29 September 2017 Military News

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Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 29 Sep 2017[PDF]

Military Strikes Target ISIS in Syria, Iraq AFPS 29 Sep 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, conducting 39 strikes consisting of 50 engagements, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Strikes Kill ISIS Drone Experts AFPS 29 Sep 2017 -- Coalition airstrikes killed three senior and highly skilled Islamic State of Iraq and Syria officials near Mayadin, Syria, Sept. 12-14, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.

US Statements on Russian Arms Supplies to Taliban Unproven - Foreign Ministry Sputnik 29 Sep 2017 -- A statement issued by the Russian foreign ministry said that Pentagon's claims on Russia's aid to the Taliban were groundless.
In Afghanistan, Mattis Confident of Eventually Breaking Stalemate VOA 29 Sep 2017 -- The new U.S. strategy for the war in Afghanistan unveiled last month by President Donald Trump is already showing results insisted senior military officials who met with Defense Secretary Jim Mattis in Afghanistan this week.

USNS Comfort Departs for Puerto Rico NNS 29 Sep 2017 -- The Military Sealift Command hospital ship, USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), departed Naval Station Norfolk today and is now underway and making final preparations to support relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.
USS Wasp to Support Relief for US Territories in Caribbean NNS 29 Sep 2017 -- U.S. Southern Command released the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) from support of post-Hurricane Maria relief operations in Dominica Sept. 29, and the ship will now join relief efforts for U.S. territories in the Caribbean.
Military in Puerto Rico Will Stay Until 'All Needs Are Met,' DoD Liaison Says AFPS 29 Sep 2017 -- Federal officials in Puerto Rico stressed today that the island has suffered catastrophic damage and that it will take time to recover from the devastation Hurricane Maria wrought upon the commonwealth.
Georgia Training Center Goes Operational for Hurricane Relief Support AFPS 29 Sep 2017 -- For the first time in its history, the Air Dominance Center, a training facility at an Air National Guard base here, is being used in an operational capacity in support of hurricane relief operations.
National Guard continues exodus of gear and personnel to Caribbean in Hurricane Maria's aftermath Army News 29 Sep 2017 -- While the United States eyes hurricane relief efforts in its Caribbean territories, the National Guard continues to respond with vital assets, resources and Guard members.
Army Corps of Engineers' Readiness Support Center provides critical hurricane relief support Army News 29 Sep 2017 -- It was a Saturday afternoon in September, a time when Joel Hendrix would usually be at his home settling in to watch Alabama college football. Instead, he, his wife Beth, two dogs and cat were driving 2,600 miles in five days from a 120-day assignment in the Army Corps' of Engineers South Pacific Division back to the South Atlantic Division, all the while sending emails and making phone calls as he closely monitored Hurricane Irma as it made landfall across Florida.
Trump Touts Puerto Rico Relief Effort as Critics Fault Washington's Response VOA 29 Sep 2017 -- President Donald Trump is touting his administration's disaster response in Puerto Rico, even as officials in the U.S. territory warn that much more help will be needed to fend off mass hunger and disease on the hurricane-ravaged island.

Defense Policy / Programs

Army aviators bring their expertise to Romania in medevac exercises Army News 29 Sep 2017 -- When Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade arrived here in March, they hit the ground running -- or in this case, they hit the air flying. Within just 24 hours of landing here in their UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, the battalion conducted an air-assault mission with Romanian counterparts, said Capt. Jeff Timmick, Company B commander.
US Soldiers, South Korea conduct first combined short range air defense exercise on Korean Peninsula Army News 29 Sep 2017 -- Soldiers assigned to 6th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment partnered with Republic of Korea forces for the first combined short range air defense training event on the Korean Peninsula.
CATC Camp Fuji provides a premier training venue for U.S. forces and JSDF USMC News 29 Sep 2017 -- Located at the base of the highest mountain in Japan, Mount Fuji, is a premier training venue that is put to great use by U.S. armed forces and the Japan Self-Defense Force.
P-8 Poseidon Aircraft from Patrol Squadron 4 Arrive in Hawaii for Rotational Deployment NNS 29 Sep 2017 -- Two P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft assigned to the Skinny Dragons of Patrol Squadron (VP) 4 will deploy to Marine Corps Base Hawaii and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in support of maritime security initiatives starting this week.

Trump plans to accelerate US weapons sales abroad Press TV 29 Sep 2017 -- US President Donald Trump is planning to accelerate American weapons sales abroad, and has prepared to ease the restrictions his predecessor, Barack Obama, in this regard, according to a new report.

