02 November 2017 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 02 Nov 2017[PDF]

U.S., Coalition Continue Strikes to Defeat ISIS in Syria, Iraq AFPS 02 Nov 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, conducting 11 strikes consisting of 11 engagements, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.

Partnership Enables Sealift Relief Efforts for Puerto Rico AFPS 02 Nov 2017 -- The first humanitarian relief supplies sealifted from here to Ponce, Puerto Rico, departed Oct. 31.

Defense Policy / Programs

Navy Releases Results of the Comprehensive Review of Surface Force Incidents NNS 02 Nov 2017 -- On Nov. 2, the Navy released the report of the Fleet Comprehensive Review conducted by Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Adm. Phil Davidson.
Navy Committed to Correcting Mistakes That Led to Collisions, Deaths AFPS 02 Nov 2017 -- The chief of Naval Operations said today that the collisions in the Pacific that killed 10 sailors aboard the USS Fitzgerald and seven sailors aboard the USS McCain were entirely preventable, and the service is committed to correcting the actions that led to the accidents.
Department of Defense Press Briefing by Adm. Richardson on results of the Fleet Comprehensive Review and investigations into the collisions involving USS Fitzgerald and USS John S. McCain DoD 02 Nov 2017 -- Presenter: Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson

Navy Cyber Mission Force Teams Achieve Full Operational Capability NNS 02 Nov 2017 -- On November 2nd, the U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. Tenth Fleet announced that all of the Navy's Cyber Mission Force teams achieved full operational capability (FOC) in early October, almost a full year ahead of schedule.
Armenia, U.S. Celebrate Reopening of Zar Peacekeeping Training Area AFPS 02 Nov 2017 -- Armenian and U.S. leaders celebrated the reopening of the Zar Peacekeeping Training Area in Yerevan, Armenia, Oct. 31.
Exercise Tests Interoperability of Army's Military Affiliated Radio System AFPS 02 Nov 2017 -- The Army's Network Enterprise Technology Command is calling on Military Auxiliary Radio System operators around the country to participate in a quarterly interoperability communications exercise Nov. 4-6.
2nd Cavalry Regiment 'Strykers' increase readiness, lethality with air assault training Army News 02 Nov 2017 -- Soldiers assigned to Nemesis Troop, 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment conducted an air assault in support of a counter reconnaissance training exercise Oct. 26, 2017 in the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany.
Military Intelligence Service provides training missions at Southern Strike 2018 Army News 02 Nov 2017 -- Southern Strike 2018 couldn't operate without the Armed Forces Joint Staff Military Intelligence Service creatively planning and organizing realistic missions individually tailored to participating units.
Navy to Christen Guided-Missile Destroyer Delbert D. Black DoD 02 Nov 2017 -- The Navy will christen the newest guided-missile destroyer the future USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119), Saturday, November 4 during a 10:00 a.m. CST ceremony at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
HST Strike Group Conducts Live Fire Exercise NNS 02 Nov 2017 -- USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), along with other surface ships from Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 8, performed multiple live-fire exercises Nov. 1, proving the capabilities of both Sailors and equipment.
Navy Expands Electromagnetic Maneuver Warfare for 'Victory at Sea' NNS 02 Nov 2017 -- New electromagnetic maneuver warfare (EMW) capabilities are emerging from laboratories to make a vital operational impact in the Fleet, Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) leaders announced, Nov. 1.
Until Next Time: Carrier Air Wing 1 Departs Truman NNS 02 Nov 2017 -- After 22 days of crew integration, participation in Tailored Ship's Training Availability/Final Evaluation Problem (TSTA/FEP) and near non-stop flight operations, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 is heading ashore after departing USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Nov. 1.
Corrosion Issues Spur Pentagon to Halt F-35 Deliveries Sputnik 02 Nov 2017 -- The US Defense Department refused to accept the delivery of F-35s from September 21 to October 20 after finding "corrosion exceeding technical limits" around fasteners holding the planes' exterior coatings to their airframes, company and government officials said Wednesday.

New UK defense minister named after sex scandal resignation Press TV 02 Nov 2017 -- UK Prime Minister Theresa May has named Gavin Williamson as Britain's new defense secretary after his predecessor Michael Fallon was forced to resign over a sexual harassment scandal sweeping Westminster.
Statement from Defence Secretary, Gavin Williamson UK MOD 02 Nov 2017 -- Statement from Defence Secretary, Gavin Williamson

Taiwan probing alleged fraud in Navy shipbuilder's bank borrowing CNA 02 Nov 2017 -- Prosecutors are investigating whether fraud occurred when a company that won a multi-billion dollar contract to build minesweepers for the Navy tried to get a NT$20.5 billion (US$679 million) loan from a group of domestic banks.
President Tsai promises sustained increase in defense spending CNA 02 Nov 2017 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Thursday reiterated her pledge to boost Taiwan's defense budget by at least 2 percent per year in the future in an effort to build a capable defense force.

