12 October 2017 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
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Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 12 Oct 2017[PDF]

Department of Defense Press Briefing by General White via teleconference from Baghdad, Iraq DoD 12 Oct 2017 -- Presenter: Major General Robert White, commanding general, Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command-Operation Inherent Resolve; Major Adrian Rankine-Galloway, Pentagon Spokesman
ISIS Getting Desperate, Pentagon Official Says AFPS 12 Oct 2017 -- Under assault by an increasingly capable government force in Iraq and a cohesive and deadly coalition-partner force in Syria, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria is getting desperate, chief Pentagon spokesperson Dana W. White said at a news conference today.
Military Strikes Continue Against ISIS Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 12 Oct 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, conducting 31 strikes consisting of 39 engagements, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
OIR General: Will to Drive ISIS Evil Out Grows Every Day in Iraq AFPS 12 Oct 2017 -- Since the beginning of the fight to wrest back Mosul from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, the Iraqi security forces have accelerated the fight against ISIS and the will to drive ISIS evil out of Iraq grows every day, the commander of Operation Inherent Resolve ground forces said today.
US Coalition Denies Accusation of Reduced Intensity in Fight Against Daesh Sputnik 12 Oct 2017 -- The US-led anti-Daesh coalition has not decreased its presence or the intensity of its actions in Iraq and is continuing to combat terrorism in the region, the coalition's spokesman told Sputnik on Thursday.

Pentagon: Niger Ambush That Killed Eight the Work of New Daesh Offshoot Sputnik 12 Oct 2017 -- The militants who ambushed and killed four Nigerien soldiers and four US soldiers on the Niger-Mali border earlier in October were Daesh-affiliated, reported the Pentagon on Wednesday. A new offshoot of the terrorist network has recently sprung up in Mali and Niger, where it has not operated in the past.

Karzai: Trump's Afghan Strategy Fueling War, Regional Rivalries VOA 12 Oct 2017 -- Former Afghan President, Hamid Karzai is continuing his criticism of the new U.S. strategy for Afghanistan, asserting it does not bring "a message of peace" but instead increases war and fuels regional rivalries over his strife-torn country.
UN says Afghan civilian casualties rise amid US airstrikes Press TV 12 Oct 2017 -- The United Nations says Afghan civilian casualties from American and Afghan airstrikes have risen more than 50 percent since last year.
Afghan Civilian Casualties Declined Slightly In First Nine Months Of 2017 RFE/RL 12 Oct 2017 -- Overall civilian casualties in Afghanistan declined 6 percent during the first nine months of 2017, the United Nations says, as the Kabul government continues to battle militants after nearly 16 years of war.
Canadian-American Family Freed From Taliban Captivity RFE/RL 12 Oct 2017 -- The Pakistani military says it has rescued a North American family of five who was being held hostage for nearly five years.

Defense Policy / Programs

Missile Security Forces modify operations, increase lethality, readiness AFNS 12 Oct 2017 -- Twentieth Air Force's three missile wings restructured their security forces groups Oct. 6, 2017, and implemented the Missile Security Operating Concept, significantly changing missile field security operations and addressing areas for improvement in defender culture.
Undersea Rescue Command and Chilean Navy to Kick Off CHILEMAR VII NNS 12 Oct 2017 -- Undersea Rescue Command (URC) and the Chilean Navy will conduct CHILEMAR VII, a bilateral exercise designed to demonstrate interoperability between the U.S. submarine rescue system and Chilean submarines on Oct. 16.
Mattis Highlights Working By, With, Through Allies AFPS 12 Oct 2017 -- International military operations for U.S. forces have evolved to work by, with and through, allied nations who join the United States in a range of efforts, including the U.S.-led coalition formed to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said yesterday.
First Security Force Assistance Brigade may deploy in four months Army News 12 Oct 2017 -- The Army has accelerated fielding of its security force assistance brigades. As a result, the first SFAB, which is training now at Fort Benning, Georgia, may deploy as early as February.
New technology could streamline medical treatment on battlefield Army News 12 Oct 2017 -- Today's Army medics can be slowed down during medical evacuation missions by the need to document patient data and medication logs. In the future, however, medics may be free from such tasks that can deter their focus on treating the wounded.
1st MAW supports KAMANDAG for the first time USMC News 12 Oct 2017 -- Approximately 100 U.S. Marines with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing joined forces with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to support the first iteration of the Philippines-led exercise KAMANDAG, at various sites on the island of Luzon, Philippines, October 2-11, 2017.
US grounds transport helicopters in Japan after fiery crash Press TV 12 Oct 2017 -- The US military has decided to ground it transport helicopters operating in Japan, after one of them was involved in a fiery crash near a villiage in Okinawa on Wednesday.
Blazing Stallion: US Grounds CH-53E Helicopters in Okinawa After Emergency Sputnik 12 Oct 2017 -- The United States had suspended flights by all CH-53E Super Stallion heavy-lift helicopters deployed in Okinawa Prefecture following an emergency landing there on Wednesday.
Cyber Command Flexes New Acquisition Muscle AFPS 12 Oct 2017 -- U.S. Cyber Command has begun executing its new "limited acquisition authority" to speed up the acquisitions process for cyber-specific tools, officials here said.
US Army Shifts Focus to Fighting Technologically Advanced Near-Peer Foes Sputnik 12 Oct 2017 -- After nearly 20 years of combat operations in South Asia and the Middle East, the Pentagon has updated its fighting manual in the event that the US goes to war with a large military boasting high-tech capabilities like the ones featured in the US arsenal, Stars and Stripes reports.