North Atlantic Council visits UK strategic nuclear forces NATO 29 Sep 2017 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, together with Representatives of the North Atlantic Council and members of NATO's Military Committee, visited Her Majesty's Naval Base Clyde at Faslane, Scotland, on Friday (29 September 2017) to mark the United Kingdom's 350th nuclear submarine patrol.

Ukraine's Military Chief Says Russia Left Troops In Belarus After War Games RFE/RL 29 Sep 2017 -- The Ukrainian military's chief of staff says Russia left troops behind in Belarus after staging military exercises there, despite Moscow's pledge not to do so, Reuters reports.
Russia warns US over military observation flights Sputnik 29 Sep 2017 -- Russia has warned the United States against further deteriorating bilateral ties by pushing a dispute over the so-called military observation flights.

Finnish Defense Minister Threatens Demilitarized Archipelago With Civil Service Sputnik 29 Sep 2017 -- Defense Minister Jussi Niinistö's plans to engage inhabitants of the demilitarized Åland islands in civil service have predictably stirred up a hornet's nest among islanders, who perceive this as an encroachment on their historic privilege not to be drafted into the Finnish Armed Forces.

Iran Navy will increase extra-regional missions: Commander Press TV 29 Sep 2017 -- Iran's Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari says the country's naval forces will definitely carry out more extra-regional missions in the future in a bid to improve security.

Libya's Haftar requests helicopters from Europe to curb migration Press TV 29 Sep 2017 -- Powerful Libyan military commander General Khalifa Haftar has requested helicopters and drones from Europe to curb rampant migration on Libya's southern border.

Pakistan Army Chief to Visit Afghanistan Sunday VOA 29 Sep 2017 -- Pakistan's military chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, will undertake a crucial visit to Afghanistan on Sunday where his delegation is to discuss with Afghan counterparts ways to strengthen bilateral security cooperation and border management efforts.

Taiwan mum on report of close air encounter with Chinese bomber CNA 29 Sep 2017 -- Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Friday declined to comment on a Chinese media report of a close air encounter between military aircraft from the two sides over the Taiwan Strait in 2015.

UK marks 350th UK deterrent patrol UK MOD 29 Sep 2017 -- Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon has today marked the UK's 350th nuclear deterrence submarine patrol.

Remarks by President Trump in Press Gaggle Before Marine One Departure The White House 29 Sep 2017

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for September 29, 2017

Other Conflicts

29 September 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 29 Sep 2017
UN Human Rights Council wraps current session, adopts texts on Myanmar, Yemen, Burundi UN News 29 Sep 2017 -- The United Nations Human Rights Council concluded its 36th session in Geneva today, having adopted 33 resolutions, 20 by consensus, addressing multiple themes as well as human rights situations in Yemen, Burundi, Myanmar, Syria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, Sudan, Somalia and Cambodia.

ICRC: Yemen in Grips of Unprecedented Cholera Outbreak VOA 29 Sep 2017 -- The International Committee of the Red Cross reports Yemen is in the grips of an unprecedented cholera outbreak. The Swiss humanitarian organization said the number of suspected cases in the impoverished, war-torn country could reach 900,000 by the end of the year.
ICRC: Yemen cholera cases could reach 1 million by 2017 end Press TV 29 Sep 2017 -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has warned against the spread of cholera in Yemen, saying the number of those infected with the disease could hit one million by the end of 2017.
Fresh Saudi airstrikes leave over dozen civilians dead in Yemen Press TV 29 Sep 2017 -- More than a dozen civilians have been killed and several others injured when Saudi military aircraft carried out separate airstrikes against residential areas across Yemen as the Riyadh regime does not shy away from its atrocious bombardment campaign against its southern neighbor.

US Officials Doubt IS Leader's Latest Message Will Spark New Attacks on West VOA 29 Sep 2017 -- U.S. intelligence officials examining the latest audio statement claiming to be from Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi say, so far, they have no reason to doubt its authenticity.

Syria denies reports of Daesh military gains near Dayr al-Zawr Press TV 29 Sep 2017 -- The Syrian military dismisses claims that the Daesh terrorist group has cut off a strategic road connecting Dayr al-Zawr in the east and Palmyra in the central part of the country.
Russian Sappers to Remove Mines from Up to 1,500 Hectares of Land in East Syria Sputnik 29 Sep 2017 -- According to Russian Ministry of Defense, demining of access routes for humanitarian convoys is a current priority for Russian sappers in the Deir ez-Zor operation.

