09 November 2017 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
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Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 09 Nov 2017[PDF]

Dedication to Defeating ISIS Evident By Progress, Mattis Says AFPS 09 Nov 2017 -- The dedication of the U.S.-led coalition to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria is evident by its progress, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said in his welcoming remarks today at a defense ministerial at NATO headquarters in Brussels.
RAF continue to strike a retreating Daesh UK MOD 09 Nov 2017 -- Daesh terrorists are in rapid retreat as the RAF continues to strike them in both Iraq and Syria.

NATO Ministers boost troops for Afghan training mission NATO 09 Nov 2017 -- Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg confirmed today that NATO will increase its support for Afghanistan as part of its Resolute Support Mission.
NATO To Increase Troop Numbers In Afghanistan, Commanders Want More RFE/RL 09 Nov 2017 -- NATO has announced it will increase the number of troops in Afghanistan from the current 13,000 to 16,000 to aid the Kabul government in its fight against the Taliban.
Afghani Defense Minister: No Evidence of Russia Supporting Taliban Sputnik 09 Nov 2017 -- Both Afghani and Russian officials have commented on allegations of Moscow supporting the Taliban.

US Airstrikes Target Al-Shabab in Somalia VOA 09 Nov 2017 -- U.S. forces conducted an airstrike against al-Shabab in Somalia on Thursday, killing "several militants," according to the U.S. military.

Defense Policy / Programs

Military Aviation Leaders Discuss Readiness, Urge Budget Certainty AFPS 09 Nov 2017 -- Top aviation military officials from the four services addressed Congress today on aviation readiness, all underscoring the urgent need for predictable budgets.
Speed Drives Air Force, DoD Innovation, Improvements AFPS 09 Nov 2017 -- Speed is the crux of innovation and improvements the Defense Department will make to ensure the force is ready for any contingency, Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Stephen W. Wilson said here at the Defense One Summit this morning.
Readout of Secretary of Defense Mattis' Meeting with German Minister of Defense Ursula von der Leyen DoD 09 Nov 2017
Readout of Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Norwegian Minister of Defense Frank Bakke-Jensen DoD 09 Nov 2017
Norfolk Naval Shipyard Takes Another Step Forward in Modernization NNS 09 Nov 2017 -- With more than 20 years of research, planning, designing, construction and certification, the new Controlled Industrial Facility (CIF) onboard Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) is not only a new work site, it is a giant step into radiological facilities revitalization.
Iwo Jima Gets Back to Basics During RAS NNS 09 Nov 2017 -- The amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) turned back the clock on seamanship during a refueling-at-sea (RAS) with the fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE 6) Nov. 7.
USS Zephyr Successfully Completes 4th Fleet Patrol NNS 09 Nov 2017 -- Cyclone-class coastal patrol ship USS Zephyr (PC 8) will return from a 76 day patrol in the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations Nov. 10.
US lawmakers agree on $700bn military budget Press TV 09 Nov 2017 -- Lawmakers in the US Senate and the House of Representatives have agreed on a $700 billion military bill for the next year that hikes spending beyond what President Donald Trump had requested.
US Navy to Conduct 'Rare' Tri-Carrier Exercises Near Korean Peninsula Sputnik 09 Nov 2017 -- Thirty percent of the entire Nimitz-class US aircraft carrier fleet is convening east of the Korean Peninsula for the US Navy's first three-carrier naval exercise in over a decade.
DoD Pledges to Improve Background Investigation Procedures AFPS 09 Nov 2017 -- The Defense Department is pledging to improve the way background investigations are done, according to Garry Reid, DoD's director for defense intelligence and security.
US Marines Considering Changing Anti-Tank Rifle After 33 Years Sputnik 09 Nov 2017 -- The US Marine Corps has announced that they will likely be upgrading their anti-tank rifles from the Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon (SMAW,) in use since 1984, to the Swedish-made Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle - a major leap in both range and firepower.
US Completes Planned Ground-Based Missile Defense System, But Trump Wants More Sputnik 09 Nov 2017 -- The US Missile Defence Agency has confirmed the installation of the last planned Ground-Based Missile (GBM) Defense system interceptor, which is supposed to protect the country from a nuclear attack. Though the effectiveness of the system remains questionable, US President Donald Trump has requested that it be expanded.