NATO Deputy Secretary General discusses partnership between Serbia and NATO in Belgrade NATO 12 Oct 2017 -- NATO Deputy Secretary General, Rose Gottemoeller, discussed the security and stability of the Western Balkans and partnership between Serbia and NATO in Belgrade today (12 October 2017) when she appeared onstage at the Belgrade Security Forum with Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic.

US used Zapad drills to illegally build up forces in Poland: Russia Press TV 12 Oct 2017 -- Russia says the United States exploited a "hysteria" created in Europe around Russian military drills with Belarus to illegally build up forces in Poland and deploy an entire armored division in violation of a 1997 pact between Moscow and NATO.

British Defense Secretary: UK has no intention of conducting 'freedom of navigation' flights over South China Sea People's Daily 12 Oct 2017 -- The UK has no intention of provoking China by conducting "freedom of navigation" flights over disputed islands in South China Sea like the US, said British Defense Secretary Michael Fallon at the Conservative Party's annual meeting, cankaoxiaoxi.com reported on Oct. 12.

Canada threatens to cancel arms deal with US in tariff dispute Press TV 12 Oct 2017 -- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has warned that Ottawa may cancel a major arms deal with the United States following Washington's imposition of heavy duties on Canadian aircraft exports to the US.
Canada Uninterested in Boeing Military Purchases After Dispute With Bombardier Sputnik 12 Oct 2017 -- The Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Wednesday that the dispute between Boeing and Bombardier is swaying the Canadian government from making any military procurements from the US defense giant.

Kicking Out Major Rival? China 'Squeezes US' From South-East Asian Arms Market Sputnik 12 Oct 2017 -- China has delivered the first batch of 28 VT-4 tanks to Thailand, bought by Bangkok for almost $148 million. Russian expert Elena Fomicheva explained to Sputnik that it is no coincidence that the move comes shortly after Thai Prime Minister visited the US, and suggested what the events might signify.

Australia aircraft data stolen in cyber attack Press TV 12 Oct 2017 -- Unclassified but "sensitive" information about Australia's advanced aircraft has been stolen from a government contractor.
Sensitive Data on Australia's New Jets and Navy Stolen From Defense Contractor Sputnik 12 Oct 2017 -- Australian cyber-security officials have revealed that "commercially sensitive" data about the country's new fighter jets, navy vessels and surveillance aircraft programs have been stolen from an Australian defense contractor in what they described as an "extensive and extreme" hacking attack.

Saudi Ground Forces Arrive in Pakistan for Joint Military Exercise SPA 12 Oct 2017 -- Saudi ground forces arrived in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan today to participate in the joint military exercise dubbed "Al-Samsam 6" to be taken place early next week.

Military Plane Crashes at Spanish Airbase After National Day Parade in Madrid Sputnik 12 Oct 2017 -- A military jet has crashed at Los Llanos airbase after a National Day military parade in Madrid.

Department Press Briefing - October 12, 2017 US Dept. of State 12 Oct 2017
Press Briefing by Press Secretary Sarah Sanders and Chief of Staff General John Kelly, 10/12/2017, #22 The White House 12 Oct 2017

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for October 12, 2017

Other Conflicts

12 October 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 12 Oct 2017
Relief aid is saving lives, but world must tackle root cause of famine: conflict - UN chief UN News 12 Oct 2017 -- Until fighting stops and development takes root, communities and entire regions will continue to face hunger, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres told the Security Council on Thursday, underscoring the link between conflict and famine.
UN Chief: Worldwide Famine Averted, but Numbers of Hungry Growing VOA 12 Oct 2017 -- The United Nations secretary-general says early action by the international community has helped avert widespread famine, but the number of people in need is continuing to grow.