Iraqi forces retake nearly dozen villages in new push to free Hawijah Press TV 29 Sep 2017 -- Iraqi government forces, backed by allied fighters from Popular Mobilization Units, have established control over nearly a dozen villages around Hawijah after the launch of the second phase of offensive to dislodge Daesh Takfiri militants from their stronghold in the oil-rich northern province of Kirkuk.
Iraqi forces launch second phase of Hawijah liberation operation Press TV 29 Sep 2017 -- Iraqi armed forces have launched the second phase of a military operation to liberate the northern town of al-Hawijah, one of the last remaining bastions of the Takfiri Daesh terror group in the country.

Islamic State Regrouping in Libyan Desert, Experts Warn VOA 29 Sep 2017 -- As the Islamic State group faces military defeats in Syria and Iraq, the group has an eye on war-torn Libya, hoping to re-emerge there and organize in the country's desert, officials and experts warn.

Russia's intelligence agency arrests two for spying Press TV 29 Sep 2017 -- Russia's intelligence service has detained two citizens, including a member of the armed forces, who allegedly passed military secrets to Ukraine.
Moscow Court Authorizes Arrest of Two Russians Suspected of Spying for Ukraine Sputnik 29 Sep 2017 -- The FSB operatives detained two Crimea's residents, suspected of collecting data on the activities of the units of Russia's Black Sea Fleet and passing it to the Ukrainian security services.
European Lawmakers To Consider Resolution On 'Rights Abuses' In Crimea RFE/RL 29 Sep 2017 -- The European Parliament is scheduled to debate and vote on a resolution highlighting what European lawmakers say are human rights abuses by Russian-installed authorities in Ukraine's occupied Crimean Peninsula.
Ukrainian President to Sue Russia Over Crimea Bridge Construction Sputnik 29 Sep 2017 -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko is going to sue Russia over the alleged environmental damage from the construction of the Kerch bridge to Crimea.

US says Myanmar's 'ethnic cleansing' of Rohingya Muslims shames Suu Kyi govt. Press TV 29 Sep 2017 -- The US has accused Myanmar of the "ethnic cleansing" of minority Rohingya Muslims, saying the violent bloodshed in Rakhine state had shamed the government of Aung San Suu Kyi.
UN chief calls on Myanmar to end military operations against Rohingya Press TV 29 Sep 2017 -- United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has denounced Myanmar for creating a humanitarian "nightmare" for the country's Rohingya Muslims, calling on the government of Aung San Suu Kyi to "halt" military operations and allow "unfettered access" for humanitarian aid in the Southeast Asian country's conflict-wracked western region.
India Rules Out Mediation Between Myanmar, Bangladesh on Rohingya Issue Sputnik 29 Sep 2017 -- The Indian government has denied reports that it is interested in mediating between Myanmar and Bangladesh to resolve the Rohingya crisis.
Myanmar to UN: 'No Ethnic Cleansing, No Genocide' of Rohingyas Here Sputnik 29 Sep 2017 -- Myanmar has rejected accusations of "a humanitarian and human rights nightmare," the violent crackdown on the Rohingya minority allegedly authorized by the country's government, and blamed the current crisis on "terrorists."
Half a million Rohingya arrive in Bangladesh; UN agencies rush to provide shelter, clean water UN News 29 Sep 2017 -- The United Nations refugee agency announced today that it has started distributing plastic sheeting and essential relief items to Rohingyas arriving in from Myanmar into neighbouring Bangladesh, as part of a massive effort to cut the time refugees spend in the open.
Aid Groups Demand Unfettered Access to Myanmar Conflict Zone VOA 29 Sep 2017 -- Calls are mounting for Myanmar to resume access for aid groups in northern Rakhine state, more than a month after attacks by Rohingya Muslim insurgents prompted an army operation that sent nearly 500,000 people fleeing to Bangladesh.

Dissident FARC leader killed in Colombian air force operation Press TV 29 Sep 2017 -- Colombia's armed forces have killed a dissident leader of the former rebel group FARC during a military operation in the country's southeast.

Police attack Shia Muslims in Indian-controlled Kashmir Press TV 29 Sep 2017 -- Indian police have attacked Shia Muslims taking part in a procession to commemorate the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), the third Shia imam.

Al-Shabab attacks base in Somalia, kills 15 Press TV 29 Sep 2017 -- The Takfiri al-Shabab terrorist group has attacked a military base near Somalia's capital, capturing the base and a nearby village and killing at least 15 soldiers.
General: 30 Killed in Shabab Attack on Somali Military Base VOA 29 Sep 2017 -- At least 30 people were killed Friday when al-Shabab militants stormed an army base, Somali government officials said.