Poland May Receive 1st US Patriot Missile Defense Battery in 2019 Sputnik 02 Nov 2017 -- The agreement on the air defense system's supplies to Poland was signed during US President Donald Trump's visit to Warsaw.

Military experts call reports about China building 6 nuclear submarines baloney People's Daily 02 Nov 2017 -- Indian media speculation that China is building six nuclear submarines at once is groundless, Chinese military experts said.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Sarah Sanders and National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster, 11/2/2017, #31 The White House 02 Nov 2017

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for November 02, 2017

Other Conflicts

2 November 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 02 Nov 2017
UN: Give Millions of Stateless People Basic Right of Citizenship VOA 02 Nov 2017 -- The U.N. refugee agency is calling on governments to grant basic rights of citizenship to millions of stateless people who suffer discrimination, exclusion and persecution.
'Failure to broker peace' hinders solutions to displacement, UN refugee chief tells Security Council UN News 02 Nov 2017 -- The head of the United Nations refugee agency on Thursday urged global leaders to find political solutions to the world's conflicts, if the swelling numbers of forcibly displaced people are ever to return home.
UN Refugee Chief: Political Solutions Needed to Ease Global Crisis of Displacement VOA 02 Nov 2017 -- The United Nations refugee chief says the growing crisis of global displacement is the result of weak international cooperation and the inability to prevent, contain and resolve conflicts.

Suspected cholera cases in crisis-torn Yemen near 900,000 - UN UN News 02 Nov 2017 -- Already struggling to cope with a dire humanitarian crisis, war-torn Yemen is now facing the fastest-growing cholera epidemic ever recorded, with some 895,000 suspected cases as of 1 November, the United Nations relief wing reported Thursday.

Syrian forces liberate more districts in Dayr al-Zawr city Press TV 02 Nov 2017 -- Syrian army soldiers and allied fighters have managed to wrest control over three more neighborhoods in the eastern city of Dayr al-Zawr in their latest push against Daesh terrorists.
Russian long-range bombers strike Daesh positions in Syria's Dayr al-Zawr province Press TV 02 Nov 2017 -- The Russian military says six of its Tupolev Tu-22M3 long-range bombers have successfully pounded the positions of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in Syria's eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr for the second day in a row.
Syria urges UN action after fresh Israeli airstrikes Press TV 02 Nov 2017 -- Syria has written two letters to the United Nations, calling on the world body to take swift action against Israel's attacks on the Arab country.
France unhappy about Russia's forum on Syria, stresses Geneva process Press TV 02 Nov 2017 -- France has expressed its objection to a Russian initiative to bring about a political solution to the crisis in Syria, saying Moscow should pursue efforts aligned with those of the United Nations.
HNC opposition group opposes Russia-proposed conference on Syria Press TV 02 Nov 2017 -- Syria's Saudi-affiliated opposition group, the High Negotiations Committee (HNC), has bulked at a peace conference agreed at the Astana talks with the aim of bringing Syria's warring sides to the negotiating table in Sochi, Russia, later this month.
Six Russian Long-Range Bombers Strike Daesh Command Posts in Deir-ez-Zor Sputnik 02 Nov 2017 -- Russian long-range aviation has targeted Daesh targets in the town of Abu Kemal in the province of Deir ez-Zor for the second day in a row.
Russia Debunks UN-OPCW Report Blaming Damascus for Idlib Chemical Attack Sputnik 02 Nov 2017 -- The Russian Defense Ministry, Foreign Ministry and Ministry of Industry and Trade have presented their own report on chemical attacks in Syria in the wake of a UN-OPCW document, which accuses Damascus of using chemical weapons in Khan Sheikhoun on April 4.
White House Accuses Russia of Undermining UN Panel Amid Chemical Weapons Probe Sputnik 02 Nov 2017 -- White House claims that "Russia's attempts to undermine and eliminate" the OPCW investigative mechanism demonstrates an "utter lack of respect" for international norms.
White House Calls On Russia To Stop Blocking UN Gas Attack Inquiry In Syria RFE/RL 02 Nov 2017 -- The White House late on November 1 called on Russia to stop blocking efforts to renew the authority of a UN investigative body charged with determining who is behind chemical weapons attacks in Syria.
Six Russian Long-Range Bombers Strike Daesh Command Posts in Deir-ez-Zor Sputnik 02 Nov 2017 -- Russian long-range aviation has targeted Daesh targets in the town of Abu Kemal in the province of Deir ez-Zor for the second day in a row.
Russia Debunks UN-OPCW Report Blaming Damascus for Idlib Chemical Attack Sputnik 02 Nov 2017 -- The Russian Defense Ministry, Foreign Ministry and Ministry of Industry and Trade have presented their own report on chemical attacks in Syria in the wake of a UN-OPCW document, which accuses Damascus of using chemical weapons in Khan Sheikhoun on April 4.
White House Accuses Russia of Undermining UN Panel Amid Chemical Weapons Probe Sputnik 02 Nov 2017 -- White House claims that "Russia's attempts to undermine and eliminate" the OPCW investigative mechanism demonstrates an "utter lack of respect" for international norms.

