25 September 2017 Military News

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

U.S. Precision Airstrikes Kill 17 ISIS Militants in Libya AFPS 25 Sep 2017 -- U.S. forces, in coordination with Libya's government of national accord and aligned forces, conducted six precision airstrikes in Libya against an Islamic State of Iraq and Syria desert camp Sept. 22, Pentagon spokesman Army Col. Rob Manning said here today.

Parties to Afghan conflict show renewed interest in political engagement, UN envoy says UN News 25 Sep 2017 -- Although efforts over the past few years to reach a political solution to the Afghan conflict have led to little progress, the top United Nations envoy in the country today reported a renewed interest in political engagements for peace.

Air Guard Assists With Receiving Area for Hurricane Relief Responders AFPS 25 Sep 2017 -- Waves of first responders and their families shuffled through a 165th Airlift Wing reception center here over the weekend as part of Hurricane Maria relief processing and operations.
DoD Continues Round-the-Clock Support Following Hurricanes in Caribbean AFPS 25 Sep 2017 -- The federal government's priority is continuing to provide lifesaving and life-sustaining resources to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in the wake of recent hurricanes in the Caribbean Sea, Pentagon spokesman Army Col. Rob Manning told reporters today.
Missouri Army National Guard to support Virgin Islands relief effort Army News 25 Sep 2017 -- The Missouri Army National Guard has sent helicopters and crews to the Virgin Islands to assist with hurricane response efforts.

Defense Policy / Programs

Readout of Deputy Secretary Shanahan's Meeting with Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khayre DoD 25 Sep 2017
Air Force, Army partnership feeds the warfighter AFNS 25 Sep 2017 -- The 386th Air Expeditionary Wing plays a major logistical role in delivering critical supplies to the frontlines in the war against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. One of the ways the 386th AEW supports the Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve mission is by conducting airdrops to move supplies downrange.
42nd ECS simulator gets a facelift AFNS 25 Sep 2017 -- The 42nd Electronic Combat Squadron celebrated a re-opening of their EC-130H Compass Call flight deck simulator, Sept. 22, 2017.
Idaho National Guard builds bridges with Royal Cambodian Armed Forces Army News 25 Sep 2017 -- A team of subject matter experts and senior leaders from the Idaho National Guard were in Cambodia from Sept. 9 -17 working and learning with members of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.
F-35B Hot Loads With AIM-120's USMC News 25 Sep 2017 -- MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, Ariz. -- Hot-loading is when an aircraft lands and has ordnance loaded while the engine is still running. Marines from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 conducted a hot-load in F-35B Lightning II's at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz. on Sept. 21, 2017. This hot-load was conducted using AMRAMM AIM-120 missiles. VMFA-121 is a part of Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.
Bataan Amphibious Ready Group Completes Deployment NNS 25 Sep 2017 -- More than 4,000 Sailors and Marines from the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BAT ARG) and 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) completed a seven-month deployment Sept. 23, when their ships returned to Naval Station Norfolk and Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story.
Navy Accepts Delivery of Future USS Colorado NNS 25 Sep 2017 -- The Navy accepted delivery of the future USS Colorado (SSN 788), the 15th submarine of the Virginia-class, Sept. 21.
John C. Stennis Rocks Return to Sea NNS 25 Sep 2017 -- USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) returned to its homeport of Bremerton, Wash., after a successful three-week underway, Sept. 22.
Bonhomme Richard Arrives in Sasebo, Concludes Four Month Deployment NNS 25 Sep 2017 -- The amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) returned to Sasebo, Japan, after completing a four-month deployment in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR), Sept. 25.

U.S. Army-led NATO Battle Group on deterrence mission in Poland Army News 25 Sep 2017 -- In a small town near Orzysz, Poland, a new multinational Battle Group has a big mission. The U.S. Army-led Battle Group Poland is one of four new NATO enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) units that have been stood up this summer as a part of NATO's biggest reinforcement of its collective defense in a generation.
NATO and partners exercise disaster response in Bosnia and Herzegovina NATO 25 Sep 2017 -- Disaster response personnel from 34 NATO and partner countries gathered in Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on Monday (25 September) for this year's exercise of the Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC).