China scrambles fighter jets to deter US missile frigate Press TV 12 Oct 2017 -- China has scrambled two fighter jets, a helicopter and a guided-missile frigate to deter a US frigate which was nearing disputed islands in the South China Sea.

In retaliatory attack, Yemeni sharpshooters shoot dead Saudi trooper in kingdom's Asir Press TV 12 Oct 2017 -- Yemeni snipers have killed a Saudi trooper in the kingdom's southwestern region of Asir in another retaliatory attack against Riyadh's full-scale war on the impoverished nation.
King Salman Center provides aid to Yemen worth more than $ 710 million SPA 12 Oct 2017 -- Since its inauguration by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Aid has provided 161 projects worth US $ 710,534,133 to Yemeni Governorates in various fields including relief, humanitarian aid, sheltering, sanitation, agriculture and water in cooperation with 85 international and local partners focusing on projects for children and women and support for Yemeni refugees in Djibouti and Somalia.

Syrian army liberates more areas in eastern Daesh-held city Press TV 12 Oct 2017 -- The Syrian army has advanced deeper into the Daesh-held eastern city of al-Mayadin, pushing the Takfiri terror outfit on the verge of total defeat in its main urban base of operations in the Arab state.
Syrian Army Destroys Daesh's Mortar Shells Plant in Deir ez-Zor Province Sputnik 12 Oct 2017 -- Syrian troops have uncovered and destroyed a large clandestine mortar shells plant that Daesh terrorists used to attack residential neighborhoods in the city of Deir ez-Zor during the three-year blockade.
Syrian Democratic Forces Claim Raqqa Will Be Freed From Daesh Within Days Sputnik 12 Oct 2017 -- Amid a string of defeats in Syria, the internationally condemned terrorist group Daesh risks losing control of its self-proclaimed capital in the country, the city of Raqqa, which can be recaptured by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the coming days.

Rohingya Muslims not native to Myanmar: Army chief Press TV 12 Oct 2017 -- Myanmar's army chief has said during a meeting with the US ambassador to the country that Rohingya Muslims subjected to persecution by government forces in western Rakhine state were not native to Myanmar.
Disease outbreak 'real and present danger' UNICEF warns, launching latrine-building plan in Cox's Bazar UN News 12 Oct 2017 -- New latrines will be constructed in the Rohingya camps and settlements of Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar district to provide sanitation coverage to some 250,000 people, averting a major disease outbreak, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported Thursday.

Russia Puts Crimea Themes On New Banknote RFE/RL 12 Oct 2017 -- Russia is introducing a new banknote showing images of Ukraine's annexed Crimea region.

Human rights challenges in Libya 'massive, but not insurmountable,' UN rights chief says after visit UN News 12 Oct 2017 -- After a brief mission to Libya, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein on Thursday said the Government "can and should" lead efforts to urgently address arbitrary detention, torture and other grave violations that must be brought to an end in the crisis-torn North African country.

Ahead of UN mission's closure, envoy reports greater stability, security in Haiti UN News 12 Oct 2017 -- Haiti has seen a significant turnaround from profound instability, widespread political violence, and a climate of lawlessness that in 2004 impacted the every-day lives of millions of Haitians, the head of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Caribbean islands country told the Security Council on Thursday.

Somali Defense Minister, Army Chief Resign VOA 12 Oct 2017 -- Somalia's defense minister and the country's military chief, who were leading the fight against Islamist militants, have both resigned from the government, officials said Thursday.

Government Forces Kill 4 in Ethiopia's Oromia Region VOA 12 Oct 2017 -- Ethiopian government forces killed four people and wounded 18 others Thursday in the town of Soda in the restive Oromia region.