Iraqi army recaptures key natural gas field from Daesh Press TV 02 Nov 2017 -- Iraqi government forces have managed to liberate a major natural gas field from Daesh Takfiri terrorists in the country's embattled western province of Anbar as they are battling to drive the extremists out of their last remaining strongholds in the crisis-hit Arab country.
Daesh atrocities in Iraq's Mosul 'intl. crimes', must be tried by ICC: UN Press TV 02 Nov 2017 -- The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) says the atrocities committed by Daesh Takfiri terrorist group during its reign of terror in the Iraqi city of Mosul are "international crimes," urging Baghdad to accept the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC) over the crimes.
UN report concludes ISIL committed 'international crimes' during Mosul battle UN News 02 Nov 2017 -- The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh) perpetrated serious and systematic violations in Iraq that amount to "international crimes" during the nine-month battle for Mosul between the terrorist group and Iraqi Government forces, a United Nations report has concluded.

Over half a million Rohingya Muslims must return to Myanmar's Rakhine as citizens: UN Press TV 02 Nov 2017 -- The head of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) says Myanmar must grant citizenship to hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims so that they can return to the Southeast Asian country, where they fled government-run violence against the persecuted minority group.
Myanmar leader visits Rakhine long after crisis began Press TV 02 Nov 2017 -- Myanmar's de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, has visited the country's Rakhine State, long after government-sanctioned violence against minority Muslims in the area drove out almost half of the Muslim population living there.

8 Turkish troops, 5 PKK militants killed in SE Turkey clashes Press TV 02 Nov 2017 -- At least eight Turkish forces and five members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) have been killed during fresh clashes in southeastern Turkey near the Iraqi border.

Ethiopia sends thousands of troops to Somalia to fight al-Shabab Press TV 02 Nov 2017 -- Ethiopia has deployed thousands of troops to neighboring Somalia to help a regional fight against the al-Shabab Takfiri group, the most feared terror outfit in Africa.

Niger asks US to use armed drones against militants in African country Press TV 02 Nov 2017 -- Niger has called on the United States to use armed drones against extremist militants operating on the African country's border with neighboring Mali.
Niger Asks US to Launch Armed Drones Operations Against Militants Sputnik 02 Nov 2017 -- The request came amid the growing controversy over the US military presence in Niger that was recently overshadowed by the death of four US Special Forces personnel in an ambush set up by extremists.

Bhutanese King Visits India Amid Growing Concern Over China's Buildup in Doklam Sputnik 02 Nov 2017 -- This is the first high-level visit from the Bhutanese side after the Doklam crisis involving India and Bhutan on one side and China on the other. The crisis had witnessed India and China locked in a bitter military standoff for over two months earlier this year.

UN Sounds Alarm on Humanitarian Crisis in Congo's Kasai VOA 02 Nov 2017 -- An official from the United Nations' World Food Program has issued a warning about the situation in the southwest of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where conflict has left 3.2 million people severely hungry.

News Reports

Explainer: The Facts Behind The Now-Endangered U.S. 'Diversity Visa' Plan RFE/RL 02 Nov 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded an end to the visa lottery program that grants legal permanent residency -- so-called green cards -- to people from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.
Trump Reiterates Call For Death Penalty For New York Attack Suspect RFE/RL 02 Nov 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has repeated calls for an Uzbek immigrant accused of killing eight people in a New York truck rampage to get the death penalty.
Gitmo War Court Orders US General Jailed For Supporting Detainee's Legal Rights Sputnik 02 Nov 2017 -- On Wednesday, a judge in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, sentenced a US Marine in charge of a military court's legal representation to three weeks of confinement and ordered him to pay $1,000 for failure to follow orders concerning a case that involved the bombing of the USS Cole in 2000.
Trump: NYC Attacker Should Get Death Penalty or Guantanamo VOA 02 Nov 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump is calling for swift justice in the case of accused New York City truck terrorist Sayfullo Saipov, including the death penalty.