New ship to support the aircraft carriers arrives in UK UK MOD 25 Sep 2017 -- The second of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary's new Tide-class support ships, RFA Tiderace, has arrived in Cornwall to begin a programme of customisation that will support 300 UK jobs.

Iraq starts major military drills with Turkey along common border Press TV 25 Sep 2017 -- Iraqi army has commenced major military drills with Turkish military along the common border after a highly controversial referendum on independence was held in the Arab country's Kurdish region in open defiance of the central government in Baghdad.

China dispatches 2,609 policemen for UN peacekeeping missions, most among permanent members People's Daily 25 Sep 2017 -- China has sent 2,609 policemen for United Nations peacekeeping missions so far, dispatching the largest number of peacekeeping personnel among the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.
Chinese Soldiers Carry Out First Live-Fire Drills at New Djibouti Naval Base Sputnik 25 Sep 2017 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA) fired live rounds of ammunition at its newly opened overseas military base in the Horn of Africa last Friday, the South China Morning Post reported Monday.

Mattis Travels to India to Emphasize 'Enduring U.S. Commitment' AFPS 25 Sep 2017 -- Defense Secretary Jim Mattis is traveling to India to underscore the enduring U.S. commitment to its strategic partner, Defense Department officials said.
Indian Army to Get Light Tanks Suitable for Quick Deployment at China Border Sputnik 25 Sep 2017 -- If imports are chosen over indigenous production for an immediate requirement, Russia's 2S25M Sprut-SDM could be India's first choice for light tanks as they have similar qualities as that of Indian Army's main battle tanks T-90MS.
Mattis May Return to US Without Any Big-Bucks Orders from India Sputnik 25 Sep 2017 -- The US has offered to sell 22 Guardian reconnaissance drones to India but India is considering other options as its Navy is more interested in lethal UAVs. Experts have also warned that it would be futile for India to manufacture F-16 with the US.

Iranian fighter jets fly across Iran's western airspace ISNA 25 Sep 2017 -- Iranian fighter jets flew across the country's western airspace as part of a military drill to show their strong presence.
Iran's missile development multiplied after US threats: Commander Press TV 25 Sep 2017 -- A senior commander says Iran's missile development has multiplied severalfold since US officials' criticism of the program.
Iranian jets fly over western borders as drills continue Press TV 25 Sep 2017 -- Iran's fighter jets have carried out numerous sorties over the country's western borders as part of joint military drills by the Army and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) which continued for the second day on Monday.

South Korea to Boost Military Arsenal With Nuclear Submarines, Spy Satellites Sputnik 25 Sep 2017 -- South Korea is considering boosting its three-axis defense program by building its own nuclear-powered submarines and acquiring spy satellites to counter the North Korea threat.

Russian, Pakistani Forces Launch Joint Exercise In North Caucasus RFE/RL 25 Sep 2017 -- Special forces from Russia and Pakistan have begun a two-week joint training exercise in Russia's North Caucasus republic of Karachayevo-Cherkessia.
Pakistan, Russia Begin 'Friendship 2017' Joint Anti-terror Drill VOA 25 Sep 2017 -- Pakistani and Russian military commandos have launched joint counterterrorism drills in the mountains and forests of Russia's North Caucasus republic of Karachaevo-Cherkessia.

Army divested Black Hawks reach Afghanistan Army News 25 Sep 2017 -- U.S. civilian and military personnel gathered in Huntsville Sept. 15 to load the first two UH-60A Black Hawks onto a C-17 en route for Afghanistan. The aircraft were delivered to Kandahar Airfield Sept 18.