News Reports

In phone call, UN chief offers congratulations and support to Palestinian President UN News 12 Oct 2017 -- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has congratulated by phone Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine, on the intra-Palestinian agreement, signed earlier Thursday in Cairo.
Hamas, Fatah Announce Details of Political Reconciliation Deal VOA 12 Oct 2017 -- The Palestinian Hamas faction and its rival Fatah signed an agreement in Cairo Thursday, sealing a political reconciliation deal which has eluded the parties during multiple rounds of talks since a 2007 split.
Palestinian Rivals Fatah, Hamas Sign Reconciliation Deal in Cairo Sputnik 12 Oct 2017 -- The recently reached reconciliation deal between the rival political parties Fatah and Hamas provides the chance to put an end to the 10-year-split and the possible establishment of a unified Palestinian National Authority.
Hamas, Fatah to give control of besieged Gaza Strip to unity govt. by Dec. 1 Press TV 12 Oct 2017 -- Egypt's government says rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah have agreed to hand over the full administrative control of the besieged Gaza Strip to the Palestinian Authority (PA) by December 1, as the two sides inked a historic reconciliation deal in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, to put an end to their decade-long rivalry.
Rival Palestinian factions reach national reconciliation deal in Egypt capital Press TV 12 Oct 2017 -- Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says it has reached a national reconciliation deal with rival party Fatah with the aim of ending a decade-long political rift mainly over the governance of the Gaza Strip.

Kaspersky Lab: 'We've Never Helped Any Government With Cyberespionage Efforts' Sputnik 12 Oct 2017 -- Cyber security provider Kaspersky Lab addressed media claims about Israeli intelligence hacking into the security company's network and relaying obtained intel to US officials.
Kaspersky Lab Asks for Evidence of Firm's Alleged Collusion With Russian Gov't Sputnik 12 Oct 2017 -- The Kremlin and Russia's Kaspersky Lab, a software maker known for its anti-virus programs, have dismissed US media reports that the company stole sensitive data from a National Security Agency (NSA) contractor using its tools on behalf of the Russian government, saying the allegations lack evidence.

Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, October 12, 2017 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 12 Oct 2017

North Korea's nuclear program 'very, very far advanced': Trump Press TV 12 Oct 2017 -- US President Donald Trump has said North Korea's nuclear and missile program is now "very, very far advanced," and placed blame on former President Barack Obama and others for not doing enough to contain it.
Pyongyang Vows to Finish Nuclear 'Sword of Justice' Sputnik 12 Oct 2017 -- Despite mounting international sanctions aimed at crippling North Korea's ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs, the country shows no signs of denuclearizing under the leadership of Kim Jong-un.

Trump Set To Deliver Iran Policy State On October 13 RFE/RL 12 Oct 2017 -- The White House says President Donald Trump will make his long-awaited announcement on U.S. policy toward Iran on October 13, including whether to decertify the 2015 nuclear accord signed with Tehran by the United States and other world powers.
Unilateralism on JCPOA will only harm US: Iran parliament speaker Press TV 12 Oct 2017 -- Iran's parliament speaker says unilateral moves by the US with regard to the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), will only harm Washington, because the international community is unanimous on supporting the accord.
US blacklisting of Iran IRGC will strengthen terrorists: Defense min. Press TV 12 Oct 2017 -- Iran's defense chief has slammed US President Donald Trump's threat to blacklist the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), saying any such move against the elite counterterrorism force would only promote terror and instability in the region and the entire world.
Iran's 'various scenarios' awaiting Trump's JCPOA move Press TV 12 Oct 2017 -- Iran is considering "various scenarios" in response to US President Donald Trump's "probable withdrawal" from the international nuclear deal between Tehran and six world powers.
What To Expect If U.S. Designates Iran's Revolutionary Guards As Terrorists RFE/RL 12 Oct 2017 -- Amid expectations that U.S. President Donald Trump will decertify Iran's compliance with the long-negotiated and highly contentious 2015 nuclear agreement, there are indications that Washington could up the ante by taking steps to classify one of Tehran's most powerful institutions as a terrorist organization.

Iraqi premier denies army, allies plan attack on Kurdish Peshmerga forces Press TV 12 Oct 2017 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has denied an attack plan against the positions of Kurdish Peshmerga forces amid ongoing tensions between the central government in Baghdad and authorities of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.
Kurdistan willing to hold talks with Iraqi officials over existing row: KRG Press TV 12 Oct 2017 -- Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has expressed willingness to hold negotiations with the Iraqi government regarding their dispute over the restrictions that Baghdad has imposed on the semi-autonomous region.
Iraqi Government Refutes Info on Possible Offensive in Kirkuk Province Sputnik 12 Oct 2017 -- The Iraqi authorities deny any plans on launching a military operation in Kirkuk province. The official spokesperson for the Iraqi government disavowed on Wednesday the Kurdistan Region Security Council's accusation of preparing a large-scale offensive by Baghdad to regain authority over the disputed region.