Spanish prosecutors seek jail terms for eight former Catalan leaders Press TV 02 Nov 2017 -- Former leaders of Catalonia's now-defunct government face jail terms as the Spanish government seeks to assert its rule following a controversial declaration of independence in the northeastern region.
Spain to Issue Arrest Warrant for Puigdemont if He Doesn't Appear in Court Sputnik 02 Nov 2017 -- Carles Puigdemont who was sacked by Madrid after invoking Article 155 of the Constitution is currently in Belgium.

Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, November 2, 2017 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02 Nov 2017
Kremlin Slams New US Sanctions Against Russia as Unacceptable Sputnik 02 Nov 2017 -- The Kremlin has slammed the "extra-territorial" use of sanctions by the US.

Reply Message to Kim Jong Un from Xi Jinping KCNA 02 Nov 2017 -- Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), received a reply message from Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), on November 1.
'In reply message to N Korea, China hopes for better ties' Press TV 02 Nov 2017 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has reportedly responded to a message by the North Korean leader, hoping that Beijing and Pyongyang could enhance their relations, months after Beijing introduced strict restrictions on bilateral ties in response to Pyongyang's contentious missile and nuclear programs.
This is What Xi Jinping Told 'Comrade Chairman' Kim Jong-un in Rare Message Sputnik 02 Nov 2017 -- In a rare message sent "out of politeness" Chinese President Xi Jinping has publicly communicated with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un after more than a year.
To Avoid N Korea Pressing 'Their Button' Use Soft Power, Defector Warns Trump Sputnik 02 Nov 2017 -- A North Korean diplomat who defected last year has told a US congressional hearing of the dire consequences of a military strike against Pyongyang. Thae Yong-ho urged Washington to use "soft power" to change Kim Jong-un's nuclear policy.
FinCEN Further Restricts North Korea's Access to the U.S. Financial System and Warns U.S. Financial Institutions of North Korean Schemes US Treasury 02 Nov 2017 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) today issued a final rule under Section 311 of the USA PATRIOT Act that severs Bank of Dandong, a Chinese bank that acts as a conduit for illicit North Korean financial activity, from the U.S. financial system. FinCEN also issued today an advisory to further alert financial institutions to schemes commonly used by North Korea to evade U.S. and United Nations (UN) sanctions, launder funds, and finance the North Korean regime's weapons programs.
North Korean Threat to Top Trump's Agenda in Asia VOA 02 Nov 2017 -- On the eve of President Donald Trump's trip to Asia, the White House said Thursday that the threat from Pyongyang would be at the top of his agenda in his meetings with leaders and that denuclearization of North Korea was the only acceptable outcome.

Iran's Leader: Giving in to US will make it impudent IRNA 02 Nov 2017 -- Supreme Leader of Iran's Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ail Khamenei said on Thursday, 'Giving in to the US will make it impudent; the only way is to resist.'
Leader decries Trump's 'foolish' comments against Iranian nation Press TV 02 Nov 2017 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has slammed US President Donald Trump's "foolish" remarks against Iranian people, saying such a stance is a clear sign of Washington's hostility towards the entire nation.

Iraq's PM says Kurds refraining from withdrawing their troops Press TV 02 Nov 2017 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has accused the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) of not remaining committed to an agreement on withdrawing their forces from disputed regions in the north of the country.
Turkey Keeps Watchful Eye on Succession of Iraqi Kurd Leadership VOA 02 Nov 2017 -- Ankara is anticipating who will succeed Iraqi Kurdish President Masoud Barzani, following his announcement he plans to quit. Relations between Ankara and Iraqi Kurds, once close allies, collapsed after Barzani held an independence referendum. But Ankara could be eyeing his nephew as an ideal successor.

Pakistani Ex-Premier Sharif Returns Home For Anticorruption Trial RFE/RL 02 Nov 2017 -- Pakistan's ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif returned home on November 2 to face trial in an anticorruption case focused on his family's offshore wealth.

'Fancy Bear' Tried To Hack E-Mail Of Ukrainian Making Artillery-Guidance App RFE/RL 02 Nov 2017 -- An officer who developed an artillery-guidance app used by the Ukrainian military in its fight against Moscow-backed separatists was among 545 members of Ukraine's political and military elite targeted by a hacking group with alleged links to Russian security services, according to an investigation by the Associated Press.

Macedonian Court Convicts 33 People of Planning Terrorist Attacks VOA 02 Nov 2017 -- A court in Macedonia on Thursday convicted 33 people of planning terrorist attacks as members of an ethnic Albanian militant group.

Liberia Supreme Court Halts Preparation for Runoff Vote VOA 02 Nov 2017 -- Preparations for Liberia's presidential run-off election have come to a screeching halt just days before the scheduled vote. The Supreme Court ordered a stay while it hears a complaint filed by the third place finisher in the first round of polling.

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list