Press Conference with Secretary Mattis at NATO Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium DoD 09 Nov 2017 -- Presenter: Defense Secretary Jim Mattis
Remarks by Secretary Mattis at D-ISIS event at NATO Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium DoD 09 Nov 2017 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis; NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg
NATO Defence Ministers agree to adapt command structure, boost Afghanistan troop levels NATO 09 Nov 2017 -- Defence Ministers agreed today (9 November 2017) to increase the size of NATO's Resolute Support training mission in Afghanistan from around 13,000 to roughly 16,000 personnel. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg made the announcement at the end of a two-day meeting of the alliance's Defence Ministers in Brussels. Mr Stoltenberg welcomed the fact that "Afghan forces are making progress, even though the situation remains very challenging." Ministers also agreed on the importance of funding for the Afghan security forces, and welcomed Afghanistan's intention to make further progress on reforms and reconciliation.
NATO Allies brief Russian arms control inspectors NATO 09 Nov 2017 -- As part of NATO Allies' ongoing commitment to transparency, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are hosting Russian arms control inspectors this week. The inspectors toured a number of military sites, including some used by multinational NATO battlegroups. NATO deployed defensive forces to the region – known as enhanced forward presence – following Russia's aggressive actions against Ukraine. One battlegroup, roughly 1,000-strong, is now stationed in each of the Baltic countries and Poland to deter any possible aggression.
NATO discusses defence and security sector reforms in Skopje NATO 09 Nov 2017 -- A team of representatives from NATO's Defence Education Enhancement Programme (DEEP), together with experts from Bulgaria, Germany and the United States, visited Skopje, in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia¹ from 30 October to 2 November 2017. They reviewed the government's progress on defence education reforms and identified clear priorities for the future.
11 NATO Allies and Finland united in buying Precision Guided Munitions NATO 09 Nov 2017 -- On Thursday (9 November 2017), Hungary, the United Kingdom, and Finland joined a long-standing multinational effort to acquire Air-to-Ground Precision Guided Munitions. During a signing ceremony, the Defence Minister of Denmark and his counterparts from the new participants signed an amendment to the existing Memorandum of Understanding to mark their official accession.

Mattis Says NATO Ministers Discussed Russian Missile Treaty 'Violations' RFE/RL 09 Nov 2017 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis says NATO defense ministers have addressed Russia's "violations" of a key arms-control treaty and discussed ways to bring Moscow back into compliance.
US: Russia in Violation of Cold War-era Arms Treaty VOA 09 Nov 2017 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Thursday NATO defense ministers are considering ways to bring Russia into compliance with a key arms control treaty.

Eight Countries Participate in Colossal Air Force Exercises Over Israel Sputnik 09 Nov 2017 -- The largest aerial exercise of 2017 took place on Thursday as eight different Air Forces all conducted war games in the skies over Israel. The Blue Flag exercise, also the largest in the history of the Israeli Air Force (IAF), saw a fictional "war" between the countries of Falcon Land and Nowhere Land.

India Again Seeking US Deferment on C-17 Aircraft Purchase Sputnik 09 Nov 2017 -- India has once again deferred the purchase of the C-17 Globemaster heavy lift helicopter from the US. The request is a continuation of the last such extension by India, following which the US had given a grace period of until November 17.

'Patriotic' Sweden Aims to Buy US Air Defense System Sputnik 09 Nov 2017 -- After long deliberations, Sweden has settled on the American air defense system Patriot. Possibly the most expensive military purchase in the nation's history, this acquisition will tie non-aligned Sweden closer to the US. This pricey purchase may jeopardize the Nordic country's other defense plans.

U.S. Congress compromise bill includes defense partnership with Taiwan CNA 09 Nov 2017 -- U.S. Congressional defense committees on Wednesday finalized a compromise US$700 billion defense spending plan for fiscal year 2018 that includes a provision to strengthen defense partnership with Taiwan.
Taiwan to ask for foreign assistance in search for missing fighter jet CNA 09 Nov 2017 -- Defense Minister Feng Shih-kuan (馮世寬) said Thursday that Taiwan will seek the assistance of neighboring countries in the search for a Mirage-2000 fighter jet that went missing off northeast Taiwan two days ago.
Taiwan Security Act introduced in U.S. House of Representatives CNA 09 Nov 2017 -- Two Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday introduced the Taiwan Security Act to enhance military cooperation and exchanges between the United States and Taiwan.