Egyptian Saudi joint military exercise Faisal "11" wraps up in Egypt SPA 25 Sep 2017 -- The Saudi Egyptian joint "Faisal 11" military maneuvers concluded in the Arab Republic of Egypt in the presence of the Commander of the Egyptian Air Force Lieutenant General Pilot Younis Al-Sayed Al-Masri and Commander of the Acting Saudi Royal Air Force Major General Pilot Mohammed bin Saleh Al-Otaibi and a number of officers.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Sarah Sanders, 9/25/2017, #16 The White House 25 Sep 2017

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for September 25, 2017

Other Conflicts

25 September 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 25 Sep 2017

China Coast Guard vessels patrol Diaoyu Islands People's Daily 25 Sep 2017 -- Four China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels conducted a patrol in territorial waters off the Diaoyu Islands on Monday, according to an online statement by the State Oceanic Administration.
Chinese vessels sail near disputed islands: Japan Press TV 25 Sep 2017 -- Japan says Chinese coastguard ships have approached a group of disputed islands in the East China Sea, claimed by both Tokyo and Beijing, for the second time in less than a week.

UN urges escalated aid delivery to 'deeply traumatized' Rohingya refugees Press TV 25 Sep 2017 -- The UN refugee agency has warned that Rohingya Muslims fleeing to Bangladesh from "unimaginable horrors" in Myanmar will face huge hardships and worsening conditions unless aid efforts are intensified.
In Bangladesh, UN refugee chief warns influx of Rohingya outpaces capacities to respond UN News 25 Sep 2017 -- The United Nations refugee chief today called for ramped-up support for an estimated 436,000 Rohingya refugees who have fled to Bangladesh from Myanmar in the last month, warning that the massive influx of people seeking safety far outpaces capacities to respond.
Mass Graves of Slain Hindus Found in Northern Myanmar VOA 25 Sep 2017 -- Mass graves of dozens of slain Hindus have been found in Myanmar's troubled Rakhine state, according to government officials.
Why Myanmar's Government Won't Negotiate With Rohingya Insurgents VOA 25 Sep 2017 -- When the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army offered a month-long cease-fire on September 10 with the stated purpose of facilitating aid through the conflict zone in Rakhine State, Myanmar's response was swift.

US Envoy: Russia's Proposal to Send Peacekeepers to Ukraine Shows Desire to Negotiate VOA 25 Sep 2017 -- Russia's proposal for United Nations peacekeepers to be sent to Ukraine shows that the Kremlin is interested in negotiating a resolution to the three-year-old conflict, said the United States special envoy for Ukraine Kurt Volker.
UN Says Russia Committing 'Grave Human Rights Violations' In Occupied Crimea RFE/RL 25 Sep 2017 -- Agents of the Russian state have committed serious human rights abuses, including torture, since Russia occupied and seized control of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, a UN human rights report says.
New UN report details grave human rights violations in Crimea UN News 25 Sep 2017 -- The human rights situation in Crimea has significantly deteriorated under Russian occupation, a United Nations report says, detailing how residents there were affected when Ukrainian laws were substituted by those of Russia, including the imposition of Russian citizenship.
Dissent, Criticism Stifled in Russia-occupied Crimea, UN Says VOA 25 Sep 2017 -- A United Nations report finds a sharp deterioration in the human rights situation in Crimea since Russia annexed the Ukrainian peninsula in March 2014, triggering the biggest crisis between Russia and the West since the end of the Cold War.

Indian troops kill four militants in disputed Kashmir Press TV 25 Sep 2017 -- Indian soldiers have killed at least four militants during a two-day gun battle near the heavily militarized de-facto border in Kashmir, known as the Line of Control (LoC), which divides the Himalayan region between India and Pakistan.

Israel to construct 2,000 new settler units in occupied West Bank Press TV 25 Sep 2017 -- Israeli officials are expected to advance plans for the construction of 2,000 new settler units in the occupied West Bank irrespective of the international outcry against the Israeli regime's land expropriation and settlement expansion policies in Palestinian territories.
Ongoing settlement activities undermining Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts, warns UN envoy UN News 25 Sep 2017 -- Continuing settlement expansion, most notably in occupied East Jerusalem, is making the two-State solution increasingly unattainable and undermining Palestinian belief in the international peace efforts, a senior United Nations official told the Security Council today.

