10 October 2017 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 10 Oct 2017[PDF]

Military Strikes Continue Against ISIS Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 10 Oct 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, conducting 11 strikes consisting of 15 engagements, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
ISIS Fighters Continue to Flee, DoD Spokesman Says AFPS 10 Oct 2017 -- Islamic State of Iraq and Syria fighters remain on the run in Iraq and Syria as coalition troops clear territory once controlled by the enemy, a Pentagon spokesman said today.
Update: air strikes against Daesh UK MOD 10 Oct 2017 -- The RAF are continuing to take the fight to Daesh in Iraq and Syria.
Dutch C-130's supply coalition fight AFNS 10 Oct 2017 -- The Royal Netherlands Air Force completed its first C-130 Hercules supply mission from Southwest Asia in support of coalition forces operating throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Oct. 3, 2017.

US military dropped 751 bombs in Afghanistan in September Press TV 10 Oct 2017 -- The United States military has dropped a total of 751 bombs on Afghanistan in September, the highest monthly number in the past seven years, according to data by the US Air Forces Central Command.

California National Guard Mobilizes to Help Battle Massive Wildfires AFPS 10 Oct 2017 -- Following an emergency declaration by California Gov. Jerry Brown, the state National Guard was mobilizing resources today to assist civil authorities in the battle against massive wildfires that have already killed 10 people.

Defense Policy / Programs

Navy's COBRA Mine Detection System Achieves Initial Operational Capability NNS 10 Oct 2017 -- The U.S. Navy AN/DVS-1 Coastal Battlefield Reconnaissance and Analysis (COBRA) system airborne mine detection system achieved initial operational capability, program, announced Oct. 10.
Army's planned modernization command supports DOD's primary lines of effort Army News 10 Oct 2017 -- As part of an effort to face down the issues outlined in a complex problem statement, the Department of Defense has laid out three lines of effort -- one of which the Army has already moved out on in a big way.
USS Chief Arrives in Busan ahead of MN MIWEX NNS 10 Oct 2017 -- Mine countermeasures ship USS Chief (MCM 14) arrived in Busan, Republic of Korea, Oct. 10 for a routine port call as the ship makes final preparations for the Multinational Mine Countermeasures Exercise (MN MIWEX).
Bunker Hill Begins Western Pacific Deployment NNS 10 Oct 2017 -- The guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) departed San Diego for a scheduled seven-month deployment, Oct. 7.
USS Tucson visits Chinhae during Western Pacific Deployment NNS 10 Oct 2017 -- The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Tucson (SSN 770) arrived at U.S. Fleet Activities Chinhae, Oct. 7, for a visit as part of its deployment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
USS John S McCain CO and XO Relieved NNS 10 Oct 2017 -- The commanding officer, Cmdr. Alfredo J. Sanchez, and executive officer, Cmdr. Jessie L. Sanchez, of the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) were relieved of their duties by Vice Adm. Phil Sawyer, commander, 7th Fleet, Oct. 11.

Sweden Trains to Defend Its Neighbor in Finland's Biggest Air Drill Sputnik 10 Oct 2017 -- This week, the Finnish Air Force is carrying out its biggest tactical training event of the year, the Ruska 17 drills. This year's Ruska also marks the first time that the Swedish Air Force will practice defending its neighbor.

Afghan president welcomes first Afghan AF Black Hawks AFNS 10 Oct 2017 -- Top Afghan and Resolute Support officials welcome the first two UH-60A Black Hawk helicopters at Kandahar Airfield Oct. 7, 2017.

President Tsai vows to improve Taiwan's military capabilities CNA 10 Oct 2017 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) pledged Tuesday that the government will work to strengthen the combat and defense capabilities of the nation's armed forces and pursue military reform to help safeguard the country and protect freedom and democracy.

Indian Navy to Get Third Anti-Submarine Corvette Soon Sputnik 10 Oct 2017 -- It is yet not clear whether the third corvette will have all the critical 18 weapons and sensors which were supposed to be fitted in the four ships of Project 28.