Turkey Intends to Develop Own Air Defense System With France and Italy's Help Sputnik 09 Nov 2017 -- Turkey aims to boost home-made air defense technologies.

UK committing jets, troops to deter 'assertive Russia' Press TV 09 Nov 2017 -- The UK Royal Air Force is set to deploy four Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Romania to deter "an increasingly assertive Russia," the new British defense secretary has announced.

Macron touts warship deal with UAE before surprise Saudi visit Press TV 09 Nov 2017 -- France is set to sell a number of warships to the United Arab Emirates, French President Emmanuel Macron announced in Abu Dhabi, during a high-profile Middle East tour that also involved a surprise stop in Saudi Arabia.

Department Press Briefing - November 9, 2017 US Dept. of State 09 Nov 2017

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for November 09, 2017

Other Conflicts

9 November 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 09 Nov 2017

Yemen facing largest famine the world has seen for decades, warns UN aid chief UN News 09 Nov 2017 -- Yemen will be gripped by famine – one the likes of which the world has not seen in years – if the blockade on basic supplies into the country imposed by the Saudi Arabia-led coalition is not lifted immediately, the top United Nations humanitarian official has warned.
Yemen to keep up missile attacks in response to Saudi aggression: Ansarullah Press TV 09 Nov 2017 -- Yemen's Ansarullah movement has warned that Yemeni forces will continue missile attacks against Saudi Arabia as long as Riyadh and its allies press ahead with their military aggression against the impoverished nation.
UN warns over mass famine in Yemen over Saudi blockade Press TV 09 Nov 2017 -- The UN's aid chief has warned that Saudi Arabia's blockade on Yemen is putting millions of people in danger of a mass famine.

West calls for extending probes of using chemical weapons in Syria IRNA 09 Nov 2017 -- The four countries of France, the US, Britain and Germany called on the United Nations Security Council to extend the international probings into the use of chemical weapons in Syria.
Western Powers Set Up Showdown With Russia Over Syrian Chemical Attacks RFE/RL 09 Nov 2017 -- Major Western powers have set up a showdown with Russia before the UN Security Council by demanding the renewal of a UN mission charged with determining who staged chemical-weapons attacks in Syria.
Gov't Forces Destroy Last Daesh Stronghold in Syria, Army Command Confirms Sputnik 09 Nov 2017 -- The town of Abu Kemal in the Deir ez-Zor province has been considered the last Daesh terrorist group's stronghold after the liberation of al-Mayadin by the Syrian government forces.
Syrian conflict has now lasted longer than World War II - UN humanitarian envoy UN News 09 Nov 2017 -- While there had been a period of de-escalation in many areas of war-riven Syria – reducing human suffering to some extent – the fighting now seems to be returning to some of the "bleakest days" of the conflict, a senior United Nations official warned Thursday.
Syrian Government Forces Recapture Key Border Crossing VOA 09 Nov 2017 -- Syrian government forces say they have recaptured the border town of Albu Kamal, the last major Islamic State stronghold in eastern Syria. Iraqi government forces recaptured the town of al Qaim, their side of the border crossing with Syria, several days ago.

Defeated Daesh terrorists in Iraq, Syria heading to Libya, says Egyptian president Press TV 09 Nov 2017 -- Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi says the defeat of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in Iraq and Syria is likely to have forced militants to seek a safe haven in neighboring Libya.

US Congress Weighs Sanctions on Myanmar Military Over Rohingya Crisis VOA 09 Nov 2017 -- Proposed sanctions against the Myanmar military should move quickly through the U.S. Congress due to strong bipartisan support, lawmakers told VOA.

ICC launches probe into Burundi crimes despite exit Press TV 09 Nov 2017 -- The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague has decided to launch an investigation into atrocities committed in Burundi, despite the country's pullout from the international body last month.

'Leave no stone unturned' to secure aid funding for Central African Republic, senior UN official urges UN News 09 Nov 2017 -- One out of every four people in Central African Republic (CAR) is either displaced or living as a refugee in another country, a senior United Nations official said Thursday, urging the international community to provide more resources for a humanitarian plan that up to now is only partially funded.