At UN Assembly, Nicaragua underscores dialogue and negotiation as way to peace UN News 25 Sep 2017 -- The Permanent Representative of Nicaragua to the United Nations, Maria Rubiales de Chamorro, addressed the General Assembly's annual debate today, reflecting on the political will and action that must be undertaken to achieve a better and peaceful world.

Timor-Leste is vivid example of what UN can do in peacebuilding, Assembly debate told UN News 25 Sep 2017 -- Timor-Leste, a country which the United Nations shepherded to independence from Indonesia 15 years ago, stands as a shining example of what the world Organization can achieve in establishing peace and stability, the country's president told the General Assembly today.

News Reports

Trump's New Travel Ban Targets Iran; Adds North Korea, Venezuela RFE/RL 25 Sep 2017 -- President Donald Trump has issued new restrictions on people trying to enter the United States from eight nations - adding North Korea and Venezuela to a list that also includes Iran - to replace his expiring travel ban.
US Supreme Court Cancels Arguments on Travel Ban After New Policy VOA 25 Sep 2017 -- The U.S. Supreme Court has canceled arguments on President Donald Trump's travel ban in light of a new order that was signed Sunday.
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Dismisses US Travel Ban VOA 25 Sep 2017 -- Venezuela's foreign minister has dismissed his country being added to the U.S. administration's travel ban and said President Donald Trump acted like the "world's emperor" at the United Nations General Assembly last week.

At General Assembly, Mozambique calls for reformed UN, greater aid from wealthy States UN News 25 Sep 2017 -- Only a reformed United Nations and a greater commitment from wealthier countries to help the developing world can confront "the overwhelming challenges of our times," Mozambique told the General Assembly on the last day of its 72nd annual general debate today.
New Zealand, at General Assembly, urges reformed UN to 'do better' to solve global problems UN News 25 Sep 2017 -- The United Nations is crucial to tackling the plethora of problems confronting the world – from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) nuclear programme to global development and climate change – but it can and must do better, New Zealand told the General Assembly's 72nd annual general debate today.
United Nations 'backbone' of global order, stresses Norway at Assembly UN News 25 Sep 2017 -- Underscoring that the "unprecedented" progress achieved by human kind over the last decades cannot be taken for granted, Norway called for continued international cooperation to safeguard the achievements and to ensure that they remain sustainable.
In UN Assembly address, Angola emphasises its 'decisive' role in multilateralism UN News 25 Sep 2017 -- Underscoring the importance of multilateralism in solving global tensions, Angola told the United Nations General Assembly about its strong engagement and "decisive" role in restoring peace and security in the region, with its commitment for economic development and democratic society.
With annual general debate over, time has come for action, UN Assembly President says UN News 25 Sep 2017 -- The United Nations General Assembly wrapped up its 72nd annual general debate today, with its President underscoring prevention of conflicts before they break out, support for UN peacekeeping, sustainable development, and respect for human rights and gender equality among the major priorities raised by the 196 Heads of State, Government and delegations.
Uruguay joins other nations addressing General Assembly in calling for stronger, more flexible UN UN News 25 Sep 2017 -- In his speech to the General Assembly's annual general debate, Rodolfo Nin Novoa, Foreign Minister of Uruguay, said strengthened international coordination bodies are needed more than ever, urging respect for the principle of sovereignty.

Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government's Referendum US Dept. of State 25 Sep 2017 -- The United States is deeply disappointed that the Kurdistan Regional Government decided to conduct today a unilateral referendum on independence, including in areas outside of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.
Vote Counting Begins In Kurdish Independence Referendum RFE/RL 25 Sep 2017 -- Officials in the Kurdish autonomous region of Iraq have begun counting votes in an independence referendum that the United Nations, the United States, and other Western powers warn could stoke new tensions throughout the entire region.
Iraqi Kurds Vote in Independence Referendum VOA 25 Sep 2017 -- Iraqi Kurds Monday voted in an independence referendum that is widely expected to yield an overwhelming "yes" vote, even though the poll is facing objections from the government in Baghdad as well as neighboring countries and the United States.
Iraqi Kurdistan holds referendum in defiance of intl. community Press TV 25 Sep 2017 -- Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region is holding an independence referendum in the face of strong objections from the central government in Baghdad and in defiance of urgent calls from the international community to scrap the vote.
Kurdish Independence may have regional destabilizing effects: UN Press TV 25 Sep 2017 -- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has voiced his worries over the "potentially destabilizing effects" of a controversial referendum on the independence of the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region from Iraq's central government.
Kirkuk governor declares overnight curfew after Kurdish independence vote Press TV 25 Sep 2017 -- The head of police department in Iraq's northern oil-rich city of Kirkuk says the governor has imposed a curfew following the closing of polls in a controversial referendum on the independence of the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region from the central government in Baghdad.
Iraqi parliament demands troops be deployed to areas disputed with Kurds Press TV 25 Sep 2017 -- Iraqi lawmakers have demanded deployment of government troops to areas disputed with Kurds amid rising tensions between the central government in Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government over a controversial independence referendum.
Turkey will close border with Iraqi Kurdish region: President Erdogan Press TV 25 Sep 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Ankara will seal its border with the Iraqi Kurdistan Region over a contentious independence referendum the semi-autonomous region held on Monday, threatening the Kurdish leaders with blocking their key oil exports.
Iran against any move opposed to Iraq territorial integrity, national unity ISNA 25 Sep 2017 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in a phone call with the Prime Minister of Iraq stressed that the Islamic Republic of Iran was against any move that is opposed to territorial integrity and national unity of Iraq.
Iran supports Iraq's territorial integrity: FM spokesman ISNA 25 Sep 2017 -- Iranian foreign ministry spokesman emphasized that Iran supports the territorial integrity and democratic process in Iraq.
Iran, Russia presidents voice support for territorial integrity of Iraq Press TV 25 Sep 2017 -- The presidents of Iran and Russia have expressed their support for Iraq's territorial integrity and national unity amid a highly controversial referendum on independence of the country's semi-autonomous Kurdish region.
Kurdish independence vote lacking logic, says Iran Foreign Ministry Press TV 25 Sep 2017 -- Iran has once again reaffirmed its opposition to the Kurdish referendum in Iraq, underlining the need for maintaining the Arab country's national sovereignty at a time that Baghdad is making great strides against terrorists.
Iran reasserts support for Iraq sovereignty Press TV 25 Sep 2017 -- As Iraq's northern Kurdistan Region is holding a controversial referendum on independence, Iran has reasserted its support for the Arab country's sovereignty and integrity.
Iraqi Kurds Hope to Cooperate With Turkey Despite Threats - Official Sputnik 25 Sep 2017 -- Iraqi Kurds hope to continue cooperating with Turkey despite the threats from Ankara, which strongly opposes Iraqi Kurdistan's independence referendum, Iraqi Kurdistan representative to Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States Xosawi Bebekir told Sputnik on Monday.
Ankara to Take Measures in Case of Security Threats Amid Kurdish Referendum Sputnik 25 Sep 2017 -- In case the internal security is threatened, Ankara will take any measures to stabilize the situation during the independence referendum in Iraqi Kurdistan, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said Monday.
As Iraqi Kurds Go to the Polls, Iran Warns Against 'Separatist Secession' Sputnik 25 Sep 2017 -- Residents of Iraqi Kurdistan are voting in an independence referendum on Monday. Speaking to Sputnik Iran, Sabbah Zanganeh, former Iranian Ambassador to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, signaled his country's readiness to support Baghdad's push for a united Iraq.
UN chief voices concern over 'potentially destabilizing effects' of Kurdish referendum UN News 25 Sep 2017 -- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres voiced concern about the "potentially destabilizing effects" of today's referendum in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.