Iran: Missile power 'non-negotiable' IRNA 10 Oct 2017 -- Iran's missile power is non-negotiable, the spokesman of the Iranian government said on Tuesday.
High time US taught new lessons: Iran Armed Forces spokesman Press TV 10 Oct 2017 -- Iran's chief Armed Forces spokesman has lashed out at US President Donald Trump for making threats and accusations against the Islamic Republic, saying it is high time for the United States to be taught "new" salutary lessons.

Kremlin Defends Missile Deal With Saudi Arabia RFE/RL 10 Oct 2017 -- The Kremlin says an agreement to sell Russian missiles to Saudi Arabia does not pose a threat to any other country.

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain start joint naval drills in Persian Gulf Press TV 10 Oct 2017 -- Saudi Arabia and Bahrain have started joint naval exercise in the Persian Gulf waters as the Manama regime has been trying for years to draw closer to Saudi authorities and receive their assistance in the heavy-handed crackdown against pro-democracy activists and opposition figures.

Department Press Briefing - October 10, 2017 US Dept. of State 10 Oct 2017
Press Briefing by Press Secretary Sarah Sanders, 10/10/2017, #21 The White House 10 Oct 2017

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for October 10, 2017
Indo-Russian Joint Venture Anticipating $14Bln Deal for BhraMos Missiles Sputnik 10 Oct 2017 -- BhraMos Aerospace expects to get orders from Asian countries, including Vietnam, for the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles that can be launched from submarines, ships, and aircraft as well as from the land.
UK military giant BAE Systems announces to cut 2,000 jobs Press TV 10 Oct 2017 -- British weapons and military equipment manufacturer BAE Systems has announced plans to cut about 2,000 jobs, largely due to the weaker demand for Hawk and Eurofighter Typhoon fighter planes.
Time for a Career Change? Defense Giant BAE Systems Cuts 2,000 UK Jobs Sputnik 10 Oct 2017 -- British defense manufacturers BAE Systems said on Tuesday, October 10, they planned to cut 2,000 posts as a result of weaker demand for Typhoon fighters and Hawk jets. Workers, who'll lose their jobs, should consider switching to industries that don't rely on war for profit, an activist told Sputnik.

Other Conflicts

10 October 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 10 Oct 2017

Yemeni missile hits Saudi military base in Jizan, causes fatalities: Source Press TV 10 Oct 2017 -- Yemeni army soldiers and allied fighters from Popular Committees have fired a ballistic missile at a Saudi army command center in Saudi Arabia's southwestern Jizan region, the Yemeni military says.
Al-Houthi Militias Target School in KSA SPA 10 Oct 2017 -- An official source at the Command of Coalition Forces, " The Coaliation for Supporting Restoration of Legitimacy in Yemen", stated that Al-Houthi armed militias fired a ground-to-ground missile targeted a school in the village of Al-Jaradiyah of the Governorate of Samta in Jazan region, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Arab Coalition Fighters Target Positions of Pro Coup Militias, in Nahm, Sinhan SPA 10 Oct 2017 -- Arab coalition fighters bombed military positions of the pro-coup militias, south and east of capital Sana'a, while fighting continued in the field, in the Directorate of Nahm.
Leaders 'not interested' in finding solution to Yemen crisis, UN envoy tells Security Council UN News 10 Oct 2017 -- Parties to the conflict in Yemen are eroding the path to peace while the country's people suffer amid a man-made humanitarian catastrophe, said today a senior United Nations official, urging Security Council member countries to use their political and economic powers to pressure warring sides to commit to a path of peace.

