South Korea before taking any military measure on the Korean Peninsula.
Moon says there will never be war on Korean Peninsula for 'certain' People's Daily 17 Aug 2017 -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Thursday said there will never be war on the Korean Peninsula for "certain," and vowed to accelerate his efforts to reform the nation and overcome security and economic difficulties facing the country, during a news conference marking his first 100 days in office.
Tensions ease on peninsula, ministry says People's Daily 17 Aug 2017 -- Senior diplomats have embarked on a new round of talks to tackle the simmering tensions on the Korean Peninsula, with frequent phone conversations taking place in the past 48 hours to exchange views among the major parties involved.
South Korea: Trump Promises Not to Attack North Without South's Consent VOA 17 Aug 2017 -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in Thursday said he has received assurances from U.S. President Donald Trump that Washington would not launch any attack against North Korea without Seoul's approval.
Dunford: North Korean Threat Can Be Peacefully Resolved AFPS 17 Aug 2017 -- The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff believes that the diplomatic and economic pressure campaign aimed at North Korea is making progress and the odds are improving that the nuclear and ballistic missile issues can be solved peacefully, he said today.
China stresses dialogue on Korean Peninsula issues People's Daily 17 Aug 2017 -- A senior Chinese military official on Thursday said that dialogue is the only effective way to solve issues regarding the Korean Peninsula.
N Korea, US Should Step Up Efforts to Settle Korean Crisis - Beijing Sputnik 17 Aug 2017 -- According to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, North Korea and the United States should make more of an effort to settle the perilous situation over Pyongyang's nuclear program.
US State Dept: North Korea Arrests and Tortures Thousands for Religion Practices Sputnik 17 Aug 2017 -- According to a new report by the US State Department, the North Korean government has abused, tortured and executed those accused of engaging in religious practices, especially Christianity. The DPRK is perennially accused of harshly persecuting those who privately practice their religion.
Chinese general says military measures must not become an option on Korean peninsula People's Daily 17 Aug 2017 -- Fan Changlong, the vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, said that military measures must not become an option on the Korean Peninsula, at his meeting with visiting Gen. Joseph Dunford in Beijing on Thursday.

Turkey arrests nine more journalists over alleged links to Gulen Press TV 17 Aug 2017 -- Turkey has arrested nine more journalists over their alleged links to the movement of US-based opposition figure Fethullah Gulen, whom Ankara blames for having masterminded a failed military coup last year.

Turkey, Iran Voice Opposition To Kurdish Independence Vote In Rare Visit RFE/RL 17 Aug 2017 -- Turkey and Iran have voiced strong opposition to a referendum on Kurdish independence scheduled next month in neighboring Iraq during a rare visit to Ankara by Tehran's army chief of staff on August 16.

Pakistan Slams US for Declaring Anti-India Kashmir Group as 'Terrorist' VOA 17 Aug 2017 -- Pakistan has criticized the United States for designating Hizbul Mujahideen, the largest militant group fighting Indian rule in the disputed Kashmir region, as a "foreign terrorist" organization.

Yanukovych's State-Appointed Lawyer Quits, Treason Trial Adjourned Till September RFE/RL 17 Aug 2017 -- The state-appointed lawyer defending former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych in his in-absentia treason trial has quit.

Venezuela sets up 'truth commission' to investigate opposition Press TV 17 Aug 2017 -- Venezuela has formed a commission to investigate the opposition candidates running in the country's October gubernatorial elections to make sure they are not involved in the political unrest plaguing the country.
UN chief warns over military intervention in Venezuela Press TV 17 Aug 2017 -- UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has stressed that Latin American countries must be safeguarded from foreign intervention after US President Donald Trump threatened military action in Venezuela.

Niyazov's 'Gray Cardinal' Dies After A Decade In Turkmen Prison, Activists Say RFE/RL 17 Aug 2017 -- A human rights group says that Akmurat Rejepov, who was Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov's longtime security chief and was arrested after the autocrat's death, died a week ago after 10 years held incommunicado in prison.

Shades Of A Vendetta Dim Kyrgyzstan's Bright Moment RFE/RL 17 Aug 2017 -- A Kyrgyz court's conviction of the opposition Ata-Meken (Fatherland) party's leader, Omurbek Tekebaev, on August 16 will likely prove to be more than a little stain on Kyrgyzstan's reputation --it will forever scar what should have been one of the country's finest moments when Kyrgyzstan holds its presidential election later this year.

Grace Mugabe Drama Is Major Headache for Zimbabwe, South Africa VOA 17 Aug 2017 -- Zimbabwe's first lady has requested diplomatic immunity for an incident in which she allegedly assaulted a young woman in Johannesburg. The incident has sparked public outrage in South Africa, and could also complicate relations between the neighboring countries.

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