Erdogan blames US envoy for 'sacrificing' Ankara-Washington ties Press TV 12 Oct 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has blamed outgoing US Ambassador John Bass for the deteriorating relations between his country and the United States, saying Washington is "sacrificing" its relations with Ankara.
Erdogan: US 'Sacrificing' Ties With Turkey VOA 12 Oct 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Thursday that the United states is "sacrificing" ties between the two allies as a diplomatic feud between the nations continues.

Court Video Purports To Show Russian Ex-Minister Ulyukayev Taking Bribe RFE/RL 12 Oct 2017 -- A video allegedly showing the moment Russia's former Economics Minister Aleksei Ulyukayev accepted a payoff from an oil company executive was played in court during the ex-government official's bribery trial.

Greek Court Agrees To Send Cybercrime Suspect Sought By U.S. To Russia RFE/RL 12 Oct 2017 -- A panel of judges in Greece on October 11 accepted Russia's request for the extradition of a Russian cybercrime suspect also being sought by the United States for allegedly masterminding a $4 billion bitcoin money-laundering scheme.

Falcon 9 Rocket With Telecom Satellite Blasts Off Into Space Sputnik 12 Oct 2017 -- The first stage of Falcon 9 rocket successfully landed after deployment of the commercial satellite to geostationary transfer orbit.

PACE Criticizes Ukraine Over New Law On Education RFE/RL 12 Oct 2017 -- The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has expressed concerns over articles in Ukraine's new education law relating to teaching in minority languages.

UN chief Guterres welcomes peaceful elections in Liberia UN News 12 Oct 2017 -- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed Tuesday's peaceful holding of the presidential and House of Representatives elections in Liberia and reiterated the continued support of the UN to the consolidation of peace and democracy in the West African country.

Israeli-Palestinian Issue Back in Spotlight After US Leaves UNESCO VOA 12 Oct 2017 -- State Department officials on Thursday defended the U.S. decision to withdraw from UNESCO, citing the need to see real reform at the United Nations cultural agency.
Israel Starts Preparations to Withdraw From UNESCO Sputnik 12 Oct 2017 -- Israel will pull out from UNESCO (UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) along with the United States that announced the similar move on Thursday.
The United States Withdraws From UNESCO US Dept. of State 12 Oct 2017-- On October 12, 2017, the Department of State notified UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova of the U.S. decision to withdraw from the organization and to seek to establish a permanent observer mission to UNESCO.
Israel says will withdraw from UNESCO, hours after US announces same decision Press TV 12 Oct 2017 -- Israel says it plans to pull out of the United Nations cultural and education agency, UNESCO, hours after the US announced its decision to do the same, accusing the body of "anti-Israel bias."
US to withdraw from UNESCO over 'anti-Israel bias' Press TV 12 Oct 2017 -- The United States has announced that it will withdraw from the United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), accusing the UN's cultural organization of "anti-Israel bias."

Losing Candidate In Kyrgyz Presidential Election Who Wins In Long Run RFE/RL 12 Oct 2017 -- Out of the 11 candidates still running in Kyrgyzstan's presidential race, one stands out.

Cash Cow For Karimova: Court Documents Assert Shakedown By Daughter Of Late Uzbek President RFE/RL 12 Oct 2017 -- The story of the rise and fall of Gulnara Karimova, the elder daughter of Uzbekistan's late president, has been gradually unearthed and corroborated by reporters and police in multiple countries in the three years since she disappeared from the public eye under reported house arrest in Uzbekistan.

Border Bottleneck Slows Travelers Amid Kyrgyz-Kazakh Election Feud RFE/RL 12 Oct 2017 -- Lines of cars, trucks, and frustrated travelers on foot stretched back from Kyrgyzstan's border with Kazakhstan, which officials in Bishkek suspect has restricted movement across the frontier amid a politically charged dispute ahead of a Kyrgyz presidential election on October 15.

Kenya Bans Protests in Large City Centers VOA 12 Oct 2017 -- As Kenya's opposition party vows to hold protests demanding electoral reforms ahead of a repeat presidential election, the government has issued an order banning such demonstrations in three major cities.

Cambodia's Fledgling Democracy in Question VOA 12 Oct 2017 -- As Cambodia's ruling party prepares to dissolve the main opposition party and pass legislation that will hand their formidable bloc of seats largely to a notoriously corrupt third party, the countries who spent billions building democracy here are reacting with little more than statements expressing concern.

Pakistan Electoral Body Bars Political Party Due to Terror Ties VOA 12 Oct 2017 -- Pakistan's Election Commission (ECP) on Wednesday rejected the registration application of a newly established political party with alleged ties to a banned militant group in the country.

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