Syrian army, allies liberate entire southeastern Damascus countryside Press TV 10 Oct 2017 -- Syrian army forces, supported by allied fighters from popular defense groups, have established control over the southeastern outskirts of the capital Damascus, driving foreign-sponsored Takfiri militants out of the strategic area.
Daesh Militants Fleeing Deir ez-Zor Residential Areas as City Getting Encircled Sputnik 10 Oct 2017 -- As the Syrian armed forces continue their offensive against Daesh terrorists in the Deir ez-Zor province, the militants are trying to leave the city for fear of being surrounded, a source familiar with the situation told Sputnik.
Russian Airstrikes Destroy Daesh Command Center, Kill 70 Terrorists Near Mayadin Sputnik 10 Oct 2017 -- The Russian Aerospace Forces have destroyed a Daesh command center in Syria's Deir ez-Zor province and killed some 34 terrorists who entered the country from Iraq's western regions, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
Russian Su-24 aircraft crashes in Syria, crew killed Press TV 10 Oct 2017 -- Russia says one of its Sukhoi Su-24 fighter jets has crashed while preparing for take-off from a military base in Syria's northwestern Latakia Province, killing the crew.
Russia Says Warplane Veers Off Runway In Syria, Killing Crew RFE/RL 10 Oct 2017 -- A Russian warplane veered off a runway at the country's air base in Syria and suffered damage, killing its crew, the Defense Ministry in Moscow said.
Russian Su-24 Warplane Crashes in Syria, All Crew Members Dead Sputnik 10 Oct 2017 -- The crash could have been the result of mechanical failure, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

Abadi says Daesh to be completely defeated in Iraq this year Press TV 10 Oct 2017 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi says the Daesh Takfiri terrorists group will be totally defeated in the Arab country until the end of the current year.
Iraqi warplanes kill 17 Daesh militants near Syria border Press TV 10 Oct 2017 -- A high-ranking Iraqi military official says more than a dozen Daesh Takfiri terrorists were killed when Iraqi Air Force fighter jets bombarded their positions in the country's troubled western province of Anbar near the border with Syria.

UN agencies launch cholera immunization campaign for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh UN News 10 Oct 2017 -- In a race to prevent a cholera outbreak among the more than half a million Rohingya refugee arrivals over the past six weeks in Cox's Bazaar, Bangladesh, United Nations agencies launched on Tuesday a massive immunization campaign.

Report: Rwandan Military Subjects Detainees to Illegal Detention, Torture VOA 10 Oct 2017 -- Human Rights Watch says Rwandan soldiers routinely tortured detainees, engaging in beatings, electric shock and mock executions to extract confessions.

Security Council condemns attack on UN mission base in DR Congo UN News 10 Oct 2017 -- The United Nations Security Council has called on the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to investigate into, and bring to justice those behind Monday's attack on a peacekeeping mission base in North Kivu that resulted in the deaths of two "blue helmets."

Libya: Security Council endorses UN plan on restarting political process UN News 10 Oct 2017 -- The Security Council today endorsed the United Nations' action plan to resume an inclusive political process in Libya.

News Reports

Catalan Leaders Declare Independence, But Will Suspend Implementation VOA 10 Oct 2017 -- Catalonia's hardline secessionist leaders pulled back from the brink by declaring independence from Spain but suspending implementation to allow negotiations to take place with the central government in Madrid.

Liberians Vote for President Sirleaf's Successor VOA 10 Oct 2017 -- It is voting day in Liberia. More than two million registered voters have been invited to polling places nationwide to elect their new president and 73 members of the House of Representatives.