Former South Sudan Army Chief of Staff Released from House Arrest VOA 09 Nov 2017 -- South Sudan's former army chief of staff, General Paul Malong, who has been held under house arrest by the Kiir administration since May, has been freed.

News Reports

Trump Presses China On North Korea, Trade During Visit RFE/RL 09 Nov 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump, who is on a state visit to China, has urged Beijing to use its influence to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue and stressed that bilateral trade had been unfair to the United States.
In China, Trump Strikes Gentler Tone on N. Korea, Trade VOA 09 Nov 2017 -- President Donald Trump struck a markedly softer tone on touchy subjects like North Korea and trade with President Xi Jinping of China Thursday, and highlighted his "incredibly warm" feeling toward his counterpart.
Xi and Trump tackle DPRK, trade relations in 'successful' visit People's Daily 09 Nov 2017 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping praised US President Donald Trump's "successful and historic visit" to Beijing on Thursday afternoon, as the two leaders addressed tensions on the Korean Peninsula and bilateral trade relations at a press conference in the Great Hall of the People.
Chinese Premiere Li meets US President Trump in Beijing People's Daily 09 Nov 2017 -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is meeting with US President Donald Trump at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday, the second day of Trump's state visit to China.

In China, Trump says North Korea must totally denuclearize Press TV 09 Nov 2017 -- US President Donald Trump, who is in China, says Washington and Beijing have agreed on the need for North Korea to completely denuclearize.
Trump at Talks With China's Xi: 'I Believe There's Solution' to N Korea Crisis Sputnik 09 Nov 2017 -- US President Donald Trump has met with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping during his Asian tour. The visit was quite fruitful for business ties, reportedly resulting in trade agreements worth $253.4 billion.

Five Things On (And Off) The Possible Agenda Of A Trump-Putin Meeting RFE/RL 09 Nov 2017 -- The last time that Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin met, four months ago, both the U.S. and Russian presidents reiterated that they were committed to shifting the tone of relations between the two nuclear powers, relations that were already spiraling downward.
Tillerson Says No Agreement Yet On Trump-Putin Talks, 'Substance' Needed RFE/RL 09 Nov 2017 -- U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson says there has been no decision on whether President Donald Trump will have formal talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin at an Asian economic summit this week.
Trump-Putin Meeting Likely at APEC Summit, but US Officials Urge Caution VOA 09 Nov 2017 -- There's nothing official yet, but sources close to President Donald Trump are hinting he is likely to hold talks Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific economic summit in Vietnam.

Macron In Saudi Arabia Amid Regional Tensions RFE/RL 09 Nov 2017 -- French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Saudi Arabia late on November 9 for an unscheduled visit at a time of heightened tensions between Riyadh and its regional rival Tehran.

Macron backs JCPOA but takes aim at Iran missiles Press TV 09 Nov 2017 -- French President Emmanuel Macron has defended a landmark nuclear deal with Iran, warning that a termination of the accord as sought by the US would be "crazy" which could lead to a new conflagration.
French President Not Ruling Out Sanctions Over Iran Ballistic Missile Program Sputnik 09 Nov 2017 -- While the US president has been hinting at the country's possible withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, his French counterpart has commented on the issue.
Iran deal only covers nuclear-related issue: EU foreign policy chief Press TV 09 Nov 2017 -- The EU foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, says the nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers has nothing to do with the Islamic Republic's national missile program, emphasizing the importance of keeping the multilateral pact "as it is."

Iraqi central bank orders private banks to close branches in Kurdistan within week Press TV 09 Nov 2017 -- The Central Bank of Iraq has ordered private banks to halt their branches' operations in the country's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region within a week to avoid a ban on dollar sales.

Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, November 9, 2017 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 09 Nov 2017
US seeks to stir trouble at upcoming Russian presidential vote: Putin Press TV 09 Nov 2017 -- President Vladimir Putin says the United States is seeking to instigate trouble at Russia's upcoming presidential vote in retaliation for Moscow's alleged meddling in the 2016 US presidential election.
Security Experts Chide West On 'Limited, Weak' Response To Russia RFE/RL 09 Nov 2017 -- A group of security and foreign-policy experts says Western governments have been "limited and weak" in their response to the Kremlin's barrage of "hostile actions" toward democracies.
RT Says It Will Register As Foreign Agent In U.S. RFE/RL 09 Nov 2017 -- The Russian state-funded TV channel RT says it will meet what it claims is a U.S. demand to register its American division as a foreign agent, although it adds it will challenge the order in court.
Putin Suggests U.S. Inventing Sports-Doping Accusations To Disrupt 2018 Vote RFE/RL 09 Nov 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested that allegations of a Kremlin-sponsored sports-doping program could be part of a U.S. campaign to disrupt next year's presidential election in Russia, in comments some experts see as a way to rally voters around anti-Americanism.

Statement by the Attorney General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on investigations by the Supreme Anti-corruption Committee SPA 09 Nov 2017 -- Sheikh Saud Al Mojeb, Attorney General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and member of the supreme anti-corruption committee formed by Royal Order on Saturday November 4, issued the following statement on Thursday November 9th:
Over 200 Detained on Corruption Charges in Saudi Arabia - Attorney General Sputnik 09 Nov 2017 -- Saudi Arabian authorities have announced the first results of its massive anti-corruption campaign.
Saudi King Will Reportedly Transfer Power to His Son in Coming Days Sputnik 09 Nov 2017 -- Saudi King Salman, 81, may abdicate from the throne in favor of his 32-year-old son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Arab media has reported in the light of seismic events that rocked the kingdom over the weekend.
Saudi Anti-Graft Campaign Reveals At Least $100 Billion Stolen Sputnik 09 Nov 2017 -- As many as 208 people have been called in for questioning as part of an ongoing crackdown on corruption in Saudi Arabia.

Yahoo Executive Warns Most Firms Vulnerable To Russian Cyberattacks RFE/RL 09 Nov 2017 -- A former Yahoo executive has blamed "Russian agents" for a massive data breach in 2014 at the Internet company and said no company is immune from such threats.

China urged to improve ties not only with U.S. but also Taiwan CNA 09 Nov 2017 -- Taiwan on Thursday repeated its request for China to improve relations with the island, as Beijing receives U.S. President Donald Trump on an important state visit aimed at improving relations between the world's two most powerful countries.
Taiwan urges China, U.S. to continue to promote regional peace CNA 09 Nov 2017 -- Taiwan expects the United States and China to continue their efforts to ensure peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, the Presidential Office said Thursday.

EU Ready To Start Talks On 'Ambitious' Bilateral Agreement With Kyrgyzstan RFE/RL 09 Nov 2017 -- During a visit to Bishkek, Europe Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini has expressed the bloc's readiness to start negotiations on a new bilateral agreement between the EU and Kyrgyzstan.

Philippine Leader to Host US Counterpart in Meeting of Mavericks VOA 09 Nov 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump and Philippine counterpart Rodrigo Duterte have some things in common. Both rose to power by vowing to shake up their political establishments. They refuse to back down, no matter how hot the controversy. They attack critics with blistering insults, and they have shown a strong dislike for Trump's predecessor, Barack Obama.

Hariri's party says he still PM, urges him to return to Lebanon Press TV 09 Nov 2017 -- A Lebanese political party led by Saad Hariri, who recently resigned in Saudi Arabia, says the politician is still the country's prime minister.
Official Source at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Saudi nationals visiting or residing in Lebanon are asked to leave the country as soon as possible SPA 09 Nov 2017 -- Due to the situations in the Republic of Lebanon, the official source at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Saudi nationals visiting or residing in Lebanon are asked to leave the country as soon as possible.
Hezbollah MPs urge Riyadh to stop meddling in Lebanon Press TV 09 Nov 2017 -- The parliamentary bloc of Hezbollah has called on Saudi Arabia to stop interfering in Lebanon's domestic affairs after Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced his resignation while on a trip to Riyadh.

Climate Risk Index shows vulnerability of small island states Germanwatch 09 Nov 2017 -- Increased intensity of storms takes a toll on small island states and poor countries / Since 1997, over 520,000 people have been killed by more than 11,000 extreme weather events

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