North Korea Claims US Has Declared War VOA 25 Sep 2017 -- North Korea's Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho said Monday the United States has declared war on his country and Pyongyang would take counter-actions if threatened, including shooting down American war planes in the region.
DoD: U.S. Seeks Only Peaceful Denuclearization of Korean Peninsula AFPS 25 Sep 2017 -- Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers from Guam and Air Force F-15C Eagle fighter escorts from Okinawa, Japan, flew in international airspace over the waters east of North Korea, Sept. 23, Defense Department spokesman Army Col. Rob Manning said today.
Pyongyang reserves right to shoot down US bombers, says North's foreign min. Press TV 25 Sep 2017 -- Amid a war of words between Washington and Pyongyang, the North Koran foreign minister says his country reserves the right to take countermeasures against threats by the United States, including shooting down US strategic bombers.
North Korean nuclear bomb test threat over Pacific 'shocking': Mattis Press TV 25 Sep 2017 -- US Defense Secretary James Mattis has said it would be "a shocking display of irresponsibility" for North Korea to go ahead with its threat to test a hydrogen bomb over the Pacific Ocean.
North Korea describes Trump's threat as 'declaration of war' Press TV 25 Sep 2017 -- In an open letter to international leaders, a North Korean parliamentary committee has called for "sharp vigilance" with regards to the United States, saying recent remarks by US President Donald Trump at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) constituted a declaration of war against Pyongyang.
Lavrov Believes North Korea's Nukes Will Deter U.S. From Striking Pyongyang RFE/RL 25 Sep 2017 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said he thinks the United States will not strike North Korea because it knows Pyongyang possesses nuclear weapons.
The United States Has Not 'Declared War' on North Korea - State Department Sputnik 25 Sep 2017 -- US Department of State East Asia and Pacific Affairs Bureau spokesperson Katina Adams has commented on the remarks by the North Korean foreign ministers, who said that Pyongyang is at war with Washington and has the right to shoot down US strategic bombers outside its airspace.
US Declared War, Pyongyang Has Every Right to Take Actions - North Korean FM Sputnik 25 Sep 2017 -- North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho said Monday the DPRK has every right to "take countermeasures against the United States, including shooting down American strategic bombers outside the DPRK's airspace, as Donald Trump declared war" on the Asian country.
China Tightens Screws on DPRK With Oil Supply Cut, Textile Import Ban Sputnik 25 Sep 2017 -- China announced on Saturday that it will limit energy supplies to North Korea and stop buying its textiles, in compliance with UN sanctions on Kim Jong-un's regime over Pyongyang's ongoing nuclear weapon and ballistic missile development.

Merkel Considers New Partners After Election Shatters Former Alliance RFE/RL 25 Sep 2017 -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel was looking for possible coalition partners on September 25, a day after her conservative Christian Social Union bloc (CDU/CSU) was weakened by poorer-than-expected support in national elections.
Merkel Hangs On For Fourth Term But Far-Right Has Historic Night RFE/RL 25 Sep 2017 -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative alliance has won a fourth term in power, election exit polls suggest, but will face a more volatile parliament after the far-right made historic gains.

Ex-PM Sharif Returns To Pakistan Ahead Of Corruption Court Appearance RFE/RL 25 Sep 2017 -- Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has returned to Islamabad after a month in London, arriving in the capital a day before his scheduled appearance at an accountability court over corruption allegations that led to his disqualification from office for life.

Putin Dismisses Samara Governor Amid Predictions Of Regional Shake-Up RFE/RL 25 Sep 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed the governor of the Samara Oblast, Nikolai Merkushkin, amid speculation that a shake-up of regional leaders is imminent ahead of a presidential election in March.

Ground Control to Major Bruce... or Sheila: Oz Finally Joins Global Space Race Sputnik 25 Sep 2017 -- Australia is to establish its own national space agency to cash in on the US$330 billion aeronautical industry as well as harvest thousands of jobs, the government has announced.

Egypt court jails prominent opposition figure expected to run for president Press TV 25 Sep 2017 -- In a likely bid to block his candidacy, an Egyptian court has handed down a jail term to a major opposition leader widely expected to challenge President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in next year's polls for offending public morals.

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