Trump Discusses 'Range of Options' to Respond to North Korean Aggression VOA 10 Oct 2017 -- As U.S. President Donald Trump pondered possible military strikes against North Korea, his military, along with South Korea and Japan, staged a combined show of force against Pyongyang with missile firing exercises off both the east and west coasts of the Korean peninsula on Tuesday.
US Army Chief of Staff: 'No risk-free options' on North Korea Press TV 10 Oct 2017 -- US Army Chief of Staff General Mark Milley has warned that there are "no risk-free options" in solving the challenge of North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.
N Korea hackers in possession of Washington-Seoul war plan: MP Press TV 10 Oct 2017 -- A lawmaker in Seoul says North Korean hackers have managed to steal a series of top-secret military documents, including a joint US-South Korean plan for war with Pyongyang.
South Korean Authorities: DPRK Hacked Defense Ministry, Stole War Plans Sputnik 10 Oct 2017 -- South Korean lawmakers have claimed that hackers from that other Korea broke (electronically) into the South Korean Defense Ministry and stole large amounts of information - including a plan to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and several of his top lieutenants.
Report: N. Korean Hackers Steal US-S. Korea Assassination Plan for Kim Jong Un VOA 10 Oct 2017 -- Computer hackers from North Korea are believed to have stolen a large number of classified military documents from South Korea, including plans to "decapitate" the North's leadership.
Pyongyang: CIA Tried to Assassinate Kim Jong-un With Biochemical Weapon Sputnik 10 Oct 2017 -- North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un, reported to be paranoid about the possibility of an assassination, is alleging the US Central Intelligence Agency tried to do just that this week.

Iran MPs declare support for IRGC against US measures IRNA 10 Oct 2017 -- Iran's parliament national security and foreign policy commission declared support for the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) against the US threatening rhetoric.
Iran will show proper reaction if JCPOA violated: Salehi Press TV 10 Oct 2017 -- Iran will show a "proper" reaction to any move aimed at violating or undermining the landmark nuclear agreement it signed with the P5+1 group of countries more than two years ago, Iran's nuclear chief says.
Russia opposes US plans to label Iran's IRGC as terrorist group Press TV 10 Oct 2017 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry has expressed opposition to US President Donald Trump's plan to designate Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.
Why Former Israeli Intel Chief Calls on Trump Not to Quit Nuclear Deal with Iran Sputnik 10 Oct 2017 -- The US President is facing an October 15 deadline to certify that Iran is complying with its terms under "the P5+1" nuclear deal. A senior US administration official said that the US leader is expected to quit the pact. Former Israeli intel chief Amos Yadlin, however, called on Trump to wait for better timing, which would create more pressure.
Iran calls for formation of dialogue forum for Persian Gulf states Press TV 10 Oct 2017 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has called for the formation of a regional dialogue forum for the Persian Gulf littoral states in an attempt to restore peace and stability to the region.

Memos reveal torture of detainees at CIA black site in Afghanistan Press TV 10 Oct 2017 -- New details have been disclosed about the CIA's torture program at a black site prison near Kabul, Afghanistan, thanks to newly unsealed documents the spy agency and US Defense Department were forced to declassify over a lawsuit filed by victims of the torture program.

Turkey May Impose New Sanctions on Iraqi Kurdistan Over Referendum - PM Sputnik 10 Oct 2017 -- Turkey's Prime Minister has stated that new sanctions may be introduced by Ankara, Baghdad and Tehran against Iraqi Kurdistan.

Election campaigning kicks off in Japan Press TV 10 Oct 2017 -- Campaigning has begun in Japan for snap general elections, which mainly pit Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) against Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike's newly-founded Party of Hope.

Pakistan's Sharif Awaits Possible Indictment, Not a First for Country's Rulers VOA 10 Oct 2017 -- Few jobs on Earth are less secure than that of Pakistani prime ministers.

Europe Expects More Terror Attacks, Even as IS Falters VOA 10 Oct 2017 -- Will the collapse of Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, and the ending of the terror group's caliphate make much difference when it comes to the recruitment and radicalization of Europeans or reducing "lone wolf" attacks?

Chinese satellites capable of providing high-resolution images for foreign clients People's Daily 10 Oct 2017 -- China's remote sensing satellites have started to provide "sub-meter" images for foreign clients by using continuously upgraded technologies, stdaily.com reported on Tuesday.
Venezuelan president hails "historic" satellite launch from China People's Daily 10 Oct 2017 -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Monday hailed China's launch of the South American nation's satellite as a "historic event" key to furthering national independence.