U.S. Vice President Calls For Ratification Of Montenegro Border Deal In Meeting With Kosovo President RFE/RL 29 Sep 2017 -- The White House says U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has encouraged Kosovo to ratify a border-demarcation deal with Montenegro.

What's Driving Clashes Between Ethiopia's Somali, Oromia Regions? VOA 29 Sep 2017 -- Somaliland, a semi-autonomous region in the Horn of Africa, has displaced thousands of ethnic Oromos, according to Negeri Lencho, Ethiopia's information minister.

UN Deploys Peacekeepers After DRC Clash VOA 29 Sep 2017 -- U.N. peacekeepers have deployed to a city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo after clashes between armed groups and the Congolese army.

Over half of schools remain closed in epicentre of Boko Haram crisis in Nigeria - UNICEF UN News 29 Sep 2017 -- About 57 per cent of all schools are closed in Nigeria's Borno state, worst hit by the Boko Haram insurgency and the subsequent humanitarian crisis, leaving an estimated 3 million children in need of emergency education support, even as the new school year begins, the United Nations child agency said today.

News Reports

Twitter Suspends Accounts Linked To Alleged Russian Election Meddling RFE/RL 29 Sep 2017 -- Twitter says it has suspended about 200 Russia-linked accounts and found nearly 2,000 ads placed by Russia's RT television group in its investigation of Moscow's alleged efforts to influence the 2016 U.S. presidential election through social media.

Spain's Government Says No on Catalan Independence Vote VOA 29 Sep 2017 -- The Spanish government says there will be no Catalonia independence vote Sunday, even as the regional government continues preparations for the referendum.
Analysts: Russia May Be Helping Catalonia Secessionists VOA 29 Sep 2017 -- Catalonia's secessionists, who are trying to organize an independence vote from Spain on Sunday, may be getting aid from Russia as part of the Kremlin's ongoing strategy to destabilize the European Union, according to European Union analysts.

U.S. Says Russia Trying To 'Shield Iran' From Some Nuclear Inspections RFE/RL 29 Sep 2017 -- The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations on September 28 said Russia is trying to "shield Iran" from inspections by the UN's nuclear watchdog of some activities that could contribute to developing a nuclear bomb.

Moscow says ready to cooperate with Pyongyang to resolve missile crisis Press TV 29 Sep 2017 -- Russia says it is ready to work with North Korea to try to find a peaceful resolution to the missile crisis on the Korean Peninsula.
North Korea raps US bombers' flight near its coast Press TV 29 Sep 2017 -- North Korea has denounced the recent flight by a US strategic bomber and fighters near its coast as "extremely dangerous" and a "provocation."
North Korea Threatens to Shoot Down US Planes That Enter its Airspace Sputnik 29 Sep 2017 -- Six days after the US Air Force flew the furthest it ever has past the Demilitarized Zone that divides the Korean Peninsula, North Korea issued its first response - and it's not exactly a friendly suggestion for the US to not repeat its behavior.

Iraqi top cleric urges defending country territorial integrity IRNA 29 Sep 2017 -- Iraqi religious leader Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani emphasized on Friday the urgent need for protecting the country's territorial integrity.
US 'does not recognize' Iraqi Kurdistan referendum: Tillerson Press TV 29 Sep 2017 -- The United States does not officially recognize a unilateral independence referendum held by the Iraqi Kurdish, says Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.
Iran's top Sunni cleric backs Iraq's integrity, unity Press TV 29 Sep 2017 -- Iran's prominent Sunni cleric Molavi Abdul Hamid has voiced his objection to the potential secession of the northern Kurdistan region from Iraqi mainland, urging the Kurdish people to maintain their unity.
Kurdistan refuses to relinquish border crossings to Iraq amid referendum tensions Press TV 29 Sep 2017 -- The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has refused to relinquish control of its border crossings to the Iraqi government as Arab-Kurd tensions simmer in light of Monday's referendum on the independence of the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region from the rest of the Iraqi territory.
Iraq's Grand Ayatollah Sistani opposes Kurdistan's secession Press TV 29 Sep 2017 -- Iraq's top Shia cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani has voiced opposition to the secession of the northern Kurdistan region from the mainland, warning of the negative repercussions of such "unilateral steps."
Turkey Calls For Summit With Iran, Iraq Over Kurdish Independence Vote RFE/RL 29 Sep 2017 -- Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said on September 28 that he wants to hold a summit with Iranian and Iraqi leaders to coordinate their response to the Kurdish vote for independence in Iraq.
Baghdad Plans to Take Control of Iraqi Kurdistan's Border Posts Sputnik 29 Sep 2017 -- Iraqi Defense Ministry stated that it plans to take control of Iraqi Kurdistan's border posts 'in coordination' with Iran and Turkey, as quoted by the Reuters news agency.
Erbil Ready for Talks With Baghdad on Iraqi Kurdistan Status – Patriotic Union Sputnik 29 Sep 2017 -- Iraqi Kurdistan is ready to hold negotiations with the Iraqi government on the region's status after the independence vote, with two options available.
Iraqi Kurdistan Refuses to Place Border Crossings Under Baghdad's Control Sputnik 29 Sep 2017 -- Iraqi Kurdistan adamantly refuses to place any border crossing from Erbil to Baghdad to the Iraqi federal government.
Iraqi Kurdistan International Flights Canceled Amid Protests VOA 29 Sep 2017 -- As the last international flights to and from the Kurdistan Region in Iraq were grounded Friday, hundreds of protesters wielding colorful balloons and signs with messages like "compassion" and "love" gathered outside the airport.
Iraqi PM: Travel Ban Not Meant to 'Starve' Kurds VOA 29 Sep 2017 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said Friday his planned flight ban into and out of the Kurdish region isn't meant to "starve" the Kurdish people.
Turkish President Considers Independence Vote in Iraqi Kurdistan Illegitimate Sputnik 29 Sep 2017 -- According to the official results of Kurdistan's Independent High Elections and Referendum Commission, 92.7 percent of the voters backed independence of Iraqi Kurdistan. Following the referendum, Turkish authorities said that they were ready to support Iraq's territorial integrity.

US Pulls Diplomatic Personnel From Cuba Following 'Health Attacks' VOA 29 Sep 2017 -- The U.S. State Department has announced it is pulling all of its non-essential diplomatic personnel out of Cuba in response to "health attacks" on 21 American diplomats in Havana.
US plans major withdrawal of diplomats from embassy in Cuba Press TV 29 Sep 2017 -- The United States is preparing to announce a major withdrawal of staff and family from the US embassy in Cuba in response to mysterious health attacks targeting diplomats. Only essential personnel will be left.
US State Dept. Confirms Departure of Embassy's Non-Emergency Personnel From Cuba Sputnik 29 Sep 2017 -- The United States has taken a decision to pull out more than half of its diplomatic personnel from the embassy in Havana. Routine visa operations are suspended.
Senior State Department Officials on Cuba US Dept. of State 29 Sep 2017 -- Special Briefing by Senior State Department Officials
Actions Taken in Response to Attacks on U.S. Government Personnel in Cuba US Dept. of State 29 Sep 2017 -- Remarks by Rex W. Tillerson, Secretary of State

Russia Charges Opposition Leader for Unsanctioned Protests VOA 29 Sep 2017 -- Russian police released opposition leader and would-be presidential candidate Alexei Navalny on Friday after several hours in detention.
Daghestan's Abdulatipov Resigns, Finally RFE/RL 29 Sep 2017 -- On September 27, one day after members of his administration had rejected rumors of his imminent resignation as unfounded, Ramazan Abdulatipov told a Moscow radio station that he had decided to step down as Republic of Daghestan head on account of his age. (He turned 71 last month.)

Istanbul Taxi Cameras Prompt Surveillance Concerns VOA 29 Sep 2017 -- In Turkey's largest city, Istanbul, cameras are being installed inside taxis in a move city authorities claim will provide security for both drivers and passengers. But with the ongoing crackdown over last year's failed coup locking up more than 60,000 people and purging nearly 200,000 from their jobs, fears are growing that the measure is the latest effort to extend surveillance and control over the people.

Are Women Unfit to Rule in China? VOA 29 Sep 2017 -- In October, when China's Communist Party holds its once-every-five-years party congress and leadership reshuffle, many will be watching who Xi Jinping picks to fill top political positions.

Zimbabwe Police, Ruling Party Break Up Protest VOA 29 Sep 2017 -- Members of Zimbabwe's opposition – mainly youths – sang, "We are tired of living on our knees, begging" as they marched Friday in Harare.

Cameroon Tries to Quash Independence Movement in English Regions VOA 29 Sep 2017 -- About 700 pro-independence protesters – mostly youths – are attacking government buildings and police stations at the Cameroonian border town of Ekok, and hoisting what they call the flag of their independent state of Ambazonia.

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