Turkey launches operation to arrest 70 military officers over Gulen links: Report Press TV 10 Oct 2017 -- Turkish police have reportedly launched an operation to arrest 70 military personnel over their alleged links to the US-based opposition figure Fethullah Gulen, who is accused of masterminding a failed coup last year.
Seeking Increased Influence, Erdogan Pledges Trade, Investments With Serbia RFE/RL 10 Oct 2017 -- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has pledged increased investment and trade with Serbia as Turkey looks to solidify its influence in the Balkans.
Erdogan Blames Washington for US-Turkey Visa Dispute, Hints at FETO Trace Sputnik 10 Oct 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has suggested that the Fethullah Terrorist Organization's agents might be working at the US Consulate General in Istanbul as he commented on the ongoing Ankara-Washington row over visa restrictions.
Erdogan Defends Arrest of US Consulate Employee VOA 10 Oct 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is defending the arrest of a U.S. consulate employee, accusing him of being a spy.
Ankara does not recognize John Bass as US envoy in Turkey any longer: Erdogan Press TV 10 Oct 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Ankara does not recognize outgoing John Bass as the US ambassador in the Anatolian country and boycotts all official meetings with him, as a newly erupted visa crisis between the two countries further unfolds.

European Parliament Pressing For Ways To Bring Georgia, Ukraine, And Moldova Closer RFE/RL 10 Oct 2017 -- The European Parliament's foreign affairs committee is calling for tighter sanctions on Russia and a mechanism for bringing Eastern Partnership countries such as Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine closer to the European Union.

Turkmenistan's Council of Elders To Be Transformed Into People's Council RFE/RL 10 Oct 2017 -- Turkmenistan's authoritarian president is reshuffling a rubber-stamp assembly that helps him put policies in place.
Turkmen Leader Vows To Spend Billions On Oil, Gas Sector RFE/RL 10 Oct 2017 -- Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov has vowed to spend tens of billions of dollars to prop up the country's oil-and-gas sector, which has been hurt by low global prices and falling demand from Russia.

Kenya's Opposition Leader Pulls Out of Rerun Presidential Polls VOA 10 Oct 2017 -- Kenya's opposition leader Raila Odinga says he is pulling out of the October 26 rerun presidential polls, citing grievances with the electoral commission and President Uhuru Kenyatta's ruling party. And the country waits to find out what happens next in the election saga that has been ongoing since before the original August 8 polls.

Thai Military Leader Says Elections to Be Held in 2018 VOA 10 Oct 2017 -- The head of Thailand's military junta announced Tuesday that the country will hold a general election next year, four years after the military seized power from the country's last democratically elected government.

Somaliland Elections on Track for November VOA 10 Oct 2017 -- Somaliland's National Electoral Commission has released the total number of registered Voters with Identification Cards to vote in the upcoming November election.

Egypt Presses Fatah, Hamas for Final Reconciliation Deal VOA 10 Oct 2017 -- Leaders of the rival Palestinian Fatah and Hamas factions were meeting in Cairo Tuesday under the auspices of the Egyptian government amid high hopes that both sides would finally reach a reconciliation deal after a 10-year schism

Rewards for Justice - Reward Offer for Information on Hizballah Key Leaders Talal Hamiyah and Fu'ad Shukr US Dept. of State 10 Oct 2017 -- The U.S. Department of State's Rewards for Justice Program is offering rewards for information leading to the location, arrest, or conviction in any country of two key leaders of the Lebanon-based terrorist group Hizballah. The Department is offering a reward of up to $7 million for information on Talal Hamiyah, and up to $5 million for information on Fu'ad Shukr.
Briefing On U.S. Efforts to Counter Hizballah US Dept. of State 10 Oct 2017 -- Special Briefing by Nathan A. Sales, Ambassador-at-Large and Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Nicholas J. Rasmussen, National Counterterrorism Center Director

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